She lifted the saddle off her horse. More often than not, the hands offered to help her. Not today. She carried it to the tack room and put it on the wooden table. Next she grabbed a brush and groomed her horse. “You’re beautiful.”
“I was going to say the same to you.”
Tramp! She spun around and narrowed her eyes at him. “Did you have a nice ride?” she asked. “See anything unusual?” Anger began to bubble up inside her.
He flashed her a grin. “Unusual? No. I did see something lovely, though.”
Every muscle in her body tensed. Her mind went blank at his unexpected response. There wouldn’t be any witty reply. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly trying to calm her hammering heart. Turning back to her horse, she ignored Tramp, but the fact that he was still there made her nervous. She quickly finished grooming Gold Dust and hurried out of the barn.
Perhaps wearing pants wasn’t very smart. She saw how Tramp looked at her legs and he probably watched her leave. Her face heated as she briskly walked to her house to get changed. She’d tried so hard to be one of the workers, nothing else. The men all knew their attention wasn’t wanted. All except for Tramp, and he was just doing it to get her out of his house.
She changed into a yellow calico dress, checked her hair, and then poured herself a cup of water. Her pies lay out on the big wooden table, ready to be put into crates. Cookie would bring them to town for her. There were twelve in all, and a surge of pride went through her as she gazed at them. She was a hard worker. Maybe she could find a farm of her own. If it was small enough it would be perfect for her. She’d ask Cinders about it later.
Tramp cut his day short. He wanted to be at the main house when Ilene got there. She fascinated him. He liked her feistiness and the fact it never led to cruel words. He’d been on the other side of such words growing up. If it hadn’t been for Cinders’ dad, Zed, he probably would have ended up dead by now. He grinned. He’d been hell bent on becoming a gunslinger, but Zed channeled Tramp’s pent up energy into cattle and horses.
He probably should apologize to Ilene. She didn’t know he was trying to watch out for her. She just thought of him as a letch.
The house smelled heavenly of baked bread and fried potatoes. His stomach rumbled. “Smells mighty good in here, Shannon.” He smiled at her as he straddled a chair.
“Takes a lot of cooking to feed all the men, but I’ve got it down.”
“I thought Cookie insisted on helping you.”
She chuckled. “That was before he grew smitten with Edith. Now he spends a bit of time in town. He just left, taking Ilene’s pies to the mercantile and Eats to sell. Her pies have become very popular. All of her sweets sell.” She poured a cup of coffee and put it on the table in front of Tramp.
“Isn’t she supposed to earn her keep around here?”
Shannon’s brow furrowed. “She does that and more. She helps me with the work, is a wonder with the garden, and Olivia loves her. Now I hear she’s going to be helping with the horses. My, she has so many talents.”
“If she’s so wonderful why isn’t she married?”
Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sure she has her reasons. We grew up in the tenements, the same building actually. My parents were kind, loving people but not everyone was. If you had heard all the begging and screaming each night you’d think twice about hitching yourself to a man too. Her father had a love for drinking. When he wasn’t dipping into the pail of beer, he was a nice fellow. But after, he’d turn mean, and Ilene’s mother was often forced and beaten. The walls were thin and we were jammed into rooms. It was impossible not to know what was going on.”
“I feel bad for her, but I do want my house. I don’t want to put her out or anything but it is my house.” He shook his head. “I need to find a solution.” He hadn’t realized anyone else was in the house until footsteps came closer.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing,” Ilene said as she put on an apron and dove in to help with supper. “I’ve got some money saved, and my baked goods are selling. I’m going to try to find a farm of my own.”
Tramp practically spit out the coffee he’d just put into his mouth. “Women can’t own property.”
Ilene put her hands on her hips and gave him a pointed stare. “Where have you been? Women all over the state have petitioned and won the right to own property. I’m not saying people approve or won’t give me trouble, but it is possible.”
“Married women, I bet.”
