by Loyd, Sandy
Libby had no intention of remaining here. Not when she missed everything about the future. Her friends. Technology. Feminism. Advances in medicine. The list went on and on. No one in their right mind would wish to remain without hot and cold running water if they had a choice.
Eventually, the oaks would take her home. They just had to.
In the meantime, she needed to keep her distance from the one who stood not a foot away with the killer smile that always made her heart flutter. Ignoring the flutter now, she broke eye contact and said a little too curtly, “Well, I’m not a cat.” She then grabbed the reins from him and started leading her horse to the starting line.
~
The abrupt change in Libby’s manner and the tone of her voice stunned Colin. What got her back up this morning? Shrugging off disappointment, he followed her. Within no time they were back to their easy way and the two continued working as if the moment had never happened.
While training, Colin’s thoughts were on Libby. After last night, he’d decided that since his time with her was limited, he was going to enjoy what was left of it. That meant spending a little more of the day in her company. She made him laugh; made him forget his problems.
There were a hundred reasons he should keep a tight rein on his feelings, the biggest one being she’d be leaving shortly. Her life belonged in another era. She had a fiancé waiting. Yet none kept him from praying every night on his way out to the trees that her journey to the future would be delayed one more night. Colin could no longer deny living for their mornings together, and every evening he found he was in too big a hurry to join her by the two oak trees. He was wading in too deep, but he couldn’t prevent from treading deeper.
The thought of Libby returning to her home left him feeling bereft, so he refused to dwell on it. He’d come to accept that once she was gone, he’d miss her much more than he had his wife—despite only knowing her a brief period. He wouldn’t think about that either, or the timeless connection they shared.
The two finished training for the day and while walking back, Colin asked nonchalantly, “I need to check on some fences out by the south pasture. How about accompanying me and taking a ride simply for the pleasure of riding?”
Her face lit up at his suggestion. Then she frowned. “What about my duties?”
“Gus can handle things on his own,” he said. “Nathan can even help him now. One afternoon away shouldn’t hurt. What’s more, you’ve been working too hard. You deserve a break.” He stopped short when he realized he was pleading.
Libby appeared to be waging a mental battle. Finally, she sighed. “I really shouldn’t, but somehow I can’t muster the energy to refuse such a generous offer.” She laughed, the pleased sound sending a signal directly to his groin, one he ignored as she said, “Besides, riding any horse in your stable’s impossible to turn down. I might as well enjoy myself to the fullest while I’m still here. No telling when I’ll be going home.” Colin felt a tug of regret when she sobered and scanned the landscape, adding, “To be honest, I’ve already gone past the point of involvement with all of you, so one ride won’t change anything.”
He swallowed hard as guilt lodged in his gut. Unfortunately, guilt did little to diminish his need to be with her.
At Colin’s earlier request, Jake had two horses ready and waiting at the stables. He and Libby quickly mounted and rode out together.
After watching Libby with the thoroughbreds every morning for several weeks, Colin could see that she loved to race. More than that, she loved to win. Anticipating this ride, he’d purposely paired her with a horse that would even things out, figuring their ride would eventually turn into a race between them, even expected it. Colin wasn’t disappointed as Libby took off.
Laughing, he raced after her. Libby’s skill and lighter weight more than made up for Colin’s mount’s advantages. Even though she rode a mare lacking his stallion’s stamina, Libby had the uncanny ability to get more run out of a horse than anyone he’d ever met. He wanted her to be challenged, while at the same time he wanted their contest to be a fair one.
Libby rode hard to keep her small lead. Soon he edged ahead and fought to maintain his ground, fully aware that if he’d been riding the mare and she the stallion, she would have left him in the dust and been happy to do so.
The challenge of staying ahead of her was too hard for him to ignore. He loved meeting any dare she threw out. Colin kept his small lead, but a lead nonetheless. Spotting his destination up ahead, he slowed. So did Libby, conceding defeat, which was something else to admire. She didn’t cheat. If she lost, she accepted it. But that never stopped her from trying to best him the next time. With that attitude, there was no telling how much her skills could improve.
