To Whisper Her Name (55 page)

After an hour of searching and asking, overly warm and exhausted, lost in the maze of wagons and people, she slipped off her jacket and draped it over her left arm, arranging it just so. She slipped the shell from her pocket. Two weeks since she’d seen him. Yet it felt like a lifetime. Seeing the horses told her Ridley was still here. But it didn’t answer the question still lingering in her heart, the fear pressing at her chest.

Would he welcome her after the choice she’d made at Belle Meade?

She walked on and soon came to the end of the wagons. All that was left was boundless prairie and sky. Knowing it was silly, she shielded her eyes against the sun and looked as far west as she could see. But … no Rocky Mountains.

“Olivia?”

Hearing the hoarse whisper behind her, and the love and hope wrapped up in the sound of her name, in that voice, she turned. She scarcely had a chance to take in the sight of him before Ridley took her in his arms. She clung to him as though he might disappear in a dream if she let go. He whispered something against her hair — a prayer, she thought — but she couldn’t be sure.

Still holding her, he drew back slightly, touching her face, her hair as though trying to make sure she was real. “You don’t know how many nights I’ve sat right here, staring out into the emptiness and praying you were with me.”

Seeing the emotion in his eyes only encouraged hers. “I wanted to go with you so badly, but —”

“I know,” he whispered, understanding in his tone. His expression sobered. “Is Elizabeth …”

“I don’t know.” She teared up again. “If not yet … soon.”

He searched her gaze. “And yet you came.”

She ran a finger over his stubbled jaw, drinking in the sight of him. “You’re my life, Ridley Cooper. I don’t ever want you to leave me again.”

“That’s not a difficult promise to make, Olivia Aberdeen.”

He kissed her, long and deep, and Olivia lost herself in him. Even more. Then remembering, she smiled.

“Ridley,” she whispered against his mouth.

He drew back.

“I have something for you.”

She reached into her pocket, withdrew the shell, and handed it to him. He looked at it, stilled for a second, then pressed it back into her palm. With gentle resolve, he brought her left hand to his lips. Too late, Olivia realized her jacket had slid to the ground. Ridley kissed her hand, the top of her wrist, and slowly, determinedly, moving up her bare arm, his breath warm, he kissed the length of her scar.

“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered. “Except for one thing.”

She looked up at him.

But he leaned around her, inspecting what, she wasn’t sure.

When he looked at her again, that spark she loved so dearly was in his eyes. “You’re the only woman for miles with a bustle that size.”

She grinned.

“But not to worry.” He winked. “I’m good with bustles.”

Dear Reader,

Upon visiting Belle Meade Plantation some years ago, I knew I wanted to write a story that included the plantation’s history, as well as that of the Harding family and the former slaves. One of those slaves, Robert Green, immediately captured my attention, and the more I learned about him, the more I wanted to know. According to history, he was a horse whisperer and is largely responsible for Belle Meade’s success. When you visit Belle Meade, you’ll discover that the staff considers him a “rock star” of sorts. And with good reason, considering that what’s recorded in the prologue of
To Whisper Her Name
is rooted in truth. He really
did
hide those thoroughbreds.

Writing historical fiction against the backdrop of real history is challenging, to say the least. And attempting to sketch the character of someone you’ve never met is too. I went to great lengths to remain accurate to history but did take occasional liberties for the sake of story. For instance, the first yearling auction was actually held in August 1867 (not June), and Elizabeth Harding died only two days after that auction, shocking the citizens of Nashville. Also, General William Giles Harding (not Ridley) is the man credited with inaugurating the auction system of selling thoroughbreds in Tennessee. Harding’s ingenuity contributed to creating the most successful breeding and distribution of thoroughbred stock in the state’s history. Incidentally, the letter in the story from Mary Selena McNairy Harding (General Harding’s first wife) is a real letter penned by her the winter of 1836–37. Thank you to Belle Meade for the permission to share that in my story.

To learn more about Belle Meade, visit the Belle Meade Plantation novels page on my website (www.tameraalexander.com). While there, view video vignettes filmed on location at the plantation, discover how current-day Kentucky Derby winners trace their lineage to the 1870s stud farm, and learn about upcoming books in the series.

Sharing these stories with you makes writing historical fiction extra special, and the connections we make are precious to me. Thank you for reading.

Until next time,

Tamera

Galatians 3:28

M
y family, Joe, Kelsey, and Kurt — for understanding when I’m “in the zone,” for helping me get there, and for making it all worth it.

Alton Kelly, Jenny Lamb, John Lamb, and the staff at Belle Meade Plantation — for opening the personal letters from the Harding family to me and for answering my endless emails and questions.

