chapter two Foals in the Field page 13-14
Mandy grimmed as a young woman in jeans rubber boots and a ratty old sweatshirt poked her head out of the end stall. It was Fiona Armour Nick's friend. You'd never think Fiona was Mrs. Ponsonly's nieces would you, whispered James grinning. Mandy smiled as she thought of Mrs Ponsonly with her big flowers hat and highly heeled shoes. She was certainly nothing like Fiona. Hi Fiona she said Come and see Fiona replied. Fiona had a round rosy face and soft brown hair tied up on top her head in an untidy knot. Mandy and James ran toward the stall Hello Bessie Mandy said softly. The big black mare turned her head at the sound of Mandy voice and whinnied softy. Mandy streched up a hand and stroked her neck. The mare moved restlessly from from side to side. How is she asked James. Fiona ran a hand through her hair making it even more
untidy. She's getting a bit tired the girl said, This is hard work for an old lady like Bessie. I hope her foals are black just like their mom, Mandy said Bessie's coat is shiny. I don't mind what color they are healthy. Nick said as he and Dr. Adam arrived at the stall. Of course that the most important thing Mandy said.