Valentine watched carefully as Lyden’s expression hardened. It was clear he cared for Claire, and he was obviously displeased with Sirius’ behaviour. Having judged his neighbour’s reaction now, he felt comfortable enough to agree with him at least. “It was a cowardly thing to do,” he assented. “At least with others depending on him.” Lyden’s next words surprised him a little, though it was a pleasant surprise more than anything. He could hardly turn away a pregnant mare in need of a home, but all the same Lyden’s request was flattering and comforting. It made Valentine happy to think that he had made a good first impression on his neighbour. “Of course,” he replied swiftly and easily. “She will always be welcome in the Prairie so long as I live there. I don’t plan on stealing anyone’s children away. You can tell her that if she comes back here first.” Valentine’s next response required a little more careful planning before he spoke, and he considered it for as long as he could without seeming to hesitate. Although Lyden seemed perfectly pleasant so far, he still didn’t know him very well at all and he was unsure of how possessive he was of his mares. Plus, he was wary that Dock’s pregnancy might well be a sore subject. “I met Dock on the Crossing a little while ago, actually,” he explained. “She told me that she lived here with you and her sisters.” |