A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Regina woke up with a happy feeling in the morning. She would have a lesson with Daniel today. She smiled as she thought about seeing him.
Of course, she would have to get through breakfast with her mother first, where she could look forward to plenty of talk about Lord and Lady Chandler's upcoming visit. At least her father would be there, too.
Her mother frowned at her as she took her seat at the table. Regina knew it was because she was wearing her riding outfit. Her mother didn't see the point of learning all the really fun aspects of riding a horse, like jumping.
"Good morning, Regina," her father said cheerfully. "Do you have a riding lesson today?"
"I do," Regina said, smiling.
Her mother frowned again. "I suppose you'll be practicing something dangerous again. One of these days, you'll break some bones."
Regina resisted the urge to roll her eyes again.
"Daniel is a good teacher, Mother."
"Hmmph," her mother said. "There's so much to do before Lord and Lady Chandler get here, and of course, there's your birthday party to finish planning."
Regina just nodded. She was excited about turning 16, but she wasn't that thrilled with the party her mother was planning. She was certain that her mother had a guest list full of people she didn't like, and that likely included several potential "future husbands."
Her mother went on for a while about the preparations for guests, and Regina half-listened with an occasional nod while thinking about her upcoming riding lesson.
Regina caught her father's eye, and he winked at her. Regina put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from giggling.
"Henry?"
"Yes, Cora?"
"Make sure the grounds look decent for tomorrow. The staff have been doing a terrible job lately."
"Yes, Cora."
"Regina, you need to see the seamstress this afternoon for the finishing touches on your dress for tomorrow."
"Yes, Mother."
Regina lost track of how many times she said "yes, Mother" and how many times her father said "yes, Cora," but eventually, they were finally done with their breakfast.
"May I be excused, Mother? I have my riding lesson in a few minutes."
Her mother frowned again. "I suppose. Make sure to be back on time for lunch. I have preparations that I need to discuss with you."
As Regina headed outside, her father said, "Have fun with your riding lesson, Regina."
"I will, Daddy," Regina said as she kissed him on the cheek.
She walked out the door with a smile on her face. The sun was shining, and she would be spending the day with Daniel. Even thoughts of dress fittings and stuffy lunches with various lords and ladies couldn't bother her.
"Somebody is excited about her riding lesson," Daniel teased as Regina walked into the stables.
Regina realized that she still had a big smile on her face.
"Yes, I love my riding lessons," Regina said.
She loved Daniel, too. If only she could tell him that.