Melanie_Richardson
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Comparative Narrative
Colony of Maryland
Late August 1751
Colonel Benjamin Tasker Jr. couldn’t take his mind off the intriguing letter he received a week ago from his brother-in-law as he rode his horse on a path through the forests of Anne Arundel County:
I need to talk to you about the purchase of a horse the next time you come to Belair. This venture will require you to travel extensively on my behalf. I will explain more when you arrive.
It ended abruptly with the flourishing signature “Samuel Ogle, Royal Provisional Governor of Maryland”.
The handsome 31-year colonel often traveled to Belair, the governor’s imposing estate, from his father’s farm in Galesville near the Chesapeake Bay or from the simple wooden house he sometimes shared with his fellow councilmen in Annapolis, the colony’s capital city. The governor appreciated Tasker’s acumen with business, government, and horses so much that he invited him – and paid him - so frequently to assist with the management at Belair that the colonel felt that he should live at the plantation, instead of traveling so frequently through the woods. It was not safe to do so, especially alone like he was now.
“Require me to travel extensively” the colonel said out loud to his horse Dancer. “For the purchase of a horse. What can that mean? Likely travel to England. That will be a change.” He patted the gray stallion’s neck. Speaking to his horse when he was alone in the woods calmed him. Getting away from the colony may be good….”
A twig snapped to the right. Dancer flinched. Something large moved through the brushy growth in the forest about 70 feet away. Tasker saw him – a dark-skinned, bare-chested man in deerskin trousers with long tangled hair decorated with hawk feathers. A Piscataway Indian. A sizable population of them still lingered more than a century after the English settlers arrived in the colony. Encountering an Indian while traveling alone was dangerous - the savage can pull off an unarmed man from his horse, strike the rider in the head with a club to disable or kill him, climb into the saddle, and gallop off with the horse, both never to be seen again.
The Indian disappeared into the trees’ underbrush. Tasker legged Dancer into a canter, knowing that a clearing was up ahead where the Indian may feel exposed and thus spoil his ambush attempt. The colonel checked his two flintlock pistols in their holsters built within the front part of his saddle, which he always kept loaded but seldom fired. He was a good shot but rusty since his service in the Anne Arundel County militia a few years ago. Dancer and his rider approached the clearing where the trees gave way to an open field thick with high grasses; bobwhites and pheasants fluttered from the trail as they approached.
Tasker slowed Dancer down to a walk and peered around him. The afternoon sun of late fall brightened the surrounding grasslands to a golden light. Faint smells of ripening apples and new-mown hay drifted from nearby farms. Countless varieties of birds chattered at the sudden appearance of the horse and rider. He listened for sounds of movement and heard nothing except Dancer’s hoofbeats, but he sensed the Indian was nearby. Then – there! Over there – still about 70 feet away to the right, the feathered black hair flashed between clusters of shrubbery. The Indian had followed him.
The colonel reached for one of the flintlocks and pulled Dancer to a stop. He aimed the weapon several feet above where he saw the movement and pulled the trigger. Smoke and sparks flew from the pistol’s muzzle and barrel as the shot’s explosion shattered the natural quiet. Tasker now heard running footsteps rustling in the grasses; they grew fainter by the second, and he finally saw the Indian running away from him and Dancer, not bothering to conceal himself and his long hair flying behind him. The colonel watched until the Indian disappeared into a copse of trees a half-mile away. Tasker no longer felt his presence. The savage was gone.
“That one was too close, Dancer old fellow.” I should demand from Sam that I move into Belair. T’would save me and my horse a lot of travel from the farm in Galesville and t’would be far less dangerous. thought the colonel.
He straightened his faded dark blue button-front jacket and beige cotton trousers — worn to a nearly threadbare existence from constant wear in all sorts of weather. He wiped off the brush that caught onto his equally worn-down leather boots. He secured his black three-cornered hat on his head and tied back his long brown hair that came loose during the rush. Tasker then urged his horse onward at a walk and thought about the good things that awaited him at Belair during his visits every few weeks: good hot food, a clean spare bedroom with a goose down mattress on a large bed, cheerful fires in fireplaces that lit up cherrywood floors and wall paneling, warm hospitality from his sister, and courteous – if somewhat aloof - treatment from the governor, her husband. He admitted to himself that he looked forward to these luxuries that didn’t exist in his parents’ modest farmhouse nor their small townhouse in Annapolis, even though Tasker’s father, Benjamin Tasker, Sr, was the mayor of that city.
Tasker’s thoughts returned to Governor Ogle’s letter from the governor that indicated that this trip would have a special purpose.
A purchase of a horse. A purchase that required extensive travel.
“T’will be nice to get away from the colony and Sam’s cronies for a while, wherever Sam sends me.” Tasker said to Dancer. “And to get away from those high-minded blokes from the Hanson and Darby families who treat me like a field hand when I train their lazy racehorses.” The horse pricked his ears back and forth in response.
A thought suddenly struck him, like a face slap, a lightening bolt. He almost stood in his saddle from its intensity. What am I doing?! I’m tired of doing everything Sam asks me to do! Blasted tired of it! Ask me to travel to England to purchase a horse for him?? I will have to temporarily leave my work as a spice trader and commissioner in the Maryland General Assembly. Very difficult for me to do! Who does Sam think he is?
I should take this opportunity to demand a Thoroughbred of my own while in England. Now that would be proper!
The more he thought about the idea, the more it pleased him. After all, I’ve trained the racehorses around Belair and nearby Collington to be successful for years. Why CAN”T I have my own Thoroughbred stallion? With the greatest bloodlines possible? I’m worthy of It and the time is right for me to have one. Yes! I will train him to become the greatest undefeated champion in Anne Arundel County. In the Maryland Colony, perhaps. What respect that will bring me!!
His mind raced. He thought of other situations that could come about from this meeting with the governor. “Travel extensively. What does he mean exactly?" he asked Dancer. "Might it mean travel to Spain to buy an Andalusian stallion? As well as one for myself? Or to Saudi Arabia to purchase an Arabian stallion! How glorious that would be! And to enjoy the seaside of Jeddah!”
