Chancey of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau

Author:Gigi Amateau [Amateau, Gigi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5429-0
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published: 2008-03-25T16:00:00+00:00

A week or more had passed, yet Claire still had not returned to the barn, nor had I any word of her condition. One afternoon, Mrs. Maiden came to me. She related to me that Claire had suffered a concussion, and though Claire was expected to make a full recovery, she would not be fully well for several more weeks. Mrs. Maiden’s voice cracked when she spoke, and thus I could tell that she had been worried, too.

Though still under her doctor’s care, Claire successfully prevailed upon Mother to bring her to the Maury River Stables just to see me. Claire insisted that the doctor’s order of no riding did not mean no visiting. Tenderhearted Mother not only allowed Claire this occasion, but she believed that a visit would hasten Claire’s recovery. This was reported directly to me by Mrs. Maiden, who not only informed me of Claire’s impending visit, but showed me a great kindness by taking the time to groom me in preparation.

I appreciated this kindness very much, not only because it helped me to feel my very best for Claire, but also because it was the first time that Mrs. Maiden had expressed a true fondness for me. Make no mistake: the care that I had received, and receive to this day, was expression enough of Mrs. Maiden’s deep love of all horses. But our grooming time, as we both waited for Claire and Mother, was Mrs. Maiden’s first real display of personal affection for me, Chancey.

Mrs. Maiden set my brush box beside my front feet; it will come as no surprise to those familiar with the habits of girls that the brush box Claire had chosen for me was also purple. Starting on my left side, Mrs. Maiden began to brush my coat, talking to me the entire time. I enjoyed the sound of her voice, not just for what she told me, but for the fact that even though I could not see her, I could feel her at my left side and so never felt surprised at any action that she took. Mrs. Maiden is a kind woman, but she does not always feel as relaxed as she did on this morning. Understandably, with her great responsibilities of providing safety and protection to children and horses, as well as a few barn mothers like Mother who ride, she is often too preoccupied to relax.

With the same warmth that she uses only for the very youngest of her pupils, Mrs. Maiden said to me, “Claire’s on her way, handsome boy. I know you’ve missed her. Claire’s mother thinks a short visit will help her feel better.”

Mrs. Maiden used a soft brush to clean my face; I closed my eyes and let the dirt fall from them to the floor. She lowered her voice and, touching my cheek, spoke again. “You know, sometimes little girls are hurt more inside than outside after a fall like Claire’s. I bet her mother’s right: a visit with you is probably just what she needs.

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