She suddenly craved being alone. Gerard and Claudine drove out mid-morning to spend some time with Joan's children before they all departed. Beth was leaving as they arrived. She would reach her home in Richmond in time to grab a nap before she had to work the night shift that night. Evey packed enough food to hold Beth over for a few days and promised she'd drive to Richmond for a visit soon. Evey disappeared from the house after lunch. Gerard found her in the stables, saddling a tall, sleek-looking horse. While she finished saddling him Gerard ran his hand over the neck and withers of the majestic animal. "This is the one who balks?" he asked. "This is him. Jericho," Evey answered as she tightened the cinch. "You're taking him out?" "What with the wedding and all, we haven't been exercising any of the horses the way we should," Evey said. "Can you give me a leg up?" "Oui," Gerard answered as he stepped to the side of the horse. The usually friendly Evey was now brusque when she spoke and didn't smile.
