A Contest for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  “Ha, by giving her the mystery groom that I wanted?”

  “No, she’ll have to fight for him. But you’ve made that easy because you just gave up.” Diane looked at her earnestly.

  “I did not.”

  Diane nodded. “You did, too.”

  “Maybe a little. I can’t even help myself; how can I help Jennifer?”

  “She needs a friend.”

  “You mean a spinster friend. So, she can feel good about herself that at least she’s not that rejected.”

  “Oh, Addy. If you could hear yourself, you’d give yourself a whooping.” Diane laughed. “Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

  ***

  Angus gave instructions to his foreman. He was going to spend the weekend in Lone Oak and didn’t want to be bothered. He had some things to settle in his mind. He’d really enjoyed dancing with Adelaide, but then Jennifer had walked in, and he danced several dances with her.

  Then Bud danced with her and a few others. He hadn’t gone back to Adelaide. He knew she’d have danced with him, but he was mesmerized by Jennifer. Something about her made him almost dizzy, addle brained at least, and certainly not sure of anything.

  He should apologize to Adelaide, but what could he say. I’m sorry, but that woman just swept me away, and I couldn’t think of anything but her? That would not make Adelaide feel any better.

  He’d seen how sad she looked. She sat alone alongside the wall. Gone was her proud stature and smile. Defeated is how she’d looked, and it was his fault.

  At first, when they danced, he thought Adelaide was the one for him. She was everything he wanted. Tall, strong, pretty. Good heritage. Smart.

  But that Jennifer. She had all the weapons a woman could desire. Once she sashayed into the barn, Angus couldn’t keep his eyes off her. What kind of husband would he be if Jennifer led him astray so easily?

  No, he had some figuring to do in town. He’d meet with Kirk and maybe Peter. They’d made their choices. Peter was married now. Kirk would be at Christmas. How would they react with Jennifer when she walked by?

  It was something he had to know. Did she have that effect on all men, or just him. If it was just him, then maybe she was the woman for him. But he didn’t think so. They barely spoke. Although holding her close was like holding fire.

  Still, he wanted a woman he could talk to. One that had the same interests and goals as he did. He didn’t believe Jennifer was that woman. Adelaide could very well be her, but he’d lose her if he didn’t go after her.

  He went outside and mounted his horse. Angus figured on telling his horse, Charlie, all about his predicament. If nothing else, he might be able to talk some sense into himself. Halfway through his ride into town, he thought he knew the answer.

  Adelaide, it is. But then he pictured Jennifer and her slim form and the way she walked. Her few words were low and raspy, making him hang onto each one of them. Jennifer certainly knew how to work her spells on men.

  Mary Louise, now, she was pretty and fun, and everybody knew her, but she was nothing like Jennifer. Mary Louise was like having your kid sister around. Jennifer, well, she was like having forbidden fruit hanging just in reach.

  “Well, Charlie, what am I going to do? I’m afraid I’ll act the fool and lose the one I want.”

  His horse snorted.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought too. When I get to town, I’ll get my room and stay away from Jennifer and go find Adelaide.” He patted the big horse on his sleek neck. Charlie was a blood bay and a handsome piece of horseflesh. Strong and sturdy, the horse had seen Angus through many conflicts.

  Finally, they rode into town. Angus stopped at the livery and made sure Charlie would be well taken care of. He took his saddlebags and walked across the street to the hotel. He kept his eyes straight ahead because he didn’t want to see Jennifer.

  He was almost at the hotel door when he saw her. Jennifer. The woman was going into Trent’s General Store. Probably to work. She did say she had a job there. Well, that covered it. Angus wasn’t going into the store to see if he’d had any answers to his mystery groom letters. Not until he knew she wasn’t in there.

  Angus looked the other direction and then quickly entered the hotel. That was a close one. At least out on his ranch, he would never have to worry about her. He went to the desk and banged on the bell.

  Harvey came out quick enough and flashed him a welcoming smile. “Angus McDonald. I suppose you want your regular room.”

  “Yes, I do. I thought I’d come in early before the social. How are things, Harvey?”

