Chapter FourDriving towards the Racecourse, Valessa felt wildly excited.
She had always longed to see a steeplechase and, although her father had ridden in several, she had not accompanied him.
She had heard that the steeplechases arranged by Lady Barton were more demanding and more professional than any others in the County.
After she had seen Ridgley Towers, she was prepared to believe it.
She had been told by the maid who called her that she should be downstairs by ten-thirty.
When she reached the hall, she found that it filled with people.
There were men in pink coats collecting their hats and gloves from the footmen and seven of them wore peacock blue, which she discovered had been provided by Sarah for her own team.
They looked very smart with velvet collars, white revers and
