The Golden Fleece

By Shelagh Mazey

Fourth novel in the Heart of Stone Saga.  A stand alone title which follows on from the earlier trilogy: ‘Brandy Row’ (9781780882451),’Dawn To Deadly Nightshade’ (9781783060238) and ‘Legacy of Van Diemen’s Land’ (9781784623067).  A series rich in local detail and atmosphere. 
The Golden Fleece begins with a vicious murder that later enmeshes the lives of those who live on the Alvington Estate in the unforgiving criminal underworld, leading to an innocent man being imprisoned. 
Billy Riddick is a stable boy who was employed at Alvington Manor straight from the Poor House. When Lucy Warren, the love of his life from Home Farm, marries the arrogant Ashleigh Seymour, Billy is devastated and moves away to Wincanton. He finds work and a new home at Hatherleigh Farm, the original site of Wincanton Races. However, his nemesis, Ashleigh Seymour turns up at the racecourse and Billy inadvertently becomes embroiled in his unsavoury drinking and gambling lifestyle. Lucy begins to regret her decision to marry him. When Ashleigh’s gambling debts threaten to bring about his downfall, Billy tries to help him but with devastating consequences. 
This new story in the Heart of Stone Saga also continues the life at Alvington Manor with all its love stories, tragedies and heartache as well as the local traditions, celebrations and customs relating to that era. There are murders and weddings, a voyage to Australia and journeys to Europe, as this epic family saga continues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: May 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781789011470

Shelagh Mazey

Shelagh Mazey has now written five novels in the Heart of Stone series. She has visited South Africa many times, travelling to Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Kruger National Park, Cape Town, the Garden route and the Stellenbosch winelands. This beautiful African countryside has inspired her to write this story. She is currently converting all of her five novels into an ongoing screenplay.

Book preview

FOURTH IN THE ‘HEART OF STONE’ SAGA

THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Shelagh Mazey

Copyright © 2018 Shelagh Mazey

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

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ISBN 9781789011470

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Matador® is an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd

This book is lovingly dedicated

to my husband

Barry Mazey

Table of Contents

LIST OF SAGA CHARACTERS

THE PROLOGUE

(October 1866)

CHAPTER ONE

(October 1866)

BILLY LEAVES FOR PASTURES NEW

CHAPTER TWO

(May 1867)

ASHLEIGH AND LUCY’S WEDDING

CHAPTER THREE

(May–June 1867)

POST-WEDDING BLUES

CHAPTER FOUR

(August–October 1867)

HOW TO DEAL WITH BULLIES

CHAPTER FIVE

(November–December 1867)

HATHERLEIGH FARM RACES

CHAPTER SIX

(January–April 1868)

SAD TIDINGS

CHAPTER SEVEN

(April–December 1868)

FINISHING AND BEGINNING

CHAPTER EIGHT

(July–September 1869)

PRODUCTION AND INVESTMENT

CHAPTER NINE

(November 1869)

AN EVENTFUL VOYAGE

CHAPTER TEN

(December 1869)

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SMILE

CHAPTER ELEVEN

(December 1869–January 1870)

A HASTY RETREAT

CHAPTER TWELVE

(January 1870)

MURDER MOST FOUL

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

(January 1870)

BRECON VALLEY MINES

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

(January–February 1870)

ASHLEIGH’S FAREWELL

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

(February – March 1870)

AN URGENT APPEAL

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

(April 1870)

DÉJÀ VU

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

(April–May 1870)

ITCHY FEET AND ITCHY FINGERS

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

(May 1870)

THE ROBBERS’ CODE

CHAPTER NINETEEN

(August 1870)

PRIDDY FAYRE

CHAPTER TWENTY (August 1870)

ROMANY WEDDING

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

(August–September 1870)

SETTLING THE SCORE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

(September 1870)

A PERFECT FIT

THE EPILOGUE

(December 1871–March 1872)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

POETIC LICENCE

LIST OF SAGA CHARACTERS

THE DRYER FAMILY

ALVINGTON MANOR

LORD JOSHUA DRYER (1832)

LADY LOUISA DRYER (1833)

AURORA DRYER (1851)

GABRIEL DRYER (1855)

LYDIA MAY DRYER (1870)

