Three suitable ponies arrived in the Ravensrawn stable in less than a week. Emmaline’s was a handsome dapple-gray Welsh pony and Donovan’s Welsh was black with a white blaze and two socks. For Charlotte, there was a smaller skewbald Shetland. Martin had a small chestnut mare, sweet-natured and docile, though not lacking in spirit.
Mr. Morgan, Martin discovered was none other than the husband of the housekeeper and equally astute, capable and upright. The stable master, turned out to be a patient and skilled teacher. It took him two days to get Donovan on his mount. Once the boy got past his fear, he showed all the signs of delight as his sisters, except for their enthusiastic crows of triumph. Although Martin remained alert, once they began to take morning rides around the grounds, he did
