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“You heard about that?”
Jay counted on his fingers. “From our host Higgins, from Mrs. Crockett, from Her Grace’s head groom, from the lowliest stable boy. Saving Westminster Hall from the inferno was a mere nothing. Standing up for the best farrier in Wormley, now that makes you everybody’s hero.”
Raven laughed. “Stop.”
“Crockett’s well worth saving. I’ve seen the lad at work. He’s got the touch. Calms his animals down. They trust him.”
“What do you think then? Can I move my horses to Verwood without causing trouble among Her Grace’s animals?” If anyone knew how to keep horses steady around new neighbors, it was Jay.
Jay turned serious. “I’d say bring your carriage horses in first, unless you need a hack. My uncle can get you one that won’t embarrass you with the duchess or make trouble with her animals.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer when I’m settled. For now, I’m riding Apollo from the inn. He’s well-known at Verwood and approved.”
“When do you move to the hall?”
“Within the week.”
“I thought you said it needed work.”
“It does, but there are a few decent rooms.” Raven knew the history of the hall now. When the old duke died and most of the unentailed lands were sold to pay death taxes, Verwood’s rents disappeared. Furthermore, the duchess kept much of her land in pasture for her horses. The three ladies had only their portions to keep the hall going, and the estate soaked up money like a sponge.
“Sounds mad to me. You already repaired the dower house for your lady landlord, and now as a tenant you’re going to drop more of your blunt into the hall? What’s this all about?”
Raven took a drink of ale. He could not hold in a grin. “A man needs a house if he’s to marry.”
“Marry?” Jay shuddered. “You’ve done the bended knee thing?”
“Not yet. Verwood’s the proper setting for a proposal I think.”
“Nothing shabby for you, mate.”
The duke’s lost boys had been taught to speak like the duke himself, but Jay preferred the cant of the horse world. He was a charmer with the sort of woman who liked a handsome face and a bit of swagger. He sported a dotted blue handkerchief instead of a silk tie, and top boots instead of Hessians, and a tweed riding coat. Raven supposed that if they’d remained the same in any way, it was in energy. Jay was as quick and as impatient as ever.
Now Jay leaned his elbows on the table. “So who is this damsel that’s got you blowing a fortune on an ancient pile in the middle of nowhere?”
Raven shook his head. “When she says yes, I’ll tell you who she is. I can’t have you cutting me out.”
Jay shot him a shrewd glance. “She’s a lady, then?”
“An earl’s daughter,” Raven admitted.
“Glad to hear it. That leaves the village girls for me. Tell me I’m free to charm all the pretty ones.”
Raven laughed. “As long as you don’t break any hearts. Remember, Verwood is going to be my home.”
Jay shook his head. “I’ll wager you a pony that you’ll be back in London by Michaelmas.”
Raven whistled. “I won’t be if you get my horses settled without offending Her Grace.”
Jay tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “Afraid to take the bet?”
“Not at all. You’re on for a pony.”
“I’ll stay the week. More if you need me,” Jay assured him. “There’s a little mystery I’d like to clear up.”
“Mystery?”
“Well, I’d like to know why the duchess quit running a profitable stud.”
