I had a nice change of clothes on as I groomed Tulsa. Something we still had to work on was picking up her hooves. She wasn't a fan of that. I ran my hand down her leg and clicked, asking her to pick up her hoof. She side passed away from me.
"Okay then." I said, nodding. "Still not ready for that." I continued to brush her, occasionally rubbing her muzzle when she turned her head towards me. I untied her from the hitching post and led her into the paddock. I lined her up the fence and climbed the fence, climbing on her bareback. I gathered the reins and slowly walked her around. I laid back, resting my head on her rump.
"Tulsa did you see the big scary man?" I asked. The only response I got was the sound of her hooves on the dirt.
"I see." I said, looking up at the sky.
"Do you believe me?" I asked. She let out a sneeze, making me laugh.
"So, yes or no?" She just kept walking.
"You really don't talk at all." I chuckled, sitting up as I gathered the reins again and nudged her to trot. I hated trying to sit trot, but it helped me with the balance. I gripped her mane as I nudged her into a canter. Joe came and watched, leaning on the fence. We cantered a few laps still I tried pulling back. I unevenly pulled back on the reins as she stopped and she went to the side. Joe laughed as I slowly slid off her back, into the dirt.
"I just wish I could sit those stops. Or be able to stop." I sighed, feeling disappointed.
"You will get a hang of it. It takes time to become the best rider you can be." Joe said, making me feel better.
"Yea, I guess. I'm hungry. Is Hop-Sing done making lunch yet?" I asked.s
"He should be soon. Let's go in and clean up." Joe said as I slid off Tulsa's back. I quickly put her away in the barn and ran inside to wash up.
"Remember, there is a barn raising at Carter's place tonight." Pa said as we started to eat.
"Ooh, sounds fun!" I said as I took a bite of chicken.
"Yes, and please wear a dress." Pa chuckled.
"Ooh okay!" I sighed. Dresses weren't too much for my thing. Now on holidays, yea, I'll dress up, unless it's for the 4th of July. I'll usually just wear my best trousers and shirt.
"Well, if you excuse me, I'll be heading upstairs to change." I said as I stood up from the table. I quickly bounded upstairs and slowly peeked into my room. No sign of anybody. I quickly on my undergarments, then my stockings, which I tied up with a ribbon. Then I put on my white lace up boots. I hated corsets, which came next. Afterwards, I pulled out my light blue silk dress. I thankfully didn't have to wear a hoop skirt for this dress. I hated hoop skirts. Only a petty coat would be needed for this dress. I combed back my hair into a braid, tying it with a blue ribbon. I quickly put on some perfume, making sure I smelled nice. I opened my door and slowly walked down the stairs, pulling up my skirt. The boys were all ready, they were just waiting for pa.
"You look pretty!" Joe smiled.
"Thank-"
"Ugly." He snickered. I smiled as I playfully punched his arm.
"Ow! That hurt!" He said as he wrapped his arms around me and put me in a lock hold, picking me up.
"Put me down!" I wiggled.
"Not until pa comes down." Joe chuckled.
"Rude." I mumbled. Just then we heard pa's footsteps, and Joe quickly set me down.
"Real looking kids. Now, let's go." He said as he put his gun belt on. I walked outside and saw all four horses saddled and the small buggy hitched.
"Just in case someone wants to leave at different times. Maggie, I can drive the buggy for you and just tie Buck to the back." Pa said.
YOU ARE READING
Maggie Cartwright: Book 2 Man In The Window
FanfictionFinding out someone was after her for causing the death of Lucky the Kid, life wasn't peaches n' cream anymore. With school right around the corner, and finding out she can't go to school, is one thing, but waking up every night to see a man staring...
