No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Book #1): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  Chiding herself for even being attracted to such a man, she decided to turn down Emily’s covers and get ready for bed herself.

  The cool night air did little to clear Luke’s head as he lay in his bed staring up at the knotholes in the pine beams. He couldn’t get Crystal’s dark hair out of his mind. He wondered what it would be like to snuggle with her on a cold Colorado night, with her long hair unpinned and spread out on the pillow next to him. He mentally shook himself. She’d made it pretty clear that he was nothing more to her than any other cowpoke that had only a horse and a bedroll to call his own. She, on the other hand, was educated and had previously led a genteel way of life. Yep, all manners and charm. And yet there was something about her that made him want to be better, to prove he was basically a good person. Maybe it was because he knew she had a deep faith. Luke believed in God, but with Crystal it went beyond that.

  He tried to let his thoughts drift off to April, but try as he could, he could not imagine her asleep in the curve of his arm. All he could think about was Crystal’s sweet singing.

  After staying up half the night talking, the girls rose slowly and began preparing the morning’s breakfast before church. If Crystal had doubts before of Emily’s affections for Jube, they were soon dispelled. Emily had told him he could come courting, and now she asked Crystal if he could have the morning off to drive her home. Crystal readily agreed and teased Emily about the reverend tripping up over Jube’s boot heels.

  “He’s all yours now,” Emily said. Crystal shook her head, and suddenly they both burst into giggles. Last night they had vowed to push Reverend Alden in the direction of Widow Miller. They might make a perfect match.

  The men trooped in for breakfast. Crystal was quiet when Luke entered and took his place at the table with barely a glance her way. Crystal returned the favor, talking amicably with Rusty and the others but ignoring Luke.

  But this morning it didn’t matter, for Luke had decided this weekend they would move the cattle out. He was planning to put as much distance between himself and April as quickly as possible. He needed some time, and there was a lot to be done before Friday. He only wished that Crystal would not insist on tagging along. Not only would she be in the way, but she would be a constant reminder of who was in charge and owner of the ranch. Rusty had assured him that she was well informed of the dangers, and he had personally taught her to rope and stay astride a cutting horse.

  Luke grunted and poked at his food. At least she’d finally learned how to fry a decent egg and make a strong pot of coffee. He glanced up to find her brilliant green eyes boring into his for a moment before looking away.

  16

  Luke’s boot heels pounded loudly as he took the steps to the bunkhouse two at a time the following morning. He barked orders to anyone in earshot that today they would start moving the cattle up from summer pasture. It would probably take a few days to round up the cattle for the trail drive to Denver.

  Fiercely yanking his rope off the wall hook, Luke startled Jube, who was already packing his bedroll. Luke was riled, so the punchers had better give him a wide berth today.

  Kurt appeared with Curly right on his heels to get specific orders. “Rusty’s waiting out by the corral with the horses. Miss Crystal is packing us some grub,” Luke said, reaching above his bed for his coat.

  Without another word, Luke headed back outside, and the drovers followed him to where the horses were saddled and waiting. Rusty and Crystal were talking, and she handed Rusty a muslin sack that he strapped on the side of his horse.

  “I’ll be fine, Rusty. It’ll give me time to get squared away here before the drive,” Crystal was saying. “There are the cows to milk, the chickens to feed, and the wash to keep me busy.”

  At the very thought of her going along on the trail drive, Luke clenched his jaw but said very little and did not acknowledge her presence. He strode over to where Buck was hitched and in one fluid movement was astride his broad back. With a sideways glance he saw her slight frame standing rather forlornly as she halfheartedly raised her hand in farewell to the boys as they disappeared in a cloud of dust.

  Crystal watched him until his red shirt became a dot in the distance, then swallowed the lump in her throat and turned back to the house to do her morning chores.

  Managing to keep busy all day was not a problem. She was certainly learning that running a ranch and all that it entailed was no small feat. It was a never-ending job, but she relished the challenge, rarely finding herself idle for too long.

