A Little Bit of Charm by Mary Ellis Page B

day?” Jessie stared at her sister. “I’ve never seen you up this early on a Saturday. I’d better call nine-one-one.”
    â€œVery funny.” Keeley stuck her tongue out at Jessie, but she hugged Rachel around the waist. “Hi, Rachel. Is it okay if I tag along? I haven’t taken a trail ride in a while.”
    Jessie snapped open her cell phone. “Hurry! We have an emergency here at Twelve Elms!” Her tone feigned distress.
    Keeley rolled her eyes. “Don’t pay any attention to her. She thinks she’s funny.”
    Rachel patted the girl’s back. “It’s fine with me if you come, but I’m not the one in charge.” Both turned their attention to Jessie as she snapped her phone shut.
    â€œAnybody who tacks and saddles their own horse and rubs them down afterward may join us. I won’t even charge you the thirty dollars, but don’t even think of leaving your chores for a stable hand to do.”
    Keeley ran out the door while Jessie threaded her ponytail through her ball cap. “Wow, there’s a first time for everything. You’re a good influence on that girl.”
    Rachel wasn’t sure if it was her influence or not, but Keeley fell in step with the instruction without the slightest complaint. The six riders paid attention during the lesson and enjoyed an absolutely perfect morning. Calamity Jane responded to Rachel’s commands, allowing her to appear competent and prepared to take over in two weeks. None of their customers were beginners, but many were unfamiliar with Twelve Elms. Before heading to the hills, Jessie followed the same path taken by the farm wagon, explaining many of the facts Rachel had already memorized.
    Jessie dropped back to where Rachel rode. “Because some ofour riders are new here, this will be a combination mounted tour and intermediate lesson. Saturday mornings we give customers what they want, whether it’s some sort of lesson or farm tour or just a trail ride for relaxation.”
    â€œI’m not sure I could teach anything yet.” Rachel said under her breath.
    â€œThen we’ll only schedule mounted tours for you and no lessons. Keeley said you’re already great on the wagon. Before you know it you’ll be ready to teach. But until you say the word, Jake can provide Saturday lessons while I’m at school.” With a light kick of her heels, Jessie galloped to the head of the line.
    Jake. There was no way to avoid him even if she wanted to. And part of her didn’t want to avoid him. She had few friends in the English world—few friends in Kentucky of any type. After watching Jake’s enthusiasm and patience with the blind kids, Rachel knew he could teach her a lot.
    Once their group reached the midway point, Jessie ordered everyone to dismount and tie their reins to small trees in the shady glen. Then she lifted saddlebags from her horse and headed up a narrow path. “This way, everyone.” The students quickly fell in step behind her.
    â€œWhere are we going?” asked Rachel of Keeley. They would follow the last paid guest in line.
    â€œWait till you see.” Keeley’s young face glowed with joy. “It’ll be a surprise.”
    After an uphill hike of ten minutes, they reached a shimmering pool bathed in sunlight and surrounded by tall pines. At one end, the crystal clear water dropped over a ledge, cascading down rocks and outcroppings below. Everyone exclaimed over the beauty of this hidden retreat.
    â€œWe have this natural spring regularly tested,” announced Jessie. “The water is pure, so feel free to fill your bottles. Then please find a seat and I’ll serve lunch.” Everyone plopped down in thelong grass to enjoy ham-and-cheese sandwiches and pretzels. Jessie passed around tiny packets that turned their water into lemonade.
    Leaning back on her elbows, Rachel studied the patch of blue sky overhead while the sun