With Autumn's Return (Westward Winds Book #3): A Novel

by Amanda Cabot

  “I thought you might enjoy some company on your walk. May I come along?”

  Trying to mask her surprise, Elizabeth nodded. “Certainly.” Though she and Jason spent at least a few minutes together each day that Elizabeth had office hours, he’d never accompanied her home. Why today? She couldn’t point to anything specific, but Jason had seemed different ever since the Chadwicks’ party. Perhaps he had heard the rumor that Oscar Miller planned to court her, and his visits were designed to protect her from unwanted advances. Elizabeth did not believe there was any truth to the rumors. Surely no man would pursue a woman who had called him repulsive. Besides, she had seen the way Oscar’s gaze followed Tabitha Chadwick. If she were inclined to bet, Elizabeth would wager that Oscar harbored tender feelings for his employer’s wife.

  Dismissing thoughts of Oscar and Tabitha, Elizabeth smiled at Jason. He crooked his arm and waited until she placed her hand on it, then returned her smile. “Which way shall we go?”

  Elizabeth looked north. “I usually take 17th over to Ferguson.”

  “Then let’s go another direction. It’s not much farther to head down 16th. Besides, it’s a nice day for a stroll with a beautiful woman.”

  Elizabeth could feel her face flushing. Though she’d never thought Jason was given to flattery, he was mistaken in calling her beautiful. She wasn’t. Far from it. She looked across the street, pretending to focus on a mother who was trying to corral two rambunctious children, while she waited for her cheeks to cool.

  “What’s the matter, Elizabeth? Hasn’t anyone told you you’re beautiful?”

  She turned back to Jason and shook her head. “Charlotte’s the beautiful one.” Both Mama and Papa had said that. Each of their daughters, they claimed, had her own talents. Charlotte was beautiful and a gifted seamstress. Abigail was adventuresome and a wonderful teacher. Elizabeth was kindhearted and a skilled healer. She knew better than to delude herself about any claim to beauty.

  “There I beg to differ. I never met your sister, but I saw her one day when she was inspecting your office. She’s pretty enough, and Barrett certainly seemed besotted with her, but she can’t hold a candle to you.”

  The flush deepened. “You’re making me uncomfortable,” Elizabeth admitted. Although there was something reassuring about Jason’s compliments. Unlike Oscar Miller’s leering and crude innuendos, Jason’s words seemed sincere. Unfortunately, they also reminded her of what she’d forsaken when she’d decided to study medicine. “I’m a doctor,” she said firmly.

  “But you’re also a woman.”

  Though she couldn’t deny that, this was one conversation Elizabeth did not want to continue. It sounded almost like the prelude to courtship, and while she knew that couldn’t be the case, for she was the last person Jason would consider wooing, Elizabeth did not like the feeling those thoughts aroused.

  “It seemed as if you had more clients than normal today.” This was safer ground.

  “I’ve been busy the last few days,” he agreed.

  “I’m happy for you. I wish I could say the same thing, but I haven’t had any new patients all week.” Not only that, but two women had missed their scheduled appointments.

  Jason’s glance slid from hers, but not before Elizabeth noticed his discomfort. “That’ll change,” he said, his words at odds with his expression. “I imagine medical needs are similar to legal problems: cyclical. I can never predict whether I’ll be busy or not. Now, tell me,” he said, “what you think of your first autumn in Wyoming.”

  The forced gaiety in Jason’s voice told Elizabeth he was as uncomfortable discussing her practice as she was talking about love and marriage. If they did not find a neutral subject, it would be a long, silent walk—very different from the easy camaraderie they usually shared.

  As they crossed Capitol Avenue, Elizabeth pointed at the building that dominated the northwest corner. Three stories tall, with arched windows and a wrought-iron railing on the balcony over the main entrance, it was an impressive sight. Surely it would be a noncontroversial topic of discussion.

  “The InterOcean’s a beautiful hotel,” she said. “Charlotte mentioned that the owner is a former slave.”

