Page 15 of The Swan Syndicate
“I actually came to see Smudge, but I would love to see the new baby. And what’s your name? I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced.”
The lad’s cheeks turned a bright red. “It’s Jax. Baby is a funny name for a horse.”
“I suppose I should have said baby horse.”
“Is that mottled gelding that arrived a few days ago your horse?” He led her into the stables. “He’s not very handsome.”
She laughed. “I agree he’s not pretty, but he’s always been good to me.”
“That’s more important than looks.”
“You’re a wise young man.”
It was hard to see in the dark stable, but she would bet money his cheeks burned with another blush.
He stopped at Smudge’s stall. The horse’s head was down and seemed to be asleep.
“Hello, Smudge.” Stella pulled out a carrot she’d pilfered from a bin in the kitchen. Smudge turned his head toward her and gave a light chuff before lumbering over. He nodded a couple of times, his lips extending in search of the treat.
She laughed with delight as she fed him the carrot, then scratched his cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you out for a ride. You’re probably being horribly ignored.”
Jax leaned over and whispered, “We don’t talk about it, but one of us usually takes him for a ride every other day. He might be uglier than a one-eyed, three-legged ewe, but you’re right that he has a good heart.”
She squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “Thank you for taking such good care of him.” She gave the horse a last scratch and looked around the barn. “Now, where’s that foal?”
Her first concern was that she’d dawdled too long and missed Jamie. How long did one spend with a foal? But her concerns were dashed when she found not only Jamie but Hensley with the foal.
She hadn’t expected Hensley. Her strategy might not work with him there. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d had to adapt to a situation. Chester’s words came back to her. He was a crew leader in London and a long-time friend to Beckworth and Barrington, all three having worked in the same gang when they were lads. Chester had once told her the reason he included her in his missions was her ability to adapt.
She had every intention of putting that to work.
The men were inside a larger stall that allowed mama and baby to move around. The mare was dark brown with a tiny white blaze and white socks that ran up to her knees. The foal, who was currently hiding behind its mom, appeared to be jet black, but she couldn’t see its head.
“Is the baby alright?” she asked.
Hensley and Jamie both turned. While Hensley’s eyes widened for just an instant, Jamie gave her a smile that made her think he’d been expecting her. She weighed whether that was a good thing as she returned a grin.
“I came down to see Smudge, but I’ve never seen a baby horse up close.” She leaned over the stable door and gulped her coffee. “A boy or girl. Fitz never said.”
Jamie opened the door. “Come in and see for yourself.”
Stella set the mug down on a nearby barrel and tiptoed in, not wanting to scare the mare, who seemed calm with the men.
“He’s a fine-looking colt.” Hensley walked toward the mom, forcing her to move aside, which gave Stella a clear look at the young horse.
He was jet black from tail to nose with one exception—a long white star on his forehead. She gave a low whistle, and the mare’s ears perked, then she chuffed. The foal took a step toward her but wasn’t brave enough to leave his mama’s side.
“He likes you.” Jamie picked up a bucket of grain and hung it on a hook. The mare instantly forgot them as she began to eat. Then he squatted and waited. The young foal took a few tentative steps toward Jamie until he was close enough for Jamie to touch, but he didn’t. “It’s good to have them feel comfortable with you when they’re young. I find it easier to train them once they’re older.”
“I wouldn’t think you’d have time for horses as a ship’s captain.” Stella stayed a few steps behind Jamie, not wanting to scare the foal.
“Not as much anymore, to be sure, but it was a full-time job when I was young.”
“Beckworth and I are of the same opinion as Jamie.” Hensley positioned himself near the mare’s head and stroked her neck. “Though Beckworth’s a bit more hands-on than I am. There’s no question he made an excellent breeding decision with this boy. He’ll make a fine stallion.”
“Is the sire here?” she asked.
“Beckworth took him out this morning.” Jamie motioned her closer.
