Wayward Lady

by Nan Ryan

  She drew a quick breath, her passions awakening. His big hand felt like a fiery brand on her flesh and she leaned to him, offering herself. “Austin,” she said softly, “it’s getting late. Already some of the guests are leaving. Within an hour, we’ll be alone.”

  Austin smiled. “Yes, my love. I’ll count the minutes.” He brushed his mouth over hers, then straightened. “We must go back now.”

  But the party went on for hours. It seemed an eternity to Suzette. She was eager for her guests to depart, anxious to be alone with Austin in their bedroom. A warm, sensual woman, Suzette craved Austin’s expert lovemaking. The bubbly champagne she’d drunk throughout the festive evening fanned the fire burning within her.

  When the last guests said their good nights and stepped out into the cold, Suzette turned and smiled at Austin. He was exhausted; the party had lasted much longer than he’d anticipated. It was well past three A.M. and he’d graciously played the welcoming host throughout. Now he wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. But he saw the fire in Suzette’s eyes and recalled their encounter in the library.

  “Shall we?” He bowed gallantly. Suzette grinned, took his arm, and they climbed the carpeted stairs to her room. Inside, Austin unhooked his wife’s dress while she held her long hair up out of the way.

  “Austin, give me a few minutes.” She giggled.

  “Take as long as you need.” Austin kissed the side of her neck.

  Suzette, humming happily, went into her big dressing room. Austin undressed and got into bed to wait for her. Suzette’s excitement grew as she stripped off her clothes and took a warm, soapy bath. Out of the tub, she hurriedly dried her gleaming body and dabbed expensive perfume behind her ears and between her breasts. She chose a daring nightgown of lilac lace. A thing of beauty she’d never worn, it left little to the imagination. Her cheeks reddened as she briskly brushed her long hair to a high sheen. Her heart pounding pleasantly, Suzette came into the bedroom, crawling eagerly into bed with Austin.

  His arm under his head, the sheet at his waist, Austin was sound asleep. Suzette bit her lip, then whispered, “Darling. Austin.” He didn’t answer. Suzette slid closer, leaned over him, and kissed his lips. He turned his head and murmured sleepily, “Sweet, forgive me. I can’t…”

  Suzette touched the thick blond hair at his temple. “Sleep, Austin.” She lay down quietly beside him.

  Austin’s broad chest rose and fell evenly. He was sleeping soundly. Suzette tossed and turned beside him. She wasn’t the least bit sleepy. She wanted her husband, wanted the lovemaking he’d promised earlier in the evening. She was hurt that he didn’t want her. He had fallen asleep knowing she was preparing herself for him. It had never happened before; he’d always wanted her and had tirelessly made love to her, no matter how late the hour.

  Suzette turned away from Austin, punched at her pillow, and tried to go to sleep. It was a long time before she finally did.

  21

  Austin was busy improving his large herd of cattle. Although Tom Capps was a capable foreman and willing worker, Austin took pride in personally helping out at the huge ranch and he was consulted on any and all decisions. He continued to purchase surrounding ranches and farms, adding constantly to his vast holdings. He’d been hearing about barbed wire and told Tom Capps he’d check into it. Fencing his property would be to his advantage since he owned some of the best grassland in the state of Texas.

  “Austin, my friend”—Tom Capps lit a hand-rolled cigarette as he sat on his mount in the southeast pasture of the ranch—“you know you’re going to make enemies if you fence the range.”

  Austin squinted in the afternoon haze. “I know. That can’t be helped, Tom. The land belongs to me. Why should I let men fatten their cattle on my pastures?”

  “I’m not blaming you, Austin. I’m just telling you we’ll have trouble, sure as I’m sitting here. You know damned well those worthless Taylor brothers won’t hold still for it.”

  “It’s high time that riffraff was driven out of this country. You and I both know they aren’t cattlemen. I’ve overlooked the few steers they’ve stolen from me each year, just like the other ranchers. But I’ve never been fooled. Most of the mavericks they took up the trail had altered brands on their rumps. Fencing my land will solve that problem.”

  “Fences can be cut, Austin,” Tom mused thoughtfully.

  “And trespassers can be shot,” Austin replied evenly and spurred his horse gently toward home.

