O'Brien's Lady

by Marsha Doss

  "I know she'll win, Billy," Sonny assured him as her blue eyes sparkled.

  "We'll give it our best shot," he said.

  As the horses were paraded out onto the field,

  Sonny was filled with a proud kind of exuberance. For the moment she was beginning to forget Paris, Pierre and anything else that did not directly relate to where she was and what was happening.

  "Let's go back upstairs," Michael suggested as he gently put his hand under her elbow.

  "Oh no, Michael. Let's go outside, by the fence. I want to be down there when she goes over the finish line."

  Michael was stirred with feelings that were again getting out of control as he watched the enthusiasm building in her face. He had brought her here hoping to show her the final product of the farm, but he had not expected or anticipated her response.

  It was more than he had hoped for.

  Sonny leaned against the fence that separated spectators from the track, and she reached for the binoculars around her neck, focusing them in on the starting gate across the field. She watched Billy as he guided Bright Fancy into the stall, patting her on the side as he waited for the bell. The crowd was mingling around, enjoying the afternoon soon and she listened as the voice over the loud speaker announced the next race.

  "They're off!"

  Almost instantly, the stands came alive with cheering and everyone around her was standing by the fence, waiting for their favorite to take the lead. Faces were strained as they tried to catch a glimpse of the horses as they moved away from the gate.

  Putting the binoculars back to her eyes, Sonny began to cheer. "Fancy. Fancy. Come on, girl. Come on."

  Michael could barely keep his eyes on the race, for his attention was turned to the woman at his side. The sun sent shimmers of light through her golden hair and he could smell the fresh, sweet fragrance of her cologne, sending strange sensations through his body which almost touched hers. She was caught up in the thrill of the race and her head bobbed up and down as she positioned herself to see better.

  "Michael, she's ahead."

  Michael leaned against the fence, watching the horses and the colorful array of riders. "But, not by much. Billy will have to push her down the stretch."

  "You mean she might not win?" Sonny's eyes were filled with disappointment as she spoke. She had thought an early lead made the victory inevitable.

  "Depends on how he handles her. He knows what

  to do. If he keeps his mind on what's happening…"

  "Come on, Fancy," Sonny hollered. She had given up the glasses and now peered through the fence, waiting for the moment when the horses would cross the line.

  As the screams and cheers of the crowd filled her ears, the thunderous group came down the stretch. Dust was flying and the hooves pounded against the ground in unison as the jockeys made their last attempts to change their positions.

  Billy moved his whip from one side to the other, gently urging her on, but always mindful to handle the horse with carefulness. Riding for Pinebrook was an honor, and he knew that Bright Fancy could do it.

  Within a blink of an eye, the horses galloped past the on-lookers with clamoring speed, each one being pushed for that extra bit that might make the difference.

  Suddenly it was over. Sonny jumped up and down, screaming with joy as she heard the words she had waited for.

  Bright Fancy had won the race.

  "Michael, we did it. We did it." Without thinking or reasoning, she reached for him, throwing her arms around his broad neck and planting a kiss on the side of his face.

  Michael scooped her up in his arms and held her by the waist as he swung her around. He could not help but be caught up in the excitement that shown in her clear blue eyes.

  As Michael stopped, he gently lowered Sonny and her expression changed. She had been so wrapped up in the race that she had forgotten everything. She had forgotten that just a day before, Michael had burst into her room and disrupted her needlessly and she had forgotten his rudeness with Pierre.

  This world of racing had a way of taking her out of reality and placing her in the center of a situation that made her forget her priorities. Maybe Michael had brought her here for that very purpose.

  To make her forget her direction in life. A direction that led directly to Paris.

  "I'm sorry Michael," she apologized as her feet touched the ground.

  "Sorry for what?" he asked.

  "Getting so out of control. I just felt happy when our horse won."

  "You have a right to be happy, Sonny. Don't apologize for it."Michael's eyes searched her face and he surveyed her kindly. He was easier to resist when he was arrogant and uncompromising, but when his dark eyes softened she found it difficult to keep her d i stance.

  "So…we've won. Now what?" she asked trying to still her heart.

  "We go to the winner's circle."

  Billy was ecstatic with the victory and he chattered with Michael about the ease with which the horse ran. It was a heartwarming moment for Sonny and she thought ahead to the day when her beloved Midnight would thrill the crowds.

  Sonny's day at the racetrack had been filled with excitement and she spent the evening taking a fragrant bath, drinking a cup of hot chocolate and catching up on some long over-due reading.

  As she sank into the cool leather cushions of her father's chair in the den, she was filled with the quiet satisfaction that comes after a pleasant day. Inwardly she could hardly wait until the next race and she hoped she could forget it all when she returned to Paris.

  Graceful Lady and Midnight had become a big part of her life, even though she insisted they hadn't. It wouldn't be easy to leave them behind. Nor would it be easy to leave Michael O'Brien.

  CHAPTER 11

  The next three days were filled with a whirlwind of activity and preparation for the dinner party to be held that weekend. Sonny found herself caught up in the excitement of Pierre's busy schedule and was therefor unable to continue her work at the stables.

