“Your affairs of the heart are far more interesting than branding calves,” Jackson observed. “You’ve been brooding for days. Something happen between you and Violet now that Roland returned to school?”
“I don’t think so. Simon came home whistling awhile back. Told me he’d settled everything and there wasn’t a single thing to worry about.” Mrs. Sheridan topped up everyone’s coffee. “I knew he meant Violet and her situation on the Triple C.”
“Settled everything?” AJ leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “What the dickens does that mean?”
“He met with Harold Watson at the First National,” Adam said, sipping his coffee.
Simon glared at him. Last time he’d confide in his twin. “Close your yapper.”
“He co-signed a loan for Violet so she wouldn’t have to sell. Even though he wants to own that ranch so bad he can taste it.” Adam chuckled. “The problem with that loan… Violet doesn’t know a thing about his part in it. She believes the banker changed his mind and gave her the money after all.”
Simon stood and leaned across the table. “I told you to shut up.”
“I’m glad you told us, Adam. We won’t be lettin’ cats out of bags if we’re asked about it by Violet or anyone else.” AJ wagged a finger at Simon. “Son, that was a kind thing you done, but you know this is gonna come back to bite you on the behind.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Simon muttered. “Couldn’t let her lose the ranch. And she was determined she wasn’t selling to me. Or anyone else for that matter.”
“Why not? A single woman left all alone.” Adam shook his head. “Women are so stubborn… Ouch.”
Simon grinned, suspecting Adam’s wife had kicked him under the table. He glanced over at Willow and her expression confirmed his suspicions. “Worry about your wife, and leave me and Violet out of it.”
“Just saying she should have a man around to help her,” Adam said, finishing his thought.
“I saw a rider heading her way while I was out checking the herd.”
“When was that?” Simon blurted, glaring at his oldest brother.
Jackson appeared deep in thought for a moment. “Three, maybe four days ago. Perhaps Violet hired a ranch hand to help out.”
“What did the fellow look like?” Simon flopped onto his chair. “Anyone we know?”
“Didn’t get a good look at him. Little guy as I recall. Maybe not much older than a kid,” he surmised. “Never saw him returning our way, so he must have either kept moving on or he found work on the Triple C.”
“That’s wonderful. Violet shouldn’t be all alone over there and she’ll require help with the heavier work. Which of you is going to inquire if she needs help with branding? I suppose she could drive over the mothers with the few calves born this spring.” Mrs. Sheridan sipped her coffee. “Or you could pack up the gear and head over to her place to do the branding for her.”
“You’re as subtle as a knock to the head,” AJ muttered.
Mrs. Sheridan smiled at the family patriarch. “I’ll help Sammy with any extra cooking you need done.”
Simon remained silent. Sourdough Sammy celebrated his birthday, turning seventy-two a while back; he’d been cooking on the Double M since the original owner hired him decades ago. Sammy hadn’t slowed down a bit in his mind, but Simon’s pa had mentioned the need to hire someone to take over one day.
Truth be told, Simon worried if Violet would even ask for their help. He couldn’t see her building fires, roping calves, and handling all the business that went along with branding. Not all alone. Perhaps if she’d hired a hand, then the two of them might carry it out. But if her new hand was some young kid without a lot of weight behind him and even less experience, the whole attempt might be a disaster.
“I’ll ride over tonight and inquire if she needs help with branding.” Simon wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes for fear they’d see his ulterior motive in the decision. He’d missed seeing Violet since they attended church together a couple weeks ago. It grated on his nerves that she’d gotten under his skin so badly. He thought of her the moment his eyes opened every morning, and she was the last thing on his mind before he drifted off to sleep at night. Mrs. Sheridan was right; he had it bad. No doubt about it. But one day she’d be his wife.
“Don’t forget to take that apple pie with you,” Mrs. Sheridan offered. “Made six of them today to use up some of last year’s apples.”