  On a lovely spring morning, Suzette was full of energy. She rushed down the stairs and into the dining room in her nightclothes, eager to catch Austin before he left the house. He sat at the head of the table, drinking coffee and reading some papers. He looked up when Suzette floated through the door.

  “Morning, darlin’.” He caressed her with his eyes. “You’re up mighty early, aren’t you?”

  “Am I?” she responded cheerfully as she came to his chair. She put a hand on his shoulder and leaned down to kiss him. Austin put a big hand on her bottom, gently stroking her through the satin of her robe.

  When Suzette straightened, she said hopefully, “Austin, darling, it’s such a lovely day. I was thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if the two of us went riding together, just you and me? I could have Kate pack a nice picnic lunch and we could ride over to Lost Creek and—”

  “Sorry, Suzette. I’m afraid not today.”

  Disappointed, she asked, “Why not? I wanted to…”

  Austin grinned and pulled her down onto his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he nuzzled his face in the curve of her shoulder. “Sweetheart, I’d like nothing better than to spend my whole day with you. Unfortunately, I’ve an appointment in Jacksboro that I must keep.”

  Unconvinced, Suzette played with the fingers at her waist. “Couldn’t it wait until tomorrow? I so wanted to spend the day with you.”

  “Honey, I’m flattered. I wish I could change my plans, but it’s impossible. I’m to meet a man to discuss purchasing enough of that new barbed wire to fence our property. I’m doing it for us, Suzette. For you and me and our children, should we have any.”

  At the mention of children, Suzette’s frown disappeared and she smiled. She put her arm around her husband’s neck and kissed his temple. “Austin, would you like to have a family?”

  Austin chuckled. “Darlin’, I’m just as happy without any children. I just meant, should we have some…that sort of thing happens even if you don’t plan it.”

  “You don’t want children?”

  “I didn’t say that. Let me make myself clear. I love you completely; I need no one else in my world. However, if you want a child, I’ll see what I can do to help you out.” He grinned and kissed her neck.

  “Austin, I would like a baby. I’d like that very much. Anna’s children are so sweet and pretty. I want my own children. I want to be a mother. Think how it would be to have a little boy like Josh.” She sounded wistful.

  “Suzette, if you’re planning on becoming a mother, then you’d best hop over there and eat some breakfast. I want you to be strong and healthy when you conceive.”

  “Yes!” she happily agreed. She got up and filled a plate from covered silver dishes on the sideboard. When she came back to the table, Austin laughed good-naturedly. Smiling, she said, “Austin, since you can’t be with me today, I’m going to ride over to Anna’s.”

  “Fine, Suzette. Tell Nate he’s to go with you.”

  “No!” she protested. “Please, Austin. I want to ride alone, to enjoy the beauty of the day, to—”

  Rising, Austin pushed back his chair. “Nate or one of the men will ride with you, Suzette, or you’ll remain at home. I have to go.” He kissed the top of her head and left the room.

  Suzette threw down her fork and folded her arms over her chest. “No, I will not remain at home, and I refuse to have anyone tag along with me!” She pushed her plate away and left the table.

  Austin and Tom Capps met with the drummer selling barbed wire. They used Austi
n’s office at the Echo, and by the time the meeting had ended, they had settled on the amount, price, and delivery date. The salesman was ecstatic; though he was shocked to learn that one man owned so much land, he was delighted that Austin intended to fence it all. Hundreds of miles of the new wire would be needed, and the salesman would make a healthy commission.

  After the meeting, Austin and Tom took the gentleman to lunch at the Wichita Hotel. It was afternoon when they walked across the street to the Longhorn to have a couple of drinks before returning to the ranch. They stood at the long, crowded bar, drinking quietly, when a man at one of the green-felt-covered tables called to Austin.

  “Mr. Brand,” Carl Taylor said in a loud voice, “can we deal you in for a hand of poker?” Carl’s older brother, his left arm useless from a shooting years before, sat coolly eyeing Austin and his ranch foreman. Norman Taylor, five years older than his brother, was the quiet one; he was also the deadly one. Though his left arm hung limp, he was formidable and was feared by every law-abiding citizen in the county. Folks knew the Taylor brothers stole cattle; they also knew the Taylor brothers were a pair of the meanest men in Texas. To cross either of them was asking for real bad trouble.

