Alright Dear readers, I have a good amount of story here for you, and a good amount of notes, too!
A groom took care of the horses and typically lived on the property. in my minimal research I have not found apartments in private carriage houses, but it was not unheard of for the Groom or the trainer to live on the property since horses need constant care; someone to feed them, ride them, exercise them, maintain their coats, and keep them healthy.
Many times a stable hand would be a regular presence to assist the Groom.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is all about what makes a true gentleman. It has a lot to do with class and assumptions about gentlemen in society. it is no wonder Sansa would be drawn to a book about an orphan boy who falls in love with a high born girl and falls into company with many in society who have a lot more than he does. It is a fantastic book with a lot going for it and i recommend it. then again, it is one of my favorites :)
Enjoy! and remember to tell me what you think, what your favorite part was, or just tell me all of the feels. I also have them.
much love! - FlamingRose
December 24, 1917- Winterfell
Sansa sat on the top stair of the second floor landing, staring down the marble steps. It was only her and the murals here. It was quiet, almost stiflingly so. She heard a noise downstairs and recognized it as the French doors opening. She gripped her bag close to her and waited, her heart hammering against her chest. Who would be here?
"Hello?" She heard a voice call, "Who's here?" The footsteps came closer until they were right below her.
"Is anyone there?" Sansa carefully came down the stairs to the landing and looked to the left side stairs. There she found Mr. Rodrick Cassell staring up at her.
"Miss Stark," he said in surprise, "Forgive the state of the house. I was not aware the family was coming. We never received word."
"It's alright, Mr. Cassell. Word was never sent. They don't know I'm here."
"I see," Rodrick said after a moment. He never thought Sansa as the type to run away, and now confronted with her secret escape to Winterfell he wasn't sure how to process the information.
"How did you know I was here?"
"I was bringing in the horses after Podrick and I's lunging. I spotted you going in through the door. I didn't know it was you though. I thought I would investigate." Mr. Cassell stood awkwardly at the foot of the stairs as Sansa stood shifting her bag from hand to hand.
"Have you eaten Miss Stark?" He asked. Sansa shook her head.
"I have some coffee and sweet rolls in the carriage house. Ms. Mordane was kind enough to bring some by yesterday morning and I couldn't finish 'em. Pod is having one now if you don't mind sharing his company."
"Alright," Sansa said with a meek nod of her head. Rodrick took Sansa's bag from her hands and escorted her across the grounds to the carriage house. Sansa had been in the carriage house many times as a girl, but she'd never been in the small apartment her father had been kind enough to model for the Groom and Trainer. Rodrick Cassell did both, and he was the best. To make sure he stayed with the family, Ned Stark transformed the back tack room into an apartment where Rodrick could live. The carriage house was large enough that, even with this back room occupied, there were other places where tack could be stored. However, Sansa noticed as she walked into the small kitchen, that didn't keep Mr. Cassell from bringing tack into his home. There was a broken bridle, one of Arya's she noticed, sitting on the table next to a cup of coffee where Podrick sat. There were stirrups and lead ropes hung up on pegs by the door. There was even a freshly polished saddle on the floor behind the table.
"Sorry for the mess. Winter is hard on the equipment. Too much moisture."
"It's fine," Sansa said, "hello Podrick." Podrick hurried to his feet and hastily bowed his head.
"Miss Stark," he said, "lovely to see you."
"Thank you," she replied.
"Have a seat," Rodrick grumbled as he poured her a cup of coffee. He set it down in front of her and she eagerly held it between her cold, stiff hands. She closed her eyes and she drank the warm liquid. Now that she was in a warm house with food and drink and in a chair, she realized how tired she was and how much her feet hurt.
"How is Lady?" Sansa asked after her horse.
"She's in fine shape Miss," Podrick answered, "A beautiful animal she is."
"Do you suppose, Mr. Cassell, that I could ride her later today? When the sun is out?"
"Of course. As long as you stay away from the cliffs on the far side there. It's too slick over there with all the rocks and ice. You'll want to stay close to the grounds. Are you sure you don't want to lie down first? You seem a bit tired."
