“Would you allow me to train her? I know I can manage it—I have observed Noah, Joe, and the other grooms with the horses. And if I need assistance, Joe or Noah will advise me.” I met my cousin’s gaze.
Noah gave me a nod before confronting his father. “Lizzy has shown good instincts with Thea, and she has been helping me with the yearlings. She would do well with the responsibility.”
My uncle rubbed his chin. “I see no reason to object.”
“Thank you, Uncle!” I bounced upon my toes.
“You are welcome. You may begin when we separate her from Thea in five months.”
I moved before the stall door and stretched up on my toes. I itched to go near the fascinating creature. “Actually, I should like to introduce myself to the filly now.”
“Now?” My uncle’s eyes widened. “What is the hurry?”
“I want her to be comfortable with me from the outset.”
“Hmm.” Uncle Barton shifted back on his heels.
Noah cleared his throat. “Although this is not our usual practice, I see no harm in her approaching them. I expect Thea may allow Lizzy, of all people, near her foal.”
“Very well.” My uncle held his palm out to me. “Now, I caution you to be careful and make slow movements. One never knows when a mare might act out to defend her young from a perceived threat.”
“I understand.” I unlatched the door and passed into the stall. The foal had wandered five feet or so from Thea, but as I neared them, she rushed back to her mother. “All is well, little one.” I went to Thea and stroked her neck. “You did an admirable job, my girl. I hope you do not mind if I meet your pretty filly.” Thea’s dark eyes held me, and her ears remained slightly drooped—so far, so good.
My glimpses in the foal’s direction revealed her to be watching me with apparent curiosity. I inched closer to her position against Thea’s flank. “You need not fear me. We shall be great friends.” I reached out, and she sniffed the back of my hand. My fingers brushed against her velvety nose, and my breath slowly escaped. She allowed me to touch her! In time, I progressed to caressing her forehead and neck.
“Well done, Lizzy!”
I shot a glance at Noah. “She does not seem to fear me.”
The foal shifted towards Thea’s belly, so I stepped back to allow her more room. She stretched for Thea’s teat, latched on, and suckled. I looked back at my uncle and cousin. “She is feeding!”
“That is wonderful,” said Noah.
“Indeed, I think this is enough for the first day, Lizzy.” My uncle gestured for me to return. “Let us leave them in peace.”
“Very well.” I gave Thea a final pat before I left the stall.
Uncle Barton sent me a sideways glance. “Our newest horse needs a name. Do you have a suggestion?”
Would he allowmeto choose? Despite having had no expectation of being given this honour, I had nevertheless written down various possible names in my journal over the past few weeks; one of them seemed well suited to this foal. “What do you think of Lily?”
Noah met my gaze. “Lily is a fitting name.”
“I agree.” My uncle rested a hand on my shoulder. “Lily, it is.”
June 1808
Knight's Manor
Elizabeth
When I withdrew from the kitchen, the pockets of my pelisse bulged with pieces of carrot for Lily. Now a two-year-old, she had grown into a beautifuland singular filly. Her evident intelligence and trust in me allowed us to forge a powerful bond.
As I neared the door to my uncle’s study, the sound of raised, peevish voices prompted me to halt. Noah argued with Uncle Barton. What could have made my cousin so angry? Despite the temptation to remain and eavesdrop, I pushed myself forwards and settled upon a chair in the hall with a view of the study entrance.
Noah left the study and raced towards the vestibule. I jerked to a stand, but he gave no sign of having noticed me and continued out of the front door. I followed him into the grove of beech trees. “Noah, wait for me!”
My cousin stopped and paused a moment before spinning towards me. “Yes, Lizzy?” He attempted to act unruffled, but his complexion bore a crimson tint, and perspiration glistened at his temples.
