I surveyed the scene, one which would have not changed in many years. The collection of horses and riders, drinks in hand ready for a day galloping through the muddy fields, hounds now chasing an aniseed trail. I couldn’t see Sally amongst the riders so started to make my way towards the horseboxes.
There were several trailers pulled by ancient Land Rovers, older horse boxes and then, in the furthest corner of the car park a newer looking box. It was white with a flowing horse logo painted down the sides. As I looked towards it, I recognised her familiar face.
“Sally?” I’d walked towards the box; the groom was busy putting tack into lockers on the side of the vehicle. She turned to face me a look of shock and disgust in her eyes. She grabbed me by the shoulders and dragged me to the rear side of the horsebox, away from prying eyes.
“You? What the hell are you doing here?”
“Sally… I just wanted…”
“You just nothing… Look, I’m trying to restart my career here. I don’t need the scandal of what happened-…”
“Elizabeth?” A female voice shouted Sally looked up at the call.
“Wait here.” She hissed. “Yes, miss!” Sally walked around the box. I edged towards the front, looking around the cab I saw Sally being addressed by a woman on a fine-looking bay hunter. Sally checked the girth and martingale before polishing the woman’s boots in the stirrups. She wished her a good day’s hunting before watching her turn the horse towards the pack as it started to leave the pub car park. Sally turned on her heel, again grabbing my shoulder and pulling me back, behind the box.
“Who’s she? And, who is Elizabeth?”
“I’m Elizabeth, it’s my middle name. The horse world is a small one and no one wants a groom who was involved with… Well, with what your fucking husband did. He ruined everything! Now, please. Forget me and let me get on with my new life.”
“Sally… Elizabeth? I need help, I know Adam didn’t do it. I just need to speak with you.”
“No…” Sally turned on her heel and started to walk away.
“But please… It’s important.” I grabbed her arm, she turned towards me scowling.
“Christ Kate! Are you thick or something? No, I mean it. I want nothing to do with you or your husband. Please, I’m begging you… Piss off!”
“I just need a few minutes of your time…”
“Can you not see I’m busy…” Sally started to walk away.
“I recognise her.” Sally stopped dead in her tracks. “She’s that famous actress, I thought I knew the face. She married some…-”
“Kate… No…” Sally rushed back towards me, pushing me forcibly against the horsebox. “Shit! You’re not going to leave this, are you? Okay, but please not today, not with her around. She’s hunting today but I’ll be alone on the yard tomorrow, they are hardly ever at the house when they aren’t hunting. Come round then, I’ll give you the address for the stables.” She scribbled an address on the back of a receipt and forced it into my hand.
“Tomorrow?”
“Take it or leave it, and I wish you would just leave it. After all, Adam did to us.” Sally shook her head, pushing past me she opened the cab door and started the engine. I had to leap back as she pulled the horsebox out of the car park.
* * *
I stood in the car park, the hunt had left and there were only the empty horseboxes and trailers left. I hadn’t intended to stay overnight, but it was clear that was the only option I had. I looked at the piece of paper Sally had handed me, I supposed I had better find somewhere to stay.
The pub sign said it offered rooms so I walked inside. Despite everything, the bar was deeply comforting, with a log fire burning in a huge fireplace and collections of old photographs, paintings and brasses lining the walls.
“Good afternoon.” The woman behind the bar was middle-aged, with greying blond hair and a warm smile. “Not following the hunt? I don’t blame you, what with that nasty weather. Better off in the warm and dry!”
“Yes, this is lovely. I need somewhere to stay for the night, it says you have rooms?”
“Oh yes, it’s quiet at this time of the year. Just one night, is it?” I nodded. “Come on then. Have you got cases to carry?”
“Ah… No, I wasn’t expecting to have to stay.”
“Travelling light? Well, we’ll look after you properly, don’t you worry.”
We climbed stairs behind the bar and she showed me to a cosy room. After a moment she bustled away and returned with a wash bag, towels and a bundle of clothes.
“Here, you are. I think my daughter is about your size. It will let you get out of those wet clothes, and here are some toiletries.”
“Oh…” I blushed, somewhat taken aback by her generosity. “Oh, thank you, I can’t…”
“Of course, you can, Jane’s moved away now so these are left here. I know they aren’t all that fashionable. Now, have you eaten, because, if you don’t mind me saying you look peaky? No? Well, get changed and come down when you’re ready and I’ll fix you something.”
I stuttered thanks. The woman left the room. She had left me a pair of jeans, a blouse and clean underwear. I was thankful to be able to get warm and dry.
* * *
“Ah, there you are! Come on, sit down next to the fire.” She bustled me towards a table and I sat down. She was only gone for a moment before she came back with a plate loaded with shepherd’s pie, vegetables and gravy. I hadn’t felt hungry, but now, with this delicious meal in front of me, I felt famished
