“I know it might not be the time, but when exactly is this shindig we’re going to attend?” Ty’s words pulled her from her thoughts.
She supposed she couldn’t fault Ty because Pa chose not to keep her informed—for other things, but not this. She gave him a weak smile. “A week from Friday. That’s why I wanted to come along. I need a new dress.”
Her mind full of upsetting thoughts, Ellie rubbed her throbbing temple, telling herself to stop dwelling on the unpleasantness. She tried to study the colorful landscape, picturing which hue of red, yellow, burnt orange or green might look best on her. Stealing a glance at Ty, she wondered if she could find a sky blue to match his eyes.
But, a horrid thought crossed her mind. What if this whole mess erupted into a range war? There might not even be a dance. Did praying that the social didn’t get cancelled make her selfish? What if…
“A new dress, huh?” Ty’s voice broke her concentration. He cocked his head and gave her a confused look. “I thought you bought material to make one. At least that’s what your pa said.”
“Ah…well…ah…I did, but I’ve waited too long. I don’t have time enough to finish it before the dance.”
Her explanation appeared to satisfy him, but the statement following his question raised her dander all over again. Did Pa have to tell him everything? She flexed her shoulders to ease the tension built from the long ride, her annoyance at being kept in the dark, and the sickening reality of the importance of all the dead cattle. How could she get excited about the dance again, when everything overshadowed it?
Finally, the chapel spire of the Union church appeared. Ellie breathed deeply. Sparta waited over the next rise, and her backside was ready for a break from the saddle. She stroked her chin in thought. Maybe she’d pay the banker a visit while she was in town.
The two riders split from each other just past the church. Ty reined his horse to the hitching post in front of the Sheriff’s office, dismounted and went inside.
Ellie waited until he closed the door behind him and then headed for the bank. There, she dismounted, twirled Chessie’s reins over a splintering pine rail, dusted herself off and stepped up onto the wooden walk way. This would be her first time seeing the inside of Sparta’s only financial institution.
She opened the door, holding her hat in her hands, and nervously walked inside. Less than ten paces from the doorway stood a mahogany wall in which a window had been cut. Bars adorned the opening, except for a small space for the counter.
A spectacled young man in a starched white shirt stood inside the safety of the cubicle. His top button was so tightly fastened against his protruding Adam’s apple, Ellie wondered how he breathed. She focused on the ornate gold chain hanging from the pocket of his tweed vest.
“May I help you?” he asked, stiffly.
“Ah,” She lifted her eyes and flashed a smile, allowing time for the anxious feeling to pass. “Yes, I’m here to check on the balance of my father’s loan.”
He cocked his head slightly. “And your father would be?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She gave a nervous chuckle. “Ben Fountain.”
The young man jotted down the name, adjusted his eyewear and peered through them at her. “Excuse me a minute, please.”
He left his area, closing the door behind him and rapping his knuckles on another. Ellie heard a deep voice on the other side say, “Come in.”
While the bank clerk conversed in muffled tones with someone behind closed doors, Ellie chewed her bottom lip. Was she overstepping her bounds? What if Pa didn’t approve of her snooping into his private affairs? She wanted to outshine Ty, and making a serious blunder wasn’t the way. What if the clerk returned with the other person and asked her a lot of questions. Would she have answers? Probably not.
The room suddenly turned overly warm. Ellie wiped her brow, and reconsidering her actions, turned, dashed outside, mounted and rode down the street to the mercantile.
She gave a sigh of relief at seeing Ty’s horse still outside the jail. She must have been sun-touched to think she could inquire about Pa’s personal business. He’d be madder than a wet hen if he found out. She glanced around the main street, looking for familiar faces. Did anyone see her? What if the bank manager mentioned her unsuccessful visit? Sweat beaded her forehead. She could always fib and say it wasn’t her.
After tethering Chessie, Ellie breathlessly entered the store, closed the door behind her and leaned against it. She wondered what that prissy bank clerk thought when he came back and found her gone. An image of him peering disdainfully over his spectacles brought a devious smile to her lips despite her impulsive act. She was a fool.
