The Only One (2 page)

Chapter 2

Alex studied the man of her childhood whimsies. Wide shoulders filled out his tailored coat nicely. A slim torso and hips, with thighs encased in tight fitting breeches displaying his superb backside. Hair as black as ink gleamed under the sun. Beneath the shadow of long lashes, his dark eyes sparkled. The man had to be the most beautiful . . .

Of all days. Of all places; Hudson’s stock auction.

She’d worn breeches. Her family accepted her frequent attire—well, maybe not her mother so much. And if Aunt Cornelia saw her, she’d shake her head and tut. Aunt Cornelia was the most superbly dressed woman on the earth. And she’d be ashamed if she could see her niece now.

Alex slipped behind the stage and peeked around the corner for another look. Drawing back, she let out a huge breath. He seemed so much bigger. She might only have been twelve at the time, but the moment she’d set her eyes on him, she had vowed she would marry him someday.

So determined the English aristocrat would be hers, she’d actually outlined a strategy to get him, not once considering his title or that he lived on another continent. Her family had always given her what she wanted. In her mind, the duke was no different than anything else she craved. The thought never entered her head that once he returned to his homeland, she would never see him again.

When that point became clear, she elected a new plan. Once she grew up, she would simply get on a ship and follow him to England. After all, Aunt Cornelia lived there.

During her aunt’s visits, she stressed the importance of the nobility—proper protocol, proper behavior, and proper dress. Alex soaked up every word. Even how her duke would require a proper bride. Blinded by her fascination with the man she’d set her sights on, she’d initiated a daring endeavor—especially for a young girl.

If she were to acquire the duke’s attention, she needed to learn, and she needed practice. Kissing was wicked, but what was a girl to do? And the butcher’s son had been most willing to aid her.

On her last birthday, she turned seventeen. A woman. Soon, she’d be able to use what she learned. She glanced down at the clothes she wore.

Breeches.

On a normal day, her attire suited her actions. What else would she wear to a horse auction? Of course, there weren’t many girls around. The few who attended wore dresses, with silly parasols for blocking the sun. Alex supposed she did rather resemble a boy. And mean old Mrs. Farsberry had called her a tomboy. Something about ‘connotations of rudeness and impropriety.’

Papa set her straight. Said his daughter was a spirited girl, and he had no intention of clipping her wings. The shock on the old bat’s face was enough to have Alex chuckling.

Aunt Cornelia had scolded Papa. Then she took Alex shopping, purchasing some of the most amazing dresses. They were all right for special occasions, but where did she ever go to wear such finery? She spent most of her time with horses. The animals would laugh if she wore such getups to the stables, not to mention the human inhabitants on the plantation.

But the duke . . . She wanted to be pretty for him. With another quick glance in his direction, Alex wished she had one of those gowns on now.

The speaker announced the final auction of the day as the last horse, and noticeably the finest, was led to the block. A solid black with no markings, unlike the previous stallions shown earlier. A magnificent blue-black with a cresty neck and powerful legs, he’d be a superb breeding animal. Perfect for re-establishing Morgan’s stables. Giles kept his eye on the knowledgeable handler, suspecting this could be the man Joe mentioned. He wondered if the gent would be interested in accompanying the horse after the sale. An experienced trainer, and one with the patience this man obviously possessed, was worth his weight in gold.

With the first bid, Giles turned to see who made the offer. Another man spoke, and another. The price rose quickly. Giles waited until the bidding dwindled down between two people. Being a good judge of character, he studied each man. One dark, with a wide-brimmed hat shadowing his eyes. By the look of him, a coarse man. Hard taskmaster.

Giles glanced to the other man. An impeccably dressed gent with a beauty clinging to his side. He obviously wanted to impress the woman on his arm. Neither man deserved such a creature.
Time to put an end to this
.

“I’ll double the last offer,” he called out in a deep voice.

All heads turned to him. Quiet slashed the crowd. Giles’ eyes connected with the auctioneer and never blinked. Finally, the man found his voice. “Going once! Twice! Sold!” Only when he slammed the hammer down on the podium, did Giles release his gaze.

Murmurs echoed through the mass of assembled bodies.

“Congratulations.” James stepped closer. “Well done.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Morgan will be pleased to have the stallion for his stables.”

“More than pleased, I should say.” His grin beamed from ear to ear as he shook Giles’ hand.

Glancing over James’ shoulder, the man with the wide brim hat gave a harsh glare. With an annoyed jerk, he pivoted and turned away. His angry strides assured Giles he’d done the right thing in securing the black stallion.

“You gave us some show,” Joe said.

“Show?”

