CHAPTER SIXCharles and Jed started along the drive that led to the park gates. Soon the lights of the house behind them disappeared amid the trees. Jed took out a piece of tobacco to chew and cast a sidelong look at Charles.
“So, Delverton?” he asked. “You have some business that’ll take me to the gypsies at Ledger’s field?”
Charles nodded. “Yes, Jed, I have. There is – something I want you to purchase for me.”
“Oh, aye? And what might that be?”
“A horse.”
Jed gave a grunt.
He might have guessed. Everyone knew that he horse-traded with the gypsies. No surprise, then, that Charles should think of him for this commission.
“Who’s this horse for?” he asked.
“It is to be a gift for – the woodsman’s daughter,” Charles replied. “After all, she saved my life.”
Jed moved the tobacco from o
