And You Will Find Love

Barbara could not help it and remarked, "I thought the academy was for boys only."

From deep in her ample bosom, the woman replied, "Since the war, some positions are being filled by women. But there are no girls attending Glenview."

When Barbara asked again to see her godson, the woman frowned.

"Visiting days are on Sunday. No exceptions, except in emergencies."

Barbara decided on patience as the best strategy with these military. "I do believe my visit falls in that category."

When she explained who it was she wanted to see, the woman seemed to understand and became more human.

"Oh, yes. How sad for Timmy. We all feel very sorry for his loss. We missed him, while he was away attending his mother's funeral. And you are?"

Barbara explained her relationship briefly, and asked again to see Timmy.

The admissions receptionist consulted a schedule book on her desk and then reported, "He would be in riding class this hour. You could wait here for him after class. Or since I'm sure you're eager to see him right away, I can send the cadet in the lobby to fetch him here."

Barbara had a better idea. "Couldn't I just go out and see him ride? He must be among the boys I saw riding when I drove in."

The receptionist tried to discourage her from doing that.

But Barbara was out of her office and the building almost before the large woman could steady herself getting out of her chair.

Barbara got back in her station wagon and drove again down the winding road until she reached a fork and took it to the riding stables. She had wanted badly to see Timmy astride his horse, but by the time she reached the stables, the boys and their instructor had all dismounted.

A tall, athletically slim and very good-looking young man dressed in blue Cavalry riding attire as the boys were, was instructing them in grooming their horses when she approached. He had taken off his soldier's campaign hat and Barbara was surprised that despite a young face, she thought he was perhaps only about thirty, his hair was gray except for dark eyebrows and sideburns. It was not dull gray but a healthy, almost shiny silver, and she thought it was most becoming on him. On closer look, he was not only very good-looking but strikingly handsome.

"Hi," he said with a boyish smile. "Can I be of help?"

"Looking for someone," Barbara said, relaxing and not feeling she was engaged in another military campaign. "I'm Timmy Riordan's godmother. At admissions, they said I might find him here."