Rag-and-Bone Christmas

‘With the money I might get for Flower we could afford to pay for a doctor. We’ll have you back on your feet in no time.’

‘Don’t do it, Sal. I know how much you love that animal.’

‘I love you more, Pa. But I’ll only leave Flower if I’m quite certain she’ll be well treated and loved as I love her.’ Sally took the crust of a loaf of bread from the cupboard and the last slice of cheese, which she placed on a plate at her father’s side. ‘There’s your midday meal, Pa. I’ll pop in to Mrs Maggs’s shop next door. She’ll bring you a cup of tea and a bite to eat for supper. She’s bound to be on her own, so she’ll be glad of the company.’

‘She never stops talking.’ Ted sighed. ‘But she does bake good pies. I just munch away and shut me ears to her prattle.’

‘You’ll be fine, Pa. Mr Lawrence said I can stay at the farm tonight, and his housekeeper will keep an eye on me. I’ll be home as soon as I can in the morning. Be good, Pa. Don’t flirt with Mrs Maggs. I don’t fancy her for a stepmother.’

Ted shuddered visibly. ‘She’s got a wart on her chin with hairs growing out of it. A fellow would have to be desperate to marry that one.’

‘Or very greedy for her steak and oyster pies,’ Sally added, laughing. ‘I have to go now. Mr Lawrence is waiting outside.’ She leaned over and dropped a kiss on her father’s bald head. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll be home first thing, and we’ll spend a nice quiet day together.’

Mrs Wallace seemed genuinely pleased to see Sally, and having plied her with tea and biscuits, she showed her to a room at the back of the farmhouse, overlooking an orchard.

‘You’ll be comfortable here,’ Mrs Wallace said cheerily. ‘Will you be staying long?’

‘Just for tonight. Although I think I could live here quite happily. It’s such a lovely place and so different from Paradise Row.’

‘I wouldn’t know about that, dear. I was born and bred in a cottage not far from here. My father was the gamekeeper on the Appletons’ estate, so I grew up in the country.’

‘You’re very fortunate,’ Sally said with feeling.

‘I think so, and I have the best employer in the whole world. Unfortunately Arthur and I were never blessed with children, and I think of Mr Lawrence as my own son, although I wouldn’t dream of telling him so.’

‘He’s been very generous in taking on Boney. I doubt if many people would do as much for a complete stranger.’

‘A pretty face works wonders, my dear,’ Mrs Wallace said, chuckling. ‘But Mr Lawrence does have a kind heart, especially when it comes to animals. As a small boy he would bring home all manner of creatures that were sick or injured in some way. His poor mother never knew what sort of animal she would find crawling round the floor in her best parlour.’ She cocked her head at the sound of Gideon’s voice. ‘I think he wants you, miss.’

Sally caught sight of her dishevelled state in the mirror on the dressing table. ‘I was supposed to be getting ready to go to the Hall. Do I look all right?’

Mrs Wallace eyed her critically. ‘Your hair is in a bit of a tangle, and that outfit is not at all flattering, but Miss Appleton is interested in your horse, not you.’

‘Yes, you’re right.’ Sally tucked stray strands of hair under her peaked cap. ‘Thank you, Mrs Wallace. I’ll see you later.’ She hurried from the bedchamber and descended the stairs in a rush.

Gideon was waiting for her in the entrance hall. ‘I was half expecting you to slide down the banister,’ he said, laughing. ‘We’d better go now or Cessy will be too engrossed in her preparations for the ball to take any interest.’

‘Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all,’ Sally said nervously.

‘You’ve come this far, but if you don’t approve of the stables or you change your mind about selling Flower, we’ll all understand.’

Sally had a sudden picture of her father huddled around an empty grate, at the mercy of Mrs Maggs with the hairy wart on her chin, and she knew that their future depended upon her and her alone. ‘I’ve made my decision and I’ll stick to it, but only if Flower settles down quickly.’

‘A brave decision.’ Gideon’s smile was sympathetic. ‘I know how hard this must be for you, so let’s not waste any more time. The sooner we get Flower to her new home, the better.’

They left the house and were halfway across the yard when a tall, thin man emerged from the stable. He tipped his cap. ‘Good morning, Mr Lawrence.’

‘Good morning, Wallace. Is everything all right?’

‘Yes, sir. I was just taking a look at the little mare. Bert was raving about her the other day, so I thought I’d see for myself.’

‘Flower belongs to Miss Suggs.’ Gideon turned to Sally. ‘This is Arthur Wallace, my right-hand man. I wouldn’t have been able to keep the farm going without him.’

