The Duke was reflecting that despite Helsa’s full skirt, she managed to mount Samson most gracefully and she looked exquisitely lovely on the great horse.
“I think I can hear people in the distance. Hurry now, Your Grace, until you are behind rather than in front of them. Then you will be safe.”
“I will do so, Helsa, although I still think this is part of a dream and not really taking place.”
“That is what I felt myself when I overheard what they intended to do. I was only frightened you would not listen to me.”
“I think that I will always listen to you, Helsa, and thank you so much for protecting me.”
He smiled at her as he rode off.
Samson wanted to follow, but she held him back.
Helsa waited until she heard the other competitors riding through Monk Wood.
Then slowly, in the oppo
