My Forbidden Mentor by Laura Mills Page A

The sound of horse hooves got their attention.
    Phillip came to a stop and slid off his mare. Leading her toward the barn, he nodded toward them. “Lord Blackburn, Melissa.”
    Melissa walked quickly to reach her father and offered to take care of his mare, knowing he was tired from work and that he and Lord Blackburn had important matters to discuss. “Father let me tend to your horse,” she said as she took the reins from him.
    Phillip sighed. “Thank you, lass.” He gave her a weary smile, then turned his attention to John. “Lord Blackburn would you like to go inside and have a drink?”
    John pushed away from the wooden post to fall in step with Mr. Howard as they made their way to the front door. “Yes sir, sounds fine to me.”
    This time their situation appeared more at ease because before John realized it he had a glass of brandy in his hand. Mr. Howard hadn’t wasted any time supplying refreshments. They sat across from each as they had before, both taking generous sips before venturing into stressed territory.
    John began. “Mr. Howard, let me start by saying that I believe your daughter has tremendous talent in racing.” He took another quick sip.
    Mr. Howard could tell this was just as awkward for the lord as it had been for him. It might have been easier to handle had John wanted to court Melissa, but in this case the circumstances were different. “Lord Blackburn, I appreciate your professional judgment regarding Melissa and I agree with you.” He used the back of his hand to wipe a generous bead of sweat off his forehead. “And to ease your mind, I feel you’re genuine about teaching my daughter to race professionally, but what I have trouble understanding is how you can possibly think to manage it? I mean, and I would never say this in front of my daughter, but you’ve got to know the risk you’re taking here, with her being a woman, you know?”
    “You’re right about that sir, but I must say that your daughter can be very convincing, and with her talent to back her, it was hard to resist. I’m sure it’s apparent that I’ve seen her ride or I would never have been so eager to agree.” He leaned forward to set his drink on the side table. “And before beginning any training at all I’ve made it clear to your daughter that I wanted to get your approval and have you be aware of every aspect of the situation.” Phillip looked impressed, his features taking on an expression of consideration.
    Phillip lifted a small wooden box off of the table next to him. Opening it, he scooped a generous amount of tobacco, placing it in a wooden pipe and packing it down. He positioned the pipe in his mouth and before lighting it he offered John some. “Care for a pipe, Lord Blackburn?”
    “No thank you, sir I don’t smoke.”
    Phillip set fire to the packed tobacco and began puffing at it, causing smoke to seep out between his lips. “I’m pleased by your respect for my position Lord Blackburn, but I have another question I’d like to ask.” John nodded in response. “What do you truly have to gain by having my daughter ride for you?”
    It was a fair question, John agreed. “Well sir, top champion racers, which in turn will make me money. But the thought of having champion thoroughbreds that cannot be beat, that is my ultimate goal, and your daughter will help me achieve that goal. Without her, I’m not sure if I could get as far.”
    More puffs of smoke blew out of Phillip’s mouth. “That’s quite a compliment regarding my daughter. Is this fondness for my daughter exclusive for racing purposes?”
    He watched Phillip take another swig of scotch, placing the pipe back into his mouth. “Yes sir. That was my initial intention for your daughter and it remains the same.”
    “No thoughts of romance, Lord Blackburn?” Phillip asked with an arch of a gray brow.
    “Mr. Howard, I won’t deny that your daughter is very attractive but the endeavors we will take together have to be strictly