  Austin slowly turned to face the table of poker players. He smiled and said in a flat voice, “Thanks, Taylor, I don’t gamble.”

  Eyes narrowing, Norman Taylor said coldly, “Fence the range and you’ll be gambling with your life.” His brother, Carl, laughed, as did the three card players seated at the table.

  Austin’s gaze was steady. “You’ll find the odds are in my favor, Taylor. Any man who interferes will risk more than being left with another withered limb.”

  Carl Taylor rose from his chair. His older brother shoved him back into it. “Damn you, Austin Brand!” Norman Taylor said bitterly. “Do you think you own the open range?” His face was red, and his dark eyes flashed with hate.

  Austin poured himself a shot of whiskey and tossed it down, then nodded to Tom Capps. Tom started for the door, while Austin sauntered to the table where the Taylor brothers sat staring at him. He placed a big hand on the backs of both their chairs and leaned over between them. “Gentlemen, I sure don’t own the entire range.” He smiled warmly at first one, then the other. “I just own five hundred thousand acres of it, and I damned well intend to fence it.”

  He straightened, turned, and strolled casually from the saloon, while behind him Norman Taylor, absently rubbing his lifeless arm, said under his breath, “That bastard can’t keep us off the range. He’ll leave gates or we’ll cut some!”

  It was mid-morning when Suzette walked to the stables. Denis Sanders was in the tack room polishing saddles. Old Nate, dozing in the sun, sat with arms crossed over his stomach, hat pulled low over his eyes. No one else was around. Suzette was delighted. Apparently Austin and Tom were in town. The other cowboys were all off doing various chores. Carefully tiptoeing past the sleeping Nate, Suzette smiled at the shy young wrangler. “Morning, Denis.”

  Denis’s head snapped up and he got to his feet. “Ma’am.” He bowed.

  “Will you please saddle a horse for me, Denis?” Suzette said it matter-of-factly. “I’m going to ride over to see a friend.”

  Denis’s slim face worked itself into a frown. “Well, ma’am, I’m terribly sorry, but I’m under orders to…that is…unless Nate or Tom tells me to, I’m not supposed to bring around a horse for you.”

  Suzette’s temper flared. Her hands went to her hips. “Denis, I’m your employer, just as Mr. Brand is, and I’m asking you to saddle me a horse.”

  “I know, ma’am, but I can’t do it. Mr. Brand, he’ll have my head if I let you—”

  “Never mind, Denis. I’ll do it myself. I’m going for a ride and I’m going alone.” She started for the barn.

  Shaking his head, Denis said, “Now wait a minute. I…I’ll saddle a horse. I just hope Mr. Brand doesn’t get too angry.”

  Suzette smiled. “Denis, don’t worry. I can handle Mr. Brand. I’ll ride Dancer. And, Denis, thanks.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” The lanky boy nodded and went to carry out her wishes.

  It was glorious to ride alone over the rolling prairie. Suzette galloped Dancer and loved the feel of the wind tossing her hair about her face. Wildflowers covered the hills and the air was sweet with their perfume. She felt wonderfully alive and free. And happy. She smiled to herself thinking of her conversation with Austin at the breakfast table. How delightful it would be to have a son of her own. He’d be certain to be big and healthy and blond. And handsome. With a son, perhaps Austin would stop treating her like a child.

  On such a lovely day, with such pleasant things as babies to think about, it was easy for Suzette to forget that her husband had so stubbornly forbidden her to ride alone. He was over-protective, foolishly so. He’d not be angry with her since nothing was going to happen to her. She would ride straight to Anna’s, spend the day, and return home in the late afternoon. Austin would probably never know; if he did, she could easily jolly him out of his anger.

  The visit with Anna was fun. The two women packed a lunch and took Josh and Sunny out into the backyard. Anna spread a quilt under a gnarled elm. Six-year-old Josh came running across the yard, expressing his desire to eat. His little sister, Sunny, a chubby four-year-old, reached for a handful of potato salad before Anna could stop her.

