Chapter 3

Emeline had found her comfort in the stables. She would spend the majority of her time with Penny the thoroughbred. She would take the beautiful horse out for a ride every afternoon. She continuously missed lunch because of her rides. No one had asked her questions about where she was going yet so she wasn't concerned.

Martha was constantly fusing over Emeline and she had grown to be quite fond of the older women. She was constantly having Emeline parade around in the dresses that were in the clothing press.

Emeline had learned the Martha had worked as the housekeeper in the home since she was a teenager. She knew the previous owners quite well, and was often mumbling about "what a great loss" the family was.

Martha had been a widow for the last four years and would often recall fond memories of her husband to Emeline.

Martha was also very fond of the Captain Benjamin Davidson (Emeline had just learned his full name), she was often muttering on about what a fine young chap he was, and that it was really a shame about his family.

Emeline couldn't help but be curious about Ben's past but she never indulged herself by asking Martha.

Martha had also shown Emeline that library which increased Emeline's happiness greatly.

She selected titles off the many shelves and would bring the stack of books with her when she went riding.

She was out riding Penny one day when she came across a clearing in the forest. The grass was tall and still green from the spring rains. A bubbling brook ran through the center and a tall oak tree was plastered in the center of the clearing.

Emeline knew the moment that she saw it that this clearing would become her favorite place. She instinctively approached the tree with her books and sat down, leaning against the trunk to start reading. She became lost in the world of "Gulliver's Travels", she became so absorbed in the book that she didn't notice that the sun had begun to set.

Panicked she quickly mounted Penny and sped off towards the farmhouse. She had already missed dinner and Martha was very stern with her.

"My dear! You had the whole house worried about you!Captain Davidson thought that you had run away! Come now we better tell him that your are alright", Martha led Emeline to a door on the first floor.

Martha knocked "Master Ben?".

No answer issued.

"Go on in child, I'm sure it's all right".Martha said as she turned to leave.

Emeline opened the door slowly. Ben whose head had been bowed over a book, looked up with a startle.

"Come in".

Emeline stared at her feet out of habit as she entered the study.

"Where were you?" Ben asked.

"I was out riding". Emeline replied.

"Really you were out riding for so long that you missed lunch and dinner?" Ben questioned.

"Yes", Emeline replied still not daring to look him in the eyes.

Ben continued to stare at her. He felt sorry for her, he could tell that she was used to freedom, that she was used to being left alone.

"I was reading, and I lost track of time".

Emeline eyes finally lifted from the ground and met Ben's eyes. His eyes softened immediately.

"I'm sorry that I thought you had run away".

He didn't break his gaze into Emeline's eyes. An awkward silence ensued and Ben broke the silence by politely asking

"May I ask which book was so exciting that you missed two meals?".

Emeline smiled slightly feeling her body relax knowing that she wasn't in any trouble anymore.

"Gulliver's Travels, sir".

She had the feeling that she had said something wrong because the color was immediately drained from Ben's face. His eyes went dark and he looked down. She watching him puzzled. He seemed to have snapped out of whatever had come over him.

"Well, I should probably let you go finish then?" He said, smiling up at her.

"Yes, thank you". She bowed her head politely to leave.

When Ben's voice called out to her "Miss?"

She turned around "yes?"

"Can I ask you what your name is?"

She looked at him and frowned and spat out "Claiborne".

"I mean your first name"

"My name is Claiborne" She responded, her face showing the signs of irritation as she swiftly exited the study.