Chapter Twenty
November 17th, 1808
Whiteoaks, Wiltshire
The following afternoon, Letty rode out with Lucas, Tom, Sir Henry, Reid, Selina, Emma, and her cousin, Arnold. There was no galloping; Tom had an easel strapped to his saddle. They cantered leisurely, taking a path through the woods that led to the folly. Here, Lucas and Tom dismounted.
“Let’s go up on the downs,” Selina said. “I should like a good gallop!”
They jumped the stream, trotted through the bluebell dell, and came upon the path leading to the downs. Here, Letty declared that she felt a trifle peaked and would prefer to go back. “You go on. I’ll be perfectly happy by myself! Enjoy the downs.”
“I’ll accompany you,” Reid offered. “I’m feeling rather tired myself.”
No one argued with him. He did look tired. Tired and hea
