Chapter SevenThe Marquis vanished into the bushes and Imilda walked on into the stable-yard.
She could hear the eight horses moving in their stalls and went into the next stable.
Apollo was delighted to see her as always.
It was only just dawn, but there was enough light for her to find a man’s saddle to put on Apollo.
Then she led him into the yard and rode on into the paddock.
She was not surprised that there was no one about and old Abbot, who was slightly deaf, was not likely to hear her. If he did, he would just think that she had risen early.
What she had been afraid of was that the highwaymen were still up and searching for the Marquis.
But, as they came out of the panel and quietly unbolted the back door, Imilda had heard a sound of snoring coming from the servants’ hall.
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