“I’m going to go help get dinner on,” Charity said, getting to her feet. “Why don’t you rest here and enjoy the spring sunshine? Hopefully the Good Lord will hold off with any more bad weather.”
“That would definitely be a blessing,” Dianne murmured. She got to her feet and looked to Ben. “Would you care to take a walk with me?”
He grinned. “I’d like that very much.” He stood and offered Dianne his arm.
They walked slowly down the trail that long ago had become the main drive into the ranch. Dianne tried hard not to look at the place through the eyes of yesterday but rather with new eyes that could see the promise of what was to come.
“I feel as if I’m walking this lane for the first time,” she said softly. “I’m determined to start afresh.”
Ben nodded. “It’s a good plan, Dianne. There’s nothing to be gained in living in the past. God would have you move forward—to make new dreams.”
“I haven’t bothered to dream in so long. Making plans simply hurt too much. I was always afraid of what Cole would or wouldn’t want to do. It’s different now. I’ve learned so much in the wake of losing Isaiah.”
“I know you’ve had it difficult this last year,” he said. “It’s hard to see times like that as necessary growing periods. Sometimes they come to us out of our own disobedience and rebellion, and sometimes they’re just times that come by nature of growing in the Lord.”
“I know much of my sorrow has been borne out of rebellion and trying to do things my own way.” Dianne pushed back a strand of hair that had come loose in the light breeze. As the land inclined toward her favorite hill, Dianne slowed her pace to accommodate Ben’s aging limbs. “I don’t know why I always have to learn things the hard way. Just when I think I completely understand how a thing ought to be—how I ought to conduct myself—I manage to mess up everything and make the wrong choice.”
“We’re only human,” he said. “We’re fallible and long to be in control of our destinies. But we learn early on that taking charge of such a beast isn’t as easy as we think.”
“I know that full well,” she admitted. “I don’t know where God is leading our future. I hope you’ll pray with me about it. I worry that starting over here isn’t the right choice for Cole and our family.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I suppose because of something Cole told me. He talked about being afraid to come back here—afraid to fail—afraid that he wouldn’t be able to bring the ranch back to its former glory.”
“Perhaps that won’t happen,” Ben said, nodding slowly. “But it’s possible that a new glory would be even better.”
Dianne considered his words as they continued to walk.
Ben’s perspective on the matter helped her sort through the strange out-of-sort pieces that had become her life.
“What if we were to start a new ranch? Maybe find a way to buy land close by or even adjoining? We could arrange for Jamie to take this place for his own. Even if our name remained on the deed, he could treat it as his own.”
“Is there land close by that would be available? I thought Chester Lawrence owned most everything to the north and east of you.”
“That’s true, but there might be something to the west. Many people will be selling out because of their losses. Chester Lawrence might even be considering such a thing, although I’m certain he would never sell to us. Perhaps he might sell to another person, who then in turn might sell to us.” Dianne sighed. “I don’t like the idea of benefiting off of someone else’s misfortune, but Cole feels certain a lot of small ranches will go under from the loss of livestock.”
“No doubt he’s right. And if those people are determined to sell, you can’t let sentiment stand in the way. I see nothing wrong with buying their land so long as you pay them a fair price.”
“Most of the folks I don’t even know very well. So many left after the fire or over the years since. It almost feels like a new territory—like when I first came here.” But as they rounded the final bend in the road and stood at the top of Dianne’s hill, she knew the land that spilled out beneath them like the back of her hand. She’d walked most every inch of that valley. She knew the turns in the river, the ravines and rocky crags.
“This was always my favorite place to come,” she said. “I could look down on the ranch and see that everything was just right. The land hasn’t changed—not really. The trees are gone, but new ones are growing back. The house Uncle Bram built is no more, but new houses stand in its place. Still …” She fell silent, realizing that something was very different for her. She still loved this land, but something had happened in her heart.
“Still?” Ben questioned.
