To Dream Anew

by Tracie Peterson

  “If not, he’ll share it with me tonight,” Koko said, her tone firm.

  “Did you steal the ranch?” Luke asked Dianne, his eyes wide with wonder.

  “No, your mother did no such thing,” Koko declared before Dianne could answer. “She saved the ranch. She saved it for all of us.”

  Luke smiled and wrapped his arms around his mother’s skirt. “I knew you wouldn’t do something wrong.”

  Dianne picked him up into her arms, realizing as she did it she wouldn’t be able to lift the five-year-old much longer. “Luke, we all make mistakes—do wrong things. I’m not perfect; no one on earth is. But your papa’s right. We need to pray and ask God to help us in everything we do. But we especially need to pray that He’ll guide us so that we make the right choices and decisions.”

  “I’ll pray,” Luke agreed. “I’ll pray twice, ’cause Jamie said he won’t pray. So I’ll pray for him.”

  Dianne smiled and tousled her son’s hair. “I think that would be wonderful.”

  “I do too,” Koko said. “I think even Jamie would be proud to know that you care about him so much.”

  “He’s my family,” Luke said soberly. “And Papa says we always stand by family—no matter what.”

  Dianne met her aunt’s gaze. “No matter what.”

  Morgan readied his horse for the trip to the northern glacier regions. He’d heard marvelous accounts of the glorious countryside in the northwestern parts of the territory. It seemed like a good place to make a new start.

  “You sure picked a pretty day to head out,” Ardith said as she came up behind Morgan in the barn.

  “Looks like it’ll stay nice. Hopefully I’ll have an easy way of it.” He turned. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine, and you?”

  Morgan gave her a sad smile. “I’m as fine as you are.”

  Ardith grinned and looked to the ground. “Then you have my pity.”

  “We’re a pair, eh?”

  “Guess misery really does love company.”

  Morgan reached out and squeezed her arm. “I promise to get better, if you do.”

  Ardith looked up. “I want to get better. I want to be happy again.”

  “I do too.”

  “Sometimes it’s hard to figure out why these things happen,” she said softly. “It sure doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t seem like the kind of thing a loving God would allow. But just when I think I have God all figured out, I come to realize how little I know.”

  Morgan nodded. “I’ve never thought I had God figured out—never was really sure where to actually find God. But maybe that’s where I need to head next. Maybe that’s what I really need to explore.”

  “It’s gotten me through a lot of painful moments,” Ardith said with a smile. “Even now. I know without Him, I’d lose my mind and probably my life.”

  “Then I’m grateful He’s given you strength, because I’d hate to lose you a second time.”

  “You will be careful, won’t you?”

  Morgan took up the horse’s reins and led him from the stall. “I’ll do my best.”

  “I’ll pray for you.”

  He met her eyes and knew the sincerity of her heart. “You do that, little sister. You pray hard, and maybe things will actually come around right.”

  CHAPTER 23

  July 1881

  DIANNE LISTENED TO THE MUSIC OF THE FIDDLE AND GUITARS. An impromptu band had been formed to play as the community danced in celebration of the Fourth of July. She easily recognized the “Virginia Reel,” and since many citizens in these parts were former Confederates, the crowd seemed quite pleased with the selection.

  Madison had grown to a town of fifty-some people, but when the surrounding ranchers and their families and crews joined in, the place swelled to at least two hundred. The shops had been open earlier in the day to accommodate shoppers who might have driven in from twenty miles away. Now as the supper tables were set with a bevy of food choices, all brought to share freely by each of the families, people were splitting their time between food and dance.

  The entire party might have been more pleasurable for Dianne had Portia not been so intricately involved. Chester Lawrence garnered more respect and attention than did the mayor or sheriff. It was clear that everyone knew who really ran the town.

  Dianne shook her head as she watched Portia Lawrence flaunt her position to the other ranchers’ wives. Portia seemed out of place no matter how hard she attempted to fit in. Even her gown was all wrong for the celebration. Most of the women wore simple calico or gingham dresses. A few wore dresses with more braiding or lace, but none were as fancy as Portia’s. Dressed in burgundy silk, Portia fairly glimmered in the fading sunlight.

