by Danni Roan
“Good.” His father smiled his dark eyes and hair gleaming in the early morning light that poured through the large windows.
The senior Mr. Middleton was a tall man, much like his son, and had developed only a slight paunch as he’d aged. His brown hair was liberally streaked with gray, especially at his temples, giving him a distinguished appearance, but his eyes were kind.
“I’ll be off to work soon. We should all be diligent and not become lazy or complacent in this modern world,” he added, his eyes still on his son.
“I understand you’re from Wyoming,” Mrs. Middleton spoke to Mae as she spooned up a soft egg. “It must be lovely - all those open spaces and clean air.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Mae replied as she spread butter on her toast. “It’s so very different from the East.”
“What do you do out there with your time?” the elder Mrs. Middleton continued.
Mae smiled, suppressing a laugh. “Mostly we work.” she stated frankly. “Of course, my favorite thing to do was ride my pony, Callie.”
“What kind of work is it that you do out there in the wilds, then?” Mr. Middleton turned a keen eye on Mae.
“My father owns a cattle ranch,” Mae said, looking up to meet the man’s inquisitive gaze. “He has also recently begun growing wheat. Pa feels that along with sheep and cattle, wheat will be the next most important crop from the state.”
“Sounds like an industrious man,” Mr. Middleton nodded at her. “It seems that more people could benefit from that type of dedication and hard work.” His dark eyes raked his son, who in turn studiously ignored the comment. “Perhaps your father will come to visit sometime. I think I’d very much like to meet a cattleman.”
The toast Mae had just bitten into suddenly felt dry in her mouth and she could not swallow around the lump in her throat as she choked back tears.
“Oh dear, Nathan, look what you’ve done.”
“What? What have I done?”
“You’ve upset our guest. I am so sorry Mae, truly. He didn’t mean to upset you.”
Finally forcing the bit of crispy bread down her throat, Mae tried to speak but only a squeak came out.
“Here you are, Mae,” Melissa offered, handing her a fresh cup of tea. “Drink this. There, are you alright now?”
“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” Mae replied, quietly feeling embarrassed as all eyes at the table were now on her. Even Reese seemed to be looking at her intently.
“Mae’s a bit homesick. Aren’t you?” Mel said, laying a soft white hand on Mae’s sleeve.
“Yes, I am homesick, but I’m afraid my father isn’t well enough to travel anymore,” she finally stated.
Silence fell over the table as the occupants absorbed this bit of news.
“He must be very proud of you to have sent you here to study,” Mrs. Middleton finally said cheerfully. “I’m sure you’ll do splendidly in Boston.”
“You mentioned riding before,” Reese’s voice was low, his green gaze steady on Mae’s face. “What kind of horse did you ride?” He deftly turned the conversation away from what seemed to be a painful subject.
A bright smile raced across the young woman’s face, banishing the sad expression from a moment ago, and Reese grinned to see that his comment had had the effect he’d hoped.
“Callie’s a mustang,” Mae said her eyes bright. “She’s a calico pinto and very clever.”
“I’ve heard that the mustang is a hearty horse. Do you use them on the ranch? Do you capture them in the wild or do you have someone who supplies them to you?” Reese found the idea of wild horses intriguing.
“Most of the ranch horses are quarter horses or quarter mustang crosses.”
“No wonder you’re so keen on going riding again,” Melissa spoke up, breaking her brother’s line of inquiry. “We’ll finish up breakfast and be off.”
***
The morning air was crisp as they entered the park. Large trees were shedding the last bright visages of their fall color. Mae had wanted to ride all the way from the house, but gave into Melissa’s insistence of taking the carriage and collecting the horses from the groom in the park; it seemed silly to her.
“It seems ridiculous to drive a carriage somewhere to go riding,” Mae had groused, but acquiesced anyway.
“We’ll have a lovely ride, I’m sure of it,” Melissa said, squeezing Mae’s arm. “I love the fall, don’t you? It’s crisp and clear.”
