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: This second chapter is a flashback and will involve more the horses.
Chapter 10
Merrylegs remembered perfectly that day. Miss Winifred had come to tell them that Master Alfred was going to have a horse of his own. The excitement in her voice was evident and Merrylegs thought she was more excited than Alfred would be. Merrylegs had his small head over the small wall that separated Black Beauty and him as they listened yet again of young Joe's bravery.
Merrylegs saw how her eyes lit up and her face the shade of apple in the afternoon. The story never bore him and he always enjoyed the part when little Joe stood up to a man who could have easily done a lot of harm. He was glad that the horses were not met with a far worst fate than a few scars. A part of him knew though that although they did not die, they could never go to a good home. No one liked a broken horse.
The horses waited patiently and Miss Winifred had come to take out Ginger for some quality time. Merrylegs could not help but feel envious. Winifred had informed him that Miss Flora was punished for another of her outbursts. Merrylegs felt sad that he could not speak to her the way Winifred can speak to them. Why he would tell Miss Flora to bite her tongue and spill all her secrets and anger with him instead.
"I would surely be on her side," said Merrylegs to Beauty. "And give her advice for her family so they can see things the way she did."
"Is Miss Jessica coming?" asked Beauty.
"No," Merrylegs dropped his head and sniffed sadly. "Without Flora, little Jessica was not allowed outside either."
After a time came a young man to clean up and put hay for the horses since Joe was at court. He let the horses out to stretch their legs and eat of all the apples in the pastures.
Merrylegs watched Winifred chase Ginger and a part of him felt guilty for the envy he had felt earlier. Ginger deserved it more than anyone to be truly loved by a human. For all she had gone through it was nice to have a second chance at life. Unfortunately she didn't think it would last long. She felt Winifred would get bored of her or leave as soon as she is married.
"You deserve it too."
Merrylegs turned to handsome horse with the coat the color of a rook's wing.
"You deserve it too," Beauty repeated himself. "Just like Ginger. You deserve to spend time with the Misses. We are lucky. Very lucky."
Merrylegs agreed. That was why he was always careful. Winifred's engagement to the vicar's son usually meant the family coming over and they all loved him. He was kind to the children even when the children were not so kind. Hearing loud chatter, the horses turned and saw that the squire, John and Joe were back.
Winifred took off to meet with her father and Ginger galloped to Merrylegs and Beauty.
"They are all home!" She exclaimed. "I hope that man is put away for life. Treated just like he treated those horses. Whipped every day!" She stomped her front hoof against the grass as if wishing the ground was the man's skull.
Merrylegs did not reply. He found it best at his age not to have an opinion around young stubborn horses like her. Whipping would do nothing to change that man. Why he'd be out soon enough and back to his torturing ways. Beauty though at his age could not help but have his spirits lifted by her fire. Merrylegs watched an apple fall from the tree from the distance and used it as an excuse to walk away slowly from the couple. He did not want to be that old horse that meddled between two young loves.
Merrylegs never had time to feel those things, at least not towards another horse. He loved Flora and Jessica. They were his best friends. He cared for the rest of the Gordon family, even Alfred! He knew how boys were and knew Alfred meant no harm but a companionship with a horse never crossed my mind. All he felt was empathy where he was before as he watched horses flogged on Sunday sprees. The horses all avoided each other and stood in their own boxes in hopes that the boys coming to rent the horses were not interested in them. He cannot even say there was a horse there he missed.
Merrylegs took the apple between his teeth and took a bite as he saw Beauty and Ginger drinking from the river. The same cannot be said here. He'd be terribly sad if they were to ever be separated, it would be his worst nightmare.
Oh, but how can he explain the moment he saw the beautiful horse? He walked closer to see her as Sir John held her by the rein. Her reddish brown coat shined in the sun and her jet-black mane glittered. She was tall and slim unlike he who was fat and stubby.
Young Alfred came and he took her off to a late afternoon run. He was happy for Alfred but the anticipation to see her was great. He lied down on the grass and rested his neck on the grass. Nature was a beautiful thing to observe. The bees were flying around the flowers; a spider near by was spinning a web and an ugly brown toad hopped over the tall grass. It was close to sun down and Joe came to round up the horses. Merrylegs circled his box impatiently until Winifred came to visit.
