“That doesn’t seem fair.”
“It’s not, but it’s the way it is. Though Silas didn’t want to stay with me last night, there was no way he’d leave me with another man. Even Finn.”
Rena shook her head and shrugged. “So what happened after you had to camp out with your husband?”
“We ate and got ready to bed down. He made a place for us in the wagon, but he let me get in and busied himself around the area. I knew he was waiting for me to go to sleep before he got in the wagon.” She took a deep breath and grinned at Rena. “It was then that I decided I was going to have my say. Without looking at him, I told him I did not kill our baby and I was tired of him trying to make me think I did.”
“What did he say?”
“He mostly listened. When I finished talking and he didn’t reply, I figured he still blamed me. There was nothing more I could do so I turned over to go to sleep. It seemed like a long time before he climbed in the wagon. I expected him to turn his back to me as he always does, but Rena, he didn’t.”
“What did he do?”
“He reached over and pulled me up against his chest. He never said a word, but he held me all night. When I woke up, he had coffee made and was cooking breakfast. I started to get out of the wagon and he came over and helped me down. He gave me a cup of coffee. He has yet to mention what I said, but I know he thought about it. He’s done so many unusual things since. He’s helped me in and out of the wagon every time we stopped. He refused to let me get out when we were fording the river. He lifted me out and carried me to the bank and sat me on dry ground. When we came close to a field of wild flowers and I remarked how beautiful they were, he actually stopped so I could stand on a nearby knoll and look at them.” She glanced at Rena. “I guess you saw him help me down from the wagon when we got home.”
Rena nodded and smiled. “I think you got to him, Adela.”
“I hope so, Rena.” She dropped her head. “I really love him.”
Rena would have replied if Silas hadn’t come through the back door. “I came to see if you have everything put away.”
“It’s all in the pantry, Silas,” Adela said.
He nodded. “Rena, Curly says you’ve been like an angel caring for him.”
“I’ve only carried him some food and helped change his bandages.”
“Whatever you’ve done, I think you’ve stolen his heart.” Silas threw Adela a quick smile. “He said he thought he was up to coming in for supper.”
“That’s great. At least he’ll have the advantage of one of Adela’s good biscuits. He won’t have to make do with my pan bread.”
“Don’t feel bad about it, Rena. Can’t nobody make biscuits the way Adela can.” Adela glanced at Rena and her eyes were sparkling.
* * * *
Before going back to the bunkhouse, Curly lavished praise on both women. Silas and Finn rode out to the herd carrying food for Jake and Gil.
Rena and Adela were looking at the material she’d picked for their dresses. “I thought the green striped would look good on you with your light hair. I got enough for you a dress and me a skirt.”
“I like it.”
“I wanted a dress from this one.” It was blue with little white flowers. “I got enough for you a skirt.”
“That’s lovely, too.” Rena looked at Adela. “I’ll have to make some kind of deal with you because I can’t sew. I’ll have to do your garden or something.”
Adela laughed. “I’m not sure you’re a very good gardener. Maybe you can do the cooking, except for bread.”
“It’s a deal.”
“I looked at some dresses in the store and it seems there’s a new style that doesn’t have the necks up so high. I thought you might want yours cut a little lower.”
“You’re right about that. You know I can’t stand things buttoned up around my neck in this heat.”
“You’re even leaving buttons undone when the men come in, but I think they’re getting used to you doing things they don’t expect.”
Rena frowned.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Not at all. I think I hear horses, Adela.”
Adela got up and went to the door. “It looks like Wigham and some of his men.” She glanced back at Rena. “What should we do?”
“Let’s get the rifles loaded before they get here. We might need them.”
“Should I run and get Curly?” Adela looked worried.
“I don’t think he’d be much help with his wound.”
Adela started out the front door, but stopped. “He must have heard the riders. He’s headed toward the house.”
The horses came to the edge of the yard and slowed. Wigham was astride his big red stallion. He eased the horse toward the house. “Haywood, I’m back,” he yelled.
