“Okay,” Alexandria was still smiling at his foolishness. After a moment’s consideration she spoke honestly. “You have beautiful eyes.”
Jonathon looked taken back and at a loss for a moment before speaking. “Thank you,” he finally managed; his tone betrayed his surprise.
“You’re welcome,” Alexandria returned.
“Okay, now you’re turn. You are a very intelligent woman, Alexandria, and pretty as well.”
Jonathon glanced over at Alexandria to find her face scrunched.
“Thank you,” she said primly.
“You look as if someone handed you persimmons,” Jonathon accused.
“I said thank you!” Alexandria protested.
“I’m going to line the men up and instruct them to compliment you and you will be allowed to say nothing but thank you,” Jonathon threatened.
“You’ll do no such thing!” Alexandria scoffed.
“You wanna bet?” Jonathon returned.
“Here we are,” Alexandria was suddenly all business and prim.
“Yes, here we are.” He was going to teach her to take a compliment yet.
Alexandria waited for Jonathon to help her alight from the carriage before mounting the steps and ringing the bell on Tristan Price’s mansion. The man had built a Greek revival structure more suited the pre-civil war south than current day Montana.
“Some place,” Jonathon commented from beside her.
“Isn’t it? I came by here one day with Daddy.”
Any further comment was prevented when the door was opened by a maid.
“Alexandria Morris here to see Mr. Price,” Alexandria announced as she offered one of her seldom used calling cards.
“Please wait in the parlor,” the maid escorted her to the room before disappearing back into the hallway.
“I feel like I’m in Georgia,” Jonathon muttered as he leaned in close to Alexandria. She smiled but said nothing. The room’s décor was over the top.
“Mrs. Morris, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Tristan entered the room.
Alexandria stood to greet him; she colored when he raised her hand to his lips. His gaze flickered over Jonathon before returning to Alexandria.
“I came on a matter of business, Mr. Price,” Alexandria admitted.
“Please, be seated, both of you,” Tristan instructed before seating himself opposite them.
“I know it is rather unusual for a ranch owner’s foreman to accompany them on such business, however, given recent events, and my gender; I didn’t feel it would be appropriate or safe to come alone,” Alexandria answered his unasked question about Jonathon’s presence.
“Most sensible; what business matter did you wish to discuss?” Tristan was now settled into a gracefully comfortable pose, his arm stretched across the back of the settee he occupied.
“You informed one of my hands, Rusty, that you knew of a man looking to sell several head of cattle. I was hoping that you could provide the necessary letter of introduction so that I might meet him and see his stock,” Alexandria explained her reason for coming.
“Of course, I would be delighted to help in any way I can. I must warn you, Mrs. Morris, that while Mr. Kingston keeps a neat ranch and good quality stock, that he is of…shall we say, questionable character. I would suggest that you arrange to meet him on neutral territory.”
“I will bear that in mind, thank you for the warning,” Alexandria offered sincerely.
“I would be happy to arrange the meeting myself,” Tristan offered. “Mr. Kingston and I have a long history and he owes me a favor or two. I believe I could make the meeting more comfortable for you,” Tristan offered.
Alexandria, uncertain how she should reply, hesitated.
“I think that might be a good idea considering how quickly we wish to pursue this,” Jonathon spoke for the first time since Tristan had entered.
Alexandria shot him a grateful smile and nodded, before turning back to Tristan.
“We were hoping to meet with him this coming weekend,” Alexandria explained.
“I could arrange that. I leave for Jasper tomorrow. I can have it all arranged by the time you arrive,” Tristan nodded confidently. “Would Friday be too soon?”
Alexandria bit her lip; that would move their leaving up a day and would mean a lot of frantic last minute packing. Still, they needed this seen to if they were going to do it.
“No, Friday is fine,” Alexandria decided with a nod.
“Very good; do you know where you will be staying?” Tristan inquired.
“With my in-laws,” she offered.
“Of course, I had forgotten they live there. Very well, I will send word there as to when and where to meet,” Tristan offered her a warm smile.
“Thank you, Mr. Price. I’m sure you have a lot to do and I find I suddenly have a lot of arrangements to make,” Alexandria offered him a smile as she stood.
“Until Friday then,” Tristan again raised her hand and pressed a kiss to it.
Alexandria politely removed her hand and made a bee line for the door. She had never been comfortable with such courtly manners. As Jonathon handed her into the buggy he made a show of checking the back hem of her skirts.
“What are you doing?” Alexandria demanded.
“Making sure your skirts aren’t on fire.”
“What?” Alexandria was frowning at him as he climbed onto the seat beside her.
“I thought I should check after the way you rushed out of there.”
Alexandria couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t miss much do you?”
“I’ve been accused of being observant,” he nodded.
“He makes me uncomfortable; I would prefer to not need his help.”
“As would I, but I believe he can be helpful in this instance.”
“Me too,” she agreed on a sigh of resignation.
