Marni


A happy-go-lucky “30-something year old” trying to walk the tightrope of being a responsible adult and not fall down, as she had done so many times before, into the safety net of immaturity. Marni’s motto in life was to never expect too much and appreciate all of the little things, a lot! Armed with her sidekick; none other than the darling Mr Darcy! (…yes, she had named her pet pooch after Pride & Prejudice’s heartthrob), together they conquered the regularity of everyday life; the ups and downs, the scary films that kept Marni awake at night (she really should stop watching those), the morning yawns and stretches and not to mention Mr Darcy’s favourite: the “Walkies!”.

As a child, Marni had been inquisitive and adventurous. Always the little girl running ahead of her friends yelling and pointing out something totally awesome that she could see, although to the adult eye it was just some boring bench or a twig. She’d had a great upbringing with her parents who had loved her with all the love that they’d had to offer. One could suggest that she had been spoilt especially since she was an only child, however her parent’s had been firm but fair and she had learnt a lot about appreciation from them.

Growing up, Marni scored average grades at school; nothing too flashy. In all honesty, she had spent a lot of her time outside in the garden playing games by herself or running around the local park with any other kids who would play with her than sitting inside with her nose in books. It wasn’t that she was unruly, she just got stifled pretty damn quickly, and no one – not even her parents – could make her sit still for very long.

Working life was a seamless introduction after her school years came to an end. At 16, Marni began working in the local stables, Four Oaks, tending the horses. At first the position had been unpaid, although she was allowed to ride a perky white pony called Dolly once a week. It was definitely payment enough for Marni. She couldn’t get enough of being atop such a majestic animal, even though Dolly was hands below the height of the rest of the horses. And in time, the horses became her company as her friends began their own journeys off into the working world. Communication became less and less between them and soon, Marni allowed her job at the stables to completely consume her. It made her happy, and even more so when she was offered wages and a definite permanent position.

To the present date, Marni had soared through the years and flourished into a healthy, lively woman. Her waist-length brown hair had sun-kissed highlights weaving through the curls from all the years spent outside and her green eyes sparkled with a youth nothing could vanquish. Towering above most women her age, Marni sported the 5″8 (without heels!) that she was with ease. Being around the height of horses had never made her feel the need to slouch and she held her posture well. Looking down at Mr Darcy was really the only time she felt pretty damn tall. Either that or…Mr Darcy was incredibly small for his breed.

A smile would always tease the corners of her lips when she thought about Mr Darcy. Thinking about him was an instant lift, like finding a fiver in your back pocket that somehow didn’t get mashed to pieces in the washing machine, or getting a letter that wasn’t a bill. She had decided to get him just after she’d turned 27. She’d taken a trip to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home planning to bring back a cat to keep her company in her cosy (not little!) flat, but after laying eyes on Derek as he’d been called back then, she’d felt an instant connection. It had felt like all of the fun filled moments of her life that she could have with him were being projected through his rich brown eyes, like he was showing her all the comfort he could offer if she’d just pick him. Working at Four Oaks was ideal for bringing Mr Darcy along, but not before she put him and herself through hour after hour of rigorous training. It wouldn’t be too great if Mr Darcy went bolting after the horses or vegging out in the room where they kept all the carrots and horsey treats. Being a Springer Spaniel, Mr Darcy (ironically) took to obedience and training like a horse to water and after time, Marni began introducing him to the stables. Her home life, and her working life with Mr Darcy by her side was nothing less than perfect.

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