Violet sensed Jeff was uncomfortable with his arm linked with hers, but he didn't attempt to remove it. Neither did she.
"Why didn't I ever see this before?" Jeff asked. "It's not like I didn't know."
Because he was too busy hating. Violet thought he knew that. Her saying it wouldn't help.
"It doesn't matter now. It only matters that you see it at last. As soon as you let her know, you'll both feel better."
Jeff laughed. She thought she could detect some true mirth in the sound. "No, she'll be sure I'm up to something."
"Then you'll feel better," Violet said. "That has to be worth something."
They walked a little distance in silence. The huge yards of the houses of the rich were dark and silent, grass and trees irrigated with water stolen from the South Platte River struggling to disguise the barrenness of the prairie, which only too recently was home to buffalo and pronghorn antelope. The needles of an ambitions young pine extended over a low wrought-iron fence to brush Violet's shoulder as she walked by. The freezing ground crunched softly under her feet.
They were within sight of the school Their walk would soon be over.
Violet was no longer aware of the cold, just that Jeff walked next to her, his arm still linked with hers, but still widely separated from her in every other way. Even this sharing only served to make her aware of how much kept them apart, still kept him from being close to anyone, even his family.
"I don't think you have to worry she won't believe you. You may say things you shouldn't, but when they need you, like tonight, you're always there, doing anything you can, putting all differences aside."
"That's not enough," Jeff said. "They've done that and more for me."
"There's nothing stopping you from doing more."
"Yes, there is. I'm just as much of a son-of-a-bitch as my father."
That was said with such anger, Violet almost stopped, but Jeff pulled her along with him as they turned into the walk from the road to the school. The familiar buildings reared up out of the night, their outlines clearly delineated against the moonlight flooded mountains in the distance.
"I hope you're not too cold," he said, all confidences apparently at an end. "Next time I insist I hire a carriage."
"I've enjoyed the walk," Violet said. "You're the one who is freezing." She started to withdraw her arm from Jeff's so she could return his coat. He wouldn't let her until they reached the dormitory. Then he withdrew his arm, took her by the shoulders, and turned her toward him.
"I don't know why you waste your time on me. I've said worse things about you than Fern."
"I don't--"
"But I'm grateful you have. I may never get the courage to say this again, so don't interrupt me. I don't know what it is about you that seems different from any woman I've ever met. I've spent hours thinking about it, and I still can't figure it out. I've even started to dream about you."
Violet felt the warmth of pleasure surge through her. She had waited so long to hear something more than the most basic compliments from Jeff. His words were like balm to her soul.
"Has anybody ever told you how lovely you are? You probably think your hair is your most stunning asset, but it's your eyes. They're such a deep blue they're almost violet. Is that how you got your name?"
Violet nodded.
"They do make a stunning contrast with your hair. But all of you is beautiful, from the trimness of your figure to the softness of your skin."
He removed his glove and took her cheek in the palm of his hand. She leaned against his hand, aware of the warmth, the strength, the roughness of his skin. She couldn't tell him, she wouldn't tell him, of the thoughts that had passed through her mind or filled her dreams for the last weeks. Neither would she tell him his compliments seemed tame to her tortured senses, that she longed for more.
"I know I've said some pretty terrible things about your being a Yankee. But I don't feel that way any more. You have an understanding, a feeling of caring about you that seems to make a lot of other things unimportant. I never felt this way about a woman before. I never thought I would like it so much."
Violet nearly melted as his lips found hers in a long, sensual kiss. This was no mere brushing of the lips, nor a harsh kiss wrung out of him against his will. This was the kiss of a man who liked what he was doing and was doing it very well.
His hand had moved to the back of her neck where it cradled her head, holding her mouth to his. His lips felt full and warm. They captured hers, covering them, moistening them. Shivers raced from one end of Violet to the other when he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. It felt so forbidden, so wonderful. His tongue tickled the corner of her mouth then forced her lips apart as it invaded her mouth.
