“It’s true, my lord,” Forrester said. “I’ve been studying it extensively for years. There is definite scientific evidence that working with animals can cure certain illnesses, including illnesses of the mind. It improves the mental state and can lessen worry and disquiet. The practice was recorded as far back as Roman times. It’s been documented extensively.”
“Precisely why I wanted to work with you, Forrester,” Ewan said, leaning back in his chair.
“Specifically, I’ve worked with men who’ve suffered extreme shocks to their mental states. Just as you’ve described your friend,” Forrester continued.
“Yes, well. It won’t be a simple task to convince him to begin the treatment,” Ewan replied. “Phillip hasn’t spoken a word since he came to live with me last summer.”
“From what I understand, that’s not uncommon, my lord.”
“This horse is my last resort. I’m hoping Phillip will respond well.”
“The Arabian is in perfect condition, my lord. Whoever’s had him since he left Portugal has done an excellent job with his care.”
“I’m glad to hear that at least. I hope to begin—” A knock at the door interrupted Ewan’s thought. He glanced up to see the Humbolt, the butler standing there.
The butler cleared his throat. “Apologies for the interruption, my lord, but you have a visitor.”
Ewan frowned. “A visitor?” He wasn’t expecting anyone, and people rarely visited the countryside in the autumn unless invited to a hunting party or something similar. “Who is it, Mr. Humbolt?”
The butler’s shoulders drew up and he lowered his gaze. “It’s a … er … young lady, my lord.”
Ewan’s frown intensified. “A young lady?” he echoed. “Is she alone?”
“She is, my lord,” Humbolt replied. The servant glanced surreptitiously at Mr. Forrester as if he regretted admitting the somewhat scandalous news in front of the man.
Ewan cocked his head to the side. Who could it possibly be? He didn’t know many young ladies in the area and the ones he did weren’t likely to pay him a visit. He’d never been one for affairs or mistresses, either. All the young ladies he knew were in London, including his soon-to-be betrothed, Lydia. She wouldn’t have come this far to visit and certainly not by herself.
Forrester made as if to stand. “I can go, my lord.”
“No,” Ewan replied, almost too forcefully. “That is to say, I’d like to continue our talk, Forrester.” He turned his attention back to the butler. “Did the young lady give a name, Mr. Humbolt?”
The butler gave Mr. Forrester another nervous glance. “She says her name is Lady Theodora Ballard, my lord.”
Ballard. The name was immediately familiar. Ewan had just received a series of letters from the young woman. She wanted to purchase the Arabian. He’d written back quite clearly refusing and wishing her well. Apparently, she wasn’t one to take no for an answer. He’d never expected her to arrive on his doorstep, however. This was bothersome.
“You say she’s alone, Humbolt?” Ewan clarified.
The butler cleared his throat once more. “A maid accompanied her, my lord, but that young woman appears to be waiting in the carriage for her mistress.”
How curious. Ewan scratched at his jaw. He’d actually done a bit of research on the girl. She was Lord Anthony Ballard’s sister. Unmarried as far as Ewan was aware. Unmarried and on the shelf if the rumors he uncovered were to be believed. Apparently, she hoped her arrival on his doorstep would cause him to change his mind about selling the horse. First, she was sorely mistaken. He would never change his mind. Second, he didn’t have time to deal with a spoiled spinster who wouldn’t take no for an answer. A bit of anger flared in his chest.
Ewan sighed. “Please tell Lady Theodora that I am otherwise occupied.”
“Are you certain, my lord?” Humbolt asked, his gray eyebrow arching.
“Are you questioning my decision, Humbolt?” Ewan frowned again. It was quite unlike Humbolt not to immediately carry out his orders.
Humbolt’s face flushed. “Not at all, my lord. It’s just that …” He straightened his shoulders, clearly searching for the correct words to use. “She seems the sort who won’t leave readily, my lord.”
This time Ewan arched a brow. “If she refuses to leave, Humbolt, alert me immediately. I’ll ensure she goes.” His jaw was tight.
“As you wish, my lord.” Humbolt bowed and retreated from the room.
Ewan returned his attention to the horse trainer. “My apologies for the interruption, Forrester. Now, where were we?”
But as the man spoke, Ewan’s mind wandered back to his conversation with Humbolt and the letters he’d exchanged with Lady Theodora Ballard. He’d got the distinct impression from her letters that she would not be happy with his refusal to sell the horse. He’d also considered how much she must want the horse if she’d been willing to pay the exorbitant amount that he’d paid for it. Her brother had obviously been betting on the horse for his sister. But if Ballard had had the money, why hadn’t he won the auction? Ewan had just assumed the price had gone too high for the son of the earl. Something about the entire situation didn’t seem right.
Ewan could well understand Lady Theodora’s disappointment, but he had no intention of selling the horse to her. And it wouldn’t do for her reputation for him to entertain her alone either. He was doing her a favor by refusing to take her call. Besides, he could just imagine the chit crying and begging him to sell the horse to her. He wasn’t about to have to share his handkerchief and be subjected to such dramatics. No, much better to send her along her way without the hope that he might someday relent.
