Disclaimer: Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a horse belongs to Anna Sewell and I am not making any profit with my fan fiction
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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…
Chapter 7
Author's note: In brackets, I am just putting the songs I was listening to as I wrote the story for inspiration along with the youtube link. (Just put .com/ whatever the link I put down). You can loop it until I put the next bracket or not. It makes reading more enjoyable with a soundtrack =)
giggles-95: Thanks so much! It was heartbreaking to write about Alfred's death. Winifred is going through a lot and in the next chapters I might actually take a pause and focus on the horses some
Scott- Thanks so much for reading the story. I am actually aware of the term, the reason I called the man "horse doctor" is because that is how Ms. Sewell called the man who came to see Beauty during that scene. It was more to stay a bit true to her work. I am just playing in her sandbox. :)
Bglitter- Hello, thanks so much for your reviews! I do not think I can write like a true author but it is very flattering. :) You should definitely write a book about Black Beauty. There are not much stories based on the movie or the book. By the way, I'll gladly return the reviews but your reviews are anonymous.
Once again, thanks to everyone who is reading, reviewing, marking down as a favorite and setting up alerts. I am glad to revisiting this story again.
[Nino Rota - Romeo and Juliet: /watch?v=wcyRO_ZFa9I]
Senaida walked into the room early in the morning with tea for young Winifred. She had already left tea for the Squire and Mistress. She had in mind to make warm milk for the other young girls as soon as she checked up on Winifred.
Her wrinkles were far deeper this morning. To see the family in devastation broke her heart. The Mistress would not get out of her bed and the Squire had drunk his tea before locking himself up in the library.
Inside, she gave a deep loving sigh and smiled warmly at the sight before her. There laid Winifred and Joe, the two of them reminded her of toddlers in the crib. Winifred was in fetal position wrapped in her blanket while Joe slept on his back and one of his hands hanged off the bed. The other hand was under Winifred's hand which was the only body part not wrapped up in the blanket.
She placed the silver platter that had tea, milk and honey down on the night table and placed her hand over her chest. It would be a shame to wake them up since they looked peaceful but she knew the scandal that can come of it if anyone in the house knew that Joe had not come to his bedroom last night. Before she can bring herself to wake them up however, Joe had slowly opened his eyes.
He rubbed his eyes and stretched. At the sight of Senaida, he breathed in deeply and sat up quickly.
"Relax child." She whispered. She walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Joe's face started to turn crimson. "I am sorry. I was watching over Winifred," He turned quickly and looked at the sleeping adolescent before he turned to Senaida, his chest heaving as breathed heavily. "Last night and I was very tired. I did not even realize I slept here-"
"It is okay." Senaida gave a warm smile to reassure him. "Just go on now," She gave an encouraging tap on his shoulder. "And make sure no one sees you." She walked to the night table and bent some to stir in the honey and milk onto the tea. Joe quickly got up and took one look at Winifred who was still sleeping before he left.
Poor little Joe Green! How his eyes would light up whenever he laid them on Winifred! She thought to herself as she stirred the tea until it got a consistent color. At the age of fifteen, Joe had found love, even before that if she knew any better. About the same age, Master Alfred fell in love. She remembered it perfectly. He placed his eyes on little Elena and that was all he saw, all he ever spoke about.
She watched Winifred sleep peacefully. She knew Joe would never disrespect Winifred especially in these circumstances so she rest assured that the two of them just fell asleep last night. It was a devastating evening.
"So what is going to happen now?"
"Some men came over to prepare my brother for his funeral tonight. One of the men was surprised, he thought at first it was my mother."
Winifred was on a swing Joe had made in the morning as he gently pushed her. He did not have much work to do until the evening when the guest were ready to leave and decided he wanted to cheer Winifred up a bit. Therefore, after he took in the guest horse into the stables, he found a tree with a sturdy branch and made a swing out of board and some rope.
"How do you like the swing Miss Winifred?"
Winifred turned back to him. "Are you mad at me?"
"No, not at all miss."
"So then why are we back to formalities?"
Joe gave a side grin as he gripped onto the rope for support as he leaned over Winifred shoulder. "I apologize Winnie, how is the swing?"
