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though.”
    Ellie scowled. “He drives me mad!”
    Luke gave her a sympathetic look. “It’ll be better when you can drive. Then you’ll have some independence and won’t be stuck here all the time.”
    “Great,” Ellie groaned. “That’s only two years and a few days away.”
    “Of course—it’s your birthday next week, isn’t it?” Luke realized.
    “Thursday,” said Ellie.
    “We’ll be at Hickstead. We’ll have to celebrate in style.” Luke chuckled. “Well, if you’ve managed not to end up in hospital by then. Picasso really had it in for you today.”
    “I know! I wish Len was thinking of selling him , not Barney!” Ellie patted Picasso’s neck to show she was only joking. “I’ll really miss Barney if he leaves,” she went on, her thoughts turning to the chestnut pony. “I wish none of the horses ever had to be sold.”
    “It’s the way it is here,” said Luke. “Don’t become too attached to them. If you’re going to be attached, get a horse of your own.”
    Ellie frowned. “Why don’t you have your own horse?” She’d never really thought about it much, but suddenly she realized it was strange. It wasn’t about money—Luke’s parents were rich. Even though they had very little time for him, surely they would buy him a horse if he wanted one? She knew he’d loved the ponies he owned when he was younger because she’d seen how upset he’d been when he talked about two of them being put down.
    Luke shrugged. “Guess I don’t want one.”
    “But why not?”
    “They break your heart.”
    “That’s no reason for not having a horse!” Ellie protested.
    “Isn’t it?” He gave her a look.
    “No!” The pain Ellie had felt when Spirit died had been immense, utterly devastating, but she knew she would suffer that a million times rather than having lived without knowing and loving him. “You can’t live your life not loving just because you’re afraid of getting hurt!”
    “Looks like I can.” Luke started to whistle annoyingly.
    “Luke!’ Ellie felt anger rise inside her. She knew he wasn’t as cold as he was making out. Why did he have to put on an act? “You don’t think like that. I don’t believe you do.”
    His voice was light. “Believe it.”
    “Well, if it’s true, you’re a coward!”
    A muscle jumped in Luke’s jaw. “Thanks.”
    The sensible part of Ellie’s brain told her to just let it go—it was Luke’s life and he could live it as he wanted. But the rest of her seethed with frustration. She stared straight ahead at Picasso’s ears, hating him for saying what he had.
    They didn’t speak for a while.
    It was Luke who eventually broke the silence.
    “You know, you should buy another horse,” he said suddenly.
    “What?” Ellie was so surprised she forgot her bad mood for a moment.
    “I’ve been thinking about it.” The angry look on his face faded. “It would be good for you. Why don’t you get one? You really should.”
    Ellie stared at him, taken aback by his change of mood. But seeing the genuine interest in his eyes, she let herself consider the idea. For a moment, she imagined it, a horse that was just hers—one that no one could sell or take away. A horse she could do whatever she liked with. No. She felt suddenly disloyal. She didn’t need another horse; she had Spirit still.
    “Well?” Luke pushed.
    “I don’t need a horse. I … I haven’t got time for one,” she said quickly. “There are so many ponies to ride with Joe gone.”
    “So get a youngster.” Luke waved his hand in the air, bulldozing the obstacles away. “I know. Buy the foal—buy Hope!”
    “Hope?” Ellie echoed in surprise.
    “Yeah! It would be perfect. I can’t believe you haven’t thought of it before. She’s a looker and bred for jumping. She should make about 15.2 hands high when she’s full grown, perfect for you. You could bring her on, do what you wanted with her, start riding her in a few years’ time. Maybe show jump her. You two