He watched as she talked to the horse, unaccountably pleased with it. He couldn't abide a woman who couldn't handle the animals.
"He'll be all right soon enough. It just takes a bit getting used to," he said fishing into one of his pockets and pulling out a bit of candied apple. "Here - these are their favorites."
He handed one to Mabel as well, who whinnied her insistance. "Just keep your hand flat - he hasn't quite learned how not to nip if you don't."
This time, he kissed her forehead. "Well, I should hope this is better than bunions. Now if you'd said dentures, well, I'd have been able to see the allure, but bunions?"