“Just do as you’re told!” she told him over her shoulder.
“Yes, ma’am,” he muttered, eyeing with pleasure her long slender legs and round hips encased in tight denim.
Luck was with her as she walked through the house and up the stairs to her room, where she locked the door. Throwing herself on the bed, she at last allowed herself the luxury of venting her pain in private.
“He don’t care about me. If he did, he would take me far away where no one would find us. His mother and sister would be cared for. He’s only using them as an excuse!” She flipped onto her stomach, beating her fists against the pillows.
“Jessie, can I come in?” Charlotte tapped on the door.
Wiping her face on the long sleeve of her blouse, Jessie got off the bed to unlock the door.
“Jessie, I saw you going to your room. Is anything wrong?”
“No. I just don’t have anything to do’s all.” She plopped back down on the bed.
Coming across the room, Charlotte lifted Jessie’s long legs out of her way before seating herself on the side of the bed. “If you feel that way, why don’t you ride over and invite Jack Sinclair to come for supper this evenin’? I’m sure he’d accept.”
The thought of spending an evening listening to Jack Sinclair go on and on about what he planned to do with his life left her feeling even more depressed. Then an idea popped into her mind that made her sit straight up in bed. “Mama, I think that’s a wonderful idea!”
“Then wash your face, comb your hair, and go see him.” Charlotte ruffled Jessie’s hair with affection.
Dropping a quick kiss on her mother’s cheek, she ran for the door. “I’ll tell Hattie to set an extra plate.”
With a yelp, Hattie jumped out of the way, just in time to keep from being smacked by the swinging kitchen door as an excited Jessie rushed past. Grabbing the teakettle off the stove, Jessie poured hot water into a washpan, following it with a dipper of cold. As Hattie watched her, Jessie doused her flushed-face over and over then snatched a towel off the rack.
“Whar’s you gwing in sech an all fiahed hurry, Miss Jessie?” Hattie dumped the soiled water into the sink.
“I got somewhere to go, Hattie.” She flipped her head forward to begin brushing her long dark hair.
“Ah kin see dat. Ah wuz astin’ whar you is a gwing.”
“I’m goin’ over to Jack Sinclair’s to invite him for supper tonight. You don’t mind cookin’ for one more do you, Hattie?” Jessie asked from beneath her cascade of hair, the brush poised in her hand.
“No, Ah doan mine, effen it’ll makes you happy.”
“Oh believe me, Hattie; it’ll make me very happy!” She tossed the brush back on the stand before running out the back door.
“Ah declairs dat chile doan nebber cleans up affer herseff,” Hattie pulled long strands of red hair from the brush to throw it into the trash basket. “Ah pities de man she falls in love wid. He ain’ nebber gwing ter knows a peaceful day.”
Walking across the yard, Jessie called out, halting the man leading her horse toward the stables. “Sam, don’t bother puttin’ her away. I’ve decided to take her out again.”
“All right, Miss Jessie, whatever you say. Glad to see you’re feelin’ better.” He handed her the reins.
“Thanks, Sam.” Jessie swung herself into the saddle. “And you’re right. All of a sudden I feel just great,” she laughed, heading her mount down the lane. She had almost reached the cutoff when she spied Two Spirits riding towards her. Spurring her horse into a run, she rode past him without a backward glance.
“That should give him something to think about, Maggie,” she told the small horse as they continued on their way down the lane.
Raymond Sinclair walked out of the barn as Jessie rode up. In all his fifty-six-years of living, he admitted to himself, he had never seen any female who looked as good as she did. Raising his hand in greeting, he walked over to welcome her.
“Hello, Mr. Sinclair.” Jessie swung her long legs to the ground. “Is Jack to home?”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’s around somewhere. Come on up to the house and we’ll search him out,” Raymond laughed, thinking his Jack had to be one lucky young man to have Jessie Thornton come callin’.
As Jessie and Raymond walked through the kitchen door, Jack looked up over the glass of milk he had just poured for himself. Trying to decide whether to finish off the milk in one large gulp or to set it down on the table, Jack opted for the former, raising the glass to his mouth and leaving it there until he drained it.
“Good thing we got a lotta milk cows on the place,” Raymond said as his son wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt.