ALVINGTON MANOR STAFF

GARETH WILLIAMS (1798) Butler/House steward

MICHAEL PORTER (1800) Footman

JOHN MOORE (1827) Head groom

BILLY RIDDICK (1832) Groom

EDWIN PROCTOR (1841) Stable boy

PERCY SANDFORD (1810) Gardener

THOMAS HAWKINS (1831) Gardener

HENRY HODINOTT (1820) Handyman

JOHN BOUCHER (1809) Gamekeeper

RAYMOND HAWKINS (1832) Gamekeeper

MRS ABBOTT (1802) Housekeeper

FLORA BOUCHER (1810) Cook

GRACE TWEEDY (1821) Governess

BETH PUDDY (1835) Nanny

ROSA WARREN (1825) Lady’s maid

LETTIE BOUCHER (1838) Parlour maid

EMILY POTTS (1837) Housemaid

RUTH PROCTOR (1820) Assistant cook

ELSIE HALL (1833) Chambermaid

HARRIETT PROCTOR (1844) Kitchen maid

ELLIE PROCTOR (1848) Scullery maid

CHARLOTTE HODINOTT (1827) Laundress

THE WARREN FAMILY

HOME FARM

ISAAC (1792) & ELIZABETH (1795) WARREN

SIBLINGS: JACOB (1830), LUCY (1836) & BEATRICE (BUNNY) (1844)

THE WARREN FAMILY

HAMLET COTTAGE

MALACHI (1825) & ROSA (1825) WARREN

SIBLINGS: RUBY (1856), ELI (1858) & DAISY (1861)

THE SEYMOUR FAMILY

SUTTON BINGHAM MANOR

COLONEL JEREMY (1803) & MRS HELEN (1808) SEYMOUR

SIBLINGS: RUPERT (1823) & ASHLEIGH (1827)

LUCY (1836) & FRANCIS (1869)

ROBSHAW - Steward

MARY ROBINS – Cook

TIM JEFFRIES - Gardener

GLADYS TURNER – Parlour maid

MERCY MEREDITH - Nanny

CAMP ROAD FAMILIES – ESTATE WORKERS

RUTH PROCTOR (1820)

SIBLINGS: AMY (1838), EDWIN (1841)

HATTIE (1844) & ELLIE (1848)

MICHAEL (1800) & MAUD (1802) PORTER

HENRY (1820) & CHARLOTTE (1827) HODINOTT

JOHN (1827) & SUSAN (1831) MOORE

SIBLINGS: LUKE (1851) & LILLY (1853)

PERCY (1810) & MARY (1812) SANDFORD

SIBLINGS: ROBERT (1830) & HARRY (1833)

JACK (1805) & MOLLY (1802) HAWKINS

SIBLINGS: FRANK (1823) & THOMAS (1831)

THE BOUCHER FAMILY

KEEPER’S COTTAGE, POUND LANE

JOHN (1809) & FLORA (1810) BOUCHER

SIBLINGS: LETTIE (1838) & TOBY (1846)

THE BONFIELD FAMILY

KNAPP COTTAGE, PRESTON PLUCKNET

ARTHUR (1808) & MARTHA (1813) BONFIELD

THE FAIRWAY FAMILY

CHURCH COTTAGE, STAIRS HILL, IVELL

AMBROSE FAIRWAY (1804) Solicitor’s clerk

DAUGHTER: CLARA (1834)

THE HAWKINS FAMILY

COBB COTTAGE, DRAY ROAD, ODCOMBE

MRS ESTHER HAWKINS (1805)

SIBLINGS: JEAN (1831) & RAYMOND (1832)

THE MEAKINS FAMILY

SUMMERVILLE HOUSE

LADY ANNABEL MEAKINS (1797)

OLIVIA (1813) & ALISTAIR MCNAB (1802)

AGNES (SENGA) (1860)

THE BRIDEWELL FAMILY

CLIFTON MAYBANK MANOR

SAMUEL (1791) & EDITH (1795) BRIDEWELL

SIBLINGS: SERENA (1820), KEZIAH (1822) & ALICIA (1824)

THE TOMPKINS FAMILY

THE BOROUGH, IVELL

WILLIAM (1808) & BETTY (1814) TOMPKINS

SIBLINGS: HARRY (1834) & BOBBY (1835)

AMY PROCTOR (1838)

THE YATES FAMILY

HATHERLEIGH FARM

ROBERT (1816) & LILLIAN (1821) YATES

SIBLINGS: VICTORIA (1840) & DONALD (1850)

