A Contest for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Then there was Diane Hall. She was a bit of a mouse but had the beautiful red hair that he desired. He’d not spoken to her much, so he didn’t really know her. But she was petite and womanly. He would definitely be the king over her.

  And that brought him to the new lady in town. She’d been held prisoner in Dry Springs with the thought that the brigands would sell her to the Comancheros. Poor woman. Yet, she was a jewel. Pretty with cinnamon hair and blue eyes. And a curvy womanly figure. Yes, she was one of those women who knew she was all woman, and every man in her wake knew it too.

  So out of those three, he ought to be able to get one that he loved and would love him. That was what he wanted. His mother and father had loved one another so much that they wrote sonnets to one another. He missed them but had come to America to seek his fortune.

  Angus loved his new country but did miss his parents. They worried that he wasn’t married yet, and every letter asked him about the progress on his search for the proper woman. They did say they could send him a decent Scottish girl if he couldn’t find a suitable helpmate.

  He took in a deep breath of morning air. Yes, he missed the heather of the highlands, but Texas had its own unique smell. Freedom, he liked to call it. From the moment he’d stepped on Texas soil, he’d felt it.

  Angus had fought outlaws and Indians to keep hold of the ranch. He would never leave it. Now, he needed to find a woman who felt the same way. At least, there was another social this Friday. He’d make a note to dance with the three prospects and see if he could learn which one that he liked the best.

  Yes, it was time. He saw how happy Peter and the sheriff were with their choices. One only had to watch them with Kate and Mary Louise to see how they loved them. And Angus wanted that. To see the woman he loved, and her eyes light up when he walked into the room.

  He sat down in his horned chair. The Texas longhorns were great, and he used their long horns as decoration throughout his rugged ranch house. As he ran his hand over the smooth horn arm of the cowhide chair, he looked around his home.

  Dark. The cabin was made of wood and stone. The fireplace was large. The door and shutters over the windows were made of thick timber. A fortress. Yes, he and his woman would be safe inside Castle McDonald.

  Angus laughed. Then he frowned. What if the woman wanted to change everything and put frilly curtains where the shutters were? What if she put dainty lanterns and lamps instead of his bold candles and lanterns? And what if she wanted rugs instead of his cowhides on the floor?

  He’d have to think about that and be ready when she wanted to suggest any changes. He wasn’t going to be one of those husbands that let the lass rule over him. He might give a little, but he wasn’t about to get rid of his horned and cowhide chairs.

  Aghh, he had some thinking to do before he brought a lass into his domain. He tugged on his beard. That might have to go. Women liked the clean-shaven look. At least, that’s what the other men told him.

  He could shave off his beard for a while. At least until he caught one of the lasses. But then, he might just see how they reacted with it at the social. After all, they needed to know the real Angus McDonald. He’d not change for the woman. No. She would have to accept him.

  ***

  Jeff Worthington herded the last of the cattle into the corral. He’d done well by himself working for Fred Pollins. He almost had enough saved up to put down on the Ingalls’s Ranch the other side of town.

  Fred had been a great encouragement and given him the job when Jeff was at his lowest. Thanks to the sheriff, Jeff was out of the vagrant life that his brother and father still led. He’d seen them back in the woods behind Lone Oak.

  From time to time, Jeff would drop off food for them. Why they didn’t want to get a job and live respectable lives, he wasn’t sure other than to see that the war had damaged them and stolen their hope.

  Jeff could have still been in the quagmire of defeat if Sheriff Taylor hadn’t reached out to him and helped him get a job. Jeff had tried to talk his family into changing, but they wanted nothing to do with it.

  He’d thought about moving west so they couldn’t find him, but the Lord impressed on him that he was his brother’s keeper and to honor his father. So, when he got his own ranch, he’d have a place for them.

  Jeff unsaddled his horse and made his way to the bunkhouse. It felt good to be a respectable citizen again. And it wasn’t so much how others saw him as to how he saw himself. No longer did he see a worthless man when he looked in a mirror.

