Love Finds Faith
Page 10
Ellie Bradshaw must be furious with him for leaving without saying good-bye to her. They had planned to be together for today’s festivities, and breaking that promise hurt more than he dreamed it would. With her raven black hair and brown eyes, she was one of the best things in his life. Somehow he must let her know he was sorry to let her down. He wouldn’t blame her if she never spoke to him again, but at least he’d try to seek her forgiveness.
Mayor Thornton’s voice captured Levi’s attention, and he concentrated on the man on the podium. After welcoming everyone and praising the country for once again being united and Texas for its grand and glorious history, he began talking about the town of Stoney Creek. With Ellie and Micah pushed to the back of his mind, Levi settled in to listen.
CHAPTER 12
HANNAH LISTENED AS Mayor Thornton announced the plans to build a new courthouse and introduced the young man who was to be the county attorney. The sight of the young man on the platform grabbed Hannah’s breath and stole it completely away. As tall if not taller than Manfred and with dark brown hair that curled at his neck and around his ears, Alexander Hightower made quite an impressive appearance. The mayor beamed with satisfaction as the crowd applauded and cheered the new attorney.
Mr. Hightower may not have the rugged good looks of a cowboy like Micah Gordon, but his black pants and gray jacket fit him to perfection and spoke of the city of Dallas from which he’d just arrived. Only a man accustomed to the ways of city life could wear a suit with such bearing and ease.
Hannah bit her lip and tilted her head. He was likely near her in age, and the young women in the crowd certainly took notice and giggled with each other, pointing toward the young attorney. Let the others act like silly schoolgirls over the new man, because he assuredly wouldn’t cast a second glance in her direction.
A nudge in her arm caught her attention. Sallie’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Listen to the twitter among our ladies. I can see why. He’s certainly a handsome young man.”
“Yes, I will give him that . . . in a citified way. He looks more like he should be in Austin in the state government. Most of the men here are cowboys and ranchers.” One thing for certain, he’d have the attention of all the young ladies in town.
“We’ll have to add him to our guest list, of course. It wouldn’t be right to have a party and not invite our newest resident.”
Hannah blinked her eyes and frowned. That thought hadn’t even occurred to her. The guest list already ran to most people in town, but the hall where the exhibits were now displayed had plenty of room. The expense is what worried her, but it didn’t appear to bother Sallie or Manfred.
“Yes, it will be nice to have an extra man as a guest.” Hannah bunched her eyebrows in a frown. “If he’s to be the county attorney, who do you have for a lawyer for the people?”
“That would be Justin Murphy. He and his family are out of town now, so that’s why you haven’t met them. They should be back in time to attend the party.”
Why had she thought Stoney Creek to be some tiny little western town in Texas? It had a doctor with an infirmary, lawyers to take care of needs, and plenty of stores and businesses in town to accommodate anyone and everything. So much for what she’d heard about the Wild West state of Texas.
Manfred strode toward them with the new attorney in tow. “Sallie, Hannah, I’d like you to meet Mr. Alex Hightower. He’s going to be a great asset for Stoney Creek. Mr. Hightower, this is my wife, Sallie Whiteman, and her sister, Hannah Dyer, who is also my nurse.”
Dark blue eyes twinkled and a dimple flashed as Mr. Hightower smiled and greeted them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Whiteman, and you too, Miss Dyer.”
“My dear, I took the liberty of inviting Mr. Hightower to our welcome party for Hannah. I explained she’s a newcomer too.”
“That’s lovely, Manfred. Hannah and I were discussing doing that very thing. It’s always nice to have another young man at these affairs.”
Heat burned in Hannah’s cheeks at the scrutiny of the attorney. She ran moist palms down the sides of her skirt. “I’m sure you’re accustomed to attending such affairs, but it’ll be a pleasure to welcome you to ours, Mr. Hightower.”