Tasker’s imagination flew. He imagined himself riding shiny black Arabians on the Sahara Desert beaches and through the surf’s edges far away from slaves, muddy fields, cold winters, and the haughty airs of Governor Ogle and the nearby plantation families. He wore loose white linens and walked barefoot in the sand. He swam in the warm ocean, ate oranges and dates, and envisioned Priscilla, his deceased fiancé, standing on a nearby sand dune wearing a loose white linen dress that that billowed around her alluringly in the warm wind. She waved to him and laughed.
No. I will not think of her.
The colonel’s mind went dark and quiet. He and Dancer progressed peacefully on the road to Belair. Crickets and tree frogs began to sing in the woods as the sun sank in the west. The sound was soothing, thought Tasker.
At last horse and rider saw the twinkling lights of the mansion ahead of them as the cobalt blue late summer evening settled in. Dancer snorted with excitement, and Tasker allowed him to canter down the road toward the estate. The entrance gates were open; the governor was expecting him. The long alley that stretched from the gates to was covered with crushed oyster shells mixed with sand, bordered on either side with young tulip poplar trees. Dancer hooves made a delightful crunching sound on the crushed shells as he nearly galloped down the alley, and the colonel’s spirits rose. At the end of the alley stood the magnificent three-storied brick house with large wing extensions on either side, its windows sparkling warmly with candlelight. Two lanterns appeared like fireflies near the door as he approached. A person carried each lantern — one of them waved to him. It was Anne, his sister. The other figure was a slave who stood ready to take Dancer to the stables. As he dismounted his horse and warmly greeted his sister, Colonel Tasker sensed that this particular visit, no matter its outcome, was going to be the first of many new pages to turn for him.
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The Algonkian Writers Retreat (March 2023) – Seven Assignments
1. First Assignment - Story Statement:
A determined, lowborn 18th century colonel battles his peers’ arrogance as he trains his overlooked broodmare to become a successful racehorse in colonial Maryland.
2. Second Assignment - Antagonists summary:
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr.’s antagonists:
1. William Byrd – Socially gracious, wealthy, but spoiled Virginia lawmaker has no respect for those who are beneath his social level. He’s also devious. He looks older than his age of 27 and he has a failed marriage. He uses his prize Thoroughbred racehorse Tryall to win local dispute races and maintain his prominence and ego, in addition to satisfying his gambling addiction. Aware of Col. Tasker’s horse Selima’s racing success, Byrd attempts to ruin Selima’s chances to participate in a critical horse race against Tryall.
2. The Hanson and Darby brothers – They have hereditary privileges and riches that allow them to own the finest farmlands and purchase the finest racehorses. They belittle Tasker’s social rank, his horse Selima, and his attraction to a beautiful wealthy horsewoman
3. Governor Samuel Ogle – Because Tasker is the grandson of an indentured servant, Governor Ogle uses his brother-in-law as his estate manager, horse trainer, and other tasks of servitude. He also speaks his mind without thinking of how it impacts others. The governor later learns to appreciate Tasker for his ambitions and his success with Selima.
4. Elizabeth Worthington – The beautiful, wealthy, and shallow horsewoman quickly rejects Colonel Tasker’s early romantic interest because of his involvement in trade and lack of hereditary privileges. She is condescending to him at social occasions, but she begins to see him in a different light when the colonel rescues her from a runaway horse and she faces female competition for the colonel’s attention.
3. Third Assignment - Breakout Title:
Tasker’s Chance
Horse of the Colonies
A Faith Called Selima
4. Fourth Assignment - Comparables:
Tasker’s Chance is like National Velvet meets My Name is Resolute, except with male protagonists.
Tasker’s Chance is like Seabiscuit meets Poldark.
Tasker’s Chance is like Marguerite Henry’s King of the Wind set in 18th century Maryland.
5. Fifth Assignment - Hook/Logline (Primary Conflict)
A socially rejected but determined colonel of 18th century Maryland battles the arrogant malice of his peers, especially from a wealthy, powerful Virginia statesman, as he perceives the potential of his broodmare and trains her to become a successful racehorse.
Secondary conflict(s) – Core wounds sketches
Handsome, virtuous Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr constantly experiences social rejection from the privileged gentry of 18th century Maryland because of his low birth status (he is the grandson of an indentured servant). Others in high social ranks make Tasker feel that he is good, but not good enough to be fully a part of – and benefit from – their circles of privilege and wealth. Victories at horse races were a means for ensuring a gentleman’s high position in society. Tasker senses his broodmare Selima’s potential to become a successful racehorse, and he trains her as a means to 1) prove his self-worth to colonial society, particularly and secretly to Elizabeth Worthington, a woman who is socially far above him, and 2) provide a chance for Selima to become successful. He is brilliant with horses but unlucky with women.
1. Colonel Tasker (protagonist) initially has conflicts with his brother-in-law Governor Samuel Ogle (antagonist). Ogle is a brusque English aristocrat who is not completely happy about being a governor of the Maryland colony. He is married to Tasker’s sister and yet often sees the Tasker family as socially inferior due to their grandfather’s status as an indentured servant, and that Tasker is involved with the spice trade. The governor treats Tasker almost like a plantation manager. He is not pleased that Tasker’s seven-year-old broodmare Selima outperforms his new stallion, Othello, and his other racehorses.
2. Colonel Tasker has bad luck with women; his fiancé died of smallpox and he has a problematic relationship with beautiful, aristocratic horsewoman Elizabeth Worthington (antagonist). She cruelly, and in public, rebuffs his polite attempts to court her, and Tasker soon senses her shallow frivolous side. However, Tasker remains attracted to Elizabeth but hides his feelings from her and from his friends. Despite their mutual interest in horses, they scorn each other, until Tasker is compelled to rescue Elizabeth when her horse runs away with her. Only after a female rival displays romantic interest in Tasker and Elizabeth’s forced marriage to an older landowner does she realize, too late, that she appreciates and loves Tasker.
3. William Byrd, (antagonist) a spoiled, wealthy landowner, presents problems for Tasker as well. Byrd is a charming successful politician and a charming host, but he has a gambling problem and a reputation as a cheat. Although Byrd meets him only a few times, he feels threatened by Tasker’s success with Selima. When a bridge collapse delays Selima’s and Tasker’s participation in an important horse race, Byrd attempts to prevent Selima from racing by bribing the racing officials to remain silent to the spectators and the racing authorities when Tasker’s messenger informs Byrd of the party’s delay and the colonel’s intention to race.
