The Midnight Horse

by Michelle Bates

  “Let’s go before we freeze to the spot,” Nick’s wife, Sarah, called from where she was standing with Storm Cloud. “All happy to ride to the lighthouse?”

  “Yes,” a chorus of voices answered.

  “Right, come on then,” Sarah called, heading into the icy wind.

  As they trotted down the bumpy lane, Kate looked around at all of her friends. Jess and Rosie were inseparable, Alex and Tom had been best mates for years and Charlie – well Charlie just fitted in anywhere. But what about her? Kate was acutely aware that she was the youngest of the group, and although none of them actually ever said anything, she did feel a bit out of things at times. Maybe this new girl would be a friend for her.

  “Come on Kate, wake up,” Sarah called.

  “Coming Sarah.”

  Kate nudged Feather on into a trot and they approached Sandy Lane Cove.

  “We’re going to have a canter,” Sarah called, drawing to a halt at the top of the cliffs, and looking down at the swirling mass of sea below them. “Take it easy.”

  Kate followed on behind the others at the back of the string and one by one the riders streamed forward. The little grey horse’s hooves drummed along the hard ground and they flew across the turf. Kate’s face felt cold. She bent her head low to shield herself from the coastal wind and felt a surge of adrenalin rushing through her.

  “Hurray,” she whooped as they reached the corner of the fields. Nothing could match riding. As they wound their way around the coastal track and through Larkfield Copse, Kate felt content. Lazily, she stretched her legs out of the stirrups, patiently waiting for Sarah to open the iron gate to the furrowed fields beyond. One by one the riders made their way back to the stables. As they clattered into the yard, Nick was waiting for them.

  “He’s here,” he said proudly, leading a black horse out of a stable.

  The horse arched his neck and blew softly through his nostrils. As he walked forward, he nuzzled Nick’s hand. He was magnificent. Jet-black from head to toe with just the tiniest sprinklings of white hairs forming a star on his forehead.

  “He’s just as I remembered him,” Nick said.

  “What’s his name then?” Kate asked.

  “Well,” Nick laughed. “It’s a bit of a long story really. He’s registered under the name of Firebird, but I’ve always just known him as the Midnight Horse.” Nick stopped for a moment, a wry grin spreading across his face as he looked at the puzzled faces waiting for an explanation.

  “I was lodging with the Charlwoods when I first met him,” he started. “I was a steeplechase jockey at the time and this chap here was kept out in the fields at the back of the house. He used to gallop around at night, madly trying to get out, and whenever I asked anyone who he belonged to or why no one ever came to ride him, everyone just kept quiet – that’s when I first started calling him the Midnight Horse. Later I found out that the Charlwood’s daughter, Jane, had lost her nerve in an accident and wouldn’t ride any more. So I decided I’d get Jane to ride again...and I did.”

  Nick smiled at his fond memories. “The Midnight Horse sort of just stuck...then it got shortened to Midnight. Mrs. Charlwood always said she hoped she’d never have to sell him,” he went on, patting the horse’s shoulder fondly. “And I suppose in a way she hasn’t.”

  Lucky Jane Charlwood, Kate thought to herself, and more importantly now, lucky Izzy Paterson. Her eyes followed the black horse as Nick led him around the yard. Yes, the name Midnight just suited him.

  “Did Izzy come with him, Nick?” Sarah called across the yard.

  “No, he was just delivered. I’m sure she’ll be along later though,” he started. “Anyway, let’s get back to work,” he said, as Kate stood tracing her foot in the gravel.

  “I’d love to ride him,” Kate started.

  “Well I don’t see why you shouldn’t try him in the 10 o’clock hack on Friday?” Nick offered.

  “Really?” Kate was flabbergasted.

  “Really,” Nick smiled. “But only if his owner hasn’t got plans to ride him then herself.”

  “Brilliant,” Kate answered, rushing off to Feather’s stable before Nick could change his mind.

  As she grabbed a body brush, she took another look at the horse, his head silhouetted against the door frame. He was truly beautiful. She wondered why his owner hadn’t come. She certainly couldn’t love him very much if she could leave him by himself for any length of time. As she returned his gaze, Midnight whinnied loudly. Kate walked back across the yard and gave him a reassuring pat.

