Today’s snippet revolves around pets and animals. Like last week, I was surprised to discover that not many of my characters have pets. I have, however, written a series historical romance novels in which three friends are magically transported back to Regency England during a freak storm. One of the first things these ‘modern’ women had to learn was how to ride a horse!
Excerpt from No Regrets (June Girls series, book two)
By the end of Vee’s first month in residence, daily life at Waterplace had taken on a stable, comfortable feel. Standing at the edge of the yard, Ben watched her attempt to master the side saddle. She’d been practicing for days and he had to admit, she was a terrible rider. In direct contrast to her unease atop a horse, Chelsea had taken to riding as a fish takes to water. Even now, she and Chelsea were circling the yard, Vee stiff and uncomfortable, Chelsea carefree and relaxed.
Smiling, he was amazed when he considered the difference one woman’s presence could make in a home. With Vee’s help, he’d managed to employ a gardener, two chambermaids, a young stable boy and he finally had the time to begin the interviewing process for the important position of head groom.
Mrs. Henry was embracing her role of housekeeper now that she actually had servants to guide and organize and Mr. Henry was pleased with his new role as the butler. Years of hard work had taken their toll on his body, and the older man was grateful for the opportunity to take on a job that was less physically challenging.
The happiest day was the day he’d finally managed to retain a capable cook–a stout woman whose name, ironically, was Mrs. Cooke. The night he announced Mrs. Cooke’s employment, they had a miniature celebration and Vee, delighted with Mrs. Cooke’s name, decided to rename everyone in the house according to their roles. She’d teasingly referred to him as Mr. Dukeson and Chelsea as Miss Ponygirl. Mr. Henry became Mr. Butler and Mrs. Henry she simply referred to as Her Majesty, much to the housekeeper’s delight. It was the first time he’d seen a genuine smile cross Chelsea’s lips and stay there. Vee brought life and laughter to the house and for that, he would be forever grateful.
The greatest change she had wrought in the house was Chelsea’s presence. Although the child still wouldn’t speak and rarely smiled, she no longer hid. Following Vee’s lead, he began engaging in one-sided conversations with the child in an effort to set her at ease. No major bridges had been crossed with regards to their relationship, but for the first time since Chelsea’s arrival in his life, he felt hope for their future together not simply as guardian and ward, but perhaps someday as father and daughter.
His biggest success with the child came due to Vee’s simple behest. He’d purchased a mare and a pony and true to his word, took the two females out for riding lessons. Glancing across the yard, he had to admit he was thrilled by Chelsea’s enthusiasm for it. The child was a natural equestrian and he was delighted to share his expertise with her. A love for horses was something they shared, and he rejoiced to see her smile now when she thought no one was looking. Twice in the past week, he’d spied her sneaking apples out to the stable as she clearly adored her little pony.
Sighing heavily, he considered all the things still left to do. His hunt for a governess hadn’t been as successful as his search for the other servants, but if he was truthful with himself, he hadn’t been looking very hard lately. Chelsea seemed at ease in Vee’s presence and his lovely ladybird, over the course of the last fortnight, had taken over all care for the girl herself. She fed, bathed and helped Chelsea dress, in addition to seeing to the child’s meals and tucking her into bed each night.
Vee’s personal riding lessons, unlike Chelsea’s, were not as successful. She was clearly terrified of the horses, in spite of his assurances that they would not harm her.
“Try not to sit so stiffly,” he coaxed.
“I’m sitting stiffly because I am stiff,” she answered sharply. “We’ve been at this for days and my legs and bottom are crying in agony.”
“You simply need to give your body time to become accustomed to the position. It will get easier.”
“I don’t want it to get easier,” she said, a slight whine in her voice. “Why can’t I ride in the carriage behind the horse?”
“Vee, we’ve been through this before. It’s not always practical. You need this skill,” he cajoled.
“Why? Apparently, I’ve lived this much of my life without it.”
Her words drove home to him again her likely origins. It would not be uncommon for a prostitute to never have ridden a horse. It would have been more unlikely if she had. Horses were a commodity the lower classes couldn’t afford.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of another horse approaching the house. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw a tall man with light brown hair approaching on a black gelding. He sat upon the seat with confidence, and Ben could see he was an excellent horseman.
“Ah, my afternoon interview,” he said.
“Another candidate for head groom?” Vee asked, aware of his frustration at not being able to find someone he felt worthy of the important position. He’d held several failed interviews in the past few days.
“Yes. It looks like this one may have some promise. If you will excuse me, I’ll go join him. Do me a favor and take two more laps around the circle before you dismount? Practice makes perfect,” he said with a smug smile. He turned away, but not before he caught her sticking her tongue out at what she thought was his back.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. That’s not very ladylike.” He looked back at her over his shoulder. “Just for that, perhaps we should make it four laps.
No Regrets is available at Liquid Silver and Amazon.
This is different from what I usually read but it sounds very interesting.
January 16th, 2010 at 1:09 pm