Martha screamed.
Everyone else ran forward to enjoy the spectacle. Somebody took charge of the horse that stood breathing heavily, but otherwise content to have had his fun.
The Marquis leapt over the fence to find Simpkins groaning on the ground.
“Help me bring him inside,” he called.
Between them they carried the wounded Simpkins up the stairs to his room. Selina followed with Martha now weeping loudly.
“Oh Eddie,” she cried, “Eddie – my Eddie – ”
“Your Eddie?” asked Selina, mystified.
“Yes, my Lady. Oh, I know that he’s a miserable, good-for-nothing layabout without any brains, but he’s still mine. And I won’t have some scruffy barmaid thinking she can push me out – saying he gave her the eye – poof! ”
“I am sure he didn’t,” said Selina soothingly.
“Of course he didn’t,” M
