Chapter 386: I Want A Reason

Brittany could hardly wait for Edie to open the gift. "I hope you like it," she excitedly said as she passed her the present.

When Edie opened the box, a puzzled expression came across her face. "They’re very nice?" Edie said with a tone of uncertainty in her voice. Inside there was a pair of black pants, black boots, and a black shirt. Edie had no idea what they were for.

"It’s riding gear. I’d like to take you today for your first horseback riding lesson," Brittany explained.

"Oh, thank you!" Edie exclaimed, a look of surprise that quickly turned to embarrassment on her face.

"I’m not very good at picking out gifts. Then I remembered how much Stuart loves to go horseback riding, so that’s why I decided to get you this." Brittany said excitedly.

Edie hesitated, not sure if she should be truthful. "I do, again, thank you. I can’t go today....I’m going to visit Aaron."

"Why are you going to see Aaron?" Brittany looked at her, confusion on her face. "He kidnapped you and hurt Stuart. Does Stuart know about this?" she responded, modulating her voice to show heightened concern.

Edie could see that she didn’t understand, but she didn’t know how to explain it to her. "I just found out he’s doing so great, and there are some things I would like to discuss with him," she explained.

Brittany looked worried but nodded her acceptance. "I stopped by the chateau before coming here. He wouldn’t see me, so I doubt he’ll agree to see you. Aaron is unpredictable, and you really should stay away from him."

Edie stood there, contemplating as to whether or not she could go to the chateau. "Maybe, I’ll wait a few days," she said, with some little hesitation in her voice.

Brittany was relieved with her decision. "It’s settled then, get your things together. We’re going horseback riding," she said, her eyes widening in excitement.

"I can’t! I’ve never been on a horse before," Edie said in a stunned voice.

Brittany could see the bewildered look on her face and tried to reassure Edie. "Don’t worry! I’m not very good at it myself. So we’ll learn how to ride a horse together."

Stuart’s cold voice came from behind them. "No, Edie will not be going with you, and I do believe it’s time for you to go."

Brittany’s face was flushed with anger. She was furious. "Why can’t Edie go? She’s probably bored to death," she said as she stared unhappily at Stuart.

Stuart raised his voice. "I SAID NO. Mr. Bates, could you see Lady Brittany out."

Brittany wasn’t satisfied with his answer and asked again. "You never told me why. I want a reason."

Stuart winced at her tone, and his dark eyes flickered in her direction. He never said a word. Mr. Bates could see the anger in Stuart’s expression and walked over to Brittany. "Come with me, Lady Brittany," he said.

Brittany stood staring at Stuart, her mouth opening and closing, her face getting redder and redder every minute. She raised her voice slightly. "No! I pleaded with the family on your behalf. I wanted them to take it easy on you, and besides, I never invited you to come or came to see you." She took a deep breath and continued. "Why are you making decisions for Edie? Is she not capable of making her own choices?" She turns and faces Edie. "What do you think? Would you like to go?"

Edie had no idea what to do. She was stuck in the middle of their argument. She paces back and forth as she tosses the situation repeatedly in her mind. "If I say no to Brittany, she’ll be upset, If I say yes, then Stuart will be upset." After deep consideration, she decided to go with Brittany.

"Stuart, I would really like to go..."

Stuart never gave Edie a chance to finish her sentence before he interrupted. "You can’t go." His expression grew serious, as did his tone as he spoke.

Brittany frowned furiously at Stuart. "Why do you have to be so demanding and bossy?" she asked.

"Lady Brittany, Mr. Yates is injured, remember?" Mr. Bates said as he nudged her arm, trying to give her a hint of Stuart’s real intentions.

"What does that have to with...." Brittany stopped in mid-sentence. She realized the hidden meaning in Mr. Bates’s words. She looked at Stuart, and a small grin grew across her face. "Ha, ha....he’s injured. I understand now." Then she chuckled, and before long, she was in a full laugh. She was laughing so hard, and she could barely stand straight. Mr. Bates couldn’t help himself, and he laughed as well. Stuart shot them a sharp-eyed glance. Mr. Bates turned his head, pretending he didn’t see him.

Brittany was not afraid of Stuart or of his words. As she looked at him, she laughed even harder and louder. "I guess what they’ve been saying about you is true. I’ll come back when you’ve made a full recovery."

Edie had no idea what they were laughing about. "What does Stuart’s would have to do with me going horseback riding?" Edie asked, looking confused.

A big smile came across Brittany’s face, and she says to Edie, "I can’t teach you, and all the trainers at the farm are male. Don’t you see, Stuart’s jealous. He doesn’t want another man putting his hands on you." Brittany stepped forward to put her hand on Stuart’s shoulder, but he stepped back. "Edie is more important than me. I feel hurt," Brittany said in a teasing way. She thumped her chest dramatically and smiled.

Edie finally understood what they were talking about, and she thought Stuart was adorable. "I guess I’ll go horseback riding when you’ve completely recovered," she said softly.

"Yes, I’ll show you how," Stuart answered, putting his arm around her waist. Then he gave her a kiss and pulled her closer to him.

Brittany quickly looked away. "I guess that’s my cue to get going. Mr. Bates, will you show me out?" she asked.

"Yes, Lady Brittany. I agree. I should be going myself," Mr. Bates jokes.

Edie’s thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Stuart just hours before. Her gaze raced over his body, and she found herself leaning into him, seeking his warmth, his touch, his comfort.

Stuart pulled her closer and sat down on the couch. Edie wondered if he was reading her mind. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She sensed that there was a question coming her way. "Are you bored?" he asked curiously.

Not wanting to tell Stuart the truth about how she actually felt, she lied, "No! I just need to get used to staying in a new place." Her life narrowed down to a single vivid center of activity. Taking care of Stuart was all she’d done, and now since he’s almost recovered, there really wasn’t anything for her to do.