Riding at a slow trot to cool off the horses, he pointed. “See that tree at the top of the rise?” At Libby’s nod, he said, “That’s a good place to stop. The fence I need to check isn’t too far away.”
~
Libby had forgotten what it was like to ride for the mere pleasure of it. She hadn’t done so in too long, having spent her weeks in the past riding thoroughbreds around a track instead. The feeling—of the horse’s power beneath her legs and of the wind on her face—was like nothing else.
There was no place in time she’d rather be than right where she was, having raced Colin through the Kentucky countryside in 1874. The thought should have frightened her, but didn’t. She’d been too caught up in the moment, as the two had ridden neck and neck, neither willing to yield the win. She laughed, totally energized. She could worry about it all later—after she beat Colin. For now, she planned on simply enjoying herself to the fullest.
Looking around, Libby recognized the rise as the same place she’d been with Pride that afternoon she’d felt such peace—the same afternoon she’d made the trip back in time. As they rode closer, Libby noticed a blanket with a picnic basket sitting in the middle of it.
Her look turned questioning as she glanced at Colin. He shrugged. “We may be out here awhile. We need to eat sometime. I thought we could enjoy our lunch while we’re here as well.”
Bad idea, Libby thought, dismounting. It all seemed too romantic. Somehow Libby felt romance wasn’t part of why she was stuck in this century. As much as she would love a little romance with Colin, she had to refrain from acting on it. Getting entangled with him in that way would only complicate things. She really didn’t need any more complications in her life right now.
Furtively watching him dismount, she grinned. OK, she must have gotten the wrong idea. His laughing eyes and boyish smile did strange things to her insides, but both appeared innocent. How could she refuse his sweet offer of a picnic? Besides, he was right about being hungry. Both needed to eat. This way they could take their time. Plus, she could use a break. What a perfect way to spend a couple of hours.
Libby dismissed her worries, confident that she could handle her wayward thoughts. Despite a few uncomfortable moments last night, Colin had never given her reason to worry about stuff like that anyway. He probably had no intention of romancing her, especially since she was dressed like a boy, hardly the garb of a seductress. That thought made her laugh. No, seduction was most likely not on his to-do list.
“I love the quality of your laughter,” Colin said, his wide grin forming. “I can’t help but feel cheerful when I’m around you.”
He took her hand, leading her over to the blanket. Libby plopped down and watched him tie the horses. His demeanor was definitely happy, but nothing in it indicated he was being anything other than the friend she’d come to rely on. Her imagination was playing tricks on her.
Colin sat down next to her. He seemed as content with the silence as she did before he finally leaned over on his knees and snagged the basket. Then placing it between them, he opened it up.
“Hmm, let’s see what we have.” He pulled out several items including bread, cheese, and ham. “We won’t starve. And we certainly won’t die of thirst.” The last item in his hand
was a decanter of red wine. He rummaged around in the basket and came up with two glasses. “God bless the French. They really know how to make a good bottle of wine. Want some?”
Libby smiled. “If I drink that, I won’t be able to beat you on the ride back.”
“What makes you think you’ll be able to defeat me if you don’t drink it?” Colin took the stopper off the decanter and poured two glasses, handing her one. She took it. He continued speaking, making eye contact. “Besides, if I imbibe too, maybe we should wait for our rematch.” He then took a drink, steadfastly holding her gaze, clearly daring her to drink.
Tiny alarm bells pealed in Libby’s brain. As outrageous as it seemed, she had to mentally shake the feeling that maybe her instinct hadn’t been far off base. There was something different in his demeanor today, yet he’d never given her any reason to be wary of him. Ignoring the warning, she sipped, keeping her eyes locked on his. The entire time, sensation in her belly grew and she felt herself falling under his spell.
