by West, Everly
A muscle in Michael’s jaw flexed.
Jane smiled at him. “Is it as lush and green as people say?”
“It is,” Michael replied and changed the subject. “Mr. Farnsworth tells me you’re soon to become cattle ranchers. How good are you with cows, Ian?”
As Ian and her father explained the plans for the soon to arrive herd, Daniel leaned toward Jane’s ear. “A walk in the garden would be nice. The weather is perfect for it tonight.”
It would be best to let the man know she was not interested in any kind of assignation with him. Of course, it was best to do so in private. “That sounds like a good idea,” Jane replied without smiling.
By the way he straightened with an air of accomplishment, Daniel didn’t notice her tone.
Too soon, her mother instructed everyone to go to the sitting room for coffee or brandy. Jane remained back, Daniel at her side. “Come, let’s exit through the side door.”
The light breeze over the flowering plants swept the sweet aroma across her face and Jane inhaled deeply. “I have still to decide if I love the gardenia’s perfume. It can be cloying.”
Daniel took her arm and guided her much too quickly to a far corner. “We must speak. As you are probably aware, I have intentions to ask your father for permission to court you...”
“Daniel, I have to tell you...” Jane attempted to finish, but he cut her off.
“No need for formalities between us. I find you beautiful, perfect for a wife. And the sooner we get the matters that have to be dealt with over, we can marry.”
“What matters?” Jane had to ask, since she had no idea what he was going on about.
Daniel waved his hand in the air as if her question was inconsequential. “Our families, of course. I’m sure you are aware my parents wish me to marry someone of our stature. That’s the main reason I went to France.”
“You presume I’m aware of a lot of things. I have not given you any inclination to be interested in pursuing anything further between us. If I did, I apologize.”
Jane yelped when his fingers dug into her arms and he pulled her close. “Leave it, Jane. I am not in the mood for the coy games women like to play.”
His mouth covered hers and Jane struggled, turning her face sideways. Since he continued to hold her arms to her sides, she couldn’t push away.
“Stop this at once or I will call for help,” Jane sputtered.
When his lips trailed down from her jawline to her neck, she’d had enough. Bending her right leg backward, she used as much strength as she could and kicked him.
Unfortunately, it had little effect, as they were much too close for the kick to be effective. “Stop this at once, Daniel, I mean it.”
In the next moment, Daniel was gone. Michael held him by the collar with his left hand and punched him square in the face with his right.
Daniel fell backward onto the dirt and didn’t move.
“I think you knocked him out.” Jane leaned over the unconscious man. “He won’t be too pleased to wake up all dirty.”
“Err. You’re welcome?” Michael replied dryly.
Jane looked up at him. “Thank you. I was about to scream for help. He wouldn’t stop.”
They looked at each other for a long moment. Michael drew his gaze away first. “Am I right to think you won’t be marrying him?”
Once again, Jane peered down at Daniel who was beginning to come to. His eyes fluttered open and he frowned. “What happened?”
Just then, Sybil, Beth and Ian came hurrying over. Her sisters’ eyes widened as they noticed Daniel still on the ground. Ian, on the other hand, obviously fought not to laugh.
“Michael, why don’t you escort the ladies to the front porch,” Ian said as he bent to help Daniel who slapped his hand away.
Jane slid her arm through Michael’s and guided him away. By the look Daniel gave him, there was a possibility of a fight.
She was too late because Daniel grabbed Michael’s shoulder and pulled him backward. Fists flew and, before long, the two were tumbling over each other across the dirt.
“Stop it at once,” Sybil cried out. “Mother will be most upset by this.”
Neither showed any signs that they had heard her. When Michael bucked Daniel off and went to attack again, Ian stepped in. “You are upsetting the ladies.”
Jane exchanged glances with her sisters. They looked more annoyed than upset. “I think it’s best that you leave at once, Daniel. You’ve taken advantage of our welcome.”
The man scrambled to stand and had the audacity to look at her down his nose. His upper lip, which was split, curled. “My fault for thinking a Farnsworth would be cultured.” He hurled a glare toward Michael. “This is not the end of this. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll not have a bean to your name.”
“That, I doubt,” Michael retorted.
No one moved as Daniel limped away.
“Oh, goodness. This will be distressful for Mother.” Beth looked toward the house and then to Michael. “Perhaps, it’s best you leave as well. One look at you and she’ll know what happened.”
“No,” Jane said before she was able to stop herself. “Our parents need to know what kind of man Daniel is. The arrogant ass tried to be overly amorous even after I told him to cease at once.”
Ignoring Michael’s droll look, she walked toward the house. “Come, everyone, I think Michael could do with a glass of lemonade.”
Chapter 11
The night became even more confusing when Jane’s mother insisted on having him lay back on a sofa so Jane could clean up his face. Although he was pretty sure he’d have a black eye and a purpled jaw in the morning, Michael was sure nothing was broken. For a dandy, Daniel threw pretty good punches.
Ian recounted the fight, blow by blow, to Mr. Farnsworth, who seemed more amused than appalled at their behavior. He looked to Michael. “Good on you for coming to my daughter’s rescue.”
