“Right,” Alice’s mum said faintly. She looked down in barely concealed horror at the glitter raining down from Sasha on to the sleeve of her pink shirt. Then briskly, she turned to Finn. “Hello,” she said. “Fergus recommended you. I must say, I was a bit dubious. What you do is very … frivolous.”
Alice winced again.
“Well, yes. We don’t just trot round in circles,” Sasha said defensively. “And my brother really can ride.”
“Of course,” Alice’s mum said stiffly. “I suppose the best thing we can do is see you up in the saddle.”
She was uncharacteristically silent a short while later, as she watched Finn ride Archie in the arena. They completed the most elegant figure of eight on the lightest rein. Finn had the black pony dancing, and Alice was totally mesmerised.
“Very nice,” Josephine said with a nod, taking hold of Archie’s reins as Finn completed his ride. Any praise was rare, so Alice knew her mum was impressed! “When can you start?”
Finn shrugged. “Whenever,” he replied.
Her mum nodded and turned to Sasha. “Well then, what about a couple of hours after school a few evenings a week and then shows at the weekend? We can work out lifts, and things like that.”
Sasha nodded and smiled. “Sure,” she said. “Finn knows the Flying Fillies routines inside out so we don’t need too much practice, though he has to help look after our horses, of course. I’ll let you know the dates when we have shows, although there’s not that many coming up…” Her voice trailed off and she looked worried for a moment. She turned to her brother. “Anyway, I think it would be good for you to have a focus. What do you say?”
Finn shrugged again. “Yeah, sounds OK.”
Josephine flicked through her diary. “Well, I’ll call you in the next day or so. Each week will depend on our schedule, and I’ll pay you by the hour. Is that OK?”
Finn nodded, and they exchanged the briefest of handshakes.
Alice felt a huge range of emotions wash over her. She was now going to see Finn regularly. She still found him hard to read – but there was something intriguing about him. She thought about the boys from the neighbouring school that all the girls in her class fancied; to Alice they all looked and sounded the same. Finn was different.
As he climbed back into the Land Rover, Finn grinned at her, the first proper smile he’d ever given her. Her heart leapt, just a little bit. Perhaps he was going to say something nice…
“See you soon, Alice in her palace!” Finn laughed as Sasha pulled away in a cloud of dust.
As the season rolled on, the Smalley team continued their success, with all the ponies who had been aimed at the Horse of the Year Show gaining their tickets in good time. Finn had already delighted Josephine by qualifying a lovely New Forest pony called Coco in his first week. That meant they could let the experienced ponies have a bit of a break for the summer holidays, and concentrate on the younger ones. Alice and Finn would be riding them at the smaller shows to build up their confidence.
Alice had more time to dedicate to Secret, and she was determined to make things better between them. One evening, she decided to school in the bottom meadow. At first it was OK. Secret trotted obediently in a circle, and Alice started to relax. But then he stopped, and refused to go forward. Backing up, Secret stared longingly in the direction of the fields that were going to be cut for hay. For one crazy second Alice thought about letting him gallop through the fields. It was as if Secret had read her mind and he eagerly surged forward, and Alice stopped him just in time. Her mum would kill her if he trampled all over the uncut grass. Finally Alice gave up and dismounted, slipping the reins over Secret’s head and leading him back to his stable. She knew she shouldn’t end their session on a negative note, but she had no idea what to do.
Secret was now almost six, and growing bigger and stronger. Alice didn’t want to admit it, but she was becoming nervous around him. The balloon disaster had made her worry that she wasn’t as good a rider as she thought. And now she had seen Finn in action, it was more obvious than ever that she still had a lot to learn!
Chapter 10
With Finn busy juggling schoolwork and pony care, Josephine sometimes took her ponies over to Rookham Manor for schooling sessions. On these days Josephine or Fergus would first collect Alice from school, and then Finn. Alice often wondered what he was like at school, he certainly had a ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe. In fact, Alice wondered about Finn a lot, especially when she was meant to be doing other things, like homework or her chores.
