Chapter 18
Tom came home in the middle of the afternoon. Olivia stood beside Mrs. Hall, listening intently as the other woman instructed her on whatever it was they were preparing for the evening meal.
“Querida, fetch your bonnet.”
“Tom! What are you doing home so early?”
“I’ve got a surprise for you. Where’s George?”
“In the paddock with the horses. You’re being very mysterious.”
Tom just grinned at her. “Mrs. Hall, you can deal with dinner?”
“I can, Mr. P.”
“Okay. Olivia?” He waited for her to put on her bonnet, then escorted her out the kitchen door. “George!” he called.
“Yes, Papa?”
“Come along. We’re going on an outing.”
His son’s eyes lit up. He patted Sunrise’s neck, raced to the paddock fence, and bounded up and over it.
George knew what they were about to do, and he’d