She held the sides of the thick rope as she looked up at the branch that was holding her weight. "I like it. I have not been on a swing since I was Jessica's age." Placing her hands on her lap, she turned back to Joe. "Would it handle both of our weights?"
"It should."
"Then sit with me." She patted on the empty space next to her.
He turned around to take a seat opposite of her. He looked up to make sure the branch held their weight and turned to Winifred who was looking at him. As they looked at each other, Winifred looked at the dark brown eyes that reminded Winifred of the dry leaves in the fall. To her it was as if every sound around her came to a sudden silence.
They exchanged bashful smiles and turned to look at the two younger sisters who were at a distance riding Merrylegs. They were laughing and talking quite loud as Merrylegs galloped around in a large circle.
[Black Beauty- Ginger Snaps: watch?v=XCh68Bi-5xA]
"Would it be cruel to say that I hate my sisters right now?"
"Why would you say that?" Joe was shocked to hear something so bold from Winnie. As he observed Winnie, she was thoroughly angered.
"It's as if they do not care." Her cloudy gaze was settled on the two laughing girls. "Carrying on their lives as if we did not lose a brother. I do not expect the whole world to stop for the death of my brother but at least his own sisters should pay some respect rather than… LAUGHING AND SCREAMING SO LOUDLY!"
Winifred's voice was loud enough and so sudden that the girls that turned to her heard it.
She jumped off the swing, took off her hat and threw it on the ground as she stomped towards her sister with fire in her eyes. Joe picked up her hat and raced after her.
"Merrylegs drop them off right now!"
"What the bloody hell is your problem Winifred?" Flora pushed one of her blonde curls behind her ear and stared down at her sister's sudden hostile behavior.
"Watch your language Flora." Winifred said in an austere tone and turned to Jessica who looked frightened and dared not say a single word.
With a tone of haughty disdain, Flora waved her hand dismissively. "I can talk however I feel—"
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Winifred spat furiously, but this time at Merrylegs.
Miss Winifred! I cannot do that, they will question—
"I said, now!" Her fists were tightly clenched at her sides.
Flora chuckled with smug look on her face. "Are you mad? Do you think my horse is a trained dog? Talking at it like it will listen to you."
"Jessica and Flora get off Merrylegs now."
"I do not see how it is—"
"Our brother died last night! Have you no respect for the dead?"
"Correction, your brother." Flora's eyes narrowed coldly towards her sister.
"I beg your pardon!" Winifred's voiced cracked as the redness of her face started to go down to her neck.
Joe who had maintained his distance came behind Winifred as he placed his hands on her shoulder. He felt things were going to get ugly quick. "Miss Winifred, its fine. Let your sisters distract themselves, they are not doing any harm."
Flora smiled triumphantly. "Thank you Joe."
Winifred though, did not listen to Joe and was still trying to absorb what Flora said a few seconds ago. "My brother?"
"You heard correctly. Your. That idiot did nothing but torment Jessica and me all bloody day. Jessica has been happy all day."
"Jessica?" Winifred turned in disbelief at her younger sister who bowed down her head as her curls covered her face.
"Tell her Jessica, tell her how you wished for Alfred to disappear and how happy you were to see him there dead in the sitting room."
"You disgust me Flora. You know very well that Jessica did not want Alfred dead. You are just hurt because he left this world before you ever had chance to tell him how much you loved him. He may have been bothersome but he did you every favor you asked. He sat there on that boat every day rowing your miserable arse all over the pond for your enjoyment." She looked down. "You are right Joe. I will leave them alone. I might just hurl if I stand here another moment."
Winifred and Joe started to walk back to the swing as Joe wrapped his arm around her in a comforting hug.
"And you're just bloody angry because Alfred is no longer around to cover your whorish behavior. Who will you find now to stand at the door while Joe breaks you behind Dr. Blomefield's back?" Flora's high pitch laugh was enough to set Winifred off.
She pulled Joe's arm away and sprinted up to her sisters and Merrylegs. She grabbed Flora by her hair and when her blonde locks were wrapped well around her fingers she pulled her down to the ground as Flora shrieked.