  Michael was disgruntled and had very little to say about her absence from her regular work, which was exactly the reaction Sonny had expected from him.

  It was wonderful to be planning again and thinking of how she would look and feel to be with such a talented French designer. Even after working with Pierre for two years, she was still a little stage struck by his presence. She had not felt that way when he first arrived, but after she had changed her lifestyle to meet his, it was as if she were still in Paris.

  By day, she made lists of all the things that must be done to get the house ready, and by night she and Pierre dined and danced and were caught up in a wonderful world of glamour.

  Sonny had not seen Michael's face for three days, and for that reason, she was gaining strength within herself. She had known all along that having Pierre at her side would put things back into their proper perspective, and it certainly had. She knew that her feelings for Michael had gotten out of control, and now she was ready to reclaim her life as it had been before her father's death.

  The day before the party, Sonny made three trips to the caterer's office to be certain that every detail had been taken care of. Pierre was such a sticker for these sorts of things and she knew he would be terribly embarrassed by anything less than perfection.

  On the morning of the dinner party, Katy polished the silver service while Sonny worked on the large, ornate coffee urn on the antique backboard in the dining room.

  "Must be a lot of important people comin' tonight," Katy mused.

  "Important to Pierre. Buyers, key people in the industry that could greatly influence his success in this country."

  Sonny finished the last touches and replaced the lid to the urn and stood back to admire her work. "What do you think Katy, look good?"

  "If you can see your own face smile in' back at you, then you've done your job proper." Katy stood admiring Sonny's handiwork, giving it her nod of approval.

  "That's done, so I think we can relax for awhile." Sonny
sighed heavily as she sank into one of the velvet-cushioned high back chairs. They had added the three extra leaves in the table, making it possible to seat ten. Fortunately, the extra chairs were stored in the garage, which made it possible to accommodate so many people at once.

  Katy joined Sonny, but was strangely silent. "You don't seem to happy about this party I'm having, Katy."

  "No, I can't say that I'm very excited about it. This Frenchman giving the party and askin' you to do all the work, makes me unhappy."

  "Oh, I don't mind, Katy, really. It's been fun." Sonny stretched her arms up and tucked them in back of her neck. "Working all the time gets boring. I needed something like this."

  "He's just out to better his career, and nothing more. I don't want you to be hurt, Sonny."

  Sonny leaned forward in her seat and rested her chin on her hands. "That's sweet of you, but Pierre and I are..we're close, but not really serious."

  "You're not in love with him. Is that what you mean to say?"

  Katy's thick eyebrows burrowed into a frown and she let out an audible sigh.

  "I never thought about love with Pierre. He's on the move, he's exciting to be around…and sometimes exhausting."

  Sonny chuckled, remembering her tired feet the first night he took her dancing. He was ten years older than her and twice as energetic.

  "How long do you want to be runnin' all over town?" Katy's question was direct and it took Sonny by surprise.

  "As long as I enjoy it."

  "Well, you can have it. As for me, I'd rather have a man who worked with his hands and nature."

  From that point on, Katy did not question Sonny about her future plans with Pierre. There was an unspoken understanding between the two women that went far beyond the boundaries of friendship. Katy instinctively knew when the subject was to be dropped, and above all, she respected Sonny's privacy and right to her own choices, however wrong she thought they might be.

  Pierre had instructed Sonny not to plan anything for the party as he was presenting her with one of his latest designs. He wanted to impress his guests of honor and knew that her beautiful face and curvaceous body would enhance anything he could create. Sonny was accustomed to wearing Pierre originals and she never tired of being seen in something that was new and innovative.

  When Pierre appeared later that day, he carried a large garment bag, which he handled with all the care and gentleness of good china. Sonny ushered him into the living room, where he carefully and ceremoniously unzipped the bag to reveal its contents.

  The gown was spectacular in a very simple, captivating way and Sonny quickly ran upstairs to slip it on. The snug fit of the bodice made her waist appear two inches smaller and the soft layers of white lace ruffling fell from one hip. The puffed, off-the-shoulder sleeves were dotted with pearls and Austrian crystal beading.

  "Do you like it Sondra?" Pierre's eyes were bright and he watched her with great admiration.

  "Oh, its beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it."

  "Then, if you are pleased with it, I have been a success." Pierre slipped an arm around her waist and drew her gently to him. "You are truly beautiful," he said just before he kissed her on the lips.

  It was a warm, pleasant, non-committal type of kiss that left Sonny in full charge of all of her faculties. Her legs and hands didn't tremble, her heart was still beating regularly and there was no evidence of any electric charges shooting through her body.She watched Pierre, as he backed away, a satisfied, look on his neatly groomed face.

  "Now then, about your hair," he said abruptly as he circled around her, touching the loose strands that fell past her shoulders. "You need to wear it up, to get the full impact of the bare shoulders. And, before I forget, I have a little present for you."

  "A present? Pierre, really, wearing this dress is all I need."

  "Nonsense. Now then, open this please." He had pulled a small box from his pocket that was

  wrapped in silver and white paper. She looked numbly at the package and her heart was suddenly in her throat. "No, Pierre, I couldn't," she said backing away.

