Everyone followed him downstairs and outside like a string of goslings following their mother. The stables were only a short walk away. The building was large and old, like the house, and filled with stalls and loose boxes holding contented-looking equines. Several boys were there grooming their mounts or cleaning stalls, and they exchanged casual greetings with Benjamin and Lady Agnes.

Benjamin stopped by a loose box containing a handsome chestnut. “This is my Rowdy,” he said proudly as the horse came whickering to him. “A gift from my stepparents. He’s a very good-natured fellow. Would you like to give him some sugar?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Christopher said.

Benjamin pulled a sugar lump from his pocket and gave it to Christopher, who then held it out on his palm to Rowdy. He glowed as the horse delicately lapped the sugar from his palm.

Benjamin said, “Ponies are at the far end of the aisle. The school owns some of the horses and ponies so everyone can ride.”

As he led them along the length of the stables, Christopher said wistfully, “I had a pony. I miss him.”

Benjamin said mischievously, “Was his name Patches?”

He stopped by a loose box where a splotchy pony stuck his curious head over the door and whinnied excitedly.

“Patches!” Christopher said. Almost beside himself with excitement, he opened the door and popped into the box before anyone could stop him. Not that stopping him was necessary. Boy and pony were equally delighted to find each other again, and Kendra felt tears stinging her eyes. She would give Jackson a bonus for finding Patches and bringing him here so quickly.

Lucas murmured in her ear, “I think by this time Christopher is happy with the idea of coming to school here.”

“Where Patches goes, Kit will go,” she agreed.

A deep gong sounded three times. Benjamin looked at Lady Agnes. “It’s dinnertime. Should I take Kit along to eat and meet the other Hawks?”

Kendra said, “Kit, are you happy with the idea of becoming a student here?”

“Oh, yes, Mama!” He reluctantly stepped away from his pony and walked out of the box, carefully latching it behind him. “Can I go riding tomorrow?”

“That’s up to your teachers,” Kendra said.

Lady Agnes said, “I think that can be arranged. I’ll have your belongings sent up to your room. Now, you go along with Benjamin to your dinner and meet some of your fellow students.”

Christopher dived for Kendra and wrapped his arms around her for a moment. “Will you visit me, Mama?”

“Yes, but I’ll have to talk to Lady Agnes about when. She may prefer that parents not visit for a while.”

The headmistress nodded. “That’s true, Christopher. You need to settle into the school first. But the term ends soon and I’m sure your mother will write.”

Christopher’s gaze shifted to Lucas. “Will you write, too?”

Lucas smiled. “Unless your mother disapproves, yes.”