The beard twitched sadly. ‘That’s what Gabe says. And that now he’s got to go through the heartache of finding that new home because I’m clueless.’ He shook his head. ‘Which is true when it comes to ponies. He won’t put her back in the horse sale in case she doesn’t get a good home and blew his stack when he discovered I’d actually bought her before she even went into the ring.’

‘Outside trading at an auction?’ Grady exclaimed, smile vanishing. ‘That is pretty frowned upon, Bertie. It’s not regulated.’

Bertie’s white beard became ever more mobile and his words more clipped. ‘So I’ve been made aware. Apparently I didn’t use my brain and now Gabe has to get the vet up to see if she’s microchipped so he can check her out online and sell her on in what he calls “a reputable manner”.’ He cast an injured look in Gabe’s direction. Gabe was chatting to two other men and looking grim. ‘My name’s mud. I think he’d send me home if not for the lack of heat and light at my place.’

A woman behind the bar called over, ‘Your table’s ready, Grady.’

Grady raised a hand in acknowledgement. ‘Thanks.’

Bertie drained his tankard. ‘Think I’ll go home to the doghouse. Goodnight, all.’ He nodded in response to their answering goodnights and went to retrieve his coat from the hooks by the door.

Laurel said, ‘Poor Bertie,’ as she rose. Realising a need for the ladies’ room, she told Grady she’d meet him at the table and headed off, winding her way between tables, exchanging smiles with Brenda and with Iris, who was seated further on.

In the ladies’ loo, when she emerged to wash her hands, she found a woman leaning against the wall, arms folded and mouth set. With a spark of surprise, Laurel recognised Pippa, Grady’s ex. Had she already been in the pub? Laurel hadn’t spotted her.

Pippa gave a tight smile. ‘Hello. I’m Pippa, Grady’s …’ She tailed off … as if to imply a current bond?

‘Hello,’ Laurel returned pleasantly. Shaking water from her hands, she took paper towels from the dispenser, eyeing Pippa with interest. She couldn’t imagine it was by coincidence that she’d turned up in the ladies while Laurel was there.

Pippa tossed back her blonde locks and smiled. ‘Look, this is tricky.’

Laurel waited, drying her hands before tossing the used towels in the bin.

‘I know it’s not obvious we’re together,’ Pippa went on, assuming a conspiratorial air, ‘but I think you should know I’m pregnant with Grady’s baby.’ She tossed her head again, as if a swish of her long blonde hair added weight to her assertion.