A half hour later they were both mounted on their horses, riding quietly through the large park, and soon Melissa was trailing along behind her big brother and new friend as they chatted about horses.
“Where did you ride in Wyoming?” Reese had asked sounding, for once, genuinely interested.
“Everywhere,” Mae replied with a grin. “Though it was nothing like this.”
“How’s that?”
“Well, first, I didn’t have to ride in this ridiculous fashion. I rode astride, which quite honestly, is much more comfortable and more practical.”
“You didn’t!” Mel cried.
“Of course I did. All the girls ride and even work cattle on the ranch when needed.”
Reese turned his head to stare at his sister, as if checking to see if what Mae had said could be true.
Mae laughed. “You’re not the first ones to be surprised by what seems perfectly natural to us on the Broken J. My sister, Isabella, and her new husband, Taylor, argued about it for ages,” she added, her eyes bright from the memory.
“I think I’d like to visit someday,” Reese said absently. “It would be interesting to see what a real ranch looks like.”
“As interesting as anatomy class?” Mel jibed.
“What’s that?” Mae asked feeling as if she was missing something.
“Can you keep a secret?” the blonde girl leaned out of her saddle.
“Mel,” Reese warned.
“She won’t tell. Will you, Mae?”
Mae shook her head, confused.
“Reese is secretly studying medicine at the University.” She laughed, a golden tinkle in the brisk air.
“Why is it a secret?” Mae asked, looking at Reese, whose deep scowl did nothing to put her off in the least.
“Father wants him to work in the family business, but Reese finds it boring so he’s studying something different.”
“Enough, Melissa,” Reese’s voice was cross. “No one knows but us, so let’s not share it with the world. I believe we were talking about Wyoming and ranching.
“It does sound beautiful on your ranch,” Melissa chimed in. “Perhaps someday when you go back we’ll be able to come for a visit.” Melissa’s eyes twinkled as she took over the conversation again, this time avoiding any mention of her brother’s studies.
“Do you think it would be possible?” Mae’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of her dear friend visiting at the Broken J, and they soon were chatting about all the things to do in their respective homes.
Chapter 7
Boston, Massachusetts November 1890
“You’re going shopping with Miss Middleton today, aren’t you?” Jemma looked across the table at her niece.
“Yes, Aunt Jemma,” Mae replied, remembering to sit up straight and take small bites of her breakfast.
“You will wear your blue taffeta walking dress,” Jemma’s expression left no room for argument, and so Mae offered none.
In the few months she had been in Boston and living with her aunt, she had learned many things, one of which was when not to argue. There was no point in arguing over a dress.
“The Middletons are well respected in Boston, a very old family. You will do nothing that will embarrass me.” Jemma’s cold eyes captured Mae’s. “Do you understand?” Her sharp blue glare made Mae shiver.
“Yes, Aunt Jemma,” Mae replied, resisting the desire to sigh. She had worked very hard on her deportment, as her aunt had required. She’d learned to dress acceptably, carry on a polite conversation and speak like a lady. It was
all so exhausting.
“Good.” The older woman turned her attention back to her breakfast.
“We’re shopping for Christmas gifts,” Mae offered, “Miss Middleton and I. I’d love to send a few things back to the Broken J for everyone.”
“That’s very generous of you Mae. I’m sure your allowance will be sufficient if you’re careful.”
They ate their breakfast in silence for a while, only Mr. Carver pouring coffee for them interrupting the quiet.
“We’ll be having a dinner party next week,” Jemma finally commented, laying her silverware on the table along with her napkin. “If you’d like, you may invite Miss Middleton.”
Mae lifted her head surprised at the offer. “Thank you,” she replied simply.
A slight smile played across her aunt’s face. “We will be entertaining some very prominent people; having Miss Middleton in the mix will be a real feather in my cap.”
