Amanda's Story

Neighbors and News

No one had seen Rachel at breakfast, and she had remained out in the stable most of the morning. Amanda finally found her in the lower paddock, discussing the progress of halter breaking the new colts with Vern.

"Rachel, Maman is calling for you. She says to leave the horses to the menfolk and come in."

Rachel crossed her arms, her characteristic scowl creasing her brows. "Ridiculous," she muttered. "Vern," she said over her shoulder as she turned toward the house, "I need to stay abreast of the training for these geldings. They're the next team up for sale. Please let me know how they do tomorrow."

Vern gave a nod and grunt of acknowledgment. Amanda wasn't sure if that meant, "Of course," or if that meant, "I've already got one master, and that's the vicar, not you."

She followed Rachel through the gate and along the side of the stable. They paused at the edge of the gravel drive to clean their boots on the boot brush.

"Why do you insist on working with the horses? You know Maman feels it's wholly unladylike. She fears you'll never catch a husband now."

Rachel's icy glare chilled Amanda more than the October breeze.

"I didn't mean it like that. I know it's not your fault, what happened with John."

"You're sure it's just Maman's opinion? You're not embarrassed for your sister? Maybe she'll set tongues wagging in the ton amid all those society gossips you'll get to meet." Rachel's tone was fierce, and she moved toward the house at an increased pace.

Amanda threw her hands up. "Really, because I marry the son of an Earl, I'm going to change that much? Show some trust. I will not utterly betray my upbringing."

Rachel just shook her head. "No matter. I don't need to impress anyone. In my future, the man I love will love horses as much as I do."

Amanda paused and tipped her head. "Oh?" Rachel glanced back, but kept walking. Amanda took several skittering steps to catch up. "I want to know who you speak of." But Rachel pretended to not hear.

"So is this a phantom of your imagination, this man?" Rachel opened her mouth to reply, then a movement in the distance caught her eye. She moved to the house with renewed speed.

Amanda gave up chasing her. If she didn't want to talk about it, she wouldn't force her confidence. She pulled her shawl more tightly around her shoulders and stopped at the garden wall, leaning against the stone, straining to see who was coming their way. At first all she could make out was that it was a gig and horse. As it drew closer, she began to smile. The bright green bonnet trimmed with peacock feathers could only belong to one: her friend and neighbor, Phoebe Ellsworth. Rachel, understandably, was feeling a little estranged from their family. But Phoebe and Amanda had shared their trip to Lincolnshire and now were better friends than ever.

Amanda waved to Phoebe when her gig pulled into the drive. She hopped down with a bright grin, looping the reins over the rail and leaving the gig to the approaching stable boy. She threw her arm around Amanda's waist, and the girls leaned their heads together.

"How was your journey home?" Phoebe asked.

"Uneventful. The hardest part was feeling worse for each mile between Dabney and I. And yet, I felt better once I reached home. Yorkshire has beauties no other county can claim."

Phoebe nodded, her bonnet feathers bobbing, tickling Amanda's nose. She wrinkled it and leaned away. "Tell me of your trip."

Phoebe sighed. "I understand that Dabney could not take back the invitation, but John really should have declined. Even though it was the only way for me to return, properly escorted, since Father had to go on to London."