She laughed. “I don’t feel the same way. The land hasn’t changed, but I have.”
He grinned. “That’s always the way of it. When we’re seeking God’s heart, our own can’t help but be different.”
“That’s it,” she said. “I’ve been seeking the Lord so hard for these past weeks. Ever since waking up after losing the baby. I don’t understand why it should have taken so long to come to this place.”
“And what place is that?”
“The place where I can honestly say that so long as I have my family with me, and the Lord guiding, I can live anywhere. I didn’t think that was possible. I mean, even now, I don’t want to go back to Kansas and Cole’s mother, but I know…” She paused again, letting her words trail. It was almost as if before speaking she had to test her heart and know that her words would be true. “Yes,” she said, “I know that I could do even that—if that was where the Lord wanted us.” She grinned and reached out to take hold of Ben’s hand. “Because I know He would make it well within my soul. He would be my hope within, and nothing else would matter.”
As April came, the devastation of winter passed as the men set bonfires to destroy the dead animals. Dianne felt her health return, and there was great joy in being back on the ranch with her family and loved ones. There was even greater happiness in the new way she and Cole spent time together talking, sharing their dreams.
As a gentle rain fell over the valley and heavy gray clouds moved across the mountains, Dianne and Cole sat on the porch holding hands and enjoying the fading day. They’d talked about the ranch and all the possibilities set before them.
“I think it would be wise,” Cole said, squeezing her hand, “to talk this all over with Jamie and Koko and George. Even Susannah, although she hardly seems all that interested in ranching.”
“No, I think Susannah has grown weary of ranch life. I thought about talking to Koko and suggesting Susannah could live with Charity in town. She’s quite lovely, and no doubt there will be many suitors vying for her hand—despite her Indian heritage.”
“She may not care about the ranch,” Cole replied, “but the others do and they need to be consulted.”
“I agree, but there was no sense in talking to them until we knew for sure what we wanted to do.”
“Well, if the news I learned in town is correct, Chester Lawrence is going to have to sell out or find someone who will lend him more money. We need to bide our time and see what that will bring. After all, if he sells in an auction, he can’t very well choose who will buy his land. And if he allows the bank to foreclose, then he definitely will have no say.”
“I wish we could speak to his children. I know there’s nothing to be said between us and the older boys, but Joshua, Mara, and even Elsa should probably be consulted about their father’s situation.”
“That’s a good idea. Maybe I can ride over to Virginia City later this week and encourage Joshua to come out or at least talk to him there. Maybe we could also get a letter to Zane and Mara.”
“And Elsa,” Dianne added.
A lone rider appeared at the top of the hill and headed down the road into the valley. His heavy slicker didn’t allow for recognition. As he approached, however, Dianne recognized the horse.
“Believe it or not, I think
it’s Joshua,” she said, getting to her feet.
They waited until he had dismounted and tied off his horse before greeting him. “What brings you clear out here?” Dianne asked, laughing. “We were just talking about you.”
“And I need to talk to you.” Joshua pushed back his hat as he stepped under the porch roof. “Didn’t start raining until about two miles south of here. I’m certainly glad for that blessing. It would have been miserable trying to get here in pouring rain.” He pulled off his slicker and gave it a shake.
“We watched the rain move across the valley,” Cole said. “We quit work early because of it, but I can’t say I’ve minded. Dianne and I’ve been discussing our future plans, and like she said, your name came up.”
Joshua draped the coat across the porch rail and turned to Cole in surprise. “Why would I come up in conversation regarding your future?”
“Well, it’s not the best of topics,” Dianne said hesitantly. “It’s certainly not ideal anyway.”
“What Dianne is trying to say is that the winter pretty much ruined your father. We’ve heard that he’s in a bind with the Bozeman bank over all the extra money he borrowed, and we feel pretty certain he’ll sell off some or all of the ranch.”