“What brings you over, Jessie? Thought you was mad at me.” Jack turned to set the empty glass in the sink.
“I came over to invite you to supper Jack, in way of an apology.” She flashed him her brightest smile.
“In that case, I guess I could come to supper, since you rode all the way over here to ask me.” Jack grinned back at her.
“Sure you’ll go to supper, Jack.” Raymond gave him a light punch on his shoulder. “It ain’t every day a man gets an invitation to spend an evenin’ with the prettiest girl in the county.”
“All right, just let me get cleaned up and changed then we can leave. Daddy,” Jack winked at his father, “can I trust you to be alone with my girl while I get ready?”
“All depends on how long you tarry, son.” Raymond laughed with good humor.
Jessie bit her lip at Jack’s bold insinuation. She really did hate to use him this way, but she had no choice. If Jack wanted to think she cared for him then so be it, as long as it suited her purpose.
“Come on, Jessie, have a seat.” Raymond pulled out a kitchen chair for her. “Janet will be real sorry she missed you. She had to go into town for a few things, so I guess you’ll have to make do with me.”
“How is Mrs. Sinclair doin’?” Jessie lifted the tall glass of cold lemonade Raymond set down on the table for her.
“Oh Janet’s fine. ‘Course when she hears ‘bout you ridin’ all the way over here to ask Jack to supper, she’s gonna be even better. Janet’s gettin’ to the age where she’s startin’ to think ‘bout havin’ grandkids. Maybe,” he reached across the table to give her hand a light squeeze, “she’s gonna get her wish sooner’n she thought.”
Jessie could feel the hot color spreading across her cheeks, and she looked up, with great relief, to see Jack coming through the doorway.
“Ready to go, Jessie?” Jack strode towards her.
“Yes,” she pushed back her chair, “Hattie’ll be wonderin’ what’s keepin’ us.”
Away from the Sinclair ranch, Jessie felt her uneasiness over Raymond’s embarrassing comment begin to subside. She looked over at Jack, a light smile pulling at her mouth. “I hope you don’t think me too forward invitin’ you over without any warnin.”
“Heck, no.” Jack swung his head to the side. “I’m just glad you ain’t sore at me anymore. I shouldn’t’ve made that stupid crack about Indians workin’ off the reservation anyway. Guess my jealousy got the best of me.”
His apology about the reservation comment helped to deflate some of the heat rising up about his jealousy. “Forget about it, Jack. Maybe after supper, we can go for a walk. It’s gonna be a beautiful night.” Jessie tossed her head, sending her long red hair flying in the breeze.
The scent of her floated on the light wind to play havoc on his already aroused senses. Unable to voice his thoughts right then, he smiled. The thought of walking in the moonlight with Jessie was a dream come true for Jack. A dream he had nourished since the day she rode into their yard with her father ten-years ago, a mere six-years-old to his grown-up eight. Wearing a light-blue cotton dress that rode up over her knees, she sat astride a snow white pony. Her little nose had been pointed to the sky and her dark red hair hung to her waist. Her big blue eyes had glanced at him then moved away and, as she tugged on her father’s sl
eeve, she looked every bit the spoiled little girl of the richest rancher in the county. From that moment on, Jack had been captivated by Jessie and he had made up his mind right then that someday she would be his.
In no time at all, it seemed they were riding up to the house. Jack dismounted and, walking over, he reached up to help Jessie off her horse. As she started to walk away, Jack reached out, halting her.
“Jessie, about that walk, I think it’s a great idea. Besides,” he grinned down at her, “there’s gonna be a full moon.” He slid his hand down to hers, smiled when she didn’t pull away. Together they walked up the front porch steps and into the house.
“My, you two look happy this evenin’,” Charlotte declared as they walked through the door.
“Yes, ma’am.” Jack’s boyish face flushed with pride as he removed his hat to hang it on the coat rack.
“Mama, I asked Jack to go walkin’ with me tonight after supper. Do you mind?”
“Of course not, Jessie,” Charlotte told her, glad to see her in a better mood. “I’ll help Hattie with the dishes.”
“Gotta big evenin’ planned, huh, Sinclair?” Eathen asked, pouring himself a healthy glass of bourbon as Jessie and Jack walked into the parlor.