  The gown was stylish, showing off Portia’s feminine curves. The sleeves were fitted to the wrist and trimmed in smocking, lace, and ribbons. True to the very latest of Harper’s Bazaar fashions, she had smocking across the bustle and a gathered cascade of material that fell from the bustle to the floor. This, too, was trimmed in delicate gathers of lace and ribbon.

  She smiled and batted her eyelashes, flirting with every man who passed her way. She wore her hair up in a fanciful style of curls and twists and topped this with an elaborate hat of silk ribbons and feathers. For effect, Portia would, from time to time, turn her head first one way and then the next in order to bounce her curls. She reminded Dianne of a sixteen-year-old rather than a woman pushing forty.

  Still, Dianne had to admit she felt dowdy compared to Portia. She looked down at her own new gown of dusty rose. The high neckline was trimmed in black cording and the bodice was pleated, but otherwise the creation was simple. Dianne had made the dress herself, knowing exactly what would be useful in the future. Had she ever had a gown just for fun? A frivolous dress with frippery like the one Portia wore?

  What good would it do? I can hardly work a ranch and keep a horse while wearing silk . She crossed her arms and tried not to feel jealous. It was silly to be jealous of a woman like Portia—a murderess.

  “You look awfully deep in thought,” Cole said as he came up beside her.

  Dianne turned to smile. All day she’d wanted to share some news with Cole and now seemed like a good time. “I am deep in thought. I have something to tell you.”

  “Tell me while we dance.” Cole took her by the arm and pulled her to the street, where other couples were enjoying a waltz. It wasn’t anything like the refined ballrooms back East; of this, Dianne was certain.

  Cole whirled her into the crowd of people, and Dianne waited to share her news until they’d caught the pace of the music.

  “So what did you want to tell me?”

  Dianne smiled and met her husband’s curious eyes expression. “We’re going to have another baby.”

  Cole’s eyes widened. “Truly?”

  She nodded, enjoying his delight. “Truly.”

  Cole pulled her closer and kissed her soundly. “How long have you known?” he asked as they stumbled the steps.

  “I’ve only been sure for about the last day or so. Do you suppose we might have a daughter this time?” she asked, cocking her head to one side. “Aren’t three boys enough for now?”

  Cole threw back his head and laughed heartily. “You may certainly have a daughter now if that’s what you desire. Don’t you like my boys?”

  “I like our boys plenty. I just think it would be nice to have a little girl.”

  “I wouldn’t mind the idea. Are you feeling all right?”

  “Physically, I feel fine. I’m worried about the problems we’re dealing with on the ranch—”

  “That’s not for you to worry over. You just stay healthy and keep things running smoothly at the house. I’ll deal with the ranch and the Lawrences and any problems they might try to bring our way.”

  Dianne felt a sense of comfort in Cole’s confidence, while at The same time she wanted to be consulted in the matter of the ranch deed and the legal problems Lawrence was trying to stir up. She wanted to
help make the choices and decisions related to something as important as the possibility of losing the ranch.

  “Isn’t that Zane?” Cole asked as he maneuvered Dianne to better see. “It’s either him or Morgan.”

  Dianne followed his gaze. “It’s Zane, all right. I wonder if something is wrong. I certainly wasn’t expecting to see him anytime soon. His business keeps him too busy for pleasure visits.”

  They left the dancers and moved through the crowd to where Zane stood. Dianne hugged her brother tightly and then pulled back to ask, “What are you doing here?”

  Zane smiled. “Hello to you too.”

  Dianne drew him away from the crowd. Once she and Cole were alone with Zane, she pursued answers. “Is something wrong?”

  “Does something need to be wrong just because I show up for a Fourth of July celebration?”

  Dianne shook her head. “I suppose not, but you have to admit it is a surprise. Did something go wrong with the freight business?”

