"Where are we going?" Jennifer peered with curiosity through the tiny porthole window of the jet, as if the ocean below could give her a clue.
Jonathan shot a sly smile. "You'll have to wait and see. Call it a Valentine's surprise."
She reached across the table and grabbed his fingers. "Valentine's Day is over a week away."
His expression remained impassive. "Any reason we can't start the celebrations early?"
Her eyes crinkled as she swept the pad of her index finger across the indent of his chin. "None at all."
"You know, we've got a few hours to kill until touchdown …." He raised his eyes expectantly.
She laughed softly. "Just what did you have in mind?"
"I don't know." He ran his hand up her arm, slowly drawing her to him. "Fancy becoming a member of the mile high club?"
She tipped her head with a knowing smile. "Jonathan, I think by now we must be honorary presidents of that association."
"Doesn't hurt to make sure our membership is up to date."
She touched his cheek with her fingers, accepting his kiss with a sigh of pleasure.
Jennifer descended the steps of the plane with care, reaching for Jonathan's hand as her feet found the tarmac. Her eyes took in the activity around her, the vast building, the common language of airport staff and other travellers, the grey sky and the biting cold wind and looked a question at her husband. "Heathrow?"
He smiled. "Perceptive."
She tugged the collar of her wool coat higher and followed him toward their waiting hire car. "I can think of more romantic places than England in February, darling."
He pulled open the passenger door of the bottle green Jaguar and gestured her inside. "It'll be worth it, I promise."
The landscape morphed from flat and urban to the rolling green hills of rural Yorkshire as their three and a half hour journey took them northbound on the M1. Passing through the steel factories of Sheffield, Jennifer's imagination was exhausted and her temples began to throb.
Jonathan glanced across at his wife with concern as he pulled the car to a stop in a gravel driveway outside a quaint thatched cottage in the picturesque village of Holmfirth. "You've been quiet for the last 20 miles darling, are you alright?"
She lowered her hand from her forehead and squeezed his fingers. "I'm sorry darling; I've got such a headache."
He narrowed his eyes. "Let's get settled in then I'll find you a local doctor."
"No, no don't be silly. I'm probably just tired from the travel. I'll be better after some rest." She reached across and brushed his lips with hers. "Let's go in, this place looks beautiful."
Jennifer stretched her back as she closed the car door then turned to watch her husband pull their bags out of the boot. The winter sky was clear and bright 200 miles from London and despite shielding her eyes with her hand, the sun was dazzling and a wave of dizziness disoriented her briefly.
Jonathan unlocked the front door and Jennifer entered the cottage into a cosy conservatively decorated living room. "This is so cute."
"I'm starving; I hope they left us something to eat." Jonathan toed the door shut.
"I'll take a look." Jennifer strolled in to the adjoining kitchen area and pulled open the door of a large old fashioned refrigerator to survey the contents. The sight of a platter of cooked meats brought a surge of nausea to her throat and she lowered her head, backing up as she pushed the door shut.
Jonathan stepped behind her and squeezed her shoulder. "What is it?"
"Is this how a migraine feels?" Her vision faltered and she squeezed her eyes shut with a groan. "God, I have to lie down."
"Let me help you." He slipped his arm around her and supported her up the narrow stairs to the master bedroom. She immediately collapsed backwards onto the bed, curling into a ball with her hand in a fist under her chin whilst Jonathan knelt beside her and pulled off her boots. Reluctant to disturb her further, he gently drew a sheet over her fully clothed body. He felt her pain in the tension of her body, the rigidity of her arm, her tightly clenched eyes. He stroked her auburn curls away from her forehead and pressed his lips there, surprised by the heat of her skin and the sudden deterioration of her headache. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand on her hip, watching as sleep consumed her and her features relaxed, disquiet gripping his heart.
Jonathan flicked the welcome brochure in half and tossed it on the kitchen table as Jennifer shuffled into the room, rubbing her eye with the heel of her hand, wearing a fluffy white towelling robe.
"Good morning gorgeous." He held out his arm and she sank onto his lap.
She slid her arm over his shoulder. "Morning already?"
