Disclaimer: Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a horse belongs to Anna Sewell and I am not making any profit with my fan fiction.
Horses speak softly to me
By: MovieDreamer
Summary: Based on Sewell's Black Beauty, Winifred Gordon is a 16-year old girl who has the gift of speaking to horses living in the 1800's living the tragedy of her mother's sickness, her arranged marriage, her friendship with Ginger and her love for a young stable boy…
Author's note: Thanks again so much for the reviews! The story was originally made for my sister who loves the movie and book just as much as I do, but I am happy to hear others have read it and love it too. I am again on a small winter break and as a treat have uploaded two chapters at once. Enjoy :)
acquanetta: I will write more hopefully in time before Spring classes starts. Thanks for reading!
giggles-95: Haha. I love Alfred too!
Chapter 5
"Put yourself a bit straight Joe," John's voice held a hint of frustration as he tried to tie the coffee colored tie around the young boy's neck.
"Sir John! We need you out here!" rang out the voice of one of the employees.
John put his hands to his side in exhaustion. "I will just trust you to finish up yourself and if you need help call out for your father or Master Alfred if he is not too busy." With that John was out the door.
Joe walked up to a long length mirror and held up the two ends of the tie that was over his shoulders. He let them go and let out an annoyed sigh. "I never needed a tie before, what is the deal now?" He shook his head.
Winifred walked down the halls as she read René, the story of the melancholy man whose life started tragic from birth. As she was up to the part were Rene had made a decision to kill himself, she heard a voice whisper. "He's in my room."
She felt her heart skip as she placed the book on her chest. She watched as Alfred passed whistling horribly at an inconsistent tone. He turned and placed his hands in his pockets. He flashed his ever charming smile as he cocked an eyebrow. "The poor lad is struggling to put a tie on, you seem to be a crack at it Winnie, why do you not be a good Samaritan and help him?"
Winifred bit her tongue to hold back vulgarities. That Alfred was just cruel yet there she found herself outside of Alfred's room having an argument in her head.
She was a lady! Engaged. Yet here about to put herself in a compromising position. Why was she here? She held her book close and rested her head against the door. The contact made a small knocking sound and she heard Joe's voice mumble 'Come in.'
She stood straight up. She felt her mouth dry. She looked at the hallway for anyone before she heard a louder 'Come in.' No turning back now. She turned the knob and walked in as she held her breath.
Winifred closed the door behind her and closed her eyes as the door made a louder sound than expected. She opened her eyes to look at a frustrated Joe who struggled with his copper tie. His face changed immediately when he saw Winifred standing there.
"Winifred, are you looking for your brother?"
Winifred shook her head and spoke slowly. "No, I have never entered this room before."
Joe gripped the ends of the tie as he thanked above that Winifred was too busy eyeing the room to see how he started to turn red down to his neck.
She gripped the book closer as she felt her heartbeat quicken. "Alfred told me you needed help with your tie."
Joe tried to keep his voice from cracking. "Right, he came here earlier and I asked him for help but he said he was too busy but that he would find someone who could help me."
That sly devil. Winifred breathed out and decided she was going to deal with her older brother later. She placed the book down on Alfred's bed and went up to Joe.
"Well, you have the tie all wrong." She held the right side and extended it a foot below the narrow end of the necktie and started to cross and passed it through the loop. Joe watched carefully as he tried his best to remember how but Winifred was quick and in a matter of seconds she had slide the knot up. He felt light headed since he held his breath so Winifred would not hear how loudly his breaths were but it made it worst since when he could not hold it any longer he let out a loud long one only to quickly breathe in and hold it again.
She twitched his jacket and patted his chest and shoulder. "Done." She flashed Joe a sheepish smile and walked to Alfred's bed to retrieve her book. "Are you nervous?" She did not face Joe and pressed the book to her chest in hopes that it would make her heart beat slow down.
Joe fiddled with his tie. "About the trial?" He looked at the back of Winifred's head. "A bit."