Alice and Finn sat in awkward silence in the lorry during their journeys together, Finn staring out of the window and Alice desperate to make conversation but not sure what to say, especially with her mum listening in. Alice longed to be left alone at Finn’s yard but her mum or Fergus always oversaw the schooling sessions, to check the ponies were going correctly.
Today Finn was schooling Archie. He was due to ride him at the next show, when Archie’s owner would come to watch. Although she hadn’t said it in so many words, Alice could tell her mum wanted to put her best rider on Archie to impress his owner. Even though Alice knew Finn was a better rider than her, it still hurt. She longed to have the same connection with Secret that Finn had with his ponies. He made it look so effortless.
She was so engrossed in watching that she didn’t realise someone had joined them at the side of the makeshift arena. It was Marcus, Sasha’s boyfriend. Alice noticed Finn scowl at him as he rode by.
“You must be Mrs Smalley.” Marcus offered his hand to Alice’s mum, who shook it as Marcus flashed her a grin. It was easy to see why the crowds adored him on display days: he was really handsome. But Alice felt herself bristle; she just got the feeling he wasn’t genuine.
“How wonderful for you to give Finn a chance.” Marcus sighed. “After all, there’s no future for him here.”
Alice’s mum looked a little confused. “But Finn and Sasha have lots going on with their stunt riding,” she said, still watching Finn.
“Well, between you and me,” Marcus continued in a stage whisper, “it’s not amounting to very much. Sasha has been filling the boy’s head with this dream of the Flying Fillies, but it’s more like the Flopping Fillies at the moment.” He gave a little chuckle as if pleased with his own joke.
“That’s not true!” Alice waded in, unable to stop herself. “I’ve been to loads of your displays. Everyone loves watching them!”
Marcus gave her an irritated look, as if he had just noticed her.
“They might,” he said nastily, “but the show organisers don’t. Too old-fashioned I expect. They want to book racing quad bikes or something more exciting. Believe me, I’m the one that does the bookings. It’s been impossible this year to secure anything.”
Alice glared at him, remembering what Finn had said about overhearing him on the phone, and Marcus calling the Flying Fillies a waste of time.
Marcus turned back to Josephine, ignoring Alice once again. “Well, anyway, I just think it’s so great you’re giving Finn this chance. He’s been a bit of a handful since his dad left, getting into trouble at school, that sort of thing. He was almost expelled,” he added, raising his eyebrows theatrically. “Now it’s the holidays, I’m sure if you have any extra hours available, both he and Sasha will be pleased with the extra money.”
Josephine didn’t look as if she liked Marcus, Alice was pleased to see. “Oh, right. Well, I’ll bear that in mind.”
“Thank you, Mrs Smalley,” Marcus said, giving her the full benefit of his wide smile as he sauntered away. “I know Sasha will be very pleased.”
Finn had finished warming down Archie and as he walked him back to the paddock fence, Alice noticed him shoot Marcus a murderous look.
“Go and get a drink of water, Finn,” her mum said, taking hold of Archie’s reins. “You look very hot.”
With her mum looking after Archie, Alice slipped off after Finn, who was filling up a mug from the yard hose. As usual Finn’s
presence made Alice feel clumsy and self-conscious.
“That all right?” he asked shortly. “Is your mum happy? Do I match her high standards?”
“Mum’s really pleased,” Alice said truthfully.
“Good. Archie’s an awesome pony.”
There was an awkward silence. “So Marcus just said something weird.” Alice lowered her voice, and Finn looked up sharply. “He told us that the shows aren’t booking you any more.”
“What?” Finn looked angry. “Every single event we’ve done has had amazing feedback. Sasha was having to turn down events last year because we were so busy!”
Alice frowned, thinking hard. “What’s going on then?”
“Sasha thinks Marcus is working really hard to get the events sorted,” Finn growled.
“But you don’t think he is?”
Finn looked at her for a few moments, his black eyes unreadable.