Finally, he averted his gaze to set his wine glass down. As much as Libby shouldn’t be thinking of him romantically, she couldn’t quite push the idea away as her gaze lowered to his lips. For too many seconds she wondered what it would be like to kiss him.
Good grief.
As his focus returned to the food, she adjusted her legs underneath her and patted her hot cheeks, praying he wouldn’t notice what had to be a beet-red face.
Thankfully, he ignored her, his manner once more that of the man Libby had come to rely on. She leaned back against the tree, pondering his seemingly mixed signals. Shrugging off the idea as silly, Libby took another swallow of wine.
After setting up two plates of food, he handed one to her. Colin then moved the basket to the side. With his plate on his lap, he began eating.
“So, tell me more about my land in the future,” Colin said, interrupting the easy silence. “Is the entire twenty thousand acres still intact?”
Libby had just taken a bite and contemplated his question while chewing. She swallowed. “I don’t know. Twenty thousand acres is a lot of land for one parcel, especially in the twenty-first century. I think some of the land has been sold off at one time or another to developers. This area is still part of the farm, but I think once you get over that rise, Sam’s land ends.”
“Sam?”
“Sam Thorpe—your great-great—not sure how many greats—grandson. He’s a good man. I told you about the farm and the way he’s keeping what’s left in a trust for future generations.”
“It warms my heart to know this survives.” He gestured to the green rolling hills.
“Yes, it’s a piece of history that few see.” At his raised eyebrows, she elaborated. “It’s called progress and population explosion. Everyone wants a piece of the American dream. Home ownership. Most of the big farms around the Louisville area are gone, eaten up by developers who build houses. There are lots and lots of houses now where empty land and farms used to be.”
“Then I guess I should be happy that so much of mine is left. Tell me more about Louisville. I imagine the city has changed too. You say there are houses everywhere. That seems so hard to imagine, as it’s pretty big right now. I can see Louisville eventually growing out to the track we’re building, but farther out boggles the mind.”
Libby shrugged. “What do you want to know?” Colin had mentioned his trip to Louisville and the meetings he’d recently attended. Over the past week, Libby realized that Colin was referring to the beginnings of Churchill Downs.
“Do they still have horse racing?”
Grinning, she took another bite of food, stilling a rush of adrenaline.
“Is there a derby still run in May on our racetrack,” he asked a moment later.
Libby laughed. “You tell me.” Imagine being witness to history in the making. The creation of one of the most watched horse races ever, the Kentucky Derby.
“I hope so. Our first derby is set to be run on May 17, 1875.” He scrutinized her face as if searching for the future hidden in code there.
“You know I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“If only we can become a part of history. It’s a dream worth having.”
Libby’s grin widened at the excitement in his voice. She set her empty plate aside and took another sip of wine. Her mood was mellow as she turned away from the tree and sat with bent legs out to her side. “It’s nice out here. I’m glad you invited me.”
Glancing over at her, he smiled wistfully. “So am I.”
“We have so much in common.” Libby sighed. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t pushed me to tell you everything. And you believed me. Of course I should have known that you’d have a fancy for the unbelievable.”
Colin leaned back on his elbows, stretching out one leg at a time just inches from her, appearing replete from the food and wine. “Oh? How so?”
“Well, everything about this place says you’re open to ideas. I mean, you even name your horses after Greek and Roman gods. Everything has a meaning, doesn’t it?”
“As a matter of fact, my horses’ names do have meaning.” Colin was clearly taken aback by her perception. “So you’re familiar with mythology?”
Libby smiled. “A little.” More than a little. She couldn’t be friends with Bev and not be familiar with mythology. Bev believed it was just a matter of time until the mysteries of the universe were uncovered. She was always doing major research on past cultures and legends, dragging Libby with her as she scoured bookshelves and the Internet to prove a point. After reading all about fairies and witches, Greek and Roman gods seemed pretty tame.
