Miss Sidney acknowledged the grooms with a polite nod, and they returned the gesture before resuming their work.
As they started walking down the aisle, Miss Sidney began to speak with a note of pride in her voice. “As I said before, these are Galloway ponies and are magnificent creatures. An interesting fact is that Shakespeare mentioned these horses as “Galloway nags” in Henry IV, Part two.”
“You enjoy Shakespeare?”
“I do,” Miss Sidney said. “My mother instilled her love of Shakespeare in me from a young age. We used to read his plays together.”
Alden grinned. “’What’s in a name’?’” he asked, testing her knowledge.
“’A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,’” Miss Sidney finished effortlessly. “I do so loveRomeo and Juliet.”
“I suspected as much since most women do.”
Miss Sidney stopped by a bay-colored horse and reachedup to pet its neck with a gentle touch. “This is Skye,” she said fondly. “Do not tell the other horses, but she is my favorite.”
Skye nickered in response, nudging Miss Sidney’s hand.
She laughed. “That is Skye’s way of asking for an apple.” She reached down to a bucket and pulled out an apple, holding it out as the horse eagerly gobbled up the treat.
Miss Sidney moved the hair out of Skye’s eyes before sharing, “Galloway ponies may be small, but they are very hardy and active. They are much larger than the ponies of Wales and are highly desired for their size and temperament. They make great horses for children because of their gentle nature.”
Alden could hear the affection in her voice. “You care greatly for these horses,” he remarked.
“How can I not?” Miss Sidney asked, her eyes softening as she looked at Skye. “Unfortunately, many people are starting to crossbreed these horses, which is why their numbers are dwindling. It is disheartening.”
“That is common to crossbreed,” Alden noted, trying to sound understanding.
Miss Sidney offered him a weak smile. “It is, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it,” she replied. “Farmers want a horse of greater weight, better adapted to the draught, especially in Scotland. It is practical, but it dilutes the unique qualities of these ponies.”
Alden reached out and petted Skye. “You must be doing something right since this horse farm is very profitable.”
“I hope that is always the case,” she said. “My father owned a horse farm, and he taught me everything he knew.”
He turned to face her. “What horses did he breed?”
“Cleveland Bay horses,” Miss Sidney said. “My father’s horse farm was much smaller in size than this one, but he enjoyed it. Some might even consider it a hobby, considering he was busy with his other responsibilities.”
“Cleveland Bays are very different from Galloway ponies,” Alden remarked.
Miss Sidney bobbed her head. “They are, but both are remarkable in their own right. Cleveland Bays are powerful and versatile. They are excellent for both work and riding.”
“If you could choose, which breed do you like the best?” Alden asked, finding himself curious about her preference.
A thoughtful look crossed Miss Sidney’s face. “That is like asking a mother who her favorite child is,” she replied. “Each breed has its own strengths and charm. It is impossible to choose, at least for me.”
Miss Sidney continued walking down the aisle, sharing additional facts about Galloway ponies. As interesting as that was, Alden found that he was far more curious in knowing more about the beautiful- and alluring- Miss Sidney.
After Elinor showed the stables to Mr. Dandridge, she led him outside to the pasture to admire the Galloway ponies. She had to admit that he wasn’t awful, but she needed to be careful to not let her guard down. She wasn’t about to lose this horse farm to a man who so clearly did not even deserve it. He hardly seemed interested in the horses.
She came to a stop at the fence and placed her hand on the top rail, watching the horses graze lazily. This was a scene that she could never get tired of.
Mr. Dandridge came to stand next to her and glanced up at the cloudy sky. “Should we go back inside? It looks as if it is going to snow.”
“A little snow won’t hurt anyone,” Elinor said lightly. “But if you insist.” She was cold but didn’t dare admit that, especially not to Mr. Dandridge.
As they started walking towards the manor, Mr. Dandridge asked, “Have you taken some time to consider potential brides for me from the village?”
“Indeed, I have,” she said. “I can think of three women that would be perfectly suited for you.”
