There had only been one problem. Fergus didn’t have a horse. The thoroughbred Marcus had ridden had gone lame after galloping on the hard ground during the fire. So everyone had been surprised all over again when Josephine offered the most unlikely of solutions.
“What about Lachlan?” she said over breakfast, flicking through Horse and Hound. “He’s totally bombproof, and looks just right for the part.”
Alice turned to stare at her mum. “Really?” she asked, not believing her ears. Lachlan was Josephine’s most valuable and prized pony, and having owned him since he was a yearling she knew her mum was devoted to the sixteen-year-old Highland.
Josephine nodded. “Why not?” she said. “The old boy would love it. But then it’s back to business, Alice. Remember he’s not yet finished his showing season; we’ve still got the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia. But on that subject, once he retires,” her mum continued, her eyes sparkling, “we can really begin to concentrate on Secret. I think he’ll do even better than Lily, in time.”
Feeling guilty, Alice just nodded. She desperately wanted to tell her mum that it wouldn’t be happening, but now wasn’t the time. She vowed she would talk to her mum, as soon as the party was over.
Under Finn’s instruction, Alice, Fergus and Shelley were starting to look like a proper team, cantering side by side in perfect sync, crossing each other in the centre of the arena and galloping down the long side.
“It’ll look even better when you’re all dressed up,” Finn enthused as they stopped for a rest. He gazed around, deep in thought, before his face lit up. “I’ve got it!” he said eagerly.
“Got what?” Alice said, taking a huge gulp from a water bottle. This sort of riding was thirsty work.
“How we can make it the best show ever!” Finn said. “What about bringing in Secret?”
Alice just looked at him. “Secret?” she said, wondering if he had totally lost the plot. Secret, the pony who had refused to trot in the ring, and who had escaped from both his ridden classes…?
Finn laughed. “Yes, Secret!” he repeated, explaining that Secret could play the part of a cunning red fox. With his colouring and delicate face he would be perfect.
Alice gulped. “But what do I have to do?”
“Just ride him across the arena in trot, nothing fancy,” Finn said. “You can do it, Alice.”
“Yes, go on, Alice!” Shelley grinned, and Alice agreed reluctantly.
“Remember the fire,” Finn said quietly just to her. “He trusts you; you just have to show him what you want.”
So Secret became part of the show and Alice had to admit the practice had gone well. Ever since the fire she had felt more confident about handling the roan pony and had ridden him in the fields surrounding the yard without any mishaps. But taking part in the display was a whole new thing. Finn seemed sure she would be OK. She would just have to trust him, and Secret.
Samantha returned the afternoon before the party with the finished costumes. Sasha had a new cloak in a rainbow of coloured sequins, and Fergus looked very handsome in a white tunic. Alice and Shelley had matching outfits: red tunics studded with silver diamonds. They even had silver silks for their helmets. Finn was wearing a dark green cloak and his hat was decorated with peacock feathers.
“You’re not in black!” Alice said in surprise.
“No need, now I’m not the villain.” Finn chuckled, and then gave her such a big smile that she felt her tummy flip over several times.
There was huge excitement in the yard as the team ponies were given a bath, even Secret, with Finn’s help. They were going to travel in Josephine’s lorry to Samantha’s house the next morning, so Finn, Sasha and the horses were staying over.
After supper Alice wandered down to the yard to say goodnight to Secret. “Big day tomorrow, sweetheart,” she whispered in his ear and he stopped munching his hay and blew softly into her hair. “For both of us,” she added after a pause, remembering her vow to talk to her mum about Secret’s future after the display. She had to get tomorrow right, both for Finn, and for Secret.
“Oh my…” Sasha stared around her as the lorry turned slowly into a drive flanked by automatic gates.
Alice had to agree. Samantha’s house was like nothing she had ever seen before: a huge mansion bordered by neat striped lawns, a swimming pool and tennis courts. A field behind the house had been set up for the party, complete with a pink-and-white circus tent and a big roped area ready for the display.
