Gabe closed his eyes in a ‘give me strength’ expression before he spoke again. ‘She’s young. She needs to be ridden. She needs exercise and schooling.’

‘You could have her pull your pony trap.’ Uncle Bertie’s beard jutted.

‘She’s never been driven,’ Gabe explained with overdone patience. ‘It’s bloody criminal that someone would stuff her in the auction and leave her to be bought by a codger like you who knows bugger-all about horses. She’s obviously been stabled because she hasn’t even got a good winter coat.’

Bertie smirked. ‘You’ve bought her a coat.’

‘I’ve bought her a rug because you’re so irresponsible,’ Gabe said, emphasising the correct terminology. ‘You’re clueless about feeding or grooming or mucking out the field shelter – which Snobby doesn’t want to share, incidentally, so he bares his teeth at her when she tries to get out of the wind and rain. You don’t even have somewhere to keep her when you take her home. You’re a bloody silly old sod, Bertie,’ he added with exasperated affection.

Defence faltering, Uncle Bertie looked down at his wellies. ‘I didn’t buy her to take her home. She’s company for Snobby.’

Laurel said, uneasily, ‘I haven’t ridden for years. I have no riding boots or helmet.’ She stepped closer to Daybreak, who threw up her head and pranced coquettishly.

‘Zuzanna’s mum used to ride but gave up because of her bad back. You’d be able to borrow her gear,’ Daisy volunteered.

Laurel’s eyes widened. ‘Oh, I don’t think—’

Grady hid a smile because Zuzanna was already holding her phone to her ear. In seconds he heard her say, ‘Hi, Mum. Can Daisy’s auntie Laurel borrow your riding hat and boots? OK, I’ll come get them, thanks.’

Zuzanna looked pleased with herself as she slid her phone away. ‘Mum says you can have them. She won’t ride anymore.’

‘I don’t even know what size she wears,’ Laurel protested, not looking particularly grateful.

‘About the same as you. It’ll be fine,’ Daisy said breezily. She turned to Gabe and Bertie, both of whom were wearing hopeful expressions. ‘Where’s her saddle and stuff?’

Grady murmured into Laurel’s ear. ‘You’d be doing a good turn but I’ll make my voice loud and stop this, if you want.’

She turned to gaze at him with those big blue eyes. ‘I can make my voice loud and stop it myself, but it would disappoint them all.’

‘Especially the pony.’ He watched the teenagers take turns in giving Daybreak their empty palms to snuffle.