Norris gave a bark of laughter at the belch and lifted his beer as if toasting. The footmen had finished their portions just as quickly, but took a little longer over their beers, discussing non-consequential subjects like the horses and the old Butler’s snoring.<br/><br/>Soon enough, a stableboy came in to tell them the horses had been changed over, and would the young master like to give them an eyeing. The footmen stood without protest, though Norris drank the last of his beer before doing so.<br/><br/>In the yard, there was a new team of chestnut haflingers, and two long-limbed hunters of questionable breeding. “When we come back this way, our horses will be rested and ready to take back to the manor,” murmured Norris to Audrey. “The driver made sure they’re good, but you have to look over them yourself too. Feel over their legs and mutter under your breath a bit, then say they’ll do at a pinch.”<br/>