  Now, he knew he could make something out of himself. The Lord was a part of his life now, too. Yes, he understood the brokenness of his father and brother. Still, until they wanted to change, Jeff couldn’t help them.

  He patted his pocket and went to the main house. Fred had told him he’d pay him today and let him off so he could go to the bank and put down on the ranch. It was small by Texas standards, but a good start.

  The ranch had fifty acres: a small house and a sturdy barn. The well was secure and provided good water. There was a creek that ran through the property providing water for grass and trees.

  The Ingalls had quit Texas and moved back to Ohio when the mother took sick. They’d only left a month ago, so the place was still in good shape.

  Jeff knocked on the door, and Fred quickly met him.

  “Jeff, Rebecca and I are so happy for you. I know what if feels like to put down on your future. I know you’ll do well. And when you’re ready, remember, I’m seeding your ranch with ten head of cattle.”

  “Thanks, Fred.”

  “Here’s the money I owe you. I’ll miss you. I’m sure we won’t be able to replace you. I know my foreman said so.”

  “Thanks again, Fred. I better get to town.” Jeff ran back down the walk and saddled another horse from the barn. He might get there before the bank closed. As far as he knew, there was no one else bidding on the ranch, but Jeff didn’t want to take any chances.

  Within minutes, he was on the road and galloping toward his future. One that before his chance meeting with the sheriff, he’d never believed possible. He prayed and thanked the Lord for watching over him and giving him another chance.

  Jeff vowed to be a help to others.

  Finally, he rode into the small town of Lone Oak and stopped in front of the bank. He walked in and talked to Mr. Barstow, who took him to his office and pulled out a file.

  “I had the papers already drawn up. I am happy you are taking over the ranch because I can see you’re a man with purpose and will make it work. You do have the down payment.”

  Jeff pulled the money out of his pocket and handed it to the banker. “Here you go. It should be the right amount.”

  “And you have enough to run the ranch?”

  “Yes, I do. Fred is giving me a start on my herd. So, if all goes well, next spring, I’ll have at least nine calves to fatten up.”

  “That’s great and most generous of him.” He folded his hands and smiled. “How do you propose to make money until then?”

  “I know where to catch some mustangs. I figure to break them and sell them. Pick up some wild cattle along the way. That sort of thing.”

  “Good, sounds like you have this well thought out. Here’s the deed. I’ll keep a copy for my records, and in five years after you’d paid it off, it will be yours free and clear.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Barstow.”

  The banker stood and handed him his copy. “Mrs. Ingalls was a bit of a nervous woman. She was afraid of outlaws and such. One of the main reasons she left. I believe you’ll do well.”

  “My gain. Thank you again.” Jeff left the bank and went to Heart’s Café to celebrate. He walked in and saw the sheriff sitting alone by the window.

  “Sheriff, may I join you?”

  “Sure, pull up a seat.”

  “I just bought the Ingalls ranch. I put down on it anyway. I have five years to pay it off.” Jeff grinned.

  “That’s wonderful. It’s a nice ranch. If you ne
ed any help, let me know.”

  “I think it’s in order. I was kind of thinking I might want to find a wife, though. When I lived with my father and brother, I never thought about a woman, but now, I’d like to share my life with someone.”

  The sheriff grinned. “I made that decision and couldn’t be happier. We’ll be married by the end of the year at Christmas. But I can hardly stand to be away from Mary Louise. We’re happy together.”

  “I can see that, and that’s what I want.”’

  The sheriff bent over the table closer to him. “Tell you what, I put letters in the paper as the mystery groom. That’s how I found Mary Louise.”

  “You, the mystery groom? But I thought I just read about a mystery groom in the paper.”

  “I was the second one. Peter was the first. And I think I have a pretty good idea who is the third. Go ahead and put your name in the mix. Well, not your name, but you could be a mystery groom and confuse everyone. Yet, at the same time, you’d be putting your hat in the ring.”

  Jeff sat back. “How does it work?”

  Kirk told him what he’d written and encouraged him to do it today and put it in the paper. “Nights get long and lonely when you’re by yourself.”

