Chapter 16
Late that day the Earl of Southwell escorted his ward to the stables. Not being closely acquainted with female attire, he did not remark upon her lack of riding dress. He noticed only the eager shine in her eyes as they approached the area where his horses were kept.
He took her first to show her the horse that he had selected for her to ride. This was a beautiful dappled grey mare named Dowsabel.
Jemima liked the mare instantly, but could not suppress a twinge of disappointment. Dowsabel was exactly the kind of horse that most ladies would be delighted to ride. She would manage a graceful canter and be easy to control. She reminded Jemima of the horses that she usually rode with Kitty, who would have been very pleased with a mare as fine as Dowsabel. But Jemima yearned for t
