Amelia's Marriage

by Agnes Alexander

  “Juanita told me Jed and his partner have been wonderful neighbors. She’s seen Amelia and says our daughter is happy with her husband and loves being a ranch wife.”

  “So you’ll take the word of a Mexican peasant over my opinion of the situation?” He was becoming angry.

  She took a small bite of pie and sipped her coffee before answering. “Yes. Especially when she’s right and you’re wrong.”

  “Be reasonable, Elizabeth. Amelia has to come to her senses sometime. When she does, she and Vince will be married and…”

  “My daughter will never marry Vince Callahan.” She raised her head and looked him directly in the eyes. “I’ll see to it my daddy’s will excludes Vince Callahan from ever owning an inch of this ranch.”

  “I’m stunned. Why wouldn’t you want…”

  “Vince isn’t the man you think he is. Not only is he a cheat and a liar, he’s a murderer.”

  “You’re wrong. He’s—”

  “I don’t want to hear any more of your praises about your saint Vince tonight. You’ll know how wrong you are when you see him hanged for his crime. I want to see the look on your face when you finally have to face the truth about the man.” Elizabeth pushed her pie away and stood. “I will be sleeping in the guest room tonight, Rafe. Please don’t disturb me.”

  “I’ll be damned. You’ll do no such thing.” He shoved his chair backward and stood.

  “What are you going to do? Force your way into the room?” She dropped her napkin and walked toward the door.

  Rafe caught her at the end of the long polished table. “You’re acting like a fool, Elizabeth. You’re my wife and you’ll not leave my bedroom.”

  “I will not share a bed with a man who is trying to force my daughter to marry a murderer.”

  Rafe was too shocked at her determined look to say anything. He needed time to decide how to stop her from running off to visit Amelia, though there was no doubt in his mind she intended to do just that. Thinking it was best to let her go to the room, he dropped his grip on her arm and watched her march out of the dining room and up the steps. He’d give her a little while to settle down, then he’d take her a glass of wine to settle her nerves. Elizabeth sometimes liked a glass of wine before she went to sleep.

  Chapter 16

  “I’m a little tired, are you?” Amelia asked as she stretched out in Jed’s arms. Feeling his nearness, a thrill ran down her spine. She wasn’t sure why, but this had been happening a lot lately. Seems every time he touched her it gave her a thrill. She was going to have to watch these emotions. Jed would be out of her life when their arrangement was up and she didn’t want to start caring too much for the man.

  “I’m a little tired, too, but we got a lot done today.”

  “Yes. I think it’s going to work out well with Juanita and Miguel here. They’re happy with their rooms. Especially Miguel. He thought it was wonderful to have his own room and not have to sleep in a loft over the kitchen.”

  “Our kitchen doesn’t have a loft.”

  She nudged him gently. “Of course it doesn’t. I was only making a statement.”

  “Speaking of statements, let me make one. The two of you cooked a good supper tonight.”

  “Thank you, but I think you’re saying that because you want to change the subject.”

  “That could be a true statement.”

  She felt his warm breath on the side of her face. “Whatever, you sure ate like you enjoyed the supper anyway.”

  He hugged her close to him. “I’m a big man. I have to eat a lot.”

  Amelia couldn’t help herself. She began running her fingers through the dark hair on his chest and tracing some of the scars. He’d never told her what caused them and she couldn’t help wondering about them sometimes. She was also wondering if her nearness meant anything more to him than a release of his manly needs. She had to get such things off her mind and changed the subject. “May I ask you something, Jed?”

  “Sure.”

  “I thought Indians didn’t have much hair on their bodies, but you have a thick beard and have to shave every morning. Then there’s all this hair on your chest. How did it happen?”

  He laughed out loud. “You ask some of the weirdest questions sometimes, but if you must know, I inherited my coloring from my mother. I suppose you can blame my hairy Scottish father for my body hair.”

