Chapter 206 - Noah

They stopped in front of another stable and saw a couple more hostlers and another male equine vet that Jacob recognized easily because of the stethoscope on his neck. One hostler approach and helped J get off Mr. Darcy making Jacob frown. Jacob get off Elizabeth and followed J inside the stable.

J made a quick round and talked to the vet before getting back on Mr. Darcy. Both of them started to go back to where the Hauler is parked.

"I noticed that the male horses on that stables are smaller and less muscular than Mr. Darcy. Are they another breed?" Jacob asked.

"No. They were thoroughbred as well. They are geldings. Male horses that were castrated making them calmer, better-behaved, quieter and gentler than the stallions. They are more suitable as an everyday working animal and leisure horseback riding." J pulled the rein of Mr. Darcy making him turn towards a stable. They went in and passed the reins to a hostler to take Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth back to their stalls.

J and Jacob walked towards the Hauler. J made a quick visit to Rosie and her foal before they left. It was only three o'clock, so they made a visit to the orchard. Upon arrival, they were met by an old man in his early 60's. He is the supervisor of the orchard.

"Miss J, welcome back." the old man said while taking off his straw hat to greet them.

"We just came here to pick some oranges," J replied.

"Well then, follow me. We still have a couple more left on that side of the orchard." the old man said. J followed the old man with Jacob beside her. Since that path is a little bit dirty and rocky, Jacob would hold her in her elbow once in a while until he settled himself on holding her hands. J raised her head to look at him but Jacob just shrugs her shoulders while a small smile appears on the corner of her lips.

They reach a row of orange trees that were still in the bloom of ripe oranges ready to be harvested.

"We've already harvested the oranges on the row this morning. I heard that you would be coming today. It's a pity that you were not able to come." The old man said as he continued to lead them the way.

"One of the mares in the stable gave birth to a foal so I stayed there for a couple of hours since I came." J felt guilty after knowing that the old man waited for her that morning.

The old man turned to look at her with a smile. A smile that reached up to his eyes. "That's fine. I know how you love those horses. And besides, it wasn't me who felt regret the most."

J furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?" She asked thou she already guessed what the old man meant.

But the old man didn't reply. Instead, they heard someone called her name.

"Miss J!" the three of them turned to look at the man walking fast towards them.

"I'll leave you here with Noah. I'll just get the baskets." then the old man turned and leave them.

A few meters away from them a tall, tanned, muscular man is approaching them fast.

"Noah!" J exclaimed at the sudden surprise. Jacob looked at J and frowned to see a gleeful face.