“Thank you. I’m certain she’ll appreciate it.” Simon stood and walked out of the kitchen. He intended to clean up a bit before heading for the Triple C. Scrub a bit of the day off his face and run a comb through his hair at least. A set of clean clothes wouldn’t hurt either, he supposed. Of course, his brothers would band together for a round of good-natured teasing when he wandered back downstairs. Which he supposed was fair when he thought about it. He’d enjoyed giving Jackson, Daniel and Adam a fair ribbing when they were courting the women who were now their wives. He glanced at himself in the mirror. “You’d better face the music and then high-tail it to Violet’s if you want to return home at a decent hour,” he told himself.
Fifteen minutes later, following a relentless bout of joshing with his brothers and his pa, he mounted Hero and headed for the Triple C, an apple pie wrapped in a tea towel and tucked inside a canvas bag.
* * *
Violet had frozen in place when Faith inquired about her status as a single young lady. Why aren’t you married? It was a fair enough question. Most of the local girls Violet’s age were married long ago. Not her.
Over supper, Violet met eyes with Faith from across the kitchen table. “You asked why I wasn’t married,” she said, broaching the subject again.
“You don’t need to answer. I sometimes speak without thinking,” Faith replied. “Please pardon my curiosity.”
“There’s no secret concerning me remaining single. I’ve never met the right fellow. Or if I have, he hasn’t been interested enough to court me or propose,” she suggested, hearing her brother’s taunts about Simon echoing in her mind.
“I would think young men would be beating the door down to court someone as pretty as you.”
“Do you require eyeglasses, Faith?” she teased. She loved her soft brown eyes and her slim build often garnered a share of the single fellows’ attentions in town. But her bright auburn hair seemed too red for her liking and had triggered endless teasing when she was a child. “I’m no prettier than the next girl.”
“Are you serious? You’re lovely.”
Violet chuckled. “Even wearing my denims and covered in cow manure most of the time?”
“Nothing a bath and change of clothes wouldn’t fix.”
“Thank you for the compliment. The truth is, I’ve been too busy working on the ranch with my parents and brother, Roland. I love it but my older brother couldn’t wait to leave and train as a veterinarian in the east. Roland will graduate in a few months and return home for good to start his practice.”
“My goodness, that’s remarkable.” Faith’s shoulders slumped. “I’ve always loved animals, and I wanted to become a vet when I was younger. I tended kittens and puppies on our ranch. Rescued any ailing critters I found and hauled them home. Of course, when I grew up and learned girls were not permitted to enroll in veterinarian school, that dream went out the window.”
“Who knows? Maybe someday the rules will change.”
“Don’t get me started on the injustice of it all or I’ll have my unmentionables in a knot.” Faith shook her head. “I didn’t have the money to go anyway. So it really didn’t matter.”
“Our parents skimped and saved to pay for Roland’s schooling. And he worked so hard. But I’ve learned everything I need to know about cattle ranching right here working alongside Father.”
“What about your mother? Did she…” Faith left the thought hanging.
“Mother passed a few years ago. I was devastated. Doc Bennett told us her heart suddenly gave out. There was
n’t anything that could have been done.” Violet blinked back her tears. “I miss her every day. And then Father died, froze to death in a blizzard this past winter.”
“I’m so sorry.” An odd expression crossed Faith’s face.
“There are hardships ahead for me, rebuilding the ranch by myself. But I refuse to give up when I’m so close.” Violet spoke about her plans for growing the herd again and paying off the bank.
“I’d be honored to help you achieve those dreams.”
They cleared the table and heated water to wash the dishes as they discussed their immediate plans.
“My situation couldn’t have been more different, but I’m never looking back.” Faith dried a dinner plate. “I feel safe here. Who knows? Maybe I’ll cross paths with the fellow meant for me and live the rest of my days in Milestone or on a neighboring ranch. We’ll be friends forever.”