  Crystal had plans to spruce up the much-neglected cabin with new curtains for the kitchen. She had been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately and was in sore need of work space and a few more cupboards. She would ask Rusty about who would be skilled enough to build something suitable. While her aunt had the bare necessities, Kate had not been one to decorate for the pure pleasure of it. This would give Crystal something to do during the winter months, since everyone around her had stressed just how cold and confining they would become. She intended to have a flower garden planted by the time spring rolled around. These thoughts occupied her mind as she washed the laundry on the rubboard and carried it out to the clothesline.

  The wind had kicked up, making it difficult to pin the sheets on the clothesline, and they whipped back into her face. The air was a bit cooler today even though the sun was out. The laundry would be dry in no time. Good, she thought. Tomorrow she would write up a list of things needed for her first trail drive. Rusty had already told her to pack only what was necessary and could be carried on horseback.

  Her hands were numb from the cold and wet clothes. She quickly hung the clothes and scurried back inside to heat up the coffee to chase the chill away. She had just finished cleaning the kitchen when she heard the dogs start to yap. Walking to the front porch, Crystal saw Josh approaching the walk with his usual grin, and he swept his hat off in greeting when he saw her.

  “Afternoon, Miss Crystal,” he said as he gazed up at her.

  As the wind blew softly against her calico dress, her thick hair escaped its pins. Crystal reached up to smooth her hair back and wiped her hands on her apron. Gads! She must look a fright. She had hardly been expecting anyone. “Josh, do come in.”

  “No thanks,” he said, propping a boot heel up on the top step. “I’m on my way over to the Johnsons, but I wanted to stop by here first to ask if you’d like to ride with me to town. We could have an early dinner at the hotel, and I’d have you back before it got too late. What do you say?” His smile split his face with such warmth that Crystal couldn’t think of any reason to refuse.

  “All right. I’m alone tonight anyway, and I was probably going to heat up leftovers. It beats sitting here alone tonight.” As soon as she said it, she regretted it. A frown replaced his smile. “I’m sorry, Josh, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

  He shrugged and placed his hat back on his thick hair. “I understand. I’ll be back for you in a couple of hours. Till then.” He tipped his hat, mounted his horse, and spurred it into a brisk trot down the drive.

  Crystal stood watching him leave. She knew that she should be tickled that he invited her out. At least she would be getting away from this lonely place for a while, but she was not sure she wanted to encourage him in that way. He was a kind and attractive person, and somehow she knew that despite the fact he was April’s brother, he was a man to be trusted, the salt of the earth. Well, it’s only dinner, she thought. It would be nice to be treated as someone special, and Josh had a way of doing that. Good thing she had pressed her blue serge and white blouse. The jacket would be just the thing for this evening’s chill.

  Crystal sat across the table from Josh and laughed about his latest escape from the family’s prized bull. She could hardly believe that she had had doubts about this evening.

  The hotel boasted the finest accommodations that Steamboat had to offer, and the management spared no expense in its decor to make it so. Heavy rich brocade drapes of hunter green
covered the windows that ran from floor to ceiling, and the tables were covered in white linen, lending a perfect complement to the scene.

  As Josh reached to refill her water glass, Crystal noticed the wide expanse of his hand, tanned a golden brown. He had changed to a dark suit with a black string bow tie and a stiff white shirt that looked like it could stand on its own. As she lifted her glass, Josh’s fingers brushed the back of her hand. Looking up, she saw his warm brown eyes smiling into hers. She felt her face turn pink, and she quickly looked away—right into the face of April, who was walking toward them with her parents right behind her.

  Crystal blotted her mouth delicately with her linen napkin and shifted in her chair. She managed to say, “Hello, April.”

  “Hello, Josh.” April ignored Crystal’s greeting and leaned over to give his neck a squeeze. “Thought you’d be here feeding your face, but you should have told us. We would have waited for you.” She shook a finger at him.

  Josh smiled back at his sister and chuckled. “You know me, Sis. I love to dine with a beautiful and interesting woman. I’m just lucky to have the pleasure of Crystal’s company tonight.”

  Crystal felt her face flush again. Alice and Jim McBride paused at their table to exchange greetings.

