Torie was internally berating herself for whatever it was that was wrong with her today. Perhaps she had screwed this up beyond repair. Her constant neediness was not attractive and she knew that. Certainly he was just being kind to her at this point. Torie stood with her impatient mount, who was getting antsy behind her, watching with a defeated sigh as Mr. Alderton went to collect his horse. He then turned back after a moment, offering her assistance and Torie smiled softly at him.

"Yes, thank you." She agreed quietly, but that was when her horse decided he was done with this nonsense and yanked the reins from her grasp and jot a few paces away, still agitated clearly. Startled, Torie jumped forward, right into Mr. Alderton, the fright seeing her cling to him. Perhaps she wasn't alright after all. "My apologies," She said as she looked up at him without moving, heart having jumped to her throat for more than one reason. "Apparently I'm still as skittish as the horse."

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Red again! June 1894

Nodding to the lady as she acquiesced to having help, Anthony moved towards her just in time for her mount to spook at something and skitter. Instinct more than thought brought the man’s arms up to protect Ms. Torie but the need was moot as she reflexively jumped right into his chest. He brought his arms down around her securely, before realizing what had happened.

As Anthony turned to grin sheepishly, apologetically at Ms. Torie, she beat him to the punch. Her little quip made something in his heart swell, the look on her face making him want to hold onto her forever. Protectively, so that nothing could make her feel out of sorts again. It was… frankly ridiculous. He’d just met the woman for Merlin’s sake. And yet, mama had always said once you knew, you knew? She and Papa Alderton had been afforded the luxury of a love match and Anthony aspired to the same. He was determined to marry, to have a family, but only with one who he could see spending the rest of his life with. This past season had proven fruitless to him. He’d met a great many eligible young ladies but none of them had stirred anything within him. Not until All Hallows Eve, at least.

Gut twisting in recognition at his poor timing, Anthony tried to shove the thoughts from his mind. Right now his top priority was the lady’s safety. He could manage (or mismanage) his own emotions later. Looking down into her perfect face however, he found it extraordinarily difficult to want to let her go.

“Why don’t we just walk for now?” He offered, gently. “We can amble in the direction of luncheon and once you feel more secure, we can ride the rest of the way back.” And, if for whatever reason they missed it or had to cut the hunt short, he was of no mind to particularly care.

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Victoire Malfoy & Sam on a good day

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The security his arms around her provided calmed her nerves and though she could hear Geary clear her throat loudly nearby, Torie couldn't help the smile that blossomed at the feeling of the safety he provided, without hesitation, either. She extricated herself after a moment longer than was necessary, nodding at his suggestion. This would give her some time to salvage the conversation perhaps. She really needed to sort her head and get herself together.

"If you do not mind? I think that is good idea." Geary could saunter behind them on her horse of she chose. Or perhaps... "Maybe I could ride with you? I don't relish the thought of trying to climb up there again." She motioned to the wayward horse. Geary could vouch for the whole situation and what had happened (minus Torie's minor indiscretions of course), it wouldn't be all that terrible. It would make for quite the dinner conversation at the very least.

Torie really didn't want to try riding that beast again, and she supposed she could always ride with Geary, but this was a good as opportunity as ever to prolong their time together and give her the opportunity to fix her mess.

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Red again! June 1894

The moment Ms. Torie extricated herself from his hold, Anthony felt an emptiness that nearly made him frown. He shrugged off the sensation, glad that she at least trusted him enough to be honest. He was a touch surprised by her next comment however, and a curious brow raised in response. He cast a quick glance at Sam who would invariably have a conniption at two riders, but… the alternative was turning her down. And Anthony wasn’t sure he could do that, either.

Scratching the back of his head then, the brunette glanced at the lady’s chaperone. The maid, for her part, was doing an excellent job of minding her own business while still keeping a watchful eye. He let out a soft laugh. “Well, if it will make you more comfortable I’m sure we could manage,” he acquiesced. Then, dropping his arm, Anthony made to retrieve his gelding. Oh boy, was Sam in for it this time.