"Her name is Autumn's wind and I want you all to welcome her. She's young and this would be her first home since leaving her mother."
Autumn's wind. Love lingers like an autumn's wind. A quote Flora had said once when she read Merrylegs a book of poems and then he knew how perfect her name was.
Alfred came with her right when the sun had come down. He guided her into the box that was next to mine and proceeded to rub her down. He called for Joe and once she had lukewarm water and a blanket for the night, he left.
Winifred came right after as her eyes lit up. She always loved when new horses came to the stable. "Hello there lovely."
Autumn's wind nodded her head; she had grown to the idea of understanding Winifred even though she was a human.
"You are quite the athlete. I saw you come back from your ride with my brother. How was it?"
"It was lovely Miss. A splendid gallop."
"I'm glad." Winifred yawned as she rubbed her eyes. "Well I'm off to bed. Good night everyone."
Winifred gave a light pat to all of us before retreating back to the estate.
Autumn's wind looked sadly around her box. She saw hay ready for her. The gallop had made her hungry. She enjoyed the dryness of the hay and the bit of oat grains on the ends.
"Hello there,"
Autumn turned her head and her ears turned back but couldn't find the horse speaking to her.
"Hello, down here."
Looking over the box next to her she found a pretty little pony with stubby legs and a white thick mane.
"Hello, my name is Merrylegs and who might you be Misses?"
"My name is Autumn's wind. That is what was the man who took care of me called me. He called me Autumn for the color of my coat and wind because I was the quickest foal he has ever seen. Miss Winifred, oh she is as kind as my new master, she let me keep my name."
"Your name suits you perfectly. I'm glad the Misses found a way to let you keep it. I would hope the master is kind to you. He's a good boy. Can be a bit of trouble sometimes but you will like him." Said Merrylegs.
"I do! He gave a light touch with the rein and I knew exactly which direction to go. My mother had told me that I was off to a good family and she was right." She nodded her head. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Merrylegs because I give the children happy little rides. I am very handsome but I have short legs so Merrylegs is an appropriate name."
Autumn's ears came forward taking an instant liking. "What a perfect name. What do you do around here?"
"I carry the young ladies on my back, and sometimes I take our mistress out in the low chair. Miss Flora and Miss Jessica are my mistresses. You will get to know them soon. Miss Flora is currently on punishment but on the seventh moon, she will be back. That is what Miss Winifred told us."
"Will you be my neighbor?"
"Yes," Merrylegs turned. "The handsome black horse next to me is Beauty, he's the Mistress favorite. The one next to him is Ginger; she is Miss Winifred's horse. Then is Sir Oliver, he's the master's favorite. You will meet all the other horses soon enough. You don't seem ill tempered. Miss Winifred told us this is your first home."
Beauty looked over the stall to take a look at Autumn's wind. "How do you do? I'm Black Beauty."
"Hello Black Beauty."
"Beauty was in your place not too long ago." Said Merrylegs turning his head towards Beauty.
"Did you miss your mother terribly?" said Autumn sadly. "I still can not get use to these iron shoes!"
"I remember my feet felt stiff and heavy," said Beauty as Merrylegs nodded in agreement. "And I had a terrible fear to go through ponds. I thought I would surely sink down."
"The iron shoes do not compare to the feeling of the bit for the first time." Said Merrylegs as he breathed out. "Cold between your teeth and over your tongue."
"But thank heaven for oats!" Beauty let out a happy neigh.
"You are all complaining about things like iron shoes and bits. Spoiled you are for you all will sure know the true torture to horses." The horses turned to Ginger who had her head over the stall and her ears pinned back. "The bearing rein! Have it tightened, you have your head up uncomfortably high, why one day they had it up so high I could barely breathe!"
Autumn's ear swiveled rapidly. "Are there cruel people in the world to invent such a thing?"
"Yes," said Merrylegs sadly. "Far cruel than your mind can ever conjure up."
That morning Joe came in with a broom and whistled a happy tune. He petted Autumn admiring her. "Good morning girl. Alfred is a lucky one. The squire always knows how to choose them."
He then went on with his happy tune sweeping the stables.
"What a kind looking boy." Said Autumn to Merrylegs. "He seems so young to be a stable boy."
"Little Joe Green. He just turned fifteen yet he such a small chap."
"Fifteen? I was sure he was younger!" Autumn said.