Michael looked to Jane. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he knew she thought of their time in the garden.
“It was obvious she did not want his advances. Any man would do the same.”
Someone coughed and he was pretty sure it was to cover a chuckle. He couldn’t see past Jane’s arm as she wiped his face with a wet cloth.
“I apologize for our guest’s behavior, Michael.” Mrs. Farnsworth’s face hovered over his. “His mother will certainly hear about this.”
“No need, Earlene,” Mr. Farnsworth said. “I’ll speak to his father.”
Jane let out a huff. “Is anyone going to ask me if I’m all right?”
“Of course not,” one of the sisters said, perhaps Sybil.
“You were the maiden in distress. Two handsome men fought over your attention. It’s more romantic than upsetting,” the other sister added.
This time, Jane’s face turned bright red and she dropped the cloth on his face and moved away. “Romantic?” She shook her head. “Mother, Beth and Sybil need to stop reading Jane Austin. Their heads are constantly in the clouds.”
Jane walked out to the porch. It had become quite stuffy indoors and the fact heat kept rushing to her face didn’t help matters. The sun was falling on the horizon, casting hues of oranges and yellows up into the sky. It was the most beautiful of views with the outlines of horses and the stables to one side, an open field to the other. Soon, the field would have cows roaming and there would be tons of work to be done. She and her sisters were good riders. Jane absently wondered if their father would recruit them to work.
“I’ve said my farewells. It’s best I head on back.” Michael had stepped out and she’d not heard him. The deepness of his voice sent a shiver up her spine. Darn reactions to the man were most annoying.
She pretended nonchalance. “It’s been an interesting day. I hope you won’t be too bruised in the morning.”
There was purpling around Michael’s left eye and his jaw was a bit swollen. And yet he managed to look every bit one of the romantic heroes in
her sisters’ books.
“I think my face will be very colorful in the morning,” Michael replied with a chuckle. “I didn’t get the opportunity to speak to your father. I will return in a few days.”
He waited as if gauging her reaction. In all honesty, Jane was dumbfounded. He’d been the one to beg off any further courtship between them. What exactly was she supposed to say?
“I’m sure my father is pleased.”
He nodded and looked toward the sunset. “I best ride off into the sunset then.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “I shall await your return on bated breath.”
Both laughed at her overly dramatic response. “Good night, Jane.”
As he rode off, Jane’s sisters joined her on the porch and Ian went down the steps and off toward his small house.
“I wonder what Michael is thinking,” Sybil said, her pretty face contorted into a scowl. “He doesn’t want to continue courting Jane and, yet, he can’t take his eyes off of her. The reason he was in the garden earlier was because he followed you.”
“It’s not that he’s not interested,” Beth said. “It’s that he doesn’t consider himself to be wealthy enough to marry Jane.”
Jane wondered whether to interject that she was standing there, or to continue to listen. As much as she wished to get to know Michael O’Leary better, it wouldn’t happen unless she took action. And as her mother often said, “A woman should never allow a man to know one’s feelings until his own are clear.”
“You are going to have to be the one to pursue him,” Sybil said. “I can help. It would be so very romantic. We can invite him to a picnic, only when he gets there it’s only you and him.”
Before she could say something, Beth clapped. “Splendid idea. We could steal the horses away so he’ll be forced to stay.” Her eyes twinkled when meeting Jane’s. “Of course, you’ll act as if you were not part of the plan. Your cruel sisters abandoned you all alone on a blanket near the stream.”
“Under the shadow of a large elm,” Sybil added. “You must wear your green dress. The color is so very flattering.”
Jane stood and held both hands out, palms facing her sisters. “Stop. I am not about to pursue a man. He should be the one doing the pursuing. Besides, if he were interested in courtship then, once again, he’d approach our parents.”
“He’s too shy,” Beth said.
Sybil nodded. “As he’s already asked once. The permission stands.”
“I have a headache,” Jane said as she turned to go back inside.
Beth’s giggle stopped her. “You’re going to bed to consider ways to get time alone with Michael O’Leary. By morning, you will have come to the conclusion that our plan is a good one.”
Three days later, Jane sat on a blanket staring at the stream wondering how she’d allowed her sisters to talk her into such a ludicrous plan. As much as she’d tried to convince herself she had no interest in Michael, whatsoever, it was a lie. He was all she thought of day in and day out.
Lord help her.
* * *
Michael rode to where Sybil and Beth had instructed. He’d been at the Farnsworth ranch with several guns so Mr. Farnsworth could choose for the ranch hands when the sisters had insisted he join them for a picnic.
In all honesty, he had little time for frivolity. There was more work than he could hope to accomplish that week, even with an assistant and several deliveries to make the next day.
Soon, he’d no longer be able to personally deliver the guns and ensure they worked properly. As the town grew, so did the demands for his time. He pushed his hat back and scanned the area. There wasn’t a picnic in sight. Surely the sisters must have given him the wrong direction in which to go.
It was best to head homeward and apologize later for not coming to their picnic.
Just then, he caught sight of Jane. She stalked back and forth by a stream. Every once in a while, she looked up at the trees as if they’d provide an answer to whatever she said.
