Chapter 11
Makepeace was foraging through the kitchen larder under Ada's puzzled eyes wondering what on Earth she could be looking for when they were supposed to be going outside!
« Ah ah! Found them! »
« What? » asked Ada
« The carrots, of course! », said Harry, smiling.
« The carrots? »
« Yes! Follow me! », added Harry with a twinkle in her eye.
Makepeace could hear Dempsey and their colleagues talking in the office. She knocked lightly and quickly told them that they were heading out for a walk around the estate and closed the door just as quickly before any of the baffled men could express their concern. She could see disagreement written all over their faces but didn't want to hear it. She could take care of herself and Ada perfectly well! She's no damsel in distress for goodness' sake! She was getting seriously frustrated if not disappointed by their chauvinistic attitude! She'll show them, she thought with renewed determination.
The girls wandered off to the side of Winfield Hall.
« Are you warm enough Ada? We'll try and get you some more clothes in your size. I'm sure we can get my friend Angela to buy you more clothes to last while you're here in the countryside. The house is old and tends to get cold quickly in the evenings. She can be trusted as well. When this is all over, and I appreciate it may take a while, I'll take you clothes-shopping myself. We'll have a fun girl's day out! What do you think Ada, hum? »
« I'd love that. My mum and I sometimes used to go out together to a café and we used to have a slice of cake with hot chocolate. I'll never get to do that with her again », she added sadly. « You're the only person I know here. I don't want to be far away from you. What if my new adoptive family is mean with horrid children who don't want me there? What am I going to do then? ». Ada looked so fragile, so scared and deflated, that it took Harry's breath away. She couldn't imagine not keeping an eye on Ada in the future. She wanted to be a part of her life and see her blossom into the young woman she knew she could be.
« Ada, listen. I don't want you to worry, I'll make sure you're well looked after no matter which family adopts you. You and I will keep in touch and will see each other regularly. No one will ever hurt you again. I won't allow it and I know I can speak on behalf of James when I say he will be doing exactly the same. Do you trust me? »
« Yes I trust you but I wish I could stay with you forever. I'm scared of other people. »
« And what about your step dad? Would you like him to be a part of your life again? Would your mum have liked that? »
« No! We used to have to sneak out of the house to escape when he was too drunk to notice. So, no. He used to shout at my mum and even if she was telling me to hide in my bedroom I could hear them fighting. He didn't even look after my mum when she got sick. I was the only one by her bedside when she died. I had no one but her and she died. I have no one now. And I certainly don't want to see him ever again. So don't even think about sending me back there. I will stay here in London because it was my mother's dream and even if she's not here anymore, I will live her dream for her. And I'll run away if I have to so that I can fulfil her wishes. », she added angrily, her fist tights, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Harry could see a look of determination in her eyes that she could relate to.
« Listen to me carefully young girl. I don't want to hear any silly talk about running away. As you well know it's a dangerous world out there, especially for a 10-year-old girl. So, if you ever need to escape, ever need to talk to someone, you come to me, OK? You call me, you hear me? You can call me or James anytime. Day or night. You will always be safe with us, always! You will have all our contact details and we will always keep an eye on you. I'm determined to be a part of your life, Ada. I don't know yet how or what's going to happen in the weeks or months to come but you and I are an item, ok? So, I don't want to hear that you have no one. You have me and James. And I'm pretty sure my dad would feed you chocolate cakes and other delights for the rest of your life if I was to let him do. »
Ada giggled « I like your dad. He's really nice. You're lucky. I don't know who my dad is. Mum said he was a mistake and never said more than that. It's always been her and me against the world. And what about your mum Harry? Where is she? » asked Ada with her big wide curious eyes.