“Should I go out there?” Adela was clearly nervous.
“If you don’t, they might come inside. I’ll be right behind the door with the gun.”
Adela stepped outside. “Mr. Wigham, what are you doing here?”
He looked startled to see her, but recovered quickly. He tipped his hat. “I have a little business with your husband and his brother, ma’am. Please ask him to step out here.”
“I’d be happy to, sir, but he went to check the cattle.”
“I thought you had hands for that.”
“One of our hands was injured, so he’s been helping with the cows himself.”
“What about his brother?”
“He went out, too.”
“Do you mean those two men left you alone?”
“Of course not. My cousin from Atlanta is visiting and our injured cowhand is coming across the yard now.” Adela half smiled.
“Is there something I can do for you?” Curly asked.
“No. My business is with the owners of this place.”
“Well, they ain’t here right now. Maybe you could come back later.”
“It’s a long ride from my ranch and my shoulder isn’t completely well from the bullet I took. I don’t want to make the trip again tomorrow,” Wigham said.
“I could tell my husband what you want and he could come to your place,” Adela said. She heard Rena whisper and backed up so she could understand. Rena was giving her instructions on what to say back to Wigham.
“I don’t think so. I need to see him in person and I don’t think he’d cotton to coming to my ranch.”
“Then, Mr. Wigham, would you like to come in and have a cup of coffee and wait for him? I’m sure he won’t be long.” This frightened her, but Rena had told her to invite him in. Her gaze searched the men in the yard. “I’m sorry I can’t ask your men in, but that wouldn’t be proper.”
He half grinned. “You’re right, Mrs. Haywood. It wouldn’t be.” He turned to his men. “You fellows drop back over there to those trees. I’ll go in and have coffee with Mrs. Haywood.”
“Are you sure you want to do this, ma’am?” Curly looked at her.
“Yes, Curly. It’s the neighborly thing to do. Mr. Wigham did come a long way.” She smiled at him, but her eyes showed no merriment.
She didn’t understand Rena’s next instructions, but she repeated them anyway. “Now, Curly, please take a horse up to the cooling spring and get me that fancy Jake cake my cousin made for supper. The one that has to be kept cool. You can ride that far, can’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Bring it to the back door and then you can return to the bunkhouse. We’ve got to get you well so you’ll be ready to help with the cows soon.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Curly sauntered off without another word.
“Come in the house, Mr. Wigham.” Adela stood aside and waited for him to enter. She hoped he didn’t see her heart pounding. “Please excuse the mess. My cousin and I were admiring the yard goods my husband bought us. We’re deciding how to make our dresses.”
“That’s no problem at all, Mrs. Haywood.” He looked surprised when he saw Rena.
“Hell
o, sir.” Rena gave him a coy look. “I’m Rena Dumont, Adela’s cousin from Atlanta, and who might you be?”
“I’m a neighbor. Jasper Wigham’s the name, Miss Dumont. It is Miss Dumont, isn’t it?” He was eying her hungrily.
“It is.” She batted her eyes at him. “Don’t tell me you have Mrs. Wigham with you?”
“There is no Mrs. Wigham.”
“I’m shocked that such a man as you isn’t married.” She motioned to the divan. “Won’t you please have a seat?” She glanced at Adela who was staring at her in disbelief. “Cousin, why don’t you go check and see if Curly is back with the cake? If he isn’t then you can bring in the promised coffee. I’ll entertain Mr. Wigham.”
Adela was too stunned by Rena’s actions to argue. “I’ll put on some fresh coffee.”
Adela wasn’t a cursing woman, but she wondered what in hell Rena was up to. She was sitting in the parlor with a man who was a known enemy of the Haywoods and acting as if she was entertaining someone important. Adela hoped the woman hadn’t lost her mind. Wigham could be ruthless. Not only with his neighbors, but she’d heard talk in town that he treated women harshly. Adela hoped Rena knew what she was doing.