4. Tasker also faces scorn from sons of several wealthy plantation owners (antagonists) who are set to inherit wealth. The Hansons and Darbys treat him as someone beneath them socially because of his low birth. They ask him to train their mediocre racehorses to become successful on the race track and they make fun of Selima. They also become rather jealous when Selima develops into a successful racer.
5. Henry Talbot, (a second [sub?] protagonist) and Colonel Tasker’s jockey, has his own conflicts as he finds success with riding Selima. A temperamental stablemaster torments Henry as the slave works his way to becoming a jockey. Jealous of his rising stature, fellow slaves get him into trouble with his owner, Governor Samuel Ogle of Maryland, and rob him of his jockey earnings - Henry’s means of purchasing his own freedom. Henry runs away after Ogle refuses to honor his freedom purchase despite the theft, risking Henry’s jockey career.
6. Sixth Assignment - Inner conflicts
Inner conflicts of:
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. – An expert horseman and of good character, Tasker is frustrated by his peers’ social rejection and is not sure of what to do about it. He wants at least to be treated with more respect. He is aware that a way to earn respect and improve a reputation among the colonies’ privileged class is to have a fast horse that wins races. Tasker places himself wholeheartedly in this endeavor when he purchases Selima, a broodmare of champion bloodlines. Tasker does indeed begin to earn respect from Governor Ogle and (to some extent) from Elizabeth Worthington, and the jealousy of rival William Byrd. However, Tasker begins to question this respect’s superficiality – do others respect Tasker for his good character as a person or simply that he is the owner of a successful racehorse? This is bold new thinking in 18th century colonial America.
William Byrd – A loyalist to the English king, Byrd is charming, wealthy, young, privileged, a successful Virginia statesman and landowner, yet he has severe gambling problems and is insecure with others’ success. He is unhappily married to a wealthy plantation owner’s daughter. He values the colonial idea that a fast horse ensures a high reputation for its owner, and he treasures his undefeated racehorse, Tryall, for that reason. However, he feels threatened by the success and strength of those beneath his social status, such as Colonel Tasker and his successful racehorse Selima (how can a broodmare be faster than a young stallion?) and the hot-tempered farmer Ewan Lemont. Byrd organizes a grand horse race and puts himself at risk and stress by requiring an enormous wager that he himself would struggle to pay if his horse lost – and is desperate enough to try to ruin Selima’s participation in the race.
Henry Talbot – Henry desperately wants to move on from being a slave by becoming a jockey, but he is frustrated by the contempt of his fellow slaves who are jealous of his success, and the difficulty of his cantankerous owner, Governor Ogle. He is often lonely – torn between achieving a higher status in life or remaining friends with his peers. He feels wronged when the governor refuses to grant him his freedom after a slave steals Henry’s earnings and the means to purchase his freedom. Out of anger, he runs away to a boarding house for jockeys, and faces more rejection when the jockeys scorn him for illegally fleeing his owner. Henry finds peace and solace with riding Selima, with whom he formed a bond and at times seems to be his only friend.
Elizabeth Worthington – Elizabeth, the spoiled shallow only daughter of a wealthy planter, wants to marry into the aristocratic but superficial Hansons or Darby families, but is discouraged when her father insists that she marry an old, boring, established, wealthy plantation owner. She rejects flirtations from Colonel Tasker when she learns that he is of low birth, in trade, and is a horse trainer, and thus in her eyes, beneath her social status. When Tasker rescues her from a runaway horse, Worthington is grateful for his actions and begins feel attracted to him, which confuses her. After Selima wins an important race, she feels more amicable towards the colonial, but during a conversation, Tasker politely but boldly asks her if she’s feeling favorably towards Tasker because of his victory with Selima or for his good character, and she becomes confused. She fights these conflicting feelings (it’s often too much for her to think about!) until a female acquaintance shows a clear romantic interest in Tasker, and Worthington’s feelings grow into jealousy. She realizes too late that she is in love with Tasker as she is forced to marry the old plantation owner.
7. Seventh Assignment - Settings
Most of Tasker’s Chance takes place in colonial Maryland from late summer 1751 to early winter 1752. The epilogue takes place in 1789, after the Revolutionary War and in the southern portion of what is now the State of Maryland.
The story takes place in the following scenes in rough chronological order.
Belair, Governor Ogle’s estate near the settlement of Collington, west of the Maryland capital of Annapolis: Most events take place on the vast Bel Air estate near Collington, MD. The Belair estate consists of an enormous elegant house, 2500 acres or tobacco and pasture, large fine stables, seven or eight slave cabins, and extensive barns and other outbuildings. Outside of Belair, the population is very sparse, the roads are few and muddy, communication is slow. The few estates and towns are separated by vast acres of farmland, pastureland or dense woods, where Indians roam.
Tasker Farm, Galesville, Maryland: Some activity takes place on the Tasker Farm, is a small 60 acre farm near Galesville, south of Annapolis and close to the Chesapeake Bay shores. Belair is about a day’s ride away from the farm.
The elegant Wandlebury Stables near Newmarket, England: Large pasturelands extend from the prestigious Wandlebury estate and stables, where the Earl of Godolphin raises Thoroughbreds and Arabian horses. The stables are large and luxurious accommodations for horses; royalty and the aristocracy frequently came here to purchase their high-quality animals for racing purposes.
Westover, the enormous Virginia estate of William Byrd: Westover is a larger estate than Belair and is located on the James River near Williamsburg, VA. Byrd frequently hosts barbecues and horse races on this estate.
Annapolis, the small but prosperous capital city of Maryland: Annapolis is a sophisticated city of cobblestone streets, brick townhomes, state government buildings, and large, elegant houses. Governor Ogle owns a house here, and the Taskers are frequent guests. The colonial aristocracy usually congregates in this city, and the less-affluent locals tease them as “more British than the British.”
The Virginia wilderness near the Rappahannock River: Miles of forests, meadows and swamps exist here with poorly built roads and bridges. The civilization in this region are the tiny settlements of Fredericksburg and Gloucester.
Anderson’s Race Grounds near Gloucester, VA: Anderson Race Grounds is the new form of circular race track that was becoming increasing more popular with horse racing. The sloping hills from the grounds provide the perfect viewing point to watch the races.
