I RODE LIKE THE WIND. The adrenaline pumped through my body as my horse galloped across the valleys and hills of the countryside. There were no boundaries to confine us. My hair hung loose under my hat. I held tight to my horse’s mane, riding bareback in a pair of Father’s trousers. I laughed to myself as I envisioned the veins popping on his forehead if he could see me now.

I slowed my mare to a trot. “That’s a girl,” I said, stroking her neck.

Weeks had passed since Georgia and Sam left on the Olivia II. In a newspaper I found on Father’s desk dated a few days after their escape, I read a reward notice submitted by their master. I grew more determined with each passing day to help my fellow humans. I had found my calling in life, and I would do whatever it took to answer it. I would not sit idle and do nothing.

Jimmy never spoke a word to me about what I had done. I wanted to shield him from discovery of his involvement, so I left things between us unsaid.

I hadn’t seen Knox since we said our goodbyes on the dock. He’d helped us once, but it didn’t mean we could count on him in the future. My growing concern was that Knox would inform Bowden of our deeds. Bowden’s and my friendship was on delicate ground, and trust had yet to be established. The fewer people who knew our secret, the better.

The sound of someone approaching on horseback snapped me out of my thoughts. I shielded my eyes from the sun so I could see who was riding toward me.

Speak of the devil. Bowden!

He reined in his stallion and flashed me a friendly smile. “Good afternoon, Willow.”

“Hello, Bowden.” I returned his smile.

“Out for a ride?” He peered at my riding attire.

“Yes, there is nothing like a morning ride.” I knew I was a sight to be seen in the too-big trousers. Women wearing men’s apparel was frowned upon. But it wasn’t my first time, and it surely wouldn’t be my last. The trousers allowed me to ride more freely.

“How is your brother, Stone? He must be getting big now.”

“Stone started his tutoring abroad this year. He is thirteen now and I want him to have all the opportunities possible. He is a good boy with a tender heart. I don’t know if the South is right for him.” Bowden’s voice held sincere concern for his brother.

Bowden had grown into a respectable businessman, and he was a good and decent human. He wasn’t overly handsome, but more a man of average looks. No longer was he a young, mischievous boy, but a man who took my breath away.

How had I allowed this to happen? The walls I built up to protect myself were crumbling. For too long I’d carried anger because a young Bowden Armstrong had broken my heart along with my pride with his childhood prank. I’d always known this, but had never wanted to admit it to myself.

As I looked at him now, I tried to still the butterflies in my stomach. His hand rested lightly on his thigh, and his other held the slack reins. My heart was telling me to stay, but my head urged me to run. I quieted the voice in my head warning me to flee.

“Some days, I wonder if the South is for me,” I said solemnly.

“So I hear.”

My heart stopped. He knows!

“Knox?”

He nodded. “Knox told me of the cargo you sent out on one of the ships bound for New York.”

“I see,” I said grimly, my eyes searching his face. He sat composed and unreadable. “Well, I’m going to go so far as to say you never reported us?”

He stared directly into my eyes and I held his gaze, unmoving. “Willow, I…I am not against what you did. I know those slaves’ story. I guessed your views long ago. My concern is that you will get caught. I don’t want any harm coming to you.” He looked away, but not before I saw the worry on his face.

“I appreciate your concern, Bowden.” I meant that.

“I want you to know you have a friend in me, Willow,” he confided, moving his horse close enough to take my hand.

I commanded my body to stay perfectly still, but feelings of vulnerability made me retreat to my place of comfort. “I am grateful for your friendship, truly I am.” I gave him a small smile, gently retrieving my hand.

“That gives my heart great happiness.” Reining his horse around toward his plantation, he looked at me one more time and said, “I like us like this, Willow.”

“Me too.” My smile widened as I realized how much easier we were together.

“Why don’t you and Whitney join Knox and me this week? We could tour the countryside and maybe take a ride by the ocean.”

“That would be nice. I’ll discuss it with Whitney.”

“Very well; until then.” He tipped his hat.

I nudged my horse toward home.