  “Just fine.” He turned the register around. “Just sign in. Have you seen the new woman in town? I’m going to be sure and have a dance with her. I missed the last social because I had to work. But that Jennifer Grant. She’s something to look at.”

  Angus stared at Harvey. He’d never heard the man go on about a woman before. Apparently, Jennifer’s charms affected many. Good. Harvey could have her. “I’m interested in another woman.”

  “Oh, which one? I’d hate to compete with you.”

  Harvey was forty-five and single. Angus had never heard him declare any interest in a woman before. “You thinking of getting married?”

  “Oh, with all those mystery groom and mystery bride letters in the paper, it does get one thinking. I’m kind of on the old side, but you know, women want a good man to take care of them. I have a bit saved up and could live comfortably with a wife.”

  “Yes, I suppose so. I’ll talk to you later, Harvey.” Angus took his key and walked up the stairs to his room. He hadn’t thought about it, but his window faced Main Street. He’d have to stay away from it. He did not want to see Jennifer.

  It bothered him that Harvey went on talking about her. So, the woman was pretty. Angus knew what and who he wanted. And it wasn’t Jennifer. At least, he didn’t think so. As soon as he rested for a minute, he was going to talk to Peter.

  Chapter 7

  Adelaide was glad for Diane and that she and Jeff were getting married this Saturday. Adelaide thought it awful fast, especially since Diane hadn’t seen him in ten years. But it was their life. Still, Diane didn’t have to go around humming and singing all day.

  It was getting annoying like rubbing salt in her heart where Angus and Jennifer had wounded her. Adelaide had to shake her head. “Why do I have to sound so desperate and dramatic? Stop it, Addy.”

  Feeling somewhat amused and better, Adelaide finished the last stitch in Diane’s wedding dress. It was beautiful if she didn’t say so herself. She was truly happy for Diane. She just hoped Jeff was the same man that Diane remembered.

  There had been a lot of living and hard times in those ten years that they’d been apart. For both of them. Adelaide worried about Diane, but she seemed beyond happy.

  Diane came from the back where she’d been working. “Jeff and I talked, and he thought it a good idea if I can work some. His ranch isn’t far from town at all, so I could drive a buggy here and work for half-a-day and then go home. If that’s all right with you.”

  “Of course.” Adelaide stared at her friend. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. You make sure he works hard and doesn’t live off of you.”

  “He won’t. Jeff does work hard. His boss gave him a start on his herd, and he goes out and catches and brands wild cattle. He’s also caught some horses to break and sell. Jeff is a hard worker.” Diane smiled. Not a worry line on her forehead.

  “I’ll be praying for you.” She held up Diane’s wedding dress. “What do you think?”

  Diane began crying. “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much, Adelaide. I’m glad I won’t be leaving you. You’ve become my best friend.” She hugged her. “And you remember, you are welcome at our ranch whenever you want to come. And I hope that is often.”

  “That would be fun.” Adelaide did like the idea of getting out of town from time to time.

  Diane hugged her. “I better go. I’m meeting Jeff at Heart’s Café for dinner.”

 
“You go right ahead. I’m going to eat at Claire’s tonight. You will be able to meet tomorrow at the Thursday Night dinner, won’t you?”

  “Yes, I won’t miss it. And Jeff knows that even after I am married, I’ll be attending the meeting with my friends.” Diane laughed and ran out of the door.

  Adelaide was happy for her but did have misgivings about Jeff. He’d been living in the woods until the sheriff had found him a job. That he’d saved enough money to put down on a ranch was a bit suspicious to her, but he claimed Fred paid him well, and Diane wasn’t worried.

  Finished with her work, Addy closed up shop and walked to the boarding house. Adelaide was hungry and glad that it was chicken pot pie day. Her favorite and Claire was such an excellent cook. Not quite time for dinner, Adelaide went to her room and sat on her bed.

  Though small, it was a nice sized room and everything she’d wanted fit neatly inside. Claire had offered her Peter Gabriel’s old room on the first floor, but Adelaide had fallen in love with this room. Cozy and bright. Not to mention, she didn’t plan to live it in forever.

