Oh, the girl was a piece of work. “No, because he lost part of his leg in an explosion while in the army.”
The girl gasped.
“He’s still coming to grips with his prosthesis,” Gretchen continued. “It’s nasty to judge people when you don’t know the complete story.”
She bit her lip. “Sorry.”
“You should be.” Gretchen didn’t have time for small-minded judgemental little so and sos. She moved back to Jordan.
“Mum, is that true?” Jordan asked. “Does he have a peg leg like a pirate?” He peered around her, staring at Arthur.
Gretchen smothered a smile. “No, he’s got a prosthesis, and it’s not polite to stare.”
“What’s a prosthesis?” Cody asked.
“It’s an artificial leg,” she replied. “Arthur’s is made of metal and plastic.”
“Have you seen it?” Jordan’s eyes widened.
“Yes.” But no way was she telling the boys she’d fished it out of the marina. “Now, stop staring and finish brushing your horses.”
“How big do you think the explosion was?” Cody asked Jordan.
“I dunno. Do you reckon he was saving someone’s life?” Jordan said.
Gretchen left them to their wondering. She’d have to warn Arthur he’d get questions. He might not be comfortable with them.
Over in the arena, Lara had Arthur trotting. His face was a picture of concentration, but his posture had relaxed somewhat as he shifted up and down. Impressive. The motion would probably rub on the cup.
Arthur winced and slowed. He rubbed below his knee and called a halt to the exercise. Good idea. He shouldn’t overdo it.
“Finished,” Jordan called. He and Cody had taken their horses back to the stable and closed the doors.
“Great. I just need to ask Faith about the weekend, and then we’ll go.” Most of the children had been picked up by now, and Faith was with Lara and Arthur.
Lara’s cheeks reddened as they approached, and she shifted a little closer to Arthur, suddenly shy when Jordan was around.
“Nice riding,” Gretchen said.
Arthur screwed up his nose. “Nothing like Lara.”
“None of us are like Lara,” Faith replied.
“What time are we due out at the Ridge on Saturday?” Gretchen asked.
“Around four,” Faith replied. “We’ll do a short ride at sunset before the sleepover and then a longer one in the morning, maybe to the beach, so don’t forget to pack bathers.”
She nodded. She’d agreed to help at the sleepover back when it was going to be during the school holidays, but it had been rained out. This weekend she was working at the shop on Saturday before taking both Cody and Jordan out to the Ridge. It felt good to be doing something for Holly for a change.
“Do you want a lift back to Sam’s?” she asked Arthur.
“We’ll take him,” Lara said. “Won’t we Faith?”
Faith smiled. “Sure, but it’s up to Arthur.”
Lara turned her pleading face to Arthur. No way was he going to refuse. Sure enough, he said, “I’d love a lift. Thanks Lara.” He turned to Gretchen. “See you tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” She waved, ignoring the disappointment, and rounded up Cody and Jordan. Better she keep her distance from him when possible. At least until she figured out how to deal with Kurt.