"I am a bit tired," Sansa assented.
"You can sleep in there," Mr. Cassell stated pointing towards a small room with a bed, "I'll close the door and Pod and I will be in the stables so you can get your rest."
'Thank you," Sansa said as she did her best to stifle a yawn. Slowly she got herself out of the chair and went into the small room closing the door behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed and removed her shoes one by one. She sighed as her feet ached in relief. She rubbed her arm. She had only packed her nightgown, extra stockings, and an extra woolen frock in her bag, but wool was heavy, and became heavier the more you carried it. Her body was full of small aches, but most of all she was tired from the last twenty four hours. Sansa took off her coat and lay down. Soon, she was asleep.
Benjen arrived in Newport when the sun was highest in the sky. He made his way to the station office and asked to place a call to Rodrick Cassell on the Winterfell estate.
"Hello, Rodrick. Benjen Stark. Is Sansa on the property still?"
"She awoke about half an hour ago. She went out for a ride. I can send Podrick to the station for you if you like."
"Don't trouble yourself, Rodrick. I'll take a ride from one of the young men here."
"The missus must be worried, her girl running off that way."
"We all were. Thank goodness she's in Winterfell, eh?"
"Yes, thank goodness."
"Thank you Rodrick. I'll see you soon." Benjen hung up the phone and brought his collar up around his neck to block the cold wind. He hailed one of the sleds outside the station.
"To the Winterfell estate please." Benjen sat in the seat, contemplating what to do when arrived in Winterfell. What would he say? How would he talk to his niece? He was never very good with girls. He'd never been married, Lyanna was the closest thing he had to a sister, and she behaved very differently than Sansa. Lyanna had a spirit more like Arya's, but then again that same fire seemed to be making itself known in Sansa in unexpected ways. Young girls were tricky. He wasn't sure he knew the right things to do or right words to say, but she was family. He had to try. If anything, he'd try for Catelyn and Ned.
When Benjen arrived at Winterfell, he made his way to the carriage house directly. He called out for Rodrick, and got no answer so he went to the stables. There he found him. He was waiting at the door of the stables, staring out over the horizon. Benjen followed his gaze and saw what he was waiting for. There in the distance, coming closer and closer, was Sansa riding her horse Lady at a soft canter. She slowed her horse down to a trot and then a walk with such commanding ease. She was wearing a simple frock, but he noticed that she was wearing the hairpin that he and Jon had gotten her for Christmas. His niece was a vision. Regal was the appropriate word. It made his heart ache to know how much pain was tied up in her perfectly postured frame.
"Uncle Benjen," Sansa said, obviously surprised to see him there.
"Hello Sansa," he said. She dismounted her mare and approached her uncle with cautious eyes.
"Has father asked you to fetch me?"
"I decided to come fetch you. Your father just came to my door worried sick." Sansa dipped her head in remorse.
"I didn't mean to worry him."
"I know," he replied, "Do you think you ran Lady too ragged on your ride?"
"No," Sansa replied, much more comfortable with the topic of horses, "she seems to like the cool air. She wasn't tired when we came back. Not one bit."
"Then perhaps you could indulge me with a gentle walk down the lane then? I'll take Noble," he said referring to one of Ned's horses.
"Noble is a fine horse, sir," Podrick piped up, "and he hasn't been out in a few days."
"It's settled then," Benjen replied, "Podrick, could you prepare him for me while I speak to Mr. Cassell?"
"Of course, sir," Podrick replied as he rushed to retrieve the horse.
"Has she said anything?" he asked Rodrick once Sansa and Podrick were out of earshot.
"Not much, sir," he said, "She went into the main house this morning. I found her on the stairs. I suppose she was just sitting there outside the upstairs parlor. I brought her back here, gave her something to eat. She asked after her horse and asked to ride. I told her to rest so she slept for a few hours before waking and asking to ride her horse again. She's just gotten back."
