A Little Bit of Charm

by Mary Ellis

  Jake felt a pang of disappointment as he stuck the flowers into the makeshift vase. His endeavor this morning in his mom’s garden hadn’t generated the intended response. “They can’t see how big the horses are. They won’t be able to form an accurate perspective of size until they’ve ridden a few times and dismounted on their own. By that time, they will have figured out there’s nothing to fear.” He swept off his cap and ran a hand though his hair. With Rachel standing so close, his scalp was sweating.

  She laughed with that wonderful, musical sound. “Of course. I wasn’t thinking. How old must they be to take lessons? Have any of them had eyesight at one time and seen a horse, even in pictures? How long do their lessons take?”

  Jake stared at her. At the mill she’d barely said ten words to him. After he’d given her the flowers, she clammed up as though she had instantaneous laryngitis. Now she was shooting question after question at him. “Let’s see…the kids must be at least seven to participate with their parents’ signed authorization. The lessons take an hour, and then we lead them around the arena to practice for another thirty minutes. After that we serve juice and cookies before sending them home.” He sidestepped around her.

  Rachel jogged by his side as he approached the group. “What about my other question?”

  He shook his head, trying to remember. “Yeah, one little girl lost her eyesight only two years ago due to—” He stopped himself, unsure if the medical privacy act applied to horse trainers. “You’ll have to excuse me, Rachel, but I need to greet Mrs. Ingraham and get to work.”

  She halted on the path. “Would you mind if I watched until my tour group arrives? I promise to stay out of your way.”

  Would he mind? Just minutes ago he had confessed his desire to date her, wearing his heart on his sleeve like a catsup stain. “Watch all you want. If you notice a child needing help, jump in. The stable liability insurance covers all our employees.” He didn’t look at her. He didn’t want his disappointment about her decision not to date him to spoil his favorite time of the week.

  Fortunately, Keeley bolted from the house at that moment. “What’s the holdup, Jake? The kids are almost to the barn.” She ran past him without slowing down. Keeley loved to spend time with the youngsters almost as much as he did.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Ingraham,” he greeted, once he reached the teacher’s side. “I see everybody showed up today. Nobody played hooky?”

  Small heads turned in the direction of his voice “Hi, Jake!” they sang out in unison.

  “Howdy, pardners. Are we ready to mount up and ride off into the sunset like cowboys?”

  Shouts of agreement and plenty of giggles provided his answer. “All right, let’s get started. Hang on to the rope so you don’t get trampled in any cattle stampedes.”

  More laughter—the six boys and four girls appreciated his sense of humor. “Robert, you listen for rattlesnakes and sound the alarm.”

  “Are there rattlers in Casey County?” asked a little girl. “My dad said we only have copperheads and cottonmouths in Kentucky.”

  “Don’t worry about snakes, Bethany.” Keeley grasped the child’s hand. “We chased them back to the desert where they belong. Brady land is rattler-free.”

  “Keeley!” Bethany turned up her face. “I want to ride with you.”

  “Your wish is my command. You’ll be first.” Keeley buckled a helmet over the little girl’s dark hair.

  Jake and Mrs. Ingraham fastened helmets on every rider and then Jake lifted Bethany onto a small Morgan. Twelve Elms kept six of these gentle, unintimidating horses specifically for this purpose. Keeley climbed up behind her, wedging the child firmly between her and the saddle horn. They rode around the indoor arena a few times and then left the barn by the back door, heading up the farm lane. Nothing beat free-riding, as the kids called it. Each one would get their turn in the fresh air with the breeze blowing through their hair. In the meantime, Jake and the teacher adjusted saddles and stirrups and helped the remaining girls onto their mounts. Mrs. Ingraham climbed up on her own Haflinger, tethered the horses together, and led her group around the arena at an easy pace. The girls would gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment as they controlled their horses using knees and thighs.

  The boys were Jake’s domain. He lined up the six children and reviewed everything they learned last week. Then he adjusted the saddle and stirrups for each boy and let them mount full-sized trail horses. If his father wasn’t busy, he would lend a hand. Today was no exception as Ken assisted two of the young equestrians.

