Manella rode down the narrow country lanes that twisted and turned.
She passed through several small villages without wondering if anyone was watching her progress or not.
All she could think of was the Marquis, the Marquis and the Marquis.
She felt as if every mile that separated them was like a dagger turning in her breast.
On and on she rode with determination in here eyes.
The sun rose in the sky and it became very hot.
She thought that Heron and Flash would need a rest and a drink of cool water before very long.
It was then that Manella realised that she was in a village that was much larger than those she had ridden through already.
On the far side of the village green there was a pretty black-and-white inn.
Outside it she saw that there were several men wearing top hats.
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