Chapter 23Jem was still awake when I led Blue Boy into the stables.
“There was no need for you to wait up, Jem.”
“I know, sir.” He studied my eyes, then took the reins. “Mr Stephenson returned a short while ago with his man and David. He’d met them at the Crown and Gauntlet, so he said.”
“How is Jezebel?”
“Behaving herself. Surprised me no end, I must say.”
I was more relieved than I cared to reveal. Geo was a competent horseman, I’d seen that for myself, but I’d been plagued by visions of him lying sprawled on the ground, having taken a toss.
“Erm…Mr Stephenson noticed Blue Boy was gone.”
Of course he did. I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Did he ask about it?”
“No, sir.”
I didn’t know whether to be thankful that he hadn’t asked, or to be disappointed.
“Go on to bed, Sir Ash. I’l
