Bittersweep

by Wareeze Woodson

  “Your eyes are huge and filled with distress too. Another sign.” He sent her a tender smile. “I want to discover everything about you and have you learn about me. That’s not so dreadful.” He studied her for several minutes searching, intense and seemed to come to a decision. “Let’s get you home before you back out the window. It’s closed, you know, but the glass will break if you lean on it hard enough.”

  Descending from the tension choking her, she laughed. “If I plague you with lots of questions, will you answer every one?”

  “You’ve got me there. Depends on the question.” He blew out the lamp, took her elbow, and urged her out the door. “Let’s go.”

  The moonlight hollowed his features, and with his Stetson in place, he loomed over her, not threatening, rather overwhelming her with his presence. He stopped at the buckboard and offered his hand in assistance. When she touched his fingers, tremors raced up her arm, not a good thing for her resolve to avoid her attraction to him.

  A loud, moaning bellow rang out in the quiet of the evening. Startled, she shivered and asked, “What is that?”

  He held motionless, listening. “Sounds like a bull bawling, looking for a mate.”

  “Is he dangerous?”

  “Leave him alone. More than likely he’ll do the same.”

  A breeze sprang up and fluttered her skirt against her ankles. More sensitive than usual to everything around her, every sound, and every touch, every movement unsettled her. She sank in the seat without another word.

  He climbed aboard and took up the reins. “I’ll tell the hands to be on the lookout for him. We’ll drive him away from here, farther into the woods.”

  Each time something cropped up, she found more to admire about him. Whenever a problem occurred, she seemed to turn it over to JP. That would never do. He couldn’t always be there to offer a solution. Something she would do well to remember.

  Her admiration for the man would never do. With Amy as a link between them, how could she diminish his impact on her senses? Physical attraction held its own dangers, but admiration could overwhelm her and break her heart.

  Chapter 10

  Weeks later, all the students were away home. Elizabeth straightened her spine and rubbed her back. Today, she wasn’t looking forward to the long walk back to Bittersweep. Closing the windows before gathering her things, she glanced at the darkening sky. The threat of rain added to her weariness.

  She hurried outside into the wind swooshing her skirt against her legs while every gust flung moisture laden air in her face. Hoping the rain would hold off until she made it back to the boardinghouse, she hurried to the lane.

  Only a little way down the track, she heard the rattle of wheels approaching. A sensation of excitement stirred through her. One of the ranchhands from the Rocking H had picked Amy up after school, but perhaps JP wanted to discuss her progress. She’d counted the times he’d dropped by to pick up the young girl and occasionally stayed to chat. She’d come to know a great deal more about him with each visit. Things she admired. Somehow, she’d allowed him to move closer to her physically as well, a brush against her hair, her shoulder, or her hand. In a moment of sheer insanity, she wondered how it would be if he kissed her. She sucked in a breath at the thought.

  Shaking free of such an idiotic notion, she stepped to the side and glanced over her shoulder. A shiny black buggy with yellow wheels rolled to a stop beside her. Rupert Landow climbed out of his vehicle, bowing with a slightly theatrical flair. Disappointment settled in her chest. He wasn’t JP.

  Rupert smiled, his expression that of a young boy sure of his charm. “Fair Lady, would you care for a ride in my chariot? I’m heading into Bittersweep and thought I’d offer you a lift.”

  Thunder rumbled in the distance and regardless of how his gallant gestures fell flat, Elizabeth quickly stepped forward. “I’d be most grateful.”

  He helped her into his elegant buggy complete with a roof. At least the top would keep most of the rain at bay. She slid across the soft cushion, her skirt bunching beneath her. Impressed by the comfort of the padded bench complete with a back to match, she pulled her twisted skirt free and inspected the interior. He followed her in and took up the reins urging his horse into motion.

  Glancing at her, his gaze warmed. “You don’t mind if I hurry, do you? I’d like to make it to town before the rain begins.”

  “Yes, please.”

