May wanted to say something that would be of comfort to the woman, but there wasn’t much she could admit to. It was the price Genevieve would pay for insisting on finding a husband out West, and a husband who was sufficiently wealthy enough for her expensive tastes.
The only question was what kind of life would Genevieve have here. Because she had accurately assessed the fact that this was the type of situation May would excel in, but not one Genevieve would get used to easily—if at all.
Chapter 3
Harvey ran a hand through his hair as he walked back toward the house. It had been two weeks since Genevieve had arrived—two very long weeks—and Harvey was close to losing his patience with the woman. Granted, she did wonderfully at the small gatherings he had thrown for traveling businessmen and some of his business connections in town, but those times were limited to a few nights. The rest of the time she was just…difficult.
He cringed at his harsh assessment of the woman and yet he couldn't get past the fact that it was true. She didn't like being outdoors, she didn’t like horses, she didn’t like being confided indoors either, but she didn’t even like going into the garden. It was as if nothing truly satisfied her—except for doing nothing.
When he stepped onto to porch he made his way around to the kitchen door. He was ashamed to admit he was hiding from Genevieve, but he wasn’t in a mood to see her yet. Then again, it was so early she was probably sill in bed.
As he went to open the door it opened before him revealing May. “Oh my,” she said, flushing instantly and taking a step back.
Ever since their first meeting at the train station he hadn’t had a moment with May when Genevieve wasn’t around. May acted differently when her mistress was near—but that made perfect sense to Harvey. Genevieve had a controlling personality that came out in full force over her maid.
“I’m sorry,” he said, stepping back to allow her outside. “Were you headed somewhere?”
“Um, yes, I was—um, I…” she continued to blush and wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I was promised a riding lesson by one of the hands.”
Her shyness intrigued him. It was the polar opposite of Genevieve’s overly flirtatious nature—something Harvey couldn’t stand—and it was refreshing.
“You want to ride?”
“Oh yes,” she said, gaining confidence. “I’ve always dreamed of riding a horse.”
His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Then let me take you.”
“What?”
“I was going to ride down to the river later today anyway and now is as good a time as any.”
“Oh I couldn’t.” Her light brown eyes widened in surprise.
“It’s an easy ride,” he assured her. “I promise no harm will come to you.”
A faint smile came over her face and he found himself drawn to the look of happiness that was typically absent from her. It was alluring.
“Well, if you wouldn’t mind…” she trailed off.
“Not at all. Shall we?” He led the way toward the barn, his heart beating fast in his chest. This was potentially a bad idea, thinking of the fact that it should be Genevieve he was spending time with, but when she didn’t want to do anything he wanted to do, how was he supposed to spend time with her?
Besides, he could count this as work in a way since he needed to check on the land near the river. Yes, this would be considered work despite the fact that a pretty woman was accompanying him.
***
May sat atop a horse for the first time and it was the most incredible, amazing feeling. She felt tall and in control. Harvey had shown her how to saddle the horse, bridle it, and then how to direct the animal in the small paddock near the barn before they’d set off for the river.
He rode ahead of her now but he often checked back to make sure she was doing all right. His kindness and care warmed her from the inside out but it worried her as well. She had no place feeling as she did when he was around. It was combination of nerves, pleasure, and anxiety. The nerves and pleasure were due to his handsome features and confident mannerisms, but the anxiety was from the fact that she knew he would soon propose to Genevieve.
She knew it was coming—Genevieve wouldn’t stop talking about how she hoped he would ask—but something inside of May rebelled at the thought.
The path they were on opened up to an open area that ran down to meet the riverbank. It was beautiful, lush, and green. Like a paradise.
“I love it here,” she whispered, more to herself than Harvey but he caught her words.
“It’s one of my favorite places on the ranch. It’s like a paradise oasis.”
“I was just thinking that very thing.”
He grinned and slid down, coming over to help her as well. His hands on her waist sent heat to her face and she tried not to look up at him immediately. Her blushing would give him the wrong idea—or the right one.
He turned away though, as if needing the distance himself, and they led their horses to the river to drink.
“Tell me,” he asked, keeping his gaze toward the slowly moving river, “How did you start working for Genevieve. If you don’t mind me asking.”
She shrugged. “When my mother died, my father raised my sister and I in New York. He worked hard while I took care of my younger sister. We both got jobs at young ages but when our father died it was…harder. My sister got married several years ago but by then I’d started working for Genevieve and, well, I didn’t have an alternative.”
May’s stomach clenched. The fact that she was a maid never more present than this moment. What was she doing here?
“I'm sorry.” His gentle words drew her attention. “That would be hard…to not have any other option.”
She saw genuine sorrow on his face, but she felt foolish for having said anything. This man, with all of this wealth and large ranch couldn’t know what she’d faced. And there was no way he would care about her struggles, and yet she read understanding on his features. That made it almost worse.
“It is what it is,” she said dismissively, reaching up to stroke her horses neck.
