Morning Star by Judith Plaxton

of learning how to groom and ready the horse for her ride.
    â€œTalk to her while you brush,” said Francine. “Let her get to know you. While you’re doing that, have a good look at her. See if she has any sores or swelling.”
    â€œWhere would she have swelling?”
    â€œOn her legs.”
    â€œThere’s a mark here on her rump.”
    Francine took a look. “Someone’s nipped her. Nothing serious.”
    â€œOh no! Poor Star!”
    â€œIt happens. They push each other around. She has to learn her place as part of the herd.”
    Francine showed Felicia how to lift Morning Star’s hooves, one at a time, and pick them clean. The saddle was next. Felicia hoisted it on top of a quilted pad and fastened the girth strap, which ran from one side of the saddle to the other, under the horse’s belly. The bit and bridle presented more of a challenge. Francine instructed Felicia to place the bit in the horse’s mouth and the bridle straps across her nose and over her ears. All the while, the horse stood quietly and tossed her head only once.
    In the arena, Francine did a final check, tightened the girth strap, then led Star to the mounting block, and Felicia swung on. With a line clipped to the halter, Francine led horse and rider in a large circle.
    â€œHow does that feel?”
    â€œHigh up.”
    â€œYou’ll get used to that. She’s actually not a very big horse.” Francine’s strong hands gripped Felicia’s booted feet and realigned them in the stirrups. “Heels down.” She pushed her student’s lower legs against the horse’s sides. “Hug your horse. That’s better. Now, pick up the reins.”
    By the end of the lesson, Felicia had trotted in a circle on the lunge line, then down the long side of the arena on her own. Finally, she walked the perimeter of the arena, waving at her mother. Delia followed them back into the barn and watched as Felicia removed tack and toweled the horse. Star was given a carrot for her efforts, her soft muzzle grazing Felicia’s palm as she received the treat.
    Dodie, Renate, and Sophie arrived.
    â€œFelicia! You’re riding! Yay!”
    â€œHow was it?”
    â€œGreat! I was trotting!”
    â€œGet out! Already?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAre you going to ride with us now?”
    â€œI want to.”
    â€œShe did very well,” said Francine, “but she’s not ready for that yet. A couple more lessons with me, and then she can ride with you.”
    Sophie admired Star. “Sweet horse.”
    Felicia placed her face against Star’s, felt the warmth of the hairy jaw beneath her cheek. “Yes, she’s sweet.”
    On the way home, Felicia tried to tell her mother what it was like to ride Star. “So awesome! Except now my bum’s sore.”
    â€œJust remember to be careful.”

CHAPTER 17
    Flower
    FLOWER STOOD on a chair
and ran her fingers over the soft linen skirt. Mrs. Pemberton, her mouth
brimming with pins, knelt in front of her to adjust the hem. The men sat at the
table.
    â€œThis is a most complimentary letter of
introduction, and written by a parson, a man of God.” Noah Pemberton passed the
folded letter back to her father.
    â€œHe took a shine to me, knew I wanted freedom and a
better life for me and my family. He came to see us in our quarters, held a sort
of church. It was good for us to be together, gave us a chance to talk. Master
Chesley didn’t mind.”
    â€œI think he minds now that you’ve gone away. Was
your master unkind?”
    â€œNo…sometimes. He would beat those of us who
disobeyed him, but he didn’t torture anyone. He wasn’t cruel, not like Samuel’s
master. And we had enough to eat.”
    â€œYet you chose to take your family from that
place.”
    â€œWe were cared for, but we were still slaves. I
wanted to earn money and buy our freedom, but he wouldn’t hear