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This takes place a few months after Walk in the Woods and I needed to write it to bring closure in my mind to Dora, Steve and Follyfoot’s life

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“Penny for your thoughts girl.”

The remark was made by Slugger, as he wiped his hands on a old clean but tatty towel, and was directed at Dora, who sat staring out of the window into the blackness of a midwinter night.

“Oh Sluggs, I was thinking, Christmas is only a few days away and we never really done anything about, you know, decorations and all that.”

Slugger looked at her.

“Decorations, you say, that more fings for me to dust. Ain’t I enough to do already, without silly bits of paper hanging above me ’ead? Why don’t you ask the Colonel? I’m sure he’d like to decorate his cottage.”

Dora turned away from the window.

“Well I think we should, don’t you Hazel?”

“Do what?” asked the puzzled girl, who had just walked into the kitchen.

“Make this place all Christmassy – you know, a tree and all that.”

Slugger put down the cloth and turned to Ron.

“Tree now as well. Next thing, she’ll be expecting Father Christmas to bring her presents as well.”

Ron looked up from the comic he was reading.

“The only present she wants, is the one out there sulking in his bedroom. Well, if you can call a hayloft that.”

Dora looked hurt.

“Don’t Ron.”

But Ron carried on.

“Anyways, that’d be a first – Slugger spending his money. He’s too tight to spend any of his precious housekeeping on such things as tinsel, not when there’s eggs and bacon to buy.”

Slugger put down the tea he was about to pour with a thump, and waved a finger in Ron’s direction.

“They’s cost money, what we ain’t got. Anyways, eggs are good for you, eggs are, much better than silly decorations. I'll do us a nice turkey on the day, might manage a table cloth as well. That should be good enough.”

Ron flicked away Slugger’s finger and picked up his tea, under his breath whispering “Scrooge”.

“I heard that.”

Dora was not going to let it rest. “Well, it wouldn't cost much.”

Hazel looked at Dora, then Slugger. “We can get the tree and holly and that from the woods, and just buy a few things from the market. Please Slugger.”

Dora turned and looked out of the window again. “I have a bit of money put by, anyway, we should all be together at Christmas, and decorations will help with that.”

Ron put down his cup again.

“I get it.’ He slapped the side of his head. ‘Silly us, I know what milady’s thinking. It’s been a few months since all that trouble, asking Steve to go and all that. Since then, he's done his work then slunk off to his hayloft, so I reckon, by doing this place up, Dora thinks it bring his majesty back into the happy family fold. Goodwill to all men and all that.”

Slugger looked over to Dora and knew the pain she was going through, and how she missed Steve’s company of an evening.

“All right girl, I’m sure I can scrape a bit of money together, out of the housekeeping. Why not go over and tell Steve your plans?”

Ron tutted. “She'll be sorry.”

Dora shot a dark look at Ron. “Yes Slugger I will, thank you, but I’ll do it in the morning.”

The next morning was frosty and very cold, but Dora was up and about early in the yard. Steve, on hearing the noise, looked out from the cobwebbed window of his makeshift bedroom. His heart pounded when he saw Dora, and all he wanted to do was run down, put his arms around her and never let go. Even at night, looking across to the lights of the farmhouse, he so wanted to join her, but since Dora had asked him to go, a few months ago, he hadn’t felt part of her life since. He wasn’t even sure how Dora felt about him any more. Sure, they worked together and worked well, but in the last few months there had been no real crises to test their friendship; nothing that would help answer the questions that were going around in his mind. So he'd made a decision about this Christmas, and today was the time to tell her.

At that point Dora looked up from the yard towards the window, Steve only just managing to back away in time, without her seeing him. He dressed and went down.

“Morning Steve, lots to do today and I thought I would go over to Mr Chadwick’s, see how our horses are doing. I do miss them so.”

Steve looked beyond Dora towards the lighting tree, hoping for the right answer to his next question.

“Want me to come with you girl? Seems ages since we had a ride out together.”

“No Steve, there is really too much to do here. Thanks anyway – Hazel said she’d come.”

Steve tried not to resent Hazel. He did understand that, like the horses which Dora rescued, Hazel needed help as well, and Dora, with Follyfoot’s help, had weaved the same magic on her. But he needed the help now, and he was too stubborn to ask for it.

