Chapter 10

Tommy arrived after one of the fastest drives to Cornwall at 9.30 am only to learn from Alice that Miss Judith and Miss Barbara were off to a shopping trip to Penzance. The good English Breakfast that he got helped him over his disappointment a bit and knowing Judith he knew that they wouldn´t return before noon so he went up to his room changed into thick comfortable clothes and went to the stables.

After checking on Calaf he went to search for Matt and got an up-date about the events that happened over the weekend. All in all Tommy was more than satisfied with the care of the horses but he got a jealous feeling hearing Matt talking so warmly about Barbara. Knowing that he was on the way to a bad mood he took one of his horses a big and spirited black stallion named Thunder and went on a long ride along the beaches to power the horse and himself out.

Being out in the fresh air and feeling this big powerful horse under him calmed his mood. After returning he did the grooming himself and then went for a long shower.

When he came down for a late lunch at 2 pm Barbara and Judith were already back.

"Oh, hi Tommy there you are? How are you and how was the drive?" he was greeted by Judith.

"Hello Jude, hello Barbara! Thanks I had a fast drive down here and a wonderful ride alone as you were already gone." Tommy answered a bit accusingly to Judith.

"Come on, we didn´t know you would arrive so early and Barbara needed some more warm clothes so we went and you can be sure came back as fast as possible. Barbara is definitely not in for a real shopping marathon…" Judith said smiling at Barbara.

Giving Tommy a somehow shy smile Barbara tried looking not too happy to see him. She had nagged Judith the whole morning that she didn´t need too much really warm clothes and that she wanted to go back. But thanks to Judith she got some nice new pullovers, a thick waterproof winter jacket, really warm boots and a big hole in her bank account now as she hadn´t allow Judith to buy anything for her as much as she tried to say it would be a Thank-you for being there for the horses.

Smiling back at her Tommy sat down opposite Barbara: "I heard all about your nightly adventure already. Looks like you made some impression on Matt. And Stephie although praises your help, Barbara. So how about some riding lesson this afternoon?"

Choking on her lasagne Barbara gave Tommy a horrified look: "Oh no, Sir! Walking a horse and cleaning the stables is one thing but you will not get me on one of this giants at all!"

Judith tried to hide her laughing but failed and burst out loud:" That look was just brilliant, Barbara! But you don´t have to be afraid, most of our horses are sweet and gentle."

"NO! Please don´t force me to it. I´m not a country girl and I am sure I will never be one!"

Seeing that she was really horrified Tommy reached over the table to touch her arm: "Hey! Calm down, Barbara, we will not force you to anything. But you should think about it. There is nothing more wonderful than an early morning ride along the beaches."

Seeing her brother touching Barbara if only on her arm made Judith´s heart go warm. She loved her brother and wanted nothing more than him being happy and seeing both Tommy and Barbara more over the last year she knew they belonged together even if the two hadn´t noticed themselves until now. She had never liked Helen (that was the reason that she hadn´t joint for the engagement party years ago, not that she had said so to Tommy or her mother) but she liked Barbara. She was different but she kept her brother in line. She knew his weaknesses and didn´t hold them against him, she was supportive,loving but although able to fight Tommy if necessary and that were qualities Judith valued more than anything else.

Finishing her lunch Judith excused herself: "Okay, you two, as Tommy had his ride already I will go for one now. See you later at dinner." And with that she was out of the room.

Not knowing what to say now Barbara gave Tommy another smile. It was "his" smile as Tommy called it as it was this special smile Barbara only gave him and he felt happy immediately.

"So, what shall we do now? How about a nice walk on the coast path? I know you did one with Judith yesterday but I want to show you some of my favourite places here."

"Sounds good, Sir. It all looks so nice covered in snow and the sun on it."

"Yes, it does. We don´t have winter like that often but when we have it is magical. So shall we meet in 15 minutes? Or do you want to have time to relax before?"

Remembering her promise to Stephie Barbara answered: "Oh, can we make it 30 minutes? I have a job to do first."

"Sure, but what job?" Tommy asked a bit confused.

"Oh, just something I promised Stephie. See you in 30 then, Sir!" with that Barbara went off to her room.

Shaking his head Tommy was still a bit confused but then also got up and to his room. After dressing properly for a walk out in the snow he went to the old shed and searched until he found what he was looking for.

Looking out of the doors he saw Barbara leading a little grey mare to the paddock and he remembered about his mother buying a horse and what Judith had told him about Barbara and this horse the other day. Smiling he thought that she was more a country girl than she knew already.

They met exactly 30 minutes later at the entrance. Seeing Tommy Barbara´s eyes went wide. "Sir, what is that?"

"What does it looks like? It´s a sledge. On the way I want to go with you there is a perfect steep meadow for a sleigh ride." Tommy was beaming at her. "So, come on, Barbara, another thing you can scratch from your list!"

Shaking her head Barbara fell into step with Tommy who proudly dragged the sledge behind him.

A/N: Sorry again that it took so long but life is demanding a bit more than normal and as always thanks for the lovely reviews!