Joshua shook his head. “I didn’t know. I can’t say I’ve even attempted to know his business. In truth, I didn’t come here with him in mind at all. I received a telegram from Zane saying that I should come here and that I should wait for him. He wanted me to let you know that he and my sisters are coming and should arrive within the week. I arranged for one of the elders to take over the services until I can get back, so I’m hoping you can put me up here.”
“Of course we can,” Cole said.
“They’re all coming here?” Dianne questioned. “How wonderful. It’ll be good to see them, but I can’t imagine why they’re coming now.”
Cole shrugged. “Maybe they just want to see how we fared through the winter.”
“Maybe Elsa couldn’t bear to be apart from Jamie anymore,” Dianne teased.
“The telegram said something about news that Cole had been waiting for. I don’t know what that’s about but figured you did.”
“News that I’ve been waiting for?” Cole said. “I don’t know what that would be. Zane and I haven’t had a talk since before I went to Kansas.”
“I guess we’ll learn soon enough,” Dianne said. “Then maybe we can talk our plans over with Joshua, Mara, and Elsa.”
Joshua looked at her curiously. “You definitely have my attention. Both you and Zane.”
Zane’s arrival was much anticipated, and by the time the trio rode into the ranch yard, the entire family turned out to greet them. The women waited near the house while the men moved forward to offer assistance.
“This is quite the welcome,” Zane declared as Cole took hold of his horse. George and Jamie helped Mara and Elsa from their horses. Dianne didn’t miss the way Jamie’s hands lingered on Elsa’s waist nor the look the two young people exchanged.
Dianne looked to Koko and grinned. “It would seem that their time apart has done nothing to quench their interest.”
“I think we’ll have a wedding soon,” Koko answered with a slight lift of her chin. “Elsa’s a good woman. She accepts and loves Jamie for who he is.” The couple sauntered off together to tend to the horses.
Mara came to Dianne and embraced her. “It’s so good to see you again. We took the train and then rode the rest of the way on horseback. It was quite an adventure for us.”
“I’ve had my fill of trains for a while,” Dianne told her. “But I’m so glad you could come to visit. It’s wonderful to have you here.”
“We’re soon to have a few more visitors,” Zane declared, coming to where his sister stood.
Cole and Dianne exchanged a look, then turned back to Zane. “Who are you expecting?”
“The U.S. marshal and his deputies,” Zane replied.
CHAPTER 27
CHESTER LAWRENCE LOOKED AT THE LEDGER AND KNEW there was no possible way to meet his payments come June. With nothing more than a little over sixteen hundred starving steers and cows, he couldn’t possibly hope to even sell the herd to settle his affairs. With great reluctance he had paid the winter wages and sent the cowhands on their way, leaving Chester alone to figure out what was to become of the herd.
He’d never been this far down on his luck, and it confused and frustrated him to no end. How was he supposed to run the ranch this way? Where was he supposed to get the additional capital he’d need?
“If those boys of mine would have just turned out to be reliable, I’d be having a better time of it now,” he said, slapping the ledger together. He pushed back all the papers on his desk with more force than he’d intended. The ledger sailed across the room and hit the bookcase beside the door.
Chester got up and began to pace. “I can sell off some land.” But who would buy it? Everyone in the neighboring areas had suffered as much loss as he had. They wouldn’t have money for land. The Selby name came to mind and he grimaced. “I’d rather lose it all than sell them my property!”
He stormed out of the house, cursing. He’d burn it to the ground and see himself dead before he let a Selby have any part of the Walking Horseshoe Ranch.
Morgan Chadwick yawned as he doused his campfire. He loved being alone in the mountains—he much preferred it to staying in town, even when he wasn’t leading a hunting expedition. He poured out the remains of his coffeepot on the embers, then picked up a shovel. A noise in the pass just behind him caught his attention. He perked an ear to catch the sound, not turning lest he startle whoever or whatever was approaching.