Harry sighed and a frown appeared between her eyebrows. « Sadly, my mum died when I was little. She had a car accident. Like you, I didn't grow up with a mum around. For most of my life, it's been me and my dad. But as you said he's a great dad and he made up for my mum's absence. He tried his absolute best to always be there for me. And, in the same way, I will do my absolute best to be there for you so you always have someone by your side no matter what. Do we have a deal? »
« Yes we have a deal », said Ada smiling through her tears. « I'm so sorry about your mum though. I suppose you and I are quite similar, aren't we? Mum told me when she got really sick that I will have to be very brave and very strong but that I shall never accept being hurt or ridiculed by anybody. She said women have got to work harder than men and be stronger than them. It seems such hard work though and I am scared I won't be able to be as good as my mum wanted me to be. She would have liked you though: strong and independent. Yup, she would really have liked you! »
« And I think I would have really liked her too. One day you'll have to talk to me about her. I'd love to get to know her more. But in the meantime, I would like to introduce you to a hobby of mine that I'd like to share with you. You see, when I lost my mum sometimes I just wanted to escape for a little while and just be on my own with my thoughts. And to this day, whenever I can escape from London and the demands of my job, I come here and spend time with those two here. », added Harry with a smile as she entered the stables where several horses were waiting in their boxes while being brushed down by the staff. « Let me introduce you to my horses: Damsel and Admiral. »
Ada was beaming. She was so excited. Harry thought it was lovely to see her reacting like a normal child bouncing up and down with impatience. « That's more like it », she thought, « she's too serious for a 10-year-old. »
« Miss Harriet? Juniper is ready whenever you are. »
« Thank you, Giles. Ada, let me introduce you to Giles who works here and looks after our horses for us. Giles will teach you how to ride a horse. So, whenever you come you can ride Juniper here. », showing the pony to a mesmerised Ada who could hardly contain her excitement now.
« I'm going to learn to ride a horse, really? Oh my god! I love horses! I always wanted to learn to ride. Oh my god. This is awesome! Can I stroke him? », she asked, looking at Giles.
« Of course, miss Ada. Come here. I'm sure he would love one of those carrots that miss Harriet has in her hands », he added smiling at his new student.
« Oh, the carrots! I was wondering why you took some carrots from the kitchen! », giggled Ada.
Ada's smile and enthusiasm were contagious. It's been a long time since Harry felt this relaxed. She loved the time she spent in the company of that little girl. It was so refreshing compared to her daily life as a policewoman. But she realised that if it wasn't for her job she would never have met Ada and wouldn't be in a position where she could protect her. Her mind took her back to James and thinking she was really grateful to have him by her side. He was the best partner any police officer could have and together they would protect Ada and move mountains to secure her future. She was certain of it. Remained the small issue of dealing with O'cryon's clients though. But watching Ada with Juniper was a nice even if brief respite from her worries. Ada was a natural with the horses. She was gentle and loving, stroking his head while feeding him a carrot, with not an ounce of fear or hesitation in her demeanour. « She'll be just fine », thought Harry and it was quite clear that Giles had exactly the same thoughts!
« Shall we get you ready for your first riding lesson miss Ada? You need a hat and some riding boots. We should have your size here. Let's have a look, shall we? ». Giles was guiding Ada to the back of the tables and kitted her while explaining a few basics. Ada couldn't stop smiling but her focus was clear and she was taking it all in. Giles help her climb onto Juniper and guided her out and taught a beaming Ada how to sit on the horse, how to make him turn and how to trot on her own. Harry was really happy she was in a position to share her love of horses with her. She stood there admiring the young girl's determination. She suddenly felt a strong pair of arms pulling her by the waist and as she turned round she saw a smiling Dempsey kissing her hair.
« Hey there. I missed you. So that's what you've been up to hey? Teaching Ada to ride a horse. She seems to be really enjoying herself! », looking up at Ada he couldn't resist smiling and laughing as he saw the pure delight on the little girl's face. « She seems to be getting the hang of it! She's a natural, just like you. »
« Hey James, look at me! I'm riding a horse! Isn't that cool? Look what I can do! »
« I can see that sweetheart. You're doing really well. If you carry on like that, we'll soon be able to take you out for a little ride together with Harry! Only when she's better though ", he added, looking sideways at his partner with a no-nonsense look on his face.