  Jason nodded, his expression once more relaxed. “That’s right. Barney Ford. He’s turned it into the city’s finest hotel. I’ve been told that all the traveling dignitaries stay there, even Sarah Bernhardt.” Jason smiled as he looked down at Elizabeth, and she knew he’d welcomed her change of subject. “It’s a shame you didn’t arrive in Cheyenne in time to see her performance in Fédora. Even I, who don’t speak a word of French, can’t forget the way Miss Bernhardt portrayed that poor, doomed princess.”

  Though Elizabeth had heard of the actress’s skill and knew that she’d been in Cheyenne in early June, just a few weeks before Calamity Jane had visited the city, she was unfamiliar with the plot of Fédora and told Jason so. “All I know is that Sarah Bernhardt entranced audiences from New York to Cheyenne when she played that role.”

  “I’ll tell you the whole story some other time. The plot is complicated and some critics call it melodramatic, but that didn’t stop anyone from enjoying it.” Jason tipped his head back toward the hotel that they’d just passed. “Have you eaten at the InterOcean?”

  Elizabeth shook her head.

  “We’ll have to remedy that. The dining room is excellent. When it opened, guests were offered a choice of twenty entrees and more than fifty kinds of desserts.” Jason shrugged. “There’s a smaller selection now, but everything is delicious. I don’t eat there very often, especially since you and I discovered Mr. Ellis’s cakes, but whenever I go, I enjoy it.” The earlier constraint had vanished as quickly as morning dew under an August sky. Jason gave Elizabeth a smile that warmed her all the way to her toes. “Have I convinced you? Will you be my guest for dinner at the InterOcean next week?”

  She nodded, surprised at how much the prospect pleased her. “I’d like that.” She wouldn’t tell Jason that this would be the first time she’d dined with a man in a public place. That might make him feel awkward, and that was not her intent. Undoubtedly he’d invited her because he found dining alone boring. Perhaps she could return the favor.

  “I hate to think of you always eating alone. I wish I could invite you to stay for supper tonight, but I’m not sure Gwen has enough food for an extra person. Perhaps another time?”

  The sparkle in Jason’s eyes confirmed that Elizabeth had been right in her assumption that he was lonely. “I don’t want to impose.”

  “It’s no imposition. Gwen likes to cook, and even more, she loves having people appreciate her food. I’ll see if she can be ready tomorrow.”

  An hour later, with the meal complete and Harrison back in his own apartment, Elizabeth asked Gwen about inviting Jason for supper the next day. Rose was playing quietly in the corner of the parlor while Elizabeth and Gwen enjoyed one last cup of coffee at the dining room table.

  Gwen’s eyes lit, and she nodded enthusiastically. “He’s perfect for you, you know.”

  Though she was tempted to protest, Elizabeth knew the futility of it. “I won’t deny that I enjoy Jason’s company,” she admitted, “but we’re simply friends. I’m not ready for marriage, and Jason . . .” Elizabeth paused, searching for the right words. While she wanted to discourage Gwen’s speculation, she did not want to reveal the details of Jason’s childhood. She settled for saying, “Jason’s not interested in a woman like me.”

  A knowing smile greeted her words. “You can say that if you like, but I know romance when I see it. I was right about Charlotte and Barrett, and I know I’m right about you and Jason.” Gwen started humming Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.”

  Realizing there was nothing to be gained by arguing, Elizabeth decided to turn the tables. After draining her cup, she looked at her friend. “What about you and Harrison?” Elizabeth had seen the glances the two gave each other when they thought no one was watching. Gwen looked as if the sun rose and set on Harrison, an
d he appeared equally smitten with her. Though neither one had mentioned the word love, it shone from their eyes.

  “Harrison is the most wonderful man I’ve met since Mike died. He’s warm and caring and he’s even managed to win Rose over.” A deep sigh accompanied Gwen’s admission. “The problem is, he sees me as just a friend. I don’t know what to do.”

  Jason was whistling as he walked toward the livery. Though he’d considered taking the carriage, he’d decided to ride today. It would be faster, and he knew he’d enjoy the time on horseback.

  His whistling became more melodic as he reflected on the past few days. This courtship business was easier and more pleasant than he’d expected. For three days now, he’d walked home with Elizabeth. Each day they took a different route, even though that meant traversing a greater distance. Elizabeth didn’t seem to mind, and Jason most definitely did not, for each day he learned something new about her.