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr Wallace.’ Sally could see that he was shocked by her appearance and had probably made the mistake of thinking she was a boy. She smiled and shook his hand.

‘Pleased to meet you, too, miss.’ Arthur’s weather-beaten skin darkened with a suspicion of a blush. ‘It’s a privilege to work here. Mr Lawrence senior took me on as a lad more than forty years ago, and I wouldn’t want to live and work anywhere else.’

‘It’s a lovely setting,’ Sally said earnestly.

‘We’d better not keep you, Wallace.’ Gideon beckoned to young Bert who was holding the two horses in readiness. ‘We need to leave now, but Miss Suggs will be staying here for the night. I’ve been invited to dinner at the hall, so I hope you and Jane will keep her entertained.’

‘It’ll be our pleasure, sir.’ Wallace tipped his cap to Sally before striding off towards the fields.

‘He’s a good man,’ Gideon said confidentially. ‘I would have had to sell up when my father died if it hadn’t been for him and Jane.’ He swung Sally onto the saddle and taking the reins from Bert he mounted his own horse. ‘Walk on.’

‘How much land have you got here?’ Sally asked as they set off towards Fleet Hall.

‘About a hundred acres. It’s prime land and Sir Gregory is very keen to get his hands on it. His estate is the largest in the county, or it would be if he could incorporate Hill Farm. I think that’s the only reason he tolerates my friendship with Cessy.’

‘Why would that be?’

‘If Cessy and I were to marry, our estates would merge. It’s been done that way by ambitious landowners for centuries.’

‘It sounds very mercenary.’

‘I hadn’t given it much thought.’ Gideon encouraged his horse to a brisk trot, leaving Sally no alternative but to follow suit.

They arrived at Fleet Hall to find a flurry of activity. Servants were rushing around, stringing paper lanterns amongst the trees and placing flares at intervals along the drive. A huge Christmas tree had been transplanted to stand in the middle of the snowy lawn, and coloured glass balls glinted in the pale winter sunlight. Sally could imagine how it would look when the candles attached to the branches were lit, and the whole scene would have a touch of magic. She found herself wishing that she could be a guest at Cecily’s birthday ball. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she breathed. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it in my whole life.’

‘It’s Sir Gregory demonstrating his affluence to the rest of the world.’ Gideon shook his head. ‘I’m sure he could do something better with his money.’

‘But it’s for his daughter’s birthday.’

‘Yes, of course, and Cessy deserves the best.’ Gideon controlled his frightened mount as a smart phaeton bowled past, coming to a sudden halt just yards away.

‘Who is that?’ Sally struggled to calm Flower as the horse reared in fright.

‘He’s Cessy’s father, and he’s spotted us.’

Sir Gregory leaped down from the vehicle, flinging the reins to a groom. ‘Lawrence, I thought it was you.’

A boy rushed up and swept away the snow as his master strode across the gravel carriage sweep, but Sir Gregory waved him away with an impatient flick of his gloved fingers.

‘Save your efforts for the ladies, boy.’ Sir Gregory came to a halt beside Flower, eyeing her up and down with an appreciative nod. ‘That’s a fine piece of horseflesh the young boy is riding. Let me see how she moves.’

‘I’m not a boy,’ Sally said crossly. ‘And this is my horse, sir.’

‘What the devil is a girl doing dressed like a ragamuffin?’ Sir Gregory glared at Sally as if her outfit was an affront in itself. ‘I don’t believe you own such a thoroughbred. Is the animal stolen?’

‘No, indeed. Flower is my horse, sir.’

Sir Gregory turned to Gideon. ‘Is this the animal my daughter has been pestering me to purchase for her?’

‘Yes, sir. But Miss Suggs is not certain that she wants to sell.’

‘Nonsense. Everyone has a price. Walk on, girl. Show me what the little lady can do, but I warn you – I’m an excellent judge of horseflesh. You won’t get a penny piece from me unless I approve.’

Chapter Five

Sally was tempted to turn Flower’s head and ride off in the direction of home, but above all she wanted to wipe the smirk off Sir Gregory’s face, and she put Flower through her paces. A capriole was followed by a showy pirouette and a series of dressage movements, ending in a beautifully executed piaffe.

‘Impressive!’ Sir Gregory said grudgingly. ‘Are you a circus rider, girl?’

