"Sure. Wash." She says it deliberately, smiling around the name. And then, with a laugh trapped in her throat, she adds, "You can ask the Barrayarans, too--but they get busy around here."

They can be gruff about it, too, though if he decides to start picking up riding, they'll probably be easier to ask. She glances at Moonfire, who's been standing so patiently between them both. "If you want, we can walk her around the yard."

Or he can be done for the day. Moonfire won't mind either way.