  As soon as everyone was ready, Jake swung up onto his Saddlebred gelding. “Men, we’ll start in the ring today. The horses will be tied to long leads but it’s up to you to control your mount. We’ll practice starting and stopping, then left and right turns. Remember to press hard with your right thigh to turn left and vice versa. Remember, you control the horse. Don’t let him control you. What do we say to get moving?”

  “Giddyup and shake the reins.” Six voices hollered in unison.

  “And to slow him down?”

  “Whoa. Pull easy on the reins to slow down and pull hard to stop.” Several boys chanted the memorized words like a beloved catechism.

  Jake grinned at his young protégés, even though they couldn’t see his pleasure. “Sounds like this posse is ready to ride.” He clicked his teeth and Pretty Boy took up a gentle, even pace. The boys rode around the arena to regain comfort and familiarity as he reviewed last week’s lesson.

  From the corner of his eye, he spotted Rachel sitting on the bottom row of bleachers. If her expression was any indicator, she enjoyed the progress his young riders were making.

  At least something around Twelve Elms pleased her, even if it didn’t happen to be him.

  I will only date my own kind.

  What did that make him—a two-headed alien from Mars? Jake tried to force thoughts of her from his mind, but with Rachel only yards away it was impossible. This hadn’t been the first time he’d been turned down for a date. He’d been refused on several occasions when he’d asked girls to school dances or a church outing. Then there had been the prom fiasco when he asked one of the cheerleaders. Sure, Jake, as long as I haven’t patched things up with Nathan Grimes. I’m still hoping the two of us get back together before prom. But the cheerleader’s thoughtless words hadn’t stung as much as today’s rejection over lunch. Never had he spent a more uncomfortable fifteen minutes as those in the old mill.

  He couldn’t relax until Rachel noticed the clock on the wall and left the arena for her tour. Then he settled into the most enjoyable two and half hours of the week.

  Afterward, Jake walked his group back to their bus. Every child kept a tight hold on the rope held by Mrs. Ingraham. “Next week we’ll practice mounting and dismounting and then try some balance exercises. You’ll also learn how to safely approach the horse to put on a halter. Sighted or not, everyone needs to learn the basics.”

  “But how will we reach their heads?” asked Bethany. “I’m not tall enough.”

  Jake patted the child’s back. “I’ll let you think about that between now and next week.” He shook each small hand as they climbed the bus steps for the ride back to school. On his way to the office, he passed Rachel as she finished her last tour for the day.

  “Remember, Twelve Elms offers lessons in western pleasure, western showmanship, hunt seat, English riding, jumping, and barrel racing for ages seven and up.” She passed out stable brochures as the tourists headed toward the parking lot. “As you can see, we have something here for everyone.”

  Jake clenched hard on his back molars. “Everyone but me,” he muttered, letting the screen door slam behind him with a bang.

  Saturday morning

  Rachel left the chicken farm while Sarah still slept and Isaac was busy with early morning chores. She grabbed an apple with plain bread and cheese to eat on the way because she was too excited to cook breakfast. Today would be her first mounted tour, not as instructor
but as a participant. Jessie had promised to come home for the next two Saturdays to allow Rachel time to get accustomed to her new horse. She had been assigned Calamity Jane, an aging Thoroughbred mare. Her name must be some kind of English joke because the horse was as gentle and even-tempered as any Thoroughbred ever born.

  Rachel absolutely loved her. In between tours on Wednesday and Friday, she groomed and exercised Jane on the lunge rope. She talked to her constantly so the mare would get used to her voice, usually telling her how beautiful she was. Before heading home yesterday, Rachel saddled up and rode Jane around the paddock. Everything came back to her despite not having ridden in several years. Some skills a dedicated horsewoman never forgot.

  Because she’d driven the buggy faster than normal, she turned Isaac’s gelding into the pasture and arrived early at the Brady residence.

  “Hi, Rachel.” Jessie stepped onto the porch. “You’re here bright eyed and bushy tailed. How about some coffee?” She held open the screen door. “We have an hour before the ride.”

