He met her eyes. ‘Actually, I didn’t come round here to play at peeping toms. I came to ask you if you’d like to come out on Solomon. You said you’d like to ride. I need to take Dock of the Bay for a gallop, I only hacked him out with the first lot. He needs a lot more work before Epsom and the gallops should be fairly quiet now. I just wondered if you’d like to come with me. Of course, if you’re too busy …’

‘No, I’m not. I was up early this morning.’ She wasn’t going to tell him why. ‘I haven’t got anything to do until I clean for you this afternoon.’

He frowned slightly, then smiled. ‘Great. Finish your coffee and I’ll see if I can hire a block and tackle.’ He grinned at her perplexed expression. ‘To haul your mammoth bulk into the saddle.’

Throwing the tea towel at him, Maddy made a grab across the table. Drew caught her flailing hands and pulled her towards him. ‘You’re lovely, Maddy. I have never met anyone like you. I had no right to walk in here unannounced, but I’m glad I did. You’re adorable.’ He released her hands and sat back in his chair. ‘Your only problem is that you’ve got to learn to adore yourself.’

Solomon was placid, and stood looking round with only the merest curiosity as she pulled herself up onto his back. She gathered the reins between her hands, sliding her feet into the stirrups. Drew swung himself into Dock of the Bay’s saddle with ease and Maddy’s stomach contracted with desire, watching his muscles tightening beneath the denim. They walked sedately across the cobbles, the horses’ hoofs creating ringing echoes that hovered beneath the lichen-covered walls, and out into the street.

Maddy soon became accustomed to the rolling gait, loving the oily, dusty feel of Solomon’s mane brushing her hands and the warm fusty smell rising from his gleaming coat. Milton St John was practically deserted. Maddy would have liked the streets to be lined with people to witness this epic event. She smiled to herself. This was the third time she’d felt this surge of elation since Peter Knightley had walked out on her; first there had been Shadows, then Drew, and now this rediscovery. Her self-esteem edged up a notch.

Drew pulled Dock of the Bay alongside her as they approached the gallops. ‘You ride beautifully. No wonder

Suzy’s so successful. It must be in the blood.’