fiery_ring | (no subject)

It's late autumn in Carlotta's world, but it's a mild and sunny day.

The fair is very crowded on the field behind St Clare's. A big banner with 'ST CLARE'S RED CROSS SCHOOL FAIR' is tied between two trees. Groups of girls have stalls all around the edge - some selling small cakes or crafts, or even girls' artwork.

Carlotta's form are all in a bunch; a couple of games and one stall doing fancy hairstyles. Carlotta is on the Hoopla stand, alternating with Claudine. Most of the games cost about sixpence and give either sweets or a small prize.

Along the right hand side of the field, a tall boy of about eighteen is giving pony rides around the field to small children. He is the only boy to be running a stall, but doesn't seem bothered. Nearby, some of the first form, in Guide uniform, are manning a First Aid and Refreshment tent with Matron.

Some brave second formers have managed to get Mam'zelle and the Games Mistress into home made stocks, and are charging to have slightly damp sponges in warm water thrown at them.

Right in the middle of the field, with a single rope to mark the edge, is some live entertainment from various forms in the school. A couple of dance displays, a punch and judy show, a dog show (villagers entering, the Mayor judging), and a couple of performances by the school band, depending on what time you go past.

Wandering around serenely are the Mayor and the headmistress; various teachers are also dotted around the field.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

ostro_goth

"Oh, no, thank you," Teja says. "I am but watching the way you handle those little child-sized horses. Have you done that long?"

From:

fiery_ring

"Been around horses my whole life." the boy says. "My parents started up a riding stables a mile from here, and now I run it. William Frances, nice to meet you."

He extends a hand, with the rough skin of a boy who has lived outdoors his whole life.

Over by her stall, Carlotta watches with interest, but not in earshot.

From:

ostro_goth

Teja shakes his hand. "You run it by yourself, young as you are?" he asks.

From:

fiery_ring

"Well, my father still does the accounts, but I do most of the practical side and he lets me make major decisions. He's got arthritis so he wants to retire. We have a couple of stable hands and the kids who ride regularly take on mucking out duties."

He nods over at Carlotta. "And Carlotta over there is a regular, she's a great help with the horses."

From:

ostro_goth

"Is she a friend, or a relative?" Teja asks.

Oh, he would know what Will would say about Carlotta, to a stranger!

From:

fiery_ring

"She's a family friend." Will says. "She was my sister Libby's best friend before she moved off to America, but we like having her around so we're all glad she still visits."

He grins. "She rides as well or better than any man! I've never seen a horse yet that she can't handle."

From:

ostro_goth

"Do you have very spirited horses in your stable?" Teja asks.

From:

fiery_ring

"We had Rocky, but we sold him for racing. His colt Sweep is a spirited little fellow though."

Will brushes down the pony he's been leading.

"But I've seen her ride horses that are completely unbroken. She's a natural."

From:

ostro_goth

"It is strange that a mere girl like that can do such feats," Teja says.

From:

fiery_ring

Will laughs.

"Don't say that in the middle of a girls' school, you'll be outnumbered."

From:

ostro_goth

"Would they be very fierce, if they knew I doubted their horsewomanship?" Teja asks, amused.

From:

fiery_ring

"Probably very indignant." Will says, with a grin.

He peers over to where Carlotta is, having spotted her hugging her father, who just arrived.

"Though the parents would insist that they're all ladylike, girls like to be a bit more independant these days."

From:

ostro_goth

"With their own ideas about the future, and great plans beyond marriage and family, indeed," Teja says.

From:

fiery_ring

"Oh yes, St Clare's trains girls up for careers, if they want them." Will says. "Though some will probably end up ladies of leisure."

He nods towards the girls doing the hair styling.

"But they're taught to be sensible women if nothing else. It doesn't always work, but most St Clare's girls know how to run their own home by the time they leave. Girly sewing and cooking and stuff."