“‘So you like horses?’ ‘Yes, sir, a might more than people.’”

Charlotte prefers the company of animals to humans, particularly horses. When her parents died, it was the horses that kept her warm, safe, and comforted. The humans who found her refused to take her in and sent her to an orphanage run by cruel adults. Charlotte has not known much kindness from people, so she likes horses better.

“Nobody wanted an almost grown girl.”

Charlotte recognizes that her chance of being adopted has passed. When she was little and very cute, she was a desirable child, but Mrs. Boyle prevented her from being adopted. She understands that she is not wanted in society partly because she is an orphan, but also because she is a girl. Adoptive parents want young strong boys to help them with work and hard labor. She has to let go of her dream of being adopted into a family and instead learn to rely on herself.

“You’re getting close to being a young lady and you need to start acting like one. From now on you will have full duties in the kitchen with Mrs. Boyle. The stable is off limits to you.”

Mr. Millshark is punishing Charlotte for outperforming the boys. He is embarrassed that his supposedly strong and healthy boys are beaten in the race by a girl. He knows how much Charlotte loves to help Vern in the stables, so he intentionally takes that away from her to keep her from humiliating him or the boys.