When she spotted him, she waved him to come closer.
“Don’t dismount. Can you please take me home?”
There was a picnic basket and a blanket, but no sign of either of Jane’s sisters. Jane looked to where he did and shrugged. “I can carry those back.”
“Where are your sisters?”
She bit her bottom lip. “They’re not coming. The horse went away and they went to find it.”
It didn’t make sense. One horse, three of them? But Michael wasn’t about to ask more questions as she seemed flustered and didn’t look him directly in the eye.
“I’m a bit hungry. Do you mind if we eat first?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh... I think it’s spoiled.”
“Spoiled?” He dismounted and walked to the basket. In it were two apples and what looked to be bread and cheese. It was all in perfect condition. “Everything is fine.” He went to Jane and took her hand. “Come sit down. You seem upset.”
“I’m not upset. Well maybe a bit. My sisters talk me into some of the stupidest plans. I am not sure why I listen to them.”
He didn’t try to figure out what she was talking about. It was obvious her sisters attempted to give them time alone. From Jane’s reaction, she wasn’t keen on the idea.
“Jane.” He said her name and she finally met his gaze. “Please sit down. I have something to discuss with you.”
She lowered to the blanket as far from him as possible and clasped her hands.
Michael held out an apple. “Hungry?”
“A bit.” She took it. “Look, obviously this is a ploy to get you alone with me. You don’t have to play along.”
“I don’t mind one bit.” He stretched out sideways and rested on an elbow. “It’s been a long time since I took the time to spend in the outdoors doing just this.”
She remained quiet rolling the apple between her hands.
“Everyone should take time to relax, don’t you think?” he prompted.
After a moment, Jane nodded.
There was a rumble. Vibrations from the ground took their attention. Michael’s horse lifted its head and looked to where he was.
“I do believe a herd of something is headed this way. We best mount and get out of the way.”
No sooner did he get the words out, than the first of the cattle came into view. Michael sprang to action. He grabbed Jane and they dashed to his horse. Lifting her by the waist, he climbed into the saddle behind her and spurred his horse into a gallop.
“Oh, my goodness,” Jane exclaimed. “They’re moving fast, aren’t they?” She peered over his shoulder. “We best warn Father.”
When they rode up to the corrals, Jane’s sisters, her father and Ian were all mounted. Jane scrambled off the horse and rushed to her own, which Beth had motioned to.
“I could use your help,” Mr. Farnsworth called out. “Just like my brother to arrive with the herd before the agreed upon date.”
It was the most fun he’d had in a long time. The women were as good as the men when guiding the cattle toward an open field and away from the corrals. Everyone worked in unison for several hours under relentless sunshine and dust kicked up by the cattle.
It was impressive how all three sisters kept up with the men, seeming to sense which direction to best guide the steeds. Jane raced alongside him upon spotting a group of wayward beasts heading toward the house.
She let out a loud whistle and two of the ranch dogs joined them.
After a few moments, the small group made its way toward the area near the stream.
“I’m about to drop from exhaustion and hunger,” Jane told him, wiping a gloved hand across her brow. “This is an unexpected way to spend the day. At least you’ll get paid. My sisters and I will only get a pat on the head.”
She gave him a devilish smile. “I think we’ll demand payment. So don’t refuse whatever he offers. My sisters and I will ask for the same amount.”
“What will you do with the money?”
&nb
sp; “I’m saving for a necklace I wish to order from Madame Danielle. She’s getting some imported from England.”
He nodded. “Very well. If your father offers to pay, I will accept.”
Her bright smile was worth more than any amount her father could possible pay. “Looks like we’re done.”
The ringing of the dinner bell sounded and Sybil rode up to where they were. “Thank goodness. I’m so hungry, I was considering what my horse would taste like.”
Jane threw her head back and laughed. “Honestly, Sybil, the things you say.” All six rode to the stables so they could hand the horses over to Roscoe and another man who waited by the entrance.
“Thank you, Michael. I appreciate the help,” Mr. Farnsworth said as they helped unsaddle the horses. He noticed Jane and her sisters did the same, struggling with the heavy saddles. They managed to put the items on stands and then guided their horses into the shade of the stable to a water trough.
“I’m happy to help. I have to admit, although it was hard work, I enjoyed it.”
The man shook his head. “Once is more than enough for me. I’ll have to send Ian into town to find the men I’d hired and tell them they’re needed sooner than planned.”
“What all are they going to be doing?”
“Building some fencing for starters. That’s going to take weeks to complete.”
Michael looked to where the cows now grazed. It was going to be a huge job. As much as he enjoyed the outdoors, he didn’t envy the men who’d be working on the fencing for that long.
“Let’s get washed up and eat. We’ll discuss how much I am going to pay you. And,” he added with a pointed look. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
Michael nodded. “I’ve been warned by Jane to take whatever amount you offer because she and her sisters expect to be paid the same amount.”
Farnsworth chuckled. “I expected as much.”
Chapter 12
Earlene couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The ladies were encouraging the idea of introducing Daniel to one of the girls of marriageable age. She held up her hand and cleared her throat, but no one paid her any mind.