He was silent and she risked a glance at him. His eyes searched her features, as if trying to understand her. She felt self-conscious under his scrutiny but then, as if he’d realized what he was doing, he took a step back.
“I suppose we should get back, Genevieve will worry.”
May wanted to laugh and say that Genevieve probably had no idea either of them was gone, but she wouldn’t malign her in front of her Harvey.
“I suppose we should.”
He held her gaze for a moment longer and she felt the warmth of it before he turned to help her back on her horse.
The moment was gone, but his gaze lingered in her mind. What did Harvey think about her?
Chapter 4
Harvey led their way back to the ranch intentionally trying to lighten the mood. He told her more about the ranch and even shared a few anecdotes he’d told Genevieve. May’s reaction was like night and day though—she laughed and acted as if she was genuinely enjoying herself. Such a stark contrast to how Genevieve tolerated his stories.
The barns came into view and he felt the weight weighing heavier in his chest at the thought of their ride ending. Then again, he had a visit from Max Dean to prepare for and he needed to make sure that everything was perfect for his visit if he were to close the deal between them. Landing a deal with the rodeo tycoon would be the perfect merger and he had a feeling Genevieve could be a type of lynchpin for the whole thing.
Once they’d handed off their horses to the hands at the barn they walked up to the house. Upon entering, this time through the front door, they found Genevieve in the sitting room surrounded by pillows with a book in her hand and a look of scrutiny on her face.
“What have you two been up to?” She asked as if they were keeping a secret from her.
“We went on a ride,” he said.
“I see.” Genevieve looked back down at her book, making a show of marking her pla
ce. “So happy you two could have a good time.”
He felt a stab of guilt. Should he feel bad for taking May? Then again, Genevieve wouldn’t have wanted to go. But did that mean he shouldn’t have gone at all?
“It was just a quick ride. You know how I’ve been wanting to go,” May said, sticking up for him in a gentle way.
“I’m sure.” Genevieve shot a glance at May then turned an assessing gaze back to Harvey. “I hope you enjoyed it.”
Panic threatened him. Did she think that there was something going on between he and May? The thought that Genevieve could leave him struck fear in him. Would she leave before Max came? Then he felt guilt for thinking about her only with respect to the deal he could potentially strike. Eli would berate him for his thoughts he was sure.
“I was hoping we could take a stroll tonight after dinner. Would you be up for that Genevieve?” He forced a smile. “Just you and I and the warm evening breeze,” he added.
As if she transformed before him, becoming a new person, her narrowed eyes winded and she took on a coy look. “I would love that, darling.” She batted her lashes.
He inclined his head. “Good. I must get back to my duties. Good day, ladies,” he said, leaving the room as quickly as possible.
The feeling of dread still weighed heavily on him. Genevieve was hard to please and even harder to understand. He’d wait until after Max’s visit then reassess his feelings for the woman. It was awful to think that, but at the moment he didn’t have the capacity for anything more than that. If only he could make it that long.
***
May felt the intensity of Genevieve’s stare. “Have a good ride, May?”
She swallowed, choosing her words carefully. “Yes Miss, it was lovely. You should try riding, you may enjoy it.”
“I think I’ll leave that to you,” Genevieve said. Her tone was ice.
“Is there anything I can get for you?”
When Genevieve didn’t answer May looked up to find her gaze resting pointedly on May.
“Tell me, May, just how it is that you ended up riding with my fiancé this morning? Did you invite yourself along? Make a point to be available? Beg him to take you?”
The venom in Genevieve’s words stung like a viper’s attack, though May didn’t overlook the fact that she’d also called Harvey her fiancé even though they both knew he hadn’t asked yet.
She hurried to reply. “No, miss, nothing like that.” May felt flustered and tried to keep her thoughts straight. “I was going to the barns to meet up with one of the hands who had offered to teach me. I ran into Har—um, Mr. Jenkins, and he offered to take me. He was going on a ride anyway.”
“I don’t know that I like you going on private rides with Harvey.” She pointed out May’s near slipup by calling Harvey by his first name. “From now on you will refrain from being anywhere with him without me. Do you understand?”
May felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. It was as if Genevieve was accusing her of something she hadn’t done. Something improper!
“Miss, please don’t think that—”
“Have I made myself clear?” Genevieve interrupted.
“Yes, miss,” she said, bowing her head.
“Good. You may go.”
May left the room and hurried outside—her only sanctuary. She rushed to the shade of the garden and sunk down onto a bench near a small, man-made pond. The cool breeze fanned her warm face and she took deep breaths to calm herself down.
She’d done nothing wrong by going on the ride with Harvey. So why did she feel so guilty?
Running a hand over her face she realized that she may not have done anything wrong, but her thoughts betrayed her. She noticed how handsome Harvey was. She craved his attention. His kind words replayed over and over in her mind. She sunk her head into her hands, elbows resting on her knees and she prayed. Prayed that the Lord would take her feelings for Harvey away. That he would make a way for her to see him for who he was—her mistresses intended.
