"Bronson dear, would you please fetch Grayson and tell him to come in here?" Elizabeth interrupted. "And remain out of this room with Ashley. This matter has to be settled with Grayson only." Her kind eyes went to Nora for a moment then back to her son.
Bronson's blue gaze flew around the room, his brows scrunched as he tried to figure out what brought the meeting between the families. He looked to Mitch who remained sprawled in a chair opposite Nora. Her brother shrugged at him.
"Go with him, Mitch," her mother interjected, and Mitch more than eager to avoid the discussion, jumped to his feet and walked out.
The Cole's maid came in with a tray and began to pour coffee into blue speckled porcelain mugs.
Her mother sat next to her and took her hand. "Now, now, honey, just relax." Nora shot her an annoyed look, but managed to keep from snatching her hand away. Just like her mother to play this up and make the Coles think she was on the brink of a breakdown.
"I'm fine, Mother," she replied with an even voice and looked toward Hank and Elizabeth Cole. "I'm sorry for all this, but like both Grayson and I already stated, it's all a huge misunderstanding."
"That's true," Grayson stood at the doorway, his large frame filling it completely. With hands to his sides and shoulder on the jamb, he gave the impression of complete unconcern.
"Not from where Mitch stood," her father stood and glared at Grayson. "You were practically er...well on top of her."
Her mother gasped and Nora looked up to the ceiling wishing it would fall on top of her. Unfortunately her father continued in his campaign to get her married off. "The rumors are already spreading. Little Amy Foster told everyone who'd listen about the situation in the barn."
"Oh goodness," Elizabeth Cole exclaimed and frowned at her husband who covered her hand with his much larger one.
"Of course we want to protect Nora's reputation being that she's Alder Gulch's schoolmarm. So how about it, son?" Elizabeth Cole looked to Grayson whose eyes widened and he swallowed visibly.
"I--I would like to offer to...seek a courtship with Miss Nora," he straightened, his posture straight and looked at her father. "Mister Banks, nothing happened, I assure you. I would never disrespect your daughter in that manner."
"Of course nothing happened," her father exclaimed lifting to his toes as if attempting to match Grayson's height. "Because Mitch walked in on you." He glared over his shoulder at Nora, with a perfected "Don't say a thing" look.
Grayson did not back down. "Like I said, Mister Banks, I would never steal away with her, she's above reproach." His jaw clenched. "I'm not offering anything more."
I'm not his type is more like it. Nora closed her eyes to avoid for a few seconds witnessing the circus the situation had become. When Hank Cole placed his cup down and stood, she braced herself for what came next.
The large male stepped between her father and Grayson. He met his son's eyes. "Sit down, Grayson. Getting angry is not helping things."
After Grayson sat down in the chair Mitch vacated, Hank Cole turned to her father. "Now, Arthur, I believe my boy's offer to court your daughter is enough to waylay any rumors."
"Until he moves on," her mother exclaimed with narrowed eyes directed at Grayson. "He's the town rake, everyone knows that."
"Mother, Mitch isn't much better," Nora told her, not sure why she needed to defend Grayson who looked at her with lifted eyebrows. "This is ridiculous." No longer able to remain silent she got to her feet. "Grayson and I are not teenagers, I assure everyone that we can work this out without all this—this." She waved her hands in the air not sure what to call the proceedings.
She looked to Grayson for help, but he remained seated his mouth firmly shut. Annoying. "I accept Grayson's offer to court me, we will court until the rumors die down which they will. As far as my reputation being ruined after he moves on, well what's the difference, I'm the town spinster now. And, I wouldn't marry the likes of Grayson Cole either way."
"What?" Finally he decided to speak just when she wanted him not to. "What do you mean by ‘likes of me’?" He frowned up at her.
"Unfaithful," Nora replied lowering back to the couch while keeping her gaze on him.