  With the added speed he demanded of his horses, hooves begun to beat a faster rhythm against the ground. The buggy was well-sprung, but still squeaked at every dip in the lane. Elizabeth held on to the armrest, the cool metal warming under her hand.

  A bump threw her against his side and he laughed. “I do apologize for the rough ride. If you wish to hold my arm as well, it will steady you.”

  “I’m fine. I prefer a small discomfort to the rain.”

  The wind swayed branches and kicked up swirls of dust in the path. The smell of the approaching rainstorm hung in the air, while dark clouds continued to gather. The ominous haze blocked the afternoon sun. Elizabeth shivered at the slight chilling of the temperature. A few drops of moisture hit the roof of the buggy.

  “We may have both, discomfort and rain in the end,” he observed.

  “It does seem likely.”

  A smile came into his eyes. “Since I’ll be in town about suppertime, would you honor me with your presence at the inn for a meal?”

  Her gaze flickered to him and fled away. She hadn’t expected such an offer. Although she found him attractive, she hardly knew the man. Then, what was she doing allowing him to give her a ride? She glanced at him again and relaxed. After all, JP had introduced him.

  Closely examining her reasons to deny or accept his invitation, she hesitated. He was a charming fellow, a little too smooth for her taste, reminding her of her ex-fiancé. Still, why not? Her fiancé deserted her for an older, wealthy widow. At least Rupert had money, so no worries there.

  “When Mrs. Ledbetter goes to the trouble to prepare a meal, I like to appear at her table to show my appreciation.”

  “If she hasn’t started on the preparations yet, will you abandon her for me?” He held up one hand. “Only joshing. I meant a meal with me. I have a few errands at the bank. I could pick you up later.”

  “Very well.” She cocked her head to the side. “I’d like that. I’ll have a moment to freshen up after a long day.”

  The wind blew a swirl of leaves over the lane and billowed beneath her skirt, exposing her legs nearly to the knees. She quickly brushed her dress in place, but not before he’d made a quick, leering perusal of her limbs.

  She stiffened. In that moment, he lost some of his charm. A discreet look would have served him better. Still, men will be men. Some were a little more cautious with showing their admiration than others. Surely, as a member of the town council, an honored businessman, and wealthy owner of the bank, he should be trustworthy enough.

  “Delightful,” he uttered with a smile.

  She was uncertain of his meaning. Did he refer to her legs as delightful, or her acceptance of his invitation? Either way, he seemed a trifle bold for such a short acquaintance. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

  In a leisurely fashion, his expression mild, he half-stated, and half-questioned, “My bank teller, Franklin, lives in the same boardinghouse, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes, he does.”

  “He’s fairly new in his position.” Rupert glanced at her. “I’ll have a word with him while I wait for you.”

  Irritated with him because he assumed she would keep him waiting, Elizabeth took his measure through her lowered lashes. Fine! You certainly shall wait after that remark.

  Uncomfortable now, she tensed. Perhaps she was making a mountain out of very little. Just because he reminded her of her ex-fianc
é was no reason to scorn him. He pulled to a halt in front of the boardinghouse with a flourish and climbed down to help her. Ever the gentleman, she couldn’t fault him there.

  On the verge of retracting her acceptance of his invitation, his wistful expression stopped her. She smiled. “We made it before the rain. Thank you for the ride.”

  “I’ll be back for you, say around five-thirty?”

  She inclined her head and accepted his hand to help her climb out of his fancy buggy. “No need to accompany me. I’ll see you at five-thirty sharp.” She grinned over her shoulder. “Or close to it.”

  She heard him laugh, but Elizabeth didn’t give him the chance to reply. Hurrying inside, she sought the landlady and found her in the kitchen. “Have you started the meal?”

  Mrs. Ledbetter smiled a welcome. “I’m not quite there yet. If you’d like, you can grab a cookie to hold you over.”

  Elizabeth leaned against the counter. “I’m fine. I’m dining out tonight.”

