Page 39 of The Ringmaster’s Daughter

‘Might make him buy more charms?’ one of the workers joked.

‘Any more of that and you’ll be gone – don’t think we can’t get someone to replace you.’

‘That threat might have more power if we weren’t owed a month’s wages,’ the other man argued.

‘We should go into town tonight.’ Odélie spoke over the men. ‘Have a drink before the craziness begins tomorrow.’

‘Sure,’ he said, not really listening. He had spotted Frieda walking arm in arm with Werner towards them, the ringmaster whispering something in her ear to make her laugh.

‘I’ll see you in a bit.’ Odélie kissed him on the cheek, just as Frieda looked over, her smile faltering.

Six

Le Grand Spectacle

The sound of the train’s engine woke Michel before the sun had yet risen properly in the sky. The horses stomped their hooves and whinnied, thinking that they were on the move again. Michel dressed quickly and went to Beau, whose new calm had been disturbed. The rumble of the engine stopped; then a clang and loud swearing.

Felix’s oil-stained face and clothes appeared from the engine room. He jumped down and walked towards Michel.

‘You’ll have to get the horses out of here for now,’ he said, wiping his brow but smearing more grease into his skin than off it.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘You deaf, or just stupid? Engine’s broken. Not sure what’s wrong. I need to fix it today and it isn’t going to be quiet work.’

‘What is that godforsaken racket?’ Werner clambered out of his private carriage, wrapped in a purple dressing gown with matching slippers. ‘You know it’s opening night, right? And I need my sleep.’

‘Sorry boss, it’s the engine again. I thought that after last time – you know, when we broke down – it would be sensible to take a look at it before we move on tomorrow. I didn’t mean to wake anyone.’

‘I’m not bothered that you woke him at least.’ Werner quickly looked at Michel. ‘Lazy gadabout, that’s what he is. Drinking with the performers. Think I don’t know what goes on here? He’s lucky if he lasts until tonight.’

‘Shall I keep going?’ Felix raised his eyebrows.

‘Yes, yes. I’m up now. You told him to move the horses? Don’t want them spooked for tonight.’

‘I did.’

‘I am right here; you can talk to me,’ Michel said.

‘I’m quite aware you are here.’ Werner turned to him. ‘Quite aware, too aware. I’m actually wondering why you are, and not getting these damned horses off the train!’

Werner stomped back to his carriage, his waddle almost comical as he parted the rising mist that hung over the tracks.

‘Going to be a hot one, no doubt about that,’ Felix said. ‘You see mist like that in a morning, and it only means one thing.’

‘Where am I going to shelter the horses?’ Michel asked as he led Beau down the ramp.

‘See those trees and the river beyond? Best sit there with them today. Stay in the shade. Good for you to be out of the way, anyway, seeing as the boss has taken against you so strongly.’

Michel did as Felix suggested, and tied the horses with loose ropes under the thick shade of the trees near the riverbank.

He sat with them, his feet dangling in the water, watching as the sun burned away the dewy fog, and realised that tonight would be his last with the circus. Beau nuzzled into his neck and he rubbed at his nose.

‘It’s all right for you,’ he said to Beau. ‘Look at you! He’d never get rid of a beauty like you.’

Bisou the pony noted the attention Beau was getting and tried to push Michel’s hand off Beau. ‘You jealous, eh? I don’t blame you. You get forgotten because you are so small. But then again, sometimes it’s better not to be noticed.’

‘You talking to yourself?’