A Match for Sister Maggy by Betty Neels Page B

doctor was riding this morning.’
    â€˜Cobber? Yes, though he takes a bit of riding, Paul tells me. Do you ride, Maggy?’
    â€˜Since I was a wee girl; but there’s not much chance in London, so when I’m home, I often spend the day riding in the hills.’
    â€˜But, Maggy, you must ride here—there are three or four horses in the stables. Ride every morning before breakfast. Pratt shall tell the groom.’
    So it was settled, and early next morning Maggy spent a magic hour exploring the country. Her mount was not quite to her liking, however. Biddy was a well-mannered roan with a middle-aged disposition, and a dislike of any exercise harder than a canter. There was a wide sweep of parkland behind the house. Maggy longed to gallop over it, and Cobber, she felt sure, would share her views.
    The drive to Sneek after lunch was a great success. The lakes sparkled in the autumn sunshine; they drove slowly through the little town, and then turned into the direction of Heerenveen. Pratt turned the car just below the town into Oranjewoud, where the roads were quiet, and changed places with Maggy. The car was a Daimler Sovereign, and she drove it through the wooded lanes before turning and going back the way they had come. Pratt sat silently beside her, but when she drew up before the door at Oudehof, gave his opinion that her driving was as good as his own, and he for his part felt quite happy about her taking the car whenever she wanted it. This was indeed high praise and she thanked him gratefully. While he was having his tea later, he informed his wife that Sister MacFergus was a well set up, sensible young lady, and pretty too, if you liked your women big.
    The next few days passed happily enough. Maggy rode every morning and drove her patient, with Pratt in attendance, round the countryside each afternoon. There was no sign of Dr Doelsma; if his mother had heard from him, shesaid nothing. Friends began to call, and Maggy, with time on her hands, spent some time in the stables, making friends with Cobber. He rolled a wicked eye at her, but took her sugar lumps and listened while she talked to him. She had every intention of riding him when she had the opportunity. It came sooner than she had expected, a couple of mornings later when she slipped out of the side door. There was a grey sky with a hint of rain and more than a hint of wind, and no one about in the stables. Without hesitation she went to Cobber’s stall, saddled him and led him out into the back drive.
    Half an hour later, horse and rider turned for home, girl and beast both happy and satisfied. Some way from the house, Maggy turned off the track they had been following, and once on the grass gave Cobber his head. He needed no urging, but broke into a gallop across the parkland. With easy skill Maggy pulled him back into a canter as they neared the house, and turned the corner of the house at a gentle walk.
    Dr Doelsma was standing on the side door steps. He was dressed for riding and white with well-controlled rage. Maggy stopped Cobber in front of him, leaned forward and patted the horse’s neck, and said in a small voice. ‘Good morning, Dr Doelsma.’ She had gone rather white too, but met his furious gaze bravely. He stood at his ease, looking her up and down. It had been raining for some time, and her hair hung in a damp pony-tail, and small mist-spangled curls framed her face. She was only too aware of the bedraggled appearance of her sweater and slacks, and her lack of make-up. She sat quite still, waiting for him to speak.
    â€˜How dare you take my horse?’ His voice was very soft. ‘No one rides Cobber but myself.’
    â€˜Aye, I know, Doctor. But he was in need of a good gallop, and I’ve done him no harm.’ She lapsed into broadScots: ‘Dinna’ fash yersel’, sir, I ken well hoo to ride, and have done since I was a wee bairn.’
    â€˜So I am able to see for myself, but that is