Keeping a firm grasp on the bridle he shot a look down the animal’s flanks. Unable to see any injury to horse or rider he moved to the offside. Nothing. In fact the woman sat as though born to the saddle, except there was no saddle. ‘Mama!’ India’s voice rose above the heavy breathing of all three horses as she slipped to the ground. ‘Are you all right? What are you doing out here? So far from the house.’ Mrs Kilhampton tossed an impatient glance at her daughter and urged Jefferson forwards. Jim clamped his hand around the bridle. Now they’d found her he wouldn’t let her out of his sight again, or for that matter Jefferson. ‘One moment, please.’ He tried to keep his tone even and offered a tentative smile, mindful of the way she’d fled on the first day. She shivered like a frightened filly as India’s screeches rose, resembling her sister in the mating yard. ‘India, why don’t you go back and tell Anya and Peggy we have found Mrs Kilhampton.’ ‘Jim! You …’ ‘Now!
