“Bet you are surprised I came. I saw a poster at a feed store in town. Your name was on it. Luck, I guess.”
“I could use a little luck today. Sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.”
“Matilda Coombs, from Parkway Farm, Louisville.” The two locked eyes and stared comfortably at each other.
“Louisville, Kentucky.”
“Yes. A place where real racehorses live.”
A smile was slowly growing on Capp’s face. “Come, you’ll sit next to me.”
“I’d like that,” she said. Her eyes were still as she continued to look at Capp.
Capp and Matilda walked from the foyer to the great hall. Maizie watched as Capp pulled a chair out for his guest. He took his seat between Maizie and Matilda. Ruby served Matilda a dinner plate filled with the French cuisine. Raising his voice Capp stood and after apologizing for his manners, he introduced Matilda to all at the table. Folks politely welcomed her. Sitting back down, he leaned back toward Matilda and began a long and engaging conversation, his back to Maizie.
Matilda ate little of her dinner or dessert but managed to down several glasses of champagne. The two conversed nonstop and soon they were on the subject of Miles Moser. Matilda was quite sympathetic to Capp’s loss and was able to magically smooth his injured ego. Encouraged by her understanding, Capp told all seated around him that he’d give anything to leave Miles Moser in the dust on the track. Maybe next year, he concluded.
Those listening were entertained, even laughed at times but Maizie remained huddled near Mary. Capp’s friendly conversation with Matilda made her very uncomfortable. But Capp’s turning away from her was hurtful.
“I’m not feeling well,” Maizie whispered in Mary’s ear. “I think I want to go lie down for a while.”
“Really dear, are you sick?
“Just tired. The sun got to me today.”
“You do look a little flushed.” Mary placed the back of her palm on Maizie’s forehead. “Of course, dear. You go lie down. I’ll come check on you soon.”
Maizie stood to leave and looked one more time at Capp. “Good night, Capp,” she said. It seemed he did not hear her and then finally he turned his head slowly towards her. “What?” But Maizie was already halfway across the room.
Chapter 47
Knowing Horses
The evening was waning and stars began to fill the night sky. A lonely robin sung in a tree lining the walk to the backside. Capp, with his hands in his pockets, walked proudly as Matilda put her hand through his arm.
“This place here? How old is it?” she asked.
“We been in operation for quite a few years, nearly a decade. Place is all new. Mr. Glidewell says it’s the best horse ranch in Missouri.”
“I do admit your ranch is pretty but that don’t mean the horses are good.”
“Our quarter horses are top notch. Dad sees to it.”
“Is that why you lost your first race today?”
“No, I lost at the start. I didn’t have enough distance to make it up.”
“I saw your start. You didn’t have control of your horse. If you raise and train thoroughbreds, you need control. They are hot-blooded.”
“I can handle a wild horse.”
“Well, if you get to Louisville, you’ll see what a real horse and real ranch looks like. It ain’t about pretty buildings, it’s about the champions you have in the stalls. There’s no way a man gets known in horse racing if he’s from Missouri.”
They continued on in silence as the music from Meadowlark’s after-dinner concert wafted through the night. Capp turned toward the backside and then suddenly stopped. “You want to see anything down here or return to the house and listen to jazz?”
“Just walk me to my car. It’s parked over by the horse trailers. I have to get back to town.”
They walked the last few hundred yards to the parking area and found her car. Capp opened the door and Matilda slid into the driver’s seat. “You drive?” he asked a bit surprised.
“You are one smart wrangler. I help run a horse ranch. I drive a flatbed too. My daddy taught me when I was twelve. You’d be surprised what all I can do. Now I got to get back to the hotel. My brother will be up, worried and waitin’. You comin’ tomorrow night? I get lonely waitin’ for trains.”
“Not sure. Won’t know until the day is done.”
“Well, come if you can. I’d like the company. My brother will be on his way back home to Lebanon, Missouri.”
Capp smiled and shut the door. She started up the engine and then rested her forearms on the steering wheel. Turning her head toward Capp she said, “You know you might try blinders on that horse of yours. We use ’em on nervous thoroughbreds. Helps at the start and in the pack.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Told you I know about horses and racing.”
“Thanks Ma-til-da.” There was a suggestive quality in Capp’s tone. He smiled his most charming smile. “You can kiss me,” she said as she raised her face toward him. Capp leaned in through the window and kissed her on the cheek. Laughing, she pressed on the accelerator and rolled out of the parking lot and into the lane that led back to the highway. Capp began his walk back up the hill to the limestone-and-timber ranch house with a woman and horse blinders on his mind.
Chapter 48
Sunday Races
August 9, 1931
On Sunday morning at the backside moans and groans could be heard as participants and employees awoke and stretched and then analyzed their next move. All remaining riders went to the stables, checked