Mt. Airy Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD: The denouement of the story takes place here at Benedict Calvert’s farm in 1785, two years after the Revolutionary War ended.
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The New York Pitch Conference – Seven Assignments
1. First Assignment - Story Statement:
A socially rejected but ambitious colonel battles his peers’ arrogance as he trains his overlooked broodmare to become a successful racehorse in 18th century Maryland.
2. Second Assignment - Antagonists summary:
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr.’s antagonists:
1. William Byrd – The wealthy, spoiled Virginia lawmaker has no respect for those who are beneath his social level. He uses his prize Thoroughbred racehorse Tryall to win local dispute races and maintain his prominence. He challenges others to race their horses against Tryal in a horse race to boost his fragile ego. Aware of Col. Tasker’s horse Selima’s racing success, Byrd attempts to ruin Selima’s chances to participate in the race.
2. The Ridgely brothers and their friends – They have hereditary privileges that allow them to own the finest farmlands and purchase the finest racehorses. They belittle Tasker’s social rank, his horse, and his attraction to a beautiful wealthy horsewoman.
3. Governor Samuel Ogle – Because Tasker is the grandson of an indentured servant, Governor Ogle uses his brother-in-law as his estate manager and horse trainer and ignores Tasker’s attempt to improve his stature. The governor later learns to appreciate Tasker for his ambitions and success with Selima.
4. Elizabeth Worthington – The beautiful, wealthy horsewoman quickly rejects Colonel Tasker’s early romantic interest because of his involvement in trade and lack of hereditary privileges. She is condescending to him at social occasions, but she later sees him in a different light.
3. Third Assignment - Breakout Title:
Tasker’s Chance
Horse of the Colonies
A Faith Called Selima
4. Fourth Assignment - Comparables:
Tasker’s Chance is like National Velvet meets My Name is Resolute, except with male protagonists.
Tasker’s Chance is like Seabiscuit meets Poldark.
Tasker’s Chance is like Marguerite Henry’s King of the Wind set in 18th century Maryland.
5. Fifth Assignment - Hook/Logline (Primary Conflict)
A socially rejected colonel battles with the arrogant malice of his peers, especially from a wealthy, powerful statesman, as he realizes the potential of his broodmare and trains her to become a successful racehorse in 18th century colonial Maryland.
Secondary conflict(s) – Core wounds sketches
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr constantly experiences social rejection from the privileged gentry of 18th century Maryland because of his low birth status (he is the grandson of an indentured servant). Others in high social ranks make Tasker feel that he is good, but not good enough to be fully a part of – and benefit from – their circles of privilege and wealth. Tasker’s grasp of his broodmare Selima’s potential to become a successful racehorse is a means to 1) prove his self-worth to society, and 2) provide a chance to Selima to become successful.
1. The Colonel Tasker (protagonist) initially has conflicts with his brother-in-law Governor Samuel Ogle. Ogle is a brusque English aristocrat who is not completely happy about being a governor of a rural colony. He is married to Tasker’s sister and yet often sees the Tasker family as socially inferior due to Tasker’s grandfather being an indentured servant, and that Tasker is involved with the spice trade. The governor treats Tasker almost like a plantation manager. He is not pleased that Tasker’s seven-year-old broodmare outperforms his new stallion, Othello.
2. Colonel Tasker also has bad luck with women; his fiancé died of smallpox and he has a problematic relationship with beautiful, aristocratic horsewoman Elizabeth Worthington (antagonist). She rebuffs his polite attempts to court her. Despite their mutual interest in horses, they scorn each other, until Tasker is compelled to rescue her when Elizabeth’s horse runs away with her. Only after a female rival displays romantic interest in Tasker and Elizabeth’s forced marriage to an older landowner does Elizabeth realize, too late, that she loves Tasker.
3. William Byrd, (antagonist) a spoiled, wealthy landowner, presents problems for Tasker as well. Byrd is a charming successful politician, but he has a gambling problem and reputation as a cheat. Although Byrd meets him only a few times, he feels threatened by Tasker’s success with Selima. When a bridge collapse delays Selima and Tasker participation in an important horse race, Byrd attempts to prevent Selima from racing by bribing the racing monitors to remain silent to race officials when Tasker’s messenger informs Byrd of the delay and Tasker’s intent to race.
4. Tasker also faces scorn from sons of several wealthy plantation owners (antagonists) who are set to inherit wealth. The Ridgelys and Dorseys treat him as someone beneath them socially because of his low birth. They ask him to train their mediocre racehorses to become successful on the race track and they make fun of Selima. They also become rather jealous when Selima develops into a successful racer.
5. Henry Talbot, (a second (sub?) protagonist) and Colonel Tasker’s jockey, has his own conflicts as he finds success with riding Selima. A temperamental stablemaster torments Henry as the slave works his way to becoming a jockey. Jealous of his rising stature, fellow slaves get him into trouble with his owner, Governor Samuel Ogle of Maryland, and rob him of his jockey earnings and Henry’s means of purchasing his own freedom. Henry resorts to running away after Ogle refuses to help with the theft, risking his jockey career.
6. Sixth Assignment - Inner conflicts
Inner conflicts of:
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. – An expert horseman, Tasker is frustrated by his peers’ social rejection and is not sure what to do about it. He wants at least to be treated better. He is aware that a way to earn respect and improve a reputation among the colonies’ privileged class is to have a fast horse that wins races. Tasker places himself wholeheartedly in this endeavor when he is able to own Selima, a broodmare of champion bloodlines that wins races. Tasker does indeed begin to earn respect from Governor Ogle and (to some extent) from Elizabeth Worthington, and the jealousy of a rival from William Byrd. However, Tasker begins to question this respect’s superficiality – do others respect Tasker for his good character as a person or simply that he is the owner of a successful racehorse? This is bold new thinking in 18th century colonial America.
William Byrd – A loyalist to the English king, Byrd is charming, wealthy, young, privileged, and a successful Virginia statesman, yet he has severe gambling problems and is insecure with others’ success. He is unhappily married to a wealthy plantation owner’s daughter. He values the idea that a fast horse ensures a high reputation for its owner, and he treasures his undefeated racehorse, Tryall for mostly that reason. However, he feels threatened by the success and strength of those beneath his social status, such as Colonel Tasker and his successful racehorse Selima (how can a broodmare be faster than a young stallion?) and the imposing, hot-tempered farmer Ewan Lemont. Byrd organizes a grand horse race and puts himself at risk and stress by requiring an enormous wager that he himself would struggle to pay if his horse lost – and is insecure enough to try to ruin Selima’s participation in the race.
