by West, Everly
“Do you think her husband actually invited you?” The baker stood with both elbows on the counter. “I think Mrs. Farnsworth made it up.”
Michael frowned through the window at the retreating figures. “You really think so?”
He went to the doorway only to stop when his stomach growled. “Would you happen to have some butter to go with the warm bread?”
* * *
The next day, Michael got up early and went to the bathhouse. He could’ve bathed at home, but after preparing a selection of guns to take to the Farnsworth ranch and delivering several repaired items, the day had flown by. As it was already close to four in the afternoon, he didn’t have time to fetch and heat up water.
In the steamy bath, he sunk in and closed his eyes for a long moment. It was at the least half an hour ride to the Farnsworth ranch so he didn’t have the luxury of enjoying the bath as normal.
Soaping up and rinsing, he reluctantly left the hot water and dried off. Then after putting on clean clothes, he ran a comb through his hair.
“That was quick.” The man just outside gave him a curious look. “A pretty woman must be waitin’ for you.” The man chuckled.
Michael shook his head and paid. “I certainly hope so.” He walked out to his horse. A young boy he’d hired to watch the animal looked up from his perch on the wooden walkway with a bored expression.
“Thank you.” Michael flipped him a coin and the boy raced off in the direction of the mercantile. The money would be gone within seconds.
The entire ride to the Farnsworth home, Michael went back and forth as to whether he should speak to Jane. His heart protested wildly whenever he told himself to let things lie. A part of him knew it was for the best that she find a suitor amongst her social circle. A man of her status.
Ian waved from inside a corral and Michael guided his horse toward him. The man was in his element, a slight curve to his lips as he guided a horse around in a circle. The beautiful animal pulled back just enough to let Ian know he was only cooperating of his own free will.
“I heard you were coming for supper. I best go wash up myself,” Ian said, releasing the rope he used and walking to the gate. “Bring your horse in here.”
Michael studied his friend. “You and Mr. Farnsworth are pretty close, aren’t you?”
“Yep.” Ian nodded. “He’s a great man.”
“I can see that.”
“Coming to see Jane?” Ian walked alongside as Michael carried the saddle and placed it over the corral. “Daniel Johnston’s been sniffing around. I saw her and him going for a walk the other day.”
“Johnston?” Michael stopped in his tracks. “Isn’t he the pompous upstart that was thrown out of the saloon for cheating?”
Ian nodded. “That’s the one. He’s been sweet on Jane for years. Finally got the courage to call on her according to Miss Sybil. Mrs. Farnsworth isn’t too keen on the idea, but they’re fair people and allow their daughters to make their own decisions.”
“Where do you fall in this? What if you decide to court one of the daughters?”
Ian chuckled. “Like I said before, I see them like sisters. We practically grew up together.”
Michael frowned toward the house. All three sisters were on the porch. Sybil waved.
“She’s the best. Always makes me smile.” They parted ways, Ian toward the small house where he lived and Michael to the porch.
Sybil smiled at him, Beth gave him a polite nod and Jane barely slid him a glance. “Good evening, ladies.” Michael removed his hat and stepped onto the porch.
“Sit down and join us,” Sybil said, motioning to an empty chair. “We were just discussing the dance at the hotel next weekend. Are you attending?”
He’d heard about it, but had no plans. However, when Jane looked to him to reply, he spoke without thought. “I am and looking forward to it.”
Jane’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You’re going to a dance? I don't believe I have ever seen you at any before.”
That was because he didn’t have the faintest idea how to dress, act or, for that matter, dance. If he went, it would be to stand and watch more than anything.
“Good,” Sybil said with a grin. “We’ll have a dance partner.”
Chapter 9
Jane couldn’t help but notice how handsome Michael was with his hair slicked back away from his face. The dark blue shirt he wore suited him, bringing out his olive complexion. When he sat in the empty chair next to hers, she started to protest as Daniel had just vacated it. Instead, she exchanged looks with Beth.
