'Is it possible?' asked Laurent. Neither of them possessed the wealth here to keep horses, but it seemed that Damen had found another way. He had arranged himself on Laurent's chaise in much the same way he'd done when Laurent had declared himself too inebriated to stand. It reminded Laurent to drink, and so he did, nearly half a glass down now. It was not unpleasant.

Leaning forward, Laurent selected a few nuts for himself, then pushed the chocolate nearer to Damen. 'Have you a friend with horses?'