PORTLANDERS

VIOLET STONE (1814) Joshua’s mother

MATTHEW STONE (1811) Joshua’s stepfather

REBECCA STONE (1838) Joshua’s sister

BENJAMIN STONE (1832) Joshua’s half-brother

JEM STONE (1866) Joshua’s nephew

ANNIE STONE (1810) Ben’s mother

THE KELLY FAMILY

SAMUEL (1836) & ANGELICA (1834) KELLY

SIBLINGS: CAMIRA (1863) & CONNOR (1864)

THE DAVIES FAMILY

HUGH (1808) & SARAH (1811) DAVIES

SIBLINGS: LEWYS (1836) & GWYNETH (1839)

THE THOMAS FAMILY

BRYN (1812) & NELL (1814) THOMAS

SIBLINGS: OWEN (1837) & RHYS (1839)

RESIDENTS OF SANDHURST

FREYJA BRUNSVOLD (1837) Emporium

JETHRO TULLY (1800) Landlord Eureka Hotel

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

IVELL

SERGEANT GUNDRY

DR GILLINGHAM

DR JESSOP

ALBERT TATTERSHALL, SIMEON BROWN, MORGAN AND JETHRO Factory workers

WILLIAM BELL Owner of Catkin Mill

REVEREND DAVID PHELPS Local vicar

MR GOSNEY Wedding photographer

HENRY BRAGG Blacksmith

SUPERINTENDENT MUNRO

DETECTIVE SUPERINTENDENT McKINLEY

WILLIAM FANCOURT TOMKINS Surgeon

MRS CREED Midwife

WINCANTON

MORTIMER BATHHURST Owner Lattiford Lodge

WALTER RODBER Groom at Lattiford Lodge

NOAH BOSWELL Gypsy

FLORICA PETULENGRO Gypsy

LEON PETULENGRO Florica’s father

KING DUFFERTY King of the gypsies

URIAH LEVI Bookie

JARVIS POCKET Bookie

SNODGRASS & BLAKELY Pocket’s minders

NE’ER-DO-WELLS Lanky, Ginger, Shorty & Beefy

MAURICE FELTHAM Ginger

IVAN HOCKEY Lanky

LUCKY JOE MINTERN Stable owner

JAKE The ploughman at Hatherleigh Farm

FRED MEADEN & SON OSCAR Moorhayes Farm

FRED OATLEY Constable in Wells

MENAGERIE

ALVINGTON MANOR

Hercules, Perseus Shire horses (brown)

Capricorn Josh’s horse (black stallion)

Andromeda (brown), Cassiopeia (grey) & Capella (bay)

Paddy & O’Malley Irish Wolfhounds

Dottie & Dash Border Collies

HATHERLEIGH FARM

Samson & Delilah Shire horses

Melody Pony

Bay Rum & Conker Queen Racehorses

Porky & Podge Victoria’s pigs

Ned Noah’s horse

BINGHAM MANOR

Skipper Papillon

Dolly Exmoor pony

BENDIGO AUSTRALIA

Rhiannon Lewys’s horse

THE PROLOGUE (October 1866)

Trudging down Mill Street at the end of the day, Raymond Baker is well pleased with his day’s work. The gas lights sputter, creating patches of light between the dark shadows, and the October wind blows the leaves from the trees and rustles the bushes, as he tramps through the muddy puddles towards the bridge over the River Cale.

He has been careful to avoid the more astute of his customers, but the small increase in each person’s payment should go unnoticed by the others, and due to his cleverness, his boss should be none the wiser. Since starting his little scheme he has been proud give his wife enough to buy new shoes for all his children, plus some extra coal, now that winter is drawing in. He pulls up his collar against the wind. The road is rutted and he feels the discomfort of gravel pressing through the soles of his old boots. Maybe next month he will be able to replace them, too.

He senses a rapid movement behind him, a sudden searing pain crashes through his head and he staggers under the impact. He is cudgelled again and collapses to the ground, blood running down his neck. The pain is intolerable and he shakes and trembles, unable to focus his eyes, unable to move his limbs. He thinks, I am done for! as the blows rain down on him. He feels his skull crumbling, as his blood and bone are propelled into the night air.

Large hands lift him up and he is hauled off the roadway towards the river. Although drifting in and out of consciousness, he can make out the muffled sound of two men talking. They drop him into the undergrowth and go through his jacket pockets, ripping the cloth in their hurry to grab his purse. Then something is bunged into his mouth and the effort to continue to breathe is too much for him. He realises that all his big plans will come to nothing, as his life ebbs away and his blood mingles with the river water.