It would be interesting to see how the normally self-important Daniel reacted to Michael having taken his seat. As much as she tried to take Daniel’s intentions seriously, it was becoming harder every time he was around.
If one were to take his family’s fortune and social status, not to mention the fact Daniel was attractive, there shouldn’t be any reason for her to not jump at the opportunity to marry him. However, much as she tried, there wasn’t any connection between them. Not on her end anyway.
It was obvious Daniel found her attractive and by the constant attempts to get her alone, he was eager to explore things between them. But her mind and heart were not in agreement. Jane knew Daniel would be a good husband. Although he was known for being reckless where money was concerned.
There was the added incentive that she was eager to marry. She wanted a family more than anything. There were other prospects in Laramie, plenty if she was to be honest. And yet, her heart was stubborn.
“You’re either deep in thought or doing your best to ignore me,” Michael said, his lips curved.
Jane blinked, embarrassed. “I apologize, how very rude of me. How are you, Michael?”
“I’m glad to hear my first name.” He leaned back and studied her. “I’m well. Brought some guns for your father to inspect. Found an antique he may be interested in.”
Beth chuckled. “He’ll be surprised and delighted.”
“What do you mean?” Jane asked, not quite understanding her sister’s amused expression. “Mother said Father insisted on seeing Michael.”
“I believe Mother is not happy with a certain circumstance. She probably made that up,” Beth quipped, pressing her lips into a tight line when Daniel emerged with two glasses of lemonade.
The men looked at each other, neither acknowledging the other.
“Here you are,” Daniel said, handing Jane one of the glasses. Instead of claiming his seat from Michael, he stood on Jane’s opposite side. “We should go walk about the garden. It’s a beautiful day.”
“What a great idea,” Sybil exclaimed. “Here come’s Ian now. The five of us can go see the new colt.” She skipped down the stairs. “Is the colt outside? Can we go see it?”
Ian looked to the porch, his gaze resting first on Michael, and then moving past Jane to Daniel, who frowned. “He is. Perfect little thing.”
All of them walked to the corral beside the stables. Ian was in between Sybil and Beth, while Michael and Daniel flanked Jane.
“What is so interesting about the horse?” Daniel grumbled and Jane wanted to shove him. “It’s just a normal horse is it not?”
When they came to the corral, Jane leaned on the fence. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”
The silver-colored colt shimmered in the sunlight. Its silver coat was a stark contrast to the mother’s dark brown. It was still wobbly as it walked to and fro in a game only it understood.
The mother kept an eye on it, while at the same time looking to them to ensure they didn’t mean her offspring any harm.
Michael grinned and leaned on the fencing. “I’ve never seen a horse that color.”
“Me, either,” Ian said, returning the wide smile. “Mr. Farnsworth isn’t sure what to make of it. Both parents are dark brown quarter horses.”
Daniel seemed bored as he looked away from the horses toward the garden.
Instinctively, Jane knew he’d come up with an excuse to walk to wh
ere they’d have more privacy. The thought of it brought a vivid reminder of the last time she’d escaped to the garden alone. She looked over at Beth. “Can you come with me to see about dinner? I’m famished.”
Not waiting for anyone to say they’d go in Beth’s stead, she half-dragged her sister away.
“What’s the hurry?” Beth huffed. “We just got to the corral. I was going to ask Ian if we could pet the colt.”
Jane shook her head. “The answer would have been no. Ian’s too protective of both the horses and us. It’s hard to tell how a first time mother will react to someone other than him approaching her baby.”
“Slow down,” Beth complained, pulling her arm free. “Why are we rushing? Mother would have rung the dinner bell if we were out of earshot.”
“I didn’t want to give Daniel an opportunity to try to get me away from everyone. I have to find a way to let him know there won’t be any kind of assignation between us.”
“It’s quite clear to everyone else.” Beth laughed until her eyes became shiny with tears. “The only one who hasn’t noticed is poor Daniel.”
