by Linda Ford
“Oh I see Dawson is here,” Isabelle stated. She gave him a look Annie could only describe as a warning.
Before she could say anything, Kate and Conner and baby Ellie appeared behind them. Annie stepped aside to allow them to enter then stuck her head out to look one way and then the other. “This is turning into family reunion. Where’re Logan and Sadie and their crew?”
Conner barely made it into the house before he spoke. “We want you to come to the ranch for dinner. How long will it take you to get ready?”
Annie’s hackles rose at the way Conner issued the order.
Conner and Dawson looked at each other in complete agreement. No doubt they had discussed this thoroughly before coming to town.
She jammed her fists on her hips. “You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you? You decided if you all came you could talk me into doing what you wanted. Or should I say you thought you could order me to do your will.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I’m guessing Logan refused to join you in bullying me.”
Dawson chucked her under the chin just as he had when she was four years old.
She couldn’t decide whether to laugh or scream.
Hugh stepped into the house at that moment. He studied her, saw that she faced her two brothers and his eyebrows rose. “I recall your Grandfather telling me that when she got a bee in her bonnet, he just stood back and waited for her to get past it.”
Her brothers had the gall to laugh.
She scowled at her brothers, spared a narrowed-eyed look at Hugh then spun to face Grandfather. “Are you suggesting that people should simply humor me?”
He gave her a tender smile that melted every ounce of her annoyance. “Annie Bell, you are so much like your grandmother. She had lots of spit and vinegar too. It’s a good thing and I would never suggest otherwise. You would not have survived these big brutes of brothers without it.” Grandfather glowered at his grandsons. “Annie is doing quite well at running her life without any help from you. Now extend a nice invitation or leave.”
*
Hugh had stepped inside in time to hear Annie standing up to her brothers. The sight of her indignation amused him. Also put him in awe of her. Like her grandfather said, a woman with spit and vinegar. And she could be his.
For how long? The warning would not be silenced.
Dawson rolled his shoulders. “Annie, Hugh and Evan, would you please come to the ranch for dinner? Both Isabelle and Kate have made a nice meal.”
Annie gave each of her brothers a look of stubborn consideration before she turned to Hugh. “I won’t go unless you do too.”
Her deference to his wishes did something unfamiliar to his insides. Not because she was acknowledging him as head of the house—that didn’t concern him overly much—but because it made him feel like he mattered. His opinion mattered. Like she valued his opinion.
“I’ll take you.” He’d gladly take her wherever she wanted to go so long as she wanted him to. And when she didn’t?
He wouldn’t answer that question. Not today.
Her gaze shifted to Evan. “We can’t go unless Evan wants to go.” She knelt before his son who stood at the corner of the table watching the proceedings closely. She covered his hand, where it rested on the tabletop, with her own. “Evan, honey, do you want to go see where I used to live? The house that Grandfather built? Jeannie will be there as well as all the other children you’ve met.” She paused, letting him take in all in. “You wouldn’t have to play with any of them if you didn’t want.”
He studied her a long moment. Then he lifted his free hand and touched her cheek, a gesture so tender that Hugh’s eyes stung. He could see the longing in Evan’s eyes to please Annie. His son gave the slightest nod then pointed at Happy.
“I’ll ask.” She turned to Conner. “Can he bring his dog?”
Conner nodded. “So long as he doesn’t chase the livestock.”
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Hugh promised. He’d been to the Marshall Five Ranch a number of times but this would be unlike that. He’d be seeing it through Annie’s eyes. Seeing Annie differently.
Annie rose. “Then we accept your gracious invitation.”
Dawson and Conner looked pleased with themselves then they herded their families out the door.
Hugh realized that he watched Annie with a bemused smile and hurried for the door. “I’ll go arrange a buggy.”
A few minutes later he returned with the rented buggy and they were on their way. On the trip out Annie and Grandfather relayed stories of life on the ranch and Hugh was happy to sit and listen, Evan pressed between him and Annie on the front seat. Grandfather sat in the back, wrapped in warm furs.
Annie was so excited he figured the only reason she didn’t jump from the buggy as soon as they rolled up in front of the house was she needed help getting down. He took her hand and guided her to the ground. She smiled up at him and time stopped. He was back at church, feeling again the rush of pleasure as she entered with Evan at her side. His words took on added meaning as he spoke to her almost exclusively, though he prayed the words would encourage each of those who listened.
Fear is not trust. Blessed is he who trusts the Lord.
Seeing her listening so raptly to his sermon, he knew he wanted her to stop fearing life and its risk and trust God for her future. It was selfish to think of himself as part of that picture. As he’d said from that very first day, she deserved better. But he could not pray she would find it.
Evan tried to scramble down and Hugh was jerked back to the present moment. He let Annie hurry by to greet her brothers and sisters-in-law and hug her nieces and nephews. He lifted Evan to the ground and set Happy beside him then assisted Grandfather to the door.
Happy followed Evan indoors, clinging to his side. Evan grasped the dog’s ruff.
Annie looked at the pair then brought her gaze to Hugh. “The pup understands that Evan needs him for courage.”
