The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

would I say?
    I’d have to be sure you want this. That you’re strong enough to take this leap of faith and change your entire world . . .
    “I’d say no,” he whispered. Not uncaring, but firm. “That it’s a big thing to give up your whole life on a whim. And if he tried to do it anyway, I’d march him straight back and deposit him on the front step of his father’s estate the very same day.”
    He could see it in her face; Rose’s heart sank.
    She nodded, like she’d given up.
    “I apologize to have taken so much of your time this morning. Good luck to you, Mr. Keary.”
    Rosamund stood, wiping the back of her skirt to free it of any straw that may have caught up on the wool, then turned to leave the stable.
    Colin sighed. Ran his hand through his hair as he stood behind her, feeling the acute stab of regret as soon as the words were out of his mouth.
    “Rose, wait.”
    He stepped up behind her.
    Reached for her hand.
    Never anticipating it would be the warmth of his fingers clasping hers that would draw her back. Not having expected she’d drop her gloves to the ground in the haste of his action and turn to face him with a look of true understanding alive upon her features.
    Colin knew his hair must have been mussed—he’d just run a hand through it. She looked up at his brow, a tiny flicker of notice flashing in her eyes.
    It spoke volumes.
    “I’m not finished,” he added, holding her hand a few seconds longer than he should. “I’d also say that if you’re quite sure living your own life is what you mean to do, then your wish can be granted.”
    “My wish?” she breathed out.
    “You’ve heard of the Circus Kings, in America?”
    He knew she probably had, even as far off the path as North Yorkshire.
    “The Ringling Brothers?” She narrowed her eyes in question. “I’ve heard of them, yes.”
    “My employers—and Ingénue’s new owners—are Charles and John Ringling. I’m John Ringling’s agent, both on the road during the performance months and to recruit acts for the Ringling Brothers’ show in the off-season.”
    “So that’s why you’re in England? To recruit acts for a circus?” She eased back, pulling her fingers from his.
    He felt the absence of warmth when she let go.
    “Yes. But in particular, I’ve come to make Ingénue a part of the Ringlings’ world. I think she could be a high school horse, one that is so finely trained that she can perform with little to no direction. I witnessed her do so this morning, with you as her rider. If you wish it, I’ll take you to see that new world for yourself.”
    “Why would you do that?” she breathed out.
    Colin stooped and picked up her gloves, dusting off tiny bits of straw from the soft leather. He stood, then held them out before her.
    “Because I know what’s it’s like to wish more than anything that you could change your life. And I’m here to say that if you really want it, you can see what it’s like to live a different life. You can have adventure, if that’s what you need, before you make a decision about your future.”
    She shook her head. “But how?”
    “Come to America and find out.”

CHAPTER 8
    1904
    A TLANTIC C ITY , N EW J ERSEY
    It was hot backstage.
    Too hot.
    A pressure cooker, according to Sally.
    Mable could feel the humidity rising, making her skin sticky and wet. Her friend’s last set wasn’t scheduled for another half hour, so the two sat in the backstage area of the newly built grand ballroom at the elegant Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, baking through their break while they waited for show time.
    “Remind me again why I agreed to two performances in one evening?”
    Sally flounced back in a baby-blue chaise lounge, fanning her hand at her face while she laid her head back in dramatic fashion.
    “You’d think sea air would be better in summer. But look—” Sally pointed to the vase of pink roses—her favorite—on the dressing table nearby. Their petals were wilted and sad, having