Jane couldn’t believe her sister found humor in her situation. “It's not at all funny. I’m never going to get married. You and Sybil will be away raising families and I’ll be here spinning wool.”
For some reason this made Beth laugh so hard, she stopped walking and bent at the waist. “The... the... the picture of you spinning... wo-wo-wool,” she stuttered in between guffaws.
“Do be quiet and hurry. They’re coming.” Jane tugged the still laughing Beth up the steps to the front door.
Their mother’s face was bright, her eyes touching on them before she looked past them to where the others walked. “I was just about to come see about you.” Her brows lowered. “Beth, what are you laughing so hard about?”
“Beth wants to learn to spin wool,” Jane interjected before Beth could speak.
“Wool?” Earlene shook her head. “Of all the notions. That is silly.”
“That’s what I told her,” Beth argued. “Jane has some silly idea that she’ll end up a spinster.”
Jane huffed. “And why do you think it’s not going to happen?”
Her mother stopped in her tracks so suddenly that Jane bumped into her. “There are two gentlemen here today joining us for supper. Do you honestly think they are here because of Maribel’s cooking?”
Once again, Beth began to laugh and Jane curled her hands into fists to keep the urge to hit her at bay.
Sybil walked in first followed by the three men. “I can’t believe how beautiful that colt is. Father must let me have it. I refuse to think of anyone else owning the precious thing.” With a dramatic flair, she fell into the nearest chair. “I will cry if he doesn’t do as I ask.”
Everyone looked at Sybil, unsure of what to say. Their mother had no such qualms. “Your father will do what is best. Where, exactly, is he?”
This time, every eye moved to Ian who shrugged. “The last time I saw him, he and Roscoe were headed over to the barn.”
“Oh, goodness. He could be hours. Michael, why don’t you go fetch him? Ian, I need you to take two chairs to the back porch. We will be dining outdoors. It’s much too beautiful a day to eat indoors.”
She smiled at Daniel, who had lowered to sit next to where Jane now sat. “Tell us about your trip to Europe, young man. I fear it will be a bit before my husband appears and we can settle to eat. Once he and Roscoe get started talking, there is little to do but wait them out. Franklin absolutely refuses to leave in the middle of any of Roscoe’s stories.”
“Who is this Roscoe?” Daniel asked, his head cocked sideways. “I don’t recall meeting this gentleman.”
Sybil forgot that she was supposed to be upset and gave Daniel a wide-eyed look. “Everyone knows Roscoe. He is often called upon to identify certain vegetation, or even to see about what ails livestock. I’m sure he’s been to your family’s ranch many times.”
“Oh, yes, the black man. I remember seeing him about, but have never spoken to him personally. It’s doubtful he can say anything to me that I’d find useful.”
The disdain in his voice annoyed Jane. “I think you’d be surprised.”
Daniel wasn’t about to be corrected. “Can this Roscoe assist in settling accounts? Is he knowledgeable in languages? I do require help, but whoever will work for me must at the very least speak French as I will be conducting a lot of business overseas.”
Before Jane could reply, her mother interjected. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Roscoe spoke French. I know he is fluent in German, from when he worked as a gardener for a German family who lives in the north.”
“Now, about your trip?” Beth asked, giving Daniel a sweet look that didn’t fool Jane for one moment. Her sister disliked the arrogant man as much as she did.
* * *
Michael wasn’t sure what the invitation was about. One thing was for sure, he’d been summoned for a specific reason and it had nothing to do with guns. Just behind the barn, Mr. Farnsworth and Roscoe motioned for him to join them on an upturned barrel as the older man recounted a story about a time he’d been surrounded by a pack of wolves.
Within moments, Michael was enthralled by the man’s storytelling and understood why Mr. Farnsworth had not made a move to go to the house in time for supper. When Roscoe stood and demonstrated how he’d growled at the wolves, both Michael and Jane’s father broke out in laughter.
“I supposed I’ve been summoned for dinner,” Mr. Farnsworth said, still smiling.
