Storm Clouds Rolling In by Ginny Dye, Virginia Gaffney Page A

captured the remaining two rings.
    The crowd broke out into loud cheering. The final tilts of the competition had lured everyone back to the sidelines and Carrie was glad she had staked out her place earlier. From where she stood she had a clear view of the entire tilt. Watching Robert closely, she saw him single her out from the crowd. Carrie gave him a wide smile of encouragement, nodding to let him know she believed he could do it. She noted with approval his steadying hand on Granite’s neck. The gray gelding was handling the excitement well—now was no time for him to get tense. Robert would have to capture at least two rings for the tournament to continue to the final tilt. If he got three rings, the competition would be over.
    The flag flashed once more and they were off. Granite moved as smoothly as ever, while Robert’s body was held in readiness. The first ring was his, but the second ring remained where it had been. Carrie held her breath as they thundered toward the third and final ring. It was his!
    The crowd broke into a roar once more. It had been years since the Knight of Blackwell faced such stiff competition. All eyes were glued to the list.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, we will give the Knight of Blackwell and the Knight of Borden a five-minute break, and then we will resume with the final tilt to determine the winner—and the man who will crown the Queen of Love and Beauty tonight!”
    The murmur of the crowd swelled to a muffled roar as wagers were placed on who would win the tournament. Few Virginia gentlemen could refuse an opportunity for a friendly bet.
    “Your Robert seems to be doing quite well.”
    Carrie turned to look into Louisa’s eyes. She didn't particularly like what she saw but had no intention of inviting a confrontation. “Mr. Borden is not my Robert, Louisa. But yes, he is doing quite well. So is Nathan.” She kept her voice casual.
    Louisa narrowed her eyes. “Even if your Mr. Borden should win the tournament, you needn’t think he will crown you Queen tonight.”
    Carrie’s eyes widened in surprise. “I haven’t given that a thought, Louisa.” In truth, all her energy was focused on the possibility of Granite winning the tournament and finally showing his superiority to a Blackwell horse.
    “Well,” sniffed Louisa, her expression making it obvious she didn’t believe what Carrie was saying , “I saw you give Mr. Borden that silly lock of your hair.”
    Carrie reddened as she struggled to control her anger. She had known Louisa too long and knew exactly what she was thinking. This was her ball tonight, and Louisa intended it to go the way she wanted. Evidently what she wanted was Robert Borden.
    Louisa broke into Carrie’s thoughts. “I know he took it. Of course, he’s too much of a gentleman not to. But he received my token first.” She paused with a wicked smile. “And really, Carrie, he’ll want someone much more polished in the social graces—someone who could honor his family name should he someday choose to take a wife.”
    Carrie’s lips parted in surprise. Was this what growing up was doing for Louisa? “Really, Louisa. I hardly think—” An announcement from the master of ceremonies cut off what she thought.
    “Ladies and gentlemen. The final tilt will now begin.”
    Carrie snapped her lips shut and turned toward the competition. Louisa, flashing a haughty, satisfied look, turned with a swish and moved back in the direction of her friends.
    “I’d say Granite stands a mighty fine chance of winning this thing, beautiful daughter.”
    Carrie, thoughts of Louisa’s nasty comments floating from her mind, turned toward her father with a brilliant smile. “Oh, Father! I’m so glad you came to join me. I believe they can do it. I believe Granite and Robert can win.”
    “I certainly hope so,” her father rejoined dryly, “or I’m out quite a bit of money.”
    Carrie laughed and swung her eyes back to the course just as the flag waved and Granite