CHAPTER ONE (October 1866)

BILLY LEAVES FOR PASTURES NEW

On Sunday morning Billy Riddick pops into the kitchen for breakfast with the other staff. They are all seated around the scrubbed wooden table while the cook, Flora Boucher, and Elsie hand out the platters of fried egg and bacon. Billy loves Sunday breakfasts, and his mouth waters in anticipation. The family have all been catered for in the dining room and now the staff can relax. The footman, Michael Porter, has just picked up Friday’s discarded Western Flying Post. I want to read about this body they’ve found in Wincanton.

Flora nearly drops the frying pan. Body! What do ’ee mean, body!

"It says here: ‘The deceased body of an unidentified middle-aged man has been found in undergrowth on the banks of the River Cale, in Wincanton. The local police have issued a statement saying the man was murdered and are asking for people to come forward, if they have any information that would help in identifying the man, or lead to an arrest of the perpetrator’."

Oh dear! The poor fellow! says Lettie with concern.

I’m glad it’s not round here. I’d be afraid to go up the hill home tonight, if it was, says young Elle, the scullery maid.

Well, it’s not, so you mustn’t worry, says her older sister, Hattie.

Michael continues scanning the other pages and Rosa, the lady’s maid, looks over his shoulder, as she waits for Flora to dish up her hot food.

Suddenly Rosa exclaims, Oh my! Look at this! Our Lucy and Ashleigh Seymour have announced their intentions to marry on 5th May next year.

Immediately Billy pushes back his chair. I’ve just lost my appetite; someone else can have mine! He feels sick to his stomach. He marches out; back to the stable yard. Although he had spent some time socially with Aurora’s nanny, Beth, it was not the same as his unfulfilled, long-standing adoration of Rosa’s sister-in-law, Lucy Warren. Lucy was the love of his life. Now I’ve lost her forever to that pretentious prick!

Later, Lettie finds him mucking out. She sighs at the sight of him angrily jerking the manure fork to and fro. Billy, I know you liked her, but you like Beth too, don’t you?

No, Lettie. Not like I feel for Lucy. Beth is a good friend and fun to be with when we’re all together socially, but I truly love Lucy, even though she’s never given me a second glance. Do you remember when we all went to the St Leonard’s Day Fayre and all the girls were taken with them gemstones? Malachi and Rosa bought rose quartz and malachite from the shaman, and Raymond bought you one too. Well, I offered to buy some for Lucy, but she rejected me. She’s a sensible girl who wants a man who can provide well for her and her future family. Why would she look twice at me? I was just the stable boy.

He chucks his fork into the corner of the empty stable and Cassiopeia next door stamps her feet and snorts at the sudden noise. Now I’ll have to put up with her being driven around by that silly article; I’ll have to be here working and observing them when she visits her parents at Home Farm with their many wonderful children. I just can’t stand it, Lettie. It’s going to hurt so much… I think I might have to leave here and start afresh somewhere else, where I can try to forget her. I don’t want to; this is all I’ve ever known since the poor house and I love it here, but I can’t see any other answer.

Come on, Billy, it’s not going to be that bad. You’ll just have to keep out of their way. I’m sure you’ll find someone else to love and care for before too long.

Well, I’m not! he snaps back. He turns away from her to shovel some more muck and then slowly turns back. Sorry, Lettie, I didn’t mean to snap your head off. He quickly rubs his sleeve across his eyes. Would you do me a favour, when you go back in? Would you bring out the newspaper for me to check the job vacancies, when they’ve finished with it, please?

Of course I will. I’ll go and check now.

He watches her go, as she rushes back into the kitchen for him, and sighs. This place has always been like home to me, and the staff my family. How will I ever find anywhere as good as this?

She returns with the newspaper and they sit on the mounting block, side by side, her wild curls confined under her mob cap and his mousy locks under his tweed cap almost touching, as they peruse the advertisements. Lettie, quicker at reading than he is, having had more schooling, soon spots a position as ‘groom and trainer’ immediately available at Hatherleigh Farm, near Wincanton. Oh dear, it’s miles away. We’ll never see you, Billy.

Well, that’s the idea, isn’t it?

I s’pose so. But Wincanton was where the man was murdered!

Well, that’s not going to affect me, is it? He laughs at her.

