Over drinks that evening the family toasts Savannah, and her father offers a prayer.
“Father, as Savannah travels, we thank you for your protection. Let not any enemy, thieves, bandits or evildoers approach her. Allow her gifts to be used for your purpose and heal her heart as she completes the task laid about before her.”
“Amen,” the family says.
“Amen,” Savannah whispers. When she looks up her family are all staring at her. “You do know that I’ve been in much worse situations than traveling with an old woman to Indiana.”
“Yes, but Indiana? What in the world could Indiana have that Pennsylvania doesn’t have?” Her mother demands.
Laughter ripples and Savannah glances in surprise at Anika when she says, “Well, hopefully, more bachelors than we do.”
“Amen to that,” her Mother says.
Savannah’s mouth drops open, and the look on her face causes them to laugh even harder.
“Th... that’s not funny,” she stammers.
“Oh, it’s all on the wheel, little sister.” Glenn laughs, “If I remember correctly you pushed us together a few times,” he pulls Anika close to his side.
“That’s different,” she stammers.
“Dayton did ask about you in his last letter,” Anika teases.
“Dayton Patrick has never noticed me. His prospects must be slimming,” Savannah snaps.
“Maybe, or maybe he’s truly interested in you,” Glenn replies. “He asked about you often during the war.”
Savannah hides her surprise from her brother and snaps, “I’m sure all the women in Kentucky will keep him busy.”
Before the two can continue arguing her Father steps in. “You both know better than anyone that our plan isn’t always God’s plan,” her Father reminds them.
“What we mean to say is that you should keep an open heart and a wary eye,” her Mother explains.
“I’m going for one reason, to complete my promise to Oliver,” Savannah insists.
“Dayton Patrick is the last thing on my mind.” She sips her wine and prays that they won’t see the lie in her heart. His dark eyes have haunted her dreams since the fall carnival. He’s written her twice, but she couldn’t bring herself to open them. Tomorrow, she moves in with Mrs. Kruger, and they leave in one week for Indiana. It’s been two weeks since she mailed her letter, she is praying for a response soon. Either way, she hopes the Irwin Family is ready. It’s time to close this chapter in her life. Once she delivers Mrs. Kruger to her family, she will travel to Iowa and stay until they agree to see her. One way or another this is ending now.
An image of Dayton Patrick in the restaurant with another beautifully dressed woman slips into her mind. The man is a womanizer, and he was looking for a wife to run in his circles. As a wealthy business owner with ties in Washington, they have nothing in common. Which she told him in no uncertain terms at the fall fair.
Savannah forces her mind to stop thinking of him and focus on the task at hand. Her promise is about to be fulfilled. Then she will be free to enjoy the races with her family and get back to real life.
Chapter 7
Dayton rides across the open pasture of his two hundred acres and allows his horse the freedom he deserves. His mind races as quickly as the horse’s legs. Tonight, he is hosting a garden party, and in attendance some of the most prominent and affluent members of society. This evening has been a long time coming. With enough luck and charm, he hopes to get the investors he needs to make his vision a reality.
His Father surprised everyone when he gifted the land to Dayton securing his promise to create a legacy that the Patrick name could be proud of. Dismounting, Dayton stares across the bluegrass paradise that he has come to love and watches the Sun push above the skyline and floods the day with its amber color.
Stunning rays or golden orange and fire paints Dayton’s world, and he smiles when an image of Savannah pops into his mind. She has no clue that when she enters a room, she makes the rest of the world seem to fade to gray. He wonders what she would think of his plan to build the first Derby in America. Would she think he’d gone mad?
“It will matter not without the means to build it.” Dayton remounts and trots slowly allowing the sun to envelop him and chase away the cold.
Thinking about Savannah, has him wondering about their last meeting. He’d never noticed the color of her eyes before. Perhaps it’s the stark contrast to her pale complexion, but he remembers the intensity more than the color. Her eyes have seen life and death. They seemed almost… haunted. Dayton sighs as he returns the horse to the stable hand and sighs.
The War damaged all who tasted its bitter truth. Kentucky was luckier than most. Dayton served his time, but he’s home now and ready to dream again.
Charming the investors tonight and giving them a taste of what is to come at the next big race will go a long way to securing more partners.
In a few weeks, he will return to Dayton Ward’s farm and see how his new pony is faring. A smile forms on his lips as he thinks about seeing Savannah Ward again. This time she will not find him so easily put aside.
Chapter 8
“I don’t understand the wardrobe, Mrs. Kruger,” Savannah argues for the third time in three days.
“I’m sure you don’t, child, but I can’t… no, I won’t be seen with you wearing what looks like little more than a brown canvas sack.” Seeing the hurt on Savannah’s expression has her sighing heavily. She limps over to Savannah in the dress shop and takes her hand in