"That's why Merrylegs likes him so much." Said Ginger spitefully. "He's a tiny little runt like him. I do not understand why Miss Winifred likes him so much."
"I too like Joe very much," Beauty said defensively. "He may be small but he's brave and cares a lot for horses."
"You all don't remember when he first got here. His hands were like bricks! My whole body was sore after he would groom me." Ginger sniffed angrily. "Do I need to remind you, Beauty, how he almost killed you?"
"He was barely fourteen," said Beauty sympathetically. "And he had a lot to learn. He was very sorry for his mistakes and now he is of good use. Sir John is very proud of him."
Merrylegs let out a soft nicker. "Ginger is very jealous of little Joe because Miss Winifred fancies him so she spends a great deal of time with him."
"How sweet," Autumn said as she observed Joe. "She shouldn't be jealous. I'm sure Winnie loves them both the same amount."
"That is what I tell her. Joe is a good chap, he worked really hard to learn all he could from his uncle and he always had his heart in the right place. Sadly though, she is engaged to the vicar's son. I don't understand it too well but it's not her choice. She is very secretive about Joe. I saw first hand how angry the other adults could become when they notice them two together."
He turned to Beauty who was defending Joe. "And his grooming was not too bad. I would lower my head and he would eventually find a spot that felt better."
"Try telling that Merrylegs," Ginger snorted. "Having a horrible groom like that and he would have to give the girls rides after that. I could tell by his trot how much in pain he was!"
"Well, that was because if I try to lower my head like Beauty, little Joe would be grooming the thin air!" Merrylegs exhaled out from his nose finding humor in it all.
"Nonetheless," Beauty said nodding his head. "I like him. He gives his all."
"He used to give all the pain." Ginger said kicking the stall door. "My mistress only likes him because he stood up to that man. Her heart melts for any person that cares for horses like she did. She use to like the doctor too because he can save horse's lives. It won't be long before she forgets him like the doctor."
"I doubt it, her eyes still light up whenever she sees the lad. It's been a good year since Joe first came here so I don't think she will be forgetting him any time soon." Merrylegs said.
"True the doctor is a good man for Winnie, but I like Joe too. He's a handsome chap too." Beauty said.
"Of course," Merrylegs trotted his feet. "Most short creatures are."
The horses let out an exhale through their noses. Ginger let out a snort not amused at all.
Joe had finished sweeping when he went to pet Ginger. "Hello girl." Ginger snapped at him and Joe jumped back.
"Woo! I see you still don't like me very much." He chuckled.
-0-0-
Autumn's wind observed under the shade of a tree as Merrylegs was giving the children rides. The vicar's family had come to visit and the shouts and laughter lifted her spirits.
"How I miss mother but this is a wonderful place." She thought of when she was a foal and use to stay close to her mother. Then when she was a bit older she would run with the other foals. It was such a great time.
Being in this place for a month had been good. She loved Merryleg's company and having conversations with Winifred. Most of her time was with Alfred. She was his pride and he loved showing her off. She met Miss Elena who had Alfred's heart and gave her rides when Alfred went to visit her.
"Alfred is in love with her!" Winifred would tell her. "I do not know why he is waiting so long to ask her hand in marriage."
But Autumn knew. Miss Elena had Alfred's heart but he did not have hers. Autumn could not understand why. Sure Alfred was the little sly devil. He loved going to houses to play pranks on his friends and annoying his younger sisters. However he was overprotective of his sisters. Autumn would have to be behind a tree, as Alfred would observe Winifred and Joe to make sure Joe was not causing harm to his sister. He always made sure she was never ill used whenever he let his friends ride her and he was a handsome lad.
"Thinking of good times are you?"
Autumn turned to Ginger and cocked her head to the side. "Can you ever be kind?"
"What have you or anyone done to win my kindness? Man or horse."
"Miss Winifred seems very fond of you."
"Yes," Ginger said looking out at the pasture. "Miss Winifred is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She doesn't try to break my spirit. I wished her to life."
"How?"
"I wish for someone, anyone that can understand me. I was starting to lose hope. Every master I had would whip me like I was horseflesh! Then Miss Winifred came one day with her family. I thought she was the most beautiful human I had ever seen. But I was afraid! Evil can take in the form of beauty. But she did everything she could to win me over even when I was foul to her but my wish had come true. I met someone who understood me. A horse whisperer! I had only heard folktales, I never thought they really existed."
