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: I cannot believe the last time I updated this was in 2011! I have always meant to update but school and work have a way of kidnapping me for days on end.
I want to thank AlwayzWriting, Fay for her many reviews, SeaPonies for always waiting for me and Rainbow Manes for telling me to hurry up already. Also my baby sister giggles-95 who is always reminding me in person to update. Haha, I appreciate that you all love the story. I know in which direction to go so I should be done with the story by July. As a gift, two chapter. Read and Review!
I might consider a beta since I am not the best at grammar, so if anyone knows a Black Beauty beta-reader, please tell me.
Chapter 9
"I won't eat a bite!"
Lady Senaida sighed as she held a plate with Flora's meal as Flora refused to eat. Flora hugged her bedpost as one of the servants tightened her corset.
"Miss Flora, you have to eat. Even if it's a little. You're going to be too busy entertaining the guest."
"I am not eating!" She gritted between her teeth as the other servant helped her put her dress on. Pushing up her bust and making sure her shoulders were exposed she hopped over to the mirror ignoring Lady Senaida.
Flora admired herself in front of the mirror. "I look beautiful."
"Miss Flora, isn't that dress a little tight at the bust. Maybe if we pull it up-"
"No, it looks fine this way."
"You are only fifteen."
"A grown woman. It is about time I start looking like one. I am not a wind up doll."
"Very well but a grown woman should eat. Please Miss Flora, just one bite."
Flora raised her nose with her eyes closed. "No."
"Have it your way." Lady Senaida limped slowly to the dresser leaving the silver plate with food there. "I have to say though, I hope you enjoy being a old maid."
Flora turned slowly to Senaida.
Lady Senaida gave a smug grin. "Oh, how my Winifred loves to eat and look at her, beautiful body. She was very well made. You are too if you would eat more and get some meat in those bones. I do not see any young gentleman asking to marry you yet look at Winifred. Why she already has a line of suitors. Engaged and why Lord George asked for her hand no too long ago. While you're here starving yourself and riding that pony of yours."
Flora frowned as she grabbed candle piece from her nightstand and threw it on the floor. She stomped up to the silver plate and started to eat the English muffin.
"Its humiliating what one has to do to find a man!" She took a huge bite and started speaking with her mouth full. "You don't see a man doing this and my sister is just lucky she was blessed a brunette. I'd like to kill the man," She took another bite. "That invented those bloody blonde jokes!"
Lady Senaida grabbed a napkin and cleaned Flora's face up. "No speaking like that poppet. Those words were not meant for lady lips." She put a bit of lip stain on her lips and smiled. "Don't worry about all that, gentlemen love blondes and you look so beautiful, a true lady."
Winifred waited patiently as Flora was getting ready inside her room. She sat between little Jessica and her father as her mother paced. It was Flora's birthday and since yesterday everyone had been decorating the dining hall, cooking, baking and fixing the guest rooms. They were expecting a little over 100 guests, some who were traveling from different parts.
Winifred and Jessica were still not dressed as their dresses were simpler than Flora's. However that was an excuse, her mother didn't want Jessica to spill anything on her dress or for Winifred to get grass stains on it.
"Oh I just can't wait to see her." Winifred's mother waved her hands ecstatically. "I can't believe my little girl is 15." She placed her hand over her chest as if having a realization of the years that had gone by. Her blues lit up as tears welled up. She turned to her husband giving him a soft smile. "I'm so thankful to have lived long enough to see this." Winifred watched the affectionate glances her parents gave each other. She was thankful her mother's illness had remained dynamic so far. At the moment the door opened and her mother spun towards the door.
"Oh, you look beautiful!" Winifred's mother cried out as Flora walked proudly into the sitting room. Winifred was at times jealous of how graceful Flora was. She had her nose up, half shut eyes giving her a feminine look, her hands lightly over her dress and she took small steps that made her look like she was gliding. Winifred could never walk like her sister even when she tried practicing in front of the mirror a few times. Her mother would blame her posture as she was always slouched whether she was reading or practicing her piano. Winifred felt it may have just been her genetics since she manages perfect posture when horse riding.
Flora wore a floor length carnation pink dress with leg o' mutton sleeves and light blue ribbons. She wore a matching hat with a white feather and white gloves. Her curly blonde hair was in thick sausage curls that bounced about brushing her cheeks and it was for once that Winifred noticed how Flora was stepping out of her awkward phase, turning into a beautiful young woman.
Winifred's mother raced to hug her. "Happy birthday sweetheart."
