15The Duke’s horse, a magnificent black stallion, was waiting, held by a soldier, in the courtyard. It was obvious from the animal’s demeanour and its mud-splashed, sweating flanks that it had been ridden hard and long, and the fiery spirit which had made it temperamental and difficult to handle earlier in the day was now subdued into a peaceful docility.
The Duke and Iona walked quickly across the courtyard. As they reached the stallion, the Duke looked down at Iona with one of his rare smiles and said quietly,
“I can offer you speed but not much comfort, I am afraid.”
“All I ask, Your Grace, is to be taken from here with all possible speed,” Iona replied in a low voice.
The Duke put his hands on her waist and lifted her on to the saddle. She was conscious of his great strength, of th