"That was quite a marathon sleep." He bent his head to kiss her jaw, inhaling the scent of lemongrass shower gel. "How are you feeling?"
"Better." She slid her palm across his shoulder with a smile and toyed with his collar. "I'm sorry I ruined your evening."
"You did no such thing. The only thing I care about is you." He stroked her upper arm. "I'd still like a doctor to take a look at you."
"Honestly darling, I feel fine." She smiled, tracing her fingers into the hair over his ear.
He tipped his head. "Are you sure?"
"It was just a headache." She kissed him gently then patted his shoulder. "So tell me darling, what plans have you got for the day in this delightful village?"
"If you're feeling up to it I'd like us to take a drive."
A shadow darkened her eyes. "Another 3 hours in the car?"
"No, it's just a few minutes outside of the village."
"Where are we going?"
"To the place I've brought you 5 thousand miles to see."
She raised her eyebrows with interest. "Ooh. And is this a formal occasion?"
"No, very casual. Jeans and boots are ideal."
She pushed herself to her feet. "Then I'd better get dressed."
"There's time for breakfast first."
She waved a dismissive hand as she headed for the stairs. "I won't be long."
She took longer than necessary getting dressed, residual cloudiness in her head causing clumsiness in her fingers. She squinted into the mirror, applying an extra layer of foundation to mask the pink in her cheeks and the tiredness in her eyes. Her pulse flickered with guilt at the thought of concealing her feelings from her husband, but her fear far exceeded her obligation for honesty, despite knowing the choice for silence would soon no longer be hers.
Exiting the car, Jennifer glanced up with interest at the gleaming horsebox parked outside the traditional farmhouse and the accompanying equestrian outbuildings. She read the logo on the lorry. "Stan Williams showjumpers?"
Jonathan pocketed the key and draped his arm over her shoulder. "Right this way, Mrs Hart."
He flicked open the latch on a metal gate and led her into a spotless cobbled stone courtyard, surrounded on 3 sides by a total of 25 breezeblock stables accommodating a selection of elegant sport horses, all gleaming with health and vibrancy.
A small-framed middle aged man strolled toward them with an un-level gait; his jeans discoloured and frayed, his long leather boots wrinkled with age. He held out a hand. "Jonathan?"
Jonathan felt the strength of the dry calloused hand. "Stan, good to meet you at last. This is my wife, Jennifer."
She tipped her head with a smile. "Are all of these horses yours?"
"Ah." He flapped a hand. "Half a dozen. The rest belong to my owners. I expect you'll be wanting to see your filly?"
Jonathan nodded. "Lead the way."
"Filly?" Jennifer queried as they stepped in behind Stan.
Jonathan touched a finger to her lips. "Patience, darling."
Stan reached the corner box, snatched up a leather head collar and snapped open the latch. Stepping inside, he approached the glossy black mare at her shoulder, addressing her quietly as he slipped on the head collar. With a deft hand he unbuckled her rug and folded it over the stable door. "Here she is."
"How did she travel?" Jonathan asked, accompanying Jennifer into the open stable doorway.
"No problems. Arrived yesterday morning, settled straight away."
"What do you think of her, darling?"
"She's absolutely beautiful." Jennifer stepped into the bed of shavings and reached to touch her velvet muzzle.
"Stan's got high hopes for her."
"Yes, sir. She's by an Olympic stallion Nimmerdor out of a sister to Animo, a stallion on the circuit that's proving very useful." Stan patted her neck with tenderness, his enthusiasm quiet but obvious.
"How old is she?" Jennifer moved her hand over the horse's cheek and across to her neck.
"Just a five year old. She's been jumping the young horse classes in Holland. Your husband asked me to find a talented novice."
She raised her eyebrows in Jonathan's direction. "What do you know about showjumping?"
He smiled. "Nothing. That's why I asked the best man in the country for help. I thought you'd enjoy watching her progress. I quite fancy seeing her at the Olympics now that Atlanta's got the bid for 1996."
"You bought a horse just so you could be an owner at the Olympics? That's a big gamble."
"No, darling. You're the owner. Happy Valentine's Day."