"You look beautiful Flora!" Jessica bounced on her seat.
Squire Gordon stood up giving Winifred a small squeeze on her shoulder before walking behind his wife. He had a small box hidden inside his fist.
Winifred's mother pulled away and turned to her husband, tears rushing down her cheek. "Isn't she the prettiest woman today?"
The squire smiled as he pinched Flora's cheek. "She is, every day." Flora felt her cheeks burn as she gave her father a tight smile. He extended his hand out to present her the box. "A present from your mother and I." Flora excitedly opened the box to find an emerald ring inside. "Oh, mother, father, thank you, it's beautiful!"
She put it on her finger and admired it. She turned to her mother hugging her tightly, which caused her mother to cry some more.
Winifred smiled to herself as she watched her family. Jessica rested her head on Winifred's shoulder. "When can I wear my dress?" She whispered.
"In the evening." Winifred whispered back as she tapped lightly Jessica's nose.
Flora wrapped her arms around her father and looked up at him. "Oh papa, who will be coming to my party?"
"You know well who is coming Flora. Our family and good friends." He turned to Winifred and gave her wink knowing well what Flora meant.
Flora pouted and hopped impatiently. "Father!"
Winifred giggled as she hugged Jessica with one arm. "Father, don't tease her."
"You are not to upset her on her special day." Winifred's mother said as she fixed one of Flora's curls. "We are going to have the Mills family come in."
"Mills," Flora raised an eyebrow. "Mills of… Derbyshire?"
"Yes I'm sure you remember them-"
"I remember their foul son Abraham Mills!" She spat out the last word in disgust.
"Flora!" Winifred's mother said placing her hand over her chest. "If the Count Mills would have heard you-"
"Let him hear me mother. That prat and Alfred would make my life miserable every summer."
The squire slowly walked over to his youngest and oldest daughters. "Well they are coming from a far place, so I suggest you be kind to them. They are already feeling guilty that they couldn't make it to Alfred's funeral."
"Be happy Flora," Winifred teased. "He's the only person of your age who can show you a good time."
Flora shrieked as she stormed out the sitting room. Winifred and Jessica exchanged amused looks as Flora shouted that she would leave the house and how it was the worst birthday ever as she threw things on the ground.
Hearing the door slam shut when Flora entered her room, Winifred's mother shook her head. "I honestly have no idea where she gets that temper from!" She looked at her eldest daughter. "You be sure to be a good hostess to the Mills, I'm going to go get Senaida to give Flora a tea to calm her nerves."
-0-0-
"So how is it in there?"
Winifred brushed her fingers across Ginger's mane. "Oh, its beautiful. My mother had ordered to put more lights in the room and candles so the place is marvelous." She cocked her head to the side. "The violin and the piano music fills the air and everyone is dressed so elegantly."
"I wish to know what a violin or a piano sounds like. I know you tell me you play the piano all the time. I imagine its something you caress like when you pet me and a beautiful sound comes out of it. Like when I eat apples."
"Apples?" Winifred said amused. She started to make a small braid.
"Yes," Ginger nodded. "When I take a bite it makes this sound. I can't imitate it but I like it. Or when Beauty is breathing hard after a run or Merrylegs' trot."
"Yes, life does have its own music doesn't it?"
Ginger nodded. "I like the way you look Winnie. The dress looks the same color as your eyes." She gave a soft neigh adoring the way her owner looked.
"Thank you. I wanted to use a blue that would keep attention to Flora even though the family is the host." She heard the sound of wheels as the carriage approached the estate. "That must be the Mills with father. Be kind to the horses." She started to untangle the braid she had made.
"I will. I promise. Unless they are being ill towards me."
"If they are, you do nothing. I'll come and check. I'll have a talk with them and have them moved elsewhere. But you keep our good name. We do not sink to behaving like savages." She gave Ginger a kiss between her eyes. "I love you Ginger. Have a good rest." With that she left and went to greet the Mills.
There she saw Joe still in his stable worker clothes as he took the two horses by the rein.
"That will be the last guest of the night Joe. Tell Sir John that you may both wash up and come to party. I have a stable boy from Mr. Clay's who should be here soon to watch over the horses for the rest of the night."
Joe nodded and hid his face behind the horse as he walked away. He wanted to avoid looking at Winifred for fear that everyone would sense his emotions. Winifred gave Joe an undignified look before turning back to her guest.
"I say Squire, you and the Mistress sure know how to make them! She is beautiful!" Count Mills said as he stepped out the carriage.
