Page 35 of The Ringmaster’s Daughter

‘It’s too hot to train them; better to gain their trust – talk to them, groom them.’

‘They like that?’

‘They do. It makes them feel safe, I think.’

‘You spend too much time with them.’

‘It’s what I’m paid to do, or rather, not paid, not yet.’

‘Did you see me at rehearsals? That flip off Claudette’s back was the best I’ve done for ages.’

‘I didn’t get to stay.’

‘No matter. You think you’ll be free this evening? Anton says he’s found some music, finally. Me and a few others are having a drink and going to listen to it this evening.’

‘I’ll try.’

‘Good.’ Odélie pushed herself off the carriage ledge. ‘I’ll be waiting for you.’

Just as the sun sluggishly took itself to bed and the caw of crows and tweets of birds grew louder as supper-time approached, Michel took the sweating Beau, Bisou and Claudette to the nearby river, where they could stand knee-deep and allow the cool water to lap around their legs.

Michel sat on the riverbank and watched the horses, his own feet dangling in the murky water. Now and again they wandered a few paces to churn up the water and cool their flanks. Finally, hot and tired, Michel undressed and climbed in too.

He ducked his head under – once, then twice – resurfacing each time to the delight of Claudette who stamped her hoof, splashing him, then bent low to nuzzle his wet hair.

Beau let out a low whinny as Michel swam towards the opposite bank, but before he could turn to check on him, there was a loud splash, then short quick ripples that caught Michel on the back of the neck. Beau whinnied once more; then a voice, a female voice, calmed him. Odélie?

Michel turned to look, but she was gone, swimming towards him under the water, a hazy warped shadow followed by a trail of bubbles that popped on the gentle ripples.

He found the soft soil of the river’s bottom under his feet, the water up to his chin, and waited for her to resurface.

‘Odélie?’ he said.

Her slick hair was not auburn but jet black, her face smooth, her eyes kind. Frieda.

‘You were expecting someone else?’ she asked.

‘Frieda,’ he said.

‘You don’t mind, do you? I saw you leading Beau and the others away. I thought I’d follow.’

‘I don’t mind.’

‘He’s harmless, you know.’

‘Beau?’

‘Werner. I know he shouts and things, but just ignore it.’

‘It’s sometimes hard to ignore.’

Frieda ducked her head under the water, and when he saw her silhouette, he realised that she was naked as she swam away from him towards the bank. Then she turned and came back to him.

‘Beau likes the water,’ she commented as she trod water. ‘It’s good that you brought them here. Good for them to cool themselves in this heat.’

‘I fixed his door, his new one,’ Michel said.

‘I saw. And I thank you on his behalf. And mine.’