Henry Talbot – Henry desperately wants to move on from being a slave to becoming a jockey, but he is frustrated by the contempt of his fellow slaves who are jealous of his success and the strictness of his cantankerous owner, Governor Ogle. He is often lonely – torn between achieving a higher status in life or remaining friends with his peers. He feels wronged by the governor when he refuses to grant him his freedom after a slave steals Henry’s earnings and the means to purchase his freedom. Out of anger, he runs away to a boarding house for jockeys, and faces more rejection when the jockeys scorn him for illegally fleeing his owner. Henry finds peace and solace with riding Selima, with whom he formed a bond and at times seemed to be his only friend.
Elizabeth Worthington – Worthington, the spoiled shallow only daughter of a wealthy planter, wants to marry one of the dashing young handsome aristocratic but superficial men in the countryside, but is discouraged when her father insists that she marry an old, boring, established, wealthy plantation owner. She rejects mild flirtations from Colonel Tasker when she learns that he is of low birth, in trade, and is a horse trainer and beneath her social status. When Tasker rescues her from a runaway horse, Worthington is grateful for his actions and begins feel attracted to him, which confuses her. She is also conflicted by Tasker’s question, when he approached her - is she feeling favorably towards Tasker because his victories with Selima or for his good character? She fights these conflicting feelings (it’s often too much for her to think about!) until a female acquaintance shows an obvious romantic interest in Tasker, and Worthington’s feelings grow into jealousy. She realizes too late that she is in love with Tasker, and is forced to marry the old wealthy plantation owner.
7. Seventh Assignment - Settings
Most of Tasker’s Chance takes place in colonial Maryland from early autumn 1751 to early winter 1752. The epilogue takes place in 1789, after the Revolutionary War and in the southern portion of what is now the State of Maryland.
The story takes place in the following scenes in rough chronological order.
Rural Maryland near the settlement of Collington, west of the Maryland capital of Annapolis: Most events take place on the vast Bel Air estate near Collington, MD. The Bel Air estate consists of an enormous elegant house, 2500 acres or tobacco and pasture, large fine stables, seven or eight slave cabins, and extensive barns and other outbuildings. Outside of Bel Air, the population is very sparse, the roads are few and muddy, communication is slow. The few estates and towns are separated by vast acres of farmland, pastureland or dense woods, where Indians are occasionally seen.
Some activity takes place on the Tasker Farm, is a small 60 acre farm near Galesville, south of Annapolis and close to the Chesapeake Bay shores. Bel Air is about a day’s ride away from the farm.
The Wandlebury Stables near Newmarket, England: Large pasturelands extend from the prestigious Wandlebury estate and stables. The stables are large and luxurious accommodations for horses; royalty and the aristocracy frequently came here to purchase their animals.
Westover, the enormous Virginia estate of William Byrd: Westover is a larger estate than Bel Air and is located on the James River near Williamsburg, VA. Byrd frequently hosts barbecues and horse races on this estate.
Annapolis, the small but prosperous capital port city of Maryland: 1751 Annapolis is a sophisticated city of cobblestone streets, brick townhomes, and large, elegant houses. Governor Ogle owns a house here, and the Taskers are frequent guests. The colonial aristocracy usually congregates in this city, and the locals tease them as “more British than the British.”
The Virginia wilderness near the Rappahannock River: Miles of forests, meadows and swamps exist here with poorly built roads and bridges. The civilization in this region are the tiny settlements of Fredericksburg, XXX, Gloucester, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Yorktown.
Anderson’s Race Grounds near Gloucester, VA: Anderson Race Grounds is the new form of circular race track that was becoming increasing more popular with horse racing. The sloping hills from the grounds provide the perfect viewing point to watch the races.
Mt. Airy Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD: The denouement of the story takes place here at Benedict Calvert’s farm in 1785, two years after the Revolutionary War ended.
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Chapter 1
Colony of Maryland
Late August 1751
For the second time that day, Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. saw a dark-skinned man in deerskin pants dash across the road and disappear in the trees a short distance ahead of him and Dancer, his gray stallion, while they traveled to Bel Air. Not so much a road, but more of a wide muddy path that cut through the wilderness, serving travelers from Annapolis to outlying settlements and estates. The man was shirtless and hawk feathers decorated his long black hair. An Indian, very likely a Piscataway. A sizable population of them still lingered more than a century after the landowners had established their presence in the colony. Encountering an Indian while traveling alone in the woods was dangerous - they can pull off an unsuspecting man from his horse, climb into the saddle, and gallop off with the animal, both never to be seen again.
Colonel Tasker squeezed his knees to ask Dancer to trot and didn’t allow his horse to walk again for a mile. Tasker checked his flintlock pistols in their holsters built within the front two sides of his saddle. It had been a few months since he last fired either one of them, and several years since he shot a rifle while in service in the Anne Arundel County militia. He wasn’t altogether certain that he could fire the flintlock accurately and quickly if he needed to. He made a mental note to practice his shooting if he continues to travel to Bel Air, the estate owned by his brother-in-law, Governor Samuel Ogle of Maryland as frequently as he does. Today’s journey to Bel Air was particularly urgent, according to a letter he received from the governor a week ago.
I need to talk to you about the purchase of a horse the next time you come to stay at Bel Air. The business venture will require you to travel extensively on my behalf. I will explain more when you arrive.
It was signed “Samuel Ogle, Royal Provisional Governor of Maryland” with elegant cursive handwriting.
Tasker reined the horse to a stop. The stallion inhaled deeply while the colonel listened to the sounds around him. No sounds of snapping twigs or rustling bushes, but he sensed the Indian was somewhere nearby. These Indians seldom abandoned opportunities to steal a horse once they’re aware of a lone rider in the wilderness. He legged on his horse. I should demand from Sam that I move into Bel Air. T’would save me and my horse a lot of travel from the Tasker farm in Galesville. the colonel thought. And less exposure to these savages.
