I could see Hilary bristling as I returned to the arena, but ignored the obvious tension and mounted up to start exercising my next ride. I got back into the work of developing my riding position and planning for stride distances between jumps.
It was three hours later when I finished riding, and another two hours for me to groom the horses properly, after this I’d taken a short break to drive into the village for some additional supplies. The yard was quiet on my return so Hilary helped me feed the horses before I skipped them out.
“Far be it from me to ask. But what the hell have I done wrong?”
Hilary surveyed me. “Adam, you haven’t done…”
“No… Thank you for being so nice, but, as you may have noticed, I’m a man in a predominantly female-led industry. I do realise when I’m the reason for the unrest on a yard. So, what have I done to cause this friction?”
Hilary sighed, leaning on a feed bin. “It’s not you directly. Sally’s upset. She’s under a lot of pressure.”
“And? Come on… That was a very nice polite answer. What’s really happened?”
“Okay, if I’m honest I think she has a bit of a crush on you and now, as you won’t be here as much, she’s become deeply jealous. Oh, and I sent her to bed on Saturday night.”
“You did what?” I couldn’t help laughing.
“She was acting like a child so I sent her to bed…”
“Ah, no wonder she mucked out into my bed…”
“What!”
“Nothing…” I realised from Hilary’s look she wouldn’t drop it. “I came back and found she had skipped out all weekend and missed the muck heap.”
“Missed the-… Oh, shit!”
“Lots of it… Look, say nothing. No… She was cross, it’s water under the bridge. Right, I’m going to clean the tack.”
“I’ll find her and…”
“Hilary no… Let her sulk. I’m quite happy to work. I promise you; it will sort itself out.”
“If you think so?” Hilary hugged me. “Thank you, Adam… I’m so sorry.”
* * *
Cleaning tack was deeply therapeutic and I was more than happy to sit quietly with the dusty radio switched on cleaning and polishing the leatherwork. I’d been there for over an hour when the door opened gently. I smiled as I saw Sally look tentatively around the door. “Hello, stranger… Not seen you for most of the day, are you okay?” There was a moment when I thought she might turn and run, but she stepped into the room, her shoulders hunched, looking down at her feet.
“I’m sorry…” She stuttered the apology, avoiding eye contact with me.
“What’s up?”
“Look, Adam, I‘ve been a real arsehole. I dumped all that crap on your bed and I’ve been a snotty bitch to you all day.”
“Ah, it was a funny prank to play. I’m not mad at you…”
“I don’t deserve these…” Sally held out the flowers and chocolates I’d bought from the local shop. The card had read, ‘I know you had a tough weekend…’
“Sally, of course, you deserve them. You’ve made me feel so very welcome and helped me out. Here I am, invading your world.” I paused, looking up as it looked as if Sally was about to burst into tears. “Look, whatever happened, it’s water under the bridge. If you want to be less of a bitch you can share those chocolates. I’ll let you have the flowers; I think they will look better in your cottage than they would in my caravan…”
The shy look I got from Sally was a joy. To see the smile, return to her face made up for the cost of some cheap flowers and a box of sweets.
We sat together, eating chocolates and polishing leather, like old friends. “Look, Adam, what I did to you…”
“Shh Sally… I am here to help you.” I leaned over and hugged her. “I am sorry if you got upset and I’m really sorry I wasn’t there to support you when you felt bad. I heard that you and Hilary had a quarrel.”
“Oh, God… I really don’t know what to say to her. I was really childish, and now I’m too embarrassed to see her… I’ve been keeping out of her way. How stupid is that?”
“It’s already dealt with.” I ignored Sally’s confused look. Without her knowing, I’d taken the opportunity to copy her handwriting on an apology card along with more flowers and chocolates. This job was costing me dearly, but I would do anything for a happy environment. I hadn’t realised both Sally and Hilary had cried receiving their inexpensive gifts, but as it had led to domestic happiness, it was worth every penny.
5
Fresh Faces
We were mucking out when Hilary rushed over to hug a confused Sally, thanking her and apologising for being so cross. She, in turn, taken unawares apologised for acting like a stroppy teenager.
“Hello?” I cleared my throat, leaning on my pitchfork. “Are we all friends again?”
Hilary composed herself. “Adam, Sally. You need some more help around here.”
“Wow! … Madam is going to get her breeches dirty and help us poor grooms muck out!” I tugged my forelock. I deserved the slap I got from Hilary.
“You know that you’re a cheeky sod! No, although I promise, I will help out more with yard work… I have employed a new working pupil to support you.”
“Really?”
I could see the excitement in Sally’s face, no doubt someone else to boss around and overall, less work for her.
“Yes, Now Adam, I will still ensure you have riding time, but Olivia will have to share my attention.”
“Sorry? Olivia?” Sally’s face had dropped. “Do you mean?”
“Olivia Wright-Turner. You know Olivia, Sally. Adam, she’s the daughter of my main sponsor.”
