by Loyd, Sandy
Unimpressed, Colin rolled his eyes. Caroline was a fast piece who caused more than a minor annoyance during the few parties and activities he and Abby had attended right after they’d first moved into the area. Colin had had little interest in such activities. But Abigail had enjoyed them. It seemed a small price to pay to give her that little bit of happiness. Yet Caroline’s outrageous flirting dimmed some of that enjoyment. “Give her my best, will you?” he said without conviction. Caroline Hillier was the least of his problems.
“I think you’ll have the opportunity to tell her yourself, if she gets wind you’re in town,” Malcolm said, smiling. “I’ve got to tell you, my friend, I don’t envy you. She’s a tough one to ignore.”
“Thanks for the warning. Just be glad you’ve got Susan to keep her from digging her claws into you.”
“Like that ever stopped the woman,” Malcolm sneered. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
Colin nodded. “Until later, then.” As he walked back to the hotel, Colin truly hoped he wouldn’t see her. Caroline always made him feel like he was a fox on the run. His thoughts turned to Emily Jones, a widow he’d struck up a friendship with several months earlier. She was the complete opposite of Caroline. Emily’s husband died three years ago, leaving her a wealthy woman. The widow laughed at anyone’s attempts to marry her off. This made her the perfect partner for him because he had no intention of marrying again either, seeing no need. He had his children, and his farm was his life. After Abby’s death, he vowed never to marry again. In his opinion, there wasn’t a woman out there who could be happy sharing his dream with him.
Emily’s shared disdain of marriage made her the perfect woman for him to escort to dinner without feeling pressured. The relationship worked for both of them. She most likely expected to see him tonight, but after talking to Malcolm, he had no desire to socialize.
Shrugging off the thought, he walked into his hotel and up to his room. Once inside, he took out his pocket watch. Having an hour to kill, he decided to finish reading a book detailing the latest ideas in animal husbandry. He read anything he could get his hands on concerning breeding. In his mind, knowledge was power. That, coupled with experience, was the road to success.
Colin read until it was time to go downstairs. Outside the room where the meeting was to be held, he spied M. Lewis Clark, Jr., or Lutie, as his friends called him.
Clark was in the middle of speaking. When Colin walked up, he stopped and smiled warmly. They shook hands. “I was explaining that the property I have in mind belongs to my uncles.”
“Yes, but it’s so far out. Why not the Falls City grounds? It’s much closer,” said one man in the small group.
“Vision!” Clark answered. “My vision includes a grandstand for two hundred people and stables for four hundred horses built on sixty-five acres of prime land once used as a track that sits unused and can be leased for a reasonable price. The soil is superb. Springy sand mixed with clay and drains well. It’s a mile-long oval. Eighty feet wide on the homestretch—sixty feet on the backstretch. The turns are a quarter of a mile each, which means it’ll be one of the safest racetracks in the country.”
More men had filed into the packed room that was soon standing room only. Clark cleared his throat. “I’ll start the meeting now. If you still have concerns afterward, let me know. Hopefully I can allay your fears.”
Colin sat next to Malcolm, who’d saved him a seat.
Clark’s speech was persuasive. He’d obviously investigated this thoroughly, traveling through England and France extensively. For almost a century, people came from all over England to witness the Epsom Derby, an annual event. Louisville needed something similar to draw in the masses—Louisville’s own derby. His proposal involved creating the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association, along with the new racetrack. Both would sponsor the event and hold it in the middle of the spring meet. The railroad could lay track to the park, which would provide transportation for the masses.
The next part of Clark’s plans included using the Paris Mutuel machine, invented by a Frenchman, which calculated the bets. The total amount bet on any one race would be divided between all of the winners of that race, minus the five percent the house would take for their services, ensuring profitability. The machines were currently being used in France, and had been for a couple of years. The process worked. Clark was very excited when he ended his speech with, “My friends, this is our opportunity to bring Kentucky back into horse racing.”
There was silence in the room before the questions started flying and were promptly answered. By the time the meeting was over, the men had come to an agreement. The Articles of Incorporation were adopted for the new Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association. Three hundred and twenty men pledged one hundred dollars each for work to begin on the new grandstand and stables to be finished by May, in time for the 1875 spring meet.
Though still a gamble, Colin pledged his and Gus’s money before walking the few blocks to retrieve his horse. He rode down Third Street toward the outskirts of town, intending to check out the track. Weaving in and out of passersby, horse-drawn wagons, and men on horseback, Colin was surprised to find the road so crowded well after six o’clock on this Monday evening. The sun was no longer high, but dusk wouldn’t come for a couple of hours.
Near the edge of town, walkers and riders still filled the promenade, but as he continued riding, the crowds started thinning. By the time he reached his destination, three miles south of the city limits, Colin was totally alone. The only sound, other than his horse’s hooves hitting the dirt, was that of bees buzzing or birds chirping. It was peaceful and quiet.
Colin dismounted and walked around, noticing at once what his friend had seen—a perfect spot for Louisville’s premier racetrack. Though a ways from town, Colin could see this area surrounded by houses and activity in no time. Louisville had been slowly stretching its boundaries since its beginnings in the late 1700s.