  Somewhere, there had to be a man that would love her. She’d thought Angus might be her match, and from her perspective, he still would be. But she couldn’t forget the look on his face when he saw Jennifer.

  Pure delight. Bewitched even. Not that Adelaide had a great dislike for Jennifer, but it was beginning to grow. Trying to get her mind off the disappointment and hurt, Adelaide picked up her Bible and read the 23rd Psalm. It was always a great comfort to her.

  After praying, she went downstairs to visit with Claire. The older woman had become a good friend over the years. Adelaide thanked the Lord for providing her with good friends. She was blessed.

  And as she thought about it, Jennifer popped into her mind. The woman had no friends. And from what little Adelaide knew about her, she’d not had any before she’d been kidnapped either.

  Life was not easy. Adelaide could testify to that. Walking past the den, she saw Claire bustling about the dining room and kitchen. “Claire, do you need any help?”

  Claire peeked her head out. “Sure, you’re always welcome in my kitchen.”

  Adelaide put on an apron and began making the dough for the biscuits. “There is nothing like beating dough to get your frustrations out.”

  Claire nodded. “I know just what you mean.” The smaller woman punched at the flour.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Oh, I just have a problem with one of the boarders is all.” Claire punched at the dough again. Frowning, she stopped and looked at Addy. “It’s the new woman you girls brought back with you. I wish you’d left her in Dry Springs.”

  “Claire, I’m surprised.”

  “Well, she is nothing but a problem. When she comes into the room, she gets people stirred up. Something is not right about her. Not right at all.”

  Adelaide had to agree. “I don’t know. I did pray for her. What do you suppose it is?”

  Claire shook her head. “I don’t know, but I don’t like feeling this way about a person. I’m not sure what to do. Mary Louise paid for her to stay up through this month. Jennifer hasn’t said a thing about paying more, and you know I like to receive payment in advance. I asked her about it the other day.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She just shrugged and said she’d do what she could. That is not the answer I need to hear. I can rent that room out immediately to the new schoolmaster that’s coming this week. He contacted me and wants a room.”

  “What about Peter’s old room?”

  “Yes, I suppose I can give him that one. But I don’t feel safe letting him stay in my house with that woman around. She’ll ruin him.”

  “Oh, I see. Yes, there is that. Jennifer has quite an effect on men.”

  Claire pointed a carrot at her. “And not a very good one. Someone needs to talk some sense into that woman. Like the preacher. But I’d hate for him to be ruined.”

  “Preacher Cannon is close to fifty. I seriously doubt that Jennifer could ruin him.”

  “Ha,” Claire looked at her. “That woman is a danger to every male in Lone Oak. Mark my words.”

  Adelaide nodded. After all, she didn’t have to mark the words. She’d already lost Angus to the woman. “Well, I guess we better pray.”

  Claire stopped cutting carrots and nodded. “You are so right. I am sorry for going on and on. It’s just the other day, Preacher Cannon came over to talk to Jennifer. They were in the parlor for over two hours.”

  Adelaide was beginning to catch on. Claire was good friends with Alice, the preacher’s wife. Jennifer was a threat, all right. If she could shake Pastor Cannon, no man was safe.

  “She’s a queen bee is what she was. That was all there is to it. The sooner Jennifer leaves town, the better.”

  “Claire, did you know Diane is getting married this Saturday?”

  Claire nodded and frowned. “Another reason I wanted to talk to you. I don’t like it. That man, Jeff, he was an outlaw in the woods. How can she trust him? And that father and brother of his are still outlaws.”

  “I know. I’ve tried to talk to her. Again, we can only pray. We can’t fix people.”

  Claire vigorously cut a carrot sending half of it across the room. “I know. But there are times I wish I could.”

  Adelaide hugged the woman. “We’ll just have to trust the Lord and pray.” Yet, even as she said it, her heart ached for Angus and the way he’d been swayed away from her by Jennifer.

  Chapter 8

  Angus knocked on the law office of Peter Gabriel and then entered. “Peter, you free to talk?”