  The landlady’s brows shot up. “Oh. How’s that?”

  “Rupert Landow invited me to dine with him at the inn.”

  “You don’t say.” The landlady began to place her freshly baked cookies in a large jar. “Well, I do declare, he’s such a nice gentleman, always dressed proper, and neat as a pin. Polite, too.”

  “So you think it would be acceptable?”

  “Who you want to approve? The folks? Some will. Some won’t. Pay ’em no never mind.” She closed the lid on the cookie jar and lifted her gaze to meet Elizabeth’s. “If you want JP’s approval, that’s a different story.”

  Elizabeth met the landlady’s gaze with as much innocent puzzlement as she could invest in a look. “Surely I don’t need his approval because he’s the chairman of the schoolboard.”

  Mrs. Ledbetter chuckled. “Not hardly. I say, a pretty, young thing such as yourself should have the fellas falling all over themselves to ask you out. You go, and good luck to you.”

  Elizabeth was quick to reply. “You misunderstand. He isn’t courting me or anything.”

  “Hmm. So you say.”

  Elizabeth knotted her fingers together. “I’m not in the market for a husband.”

  The landlady frowned with scorn. “With a fine, upstanding gentleman like him? You could do worse.”

  Elizabeth straightened, remembering his perusal of her legs. Mrs. Ledbetter approved of him and she had known him for ages. She called him a gentleman, in fact. That was all the reassurance Elizabeth needed. “Well, thank you for the compliment. I shouldn’t be out very late.”

  “Fine, fine. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

  Elizabeth made her way upstairs to her room. The aroma of cookies followed her even after she closed the door.

  She lit her lamp before sinking into the chair by the window. Watching the rain dash against the glass, she allowed her head to rest against the back of her seat. Why had she foolishly consented to brave the weather to have a meal with the banker? For an instant, Rupert seemed lost, wistful, and alone, instead of a man in control of himself and his destiny. That’s why. Besides, he didn’t threaten her peace of mind, or her unwanted physical reaction to his mere presence as JP so often did. She could avoid Rupert’s every move without a qualm. There was no connection between them. None at all.

  So why was she going out into the storm? Because I’m an idiot. JP would never know, nor would he care. Glancing at the porcelain clock on a table by her bed, she murmured, “If I don’t hurry, he’ll have true cause for complaint of my lateness.”

  She washed and dusted her body with a sweet-smelling powder. Changing her dress for a gown of blue serge, she arranged her hair in her favorite style and noted the time again, five-thirty exactly. Grinning, she leisurely glanced out the window. At least the downpour had stopped. The storm clouds had suspended the deluge of lashing rain, but twilight now covered the landscape. No stars twinkled, no moon floated across the sky due to the hovering cover of clouds.

  She gave herself a few more minutes before flinging her shawl around her shoulders. Descending the stairs with a smile pinned to her lips ready for more gallantry, she heard Rupert’s tones mingling with Franklin’s higher pitch. She couldn’t understand the conversation, but the words seemed to do battle. Perhaps she should have lingered in her room a bit longer.

  Rupert stepped into the hall, glanced at his pocket watch, and looked up at her. Amusement lurked in his eyes. “Ready?”

  Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she bowed her head. “As you see.”

  He offered his elbow. “Shall we?”

  She placed her hand under his arm, aware of Franklin in the background staring at them from the parlor. A strange sense of foreboding washed over her. She brushed it aside, determined to enjoy the outing.

  When she stepped into the buggy, the smell of oil burning in the lantern overpowered the clean scent of rain-washed earth. She settled against the back and relaxed. This was luxury—comfort, pure and simple. She pulled her shawl closer against the chill left in the wake of the storm.

  He climbed in beside her and took the reins. The lantern swung gently with the movement of the buggy splashing light into the shadows. Dim outlines of houses gave way to buildings on the main street where other lanterns attempted to disperse the gloom. The wheels spattered water from puddles left by the storm with a low, splashing sound.

  He glanced at her. “There’s a nip in the air this evening. Are you comfortable?”

