203 Results in the "Children’s Fiction" category


    • Chapter 18: Going for the Doctor Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 18: Going for the Doctor begins in the stillness of night, broken only by the sharp ring of the stable bell. The sound signals urgency, pulling John from sleep as he rushes to the stables. Black Beauty senses the tension even before the saddle is fastened. Mrs. Gordon, the mistress of the house, has suddenly fallen ill, and the squire needs a doctor immediately. There is no time to waste. John swiftly prepares Beauty, whose calm but alert manner reveals his readiness to help. With only a few words…
    • Chapter 19: Only Ignorance Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 19: Only Ignorance opens during a slow and painful recovery for Black Beauty, who remains weak after a serious bout of illness. The fever had left him drained, and a harsh bloodletting treatment had worsened his condition. He was moved to a quieter stall, away from Ginger and Merrylegs, where the silence made every faint sound more noticeable. In this stillness, Beauty became acutely aware of even the subtlest movement—of hooves outside, or the rustle of hay. He was too weak to lift his head for…
    • Chapter 20: Joe Green Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 20: Joe Green unfolds with a moment that defines a young stable boy’s character in the face of cruelty. Joe stumbles upon a grim scene at Mr. Clay's brick-yard, where a pair of horses are being viciously whipped by a man with no regard for their suffering. Shocked and overwhelmed by what he sees, Joe doesn't hesitate. He races off to find Mr. Clay himself, determined to put an end to the abuse. Though visibly shaken, his actions are swift and purposeful. His courage in confronting such cruelty,…
    • Chapter 21: The Parting Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 21: The Parting begins on a somber note as word spreads through the household that the mistress’s health has declined. Her doctors advise a move to a milder climate, and this decision marks the beginning of a heartfelt farewell for everyone at the estate. For years, the place had been a home filled with warmth, routine, and understanding—not only for the family but also for the horses under their care. The news hits hard. What had been a peaceful and loving environment begins to unravel. The…
    • Chapter 22: Earlshall Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 22: Earlshall begins a pivotal shift in my journey as Ginger and I are transported from the calm and kind care of Birtwick to the grandeur and formality of Earlshall Park. The estate is vast, with well-kept grounds, a splendid house, and spacious stables that hint at luxury. Yet despite the surface elegance, it becomes clear that life here will be very different. Mr. York, the head coachman, greets us with a mixture of professionalism and authority. He listens politely to John’s careful…
    • Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse begins during the freshness of spring when Lord W---- and much of his household travel to London, leaving the estate in quieter hands. Black Beauty and Ginger remain behind, tended by the head groom and a few family members who chose to stay. Among them is Lady Anne, a confident and experienced horsewoman who takes particular liking to Black Beauty, calling him “Black Auster.” She often rides him across the countryside with grace and control, earning his…
    • Chapter 25: Reuben Smith Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 25: Reuben Smith opens with the introduction of a man widely respected for his deep understanding of horses and his calm, capable demeanor. Reuben, placed in charge during York’s brief leave, quickly earns the trust of the estate with his blend of hands-on knowledge and a gentle approach. His history includes time spent with a veterinary surgeon, where he picked up valuable insights into equine health. He drives all sorts of teams with skill—whether a four-in-hand or a tandem—and carries…
    • Chapter 26: How it Ended Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 26: How it Ended begins with a quiet unease in the stillness of night. Black Beauty, standing alone and wounded, hears the distant but unmistakable rhythm of hooves drawing closer. As the sound nears, he recognizes Ginger’s pace attached to a dog-cart, a glimmer of hope sparking in the darkness. Beauty, though weakened and sore, lets out a soft neigh. To his relief, Ginger responds, followed by the urgent voices of men. They arrive at the scene to find Reuben lying on the ground, cold and…
    • Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill unfolds a bittersweet transition in Black Beauty’s life, capturing the aftermath of injury and the fading of former glory. After the wounds on his knees began to heal, Beauty was sent to rest in a meadow—lush and quiet, but lonely. Days passed in solitude, the emptiness of the field reminding him of the constant companionship he once knew. Relief arrived when Ginger, also recovering from an accident, was brought to the same pasture. Her gait was slower, and her…
    • Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers reflects a period in Black Beauty’s life where consistency and compassion are replaced by unpredictability. As a job horse, he is rented to a variety of temporary drivers, each with differing levels of skill, patience, and concern. Beauty’s nature is calm and responsive, which makes him a favored choice even for beginners. However, that same gentleness leads to regular misuse. Some drivers pull the reins so tightly that his mouth aches for hours. These men…
    Note