  "Please, Sondra, it is not what you think.

  Open it." Pierre took her hand and placed the small package in her palm, closing her fingers around it.

  Sonny hesitated, then slowly tore into the paper. When she opened the box, she found a ring with a cluster of diamonds that surrounded a single ruby. The faceted stone caught the light and sparkled in a million images of color.

  "Pierre, I can't accept this."

  "Yes you can. Now wear it and enjoy." He placed the ring on her right ring finger, then smiled proudly.

  "This doesn't mean..?"

  "No," he responded quickly. "It is not an engagement ring, just a token of my appreciation for your work and for opening your home to my guests."

  Pierre kissed her lightly on the cheek. "And now, is there some place where I could change?"

  By the time Sonny had applied her make-up and styled her hair the way Pierre had suggested, the caterers had arrived and he was already downstairs showing them where to set up.

  As always, Pierre was smartly dressed. He wore a white tuxedo of his own design with wide cream colored satin lapels and matching shirt and tie. The combination was striking against his black hair and beard.

  While he gave his usual list of instructions and supervised the setting of the table, Sonny turning on strategic lights in every room. The October night air was crisp without being cold and the moon added illumination to the small mushroom lights that lined the driveway.

  There was a certain feeling of excitement that came with the planning and actual participation of an elegant dinner party, and Sonny was enjoying every minute of this one.

  By seven o'clock she stood in the arched doorway of the living room that was filled with women in glittering gowns and men in elegant formal wear.

  It was indeed an awesome sight and she was happy to have the house so full of people. It was wonderful to hear laughter and feel movement around her. Until now she hadn't known how lonely it had been here since her return home.

  "Sondra, there is someone I'd like you to meet." Pierre graciously ushered her over to a very tall, thin man of about fifty and the noticeably younger blond woman at his side.

  "Sondra this is Jonathon and Ernestine Corey, who have interest in marketing my new line here in the states."

  Jonathon Corey exchanged small talk while Ernestine kept her eyes enviously focused on Sonny's gown. Eventually her husband took a breath and she was able to join in on the conversation.

  "Pierre, you are wonderful. I have been

  admiring this gown all evening." Her green cat-like eyes narrowed as she exhibited her dazzling smile.

  "Then I must create one especially for you," he said smoothly.

  "I'll take you up on that. But promise me you'll not make me look too ravishing…Jonathon is the jealous type." Ernestine threw her head back and laughed.

  "Pierre tells me your photographic work is nothing short of genius," Jonathon said.

  "I think he exaggerates, but thank you for the compliment." Sonny smiled at Pierre who stood with his arm around her waist. "What I am very excited about right now, are my animal portraits."

  Pierre frowned. "What?"

  "May I show them to you? I've been here for the past three months, working with the most remarkable Thoroughbred you have ever…"

  "Sondra, I think the Coreys might be more interested in your fashion work, don't you?" Pierre spoke with a solicitous tone and Sonny could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. He was just as unconcerned tonight about her horses as he had been three days ago at the stables.

  She excused herself and began mingling with the other guests, most of whom had names she could not remember. The room was filled with the muted sounds of conversation as the two waiters kept the wine glasses filled and the hors d'oeuvres trays circulating.

  When the telephone rang, Sonny gladly excused herself and went over to the small desk in
the entry way. Katy's voice at the other end was unusually high-pitched and she talked very rapidly.

  ''Sonny, you've got to come down to the barns. One of the poor animals is makin* such a noise, I know somethin' terrible is happening."

  "Katy, where's Michael?"

  "That's just it, he's on his way back from Sacramento with his father, and they won't be here for another thirty minutes."

  "All right…listen, I'll be right down. Stay there at your place in case they telephone." Sonny replaced the receiver with hands that had begun to shake.

  She made her way back through the guests and over to the Pierre who was still chatting with the Coreys.

  "Pierre," she said clutching the arm that hung at his side, "I have to go down to the stables.""Sondra, don't be absurd. You must be joking." His face was stern and his eyes held an uncertain look.

  "One of the horses is very ill and Will and Michael aren't there. I won't be long." Her eyes begged him to understand, but when he didn't answer, she quickly turned and left.

  The brisk night air brushed past her face as she hurried out the back door, leaving behind the muffled sounds of conversation and soft music. Her mind raced as she made her way down the pathway that was partially lit by the full moon.

  Her heart was pounding loudly in her ears and she knew that, for the first time, the sole responsibility was now on her shoulders. What was an owner to do when an animal was sick? Did she know enough to get her through these next few minutes while she waited for Michael?

  She was stepping precariously on the hardened soil, when her ankle turned and she felt the hard ground beneath her. She had heard the sound of fabric tearing and felt a quick sting against her leg. But, there was no time to worry about a torn dress or the pain she felt. Sonny pushed herself back up with the palms of her hands and continued on course to the barns.

  When Sonny first heard the awful sound coming from the barn at the rear of the property, her heart was in her throat. She had hoped that it was not true, but now as she listened to the low, wailful sounds that pierced the night air, she was certain.

  The Lady was in trouble.