"You do not want to get off Merrylegs then let me do you the favor." She pulled Flora to her feet still holding her hair. Letting go she pointed at finger towards Flora's chest. "Disrespect my brother's soul one more time and you will be joining him."
Flora rubbed her scalped with her fingertips as her blue eyes stared with hatred at her older sister. There was a silence between them before Flora bought face across Winifred's in a vicious resounding slap.
"Do not threaten me." Flora closed in on her sister with her chest heaved. "All these years as Father's favorite have gotten to your head. You are no longer the favorite and I hope you turn as mad as Grandmama. I'll laugh the day I see you eat hay and die of it."
Winifred placed her hand on her face. She kept it to the side for a minute taking in that her sister had just placed her hand on her. When she finally looked up at Flora, she had a puzzled look.
Flora gave a wide smile knowing she had the upper hand over her sister. "And if you're asking, 'How does she know?' Who does not know that old hag's ending? We just do not mention it for your sake. I can care."
"Flora…" Winifred tried hard to maintain composure but Flora knew well that she was getting under Winifred's skin.
"Want to hear something else? Alfred's death is the best thing that has happened to me in a while. I'm glad he's dead."
Flora felt a white heat of pain as Winifred brought her fist against her face. Jessica's screaming was heard as the two sisters scratched, slapped, punched and pulled each other's hair.
Joe did not know how to stop the fight as they both were beating each other with a towering passion. He looked at Jessica. "Go get your father."
Jessica rode off with Merrylegs at a slow pace but at least help was on its way. Joe would have gone but he was afraid that this was not too far from turning into cold-blooded murder.
"Miss Winifred— Miss Flora!" He pleaded but the fighting continued. Every time he tried to pull away one of the sisters, the other took advantage and seize to hurt the other sibling.
The two girls were bleeding by now and Joe knew he had to stop the fight even he got hurt. When Winifred was on top of Flora bringing her fist against Flora's face, Joe pulled Winifred away. "Winifred! Love… please you are bleeding! She's bleeding!"
Flora stood up and jumped at Winifred clawing at her face and Joe fell back having the weight of both girls on him. When Winifred elbowed his nose and one of Flora's fist socked him right in the eyes, he saw black with firework colors and his nose stung. There was a sudden boom but he made out the words.
"WHAT- IS GOING ON HERE?"
It was enough to have the sisters stop fighting. Flora stood up and pointed at Winifred. "She started it!"
Winifred stood up after and helped Joe up. She looked at her father who was red down to his neck and she swore she saw his eyes lighter as his pupils narrowed. He had his eyes opened wide enough to see.
The Squire turned to Winifred for an explanation but did not give any.
"I have guest here mourning over the loss of your brother and here you two are fighting like drunken men in a pub! Did his loss not mean anything to you two? Does it not show that we should love our family dearly because we do not know if they will be here tomorr- Is that blood?"
The sisters looked at each other for just a moment and turned to their father.
"The only reasons why I do not give you two a beating in this instance is because of your brother's death and because the way you two hurt each other is enough beating as it is. I am having enough problems as it is without having you two and Winifred, you should know better. You are a young woman, engaged and should be an example to Flora."
"You are right father. I love my sister dearly and I am so sorry father to you and Winnie. I should know that after I lost George and Alfred that I should appreciate my family. We were fighting over childish things. See Winifred wanted to ride Merrylegs now that you do not let her ride Ginger and I simply explained to her your rules. She got angry and we started fighting."
The Squire turned to Winifred. "You know very well why you are not allowed to ride Ginger. With the behavior you showed today, I am less convinced you have shown any form of responsibility—"
"Father I—"
"I let one of my children ride before he was ready as I was persuade by words… I am not going to lose another of my children. You are not allowed to ride Ginger or any horse until you have shown responsibility and not just once, consistent."
"Father, please it is not your fault—"
"My word is final Winifred! Now both you go inside from back of the house to get cleaned up. Your mother does not need to have more problems from her other children." He took Jessica by the hand and walked away without hearing any more objections.
Winifred turned to her sister, with her eyes that told Flora a million words of regret and disappointment before she walked away.
Flora though stood behind with her arms crossed she sat on the grass fuming.
