What does "Beating his boot with his whip" mean?

[Madeleine]

I've seen that expression multiple times in the book. Does it mean he is literally lashing his boot with his whip (I'm assuming whip meaning a whip for horses)?

[Sheila]

I'd say it's a means of fidgeting. He's got the whip in his hand and he's tapping it against his boot. It's not done in a violent manner in the book, right? Just something going on while "he" (whoever "he" is) is conversing, if I remember correctly.

[Madeleine]

Yes I think that is an accurate interpretation. It's definitely not done in a violent manner. Thank you!

[Kressel]

Once you're finished the book, Madeleine, you may want to try My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead.