Visit the stables

Rather than remain inside, you made your way across the courtyard towards the stables.

A gentleman's valet had good reason to know where the horses were being kept, particularly after a long journey. Sir Edward would no doubt wish to ride during the hunting party, and you preferred to familiarise yourself with the estate while there was still time.

The stable yard bustled with activity.

Stable lads carried saddles between stalls, grooms brushed down horses that had only recently arrived, and the smell of fresh hay mingled with leather and damp earth. Compared to the polished halls of Kingsmere House, everything here felt more honest—less concerned with appearances and more with getting the work done.

As you wandered between the buildings, a young woman emerged from a side door carrying a basket so full of vegetables and herbs that she could scarcely see over the top.

At precisely the wrong moment, one of the stable dogs darted across her path.

"Oh!"

The basket lurched sideways.

Without thinking, you stepped forward and caught it before its contents spilled across the yard.

"Oh, thank goodness."

She let out a relieved laugh.

"I'd never have heard the end of that."

You carefully handed the basket back.

"It looked rather heavy."

"It is."

She adjusted it against her hip.

"Cook always insists I can carry more than I actually can."

There wasn't the slightest trace of self-pity in her voice.

If anything, she found the situation amusing.

"I'm Martha."

She smiled openly.

"Martha Green."

"Thomas. I arrived with Sir Edward Harrington."

"The new valet?"

"That's right."

"I thought so."

She glanced briefly at your boots before grinning.

"They're far too clean to belong to anyone who works out here."

You laughed.

"I've only just arrived."

"I'll give it until tomorrow."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"After the first hunt, they'll never look the same again."

Before you could reply, raised voices echoed from the far end of the yard.

A finely dressed gentleman stood beside an impatient stable master, gesturing towards a magnificent bay horse.

Though you couldn't make out every word, his tone left little doubt that he expected his instructions to be followed immediately.

The stable master listened in silence before giving a curt nod.

Martha noticed you looking.

"One of the guests," she said quietly.

"He seems particular."

"That's one way of putting it."

She shifted the basket once more.

"I'd best get these to the kitchens before Cook comes looking for me."

She started to leave before pausing.

"It was kind of you to help."

"It was nothing."

"It wasn't nothing to me."

With a warm smile, she continued towards the house, leaving you to watch the steady rhythm of life in the stable yard for a few moments longer before making your own way back inside.

Whatever the next five days held, you suspected Kingsmere Hall had far more to offer than grand dinners and hunting parties. You still have some time to spend before dinner.