“Sometimes I think people are just plain ignorant. Don’t you know what is going on in your own state? Ex-slaves and, yes, women have petitioned and won the right to own land. Though from what I understand most men aren’t happy about it. A widow can own land.”
“Of course a widow, but unmarried women? They wouldn’t know the first thing about buying property. I bet it’s New York you’re thinking of.”
Ilene pursed her lips and turned away. “We’ll see.”
Tramp groaned. “Shannon help me out. Explain Texas to her.”
Shannon’s eyes were filled with mirth. “I do believe she’s right. She can buy, but I don’t think any man would sell to her. That’s just the way of things. Widows get bullied into either remarrying or selling. I haven’t seen anyone come to their rescue. Though I’ve seen plenty of men try to court a widow to get her land.”
Ilene’s shoulder slumped. “Do you think it’ll be so hard?” She looked at Shannon for the answer.
“We’re in no hurry to see you go. Isn’t that right, Tramp?”
He swallowed hard and nodded. Not only did he have to convince Ilene to leave, he had to convince Shannon it was for the best. He was on his own in this. He’d think of something.
Chapter Three
The only time Ilene went to town was to attend church. Now she was wondering if she’d have to stop attending. The people were pleasant to her, but she never knew what to say to them. Her social graces were sorely lacking. She smiled and nodded at the right times, but she never felt adequate. It was like being on the outside looking in with such longing that it hurt. To make matters worse, she saw Tramp talking to a variety of men, and by the way they all turned and looked her over, she knew he was trying to find her a husband again.
Her cheeks grew warm, and her heart sped up. How could he? The whole town would think her desperate. Most already wondered why she hadn’t married.
After the service she stood in line to greet Pastor Sands. He was a lovely man, who really cared about his flock. Finally, it was her turn, and he took her hand in his.
“It’s always a pleasure to see you, my dear. Tramp invited me to dine out at Cinders’ place. I wish I could make it. Perhaps another time?” His gaze met hers and held.
“Of course, another time, Pastor Sands. I must hurry before my ride leaves.” Not waiting for an answer, she practically flew down the church steps, only to trip over a tree root. Thankfully she was rescued by Judge Gleason, a town fixture. He was a bit laid back with broad shoulders and white hair that hung past his collar. His face had a very young appearance, and it didn’t match his hair at all.
“Whoa, Ilene. What’s the hurry?” He held her by the shoulders until she was steady on her feet, and then he let go.
“No hurry. I just wasn’t looking where I was going I guess.” The warmth of embarrassment flooded her body and all she wanted to do was go home.
“I’d be happy to drive you out to your house. I’ve been invited to Sunday supper at Cinders’ ranch.”
Taking a step back, her eyes widened. Right past the judge’s left shoulder stood Tramp, who was watching and smiling. Everything within her wanted to go and punch him in the nose. She gathered her wits and smiled. “I’d be honored to ride out with you. Thank you.”
“Good, I just sent word to the livery to have my carriage ready. I was hoping you’d say yes. I have to admit I thought you were happy living alone. I had no idea just how lonely you are.”
“Lonely?”
“Y
es, Tramp told me about hearing you cry yourself to sleep. I’ve never been married myself, but maybe it’s time—”
“It must have been a cat or something Tramp heard. Sometimes I think he’s not very smart. I’m not lonely. In fact I’ve decided not to get married. I want to make my own way.” She tried to sound cheerful, but she was aware she’d failed.
“Well, in that case, maybe I shouldn’t come to supper.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re having fried chicken, and I’m making a cake for dessert. I’d love for you to come.” She stopped talking, afraid she was rambling on.
“May I still escort you, Miss Duffy?”
Ilene put her hand around his offered arm. “It’s Ilene. I’ve never been in a carriage before.”
They watched as Simon from the livery drove up in the shiny black buggy pulled by a white horse. “It’s lovely!” She smiled.