She covered her mouth. "Is this a joke?"
"Nope. She's all yours."
She grabbed his arm. "I don't believe it."
He laughed. "I told you to expect a surprise."
She threw her arm around his waist. "I don't deserve you."
"Have you worked her yet, Stan?"
"No, sir, I was waiting for you. I'll saddle her up." He shouted across to one of his grooms. "Bring me some tack for the Nimmerdor filly then help me with some fences in the arena, would you?" He turned his head. "Why don't you two go on out to the indoor arena, there's a gallery on the right as you go through the side door. We'll just be a moment."
Jonathan nodded and led his wife in the direction Stan had indicated. Sliding into the dusty plastic seats, Jennifer grasped her husband's hand. "What on earth made you think of doing this?"
He lifted a shoulder. "We enjoyed having JJHart when she was racing; I thought this would be an exciting new venture. And besides, with a name like Heartbreaker IIit had to be fate. Do you like her?"
She hooked her arm around his neck. "I love her. And I love you." She pulled him close, dropping her head back and smiling as he kissed her throat.
"You know this means you'll have your work cut out to top that this year."
She smiled demurely. "Oh, I'm working on something pretty significant."
The arena door slid open with a clatter and Stan rode in on their black mare. Jennifer sat on the edge of her seat, clutching Jonathan's hand in her lap whilst she watched Stan work the mare for 30 minutes, expertly educating and presenting her extravagant paces in trot and canter and demonstrating her talented but novice jumping ability over a series of athletic schooling obstacles. After Stan had worked her through some stretching and cooling exercises, Jennifer climbed the gallery wall and jumped down into the arena to pat the warm mare's neck.
"Thank you for showing her to us, Stan. I'm absolutely thrilled."
"Pleasure. We'll be sure to keep you updated with her progress."
"Jonathan frequently has business in London so we should be able to see her often."
"Anytime. Jonathan tells me you're both keen riders. If you've got the time you're welcome to take a couple of our yard horses out." He nodded in the direction of the house. "Just beyond the gates there we've 1500 hundred acres that includes surface and grass training arenas, gallops and extensive tracks that wind around a wood and a man-made lake."
She looked to Jonathan for his approval. "That sounds wonderful, thank you."
Jennifer squeezed the reins and stared wistfully across the landscape, smiling as the afternoon sunlight frolicked on the rippling water. "Isn't it beautiful here?"
Jonathan pulled up alongside her and slid his hand onto her thigh. "Puts everything into perspective doesn't it?"
"Sure does." She scratched the withers of her chestnut horse. "Darling."
He turned his head. "Mmm?"
Her heart began to thump. "Oh. Doesn't matter."
"Something on your mind?"
She smirked. "Wanna race?"
Before he could react she was gone, kicking her horse into a canter alongside the lake then opening him up across the wide open grassland toward a thicket of trees. Jonathan dug in his heels and pushed his hand up the neck of his bay mare, encouraging her into pursuit.
Jennifer bowed her head lower as she chased her horse forward, sneaking a glimpse behind her at Jonathan's progress. The frigid wind whipped her hair backwards and the adrenalin pumped around her body, accelerating her heartbeat and driving oxygen to her lungs. She straightened to negotiate a sharp right bend and narrowed her eyes at the sight of a fallen tree 50 yards up the track; calculating the sense and safety of continuing, she increased her rein contact and pressed her horse forward. Four strides away she realised her judgement error when she saw the height and width of the obstacle; too close to change her mind she tightened her calves and gritted her jaw, releasing her breath in a whoosh of relief and delight as she felt her horse's front legs leave the ground. Knowing Jonathan wouldn't allow the obstacle to slow him, she ran on as soon as she landed and didn't look back.
She slowed to a canter as she broke into the thicket, the coarse overgrown tree limbs causing her to duck and pull her horse into a trot. As the trees cleared, she sat upright and turned, her triumphant smile falling as she realised that Jonathan was no longer behind. She urged her horse forward, retracing her steps into the trees.
