by Hebby Roman
The Browns had also built an arbor of grape vines under which to sit and sew. The arbor provided shade while allowing the breeze to waft through.
Waving, Lindsay greeted them all with, “Good morning. I see y’all are plenty busy."
Ginny looked up from her sewing and waved back. Mrs. Brown, a stouter and older version of her daughter, straightened from stirring an astringent-smelling boiling pot and said, “Good morning. Glad to see you today, Lindsay.”
The two Mexican women, Lucia and Isabella, bobbed their heads and chorused, “¡Hola! Señora Houghton.”
Lindsay returned their greeting and asked Mrs. Brown, “Where do you want me to start?”
“With Ginny, we have some delicate tatting to do. Womenfolk are already getting ready for the dances, following the autumn shearing.”
That reminded her, she needed to feed the shearing crew, but she didn’t know how ungainly she’d be by then. And another dance? She’d be too big to dance. Maybe Ginny could help her to feed the shearing crew and organize the dance, celebrating the shearing.
“Oh, but I’m not good with the fine work, is there anything else I can do?”
“Well, Ginny will teach you,” Mrs. Brown said.
“All right, Mrs. Brown. I just hope Ginny doesn’t have to pull apart all my work and start over.”
“Naw, you’re quick. You’ll get the hang of it. I’m sure. And how many times must I tell ye, call me by my given name, Emma.”
“All right, Emma. I’ll do my best. Will there be any time to—”
“Don’t worry, soon as I get these clothes boiled, Lucia and Isabella will take over, and I’ll get back to work on the trousers for the boys.”
“That’s wonderful. We’re making progress, don’t you think?”
“Yep, should have plenty of clothes made for Christmas time.”
And Lindsay had already set aside most of her spending money to buy sandals and a toy for each of the children. She’d made the rounds of Langtry and had counted forty to fifty children under the age of ten.
Lindsay sat down beside Ginny under the arbor.
“I’m glad we get to work side-by-side today,” Ginny whispered. “We’ve been so busy lately we haven’t had time to talk. How are things at the ranch?”
“Going well. Chad and Bart are starting to bring the sheep in from the far pastures for shearing.”
“And how’s your handsome but injured husband?”
“He will be healed in no time, and he’s working like he’d never been hurt.”
“Well, y’all didn’t lose any time. Getting in the family way, I mean. I didn’t hear about your marrying until—”
“Ginny!”
Ginny held up one hand. “I won’t ask any more questions. Maybe, later, when you’re further along, you’ll want to talk about it.”
Lindsay shook her head, but she knew her new friend was right. One day she’d have to tell Ginny everything, but for now, she wasn’t ready. And she was still confused, too. Was Bart waiting for her to take him up on his offer of a real marriage or was he embarrassed and sorry he’d said anything?
And why, when he didn’t think she was looking, would he gaze down the road toward Langtry, as if he was waiting for someone?
“I will admit Bart has helped Chad a great deal around the ranch, despite his injuries. And thanks to him, we should turn a profit on our wool this time.”
“That’s wonderful!” Ginny exclaimed. “Most of the ranchers haven’t turned a profit since the tariff was lifted. What did Bart do?”
“Had us join the Wool and Mohair Cooperative in Del Rio. They ship in bulk and get lower freight rates from the railroad. I never realized freight was such a significant cost of getting our wool to market, but it is. What we save on freight should give us a small profit this time. If all goes as planned.”
“Good for Bart. You must be in heaven, having such a handsome husband.” Ginny tossed her head. “̒Course your brother is easy on the eyes, too.”
“Why, Ginny Brown!” She grasped her friend’s arm. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were sweet on my brother.”
Ginny ducked her head. “What if I am? He’ll never notice me. I’m poor and mousy.”
Lindsay squealed and threw her arms around her friend. “What are you saying! You’re not poor and mousy. He should be proud to have you. And just think, then we’d be sisters. And you and your mother could move to the ranch and…” She hesitated, wondering what would happen between her and Bart by then.