"And in that time—perhaps over coffee or while grooming her horse—did she say anything to you? Or Podrick?"
"Nothing, sir," Rodrick answered with a shake of his head, "she seems…off…if you don't mind my speaking out loud."
"Of course," Benjen replied, "thank you for your candor, Rodrick." Soon, Podrick came out of the stable with Noble saddled and bridled.
"Thank you, Podrick," He said as he took the reins and mounted the horse. He let Sansa take the lead as they walked side by side down the path towards the lane.
"It's been a long time since I rode a young gelding like this one. Such a fine horse." Benjen said breaking the silence.
"Noble is a beautiful beast," Sansa agreed, "Though Father said it took a while to break him." She was quiet again for a while. Benjen waited until she spoke again.
"I think that is so sad," Sansa said quietly, "that a horse must be broken in order to live among us."
"I don't think horses are broken. Not really," Benjen answered, "I think they choose to listen to us because they grow to understand us. A horse is much bigger than a man after all. They could easily trample us. An animal of that size does not succumb to a thing as small as a human when they could easily overtake us, make us bleed even."
"That's an awful way to think about it, Uncle Benjen," Sansa cried.
"Yes, but it makes you feel better doesn't it?" Sansa smiled.
"It does actually," she laughed, "much better."
"Sansa, your parents want you home."
"I don't want to be there," she answered.
"Bran and Rickon need you there. You're the only sister they have right now."
"Arya is out there, they still have her," Sansa said, her jaw set.
'Yes, they do," Benjen said gently, careful with every word, "but she isn't here. Not like you. They need you, your parents need you."
"Why does everyone need me? What about what I need?" Sansa snapped, and automatically looked down at her hands holding the reins. They gripped the leather so tightly; Benjen guessed her knuckles were white under those gloves.
"I'm sorry," Sansa said, composing herself.
"It's alright, child. You are hurting." They continued on in silence. After a while he turned Noble back towards the house and Sansa followed on Lady.
"When we get back to the house, what will happen?" She asked after a moment.
"It's up to you. I am here to retrieve you, but if you do not wish to go with me, I will not force you. However, I have a ticket if you want it." Sansa nodded. There was a pause before she spoke again.
"The house is so dark," she remarked, "everything is covered and the curtains are drawn."
"Yes. It must be preserved for summer." They continued the rest of the way in silence. Benjen handed the reins to Podrick and asked him to take Noble out for a proper ride once he returned from taking him and Sansa to the station. Podrick jumped at the opportunity with a grin and hurried to prepare the small surrey for the trip to the station. Sansa dismounted and asked to tend to her horse herself. She brought the reins over Lady's ears and led her into the stable.
"I will go back with you, Uncle," She said looking at Benjen. He nodded.
"I will retrieve your things from the carriage house," he said. She nodded. He turned to follow Rodrick to the house allowing Sansa some time alone. They reached the house and Benjen sat down at the table at Rodrick's invitation.
"Here are her things," Rodrick said bringing them out of the tiny room.
"Thank you, Rodrick. Truly."
"Of course," he replied. He and Benjen walked out of the carriage house. Benjen took a seat placing the bag on the floor of the surrey. Sansa emerged from the stable and climbed in next to him. They went the entire way to the station in silence, and continued in the same manner as they boarded the train. Sansa stared out the window watching the trees pass by one by one. She tried counting them so as to occupy her mind and not to think of what was missing.
Benjen watched his niece over the pages of the book he was trying to read. He was going to spend the afternoon finishing it, but he hadn't gotten through five pages since this morning. Instead he preoccupied himself in reading the creases and involuntary nuances of expression on his niece's face. He watched as she gradually hid her conflict and hurt behind a well-crafted mask. He wondered how long she had been working on this look. It saddened him she felt the need to put on such a mask for her family. If only she acknowledged her pain. She was so troubled, but so stubborn. She would never admit to struggling. She would put on a mask of strength to the end, hardening by the day to protect every exposed nerve. She'll turn to stone if she's not careful, he thought.
