CHAPTER SEVENThere was the thunder of hooves and the horses raced neck and neck towards the end of the ride, before their riders reined them in.
As they came to a standstill, Honora cried,
“I think you won by one small ugly little nose!”
The Duke laughed.
“Are you insulting me or my horse?”
“I would hate to insult Warrior,” Honora replied, “who has a soft very lovable nose, while, of course, a Duke’s nose is always disdainful and condescending!”
“I cannot imagine why you should think that!” he exclaimed almost aggressively.
“As an alternative to being magnificent, omnipotent and arrogant, it can also be cynical, supercilious and by nature bored.”
The Duke laughed as if he could not help it.
Then he said,
“I wonder if there is anything in the rules or in your vocabulary, Honora, w
