Kentucky Rich by Fern Michaels

didn’t matter that she lived in the big house, and it didn’t matter that she didn’t share her private life with them. She belonged; it was that simple.
    Nealy could feel her neck start to itch. That meant someone was either watching her or staring at her. The hair on the back of her neck always stood on end when she knew her pa was standing in the shadows watching what she was doing. It was the same kind of feeling. She turned around to peer through the milling crowd of workers who were making their way up to the main house. She saw him out of the corner of her eye—Jack Carney, the man who expected to take Jess’s place when he stepped down. Nealy didn’t like him, but then it wasn’t her place to like or dislike him. He knew the farm, knew the horses, and had been with Blue Diamond Farms for a long time. She waved listlessly as she turned to follow the crowd. Wylie, Jack’s son, fell into step with her. She didn’t much care for him either. In her opinion he was too rough with the animals, too uncaring. Once she’d seen him try to shoo Emmie away as if she were one of the barn dogs. She didn’t like that either.
    â€œNice wedding, doncha think? Kind of silly to be getting hitched at their age, but still it was nice.”
    â€œYou’re never too old to get married,” Nealy said.
    â€œSo are you here for the long haul or are you just passing through? No one seems to know, and you don’t give up a whole lot. Why is that?”
    â€œMaybe because it’s none of your business, Wylie.” Nealy stopped walking and turned to face Jack’s son. “Look, I don’t like you, so I’m not going to pretend I do. I don’t like your rough handling of the horses. I just want you to know I’m going to be watching you. You drink at night, too. You know drinking isn’t permitted. And, no, no one told me that, I saw you myself. The others cover for you because of your father. I won’t do that, though, so keep it in mind.”
    â€œDo we have a tattletale here?” Wylie sneered.
    â€œI guess we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?”
    â€œI think you’re pretty goddamn uppity is what I think.”
    â€œAnd I think you’re a horse’s ass,” Nealy said quietly. “Now, get away from me. You make my skin crawl.”
    â€œJust who the hell are you?” Wylie sneered again.
    â€œI’m the one who has eyes in the back of her head. I told you, keep away from me. You don’t want to take me on, Wylie. I’m here to work with the horses just the way you’re supposed to work but don’t. I think that sums it all up.” Without another word, Nealy dug her new shoes into the thick grass and sprinted for the backyard, where the barbecue was under way. She skidded to a stop next to a smiling Maud, who was graciously accepting wedding gifts and hugs from her farm family.
    She looks tired, Nealy thought as she led her to the nearest chair that was heavily padded with cushions. “What can I fetch you, Miss Maud?”
    â€œNothing, honey. Jess is bringing me something. What did you think of my wedding?”
    â€œI thought it was beautiful. Jess loves you so much. Are you happy, Miss Maud?”
    â€œVery happy, child. I didn’t think this was ever going to happen. Now I am Mrs. Jess Wooley. I even have a paper that says so. I guess it doesn’t get any better than that. What about you, Nealy? Are you happy?”
    â€œMiss Maud, there are no words to tell you how happy I am. You bought me this beautiful new dress and these shoes I’m having a hard time walking in and all those things for Emmie. She looks like a little angel. I always wanted to get her a pair of shiny black shoes. She does love them. Jess showed her how to spit on her finger and rub the dirt off the toe.”
    â€œTonight when she’s sleeping you have to change the penny in her bag. Jess got