Chapter Fourteen
Alexandria emerged from the house, her work clothes on and her sister and Millie assuring her that her packing, as well as Lilly’s would be seen to in time for them to leave. She knew that she owed them big time. Jonathon was waiting, negligently leaning against a porch post, one leg crossed over the other. Alexandria took in his long form and enigmatic gaze; it irritated her that he looked so appealing standing there. She wasn’t interested in men and certainly not her foreman.
“Are we ready?” she asked almost sharply.
Jonathon stood and placed his hat on his head. “Yes, Ma’am,” he agreed with a bow.
“Sorry,” Alexandria acknowledged her bad attitude. “I’m not sure what that was about. I suppose I’m nervous about the trip,” she fibbed to cover her real thoughts.
“It’ll go fine and hopefully fast,” Jonathon predicted.
“I certainly hope so,” Alexandria muttered as she swung into Lady’s saddle.
They discussed the details of the trip as they rode to join the men and agreed to make the arrangements in town the next day. That out of the way, they fell silent for a time and Jonathon found himself admiring how well Alexandria sat in the saddle. She made quite a sight, her long hair hanging down her back in a thick braid from under her hat. The denims she wore accentuated just how long her legs were and the deep green of her shirt made her eyes stand out all the more against her light skin. She was truly beautiful.
“What?” Alexandria frowned at him.
“I’m sorry?” Jonathon frowned.
“You’re staring.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“Why are you staring at me?” Alexandria looked suspicious now.
“You don’t want to know,” Jonathon urged his mount forward.
“Why were you staring?”
“If you must know I was admiring you,” he confessed as her horse caught up to his.
“Oh,” she looked completely flabbergasted; it made him smile.
“You sit a horse very nicely.”
“Oh!” that she seemed to understand.
“And you look very nice
today.”
“Oh,” the perplexed expression was back, her brows drawn.
“You like that word do you?” he teased.
Alexandria blinked at him; then offered a sticky sweet smile.
“Thank you.”
Jonathon threw back his head and laughed.
“You’re learning,” Jonathon nodded in satisfaction a moment later.
Beside him Alexandria looked rather pleased with herself.
The men and the herd came into view and Jonathon returned the greeting that several men offered in the way of raised hands. Several men sat in a small cluster over the remains of their lunch. Jonathon watched as the two new hands registered that it was their new boss that accompanied him. Their gazes slid over her, surprise registering, followed quickly by admiration. While both men watched her rather closely, he saw no indication that either of them were in any way watching her in an inappropriate manner and he felt himself relax. They needed additional help, but Alexandria’s safety came first.
***
Alexandria leaned forward and waved as the train slowly lurched forward from the Cold Springs station. Lilly was seated in Jonathon’s lap across from Alexandria; Lilly’s eyes were wide as she watched familiar objects and places slide by at a faster and faster speed.
“First time on a train?” Jonathon asked.
“Is it that obvious?” Alexandria asked with a smile.
“Your eyes are almost as wide as Lilly’s,” he smiled back at her. Alexandria laughed. “Have you traveled by train much?”
“No, except when I went after Emily and the return trip of course.”
“Jonathon, that is terribly romantic,” Alexandria told him.
Jonathon shook his head. “It’s not romantic; I was just claiming what was mine. I had loved her for years; I wasn’t about to let some infatuation steal her away. Had she honestly loved him I wouldn’t have intervened, but I knew her well enough to know she didn’t.”
“It is romantic,” Alexandria argued.
“If you say so,” he shrugged. “What about you? Were you a one man woman or did you fall in and out of love as my brother does?”
“I fell for one boy when I was about fifteen, that was my first broken heart and in retrospect, I realize I was merely infatuated. In fact, in retrospect, so were my feelings for Elijah. So, as it turns out, I have never truly been in love.”
“How unfortunate, it’s a wonderful experience.”
“So they say,” she smiled. “Of course never having been in love hasn’t stopped from making a fool of myself where men are concerned. First when I was fifteen and then Elijah. Men are a troublesome lot.”
Women aren’t?” Jonathon countered; Alexandria smiled.
“Do you miss your family?”
“I do.”
“Why don’t you go visit, or go home to stay?” she asked and held her breath for his answer.
“At the moment I have no desire to do either. I write often, but I’m content for the time being.”
“Oh,” relief flooded through her. She turned her attention to the passing landscape and fell silent. Jonathon allowed her her quiet and let his own thoughts wander. Lilly had fallen asleep in his arms.
***
Alexandria woke and frowned at the room around her. Where was she? She sat up and her blankets fell away; Alexandria looked down at her shift and her eyes widened as she quickly ran over the events of the evening before. They had been on the train, had arrived late, started for the Morris’ in a buggy… the buggy, she must have fallen asleep in the buggy and then staggered into the house and undressed half asleep. She let out a relieved sigh and hurried to dress. She could hear Lilly talking from the rooms below and followed her daughter’s voice.
“Good morning,” Janice greeted as she came into the kitchen.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” she surveyed the food on the table.
“I figured you needed the rest more but you’re just in time. Have a seat and we’ll say blessing and eat,” Janice instructed her.
Alexandria took the seat indicated and bowed her head.
“I don’t remember arriving,” she admitted as the food started around the table.
