Xavier looked over at her, taking her sympathy with a nod he'd perfecte over the years. He idn't say anything mroe about it, though. What could he say, after all?
He was pleased that she was impressed by Mabel, and he drew her closer.
"Mabel, my darling, this is Alicia," he introduced. The horses weren't as intelligent as hippogryffs, but it was a near thing, and he always found it unforgivably rude not to introduce visitors.
Taking Alicia's hand, he drew it toward the horse's nose, watching with a faint smile as she stroked the softness while his own hand scratched behind her ears.
"She's bred the top filly or colt in the continent the last three years running. Her latest is in the next stall - his name's Midas."