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that would be just as suitable.”
    â€œWherever I look, I shall need a mount, so thank you once again for your kind offer.”
    â€œI have walked all the paths and lanes for miles around,” Ravina replied. “And must admit that although the exercise is beneficial, being carried by a sturdy mount does have its advantages.”
    Sir Richard reached for a piece of toast and began buttering it slowly.
    â€œDo you walk alone through the countryside?” he asked casually.
    â€œOh, yes, sometimes. Dulcie is always busy and Mama and Papa have no inclination for walking.”
    â€œSurely it is not entirely wise. There are all sorts of gypsies, ruffians and vagabonds roaming around these days.”
    Ravina laughed.
    â€œThe Romany gypsies visit Curbishley Hall every year on their travels. The men sell us pots and pans and trade working horses with Papa in exchange for other goods. I know them well and they would never harm anyone.
    â€œI have explored every inch, every cottage and field for miles around. And it is rare that I walk far without meeting some farmer or labourer whom I have known since childhood.”
    Sir Richard’s face had reverted to its stern expression.
    He knew only too well that danger could strike at any time and that a good – natured farm lad would be scant help if it did.
    This beautiful girl with her determined expression, her chin tilted so defiantly, had much courage but he knew that would be of little use in a dire situation.
    â€œYou seem, sir, to have somewhat outdated ideas of what the female of the species can do in this day and age.”
    The plate of toast was pushed away uneaten.
    â€œIndeed, Lady Ravina. Young ladies feel free to do so much that they would not even have contemplated a short while ago.”
    Ravina pulled a face.
    â€œYes, you are quite right. I have heard it rumoured that some of us can even count and write our own names!”
    Sir Richard’s lips twitched.
    â€œYes, it is a dreadful state of affairs! What is the world coming to? But, joking apart, Lady Ravina, I would, in all earnestness, urge you to take very great care and not spend too much time alone far from your home.”
    Ravina was about to object, but stopped.
    His expression was not one of cold arrogance. He seemed genuinely concerned and this puzzled her. This was not the first time he had expressed doubts about her behaviour.
    Just then the door opened and Dulcie bustled in.
    â€œRavina, Sir Richard, please excuse me for not attending on you sooner. There has been a small revolution in the kitchen due to having two cooks in attendance. Something to do with jugged hare or rabbit pie, I believe.”
    Ravina stood up.
    â€œSir Richard, may I introduce my cousin, Miss Dulcie Allen. Dulcie, Sir Richard Crawford.”
    â€œMiss Allen. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
    â€œOh, Sir Richard. Please excuse my hasty entrance,” Dulcie blushed as he bowed over her hand. “I am honoured to make your acquaintance. Ravina informed me you were staying the night. I trust that everything was pleasant and comfortable?”
    â€œIt could not have been bettered in a palace,” Sir Richard said gravely. “And this morning, Lady Ravina has kindly offered me the use of one of her father’s horses and I am hoping that she will ride out with me to inspect some properties I am thinking of buying.”
    Ravina looked up, startled. He had not mentioned this idea before.
    But, she thought with a secret smile, it would be fun. She did not actually like Sir Richard. He was far too opinionated for her taste, but she would like to show him the beauties of the Dorset countryside.
    And, she added silently to herself, there was something secretive about the man, a puzzle that needed solving.
    Why, to start with, had he been walking around outside the Hall in the dead of night?
    â€œWe could begin with Stanton Grange,” she said eagerly. “It is