Harry's Riding Lesson.
Daniel saw Harry standing with his hands thrust into his pockets, trying not to look scared. He went over to him. "It's a good horse. You'll be fine."
"Looks like a bloody high horse to me."
"Only fifteen hands."
"Looks more like fifteen feet."
"Being able to ride will gain you credibility with the higher echelons."
"I don't care about echelons." said Harry, whose dictionary was at home.
"You'll like being invited to balls and getting a chance to dance with beautiful young women and irritate all those wealthy men by charming the girls out from under their noses."
"I don't like horses." Harry gestured to where O'Casey and his daughter were saddling the horse. "And they'll laugh when I fall off."
"You're not going to fall off, and O'Casey wouldn't laugh if you did."
"Nobody rides horses! Horses are useless."
"Robbery Under Arms, David McCallum, Peter Finch, Rank 1957."
"What?"
"Would have been a boring film if there had been no horses." said Daniel, "But I understand. You think you can't do it. Maybe you're right. After all, toffs ride horses, don't they? They must have some special talent not shared by the rest of us. It's not for the likes of us, really, is it?"
Harry strode off towards the horse with Daniel following. "Is she ready yet?" he asked. On O'Casey's nod, he mounted easily and picked up the reins.
"You've ridden before." said O'Casey.
"No, never."
"He's seen movies." said Daniel, "He's good at copying what he sees."
"Well, watch fewer westerns, lad. Your seat's fine for a cowboy, but you need to ride like a gentleman. Straighten your back."
Harry looked at Daniel, his eyes begging for encouragement. Daniel smiled and nodded. He watched as O'Casey led the horse around the schooling ring. Susan watched too. "He's already sitting better."
"A fast learner." said Daniel with pride.
"I never knew you had a nephew."
"Yes, my brother's boy. Very bright, but hasn't had the best start in life. My brother neglected him shamefully. All that intelligence, wasted."
"He seems like a sweet kid."
"He is." said Daniel, "Has a heart of gold, that boy. Sensitive, too. Mortally afraid of being laughed at."
"They all are at that age." she said. They watched quietly for a while as O'Casey led the horse and gave instructions to Harry.
Eventually, O'Casey let go of the reins. Daniel saw Harry pat the horse. He looked far more relaxed now, and seemed to be enjoying himself. He set off at a walk around the ring, looking as if he'd been riding a long time.
"He's good." said Susan.
"I'm starting to think there's nothing he can't do." said Daniel.
The horse eased into a trot. Daniel and O'Casey both hurried towards Harry. "Harry, just apply a bit of pressure to the reins, like I told you." said O'Casey.
Harry grinned and urged the horse to speed up.
"He has the devil in his eyes today." said O'Casey.
Daniel smiled. "He's young and he's happy. Let him have his way."
"He should be careful, being so new to it."
"Lady Luck is fond of our Harry. Somehow, he always survives."
After a while, Harry and Dinah slowed down and continued with the lesson. Afterwards, Harry went with O'Casey to return Dinah to her stable and groom her. When he reappeared, Daniel was sitting with Mrs O'Casey and Susan on a stone bench, drinking sherry. "Any good, Harry?" he asked.
"Can I come again?" said Harry.
"Of course! I want you to learn."
"Horses are better than cars." said Harry.
"High praise indeed." said Daniel, smiling, "You did well, Harry. I'm proud of you."
"Really?" said Harry hopefully.
"Really. In fact, I think you deserve a reward. A movie, perhaps."
"One with horses?" asked Harry.
"Horses or Grace Kelly." said Daniel.
Harry nodded. "Either's fine."
The End.