  “Sure.” Rachel ran the rest of the way to the house. Slipping into the tidy kitchen, she silently prayed she wouldn’t run into Jake. Not that she didn’t like him, because she truly did. And not because she didn’t find him attractive. She thought he was the handsomest man she ever met. But every time an Amish person courted an Englischer back home, the results had been disastrous. Her job at the stable was too important to jeopardize with foolish romantic nonsense.

  Jessie handed her a mug laced with cream and sugar. “We have six reservations for this morning. That’s a perfect number to give everyone a bit of personal attention. Don’t try to take notes during the ride. If you fall off Calamity Jane, it’ll reflect badly on my teaching ability.” She threw her head back and laughed.

  Rachel grinned, although the idea of note taking had never occurred to her.

  “We’ll start in the barn. Each rider saddles and tacks his or her own horse. This week and next you’ll just act like a student and simply observe. I’ll do all the talking. First, we’ll ride into the pasture in a single file line to practice diagonals. When each rider reaches a flag in the center, the rider must head toward a different corner of the pasture on the diagonal. Horses love to follow one another and will do so like circus elephants if you let them. Mastering quick, immediate responses is paramount for intermediary riders.”

  Rachel nodded, sipping her coffee, but the excitement building in her veins was better than any jolt of caffeine.

  “Next, we’ll head to the trails. Twelve Elms has miles of groomed trails between the pastures, through the woods, and along the river. We’ll ride for at least an hour in whatever direction the spirit takes us before we turn around and come back.”

  “What do you mean by ‘groomed?’”

  “Either Jake or Keeley drives around the entire property in one of our quads—up into the hills, everywhere. They’ll move any long branches that fall down across the path. We don’t want horses confusing them with snakes and throwing their riders. Horses don’t like snakes. Jake takes along a chainsaw in case a tree blocks the way. Keeley calls on the walkie-talkie if she needs help because she can’t run a saw. They’ll make note of any break in the fence or a rock slide. You have no idea how much maintenance a riding stable demands, including the woodlands and pastures.”

  Rachel washed her mug out in the sink. “I understood everything except for what a ‘quad’ is.”

  “It’s a vehicle with four big tires you ride off-road. It’s easier to show you than to explain. They’re so much fun. Just ask Keeley.”

  “Ask me what?” The youngest Brady strolled into the room.

  “Goodness, you’re already awake and dressed for the day?” Jessie stared at her sister. “I’ve never seen you up this early on a Saturday. I’d better call nine-one-one.”

  “Very funny.” Keeley stuck her tongue out at Jessie, but she hugged Rachel around the waist. “Hi, Rachel. Is it okay if I tag along? I haven’t taken a trail ride in a while.”

  Jessie snapped open her cell phone. “Hurry! We have an emergency here at Twelve Elms!” Her tone feigned distress.

  Keeley rolled her eyes. “Don’t pay any attention to her. She thinks she’s funny.”

  Rachel patted the girl’s back. “It’s fine with me if you come, but I’m not the one in charge.” Both turned their attention to Jessie as she snapped her phone shut.

  “Anybody who tacks and saddles their own horse and rubs them down afterward may join us. I won’t even charge you the thirty dollars, but don’t even think of leaving your chores for a stable hand to do.”

  Keeley ran out the door while Jessie threaded her ponytail through her ball cap. “Wow, there’s a first time for everything. You’re a good influence on that girl.”

  Rachel wasn’t sure if it was her influence or not, but Keeley fell in step with the instruction without the slightest complaint. The six riders paid attention during the lesson and enjoyed an absolutely perfect morning. Calamity Jane responded to Rachel’s commands, allowing her to appear competent and prepared to take over in two weeks. None of their customers were beginners, but many were unfamiliar with Twelve Elms. Before heading to the hills, Jessie followed the same path taken by the farm wagon, explaining many of the facts Rachel had already memorized.

  Jessie dropped back to where Rachel rode. “Because some of our riders are new here, this will be a combination mounted tour and intermediate lesson. Saturday mornings we give customers what they want, whether it’s some sort of lesson or farm tour or just a trail ride for relaxation.”