“Jessie’s goin’ walkin’ with me.” Jack pushed a stubborn lock of sun-bleached hair back off his forehead. “I guess you could call that a big evenin’.”
“I can trust you to be a gentleman with her can’t I?” Eathen peered over at him.
In an instant the grin left his face. “Yes sir, Mister Eathen.” Jack dragged sweaty hands down both sides of his jeans. “You sure can!” The large Adam’s apple in his throat bobbed with unease. “Jessie’ll be as safe with me as she would be right here at home. You got my word on that, Sir!”
“All right, son,” Eathen smiled, slapping the young man on the back, “I was just funnin’ with you. If I didn’t think you could behave yourself with my daughter, you sure as hell wouldn’t be walkin’ out the door with her.”
“Daddy always likes to make my boyfriends feel uncomfortable.” Jessie noticed the unhealthy-pallor covering Jack’s face. “It’s his way of showin’ them how close I’m guarded `round here. Don’t you, Daddy?” She placed a loud kiss on her father’s clean-shaven cheek.
“I’ve always been protective of you, Jessie. That’s one thing that’ll never change. You’ll always be my little girl! And God help the man who ever hurts you.”
Eathen hugged her tight against his hip.
“Don’t worry, Daddy. No man would have the nerve to harm Eathen Thornton’s daughter. He would like livin’ too much.”
“He better! If I ever found out someone put his hands on you,” a coldness entered his eyes as he shook his head; “he wouldn’t live to see another sunrise.”
At his words, Jessie felt a chill skitter up her back. “I think we should see if Hattie’s got supper on the table. If we don’t eat pretty soon, Jack and I won’t be able to take that walk like we planned.”
Later, as the two walked out into the early evening, Jessie could still hear her father’s ominous words echoing in her mind. She had never known him to be as serious about anything as he admitted to being over her. Trying to shake the frightening feelings from her thoughts, she grabbed hold of Jack’s hand.
“Come on, slow poke,” she laughed, “we’re burnin’ daylight.”
As they walked away, Jessie glimpsed someone standing back among the trees. The strong wind catching up his long black hair told her her plan was working.
Chapter Fifteen
The long days continued to pass and still Jessie ignored the one person she wanted to be with more than anyone else. Jessie spent her time with more than just Jack Sinclair. She had always enjoyed her share of popularity, but now it seemed she dated every boy in the county.
“Ah swears dat chile ain’ nebber roun’ w’en Ah needs her,” Hattie grumbled to herself, placing a large jug of fresh milk in the icebox.
“What did you say, Hattie?” Charlotte walked into the kitchen.
“Ah bes needen’ Miss Jessie’s he’p, Ah ain’ as young as Ah ust ter bes. An’ eve’y time ah goes ter dos sumpin’ she ain’ hyah.” She banged the icebox door shut. “Ah done tole her dat we wuz a-gwing ter cleans house, now she ain’ nowhar ter be seed.” She threw up her hands in frustration.
“Don’t be too hard on her, Hattie. She’s young. She needs to be with her friends. I’ll help you clean.”
“Effin’ you ast me,” Hattie shook the dish cloth she held for emphasis, “dat chile ain’ gots no bizness a-runin’ wid all dem boys. She bes a young lady now, an’ it bes time she started ackin’ lak one,” Hattie’s cheeks puffed out with anger, “befo’ she goes an’ gits herseff into trouble.”
Turning on her heel, Charlotte’s brows lifted and her voice took on a cold tone. “What kindda trouble are you talkin’ ‘bout, Hattie?”
“You knows whut kinda trouble Ah’s worrit ‘bout.” Hattie cocked her head to peer at her.
“I think you’re oversteppin’ your bounds here, Hattie. Jessie’s a good girl. We trust her to behave.”
“Ah ain’ sayin’ she ain’ a good girl! But w’en dem juices gits ter flowin’, dey kain allus be tuhned off in time.”
“I think you need to drop this subject, before one of us says somethin’ we’ll both regret.”
“Yas’m, Miz Charlotte.” She heaved a long, disappointed sigh.
The banging of the front door told them Jessie could no longer be considered missing.
“She’s back, so I’ll send her in to help you.”
Nodding, Hattie started cleaning off the counters.