‘No, sir. I’m a rag-and-bone man’s daughter.’ Sally could not resist the temptation to put the pompous man in his place. His smart attire did not disguise his portly figure, and the starched white collar and cravat did not flatter his florid complexion. At this moment he looked as though he might have an apoplectic fit, and he reminded her forcibly of Rags Roper, whose ramshackle warehouse at the back of the Imperial Gasworks was somewhere she did her best to avoid. Kelly had his uses, and one of them was accompanying her when she was forced to haggle for the best price for her goods with Rags, with whom no woman under ninety was safe.

‘I suppose you think that’s funny, boy!’

‘It’s the truth.’ Sally took off her cap and shook out her long dark hair. ‘And I am a girl, as you see.’

Sir Gregory was silent for a few seconds. ‘I’ve never seen a woman ride like that.’

‘Neither have I.’ Gideon leaned over to stroke Flower’s neck. ‘This little mare is amazing, and you are an excellent horsewoman, Sally. I can see now why you want to keep Flower.’

‘Well, now, I haven’t made my offer yet,’ Sir Gregory said hastily. ‘Of course, all that fancy business isn’t much use to my daughter. Cecily rides like a lady, but I do like that piece of horseflesh. She would be good breeding stock.’

Sally exchanged worried glances with Gideon. ‘I haven’t said I’d let her go yet. I want to see where she’ll be stabled, and I’d like to find out who will look after her.’

‘I’m the one with the bargaining power,’ Sir Gregory said testily. ‘I decide the terms, not you, miss.’

‘Then you’d better find another mount for your daughter, Sir Gregory. Flower means everything to me.’

‘But you could purchase another work horse,’ Gideon said softly. ‘Think about it, Sally. You have your father to support until he is fit enough to work, if ever.’

Sally nodded reluctantly. ‘You’re right, of course, but Flower’s welfare is important too.’

‘Make up your mind, miss.’ Sir Gregory put one foot on the bottom step. ‘I haven’t got all day, and my patience is running out.’

‘Papa. You’re home, and in good time.’ Cecily emerged from the house and ran down the steps, her velvet cloak wrapped tightly around her. She threw her arms around her father. ‘I thought you must have been delayed in town.’

Sir Gregory’s pinched features softened into a fond smile. ‘Nothing would keep me away at such an important time, sweetheart.’

‘And you’re here, too, Gideon.’ Cecily shielded her eyes from the brilliance of the sunlight reflecting on the fallen snow. ‘And Miss Suggs has brought the horse. What do you think, Papa? Will you buy it for me?’

‘Of course, darling. If that’s what you want. Although you should have a ride first. The animal is highly strung and you might not be able to control it.’

‘I’m an excellent horsewoman, aren’t I, Gideon?’ Cecily turned to him with an appealing smile.

‘Yes, you are, Cessy. But your father is right. Flower might not suit you.’

‘Then I’ll go and change into my riding habit. I’ll prove you both wrong.’ Cecily turned on her heel, picked up her skirts and hurried back to the house.

Sir Gregory smiled and shook his head. ‘My little pet can be wilful, but that only adds to her charm. Come indoors and share a glass of Madeira with me, Gideon.’ He eyed Sally, frowning. ‘Take the animal to my head groom, Jackson, and tell him to put a side-saddle on her. He’ll show you round, but I can assure you that the stables here at Fleet Hall are the finest you will find anywhere in the country.’ He made his way up the steps, pausing in the doorway to beckon to Gideon.

‘Are you sure you’re all right with this, Sally,’ Gideon asked in a low voice. ‘If you find it all too much, I’ll understand.’

‘I have very little choice, but I want to be sure that Cecily can manage Flower properly.’

‘Hurry up, Lawrence.’ Sir Gregory disappeared into the entrance hall. ‘Stafford, we’ll have a bottle of Madeira in the study, chop-chop.’

The stable block was almost more impressive than the mansion itself. Sally had been too anxious to take much notice of her surroundings on her first visit. She knew very little about architecture, but it was obvious even to the uninitiated, that the elegant buildings had been erected in the previous century. For some unknown reason they had escaped demolition when Sir Gregory’s father decided that the neo-classical style of building was old-fashioned and outdated. The two-storey block had been constructed around a large cobbled yard and the stabling, accommodation and coach house were reached through an impressive archway. Sally drew Flower to a halt and dismounted. A stable boy rushed up to her but she held on to Flower’s reins. ‘I need to speak to Mr Jackson,’ she said firmly.

‘He’s busy, miss. Got his hands full today with all the goings-on.’

‘Sir Gregory told me to ask for Mr Jackson.’

The boy gazed at her with big brown eyes and backed away. ‘Yes, miss.’ He ran off and minutes later Jackson emerged from a doorway on the far side of the yard. His unhurried gait suggested a man who was used to command.