“No, you wouldn’t,” Janice smiled, “Jonathon couldn’t wake you and neither could I. I had him take you to your room so I could put you to bed.” Alexandria blushed at the news. She supposed that it was silly but that seemed like a rather personal act to her.
“Oh,” she muttered as she focused on smearing butter on her biscuit.
A knock on the front door pulled their attention and Nathaniel, himself, rose to answer it; he waved away the maid who started that direction. A moment later he returned with a message and handed it to Jonathon. Jonathon quickly scanned it, frowned, and put it away; his gaze when it met Alexandria’s said they would discuss it later.
“Something wrong?” Nathaniel queried.
“Not exactly, Mr. Price needed to apprise me of a new meeting place,” Jonathon shared.
“Ah, well, let’s return to breakfast shall we?” Nathaniel was already lifting his fork.
It was several minutes later that Alexandria followed Jonathon onto the back porch to discuss the day’s plans.
“Look, Alexandria, I think you should let me and Rusty handle this. Mr. Price indicated that this man is no gentleman and he wants to meet in an unsavory part of town…”
“I appreciate your concern, Jonathon; I’ll be fine,” Alexandria argued.
“This man is more than a little rough around the edges, Alexandria.”
“The men aren’t? I hardly blush at their bawdy jokes anymore.”
She blushed more than she realized, he wanted to argue; he didn’t. The two stood staring at each other a moment, each waiting for the other’s next move.
“I’m going, wait here please,” Alexandria instructed. She turned to go in and say goodbye to her in-laws. By the time she had disentangled herself from their protests Jonathon was gone.
Alexandria was furious.
She marched to her room and changed before surveying herself in the mirror. She had added an oversized vest to her ensemble to hide her feminine shape and had shoved her braid under her hat. She felt fairly confident that she wouldn’t draw any immediate attention and nodded in satisfaction.
She knew Jonathon had to meet Rusty and she knew where Rusty was staying. Jonathon had planned to join him but Alexandria had learned over breakfast that the Morris’ had insisted that he stay with them instead. She needed to hurry; she realized and turned to go. She would know in a few minutes if she would pass for a young man; she had always thought so.
***
Jonathon met Rusty in the hotel dining room and claimed the seat across from him. He ordered a coffee from the waitress and removed his hat.
“What took you so long?” Rusty inquired.
“The Morris’ talked me into staying with them and I never got around to asking Nathaniel directions to this place.”
“How did you talk Alex into staying?” Rusty’s expression was wary.
“I didn’t. I left her when she went back into the house to say bye to Lilly and the Morrises. She may murder me when I return.”
“She may not wait until you return. Listen, Alex may have only been my boss for a while now but I’ve lived in that community her whole life. Alex is notorious for going places she shouldn’t.”
“You don’t think she’d try following me do you?” Jonathon started to worry.
“I all but guarantee you she will, especially if you didn’t explain why you didn’t want her to come,” Rusty answered.
Jonathon groaned, “That woman will be the death of me.”
“Why do you hang around anyway?”
“I made a promise to Elijah and I stand by my promises, besides, Lord help me, I’m involved now. Even if I hadn’t made a promise to Elijah I’m in too deep to walk away.”
“Do you care for her?” Rusty asked pointedly.
Jonathon looked into
Rusty’s sun lined face and considered his answer.
“I’m more aware of her lately. Take that how you will,” he answered honestly as he twirled his coffee cup.
Rusty chuckled across from him. “I take that to mean that things could get real interesting around the ranch.”
“What do you mean?” Jonathon asked his brow furrowed.
“Take that how you will. Come on, we have business to see to and unless I miss my guess, we may have to rescue our boss while we’re at it.” Rusty stood and placed his hat on his head before laying money to cover his tab on the table. Jonathon stood and followed him.
“Tell me about this guy we’re looking to buy from,” Jonathon asked of Rusty as soon as they left the café. Rusty had met the man the day before.
“Mr. Kingston is fairly well known in these parts, more for his money and womanizing than anything else. His stock is good though. Rumor is he ran up some large gaming debts and needs money.”
“His loss, our gain?”
“Something like that.”
“Why did you turn Elijah down when he asked you to be foreman at the ranch?” Jonathon asked thoughtfully.
“I’ve been a foreman before. I made a decision that cost three men and a hundred head of cattle their lives, I’ll not risk that again,” Rusty’s pale blue eyes were troubled.
“What happened?”
“We were driving cattle, I took the short cut when I should have stayed with the trail we were told to follow, the trail with guaranteed water. But I was in a hurry to get home to my fiancée. It was my last drive before I was to start my own spread…. pure foolishness…”
“Everyone makes mistakes,” Jonathon told his friend.
“Mistakes that cost people their lives?”
“Sometimes, what happened with your fiancée?”
“I told her I couldn’t marry her and left town. I never want to lead another person to their death… I won’t.”
“You’re right, you won’t. You learned from your mistake, but know this, Rusty, sometimes things are going to happen that aren’t in your control. Life is not yours to give and take,” Jonathon reminded his friend.
A Headstrong Woman Page 17