  “I know that. Still, I can’t wait to get out to my land. I’m going to get a few things at the store and take them out. Tonight, will be my first night on my ranch.”

  “That’s wonderful, Jeff. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks. And you’re a big part of why it has happened. I’m hoping I can help my father and brother, but neither of them is interested in helping me work the land.” Jeff shook his head. “I can hardly believe they have sunk so low.”

  “Broken men have to want to mend. It might take them a while, but I have a feeling they’ll come around.”

  “I hope so. Well, I better get going.” Jeff shook Kirk’s hand and left to pick up goods for the ranch. He didn’t have a wagon, so he’d get only a few days’ worth. He wasn’t sure if there was a wagon on the place or not.

  After picking up supplies, he rode out to his ranch. It wasn’t but an hour from town. The cabin was sturdy and still had furnishings like chairs and a table, plus a bed. Jeff opened the windows to air out the rooms and sat back to admire his home.

  The corral was sturdy and the barn big and still had hay. After looking around, he spotted a wagon and a saddle. And in the distance, he thought he heard some cattle lowing. Mr. Barstow had said that there might be some cattle on the range, but to check the brand and make sure they didn’t belong to someone else.

  Finally, Jeff settled in the house and pulled out some paper to write his mystery groom letter. Kirk was right. This house, as nice as it was, would be lonely at night. He wanted a woman to love and provide for. One that would look at him as if he were the only man in the world for them.

  He wasn’t asking much, just for a woman who would accept him and love him.

  Chapter 4

  Adelaide modeled her skirt and blouse for Diane. “What do you think? Do you think Angus will like it?”

  Diane nodded but had a definite frown on her face. “Yes, he’ll like it. But what am I going to wear? I don’t want to wear the same color as you. My only other one is that yellow dress, and it makes me feel like a sunflower.”

  Adelaide laughed. “Nonsense. It looks wonderful on you.”

  “Well, you’re only saying that because we are trying to get the same man. Besides, the odds are that Jennifer will swoop in with her swaying walk and take all the men away from us.”

  “She can only marry one of them.” Adelaide smiled at herself in the mirror.

  Diane came up beside her and smiled, too. “Well, there is only one mystery groom. We need to pray for some more men to come into Lone Oak. That or we need to search elsewhere.”

  Adelaide pushed Diane aside. “We do smile well. We could write mystery bride letters again.”

  “That worked really well. All we got was more competition after we rescued Jennifer. By the way, I haven’t seen her around lately.”

  “She’s working at Trent’s General Store.” Adelaide looked at Diane. “Where she can see all the men in town. Plus, she is in charge of the post office, too. So, she’ll know about any mystery groom letters before us.”

  Diane slumped onto the divan. “Oh, no. and to think we told her to go there to look for a job.”

  “I’ve been practicing my jig that my Granna taught me. Want to see?”

  Diane nodded. “Go, Addy. That should impress the Scotchman.”

  Adelaide started off shifting from one foot to another and thought to herself that if she had music, she could do better. She hopped around the best she could until she was so out of breath, she had to stop.

  “Is that it?” Diane stared at her. “You’re breathing kind of hard.”

  “Well … it’s hard work.” Adelaide collapsed on the divan next to Diane. “I’m thinking. That. I might need. To find another. Way to impress Angus.”

  Patting her hand, Diane smiled. “Addy, I would encourage you to find another way.”

  “That bad?”

  Diane nodded. “Sorry, but yes. Was there nothing else in your etiquette book?”

  “Oh, yes. How to walk with balance and grace.” Adelaide stood and found the book. Placing it on her head, she walked to the back of the store and then to the front. “See, you keep it on your head, and it helps you learn to stand up straight and walk with grace.”

  “Let me try.” Diane took the book and put it on top of her head. She started walking, and soon the book fell off her head. “That’s not as easy as it looks.”

  Adelaide nodded. “I know. I’ve practiced for days.”

  “Can I practice some today. I’ve finished all my sewing.”

