Ruth looked from Ethan to Naomi to Marta, as though trying to decide her next move. Marta spoke up. “Sit down, Miss Ruth, and I’ll bring you some coffee.”
“Oh, all right. Thank you.” Ruth settled herself next to Naomi and Ethan returned to his seat.
“Now then,” Ruth said. “Tell me what’s going on with your father.”
Naomi shook her head slowly. “I don’t understand him, Grandmother. I thought we’d reached a certain harmony, Papa and I, after Mama’s death. Next thing I knew, he was courting the Widow Callahan.”
“How old is she?”
“I don’t know for sure, but Frances is not much older than I. Papa had only been courting her a short while when he announced plans to marry. Before I had time to get used to the idea, the Widow Callahan and her four children had taken residence in our house.”
Ruth’s mouth opened in surprise. “Four? How old are they?”
“The boys are twelve-year-old twins. There’s one girl of six and a baby who just marked her first birthday.”
“A baby?” Ruth rested her cheek in her hand and sighed loudly. “If I live to be a hundred years old, I’ll never understand what your father was thinking. Although I have a good idea what he was thinking with.”
Naomi didn’t understand her grandmother’s reference but decided not to press for clarification.
“Your father seldom corresponded,” Ruth continued, “but when you sent word of his marriage, I pressed him for information. He wrote that you were happily helping your stepmother. But with four young children, I imagine it couldn’t have been as rosy a picture as he painted.”
Naomi dropped her chin. The truth threatened to dishonor her father, but lying to her grandmother was also a sin. “Papa seems quite happy.”
Ruth rolled her eyes. “Oh, I imagine he’s quite proud of himself for landing a young wife half his age. What burns me is how he treated you. You’re his only child, but instead of honoring that, he turned you into an unpaid governess, housekeeper, and nanny. Am I right?”
Her grandmother had perfectly described Naomi’s life in San Antonio, but Naomi couldn’t confirm her suspicions without casting her father in a poor light. She kept her eyes on the rough wooden table, searching for the least-damaging answer.
“Your silence is answer enough,” Ruth said. “What happened to the gentleman who was calling on you? You wrote nothing about him in your last letters.”
Naomi rolled her lips together as if the action could prohibit hurtful words from escaping. She’d enjoyed Lucas’s attentions and had written of her hoped-for future with him.
“Answer me,” her grandmother said, a note of impatience in her voice.
Naomi glanced at her grandmother’s face. The kindness in her eyes told Naomi her loving grandmother wanted to help, but the white line encircling her lips meant Grandmother’s patience was limited. “Frances told Mr. Simpson he was no longer welcome to call on me.”
“Hadn’t your father given his approval?”
“The Simpson family has several thriving businesses and Papa was sure Lucas could provide for me. But when I spoke to Papa, he said Frances only had my best interest at heart.”
Her grandmother slapped the table with both hands and shook her head. “Don’t you see, Naomi? If you’d married, your stepmother would no longer have you to do her work.”
Marta brought a cup and saucer full of aromatic black coffee and set it in front of Naomi’s grandmother. “Let me know if you’d like anything else.”
Ruth nodded and blew on the hot beverage. Then she propped one elbow on the table and rested her head on her fist. “Well, I suppose your father and his new wife both got what they wanted. He got a young bride to show off and she got someone to support her and her children.”
Naomi leaned toward her grandmother. “I tried to follow the advice in Romans, the verse about rejoicing in our suffering because doing so would produce endurance, character, and hope, but…I’m afraid I failed.”
Ruth took her granddaughter’s hand and gazed into her eyes. “You didn’t fail, Naomi. Adjusting to a change in circumstances is one thing, but your father took advantage of you. I know you’ve been taught to obey and respect your father, but he went too far this time.”
Naomi squeezed her grandmother’s hand and returned to eating. She’d resented her stepmother’s commands and her father’s dismissive attitude, but had thought it wrong to complain. Her grandmother, however, had seen the truth and defended her. “You can probably imagine how grateful I am for your invitation to visit.”
