Devon almost winced at the gentle reproof in her voice. “I sincerely hope you haven’t gone to any trouble. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying and—”

“It is planned for Wednesday next.”

Four days after he’d planned to leave. He really needed to make the trip to Edinburgh but…He supposed he could stay a few more days. It would give him a little more time with Kat. “Very well. I look forward to it.”

An uncertain smile swept over her face. “Excellent. I shall see to it that the servants are made aware of your missing ring, Mr. St. John.”

“Thank you. Now I must be off. Pray have a good day, Lady Strathmore.”

She flickered a smile, then watched him leave. He made his way outside, halting on the steps. The day was not as fine as the others, a low scattering of clouds and a hint of a breeze promising rain.

Devon took the pathway to the stables. Just as he rounded the last corner, he paused. Kat stood in the courtyard with the largest bay he’d ever seen. She was holding an apple behind her back, and the horse was attempting to reach behind her and steal it.

As beautiful as the horse was, Kat outshone it. She looked adorably mussed as she dodged this way and that, trying to avoid the horse’s velvet nose. She glowed of health and laughter.

Devon waited until he was almost even with her before he spoke. “That is the tallest horse I’ve ever seen.”

“Shhh!” Kat twinkled up at him and gave the apple to the horse. “Lady thinks she’s a tiny, delicate thing. I try not to disabuse her of those notions. If she had any idea how heavy she really is, she’d refuse to take another fence.”

Devon patted the horse’s velvet nose, grinning a little. “She’d wait to sprout wings, hm?”

“Or for someone to carry her. She’s dreadfully spoiled.”

“Surely not that badly.”

“Oh yes. She is everyone’s darling. Even Malcolm brings her carrots and sugar when he thinks no one is watching.”

Devon had no doubt about that, though he rather thought Malcolm did not bring treats to the horse, so much as he brought treats to his sister’s favorite pet. “And here I thought Trusty was your most prized horse.”

“Trusty? Why would you think that?”

“Because Trusty is the mount you gave me when I allowed you to ride Thunder. When two people trade, there is an unspoken implication that the two will strive to trade something of equal value.”

Her green eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh? Are you saying that Trusty was not an equal?”

“Not compared to this horse, no.”

“Well…of all my horses, Trusty has the sweetest temper.”

“And?”

Kat pursed her lips. “She also has a lovely mane.”