We drove through open countryside and then met the main road in Kildare. After the town of Newbridge, Darcy drove off the main road into the countryside again.

“Didn’t you say we were going to Dublin?” the princess asked. “This doesn’t look very citylike.”

“We have to stop on the way at the Punchestown Racecourse. We are looking for an old man who managed the stables in my father’s time.”

“How lovely. I adore racehorses,” Zou Zou said. “I keep meaning to buy myself a couple. I rather fancy standing in the winner’s circle in my best hat. You must advise me, Darcy, and you can train them and we’ll win the Derby or the Grand National or both.”

“Different horses, Zou Zou,” Darcy said. “Flat racers are no good for steeplechases. We have the latter. Strong horses needed for jumps.”

“You see, I know nothing. I need you to advise me,” she said.

It passed through my mind again that Mr. Roach had known nothing about racehorses. What had made him buy a racing stable in Ireland? Had it always been a secret dream of his, which he had made a reality when he inherited the family fortune?

We approached the racecourse with the grandstand rising above outbuildings and the white picket fence outlining the curve of the track. The car park was empty and at first the place had a deserted air to it.

“Obviously no meeting today,” Darcy said. “I wonder if this is a waste of time.”

We bumped over ruts and mud into the stable area to the left. As we approached the first of the stable buildings a man came toward us, leading a horse. Darcy wound down the motorcar window. “Excuse me,” he called out, “you wouldn’t happen to know where I might find Harry Paine?”

“Old Harry? I think he’s around today. He works for the Sullivan stables these days and I know they’ve got horses running in the novice stakes tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Darcy switched off the motor then came around to help us from the vehicle. “It’s a bit muddy. Are you sure you’d not rather stay in the motorcar? I won’t be long.”