"Has no one ever kissed you like this?" Jeff asked, his face so close his breath warmed her cheeks.
"No," she answered, her voice so unsteady it was a whisper.
"You should be kissed like this until every part of you sings with desire."
Apparently he wasn't aware of it, but her chorus of desire had been hitting high notes for some time now. Another few minutes like this, and it was going to go completely off the scale.
Violet knew she ought to go inside, but she couldn't summon the will to move. His tongue snaked between her lips, and she found herself opening to him. His tongue brushed her teeth, teased her gums. She shivered with desire when he took her lower lip between his teeth and gently pulled it inside his mouth. When his hand slid down her back and pressed her body against his, she thought she would melt into a puddle at his feet. She barely felt able to stand on her own, the strength slowly draining from her body.
She tried to concentrate on his lips as he placed kisses on her eyelids. She tried to think of the power of his grasp as he held her close. But every other sensation was singed into nothingness by the blazing heat of his groin where it pressed against her abdomen. Jeff's feeling for her was just as strong as hers for him.
"If you're going to keep that up for much longer, I suggest you come inside."
Harvey McKee's voice coming from behind her caused Violet to start so violently she bumped her forehead against Jeff's. Heat rose in her cheeks. She turned to find Harvey framed in the doorway by light from inside the parlor.
"I was just about to come in," Violet said, quickly handing Jeff his coat.
"I was saying goodnight," Jeff said.
"Don't let me stop you," Harvey said.
Violet thought Jeff sounded nearly as shocked as she did. He would find it impossible to let anyone know his feelings. They were such a closely guarded secret she sometimes wondered if Jeff knew himself.
"Why are you here?" Violet asked.
"I've got some news for you."
"I must go," Violet said, turning to Jeff. "Tell Madison not to leave Fern alone until the doctor gets here."
"I will. Good night, and thanks for helping." He turned and walked slowly away.
"It doesn't look like you took my warning seriously," Harvey said as he followed Violet into the parlor.
"I warned myself about Jeff Randolph long before you did," Violet said, irritated. "I have no intention of letting a little kiss cause me to do anything foolish."
"That was more than a little kiss."
"Then let's say it will have little consequence," Violet said. "Now, what news do you have about my mine?" She could tell he didn't want to change the subject, but she was determined. She wasn't going to discuss her feelings about Jeff with anybody, least of all Harvey McKee.
"We've had an offer to sell."
"No," Violet said. "I want the mine. I won't accept anything else."
* * * * *
"Close that window and come to bed, Betty Sue," a sleepy voice complained. "You'll never be able to get up in time for breakfast. Miss Goodwin will be angry."
"I don't think she'll care," Betty Sue replied.
"Sure, she will. She's a stickler for the rules."
But not when they apply to herself Betty Su
e thought as she watched Jeff walk down the flagstone walk. The bitch had just exchanged one rich man for another. Wait until she told her mama.
Chapter Twenty
Monty Randolph was waiting the first time Violet took Aurelia and Juliette to their Aunt Fern's for the weekend. "You're officially relieved of responsibility," he said with a disarming smile. "They figure I'm good enough for babysitting."
"We're not babies," Aurelia said.
"I know," Monty said, making a face. "You were sweet little darlings back then."
"Miss Goodwin thinks we're sweet now."
Monty laughed. "Miss Goodwin is paid not to say what she really thinks. Rose is expecting you up at the house for tea and gossip." Monty made another face at the twins, and they giggled. "I'm not sure it's better than being saddled with these two." He scooped them up, one under each arm, and headed toward the barn accompanied by squeals of laughter.
Violet smiled. Miss Settle would be horrified, but the twins loved it. She started toward the house, glad to have most of the day to herself. She was relieved when she found Rose alone with Fern.
As soon as Violet had been seated and handed a cup of hot tea, Rose turned to Fern. "Have you seen Jeff since then?"
