Time Scout by Robert Asprin & Linda Evans

”I don’t know anything about horses,” she said dubiously.

”You will.” Malcolms cheerful smile removed the hint of threat.

The horses John hired-four altogether-came in two distinct pairs. As John shook out the reins over the carriage horses, Malcolm explained

”Those are cobs, sturdy draft horses used for pulling loads. This isn’t the fanciest carriage available, although it’s smart and very up-to-date in keeping with my persona here.”

”What’s it called?”

”It’s a four-wheeled brougham, with a hard top,” he rapped the ceiling with his knuckles, “which will make it easier for you to change your attire without being noticed. This is the family vehicle of the 1880’s, very respectable.”

”And the horses tied behind?” They were much sleeker than the stocky carriage horses.

”Hacks. General riding animals, not nearly as expensive or handsome as hunters, but much easier to manage and cheaper to rent for those who don’t care to feed a horse year-round, pay for its stabling, a groomsman, a blacksmith…”

”Expensive, huh?”

”Very. That’s why livery stables do such a brisk business hiring animals and carriages.”

Margo thought about what Connie had said on the subject of class distinction and decided to risk a question. “What do the really rich people think about people who hire carriages and horses?”

Malcolm’s mobile features lit up. “Very good, Miss Smythe! Generally, we’re snubbed, of course. Anyone with pretensions to society keeps a carriage and horses of his own. I am absolved through the eccentricity of my comings and goings from Honduras. Providing I ever acquire the capital, I intend to take out a long-term lease on a small house where I might entertain guests: All my down-time acquaintances urge me to do so, in order to keep a permanent staff rather than relying on the vagaries of agency people.”