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Tweak says, "I've got a lovely bunch of..."

Miss Emily Carter (cold_hard_emily) wrote in oldwest_rpg,
@ 2008-07-17 20:58:00

Entry tags:

eli donovan, emily carter

A new horse for the Princess...
Who? Emily and Eli
When? Wednesday, July 17, 1867; Early afternoon
Where? Donovan Stables
What? Daddy insists his little princess have the fastest horse money can buy so as to avoid any unfortunate occurances like what happened at the bank.
Status: Incomplete

Emily's father had been horrified at the news of the bank heist that had involved young women being endangered. Ever since then, he'd kept Emily on an even shorter leash. But today, she was allowed to go into town to pick out the fastest horse money could by. He wanted to know for a fact that she would be able to escape in an emergency.

He sent her to Eli Donovan, having heard what good horses the man had, and that's where she was now. Carrying, as usual, a great deal of money. Perhaps she'd be able to visit Angelo if she saved some of the money.

She walked into the stable, looking for Mr. Donovan. She wondered where the man was.

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edonovan
2008-07-17 08:33 pm UTC (link)

One of the horses kept near the front entrance shied slightly at the newcomer in their stables, and the noise drew Eli's attention. He was in one of the rear stalls, working on the hooves of a gelding during a weekly checkup, and he gently set down the horse's leg before getting to his feet to see who had stopped by the stables today.

He wiped his hands on one of the many rags he always kept within reach, and emerged from the stall with the hoof pick and rag still in hand. His eyebrows shot up at the young women he caught sight of -- she was obviously very well off, and her silks and jewels looked quite out of place amongst the dust and distinctive smell of horse.

"Afternoon, miss," Eli called, schooling his features into a polite, pleasant smile. "What can I do for you today?"

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	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-17 08:58 pm UTC (link)
	Emily greeted him. "Hello, Mr. Donovan, I presume? I am Emily Carter... You've heard of my family I'm sure..." She paused, then continued. "I'm here for a horse." She looked at several of them, scrunching up her nose in disgust at the smell. "Is there somewhere... else we could talk?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	edonovan 2008-07-17 09:21 pm UTC (link)
	"Of course," Eli answered, gesturing back toward the stable's front doors. He led her back outside and around to the front porch of his house, overlooking the stable's paddock. "Please, have a seat, Miss Carter -- can I get you something to drink?" he offered, falling back on the courtesy his mother had drilled into him growing up. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-17 09:32 pm UTC (link)
	"I actually would enjoy something to drink, if you don't mind," Emily said, smiling politely as she seated herself on the porch. "My father sent me to get the fastest horse you have..." she smiled, rolling her eyes casually. "Father is always worrying about me, and I'm sure you heard about the horrible incident at the bank..." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-17 10:03 pm UTC (link)

"Ah, yes -- I did hear about that," Eli mused. "I'm not sure how a fast horse is to keep anyone safe from bank robbers, but I'm sure I've got something 'round here that'll suit your needs. One moment, please, if you'll excuse me," he smiled, and ducked inside the house.

It only took him a moment to retrieve a glass of water for Emily -- all he had to offer a young lady, unfortunately -- and he stepped back out onto the porch and offered it to her with a smile. "There you are, Miss Carter," he said, and took the other chair himself. "What kind of a horse did you have in mind? Besides fast, that is," Eli chuckled.

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cold_hard_emily
2008-07-17 10:12 pm UTC (link)

"Well," she said. "Father seems to think that, should these robbers come upon me to threaten my safety, my money, or my virtue..." she tossed the word virtue as if it really didn't count. "It would be a good idea for me to have a fast animal..."

She shrugged. "I for one think I need a gun, but a horse is as much as he'll allow."

She thanked him for the water, and continued. "I'm really not sure what kind. One that's gentle, but spirited..." she said. "Surely you have some idea?"