But as she tried to think of him like that the only image that came to her was the look of concern on his face at the river’s edge. The way he’d made her laugh on their ride back. His easygoing nature when Genevieve wasn’t around.
He was a different person when she wasn’t near, and that fact was the worst of all. If May were honest, he would say that she liked the Harvey without Genevieve much better than the Harvey with.
And yet she had no place to even notice these things, let alone point them out to him. Just the thought had her fumbling in anxiety and embarrassment, her face heating at the mere idea.
No, she would do as Genevieve asked and stay away from Harvey when at all possible. She would let their affections blossom and, when they were married, maybe she would set off on her own adventure.
Chapter 5
When Harvey introduced Max Dean May immediately knew he was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. He didn’t appear arrogant or self-seeking, just confident and bold. Harvey explained that Max ran a series of rodeos throughout the state of Texas and she quickly made the connection between the prize bulls and cattle that Henry raised and Max’s rodeo.
“How do you feel about horseback riding, May?” Max asked with good-natured humor behind his eyes. They were sitting in the sitting room enjoying a substantial tea service spread out before them, though Max had insisted on coffee.
“I love it,” May responded, her smile showing how much she loved the activity.
Harvey had invited her to join them though she knew the moment he asked that Genevieve would not be pleased. As the conversation had progressed Max seemed to want to include her almost more than he did Genevieve. Like now, his attention was focused on her.
“I figured as much. You seem like the type of woman who could appreciate a good horseback riding adventure. He let out one of his booming laughs and she couldn't help but laugh with him.
“You’ve got me pegged sir,” she said, smiling. When her gaze passed Genevieve’s her smile slipped. Her mistress was not happy with her congenial attitude toward the older man.
But what was she supposed to do? Act like a sourpuss like Genevieve was? May turned her gaze to her teacup resting in her hands.
“Harvey, you’ve got to take us on a tour of your property. I dare say Miss May and I would rather enjoy it.”
May’s cheeks heated at his attention. He clearly had taken a likening to her while Genevieve’s aloof nature—as well as her opposition to anything that pertained to ranch life—had become apparent to the outdoorsy man almost immediately.
Genevieve stood, setting her teacup down unceremoniously. “I’ve a heading coming on, do excuse me.”
May rose as well. “I can attend to you, miss,” she offered.
“Don’t,” was Genevieve’s sharp reply. Then she forced a smile and turned back to her. “I’ll be fine. Enjoy your horseback ride.” The way she said horseback made it sound like a curse word. Then she was gone.
Max whistled low and said, “She’s a real piece of work.”
Harvey cleared his throat and May’s gaze flew to him. He looked uncomfortable and she immediately wanted to ease the tension in the room.
“So, Mr. Dean—”
“I insist you call me Max.”
“Max,” she added with a smile, “What do you look for in cattle for your rodeos?”
Max’s eyebrows rose and he turned to Harvey. “She’s a smart one—asks good questions.” Then turning back to her he explained his process and what he was looking for. Harvey eventually joined in the conversation, looking much more at ease with the topic than he was Genevieve’s behavior.
Eventually they decided to take a ride but Max insisted that May come along. She thought of what Genevieve had said about spending time with Harvey but, seeing as how Max would be with them and he wouldn’t take no for an answer, she agreed.
They rode out to the top of a ridge overlooking a valley where the cattle were grazing and May asked questions of Max the wh
ole time. Apparently her questions were astute and Max beamed at everything she spoke.
On the way back she rode ahead to take advantage of the beautiful sunset view. Soon, Max made his way up next to her.
“You, my dear, are a delight.”
She blushed under his praise. “You’re just saying that Mr. Dean—um, Max.”
He grinned. “If you ever want a job on a rodeo ranch you just tell me. I’d hire a smart, pretty lady like you any day. My Martha would love you. You remind me a lot of her actually.”
“She sounds like a wonderful woman.”
“Oh, she is,” Max said, his gaze taking in the golden hues of the sun dipping below the mountains. “Strong and confident and has never met a horse she doesn’t like. The thing I admire about her most though is her companionship.”
He nodded once to her and then hung back to talk with Harvey again. His words lingered in her thoughts though. She wanted to marry a man who would say the same things about her. That he would enjoy her companionship.
She thought of the ride to the river with Harvey and flushed. Just because they’d had a wonderful time together didn’t mean anything—he was going to marry Genevieve and she had to remember that.
***
The days of Max’s visit flew by. They were either out on the range looking into specific stock or spending time talking logistics. Then there was the fact that Max seemed more interested in offering May a job on his ranch than he was signing a deal with Harvey.
Harvey laughed, just thinking about it. Max had taken to May and avoided Genevieve like she had the plague. Harvey’s plans had completely backfired on that account…and yet he couldn’t blame Max. Genevieve spent most days in the sitting room or complaining about something. She didn’t seem to like the ranch life one bit and could have done without seeing one horse for the rest of her life—or so she’d muttered at one point during a walk through the gardens one evening.
[2016] A Wanting Bride Page 2