"You should not be. My father is on your side. Just speak the truth." She turned to him. "Just do not expect miracles."
It was late afternoon and Winifred was outside with her mother. Her mother was looking through some magazines with bridal gown sketches. Most were very appealing and sophisticated in style yet Winifred had a hard time imagining herself in them.
"I was thinking of a long gown for your wedding. Simple but long. I think lavender or blue would do." She showed Winifred a long gown with much simplicity but still sophisticated. "They are simply lovely and every bride in London is seen with them but you are just far too careless Winifred." Her mother shook her head.
Winifred felt her cheeks burn as she gave a tight embarrassed smile.
Her mother ran her fingers through the outline of one of the designs as she tried to picture her eldest daughter in such a beautiful gown. "Well, if we can not pick one of these dresses, we can always pick your best dress. The one you had on that day the vicar and his family came looked very beautiful on you. Although I barely see brides marry in white, maybe I should find you a pink gown instead."
"I heard Queen Victoria plans to marry Prince Albert with a white satin gown."
"My dear, she is a queen. No one will tell her anything." She smiled warmly at another gown sketch. "I suggested the vicar to perform the ceremony but your father said it would be a little strange to have the father of the groom do such a thing."
Winifred agreed as she finished her tea. "So how have you been feeling?"
"The same but I won't break." She chuckled before she started to rub her forehead. "But Flora has been a headache lately. I wish you would speak to her. Her behavior was unacceptable the other day. What is this nonsense on that we love you, Alfred and Jessica more?"
"Flora loves attention mother. Maybe if we give her a bit more attention she may feel better."
"Flora need a good old fashion beating. I would not stand for spoiled children. Well I am done with my tea. Are you done with yours?"
"Yes." As she stood up her mother looked up at her. "Where are you going?"
"To catch up on some reading." Winifred lied. She wanted to spend some time with Ginger but her mother would strongly suggest to do something else.
Her mother stood up. "Well, I will take the chance to go see Jessica and see if she has been practicing her piano lessons. Her governess told me her posture has been lacking."
Winifred went to quickly dress to something that would hide any grass stains she may get from being outside.
"Would I go with you when you are to be wed, Winnie?"
Winfred lied down on the grass and looked up at the clouds. She wore a high waist olive colored dress. "Of course Ginger. You are my friend. Everywhere I go, you will come with me."
Ginger dug her hoof deep on the grass picking up dirt. As she ate a bit of grass, Winifred turned to her side and rested her head on her palm. "Do you not believe me Ginger?"
Ginger stood straight up and nodded her head. "I do. There is a difference from believing you and knowing the future."
"What do you mean?"
"I will explain one day when the time is right." She took a few steps and nudged Winifred. "Chase me." With that Ginger ran off.
Winifred did not need to be asked twice. She got up, lifted her skirt and started to run after Ginger. Ginger trotted almost as if she was teasing Winifred. When Winifred was close, Ginger abruptly went to the left which made Winifred lose her balance. On the ground Winifred felt the grass in between her finger as she tried to catch her breath. She let out a loud laugh. "I will catch you yet Ginger!"
Ginger let out her light whinny and turned back to gallop towards Winifred. When Winifred was up ready to catch Ginger, Ginger turned gracefully and trotted at first. As she felt Winifred close, she picked up her speed to a point it would be impossible for Winifred to catch her.
Ginger let out a strong whinny, she loved to run and knew Winifred felt the same joy. It was just a freedom to be free where no one told them what to do.
Winifred felt her chest tighten and raised her hands up in defeat. She dropped to the ground and closed her eyes as she felt the breeze. The cold grass pressed on her cheek. She heard her breath as it tried to go back to normality. She then felt something gooey on her face. Smooth and thick. She laughed harder as she covered her face and rolled over.
"Ginger you are like a dog with a tongue two times big!" She giggled with her hands and face on the grass.
Ginger held her ears forward and nudged Winifred to turn over. She let out a loud whinny as she nodded her head. Winifred turned over as she cleaned her face with a wide grin. "I love you too Ginger."