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	edonovan 2008-07-18 07:26 am UTC (link)
	"That depends largely on your own personal preferences, as you're the one will be riding him," Eli mused. He scrubbed a thoughtful hand across his face. "If you don't mind my asking, how much riding experience do you have, Miss Carter? I'd surely hate to match you with a beast that's too gentle, or worse, a bit too spirited," he added mildly. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-18 12:02 pm UTC (link)
	Emily nodded. "I suppose that's so," she said. Smiling, she answered his question. "I've been riding all my life... Used to ride in shows sometimes. The uncle I lived with back east while I was in finishing school rode extensively, and taught me very well." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-18 01:25 pm UTC (link)

"Ah, then you'll not easily lose your seat if the horse shies a bit," Eli said approvingly. He'd known too many young ladies without the horse sense to handle a skittish beast, and the lack of knowledge could be dangerous with the wrong mount. "If a horse is too docile, it could be difficult to get the speed you need out of it, so your riding experience is an advantage," he explained. He tapped one finger on his cheek and tilted his head at her curiously. "I'd not recommend putting you on a stallion by any means, given their temperaments," he mused. "It'd be a constant battle of wills, and that's no good if you're trying to remove yourself from a situation. Do you have a preference, between mares and geldings?"

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cold_hard_emily
2008-07-18 02:16 pm UTC (link)

"No," Emily said. "I don't suppose I will." She listened to his explanation, realizing that her father was right. Mr. Donovan did indeed know all about horses, which was a good thing to her way of thinking.

She smiled in response to his comment that a stallion would lead to a constant battle of wills. That was true enough, since Emily was almost as spirited as one of the horses he spoke of.

"Mmmm..." Emily was quiet, trying to decide whether she wanted a mare or gelding. Both were generally gentle, not so wild and strong-willed as stallions. But she really wasn't sure. "I think I'd like a mare," she said finally. "If you have one that fits the bill."

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edonovan
2008-07-18 11:59 pm UTC (link)

"I've three mares on hand at the moment," Eli offered. "One of them, unfortunately, is not currently for sale -- Trixie foaled just a couple of months ago, and it's too early to separate her from young Bandit -- but there's Penny and Bella, if you'd like to look them over." He gestured vaguely back toward the stables. "See if either of them suit your temperament. Both of them are sure-footed and sweet-natured; Penny has a slight advantage of speed, but Bella is, ah, more dignified," he chuckled. "And if neither of them strikes your fancy, there's always the geldings we can consider."

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	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-19 12:42 am UTC (link)
	Emily nodded. She stood from her seat, setting her water aside, and started back for the stable. "You must show me which is which," she said, smiling. She did appreciate a good horse, something she'd been taught to do from a young age. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-20 04:00 pm UTC (link)

Eli led her to the side door this time, set away from the street, and held the door open for her as they reentered the building. The great folding shutters were up this afternoon, opening the stables to the fresh air and the paddock, and he gestured to the stalls along the right hand side of the aisle. "These first two stalls would be the ones we're looking for," he offered, and approached the first with a low whistle. The chestnut mare within tossed her head as she ambled over, and Eli smiled slightly. "This here is Penny," he clarified. "She's got a bit of spirit to her, and is fond of a good run now and again."

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	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-20 09:27 pm UTC (link)
	Emily looked at the horse, stroking her neck gently. The chesnut snorted a little, but nuzzled Emily's shoulder, and the blonde girl smiled. "I like her," she said. She looked at Eli. "What do you think? We make a lovely pair, don't we?" She smiled, looking from the stable owner to the mare. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-20 10:03 pm UTC (link)

"Oh, quite," Eli smiled, and couldn't hide a grin at the little wicker of protest from the next stall. He cast a glance over at the sorrel mare that had also emerged to investigate his whistle. "And that there would be Bella -- she'll be likely to disagree with you on account of the fact that she thinks she's the loveliest thing on four legs around here," he chuckled.

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	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-20 10:14 pm UTC (link)
	Emily looked at Bella. She was a lovely animal. But Penny was something special. Emily adored the horse already. And Emily always got what she wanted. "She's beautiful," she said. "But I think Penny here is my choice." She smiled and stroked the animal's nose again, before turning to Eli. "How much for her?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-21 11:35 am UTC (link)

Eli leaned against the stable fence, watching Emily and Penny with a slight smile on his face. He was fond of Penny, and had been idly considering breeding her the next time she came in season, but there was still Bella -- and he hoped to acquire another mare or two during the summer, if possible. If Miss Carter had taken a shine to Penny, though, it would be a good match; Penny was sure-footed and had the speed she required, as well as being sweet-natured enough for a young lady of means.

"I'm assuming you'll need full tack and saddle, along with a grooming kit?" Marcus inquired. "I can outfit her completely for you for, oh, forty-five dollars," he offered.