Responding to the familiar “jingle” of the front door, Percy looked up from behind the counter. “Well, Miz Roselle. This is indeed a pleasure. Was the recipient of your gift pleased with your choice?”
Ellie cocked her head inquisitively. “What?”
“The pistol.”
“Oh…oh yes. Very pleased.” She moved away from the door, crossing the fingers on one hand hidden behind her. It wasn’t actually a lie. She really did like it.
“What can I do for you today?” Percy said, flashing his horsy smile at her.
“I’d like to look at some dresses, if you don’t mind.” She studied his unattractive freckled face and coarse red hair. How could his name be the only one she thought of as a possible escort? No wonder everyone laughed. Her disgust was tinged with pity. Poor Percy, he’d probably never been to a dance before.
“Not at all, Miz Ellie.” His voice drew her from her thoughts. “If I can be of assistance just call out.” Percy went back to stocking the shelves behind him while Ellie marched to the rack of ready-mades and began sorting through them, carefully looking for the perfect frock. Unfortunately she was limited to the stock on hand.
The bell on the front door sounded, but she paid it no mind, and instead, one-by-one, slid each wooden hanger past, inspecting every garment. She was so engrossed, when a hand touched her shoulder. Her own flew to her throat. She gasped and spun around.
Jeb Bryant!
Her heart raced from being startled, but almost stopped altogether on seeing him so close. “Oh, it’s you.” She rolled her eyes at him, hoping to sound detached.
He doffed his hat. “Well, Miz Ellie, what brings you to town on this fine day?” He stood way too close for comfort, and she didn’t appreciate his sarcastic tone.
Joshua stood right behind him and flashed a friendly smile, but as usual, he wilted in his brother’s shadow.
Ellie opened her mouth to speak to him, but Jeb side-stepped, blocking Ellie’s vision of his twin.
“I said, what brings you to town?”
Feeling safe in a public place, Ellie glared up at him and gestured toward the dress rack. “Are you blind as well as rude?”
His cocky grin faded to a thin line. “You know, one of these days your smart mouth is gonna get you into trouble.” He spoke through clenched teeth.
“I’d say you’re the one in trouble.” Ellie took a step forward with hands on her hips. “The Sheriff knows about your little escapade, your cowardly strike during the night.” She wanted to kick herself for bringing it up. Her thoughts had exploded into words before she could stop them.
Jeb shrugged. “I don’t know what yer talkin’ about.”
Ellie locked eyes with him. “I’ll bet.”
There was no backing down now. She’d already spilled the beans.
Joshua’s face paled, and his lips began to twitch. He grabbed his brother’s arm, pulling him away from Ellie. “Let’s get what we came for and go home, Jace”
Jeb jerked loose, his eyes beaded. “You get it. I’m not through talkin’ to the little lady yet.”
“Well I’m through talking to you.” Ellie turned back to the dresses.
“Is everything all right over there?” Percy called from behind the counter.
“Mind your own business, you little weasel,” Jeb barked.
>
The jingle of the front door sounded. Ellie turned to see who came in, but Jeb stood in her way, pulling himself up to his full height and scowling down at her. She tried to look around him, but he grabbed her forearms and held her in place. “Not so fast, Red. I think you owe me an apology, but I’ll settle for a little kiss.” He lowered his face toward hers.
Ellie’s stomach churned. Wincing at his fetid breath, she turned her head to the side and arched as far back as she could.
“Let go of—”
Suddenly, Jeb whipped around.
“What the?”
Ty’s fist connected with Jeb’s jaw. He cried out as he crumpled to the floor, tipping over a barrel of pomegranates and sending them rolling across the warped planks.
Ellie stared down at his limp form then looked up to see Ty rubbing his knuckles. He took a step forward, and standing with one foot on either side of Jeb’s body, glared down. “Don’t let me catch you bothering Miss Ellie again…and just in case you plan on stepping a foot back on Fountainhead, we aim to shoot first and ask questions later.” The look in his eyes matched his threatening tone.
