Morning Star by Judith Plaxton Read Free Book Online Page B

Mrs. Pemberton led Flower, her mother, and baby brother to an attic
room at the top of the house. They barely noted the luxury of bed linen and
mattress beneath their exhausted bodies as they fell into a deep sleep.
    In the morning, Flower was reluctant to wake up.
Half asleep, she clung to her mother and begged her to stay in bed, but Cleo
refused. “I hear noises below. That kind woman is making us a meal.”
    Footsteps on the stairs, then Mrs. Pemberton’s head
appeared through the opening in the floor. She grunted with the effort of
carrying a jug and basin. Cleo jumped up to take them from her hands.
    â€œThere. You and the children can wash.” In a few
minutes she was back with an armful of clothing. The dress meant for Flower was
too large; the hem dragged along the floor. “We see few children, but this dress
can be altered to fit.”
    Clean and dressed, Cleo, Gabriel, and Flower
descended the narrow stairs. Eldon was seated at the long pine table. Noah
Pemberton sat at the far end, and his wife brought them bowls of steaming tea.
Sarah motioned for the rest of the family to sit down.
    â€œYou should be seated, and I will bring food to the
table,” Cleo said.
    â€œA kind thought, but I know my own kitchen—and I’m
amazed you can put one foot in front of the other after such a long trek.”
    Noah addressed Flower’s father. “Tell us of your
journey and of yourself.”
    Eldon set a piece of paper on the table. It was a
letter he had been carrying, folded neatly but still wet. Noah opened it
carefully, set fine wire glasses on the end of his long nose, and began to
read.

CHAPTER 16
    Felicia
    FELICIA STOOD in front of a mirror, gazed at her image, snapped her helmet firmly into place, and shook her head in wonder. She listened as Francine negotiated the price of everything with the shop owner.
    â€œThe boots have been polished, but you can still see the wear,” Francine said.
    â€œThose were very expensive boots.”
    â€œNot anymore. And these pants have seen better days.”
    â€œOriginally top of the line.”
    â€œThere’s a thread loose on the side seam.”
    â€œOh, give me a break!”
    After the wrangling, Delia presented her credit card, and the transaction was complete. They exited the store, Felicia carrying a large bag. Francine led them to the local bakery where they ordered mugs of tea and muffins, still warm from the oven.
    â€œThere. You’re all set,” said Francine as they settled at a round table.
    Felicia smiled at her riding teacher. Her mother spoke for both of them. “Thank you for helping us at the shop. I’m not very good at bargaining. I think I always end up paying more whenever I try.”
    â€œNo problem. Jane’s a friend of mine, and she gets lots of her inventory from my students.” She asked Felicia, “Are you all excited now that you have the gear?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œNervous?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œThat’s okay.”
    â€œFelicia is good at sports,” said Delia. “But I worry. I think it must be very different to work with an animal. You can’t just rely on your own efforts; you have to hope the horse is going to cooperate.”
    â€œAbsolutely! That’s why riding is so special—it’s the working relationship that develops between horse and rider.”
    â€œWill this horse she’s going to be riding behave itself?”
    Francine didn’t laugh at this question. “We’re going to work together, Felicia and I, because I think this horse is worth the effort.” She turned to her student. “Are you ready to do that?”
    â€œSure!”
    After their tea, they got in the car and followed Francine’s pickup truck back to the stable. Felicia changed into her riding pants and boots while Francine brought Morning Star in from the field. Delia kept a respectful distance as Felicia began the process