They’d reached the gate from the bridleway to the stud’s rear farm track. Stretching down from the saddle to enter the bolt code, she caught Luca watching her backside.

‘We must introduce you to some of the local set,’ she said as she waved him through, Beck calling to the herd again. ‘I can’t hog you all to myself.’

‘I’m good, thanks.’

‘Pax needs to get out too,’ she said as she turned Dickon to close the gate, realising too late it sounded like she was setting them up. Over her shoulder, the luminous green gaze had dimmed.

‘Like I say, I’m good thanks. I’m sure Pax would rather be spared my company.’

‘What is it with you two?’ she grumbled. ‘I know she’s impossibly stressed and it’s not always easy to know how to handle it, but if you talked to her occasionally it might stop me wanting to fall on my pitchfork.’

‘I work with horses, Ronnie; I don’t do backchat.’

‘I’ve seen dozens of downtrodden girl grooms blossom under your friendship, remember?’

He gave a gruff laugh. ‘Never worked with you, did it?’

‘I was already in full bloom.’

‘You’re a whole bloody rose garden.’ The eyes creased again.

‘Watch out for the thorns, Luca.’

They were riding back onto the yard now, hooves clattering loudly on cobbles, Cruisoe and Beck shouting angry greetings at each other. She looked around for Pax whose car was still there, but there was no sign of her.

‘I’ll be out for the next couple of hours,’ she called to Luca as she jumped off. ‘Lester’s new ward has all-day visiting, so I’m nipping in this morning. That way, I’m here when Pax brings Kes back. She might need moral support.’ Running up her stirrups, she forgot her vow of discretion. ‘I hope you’ll be all right holding the fort? Keep an eye out for Pax? Remember to be nice?’

When she turned, she found he’d already disappeared into Beck’s stable. She led Dickon across to look over the door, watching him untack. ‘Petra has a Shetland that might suit this chap as a companion. I’ll ask. After what happened today, she owes us one.’

He took off the bridle, the stallion springing to the back of the box to hug against the wall. ‘I’d rather she lent us her mare.’

‘You’re not serious? There’d be a bloodbath.’

‘I disagree. She’d be good for him. I’ve seen it done before on yards, pairing a bolshy mare and stallion off-season. Sure, it’s tricky to start with, but the results can be spectacular.’

‘I’ll ask for the Shetland.’ Ronnie had never heard of anything so ridiculous. ‘Perhaps Kes can learn to ride him? Now be nice to Pax, Luca, or I’ll make you give pony lessons.’

*

Carly liked cleaning the Gunns’ house which was full of books, quirky objets d’art, family photos and high-tech gadgetry. The latter inevitably kept Janine distracted, usually a blessing, but today Carly wanted to quiz her about Skully and his hold over Ash.