Ridley Wills II, a descendant of the Harding family — for his book
The History of Belle Meade: Mansion, Plantation, and Stud
, which proved to be an invaluable resource as I wrote this book.

Sue Brower and Leslie Peterson, my editors — for your insight, encouragement, and patience as this story took shape.

Deborah Raney, my writing critique partner — for doing what you do so very well. And for always being just a click away.

Natasha Kern, my agent — for representing me with such integrity and loyalty.

Stan Williams, award-winning video producer, filmmaker, and show creator … and “Master of Story Structure” — for your book
The Moral Premise
and for sharing your extraordinary gift with me. Thank you, friend.

Jason Ingram, Matt Redman, and Tim Winstall for your song “Never Once,” which I listened to countless times as I wrote this book. Thanks for sharing your giftedness. (www.fellowshipsongs.com)

My readers — for loving these historical characters and settings with a passion that rivals my own. You encourage me in ways I can’t begin to describe. I’m so grateful for you.

And to Jesus Christ — for whispering my name so faithfully. Mold my heart, Lord, to hear and love you more.

2–3 cups fresh-picked blackberries
   (or thawed from your “icebox” will do nicely)
1½ cups sugar, divided
1 cup sweet milk (whole milk)
1 cup flour (all purpose)
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup fresh butter
Fresh heavy cream (for serving)

TAMERA ALEXANDER is a bestselling, award-winning novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers worldwide. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two adult children, who live nearby, and also a twelve-pound silky terrier named Jack.

Tamera invites you to visit her at:

Or if you prefer snail mail, please write her at the following postal address:

Discussion questions for
To Whisper Her Name
are available at www.tameraalexander.com, as are details about Tamera joining you for a virtual book club visit.

Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.

To Whisper Her Name
has everything a fine historical novel needs: characters we truly care about, struggles that really matter, splashes of humor to engage us, and period details that bring the past to vibrant life. Ridley and Olivia both arrive with heartaches and disappointments tucked in their traveling bags. Watching them unpack those memories and make room for the Lord’s cleansing touch is pure reading pleasure.
— Liz Curtis Higgs,
New York Times
bestselling author of
Mine Is the Night

Tamera has taken 205 years of Belle Meade history and brought it to life in
To Whisper Her Name
. The mansion becomes vibrant again with family, the grounds alive with guests and staff, and the thoroughbreds are once again saddled and ready to take the reader on a rollicking ride!
— Alton Kelley, executive director of Belle Meade Plantation

To Whisper Her Name
has everything I love in a Tamera Alexander book: great sense of place, multilayered characters, and a romantic plot that kept me up way too late. This post-Civil war novel is a terrific story by one of the top authors out there.
— Colleen Coble, author of
Tidewater Inn
and the Mercy Falls series

From the beginning of the prologue to the end, the story captured my excitement to keep reading and discover what was next in the lives of Olivia and Ridley. I did not want to put the book down at times when I had to! Relaxed, fun reading!
To Whisper Her Name
reminded me once again of how life must have been back when my maternal ancestors walked the Belle Meade Plantation grounds and of their dedication to the plantation thoroughbred farm and its owners.
— Luvenia Harrison Butler, MSP, board member of Belle Meade Plantation

To Whisper Her Name
is another compelling novel from the pen of Tamera Alexander, revealing that though times have changed, human emotions and relationships never will. A cast of characters you’ll fall in love with, and a beautiful story of redemption and hope.
— Deborah Raney, author of
The Face of the Earth
and the Hanover Falls novels

To Whisper Her Name
will grab you and not let go. It’s a beautiful, powerful story with unforgettable characters who face the unthinkable with honor while a captivating romance blooms where seeds should never have been scattered.
— Cindy Woodsmall,
New York Times
bestselling author of the Sisters of the Quilt series

To Whisper Her Name
draws you in on a journey to redemption and love between two people who have suffered deeply from others’ judgment. This is a story of love, but mostly of God’s grace and His ever-present hand in restoring the lives of those who seek him. A romance so deeply satisfying, both to my heart and to my soul.
— Christy Jordan, author of
Southern Plate

Rich in history, romance, and human drama,
To Whisper Her Name
is a book to be savored, like a sumptuous Southern banquet. Tamera Alexander’s skills as a master storyteller have never been more evident.
— Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of
Beloved
and
Betrayal

A Belle Mead Plantation Novel

To Whisper Her Name

A Belmont Mansion Novel

A Lasting Impression

Fountain Creek Chronicles

Rekindled
Revealed
Remembered
Fountain Creek Chronicles (3 in 1)

Timber Ridge Reflections

From a Distance
Beyond This Moment
Within My Heart

Women of Faith Fiction

The Inheritance