“I know that Zeus was a supreme deity or ruler,” she said. “His son was Hercules and Aphrodite was Zeus’s daughter. Fortuna is the goddess of chance. I’m a little stumped by Asapurna. I know it’s from mythology. I’m not sure what it means, though.”
“It’s Hindu,” Colin answered, grinning. “She was a mother goddess. Her name literally means ‘she who fills your desires.’ ”
“See what I mean. Asapurna and Zeus are perfect names for the animals you chose to begin to build your dream.”
He chuckled. “I see your point. I’m surprised you caught it. Most people don’t.”
“It’s all too much.” Libby sighed and said, “Why couldn’t I have met you in my own time?” Then silently amended, Why couldn’t I have met you before I met Dave?
His brow furrowed. “Surely there are open-minded men in your century? And men who dream?” Leaning in closer on one elbow, he reached for her hand and held it for a minute, studying it. Then he brought it to his lips and kissed it before whispering, “How is it that you know so much about such things as mythology? How is it that you’re so perceptive of me and of my motives? Who are you, Libby Edwards? Some goddess sent here to torment me from the future?”
The bells in her brain clanged louder even as her heartbeat quickened. Libby couldn’t take her eyes from him. He was going to kiss her if she didn’t do something quickly to lighten things up. She pulled her hand from his and turned. The movement was enough to break the spell.
“Not a goddess,” Libby whispered, swallowing hard. “Just Elizabeth Edwards, flesh and blood, trying to find her way back home.”
~
Thoughts of having Libby as he wanted, wrapped in his arms and intertwined in his life forever, swam around in Colin’s brain. He inhaled much-needed air in an attempt to regain his wits.
For more than a moment, kissing Libby’s sweet lips had been the most pressing thing on his mind. Doing so might spoil their relationship, and he wasn’t fool enough to risk that. He enjoyed her company too much. She had a way of cutting to the quick of things. Sometimes he even said things just to see her reaction.
“Elizabeth?” he said, eyeing her intently and pushing his daydreams away. “I thought your name was Liberty.”
Libby’s grin spread. “I lied.”
He quirked a brow. “You lied?” Libby had to be older than he�
��d first thought. She acted like a grown woman, although he’d never known one to be so forthright. A most refreshing idiosyncrasy. If all the women of her century were so inclined, it offered plenty to contemplate.
“I had to improvise when Gus asked. I thought it a decent save. I’m supposed to be a boy, you know. Telling him my name was Elizabeth would have given away the game.”
“Elizabeth,” he repeated, holding on to his smile over her brazen attitude. “I like it. It suits you.” He studied her face. “Of course, Libby suits you too. I bet you have two sides. Libby is the woman-child who flies through time. Elizabeth marries Dr. Bull.” Colin had to remember her time in his century was limited. Intuition told him that she would never be truly happy here. As much as he’d love to pursue a lasting relationship, he refused to be the cause of anyone’s unhappiness ever again.
“Maybe,” Libby said laughing, the sound zinging its way from his ears to his groin. She leaned on her forearms and looked up at the sky. Colin did the same. Billowy white clouds drifted overhead.
“It’s so peaceful here,” she said.
Colin nodded. “This is my favorite spot.” Sighing, he lifted higher on his elbows and, lost in thought, stared out at the green landscape that went on forever.
“Tell me about your wife,” Libby asked after minutes of silence. “What was she like?”
“Why do you want to know about Abby?” He broke off a blade of grass and twirled it in his fingers, studying the texture.
“I don’t know.” Her voice, soft as a whisper, tugged on his conscience. “It just seems that thinking of her makes you sad. I’d venture to say that if you didn’t love her, her death wouldn’t affect you so much.”
He focused on the distant meadows and thought about what she was asking and how to answer her honestly. “Guilt,” he murmured, breaking another long pause.
“Guilt?” The question hung in the air.
“You say thinking of her makes me sad? Well, the thought that I was the cause of her unhappiness during our marriage eats away at me.” His voice sounded as unsteady as he felt.