Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story by Chisholm Bronwen

Author:Chisholm, Bronwen [Chisholm, Bronwen]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Harvestdale Press
Published: 2015-12-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Young Adam Turner stood in the stable yard gazing up in awe at the massive beasts before him. “I ain’t ne’er rode a ‘orse before,” he said softly to the man at his side.

“Ach, there’s nothing to it, lad. You’ll be riding with me. General Fitzwilliam will most likely ride ahead. He’s an excellent horseman; he’s considering breedin’ ‘em.” O’Toole laid a reassuring hand on the boy’s shoulder.

At that moment, Richard Fitzwilliam appeared around the side of the stables, leading his own steed to the mounting block. “Are we ready, O’Toole? I desire to be away from this place.” He turned and looked up at his family seat; no longer could he call it a home.

“Aye, I was just reassuring young Adam. The lad’s not ridden before and the beasts are a bit large compared to his small frame.” The valet moved toward his horse; looking over the tack, tugging here and there to make certain all was secure.

Immediately Richard noticed the lad appeared younger than he had expected. A look of disgust crossed his features as he thought of Beardsley’s intentions toward the boy. Too late, he saw the child flinch and realized his expression had been misinterpreted. Quickly replacing the grimace with a welcoming smile, Richard motioned for the boy to come closer.

“The first thing to learn, Adam, is how to approach the horse.” He led the lad to within a few feet of his mount and patted the horse’s neck. “Always approach from the left front, at an angle, and it is best to speak softly to them.” He lowered his voice, “They are a bit like ladies, you know, even the stallions like Vulcan here; they do not appreciate being startled. You want to let them know you are coming, but not so loudly as to surprise them.”

He took the boys hand and lifted it toward the horse’s nose. Adam’s arm tensed and Richard thought he might draw away. “They learn you by your scent.”

Vulcan lifted his head, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the small hand before him. The scent was mixed with that of his master’s and the horse took a step forward. Adam attempted to move away, but Richard’s hand held tight to his shoulder. Reaching into his pocket, he slipped the boy a few apple slices. “Hold your hand out with the apple on your palm. Make sure to keep your fingers out of the way. You do not want him to think they are carrots.”

Adam’s eyes grew large, but he did as he was instructed and Vulcan accepted the treat, before bobbing his head as if in gratitude. A smile spread across the lad’s countenance as he relaxed, and Richard patted him on the shoulder. “He will allow you to pet him now. He likes to be scratched right about here.” Richard rubbed a patch on the horse’s neck.

Tentatively, Adam stepped closer to the animal which was more than three times his size and reached up to run his fingers over the area.

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