Ginger looked up and saw a trio of men on their horses accompanied by another horse that was not part of Squire Gordon's horses.
Winifred stood up and looked at the same direction Ginger was. "They are finally home."
"I think what little Joe did was very courageous."
Winifred smiled as she immediately found Joe among the other men with his copper suit. "He is."
"Winnie… the time here has made me see that humans are not so bad."
She turned to Ginger and felt her heart fluttered. Ginger finally understood that no one at Birtwick was here to hurt her. "Ginger!" She let out in a shocked yet joyful tone.
"I heard the behaviorist speaking with your father and said he believes I may not need his services anymore because I have been well behaved."
Winifred let out a giggle and reached to Ginger a hug. She closed her eyes as she felt the fur brush against her cheek. "You know what that means Ginger. I will finally be able to ride you." She pulled away as Ginger let out a snort. "I will speak to father tonight to know when I can start. I will be back. I am going to see how Joe's trial went."
Winifred raced to the men while Ginger galloped back to where Black Beauty and Merrylegs were to have a nice cool drink of water.
Unable to run anymore, Winifred took large steps to reach the group. As she came closer, she saw the horse that Sir John was guiding one by the reins. Winifred stopped in awe.
The horse stood tall and slim with very athletic features. It had a beautiful coat which was a reddish brown color with a black mane, tail, ears, and lower legs.
Winifred flashed a smile to herself and ran to her father who was conversing quite loud with Sir John and Joe's father.
"Winifred!" The squire said shocked to see his daughter with such haste. "Where is the fire child?"
"Father! Is this Alfred's horse?" She gulped as she tried to catch her breath.
He nodded as he looked at the thoroughbred. "Marvel, is she not? Sir John was helpful in—Winifred!"
Before he had a chance to say more Winifred was off to fetch her brother. She found him in the sitting room. There laid Alfred on the coach with his body limped and stiff. On his face was a book that heaved up whenever he let out a deep breath. Alfred was never the type to stay awake for long when he was studying.
"Al-fred!"
Alfred jumped as the book flew up and rolled over only to have his body hit the floor. Winifred bit her lip as she cringed not expecting that reaction.
Alfred stood right up, his face flushed with anger as he threw the book across the room. "Why you bloody—" He paused when he saw Winifred. "Winifred?" His voice changed as if he was another person. "Why are you shouting about like that? I almost cracked my head open." He rubbed his temple.
Winifred flashed him a sheepish smile. "Sorry," But her face quickly changed when she remembered why she came to fetch him. Her smiled became mischievous and anxious as she called him over with her hand. "Just come. Father brought a new horse!"
Alfred though did not share his sister's enthusiasm. "He does that every month, what do I care? The day he brings some exotic looking thing from another planet—"
"Come Alfred!" Winifred grabbed Alfred by his wrist and started to drag him outside of the estate as she held her dress with her other hand. Finally a distance from the group of men, Winifred let her brother go.
"Very lady-like of you Winnie." Alfred said as he fixed his cuff.
Winifred rolled her eyes and ignored her brother's sarcasm. "There do you see it by Sir John's side? Right the horse is lovely?"
Alfred looked up at the thoroughbred and shrug. "It is just horse, nothing more, and nothing less." He spoke in a very bored voice as he tried to hide that he was impressed. It looked like a race horse and although his father loved the strong kind, aside from Ginger, there were no thoroughbred in his stable.
"Alfred, it is a beautiful horse!" Winifred shouted in disbelief.
"Right, so I saw the bloody horse, now can I go back to my nap. I was having a very nice dream with Lady Ele-"
"Spare me your naughty dreams Alfred. Would the horse be more beautiful if I told you, she was yours?" Winifred let out a playful smile anticipating Alfred's reaction.
Alfred stood quiet and looked at the thoroughbred but this time in a new light. "Did you say mine Winnie?"