  “Don’t you worry,” she said. “I’ll look after you. You won’t be so lonely with me around.”

  “Are you going to be long, Kate?” Alex called over to her.

  “Probably about another half hour,” she answered.

  “Right, well I won’t bother waiting for you then,” Alex said. “Remember we’ve got that carol service with Mum and Dad tonight and Granny and Grandpa are arriving too.”

  “OK, Alex,” Kate answered. “I won’t be long.”

  “Good-night everyone,” Alex called to all his friends. “Happy Christmas.” His voice reverberated around the yard as five friendly faces looked up from their tasks.

  “Yes, enjoy your Christmas, Alex,” a chorus of voices returned.

  5

  THE MIDNIGHT HORSE

  Christmas passed in a whirl of excitement. Kate got a beautiful pair of leather riding gloves from Alex, which made her glad she had spent all that extra money on his riding crop. Everyone was in high spirits – pulling crackers, eating far too much, playing games...the day was over all too soon.

  “How was Christmas then, Kate?” Nick called as she cycled into the yard the day after Boxing Day.

  “Great,” she answered. “I got some riding gloves from Alex and a new hacking jacket from Mum and Dad, but after the amount I ate, I should think I’ll have problems getting into it! Where are the others?”

  “Not sure,” Nick answered.

  “Alex won’t be along till later. He’s gone to the sales with Mum. She wants to buy him a winter coat. How’s Midnight?” she asked.

  “Fine,” Nick called.

  “And what about his owner?” Kate asked slowly.

  “Hasn’t turned up yet,” Nick answered.

  Kate breathed a sigh of relief. With any luck, she’d still be able to ride him in the 10 o’clock hack.

  “I don’t even have a number to phone to see where she’s got to and Mrs. Charlwood’s already left the country,” Nick went on. “I suppose I should check the telephone directory.”

  Kate trailed Nick into the tack room where he picked up the telephone directory and started flicking through the pages. “Patching, Pater, Paton,” he muttered, running his finger down the list. “Well, so much for that idea,” he said. “There are no Patersons listed in Colcott. They must be ex-directory.”

  “So does that mean I can ride him in the 10 o’clock?” Kate asked anxiously.

  “All right then,” Nick grinned. “Go and tack up.”

  Kate didn’t need a second invitation. Running across the yard, she drew back the bolt to Midnight’s stable and ran a hand down his sleek, polished neck.

  “OK, my boy,” she grinned. The black horse snorted. Kate leant against his shoulder, lifting each of his hooves to pick them out. His head nodded contentedly as quickly she groomed him and led him over to the group of riders who stood chattering. She felt pleased as she noted their admiring expressions.

  “Where’s he come from? I haven’t seen him before, Kate,” one of them called.

  “He’s new at the yard,” Kate answered. “He’s called Midnight. Isn’t he beautiful?” she said, putting her foot into the stirrup iron and springing lightly into the saddle. “He was delivered on Christmas Eve.” She patted his sleek neck and gathered up the reins.

  “Who does he belong to?” the other girl asked.

  “A girl called Izzy Paterson but she hasn’t turned up yet,” Kate answered.

 
; “All ready?” Nick called, walking forward on Whispering Silver. He looked around him at the group of riders. “Let’s go,” he said, turning out of the yard and down the drive. As Kate followed on behind, she saw Sarah standing at the door to the cottage and waved.

  “He’s lovely,” Sarah said.

  “Isn’t he?” Kate answered, happily. As they clattered out of the yard, Kate settled down to his long, easy stride.

  “Trot on,” Nick called.

  One by one the riders kicked their mounts forward. Kate squeezed her calves very lightly and Midnight went into a trot. He was wonderful to ride. Kate looked around her at the surrounding countryside. The snow had already melted leaving a sludgy brown mud behind. Kate was sad to see the snow go. Still, at least it meant they could go out hacking again. As the riders slowed their pace back down to a walk, the ponies’ breaths came short and sharp in the crisp winter air.

