‘I can understand that,’ I replied. ‘I was the same many years ago.’
He nodded and seemed to relax a little at this shared situation.
‘And where is the pony being kept at the moment?’
Pat pulled a face. ‘In a stables about half an hour away but it’s costing us a fortune and trying to get Maisie there in the morning and evening before school and work and then ride and muck out at weekends…’ His words tailed off and he heaved a deep breath.
‘How soon can you get the pony over here?’
He hesitated. ‘Ummm… I don’t know. I’d have to ring them and see when they’d let us. My wife arranged it so I don’t know if there’s a notice period.’
‘OK. You find out and then just bring him… her?’
‘Her. Honey, her name is, on account of her colouring.’
‘Then you bring Honey round any time you like. You probably know the way better than I do.’
‘Are you sure, Miss… Felicity?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘We can pay you what we were paying the previous owner, probably a bit more.’ His features were more animated now and it was easy to see just how much of a problem the current situation was causing his family.
I shook my head. ‘You won’t be paying me anything, Pat.’
He looked at me and blinked. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘You came here today to help.’
‘Yeah, but that’s different.’
‘No, it’s not. The paddock is land that’s not being used and if I can be of help to you and your family, then that seems like a fair trade.’
‘I’m not sure about this, though. It doesn’t seem right.’
‘OK. Let’s say free stabling for six months in return for what you’ve done today and what I’m sure Jesse will probably rope you in for in the future as this mess gets tidied up. Then we can review after that. How does that sound?’
He nodded. ‘OK.’
‘And if there’s any difficulties getting here at any time, just message or call me. Jesse has my number, and I can go and see to Honey. It’s been a while since I had a pony but I’m pretty sure I can manage.’
‘I don’t know what to say. That’s really kind of you.’
‘You can say we have a deal.’ I held out a hand and after a moment’s hesitation, he shook it and the smile spread slowly over his long features.
‘Maisie is going to be over the moon.’
‘Hopefully, I’ll get to meet her and Honey soon.’
‘Definitely. Especially if you like horses. She’ll talk the hind legs off a donkey about them to anyone who’ll listen.’ He checked his watch. ‘I’d better get on, but thanks again for this. We really appreciate it.’
‘You’re very welcome. Thank you for everything you did today.’
Pat nodded and did a fast walk back to his car, his phone already to his ear as he did so.
Jesse looked down at me. ‘Fancy a walk around so you can familiarise yourself with what you actually own?’
‘Do you have time?’