Slugger was looking out of the window, while Ron was on his third cup of tea.

“I don’t know – those two, they need their ’eads banging together. They’re meant for each other, but both are as stubborn as a mule.”

Ron took a slurp of his tea. “Oh well, I prefer it this way. At least they aren’t arguing all the time.”

Slugger moved away from the window towards the door. “You prefer an easy life, but mark my words, they need each other and this place needs them both.”

Ron tutted and went back to his comic.

Slugger thought to give Dora a jog about her idea from the night before, and shouted across the yard: “Did you tell Steve about your plans girl?”

Dora’s face lit up.

“Oh yes, I forgot to tell you Steve. As mistress of Follyfoot, I've decided, this Christmas, to decorate the farm. You know; a tree, holly and that sort of thing, and I thought maybe you might help one evening put them up.”

Steve was thrown by this remark, going on the defensive and telling Dora his plans.

“I have some time owing to me girl, so I decided to go away for Christmas, go see my nan and aunt, if that’s all right with her ladyship.”

He didn’t mean to sound hard, but his emotions were all over the place.

Dora could only manage “Away? If that’s what you want to do,” before she turned away and just made it into the kitchen before bursting into tears.

“He’s going away. Oh Slugger, I just thought...”

She didn’t finish her sentence before falling into Slugger’s thick, comforting arms.

Ron just smiled.

It was four days to go before Christmas, and there was still no sign of the snow that was predicted. Dora was trying really hard not to be downhearted, and was even feeling happy because Steve had agreed to help her, and Ron, cut down a tree from the woods. They all laughed as she led the boys down past the lake, with Ron moaning he had the sharp end. At the white gate, Dora stopped and turned towards Steve.

“I am going into town tomorrow, to get the decorations, do you want to come? Maybe we could stop have some tea and, if I have any money left over, maybe a cake.”

Ron was fed up waiting and threw down the tree, showering the ground with the loose pine needles.

“That’s it. You two can drag it the rest of the way, I’m off,” he moaned. “It’s too perishing cold, and ain’t we all la-de-da? Tea and cakes, I ask you!”

And with that, he stomped off into the house.

Dora turned back to Steve. “Please Steve.”

“I’m sorry girl, I can’t. Too much to do, packing and all that.”

Dora looked down.

“So you’re still going.”

Steve started to drag the tree into the yard and turned to Dora. “Yes Dora, I’m still going.” As he said it, deep down he didn’t want to go. He so wanted Dora to call after him, and tell him to stay and be with her, but knew she would say nothing. What he didn’t see, with his back to her, was the tear running down her face.

In place of Steve, Dora asked Hazel, who jumped at the chance to go into town. As neither of them drove, and the landrover was broken down, they decided to take the bus. As the two girls set off, Steve watched from the kitchen window. Slugger was stirring a huge pot of stew.

“You needs your ’ead tested, you do. Why are you putting her through this? You knows how she feels about you.”

Steve turned to face Slugger. “Trouble is, Slugs, I don’t and I wish I did.”

Slugger carried on stirring. “Well son, when you do, it may be too late.”

He wiped his hands on the tatty towel and walked out of the kitchen into the yard, leaving Steve with his thoughts.

The town was alive with shoppers lugging trees, turkeys and all sorts of goodies as Dora and Hazel made for the market square, the sound of the Salvation Army playing carols drifted around them. Hazel turned to Dora.

“I’m going to have a wonderful Christmas this year Dora, thanks to you.”

Dora turned and smiled at Hazel.

“So am I.”

But Hazel knew she only half meant it. She wished she was older, and wiser, to help Dora and Steve get together, but if ancient Slugger had no luck, what hope had she?

The market was full of all sorts of stalls – clothes, toys, yummy cakes and sweets and a huge range of decorations, of all sorts of sizes and colours. Behind every stall was a different voice calling out their wares. It all seemed to get jumbled up in the air, and only the sound of the bass instruments playing carols rose above it. It really did make for a Christmassy atmosphere, mixed in with the lovely smell of roasted chestnuts.

“Can we get some Dora, instead of tea?”