Alice immediately noticed the brand-new stable block to the left of the house. Lucky ponies! she thought.
Samantha had proved herself to have a brilliant eye for a pony, as well as being really nice. Although Samantha hadn’t mentioned it, Finn had told Alice that she’d replaced all of the burnt hay. And now, fingers crossed, she would help save the Flying Fillies.
Samantha rushed over, laughing, and gave them all a hug. “Hi! We’re all so excited! Please, get the ponies settled in.” She gestured towards the stables. “You’re on after lunch. Is that OK?”
“Perfect,” smiled Sasha.
It gave them an hour to get ready. The ponies were unloaded and looked around in interest as they were led into the waiting stables. Secret whinnied loudly and bounded down the ramp, and for a moment Alice wondered if it had been a good idea putting him in the team. But Finn gave her an encouraging smile, so she took a deep breath and steadied the handsome roan, letting him take in his new surroundings.
The next hour was a whirlwind of preparation. All the ponies had ribbons plaited into their tails, and Josephine had even allowed Sasha to apply a liberal sprinkling of glitter over Lachlan’s coat, remarking mildly that she hoped it would wash off in time for the Horse of the Year Show. Her mum was being very relaxed, Alice thought. Maybe, like Secret, a change of scene was good for her!
She patted her pony, who was wearing his new silver bridle. Secret looked fantastic. With furry ears attached to the bridle’s headpiece, red ribbons plaited into his scarlet mane, and a furry rug under his saddle, he was perfect as a fox, a hint of mischief sparkling in his dark eyes. Alice fastened her chin strap as Sasha chivvied everyone along, and gave Finn a thumbs-up sign. She was ready!
Chapter 20
Alice gulped as she clocked the eager faces of the waiting children and their parents round the roped-off arena. There were so many of them! They all cheered as the team rode up. Alice patted Jill’s neck, who flicked an ear back in response. The little Dales pony was used to crowds and didn’t seem fazed at all. Shelley grinned as she sat mounted on Jack, the other Dales. Alice’s mum was going to wait at the side of the ring with Secret while Alice did her first bit of riding, and then she was going to swap ponies.
As the music for the display rang out around the arena Alice felt a shiver run down her spine. All those times watching the Flying Fillies, and now here she was, part of the team! Sasha cantered in first, her cloak flying behind her, Robin’s mane full of silver glitter. They came to a square halt in the centre of the arena, before rearing higher and higher as Sasha waved at the crowd, who clapped in delight.
As Sasha performed a beautiful leg yield in canter to the side of the arena, Fergus, Shelley and Alice rode out. Fergus led on Lachlan, and Alice and Shelley followed closely behind, side by side. There was no way Alice could attempt what Molly did, but even so the ponies looked impressive, cantering perfectly in sync. They were so used to being ridden as a pair that they almost blended into one.
Alice and Shelley completed a serpentine together as Fergus cantered the opposite way. He grinned as they crossed paths, clearly enjoying himself almost as much as Lachlan! As Alice and Shelley reached the top of the arena, they peeled apart and asked for an extended canter down the opposite sides, the ponies’ tails streaming behind them.
Finn entered the arena up the centre line as they did so, and the crowd gasped and cheered as he threw himself off the side of his white Highland, until he was almost upside down, before standing up on the pony’s
broad back in one swift movement. He and Sasha then entertained the watching children with all of their tricks. Sasha asked Robin to perform a beautiful pirouette, as she sat barely moving in her side-saddle, and Finn thundered round the edge of the arena in a daredevil gallop, high-fiving the delighted children’s hands as he leaned out sideways from his saddle. It was breathtaking.
Then it was Secret’s turn in the limelight. He seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere, jigging slightly from side to side, ears pricked. Alice took hold of Secret’s reins as her mum quickly legged her into the saddle.
The music changed and the crowd shifted, eager to see what was coming next. There was a ripple of laughter as the children spotted Secret’s costume and red ears. Alice clucked gently and held her breath. If Secret planted himself now, the show would be ruined. She tried to think positive thoughts, hoping they would somehow communicate to Secret, remembering how he had walked by her side during the fire. Secret looked round at her, fluttering his pink eyelashes, and Alice felt a spark of connection pass between them.