"No," Fern answered. "I think all that work has finally caused his mind to snap."
"I don't think that's the problem," Rose said, her brow creased in thought, "but something is definitely wrong. He's never done anything like this."
"Like what?" Violet asked, afraid to let them see how anxious she was. "Has he been hurt?"
"No," Fern said. "He marched in here three mornings ago -- at 6:30 mind you! He woke Madison and me out of a sound sleep and proceeded to apologize for all the things he's said about me ever since I married Madison. Then he starting listing my virtues until I hardly recognized myself. Madison swore he was drunk."
"George is worried about him," Rose said to Violet. "He did much the same thing with me. If I hadn't been sitting down, I think I would have fallen. I've never been reluctant to tell Jeff what I thought, but by the time he got through, I was regretting half of what I had said."
"We were hoping you might know what set him off," Fern said to Violet. "We're all at a loss."
"No," Violet said, gazing into her teacup once more. "I have no idea."
"Jeff never apologizes," Rose said. "He'll probably turn up in a few days and have forgotten all about it."
"I don't think so," Fern said. "He was even nice to the boys. The boys! He usually can't stand them for more than five minutes."
"I think something did happen," Rose said, "something so profound it has finally broken the hold of his self absorption with his arm and the war." She looked at Violet.
"But what could it have been?" Fern asked.
"I don't know," Rose answered, "but I think he'll do something totally unexpected soon."
"Like what?" Fern asked.
"I have no idea." But Rose continued to study Violet as though she expected her to provide the explanation.
"How are plans progressing for the rodeo?" Violet asked. She had to get them talking about something else. Jeff had apologized and he seemed to mean it. Now Rose was waiting for him to do something unexpected.
Like fall in love with a Yankee woman!
Jeff had kissed her like he never wanted to stop. Violet had thought of little else these last three days. She had moved through her duties like a ghost. Even the children knew something was bothering her. She wanting to see him so badly she almost had to bite her tongue to keep from asking about him.
But the sensible part of her brain kept reminding her Jeff had never said anything about a future relationship. He might stand kissing her half the night, but he had been a bachelor too long to give up his freedom without a lot of foot-dragging. Violet had enjoyed the kisses as much as Jeff, but she wasn't about to drag any man to the altar.
She knew what it meant to take care of a man. The promise of future independence, a future of worrying about no one but herself, was too tempting to ignore. Jeff, Harvey McKee, or any other man was going to have to do more than hand out a few kisses or invitations to dinner.
Violet pulled her galloping thoughts up short. All this was fruitless speculation. She'd better pay attention to what Rose was saying. The rodeo was coming up soon, and she wanted to know how Fern was getting along. She didn't look any better. Violet hoped things wouldn't get worse before Dr. Ulmstead arrived.
"Monty has done a wonderful job," Rose was saying. "Wait until you see what he has planned. We've already sent for William Henry and Elizabeth. They ought to be here tomorrow."
The brother and sister who never got into trouble. Violet wasn't sure that was a good idea.
"I had a terrible time convincing Monty not to send for Hen," Fern said. "Then, just as I had talked him out of it, he gets a telegram. Would you believe Laurel is pregnant again!" She laughed then turned to Violet. "Maybe we should ask your doctor to build his clinic in Denver. At the rate we're going, he won't need any other patients."
"Is Hen coming?" Violet asked.
"Not until spring," Fern answered.
"Good. You don't need Adam and Jordy stirring up your boys," Rose said.
"You think Monty is wild by himself," Fern said to Violet. "Get him together with Hen, and Laurel and Iris might as well not exist. Besides, Hen doesn't like Iris very much."
"Jeff changed his mind," Rose reminded her sister-in-law. "Maybe Hen will, too."
"Not both in one year," Fern said, holding her heart in mock shock. "I don't think I could stand it."
Both women laughed.
"I'm sorry we've spent so much time gossiping about family," Rose apologized to Violet. "It can't be much fun for you."