As Anthony came up behind the big bay, Sam lifted his head lazily, ears perked forward as if to say ‘oh hi there.’ Anthony let out a soft laugh, patting the gelding’s neck gently. Sam was always happiest when food was involved. Pulling the gelding’s reins from over his head, Anthony whispered gently into the creature’s ear. “Alright buddy, I need you to do me a huge favor. If you behave yourself on this next ride, you’ll have all the best sugar quill flavors for a whole week. A month, even. Just… don’t make me look bad in front of this one.”

He gave the gelding one last small pat and then made his way back to Ms. Torie. Her maid had gathered the reins of the chestnut her mistress had been riding and Anthony nodded gratefully. Then, motioning to the lady, he lined Sam up just by the stump she had been sitting upon. “I apologize in advance for Sam,” he said sheepishly, positioning himself between the gelding’s head and the two women. “He’s… not the friendliest with strangers. It’s best to mount from this angle.” He offered Ms. Torie his hand then, ready to help her astride. There was no sidesaddle here to make things difficult for her at least.

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Victoire Malfoy & Sam on a good day

*Head-canon that Anthony sits outside Sam's stall tasting quills for him while Sam watches, ears perked happily, waiting to be handed one that doesn't suck. Occasionally Anthony either miscalculates, or does it on purpose, and Sam spits it out and nips at his head as if to say 'jackass.'

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Breathing out a sigh of relief, Torie felt the knot of anxiety ease a little bit. Not only would she not have to mount that giant beast again, but she may be able to chat a tiny bit with Mr. Alderton to see if she could salvage her image, just a little bit.
Geary took control of her horse, which was good, nobody messed with Geary, so that was taken care of. Could Torie ride with her ladies maid? Of course. Would it be more worth her while to try and continue her conversation with Anthony? Absolutely.

As Mr. Alderton collected his horse, his introduction had her chuckling. "Perhaps this is where I start to make my good impression," She cooed gently in Sam's direction, but was not quite ready, after earlier, to test another horse today. She would defer to Mr. Alderton's expertise where his bay was concerned. Torie followed the direction to where it was suggested she saddle up. She took Mr. Alderton's hand and stepped up on the tree stump, needing his assistance to get all of the way up.

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Red again! June 1894

As Ms. Torie cooed a little bit in Sam’s direction, the gelding snorted, pinning his ears. Anthony chuckled, embarrassed, and ignored him. He watched then as the lady followed instruction and took him by the hand, ready to be aided. He nodded and with small effort managed to lift her easily just behind the saddle. Sam raised his head high at the unfamiliar sensation and Anthony grabbed him by the cheek strap quickly. “Behave,” he murmured under his breath. Then, shifting to ease himself up from the tree trunk as well so as to ease the burden a bit, he settled himself gently into the saddle in front of the young lady.

Sam was not at all pleased.

The gelding snorted then, throwing his head again and prancing a little bit in place. Anthony even felt him lift his back feet a touch in a half-assed attempt at a buck and he quickly wrapped his legs forcefully around the gelding urging him forward. Sam complied, unimpressed, but settled down after that. Anthony let out a small sigh of relief. “Sorry,” he apologized quickly. “He’s not used to working very hard.” An elegant way of saying he wasn’t used to the extra weight which, undoubtedly, would be offensive and rude and not entirely taken the easy way it was meant.

Anthony looked over his shoulder then to toss Ms. Torie a sheepish little smile. “Shall we?”

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Victoire Malfoy & Sam on a good day

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Trying not to flush too much as Mr. Alderton effortlessly perched her on Sam's back, she held onto the saddle until he joined her. Clearly Sam was nota fan. The connection between horse and rider was highly amusing, though she couldn't hear what it was Mr. Alderton kept whispering to the horse, she rather thought it quite amusing that he kept doing so.

At the unease footing of the horse, Torie scooted forward and wrapped her arms around Mr. Alderton securely. Resting her head against his shoulder for a moment to calm her racing heart. "I shall have to bring him a treat later for his efforts," She murmured as she straightened up, catching the smile tossed her way with a skip of her heart. She really was not skittish around horses, but it had also been a long time since she had such a poor ride with one too. Her appreciation for Astoria was much higher now and she would have to take a long ride when she returned home.

"Yes, let's." Torie smiled as she tried to readjust so she wasn't squeezing Mr. Alderton quite so tightly and ease more into the ride.

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   Anthony Alderton

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Red again! June 1894