“But, of course, my dearest,” Lady Bingley replied. “I know what an affection you have for your horse.”
On arriving at the stables that were situated at the back of Selchester House, Verena was led by a groom to Assaye’s stall. He whinnied at the sound of her voice and nuzzled her affectionately.
“I will ride you tomorrow,” Verena promised. “You must be longing for some exercise.”
She patted his neck.
“Was he very tired after the long journey here?” she enquired of the groom.
“If ’e were, he showed no signs of it, miss. He be a plucky animal with plenty of spirit in ’im!”
“That is what I have always found,” Verena said with a smile and then she added in a low voice,
“Would it be possible for me to speak to one of the grooms who will be accompanying His Grace on his carriage tonight?