  Alice smiled warmly at Crystal. “Crystal, you must come by some afternoon for a visit.”

  “That would be nice,” Crystal agreed, recognizing the sincerity of the offer.

  Jim stood by and puffed on his cigar. “By all means. Crystal and I may have some business to discuss,” he said with a shrewd look.

  “If you mean the ranch, Mr. McBride, I’ve already told you that I plan on keeping Aunt Kate’s ranch for now. The selling of Aspengold is not up for discussion.” Crystal’s voice was steady and firm as she held McBride’s eyes.

  Alice sniffed. Her eyes darted around the room, and she looked uncomfortable.

  “Humph. You may have little choice in the matter,” McBride said. “But we’ll leave that discussion for a later time, perhaps?” He bowed slightly and steered Alice in the direction of their table. Alice cast a feeble smile over her shoulder in Crystal’s direction.

  April finally turned to look at Crystal. “Well, you’ll not be able to tangle with Daddy. Maybe you’d be better off giving in. The sooner you do, the quicker you can go back to Georgia, before you lose that famous peaches-and-cream complexion. Looks to me like the sun has already taken its toll.”

  “April, I’d like to salvage what’s left of our meal, if you don’t mind,” Josh interrupted with clenched teeth. April seemed to know she wasn’t welcome, which made her all the more contrary.

  “I won’t be going back,” Crystal said calmly, but her heart was hammering against her chest. Why did April make her feel this way? “At least not for a while. I’m beginning to like it here. It’s such a challenge for me, and I have made some good friends in such a short time.”

  “Excuse me,” April said abruptly. “They’re waiting for me.” She threw Crystal a sharp look, tossed her golden curls, and sashayed in the direction of her table.

  Crystal gave a sigh of relief, and Josh apologized for his family’s interruption.

  “Crystal, you have more manners in your little finger than April has in her entire frame.” Josh’s voice held obvious pride.

  His comment warmed her heart. “Shall we have some coffee?” she asked. She wanted to forget the encounter, but inside she was boiling. How dare she talk to me like that? If she thinks I’m some simpleton, she has rocks where her brains should be.

  Crystal needed to work on her temper where April was concerned. Lord, please control my mind and tongue. I’ve already forgotten my promise to You. Her hands shook as she placed the cup before Josh, but if he noticed, he said nothing.

  Later that evening after Josh left, Crystal changed into her nightgown and dragged her rocker close to the fire, watching the flames dance around its burning logs. The fire, along with a cup of coffee to warm her after the ride back from town, was just what she needed on a chilly night. She was beginning to enjoy this ritual that she had started shortly after Kate’s death.

  After the day’s chores were completed, she loved to curl up with a good book or her father’s Bible, but today her mind was swirling with the confrontation with April. She read the same passage of Matthew three times before giving up. Gripping the coffee cup tightly, Crystal wondered if she was mad because April was just a disagreeable human being or because she belonged to Luke. It wouldn’t be long before April would be his wife, in his embrace, and—oh, it was too unbearable to think about . . .

  17

  Since Luke was the trail boss, he had positioned Crystal with Curly on flank. Their job was to keep control of the moving cattle and chase back any strays. Kurt and Rusty were placed on drag, the worst position to hold because of the dust and the lamed or orphaned yearlings. Jube rode point with another hired cowboy to open the trail for the cattle. Luke scouted ahead for pasture and water. A young man named Slim was the wrangler. His job was to drive the remuda and have fresh mounts available to the drovers on night guard.

  By the end of the first day of the trail drive, every bone and muscle screamed out for relief in Crystal’s small body. Rusty told her that he calculated that they had covered ten miles across the valley today. She was too tired to stand up when Sourdough, the cookie, heaped beans and biscuits onto her tin plate. With his toothless grin, Sourdough urged her to sit down and brought her a cup of hot coffee. Gratefully she did as she was told. She found a clump of rocks and steadied her plate on her knees and watched the cookie at work.

