Mary had been surprised at Mr Morris’s unexpected ability as a horseman. He had appeared, exceedingly elegantly attired, mounted on a nervy chestnut which had sidled and fretted restlessly as they had negotiated the town. Mr Morris had been unperturbed, paying the animal no more than the minimum of attention, and yet controlling it where many other riders would have been defeated. Once out of the town he had led them in an exhilarating gallop, and Mary had further admired his masterly control over the animal. Matthew was carefully avoiding Teresa, and his prudence no doubt contributed to her peevishness. He came to ride beside Mary and Caroline, and Mary tried to distract his attention by commenting on the scenery and asking what he knew of the caves they planned to visit. He was exceedingly well informed. “They have been worn hollow by the river which runs through them. Men are supposed to have lived in them many hundreds of years ago, and skeletons have been found, as well as pottery and tools and jewelry.