The 31-year-old colonel and his horse soon arrived at a clearing, where the muddy path intersected with an actual road made of dirt mixed with gravel and crushed oyster shells. The thick woods where Indians prefer to hide were now behind him, and the forest evolved into open brushy fields. He relaxed only slightly; something or someone was watching him, he knew.
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The New York Pitch Conference – Seven Assignments
1. First Assignment - Story Statement
An ambitious colonel battles his peers’ arrogance as he trains his overlooked broodmare to become a successful racehorse in 18th century Maryland.
2. Second Assignment - Antagonists summary
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr.’s antagonists:
a. William Byrd – The wealthy, spoiled Virginia lawmaker has no respect for those who are beneath his social level. He uses his prize Thoroughbred racehorse Tryall to win local dispute races and maintain his prominence. He challenges others to race their horses against Tryal in a horse race to boost his fragile ego. Aware of Col. Tasker’s horse Selima’s racing success, Byrd attempts to ruin Selima’s chances to participate in the race.
b. The Ridgely brothers and their friends – They have hereditary privileges that allow them to own the finest farmlands and purchase the finest racehorses. They belittle Tasker’s social rank, his horse, and his attraction to a beautiful wealthy horsewoman.
c. Governor Samuel Ogle – Because Tasker is the grandson of an indentured servant, Governor Ogle uses his brother-in-law as his estate manager and horse trainer and ignores Tasker’s attempt to improve his stature. The governor later learns to appreciate Tasker for his ambitions and success with Selima.
d. Elizabeth Worthington – The beautiful, wealthy horsewoman quickly rejects Colonel Tasker’s early romantic interest because of his involvement in trade and lack of hereditary privileges. She is condescending to him at social occasions, but she later sees him in a different light.
3. Third Assignment - Breakout Title
Tasker’s Chance
Horse of the Colonies
A Faith Called Selima
4. Fourth Assignment - Comparables
Tasker’s Chance is like National Velvet meets My Name is Resolute, except with male protagonists.
Tasker’s Chance is like Seabiscuit meets Poldark.
Tasker’s Chance is like Marguerite Henry’s King of the Wind set in 18th century Maryland.
5. Fifth Assignment - Hook/Logline (Primary Conflict)
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. battles the arrogant malice of his peers, especially from wealthy, powerful statesman William Byrd, as he realizes the potential of his broodmare and trains her to become a successful racehorse in 18th century colonial Maryland.
Secondary conflict(s) – Core wounds sketches
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr constantly experiences social rejection from the privileged gentry of 18th century Maryland because of his low birth status (he is the grandson of an indentured servant). Others in high social ranks make Tasker feel that he is good, but not good enough to be fully a part of – and benefit from – their circles of privilege and wealth. Tasker’s grasp of his broodmare Selima’s potential to become a successful racehorse is a means to 1) prove his self-worth to society, and 2) provide a chance to Selima to become successful.
a. The Colonel Tasker (antagonist) initially has conflicts with his brother-in-law Governor Samuel Ogle. Ogle is a brusque English aristocrat who is not completely happy about being a governor of a rural colony. He is married to Tasker’s sister and yet often sees the Tasker family as socially inferior due to Tasker’s grandfather being an indentured servant, and that Tasker is involved with the spice trade. The governor treats Tasker almost like a plantation manager. He is not pleased that Tasker’s seven-year-old broodmare outperforms his new stallion, Othello (check name).
b. Colonel Tasker also has bad luck with women; his fiancé died of smallpox and he has a problematic relationship with beautiful, aristocratic horsewoman Elizabeth Worthington (antagonist). She rebuffs his polite attempts to court her. Despite their mutual interest in horses, they scorn each other, until Tasker is compelled to rescue her when Elizabeth’s horse runs away with her. Only after a female rival displays romantic interest in Tasker and Elizabeth’s forced marriage to an older landowner does Elizabeth realize, too late, that she loves Tasker.
c. William Byrd, (antagonist) a spoiled, wealthy landowner, presents problems for Tasker as well. Byrd is a charming successful politician, but he has a gambling problem and reputation as a cheat. Although Byrd meets him only a few times, he feels threatened by Tasker’s success with Selima. When a bridge collapse delays Selima and Tasker participation in an important horse race, Byrd attempts to prevent Selima from racing by bribing the racing monitors to remain silent to race officials when Tasker’s messenger informs Byrd of the delay and Tasker’s intent to race.
d. Tasker also faces scorn from sons of several wealthy plantation owners (antagonists) who are set to inherit wealth. The Ridgelys and Dorseys treat him as someone beneath them socially because of his low birth. They ask him to train their mediocre racehorses to become successful on the race track and they make fun of Selima. They also become rather jealous when Selima develops into a successful racer.
e. Henry Talbot, (a second (sub?) protagonist) and Colonel Tasker’s jockey, has his own conflicts as he finds success with riding Selima. A temperamental stablemaster torments Henry as the slave works his way to becoming a jockey. Jealous of his rising stature, fellow slaves get him into trouble with his owner, Governor Samuel Ogle of Maryland, and rob him of his jockey earnings and Henry’s means of purchasing his own freedom. Henry resorts to running away after Ogle refuses to help with the theft, risking his jockey career.
6. Sixth Assignment - Inner conflicts
Inner conflicts of:
Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. – An expert horseman, Tasker is frustrated by his peers’ social rejection and is not sure what to do about it. He wants at least to be treated better. He is aware that a way to earn respect and improve a reputation among the colonies’ privileged class is to have a fast horse that wins races. Tasker places himself wholeheartedly in this endeavor when he is able to own Selima, a broodmare of champion bloodlines that wins races. Tasker does indeed begin to earn respect from Governor Ogle and (to some extent) from Elizabeth Worthington, and the jealousy of a rival from William Byrd. However, Tasker begins to question this respect’s superficiality – do others respect Tasker for his good character as a person or simply that he is the owner of a successful racehorse? This is bold new thinking in 18th century colonial America.