  Rusty had told her when they hired him that Sourdough had gotten his nickname years ago because he made the best sourdough biscuits on the trail. He was always the first man to rise in the morning. Not only did he drive and pack his chuck wagon, he cooked three hot meals a day and doctored cuts and sometimes stitched a tear in a drover’s shirt. His last chore of the evening was to point the chuck wagon in the direction of the North Star in order to let the trail boss know the direction for the morning.

  Sourdough had been surprised that a beautiful young girl would even consider a trail drive, much less know how to drive the dogies and ride from sunup to sundown alongside the other cowboys with nary a complaint. Crystal knew that the cowboys admired her for her determination. If he expected her to comment on his cooking, though, he would be disappointed. She was too tired to eat and picked at her food.

  Kurt sat down cross-legged next to her. “You doin’all right, Miss Crystal?”

  He pushed his hat back off his forehead so he could look at her. She noticed Luke watching from his place in the grub line.

  “I don’t know if I have ever been this tired in my life,” she answered. She choked down a forkful of beans. “But a hot bath would be a dream come true.”

  “Know what you mean. Maybe when we make it to Denver you can have one and sleep in a real bed.”

  Curly strode over with his plate and squatted down on one leg. Between bites he told her that he was right proud of how she handled her horse. “You really kept right up there with us.” His face shone with approval.

  “I had a very good teacher.” Crystal smiled at Rusty. She knew Rusty felt proud that she had done as well as she had the first day. He tipped his hat to her in thanks.

  “Better get Sourdough to give you something for that sunburned face,” Luke commented. “Or else you’ll be hurting tomorrow.”

  Crystal looked over at him in surprise. That was about the first time he’d said anything to her the entire day. Since he was riding lead with the chuck wagon, she had not seen much of him. When they stopped for lunch he had avoided her, but she felt his eyes on her. No matter. She was too tired to even think about him at all.

  One of the new hired hands started collecting plates for the cook and reached to take hers. She murmured her thanks. Sourdough was always the last to take a plate, making sure everyone else was served first.

  The red ball of fire wa
s fast slipping behind the majestic mountains, and the now-crackling fire was a warm welcome. One of the cowpokes pulled out his harmonica and began to play. Some sat around talking in low voices, and others began to pull out bedrolls. Kurt struck up a conversation with a drover from Texas who sat rolling a cigarette. Others, like Crystal, slumped in sheer exhaustion. Luke assigned three of the boys to take the first watch, three more at midnight, then three others after that.

  “Miss Crystal, looks like you’d better turn in for the night. I’ll get your bedroll and a quilt,” Curly said.

  “I appreciate your help, Curly. But without a pocket watch, how will the boys know when to relieve the first watch?”

  “Well now, they just look up at the Big Dipper, and it’ll tell them exactly what time it is.” He pulled her to the edge of the camp, pointed to the sky, and told her to look for the North Star. “The Big Dipper rotates around the North Star, so when the North Star is right below the Big Dipper, we know that it’s ten p.m. When it gets right above the dipper, it’s midnight, and just a little above the ladle part, it’s two a.m., and so on.” They gazed up into the magnificent expanse of black sky dotted with twinkling stars.

  “Yessiree, God had it all figured out, even for a fool.” Curly continued to stare at the stars. In the western sky, clouds were moving in.

  “I never knew all that . . . but it’s so very simple isn’t it? Simple, just like the truth of God.” Her voice was reverent and hushed. “Guess I’ll turn in now. Dawn will seem just a blink away.”

  “Yes, ma’am. It shore will.”

  Luke loved sleeping out under the stars. The sky was incredibly beautiful dotted with twinkling stars. He had overheard Crystal’s comments about God, but he wasn’t certain what she meant. He was a little curious. He knew in his heart there was a God out there somewhere like those stars high above, maybe watching. But that was as far as it went. Something about her made him feel like he was not good enough for her. What was it? Her education? He couldn’t put his finger on it. She certainly never made him feel inferior. Except the night that he had come from the McBrides’. Crystal’s disapproval had been very evident. He had let his feelings for her take over and wanted to kiss her. What an oaf . . . and him an engaged man. No wonder she was disgusted with him. She had more respect for April than he did.