“I ordered it a while ago thinking I could take it from town to town. I’m the only judge around and once in awhile I get summoned. But it’s not sturdy enough for a long ride. Plus Chester rather have me on his back than pull me.”
He escorted her to the passenger side and helped her in. He made her feel special in a way she hadn’t felt in a very long time. All happiness she’d found lately had been her own doing. Taming the horses, the success of her baking, they made her happy but this was somehow different. It wouldn’t lead to anything but she was going to enjoy the feeling while it lasted.
A wide smile crossed Tramp’s face as he watched Ilene get into the buggy with the judge. This plan might just be the one that worked. Judge Gleason was more mature, and maybe that would appeal to Ilene. They could buy land, build a house, get some horses, and have kids. He frowned. He expected to be more excited by the whole thing. He’d get his house back. Still, he didn’t feel it.
Perhaps seeing them together and knowing his plan was working would bring on the satisfaction. Living in the bunkhouse hadn’t been that bad, but it was the principle of the whole thing. The house had been built for him.
He mounted up on Jack and turned him toward home then waited for Cinders, Shannon, and Olivia to catch up in their wagon. Olivia had been an angel during church. She hadn’t cried once. Keegan’s little boy, Ryan, who was only days apart in age from Olivia had wailed so loud, his mother, Addy had to take him out of the church. Children had never appealed to Tramp, but he had to admit Olivia was growing on him.
“It was nice of you to invite the judge to supper,” Cinders commented as soon as Tramp was riding at his side. He hardly had to take charge of the lines, the horses knew where to go.
“I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“No not at all. It’s your ranch too.” Cinders turned and glanced at Shannon. “Right?”
“Of course and we always make extra food. It’ll be nice to catch up with Judge Gleason again. He’s always been so kind to me.” Shannon gave him a reassuring smile. “Why don’t you ride up ahead and chat with them.”
“I want to give Ilene and Gleason their privacy.”
Shannon’s eyes narrowed. “You aren’t playing matchmaker again are you? Ilene is a bit on the shy side, and strangers make her feel awkward.”
“He offered and she said yes. Not much matchmaking there. Besides we’ll all be there. Yaw!” Nevertheless, he spurred his horse to go faster. Odd though, she didn’t seem awkward or particularly shy. Maybe a bit standoffish, but that’s just how she was. He nearly caught up to them but reined Jack in. He didn’t want to actually catch up to them. They needed time to get to know one another.
He watched as Judge Gleason set the brake and got out, rounded the buggy and lifted a smiling Ilene down. Did Gleason hold her a bit too long? And what was the great big smile she bestowed on him about? Heck, they hardly knew each other. Doubt swarmed him. He hadn’t been around in over a year. He really didn’t know much of anything anymore. Hell, even his friend Keegan Quinn had up and got married. Thank God for the men who still lived in the bunkhouse. They were single.
Tramp jumped off his horse when he reached the barn. Adam greeted him and took the horse from him. Adam was another hand who never expected to get married. Tramp ambled toward the house and as he got closer he heard the sweet sound of Ilene’s laughter. She really didn’t laugh much. Tramp walked into the main house and nodded at the couple. “I guess I’ll act as chaperone until Shannon gets here.”
Ilene frowned and Judge Gleason gaffed. “I’m old enough to be her father. I don’t think a chaperone is required.”
“You don’t find her attractive?” Tramp wished he could take back his words. It wasn’t his business. Plenty of older men married young women.
Judge Gleason cocked his left brow. “What’s this all about? Of course Ilene is very lovely. I came to have supper with all of you. When Ilene and I go out it’ll be our decision.”
Tramp nodded but he felt gut punched. When? So he did have intentions after all. Tramp should be happy. It’s what he wanted but somehow he didn’t like the thought of them together. Ilene had cast some spell over him and he needed the antidote, fast. “Of course. I’m just being overprotective is all. It sounds like the rest are here.” Feeling like a fool, he rushed outside.