Taking a deep breath, she nudged Secret into a trot. As his stride grew longer, and his silken mane flew, Alice laughed in delight, until the watching crowd melted away and it was just her and Secret, dancing together in their own world. He felt like he had on the downs: alive, wild and beautiful.
She couldn’t stop patting and hugging Secret as they reached the other riders, and was aware of Finn looking at her in a way he never had before. Warmth, pride, admiration? Either way, it was the best feeling in the world as she brought Secret to a perfect square halt. It was only a tiny step forward, but to Alice it meant everything. As she watched the rest of the display, her hand resting on Secret’s neck, she felt better than she had in a long time.
“Amazing, thank you!” Sasha was ecstatic as they exited the arena. The clapping and cheering continued for ages, prompting the team to do a lap of the arena in a sort of pony encore. Secret had flown around, to the delight of the crowd, and Finn and Sasha had received an extra loud cheer.
“I can’t thank you enough,” Sasha continued, wiping her eyes. “That was the best show we’ve ever done.”
“And it wouldn’t have been the same without you!” Finn said, reaching over and placing an arm round Alice’s shoulders, making her jump, a jolt of electricity running through her. “Well done,” he said just to her. “That was exactly what I meant.”
Alice turned to him, wanting him to say more, not wanting the moment to end, when suddenly Finn let out a shout and ran off, leaving Alice staring into space.
“Dad!”
Sasha looked up, and gave a whoop of delight as she too rushed to the side of the arena.
The man standing at the entrance had the sort of worn, suntanned look of a man who has spent his life working outdoors. Sasha flung herself round his neck as Finn stood to the side, wiping his eyes. He had such a rare look of happiness that Alice tried to push aside the sudden feeling of panic that had swept over her. She was so pleased for Finn that his dad was back after everything he had gone through this summer, but she couldn’t help but feel sad that a special moment had been cut short.
Cautiously leading Secret over, Alice wavered, wondering if Finn would say anything, or if she should just make her way back to the lorry. Finn grabbed her elbow. Once again she felt sparks of electricity run through her as they made contact.
“Alice, this is my dad,” he said, pulling her into their group. She was still clutching Secret’s reins, and the little pony followed closely behind.
“I’m Angus. Pleased to meet you.” Finn’s dad shook Alice’s hand firmly. He had the sort of accent that you couldn’t pin down, and his hair and eyes were as dark as Finn’s.
“New team member?” Angus continued, nodding at Alice. She shook her head mutely.
“No, Dad,” Finn laughed. “We’ve got so much to catch up on! Alice was helping us out today. But how did you know we were here? How did you know to come back?”
Angus frowned. “I got your message, eventually. There was no signal in the mountains. I’ve been trying to get hold of you ever since. Don’t you ever check your emails?”
Alice noticed a guilty look pass between Finn and Sasha. She knew how busy they had been over the last few days.
“Anyway,” Angus continued, “I finally managed to get hold of Molly and she told me about this big party you were doing, so I thought I’d surprise you.”
“Well,” Sasha said, “you definitely surprised us.”
Alice heard the bitterness in Sasha’s voice. Alice wondered if she felt angry that her dad hadn’t been around, after the way the summer had turned out.
“How on earth did you land this gig?” Angus looked up at the big mansion. “Not our usual scene.”
“Long story,” Finn said. “We got it through Alice’s mum; she’s a showing producer. I’ve been riding and showing her ponies over summer. I got paid.”
Angus gave a start. “Really?” He raised an eyebrow, his lip curled. “Don’t you hate that sort of thing?”
Finn shrugged. “It’s been OK, actually. They’re nice ponies, Dad. I’ve enjoyed it.”
“Well, if you say so.” Angus didn’t look impressed at all. “But, Finn, you won’t have much time for that now. I need your help; there’s a pony in Spain I’d like to bring back. It’s a difficult one.”