  “You mean other than the railroad breathing down my neck?” Zane replied. “Right now I have a lot of long-haul business, but when the rails connect to Utah, I’m going to lose out in a mighty way.”

  “I’ve read that they plan to be done with the railroad sometime this year,” Cole threw out. “What are your plans then?”

  Zane shrugged. “I’ll keep working. Local businesses will still need someone to haul for them. If that doesn’t work, I’ll get out of Butte and go elsewhere. Madison’s growing; maybe I could earn a living freighting here.”

  “That’s always possible, but if you work here, you’ll no doubt be as controlled by Chester Lawrence as the other store owners are.”

  “Well, I’m just glad I got you paid back,” he said. “If the business fails, I won’t worry about being in debt. I’m free and clear, and I’m doing all right for myself. I’m sure the Lord will keep an eye on me.” He glanced up the street and then behind him before adding, “I had a letter from Angelina.”

  Dianne could hardly believe her ears. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? What did she say?”

  Zane smiled. “They’re both doing well. Tre … Nicolaas works in a logging camp and Angelina has been cooking and sewing for some of the men. They sound happy.”

  “What a relief,” Dianne said with a sigh. She looked to Cole, who was smiling. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that you knew this would be the result all along.”

  “I didn’t know what the outcome would be,” Cole replied, “but I had faith that God would make it all good. I’m just blessed to hear that they’re happy.”

  They walked back toward the party and Zane asked, “Where are the boys?”

  “They’re back at the ranch. We figured they were a little young to be out late,” Cole answered. “Ardith and Levi stayed behind with Koko. They’re supposed to be having their own celebration tonight.”

  “Not that Jamie feels like celebrating American independence. He feels completely torn between worlds,” Dianne said. “He loves his mother and father, but he also loves the excitement of the world he sees through his uncle, Takes Many Horses.”

  “Surely he knows the life of an Indian can hold no future for him.”

  Dianne nodded at her brother’s comment. “But he continues to feel torn.”

  “Poor boy,” Zane said. “It’s hard enough just being that age and trying to figure out what you want out of life and how you plan to make your living.”

  Dianne saw Chester and Portia approaching. They could scarcely avoid them without making an obvious choice to move away. “I wonder what they want.”

  Cole looked up and shrugged. “Hard to tell. I guess we’ll have to hear them out and then we’ll know.”

  “Evening, Selby,” Chester Lawrence said as they neared and stopped. “Mrs. Selby.” He tipped his hat with a nod.

  “Mr. Lawrence.” Dianne’s greeting lacked emotion. She narrowed her eyes and stared at Portia but said nothing.

  “It’s been a good party,” Cole said, his voice low and certain.

  “Chester planned it all out,” Portia said, smiling. “He always knows exactly what to do.”

  Cole looked around at the town. “Seems he does.”

  “I heard you had trouble this winter,” Chester said, changing the subject completely.

  Cole turned back with a blank expression. Dianne seethed and was befuddled as her husband responded, “Why, no. Not that I know of.”

  Chester looked to Portia, his expression changing from confident to confused. “Well, someone told me you were low on calves. Same as we were the year before.”

  Cole shrugged. “We’ve been really blessed. I can’t complain. Don’t know why anyone would be spreadin’ gossip like that.”

  Dianne held her tongue and tried not to betray her feelings. She couldn’t understand why Cole wasn’t confronting Chester with the truth.

  “Well … I … I guess,” Chester stammered, looking from Portia to Dianne and back to Cole, “I was misinformed. I’d heard there were problems.”

  “Nothing beyond the usual things. Fact is, we’ve enjoyed a very productive spring and summer. Not only that, but Dianne just told me that we’re going to have another baby.”

  Portia paled at this, surprising Dianne. “We should go,” she said to Chester. “Don’t we have other people to meet?”

  “Ah … yes.” Chester said, still appearing baffled. He took hold of Portia’s arm. “Why don’t you go ahead? I’ll join you in a moment.”

