‘She has taken up riding more in the country, admittedly.’ The Earl smiled a little self-consciously.
‘Then, thank you. I would be very pleased if you119broached this with my uncle. But, of course, I will ask Lady Godmanchester this afternoon, myself, if she is happy for me to ride her own horse.’ Her smile was very genuine.
Bowing politely, the two gentlemen went on their way.
‘And what exactly prompted that, my friend?’ LordGodmanchester looked sidelong at his companion.
‘You saw the beast. Good God, Giles, you wouldn’t permit your wife to be seen abroad on a screw like that.’
The Earl laughed. ‘No, though I am not sure Helen would describe herself as so bold a rider as Miss Ashling. And what hack is this?’
‘I shall provide one by tomorrow, never fear.’
‘I am more concerned as to what you expect Helen to say this afternoon.’
‘Nothing more than she cannot ride, obviously, and would be glad to have the horse exercised by her friend.’
‘And if she asks, perchance, details of the animal?’
‘It being a Monday, I suggest we take a look in at Tattersall’s sale. It should provide a morning’s entertainment, and Lady Godmanchester will be able to describe “her” horse with only a very little coaching.’
‘And who is purchasing this horse, Lucius?’ The Earl raised an enquiring eyebrow.
‘I am, but it will be eating your fodder. When Miss Ashling leaves London, well, either you can purchase it if you think your wife might care for it in the future, or I sell it.’
‘Your motivation verges on the altruistic.’
‘Verges, Giles? It is entirely altruistic.’
‘So you harbour no further thoughts than it would be120a crime to force Miss Ashling to sit upon that revolting animal again?’
‘Exactly, my friend. The lady is obviously a fine horsewoman. Did you not see her hands? Such a pity she does not drive.’
‘She does not? Would you be the man to teach her?’
‘Alas, I think that were I to offer, Miss Ashling would,er, jib, and besides, Easby has already offered his services.’
‘Easby? But …’
‘I know. I think if he has aspirations in that quarter, however, he is heading for disappointment. Not easily won over is Miss Ashling. I seem to set up her bristles at every encounter without even trying.’
‘She is not the most approachable of ladies, I admit, although I have not found her anything but charming, and she has been a good friend to Helen. I suppose it is natural in the circumstances.’
‘The circumstances? You make that sound ominous.’ Sir Lucius grinned, but his eyes were watchful.
‘But surely … Ah, no, of course, you were not in London most of that Season. I am sorry.’
‘Since there was nothing that you could have done, being sorry is singularly pointless. But you could usefully tell me what did occur.’
‘It was quite simple really. Miss Ashling’s father died.’
‘As I am well able to vouch, that should not make adifference in the long term.’
‘It does if he drinks himself to death and leaves nothing but debt from some incautious scheme or other. Miss Ashling was threatened with the loss of everything, even her home.’
121‘Unfortunate, certainly, but she is not impoverished now, unless her relatives are all lying.’
‘No, but that came later. The thing is that Miss Ashling was on the point of contracting an alliance with Syston, well, Henry Freshford as he was then. According to Helen, she was very taken with the youth, and he with her, though personally I cannot conceive what she found to admire in him. I always thought him a trifle …’