"My oldest, Count." The squire said as he hugged Winifred tightly with arm. "My wife and my two younger daughters are inside."
The count helped his wife out the carriage. She smiled widely as she placed her hand under Winifred's chin to get a better look. "If this is your oldest, I can not wait to see the lovely birthday girl." Winifred smiled sheepishly as she felt her cheeks burn.
Behind the countess was young Abraham Mills. Winifred observed him closely. He looked no older than Alfred before he passed with wavy flaming red hair and freckles on his cheeks and nose. His eyes were a dark blue and he was short but stocky. He gave Winifred a bashful smile. He had changed a lot since the last time she saw him. He was handsome and filled out nicely.
Maybe Flora would not be so disappointed after all.
-0-0-
The sisters watched as Lady Elena laughed around a circle of men.
"That Elena is a bint. I don't know what my brother ever saw in her."
"Flora!"
"I mean look at her." Said Flora as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "She's very skanky, the only thing that is saving her is that she has a gown on and isn't in a corner."
Elena's laughter rang loud even above the music playing.
"Elena is a very beautiful girl, its not her fault men run to her."
"Right," Flora said rolling her eyes. "But she has to go after your fiancé. I know you don't care but she doesn't know that."
The girls watched as Elena had her eyes set on Dr. Blomefield, he seem to enjoy the attention but at the time aware that he was in his future in laws house. Elena was clearly showing signs of flirting by flipping her hair, batting her eyes and rubbing Dr. Blomefield's arm.
Flora rested her chin on the back of her hand. "Winnie, aren't you glad I invited Sir John and Joe?"
Winifred felt her face burn as she turned quickly to her younger sister.
Flora raised her shoulders as she giggled. "No need to thank me. I don't think I've been the best sister so this is my way of saying sorry." She turned slowly to Winifred. "I want you to know no matter if we fight or not, you're my sister and I love you."
Winifred smiled and nodded. "You know I love you too Flora and… you look absolutely gorgeous tonight." She placed her hand on top her younger sisters'. "And you deserve to be out there dancing, not here talking about how Lady Elena is behaving like a trollop. So I ask you, please give Abraham an audience."
Flora breathed out slowly. "Very well just because no one else my age here appeals me and save me if I have to dance with my father or godfather again."
Winifred stood up happily and hopped over to her father who was chatting with the count. "Fa-ther!" She said in a singsong voice over the loud music and clapping. "She'll see Abraham."
"Its about bloody time. Her pride is very embarrassing." He said stirring his brandy.
"Oh no need to be embarrassed Squire." The count slurred. It amused Winifred a bit to know that he had had too much to drink already. "Children will be children. I, myself, know the mayhem my son caused as a child. Drove his governess insane! Insane! But Miss Flora will be happy to hear how much my son's matured. I'll go fetch him."
Once the count left, the squire raised his eyebrows at his daughter. "How did you do it?"
"Flora can be prideful, but one thing she loves above anything else is having fun. She's very bored."
"Serves her right for being proud." He turned to see Abraham rush up to him. Abraham passed his fingers through his hair seeming a bit nervous. "I'm so glad she decided to see me." He turned to Winifred. "I can finally tell her how sorry I am for all those summers."
Winifred smiled as the squire nodded. Flora sat proudly on her seat as Abraham, her father and Winifred approached her. Winifred watched amusingly as Flora straightened up some and made her collarbone come out some so she'd look slimmer and taller.
"Flora, this is Abraham Mills, I'm sure you remember him." The squire said as he placed his hand behind the young boy's back.
"Miss Flora," He said looking down at his shoes. "I don't blame you for not wanting to see me."
Flora has her arms crossed as she raised her eyebrow at Abraham. Hmph! The boy didn't even want to look at her!
The squire gave Abraham a gentle push. "Have to get closer, she won't hear you above the music."
Abraham looked up and walked closer to Flora. His face expression changed as his eyes met with Flora. She was no longer the lanky girl with the angry pitchy voice. Flora looked in awe before she slowly smiled. "Abraham Mills." She said softly.
"I," He blinked trying to remember what he was telling her. Right, he was apologizing. "I'm sorry for all those summers." He spoke slowly. He took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles. "Happy Birthday. Hopefully my gift and my company can make up for those times."
Flora nodded. "I'm in a good mood, so you're forgiven."
"I am?"
"Yes, now ask me to dance. I'm bored!"
Abraham blinked realizing that Flora was a step ahead of him. "Right, right. Would you like to dance Miss Flora?"