***
“Isn’t Reese the sweetest, agreeing to take us shopping?” Melissa looked up at her brother as they walked along the street. It was chilly and she held tightly to his arm, giving it a squeeze anytime the wind kicked up.
“It was very kind of you, Reese,” Mae agreed walking along on his other arm, and the shopping had been productive. “I’m so pleased with my purchases. I only need to find something for Sean.”
“I’m sure you’ll find just the right thing,” Melissa said. “Don’t you agree Reese?”
“Which one’s Sean?” her brother scowled back, somehow irritated by the mention of another man’s name from his sister’s friend.
“He’s my cousin,” Mae replied. “My father’s brother-in-law’s son,” she said carefully.
“You do realize that you have a ridiculously difficult family to keep track of don’t you?” Reese’s tone was grumpy.
“I’m sure Mae didn’t plan it that way,” Mel chimed in swatting his arm affectionately.
Mae laughed, “I don’t think anyone planned it that way,” she offered. “It seems to have somehow developed all on its own.” Her smile was bright when she looked up, infectious.
Mae James was so different from the women Reese was used to. She dressed beautifully, but did not seem to care about the clothing itself. She behaved appropriately, yet never once seemed to be conniving or out to get something, and aside from the occasional complaint about her aunt, he never heard her gossip.
She’d been good for his sister, that was for sure. Even now, the two were chatting as if they had known each other forever. Perhaps it was innocence he recognized in Mae; something he had almost forgotten existed. Even his little sister had cut her teeth on the machinations of Boston.
“Mae? Mae? Where are you going?” Melissa’s sharp words drew him from his thoughts.
“Reese, do something.” Mel shook his arm, pointing to where Mae was bustling across the street.
“What is she doing?” Reese barked, dropping his sister’s hand and stepping out into the busy street, dodging dray carts and buggies of all types.
He could barely make out Mae’s frantic voice on the far side of the street, over the clattering and clanging around him.
“Stop, stop now!” He heard Mae cry out as he stepped from behind a slow moving wagon.
“Turn loose a’ dat ‘orse missy or I’ll strop ya, I will,” a man’s angry snarl made Reese pick up the pace.
“I will not let go,” Mae’s voice was angry as she held determinately to the bridle of a boney carthorse. “This horse is lame and can’t go on.”
As if to prove her wrong, the man on the high seat of a black-topped cab laid his whip across the back of the animal, making it lurch forward and knocking Mae off balance.
Reese lunged to catch her, but when he thought she’d fall, she spun on her heel and hauled back on the reins.
The cabby raised his whip again, but Reese caught it on the downward swing, letting the lacing wrap around his arm and wrist then jerking it out of the driver’s hand.
“Make him stop, Reese,” Mae pleaded. “This horse is lame. It can’t keep going. Look.” She pointed at the horse’s swollen front leg.
“He’s just a little worn out’s, all,” the man called down, no longer trying to move the horse forward. “Aside’s it’s no business of yours or anyone else’s what I do with my property.”
“Mae, you can’t simply stop the man,” Reese reasoned.
“No ya can’t missy. I gots to make a living ya know. Man’s gotta earn ‘is daily bread.”
“This horse won’t make it through the day in this condition,” Mae said. “You won’t earn a penny without a horse to do the work for you.” Her eye blazed with a mixture of anger and compassion.
“You turn loose a’ my ‘orse now,” the driver said smugly, “an’ let me be on my way.”
Mae’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the bridle harder. “You can’t,” she said again, then stilled thinking. “I know!” her voice was excited. “I’ll buy the horse. That’s it! You sell me the horse.”
Reese watched as the driver’s eyes filled with greed. “How much?” he asked.
Mae reached out and took Reese’s hand startling him as she placed it on the bridle. “Hold the horse,” she said softly, then shook out her reticule and began digging through it.
“I’ve got twenty-five dollars and eighty-nine cents,” Mae finally called, holding up a few bills, with a smile.
The driver’s harsh laughter made Mae clutch the money to her chest.