Before Winifred had a chance to answer, Alfred was like a bullet standing before the horse. Winifred raced after and whispered behind Alfred. "Go thank Father."
As Alfred was speaking to her father, Winifred came close to the horse. "Hello there."
The horse pulled back just enough for Sir John to turn but Winifred shook her head to tell him not to worry.
How did I understand you? I never understood a human before. At least not immediately and so well like I understood you.
Female. Winifred whispered and spoke slowly so no one would hear her except the horse. "A gift I have had since as long as I can remember. As you spend time with someone you start to understand them better. Horses eventually understand humans but we humans do not all understand horses. That is why mines is a gift, it is believed my grandmother had it too." She extended her palm out to let the horse sniff it. "Welcome to the Gordon's place. My name is Winifred."
She started to pet the horse's neck. "What is your name?" She observed that the mare had a well-chiseled head.
The man who took care of me and my siblings called me Autumn's wind because of my color reminded him of the change of the leaves in the autumn and because he said I was the quickest foal he has ever seen.
Winifred started to pet the neck. "That is a lovely name. Do you see the young man with hair the color of hay."
Autumn's wind turned to look at Alfred who was red up to his neck trying to thank their father in a formal manner.
No hay is that bright.
Winifred giggled. "What do you think of him?"
He looks a lot like the young lad who use to help the man with feeding me as a foal.
"He is my brother. His name is Alfred Gordon. The oldest of the Gordons and he is going to be your new master but I hope you two can be more than that. I hope you two can be friends and become one. My brother has never had a horse before. You are his first pet, so he will love you very much. I want you to trust him."
Autumn's wind nodded her head. The lucky of the mare. Never been mistreated and she will make sure Alfred will keep it that way.
Alfred went up to Winifred and teased. "Stop whispering to the horse before they throw you into an institution like they did with Grandmama."
"She was not thrown in an institution Alfred. That is a nasty rumor."
"She was for a while before father's conscious started eating him alive and he kept her in that cold room."
Winifred shook her head. "You know very well that Grandmama was not mad. She understood horses."
"Right, she did but then she was claiming how she actually spoke to them. You know, know their language. Poor mama, her age was making her believe things."
Winifred stopped petting Autumn's wind and decided to change the subject. "Have you thought of a name?"
Alfred gave a sly smile, the one when he was already planning something mischievous in advance. He rubbed his chin as he raised his eyebrow. "I want it to be a name that is intimidating. All my mates will be envious when they see him. I shall call him D—"
"Alfred. You promise you would not treat your horse as some toy or steam engine. She is not a form of trophy."
"Fine. So I guess Satan, Butch, Killer, Chainsaw and Jaws are out of the picture?" He gave an innocent smile but Winifred put her hands on her hips not amused.
"Not unless you are trying to kill our poor mother. Honestly Alfred, Satan?"
"The horse is a nice red color with black." Alfred pointed out matter-of-factly as if Winifred was supposed to understand his reasoning.
"She is a horse not a guard dog!"
"She? What makes you think she is a—"
"She is."
Alfred sighed and turned to his father shooting a quick unattractive look before turning back to his sister. "He always has to find a way to ruin it for me."
"What? Female thoroughbreds are quick, beautiful and you can breed her when you are older to have other good blood horses, so stop your whining. Father is giving you a chance to prove that you are a grown responsible man, do not let your spoil behavior make him feel like he did this in vain."
Alfred frowned realizing his behavior. "You are right Winnie." He turned to the horse. "She is a beauty. Far more than mother's horse." He said referring to Beauty. "As long as I do not have to call her something like Fluffy, or God help me, Seabiscuit."
Winifred giggled. It was like all their cousins called every bay horse Seabiscuit. "How about Autumn's wind? The breeder mentioned that she was very fast."
Sir John who had been eavesdropping raised an eyebrow. Had he spoken to Winifred at all? How did she know that? Maybe she mentioned that to make Alfred feel better about his horse, but it was not a lie.