  “I don’t want to greet people alone,” Portia said from between clenched teeth.

  “I said I’ll join you in a moment.” Chester’s self-assured nature returned and it was clear he’d brook no nonsense. Portia must have sensed this as well. She finally nodded and moved away from the Selbys—an unattractive pout on her face.

  “I had hoped to speak with you alone, Selby,” Chester began.

  “Anything you have to say to me can be said in front of my wife and her brother. As long as you mind your language.”

  Chester frowned. “You know that I’ve challenged your claim to the Diamond V ranch.”

  “Yes, we know that.” Cole’s words were slow, monotone.

  “There’s no deed registered with your wife’s name added on,” he continued. “I think for everyone’s sake, it would benefit you to drop this game now. Sell to me rather than allow the government to take it, and I’ll make you a fair offer.”

  Cole appeared to be considering the man’s words. “I know that the paper work was legally filed. Now, if someone is working to illegally file things, I can’t help that. Truth is, I don’t need to rely on the courthouse for my proof.”

  Now Lawrence seemed completely perplexed. His face contorted as if he were trying to decide on an expression. “This isn’t going to end in your favor. Just remember: I wanted to make you an offer that would have been fair and beneficial to both of us.”

  “I’ll remember,” Cole replied evenly.

  Lawrence started to leave, then turned. The anger in his eyes was evident. “There are worse things than losing a few head of cattle. You may have the world fooled, but you aren’t fooling me.” With that he stormed off down the boardwalk.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Dianne questioned softly. She smiled as several couples walked past them. “Why did you let him say those things and not confront him for having a hand in the losses we suffered?”

  “Because until this moment, I wasn’t convinced that Chester had done anything wrong,” Cole replied, meeting her accusing tone.

  “What?”

  “I gave the men strict orders, on penalty of being fired, to say nothing about our herd and the losses. I confided in no one with exception to Ben and Malachi, and I instructed them both to say nothing and to have their wives say nothing. After all, I knew you would talk to both Charity and Faith.”

  Dianne looked to her brother. “Do you understand what he’s saying?”

  “Sounds to me like there should have been no rea
son for Chester Lawrence to know about a shortage of calves or any losses.”

  “Exactly,” Cole replied. “But he does know. Which means there’s only one way he could know.”

  “Because he took them,” Dianne said as the realization sunk in.

  “Right.”

  Cole thought about the situation long after the Lawrences had hurried away. Leaving Dianne in Zane’s company, Cole decided it might benefit him to slip in among the other cowboys and see what he could learn. He’d already instructed his own boys to keep their ears open.

  Moving toward the heavily laden tables of food, Cole caught sight of a movement down one of the side streets. Although it was dusky and the lanterns had been lit, Cole recognized one of his wranglers being confronted by Jerrod and Roy Lawrence.

  He started heading down the street just as Roy took a swing. Billy Joe easily ducked and maneuvered his slender frame around the heavier man. “You guys are thieves and killers, but you don’t scare me.”

  “I’ll do more than scare you,” Roy snarled, this time delivering a punch to Billy Joe’s face.

  The younger man swayed but stood his ground and to Cole’s surprise fired off a blow with his right and then his left fist. Jerrod spewed a string of obscenities and comments that made Cole grateful that no womenfolk were close by.

  “What’s going on here?”

  The fight stopped and everyone turned to Cole. Jerrod stepped forward and growled, “This isn’t your concern. Get outta here unless you want the same.”

  “You happen to be roughing up my wrangler. That makes it my business.” Cole stepped closer to Billy Joe. “Why don’t you head back to the party.”

  “I can handle this, boss.”

  “I’m sure you can, but I need you ready to break that stallion tomorrow, and I don’t want you doing it with scraped knuckles.”

  Billy Joe grinned. “Yeah, that would be kind of painful, eh.”

  “You ain’t goin’ nowhere. You called me a liar, and I don’t take that from no one,” Roy said, approaching Billy Joe.