Page 28 of Air Affair

Two grooms brought out their horses. “Let’s race.” Evelyn grinned widely.

They mounted and rode to the starting line on the track. Since everything was closed during the week because of the airplanes, they had the racetrack to themselves. The grooms all knew the flight schedules, and it was easy to avoid being on the track when it was in use.

Evelyn gave the signal, and they took off. Riding a galloping horse felt like flying but more predictable. A horse, unlike a plane, had a mind of its own and a sense of self-preservation. There was a unity of intention when riding a fine racehorse like this. Together, they could do anything, but if her mind wandered even for a moment, she lost the connection and the advantage.

As they rounded the corner of the training track, she caught a glimpse of a Jenny taxiing into the hangar. She couldn’t quite make out the pilot. In that moment, Evelyn pulled ahead. Cursing, she urged her horse on and tore after her friend, only a length behind. Pounding along the straightaway, she gained until they were neck and neck.

She felt the finely tuned muscle and determination of the creature beneath her, so responsive and spirited. This horse loved speed as much as she did, and as the finish line came into view, a final burst of energy took them into the lead by a nose, and she yelled triumphantly as Evelyn cursed her defeat.

Catching her friend’s eye, they both burst out laughing. “Good race, Rory. As usual, you take the cup. I bow to your superior skill, My Lady Demoness of Speed.” She dismounted and bowed mockingly. “Rest the horses and have another go?”

“Of course,” Rory said, dismounting herself.

“Did you notice we had an audience?” Evelyn pointed to the stands.

There she saw a familiar profile beside a tall, thin one. She swallowed hard. He was here, watching her. Wasn’t this what she secretly hoped for? But it was dangerous for him to be here. She couldn’t go over and say hello. Nonetheless, she could feel his eyes on her like a caress, even at this distance.

Evelyn nudged her with her elbow. “That’s not that pilot you told me about, is it?”

Rory’s cheeks heated, and she coughed to disguise her reaction. Fortunately, Evelyn didn’t do anything but smile like a Cheshire Cat. Clearing her throat, she asked, “Ready to lose another race?”

“Not on your life. I’m going to win this one.”

Mounting once again, they rode to the starting line. At Evelyn’s signal, they both tore out onto the track once again. Only this time, a piece of her attention was on the man in the stands.

Rory fell behind. She picked up the pace, almost catching up. Her friend pulled ahead, and try as she might, she couldn’t gain the lead. Evelyn was a nose ahead of her when they crossed the finish line.

Evelyn hopped down from her horse and did a very undignified victory dance.

“Fine. You can be My Lady Demoness of Speed just this once,” she said with mock resignation. “Best of three?”

“You’re on once this beauty has had a chance to catch his breath.” Evelyn led her horse to water. “You know, you should enlist Aunt Alva’s help with your father. He seems to be terrified of her.”

Rory shook her head, smiling. “I’ll speak to her. You’re right. She can help.”

In the third race, Rory put her head down and poured all her focus into the ride. She was damned well not going to lose to Evelyn again with Hank looking on. Keeping her eyes on the track ahead and ignoring everything else, she sped around the track, the wind whipping her face. She hardly even noticed where Evelyn was. As she crossed the finish line, she crowed in triumph, her friend an entire length behind her.

“I let you win because you’re distressed,” Evelyn said, sidling up.

“Pish-tosh. Do I look distressed to you?”

Evelyn’s face turned suddenly serious. “You do a bit, actually. It feels like you’re trying too hard to convince me everything is fine. I hope this little distraction helped.”

“It did. And I love you for it. Let’s head back. I have plans with this evening.”

They dismounted and handed the horses over to the grooms. “What was this one’s name again?” she asked. “I’d like to ride her again next time I come out.”

“Epona, Miss.”

Her brow furrowed. “That’s an unusual name.”

“Goddess of horses, Miss.”

She smiled. “Appropriate.”

Taking a glance at the stands, she saw they were empty. Hank was gone. It was for the best.

“Excuse me for a moment while I powder my nose,” she said to Evelyn.