"You should be happy to have found someone like her in the end. Allow yourself to enjoy the happiness."
"You're a little thing and don't understand the real world. Do you think I will have Winifred forever? She's going to get married and go away. It won't be long until someone offers the squire a good price and I'm sent away."
"I am not a little thing. I'm an adult, I'm four."
"Yet you have only known one home. You will remember what I told you. This is a cruel world run by men. My mistress is a woman; there is so much she can do for me. No one can save you from your fate, being in the pits of hell of the human world."
"I'm so sorry Ginger."
"I do not want your pity." Not wanting continue the conversation, Ginger trotted off.
It was the afternoon and Merrylegs went to join Autumn under the shade. "You've been here all day, are you alright?"
"Yes I was just thinking about what Ginger was telling me." Autumn's wind watched as Ginger put her nose under Winifred and gently lifted her up. Winifred's laughter echoed.
"Pay her no mind. It's hard for her to accept that she is in a good place. She is a good horse but her trauma is too great. Miss Winifred knows and does all she can to please her. Ginger loves her very much. Even though she pretends that she doesn't care that Winifred will leave her one day, deep inside, it breaks her heart. She doesn't want Winifred to ever leave."
"Poor Ginger." Autumn said sympathetically. "Merrylegs, can you tell me the story of the horse whisper? Ginger said Miss Winifred is one."
"Yes our little Winnie has the gift. Her grandmother had it too. As is Sir John. Horse whisperers come in different forms however. Sir John cannot speak to the horses but he understands us and I know every word he is saying. A horse whisperer is a human in this world who understands horses because they use to be horses too. That is how the story goes."
"So Miss Winifred use to be a horse?"
"Yes and not just any horse. A horse that suffered terribly. So much that they wish as horses to come back to life as humans so that they can help other horses. I believe Miss Winifred suffered so much that as a human she can speak to us as well as her grandmother."
"I heard what happened to their grandmother. Alfred recites it to himself when he had too much to drink. He's so afraid that Miss Winifred will have the same fate."
"I was not there when it happened but I do my best so that she will not have the same fate. Their grandmother had a terrible fate. Eating hay until she starved because hay is no food for a person. Sir John was telling James, he use to be the stable boy before Joe, that they didn't find the old woman until later because no one went looking for her. She was declared insane before that and was brought back because Miss Winifred was terribly sad." Merrylegs lowered his head. "It is not easy for a horse soul in a human world."
Autumn leaned on Merrylegs. "Run with me."
She took off and Merrylegs chased her. Her long strong legs made her catch more distance but she kept a gentle trot as she went through the pastures filled with flowers, weed and grass. Merrylegs took the opportunity to trot faster than her. Passing her, he let out a happy neigh before turning around to wait for her.
Seeing that she didn't move, he raced back to her. When he was close by she ran off like she was trying to compete with him! Merrylegs let out a neigh and galloped behind her. Running close by the river path, Merrylegs saw the reflection of his white and her orange coat.
She wheeled around and galloped behind a tree as if trying her best to hide. Merrylegs trotted slowly and when he went behind the tree, Autumn took off with a loud whinny.
When they finally grew tired they went to the river to have a drink together then went to a shade under an oak tree. Autumn's wind let out a soft nicker and started to groom Merrylegs. Merrylegs closed his eyes enjoying the grooming as he let out a soft nicker. She gently removed the weed on Merryleg's fur.
"I love the color of your coat Merrylegs." She said as she pulled out a burr that was stuck on his coat.
"Thank you, I like your color too."
Once she was done, Merrylegs returned her the favor. Since she was not as short as Merrylegs, not much weeds were stuck to her coat. "That Alfred sure keeps your groomed."
"Yes, he loves brushing my coat endlessly."
Once Merrylegs was done, Autumn rested her head and neck over Merrylegs and closed her eyes as she breathed slowly.
"This is the happiest day of my life." Merrylegs nickered.
"Mines too. This is the happiest I've been since I've been here."
That night Merrylegs and Autumn went to sleep sharing each other's breath. It was difficult for Merrylegs to have his head over the stall so Autumn had stretched her neck over to his.
"Autumn's wind…"
"Yes?"
"I never have properly told you this but I have always liked you. You have been a good neighbor."
"I always liked you too my short one."
