“Casmir.” The steward at the stables swung his hand around like a magician performing a particularly difficult trick. And if he’d managed to pull a stallion out of thin air, he’d probably have got a standing ovation. As it was, the stable boy just led the horse out of his stall into the centre of the yard.

“Wow.” Kaylee’s mouth hung open a little.

“I have to agree,” Simon said. “Wow.”

Casmir was a handsome horse, dark brown, almost black in colour, with a gloss to his coat that spoke of hours of grooming. His eyes were clear, and his ears pricked forward as he watched these newcomers.

“His sire was a winner, and his dam too, but Casmir hasn’t shown any sign of inheriting their genius,” the steward said, shaking his head. “Mr Reilly considered this his last chance.”

“I think he’s beautiful,” Kaylee said stoutly.

Bethany’s eyes were wide. “Can I stroke him?” she asked.

“No, sweetheart, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Simon said. “We don’t know what he’s like.”

“He’s a good boy,” the stable lad said. “She ain’t gonna get hurt.”

Bethany stared up at her father, imploring him.

“Well, I suppose … but –”

Whatever else he was about to say was lost as she pulled her hand free and ran over to the horse, standing under his head.

“Hello,” she said. “I’m Bethany.”

The horse looked down, lowering his head so he could look at her more clearly, then he nudged her gently. She giggled.

River put her hand on the horse’s forehead, and smiled. Without a word she lifted Bethany up to sit on his back.

“River …” Simon protested, Kaylee grabbing at his hand.

“He doesn’t mind,” his sister said.

Bethany laughed even more. “I’m riding!” she said.

“Do you want me to …” The stable boy indicated with his head.

“Please,” River said, smiling sweetly at him.

The boy led Casmir in a wide circle around the yard, keeping his eye on River all the time as she held onto Bethany, ready in case the little girl slipped.

Jayne glared at him but he didn’t even notice, while Kayle