Read Old Sins Long Shadows for Free Online Page A

breathless lad had come running over the hill saying he was needed at the manor for a sick horse. He was just about to send a message back saying he was busy, that he had work to do and that they should spend their considerable wealth on employing one of the new veterinary surgeons when he suddenly changed his mind. He unhitched his horses from the wagon, led them to a field to graze and followed the boy back to the manor. He told himself it was the thought of an animal in distress that had changed his mind. It was, however, only a half truth. There was also another reason which brought him to Bosvenna Manor on that sunny afternoon, which he refused to acknowledge to himself. That other reason was the possibility of a glimpse of a certain girl who happened to work there.
    He had found James in the rear courtyard surveying his equine pride and joy, with a worried frown upon his face which disappeared on seeing Daniel . They shook hands and Daniel acknowledged his greeting with a nod and one word,
    ‘James.’             
    ‘ How are things at that farm of yours?’ asked James with a friendly smile, ignoring the fact that Daniel had used his christen name rather than ‘sir’ or ‘mister’ which was due his station. Daniel did not believe he was subordinate to any man, least of all James. However, James did not take offence as Daniel knew about horses and it was his knowledge he needed.
    ‘ Summer was busy but things should settle down now autumn is almost here.’
    ‘ I see the reapers are at Pendrift Farm today.’ Daniel nodded in agreement.
    ‘ They moved there after helping me. They are making the most of the dry spell. What seems to be the problem?’ Customary country greeting undertaken, both men looked at the fine horse tied to the ring in the wall.
    ‘ Honestly, I don’t really know. She’s had all summer getting fat and lazy in the field and my first attempt at a good ride to bring her into fitness before the hunting season starts and she’s just not right.’
    Daniel looked the animal over . The mare was a fine specimen and, despite James’s description, was not carrying too much weight. ‘All her shoes are sound, she’s not had an injury, yet she acts up and is not fluid in her movements. Frankly I’m at a loss.’
    Daniel looked in the horse’s mouth, ‘A horse can injure themselves in a field just galloping around when playing.’ He gave the horse a gentle rub on the nose as a thank you when he had finished and went on to feel its back, ‘What’s she like to canter on to the left and right?’
    James thought for a moment, ‘I do believe she feels stiff when turning left, not so bad turning right.’
    Daniel nodded slowly as if taking in the information and comparing it to his findings . He started to feel each leg in turn, taking notice of the muscle conformation, the tenderness and the wasting. A dog’s joyful barking could be heard in the rose garden, beyond the courtyard wall but neither man took any notice.
    ‘ I think her problem is more long standing than you may think. Take a look at her front hoof, it is wider and forward growing, unlike the others.’
    James stood in front of the horse to get a better look.
    ‘ Are you saying she has been shoed poorly?’
    ‘ No, if it was the fault of the farrier it would be more than likely all the hooves would be misshapen. It is unlikely a farrier would do a bad job on just one hoof alone.’  Daniel stroked the horse along its shoulder, ‘See here and here. I can see there is muscle wasting and tenderness. It has resulted in your horse walking stiffly, which in turn causes the hoof to grow wrong. This has been going on for probably more than a year.’  James did not answer and Daniel looked up at him to discover why he had not said anything.
    ‘ Well, well, if that isn’t a sight for sore eyes,’ smiled James as he looked across the courtyard, his horse forgotten. Daniel followed his gaze to find the cause of his loss