"Very well." And he prodded the horse forward, they were at the house rather quick. He didn't want to hold her up, and the ride passed without so muhc as a word exchanged between the two. But much had been wished to be said, that muhc was certain. But Leif steeled his tongue, and when they approached his home, the iron gates in front were opened for them, and they rode back to the stables.
He helped Valentina from the hose once he was dismounted, and tethered his horse before taking her arm.
"So do you think my mother will survive without you here? She seems to have taken a shining to you. She never got a chance to prepare a wedding for her daughter. I think she's viewing you as her next best thing." And then he quickly added, "And that was not meant in offense."