He stepped over Jeb and rested his hand on Ellie’s arm. “Are you ready to go?”
Calm returned to his voice as though nothing had happened.
Ellie glanced down at Jeb again. He hadn’t said a word and still lay sprawled on the floor. He opened and closed his mouth, wincing as he rubbed his reddened jaw. If looks could kill, she and Ty would be dead on the spot.
Joshua dropped his goods on the counter, crossed the room, and helped his brother to his feet. The two of them slunk for the door, but Jeb paused to turn back and glower at Ty. “You ain’t seen the last of me, Bishop.”
As the bell jingled, Ellie stared up at Ty, her breath heaving in her lungs. “I don’t believe they got what they came for.”
The tension was forgotten as they exchanged a smile. Behind Ty, Percy crawled along the floor, muttering curse words while busily scooping up armfuls of stray fruit and putting them back in their container.
The pomegranates clutched against his chest were as fiery as his hair and dotted his white shirt with little red freckles resembling the ones on his face.
Poor Percy, even he got caught up in the fray. Ellie bent to pick up a piece of fruit he’d missed and handed it to him with an apologetic look. She turned back to Ty, her feelings muddled by what had happened. Now she didn’t even feel safe in the mercantile, but she couldn’t admit that to Ty.
“What did the Sheriff have to say?” she asked.
“We can talk on the way home. Let’s get going.”
“Give me just a minute,” she said holding up a finger. “I’ve found the perfect dress for the dance, but could you please wait outside. I want to be wearing it when you see it for the first time”
He slowly shook his head. “Females…always trying to make mystery out of everything. I’ll be out front.”
“But wait.” She grabbed his arm, stood on tiptoes and planted a big kiss on his lips.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
Chapter Eight
Ty stood on the sidewalk outside the mercantile and stared down at the well-worn planks. He pondered how many people had traversed them.
Sparta wasn’t a big town, but ranchers and settlers from far and wide came here to shop.
The gaping wood revealed litter on the ground below that marked a growing civilization. He shook his head and wondered why people had to be so nasty. The land and its beauty demanded respect. Couldn’t people see that?
He clucked his tongue. A body could pick up pieces of paper and chunks of wood, but there was only one way to deal with trash like Jeb Bryant who felt he had the right to accost a woman in a public place. Ty grimaced, rubbing his skinned knuckles. It was worth the pain to see the surprised look on Jeb’s face after Ty’s fist connected with it.
He stepped off the elevated platform and walked over to his horse. The stallion tossed his head, nickering and dancing in place. He still showed signs of nervousness, but the first outing proved all the time spent breaking him had been well worth it. He was a fine looking animal with good bloodlines.
Ty grasped the bridle, securing the black’s head, and gently stroked his muzzle. “We’ll have to find you a filly as spirited as Ellie.” He laughed aloud at the lively union that would be.
Ty leaned against the hitching rail and doffed his hat to a passing lady. “Hmm, not nearly as pretty as Ellie,” he muttered when she was out of range.
His horse nudged his shoulder, but Ty paid him no heed. His thoughts were on Ellie. She did crazy things to his innards and played with his mind. One minute she acted like she hated him and the next, she kissed him. It was too confusing.
Lord knows, he wanted to kiss her back, to feel those full lips pressing against his. But that probably wouldn’t set well with Ben. He had enough on his mind right now, worrying about the Bryants and what other underhanded tricks they might pull.
Ellie sauntered out of the mercantile and paused to smile down at Ty. His heart quickened at the sight of her. The sun reflected in the tresses grazing her shoulders, and blazed like a campfire. Her eyes twinkled with the mischief of a child.
What he wouldn’t give to kiss her right now.
“I’m ready.” She dangled her parcel. Despite a light mood, her gaze roamed the street. A hint of apprehension lingered in her eyes.
He’d protect her at all costs, but if she knew what was on his mind, he’d be in big trouble. He was ready, too, but not for the same thing. His lust strained against his denims and his breath was ragged. He forced himself to inhale deeply to compose himself.
