An Angel with a fine steed

[Lovely]

June 26, Year 1


"ooooo.... look.... a pretty blacksmith's son... " She heard the girls tittering and giggling as they watched him working, "uhh huhhhh.." One sighed, getting a dreamy look on thier face. There were gasps of shock from the girls of town.... giggles and hoots from the bad girls as they passed by.

"well alright then.." He mutters and blows air from bellows, pumping with big, strong arms covered in sweaty soot. He hears sounds of girls watching, shows off and turns with a nod, a grin and blows a kiss to them all. Promptly burning himself on hot tongs and seethes, trying to hide the fact that THAT hurt like hell as he plunges arm in water.

Angel lets out a laugh from behind the tittering 'good girls' as they scatter, blushing and leads her horse towards him. "Awww Mr. Carlisle.. did you hurt yourself, showing off?" She smiles brightly. "If it makes you feel better.. I bet all those girls were having impure thoughts and will be till confession on Sunday!"

"Only til Sunday? I'm losing my touch," he grinned. "Fine day, miss Angel."

"That it is... I was wondering if you have some time?" She nodded and motioned towards the horses hooves.

Looks at the ragged hoof in front. "Always have time for a pretty lady. Looks like you've been running him a little hard there." He sets the irons down in the fire and takes a look at the shoes. "Pretty fella you got here too," he said, smoothing down the horse's sides as he gently lifted the back hoof, the shoe held on by a single nail.

"Thank you." She smiled, hiding her face behind the horse a moment as she stroked his mane. "He's good to me..." She murmured softly, affectionaley stroking the horse. "How bad... and how much will I owe you, for fixing him up?"

"I can likely do you a full new set for about a penny, but the nails'll cost you," he winked. "Don't you worry about it, miss Angel. You're not gonna be beholden to me... whatever you can afford.. that's what it'll cost. Just... don't tell pappa."

"I.. now.. I have money.. I can pay." She chewed the inside of her lip, lifting her chin and looking directly at him. "Now I appreciate the gesture.. but your daddy finds out.. and I would hate to see him angry with you." The corners of her lips turned up a little. "Now you give me a reasonable price.. and I won't be complaining."

"Twelve cents a shoe, includes the nails, the shod and my personal guarantee that he'll fly like the wind," he smiled.

[Lovely]

She swallowed and nodded. "Twelve cents.. four times." Still nodding her head she looked to her horse and smile. "What do you think boy...hmm this boy and his skills worth that much?" She conferred with the animal and then turned back to Doyle. "Alright.. foutry-eight cents and if he doesn't fly like the wind, I'll be awfully disappointed."

"Never left a lady disappointed.. ain't startin' today," he winked. "Alright son.. let's get you some new shoes, huh?" He patted the horse gently then whispered so she could hear. "And don't you go makin' a liar of me, neither... then I'd have to confess to my brother on Sunday.. can't have that now, can we?"

Angel laughed and shook her head. "Now you be gentle with my boy here." She spoke to Doyle, patting the horses neck, lightly. "Or I'll be confessing on Sunday..." She warned playfully.

"Not to worry, miss Angel, not a bit. Gentle as a snowflake on a kitten," he said, looking up at her with warm sable eyes, his grin as gentle as he described.

She hesitated and then nodded, returning his smile. "Thank you kindly, Mr. Carlisle."

"My pleasure," the smile warmed and he stood, stepping back to his irons. "You trust him to stay put a few hours? I can walk him over into town to meet you if you want to save the walk back."

She bowed her head, giving a small curtsey. "I thank you again, sir. That is mighty nice of you."

"Family trait, ma'am.. my brothers get it from me."

She giggled and shook her head. "Oh I'm sure they do."

He chuckled and muttered, "Yeah, and they give it right back, to be sure."

"Well... I should leave you to, your working." She dipped down again, respectfully and then turned to head back. "Thank you again."

He turned over his shoulder with a nod as she courtseyed and headed off. As soon as she was around the corner she'd have heard loud clang, and a louder voice.

She paused, out of sight for the moment and listened. Part curiosity, part not trusing any man as far as she could throw them.

There was a long pause then the rythmic sound of metal hitting metal could be heard.