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“Uh. Over here, I think.” The young lady turned to walk a few steps to her left, and Lady Millward followed.

“The stable,” she whispered as she passed.

Alexander did not hesitate. He cut through the hedge, avoiding the talkative gentlemen and predatory ladies by taking the long way around the house to the stable. He walked briskly, and it was not long before he saw his grooms leading the two ponies in a large circle. One rider was a tall boy with straw-colored hair who was hanging on to the reins as though his whole life depended upon it; the second was so slightly built he barely fit in the saddle, but he was wearing the most joy-filled smile Alexander had ever seen.

Scanning the handful of adults standing near the stable doors until he spotted Jane, he increased his pace still more, coming to stand behind her as Asher rode by.

“Look,” Asher cried. “I’m widing.”

“You’re doing magnificently,” Jane called.

“Nicely done, Asher,” Alexander said.

Jane swung around. “Alexander! I . . . I did not see you there.”

“I only just arrived,” he said. “Your aunt rescued me and gave me a hint as to where I might find you.”

“My aunt?”

“Indeed.” Alexander grinned. “For the record, she is rapidly becoming one of my favorite people.”

Jane offered him a puzzled smile. “I am glad to hear it, as she is also one of mine.”

He pointed to Asher, who was now at the farthest distance in his loop. “How long has he been going?”

“This is his final circuit. He was unsure at first, but his smile has widened with every time around.”

Alexander chuckled. “I am glad to hear it. I don’t suppose he’s had much exposure to riding before.”

“None, as far as I can tell.” She paused, her voice dropping slightly. “I received your note and have spoken with Asher.”

Alexander turned to look at her, all humor gone. “How did he take the news?”

“Remarkably well. He seemed relieved that he will not have to return to the Stanleys’ home.”

The pony was drawing near, and he would need to curtail this discussion before Asher was within earshot. “We shall likely never know what he endured there. I pray that he is young enough to forget.”

“Yes,” Jane said. “I pray for the same every night.”

The groom helped Asher dismount, and the boy stumbled toward them on wobbly legs.

“Did you see, Lord Bloxley?” he said, his eyes shining. “Did you see?”

“Asher.” There was a hint of reproof in Jane’s voice. “What did you learn this morning?”

A new awareness crossed his face, and he stopped. “Good afternoon, Lord Bloxley,” he said and executed a dramatic bow. Still bent at the waist, he tilted his head to look at Jane. “Did I do it wight?”

“Very nice,” Jane said. She looked at Alexander and raised one eyebrow.

He took the hint and lowered his head. “Good afternoon, Master Asher.”

Asher grinned, crossing the remaining distance between them at a run and wrapping his arms around Alexander’s legs.

“We tried,” Jane said with a sigh.

Alexander chuckled. “It was an excellent beginning.”

“So this is where you have been hiding, Lord Bloxley.”