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Away From the Inn – Delivering the Post
‘Hold steady, Jolly! There’s a good lad.’ Hugh secured the leather satchel, still bulging with letters and packages, to the pommel of his pony’s saddle. He heaved his leg up over Jolly’s back next and settled himself in for the ride.
With a resolved sigh he gave a little kick to the pony’s flanks and hung on tightly. Jolly was a fine little companion, a stolid trouper on the post route. And Hugh appreciated him no end. But to be honest, Hugh preferred to walk with Jolly ambling alongside - the pony did not have the smoothest of gaits.
‘I hope we’re not too late for a hot mug of tea at Miz Boffin’s.’ He smiled and nodded at the thought of it. ‘And a large slice of her seedcake. Yes, indeedy do. Mayhap, two.’ He laughed aloud at the chance rhyme, startling a sparrow on a nearby alder branch. ‘Got plenty of news to share with the old gal, don’t I?
Jolly trotted along at a steady, if jolting pace. He flicked his ears now and then and made the occasional snort as if trying to participate in Hugh’s solitary converse. He was rather fond of Miz Boffin, himself. She always had a nice nosebag of oats waiting for him. He increased his pace a bit, noting, without comment, the subsequent groan from his rider.
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