Hopefully not. She smiles uncertainly, her dimples deepening. Do you think you’d like being a trainer, as well as a groom?

Yes, I think I would. I’ve heard John Moore talking about how they have huge, well-organised race meetings somewhere near Wincanton, on Easter Mondays.

Well, if you really think you’d enjoy it, perhaps you should compose a letter and apply for the position.

I will. Would you help me, Lettie, by checking my spelling? Two heads are better than one.

I’ll do my best. Do you have some writing paper?

No, I’ll have to ask Gareth for some, and he’ll want to know what I want it for.

I’ll get you some, Billy, when no one’s looking. You don’t really want everyone knowing your intentions, until you’ve been offered a position, do you?

No. He pauses, daunted by the prospect of leaving. Then he looks up at her. Thank you, Lettie. I’m very grateful for your help.

Billy is surprised when a few weeks later he receives a letter. It is the first letter he has ever received. Gareth looks intrigued as he passes it to him in the kitchen with everyone there looking on and filled with curiosity. He looks at Lettie and she smiles encouragement. He takes up a knife and slits the envelope open. His whole life could change depending on the contents of this letter.

He reads the contents and doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry; he has been offered the position. He shows the missive to Lettie, who hugs him. I knew you could do it, she whispers.

Is this something you’d like to share with us, Billy? asks Gareth diplomatically.

I’ve been offered a job at Hatherleigh Farm, near Wincanton, and I have to decide whether or not to take it.

Gareth, realising that Billy is shocked, responds. Perhaps I might suggest you discuss it with Lord Dryer, before you make any hasty decisions, Billy.

Yes, sir, might you organise this for me please, Mr Williams?

Leave it to me, Billy.

John Moore looks offended. You kept that under your cap, lad.

I’m sorry, John. I didn’t want to tell you or Edwin, until I knew whether or not I’d got the job. There was no use stirring up the pot, if it was all to come to nowt.

We’ve been a good equestrian team, we three. You’ll be sorely missed, Billy, lad. Do you have to go?

It’s for personal reasons I feel I must go and seek new pastures. Nothing to do with my job here. I’ve always loved it. You’ve been a good friend and teacher to me, John, and Edwin has been a good mate, too. I’m gutted I should leave, but I think it’ll be for the best. I’ll speak to His Lordship first, though, and see what he recommends.

Billy stands before Lord Dryer later that day, his heart pumping with anxiety, lest His Lordship might think him ungrateful, throwing the security of a good job and living quarters back in his face. Gareth, who has shown him in to Lord Dryer’s study, remains standing to attention beside the door.

Lord Dryer leans back in his chair regarding him. Then he speaks softly, Billy, I’m very sorry to hear you’re thinking of leaving us, for you’ve been a good and loyal member of my staff, ever since I first came to Alvington Manor fifteen years ago and you’ll be sorely missed by us all. Is there anything I can do to persuade you to stay?

He plucks up the courage to look his boss in the eye. That’s most kind of you, my lord, but it’s for personal reasons that I’m considering leaving here. Even though this job will be an advancement, as I’ll also be a trainer, I wouldn’t be looking for new pastures if it wasn’t for my final acceptance that the love of my life is lost to me forever, to a man I despise.

I’ve no wish to pry into your private business, Billy, but you’re still a young man and things may feel raw now, but surely in time you’ll feel ready to set your sights on another. You may find more consolation in having your friends around you.

I’ve given it a lot of thought, my lord, and I believe I need a fresh start. Making new friends and settling into a new job, and new surroundings, will help keep my mind off more depressing matters.

I understand and I’d like to say now, that if this new position doesn’t work out for you, you’d be welcome to come back here. I’ll not need to replace you, as Edwin, who has been our excellent and adaptable ‘Man Friday’, can take on all your duties working with John. When are you intending to leave?

Well, my lord, as soon as you give me leave to go, really.

Joshua looks at his calendar. There is only just over a week to the end of this month, so shall we say the 31st October, Billy? Would that suit you?

Yes, my lord, it will give me time to make all the arrangements.

How are you planning to travel there?

I was hoping to hitch a ride on the mail coach.

There will be no need to do that. John can drive you there.

Thank you, my lord, that is a load off my mind.

He addresses his butler. Gareth, as it will be All Hallows’ Eve, I suspect Flora and the rest of the staff will want to arrange a party in Billy’s honour that day.

He blushes in embarrassment. Oh no, my lord, I don’t want no fuss.