“We’ve had biddin’ wars here, but the one stomping off over there is a mite sore. He’s used to getting his way. He thought he won the highest bid ‘till you entered the game. Threw him off, ‘cause he doesn’t know you.”

“I merely purchased a horse.” Giles shrugged. Nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Joe laughed. “Most people expected a high price for Abram’s stallion. But the amount was already exorbitant before you added your voice.”

“He’s right,” James added. “But then, you have bigger pockets.”

Several more patrons offered congratulations and clapped Giles on the back as though he belonged in their group. They made him feel comfortable, but in the back of his mind, the harsh look from the dark man lingered. He shrugged it off as an unnecessary awareness from his spying days.

“Pap.” A young man with similar features and the same build strode up to James.

“Giles, this is my son, Ben.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Ben.”

“Thank you. Same to you, sir.”

Giles appreciated a boy raised with manners.

“I see you added to your stock today.” A gentleman spoke from the other side of James.

“Hello, Henry.” The two men shook hands. “This is Giles. And this is Henry Barnum.”

“Mr. Barnum,” Giles nodded.

“Just Henry. Glad to meet you, Giles. Did you bring any horses with you today?”

“No. I came here to buy.”

“Well, you got the best of the lot. That stallion is a handful. Tore down Hudson’s fence when they tried to put him in the paddock.”

“I think I’ll go take a closer look at him.” Giles glanced to the big black pawing the ground. “Do you know anything about the trainer?”

“Has a way with the horse.”

“Do you suppose the man would be interested in continuing their relationship?”

“Well, now.” Henry rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Think he just might entertain such an idea.”

“Before you rush off, I’d like to invite you to my spread,” James said. “Won’t take no for an answer. Come to my home in a day or two, after you get your business settled. Sarah will appreciate a visit from an Englishman. My sister, Cornelia, lives in England and just happens to be visiting us.” James hooked his thumbs on the lapels of his coat. “Needless to say, her visits aren’t as frequent as we’d like. My daughter worships her. Cornelia fills her head with parties and balls and such. The girl will probably beleaguer your brain with questions.” He searched the surroundings. “She’s around here somewhere.”

“Where else would she be, Pap? More ‘n likely she’s latched on to the black with the white stocking feet you got her.”

“Alex nearly ran me over looking for you before the auction. Knew one caught her eye.” Henry tilted his head as he gave a wink. “Also, knew you’d get it for her.”

“Spoiled. That’s what she is,” Ben said.

“He’s not the only horse I bought today.” James leveled a glower on his son.

“Right, Pap.” Ben shuffled his feet. “I better go help Kit.”

James laughed. “Boy spoils the girl as much as I do.”

“Who’s Kit?” Giles asked.

“My oldest, Christopher. Benjamin is the middle boy, and Samuel is the youngest. A number of years went by before Sarah gave me a girl. Alexandria has had her brothers wrapped around her little finger since the day she was born.”

Ahh. Must be the hoyden Joe mentioned.

“Got something on my property that might interest you.” James hooked his fingers in the top of his belt.

Intrigued, Giles stiffened with attention. “What, pray tell, would that be?”

“You do have an eye for horseflesh. I’ve got an animal I think you might want to see.”

Chapter 3

An orange glow filtered in Alex’s bedroom window as the sun topped the towering oaks. She threw back the covers and greeted the day with a smile. Mornings were the best. The beginning of a new day. And this morning, more special, because today she would confront the duke. A thrill warmed her throughout.

Her steps grew lighter as she skipped across the room. Happiness filled her heart. A slight twinge of nerves seeped in, but she ignored them. She’d waited eons. Ever since she’d seen him five years ago.

He’d grown more handsome. As if one could improve on perfection. Tall with dark hair and sparkling eyes. Kind eyes. Eyes that had captured her soul at the age of twelve.

He was back. No more time to waste.

Quickly, she changed her clothes. Since Mama and Aunt Cornelia would not be about this early, she donned her favorite breeches for her morning ride. On her new black.

With such spirit, he deserved a great name. She really must decide. Her feet took wings as she flew across the corridor, down the steps and nearly ran into Cook.

“Slow down now, Missy.” Phibe flapped her apron as Alex flew past.

“Can’t. Papa bought me a new stallion.” She heard the woman chuckle just before the door slammed behind her. Alex’s feet barely touched the ground. She ran for the stables and saw Horace swing one door wide. The stable master must rise before the sun.

“Mornin’ to you, Alex.”

“Morning, Horace. How’s the black?”

“Right where I left him. Not settling too well to his new place. Maybe you can calm him a bit.”