Ruth sipped her coffee and smiled. “I hope you can stay with me permanently. Your grandfather’s land still provides enough of an income for the two of us. But that’s a talk for another day. Let’s get your trunk and head home.” Ruth removed a few coins from her reticule and laid them on the table.
Naomi took her grandmother’s arm and walked out of the station. Loma Verde was a small ranching town with only a few buildings, but it could be just the place to make a new beginning.
* * *
Ethan watched the two women step through the doorway. Naomi Sullivan held her head as though she wore a crown. She didn’t simply walk, she glided like a swan. Such refinement meant she’d been schooled in the finer ways of living. Not to mention her clothing. A tiny blue hat with red feathers matched the traveling suit she wore, and her skirt was so full she must have at least three petticoats under there.
Ethan ran a hand over his face. The less he thought about Naomi Sullivan’s petticoats, the better.
There was no one like her in Loma Verde. The women of Loma Verde ate dust from dawn to dusk, working cattle alongside their husbands, or struggled in other ways to keep their families fed. Naomi was what his mother had described as a “tea party lady.” The women in Loma Verde, however, had no time to attend tea parties.
But he hoped she’d stay for Miss Ruth’s sake. Ruth had been alone for a long time, living in the ranch house her late husband had built. She’d been Ethan’s mother’s best friend and, since she was their closest neighbor, she’d been a frequent visitor. The Garretts and Fairchilds had run their cattle together, worked side-by-side, and endured lean years as partners. When first her husband, and then his parents, had been claimed by some mysterious fever that swept through Loma Verde like a Biblical plague, Ethan and Ruth had first grieved and then returned to the business of living.
Paloma reappeared at Ethan’s table, her hands behind her back and her dark eyes gleaming with merriment. “What are you up to now, little dove?”
The girl placed a small blue dish in front of him. “I helped make it,” she said with a wide smile.
Ethan examined the custard and its creamy golden sauce. “I don’t know,” he said with a dubious quirk to his brow. “Aren’t you too little to cook?”
Paloma’s dimples showed as her smile widened. “I’m not too little. Not anymore.” The girl’s gaze darted to someone at his back.
Ethan turned to see Paloma’s father. “How is everything, Vicente?”
Vicente shook Ethan’s hand and straddled the bench. “Good. Is Paloma bothering you?”
“Course not. Did Marta tell you I’d like to borrow a horse?”
“Already got a mare saddled and waiting for you out front.”
“Many thanks. You’ll have her back tomorrow.”
Vicente headed toward the kitchen and Ethan perched Paloma on his knee. “All right, let’s see just how awful this tastes.”
The girl giggled and rested against Ethan’s shoulder. He made all the requisite comments of enjoyment and disbelief as he spooned the custard with caramel sauce into his mouth. Then he paid for his meal, reclaimed his hat, and stepped into the afternoon sunshine. Maybe today would turn out well despite his horse going lame. The stagecoach had spared him a long walk into town, he’d had a fine meal, and Vicente’s loan meant he didn’t have to walk from town to his ranch. His good mood plummeted, however, when he looked across the street.
&nb
sp; Lieutenant Bret Anderson bowed over Naomi’s gloved hand, an unctuous smile peeking from beneath his well-trimmed blond mustache. Two other soldiers loaded a trunk onto the bed of Ruth’s wagon.
Naomi’s wide smile and pink cheeks told Ethan she enjoyed the officer’s attention. Ethan’s stomach clenched like a bear trap. Anderson was the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, and a naïve newcomer like Naomi would be easy prey. How could Ruth allow the young officer to make such advances?
Because Ruth didn’t know. Vicente had told Ethan about Anderson’s mistreatment of Marta’s younger sister, and it was a confidence Ethan would never tell. Naomi Sullivan was none of his business. If she wanted to play the coquette with every soldier from Fort Croghan, it didn’t concern him.
He had plenty of problems to keep him busy. No need to borrow some from Naomi Sullivan.
* * *
Naomi slowly withdrew her hand from Lieutenant Anderson’s grasp. “Thank you again for your kindness, Lieutenant.”
“It was nothing,” he said. “It gives me great pleasure to help such a fine lady.”