His employer continues regardless. Well, I think that is a matter for you, Gareth. I’ll leave it in your capable hands.

This sentence has a sense of finality and Billy bows respectfully. Gareth nods his head in acknowledgment. Of course, my lord.

A party is the least we can do, Billy, to show you how much you’ll be missed as a member of the team here.

Flora, proud to be cook, busies herself baking soul cakes, gingerbread, and doughnuts. Billy enters the kitchen that morning overwhelmed by the tantalising aromas of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. He watches her stirring the raisins into the mixing bowl. Hattie, the kitchen maid, dusted with flour, rolls out the pastry for egg and bacon, pumpkin, and apple pies, while Ellie, the scullery maid, prepares the pumpkin and cooking apples at the sink. Billy swallows, tempted by the mouth-watering, sweet-scented foods.

Are you excited, Billy? asks Hattie.

He sighs, A mixture of anxiety and excitement, I’d say, Hattie, but it’ll be an adventure and will hopefully prove a happy distraction.

Hattie looks up from her kneading. I hope so, Billy. For ’tis a big step, leaving us after all this time. How many years have you been here now?

Umm, must be nigh on nineteen, Elsie.

It won’t be the same without you, Billy, says Flora. She puts the tray of soul cakes into the hot oven.

The remainder of the staff wander in for their morning cup of tea, and all comment on the wonderful smells pervading the kitchen. Lettie hugs her mother. You’re doing us proud, Ma, as always.

Her mother whisks the bowl away, before Lettie can sample the uncooked cake mix. Oh, Ma! she protests.

Guest of honour’s perks, she replies, passing the wooden spoon to Billy with a cheeky wink.

The following morning, riding pillion beside John, Billy reflects on the warmth of his farewell party. He had enjoyed rather a lot of mulled cider, and had danced and kissed Beth Puddy in a way that probably gave her the wrong idea, considering he was thinking of Lucy all the while. It was sweet of Miss Aurora and Master Gabriel to join them and the apple bobbing had been great fun, especially when Edwin had tried his best to push his sister’s head under the water and she had tipped the bowl of water and apples all over him. Although everyone had burst out laughing, Mrs Abbott was none too pleased, but Edwin picked up all the apples and mopped up the water from the flagstones and they all began again.

Billy smiles to himself at the memories. The gamekeepers, John Boucher and Raymond Hawkins had roasted nuts for them all and Lucy’s family from Home Farm, Isaac and Beth, Jacob and Rosa’s husband, Malachi and their little ones all came to say goodbye to him, the children proudly holding aloft their jack-o’-lanterns. For him it had been merciful that Lucy was over at Bingham Manor with Ashleigh, for otherwise she would have come with her family and that would have meant for him a painful parting. All the folk from the tied cottages on Camp Road wandered down Pound Lane to join in the fun, and much mead, apple cider, mulled wine and mulled cider was consumed, along with all the tasty food.

He had been shocked when, at the end of the evening, Lord and Lady Dryer had come downstairs with a farewell gift for him. He had unwrapped the present self-consciously and was thrilled and overwhelmed with gratitude to discover they had presented him with a brand-new riding crop, a pair of leather, short-top riding boots, plus an additional month’s salary.

They are on the last leg of their journey, travelling down Lawrence Hill, when Billy spots the sign to Hatherleigh Farm ahead on his right and anxiety knots his stomach. They turn off the main road and find the farm track to be bumpy and rutted, not as well maintained as the carriageways around Alvington Manor and his anxiety increases, as they see the farmhouse, stables and outbuildings. Then he spots a young woman outside feeding the chickens, who waves to them cheerily. Perhaps it will not be so bad after all. The young woman must be in her mid-twenties and she walks across to greet them. Addressing John Moore, she says, Hello, I’m Victoria, who shall I say is calling?

Billy answers her assertively, Good morning, Victoria, I’m Billy Riddick, come to start my new job, and this is John Moore, who has kindly brought me.

You’d better come inside and see me ma. Pa is over in eight-acres field, fixing some fencing with my brother.

The two men clamber down from the gig, stiff from their journey. They stretch their limbs before following Victoria into the farmhouse.

Victoria’s mother is baking in the kitchen and the agreeable pastry smell wafts out to meet them as they walk through the ground floor. Billy looks around him at the highly polished furniture, scatter rugs, comfy cushioned sofa and matching armchairs. They enter a large square kitchen with an oak dresser overflowing with a variety of colourful chinaware. Mrs Yates is a good-looking woman with her chestnut hair tidied in a neat bun and her clothes swamped by a large floral apron. She turns and smiles, as they enter her domain.