  “Tell me about your parents, Jed.”

  “Not much to tell. My father was a trapper. He had a good relationship with the Indian tribes in the area and visited their camps often. My mother was a Lakota Indian maiden, but she’d been injured in a raid by the soldiers and had a deep scar on her face and was blind in one eye. It didn’t matter to my father. The minute he met her he thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I thought she was, too.”

  “Both of them must have been good looking to have a handsome son like you.”

  He chuckled. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

  “Are they still living?’

  “No. They’re both dead.”

  “What happened to them, Jed?”

  “My mother died when I was nine. My dad couldn’t stand being around the Indian camp without her, so we went to live with his friend in Colorado. Though I loved it, Dad didn’t take to ranch life and went back to the mountains to pursue his trapping. He was killed in a fight with a bear a few months later.”

  “Did you grow up in Colorado?”

  “No. After his death, I was shipped off to live with my dad’s sister in Kansas. She was a nice lady, but I wasn’t very well accepted by her friends and their children. She decided I might fit in better if I had an education, so she sent me to a school in the east. Though it surprises people when this half-breed can read and write, it didn’t make a lot of difference with Aunt Prudence’s friends. It wasn’t long after graduating that I gave up the idea of living in Kansas. I came back to my mother’s people and stayed there for a while.”

  “Is your aunt still living?”

  “Yes. I write to her every few months. She threatens to visit me when I settle down, so I haven’t told her I bought a ranch, but I’ll tell her one of these days.” He pulled her closer to him. “Enough of my life story.”

  “But it’s not all. You haven’t told me about getting married or becoming a Marshall or where all your scars came from or—”

  “Some other time. Right now I want to do something else and to do it I’m going to rid you of this fancy gown your friends gave you.” His hand was pushing her nightgown off her shoulders. “I’m glad you told them I’d like their thoughtful gift because I do, but it just gets in the way sometimes.”

  She knew exactly what he was talking about, but she asked anyway. “Why does it get in your way, Jed?”

  “It slows me down in what I plan to do.”

  “What do you plan to do?”

  “Do I have to explain it to you?” He began kissing her forehead and moved to her ear.

  She giggled and nibbled his chin. “How about showing me instead of explaining?”

  Jed moved over her as his mouth captured hers. “I’d be happy to show you, Ma’am.”

  In seconds she was oblivious to anything except the feel of Jed’s hands on her body and his tenderness as he claimed her as his own once again.

  * * * *

  Delores turned as Rafe came into the kitchen. “Good morning, sir.”

  “Good morning, Delores. Mrs. Donahue is sleeping in late this morning. I’ll be having breakfast alone then I’m going into Settlers Ridge to take care of some business.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll bring your breakfast right in.”

  “Please don’t disturb Mrs. Donahue for a while. She was rather upset when we went to bed and needs her rest.” Rafe didn’t want the maid waking Elizabeth up too soon. He knew his wife would probably still be in a mad snit and go running off to see Amelia.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Rafe turned back into the dining room. Pulling out his chair at the head of t
he table, he sat down. If Delores knew anything about Elizabeth’s plan to visit Amelia, she certainly is keeping it well hidden. Personally, I don’t think the woman is capable of hiding her feelings. If she suspected anything, she’d show it. I’m not worried that Elizabeth will be able to get away before I come back from town.

  He twisted his mouth into a sneer. As I’ve always known, women are easy to fool. Our faithful housekeeper is a simple Mexican peasant. There’s no problem there, and even with her fancy Eastern education, my wife is no match for me. I’m still in control of what happens on this ranch and I intend to stay in control.

  He straightened and gave Delores a slight smile as she set a plate filled with fluffy eggs, a slice of ham, and fried potatoes in front of him. She followed it with steaming coffee, freshly baked biscuits and an assortment of jellies.

  “Thank you, Delores. It looks good.” He began to eat.

  “I hope you enjoy it, Sir.” She left the room before he could speak again.