"Nora, enough," her mother squeezed her forearm, her fingers sinking into the flesh until she winced. "We won't accept less than a marriage proposal." She eyed Elizabeth Cole. "Surely you see the gravity of this situation. If we leave it up to the two of them, they'll only make things worse." She dabbed at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief that seemed to have appeared out of thin air. "I can't bear any more insults from your son toward my daughter. Not wanting to make amends for what he did up in that hayloft." She sniffed into the handkerchief hiding her face behind it.
"Mother," Nora hissed, "what are you doing?"
"Fine, enough of this nonsense." Hank Cole finally raised his voice and everyone turned to him. "Grayson, you'll marry Nora. You need to settle down anyway."
This time is was Nora who gasped. She looked to Grayson who looked straight ahead his face stoic and nodded. "Yes, sir."
Her mother grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the front door. "Fine, you will call on her this Sunday." Too numb to resist and stunned silent, Nora followed her mother out. Her father remaining behind, she heard him say something, but the words did not penetrate the fog enveloping her.
"Come along, Nora. How distressing, this is horrible how that cad tried to get out of doing the right thing."
"Nora?" Elizabeth Cole walked out to the porch and stopped them. "Are you all right, dear?"
Nora fought the overwhelming desire to cry. "I'm sorry for walking out."
"It's so distressing," her mother told Grayson's mother, her voice quivering. "I just had to come out here and get some fresh air."
"Of course," Elizabeth guided her mother to a chair on the porch while Nora looked on dumbfounded. How did this all became about her mother.
The men exited, first her father then Hank Cole and finally Grayson, who looked more tired than angry. He went to her and Nora stiffened. She lifted her gaze to him. "Good night, Grayson."
He nodded. "Would you care to go for a ride after church on Sunday?"
Their parents stopped the pretense and looked to them. Weary, she nodded to him. "Yes, of course."
After she and her mother were seated in the carriage, Mitch came out and climbed onto the bench next to her. Her brother brought the horses to a quick trot and immediately the ambiance changed.
"Oh, Nora, your wedding should be out here on Cole lands. I can see it now, it will be the most talked about wedding for years." Her mother who seemed to have rebounded from being upset with frightening speed and beamed at her father. "Arthur, we should order plenty of blue fabric. That shade Nora favors. What do you call it, Nora? Peacock blue or something?"
Nora gawked at her mother. Mitch chuckled and she jabbed her elbow into his ribs.
Oblivious to her silence her mother continued. "Oh, and of course we'll need to look in the catalog for a simple but pretty dress for you. White of course." The prattling continued until they reached town an hour later.
Her head pounded when they finally reached her parent’s home. Too exhausted to walk to her house, she climbed the stairs to her old bedroom intent on collapsing into the bed and forgetting everything that transpired.
After a quick wash with tepid water from the pitcher in her room, she slipped on her nightgown and brushed the tangles from her hair. The house was silent and her tension began to ebb away. Surely Grayson would not be forced into a marriage with her. When he called on Sunday, she'd make the best of it. Together they'd find a way out of the situation.
She studied her oval face reflection in the mirror. There were circles under her honey brown eyes, a soft purpling of weariness. Her long lashes framed her half closed eyes.
Grayson did not find her attractive.
He'd never given any indication of it; if anything, he was more indifferent than interested whenever they'd crossed paths. With a dee
p sigh, she stopped the musings and brushed the last of the tangles out of her long waves and then braided it with quick efficient fingers. Tomorrow she'd think clearer and come up with a way to release Grayson of any commitment.
Chapter Five
Grayson remained outside the chapel until service started before he made his way inside and sat at the back. His parents and Bronson were in their usual spots fourth bench back from the front. He scanned the large space for Nora, but didn't spot her, truth be told he never noticed where she and her family sat.
No, he usually gave Nora Banks wide berth, and if ever they did cross paths, he'd made an excuse to get away, cross the street anything to not come face-to-face with the beauty. Her large light brown eyes took away his ability to think clearly, when she spoke, which usually was quick and efficient, his eyes were drawn to her lush pink lips. Not small nor overly large, her shapely mouth often took his mind to a place it shouldn't go. When she'd been angered in the loft, her pretty face flushed and as she lay under him, he wanted nothing more than to sink down into her and kiss the woman until neither could breathe.