Dora had the same idea, so they headed towards the smell to buy a bag or two of the slightly burnt, but tasty Christmas fare.

“Dora, Dora. It is you!”

Dora turned towards the voice, which seemed to come from behind a crowd of bustling shoppers, before it was parted by a large man dressed in red with the largest white beard she had ever seen.

“Dora,” the man said again and smiled. Dora recognised him as Mr. Clancy, their old milkman.

“You do look strange, and it’s been a while,” said Dora. She noticed Hazel looking puzzled and explained.

“This is Mr. Clancy, he was our milkman, before he retired. Now we have this awful milk float thing, that only comes to the end of the lane and we have to go down and get the milk.”

She turned back to Mr. Clancy

“I do miss seeing you.”

The man laughed. “Miss seeing Tilly more like. I know you Dora. Anyway, she’s enjoying her retirement just like me, but this week she’s helping me out.”

Dora took Mr. Clancys' arm as they walked.

“So, why are you dressed like that? You do look funny.”

Mr. Clancy chuckled. “I guess I do. Well, since I retired I’ve been helping out the local charity shop, just to keep my hand in, and they asked me to raise some money in the market, as Father Christmas. Well, I haven’t got a Rudolph, or indeed a sleigh, so Tilly’s pretending, well without the red nose, and my old cart is the sleigh. It does just as good, well, with a bit of imagination. Do you want to see her? I’m sure she’d be pleased to see you.”

Dora face lit up. “Oh yes.”

Dora stroked Tilly’s nose and whispered soft words into the horse’s ear, as only Dora could. Mr. Clancy turned to Hazel.

“So, are you staying at Follyfoot?”

“I live there now. Dora is so kind and helpful.”

Mr. Clancy looked at Dora.

“She is that, girl, she is that.”

Dora turned and gave the horse one last pat.

“She’s still a fine horse.”

“She is lass, and we are enjoying our time together. Anyway, I will come up and see you and all those fine horses of your some time. Now I must try and raise some more money.”

And with that he melted into the crowd, clanging his bell.

“How about those chesnuts?” Hazel asked. “I’m famished!”

Back at Follyfoot, Slugger was waiting with a nice hot stew, and Dora came in laden with decorations and a few extra bags of, by now, cold chestnuts.

“Where’s Steve?” Dora asked

“Where’d you fink?” Ron replied. “Up in his ’ayloft as usual.”

Dora turned and made for the door.

“What about your stew?” Slugger called after her.

“Later Slugs,” came the distant reply.

“Steve, Steve,” Dora called up to Steve’s room. “We got lots of decorations and guess who we saw – Tilly, the old milkman’s horse.”

Steve appeared at the top of the stairs. “On her own, was she?”

“Course not,” Dora replied. “Mr. Clancy was there as well.”

“That’s typical girl, tellin’ me about the ’orse, and not the person.”

Dora looked down at her feet. “I didn’t mean it, it’s just that...”

Steve interrupted. “It’s just what, Dora? You love horses more than people. I know that girl.”

Dora didn’t look up. “Don’t spoil my day Steve.”

Steve turned and disappeared, calling back over his shoulder - “before you ask girl, I’m still going tomorrow.”

Dora’s emotions was once again near breaking point, but she summoned up enough to call out - “ night Steve.”

“Night girl, I’ll be getting the last train out to Liverpool. You better get a early night, you got a busy few days with me gone, and Ron’s not going to be a fat lot of good.”

Steve’s voice trailed off into the darkness, leaving Dora alone with her thoughts.

Christmas Eve morning was bright and the sun shone through the kitchen window, making the huge pot of porridge that Slugger was making seem wrong on such a springlike day. He looked out of the window.

“Snow they say. What snow? Get it over with, I say,” and he went back to making the porridge. The smell brought Dora down, tugging her jumper on as she came through the door. At the same time the gate crashed open to the sound of Ron’s bike. After breakfast Dora kept busy around the farm, helped by Hazel. This stopped her mind thinking about Steve leaving later. Ron was in the Christmas mood and, guessing Dora feelings, clowned around with her, much to Steve’s annoyance. The day was soon over and the bright day gave way to darkness with a white sky full of the predicted snow. The horses were tucked away in the cosy stables before it started to come down, huge flakes that seemed to float forever in the air before settling. Soon everything was covered in a white sheet that sparkled under the full moon.