  After Rafe finished eating, he pushed back his plate and headed to the barn. As he entered, Richard came out of the tack room.

  “Can I saddle your horse for you, Mr. Donahue?”

  “I can saddle it myself, Richard. I’m sure you have work to do.”

  “I was working on some saddles and bridles. They were getting stiff and I was oiling them up.”

  “Good. We never know when we’ll need the equipment.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “By the way, Richard, Mrs. Donahue isn’t feeling well, but you know how women are. She may come down and want you to hitch up her buggy. I don’t want her leaving the ranch. I’m afraid it would make her sicker.”

  Richard looked scared. “What should I do if she does want to leave, Sir?”

  “You’re a bright boy. You can think of something to keep her here. Now, get back to your work. I’ll be home later this afternoon.”

  * * * *

  Amelia and Mort were shooing the chickens Juanita had brought into the coop Mort had constructed for the wayward flock when she saw a rider headed for the ranch. She latched the coop’s gate and placed her left hand above her brows to shield her eyes from the mid-morning sun. She still couldn’t tell who the rider was.

  “Looks like company’s coming, Miz Wainwright.”

  “Yes it does, Mort. I can’t see who it is yet.”

  “It’s a lone man.”

  “I’m sure it’s someone wanting to see Jed or Curt.” She smiled at the ranch hand. “Now that we’ve got the chickens in their new home, why don’t you go work on the stall in the barn for the cow?”

  “Miz Garcia told me she had two cows. Do you think we’ll find the other one?”

  “I don’t know, Mort. The men are keeping an eye out for her and if she turns up, you can fix up another stall.” She glanced back toward the approaching rider. “Since I have to get chicken feed and Jed doesn’t want me going to town alone, I’ll get ready and we’ll leave as soon as you’re finished.”

  “I’ll get to the barn whenever I make sure ain’t somebody coming who’s up to no good, Ma’am.”

  “I appreciate the concern, Mort, but I’m sure it’s probably somebody we know.”

  “Probably, but there’s no harm in making sure.”

  Amelia wrinkled her brow. “Did my husband tell you to watch me, Mort?”

  “Not exactly, Miz Wainwright.”

  “Well, what exactly did he tell you?”

  “He told me to make sure you and Miz Garcia was not bothered.”

  “I understand, Mort. After what happened to the Garcias, he’s protective of me.” She turned and again looked toward the rider. “I know him. It’s Andy Brown.”

  “Do you trust him?”

  “Of course. I’ve known his family all my life. They own the mercantile in Settlers Ridge.”

  “Then I’ll be headin’ to the barn.”

  Amelia nodded and started toward the front yard.

  It wasn’t long until Andy reined up. “Howdy, Miz Wainwright.”

  She couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you, Andy. At least you got my name right this time.”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I won’t make the mistake of calling you Miss Donahue again. I’ve learned my lesson.”

  “Good for you. Now, what brings you out here to the Circle 2?”

  Andy climbed down from his horse and threw the reins around the hitching post. “I came to talk to your husband about a job. Can I see him?”

  “He’s out on the range, Andy.” She turned toward the house. “Why don’t you come inside, have a cup of coffee and tell me what this is all about?”

  “I’ll be glad to.” He followed her.

  When they reached the kitchen, she asked, “Do you know Mrs. Garcia?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. She comes in the store.” He nodded to the woman at the stove. “Hello, Ma’am.”

  “Hello, Andy.” She took two cups from the cupboard. “Do you drink your coffee black?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Amelia moved to the shelf where a pan of water was kept. “I’ve been chasing chickens this morning, so as soon as I get my hands clean, I’ll see if I can find some of the apple cobbler Juanita made for supper last night.”

  “I love apple cobbler.” He dropped to a straight back chair.

  Juanita moved to the back door. “I’m going to build a fire under the wash pot, Amelia.”