“Where are you from, Lieutenant?” her grandmother asked.
He clasped his hands behind his back and turned toward the older woman. “Virginia, ma’am. I am currently serving with the Second Dragoons at Fort Croghan.”
“Everyone in Loma Verde feels safer since your regiment arrived,” Ruth added. “Having the U.S. Army in our neighborhood is a definite asset.”
He gave a slight bow. “It heartens me to hear that. Now, dear ladies, I must beg your pardon. Duty calls. But may I have the honor of calling upon you?”
Naomi glanced at her grandmother, silently entreating her to encourage the lieutenant’s interest. He was so handsome, a real gentleman with lovely manners. How exciting to have such a man’s attentions.
“Of course, Lieutenant,” Ruth replied. “We’d be delighted to receive you.”
Naomi fought to contain herself as she watched the officer don his blue peaked cap, slip on his buff riding gloves, and mount his horse. Astride the black gelding, leading his men through town, he was like a medieval knight, sworn to protect the kingdom, swift in battle and confident in all things masculine.
Her grandmother patted her shoulder. “Careful, there.”
Naomi blinked. “What? Careful where?”
“You wouldn’t be the first young woman whose head was turned by a handsome man in a uniform.”
Naomi laughed. “Oh, Grandmother. I just met the man. I’d hardly say my head was turned.”
Ruth pursed her lips. “Mm-hmm. The sparkle in your eyes tells a different story.”
CHAPTER TWO
The following Sunday, Naomi joined her grandmother for services at the only church in town. When the last hymn had been sung, the congregants surrounded her, overwhelming her with questions.
Naomi did her best to answer truthfully and politely. Yes, she did think Loma Verde was a lovely place. No, she didn’t know how long she would stay. Yes, she’d love to help with the ladies’ service project.
When the last question had been asked and answered, Naomi climbed into her grandmother’s buggy and arranged her skirts. “I’ve never had so much attention from so many people.”
Ruth flicked the reins and the horse pulled to a slow start. “We don’t get many visitors. I’m glad you agreed to help with the service project. This time of year, we busy ourselves with making small gifts for the children in our congregation.”
“I can see why Mama spoke so lovingly of Loma Verde. She often told stories about growing up here.”
“Those were happy times,” Ruth said with a wistful tone. “The days were full of hard work, but having my family nearby was everything to me. When she was very small, your grandfather would tie your mother to me so she wouldn’t fall out of the saddle.” She looked toward the horizon, a wistful smile on her face.
Naomi slid her hand under her grandmother’s arm. They both missed her mother, but in very different ways.
Ruth turned her gaze back to Naomi and smiled. “It’s all right. When you’ve grieved as long as I have, it’s as if you’ve grown an extra bone. Sometimes, the bone lies dormant and you forget it’s there. Other times, it aches and needs a little attention.”
Several soldiers on horseback approached. One of the men shouted a command and the horsemen formed a single file, so that Ruth’s buggy could easily share the narrow road. As they passed, each soldier tugged on the brim of his hat, a way of showing respect to the ladies.
“They do look splendid,” Naomi remarked. “We seldom see uniformed soldiers in San Antonio.”
“Fort Croghan was established late last year. It was hard getting used to the U.S. Army, but most of the townspeople are glad they’re here.” Ruth looked at Naomi from the corner of her eye. “I’m surprised we haven’t had the pleasure of Lieutenant Anderson’s company yet. His interest in you seemed genuine.”
Naomi shifted in her seat. “Perhaps he’s very busy at Fort Croghan.”
“True enough. He certainly is a handsome man. Puts me in mind of your grandfather. He was tall and lean as well.”
Naomi’s cheeks warmed. She could still see how imposing Lieutenant Anderson had looked atop his mount, full of confidence and courageously fulfilling his duties. There was nothing quite like a man who could control a horse.
“I’ve often thought the life of an officer’s wife must be a difficult one,” her grandmother continued. “She must either travel with her husband from one post to another or stay behind, waiting for his return.”
“Many women do it.”