“I’m looking forward to it, but now if you’ll excuse me, I promised to join Mr. Swenson to watch the horse race this afternoon. He told me of a Mr. Gordon who has some of the best horses to be found in these parts of Texas. I hope to purchase one from him soon.”
He tipped his hat and strode toward the area where Mr. Swenson, Camilla, and Micah were standing. Hannah blinked her eyes and swallowed hard. Mr. Hightower was going to meet Camilla, and with her beauty, she’d have him charmed right out of his boots. Even if Camilla and Micah were known to be courting, a twinge of jealousy poked at Hannah. Why did girls like Camilla get the notice of all men who met them? How nice it would be to have someone like Alex Hightower pay her the same attention.
While Manfred and Sallie talked, Hannah’s gaze followed Mr. Hightower. A minute before he joined them, Micah turned and left. When Mr. Swenson introduced Camilla to Mr. Hightower, she became all smiles and offered her hand to the new attorney. By his posture and the way he held Camilla’s hand a tad longer than necessary, the man was already smitten by her charms.
Hannah sighed and bit her lip. If Micah truly loved Camilla, she didn’t want to see anyone come between them and cause him pain. She shook herself. It was absolutely none of her business, and she’d best remember that.
Movement toward the alley caught her eye. She peered in that direction and gasped. That looked like Levi Gordon. She’d only seen him in church, but those broad shoulders on a man as tall as Micah could only belong to his brother. He disappeared behind one of the buildings, and Hannah stared in that direction. Perhaps she’d been mistaken since she’d only seen Levi once. If it was him, for whatever reason, he appeared to be hiding and didn’t want others to see him. Far be it from her to reveal the whereabouts of someone who wished to remain hidden.
Micah strode back to the Swenson home where he’d left Smokey. Being away from the crowds kept the horse calm and ready for the big race. Now he’d find out if Smokey could match Red Dawn’s accomplishments five years ago. Most of the competition came from neighboring ranches, and Micah had no opportunity to size up any opponents.
If the gray quarter horse ran like he did with Micah across open pasture, they’d stand a very good chance of winning. He regretted not having Levi to race against in a friendly competition, because whichever one of them won, it would bring accolades to the ranch.
After checking all the straps and reins, Micah stroked the horse’s forehead and pressed his against it. “You’re going to show off your stuff today and make all of us proud, but even if you don’t, you’re a fine horse, and I’m proud to be riding you.”
A new saddle replaced the one he’d sold with Red Dawn, and that was good. A new saddle for a new ride meant he and the horse would be breaking in the same thing. Micah caressed the sleek leather and checked the strap once again. Smokey jerked his head and pulled at the reins.
“Looks like you’re as ready for action as I am.” He swung up and over Smokey’s back and settled his feet in the stirrups. “All right, boy, time to see what we’re made of.” A nudge sent Smokey prancing and heading up the street for the starting point.
Each contestant had been given a copy of the route so there’d be no mistaking the boundaries and distances. Every quarter mile would be manned by judges who would determine any cause for disqualification. The prize of fifty dollars had grown since the last race he’d been in. Someone must have donated the purse since the entry fees hadn’t risen since the last time he’d raced.
Crowds began to gather around the starting point, and Micah had his first good look at the other racers. He spotted two riders from the Hudson spread and one each from other outfits. He recognized the Hudson and Carlyle brands, but the others were unfamiliar to him. In all, seven riders would compete for the prize.
The announcer called for the racers to position themselves behind the starting line. Micah joined the other riders and found a place between Leroy Gains and a Carlyle cowhand. “Good afternoon, Gains. I see you’re still riding Captain Sam. Smokey’s as good as Red Dawn, so you’ll be eating our dust.”
“We’ll see about that, Gordon. I haven’t lost since you took outta here five years ago. Don’t know why these other fellows think they can beat me today.” Gains straightened in his saddle and spit out a stream of tobacco onto the road.
Micah cringed. Such a nasty habit, one he’d never take up. The other men laughed and said they’d prove the Hudson and Gordon horses weren’t the only fast ones in the area. Micah hoped not, but Captain Sam had some years on Smokey, and he was counting on youth overcoming age.
