Read Online The Training of Scarlet Worthy by Sara Plum - Free Book Online Page B

followed behind her. I was trailed in this three person parade by Carlton.
    Occasionally she would stop and smile at an individual field hand, stable boy or milk maid. One young woman had a small handpicked bouquet of wildflowers. She held them outstretched for Lady Julia. My Lady took them, smiled at the girl and gently stroked the woman’s rosy cheek. The girl smiled and curtsied with pride. Lady Julia handed the flowers to me and we continued to review the ranks of the staff. She had yet to speak. My Lady stopped.
    She turned to Carlton. “Where is Sean?”
    “He’s preparing you mounts My Lady. May I get him for you?”
    “No Carlton, I’ll see to it.” She continued, ushering me to step forward.
    “I wish for you all to meet the new Manager of Brighten Estate. I’ll make no formal introductions at this time. I’m sure that she has her own plans to bring you up to speed regarding her needs, and her expectations. So in that regard I will leave it to her, and for her, to schedule time to get acquainted with all of the staff here assembled.
    My Lady turned to me and paused. She took my hand. “However, let it be known, that from this time forward – she speaks on my behalf. You may continue your tasks - my best to all of you.”
    My lady performed a rapid pit-pat clap of her gloved palms. She smiled sweetly. I watched in fascination as the assembly men and women hurried happily back to the Manor stables and fields.
    Lady Julia turned on her heel. She began a vigorous walk toward the stable’s circular riding ring. In the distance, I could make out the image of two horses in the center of the ring and a single man attending to them. We covered the ground briskly, and soon I found myself standing by Lady Julia’s side and facing a man who appeared to be thirtyish. He held the reigns of both animals in his one hand and his cap in the other.
    “Good morning Lady Julia,” he began. “I trust these two horses will suite your needs on this fine day?”
    The man was of average build and his lyrical brogue identified him as an Irishman. He was of rugged appearance I thought. I could envision him as a brawler. His coveralls were dusty and he was unshaven. As I stepped closer to him I smelled the fuel of whiskey about him.
    My Lady stood directly in front of the man. She stood several inches taller than he, her nose also just inches above his own.
    “And I trust, that as my stable manager, you found the needs of these horses more important than my arrival here. I would like to hear your answer to that question Sean Murphy?”
    “I got a bit behind Lady Julia, and…well I’m sorry. I just got behind.”
    “Just got behind the barn with a bottle is my thinking Sean.” She ripped the leather reigns from the startled man’s hand.”
    “Go to your quarters Murphy. I’m offended by your impertinence and your intemperance while on duty. Clean yourself, get presentable, and later this week…,” She was screaming at him. “When I am good and ready, and when I am not distracted. I will see you in my office or perhaps at a more suitable place to discuss this inexcusable behavior. Now away with you.”
    The stable manager bowed his head and skitter away like a frightened field mouse. I watched him run and stumble past a haystack and into a grove of poplars. My jaw fell slack at his cowardice and his instant compliance before this beauty of a woman who stood beside me. I turned to her. I was expecting her anger to explode in a form of righteous exasperation.
    “Close your mouth dear. She turned to me. “I’ll take care of Murphy. The next incident, if you permit it, that one will be on your watch. Put this behind you. I don’t let trivial things like this interrupt my fun, or in today’s case, our fun, or our plans for horseback riding. Besides I’m already enjoying myself knowing that Sean Murphy is quivering in his hut, worrying about what I have in store for him.”
    She took my hand in hers and squeezed. “In