  “Will you look at that?” Anna grabbed the pudgy little hand before Sunny could get it up to her mouth. “You know better than that, Sunny Marie!”

  “Hungry, Mommy,” Sunny explained, her chestnut curls dancing about her fair little face.

  Josh, on his knees beside Sunny, laughed and stooped to kiss her. Catching her cheeks in both his hands, he planted a kiss on her brow while she grimaced and slapped at him.

  “Josh Woods, will you leave your sister alone,” Anna pleaded.

  “Sure, Mother.” Josh shook his dark head and picked up a piece of chocolate cake. He had it half eaten before his distracted mother noticed.

  “Oh, Lord, Josh! You know you can’t have dessert first.” Anna cast a helpless glance at Suzette.

  Suzette laughed and grabbed Josh around the waist, pulling him down beside her. She kissed his bare back and said, “How about a piece of fried chicken. Josh?”

  “Okay.” He nodded, trying to twist from her embrace.

  Sunny was soon asleep on the quilt. She lay on her stomach, a fist jammed into her open mouth. Josh was off turning somersaults on the grass. Suzette, stretched out on her back, told Anna that she hoped to get pregnant soon.

  Anna, crossed-legged beside her sleeping daughter, affectionately stroked the downy-soft chestnut hair of Sunny’s head. Lazily, she replied, “That’s great, Suzette. You’ll make a good mother. I complain a lot about these two, but they’re worth every minute of it.”

  “I know that.” Suzette put an arm across her brow to shade her eyes. “They’re both precious and I can’t wait to have one of my own.”

  “You should. You and Austin will have a beautiful child. I’m sure Austin’s dying for you to have a baby.”

  Suzette moved her arm from her eyes and squinted at Anna. “I’m not so sure. Sometimes I think I’ve taken the place of his little Jenny.”

  Anna stared at her friend. “What do you mean? Has Austin said he doesn’t want any more children?”

  “Not exactly, but he doesn’t get excited over the idea of having a child either.” Suzette grimaced. “He’s made me his child.”

  “That’s not fair, Suz,” Anna offered. “Austin loves you, and if he doesn’t want you to have a child, I’ll bet it’s because he doesn’t want you to go through the pregnancy and delivery. He never wants you to experience any pain. That’s it, I’m sure.”

  Suzette sat up. “Could be. You know, Anna, sometimes he’s too…Austin’s so protective. He overdoes it. I’m treated like a helpless infant. I don’t—”

  “Listen, Suzette, you are a fool if you don’t know how lucky you are. Austin Brand is one
of the most handsome and remarkable men a woman could ever hope to have. If you’re not in love with him, you’re the only female he’s ever met who isn’t. Maybe that’s why he’s so in love with you. Every other woman he’s ever come across would have given anything to find favor with him. Not you. You made him wait for years before you finally gave in.”

  “Anna, what are you going on about? I didn’t make Austin wait, I never even—”

  “I know. You never thought of him that way.” Anna laughed. “Perry and I used to speculate on how long it would be before the charming Mr. Brand possessed you.”

  Suzette didn’t think it was amusing. “Anna, no one possesses me! Austin made me his wife knowing I was not in love with him. He’s a good husband. I’m very grateful to him and I try to be a good wife to him. I’m certainly aware that he’s charming, handsome, and rich. I don’t need you to preach to me about how lucky I am.”

  “Calm down, Suzette. Possess was a bad choice of words. And I didn’t mean to preach, honest. It’s just hard for me to understand that you are not wildly in love with Austin.” Anna looked questioningly at her friend. “Do you love him, Suz?”

  For along time Suzette was silent. “I don’t know, Anna. I do know that I like living with him, and when he holds me…well, it’s wonderful, but…but…”

  Anna smiled and said, “But what? What more could you want?”

  Suzette smiled. “Nothing more. Just a baby. Then I’d be happy. I want to be a mother.”

  The shadows were growing long when Suzette mounted the sorrel for the ride home. She and Anna had lost track of the time while Anna sat at her sewing machine making a pretty new frock for Sunny. Suzette, curled up in an easy chair, stitched delicate lace on the tiny yoke and gossiped with her best friend. Both women were surprised when Dr. Woods walked in to greet them.