"Darling?" She kept her horse slow as she scanned the area immediately around her. "Jonathan this isn't funny." She dropped her head beneath a low branch and emerged onto the track, her breath catching as she saw Jonathan's horse patiently grazing alone at the side of the fallen tree. "Jonathan, are you alright?" She jogged up to his mare and carefully reached down to pick up her reins without spooking her. She gently stroked her warm neck, feeling the heat from her nostrils as she caught her breath from the exertion. "What have you done with him?"
She continued on, dragging the mare alongside her as she headed toward the bend. Her eyes caught on a flash of colour and she pulled both horses to a halt, straining to see clearly what was slumped at the base of a tree some yards away. "Oh my God!" She threw herself to the ground and took off running, unintentionally flailing the reins at the surprised horses.
"Jonathan!" She hurled herself to her knees, her arm immediately sliding across his chest, her heart thundering at the sight of his closed eyes, his motionless body. "Darling, can you hear me? Are you alright?" She squeezed his hand. "I'll get you some help." She pushed herself up, looking in the direction of the lake, considering the best course of action.
She felt his fingers move against hers and glanced down, her fear morphing to fury as she saw the smile creep across his mouth. "Jonathan, you scared the life out of me!"
He slid his arms around her torso, drawing her on top of him and nuzzling her neck.
"Stop, I'm not through being mad with you."
"I liked how you came running for me," he murmured into her hair, grazing his lips against her jaw.
"You could've been dead." Although she pouted, she knew he would realise her resolve was already slipping.
He cupped the back of her head, weaving his fingers into her hair. "That'll teach you for leaving me behind."
She flashed a coquettish smile. "You're such a bad loser."
He brushed his lips against hers, barely touching. "If I'm a winner it's because of you."
"Ah. Charmer."
He bent his head to hers and her mouth instantly yielded to his. She raised her fingers to his cheek as he kissed her long and slow, his hand trailing down her shoulder blade to her waist, drawing her closer against his body. He stroked her back, his fingers drifting over her ribcage to the curve of her hip, toying with the edge of her belt. She circled his neck with her arm and softened her body against his, deepening their kiss as she felt him stirring against her. He tugged at the base of her denim shirt, winding his fingers underneath and finding the warm silkiness of her skin. Supporting her weight with his arm, he turned her beneath him, dragging his lips across to her ear then down her throat where her pulse flickered. Drawing the top of her shirt aside, he dropped his mouth onto her collar bone, his fingers creeping beneath the strap of her bra. She slid her fingers into his hair, her head back against the undergrowth, warmth blooming through her in reaction to his touch.
He popped the buttons on her shirt, his mouth following the progress across her skin; he fingered the lace of her bra, pushing the material down and tracing his thumb across her sensitive skin. She arched into his hand, sighing with pleasure as his tongue danced across her body. She dragged his head up, kissing him hard as she circled his body with her arms, closing her fist around a handful of his shirt and tugging at it.
He palmed her thigh, pressing himself against her as she hooked her leg over his. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her intoxicating fragrance as he breathed her name. "I want you."
She stroked the hair at the nape of his neck. "Let's go back to the cottage where I can properly show my appreciation for my present."
"Uh uh." He brushed her hair back with gentle fingers. "I can't wait that long."
Her eyebrow flicked and a smile whispered at the corner of her mouth. "Here?"
He smiled lasciviously, grazing her lips with his. "The horses won't tell."
"You're impossible."
He kissed her softly, his hand drifting over her waist and the flare of her hip, cupping her backside as he fitted his pelvis into the frame of hers. "Tell me to stop."
She stroked his back, lowering her fingers and fumbling with his belt buckle. "Don't you dare."
They strolled arm in arm back toward the stable yard, leisurely leading their horses, chatting and laughing, pausing to appreciate the beauty of the setting sun across the lake whilst the horses grazed. As they reached the metal gate, a crash sounded from across the yard followed by a panicked shout.
Jennifer frowned across at Jonathan in alarm. "What's going on?"
"I don't know. Here." He tossed his horse's reins to her and yanked open the gate.