Finally all the horses stilled long enough for the starter to hold up his pistol. Micah braced himself for the shot with his heels ready to dig into Smokey. One and a quarter miles now loomed as an eternity of running, but Smokey could do that and more if he had to, and that’s what Micah counted on now.
The starter began his countdown, and as the count of one rang in the air, the pistol fired and the race was on. Smokey leaped from the starting line like a bolt of lightning, and Micah let him have his lead. They galloped straight north to the boulder at the mouth of the canyon then west for a half mile before turning south, all riders bunched together. Smokey held his own and had the edge over all but Gains, matching the roan stride for stride. Clouds rolled in to cover the sun, but the heat still bore down on Micah.
In less time than Micah thought possible, the others dropped far behind, and he and Gains still rode neck and neck at the turn east back toward town. The hooves thundered over the hard-packed dirt, and just as Micah thought Smokey would pull ahead, Gains shouted something and waved his hat over his head.
Captain Sam took off like he’d been spooked and reached the finish line a good foot ahead of Micah. He pulled up the reins and patted Smokey’s neck. “All right, fellow, Captain Sam is one fast horse. We’ll get him next time.”
Gains grinned at Micah and pushed his hat back on his head. “Now who’s eating whose dust?” Then he stuck out his hand. “Smokey’s a good horse, and he gave us a good race.”
Micah grasped the outstretched hand. “Thanks, and we’ll be back next year.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will. Now I’m going to collect my prize. Too bad Levi didn’t come in and make the race a real competition.”
Micah narrowed his eyes at Gains’s departing back. Everyone knew Levi had left the Circle G. Did Gains’s remark mean Levi had holed up at the Hudson spread? Maybe he should mention that to Pa.
Micah didn’t wait for the awarding but headed Smokey to the livery. He wanted to cool him down and brush out some of that dust collected on the trail. Camilla waved at him, and he turned in her direction.
She waited on the boardwalk in front of the bank. “That was some race, Micah. Sorry you had to lose.”
“Gains and Captain Sam have the experience now, but wait until next year and see what this beauty can do.”
Camilla’s laugh rang in the air and lifted Micah’s spirits. “Oh, I’m sure you will win next year, Micah Gordon, I’m sure you will.”
“I’m taking Smokey to the livery, and then I’ll be back to finish our tour of the celebration.” He tipped his hat back, and her smile reassured him that she still preferred him.
“I’ll be waiting down at the bandstand so we can get a good seat for the concert.”
That would be the perfect ending for a little less than perfect day. “I’ll see you then.”
Across the street at the livery he unsaddled Smokey and began brushing him down. He’d come back and saddle him up again for the ride home, but the horse needed the rest now. Micah bore as much respect for his animals as he did any man. Treat them right, and they’d do whatever he asked of them.
Willy commented on the race and offered condolences before he disappeared to the back of the stables. Burt wasn’t anywhere around, so he must be enjoying the festivities with his family. Micah finished with Smokey and stepped out to the street at the same moment a rider rounded the corner of the street up ahead and headed out of town.
Levi. He’d recognize that horse anywhere. Micah turned back for Smokey but realized by the time he’d saddled his horse, Levi would be long gone. What was that fool boy doing now? Micah slapped his hat against his thigh in anger. All he wanted to do now was to wring his brother’s neck, but he’d have to find him first. At least Levi had stayed close, but where in thunder was he staying? Maybe it was time to check out the Hudson ranch.
CHAPTER 13
HANNAH DONNED THE one party dress Mama had insisted she have made for her trip to Texas. Mrs. Tenney had copied a design from Leslie’s Ladies’ Magazine, but she had modified the bustle because Sallie had warned that bustles were not the common fashion for the women of Stoney Creek. True to Sallie’s words, the only elaborate dresses Hannah had seen were worn by Camilla Swenson and Mrs. Thornton, the mayor’s wife.