‘What can I do for you, miss?’

‘Sir Gregory wants my horse saddled up for Miss Appleton to ride.’

‘Very well, miss.’ Jackson signalled to the stable boy, who was waiting a few yards away. ‘Fetch Miss Cecily’s side-saddle.’

‘Yes, guv.’ The boy raced off into what Sally assumed must be the tack room. The scent of leather, dubbin, horseflesh, hay and dung was so familiar that Sally immediately thought of their cramped quarters above the stable in Paradise Row. The animals here lived in total luxury compared to the narrow stall inhabited by Flower.

‘Do I take it that Miss Cecily wants to keep this animal?’ Jackson asked curtly.

‘Yes, she does.’

Jackson walked slowly round Flower, running his hand over her body with an expert touch. ‘She’s a nice Andalusian mare, but no good for hunting.’

‘Does Miss Cecily ride to hounds?’

‘Occasionally, but I’d say that this is a horse trained in classic dressage. Am I right?’

‘My mother was a performer at Astley’s. She bred Flower from her own mare and she trained her.’

‘Well, she’s docile enough. Miss Cecily is a good rider, and she prefers a quiet animal.’

‘Flower is very well behaved. She has an excellent temperament, but I haven’t decided whether I’m going to part with her.’

Jackson gave her a calculating look. ‘If Miss Cecily really wants her you could name your price.’

‘My main concern is that Flower would be well cared for.’ Sally was impressed by the immaculately kept yard, but she did not want to give too much away. She could imagine Jackson repeating their entire conversation to his master, putting his own interpretation on her words.

‘You won’t find a better run stable anywhere in the country,’ Jackson said, echoing Sir Gregory’s words. ‘I suggest you take a look round now. Your horse will be saddled up and waiting when you’ve done.’

‘Thank you, I will.’ Sally had no reason to doubt Jackson, but she was curious and she wanted to see how the wealthy took care of their horses. She explored the stables, avoiding the tack room where the grooms and stable boys were eating their midday meal, and she could not help but be impressed. A large bunch of mistletoe pinned to the lintel made her smile. In this entirely male domain, they would have difficulty finding any pretty young females to kiss. She dragged her thoughts back to the business in hand, and she had to admit that everywhere was spotlessly clean; the horses were healthy and well-groomed. She walked back to where Jackson waited with Flower, who was saddled up and ready to go. Sally could see that her horse was prepared to give the performance of her life, and she felt her heart swell with pride.

‘Do you ride side-saddle, miss?’ Jackson asked curiously.

‘Yes, and I can ride bareback, too. Ma taught me well.’

‘You said that your mother performed at Astley’s Amphitheatre. It seems to me, although it’s none of my business, that you could do well there yourself.’

‘What makes you say that?’

‘I saw you putting your horse through her paces when you were here previously. Very impressive, miss.’

‘Thank you, but you should have seen my mother when she performed. She was brilliant and I fear I’ll never live up to the standard she set. Anyway, I’d best take Flower back to the house. I’m sure Miss Cecily must be ready by now.’

Jackson gave her a wry smile. ‘I wouldn’t bet on it, miss.’

Sally led Flower over to the mounting block. She was surprised to find the side-saddle more comfortable than she had anticipated, and she felt quite secure.

‘Miss Cecily should be ready by now,’ Jackson said with an encouraging nod.

‘Yes, thank you. I’d almost forgotten Miss Cecily. Walk on, Flower. Let’s get this over and done with.’

Cecily was waiting at the foot of the steps and she did not look pleased. ‘What kept you? I’ve been waiting a full five minutes, haven’t I, Stafford?’

‘I believe so, Miss Cecily.’

‘And I didn’t give you permission to use my saddle,’ Cecily continued crossly.

Sally dismounted. ‘You would’ve waited longer had I walked back from the stables. Do you want a leg-up?’

‘Don’t be vulgar,’ Cecily said, sniffing disdainfully. ‘Stafford, you may lift me onto the saddle as there is no mounting block to hand.’

Stafford muttered something unintelligible, and stepped forward to hoist her onto the saddle. It was not very dignified and Sally had to turn her head away as she struggled to control a chuckle. Cecily, however, seemed determined to prove herself as an excellent horsewoman and she used her crop to encourage Flower from a walk to a trot. Sally was tempted to shout at Cecily, but she managed to stop herself. This was going to be far more difficult than she had imagined. However, Cecily seemed satisfied with her own performance, but suddenly she reined in too hard for Flower’s soft mouth, causing the animal to rear on her hind legs in alarm.