Flora stood up. "Like? I'd love to! I want to dance, dance, dance until I have holes in my shoes!" She pranced happily behind Abraham to where the others were dancing a waltz.
"I think love, you made Flora's birthday much better." He gently pinched her cheek. "You're a step closer to me lifting your punishment." He walked away to join the Squire again.
"I hope that's not the brandy talking." Winifred said softly to herself.
"Miss Winifred, I say that doctor sure does not know how to keep a beautiful girl as yourself under watch."
Winifred turned slowly to see Lord George standing proudly in black and white suit holding a glass of whiskey. He never fails to impress. "Good evening Lord George. You shouldn't worry about me. There are very beautiful single women here tonight, some which I might add, had your undivided attention, so no one will have time to focus on an engaged girl."
He raised his cup to her in a toast before taking a sip. "Touché my dear, but when you are in the room, it becomes irrelevant if there is a ring on your finger or not." George said walking slowly closer to her.
"That is very bold." She said taking two steps back.
"Nothing is ever bold for me. I never saw you at the racing tracks so I assumed you've been entertained at home."
She crossed her arms. "Yes, I have been reading and playing the piano."
"That sounds terribly dull." He said in a bored voice as he stirred his whiskey.
She raised her eyebrow as she spoke louder. "Anything is more entertaining than having to see you on a horse, whipping it so you can make it run like an engine. Now, I must find my fiancé. Enjoy the rest of your night Lord George."
"I apologize but I can not enjoy it if I don't have the beautiful host by my side." He grinned as pink rose up her cheeks before she stormed off.
-0-0-
"Did that man tell you something?"
Winifred stopped suddenly and looked up. Her heart melted as she gave a soft smile having forgotten why she was so angry. "Joe…" Winifred can feel the heat rush up to her cheeks. Joe had always been handsome to her but tonight he looked different. It seemed that he went to buy a new dark suit, which was not of the same quality in fabric as the other gentleman but it still looked splendid on him. His brown hair was brushed back making her appreciate his dark eyes, which the light made it reflect specks of gold and green.
"I mean, no, no one is bothering me."
"Good because if he said anything to bother you Winnie, you tell me and I'll show him how a man is supposed to talk to a lady."
"Thanks Joe, you look very handsome." She looked at him bashfully.
"Thank you, you look beautiful. As always." He rubbed the back of his neck. He wanted to tell her so much more but they were in the middle of an extravagant birthday party.
"Excuse me."
They both turned to see a tall young girl with dark hair and light eyes. "Would you mind if I borrow Joe for a moment?" Even though she asked Winifred, she knew the girl wasn't seeking her consent. The girl wrapped her arms around Joe. "I love this song and you promised me a dance!"
"I, sure, Winnie?"
"Go on, have fun. We'll talk later." Her voice held a hint of jealousy.
"Right, so we'll talk-" Joe couldn't finish his sentence since the girl had pulled him to the group that was in formation ready to dance.
Winifred had observed how Joe had received the attention of many girls at the party. It was clear that he was not of social status but they still saw Joe as someone they can have a good time with. Joe seemed to enjoy the attention as any boy his age would. She knew none of those girls saw him like she did. She had lived with him in the estate. They had gone through trials together. She is the one that felt her body tremble whenever he hugged or kissed her, she'd lose her breath every time she saw him and he was the only person alive that knew her secret. If it were to her, Joe would be her future husband. She couldn't help it. He was her beau even if it was in secret.
That's when she had a realization. Did he see her the same way she saw him? She put her hand over her forehead. She was being irrational. She was engaged and her relationship with Joe would end as soon as she's married. Feeling her throat dry, she went to get herself a glass of wine.
She watched as the girl gave Joe flirty glances and he smiled at her back. She looked at her wine glass. She was going to need something stronger than this. What was that ill drink Alfred use to have in his flask? She poured herself the first drink she saw and gulped in quickly. She grabbed a handkerchief to cover her mouth. This was the drink. It cannot be possible for anything else to taste this ill and make her chest feel warm.
Why were other girls allowed to flirt with Joe? She poured herself a second and downed it. They were in the same social class as she was and she got punished for being on a horse with him. She poured the third glass onto her wine. She wasn't even sure if that was even done but she was not going to get caught in the corner gulping down drinks. If they saw her with wine, no one would say anything even if the wine were forming into a strange dark color. She started to walk out to the hall when she bumped into her fiancé.
"Winifred."
"Dr. Blomefield." She slurred as she took a sip of her mixed drink.