[Black Beauty- Mommy : watch?v=ys56AfANzIE]
Once everyone was out of earshot, Joe took a seat next to her. "Flora… that was your brother, sister and your grandmother you were talking about."
Flora wiped her nose with her sleeves and looked at the bloodstain. "O spare me your words. I do not regret anything I said."
"You lied to your father-"
"As does everyone else in this household." She stood up. "Before you tell me what is right and wrong, why do you not dance over to my father with all your righteousness and tell him how you have been sparking and probably breaking his oldest daughter!"
"I have not disrespected Winifred."
"You are lucky I did not tell him how you stood in Winifred's room last night. The only reason I did not is because I do not want to see you packing."
"How can I matter more than your sister? I did not do anything last night with her or ever."
"Only you and Winifred know the truth. Good bye."
[Black Beauty - Poor Ginger: watch?v=mF9LLX5iogs]
The crying in the room was almost unbearable. Many of the ladies were consoling her mother and the men gave their condolences to her father. Jessica was upstairs with the nurse in her bedroom and Flora was sitting down with a cold stare next to Lady Elena who every so often wiped a tear with a handkerchief.
Joe was between his father and Sir John. Joe avoided her and she knew why. Dr. Blomefield was consoling her as he wrapped his arms around her and offered his handkerchief every so often.
She looked down at her feet. She had cried so much that her emotions had left her body and she did not know where they were or why they had left.
"My condolences Miss Winifred."
She knew that voice. She looked up and saw James. Her face lit up. Her old friend. She hugged him tightly without second thought. James embraced her tightly as he patted her back unaware of the cold look Dr. Blomefield was giving him.
"I am so sorry about Alfred. I know how close you two were."
She pulled away and looked at him. "I know how close he was with you as well James."
"When I reached the urgent notice, I took the first train here. Are you alright, how have you been?"
"Who is this Miss Winifred?" Blomefield said immediately interrupting the friendly reencounter.
"Oh, I apologize. James, this is Andrew. Andrew this is James, he was the stable boy here for many years before Joe came along."
James extended his hand out as Blomefield shook it vigorously.
"So you were the one replaced by a child." He tightened his grip some.
James raised his eyebrow and knew what was going on but did not want Winifred to be aware of the tension. "I actually left. I was offered an opportunity that will help my mother and I. Friend of yours Winifred?"
"Fiancé" Dr. Blomefield responded immediately before Winifred had a chance to respond.
"Fiancé?" James eyebrows raised up. "Well I remember that Winifred had better taste—"
Winifred caught on and interrupted the hostility between the two men. "James, why don't you join me to the sitting room? Your mother has made some tea there for the guest." She turned to Dr. Blomefield. "Andrew, just make sure mother is alright and inform me of anything."
Without waiting for permission from either men, she walked towards the sitting room.
"Your parents sure have the gift of seeing someone's character."
"He is not a bad person James." She wrapped her fingers around the teacup and felt its warmness in her palms. "He is just… I guess because I am not as affectionate with him as I am with others, he feels threatened."
James rubbed his forehead. "Same Winifred. Always trying to please her family." He gave a slow smile. "I saw the one who 'replaced me'. From your letters it looks as if you fancy him."
"That is our secret James." She lowered her head and whispered.
"I would never tell someone that. I would have to really hate you to do such a thing. I worry for you. I do not want someone to think less of you or hear a scandal because once there is one; there is nothing that can take it back once a rumor is spread."
"I know James." She cocked he head to the side.
"Did Alfred ever tell you that he knew?"
"He hinted and teased." She gave a small smile and looked up reminiscing.
"He knew and took care of you so that you would never be caught. We use to write letters and although he was jealous, he was happy for you. He said you deserved it because you were such a good daughter to your mother. You take care of her when others can't." He sighed and placed his hand over her shoulder. "So take care of yourself especially from Andrew."
"Excuse me."
They both looked up to see a young man around his mid 20's with reddish dark brown color, very posh with a dark gray suit. Winifred immediately recognized him. She rose up. "You are the young man that came to my home with Alfred that night."
"Correct." He bowed his head. He turned to James. "Would you mind if I speak to Miss Winifred in private?"