‘That’s not the way,’ Sally said angrily. ‘Flower has a very sensitive mouth. She needs just a little tightening on the reins, or a command and she’ll do what you wish.’

‘Lift me down Stafford.’ Cecily held out her arms like a small child and Stafford stepped forward to oblige. He set her gently on the ground and stood back. ‘You may go now,’ Cecily said sharply. She turned back to Sally, frowning. ‘I will take the animal for a trial period, as we agreed, but she needs schooling to suit my needs.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Sally said carefully. ‘Do you mean that you want to retrain my horse?’

‘Well, yes.’ Cecily tossed her head. ‘I’m not a circus rider, nor a rag-and-bone man’s daughter. I like the look of her, she’s a pretty little mare, but she will have to learn to do as I bid her.’

‘I didn’t agree to your proposition, and now I know why. Nothing in the world would persuade me to leave Flower in your care. You don’t know how to handle a horse.’ Sally unbuckled the saddle and dropped it at Cecily’s feet. ‘You can have your property back – I don’t want to be accused of stealing.’ She swung herself onto Flower’s back and rode off in the direction of the stables.

If Jackson was surprised to see her riding bareback into the yard he kept his thoughts to himself, and he sent the boy to fetch Sally’s saddle.

‘You might want to send one of your lads to fetch the one belonging to Miss Cecily,’ Sally said awkwardly. ‘I’m afraid I lost my temper when she handled Flower badly, and I dropped the saddle on the ground at her feet. She’s not having my horse, and that’s that.’

A muscle twitched at the corner of Jackson’s mouth. ‘I’d have given a week’s pay to see her face,’ he said solemnly. ‘It’s probably the first time that anyone has refused her anything.’ He held out his hand to the stable boy who had come running up to them, puffing beneath the weight of saddle. ‘Give it here, boy. You’ll allow me to do this for you, miss. It’s my pleasure.’

Sally’s one thought was to get as far away from Fleet Hall as possible. She knew she ought to have returned to the farm, but that would have entailed explanations to Mr and Mrs Wallace, not to mention Gideon. It felt as though she was throwing his kindness back in his face, but she did not want to enter into an argument about the rights and wrongs of her decision to keep Flower. She knew that it defied common sense, and that she might regret it bitterly when she returned to the reality of life in Paradise Row, but she could not bring herself to leave her precious horse in the care of an over-indulged young woman like Cecily Appleton.

* * *

It was a long and difficult ride home. The snow had turned to slush and then it started to freeze, but Flower was sure-footed and Sally trusted her even in such adverse circumstances. It was pitch dark by the time Sally reached home, but a glimmer of candlelight in the window above the stables was all the welcome she needed. Christmas in Paradise Row might not be as glamorous as a birthday ball in Highgate, but it was home and she was glad to be there at last. As she let herself into the stable, she was surprised to see an occupant in Boney’s old stall, which she recognised as Kelly’s horse. She made Flower comfortable while she went upstairs, following the sound of male voices and Pippy’s excited barking. The moment Sally opened the door she was met by an ecstatic little dog, who leaped into her arms and proceeded to lick her face.

‘Sally, love. I didn’t expect to see you tonight.’ Ted half raised himself from his chair, sinking back with a grimace of pain. ‘Look who came to keep me company on Christmas Eve.’

‘That was kind of you, Kelly,’ Sally said warily. She set Pippy on the floor and bent down to stroke her until she quietened down.

‘I can be a decent fellow when it suits me,’ Kelly countered, chuckling. ‘Ted and I have been talking about old times when trade was good.’

‘Kelly bought me a pie from Mrs Maggs. He saved me the trouble of having to listen to her prattling on about how hard it is for a poor widow woman to make a living.’

‘And you’ve enjoyed a pitcher of ale from the jug and bottle, I see.’ Sally tried to maintain a frown, but she could not help smiling at the guilty expressions on their faces.

‘So how did your trip to the country go?’ Kelly asked casually.

‘I couldn’t bring myself to leave Flower there.’ Sally sank down on the worn seat of an armchair that had, like everything else in their accommodation, seen better days. Pippy took this as an invitation to jump onto her lap. ‘Miss Appleton is a spoiled young woman who knows nothing about horses. I couldn’t entrust Flower to someone who only wants her so that she can show off.’ Sally turned to her father. ‘I’m so sorry, Pa. I just couldn’t abandon Flower, even though the stables are quite palatial and there were plenty of people to look after her.’