"I enjoy hearing about your family," Violet said. "I don't have a family."
Rose reached over and gave Violet's hand a squeeze. "Neither did we. That's why it's so nice to be part of a large family now. None of us completely gets over our losses. But when we get together, it's difficult to think of anything but Randolphs."
"Most of them will be at the rodeo," Fern said. "It'll almost be like a gathering of the clan."
Violet wondered if Jeff would be there. The entire school was going, even Miss Settle.
The door opened, and George and Madison entered the room. Madison went straight to his wife, searched her face. "How are you doing?" he asked, worry in his voice.
"I'm fine," Fern said. "I feel better having someone to talk to."
"Don't tire yourself. Dr. Ulmstead said you were to stay in bed until he got here."
"I might as well be in bed. I don't do anything but walk from one chair to the next."
Madison continued to fuss over his wife.
George greeted Violet.
"How are the girls doing?" Rose asked as George pulled a chair up next to his wife. "Is Monty ready to send them back to the school yet?"
George chuckled. "He was doing fine until Iris showed up ready to ride. At that point, he forgot about the twins. They went off with the boys and one of the grooms."
"Iris refuses to remain inside," Rose explained. "She's determined to ride."
"I'm glad I'm not part of that confrontation," Fern said. She gripped her husband's hand as he settled down next to her. "I just hope the sparks don't set the hay on fire."
"I don't know how those two stand it," Rose said. "I think they actually like fighting with each other."
"Of course they do," Madison said. "Have you ever known Monty when he wasn't fighting with somebody?"
"You can't believe how quiet the house was after he moved to Wyoming," Rose said. "It took me several months to get used to it."
"But there was a great deal more work to be done," George said in Monty's defense. "Whatever you say about Monty, he can do more work than anybody I know."
"And get into more trouble," Fern added.
"Zac holds that title," Rose said.
"Zac?" Violet questioned. She hadn't heard about him.
&n
bsp; "He's the black sheep in a family of black sheep," Madison told her. "He's taking his floating crap game all over the West. Sometimes I think he's more like Pa and any of us."
Before anyone could launch into a list of Zac's iniquities, the door opened and Monty and Iris entered the room.
"You can't treat me like a baby, Monty Randolph," Iris was saying. "I'm barely two months pregnant. I can go riding for at least a month yet."
"You put your bottom in a saddle, and I'll lock you in your room."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'll climb out the window."
Monty ground his teeth. "You tell her, Rose."
"If you'll remember, I drove a wagon the day I delivered the twins," Rose said.
"Because Fern was in trouble."
"She did it with Elizabeth, too," George said. "You'll get no help from that quarter."
Monty turned to Fern, but Madison shook his head. "If Fern weren't feeling so rotten, she'd be itching to race you across the next hillside. It's all I can do to keep her from putting on her guns and that hideous vest she used to wear."
"It wasn't hideous," Fern protested.
"There," Iris said. "Now have a cup of tea and sit down."
Monty made a face. "I'm tempted to ask Madison for some of his brandy."
"It won't do any good," Madison said. "She'll be just as cantankerous after you've finished."
"You two stop arguing and tell us about the rodeo."
That invitation wrought an immediate change in Monty's mood. He launched into a detailed description of all the plans. Violet welcomed the description, hoping it would keep her mind off Jeff, but it didn't work. Monty reminded her too strongly of the man who was rapidly becoming an obsession with her.
Monty was full of energy. It spilled from him like water tumbling over rocks. He talked and laughed and moved constantly. He was like an inexhaustible center of activity too vibrant to keep still.
Jeff had that same energy, that same intensity, but it was dark, smoldering, angry, tightly contained. It almost never laughed. It drove him to work harder and harder, to distance himself from people. Monty seemed to find fun in everything he did, even fighting with his wife. Jeff never seemed to have any fun. Not even his work gave him pleasure.
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