Sparks Fly in Featherwood Falls by Heather Reyburn

Author:Heather Reyburn [Reyburn, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heather Reyburn

‘Gosh. Now I know why he’s not your favourite uncle,’ Ashleigh said softly.

Claire nodded and collected the empty mugs. While they stacked the dishwasher and headed out to the paddock to catch the horses, questions swirled in Ashleigh’s head. Claire’s strides were quicker and more purposeful than usual, as though determined to increase the distance between her uncle and herself. Ashleigh struggled with the temptation to question her friend further.

They collected the bridles, slung the saddles over the yard rail, and were donning their safety helmets when Ashleigh couldn’t contain herself any longer. ‘Who’s Sarah?’

‘Donald’s wife.’ Claire rolled her eyes. ‘God knows what she ever saw in him, but, to her credit, she’s stuck around. They’ve got a son, Andrew, who’s at uni at the moment. He’s lovely and used to spend most of his holidays here with us when he was younger—you can probably guess why. Donald and Sarah own a farm close to Warwick, but Sarah’s an accountant so works in town. Poor Andrew used to be left to do a lot of the farm work while his father swanned around the countryside looking important. Now both he and Sarah have stood up to him and we haven’t seen her for years. She lives her own life, according to Andrew. I have to admit, I wonder what Donald has over her. He’s such a sleaze, and she’s so nice. I’ve never understood what she sees in him or why she stays around. Fortunately, Andrew takes after her and, with her financial help, is enjoying uni.’

Ashleigh chuckled. ‘It’s interesting how colourful people’s lives are. Mine’s boring by comparison. Although Dad’s been through a few things in the political minefield.’

‘I can imagine. Living under the spotlight wouldn’t suit me. I hate the way the media seem to dig up stuff that bears no relevance to a person’s current life.’

The horses galloped toward them, Akela leading with Splash close on her heels and the two ponies making their way up the slope, stiff-legged and with necks stretched and noses in the air.

Ashleigh lowered her shoulders, refusing to acknowledge the familiar bolt of intimidation that shot through her as she faced the oncoming charge.

An hour later, Ashleigh sat deep in her saddle, metres to the side of the open gate, the gentle gelding watching the sheep rush in front of him with pricked ears. Their brisk trot to the paddock had heated her inside and out as her fear eased and exhilaration blossomed. A wide smile spread over her face. In a little more than a week, it astonished her to discover not only did she love being around the horses and dogs, but she was actually enjoying riding. Although, she still likened it to sitting on a potential time bomb a metre and a half from the safety of the ground. Today was her biggest test. Until now, circles of trotting and the occasional canter in the big yard had expanded to a gentle trot in the paddock beside the house.

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