It was dark when they returned home. As the train pulled up to the station, Sansa looked out at the city she had left that morning with a face void of feeling. Her cool demeanor intact, she brought her chin up as she stood and made her way onto the platform.
"Alright, Sansa, it's time to get you home. Tomorrow is Christmas." Sansa stopped at the mention of the holiday. Benjen turned around to look at her.
"Come on now,' he coaxed, "it's time to go home. It's late."
"I've changed my mind," she said. Benjen's eyebrows shot up into his hairline.
"It's a bit late for that, don't you think?"
"No, I don't mean—I want to stay with you."
"Why?" he asked incredulously.
"Please?" she implored. Benjen sighed.
"Yes," he answered, "yes you can."
"Thank you," she said as she continued walking. Benjen stopped at the conductor's office and asked to use the phone. He settled himself on the corner of the desk as Sansa sat primly on the edge of a bench outside the office wringing her hands nervously. She hummed to herself to keep from eavesdropping on the conversation going on in hushed tones on the other side of the door.
"Hello?" answered Ned. His voice came across the line tense and gravelly.
"Ned. I have her,"
"Oh thank god," he cried, "is she coming home?"
"Yes, in time. We are at the train station now….um, she wants to stay with me for the night."
"With you?"
"Yes." There was a palpable pause on the other end of the phone. Benjen shifted from the uncomfortable silence.
"I am—uh..I'm surprised."
"So am I," Benjen replied with a shake of his head, "I'll have Osha prepare a room for her and we can meet with you tomorrow."
"Alright, brother. I'll see you tomorrow. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
"Of course," Benjen replied, "we're family, Ned." He then called Osha to tell her what to do before he hung up the phone and turned to open the door. She stopped humming and stood waiting for his verdict.
"You're coming home with me. Osha will make you a bed." She let go of a breath and smiled in relief.
'Thank you, Uncle Benjen. This means a great deal to me."
"Of course child," he said, not sure why she was so glad to be going to his small brownstone to sleep in a bed that was not her own.
Osha opened the door for them as they stumbled in, tired from the excitement of the day.
"There is tea and cookies like you asked, sir. I put them in the study."
"Thank you Osha," Benjen said gratefully, "could you please put this bag in Miss Sansa's room. Please?"
"Yes, of course." She went up the stairs to the room and Benjen led Sansa into the study. There on a small table were Oreos and a pot of tea. He poured her a cup, She took it gratefully and sipped it slowly.
"Oreos?"she asked.
"I love them," he said as he took a bite of one, "don't tell your mother," he said with a wink. She smiled as she took another sip of the warm tea. It was lavender and rose brew. He made a note to commend Osha for her selection in teas. He watched Sansa as she took in her surroundings. She looked about the study, and he could see she wanted to see the books on the shelves, reading the titles.
"Make yourself at home my dear," he said gesturing to the room, "if there's one you'd like to read just take it off the shelf." Her smile widened as she stood and let herself get drawn in by the books. They stayed in comfortable silence as she took books down and put them back one by one flipping through the pages and he munched on cookies and sipped on his tea content to enjoy a moment of respite in his home.
"This one," she said holding out a book. From what he could tell, it appeared to be Dickens. Great Expectations.
"That's an ambitious read, but one of my favorites. It's not for the faint of heart."
"Do you think me faint of heart, Uncle?" Sansa challenged. Benjen cracked a smile.
"Far from it, Sansa," he said, "Go on and take it. You can have it for as long as you like." He stifled a yawn and took his last swallow of tea. He called Osha in to take the plates and cups to the kitchen.
"Well, the pot is empty. That is the signal for bed. You may stay up a while to read. Just make Goodnight dear girl. I will see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Uncle," Sansa said. She sank into one of the arm chairs next to a lamp and opened the book gently. Benjen bent down and kissed the top of her head before walking to the door. He turned one last time to catch a last glance at his niece, curled in the seat ravenously reading the tome of a book. It was the first time he'd seen her peaceful, almost happy, since Jon left. He hoped it would last for a long time and then some.