Slugger dished up the stew, with a special treat of suet dumplings, and everyone sat down to eat, except Steve who hadn’t been seen for a while.

“So here we all are,” Ron said, “Christmas Eve in the workhouse.” He was his usual sarcastic self. “I thought the colonel was going to grace us with his presence.”

“Yes, where is uncle?” said Dora.

“I guess with the Landrover all broken down, he can’t get over in this snow,” Slugger remarked.

“Oh well, more for us,” Ron laughed. “Not bad stew, my old mate.” He tried to pick up a huge dumpling on his spoon and it fell back into his bowl, making everyone laugh.

“Serves you right,” Slugger said.

The kitchen door banged open, bringing a flurry of snow followed by Steve. Slugger was the first to speak.

“So, you’re off son?”

“Yes Sluggs, just came to wish you a happy Christmas.” He didn’t look at Dora, who was swirling her spoon around her bowl of stew.

It seemed ages before anyone spoke.

“Take care son, you don’t want to miss that train, you might have to come back.”

Ron looked up. “And we can’t have that can we Dora.”

Dora said very softly, “no.”

Steve gave her one last look before wishing everyone happy Christmas then was gone. It was not really the time to say anything, but Slugger did.

“He’ll be back before you know it girl.”

The silence that followed was broken by the telephone ringing. Slugger went to answer it and came back with a serious look on his face.

Dora stood up. “What’s up Slugger?”

“Didn’t you say you saw Mr Clancy in town? Well, that was the police. He was on his way home from the market when his horse slipped on the snow and went into a small ditch. Broken his leg he has, been taken to hospital.”

Dora looked worried. “And Tilly, his horse?”

“Well,” Slugger continued, “she seems ok, but Mr Clancy asked if you’d take her in for a few days while he’s in hospital. Only the police said it’s too far to walk her in this weather, being her age and all, and she may have a bruised leg.”

Dora was already by the door. “Come on Ron.”

Ron didn’t bother getting up. “Have you forgotten girl, the Landrover’s knackered. We have no way of getting the horse box there, and the lorry’s too big, it’d get stuck in the snow as sure as eggs are eggs, so that’s it girl, nothing to do but put your feet up. Anyways it’s too cold to go...”

His words were cut short by Slugger, who had seen how upset Dora was becoming.

“We’ll think of something girl,” but Slugger was not really sure what, and just left it to Hazel to give Dora a cuddle.

Dora looked towards the Christmas tree sparkling in the corner. This Christmas was going to be just about bearable with Steve gone, but now this, she thought and pulled away from Hazel to ran out to Copper’s stall.

Slugger looked at Ron. “I don’t know what to do,” but Ron was already on his feet. “I have an idea. If I don’t make it back, happy Christmas.” And with that he was gone, slipping and sliding on his bike out of Follyfoot and down the lane.

Dora heard the commotion and ran back to the farm.

“Where’s Ron going?”

“Search me,” Slugger said. “People come and goes and I never know what’s ’appening.”

Hazel turned to Dora. “He said he had an idea and and just left in a hurry.”

“That’s the last we’ll see of him tonight, mark my words,” Slugger said.

Everyone sat down, and the stillness of the room returned. No-one noticed the passing of time, then the roar of an engine filled the yard, followed by a headlight’s beam sweeping into and past the kitchen window before stopping. This was followed by the sound of Ron’s bike. Dora looked at Slugger and then Hazel before running outside to be met by a smiling Ron.

“See – old Ron to the rescue.”

The Landrover door swung opened and out stepped Steve.

“I believe we have a horse to rescue girl.”

Dora ran up to Steve and threw her arms around him,

Ron looked on, hurt. “That’s great, I come to the rescue and he gets the thanks. I ask you!” And with that he stormed towards the house. Dora caught up with him and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks Ron,” then she looked back at Steve. “Where did this come from, and how did you know?”

