Using a tractor, he carved out an oval track in the meadow below Main House and watered the dirt down every morning to keep the dust from flying. Matthew also retrieved an old aviation watch from his gear to time Francesca’s runs. Since Francesca hadn’t raced in years, she started out gun-shy of the Duisenberg’s big engine. But after a few practice runs, she positively relished the power of all those horses. “We’ve got to name her,” Matthew said, pointing to the car. “Great ships, trains and aircraft always have names.” “How about Silver Ghost?” I blurted out. And that’s how I came to name the Doozy. Matthew and I were responsible for cleaning the Ghost after Francesca’s training sessions. As we buffed and polished, Matthew spoke a little about his life as a boy, and I began to look forward to those moments alone with him. As we chatted, we gave the chrome such a gleam, I could see Matthew’s reflection.