He moved ever so slightly to the left, keeping a tight grip on his shovel. The bushes rattled behind him, and without waiting for further warning, Morgan leaped across the remaining distance, grabbed the rifle, and rolled to the ground. He heard the distinct sound of laughter before bouncing back up to his feet. His shoulder hurt something fierce from landing on the dirt. He wasn’t a young man anymore.
“Come on out and show yourself!” he called.
A boy who couldn’t have been more than twelve or thirteen appeared in short order. He wore a ragged coat and britches that were two sizes too big.
“What are you doing out there?” Morgan asked in a gruff tone as he lowered the rifle. “Don’t you know that’s a good way to get yourself killed?”
The boy sobered. “I wasn’t lookin’ to hurt you, mister. I was just huntin’—trying to find some food for my ma and me. My ma’s real sick and she needs something to eat.”
Morgan eyed him again. He saw no weapon on the boy.
“What were you figuring to use to kill an animal if you found one?”
The boy produced a slingshot and a rock. “I’m pretty good with this. I managed to keep us fed until the bad snow came.”
Morgan could well imagine the boy and his mother had gone hungry if a slingshot was all they had to use for bringing down game. “Where do you live?”
“About a mile over that way,” the boy said, pointing back to the north.
“So you aren’t too far from Virginia City, eh?”
The boy nodded. “My ma said it’s a town of drunks and reprobates—my pa bein’ the worst of them all before he died last summer.” The boy spoke so matter-of-factly that Morgan figured it must be the truth.
“I have family over that way myself. They aren’t drunks or reprobates. They’re good Christian folk.”
“Ma says Christians are people who talk pretty with their mouths but ain’t much good for anything else. She said she’s never seen a Christian who acted like what they were supposed to.”
“I see. Well, I’d beg to differ with her. I know a lot of good Christian folks, and they are loving and kind people.”
The boy shrugged, making his small frame seem even more skeletal as the clothes draped awkwardly. “I couldn’t say. My ma won’t take me to church. She said that’s where all the hypocrites are, and sh
e don’t want me growing up to be like that.”
Morgan smiled. “Tell you what. I’m a Christian, and I’m going to help you and prove to you that not all Christians talk pretty and do nothing else.” He started picking up his few supplies. “Can you gather up my bedroll?”
“I reckon so,” the boy said, putting away his slingshot and rock.
“Good. You do that, and I’ll get my horse saddled. Then we’ll go hunting.”
The boy went to work and only then did it dawn on Morgan that he didn’t know the boy’s name. “My name is Morgan Chadwick. What’s yours?”
“David. David Nelson.”
Morgan grinned. “That’s fitting what with your slingshot and all.”
“What’s that got to do with my name?”
“I’ll tell you about it,” he promised. “As soon as we’re on the trail.”
“It’s hard to believe all the trouble my father has caused,” Mara said sadly. “I knew he and Mother were always conniving, but when Father married Portia, things just went from bad to worse. I never met anyone more demanding or more hateful. She hated everyone, it seemed.” She started the platter of eggs around Koko’s big table.
“Everyone but Father,” Elsa admitted.
“She may not have hated him,” Mara said, “but I don’t think she truly loved him either. She treated him with very little respect.”
“Be that as it may,” Zane began, “we finally have witnesses who are willing to testify against your father and Jerrod and Roy. They were no-accounts who were jailed for other crimes and offered this information to keep from getting a noose around their necks. They were a part of the plot to kill the Farleys, as well as Trenton and Portia’s father, Sam.”
“I can’t believe after all this time that justice can finally be served,” Dianne said, shaking her head. “I’d completely given up hope of seeing justice done for Maggie and Whit Farley. It seemed so unfair that they should die and no one pay for what they did to them.” She took up a piece of toast and buttered it before taking a bite. The entire matter held her spellbound.
Tracie Peterson - [Heirs of Montana 04] Page 30