James stood up. "Not at all." He placed his hand on Winifred's back. "I am going to see your parents to give my condolences." He gave a nod in the young man's direction before going back to the wake.
[Black Beauty- Ginger Snaps: watch?v=XCh68Bi-5xA]
"I am sorry, I did not catch your name."
"Lord George," He took Winifred's hand and gently kissed her knuckles. "I am so sorry for your lost. Alfred was a very good friend of mine."
Winifred rubbed her knuckles and narrowed her eyes. "Was this before or after Alfred had his horse?"
"Please Miss Winifred, do not offend. Alfred was always my friend, he just needed something so I can be open about my friendship with my other mates. Alfred knew that well but I was always there for anything he needed. I offered many times to buy him a great stallion he had set his eyes on but he was very much a square."
"Do not offend my brother, Lord George."
"I do not say it as a bad thing. He was a very obedient son. He said he would not ride a horse until it was on that his father had approved of. He was very set on that but Miss, you must understand how it is among men. You are by what you had and although the Squire is a much-respected man, Alfred had nothing of his own. Nevertheless, he was a good man. I enjoyed spending time with him. He was very funny and we always found a way to throw pranks on the other boys but my mother was not having it."
Winifred scoffed as she crossed her arms. "Mother? It looks like my brother was not the only squared one."
George grinned. "Alfred did mention he had a beautiful sister, he forgot to mention her fiery behavior. I like that. The least I can do for your brother is take care of what he cared most for. His young sister."
"Well you must not have been very good friend with Alfred. I already have a fiancé."
"What's his name?"
"Dr. Blomefield."
George covered his mouth to hold back the laughter. He cleared his throat. "I do not laugh because we are at a wake and I respect your brother tremendously. Dr. Blomefield? The animal doctor? The one who could not get into a school to take care of humans that he resorted to animals?" He walked close to her. "I cared for Alfred very much. I knew that his favorite sister is beautiful, plays the piano and is well educated. I do not think he would have stood back and watched such a disastrous arrangement occur. I will tell you something about myself Miss Winifred. Mostly everything I own, I like it to be unique, unattainable to others, a challenge if you may. If you need a distraction, send for me. I can take you to see me race. Once you spend time with me, then you will see what type of husband you deserve. Again, I am terribly sorry for the lost of your brother. May there be others like him. Now if you excuse me, I am going to pay my respects to my friend, who God knows is in a better place than any of us." He bowed his head before he walked back to the wake.
Winifred fell back into the coach and placed her hand over her head. "What an arrogant man!" She breathed in deeply. "Honestly Alfred, these were the friends you wanted so badly?"
[Black Beauty - Poor Ginger: watch?v=mF9LLX5iogs]
As she looked out the window, she saw a bright light. How was that possible? It could not have been from the stables as it was a distance away. She decided to step out to investigate.
When she stepped outside, she saw a thoroughbred outside without a lasso with a glow around it that left her mesmerized. It gave out a loud whinny before it raced off into the woods. She lifted her dress and raced after it. "Wait!"
She raced behind up until she came across the place with many trees not far from where the horses would drink. She tried to catch her breath as she said softly. "Alfred…"
"Miss Winifred!"
She jumped as she felt her heart leap to her throat. She turned and saw Joe with a gas lamp with a worried look on his face.
"What are you doing here?" She pressed her hand against her chest.
"I saw you run out of the wake so I decided to follow to see if you were fine."
She looked at him and wondered at what time she was so obvious about leaving the household. Then it hit her that this was Joe she was trying to comprehend. She sat down and huddled her knees. "If I was to tell you, you would think I am mad."
Joe took a seat next to her placing the gas lap in front of him. "You can tell me anything Winnie. We are friends."
Winifred gave a weak smile. "I… I think Alfred is still here protecting me."
"Have you seen him?"
"No, I… its Autumn's Wind."
"The horse?"
"Yes I saw a horse earlier this morning and that same horse outside now. It's Autumn's Wind but… its Alfred. They both… their bond was so beautiful that they became one soul. My grandmama use to tell me that every owner has one horse they connect with. When you rode with them, you felt that connection. Autumn's Wind was Alfred's first horse yet the love between them two was noticeable. She protected him, as did he. I dreamt how they died. They only cared for the other's safety, not their own no mater how much pain they were in. True love between friends not an owner and a master."
