Chapter Six
‘If you see the stable door setting open wide’
The next morning after breakfast Julia decided to investigate the stables for herself. Taking her sketchbook with her she walked into the garden and looked around. Apart from Wyatt, the odd job man, who was digging in the garden, it was deserted. Retracing her footsteps, Julia skirted around the side of the house and headed down the path to the large building which comprised the stables. On arriving she found a large heavy door, which, to her surprise, swung open easily and quietly, its hinges well oiled. Julia peered into the gloom.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light inside but she could see clearly that the stables were empty as she breathed in the smell of the straw under her feet and the pervasive aroma of horse. The stalls running along the side were deserted except for empty water barrels. In the middle of the floor area was a dusty gig sitting forlornly by itself and behind it under a large canvas cover was an old-fashioned barouche, which looked as though it hadn’t been used for years. Apart from a few wooden trestles there appeared to be nothing else. The harness room was filled with a few neglected saddles, bridles and other tack hanging on the walls, and the loft above her was empty too.
Julia again checked the stalls to see if she had missed anything, but apart from a canvas cover lying on the floor and a well fed cat asleep in one of the feed boxes, nothing.
She opened the door into the daylight. The dark silhouette of a tall man stood there and Julia let out an involuntary shriek of shock.
‘Is there something I can help you with, Miss?’ She looked directly into the probing eyes of Wyatt.
‘Oh, you startled me! Yes. Yes. A friend has offered me the loan of a horse for riding.’ Julia was aware she was gabbling but plunged on. ‘I wanted to see if there was sufficient room… well, I see there is,’ she ended lamely, aware by the look on his unpleasant face that he didn’t believe her for a moment.
‘Excuse me, Wyatt.’ Julia moved past him and marched out, head up, heart pounding, aware of his cold eyes on her retreating back.
‘I really will have to speak to my great uncle about Mr Hamilton’s proposal,’ she thought.
Her mind went over the words he had used to describe Gerald Hamilton and her heart sank. Perhaps it would be wiser to say nothing at all, as, who knows, maybe nothing would come of the loan of the mare. Besides, Gerald Hamilton had said he would ask her great uncle’s permission and did not seem to harbour any apprehension at all. Well, she would say nothing, and see how events unfolded.
But those stables so large and unused yet clean and maintained. The words of Lieutenant Wareham and Gerald Hamilton in Rye came to mind and the memory of Wyatt at the stable doorway made her shiver. She entered the house, relieved to be inside.
On Monday afternoon, a horse and rider came trotting sedately up Mr Farraday’s driveway. Mr Hamilton presented himself to Ridges like an old friend and was duly received by Great Uncle Thomas.
Julia had been sketching the view of the countryside from the rear of the garden, determined not to be put off by the surly Wyatt and was only aware of a visitor when a flustered Smithers appeared before her. Julia at once returned to the house, attended as quickly as possible to her toilette, and retired downstairs in haste, hoping she would be called upon to act as hostess.
She waited in the drawing room in trepidation, longing to know how the interview was going between the two men. After some thirty minutes, an excited Molly appeared before her and asked Miss to please step into the morning room, and there she encountered the two men. Her great uncle looked flushed and bright-eyed while Mr Hamilton’s face wore a sardonic smile.
‘Well, Miss,’ her great uncle boomed at her. ‘It appears you want to go gallivanting around the countryside. Mr Hamilton here is offering you the loan of one of his nags. Well, what do you say?’ He leaned forward, glaring at her.
‘Why, thank you, Mr Hamilton. I appreciate your offer. It’s been a long time since I have ridden and I’m afraid I’m not very experienced,’ said Julia, very much aware of her shortcomings in the saddle.
‘I’m quite sure that can be remedied with practise,’ Hamilton answered, his eyes suddenly serious. ‘I would be only too happy to escort you on your first excursion,’ and he turned to look at her great uncle.
There was a studied silence for a moment while that gentleman seemed to be struggling to say something. His colour mounted and finally he muttered, ‘Very well then. I can’t let Wyatt run about the district escorting you willy nilly. As for the cost of feeding the…’
Here, Gerald Hamilton interrupted. ‘I’ll send my groom over with feed and the mare can graze in the field by day. All Wyatt will have to do is stable and groom her for Miss Farraday.’
Great Uncle Thomas muttered something under his breath.
Julia turned and asked Gerald, ‘Pray tell me, what is the mare called?’
‘Athene, and she has all the wisdom of the goddess for whom she was named. Regrettably though, she lacks the power but in your case that will not be a disadvantage, I’m sure,’ and he smiled conspiratorially at her.
Julia forced herself to look away from Gerald Hamilton. She suddenly remembered her duties as hostess but their guest refused all offers of refreshments. He announced that he would return tomorrow afternoon with his groom and the mare Athene, and he bowed civilly to them both before departing in what appeared to be a fine good humour, taking leave of a bemused and happy Julia and a decidedly grumpy and out of sorts, Mr Farraday.