A hymn began, bringing his attention back to the present. Once again he took in the room and this time he saw her. In an olive flowered dress and matching green shawl, she had her head bent, her eyes on the hymnal in her lap. Her lips moved with the song and Grayson watched her until the song ended.
In a few minutes he'd be forced to spend time alone with her and he wasn't prepared for it. Not that he despised her company so much as he detested his reactions to her. Not since Sophia had a woman gotten his attention like Nora Banks did and for that reason alone, he'd fight with all he had to keep from marrying her. A sharp pain struck him in the chest taking his breath in a not so subtle reminder of the price of loving someone, only to lose them. Nora Banks was not meant for him, she'd one day be someone's wife. She was too beautiful not to be.
Just not his.
Service ended too soon and Grayson got up to leave the chapel before the pastor made his way to the back. He moved to the side of the building and waited for Nora to come out.
Finally almost half an hour later, she exited. Her burnished hair pulled into a loose braid down her back that allowed for tendrils to flow in the wind across her face shimmered in the sunlight. She placed a hand over her eyes and looked around until spotting him. When she did, he could not read the expression on her face. When her eyes raked over him, she tensed, the movement so quick it may have only been in his imagination. With sure steps she came toward him, shoulders back and head held high. Grayson's lips curved at knowing she felt the stares of the people still gathered at the church watching them with ill-concealed interest. So it was true, rumors did circulate about their supposed hayloft tryst.
"Hello, Grayson," her voice was even although he heard a soft quiver. Of anger?
"Miss Banks," he replied and put his arm out to her. "Shall we perform for the crowd?"
With an indignant huff, she slid her gaze towards the chapel without turning her head. "One would think they have better things to do on a Sunday morning. Especially after the sermon on minding our tongues."
"They're pretty quiet," he quipped back with a chuckle.
"It's not funny, for goodness sakes. Now it will be harder to make them believe it didn't happen. We should have not met here." She walked faster toward the buggy he'd brought from the ranch. "Where are we going anyway? I hope it's away from town."
"Ma got cook to make us a picnic." Grayson helped her up into the buggy and circled to climb up on the other side. He snuck a glance toward the chapel and although a few of the people had dispersed, several groups still remained to watch them. One lady even waved at him. The town's latest fodder for gossip, nothing new for him, but Nora wasn't used to it. Judging by the paleness of her face and stiffness of her posture, he wondered if she would burst into tears.
"Are you all right?" Grayson smiled at her. "Would you prefer to walk for a bit?"
"No. I'm fine," she replied sounding anything but.
The rode in silence until they arrived at a spot near a shallow stream where he'd brought many a lady. Grayson knew the place well and guided the horse between trees so that it could feed and be near enough to drink water. After climbing down, he went to assist Nora. Hand extended up, it was a few beats before she took it, her eyes on his face. The softness of her hand in his rougher made him almost retract the offer of assistance. Everything about the woman affected him too much.
Once she descended, she stood by looking at the view until Grayson grabbed a blanket and handed it to her, then took the basket by the handles and guided her towards a grassy spot. "This is a nice peaceful place, I come here often."
They walked a few yards, and Nora helped him spread the blanket. Grayson watched her sink down onto it and pull off her hat. Suddenly, found himself nervous, at a loss for words. He toed the edge of the blanket and looked to the water. "Imma go rinse my hands. Be right back."
Nora shrugged in response and began to dig in her bag. From the water's edge he watched to see what she did. Reading? She'd pulled a book out of her bag and was reading. Is this what she planned to do? Did she find his company so distasteful that she'd rather read than have a conversation? Grayson huffed and went back to the blanket and threw himself down on it. On his back, he folded his arms under his head and stared at the sky. "An hour should be long enough to make it seem as if we enjoy each other's company. Wake me will you?" He closed his eyes.
"Fine with me," Nora replied in a bored tone.