  Something about walking seemed to loosen her tongue. Or perhaps it was only the invigorating fall air. Whatever the reason, Elizabeth seemed more open and—dare he say it?—happier. Jason was happier too, for according to Richard, the ugly rumors Oscar had tried to spread appeared to have died, and at least so far, no one had begun speculating on the reason Jason was spending more time with Elizabeth. That would change once they’d dined at the InterOcean. In the meantime, he would enjoy learning more about Cheyenne’s newest physician.

  The day he’d told her the story of Fédora’s tragic ending, Jason had seen Elizabeth’s lips droop into a frown, and he’d realized that she was more sentimental than she might admit. Supper with Gwen, Rose, and Harrison had revealed a different facet to Elizabeth. Watching the gentle way she talked to Rose and the affectionate gestures she gave the little girl told Jason that whether or not she would admit it to herself, Elizabeth loved children, and not just as a doctor, a friend, or even an aunt. There was something distinctly maternal about the way she watched Rose, and—to Jason’s surprise—seeing her tenderness toward the child touched something deep inside him. Perhaps a husband and children weren’t as far from Elizabeth’s mind as she claimed.

  He took a deep breath as he headed out of the city, reveling in the fresh air and the open spaces. Though tumbleweeds danced across the prairie, causing his horse to shy when one came too close, Jason’s grin only grew. For him there was nothing as beautiful as the vast expanse of Wyoming. It was no wonder men like Kevin Granger stayed, even though tragedy might have sent him back East. Farming in a settled area would have been easier than raising sheep in Wyoming, particularly with the increasing hostility between the cattle ranchers and sheep men, but Kevin had told Jason he was determined to raise his daughters here, on the land he and his beloved Ruby had chosen.

  That was why Jason was on horseback today. He’d finished drafting the will, all except for the name of the guardian, and though he could have waited for Kevin to return to his office, he’d decided to save the man a trip into town. But the more important reason for his ride was to view the land Kevin treasured.

  Jason tugged the reins when he saw wagon ruts leading to the left. Although no sign marked the entrance, he was certain this was the Granger ranch, Kevin and Ruby’s special place. Jason looked around as he approached the farmhouse. To his eyes, there was nothing distinctive about the land. It looked like the rest of the prairie he’d traversed. And yet Kevin claimed there was no place on Earth more beautiful.

  The small house was pleasant. Only one story high, perhaps in deference to the strong winds that swept across the land most of the year, it appeared to have two additions to the rear. The chimney on one suggested it was a kitchen, while Jason suspected that the other provided expanded sleeping quarters. A family with three children needed more space than the original building afforded.

  Hitching his horse to the railing, Jason admired the porch that lined the front of the house. Though not deep, it held two full-sized rocking chairs and three smaller ones. A pang of regret stabbed Jason when he realized that one of those rockers would remain empty, for he could not imagine Kevin sitting there with his daughters, accompanied by their housekeeper.

  Jason gave the front door a brisk knock. “Mr. Granger. Kevin. It’s Jason Nordling,” he called when there was no answer.

  A few seconds later, heavy footsteps followed by softer ones announced the approach of Kevin and at least one of his daughters. “Come in.” Kevin swung the door open and ushered Jason into his house. As Jason had surmised, one of the girls stood at her father’s side, her eyes wide with curiosity. Jason tried to mask his own curiosity at Kevin’s attire. Though the man wore his normal work pants and shirt, he had a ruffled apron tied around his middle.

  Kevin shrugged, as if he’d noticed the direction of Jason’s glance. “As you can see, I’m fixing dinner for the girls and me. There’s plenty if you’d care to join us.”

  Though Jason hadn’t intended to do more than deliver the will, his stomach growled, reminding him that it had been hours since he’d eaten. “Something smells delicious.”

  Kevin led the way through the front room, which apparently doubled as parlor and dining room, to the kitchen where a pot, redolent with some kind of spices, was simmering. Jason’s stomach grumbled again. Judging from the aroma, the stew promised to be as good as Gwen’s, and the smell of baking bread caused his mouth to water.

