A Touch of Autumn(40)

“Livvy, what are you doing?” Ma’s voice rang out in surprise as she stood on the porch, gazing up at Livvy on Henry’s back.

Livvy glanced back. “Riding Henry over to the school.”

“That’s wonderful.” Ma beamed and waved.

Livvy grinned and urged Henry forward. The change had been gradual, but little by little, she’d lost the fear that had hounded her since she was seven years old.

The crisp November air nipped at her cheeks and, by the time she arrived at the school, she was ready for candied apples and hot apple cider. She grinned. She’d need to wait for the Harvest Festival for the candied apples, but maybe she’d go to the kitchen and coax a cup of cider out of Selma before the riding lesson.

Lily Ann and Molly came running to meet her as she dismounted. “You rode a horse over.” Molly’s exclamation rang out.

Lily held a hand out and giggled when Henry sniffed her fingers. “What’s his name?”

“Henry, and he loves apples. Maybe you could give him a slice or two after the lesson.”

“How about now?” Lily Ann jumped up and down.

Livvy laughed and tickled the little girl’s ribs. “Not now. Let’s go see if we can talk Selma into giving us something hot to drink.”

“Cook makes the bestest hot chocolate in the world.” She turned and signed to Molly the words she’d just spoken.

Molly laughed and nodded. “Yes, she does.” Molly’s speech was much better now that Helen was working with her at home.

The girls each grabbed one of Livvy’s hands and swung them as they walked to the kitchen.

Selma came scurrying as they walked in. “You chilrun get on out of here now. I’m trying to get dinner ready.”

Livvy laughed. “Sorry. I’m afraid it’s my fault. I’m quite cold after my ride over and planned to beg you for something hot to drink. But I see you’re very busy, so we’ll just get on out of your hair.”

“No, you won’t.” Selma motioned to a small table by the wall. “You three sit yourselves right down there and I’ll get you some cider.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful. If you’re sure.”

“And I guess you two would rather have some hot chocolate.” Both girls nodded enthusiastically.

With their tummies warm from the hot drinks, Livvy and the two girls went back to the stable where the other girls were waiting.

Livvy waited until Elizabeth and Margaret mounted their horses, then she climbed on Henry’s back. “All right, girls, we’ll ride straight across to the other side of the woods, then down the riverbank to the old live oak, and back again.”

“Can we race to the live oak?” Margaret, always competitive, grinned with excitement.

“Not yet, Margaret. Most of the girls aren’t ready for racing. Remember, they haven’t been riding for as long as you have.”

Margaret simpered, then her nose curled. “Eww, something’s burning.”

“Girls, stop!” Anxiety surged through Livvy. What if their woods were burning? “Wait here. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

Urging Henry forward, she fought against his head. Was he being contrary because of the woods or was it fire? But there was no smoke in the air.

She came to the edge of the woods and pulled up. The foliage on the edge of the far side of the river was smoldering. She whirled Henry around and rode back as fast as she could through the woods to where the girls waited. Their faces were pale and anxious.

“Let’s go. Hurry. The woods across the river are burning a little. We have to get help.”

She stayed close behind Elizabeth, while Margaret led the way down the well-worn path back to the school.

“Albert! Albert!” She slid off Henry’s back while Margaret helped Elizabeth. The girls huddled around their friends as they all ran back to the school.

The elderly man came hobbling out from the stable.

“Fire across the river. I’m going to tell Charles and Howard. You’d best ring the school bell so people will come.”

Halfway to the house, she met P.H. and the entire staff.

P.H. nodded when she heard the bell sound its sonorous peal.

“Fast work, Livvy. Good job.”

Within a few moments, wagons and horses began to pull into the schoolyard. With shovels, plows and mules, the men went around the old river road to the other side and once more did what needed to be done. Thanks to quick thinking and a fast response, within four hours the fire was completely out. Several men volunteered to watch throughout the night, to make sure no stray cinders caught fire.

After supper, P.H. held a meeting on the front porch for Dr. Trent and all the teachers, including Livvy.