Having achieved his goal, Colin quickly mounted his horse and headed back the way he’d come. By the time he reached Main Street, the city’s gaslights were being lit.
He dropped his horse off at the livery and settled his account. While walking back to the hotel, he ran into several friends. One in particular, Ian Stevens, invited him to dinner at the hotel. An hour later he finished eating and departed the restaurant. Energy still consumed him. Colin wasn’t ready to turn in yet. When he pushed the heavy door to go out, he almost ran into Emily Jones.
A smile lit Emily’s face as recognition set in. “Why, I thought you might be in town tonight.” Then the smile slowly faded. “I’m surprised you didn’t call.”
Colin caught the hurt look in her eyes before she quickly lowered her gaze.
Damn, this was getting complicated. “Emily, I’m sorry,” he said, feeling torn. “I did mean to call, but my business ran later than I expected. Time got ahead of me. I was just out for a bit of air—a night stroll.” He offered a bent elbow. “Would you care to join me?”
Emily nodded. “A stroll sounds lovely.” She placed her hand on his arm.
Together, they walked out into the street. Despite the fact that the time was nearing ten o’clock, there were many out and about, also enjoying the pleasant evening.
They’d gone half a block when Emily said, “How was your meeting?”
“It went well.” Colin smiled. “We actually set the gears in motion.”
“People are talking about nothing else. There is so much speculation.”
Colin chuckled. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m optimistic. Time will tell.”
Small talk went back and forth for a few minutes, eventually lapsing into silence.
Colin wondered how he could gracefully decline the invitation he knew she would be issuing for a late dinner as she sometimes did. He had too many pressing issues on his mind to deal with hurting her feelings. It seemed callous and cruel, but it was how he felt. He knew his not calling on her had also hurt
her feelings, because he could still see sadness in her eyes when he happened to gaze into them.
After being so careful, he couldn’t believe he’d done what he’d sworn never to do. Hurt her. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, especially someone he cared about. He cared about Emily, but he didn’t love her. Suddenly, he felt in the exact position he’d been in when he was married. No matter what he did, his actions hurt his wife. Now the past was repeating itself.
Looking at Emily now, her gaze shielded by the corner of her hat, he sighed.
“You seem distracted,” she said in a quiet voice. “I hope you’re not merely being polite.” She paused, momentarily watching him. Then her invitation came tumbling out quickly. “Would you like to have a late dinner? I’d love the company.”
The hope in her voice tugged at Colin, tearing his insides. It seemed he could hurt her a little now by being honest. Or be dishonest and carry on the lie, which would probably hurt her more later on. Thinking about it for a moment, he finally opted for honesty, mainly because he wasn’t in the mood to placate a woman who shouldn’t need to be placated.
“I’d love nothing more, but I have a lot on my mind. I don’t think I’d be good company,” he said in a gentle voice. “That’s the main reason I didn’t call. I know you were expecting it, and I am sorry.”
“I don’t believe you wouldn’t be good company,” Emily countered hopefully. “You always are, no matter what. Besides, maybe I can help.”
He shook his head. “Not tonight.” He stopped and looked down at her. When she raised her head so that he could hold her gaze, he smiled wanly. “Were you at the Galt House for a reason? Are you going back? If so, I’ll escort you there.”
She blinked back tears and shook her head. Her voice was just above a whisper when she spoke. “No, I only went there to see if I might bump into you. I guess I am the one who should be sorry.”
Noticing the tears, Colin felt as low as the dirt under his feet. Still, he’d wanted no entanglements and he couldn’t relent. That would be too cruel in the end. “There’s no need for you to apologize. Come, I’ll escort you home.”
They started in the direction of her house. When they reached her porch, Colin stopped. He turned to her and said in a solemn voice filled with sadness, “I believe you are starting to want something I can’t give.”
“That’s not true, Colin.”
He winced at the desperation in her voice. He was silent for several minutes. Finally, he met her gaze so she could see the truth in his eyes. “We’ve always dealt with each other honestly. And you know where I stand. Where I’ve always stood on marriage. I’m not going to change my mind. I don’t want another wife, especially one from the city who’s afraid of horses. My God. I could never make that mistake again. Think about it. You’re a city girl. You’ve lived in the city your entire life. My farm is my first love and I have three children to think of, leaving me time for little else. After this racetrack settles, I’ll have even less time.”
“But Colin, I love you. I would love being with you anywhere.”
“That’s not good enough,” he said in a resigned voice, shaking his head. “That may work for a little while, but what about after that? I can’t handle being the cause of another woman’s unhappiness. You are too much like my wife. I see too many similarities.”
“Then let’s continue as before,” she said a little too quickly. “I’ll ask nothing of you.”
“No, it will never be as before and you know it.” His tone gentled. “You need to find someone to share your life with. I know you say you don’t want it, but your actions prove otherwise. I care about you, Emily, but not enough to marry you. I’m sorry. I think it’s best if we didn’t see each other anymore. In time, you’ll see I was right.” With those words he turned to go.
