A Hope Beyond Read Online Free Page B

in her hands. “What is it this time that has captured your attention?” He drew closer to her.
    “Nothing that would appeal to your interest, I assure you.”
    Carolina wished fervently that he would leave her alone, but since setting his cap for her some months earlier, Carolina found that Hampton Cabot was a most ardent suitor.
    “Carolina,” he said in a voice that told her formalities were concluded, “you mustn’t be this way with me. I desire to know about every interest of your life.”
    She gave him a quick appraisal. Hampton Cabot was a big man, standing at least six feet three and weighing some two hundred pounds. He was well muscled, fashionably dressed, and not all that bad to look at, but Carolina found him a bore. Nevertheless, he was a guest in her home and did not deserve her rudeness.
    “I’m reading about the tractive power of locomotives to start the cars forward,” she said, making a concerted attempt to be polite. His blue eyes widened ever so slightly as he raised a single brow. Enjoying his surprise, she continued. “You see, tractive power is how you measure the ability of the engine to start the locomotive forward, while horsepower is a measurement of the locomotive’s ability to maintain the cars moving forward—”
    “Why would you want to waste your time in such matters?” Hampton interrupted.
    Carolina smiled tolerantly. “Because I am the co-owner of my father’s new railroad venture, the Potomac and Great Falls Railroad. Therefore, I feel it is important for me to understand the workings of locomotives and the railroad if I’m to be a successful part of it.”
    “And knowledge of tractive power will make you successful?” Hampton pushed aside his coattails and took a seat on the settee opposite Carolina.
    “It’s only one part. I must be educated in the workings of the railroad, or otherwise I won’t be able to suggest ways to make it better.” She ignored the open look of disbelief on Hampton’s face. No doubt he assumed she would be of little help in any situation.
    “This particular book is a new locomotive manual by DePam-bour. It says here that locomotive tractive power can be figured by using the formula T equals C squared, times S, times P, divided by D. That is to say, tractive force in pounds equals the diameter—”
    “Enough!” Hampton said, raising his hands in protest. “Don’t you know, dear Carolina, that young women should not burden their minds with such things?”
    “You must understand, Mr. Cabot,” Carolina said, snapping the book closed, “these are the things that my mind ponders. These are the things that interest me.”
    “But you are a woman of refinement. You are beautiful and talented, graceful and charming. Why waste your abilities on such masculine interests? Have your little railroad, but let the men worry about how it runs.”
    Carolina tightened her grip on the book and tried to remain calm. To her relief, her father chose that moment to enter the room.
    “Carolina, my dear, I had no idea you were in here when I sent Hampton up. Do forgive me.”
    Carolina jumped up and crossed the room to kiss her father’s cheek. His muttonchop whiskers tickled her lips and made her smile. “There is nothing to forgive, Papa. I was just explaining tractive power to Mr. Cabot.”
    “My little willow of a daughter with her powerful mind.” Joseph laughed heartily and put an arm around her. “She’s something else, is she not?” he asked Hampton.
    “Indeed,” Hampton said, then, drawing a brown paper parcel from his coat pocket, he added, “I nearly forgot in our discussion of railroad formulas, I brought this for you, Carolina.”
    Carolina moved away from her father, her navy woolen dress swinging silently from side to side as she crossed to take the package. “I would rather you not bring me gifts, Mr. Cabot.”
    “Please call me Hampton. You know how I feel about you, as does your father. Formalities are certainly unwarranted