“I’d like that, too.” Violet looked up from washing the supper dishes, spotting Simon riding into the front yard. He reined Hero over to the hitching rail, carrying something in a canvas bag. Mrs. Sheridan had sent over something again; Violet had never known a more generous woman. And of course, AJ didn’t mind in the least.
“Faith, my neighbor just arrived.”
Her new friend glanced out the window. “By any chance, would that be the fellow who doesn’t realize he should be courting you?”
Violet recalled that part of her explanation about not being married. “Perhaps he is. I’d love having a bit of fun with him. Do you mind hurrying up to your room? Give me a quarter hour and then wander down here.”
Faith giggled, catching her meaning. “Oh, my, you’re terrible.”
“Nothing he wouldn’t pull on me,” she argued in her own defense.
Faith touched her arm. “All right, I’ll play along. Enjoy yourself.”
A moment later, Simon’s hand rapped on the back door.
“Come in,” she called leaving the dried dishes stacked haphazardly on the counter.
Simon stepped inside and glanced around the room. She noticed he’d immediately spotted the dishes and she could almost see him silently counting the plates and cutlery. Normally, there’d be one cup, a fork, and a single plate to wash up. Not tonight.
“Hello. What brings you over my way?” Violet hung the tea towel to dry and opened the cupboard. She put everything away in its place while Simon hung his Stetson on a hook by the door.
“I’m checking that you’re all right. Mrs. Sheridan sent over an apple pie.” Simon set the pie plate wrapped in a checkered tea towel on the counter and peeked down the hallway.
Violet stifled the laugh threatening to give her away. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Um… all right.” Simon slumped onto one of the kitchen chairs and stretched out his long legs. “Jackson mentioned seeing a rider heading your way a few days back.”
“Oh, that must have been my new ranch hand. Working out very well. You wouldn’t believe what we’ve accomplished so far.” Violet poured Simon’s coffee and set the cup in front of him. She pointed to the cream and sugar. “Help yourself.”
Simon straightened in the chair and met her eyes. “So you hired someone?”
“Seemed perfect for the job.”
“Jackson thought he might be young.” Simon added cream to his coffee.
“Still, more than qualified.”
He took a sip. “So he’s staying in the barn, I guess.”
“No, I gave up my old room next to my parents’ where I sleep now.”
Simon choked on his coffee and glared at her. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Not at all. There’s no heat in the barn. I can’t have my ranch hand freezing to death.” Violet shook her head. “Wouldn’t say much for me as a boss, would it?”
“But you’re alone. You can’t have a man sleeping in the next room?” he blurted.
“Man? Who said anything about a man?” Violet questioned, innocently.
“But you said… I was told...” Simon shook his head. “I thought…”
“Violet, do you mind if I go for a short walk before bed?”
Simon’s head whipped around and he faced the woman standing in the doorway.
Violet noticed her new ranch hand had changed into the old navy dress she’d given her. Faith’s blonde hair fell in waves around her shoulders and her face had been scrubbed clean removing every trace of the day’s grime.
“Go right ahead. I’ve no objection,” Violet replied. Faith looked stunning, and Violet experienced a moment of jealousy. Had she invited serious competition for Simon’s heart into her home? “First, though, let me introduce you to one of my neighbors from the Double M Ranch. Faith Harding, this is Simon McLennon.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. McLennon. Goodness, I’ve heard so much about you.” Faith smiled at him.
Violet cringed. She’d swear her new ranch hand actually batted her eyes at Simon. If Violet didn’t so desperately require that girl’s help with the ranch, she might deem her flirtatious comment grounds for dismissal.
Chapter 10
Violet dragged her shirt sleeve across her forehead and smiled at the tiny calf nursing at her healthy mother’s side. So far a dozen calves had been rounded up and kept in the barn while their poor malnourished mothers regained their strength and all could join the herd again. She’d deemed everyone healthy enough to leave the safety and security of the barn today.
