"I do, but my point stands. We all carry our own scars, sai--" and oh, but Cuthbert's careful not to look in Alain's direction. "--but Susan's aren't the sort she's been able to share, do'ee kennit? She knows we know, but if she's hiding in the woods instead of letting anyone in, there's a problem."

"He knows that, 'Bert." Alain's tone, in contrast, is mild. "Leave off. Best they get started before it gets much later. She'll be wondering what's taking us so long. If there's anyone who knows how long it takes to care for a horse, Susan's that person."