She felt embarrassed as she spoke, knowing that Huxley would be aware from what they had already said, that she did not know the Earl and it was quite obvious for whom the reply was really intended.
Huxley had been in private service all his life and well understood that however strange the behaviour of the Quality was, it was not for a servant to question it. So he simply replied,
“Very good, miss. I expects ’e’ll be back within the hour, unless he has to wait o’er long.”
“To save trouble ’ Sorilda replied, “I will come back to the stables in about an hour’s time.”
“You do that, Miss Sorilda,” Huxley answered, knowing that it would be a good excuse for her to be with the horses.
He gave the groom his instructions and Jim led the horse out of the cobbled yard and mounted.
“And hurry