Nodding, Roscoe stood and went toward the barn. “I best get washed up and see what Mrs. Maribel has fixed up for supper.”
Michael watched the older man walk away. He was quite spry for someone whose hair was completely white.
“What excuse did my dear wife use to get you to come?” Mr. Farnsworth stood and dusted off the seat of his pants.
So his hunch had been right. “You, Sir, want to speak to me about guns and are interested in purchasing.”
“Is that so?” Mr. Farnsworth laughed. “I suppose I am. I hired a couple ranch hands to work the western portion of my land. Getting it prepared for cattle.”
“Expanding from horse breeding?” Michael liked how easy it was to speak to the man.
“You can say that. My brother is moving from north of here to California. Joining another of my brother’s there. He’s an impulsive type. Instead of selling his cattle, he and several men are bringing them here.” He shook his head and continued.
“I’m still not sure if I’m to sell them or keep them as pets.”
“He trusts you to do what’s best.”
They walked toward the house. Mr. Farnsworth looked at Michael. “By the fact you haven’t called again, I take it you and Jane are not suited.”
It was uncomfortable to discuss the matter with Jane’s father. However, the man was in his right to ask. Michael cleared his throat.
“It’s not that we’re not suited, Sir. The realization I could never provide for Jane as she’s accustomed to keeps me from pursuing a relationship with your daughter.”
The man remained silent, his gaze on the house. “Are you a good steward of the money you do have?”
Michael nodded. “I would say I am. I have few expenses and I am proud of the amount of money I have in the bank. Although I could provide quite well for a woman, I could never aspire to give Jane something like this.” Michael swept an arm from the house to the corrals.
When Mr. Farnsworth chuckled, Michael figured he’s said something wrong. But the man let out a breath and smiled at him. “My daughters are more than able to provide for themselves. They have sizeable dowries. We just wish them to be happy. I will give you some advice, young man. Whether you pursue Jane or someone else, ensure it is the woman who decides what she can or cannot live without.”
Chapter 10
Jane fidgeted in her chair. Once again, Daniel nudged her leg with his and, this time, she knew he’d done it on purpose.
When she slid a glance in his direction, he had the audacity to grin.
From across the table, Michael maintained a neutral expression as he joined in a conversation between Beth and Ian. They spoke of California and whether or not Wesley would remain there or return.
Beth was of the opinion he’d not return. “Once people move there, they seem to fall in love with the state and decide to live there. Laramie cannot compare to a place that has so much to offer.” She turned to Michael. “What do you think?”
Before he could reply, Daniel interrupted. “Wesley is not a man who is prepared for a place with so many distractions. He will return. I traveled extensively to locales that offered enriching experiences and came back. Of course, there is the duty to my father.”
No one spoke, so Jane felt obligated. “It’s admirable, Daniel.”
Sybil nudged Ian with her shoulder. “You used to talk of going to California. What changed your mind?”
“Someone or something,” Beth teased and Ian looked up to the ceiling.
Jane had to join in as the three of them often ganged up on poor Ian who they saw as a brother. “I am willing to bet someone got his attention. Tell us who?”
Their father, as per usual, came to his rescue. “Leave Ian alone, girls. If he wishes to share something, he will. I believe he didn’t go to California because I depend on him too much.”
Obviously relieved, Ian nodded. “I have too much to do here and have no need to go anywhere.”
“What about you, Michael? Have you ever considered going anywhere?” Sybil asked.
Jane was grateful for the excuse to study his face as he mulled Sybil’s question. After not seeing him for days, Jane hadn’t realized how attractive she found him. Each time their gazes met, her stomach tumbled, butterflies fluttering in circles.
He shrugged. “If I did, it wouldn’t be California. As you know, I came here from Ireland. I often consider if I’ll ever return.”
“I hear it’s beautiful,” Beth said.
“Overrun by blight and famine. It doesn’t necessarily sound like paradise,” Daniel quipped with an exasperated huff. Obviously, attention had been away from him for far too long.