  Nick drew to a halt and jumped to the ground to open the gate to Bucknell Woods. The ground was churned in furrows where a tractor had left its mark. The horses picked their way into the woods. The smell of the pine trees engulfed Kate and she took a gulp of air. Then they were off again.

  Kate sat tight to the saddle as they cantered through the trees and popped over a fallen log. Drawing to a halt by a little clearing of trees, Kate couldn’t think of anywhere she would rather be than out riding Midnight. She looked at her watch – there was still another hour to go...wonderful!

  “Atishooo!” Izzy Paterson sat up as her mother pushed open the door to her bedroom, carrying a mug.

  “Here Izzy. Drink this,” she said.

  Izzy groaned, feeling rotten as her head slumped back onto the pillow. “I’m starting to feel a little better now. I should be able to get up later,” she said, unconvincingly.

  Mrs. Paterson frowned. “I don’t think you will, Izzy,” she said. “Remember what Dr. Buxton said.”

  Izzy grimaced as she sat up to take the mug, remembering only too well what Dr. Buxton had said.

  “A bad case of flu. Stay in bed and rest for at least a week.” Those had been his exact words. He had looked down her throat, listened to her chest and finally made his pronouncement. She hoped Midnight didn’t think she had abandoned him. Izzy took a sip from the steaming mug and closed her eyes. She felt so helpless just lying there.

  “What’s bothering you, Izzy?” Mrs. Paterson asked. “You’re not still upset about that horse are you?”

  “No,” Izzy said, a wave of guilt flooding through her.

  “Well, if it’s because you’re missing this evening at your cousins’, then you needn’t worry, I’ll get them to come and visit you next week.”

  “Oh Mum, that’s the last thing I want,” Izzy moaned, rolling onto her side. “You know I’ve got nothing in common with Holly and Melanie. I hate talking about clothes and they think I’m mad when I talk about horses.”

  How could she tell her mother the real reason for her anxiety – that this was the fourth day away from a horse she wasn’t even supposed to have? Izzy stared miserably out of the window.

  Izzy’s mother sighed. “You will be all right here on your own, won’t you?”

  Izzy nodded.

  “Mrs. Watson from next door said she’ll call in on you in half an hour and we won’t be long.”

  “OK Mum,” Izzy said. Mrs. Paterson closed the door behind her.

  Izzy sighed. She so wanted to see Midnight, but she’d just have to wait until Mrs. Watson came and went before she could even think about doing anything. Izzy lay very still, patiently waiting for what seemed like ages.

  At last Mrs. Watson arrived and made her another hot drink, fussing around her like a mother hen. It wasn’t until she was ready to go that Izzy started to feel a little better.

  “I’ll leave you now, Izzy,” Mrs. Watson said kindly. “You must be tired.”

  Izzy nodded, feeling guilty that she hadn’t made any effort at conversation. Still, she had to get on. Izzy waited till she heard the door slam. Then, quickly, she struggled out of bed and into her clothes.

  Feeling giddy as she made her way down the stairs, she reached for the key. She grabbed her father’s big overcoat and shut the door behind her before hurrying over to her bike. She’d have to be quick, Sandy Lane was a good ten minute cycle ride away over on the other side of Ash Hill. She knew she wasn’t really up to it, but she just had to see Midnight. Swaying as she turned the pedals on her bike, she gripped the handle bars tightly and set off down the road.

  8 o’clock. The cold night air sent a chill running through her body and Izzy shivered. It wasn’t a long way, but it seemed to take forever as she pedalled down the dark country lanes. She turned down Sandy Lane and then she saw the sign for the stables and swung into the drive.

  All was quiet as she propped her bike up by a water trough and looked around her. Luckily, no one was about. Quietly, she glanced into the first stable. Not there.

  And then she heard a loud whinny – a whinny she instantly recognized. Midnight! Spinning around she saw the black horse’s familiar face looking out over a stable door.

  “Ssh my boy,” she said, rushing over. “You’ll wake up the whole yard.” She drew back the bolt and stepped inside.