“You expect me to take twenty-five dollars for my livelihood.” His voice turned angry again. “Get out of my way now, lady, or I swear I’ll lay this whip to yer hide.”
“Wait,” Reese’s voice was strong and full of authority as he stepped away from the horse, placing himself in front of Mae. “How much do you want for this nag?” he said, pulling his billfold from his breast pocket.
This time the driver seemed to be in less of a hurry to decide on a price, leaning back in his seat and scratching his chin. “Well, now let me see,” he mused. “I reckon a fine ‘orse like this, all trained up good an’ all ‘d be worth at least three hunert dollars.”
Reese flushed at the words. “I’ll give you two hundred dollars for the horse.” He gritted between clenched teeth, the anger clear in his handsome features now, “and if you don’t think that’s fair, I’ll throw in the thrashing you deserve.”
The driver blinked, seeing real anger in the younger man’s face. “I reckon the two hunert ‘ll do just fine young man,” he said hastily.
As Reese lifted the bills to the driver with a scowl, he heard the distinct sound of harness chains being unfastened.
“Hey, here now. What are you doing?” the driver called, dropping the reins and beginning to climb down from his seat.
“You’ve sold this horse to Mr. Middleton sir, so we are taking it with us,” Mae called over her shoulder as she unfastened the remaining harness straps.
“How am I supposed to get home, then,” the man grumbled. “I’ll bring the ‘orse along later.”
“No, I don’t think so,” Mae said calmly, leading the horse out of the shafts.
“You didn’t pay for that bridle an’ blinkers,” the belligerent man barked. “That’d be stealing. I’ll call the police.”
With a glare, Mae spun around, placed her hands on her hips and glared at the offending man. “Fine,” she growled and began to unwind the long blue sash from around her waist. Stomping to the horse’s head, she eased the large bridle over its ears, then tied the bright blue satin into a war hackamore around its nose.
Reese turned his back on the still whining cabby and took a step toward Mae.
“Reese, what on earth is going on here?” Melissa had finally made it across the street. She looked between her brother and her friend, who stood at the side of one of the most fashionable streets in Boston, holding on to one of the most pitiful horses she had ever seen.
“I seem to have acquired a new horse,” Reese answered seri
ously, his eyes steady on Mae where she stood running a hand over the nag, while still holding the end of the sash in the other.
Melissa smiled. “You’ll have to tell me all about it,” she laughed.
“I’ll tell you all about it,” a grumpy looking man said, approaching. “These two have snatched my livelihood right out from under my nose.”
Melissa Middleton sidled up to the rough looking man. “Do tell me all about it,” she said, pulling the man back toward his rig, listening intently to his complaint.
“Thank you, Reese. Thank you so much,” Mae’s voice bubbled as she raised up on tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll repay you, I promise.”
Reese lay his palm on the spot where Mae’s lips had brushed across his cheek as she turned back to the carthorse. Somehow, his face seemed both warm and cool all at once.
“And what has you looking all befuddled, dear brother?” Melissa said coyly, walking up and taking his arm.
“Hm?” Reese said, still watching Mae. The creak of wheels made him turn around in time to see the cab driver lifting the shafts of his conveyance and tugging it into traffic, cursing and shouting at the others on the road.
“It looks like your new friend is on his way,” Mel spoke up, a giggle in her voice.
“What did you do, Mel?” Reese groaned; it was always difficult to tell what his sister might do. She had a way of getting what she wanted.
“I simply explained to the man that if he wanted me to recommend him to my friends, friends who are known to be generous tippers, he might not want to cause any further trouble.”
“Clever, little sister, clever.” Reese agreed. “Now what are we to do with my new steed?”
Still arm in arm, the siblings walked toward Mae, where she stood stroking the horse’s nose and speaking softly to it.
The big boned horse stood quietly, its mottled red and white coat already shaggy from the late November weather. The creature had a dark chestnut head and ears, but its thick, if bony body, was nearly white.