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	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-21 08:19 pm UTC (link)
	She smiled. The price was fair, and she did indeed need the tack and grooming kit. Or at least wanted them. She looked at Eli and nodded. "That's perfect then, dear," she said, patting the horse on the nose. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	edonovan 2008-07-22 08:26 am UTC (link)
	Eli hid his surprise that she didn't seem to want to bargain the price down, and nodded thoughtfully. "Do you prefer riding side-saddle, then, or astride, Miss?" he inquired politely. Riding astride was near impossible with skirts, but there were some few ladies who preferred split riding skirts rather than mounting side-saddle. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-22 11:20 pm UTC (link)
	Emily smiled wickedly. "Daddy prefers I ride sidesaddle, but I prefer a normal saddle. And considering Daddy isn't hear, I'll take a regular one." She reached down for her small bag, removing the amount of money the man had specified. "Here you are," she said, holding it out to him. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

edonovan
2008-07-23 12:14 pm UTC (link)

Eli accepted the payment with a chuckle, and grinned at her. "Your own comfort will aid a speedy getaway from anything threatening you, Miss Carter," he pointed out. "I'm sure your father wouldn't wish to interfere with anything that helps insure your safety."

He reached over to give Penny an affectionate rub on the muzzle. "I'll just go fetch her gear for you, then -- you can give it a look and make sure it suits you," he added with a smile, and with one last pat on Penny's nose, he ducked out through the stable's rear doors, heading for the tack shed.

In no time at all, he had gathered up bit, bridle, ladies' saddle and blanket, as well as a set of grooming combs, picks, and brushes. Once he had everything consolidated and ready for inspection, he retrieved the pad of paper he used for writing up receipts.

One (1) horse, chestnut mare
Tack, incl. saddle, blanket, bridle
Grooming kit, complete
17th day of July in the year 1867
$45 received for all listed above

He signed his name at the bottom and tucked the slip of paper on top of the saddle blanket, and slung the saddle and tack over his shoulder. He reentered the stable with his arms full, and swiftly laid out the gear for Emily's approval.

"Here you are, then, Miss Carter," he announced, presenting her with her receipt idly. "Have a look at the saddle, if you will, make sure it suits your needs -- if your father insists on a sidesaddle, I can rustle up one of those at a later date," he laughed. "Will you be wanting to stable Penny yourself, or keep her here, instead? There's stalls for rent, if you don't want the bother of feeding and grooming her daily."

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cold_hard_emily
2008-07-23 09:47 pm UTC (link)

Emily nodded. It was true that comfort would help her escape if necessary.

She talked in gentle tones to the animal as the man went to gather the rest of the items that she needed. The horse was beautiful, and Emily already adored.

When he came back, she took the receipt and everything and smiled. "I'll be keeping her at home, but I'm not taking her now. I'll be sending one of my father's men for her in a while. Is that all right?"

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edonovan
2008-07-23 11:21 pm UTC (link)

"Certainly," Eli agreed easily. "And if the gear's up to your standards, I can have it all bundled and ready to go with Penny when your father's man comes by." He leaned back on his heels, smiling slightly at the horse behind her. "I can't say we're not going to miss Penny around here, but if you're needing anything else, Miss Carter, please don't hesitate to ask."

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cold_hard_emily
2008-07-23 11:43 pm UTC (link)

Emily inspected the gear with a keen eye. It was flawless. "It's all lovely, Mr. Donovan," she said with a nod. "I do so appreciate all of your help."

She smiled at the beautiful horse before turning back to the man. "I can see why. She's exquisite." She knew that she would miss her were she the one selling and not buying. "You're a wonderful breeder, Mr. Donovan. All of these animals are beautiful. I'll be sure to recommend you to any friends needing a horse." And she would. Penny was gorgeous, and any of these other horses would be wonderful as well.

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	edonovan 2008-07-25 09:43 am UTC (link)
	"I'd be much obliged for the recommendation, miss," Eli smiled. "I'm glad to see you and Penny taking to each other so well -- I tend to consider it a small personal victory when we can match horse and rider to both of their satisfaction," he laughed. "She'll be fast, for you, and sweet as the sunshine." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	cold_hard_emily 2008-07-25 11:30 am UTC (link)
	Emily smiled, taking her eyes off of Penny long enough to nod to the man. "I'm sure she will. Thank you so much for all your help, Mr. Donovan." (Reply to this) (Parent)