“Alice,” he said finally. “When you leave here you go back to your perfect yard and perfect life and perfect school. Why are you even interested in what’s going on with me?”
Alice blushed. “I was just trying to help!”
Finn looked straight at her. “You’re right,” he said finally. “Sorry, that was really rude of me. I’m just not used to anyone … caring.”
“Can’t you…” Alice thought carefully about what she was about to say. “Can’t you call your dad? If he knew there was stuff going on with the Flying Fillies, wouldn’t he come home to help?”
“That is not an option,” Finn said flatly. “Sasha won’t let me call him; she says he’s got enough on his plate. She thinks Marcus is going to sort everything, all our bills and debts and stuff. And although I can’t prove anything yet – I have a feeling he wants to do the complete opposite. As far as I’m concerned, Marcus is a total loser, he—”
“Finn, that’s enough!” Shaking with rage, Sasha appeared from behind the two teenagers, making Alice jump. “You’ve had it in for Marcus from the beginning!” Sasha snarled at her younger brother. “Marcus has been working really, really hard trying to get us bookings, so I can concentrate on the training! Finn, you need to get over yourself. You just hate the fact that now he’s the one everyone comes to see!”
“That’s not true,” Finn shot back, his cheeks reddening. “I bet he told you that, didn’t he? Just like he told us the shows were losing interest? Open your eyes, Sash, before it’s too late!”
Without a backwards glance, Finn stomped off towards the house. Sasha gave a deep sigh of frustration.
Alice was still thinking about Sasha and Finn’s argument as they travelled home. Turning off the main road, Josephine indicated towards the village of Brockley, home of Park Farm.
Her mum frowned, breaking the silence. “Marcus certainly had some interesting things to say about Finn.”
“I don’t trust Marcus at all!” Alice responded hotly. “Finn’s brilliant – look what he’s done with Archie and Coco.”
Josephine peered at her closely, and Alice willed herself to look neutral.
“Well, I wasn’t at all taken with that Marcus chap,” her mum said firmly. “Finn’s a talented rider, and I need someone like him. But, Alice, I think it’s best you keep your distance, don’t you? We’ve got a busy season and I don’t want you getting distracted.”
Alice sighed. Maybe her mum was right: perhaps it was best not to get involved. But deep down she knew she was involved. She was completely drawn into Finn’s world now.
Chapter 11
The next couple of weeks were so busy with shows, lessons and schooling sessions that Alice barely had time to think. She tried to carry on with her work on Secret, with mixed results. It was so frustrating; she was positive he was capable of so much, but just when Alice thought she’d had a breakthrough he’d rebel.
One particularly awful session lodged in Alice’s mind. Aware that Finn was over, and determined to show him what she and Secret could do, she had perfected a beautiful trot across the diagonal, and was feeling rather smug. Finn glanced over at her, and Alice was sure he looked impressed.
She decided to push it and ask for an extension. She really wanted to hold Finn’s attention. But Secret had other ideas and ground to a halt, yawning and pawing the ground. It was a hot day and Alice could tell he wanted to go and splash in the water trough with Tudor.
Alice was suddenly aware of Finn shouting at her and frantically making some sort of gesture and, before she could stop him, Secret buckled his knees and flopped down to roll. Alice only just managed to jump clear in time and haul him up. Shaking like a big dog, Secret gleefully dragged Alice all the way back to the stable yard, whinnying excitedly for his friends. There was no way Alice could stop him as he was too strong. Burning with embarrassment, Alice quickly untacked Secret, hoping to get him back into his field and run into the house as quickly as possible.
No such luck.
Finn appeared, looking very amused. “You know Sasha could teach you how to make a pony lie down on command, if you wanted. Though I’m not sure what all those prissy showing judges would say.”
“Ha ha,” Alice replied icily.
“In all seriousness,” Finn continued, “have you tried riding him away from the arena with no agenda and no training? And just enjoyed being with him?”