Colin’s walk back to the hotel took only a matter of minutes. The entire time his thoughts had been on Emily and the relief he felt in speaking his mind. During their last few times together, he sensed she was beginning to see much more in him than he did in her. As he pushed his way through the entrance to his hotel, one truth hit him between the eyes. He doubted he’d ever find a suitable mate, so he should just quit trying.
Chapter 10
Libby hurried along the trail to the big house, having found Berta’s suggestion of a bath in the creek a perfect opportunity to snoop for the deed to Colin’s land. Gus was still at the stables, staying later to work out a guard detail. Nathan was busy with chores.
According to Berta, two older nannies, Minnie and Maizie, were prone to eat in their room and turn in early when Colin wasn’t in residence. Approaching the house, Libby spent a moment looking around, praying the two women weren’t in the parlor.
Everything appeared quiet. Even the insects hadn’t begun to chirp yet. With fingers crossed that the coast would stay clear, she sneaked up the porch steps. She eased the door open and listened. Her heart pounded so loud, she was sure the noise would alert either one of the nannies or another servant. She inhaled deeply, using the technique to calm her nerves. When nothing happened for the longest time, she slipped inside. Afraid to move too quickly, she edged her way along the wall, listening for any noise other than her rapid heartbeat that still hadn’t slowed to normal.
A door opening sounded above and Libby stopped short, her heart in her throat. The pounding inside her chest grew louder as someone on the second floor walked in her direction. Another door opened and total silence followed. Libby stood watching the staircase for the longest time, then quickly ventured toward the study door and slipped inside.
Taking several deep breaths to still her rapid heartbeat, she shook her hands and rolled her shoulders. Being a thief required the kind of gall Libby didn’t think she had. But now that she was here, she had no time to waste questioning her sanity and moved quietly across the room. The large dark wood desk suited a man like Colin, she thought, sitting in his oversized chair and methodically opening the side drawers one by one. It didn’t take much searching to spot a locked strongbox. Figuring the deed was probably inside, Libby continued looking for a key.
At the sound of a thump, she froze with her hand on the locked box on top of the desk. Her gaze flew to the door. When all was silent for an extended moment, she let out the breath she’d been holding and picked up a letter opener to jimmy the lock.
The lock clicked open. Her glee-filled grin broke free, and she couldn’t contain the triumphant excitement running through her. Nestled inside with other documents, Libby found the deed, which she quickly grabbed and stuck inside her shirt. She jiggled the makeshift key to relock the box, put everything back the way she’d found it, and hurried out of the house the way she’d come. Staying near the bushes, she made her way toward the twin oak trees to wish herself home. Hopefully, she’d be able to make notarized copies and then return to replace the deed before anyone knew it was missing. Only then would her task be complete. The thought of being nestled in her own bed in her own century tonight had her rushing.
At the base of one of the trees, she stood and glanced up into its monstrous fully-leaved branches. Closing her eyes, she wished to go home.
Nothing happened. Looking at the trees, she tamped down the rising trepidation and said more forcefully than was necessary, “Come on. You’re supposed to be wishing trees and I’m wishing to go home.” Maybe she wasn’t wishing hard enough. Giving it another try, she closed her eyes and wished with all her might. When that didn’t work she did it again. Several times.
What was wrong? Why wasn’t she going home? The thought of being stuck here sent another streak of fear down her spine. Yet, no matter how much she wished, it did no good. She definitely wasn’t going anywhere tonight. Finally, her shoulders rounded in defeat and she slowly headed back to the smaller house, beyond the big one. There had to be a reason she couldn’t go home. Nothing would let her believe she was stuck in the wrong century. She’d try again later. In the meantime she’d keep the deed hidden and pray no one would re
alize it was missing.
As usual, the scents coming from the kitchen were strong enough to make Libby’s mouth water. Only tonight, eating was the last thing on her mind.
Gus joined them a minute later and bowed his head to say grace.
Dinner was another boisterous affair that Libby usually enjoyed when the Gundersons shared the events of their day. She tried to stay focused on the conversation rather than on her failure at the trees.
“Minnie and Maizie certainly have their hands full with those poor angels,” Berta said, warming to one of her favorite topics, Colin’s three motherless children. “Yesterday Sam had turned the parlor into a stable and had Melanie acting like a horse he was training. Where that child gets his imagination, Lord only knows. Soon, he had both women playing in the game.”
Libby did the math in her head. The boy Berta mentioned must be the future Sam’s grandfather. She wondered what he looked like.
“Sam’s interest in horses is inherited.” Gus reached for the platter going around the table. He probably had his father’s and grandson’s blue eyes, Libby thought as he added, “Colin will train him properly.”
Berta clucked. “He’s only five, much too young to lose his mother.”
In Libby’s book, fourteen was too young too. “That’s sad,” she said, feeling a strange sort of kinship with kids she’d never met.
“Now, Berta, you know Minnie and Maizie love those kids—more than their own mother ever did, if you ask me.”
Libby would have liked to learn more about Colin’s children and was disappointed when the conversation turned to other topics. Since it didn’t seem fitting for a boy to be too interested, she let her mind drift back to her time travel problem as Gus shared his day with Berta, even encouraging Nathan and his sister, Sarah, to share their experiences.