He nodded and smiled though he longed to express his emotions in far more appropriate ways. A hug. A kiss. A shout of joy. His son was showing progress toward becoming a normal little boy and Hugh had a beautiful young woman at his side. Could he ask for anything more?
Thankfully they were ushered into the dining room and his foolish thoughts subsided. The women went to the kitchen and the men retired to the parlor. The children played in groups.
Evan and Happy stayed close to Hugh.
“You found me another chair.” Grandfather headed for the comfortable-looking armchair near the round-bellied stove. The others found seats.
Grandfather looked around. “So how have you been managing without me?”
Dawson drew his hand down his chin. “Grandfather, the place has fallen into rack and ruin. Why Conner can’t seem to tear himself away from the house and Logan spends most of his days in town.” Conner groaned and Logan snorted.
Dawson continued. “The work has fallen entirely on my shoulders.” He sighed rather dramatically. “It’s just too much.”
Conner and Logan both spoke at once. Something about Dawson’s share of the work was the only part that suffered and that was mostly because he managed to find a thousand excuses for running back to his house.
Grandfather held up his hand. “In other words, things are about the same as when I left. Good to know.”
The brothers laughed.
Conner pulled something from the nearby desk. “A letter from Pa.” He handed it to his grandfather.
The older man opened it eagerly and read it. “So he’s seen enough of the ocean and is coming home. Says he’ll be here for Christmas.” He sat back with a contented look on his face.
The sound of an approaching wagon drew Hugh’s attention to the window but he couldn’t see the road from where he sat.
“It will be the Morrisons,” Dawson said. “They often join us. Carly will be pleased to see Annie.”
Carly and Annie. Two wild young women. Hugh tried not to remember.
Mr. Morrison c
ame to the parlor. “I see everybody survived the storm.” He spoke with a strong Scottish accent as if he made all the sounds in the back of his mouth. Hugh found it rather musical to listen to though, at times, also hard to understand.
The ladies trooped into the dining room bearing serving dishes and called the men and children to the table.
Hugh ended up sitting with Evan between him and Annie and young Beth, who was Logan’s adopted daughter, on his other side. The table was crowded with the large and rapidly expanding family and yet it didn’t feel the least bit awkward to be included in the family meal.
Conner, as current resident of the house, asked Grandfather to pray.
As soon as the amen was spoken, the noise level grew as food was passed around the table and news was shared. Baby Ellie cried and Kate took her upstairs. She returned a few minutes later.
“The little darling is sound asleep. Sundays are hard on her.” She blushed. “Sorry, Hugh. No offense but the little ones don’t like to wait for their meals or their naps.”
Hugh chuckled. “I expect there are many adults who feel the same.” He wouldn’t mention the few he noticed drowsing off during the sermon. He no longer took it personally knowing that some of these individuals worked long hard hours and the mere fact of sitting still often allowed their fatigue to take over.
After a few minutes of general discussion Logan faced Annie across the table. “Annie, are you happy living in town?”
Hugh held his breath. Felt Evan’s tension.
“I’m happy looking after Evan.” She wrapped her arm about Evan.
Hugh pulled in a breath, wondering if Evan would explode but he sat quietly and Hugh eased the air from his lungs.
“And Hugh.” Annie brushed his shoulder and smiled at him.
Each of her brothers looked at their wives. Hugh could feel their concern but he couldn’t turn from her look of tenderness. As if she truly cared about him as a man. Evan shifted, enabling Hugh to break free of Annie’s gaze to stare at his plate. He knew he shouldn’t wish for the kind of caring he thought he saw. The longing was there, nevertheless.
Shortly after that they finished the meal and the women took the food and dishes to the kitchen. Hugh would have liked to eavesdrop on them as there was lots of laughing. Besides it being beneath his dignity, the men sat around the table discussing the weather and various other topics. They asked him how things were in town. He was happy to report that so far as he could tell, everyone had survived the storm. “Even the Barrets made it through.”
A bit later, Annie and Carly poked their heads into the dining room. “We’re headed outside. We’ll be back shortly.”
Grandfather and Mr. Morrison waved them away but Hugh wanted to call Annie back.
She and Carly looked at each other in a way that seemed to say they had special plans that didn’t include himself or Evan. She was young and full of life. Her eyes danced with anticipation. Did she ever look so free and happy at the manse? He could not live with himself if he stole that from her. How would he manage without her? More important, how would Evan manage?
The other children had scattered to play but Evan and Happy stayed at Hugh’s side. He had stopped praying for God to send a suitable woman but he needed to start again. He’d do that next time he was in his office.
By the time the girls returned, their cheeks rosy from the cold and a glow of happiness on their faces, it was time to return to town.
All the way back, Hugh tried to convince himself he needed someone else. Wanted someone else. Why was it so hard to believe it?
Chapter Fourteen
Hugh could not fall asleep. In the dark, alone hours he had to face the truth. He did not want someone to take Annie’s place. She’d proven pleasant to live with. And to spend the evenings with, though he’d been careful not to avail himself of any more kisses. He’d gone so far as to hint to God that if someone else didn’t show up by the end of the four-week trial period he’d be quite happy about it.
