The section of the mansion dedicated to horses was only hosting a few grooms and stable boys in the early hours of the morning. Despite the terrible ball the night before, Lydia had managed to wake up early and found herself here.
She was waiting for the groom to prepare the horse assigned to her during the invitation.
"I wouldn't recommend going for a ride on that horse."
Lydia was snapped out of her memories of the previous night by the thick voice. Mr. Sherman, the gentleman who had assisted her on the ride, was standing before her again. This time, unlike their previous encounters, his hair was neatly combed, and his gaze was soft.
"I thought the problem during the ride was my fault."
Mr. Sherman approached Lydia, taking the reins from the groom.
"Not just yours. This horse requires quite a bit of experience to control."
Lydia realized that, despite wanting to go for a ride to clear her mind, it was no longer possible. She maintained her composure, hiding her boredom.
"I think I would have been stranded again if you hadn't warned me. I can't thank you enough."
Just then, another stable boy was bringing a chestnut horse. Mr. Sherman turned to Lydia with a sympathetic expression.
"How about changing horses?"
Remembering what Lord Durham had said, Lydia couldn't help but give a hesitant response.
"Are you sure? I've heard your horses are famous. You might not want to entrust them to an inexperienced rider."
For the first time, a somewhat cheerful expression appeared in the man's blue eyes.
"I didn't know they were famous enough for a lady to know about. I guess we haven't been properly introduced. Sidney Sherman, Viscount Sherman..."
"Lydia Lockhart. If my memory serves me right, you're Admiral Sherman's son."
Admiral Sherman had distinguished himself in the war with Princess Mathilda's country, and had become famous for his successes, even sacrificing his life for the cause.
Sidney, as if he hadn't expected Lydia to mention it, suddenly avoided her gaze. Lydia, fearing she might have upset someone who had treated her genuinely kindly, hurried to rectify.
"If I have offended you, I apologize. I just wanted to express that I am honored to meet the son of an honorable and patriotic admiral."
Sidney finally met her gaze again, and his blue eyes were slightly moist and brightened.
"You're very kind, Miss Lockhart. I thought the ladies were fawning over the foreign princess like everyone else. I didn't expect such kindness from you."
For the first time in a long time, Lydia couldn't stop a small, sincere smile from blooming on her lips.
"If you followed the balls more closely, you would know that wasn't possible."
"I'm not good at dancing. I can't say I have much patience for balls."
"In that case, we are of the same mind, my lord."
Sidney Sherman smiled and handed the reins of his horse to Lydia.
"But you can trust my riding skills. If you accompany me, I can teach you what I know about it."
Lydia knew that spending time alone in the woods with a man she had just met might not be a good idea. First and foremost, there were the grooms and servants who could gossip about them as soon as they parted ways.
Still, her answer didn't change.
"I would be delighted."
With so many rumors already surrounding her, why should she fear adding another? Besides, Sidney Sherman seemed like one of the most appropriate people to be associated with.
Perhaps that's why Lydia never considered that she might regret lowering her guard so quickly against Sidney Sherman.