  “I’m not sure I could teach anything yet.” Rachel said under her breath.

  “Then we’ll only schedule mounted tours for you and no lessons. Keeley said you’re already great on the wagon. Before you know it you’ll be ready to teach. But until you say the word, Jake can provide Saturday lessons while I’m at school.” With a light kick of her heels, Jessie galloped to the head of the line.

  Jake. There was no way to avoid him even if she wanted to. And part of her didn’t want to avoid him. She had few friends in the English world—few friends in Kentucky of any type. After watching Jake’s enthusiasm and patience with the blind kids, Rachel knew he could teach her a lot.

  Once their group reached the midway point, Jessie ordered everyone to dismount and tie their reins to small trees in the shady glen. Then she lifted saddlebags from her horse and headed up a narrow path. “This way, everyone.” The students quickly fell in step behind her.

  “Where are we going?” asked Rachel of Keeley. They would follow the last paid guest in line.

  “Wait till you see.” Keeley’s young face glowed with joy. “It’ll be a surprise.”

  After an uphill hike of ten minutes, they reached a shimmering pool bathed in sunlight and surrounded by tall pines. At one end, the crystal clear water dropped over a ledge, cascading down rocks and outcroppings below. Everyone exclaimed over the beauty of this hidden retreat.

  “We have this natural spring regularly tested,” announced Jessie. “The water is pure, so feel free to fill your bottles. Then please find a seat and I’ll serve lunch.” Everyone plopped down in the long grass to enjoy ham-and-cheese sandwiches and pretzels. Jessie passed around tiny packets that turned their water into lemonade.

  Leaning back on her elbows, Rachel studied the patch of blue sky overhead while the sun warmed her face and a cool breeze refreshed her skin. Even Jessie’s packed lunch tasted like gourmet fare. Throughout the break, Rachel couldn’t stop silently thanking God for bringing her to Twelve Elms. Never before in her life had she felt this happy.

  SIX

  And grace my fears relieved

  Rachel’s near euphoria lasted all the way back to the Stoll farm.

  Isaac offered to rub down the gelding, so she had nothing to do but stroll up the mum-lined path to the back door. When she entered the house, Sarah was folding laundry in the mudroom and humming a hymn.

  “Guder nachmittag,” Rachel
greeted in Deutsch.

  “Good afternoon to you.” Sarah reached for another load of towels from the dryer. “There’s a fresh pitcher of iced tea in the fridge if you’re thirsty.”

  “Thanks.” Rachel padded across the kitchen but halted halfway. Folded laundry sat in piles on the table, waiting either to be carried upstairs to drawers or to be ironed. She spotted her designated pile immediately. Two freshly washed T-shirts advertising Twelve Elms Stables—Finest Thoroughbreds in Casey County—sat atop the heap. A frisson of anxiety took hold and began to grow in her gut.

  “Because my loads were light, I grabbed your clothes hamper from your closet.” Sarah set down the basket of towels to stir the soup. “If I’m running the machine, I might as well fill the tub.”

  Rachel fingered the soft cotton of the top shirt. “You’re probably wondering about these,” she said, feeling ten years old.

  “I figured they are part of some uniform for your job. And if you wished to tell me about them, you would have by now.” Sarah didn’t turn from her position at the stove.

  “I’m sorry I was secretive, Sarah. I change into the shirt when I arrive at work. Otherwise, tourists would ask more questions about me than the horses.” Rachel poured a glass of tea and took a long swallow.

  Her cousin turned, wiping her hands down her apron. “You wear that T-shirt over your dress?”

  “Nein. I own a pair of pants I bought back in Lancaster.” She picked up the tote bag abandoned by the door. “Jessie Brady provided me with a pair of riding boots too. Today’s tour was on horseback, which would have been difficult in a long dress and apron.”

  Her cousin seemed to ponder all of that while she crossed her arms. “What kind of pants—baggy old trousers or those tight jeans I see on English teenagers?”

  Rachel’s response proved redundant when a red face revealed her shame. “That’s the way blue jeans fit.”