“It’s about time,” he said, relieved to find the right words. “You women take forever when you shop.”
He winked and walked around the rail to help her down.
“You’ll appreciate the time I spent when you see my dress. It’s beautiful.”
He’d appreciate her if she wore only a flour sack, but he shouldn’t think of her in that way. She was the boss’s daughter and nothing more. Why did he have to keep reminding himself of that?
She took his hand, descended the steps down to Chessie, and then took care in putting the parcel in her saddlebag. “Is there anything else you need in town,” she asked, pulling herself astride.
“No, I’m done. How about you?” Ty mounted the black and adjusted his hat, allowing him a better view of his beautiful companion. Hell, no dress could make her any prettier than she was at that very moment.
Aroused by his thoughts again, he quickly stood in the stirrups and yanked at the confining material of his britches. Luckily her attention was focused toward the church.
“I’m done, too.” She glanced at him just as he sat. “I certainly hope we don’t have another encounter with those Bryant boys. I’ve seen enough of Jeb to last me a lifetime.”
Good, something to deter Ty’s lusty thoughts. He’d much rather renew his anger at Jeb for the bold way he manhandled Ellie.
“Don’t you worry, Ellie. I’m sure he’s on his way home to nurse his face, and I don’t think we have to worry about Joshua. He seems to be the only one with the good sense to mind his own business.”
She nodded. “He always stays in the background and never speaks unkindly to anyone. If I was him I’d hightail it out of here, change my name and deny any kin to his family.”
Ty laughed. “You probably would, Ellie, you probably would. Let’s go home.”
“Oh, by the way,” Ty said, as they rode slowly down the street, “the Sheriff didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. Before he can do anything about the Bryant’s involvement with the cattle, we need proof.”
Ellie spurred Chessie into a gallop. “Then we’ll get it,” she called back over her shoulder.
* * * * *
Ellie searched through her mother’s old chest, looking for the undergarments she knew were there.
Until now, she hadn’t paid much attention to the f
olded, stiff petticoats and the corset, but suddenly they were essential to her perfect night.
Thank goodness Pa had been sentimental enough to hang onto them.
She held up the corset, inspecting the hanging laces. Now if she only could only figure out how to wear them. Surely, Cook must know.
Sifting through the contents for anything else that might be useful, Ellie moved a stack of Ma’s dresses to one side and noticed an envelope on the cedar bottom. There was no writing on it, just a plain faded envelope. Dare she be nosy enough to open it? What a silly question. There was no way she could ignore it.
It wasn’t sealed. The flap was just tucked inside and easy to open and replace with no one the wiser. Despite hearing Pa leave the house, she glanced over her shoulder to assure she was alone. He was out somewhere on the ranch with Ty and rest of the hands
Ellie’s fingers trembled with anticipation as she pulled out a piece of paper. Her eyes widened when she unfolded it and focused on the words, “Deed of Trust”.
Deed for what?
She scanned the document, but it made absolutely no sense to her. There were only block numbers and a description of what could be any piece of land on the mountain, or in the valley for that matter. She chewed her lip. What exactly was this for?
She folded the paper and put it back in its envelope. She knew Pa valued his privacy and hated pilfering, so she tucked the deed back in its approximate hiding place.
Curiosity niggled at her and she considered asking Pa about it, but thought better. Maybe she’d question Cook first.
Ellie carried her mother’s trappings into her own room and dumped them on the bed. Thoughts of the dance were lost to the deed. She hurried back to the kitchen.
“Cook, can I ask you something? It’s kinda secret.”
“Of course, you can.” The woman stopped chopping vegetables and dried her hands on her apron, her full attention devoted to Ellie.
Cook’s face was flushed from standing near the pot of water boiling on the stove. She tilted her head. “Well?”
Ellie pulled out a chair and sat. “I-I was looking through Ma’s cedar chest and found something that puzzles me. It might not be any of my business, but I wondered if you know anything about a deed. A land deed? Have you seen it before, or do you remember Ma saying something in passing?”
Ellie's Legacy Page 7