Alice decided to ignore Finn. Secret gave a sigh and rested his head adoringly on her shoulder, breathing his sweet warm breath in her ear. Alice held her head up high, trying to think cool and serene thoughts as she untied him. Finn looked at her, studying her face closely. He started to say something but Alice pushed past him as she led Secret back into his paddock. It was only later, when Alice glanced at the mirror in the hallway, that she realised Secret’s snuffling had left a trail of green and white froth all over one cheek and in her hair. That must have been what Finn was about to tell her. She quickly wiped it off, glaring at her reflection. It couldn’t get any worse!
Alice still wasn’t completely sure if her mum had believed Marcus when he’d said Finn was a troublemaker. Josephine was always quite cool with Finn, but he had definitely impressed her with his riding as she had put his name down on the entry forms for the rest of the show season.
Alice always found herself hanging around the yard when Finn was there, pretending to do other stuff. Aware of her mum’s disapproval she tried to watch from a distance, hiding in places like the top of the hayloft, which overlooked the arena, when she couldn’t think of an imaginary job to do in the yard.
“What on earth are you doing?” Fergus asked one morning as he climbed the ladder into the loft.
Alice jumped. She hadn’t expected anyone to come up, and felt a blush rising to her cheeks. “Nothing.” She tried to sound casual. “Counting … hay bales.”
Fergus peered through the grubby window into the arena below where Finn was cantering a beautiful circle. He chuckled. “Spying, were we?”
“No!” Alice said crossly, a bit too quickly and then she sighed. “I’m just trying to work out how he does what he does.”
“He’s got what my dad used to call proper horse sense,” Fergus said wisely. “You’re either born with it, or you’re not, I guess.”
Alice turned back to the window as they continued to watch Finn’s schooling, digesting Fergus’s words. What if she wasn’t born with it? Was that why she was failing with Secret?
One hot afternoon, as they loaded a couple of ponies back up after lessons at Finn’s yard, Marcus strolled over to the horsebox. Finn tensed as his teammate leaned casually against the side of the lorry. Even though Marcus was very handsome, Alice thought he just looked mean.
“Amazed you’ve still got time for the Fillies,” he drawled as Finn unzipped his riding boots. “Talk about no dedication.”
Alice frowned, remembering the way Marcus had practically begged her mum to offer Finn extra hours. But her mum was out of earshot now.
“Of course I do!” Finn snapped in reply.
Marcus raised an eyeb
row.
“I mean it,” Finn continued angrily. “The team always comes first.”
“You know, I don’t know why your sister bothers,” Marcus snapped. “She only stays here for you, and now you go off and find some other job.”
“That’s not true,” Finn spat out. “Sasha’s happy for me to do this. At least I’m trying to help her by earning a bit of money. More than can be said for you. I know you’re out to destroy the team.”
“You don’t know anything of the sort,” Marcus hissed. He stepped forward, but seeing Alice next to Finn he stopped and laughed instead. “Sasha always says you have an excellent imagination.”
And with that Marcus pushed his mirrored sunglasses down over his eyes and wandered off. Jack, one of the Dales ponies, eagerly thrust his nose towards him as he passed. But Marcus swatted him away as if he was no more than an annoying fly.
A few days later Alice and Fergus had just finished bathing the ponies, so they looked their best for the next day’s show. As well as Archie and Dolly, a lovely Welsh Section B pony, they were also taking Secret, and Alice was already dreading it. Secret was watching them with interest from his stable, managing to look so naughty and innocent all at once that Alice blew him a kiss. She thought about the one and only time she had attempted to bathe Secret on her own. He had untied himself, snapped the hose connector in two and trotted around the yard with his mane full of bubbles, a gleeful look in his eyes. It had taken three people and a bucket of feed to catch him, and Alice hadn’t tried it again.
“Oh, I nearly didn’t tell you!” Fergus said, leaning on his broom. “Do you remember that mare we dropped off for Finn and Sasha?”
“Of course,” said Alice, squinting up at him.
A New Beginning Page 4