Free Time Will Tell (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd

not the fact that she was female rather than male. His wife’s warm gaze held a more understanding glint.
    They discussed more of her past and Gus told a little of his.
    He and Berta were immigrants who’d come from Norway as newlyweds eleven years earlier with dreams of prosperity. Gus originally worked with Colin Thorpe’s father soon after arriving in the US. “In the postwar years of the late 1860s and early 1870s, opportunity abounds for anyone willing to work hard enough to take advantage of it,” he said, ending his autobiographical spiel.
    “You showed some real gumption today.” Gus grunted and took another bite. He chewed thoughtfully , then swallowed. “Even still, you don’t look old enough to be on your own, boy.”
    Libby’s chin lifted. “I’m old enough.”
    He eyed her a long minute before nodding. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll try you out in other areas. I sure could use a hand who understands horses.” Gus shook his head. “Thoroughbreds are a touchy bunch—spirited and high-strung.”
    “A fact I’m well aware of after spending plenty of time working with them,” Libby countered. “I’ve trained thoroughbreds for years.” Her voice held conviction. “I’m willing to work hard and earn my keep.” She couldn’t leave just yet, so why not try to get a closer look at Colin’s prized horseflesh, as she was dying to do?
    “I don’t know.” Gus let out an audible sigh. “This is foaling and breeding season and the work is brutal.”
    “Gus, why not give him a chance,” Berta chimed in. “You’re working yourself to death, toiling seven days a week. At least try him out for a time.”
    His gaze trailed to his wife’s before wandering to Libby’s, where it stayed. He appeared deep in thought. “You’re right.” He refocused on Berta. “Everyone needs a chance to prove himself now and again. That’s what this great country is all about, taking and giving chances. Besides, the boy proved his mettle earlier.” He broke off. His focus returned to Libby again and he silently observed her for another moment. Finally he nodded, saying gruffly, “We start early around here. Right now we’re working every day, even tomorrow, Sunday. Be in the stables at sunup and I’ll give you more than a try. It’s backbreaking work, and as you’ve already experienced firsthand, I don’t mollycoddle my workers. You continue to pull your weight , boy, and you’ll have a job for as long as you want.”
    Libby exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you, sir. You won’t be sorry.”
    “I hope not.” Gus stabbed at a wedge of sweet potato and resumed eating. He took a few more bites, then glanced at her. “Libby’s a strange name. Don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone called Libby before.”
    “It’s a nickname.” Libby shrugged. “Short for Liberty. What can I say? My mom was patriotic.”
    This answer seemed to appease him and he went back to his meal.
    But Berta didn’t appear to be fooled. She just shook her head and clucked.
    When the dinner was over, Libby leap ed from her chair, intending to do her part to help clean up. While carrying dishes to the sink, she felt a hand on her arm. Libby looked over her shoulder to see Berta shaking her head.
    “You best be getting ready for bed. This here’s woman’s work. You can bunk with Nathan tonight.”
    “I can take him to the bunkhouse,” Gus said. “He’ll be fine there.”
    “No.” A look of horror crossed Berta’s face. “He can bunk with Nathan. I wouldn’t let this child stay with those animals in the bunkhouse.”
    “Now, Berta, if he’s going to be working here, he needs to be with the rest of the hands. They’re not animals. Just young bucks with wild oats to sow.”
    “ Ja —you say that, but I’ll not have this child corrupted by those young bucks. Keep them away from him. He’s too young to be around such hooligans.”
    Gus heaved a resigned sigh. “ OK, but bear in mind, this boy isn’t our