Alfred repeated back although it was not sure if it was in a question or agreement. "Autumn's wind." The horse nudged him. Alfred looked surprised. "You like it? Autumn's wind?" Autumn's wind nudged again. He turned to Winifred surprised. "You were always a crack at figuring horses out."
Winifred felt her ears burn a bit. "Why do you not pet her, just do not go straight for the face."
He extended his palm out towards Autumn's wind so she can sniff it "I know how to pet a horse Winifred. I'm not a complete dunce." He petted her lightly, in the same fashion Winifred did earlier.
The squire was chuckling at a joke Tom said when he noticed his son petting the horse. "Alfred when you are done acquainting with the horse, be sure to tell young Joe so he can put the horse at her new stable."
Alfred shook his head. "I think I am going to take a nice ride with her first, Father."
"Very well, just make sure you get a saddle, do not exhaust her and make sure she eats."
Alfred nodded. "Joe please get me a saddle." Joe nodded and before he left the squire told him. "Young Joe once you're done, you can join us inside."
The Squire turned to Sir John and Joe's father. "John, Tom, would you like to come inside and have a brandy?" The two men agreed and the trio went back to the estate.
Joe quickly came back with a saddle. Placing it on Autumn's wind and fastening it properly, he looked at Alfred.
"Thank you Joe. Have the hay ready for when I come back." With that Alfred and Autumn's wind were gone, off to their first ride. Joe left to quickly prepare the stable for Autumn's wind.
As Winifred saw him ride off, she knew she made a good decision at convincing her father. She hoped that Alfred made good use of his chance. Joe came back as he dusted off some of the hay that stuck on his clothes. It had been the first time she acknowledged him with all the events occurring. "Did you see Alfred's glow? He is so happy."
"I also see the green glow from your face from jealousy." He teased.
Winifred rolled her eyes. "I forgot in all this excitement the clodhopper that you are. Why don't you sashay over to the stables and work instead of bothering me?"
Joe grinned, he loved going under her skin. "Miss Winifred, but I thought you made the other night clear that the last thing you want is for me to be away from you."
Winifred glared balefully at him as Joe started to laugh. "If looks can kill miss." He cocked his eyebrow contemplating an idea in his head before he said. "Wait here."
Winifred decided to listen to him this once and he came back with two saddles and extra pair of clothes. She looked at the items in skepticism. "What are those for?"
Joe looked around and saw there was no one in sight. He leaned close and gave Winifred a kiss on her cheek. "Trust me."
Winifred looked at Joe in disbelief as she felt her face turn red. It was a bold move from Joe as he guided her into the pen where Ginger and the other horses were.
When they reached where the horses were, Joe gave the clothes to Winifred. "Change into this, make sure you put on the sporting cap on real well."
"What is the meaning of this Joe?"
"You want to ride Ginger, do you not? Put those on and meet me by the river."
"But Ginger is well behaved now. I was going to speak to father about the improvements."
"Well what do you prefer waiting a few more weeks or a few more seconds so you can finally ride her. Even then you will never properly ride her, they will have you on a side saddle and I can tell you right now, that will be equally uncomfortable for both of you."
Winifred looked down at the clothes debating in her head whether she should go along with the plan. She did not understand Joe's motives but if it meant being able to ride Ginger she agreed. "But what if someone sees me change?"
"Do not worry Winnie, I am the only one who comes here to round up the horses." He gave a small grin as Winifred narrowed her eyes. "I see you have the same dirty mind from when I met you. I would not disrespect you miss. I am going to the river, you can meet me there."
"You better not!" She went where there were the most trees and started to dress quickly. She felt awkward putting on the pants which surprisingly fit her well. Putting on the shirt, she raised her hands up and looked at herself amused how the pants and shirt fit yet they were loose. She wrapped her hair and had it stuffed inside the sporting hat. She walked up to Joe in an awkward way as she carried her dress on her arm.
Joe was petting Beauty when he looked up and saw Winifred. He let out a loud laugh which angered Winifred immediately.
