(no subject)

[fiery_ring]

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.

Comments

[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."

[ostro_goth]

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

[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."

[ostro_goth]

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

[fiery_ring]

Will laughs.

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

[ostro_goth]

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

[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."

[ostro_goth]

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

[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."

[ostro_goth]

"That latter part is much more traditional than breaking in wild horses," Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

Shrug. "Everyone's different sir. Libby could break in a horse if we'd let her."

[ostro_goth]

"Why don't you?" Teja asks.

[fiery_ring]

"Why risk her breaking her neck when I can do it more safely?"

[ostro_goth]

"Well, then she's not quite as good as you would be, or your friend?" Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

"It's a case of strength." Will says. "I'm just as likely to get thrown off, but she's more likely to get hurt."

[ostro_goth]

"Very sensible," Teja says.

This young man would not let Carlotta get away with dangerous recklessness.

[fiery_ring]

"Besides, Mum, Dad and Carlotta would kill me if I let anything happen to Libby."

[ostro_goth]

"That is a fearsome and effective threat," Teja says, amused.

[fiery_ring]

"Do you ride?" Will asks.

[ostro_goth]

"Not on such small horses," Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

"Oh, yes, I can see that much." Will says, with a laugh. "Maisie here is just for kids."

[ostro_goth]

"I have two horses," Teja says. "Bramble and Orion. They can be somewhat stubborn if they think they get away with it, but not with me."

[fiery_ring]

Will laughs.

"Yes, they all have their own personalities don't they?"

[ostro_goth]

"And mine have especially much of that," Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

"Do you ride just as a hobby?"