“That’s true, but it must take a special kind of woman. Whenever your grandfather had to go away, I pined something awful. It was like half of my soul was gone. Of course, all that sadness disappeared as soon as I saw his horse on the horizon.”
Seeing her husband’s horse on the horizon meant her grandmother had been watching for him. Naomi had never missed someone that much. “I’m sorry it’s been so hard for you, Grandmother.”
“Oh, don’t listen to me,” Ruth said with a shake of her head and a smile. “Grieving those we love is a small price to pay for years of happiness. I had a good man who loved and cared for me. Couldn’t wish anything better for you.” Ruth turned the buggy into the drive that led to her house. “Seems as though we have company.”
Naomi shaded her eyes with her hand. Was that Lieutenant Anderson’s horse? The animal wore a blue blanket with a gold stripe, a mark of the U.S. Army. As the buggy slowed to a stop in front of the house, Lieutenant Anderson stepped off the porch.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” He removed his hat and placed it beneath his left arm.
Naomi’s heart pounded in her chest. Lieutenant Anderson had called on her!
“Hello to you too,” Ruth said. “How nice of you to call.”
“I have the afternoon free from duties, so I took advantage of your kind invitation. May I help you down?”
“I need to put the horse away,” Ruth answered. “Naomi, will you entertain our caller in the meantime?”
Lieutenant Anderson gave a slight bow and offered his hand to Ruth. “You must allow me to see to your horse. After I unhitch him, do you want him in a stall or the corral?”
Ruth looped the reins over the brake handle and accepted the officer’s hand. “That is most gallant of you, sir. I’ve no need of him until tomorrow, so let him roam the pasture. I’ll get our Sunday dinner started. You’ll join us, of course.”
“It would be my greatest pleasure,” the lieutenant answered. He turned his smile toward Naomi and offered his hand.
Naomi scooted across the bench seat and slid her hand into his strong grasp. Was it her imagination or had he bowed over her hand? She stepped onto the porch and looked back. Lieutenant Anderson turned to take the horse’s harness. How beautifully he walked, his back straight and his shoulders squared, his head held high like a strutting rooster.
“Come inside!” her grandmother whispered.
“Don’t let him catch you watching.”
Naomi ducked her head and followed her grandmother. What if he’d seen her gaping at him like a besotted school girl? “I’ll help you in the kitchen,” she said, taking off her hat and gloves.
“No, no,” Ruth answered. “You stay here and visit. I’ll put everything on the table.”
Naomi hurried to her room to glance in the mirror. Satisfied her hair was adequately styled and her face was clean, she closed her eyes, counted to ten, and took several deep breaths. She needed to calm herself. If she didn’t, her voice would quiver and give away her nervousness.
Lieutenant Anderson stepped onto the porch. Naomi forced herself to walk slowly toward the front door. “Calm,” she whispered. “Confident. Composed.” She opened the door and smiled at her caller. “Please come in and make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee or do you prefer a glass of cold water?”
He removed his hat and gloves. “Please don’t trouble yourself, Miss Sullivan.”
Naomi reached for his things and placed them on a small table. Then, forcing herself to walk slowly and gracefully, she led him into the parlor. “Please be seated. Grandmother assures me she needs no help, so we have a few moments to visit.”
Lieutenant Anderson waited for Naomi to seat herself on the upholstered settee before taking the space next to her. “I would have called sooner, but my duties have kept me at the fort. There have been reports of increased threats from the bandits who bedevil the travelers on the San Antonio road.”
Naomi checked her posture. Back straight, legs angled away from him, and hands resting on her lap. “I was on that road just a few days ago. I would have felt much safer had I known the Army was patrolling.”
“I would have done whatever I could to keep you safe.”
Naomi smiled at the lieutenant. He’d slicked back his blond hair with some sort of pomade and his mustache appeared to be waxed. Had he taken so much trouble with his appearance because he’d planned to call on her? “Have you been in the Army long?”
“Oh, yes. One does not ascend to my rank without putting in time and work. I first saw action in ’46, fighting Mexicans along the Rio Grande. Now, my regiment is stationed at Fort Croghan in order to provide protection for settlers.”
Naomi's Choice Page 2