Ah! There you are! Pleased to meet you, Billy. I won’t shake your hand, dearie, or you’ll be covered in flour.

Pleased to meet you, ma’am. This is my friend, John Moore. I was wondering if you might spare a drink for him before he returns home.

Of course, take a seat both of you and I’ll wash my hands and serve you up a ploughman’s. How long have you been on the road?

We left at sun-up, so not bad going at all really. At least the weather has been clement.

The food tastes delicious; home-baked bread still warm from the oven, tasty homemade pickle, and butter and cheese made from the milk of their own cattle. Nothing less than he would have received from the kitchen at Alvington Manor. He is feeling quite optimistic when the door opens and Mr Yates and his son enter. Both are of a similar stature to Billy himself, who has always felt dwarfed by other fellows, so he is pleasantly surprised to feel something in common with this family. Although the farmer appears stocky and muscular, his son’s physique is immature, but they both have the same unruly curly brown hair, though the father’s is thinning and going grey at the temples.

Good morning, gentlemen. Which one of you is Billy Riddick?

He stands up. I am, sir.

Good to meet you, lad. You’re a sight for sore eyes, that you are. It looks to me that you’re the ideal size and weight for the job. They shake hands and he feels the effects of muscles developed over many years working the land.

He turns to John. And this is John Moore, the head groom from Alvington Manor, who has kindly delivered me, sir.

Good day, John. We are indebted to you.

John also stands to shake hands with the farmer. It’s my pleasure. Billy has been a real blessing over the years at Alvington. He has an instinctive understanding of the horses in his charge and I’m sure he’ll be a great asset to you, Mr…

Yates, Bob Yates, and this is my sixteen-year-old son, Don.

Pleased to meet you, Don. I hope we’ll all get along very well together. Billy shakes hands with the young man, a little disappointed that he doesn’t make eye contact. He assumes the lad must be shy.

Once we’ve eaten I’ll show you your cottage, Billy. It’s at the other side of the racecourse, back near the entrance onto the London Road at Lawrence Hill. You’d have passed it on your way here.

How long have you been holding race meetings here, Mr Yates? asks John Moore.

Well, as far as I know, they’ve been having meetings here ever since the turn of the century, with regular Easter Monday fixtures and other matches in between. I believe it was my great, great uncle who organised an event to celebrate his son’s twenty-first birthday and invited his pals and local farmers and landowners to take part. It was so successful that it has evolved into the Wincanton Hunt Steeplechases, which now have to be run under the 1865 National Hunt rules.

It sounds most exciting, sir. What exactly will my duties be?

Well, Billy, we have four horses, two shires, Samson and Delilah, for heavy work such as the ploughing, a pony for the trap, called Melody and our bay thoroughbred racehorse, Bay Rum, which can be traced back to the foundation sire, the Darley Arabian. Bob Yates sits down at the table next to his son. Donny here will help with the mucking out sometimes, but he does have other duties around the farm with the dairy herd, so you’re responsible for the horses’ well-being. You’ll need to ensure that they’re kept well-groomed, clean and healthy and their coats and hooves are in the best possible condition. I expect you to spend most of your time with Bay Rum and assess her emotional needs on a day-to-day basis. You’ll be responsible for Bay Rum’s exercise schedule and making sure she’s in the peak of health when due to perform, or alert the veterinary surgeon should any problems occur. It’s your job to wash her down after a race and gently exercise her by ‘cool walking’ her, after being on the track. You and she need to build up a rapport, because, considering you’re the ideal size, I think, if things go well, you’ll likely be called upon to be her jockey.

Billy, wide-eyed, looks at John Moore and grins.

John’s eyebrows are raised in surprise. Well, mate, that’s a turn up. I wasn’t expecting that. I can’t wait to tell Edwin! He’ll be greatly impressed.

Back at Alvington Manor, Edwin has been left in charge of the stables while John conveys Billy to his new employment. He has been working as a Man Friday for ten years now and knows the estate and all its nooks and crannies well, but he loves working with the horses and, although he will miss Billy terribly, he is happy to be able to step into his shoes. He hears the crunch of the carriage wheels on the gravel and steps outside to help John.

Hey, Ed, how has it been?

"No problems,