Merrylegs did not see Autumn's wind the next day. Alfred had spent the day with her riding her and grooming her.
The evening came and they still were not back but a nervous Joe came to saddle up Beauty.
They came a time later with a very drunk Joe. He was able to surprisingly, rub down the two horses properly and added more hay and water although it was not necessary before retreating to bed.
Beauty and Autumn explained about Joe and Alfred's conversation. They were a distance away in he dark but were able to hear the entire conversation.
"So does this mean Miss Winifred would leave Joe?" Ginger said a bit sad which was a surprise to the other horses.
"Joe sounded so heartbroken." Said Beauty as he rested his neck on the stall. "I'm not sure."
The horses went to sleep but Autumn couldn't get rest. Merrylegs usually would wait for her to sleep but after a time was becoming tired. "Why can't you sleep?"
"I was thinking of Miss Winifred and little Joe. If Miss Winifred feels about Joe like how I feel about you, I can imagine the pain of separating them. I would be sad if anyone separated me from you."
"Autumn, I am eleven years old. At my age I have seen everything. I care for you and the other horses here very much. This is the best home I have been to. I rather not think of the future and enjoy the present. For the present I am tired and you should be too. Come."
Autumn extended her neck over his stall. He gently nibbled her until she was able to fall asleep. As she was falling into her dreams she nickered. "Thank you Merrylegs…you are my best friend…"
That morning a very heartbroken Alfred came to the stall to pick up Autumn's wind.
"We are off to hunting game. Don't be too scared. Just going to chase some hares and then I'll head home. I won't be there for the whole party. I had a terrible fight with my sister and if it wasn't that I had already accepted the invitation, I would stay." He petted Autumn gently. "But maybe staying away for a few hours will calm our anger down. I said things I shouldn't have."
He called for Joe who looked like a ton of brick had fallen on them. Alfred patted his back. "Ask for lady Senaida for a hair of a dog. You'll feel better as soon as you drink it."
"Won't she know I was drinking last night?"
"True, well ask for a very strong tea and," He reached into his pocket and gave Joe a flask. "Add just a little bit of what's in there. Just a little. Also check up on my sister, we had a little tiff and I know how upset she gets when we have those. I'll be back before two."
However they did not come back at two. By the evening, Merrylegs was restless. He had not seen Autumn, Alfred or Winifred. He finally grew tired and managed a bit of sleep. He was consumed by nightmares and woke up when Sir John came to check on him.
"Woah little one, its okay." He said petting him gently.
It was the morning and Merrylegs checked the box next to him to find it empty.
Joe came rushing in still fixing the buckle of his pants. "Sorry uncle I overslept." He observed Merrylegs who tried to lift his head over Autumn's stall.
"Do you think he knows?"
"I'm not sure," said John sadly. "Poor thing. To know his friend will never be back."
Once they left Merrylegs spun around his box. Beauty cocked his head. "Miss Winifred has not come back to see us for two days. I am very worried."
"Master Alfred said there was an argument between them but why had Alfred not come back?" said Ginger.
"Maybe he stood at his friend's house." Said Beauty.
"He said he would be back at two. It's the next day. He was supposed to be here early, Alfred cares for his sister, something is not right!" said Merrylegs. "Oh, I wish someone will tell us what is wrong."
But no answer came. Soon other horses came into the stall, one was placed in Autumn's box and that is when Merrylegs knew the worst has happened. Sold? Dead?
It was not the afternoon yet when a distraught Winifred dressed in black came.
"A-A-Alfred—A-Autumn's wind." She could barely talk and cried. Everyone knew what had happened. She buried her face in Ginger's neck and sobbed.
Merrylegs dropped his head down to his knees. To him, he was glad Winifred could not talk. He did not want to know the pain and suffering his friend had gone through. He had heard many in his years how horses had died during hunting games. The worst of all is that a horse does not immediately die. Their bodies are so broken and dismantled that even a cruel creature like man knows its better to put a bullet straight through the head.
Merrylegs inhaled slowly. Goodbye my sweet one.
Winifred was crying as she came to last part of her story. Joe held her tightly and reminded himself to bring a carrot for the heartbroken Merrylegs. The amount of carrots in this world can take away the pain but he wanted Merrylegs to feel that he has people to help him through it all. It was sadder to see it happen to the happiest of ponies.