  Peter stood and walked to him with an outstretched hand. “Sure. Anytime. What’s the problem?”

  “Well, it’s not legal trouble. It’s personal. When you knew Kate was the one for you, did you have second thoughts?”

  “Oh, I guess everyone does.”

  “I mean there is this woman in town. It’s not like I want to marry her, but I can’t get her out of my mind. She’s—”

  “Jennifer Grant?”

  Angus stared at him. “Yes. How did you know I was going to talk about her?”

  “Because since she’s come into town, the men of Lone Oak have been taken with her. She’s got some kind of quality that blinds men’s good senses.”

  “You haven’t—”

  “I’ve watched her and felt guilty about it. I think the preacher must have brought her into town to increase the number of men in his services.” Peter frowned. “I’m not proud to say, but I’ve looked at her. Listened to the way she talks. But I love Kate, and no woman is going to seduce me.”

  “Has she tried?”

  “No, not that I can tell. Maybe Jennifer doesn’t even know what she’s doing, but it drives me crazy. Sheriff Taylor said he doesn’t like it either, but being a beautiful woman isn’t against the law.”

  Angus nodded. “It’s not that she’s beautiful. There’s something about her. The way she walks and talks, it gets under a man’s skin.”

  “Yes, in Greek mythology, a siren was a beautiful woman that seduced men by their singing to wreck their ships on the rocks.” Peter rubbed the back of his neck.

  Angus nodded. “Good thing we’re in Texas on the plains.”

  Peter shook his head. “She’s got that dangerous quality that can wreck a man’s life. I, for one, am not going to let her do it.”

  “How do you stop her?”

  Peter folded his arms. “I’m not going to pay attention to her. Plus, I’m going to love my wife like she’s never been loved before.”

  Angus nodded. “Well, I’m not alone then. Thanks for the information.” He left the law office and didn’t feel any better after talking to Peter. Angus didn’t know about Greek mythology or care to, but that the woman was a danger to men, he could see. It shook him that Peter was rattled by her.

  Well, he wanted to talk to Kirk about it. There had to be an answer as to what a man was to do. One thing Angus knew,
he didn’t want to marry Jennifer. She’d be one big problem. In fact, he didn’t want to see her or talk to her again. But that was going to be near impossible in a small town.

  He walked down to the jail and went inside. Kirk had his feet on the desk, and the deputy was snoring in the nearest cell.

  Angus grinned and knocked on the wall. “Anyone awake in here?”

  Kirk looked up and laughed. “We’re having a slow day, but that’s a good thing because we had a long night last night.”

  “Oh, what happened?”

  “Jeff’s relatives. They stole some chickens from the Caldwell farm. I haven’t told Jeff yet, but when I see him, I’ll have to.”

  “Sorry to hear that. I came because I have kind of a problem with someone.”

  “Oh, who?”

  “Well, I really wanted to know what you thought about Jennifer Grant.”

  Kirk sat back in his chair and put his feet on the floor. “Oh, her. Well, she is a problem of sorts. I don’t know how to say it, but when she walks by, you can’t but help sense trouble is around. She’s not done anything wrong. When I talk to her, she’s nice and all. Mary Louise gets angry with me if I do talk to her and doesn’t want me around her at all. I tell her she has nothing to worry about. I’m not the least bit interested in Jennifer.”

  “That’s what I’m wondering. I like Adelaide. I think she might be the one for me. But at the last social, as soon as Jennifer came in the barn, I went after her. I couldn’t help myself. I know I hurt Adelaide and haven’t had a chance to tell her I’m sorry.”

  Kirk stared at him. “Well, you better decide who you want. If it’s Jennifer, tell her. If it’s Adelaide, tell her.” Kirk pulled out a wrapped present. “I decided to give Mary Louise a Christmas present every week until we get married. She loves Christmas, and I want to remind her of it. Plus, to make up for Jennifer.”

  “That’s a good idea. But my problem isn’t that easy. I know who I want, I just wanted to know if you felt some kind of pull from Jennifer when she walks by. Like she has some kind of power.”