* * * *
Rena used every trick she knew to keep Jasper Wigham from thinking about anything but her. She giggled. She flirted. She batted her eyes. And when she was sure she had all his attention, she said, “Mr. Wigham, it’s such a delight to meet you.” She leaned closer to him. “I didn’t expect my cousin’s family to be so uncouth when I came west. I don’t know what my uncle was thinking when he insisted I come. I’m not used to such people. I’m sure I wouldn’t find that situation at your ranch, would I?”
She knew she had his entire interest. His gray eyes were devouring her as they kept going to the neck of the blouse she still had unbuttoned to her breast. He cleared his throat and said, “Why, ma’am, I think you’d enjoy visiting my ranch. Of course, I don’t have any women folk to entertain you, but I’d be happy to show you around.”
“Who needs a woman when there’s a knowledgeable and handsome gentleman to escort me?”
“I appreciate you saying that. I have a daughter in a fancy school back east. I try to keep myself up on events so I won’t embarrass her when she comes home.”
“I think that’s wonderful. I went to school in the east. Boston. There are some good schools in Atlanta, but my uncle wanted me to have the best. I bet that’s the way you feel about your daughter.”
“I do, though she says I’m an old dried up rancher who can’t appreciate the finer things in life.”
“What do you mean old? I think you’re just the right age to be interesting. As for enjoying the finer things in life, I knew right off that you had class. It’s so refreshing to meet someone like you in this wilderness. Things have been hard for me here.” She leaned a little closer to him and said in a whisper, “If you’ll grant me the pleasure, I’d like to visit your ranch in a week or so. Would that be convenient?”
“Couldn’t you come sooner?” he blurted.
“Well, I’d really rather come when I’m feeling my best.” She made herself blush and it wasn’t easy.
He blushed a little, too. “Say no more. A week would be fine.”
“I don’t know what happened to Curly. He hasn’t come with the Jake cake yet.” Adela entered the room. “Here’s the coffee anyway.”
Jasper took the cup she held toward him. “Maybe I can get some cake later.” He frowned. “What’s Jake cake, anyway?”
“Oh, Mr. Wigham.” Rena giggled. “That’s not the proper name for it. It’s actually called peach delight. It’s just that Jake liked it so much he ate almost half of it at supper. Adela said I should rename it Jake cake.”
“When I taste it, you may want to change it to Jasper cake.” He chuckled.
“I’d rather bake a different one for you. One with lots of gooey sweet things that I’m sure you’d appreciate.” Rena turned her head sideways. “Do you have a nice kitchen, Mr. Wigham? Of course I had servants in Atlanta, but cook showed me how to make the best cakes. Maybe I could show your cook.”
“I’d like that.” Jasper was breathing heavily. “My cook is an old Indian woman who isn’t up on such things.”
“Then it’s my duty to enlighten her.” Rena shook her hair back from her face and looked at Adela. “Cousin, I think I hear Curly coming back.”
“I’ll see.” Adela’s voice was flat.
As soon as they were alone, Rena said, “Jasper, you don’t mind if I call you Jasper, do you? Of course you’ll call me Rena.”
“Of course you must call me Jasper, Rena.”
“Good, because I have a question, Jasper. Couldn’t your business with the Haywood brothers wait a few days? You know if it isn’t pleasant, they won’t let me visit you and I so want to.”
“I guess it could wait. I really don’t see what a few days would hurt. Besides I’d have your visit to look forward to.”
“That’s wonderful. I had a feeling when you rode up that I’d enjoy getting to know you. You’re so much more cultured than these men. I don’t see how my cousin stands it. She wasn’t brought up this way.”
“I appreciate you recognizing my standing in the area, my dear.”
“Oh.” She forced herself to blush again. “I bet you throw the best parties with the nicest people. I’d love to come to a party at your ranch. Why I might even be able to be the hostess for you since your daughter is away.” She leaned a little closer to him. “I brought the prettiest satin party dress from Atlanta, but do you think I’ve had a chance to wear it around here?”
