Room 2D

Story from Roué 11 IN THE PADDOCK Waiting for the race numbers to go up — Who’s my driver… who’ll be caning my bum…? The excitement is always there, every time the Pony Club meet at Mrs Finch’s place down in the country. Cars splash down the muddy lane, turn through the gate. Cars with smart-looking women at the wheel and younger, prettier passengers. Estate cars, Range Rovers, even a horse-box. They bump along the track, down by the copse, and hide themselves away at the back of the big barn, out of sight of anyone who might drive along the top road from the village. There is a carnival atmosphere as the cars’ occupants avoid the puddles and slip in through the little side door. Women calling greetings, some of them less lady-like than might be expected, only the girls a little quieter. Smiling at each other but treating the older women with what might be respect. Alongside the barn there is, surprisingly, a comfortably furnished room, with a bar. Drinks are sent round, conversati