  She drew her shawl a little tighter. “Yes, thank you.”

  “Good. We’re nearly there.”

  Halting at their destination, he helped her alight and escorted her inside the brightly lit inn. Several tables were ringed around with customers, chatting and consuming various dishes. Elizabeth walked beside Rupert when a low rumble of laughter reached her over the normal clatter of dining. She quickly surveyed the room, her gaze locking with JP’s hard stare.

  Her stomach lurched. Why did he always have this effect on her? True, he was handsome, but a handsome man walked beside her as well. JP rose, said something to his companion, and headed toward them. Valeria sat at his table studying the menu. So, Mrs. Ledbetter had the right of it. JP and Valeria were keeping company.

  “Rupert, come and join us. I know you don’t have any boring business to discuss with the new teacher.”

  Rupert frowned but headed in that direction. “This is my chance to become better acquainted with the lady on a one-on-one basis.”

  “All of us would like the opportunity to learn more about each other.” JP chuckled. “I could tell her things about you she would never find out otherwise. So could Valeria. Come, I insist.”

  Rupert reluctantly nodded. He took Elizabeth by the elbow and followed JP to the table. Valeria looked up, quickly covering a glare of annoyance.

  Elizabeth returned Valeria’s casual greeting and sank into the chair Rupert held for her. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  With a disgruntled laugh, Valeria said, “Not at all. What else can one expect in Bittersweep? Personally, I’d love to move to Chicago or New York. Perhaps even London. Any place besides Bittersweep.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with Bittersweep,” JP objected with one arm braced on the back of her chair.

  “There’s nothing right with it either. I long for social gatherings, balls, theaters, music, anything besides watching the weeds grow.”

  “Are you forgetting the big dance and barbecue at my place two weekends away? It’s fall already, and the weather has cooled. It should be perfect.”

  “I’m quite looking forward to it.” Valeria grimaced, but added a charming smile. “The one bright spot in a long line of dull.”

  A waiter served plates of roasted pork, mashed potatoes and green beans before departing. The aroma wafted to Elizabeth making her eager for
the meal. For a brief moment, the occupants of the table fell silent and began to eat. The clatter of silver against china sounded throughout the room. A giggle rang out in the background.

  Over the rim of his glass, JP eyed Elizabeth—warm, alluring, inviting—trapping her gaze with his. He concentrated his undivided attention on her. Without breaking eye contact, he said, “You better wear your dancing shoes. After all, I plan to wear a hole in my boots.”

  Elizabeth caught her breath. The others seemed to fade away. Only JP remained sending a beam of awareness to her, making her special, interesting, the only woman in the universe. She speared a bit of pork, toying with it rather than trying to swallow even this small amount.

  When he turned the full force of his charm on her, she found it almost impossible to fight against his appeal. Drat the man.

  Valeria cast a flirtatious smile at him. “I’ll wear my best. I bought a brand new pair for the occasion. I can’t have another woman taking the shine out of me.”

  “I can dance both of you ladies off your feet. Be prepared.”

  Elizabeth had to fight the sinking sensation in her chest. Somehow, she’d let JP get under her skin. I’m such a dimwit. Hadn’t her ex-fiancé taught her anything? JP wasn’t for her. This physical attraction had to cease at once.

  Rupert leaned back in his chair and grinned, his arm along the back of the empty chair beside him. “I cannot promise to dance any lady to a standstill, but I’m always prompt with the lemonade.”

  Elizabeth allowed a breathless laugh to escape. “That is a quality not to be taken lightly. Any effort to revive a lady would be much appreciated.”

  With a low, compelling laugh, almost a promise, JP leisurely leaned back in his chair, his eyes searching.

  Against her will, her gaze drifted up meeting his intense, binding stare. She swallowed. She’d mistakenly allowed her heart to rule her head. Never again. Maybe Rupert was a safer bet after all. Now, if only she could manage to rule her heart as well as her head. She glanced away.