One day, her trance was interrupted.

“I  thought it was you who was riding like a madwoman.”

Startled, Tina turned to see a young man walking his black horse towards her.

“No one around here could ride like that, except me and, well, it wasn’t me.”

“You’re overestimating your riding ability, Press,” Tine replied. 

“I would protest, but good manners prohibit me from disagreeing with a lady.”

“Your wife will be very fortunate to have such an agreeable husband.”

“Yes, you will be.”

The two laughed at the reference to an old promise.

Tina and Press had taken riding lessons from the same instructor, their lessons overlapping.  When Tina was seven, a very serious nine-year old  Prescott Leighton Byrd had told Tina that he would come to her home the afternoon following her debutante cotillion  to ask her father for her hand in marriage.  He secretly taught 15-year old Tina to drive, which she did at high speeds along quiet roads, once swerving to avoid a cow and directing Press’ new car into a muddy field. 

Press’ sudden appearance at the pond meant that he was on summer break from Vanderbilt. They sat near the pond while they waited for Argo to be restored to fitness, the two friends sharing polite conversation.  Tina asked about Vanderbilt.  Press asked about the health of Tina’s parents.  They spoke about their horses and their plans for July 4^th.

“Why are you racing poor Argo through the fields everyday?”

“Twice a day.”

“Why?”

“For fresh air.”

“Tina.”

“Exercise.”

Press looked expectantly at Tina but finally simply sighed.

“Are you studying law?” Tina asked.

“It is very respectable, you know.”

“I do. “  Tina faced Press and looked at him as she frowned.

“What’s wrong?” the young man asked.

“I’m just trying to imagine you in one of those portraits in the courthouse.”

“Please no.  My plans are to practice only as much law as necessary to be respectable Southern gentleman.  Being a judge is far too serious.”

“And what will you do with the rest of your time.”

“Something exciting, I hope.”

They had ridden their horses hard back to the Kennard stable.  Press had accepted Mrs. Kennard’s offer of lemonade.  He chatted briefly with Mr. and Mrs. Kennard, mostly about Vanderbilt, before he politely made his excuses and returned home.