  “You look surprised.” Kevin offered a crooked grin as he introduced his daughters to Jason. Rachel, the one who’d accompanied Kevin to the door, appeared shy, but her older sister Rebecca greeted Jason solemnly, while baby Ruby banged a wooden spoon against the tray of her high chair. All three girls shared their father’s dark brown hair and brown eyes, and Jason suspected they’d inherited their snub noses from their mother.

  “Actually, I am surprised,” he admitted. “I thought you had a housekeeper.”

  Kevin shrugged. “I did, but it turned out that three young girls were too much for her. They put up a big fuss every time I left, crying to beat the band. The housekeeper got so frazzled she left, and the next two didn’t last a week. That’s why we’re muddling along by ourselves now.” When Jason raised an eyebrow, wondering how a rancher managed to work with three children nearby, Kevin continued. “They stay in the corral while I’m working close in. When I have to go any distance, I take the wagon instead of riding, and they sit in the back. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than worrying about what’s happening when I’m gone.”

  Jason couldn’t help wondering what his life would have been like if his father had done something similar. The times the reverend had let Jason accompany him had been special, but they’d also been rare.

  “I think you made the right decision,” he told the rancher. Then, not wanting to continue that discussion, he sniffed appreciatively and asked Kevin who had taught him to cook. “I never learned how,” Jason admitted. “Both my father and the housekeeper claimed it was women’s work.”

  Kevin shrugged as he pulled four plates from one of the open shelves, directing the two older girls to carry only one at a time. The baby gurgled contentedly from her perch in the high chair. “Work is work. When Ruby and I were first married, before the babies arrived, we used to do most things together. She’d help me with the sheep, and I’d lend a hand around the house. Cooking and cleaning go a lot faster when there are two of you.”

  Jason had never thought of it that way. There had never been any suggestion that he or his father would assist Mrs. Moran with chores like cooking and cleaning. Jason had helped in the stable, mucking out stalls and grooming the horse, but Mrs. Moran had milked the cow, gathered the eggs, and done all the household work.

  “The way you and Ruby worked together sounds a bit like a partnership.”

  Kevin nodded. “That’s the way we figured it. It was a mighty fine way to live, because it gave us more time together. Of course, it’s not so good when one of the partners is gone.” Sorrow filled his eyes as he gestured toward the stove. “I keep remembering how we
used to cook together. Ruby taught me everything I know about cooking, and I taught her how to shear a sheep.”

  Jason tried to picture Elizabeth shearing a sheep. Although the image of what her first attempts would be like was amusing, he suspected that if she set her mind to it, she would become a proficient shearer.

  “Was Ruby good at it?” he asked.

  Kevin shrugged. “Not really, but that didn’t stop her from trying. I know she tried just so we could be together. That made it special, even if the sheep got a few more nicks than they should have.” He stared out the window. “You probably don’t think much of this place. It probably looks like an ordinary ranch to you, but this is the place where Ruby and I lived and loved. That makes it beautiful to me.”

  “Don’t you find it painful, being here without her?” Jason regretted his words the instant they were spoken. What kind of a man was he, reminding another of his loss?

  “It is,” Kevin admitted, “but don’t get me wrong. Even though Ruby and I had a lot less time together than we’d expected, I wouldn’t have traded what we had for anything. She was one special lady.”

  Like Elizabeth.

  16

  Gwen.”

  She turned, so startled by the sound of his voice that her knife slipped, gouging the cake she’d been frosting. Her heart pounding, Gwen stared at Harrison. “What’s wrong?” Normally she would have heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs or the door opening, but somehow she’d been so preoccupied that she had been unaware of his approach. Harrison stood just inside the kitchen door, a perplexed expression on his face.

  He shook his head, perhaps at Gwen’s question, perhaps at the mess she’d made of their dessert. “You certainly know how to take a man down a peg. Do you think the only reason I come here is to eat or carry bad tidings?”

  Though she hadn’t expected it, his blue eyes reflected something that could have been pain. “I didn’t mean to insult you.” Far from that. The hours Gwen spent with Harrison were the highlight of her days. Usually her time with him was limited to meals, but today for some reason, Harrison was here barely an hour after noon.