Royal Stables

"Not at all,"I reply and tap Edmund's chin,"You look like your father."

I then stand and rub my hand through his hair,"I am sorry for your loss. Jasper was a good lad."

Edmund grinned, feeling an immediate bond with this man. He glanced to his mother in the hopes she would share his happiness that this man said he resembled his father.

"You knew my papa?"

"Papa?"I scoff-daft french speak,"Ah' course I knew your father. He was my cousin-a good man."

I raise my eyebrows-knowing gossip,"I had better leave you two to it,"I say gruffly and lean down to the little boy.

"Careful not to fall of your horse, lad,"I say and chuckle warmly. I then see a little girl walk up and smile kindly,"You must Elizabeth?"

Edmund was quite enraptured by this gruff man and grinned as he saw his sister. He ran to her and whispered,"He knew papa!"

I nod,"Very well, I'll stay-since I am here. Why doesn't little Edmund get a shot on my horse?"
I then guffaw with laughter,"You have brought them up french haven't you!"

I glance to the little girl and smile,"Fille intelligente."

Edmund jumped on the spot and smiled,"Please mama can I?"

"I see little lady,"I turn to wee Edmund and smile,"Precocious little thing isn't she,"I say lightheartedly.

I then put the saddle back on my horse , adjusting the reins and stirrups for him,"I can see that,"I mumbled as I pick Edmund up.

Edmund grinned and looked up to John with a proud smile and then to his mother,"Was my papa a good rider?"he asked, already under the new influence of this man.

"The young lad is no fool, if he falls he will know not to again,"I reply and elbow him playfully.

I make a little noise as I grip the reins loosely and the horse begins to trot softly,"Hold tight, young lad. And yes your father was a superb rider. I rode by him in the war and never did he fall off."

Edmund giggled when he elbowed him and then smiled excitedly as the horse moved,"Did you and papa win the war?"

"There are no winners in war lad,"I reply.

"What of Jasper's old mut? He had that since he were twenty,"I ask Jane.

"Maybe that would be a better pet than a dangerous bird. After all my family have a reputation of being wolves,"I say jokingly.