A Dream Rides By Read Online Free Page B

touching his forelock. ‘Quarryman at Foggintor. This is my wife, and these are our daughters: Ling, of course, and Fanny.’
    ‘Fanny, dear, how are you today?’ Ling realized that Mrs Warrington had raised her voice a little for Fanny’s benefit and then Fanny dipped a silent curtsy in return. ‘Ling is assistant at Foggintor School of which I suppose you might say I am patron,’ Rose went on to explain to the young gentleman. ‘Which is how we know each other.’
    ‘Ah, I see.’ Elliott smiled again. ‘Well, it’s my pleasure to meet you all. And I’m so glad I was able to be of some assistance.’
    ‘Assistance? Good heavens, you saved my life!’
    Ling was overjoyed at the opportunity of both thanking the affable young man and showing her admiration. She was feeling herself again now and, when he blushed with embarrassment, her heart soared. She loved Barney, of course, but Mr Franfield was brave, kind and gentle, to say nothing of his good looks, as well as intelligent and – ah, there was the rub – educated and from a class she could never aspire to. He was the stuff of dreams – so she might as well enjoy his company while she could!
    ‘I assume you’re on your own, Mr Franfield?’ she enquired, hoping her eagerness was not too apparent. ‘So, would you care to join us for the day? It would be much more fun for you than being on your own.’ Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the horror on her father’s face at her forwardness.
    Elliott Franfield appeared equally astonished, his eyebrows lifted into his forehead, but almost immediately he broke into a boyish grin. ‘Why, thank you very much. I should be honoured.’
    Ling’s chest swelled with happiness. She might nearly have been killed less than half an hour ago, but it seemed unreal, already a half forgotten dream. And without it, she would never have met the horseman who had drawn her attention earlier on. Her ankle throbbed, but it wasn’t
so
bad, and it was worth it to have Mr Franfield attend to it!
    Seth Warrington returned with the bandages from Stationmaster Higman’s medical box and, holding Ling’s ankle while the student doctor strapped it most expertly, nodded approvingly at Elliott’s handiwork. A reserved man was Mr Warrington, somewhat of a mystery, and there were some strange rumours as to his background. Ling had heard it said he was leading a campaign for prison reform and, in particular, something to do with an appeal system. It was also rumoured that he had once been a cavalry officer. Ling had decided she quite liked him, and if Mrs Warrington was so devoted to him that was good enough!
    ‘There,’ Elliott announced. ‘How does that feel?’
    ‘Yes, better, thank you,’ she answered truthfully.
    ‘Not too tight? Can you wriggle your toes? If they start feeling cold or you get pins and needles, you must say.’
    ‘No, it feels fine. So, may I suggest we catch up with everyone? I don’t want you all missing the fun because of me.’
    ‘And, as shareholders in the line, we must get back to the official party,’ Rose declared.
    Her husband nodded. ‘Let’s just see if this young lady can walk, shall we?’
    Ling’s cheeks burned with pride as, with a fine gentleman on either side, she was lifted on to her feet. She tentatively put her weight on her injured ankle, but winced as the pain shot up her leg, taking her by surprise as the strapping had made it feel so much more comfortable.
    ‘I’ll tell you what,’ Elliott suggested. ‘I have my horse outside. Have you ever ridden?’
    Ling’s jaw dropped open. She couldn’t believe all this was happening. ‘We have heavy horses at the quarry for pulling the carts, but no one ever rides them,’ she explained in reply.
    ‘Well, there’s a first time for everything.’ Elliott grinned. ‘Now, lean on me while I get you outside.’
    He put one arm about her waist, strongly supporting her so that she was partly leaning against him. Her whole body sizzled