Read Liberty Belle for Free Online Page B

She  would not run home.
    With calm determination, Libby stood in her stirrups and yanked firmly. The animal slowed to a walk and finally stopped. She patted Star’s trembling neck and chided herself. She knew better than to show fear and let it transfer to the horse. “Sorry, girl.”
    “Libby, are you all right?” Flora galloped to her.
    Brushing hair out of her face, Libby nodded. “Yes. I was fearful and then that owl spooked—”
    “Oh my. The way you took control of that horse was amazing. You gave me courage. Did you see me? I actually made Buttercup run.” Flora broke out into a huge smile as she patted the little buckskin. “We’re becoming close friends.”
    Libby laughed at her aunt’s accomplishment.
    “Oh, we are a pair of adventurous women, aren’t we? I have never felt so alive.”
    Basking in the glow of overcoming her fear and stopping the runaway mare, Libby nodded. “I agree, but I confess, doubts were tempting me to turn back. But not now.”
    Flora nudged Buttercup closer. “Please don’t give up. My mother died when I was nine. I think at that tender age, I saw the fragility of life and chose to hide inside myself. Tonight is the first time I have done anything so exciting since that day. I may even become an accomplished horsewoman. My point is that you must live your life and not allow others to live it for you. Believe me, all my days, I’ve lived the life others arranged for me.”
    Shame washed over Libby. Although she and Flora got along, she’d never considered her aunt as anyone but her father’s spinster sister who lived with them. She’d never invited Flora into her life or taken interest in the woman. “I’m sorry, Flora. I should have—”
    Flora’s sparkling eyes dared Libby to continue. “You allowed me to come on this adventure and for that I thank you.”
    Libby sent a silent prayer of thanks that Flora was traveling with her. “We better go. We have a lot of distance to cover. I only wish I had thought to bring food with me.”
    “Oh my. I think of everything. I brought bread and cheese.”
    A soft warm breeze brushed over Libby. They would be fine. She was sure this was the right choice for her life. How hard could it be anyway?

Chapter 6
     
    Libby didn’t know she even had muscles in the places that ached. The only consolation was she’d made it to Leavenworth and tomorrow they’d be on the stage. After a quick glance over her shoulder, if she’d had any energy left, she’d have laughed. Poor Flora looked as if she would rather get off and carry Buttercup, and the little mare looked as if she’d be all too willing to let her.
    People, wagons, and riders filled the streets. Southern Star pranced, shying from the crowds. Libby sympathized with the horse, as her own anxiety had her fidgeting as well. She’d never traveled to the city by herself. Father always took care of the details. The only thing that kept her from panicking was that her tired body yearned for bed, and she wouldn’t have even cared about the yellow curtains.
    “Oh, Libby. I am exhausted. Do you know where the hotel is?”
    “I remember it being near the livery. Could be the next street over.” Libby reined Star around a wagon and into the middle of the road.
    Several rough characters leaned alongside the wall of the nearest saloon. Their clothes were worn and dusty, their faces rugged and hard, but it was the way the men stared at her that caused her stomach to churn.
    Shouts erupted from another bar across the street. The noise of the ruckus increased until a rather scruffy man flew through the open door and landed half-on and half-off the boardwalk. Cursing and swearing, he tried to right himself but fell to the ground in front of her.
    Libby gathered Star’s reins in case the mare felt the urge to bolt and trample the fellow.
    “Oh dear. Let’s get to the hotel. I don’t like this.”
    Before they could leave, a distinguished looking man emerged from the bar and with a