William Byrd – A loyalist to the English king, Byrd is charming, wealthy, young, privileged, and a successful Virginia statesman, yet he has severe gambling problems and is insecure with others’ success. He is unhappily married to a wealthy plantation owner’s daughter. He values the idea that a fast horse ensures a high reputation for its owner, and he treasures his undefeated racehorse, Tryall for mostly that reason. However, he feels threatened by the success and strength of those beneath his social status, such as Colonel Tasker and his successful racehorse Selima (how can a broodmare be faster than a young stallion?) and the imposing, hot-tempered farmer Ewan Lemont. Byrd organizes a grand horse race and puts himself at risk and stress by requiring an enormous wager that he himself would struggle to pay if his horse lost – and is insecure enough to try to ruin Selima’s participation in the race.
Henry Talbot – Henry desperately wants to move on from being a slave to becoming a jockey, but he is frustrated by the contempt of his fellow slaves who are jealous of his success and the strictness of his cantankerous owner, Governor Ogle. He is often lonely – torn between achieving a higher status in life or remaining friends with his peers. He feels wronged by the governor when he refuses to grant him his freedom after a slave steals Henry’s earnings and the means to purchase his freedom. Out of anger, he runs away to a boarding house for jockeys, and faces more rejection when the jockeys scorn him for illegally fleeing his owner. Henry finds peace and solace with riding Selima, with whom he formed a bond and at times seemed to be his only friend.
Elizabeth Worthington – Worthington, the spoiled shallow only daughter of a wealthy planter, wants to marry one of the dashing young handsome aristocratic but superficial men in the countryside, but is discouraged when her father insists that she marry an old, boring, established, wealthy plantation owner. She rejects mild flirtations from Colonel Tasker when she learns that he is of low birth, in trade, and is a horse trainer and beneath her social status. When Tasker rescues her from a runaway horse, Worthington is grateful for his actions and begins feel attracted to him, which confuses her. She is also conflicted by Tasker’s question, when he approached her - is she feeling favorably towards Tasker because his victories with Selima or for his good character? She fights these conflicting feelings (it’s often too much for her to think about!) until a female acquaintance shows an obvious romantic interest in Tasker, and Worthington’s feelings grow into jealousy. She realizes too late that she is in love with Tasker, and is forced to marry the old wealthy plantation owner.
7. Seventh Assignment - Settings
Most of Tasker’s Chance takes place in colonial Maryland from early autumn 1751 to early winter 1752. The epilogue (denouement) takes place in 1785, after the Revolutionary War and in the southern portion of what is now the State of Maryland.
The story takes place in the following settings in rough chronological order.
Rural Maryland near the settlement of Collington, west of the Maryland capital of Annapolis: Most events take place on the vast Bel Air estate near Collington, MD. The Bel Air estate consists of an enormous elegant house, 2500 acres or tobacco and pasture, large fine stables, seven or eight slave cabins, and extensive barns and other outbuildings. Outside of Bel Air, the population is very sparse, the roads are few and muddy, communication is slow. The few estates and towns are separated by vast acres of farmland, pastureland or dense woods, where Indians are occasionally seen.
Some activity takes place on the Tasker Farm, is a small 60 acre farm near Galesville, south of Annapolis and close to the Chesapeake Bay shores. Bel Air is about a day’s ride away from the farm.
The elegant Wandlebury Stables near Newmarket, England: Large pasturelands extend from the prestigious Wandlebury Estate and Stables. The Stables are large and luxurious accommodations for horses; royalty and the aristocracy frequently came here to purchase their animals.
Westover, the enormous Virginia estate of William Byrd: Westover is a larger estate than Bel Air and is located on the James River near Williamsburg, VA. Byrd frequently hosts barbecues and horse races on this estate.
Annapolis, the small but prosperous capital port city of Maryland: 1751 Annapolis is a sophisticated city of cobblestone streets, brick townhomes, and large, elegant houses. Governor Ogle owns a house here, and the Taskers are frequent guests. The colonial aristocracy usually congregates in this city, and the locals tease them as “more British than the British.”
The Virginia wilderness near the Rappahannock River: Miles of forests, meadows and swamps exist here with poorly built roads and bridges. The civilization in this region are the tiny settlements of Fredericksburg, XXX, Gloucester, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Yorktown.
Anderson’s Race Grounds near Gloucester, VA: Anderson Race Grounds is the new form of circular race track that was becoming increasing more popular with horse racing. The sloping hills from the grounds provide the perfect viewing point to watch the races.
Mt. Airy Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD: The denouement of the story takes place here at Benedict Calvert’s farm in 1785, two years after the Revolutionary War ended.
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Comparative Narrative
Colony of Maryland
Late August 1751
Colonel Benjamin Tasker Jr. couldn’t take his mind off the intriguing letter he received a week ago from his brother-in-law as he rode his horse on a path through the forests of Anne Arundel County:
“I need to talk to you about the purchase of a horse the next time you come to Belair. This venture will require you to travel extensively on my behalf. I will explain more when you arrive.”
It ended abruptly with the flourishing signature “Samuel Ogle, Royal Provisional Governor of Maryland”.
The handsome 31-year colonel often traveled to Belair, the governor’s imposing estate, from his father’s small farm in Galesville near the Chesapeake Bay or from the simple wooden house he sometimes shared with his fellow councilmen in Annapolis, the colony’s capital city. The governor appreciated Tasker’s astute skills with business, government, and horses so much that he frequently invited him – and paid him — to assist with the management of affairs at Belair.
The elderly statesman demanded so much of Tasker’s time that the colonel had thought of asking to temporarily move into Belair, instead of traveling alone through the wilderness every few weeks like he was doing now. It was not safe.
“Require me to travel extensively” the colonel said out loud to his horse Dancer. “For the purchase of a horse. Travel extensively. What can all that mean? Maybe more than just traveling to England?” He patted the gray stallion’s neck. Speaking to his horse when he was in the woods calmed him. He preferred the company of horses over those of many humans, he discovered long ago. “I go there often for my tobacco trading travels. Maybe Sam wants me to travel to Spain? Or perhaps Portugal?”
A twig snapped to the right. Dancer flinched. Something large moved through the brushy growth in the forest about 60 feet away. Tasker saw him – a dark-skinned, bare-chested man wearing a deerskin skirt and with long tangled hair decorated with hawk feathers. A Piscataway Indian. A sizable tribe of them still lingered more than a century after the English settlers arrived in the colony. Encountering an Indian while traveling alone was dangerous; the savage can pull off an unarmed man from his horse, strike the rider in the head with a club to disable or kill him, climb into the saddle, and gallop off with the horse, both never to be seen again.