"I knew this was to tease me!" She quickly turned to leave as she felt her face burn up to her neck. Joe raced after her and held her back by her wrist. "Sorry Miss, I did not mean to laugh, it is just I am so use to seeing you in a certain way. You look different but I would never do that to mock you."
Winifred turned back to look at Joe.
"Come Winnie." Winifred followed and listened carefully as Joe taught her how to saddle up and get on Ginger.
[A/N: During the time I was writing Winifred and Ginger's ride the song "To the Stars" from the DragonHeart soundtrack came on, what a perfect song]
"Remember everything is always done on the left side of the horse."
Winifred looked at Ginger with an amused look. "Is that right Ginger? Why is that?" Ginger answered which caused a loud laughter from Winifred.
Joe looked lost at which Winifred answered. "I might tell you the joke, one day." He stood confused but decided not to question any further.
On Ginger, Joe started a slow walk. "Remember Winnie, keep your heels down, back straight, shoulders back and chin up." He spoke in a stern voice almost mistakenly Sir John's tone.
Winifred giggled at Joe's seriousness and resemblance to his uncle. "So serious, is he not Ginger?"
Ginger started to trot to which Joe scolded Ginger for. "She's not ready Ginger." To which Ginger stopped trotting as Joe signaled for her to go slower. "Are you okay Winnie?"
Winifred was taken by surprise how the trotting had thrown her a bit off where she was sitting but she remained proud nodding. "Don't scold Ginger. She would not try anything that can hurt me."
"It's too soon. You can—"
Suddenly Ginger stood up on her two hind legs which caused Joe to lose grip of the reins as Winifred held on. She let out a loud whinny as she shouted. "Do not worry Winnie you can trust me! Just lean forward."
Winifred complied as she closed her eyes when Ginger galloped fast towards the field. Winifred felt her heart coming out as she felt she was losing where she was sitting. "I feel you nervous Winnie! Trust me… Look! Running makes me happy, see what I see."
Winifred was cringing in fear that she might fall and she did not know how Ginger knew she was feeling. Slowly she opened her eyes as she slowly lifted her head up. She felt the wind whip against her face. It was as if she was going to fly at any moment. She watched as the sun started to set. The speed Ginger was going at made her sporting cap come right off. As she felt the wind in her hair and through all her body, she felt she had suddenly borrowed a freedom that she never had before.
"Ginger…" She managed to blurt out. "I feel like I am on top of the world!"
Ginger kept riding almost as if she wanted to reach the sun before it set. "You and I!" Ginger neighed in joy. "Are one." Winifred felt her body taken over by a feeling…the moment turned out to be glorious.
Ginger wanted Winifred to really feel what it was to fly. She saw the fences at sight and as soon as she was at a good distance, she jumped. She felt her heart jump and knew Winifred would feel the same.
When Ginger reached the other side though, she felt immediately as if her connection had broken. She felt like if her soul was split in two. The disappearance of the welcoming weight she had on before was gone.
Ginger quickly turned around to find Winifred on the other side on the ground in fetal position.
"WINIFRED!" Ginger raced away and ran back to the fence to jump over. She looked down at Winifred and nudged her but she did not respond. Her ears dropped lifeless to the side as her nostrils flared. "Winnie…" She managed to turn Winifred over as she nudged her. She licked her but no response.
Her head dropped to her knees as she saw that her friend did not move. She looked up to see Joe running as fast as he could towards them.
Joe dropped to his knees out of breath when he saw Winifred on the floor. "Winnie…" He patted her cheek but she did not stir. "Love… please answer me." He stared in disbelief. Joe made a fist and gave himself a few hits on his forehead. "Stupid, stupid, stupid! I am always doing stupid things and now…" He tried to hold back his tears.
He knew it would not be wise to move her. He looked at Ginger. "Take care of her. I will go fetch her father and Uncle John." He looked at Winifred for a moment, not sure what to do before he gave her a kiss on her lips and raced off hoping it was not too late.