  “I can’t stay with you long, Midnight,” she said, burying her head in his mane. “I’m not even supposed to be out, but I just had to see you. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. After all, we’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to be fit for Hawthorn,” she wheezed. “I feel awful and I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave you, but I’ll be back again tomorrow to look after you properly.”

  The horse whinnied softly as Izzy turned to go. Shivering in the cold air, she set off back down the roads she had just cycled along no more than quarter of an hour ago. She hadn’t had long with Midnight, and she felt even worse than when she had left the house, but at least she had seen him – that made all the difference. And surely she would feel better tomorrow.

  6

  ANOTHER COMPETITOR

  Unfortunately for Izzy, she didn’t feel any better the next day, or the next. Going out in the cold night air had set her back and it wasn’t until Monday that she was allowed out. As she cycled along the winding roads to Sandy Lane, Izzy felt nervous at the prospect of turning up at the stables...more nervous than she had felt about anything in a long time.

  “Just go along, Izzy,” Mrs. Charlwood had said, “You’ll be fine. Nick will look after you.”

  It had all sounded so easy in theory, but now that Izzy was on her way there, now that Mrs. Charlwood was on the other side of the world, Izzy didn’t feel quite so confident.

  “Be calm, be sure of yourself, march in briskly,” she told herself. But as she jumped off her bike by the water trough and stared into the yard, calm and sure of herself was the last thing Izzy felt.

  She looked around her. The yard looked busy, people were running around chattering excitedly, laughing and joking. All Izzy wanted to do was turn around and creep away. Nervously, she shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she thought about what to say. She took a deep breath and, although she felt as though her heart might leap out of her skin, she walked into the yard.

  Kate didn’t see Izzy hesitating at the corner of the yard. She was too busy with Midnight. This was the fourth day she had been looking after him and he was already beginning to recognize her. As she groomed him, she let her mind replay the last few days. Nick had been right. He really was a dream to ride.

  “OK boy?” Kate said, patting his black neck. “I’ll just get you tacked up.”

  As she crossed the yard to collect his saddle, Kate saw a girl walking towards her.

  “Hello. Can I help you?” she asked, politely.

  “Possibly,” the girl answered. “I’m looking for Nick Brooks. You don’t happen to know where I’ll find him do you?”

  “Yes, he’ll be in the cottage,” Kate answered.

  “Oh right. Look, I’m Izzy Paterson,” the girl sta
rted.

  “Oh...we’ve been expecting you since Christmas Eve.” Kate stared, her mind in a whirl.

  “Well, I’ve been ill in bed. I’ve had flu,” Izzy said, gruffly. “Look where’s my horse?”

  She spoke so sharply and didn’t even smile. Kate took an instant dislike to her.

  “I’ll take you to him,” she said, quickly.

  A stilted silence hung in the air. For a brief moment, the two girls stood frowning at each other, and then Kate collected her manners.

  “He’s over here,” she said, clearing her throat.

  Midnight snickered softly as Izzy and Kate hurried over to him. Kate drew back the bolt to his stable and stood back as Izzy rushed in. The horse whinnied in recognition.

  “Silly old boy,” Izzy crooned.

  Kate looked on enviously, feeling strangely distant as she watched the exchange. She turned away sadly, intending to go and get Nick, but just at that moment, he came into view.

  “Nick, Izzy Paterson’s arrived,” Kate called.

  Nick hurried over to the box. “Hello, I’m Nick Brooks,” he said, looking in. Kate hung back, watching.

  “Hi,” the girl answered. “I’m sorry I didn’t come before, but I couldn’t. You see, I’ve been ill.”

  “Well not to worry. Kate’s been taking good care of Midnight,” Nick said. “But if you could give me your phone number, I can put it up on the tack room notice board with all the others.”

  “Oh, I can’t,” Izzy answered sharply, and then she bit her tongue as she saw Nick’s surprised face. “Look, it’s my Dad you see,” she explained quickly. “He’s a writer. He doesn’t like being disturbed. He won’t let anyone have our number. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is.”

  Nick frowned. “Well, I do need all of our owners’ numbers,” he said firmly.

  “Um.” Izzy hesitated as Nick held out a pad of paper.

  “I won’t use it unless it’s a real emergency,” Nick said, persuasively.