I was still processing Felix Dubois's strange reaction to me when I noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The cluster of socialites who had been mingling around the equestrian center began gravitating toward us, their expressions alight with malicious curiosity.
Felix had recovered his composure and was walking back in our direction, this time with a larger entourage. I could see Fiona whispering in his ear, her lips curved in that smug smile I knew all too well.
"Trouble's coming," I murmured to Arthur, who was still holding Maple's lead rope.
Arthur glanced over his shoulder, his jaw tightening. "Let them come. We have nothing to hide."
But I knew better. Whatever Felix had seen in my face—whatever ghost from the past had shaken him—was now fuel for whatever scene was about to unfold.
"Mrs. Sterling," Felix called out, his voice carrying across the field. "I hear you've never ridden before today. Is that true?"