Alex grabbed a carrot from the barrel just inside the doorway, and stuck an apple in her pocket for later.

The black tossed his head and his nostrils flared. Alex stepped closer. “Hey, Beauty. No one is going to hurt you. I’m your new owner.” She kept her tone light and calm, hoping to soothe the beast. “I’m sure glad of that fact. And soon I hope you will be, too.”

The black snorted.

“Guess what I’ve got.” She slowly lifted the carrot into view.

He pawed one hoof in the dirt.

“None of that now. If you’re good, I have a surprise in my pocket.” Alex gave a slight wave of her hand, tempting the animal with the carrot.

Not too fast.

Not too sudden.

Come on, boy.

Blackie gave another nod of his head.

“I haven’t picked a name yet. Got lots of possibilities. But you deserve something special. Why don’t you come on over here . . .?”

She held her breath.

The horse took one step, shook his head and then plodded forward.

Happiness pierced her when he took the carrot between his teeth. She crossed her arms and leaned on the wooden gate. “Thatta boy. We’re going to be good friends. I just know it.”

She placed her hand out, palm up. He came closer, probably looking for another treat. She took a piece of sugar out of her pocket with her other hand and carefully held it under his nose. He eagerly slurped up the chunk. She patted him on the side of his snout.

“Well, I’ll be.” Horace stepped up behind her. “That’s the quietest that animal’s been since your pa brought him home.”

“New surroundings.”

“Yep. Your pa didn’t want to put him in the pasture just yet. Figured he might jump the fence. Got to get him familiar with knowing this is his home now.”

Alex caressed the black’s nose, thrilled he accepted her. “I’d be heartbroken if he took off.”

“You got a name picked out for him, yet?”

“Working on it. It has to be special. Just like him.”

“Black Devil comes to mind. The stallion’s spirited, Miss Alex. And he’s over sixteen hands. You best be careful.”

“Now, Horace. You know there’s not a horse I can’t ride.”

“Before now, I’d have to agree. I’m just saying to watch yourself. He’s still a baby.”

“He’s a year old. And perfect timing to be introduced into a new family.”

“For the price your papa paid, I hope he proves he’s worth every penny.”

She gave him her best smile. “He’s worth it to me.”

The sun rode high when Alex decided the black had accepted her for a friend. Yearlings were full of energy, quite unpredictable, and this one was no exception. But he’d already had some training and took to her exceptionally well.

She really needed to decide on a name. Soon.

She led the black by the reins to the corral fence. He nudged her shoulder, looking for another sugar. She chuckled.

“Let’s see how you take to the saddle. Then you’ll get your reward.” But he was so darned endearing, the way his nose rubbed her shirt, she relented. “All right. Just one.”

His big pink tongue lapped up the sugar.

“Sure is a beaut.”

Turning, Alex saw her brother, Ben. Pride added a bounce to her step.

When he hoisted the saddle from the fence rail, the stallion reared back. Ben lowered the saddle to the ground.

“Mite skittish, ain’t he?”

“He likes
me
,” she said as she calmed the black.

“Guess he’s not too smart.”

She stuck her tongue out. “Smart enough to know he should be wary of you.”

“Then saddle your own horse.”

“I planned to.”

Ben ignored her. “Easy fella,” he said as he approached. “I’ll bet she’s been feeding you sugar. Can’t have too much of that. Now be a good boy, and come here.” He lifted his hand, knuckle side up.

The stallion tossed his head at first. He lifted one foot and clomped once, twice. Ben held his arm still. The black wavered.

“There you go. Smell me. I’m one of the good guys.”

“Quit trying to steal my horse.”

Ben chuckled. “He’s a tall one.” He hefted the saddle again, slower this time. Alex rubbed his shiny nose while Ben tossed the saddle onto his back. “You might want to mount from the rail.”

“You just tighten the girth. I know how to get on a horse.”

Once done, Ben held the bridle while Alex grabbed the saddle horn and leaped. With a smooth move she’d mastered a million times, she landed in the saddle. The black jerked loose from Ben and pranced, his feet stomping the ground. Before Ben could jump forward, Alex had the animal under control and allowed him to dance about.

At her brother’s anxious look, Alex called, “He needs to run, Ben.”

Restless energy oozed from every pore of the stallion’s proud lines. He danced, eager to be off. Alex flicked the reins. Clods of turf flew about as the steed raced across the meadow. The wind in her hair, she gave the black free rein.

As soon as they cleared the trees, she leaned over the stallion’s back. He needed no urging. Hooves thundered, moving in a blur of force. Strength fueled his power, energy and excitement oozed from the beast into her. A thrill like no other filled her soul.

Never had she felt so free.