This time I have it all planned. I have arranged to take Beth horse riding in Norfolk, seeing as she has been expressing an interest in it. My friend, Victor, has recommended a farmer to me, who hires out his horses. I shall teach her to ride, then we shall take our horses out along the little footpaths that run alongside the broads. After that... Well, then we shall rest the horses and settle down by the water's edge. We might picnic, if we are hungry, and then, when the timing is perfect, I shall drop down on one knee and ask her The Question.

"How d'you get on one o' these things?" Lestrade asks as she eyes the horse doubtfully.

I pat the beautiful bay mare affectionately. "If you trust me, I could help you."

"What if it moves?"

Oh Beth! "She is not going to move unless you hurt her. Now, put one foot in the stirrup and I shall help you to get up. One two three... There we are. Are you comfortable?"

"I'm scared zedless! This horse is moving!"

"Really Lestrade! She is not a car; of course she is going to move a bit. Try patting her neck and talking to her - her name is Candice."

She gingerly pats the neck before her. "Hi Candice."

"Good girl," I smile at her as I leap up onto the back of mine - a chestnut stallion called Ginger. "Come along then. We shall start off at a nice, gentle stroll."

I have never seen Beth Lestrade so nervous! She is clinging to the saddle and her body is rigid.

"Beth, you look like a shop mannequin," I inform her with a chuckle. "Relax and enjoy yourself - you are perfectly safe."

She does gradually begin to enjoy herself and I increase our pace to a canter, which seems to please the horses.

The weather begins to take a turn as we near a country inn and I decide to stop here. However, there is no shelter or stable boy for our weary horses. Damn! How I miss the way of life that I am accustomed to.

"What about the horses?" Lestrade asks with concern as I help her down from her saddle.

I sniff quietly and look about us. "I am not quite sure. I may have to call our friend Farmer Dunn and ask him to come and get them."

She wipes her nose on the back of her hand. "What about us?"

"One thing at a time Beth. Let me give him a bell first of all."

It turns out that the farmer was just about to call me, to let me know that he is on his way with his horse van. "Stay where you are and I'll pick you up."

Lestrade is cold, so I give her my coat and huddle between the horses as the rain falls heavily. We are soon drenched.

"Go inside Beth," I all but order my lady friend.

She shakes her head. "I'm not leaving you out here like this."

I try not to shiver. "I am all right."

"So am I Sherlock. Really."

I grumble quietly and sniff as I hunch my sodden shoulders. Confound the woman!

I know not how long we have been waiting when our rescue arrives. Farmer Dunn leaps from his van and gives a whistle.

"You look half drowned Mr. Holmes! Let me get the horses into the back and then I'll take you home."

I explain that we are only here for the afternoon and the fellow tuts quietly. "You should've made plans in case the weather turned nasty - it can take a sudden turn out on the Broads. I'm sure Victor'll put you up, but if he can't you're welcome to stay at the farm until the weather lets up."

And so we spend the evening with Victor Trevor, where we are entertained and our every need catered for, starting with warming drinks and hot showers. Our host is very generous.

"Apart from the storm, how did the rising go?" he asks Lestrade when we are warm and comfortable.

She smiles at the memory. "It was great! Can we do that again Holmes?"

"I am sure that we can," I respond with a small smile. "It is a pity that we were interrupted."

Ha! A pity indeed! It was a nuisance. I have still not had the opportunity to propose to the beautiful and remarkable young lady at my side and I am beginning to wonder whether I ever will.

"Never mind," Victor attempts to console me, knowing not why I am so upset. "We'll play some games, maybe watch some old movies and then, if the storm hasn't died down, I'll put you up for the night. I'm sure you'll be comfortable."

We both thank him gratefully and I attempt to put the disappointment out of my mind. It could, after all, be much worse.