He had been away at school and university when his siblings were this age and he sincerely wished he had not missed this delightful stage of their development. He was leading Tom on his pony and Billy had David beside him. They walked sedately down the track that led towards the woods. ‘Billy, where does that path lead to? It should be cooler in the shade of the hedge.’ ‘I’ve not been down it, my lord, but I reckon it runs around the wood and will bring us out behind the house.’ The path was on the right-hand side of the trees and on the left of the open parkland. ‘Then we shall take it. Are you enjoying your first experience of riding?’ Gideon asked. ‘You both seem to have a good seat.’ ‘Can we go a bit faster, sir, we won’t fall off will we, David?’ ‘Hold onto the neck strap if you feel insecure – whatever you do don’t snatch at the reins. Are you ready? Relax into the saddle and go with the motion of the pony.’ He patted the animal’s neck and began to walk faster – as soon as he was sure both boys were happy at the increasing pace he started to run.
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