Steve looked at Ron then at Dora. “Well, Ron found me waiting at the station – he guessed my train may be running late, due to the weather – so he told me what happened. I had a think and here we are, ready to hitch up the horse box and get that poor horse, I mean we can’t leave a poor horse out in the cold.” He looked into Dora’s kind, pretty face and added, “And I could’t leave you to worry all over Christmas girl.”

“Oh Steve, but where did this come from?”

Steve laughed. “That was easy, remember the gypsies that you said could stay on your land, you know, Tina and her lot?”

At the mention of her name Dora frowned. She remembered only too well. “Was she there?”

“Not that I saw,” Steve continued, “but her family were and they let me borrow this over Christmas, one good turn and all that.”

Dora latched onto that last remark. “Are you staying now over Christmas?”

Steve smiled. “I guess I should, as you have another horse to look after, and Ron’s not going to be much help. Come on girl, let’s go and get her, we can pick up the colonel on the way back. I’m sure he’ll want to see you on Christmas Eve.”

Steve turned to get the horse box hooked up, and heard Dora say, “Oh Steve, thank you.”

The two of them set off, leaving a smiling Slugger who winked at Hazel. “It’s going to be a good Christmas after all girl. Now, let’s have a nice cup of tea.”

The Landrover made easy work of the snowy country lanes and soon they saw the flashing blue light of the police car. Dora felt Tilly’s leg to see there was no damage and after a few kindly words they were soon on their way back to Follyfoot.

Before picking up the Colonel, Dora turned to look at Steve, whose face was just about lit up by the dashboard lights.

“Steve, why did you come back?”

“As I said, a horse was in trouble.”

Dora waited for more. It didn’t come.

“Was that all Steve?”

Steve gave her a quick look before turning his eyes back to the road.

“I do believe in the same things you do Dora. I believe in looking after the weak and badly treated horses, but I also believe Follyfoot should be more than that. You have great talent for schooling girl, you can use your skill and kindness to teach others how to look after their own horses, teach the young to respect horses, and maybe in years to come, we won’t have to take in so many mistreated animals. Follyfoot should pay its way, help build more stables if thats what you want, your uncle won’t always be around to help out with money, you know that girl.”

Dora looked out of the window at her own reflection staring back, and she knew he was right.

“I know Steve, but I need you to help me, please Steve.”

Steve shot a glance at Dora. “I want help you Dora, but not as just a hired help, I want to...”

He didn’t finish his sentence as they had arrived at the Colonel’s cottage and he was waiting by the gate as Slugger had already phoned him. Dora ran over to him and put her arms around her uncle.

“Oh uncle, what a night we’ve had.”

The Colonel looked down at his niece.

“So I hear from Slugger. You can tell me all about it in the warmth of Slugger’s kitchen, but I must say when there is a horse in trouble, I can’t think of anyone else I would want to come to the rescue but you two. You work well together.”

Dora looked around at Steve. “I know uncle.”

Steve called over. “Come on you two, it’s getting cold and the snow’s coming down again.”

“Yes” said Dora submissively, with a smile on her face.

It didn’t take long to get back to Follyfoot where the trio were greeted by Slugger, Ron and Hazel. While they went back into the house with the Colonel, Steve and Dora settled down Tilly.

“I’ll go and unpack girl, seeing as how I’m staying,” and he turned and walked away. Up in his room he noticed a light from Copper’s stable and went down to investigate. Standing in the door he saw Dora cuddling Copper’s neck and stroking his nose.

He watched for ages, thinking how pretty she looked by the light of the oil lamp. Dora knew he was there and now and again looked up at him, but neither wanted to move or say anything. Steve broke the ice first.

“I guess you got your Christmas wish – you saved another horse.” He didn’t say that unkindly, and Dora knew it.

“Yes,” she said, not looking at him. “I suppose, but it not my real Christmas wish.”

She looked at Steve. “What’s your wish Steve? Please tell me.”

It was always the same, when Dora looked at him like that, he had to tell her the truth and this time that meant what was in his heart.

“Same as yours, always has been.”

Dora looked away.

“My wish Steve – well, do you remember that time in the woods, when you asked me if I loved you? Well Steve, I do and I always will, no matter what you decide. I want you by my side to care for Follyfoot, so you see Steve, your wish can’t be the same as mine.”