“Chad’s not spoken for, is he?” Ginny asked.
“No, not that I know of. He didn’t bring anyone to the cabin raising.”
Ginny bit her lip. “Then there’s hope.”
“More than hope. I was wondering how I would take care of the shearing crew and then another dance. I’ll be further along and though Serafina and Delfina can help, I’ll still need your assistance.”
“Oh, please, I want to help you, Lindsay. I’d love to, and I’m sure Mama will want to help, too.” Ginny paused and added, “That is, if you want us.”
“Want you! Are you teasing me?”
“I just needed to be sure.”
“Do you think your mother would let you come and stay at the ranch house during the shearing. I could certainly use your help.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“Good, that’s settled then.” She hugged Ginny. “And we’ll take in one of my dresses for you and do your hair and maybe a little rouge.” Lindsay held her friend at arm’s length. “We’ll make certain Chad notices you, Ginny.”
* * *
Two weeks later, Lindsay trudged home in the heat of the day from the Browns. It had been a long day, and she was exhausted. She hadn’t known her brother had taken Ginny out the day before and admitted he was engaged to Vi Lea Baker, a rancher’s daughter Lindsay didn’t care for. Why had her brother picnicked with Ginny if he was already engaged? His admission had devastated Ginny. And why hadn’t Chad told Lindsay he’d been engaged since last Christmas?
She shook her head and wondered what Chad was doing? Comforting Ginny had been mentally exhausting, along with a long day spent sewing. She was so tired, she almost wished for her mare. But really, it was better she didn’t ride anymore. This week, she’d felt her baby moving. He or she was alive and real, very real.
And once she held her baby in her arms, what then? Could she and Bart make a go of it? They came from such different backgrounds. But he was a hard worker and had already helped with the ranch. But what if, like her attraction to Seamus, their attraction wore thin. What then? She didn’t know.
She glanced up to see Bart in the yard in front of the ranch house, helping down a woman from the buckboard. The woman was voluptuous-looking with bright red hair that appeared anything but natural. She had on a form-fitting, neck-plunging dress in a red silk that clashed with the color of her hair. She also sported one fine parasol made with the same black lace edging the neckline of her dress. And the smell of her rose-scented perfume was overwhelming, making Lindsay want to hold her nose.
And Bart, the scoundrel, was hugging the woman!
Knowing how bedraggled she must look after working in the heat all day, she advanced upon their happy scene.
Bart released the red-haired trollop long enough to fetch her trunk from the back of the wagon. Fetch her trunk! Was this woman staying? And where was her feckless brother when she needed him?
Chapter Eight
Chad came out of the barn, wiping his forehead with the shirt of his sleeve. He glanced up and plastered a smile on his face for Bart’s sake. He inclined his head at the woman and said, “You must be Rose, Bart’s friend.” Then he glanced at Lindsay and motioned to her. “Hey, Sis, come on over. Let’s meet Bart’s friend.”
Lindsay came and stood by his side. He wasn’t certain of how Bart was going to act with Rose. And even though they’d talked about how to handle the situation, he
couldn’t see how this was going to end well.
“Lindsay and Chad, this is Rose Gallagher from Tucson.” Bart made the introductions. “She’s an old friend of mine. I told Chad she’d be stopping by. She’s on her way home to Alabama. Her mother is ailing.”
Chad glanced at his sister and could see she was appalled and upset. Her eyes were narrowed, her mouth was pursed, and she’d crossed her arms over chest.
“I believe my mother won’t be with us for long,” Rose stated. “And I wanted to tell Bart to be especially vigilant about the Boyd brothers showing up.”
“Who are the Boyd brothers?” Lindsay asked.
Chad lowered his voice. “The men I saved Bart from before you came home.”
“Does that mean they’re—”
“Shhh, I’ll explain more later.”
“You bet you will.” She glared at him. “And don’t shush me.”
Chad returned Lindsay’s glare and turned back to Rose. He wanted to squash his sister’s temper and welcome the woman for Bart’s sake. “Ah, Mrs. Gallagher, good to meet you. You’re more than welcome to stay the night. We have an extra bedroom.”
