The Grumpy Bridesmaid. Diane Redmond

      A few hours later Izzy returned home, hot and dirty after mucking out Crackers’ stable. As she kicked off her riding boots she could hear Clare on the phone in the lounge.

      “Hello, is that the pony and carriage hiring company? Good. I’d like to book an open-topped carriage for my wedding with a pair of silver ponies to pull it.”

      Izzy grabbed a packet of crisps from the kitchen cupboard, then wandered into the lounge to listen in on her sister’s conversation.

      “No silver ponies?” cried Clare, jumping to her feet.

      Izzy raised her eyes to the ceiling. “I told you there was no such thing!” she said.

      Clare waved her hand and mouthed the words, “Shut up!” then quickly turned her attention back to the person on the other end of the line.

      “No, no! I don’t want a dark bay pair. No! I definitely don’t want a golden chestnut pair. I want silver to go with my dress and tiara!” On the point of tears, Clare shoved the phone into Mum’s hand.

      “I’m sorry, my daughter’s a bit upset,” Mum said. Another pause as this time she listened. “Oh! So you’ve got one. A thirteen hands silver grey. Thank you, I’ll let my daughter know.” She put the phone down and looked at Clare.

      “Well, they’ve got one silver pony,” she said.

      “One can’t pull a carriage on its own,” grumbled Clare.

      Izzy jumped up, her face pink with excitement.

      “If it had a partner it could!” she cried.

      Clare glared at her little sister. “Isabella, there’s only ONE pony!” she snapped. “They haven’t got TWO.”