"Andrew, love."
"Yes, yes, Andrew, love." She waved her hand dismissively.
I've been looking for you."
Winifred narrowed her eyes. How obvious it was that he was looking for her. "I bet you were."
Andrew seemed oblivious to Winifred's sarcasm. "Your sister said you were probably dancing but I didn't see you."
She took another sip. "Oh, I've been everywhere, socializing with the guest. I am one of the host."
"Aren't you sipping that a bit too fast?" He looked worried as he reached out to take the cup away from her.
"No, no it's my first glass. I never have more than one. Ask mother."
"Very well, but if you start feeling a bit dizzy, stop and fetch for me. I would hate to see you cause a scandal."
"Excuse me?" Winifred said as she narrowed her eyes. She usually would not get this upset. However, the alcohol was running through her blood and she was terribly annoyed. The room would not stop spinning and her fiancé looked fuzzy. It also didn't help that she found his voice irritating and rude.
"Winnie," She turned at Joe's voice. She had not noticed that the song was over. "Would you… would like to… I mean if it's okay with Dr. Blomefield…"
Winifred smiled. "To dance? I'd love to." She gave her glass to Dr. Blomefield without having asked if he was fine with it. She knew inside she was being rude but a part of her wished that this behavior would make him leave and find someone who could be kind and a good wife. Her mother would find a new suitor but it would still give her time with Joe before walking down the aisle.
She wrapped her arm around Joe's and walked to the center of the dance floor. As the song started, she watched him. They could not exchange words. Everyone else was far too close.
Winifred's dark locks were up in curls with small white flower clips on her hair allowing Joe to see her face clearly. He looked at her blue eyes and he felt as if he was drowning. He couldn't tell her how much he wanted to kiss her; it'd be a scandal. Winifred was after all engaged to Dr. Blomefield. The song started and as they circled around each other, Joe felt Winifred's love.
The look on her face explained exactly what she felt. She felt her chest tightened even when she looked away during a turn. As their palms faced each other during a spin, she smiled. "I see you've learned this dance."
"I've danced it a few times tonight."
"For a gentleman who has never danced this before, I say you must have dance this without rest." Even though her words slurred, her anger was obvious.
Joe smiled as he walked around her. "That sounds like jealousy." He whispered.
"Not at all," She turned gracefully towards him. "Just an observation."
"For what its worth, this has been my favorite dance the whole night, with you."
Winifred stopped dancing as she looked at Joe. The song came to an end and the girls on her side did a curtsey before spreading out. She did a curtsey and walked out. "Excuse me."
Winifred walked out the estate wanting to speak to Ginger, Beauty, Merrylegs or any of her horse friends. The rain was coming down hard but Winifred didn't care. She ran to the stables but found Clay's stable boy there. He'd think she was mad if she went in there drenched talking to the horses. She didn't want to go to back to the party and race off to the fields. She ran under a tree in hopes of some shelter. She rested against the tree and closed her eyes. The water raced down her cheeks to her neck as she tried to catch her breath. It didn't help that with her eyes closed everything still moved.
"Winnie."
Winifred jumped up as she looked at Joe who was drenched. "Joe."
"Winnie, why did you run off?"
Winifred sprinted to him and pressed her lips against his in a hungry kiss. Joe placed his hand behind her neck and pulled her closer to him. Winifred wrapped her arms around his neck wanting to feel him nearer if it were possible.
They pulled away and Joe looked at her uneasily for a moment. Winifred had a cloudy gaze before she pulled him to her again. He gently brought her down to the wet grass as she accepted his welcoming weight.
His hands moved around her, one passing through her wet dark locks and the other dropping and rising gradually until snaked his arms around her back lifting her to press her body against his.
"I love you," Joe said as the rain from his hair dripped on her face. "Sometimes it hurts so much Winnie."
Winifred felt her chest tighten as the beat of her heart sped up. "Me too."
He leaned in and their kissing intensified. He pulled away once he realized how strong the passion was between them. He didn't want to hurt her, as much as he loved her couldn't imagine the consequences if on her wedding night they found out.
He sat down and cradled her in his arms. She rested against his chin and said sadly.
"I know but we're not the first or the last people to go through this." She turned to Joe. Feeling her shiver, he held her tighter. "Joe, I'm going to tell you a story of a gentle soul. The first time he experienced love. He didn't even know that was the name for what he felt. He found love and lost it."
"Do I know him?"
"You do, I'm going to tell you the story of Merrylegs and Autumn's wind."