Shannon resembled an angel as she sat in the wagon with Olivia in her arms. He’d hated her the first time he’d set eyes on her. He really thought she was just another woman after Cinders for his money and his standing in the community. He’d been a fool to have treated her with anything but kindness.
Cinders reached up and took Olivia into his arms, smiling at her little face. Shannon started to climb down herself but Tramp put his hands on her waist and lowered her to the ground.
“Thank you, Tramp. Are the judge and Ilene inside? It was a good idea inviting him. We haven’t had him to supper in a long time. It’ll be fun catching up.” She took Olivia back from Cinders and waltzed inside.
“Still hell-bent on getting Ilene out of your house?” Cinders asked.
“Wouldn’t you do the same?”
Cinders pondered for a moment. “Yes, I would. I’m not sure how’d I do it either.” He gave Tramp a friendly slap on the back. “We might as well go in.”
Tramp still couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. He wasn’t jealous. Heck, he didn’t even like Ilene. Sure, she was beautiful and spirited. She was good with horses, baked great pies, and people seemed to like her. Everyone but him. He shrugged his shoulders and went inside, to join the lively conversation he could hear spilling through the open door.
Judge Gleason regaled them with stories of cases he’d tried. It seemed to Tramp that criminals weren’t the brightest bunch. They all laughed throughout the meal. The only one absent was Cookie. He was spending more and more time with Edith Mathers, the owner of the town mercantile. Personally, Tramp wasn’t a big fan of Edith’s. She put her nose where it didn’t belong, and if she didn’t like a person the whole town knew it and why.
Finally Ilene’s cake was served. Tramp closed his eyes at the first bite and savored the explosion of sweetness on his tongue. It was heavenly. He opened his eyes to see Ilene’s blue gaze boring into him. With a smile, he quickly turned away. He was no good at reading women and he wasn’t certain he wanted to know what was behind that stare of hers.
“Ilene, why don’t you and Judge Gleason take a little walk?” Shannon suggested. “It’s been awhile since he’s been out here. I’m sure I can get a few volunteers to help with the dishes.” When they hesitated she made a shooing motion with her hands. “Go on the sunshine will do you good.”
Ilene smiled at Shannon. “Thank you. I think it’s a fine idea, that is if you’d like to, Judge Gleason.”
“Burt. My name is Burt,” the judge said as he stood.
“Very well, Burt. Shall we?” Ilene asked as she too stood. They walked out the front door into the beautiful sun-filled day.
They walked for a bit, side by side without touching. Ilene frantically tried to find something to say, anything, but no
thing came to mind. Story of her life. People must think her simple minded. In a way she was. She didn’t know how to flirt or tell great stories. She was positive that anything she did hadn’t enough merit for discussion. The judge probably talked to interesting people all the time.
“Nice weather,” she commented.
“Yes, yes it is. It’s not too hot, and the mosquitoes haven’t started to swarm yet.”
“I don’t enjoy them one bit.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think anyone does. Unfortunately, between them and the flies, summer can be unbearable. I’ve known plenty of women who’ve left Texas for that very reason. However, it’s a problem throughout the west. Settlers soon learned not to build their houses close to the ponds and rivers. Between flooding and mosquitoes, they had to rebuild further away. If you travel the state enough you’ll notice places with no windows.”
They strolled past the barn and reached a stand of trees. She slowed her steps, not wanting to be hidden in the shadows. There were already too many people talking about her. No need to add more fuel. Satisfied they could still be seen from the house, she stopped and gazed at him. “I think you should know something before we walk much more. You’re being set up.”
His brow furrowed. “Set up? For what?”
“To be my husband. You see, the house I’m living in really belongs to Tramp, and he wants it back and by right it is his. He thinks if he marries me off he can have it. He tried the same thing with Rollo, but what he didn’t know is Rollo had already tried to court me. I’m sorry you got dragged into taking me for a walk.” She clenched the material of her dress in her hands and let it go. “We may as well go back.” Her face heated as her mortification set in.
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