She tugged the horses forward, hurrying to lead them into empty stables and tethering them securely. She rushed out to where the commotion continued, pausing inside the stable door of a large grey mare; she gasped at the sight of the horse lying on her back against the wall, her neck twisted beneath her, her legs trapped awkwardly above her, thrashing to reorient herself.
"Oh God," she exclaimed, "what happened?"
Stan's head groom Bobby coiled a long rope with a flick of a strong forearm. "She's got herself cast. We've gotta act quick before she breaks her legs." He indicated to Jonathan with a jerk of his head. "Grab another rope."
Jonathan unhooked a rope hanging outside the stable wall and went to Bobby's side. "Tell me what you want me to do."
"We need to hook the ropes around her legs and drag her back over." He beckoned Jennifer inside. "We're gonna need you to sit on her head."
"Are you crazy?" Jonathan baulked. "She'll get her head kicked in."
"We can't get to her legs until she's calmer. Stan's gone to town to buy feed, there's no one else here."
"How will putting Jennifer in danger calm her?"
"Relax, Mr Hart, I've done this before. She needs her eyes covered so she can't see and weight on her head so she can't move. As soon as she's still, we hook the ropes over, pull her to the point of tipping, Jennifer gets up and we release her, the horse rights herself." He saw Jonathan's hesitation. "Quickly, sir, there's no time for discussion." He hustled Jennifer forward.
Jonathan's apprehension was palpable as Jennifer stepped forward. "I trust him, darling, it'll be alright."
"Can't we get a sedative or something?"
"The horse must be alert or she won't get up when we tip her." He pointed to the corner of the stable at the horse's head that bounced in reaction to her lashing legs. "Go directly to her head from this side."
Jennifer was tentative as she stepped forward. "Easy, girl."
"Don't hesitate. Go straight in and cover her eyes."
Jennifer's movements were gentle and unsure as she bent to stroke the horse's face, jerking back in fright as the horse reacted in greater panic.
Bobby grabbed her upper arm and forced her forward. "Sit on her, she'll be still as soon as you do, I promise."
Jennifer's heart pounded in her ears as she defied her natural instincts and backed down onto the horse's mandible, cupping her hand over her one available eye. She looked at Bobby with unease as the horse tried to twist her back and move her head.
"Use all your weight. Trust me."
Within seconds the mare became docile and still, unable to move her body whilst her head was pinned to the ground. Jennifer gently stroked her sweating grey neck. "Won't be long, girl, take it easy now."
"Jonathan, get in there and loop your rope around both back legs at the pasterns, I'll do the front." Bobby pulled both front feet together. "Like this, see? Loop it don't tie it, it needs to fall free as soon as you let go."
Bobby waited whilst Jonathan organised his rope. "Now we pull her gently together. Jennifer when I give you the word you get up and move out of the way."
Jonathan clenched his jaw at the anxiety on his wife's face. "She won't be hurt will she?"
"Not if she listens to me. Ready?" Bobby tipped his head. "C'mon now. Slowly." Gradually they pulled their ropes in tandem until the mare's body was completely inverted. "Okay, Jennifer, move. Release your rope Jonathan and back away, quick."
As soon as her weight pulled an inch away from the wall and Jennifer released the pressure on her head, the mare jerked herself sideways with a flail of her legs and slumped to her side with a groan. Jennifer released her breath in a whoosh of relief as she leant on the wall. "Why isn't she trying to get up?"
Bobby reached down and grabbed the discarded ropes from out of the shavings. "She's exhausted, let her lie for a minute." He grinned at her flushed face. "You did well." He nodded at Jonathan. "Sir."
Jonathan slid an arm over Jennifer's shoulder. "Will she be alright?"
"Without doubt. I'll check her over once she's back on her feet."
Jennifer ducked back down to stroke the breathless mare's face. "I'm sure glad you were here, Bobby."
Bobby wound the rope into a loop and pulled it tight, looking up a second too late as the mare's right foreleg snaked out in front of her. "Mind out, Mrs Hart, she's getting up."
Jennifer pushed herself up out of a crouch, a brief flash of dizziness causing her movements to be a millisecond too lethargic and the mare's front leg caught her thigh as she hauled herself to her feet, knocking Jennifer backwards against the wall.