The kitchen door swung back as Jessie walked into the room. “Good mornin’, you two, I been out ridin’ with Ben Havelo. We had the most glorious time.” She lifted a firm red apple from the bucket Hattie had brought up from the root cellar. “Don’t bother fixin’ me any breakfast, Hattie, this’ll do me.” She bit into the fruit on her way to the backdoor.
“Where do you think you’re goin’, young lady?” Charlotte asked.
“I left Maggie tied up down at the corrals.” She gave her mother an impatient glance over her shoulder. “I need to rub her down.”
“One of the hands can tend to her. You have things to do right here. Another thing,” she continued, ignoring Hattie’s baleful stare, “I think it’s time you stopped runnin’ all over the countryside with every boy in the county.”
“Alright.” Jessie’s voice took on a sullen tone as she stood looking from one unsmiling face to the other. “I’ll go ring the bell for one of the hands to take care of Maggie, then I’ll help you with whatever you need me to do, Hattie.”
“Awright den. Ah’ll fergives you dis time.” Hattie shook a broad finger at her. “But frum now on, Ah specs you ter bes hyah ter he’p ole Hattie, chile.”
“I will.” Jessie felt a niggling of guilt nip at her conscience. “I promise.” She walked over and gave the older woman a big hug.
“Hattie!” Eathen called out from the other room. “I need some coffee in here! I ain’t got all day to be lolly-gaggin’ ‘round the house like the rest of you.”
“I’ll take it to him, Hattie. You go ahead with what you’re doin’. And don’t pay him no mind,” Jessie lifted the coffeepot off the stove, “you know Daddy’s always an ole bear this early in the day.”
“Dat’s mah good girl.” Hattie patted Jessie’s small hand. “You mout tek sum of dem sweet rolls, too. Day allus puts him in a better mood.”
“Thank you, Hattie.” Charlotte gave her a quick squeeze. “All right, Jessie,” she waved her by, “you bring the coffee, and I’ll bring the sweet rolls.”
Dropping a fond kiss on her father’s damp forehead, Jessie reached in front of him to pour his cup full of hot, strong coffee. “I told Hattie I’d bring it in for you.”
“This mornin’ you have both your women takin’ care of you, darlin’.” Charlotte set the plate of sweet rolls down on the
table beside his cup.
“My, this is a surprise.” Eathen grinned, wiping a sleeve across his sweaty forehead. “To what do I owe the honor?”
“Does everything have to be a special occasion for you to get waited on?” Charlotte kissed the side of his face. “If it does, then you have been very neglected.”
“Mist’ Eathen, Ah hopes all dis has put you in a better mood dan you wez w’en you come in hyah.” Hattie seated herself in the nearest chair.
“Don’t worry, Hattie,” he gave her a roguish wink, “with the two most…no, make that three most beautiful women right here beside me, I couldn’t help but be happy.”
“Mist’ Eathen,” Hattie’s dark face flushed with delight, “you’s jes’ full of de ornery, you is.”
“As much as I hate to bring it up,” Charlotte poured herself a cup of coffee, “what was it that had you in such a sour mood earlier?”
“That Indian I hired on,” he talked around a large bite of sweet roll, “some of the hands got to teasin’ him ‘bout his name and he took a swing at one of them. I guess they damn near killed him.”
Jessie choked on her coffee. “Is he gonna be all right?” She blotted her nose and mouth with a napkin.
“Yeah, hell,” Eathen waved her concern away, “he’s all right. I knew it’d happen sooner or later.” He pulled the plate of butter over close and skimmed his half-eaten roll across the top. “I thought he’d be back in the hills by now, but he says he’s gonna stay.” He dunked the buttered roll into his coffee then shoved the entire roll into his mouth. “He’s a tough one.” He chewed, swallowed, and then wiped his mouth on a linen napkin. “I gotta give him that.”
No one noticed when Jessie got to her feet, the fear burning in her throat almost choking her. Once outside, she continued walking toward the bunkhouse. She could hear the laughter all the way out in the yard.
Leaning over a large water-trough, Two Spirits splashed cold water on his bruised face and bared chest. As a shadow fell across him, he straightened to face whatever danger he might encounter next.
“I heard what happened.” Jessie walked up to him. “Are you hurt bad?”
Fated Memories Page 19
