Chapter 59

The next few weeks passed uneventfully. Victoria got her fears under control but there was no change in either of their emotions. Their love pervaded their beings and percolated into the lives of everyone else who was close to them.

Mark rang the Saddle Club. "Jim?"

"Yes."

"Mark Bowers."

"Hello, Mark. I was going to talk to you. You've just about used up your guest quota."

"I'm sure I have and I'll pay whatever I have to."

"Nothing yet but you've only got one more guest ride until the New Year."

"Yes, Sir."

There was a chuckle from the other end of the line. "So, what can I do for you?"

"I want to buy Patch."

"He's not on the market, Mark, as such."

"I realise that but I still want to buy him."

There was a further chuckle from the far end. "Would this be for the benefit of a certain young lady?"

Mark laughed. "Got it in one, Jim."

"He's pretty special."

"I'm very aware of that. So's she."

"So he's going to cost you."

"I'm very aware of that too. What are you thinking of?"

"£900 to a grand."

"That's pricey."

"Yes, but as we agreed he's pretty special."

"And I'm on captain's pay having just bought an engagement ring."

"Mark, I didn't know. How super! She's a lovely girl too. Rides better than you too. Anyway, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Jim. So what's the form?"

"Well, I can't act on my own so I'll have to wait to bring it up at the next committee meeting."

"Which is?"

"First Monday in October."

Mark laughed. "All of four days away. I can wait that long. What are they going to say?"

"They'll decide whether they are willing to sell him and will set a minimum price."

"Fine. Jim, without wishing to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, not that I would ever claim you to be my grandmother, you could get two good hacks for Patch."

"No," replied Jim with a laugh, "I'm not nor ever will be your grandmother. I'm much too young and the wrong sex. And yes, I do realise what we could do with the proceeds."

"I'll offer you something else," said Mark. "If Victoria goes back into competitive riding she's going to win things with Patch. There could be some kudos for the Saddle Club."

"Good try, Mark," laughed Jim. "It's not as though we rate very high anyway."

"Oh well," said Mark laughing too. "I'll leave it with you."

"Thanks, Mark. I'll let you know."

The following Tuesday, as good as his word, Jim rang Mark.

"Nine two fifty," he said.

"Done!" said Mark like a shot. "Now, I don't actually want him until Saturday 22nd of November which is Victoria's birthday so you're free to use him as normal in the meanwhile. I'm off to Germany with the general from 11th to 20th of October. I've got to pull the funds together so I'll come over with a cheque for you shortly after we get back from Germany. Does that sound all right?"

"Fine but I won't accept any money until you come to collect him."

"Jim, you're an ace. I'll be in touch. Thank you very much indeed."

"Not at all, Mark. 'Bye."

Mark could not contain his excitement and, knocking on Anthony's door, went in to him. He closed the door behind him. Anthony looked up and could not help but see the beaming smile.

"Well?" he asked.

"I've got Patch," exclaimed Mark barely able to restrain himself.

"Excellent! That's great news."

"It gets even better. Only nine two fifty."

"Pounds or guineas?"

Mark gulped. "Pounds, I think. I'm sure Jim would have said guineas if it wasn't."

Anthony grinned. "Couldn't let you have it all your own way," he chuckled. "We'll done, my boy. So now you want a cheque."

"Please, Dad, but no immediate rush. I don't need the money until 21st or 22nd November."

"Ah, so now it's a birthday cum engagement rather than a Christmas cum engagement present."

Mark smiled shamefacedly. "I couldn't wait till Christmas," he said.

Anthony laughed. "I can understand," he said. "How are you going to give him to her?"

"I'm not sure. I'd like to discuss it with you and Mummy at some stage."

"I'll warn her off. Heaven knows when we'll get a chance. You keep Little Miss on such a short lead."

Mark laughed. "It might have to be a lunch time," he suggested.

Anthony nodded. "I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Dad." Mark left the office.

He rang home that evening and spoke to David who was delighted and said he would get a cheque off in the next day or two.

David rang Anthony immediately and confirmed their agreement to £250 each willy-nilly. David said that he would put a cheque in the post on Friday addressed to Mark at the office so that he would be sure to get it next Monday morning. Anthony could give him his at the same time. Anthony agreed the plan.

In the meanwhile, following the announcement of their engagement in the papers, letters from friends and relations were pouring in and they spent their Sunday afternoons answering them together at Mark's kitchen table. Most, naturally, were to Victoria but apart from a very loving one from the Richardsons, which Mark said was quite unnecessary though typical as they had seen them, there were two that Mark was particularly moved by.

Chris Holdsworth wrote:

My dear Mark,

You may be wondering whether I am going to upbraid you for disobeying an order. I am not. I merely warned you to watch your step. You've taken several more than one and I'm delighted with the result. They must have been brave steps but you were rewarded on two fronts. First you won the heart of a fair lady and second you overcame a strong and devoted father.

Jean and I are thrilled for you both. If reports are true you will be marrying a very beautiful and gifted girl. We haven't seen her since she was a little girl but we were captivated then by a pony-mad tomboy. She, we know, is a very lucky girl who has captured someone we have become very fond of ourselves and whom we admire.