Chapter 56: With Charlotte - James

Saddlebags unloaded, a fallen tree, the victim of a lightning strike, provides a handy tethering point. Reins looped loosely around the stub of snapped-off branches, our mounts have room to graze and to sun themselves.

Charlotte and I spread tablecloth and blankets over a sward as green as the Spring itself. I wanted this to be special. Charlotte can't have champagne now, but I packed a bottle of the elderflower fizz she's fond of. And finger foods: tiny bite-sized sandwiches, cherry tomatoes and crudités, strawberries and blueberries.

Sitting on our shared blanket, she tugs off her boots and socks, wriggling her toes. "God, that's better."

Oliver and Charlie stand nose to tail, heads low, tails flicking. Oliver stands with one hind leg cocked as he dozes in the sunshine, occasionally shifting his weight to cock the other hoof.

Charlotte shades her eyes against the sun. "Do you think we should let them out to pasture? Now the Summer's coming."