Lindsay tugged on his sleeve and hissed, “I won’t allow that woman in our home.”
“I heard that, Lindsay, no need to whisper,” Bart said. “She can stay in my cabin for the night.”
“But you and she would be unchaperoned,” Lindsay interjected. “And you’re married to me. It would look very awkward.”
“I didn’t know you’d gotten married, darlin’,” Rose said, giving Bart a side glance. “You didn’t mention it in your telegram.”
“Why would he?” Lindsay said. “It’s a ‘fake’ marriage anyway. He wanted to be a partner in our ranch and my brother, my brother…” She turned away.
“Sis, don’t. Not here, not now.” Chad put his hand on her shoulder. We don’t want to be rude to our guest, and besides, wouldn’t it be better if Rose stayed in the house with us?”
Lindsay pulled free of his grasp. “No, I don’t want her in our parents’ home. Don’t you understand?” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “And get your own supper. I need time to think, so I’m going to saddle Gypsy and ride for a while. Don’t wait up for me.”
* * *
Lindsay guided Gypsy into the barn well past dusk. She prayed she hadn’t hurt her baby by riding, but she’d had to get away. She didn’t want that woman in her home, and she refused to watch Bart show her to his cabin, either.
Maybe she should have ridden all the way to Del Rio. She’d gotten a letter, earlier in the week from Abby, telling her that her time was nigh and asking if Lindsay would come to see her new baby and meet the rest of her family. She’d been busy with the Browns and her Christmas charity and though she wanted to see Abby and her family, she didn’t know if she had time to go.
But now, she couldn’t wait to get away from Bart and his fancy woman. After thinking about it, she’d decided to leave first thing tomorrow. She’d need to tell the Browns she’d be gone for a few days, and she’d travel by train. She couldn’t have ridden all the way to Del Rio on horseback, even if she wanted to.
She dismounted and found a lantern and a tin of safety matches. She lit the lantern and then she saw him. Bart had been hiding in the shadows, waiting for her.
But she didn’t want to talk to him. Maybe, if she ignored him, he would go away.
She grabbed Gypsy’s reins and led her into a stall, making certain there was a bucket of water and oats. She loosened the mare’s cinch, but before she could lift the saddle, Bart was behind her, lifting it for her.
“Fine,” she said, tossing the mare’s reins at him. “You do it, then. I’ll go inside.”
He dropped the saddle and grabbed her wrist, saying, “Not so fast. We need to talk. Please.”
She pulled free and crossed her arms over her chest. “I have nothing to say to you. Except one thing, and one thing only—I cannot believe you brought that… that woman to our ranch.”
“Why not, she is an old friend, and she’s brought me news of the Boyd brothers.”
“Who are they? Chad wouldn’t tell me. Said he’d explain later.”
“They’re the ones who had me cornered after the Fitzsimmons prize fight last February. They knew me from Tucson where Rose’s house is, and they wanted to win their money back. No holds barred. If you know what I mean.”
She shook her head and pursed her mouth. “I was right! She does own a brothel. She is a madam, isn’t she?”
“Yes, but before that, I grew up with her. And her profession wasn’t chosen, Lindsay.”
“What do you mean?”
“Rose didn't choose to be a madam or a ‘fancy’ woman. She was beaten and raped by her stepfather when he was drunk. Young, ruined, and with no money, what was she supposed to do? She chose to run away, and the only way she could support herself was to become… what you called her. She believed it was better than starving.”
Lindsay took a deep breath, sucking in the familiar odors of the barn, dusty hay mixed with pungent horse dung.
“I feel for her, as one woman to another,” she admitted. “And that’s terrible what happened. Worse than…” But she couldn’t say it, wouldn’t say it.
She’d made a mistake. One mistake with a man she’d been engaged to, but it wasn’t like she’d embraced the life of a whore. Not like Rose.
But Bart finished her thought. “Worse than what happened to you?”