The Indian disappeared into the trees’ underbrush. Tasker legged Dancer into a canter, knowing that a clearing was up ahead where the Indian may feel exposed and thus spoil his ambush attempt. The colonel checked his two flintlock pistols in their holsters built within the front part of his saddle, which he always kept loaded but seldom fired. He was a good shot but rusty since his service in the Anne Arundel County militia a few years ago. Dancer and his rider approached the clearing where the trees gave way to an open field thick with high grasses; bobwhites and pheasants fluttered from the trail as they approached.
Tasker slowed Dancer down to a walk and peered around him. The afternoon sun of late fall brightened the surrounding grasslands to a golden light. Faint smells of ripening apples, newly-harvested hay, and curing tobacco drifted from nearby farms. Countless varieties of birds chattered at the sudden appearance of the horse and rider. He listened for sounds of movement and heard nothing except Dancer’s hoofbeats, but he sensed the Indian was nearby. Then – there! Over there – still about 60 feet away to the right, the feathered black hair flashed between clusters of shrubbery. The Indian had followed him.
The colonel reached for one of the flintlocks and pulled Dancer to a stop. He aimed the weapon several feet above where he saw the movement and pulled the trigger. Sparks flew from the pistol’s muzzle and barrel as the shot’s explosion shattered the natural quiet. Tasker heard running footsteps rustling in the grasses; they grew fainter by the second, and he finally saw the Indian running away from him and Dancer, not bothering to conceal himself, his long hair flying behind him. The colonel watched until the Indian disappeared into a copse of trees a half-mile away. Tasker no longer had a sense of danger. The savage was gone.
“That one was too close, Dancer old fellow.” I should demand from Sam that I move into Belair. thought the colonel. T’would save me and my horse a lot of travel from the farm in Galesville and be far less dangerous.
He straightened his faded dark blue button-front jacket and beige cotton trousers — worn to a nearly threadbare existence from constant wear in all sorts of weather. He wiped off the brush that caught onto his equally worn-down leather boots. He took off his black three-cornered hat on his head and pulled back his long brown hair that came loose during the rush and tied it back with a leather string. After placing the hat back on his head, Tasker urged his horse onward at a walk and thought about the good things that awaited him at Belair during his visits every few weeks: good hot food, a clean spare bedroom with a goose down mattress on a large bed, cheerful fires in fireplaces that lit up cherrywood floors and wall paneling, warm hospitality from his sister, and courteous – if somewhat aloof - treatment from the governor. As well as working with the governor’s excellent Thoroughbred racehorses.
Of Tasker’s many skills and occupations – spice trader, Surveyor General of the Eastern Shore, councilman of the Maryland Assembly, Naval Officer of Annapolis, occasional diplomat, farm manager, and horse trainer – the one he enjoyed the most and for which he received the greatest admiration was as a trainer of racehorses. He had the ability to spot a potential racer of any horse breed and to bring out the best in the animal so it would successfully win races. He had a rare gift of sensing a horse’s capabilities and thoughts, and, without uttering a sound except an occasional “Here boy” or “There you go, girl” in a low voice, could encourage the animal to run as fast as it possibly can for the joy of it. If the horse became frightened or agitated, he could quickly calm it down with a few soft words, gentle strokes along its neck, and a calm gaze into the horse’s eyes. Horses loved him for it, and they responded readily to his soothing treatment.
Many estate owners sought out the colonel for his training skills, since horse racing was fast becoming popular to settle disputes and prove a gentleman’s high reputation; yet he didn’t charge high prices for his services since he knew that horse training fee were typically low. He trained horses mostly for the love of the job – and many wealthy landowners took advantage of him for this. Especially Governor Ogle.
Tasker’s thoughts returned to the governor’s letter. A purchase of a horse. A purchase that required extensive travel.
“T’will be nice to go to a new country.” Tasker said to Dancer. “And to get away from those high-minded blokes like the Hanson and Darby families who treat me like a field hand when I train their lazy racehorses.”
Then a thought suddenly struck him, like a face slap, a lightening bolt. He almost stood in his saddle from its intensity. What am I doing?! Why do I do everything Sam asks me to do at the drop of a hat? I’m tired of it! Blasted tired of it! Ask me to travel overseas to purchase a horse for him?? I will have to temporarily leave my many occupations, which will be very difficult for me to do. Who does Sam think he is?
I should take this opportunity to demand a racehorse of my own while in this country, wherever it is. That’s it! That’s what I should do!
The more he thought about the idea, the more it made sense to him. After all, I’ve trained the racehorses in Anne Arundel County to be successful for years. Why CAN”T I have my own racing stallion? A Thoroughbred stallion? With the greatest bloodlines possible? I’m worthy of it and the time is right for me to have one. Yes! I will train that horse to become the greatest undefeated champion in Anne Arundel County. In the Maryland Colony, perhaps. What respect that will bring me!!
His mind raced. He thought of other situations that could come about from this meeting with the governor. “Might it mean travel to Spain to buy an Andalusian stallion? As well as one for myself? Andalusians are not exactly fast but they’re incredibly strong and beautiful. Or it might mean travel to Saudi Arabia to purchase an Arabian stallion! How glorious that would be! To enjoy the seaside of Jeddah!” he shouted to the woods and the sky. Dancer pricked his ears back and forth.
Tasker’s imagination flew. He imagined himself riding shiny black Arabians on the sunny Sahara Desert beaches, far away from slaves, muddy fields, cold winters, and the haughty airs of Governor Ogle and the nearby plantation families. He wore loose white linens and walked barefoot in the sand. He swam in the warm ocean, ate oranges and dates, and envisioned Priscilla, his deceased fiancé, standing on a nearby sand dune wearing a loose white linen dress that that billowed around her in the warm wind. Her long light brown hair danced around her lovely face. She waved to him and laughed.
No. I will not think of her.
All daydreams vanished as the colonel’s mind went quiet. He and Dancer progressed peacefully on the path to Belair, which then widened into a well-packed dirt road – the Collington Road – that was cleared through the woods by slaves thirty years earlier and that stretched by the entrance to the Belair estate. Tasker said no more to his horse and listened to the singing tree frogs, occasional chirping birds, and the steady thud, thud, thud of the horse’s hoofs stepping on trodden earth.