He awakened the next morning with his conscience searing him. He was acting selfishly. Thinking more of his own desires than what was best for Annie.
Still he could not bring himself to say anything to her. Could not remind her that this arrangement could be temporary. Could not even bring himself to pray for a substitute.
Instead, he hurried to his office, intending to bury himself in study.
He managed to make a few notes when a knock came to the door connecting to the living room. “Yes?”
Annie opened the door. “There’s someone here to see you.” Her mouth puckered.
“They came to the back door?” Usually people who wanted an audience with him came to the outer office door.
“She did.” The words dripped with disapproval. “Shall I show her to your office?”
She? Then it hit him like a blow to his midsection. “Someone in response to my advertisement?”
“Indeed.”
He would have done anything to remove the wounded look on her face but was this God’s way of making His plan plain? “Is Grandfather here?”
“Of course.”
“Fine, then show her in and leave the door open.” He did not want any occasion for someone to suggest inappropriate behavior.
She spun about, marched back to the kitchen and returned with a robust-looking woman with her hair in a tight black knot. He guessed her age to be at least thirty.
Wasn’t he looking for an older woman?
Annie left without saying a word. He heard the outside door slap shut and guessed she had stepped out.
He hurried to his feet. “I’m Hugh Arness.”
“I’m Harriet Higgins. Miss Higgins.” Did she mean to tip her nose as she talked to him? “I’m Mrs. Shearer’s sister. She told me you were looking for a mature woman to run your house with a view to matrimony.”
They eyed each other, taking stock. She seemed the practical sort. No nonsense about her.
“I’m prepared to take over your home but I’d like to see the place, get an idea of what you need, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course. Well, this is my office.” He waved his arm about. The book Annie had given him lay in the center of his desk. His heart clawed at his ribcage but he moved his gaze onward. “The church is next door.”
“Am I to understand you are at home much of your time?”
“I work here but I often leave to visit others.” Why did he feel as if he must explain himself? “Would you care to see the rest of the house?”
“Certainly.” She strode from the room and he followed. They stood in the living room. He pointed out the two hallways. “My son and I share a room down there.”
“I would most certainly take a room down the other hallway. I understand any union between us would be strictly for the purposes of propriety. I want nothing else.”
The poor woman’s face looked about to ignite with her discomfort at even hinting at anything but a marriage in name only. It had been his intent all along but sounded cold and unfriendly coming from her mouth. He couldn’t imagine wanting to stay up in the evening and kiss her before the fireplace. He pulled his gaze from the unlit fire and turned to regard the rest of the room.
“As you can see, this is the living room.”
She gave it careful study. “It’s adequate, I suppose.”
“Come and see the kitchen and meet my son.” He led the way. “This is Mr. Marshall.”
Grandfather struggled to his feet and shook hands with Miss Higgins then sank back to his chair, watching the woman with frank study.
Hugh would have liked to know what the older man thought of her. However, his opinion would hardly be unbiased.
“This is Evan.” The boy stood at the far end of the room, clinging to Happy’s fur. Hugh was about to tell Miss Higgins the dog’s name when she spoke.
“You have a dog indoors? They are dirty animals. He’ll have to go outside.” She made shooing motions with her hands.
Happy pressed to Ev
an’s side as the boy withdrew and sat on the mat he had abandoned only a few days ago.
“The boy should not be sharing the dog’s bed. How disgusting.”
Evan whimpered and buried his face in Happy’s fur.
“What did you say the boy’s name was?”
“Evan.”
“Shouldn’t he be required to greet me?”
“Unfortunately, he does not talk. He’s had rather a rough time of things in the past.”
Miss Higgins drew herself up rod straight. “I will tolerate no excuses for rudeness. Evan, stand up and say hello like a good boy.”
Evan’s eyes widened and he looked at Hugh. The boy might not have words but he clearly communicated his fear and accusation to Hugh.
Hugh must defend and protect his son. There were a few other things he must right as well. Such as telling the congregation they should not live in fear, when he wasn’t doing it.
*
Annie practically ran all the way to the store. Uncle George looked up at her hurried entry. His eyes widened in alarm.
“Is something wrong with Grandfather?”
“No. He’s fit as a fiddle. Is Aunt Mary upstairs?”
“Yes, child. Go tell her all your troubles.” He patted her back as she rushed by him.
Aunt Mary looked up as Annie burst into the room. “Annie, what’s wrong?” She put aside her sewing and started to her feet.
“Grandfather is okay.”
“Then who?”
“Me. I am such an idiot.” She went to the window and looked out on new building across the street—the schoolhouse, the doctor’s house and office, the new barber shop and lawyer’s office—all replacements for those destroyed by the fire. “I believed Hugh when he said he’d give me four weeks to prove I was suitable.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “I’d be perfect I said. Now with two weeks left in our agreement, he has an older woman over there. I’m sure he’ll think she’s ideal.” She spun from the window and walked the length and breadth of the room as she talked. “She’s older. Plain. And I venture a guess that some time ago, she forgot how to smile.”