“Yes, worse than that. At least I was willing to atone for my sin, willing to go to a convent. Until you and Chad cooked up your half-baked marriage scheme.”
“So, that’s all this has been to you? A half-baked scheme.” He thrust his face into hers. “And to think, I was beginning to care for you. Wanted us to be a real family.”
She covered her ears with her hands. “And don’t tell me, you’ve never slept with Rose, once she established her profession.” She glared at him and uncovered her ears. “I saw the way you held her when you helped her from the buckboard. I might not be a woman of the world, but I have eyes in my head.”
“And a tongue like a viper, you little hypocrite. How can you be so judgmental? You may have been ready to atone for your sin, but you still sinned. Didn’t you?”
“You slept with her, didn’t you?”
He gritted his teeth but his face had turned a deep, mottled red. “All right, what if I did? When I was young and wild and first found her in Tucson. She’s an old friend. I’m a man. It’s not the same—”
“Well, it should be the same. And now, you’ll sleep with her again. Won’t you? After all, it’s pretty convenient with her staying in your cabin.” She fisted her hands and planted them on her hips.
“Rose and I are just friends now, that’s what would stop me. Get your mind out of the gutter, Mrs. Houghton. I saw the way you looked at me that night after the fight.”
“Because I was taking care of you that night, and I, I…” She threw her hands into the air. “Oh, what’s the use. You’re the one with your mind in the gutter.”
“Really? I thought you liked it when I kissed you. Thought you believed me when I said I cared for you. But you didn’t return the sentiment, did you?” He shook his head. “You may be attracted to me, might even want me in your bed.” He grabbed her shoulders. “But deep down, you don’t think I’m good enough for you. Isn’t that right?”
She twisted from his grasp and backed up against the stall wall. “What if I do think that?” Not that she did—her feelings for Bart were more confused and involved than simple arrogance. “After all, it’s your unsavory connections that have brought Rose here and those men, the Boyd brothers.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Rose is going to home to her sick mother. I don’t see how you can blame me for that.” He shook his head again. “I was going to explain about the Boyd brothers, but you don’t want to hear about that. Do you? Instead, you want to know all the intimate,
dirty secrets between Rose and me.”
“Enough about Rose. And I do want to know about the Boyd’s. But I think I know the worst already. Chad kept them from killing you, didn’t he?”
“Yes, if it hadn’t been for your brother, I’d probably be dead now.”
“And you admit they were looking to get their money back from you. Weren’t they? Money you cheated from them, playing cards.”
He ground his teeth again and hissed, “I never cheat, but I do know how to ‘count’ cards. It gives me an advantage.”
“I don’t know what counting cards means, but it sounds like one step away from cheating. And now these men, these Boyd brothers, are coming back for my brother and you. You and your slimy profession and the people you know have brought this down on my poor, honest brother’s head.” She stared at him. “Haven’t you?”
“Yes, I guess, in a way, I have.” He dropped his arms and fisted his hands. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“Well, you think on it while you’re holed up with your… your whore.” She wanted to slap him, but he wasn’t worth it. “I’ll worry about my brother, praying he won’t get shot down in the street, like a dog, by some thugs you cheated at cards.”
He exhaled and reached for her again, but she twisted away. “I’m sorry, Lindsay, I never meant for Chad to be in danger. That’s why I’ve been taking all the precautions and—”
“Don’t speak to me. Don’t touch me. Don’t ever say another word to me.” She gathered her skirts in one hand and ran to the front door of the barn. “I wish I never had to lay eyes on you again. And I’m getting a divorce the minute I have my baby.”
* * *
Lindsay got her train ticket and went to stand on the platform. She’d argued with Chad this morning before she left the ranch. He hadn’t wanted her to go alone to Del Rio because of the dangerous situation Bart had created. But he couldn’t get away from the ranch, not with the sheep to bring in for shearing.
And she’d given him a tongue lashing about not telling her that he’d gotten engaged. Not to mention he’d led Ginny on, devastating her shy friend.
