The next morning Little Joe and Merrylegs left for the minister's house.
Then John saddled Ginger and mounted, leading me beside her.
We rode out through the gates of Birtwick Park without looking back.
After about fifteen miles we came to a place called Earlshall Park.
This would be our new home.
The estate had a very fancy house and a large stable.
When we reached the stableyard, John asked for Mr. York.
York was the man in charge of the earl's stable, horses, and carriages.
He was a handsome man with a manner that said he expected to be obeyed.
"It's nice to meet you," he said to John. "Thanks for delivering the new horses."
He called for the grooms to take Ginger and me inside.
Then he invited John to come and have some tea.
The grooms led us into the bright, airy stable.
One led me into a large, deeply bedded stall, and the other took Ginger into the equally nice stall beside it.
Then they groomed us and gave us some hay.
Half an hour later John and Mr. York returned. York looked us over carefully.
"These look like very nice horses, Mr. Manly," he said to John.
"Is there anything you'd like to tell me about them?
All horses have their quirks."
"I don't believe there's a better pair of horses in the country," John replied.
"I'm very sorry to part with them. But you should know that they're not alike.
The black one has the most perfect nature I've ever seen.
I don't think he's ever known a harsh word or an unfair punishment since he was foaled."
"Excellent," York said.
"But the chestnut one hasn't been so lucky," John went on.
"We bought her from a dealer who said she'd had some bad treatment in her early years.
When we got her, she was tense and suspicious.
But after some good handling at our place, she relaxed, and for the past three years she's been very good."
"I see," York said.
"If she's well-treated, there isn't a better, more willing animal," John said.
"But she's still high-strung.
She's more bothered by flies than most horses, and likely to be annoyed by the harness too.
If she were unfairly treated, she'd probably react strongly."
"Many spirited horses are like that," York said with a nod.
"Thank you for the information, Mr. Manly. I'll remember what you've told me."
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention one more thing," John said.
"We've never used the checkrein to hold up the head of either of these horses.
The black horse has never worn one in his life, and the dealer said it's what spoiled the mare."
"Well, they're going to have to wear it here, I'm afraid," York said.
"I prefer a loose rein myself, and the earl doesn't care.
But the lady is very interested in style and fashion.
If her carriage horses aren't reined up tight, she won't even look at them."
"I'm sorry to hear that," John said with a sigh.
"But I'd better go, or I'll miss my train."
John stepped into my stall.
"Good-bye, you two," he said, giving Ginger and me each a pat.
"I hope you'll be happy here."
His voice sounded sad.
All I could do to say good-bye was hold my face close to him.
Soon he was gone, and to this day I've never seen him since.
The next day the earl came to look at us. He seemed pleased by what he saw.
"These horses are just as nice as squire said," he commented.
"It's too bad they're not a match in color, but they'll be fine for driving around the countryside."
York agreed. Then he told the earl what John had said about us.
"Hmm." The earl glanced at Ginger.
"Keep an eye on the mare, and start with the checkrein loose.
If you tighten it up a little at a time, I'm sure they'll both get used to it soon.
I'll mention it to my wife."
That afternoon the grooms harnessed us to a fine carriage.
For the first time I had the checkrein attached to my bridle.
It was strange not to be able to lower my head if I wished.
But my head wasn't held any higher than normal, so I didn't mind too much.
Ginger didn't complain either.
As the clock struck three, we were led around to the front of the house.
With a rustling of silk, a proud-looking lady walked down the steps to meet us.
She looked at Ginger and me and frowned.
But she said nothing—at least not on that first day.