Finn fixed his dad with a level gaze. “You know I’ll help you,” he said in a neutral tone, “but I like riding the show ponies.”
Alice looked down, realising Finn still had hold of her elbow. It was as though Angus had forgotten all about her.
“Well now,” he said, raising an eyebrow, “I’d better meet this wonderful showing producer who has turned you to the dark side.”
“We’ve met before, Angus.”
Josephine had appeared behind the group. There was something about her tone that made Alice’s blood run cold, and she felt Finn tighten his grip on her arm.
“Josie,” Angus said, slowly turning round. “How are you?”
Alice looked at her mum, who had her arms folded across her chest. The tension between her and Finn’s dad was thick in the air.
“You know Josephine?” Finn looked at his dad questioningly as Alice held her breath.
“We were both on a young riders’ team, back when I was showjumping,” Angus said – studying Josephine with a blank expression. “I lived up in Yorkshire at the time, long before we moved to Granny’s house and you were born, Finn. Sasha was just a baby. It was years ago.”
“It might have been years,” Josephine said with a knife edge to her voice, “but it feels like yesterday to me. Remember Master Blue?”
Alice gave a start. Blue was the horse her mum had owned before Alice was born. He was buried up in the top paddock. Her mum rarely mentioned him.
“How could I forget?” Angus said, looking away for a moment. His voice was steady, but Alice detected the tiniest hint of something. Regret?
Josephine looked as though she might say something else, but stopped herself. “Come on, Alice.” Her voice was ice cold.
There were so many questions hanging in the air. Finn glanced at Alice, shrugging his shoulders, before his dad swept him and Sasha away. Angus glanced back, just as Alice did and, for the briefest of seconds, their eyes met. Angus’s expression was totally unreadable.
The party continued happily around them and with the ponies settled in Samantha’s stables the riders mingled with Samantha’s guests. Finn and Sasha were surrounded by people, all wanting to know more about them, and Alice didn’t see much of them at all. Samantha was thrilled that the Fillies were such a hit! But to Alice it seemed like Finn was slipping away, and there was no chance to talk to him about what was going on between her mum and his dad.
“It was brilliant! Everyone loved it!” Samantha said happily, linking arms with Alice and Shelley.
Alice smiled gratefully at her. She would be forever thankful to Samantha. Riding in the Flying Fillies had given her
a small taste of what she could achieve with Secret. Once again she thought back to Honey, how they flew fearlessly across the country together. She now had hope that she could feel that again one day.
A short while later, as Alice was in the stables preparing Secret for the journey home, her mum joined her. “I’m proud of you,” she said with a small smile.
Alice looked up in surprise. “Thanks, Mum.” Compliments from Josephine were rare! Alice decided to seize the moment. “Mum, what happened with Finn’s dad?”
There was deathly silence before her mum answered.
“I don’t want to go into it now.” Josephine’s voice was quiet. “Let me be clear though. I like Finn, really I do, but if I’d realised who his father was, there’s no way I would have employed him.”
“That’s so unfair!” cried Alice. “You can’t take it out on Finn. Whatever you and his dad fell out about, surely it’s all in the past now?”
Pain flashed across her mum’s face, and Alice felt a stab of guilt.
“Alice,” her mum said in a steady voice, “you love Secret, don’t you?” Alice nodded. “Well, believe me when I say I loved Blue just as much. And I’ll never forget what happened to him.”
Alice was really confused. Angus had said Sasha was a baby when he and her mum had been on a team together up north, and Sasha was twenty-three. Alice knew Blue had died just before she had been born, so at least ten years after Angus and Josie had ridden together. So what had happened with Angus and Blue years before he died? It was a mystery. She opened her mouth to ask more, and then shut it again as her mum held her hand up, signalling that the conversation was over.
“Back to Secret,” her mum said briskly, “I know he’s not been easy. If you can get him going like he did today in the show ring, he’ll be unstoppable, just like Lily.”
A New Beginning Page 9