Under his lashes, he saw her study him. He fully opened his eyes and looked at her and cocked an eyebrow. "Unless you rather do something else?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Like what?"
With slow precision he lowered his gaze to her lips. "What do you think?"
Nora's eyes widened only a bit before she schooled a neutral expression. "I think you're an arrogant libertine."
"From a prudish schoolmarm, I take that as a compliment."
"You know nothing about me."
"I know you keep yourself at arm’s length from everyone around you, as if you're too good to be around common folk."
A gasp escaped followed by an unladylike snort. "If because I don't rut around with every person of the opposite sex like you do, in your opinion I'm an elitist. Well that's fine with me."
"Women come after me, not the other way around, Miss Banks," Grayson replied and closed his eyes again. "I can't help that your kind find me an irresistible challenge."
"Is that what you think? Honestly your arrogance has no bounds."
"I'm being honest."
"This is all a bad idea, we should return before I say something I shouldn't."
This time he sat up and gawked at her. "I hate to think what that would be. Let's see you've called me arrogant, a rake and accused me of rutting. Maybe given time, you'll get more creative, it would be a refreshing change. If insulting me amuses you, then by all means." He opened his arms exposing his wide chest to her.
A slow exhale told him she attempted to keep from lashing back. Her beautiful honey eyes flashed with anger. "Hardly. This is not amusing, Mr. Cole, not in the least."
"Look I find this as distasteful as you do..."
"Distasteful?" She scrambled to her feet and glared down at him with her hands on her hips. "You find me distasteful?"
Grayson stood as well and glared back at her. "Am I supposed to be enjoying your insults?"
"In response to yours?" she snapped back. "Take me home, please."
"With pleasure." He bent to grab the picnic basket and blanket. With long strides, he headed to the wagon dragging the blanket behind him. "Come along, if we hurry you can make it back in time for the people to catch a glimpse of us as most may not have made it home by now."
He turned to see her rushing in the opposite direction, her arms pumping with each step. When she reached a tree she rested her shoulder on it. Grayson wondered if he should go to her, but didn't trust himself not to say
something else that would make things worse. Instead he waited by the wagon, leaning against it staring into the distance.
"I apologize," Nora had neared and he'd not heard her approach. The contrite expression on her face contrasted with the challenge in the golden brown pools of her eyes. "I should not have lowered myself to name calling."
Grayson shrugged ignoring the jab in his chest at her lack of sincerity. "Sure. Are you ready?"
They arrived at her house about half an hour later and Grayson climbed down and went to assist her. Nora's stiff hand accepted his and she avoided eye contact until reaching her door. "You should apologize as well."
"For?"
When she glared up at him, Grayson fought back a smile. "For calling me distasteful."
"Oh that," he replied and frowned. "I called the situation distasteful, not you."
"Fine. Good day, Mr. Cole," she snapped and turned to the door.
Grayson leaned forward and spoke into her ear his lips brushing the tip. "I don't find you distasteful in the least."
Nora let out a loud gasp and swung to face him. "I take back my apology."
"You can't do that." Grayson smirked enjoying her discomfort. "I've already accepted it."
"Augh." With a shove of her shoulder she pushed the door open. "Good day, Mr. Cole."
His fingertips to the rim of his hat, Grayson tipped his head forward. "I look forward to your company next Sunday, Miss Banks."
She kept her back to him. "Liar."
A wide smile curved his lips when he rode away from her small house. A picture of her beautiful, angry eyes filled his mind. Grayson dug an apple out of the basket and took a big bite. Although not the date he expected, he had not lied upon taking his leave.
He did look forward to the following Sunday.
Chapter Six
From where Mitch sat in the saloon, he could keep an eye on his horse and had a clear view across the street to the outer edge of the hotel where Olivia had entered earlier with her sister and another woman. Her beauty never ceased to amaze him. The sight of her in a bright yellow dress that closely matched her golden curls--she was like a ray of sunshine.
A Different Shade of Blue, Shades of Blue, Book 2 Page 4