Jonathan dashed to her side and looped his arm around her waist. "Darling, are you alright?"
Jennifer held his forearm as she took a moment to refocus. "Yes, I'm fine." She covered her eyes and rubbed at her temple.
"What is it?"
"Feels like that headache's coming back."
"We'd better get you back to the cottage for some rest."
She nodded, grateful for his support as he helped her to her feet and out to their car.
"Have you eaten anything today?" Jonathan opened the passenger door.
"Uh. I can't remember. I guess not."
"How about we stop off somewhere for -"
Jennifer's pulse began to pump around her head, echoing in her ears and distancing the sound of Jonathan's voice. She felt her cheeks flush as heat bloomed from her neck into her face and she felt a sudden disconnect with reality.
"Darling?"
She felt Jonathan's hand on her arm but couldn't respond; her heart flickered briefly in panic then she felt nothing but blackness as her body shut down and she collapsed to the floor.
"Mrs Hart, you gave your husband quite a scare." The doctor glanced over his spectacles with disapproval as he returned his stethoscope to his bag and snapped it shut.
Jennifer fingered the starched white sheet covering her abdomen and said nothing.
"He needs to know the truth."
"Not yet." Her voice was barely a mumble.
"Exactly how do you think you'll keep this from him?"
"I'm waiting for two more test results and a scan. When I have good news I'll tell him."
"And if it isn't good news?"
She shook her head. "Please, doctor, let me deal with this my way. If you can help me with something for the headaches -"
"You know very well there's not much I can do. I'll give you something to level your blood pressure but see your doctor as soon as you get home." He looked up at a quiet knock on the door. "Come on in."
Jonathan's face was etched with concern as he crept inside and took his wife's hand. "What's the verdict, doctor?"
"Oh, nothing to worry about, Mr Hart. Tiredness, low blood sugar, her blood pressure dropped and she fainted. She'll be right as rain in the morning." He eyed her with caution. "Look after yourself, Mrs Hart."
"Thanks for coming out, doctor. I'll see you out."
"No need, Mr Hart, I know the way. Safe trip back home."
As the door clicked shut, Jonathan sat on the edge of the bed and trailed the back of his fingers down his wife's cheek. "How do you feel?"
She stroked his arm. "A bit silly."
"Too much excitement for one day."
She nodded. "I guess so."
"I'd better let you rest." He bent to press his lips to her head.
As he rose to his feet she gripped his arm and stopped him. "Darling."
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
He smiled and stroked her hair. "And I love you." He kissed her gently. "Get some sleep."
"Just in time, darling."
Jennifer jerked in surprise as she pushed the front door of their house shut, pausing briefly to ruffle Freeway's rough coat. "Hello, darling." She dropped her keys on the dresser and strolled into the den, her high heels clicking on the polished hard wood floor. "Have you been home long?"
"Just got here." He held up a glass. "Brandy?"
She hesitated. "Not now."
He patted the white couch beside him. "Come and tell me what's kept you out of the house on the most romantic day of the year."
She slipped her arms out of her jacket and draped it over the arm of the couch. "Have you called?"
"Twice. Max didn't know where you were."
She sat beside him and slid her hand on to his thigh. "I'm sorry, darling. I was at my doctor's office. I didn't want to worry you."
He swallowed back a breath. "Is there something I should be worried about?"
"No. No." She tucked her left leg beneath her and leant back into the soft cushions. "Turns out the headaches are a hormonal imbalance, they'll settle."
He frowned. "You're being a bit cavalier about it. Isn't there something they can give you?"
She shook her head and reached into her purse. "I'm told it's not uncommon." She held out a white envelope. "I have something for you."
He pressed the seal of the envelope, confusion flickering in his eyes.
She smiled slowly. "Open it."
Her heart hammered in her throat as he drew out a tiny black print with the merest white shadow blurred across the centre.
The colour drained from his cheeks and he swallowed. "What is this?"
She stroked his shoulder. "Happy Valentine's Day, darling. Say hello to your daughter."