"I believe you."
Winifred turned to Joe with a baffled look on her face.
Joe turned to her with a small smile on his face. "I believe that you saw Alfred. This is the place where Alfred took me to speak about you." He looked up at the trees.
"What?"
"Yes we spoke about a lot of things. I also believe that you can speak to horses." He leaned back and looked up at the sky.
Winifred felt every part of her body jump up. The goose bumps made her shiver.
"I know Alfred did not believe you." He said plainly, as if he had planned this conversation.
"He told you?" A hint of betrayal and worry in her voice.
"No, but I noticed the resemblance between your grandmother and what you are going through." Joe took her hand. "You can not blame Alfred for not believing. It is too painful because he loves you and does not want you to suffer your grandmother's fate. What Alfred failed to see was what your grandmother needed was someone to believe her. Someone to tell her she was not alone."
Winifred eyes started to build tears as her heart swelled.
"You are not alone. I know Alfred was everything to you but he is here. Not only is he here, I am here. Your family, friends, Black Beauty, the horses and Ginger. We are all here." He pulled her to him and held her tightly.
He heard as Winifred started to cry and buried her face on his shoulder. He held her tightly with his fingers running through her hair.
[Nino Rota - Romeo and Juliet: /watch?v=wcyRO_ZFa9I]
Winifred pulled away and looked at Joe. Her cheeks stained by tears. "I love you."
Joe was shocked to hear those words come out of Winifred's mouth. He looked at her unable to find a logical way to react. He breathed out slowly and smiled although it was a sad smile. "I love you too."
He wrapped one arm tightly around her waist and his other hand behind her neck. He gently pulled her to him and kissed her. All he wanted to do was protect her. Nothing more. Fate took Alfred away but he was now going to take that position. As he felt her lips brush against his he knew for once this was far more than his attraction to a pretty girl.
Winifred pulled away as she put her hand over mouth. "This is inappropriate Joe. I scolded my sisters. I would be a hypocrite if I am here sparking with you when my brother's body is not fully cold yet."
Joe silently agreed with her. He took out a flute from his pocket and showed it to her. "I was supposed to play for the wake but I think you need it far more than your brother."
"I did not know you played an instrument." Winifred said quite surprised. Joe had only know work all his life so she was taken aback that he had found time to take on a hobby.
"My father plays it as does Uncle John. It is not something we play often but we would during parties or other events."
Joe started to play the flute slowly into a melody when suddenly a strong gush of wind threw up everything around them and the moon was like the sun. Winifred turned in the direction the "sun" was rising up from. There she saw the horse. She stood up quickly. "Keep playing Joe…"
She slowly walked up to the horse. She felt enchanted as she heard the strong neigh as the horse kicked up. Winifred's heart swelled as she smiled. The horse's whinny echoed in her ears.
She raised her hands up and closed her eyes.
Winifred spun around feeling the melody of the flute take over her body. As she slowed down not wanting to get dizzy, she stopped as her curls gently brushed against her cheek. There she saw him. "Alfred."
"Be strong Winifred. Be strong. You are not alone. Do not give up."
The neigh echoed loudly.
"Alfred…" With that, she fainted.
That night Winifred dreamt of Alfred. She dreamt of what was.
How they would run in the woods and spin until they fell on the ground. How on the hot summer days, they would throw themselves off the boat into the water and she held on to him because she could not swim.
She dreamt of what could have been.
Alfred finally confessing his love to Lady Elena and finally getting married. Alfred's children all with his charming smile and devious planning. Growing up to be like his father, a magistrate respected and loved by all. Growing old, a sibling love where they were more than siblings. They were truly best friends.
Opening her eyes, she saw she was still in the woods but in Joe's arm. "Joe."
"Are you alright love?"
"Yes. I saw him."
Joe nodded. He had not seen anything but he believed she did. "I want you to know I will always be here Winnie. Always." He brushed his thumb against her cheek.
Winifred sat up and started to trace his face. "I believe you." She leaned in to kiss him.