Steve walked over to stand on the other side of Copper and stroked the horse’s nose as well. Their fingers touched and he grabbed her hand.

“My wish different from yours? You’re so wrong girl. I do love you and yes I want to be by your side until we are as old as Slugger.”

Dora laughed at that. “Oh Steve, really?”

“Really girl, if you’ll ’ave me.”

Dora walked around and cuddled him. “Course I will,” and she was crying, but for the first time in her life it was because she was happy.

Steve took her hand. “We’d better go in, we got some explaining to do.”

They walked across the yard, cuddling, and halfway across Steve stopped. “Listen Dora.”

Faintly, in the distance, the church bell struck twelve. “It’s Christmas Dora. Happy Christmas girl.”

“Happy Christmas Steve.”

And with that he pulled her across the yard to the lighting tree. They cuddled under the snow-covered branches, then kissed.

“We’d better go in and tell your uncle.”

They made their way towards the farmhouse, little knowing Ron was watching from the window, and in the light of the full moon. Ron was giving a running commentary to everyone, much to the amusement Colonel and a smiling Slugger. Back inside it took all of Slugger’s willpower to keep a straight face.

“What you to been up to?” chirruped Ron. “Nothing I wouldn’t do, I hope.”

Slugger slapped him on the back of the head again as Dora felt her face go red and tried to change the subject.

“Uncle, can we have a toast? I spotted that bottle of Champagne in your study.”

The Colonel gave a slight smile. “Why Dora, is it a special occasion?”

“Yes uncle, it’s Christmas,” she said innocently.

“Off you go and get it then.”

Once the drink was poured into Slugger’s best china cups, Dora held hers up. “A toast to my best friends, Slugger, Ron and dear Hazel, and the best uncle in the world, and of course Follyfoot, Copper and all our horses.”

Dora lifted her cup to drink, but Ron was in a mischievous mood. “What about Steve, Dora, ain’t he a friend?”

Dora went red again and Steve, who was trying to standing away from her, moved back another pace.

Her uncle decided to rescue the situation. “Dora I know, we all know, I knew this day would come before you did. Now come on Steve and Dora, no more of this nonsense.”

Dora looked at her uncle. “But Uncle, is it ok, do you approve? What about daddy?”

“Approve, Dora? I gave you Follyfoot, as I saw that was want you wanted, needed, and if you need Steve and love him and he you, that’s all I want. I won’t be around forever to look after you. Steve will be and I couldn’t be happier. As for your Father, leave that to me.”

Dora smiled first at her uncle, then Steve who moved back to her side and took her hand.

Ron added, “see, I told you ages ago, I saw it in the horoscopes.”

The Colonel lifted his cup. “My toast is to Dora and Steve. At last they’ve come to their senses.”

Everyone drank to the happy couple.

Dora looked at Steve then her uncle. “Uncle, one more thing, I want to give Steve a special Christmas present.”

She hesitated.

“Go on Dora,” said the Colonel, with a look that said he knew what was coming.

“After Christmas I want to see the solicitor and, if it’s ok with you uncle, I want Steve to be the joint owner with me. Is that all right uncle?”

Steve looked at her, suprised. “Are you sure girl? I didn’t say or do all this to get my hands on the farm.”

Dora turned and gave him a kiss and cuddle. “I know Steve, but if we’re to spend the rest of our lives together, I want to share everything with you, and that means my beloved Follyfoot should be yours as well, if you want that.”

Steve looked into Dora’s face and his heart melted. “Yes girl, more than anything. I’m never going to leave your side, if we do it this way or not. I’ll do anything you want to make you happy...” He stopped, lost for words.

Ron looked up. “All this lovey dovey stuff, I feel sick.”

The Colonel went over and gave Dora a cuddle and shook Steve’s hand.

“Another toast,” he said. “To Dora, mistress of Follyfoot, and Steve, soon to be master.”

Dora spun around and, just like before when she was first given Follyfoot, gave everyone a cuddle – including Ron, who looked dejected. “Great,” he said, “another boss. Just leave me to do all the work, won’t you?”

Everyone laughed.

“Happy Christmas,” they chorused in unison.

Steve whispered to Dora, “well, we got our wish,” and Dora thought she heard Copper neigh in agreement.

The end.