After cleaning stalls and feeding stock all morning, Violet had sent Faith up to the kitchen to prepare their breakfast having learned the girl could cook circles around her boss. Waiting for the summons to come up to the house to eat, Violet resumed her work while her stomach growled in anticipation.
Last night, Simon left for home shortly after Violet introduced him to Faith. He couldn’t have been more transparent in his purpose for dropping by the ranch. Clearly, he’d feared she’d hired a man to help on the Triple C. Simon appeared ready to collapse with relief when he realized she’d hired Faith instead. At least, he hadn’t appeared the least bit smitten with Faith following the girl’s flirtatious-sounding response to their introduction. Did he truly only have eyes for her? Violet hoped so.
“Breakfast is ready,” Faith called.
Violet hurried to the barn’s open doorway. “Coming!” She put away the pitchfork and wheelbarrow and started toward the house. She needed to broach the subject of branding calves with one of the McLennon men. Her father and AJ had always shared the job, helping each other out every year. Mind you, in years past there’d been dozens of calves born. With fewer births on ranches this year, they might not deem it necessary to share the chore.
“Wash up,” Faith instructed the moment Violet entered the kitchen. “Grub’s on the table.”
Violet dunked her hands in the basin of warm water provided for her on the washstand. “Thank you. You’ve thought of everything.”
“Same as I done for my father at home. Before…” Faith muttered.
Violet remained silent on that matter. She sympathized with Faith and all that she’d endured before leaving home for good. Having been raised by two loving parents, Violet couldn’t imagine her friend’s feelings of betrayal after being treated so poorly by the man every little girl looked up to more than anyone. Violet’s vision blurred with tears; she missed her own father so much. But having Faith here seemed the perfect solution to her requirement for help on the ranch and to keep her company. And preventing the gossips from having a heyday at her expense; they’d be flapping their gums about her being a single young lady living here alone with a man. They’d verbally shred her reputation to tatters in mere minutes.
“I’ve been pondering the matter of the branding,” she said, opening the topic for discussion. “Any ideas?”
“Riding over to the McLennon ranch and asking when do you want me to drop by and help with the branding seems a good place to start.” Faith dug into the plate filled with eggs, bacon and biscuits. Apparently, saying
grace hadn’t been a prerequisite to every meal at her former home. Violet decided to let it pass this time.
“Now why didn’t I think of that tactic.” Violet shook her head, seating herself across from her hired helper. “As simple a maneuver as herding a steer up a stairway.”
“Did you have something more subtle in mind?” Faith asked innocently and then grinned.
“Definitely.”
“Such as?”
Violet blew out her breath. “That’s the problem. I haven’t come up with anything yet.”
“If we herded the calves over there, some of the hands might get the message,” Faith suggested, then stuffed another forkful of eggs into her mouth. She wolfed down breakfast as if someone had declared a race.
“You’re impossible.”
A loud knock on the back door startled Violet. She hadn’t heard anyone riding onto the property and even Moe hadn’t barked. She hurried to the door and opened it a crack. She recognized the Branson’s oldest son and threw it open.
“Johnnie, what are you doing out this way?”
Moe sat at the twelve-year-old boy’s feet, wagging his tail while the child petted his head.
“Good morning, ma’am. I brung you a message from the banker.” Johnnie thrust an envelope into her hands. “I gotta go or I’ll be late for school and Ma will have my head.”
“Be careful on your way back to town,” Violet called as she watched him clamber onto his horse and head back toward Milestone.
She closed the door and ripped open the envelope.
April 12, 1887
Miss Violet Campbell
Milestone, Montana Territory
Dear Miss Campbell,
I hope everything is working out well for you on the Triple C.
I neglected to ensure that you had signed all of the pages concerning your recent visit. I’ve discovered I require your signature on one more sheet. Please meet with me at the bank around ten o’clock this morning.
Inherit A Dream (Sons Of A Gun Book 4) Page 6
