Soon, it was decided. Jonathan would race Copper that evening, while Jacobs would ride Aspen and the other man, Wills, would race a grey stallion named Ghost.
“But are we not in competition with each other?” Jonathan asked, confused as to how three of them from the same stable would play out.
“We’ll be in separate races to begin with, and of course we aim to, all three, end up in the final race,” Wills explained. “From there, we each just do our part to win, and there’s no hard feelins’ among any of us, understood? It does-na matter which of us wins, the stable as a whole comes out the winner if one of us does. ‘Course, if we could take the top three berths, that’s more money in all our pockets since we divide the purse. Any place we can take also makes the horses more valuable.”
Evan nodded while the others discussed their strategy. Finally, he announced, “So, how about you go meet Copper and take him for a short sprint to ready him for this evening?”
“Aye, My Lord. Happy to do it. Is it another wild one though?” The other men laughed at the apprehension in Jonathan’s voice.
“Not at all. In fact, Copper sits out when I don’t have a rider for him because he’s a somewhat silly horse at times. But if you can show the ton what he can do, selling either him or foals from his bloodline would mean incredible things for our little stable.”
All four of them laughed at the reference to the Lanercost holdings as a “little stable,” as nothing could be further from the truth.
“I’ll see to it right away, My Lord,” Jonathan answered. “I’ll just tend to Winter and get to this new mare straight away.”
“Let Jacobs here take care of Winter, I’ve come down here to fetch you for this task specifically.” Evan turned to go, as though the matter was settled. It wasn’t though, at least not in Jonathan’s view.
“Begging yer pardon, My Lord, but that won’t do.” The other riders stared at Jonathan in shock at his refusal. Jacobs still held out his hand, intent on taking Winter’s reins.
“I’m sorry, but what did you say?” Evan asked, a flash of anger on his face as he turned.
“Begging yer pardon, My Lord,” Jonathan repeated, “but I’ve put this horse through a lot today. She’ll come to hate the sight of me if I don’t see to her needs and comfort. I should be the one to feed her, give her a fresh apple, brush her coat and talk to her. If yer riders aren’t thankin’ the horses properly after askin’ ‘em to do something so terrible as race, well, I’m sorry to be the one to say so… but ‘tis no wonder you’ve got horses that won’t race, won’t take a saddle, won’t take to a harness. These poor creatures must be terrified of the very men who’s supposed to race ‘em.”
Evan was quiet, obviously still fuming at the impertinence of his newest hire yet seeming to ponder Jonathan’s words. For his part, Jonathan held his breath while his employer weighed his words. The other riders looked away awkwardly, not relishing the thought of being witness to another employee’s dressing down.
“I see,” Evan finally said, nodding thoughtfully. “I’m not too good of a man to admit when I’m in the wrong. And your advice makes perfect sense! It’s a wonder I already hadn’t learned of it elsewhere. From now on, all riders will tend their own horses, whether it’s a race or just a daily ride.”
Instead of being bitter with Jonathan at the extra work, the other two riders actually smiled. Jacobs clapped Jonathan on the shoulder approvingly.
“Tis great news, My Lord. I agree, I’d not heard of it before but Jonathan’s words do seem sound. And I sure know I’d want a horse to trust me more when I’m leading him to the starting gates!” he added.
Jonathan breathed a sigh of relief. He’d only just begun his new position and didn’t need to lose it in the same day.So what are you planning, then?he thought with a miserable, heavy heart.To pretend you’re a man for the rest of your life, riding the Earl’s horses and helping out around the barn?
Determined not to think on that now, Jonathan led the mare up the hill from the track and back to the stable. After taking care of Winter’s needs, Jonathan went in search of Copper, following Donohue’s directions to the farthest stall.
“Hello, boy!” Jonathan whispered, “It looks as if you and I have some plans this evening. Plans to win, I should hope!”
“Whoa there! Gregg!” Donohue called out. “Do us a favor, stop in and take a look at the new horse. His Lordship just made an offer on her today and he thinks you should be the one to put her through a few tests tomorrow. It’ll let him know if she’s worth the investment before he finalizes the deal.”
“Aye, Mr. Donohue. I’m happy to do it,” Jonathan called back. “But tell me, is it another race horse? It may well be that one of the other riders should inspect her instead?”
“Oh no, this one’s actually quite old but still has some life in her. His Lordship has wanted her for these stables for years, and the owner has finally agreed to consider it. For my part, I’m only afraid she might be too old to breed, but if she has the right temperament, perhaps she’ll be obliged.”
Donohue left with a wave of his hand, leaving Jonathan to walk down to the end of the row of stalls. When he reached the last stall and saw the horse waiting inside, Jonathan let out a cry that echoed through the long barn.
Clamping a hand over his mouth, Jonathan looked around to see if anyone had heard the very feminine scream. No one seemed to have been nearby, or if they were, they’d either ignored the call or not heard it.
No longer fearing for his identity, Jonathan turned back to the stall and entered, holding up a hand and gently brushing the beautiful horse’s velvety nose. The image before him began to blur and shift as tears filled Jonathan’s eyes.
“An offer on a horse, was it?” he whispered with a choked sob. “A mare you’ve wanted for years?” Jonathan pressed his forehead to the sleek black horse’s neck and cried, “How could Father do this to you, Hermia? I don’t understand how he could be so cruel!”
“Hello? Who’s in here?” a familiar voice called out. Jonathan froze as the Earl entered the barn. “I heard someone cry out, show yourself!”
Jonathan didn’t know whether to reveal himself or not, but it wasn’t of any importance. Suddenly, the Earl came closer and spotted him. Grabbing Jonathan by the arm and turning him around, his face went from angry to worried in a wink.
“Gregg? Whatever is the matter with you?” he asked, his brow furrowing at the sight of freshly spilled tears on Jonathan’s cheeks. The younger man shook his head, not trusting himself to speak. “Tell me at once!”
“I… this horse, My Lord,” Jonathan finally admitted, defeat coursing through him.