That suited Hannah just fine. She’d never cared for the corsets and hoops she’d worn in her younger years, and she certainly didn’t desire to have all that fabric bunched up behind and fashioned over a silly-looking cage device. Such lengths some women would go to look what they considered their very best. Thankfully Sallie shared some of the same opinions as to fashion, but Mama went by the rules.
The lighter blue ruffles about the neckline and the sleeve edges set off the deeper royal blue of the bodice and overskirt draped over the lighter blue underskirt. Mama had cringed when she saw how small Mrs. Tenney had made the bustle, but Hannah had hugged the woman and whispered a thank-you.
The dress might be all right for tonight’s party, but Hannah didn’t see herself wearing it on very many occasions in the future. Life in Stoney Brook ran to the simpler things, although narrow waists were still the rage and corsets made them even more so. Either Camilla Swenson had a small waist to begin with, or she laced herself up tight to make it that way. And if she laced up, how on earth was she able to breathe at all?
Camilla and her tiny waist had certainly won the attentions of both Micah and that Hightower fellow. They’d be polite and ask Hannah for at least one dance tonight, but maybe they’d be surprised that she could dance so well. She had Benjamin Elliot to thank for that. He courted Jenny Harper while she lived with the Dyer family after Sallie’s marriage, and he’d helped Hannah master the steps to several dances, including the quadrille.
“Hannah, are you about ready? It’s time for us to be at the town hall.”
Sallie’s voice brought her back from her memories. “Yes, I’ll be down in a minute.” With a last glance at the three blue bows adorning the skirt under the bustle, Hannah reached for her reticule and gloves. If none of the other girls her age wore gloves, she’d be happy to ditch hers for comfort in the Texas heat.
Manfred waited out front with the carriage, and Lettie stood in the parlor with her arms about her young charges for the evening. She and Burt had offered to take care of the younger children while Sallie and Manfred enjoyed the party.
When Hannah reached the hallway, Sallie clapped her hands. “Perfect! You look absolutely beautiful in that dress, and it’s not too extreme to show up some of the other ladies. The young men of Stoney Brook are going to be quite smitten with you tonight. I imagine your dance card will be full before you know it.”
“Thank you. I had to really argue with Mama to keep from having a huge bustle with lots of ruffles and bows.” Hannah didn’t know about attracting young men, but several would ask her to dance because she was the
honoree. At least that was the etiquette back home. Perhaps it would be the same here, and if so, it meant Micah Gordon or that new attorney, Alexander Hightower, would ask her to dance.
Sallie laughed. “That sounds like Mama.” Then she turned to Lettie. “Are you sure you want to stay here with these young ones and not come to the party?”
“Now you know we don’t need to be at that party. It’s for Miss Hannah to get to know more folks, and we already know her, and longer than anyone else here.” She gave Sallie a little push. “Get on out of here and go enjoy the party. The children will be fine.”
Molly stood proud and tall at the fact she was being allowed to attend the party. Since she’d be twelve soon, Sallie deemed it a good thing for her daughter to learn social graces and take part in the event. Hannah grinned at her niece and remembered Sallie’s nineteenth birthday party back in St. Francisville. That had been a memorable evening for Hannah. She hoped the same would happen for Molly tonight.
Sallie laughed and waved to Lettie. “You heard the lady, let’s go.” Sallie’s love for social events had not changed.
Hannah followed her sister and niece to the carriage and climbed up beside Molly in the second seat. As they rode to town, Hannah reached over and covered Molly’s hands to still her twisting fingers. “Don’t be nervous, Molly. It’ll be fine. I remember my first grown-up party, and it was your mother’s birthday. I was a year older than you are now, but I had a wonderful time. You will too.”
“Oh, I hope so, Auntie Han—I mean, Aunt Hannah.”
Hannah wrapped her arm about her niece’s shoulders and leaned close. “I don’t mind if you call me Auntie Hannah. It rather suits me here in Texas.” Then she winked.