  Adelaide nodded. “Sure. While you’re at it, pray that we get some more business. This month has been slow.”

  “Oh, dear. Do I need to be looking for another job?”

  Adelaide shook her head. “Not yet. Hopefully, never.”

  “We both need to find a man. One who can provide for us, so we don’t have to work so hard just to survive.”

  Adelaide sighed. “That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Of course, once we’re married, we’ll be chasing children around. Life just isn’t easy.”

  “No, it isn’t. I’m nervous about the social tonight. I fear that I’ll be left alone. Like usual. What am I going to do?”

  “Get a hold of yourself, Diane. For goodness sake, we aren’t that desperate.”

  With a confused look, Diane shook her head. “We aren’t?”

  “No, we are not. You saw us in the mirror when we smiled. We were pretty, confident, and a prize for any man.”

  “I don’t know, Addy. I really don’t feel that way. I feel lost, insecure, and downright hopeless. With only one mystery groom in town, and Jennifer Grant swaying around, I’d say my chances of winning a man’s heart are about zero.”

  Adelaide hugged Diane. “Come on, go smile in the mirror, and I’ll introduce you to Diane Hall. A woman who knows her mind, and one who is seeking the love of her life. I believe he is right around the corner. She may even see him tonight.”

  With a shake of her head, Diane nonetheless followed Adelaide to the mirror. “Look at me. I’m a mouse. Nothing spectacular about me.”

  “Nonsense. Look at those mysterious green eyes. And your hair when the light catches it just right, it looks almost fiery. But it is your smile that wins hearts.”

  Diane smiled. She tilted her head and smiled a little differently. “Smiling does make a difference.”

  “That’s it, Diane. See how it changes your whole countenance.”

  “All right. Help me smile tonight.”

  Adelaide nodded. “Only if you will elbow me if you see me with that ugly frown I get.”

  Diane laughed. “Okay. Let’s go before Jennifer marries our man.”

  ***

  Angus arrived at the social early. He was in his kilt and looked his neat
est. He hadn’t shaved off his beard yet. He rather liked the bushy thing. If the lasses didn’t seem impressed, he’d shave it before the next social and make sure to put a letter in the paper saying he’d done so.

  Women could be fickle. Although why they wouldn’t like his beard, he couldn’t imagine. It was a sure sign of manhood and something any man would be proud of. No, he’d try to find a sweet lass who admired his beard first.

  He straightened his jacket and walked inside the barn. Right off, several of the men from neighboring ranches laughed at his attire.

  “Hey, Angus, cute knees.” Bud from the Pollins’s ranch called out.

  “Aye, you’re just jealous because you aren’t man enough to dress in the plaid of my mother country.” Angus straightened his already straight shoulders and marched to the refreshment table. No one was going to ruin his day. Not the day he was going to begin looking at the women in town as serious contenders for Mrs. Angus McDonald.

  Swaggering up to the men by the punch bowl, Angus poked a finger in Bud’s chest. “I see you’re here alone.”

  “Not for long. As soon as I see a pretty little sweet thing come through that door, I’m sweeping her off her feet and onto the dance floor.” Bud grinned and pretended to waltz with an imaginary woman.

  “Ha, I’ll take my time to choose which lass I want to swing around the dance floor. No doubt, I’ll have to take my pick of the lovely ladies as they’ll all want to dance with me.” Angus enjoyed provoking the other men.

  “You’re a haughty one, Angus.” Sheriff Kirk Taylor said to him. He had his girl, Mary Louise, on his arm, and they both looked content.

  Angus longed to have a woman on his arm. He’d spent most of his time corralling unruly cattle, but now, he had the ranch the way he wanted it. He could let the hired hands take care of the hard jobs, and it was time to find a wife.

  He glanced over the women who were in attendance. Most were married or too old. Or too young, he sadly thought. Aye, he was getting on in age. Thirty now, making the young girls of eighteen too young for him to endure their silly prattle. Angus wanted a woman he could talk to and count on if there was trouble.