“I’m sure you haven’t.”
“It’s a beautiful deep red with a nice neckline.” She added with a whisper, “I bet the ladies around here would call it suggestive.”
“I can hardly wait to see you in it.”
“I’ll make sure it’s pressed and ready to dazzle you.” She straightened. “I hear Adela coming back. If she has the cake, why don’t you tell her you just don’t have time to eat it now? Then you can leave before the men get here. I don’t want them telling me I can’t come to your house, especially to your party.” She reached over and patted his hand as she rolled her eyes. “They seem to think I don’t know a thing. But I sure know a gentleman when I see one.”
Jasper stood. “I think you’re right. I’ll make preparations for a nice dinner party at my ranch a week from this Saturday. How does that sound?”
“That sounds lovely. I can hardly wait.” She smiled sweetly and batted her eyes at him. “By then I’ll be all well and will feel up for a good time.”
He grinned. “That’d be wonderful. I have some comfortable guest rooms. If our party runs late, it might even be too late for you to come back here after the guests leave.”
She turned her eyes downward. “It might be.”
He grinned and touched her arm. “I can hardly wait.” She smiled at him as he went toward the door. He tipped his hat to her as Adela followed them out the door. “Come on, boys,” he said, getting on his horse. “We’re going to postpone our plans.”
The men grumbled, but Rena could tell they never questioned their boss. They turned their horses and followed him toward the road.
When they were out of earshot, Adela said, “He left in such a good mood. Nothing like when he arrived. How in the world did you do it, Rena?”
“Smile and wave, Adela. I’ll explain inside.”
When they were back inside, Adela said, “Okay, Rena. Explain.”
“I saw the man on the horse beside Jasper tell him that since they’d come here to kill the Haywoods, why not start with the woman. That’s when I whispered to you to invite him in. I’m glad you understood. I’ve bought us some time.”
“You also told me to send Curly for Jake cake. What in the world did you mean by that?”
“I was hoping Curly would catch on and go for Jake and Silas.”
“He must have. He rode out.”
“Good. Maybe they’ll get here soon. I think…”
Before she could finish there was a commotion on the back porch. Both Jake and Silas rushed into the parlor. “What’s going on?” Silas demanded. “Curly said Wigham was here.”
“He was, but he left,” Adela said.
“How the hell did you get rid of him?” He glared at his wife.
“I didn’t. Rena did.”
Jake turned to Rena. “What did you say to get him to leave?”
“I told him to go home and plan a party and invite me.”
Jake frowned. “You did what?”
“He thinks I’m a fancy southern bell from Atlanta who wants to come to his ranch for a party.”
“I bet he thinks more than that,” Silas said.
Rena shrugged.
“Rena, for God’s sake. The man probably wants to…I’ll kill him if he puts his hands on you.” Jake glared at her.
“Nobody puts their hands on me unless I want them to!”
“We’re getting off the subject,” Adela butted in. “Rena said they came here to kill us and she did what she could to change their minds.”
“Did he say they came to kill us?” Silas asked.
“No, but…”
“Then how do you know that was what they came to do?”
“Rena said they said it.”
He turned to her. “Did you hear them?”
She shook her head. “I read their lips.”
“What the hell…” Silas frowned at her.
“I have a friend who is deaf. She taught me to read lips. As long as I can see someone’s mouth, I can tell what they’re saying even if I can’t hear it. This skill has come in useful in my job.”
One of Jake’s eyes seemed to want to twitch. “That still doesn’t explain why Wigham came into this house. Damn, Rena, don’t you know how dangerous he is?”
Rena stood. “Calm down, Jake. Let’s go in the kitchen and have some coffee. I’ll explain everything. Even the Jake cake.”
Silas looked at Adela. “What the hell is a Jake cake?”
Chapter 11
Silas and Adela were getting ready for bed. “Thanks for suggesting we get out of the kitchen and let them fight it out.” Adela undressed and slipped into her gown.
Rena's Cowboy Page 10