  “Good. As soon as I finish with Andy, I’ll gather up the dirty clothes and bring them out there.”

  Amelia dried her hands, got him a serving of pie and sat down across the table. “Now, Andy, tell me why you’re here looking for work? Did you do something at the mercantile which caused your father to let you go?”

  “Oh, no, Miz Ame…I mean, Miz Wainwright.”

  “I don’t mind if you call me Miz Amelia, Andy. I only want you to know who I’m married to, and accept it.”

  “I accept it, Ma’am,” he said with his mouth full of pie. “As a matter of fact, I think you’re better off with Mr. Wainwright than you would be with Vince Callahan.”

  “I’m glad you finally understand that, Andy.” He nodded and she went on, saying, “Now that we’ve settled my wedded status, tell me why you’re here.”

  He took a breath. “When Mr. Wainwright came into the store and asked if I knew anybody who might want a job, I told him about Ward Kyler then I told him I’d like a job. He told me to talk it over with my dad and if he said I could work for the Circle 2 it was all right for me to come see him, so I have come to get the job.”

  “And your father said it was all right?”

  “Not at first. He said he didn’t have anybody to work in my place in the store. I was so upset I talked to Miss Grace about it. She told me to hang in there and things would probably work out. The next thing I knew Stanley talked to Pa and he said if he could find somebody to work at the store I could try being a cowboy. So here I am.”

  “Then he found someone to work at the store in your place?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” He pushed his cobbler dish back. “That was good.”

  “You can tell Juanita on the way out that you liked it.” He gave her a blank look and Amelia chuckled and went on. “You’ll find Jed if you ride out across the pasture behind the barn. They’re branding out there over the ridge.”

  “Thank you, Miss Amelia.” He jumped up, slapped his hat on his head and headed out the door.

  Amelia shook her head and decided not to mention that, in his excitement, he’d forgotten to address her as a married woman.

  * * * *

  “Miz Elizabeth, please try to wake up.” Delores sounded concerned. “It’s after nine. I know you’ve slept enough. It’s time for you to get up.”

  Elizabeth half way opened her eyes. “Let me sleep.” She slurred her words.

  “You’ve slept enough, Ma’am. Please open your eyes.” Delores took hold of Elizabeth’s shoulders and sat her up in the bed.

  “Please, a little longer,” Elizabeth whi
spered.

  Delores let her employer slide back to the pillows and stood. Taking a deep breath, she moved to the windows and opened the heavy velvet curtains. Looking out on the vast lawn, she wondered how it would be to own something so grand. No wonder Miz Elizabeth had put up with her husband’s ornery ways for all these years. Of course, when Mr. Downey was alive and Miss Amelia was home, it was easier for all of them. After her father’s death, Miz Elizabeth and Miss Amelia seemed to make life happy for each other and together they were able to keep themselves separate from all the unpleasant things going on at the ranch, including Mr. Donahue’s temper. Since Mr. Downey’s death, Mr. Donahue was left to run things any way he wanted to. Of course, he always had his faithful foreman, Vince Callahan, to help him.

  It seemed to Delores it was then things began to change between Mr. and Mrs. Donahue. He didn’t hide his temper as well and he became more demanding and less able for her to reason with, even over minor situations. Then Vince Callahan’s importance on the ranch grew and Mr. Donahue treated him almost like a member of the family. Elizabeth began to act more aloof and spent more and more time visiting her sister in St. Louis. Amelia had been their only common ground and now that she’d moved away, things were getting worse. Delores had heard them arguing last night, and she couldn’t help wondering how much longer it could go on before there was a big blow up between them and something drastic happened.

  This morning she wasn’t sure it hadn’t happened already. She knew Miz Elizabeth confronted her husband about Amelia and her husband buying the Lawson place, but she now wondered if Mrs. Donahue hadn’t let it slip that they’d learned yesterday about the Wainwrights and Mr. Allison buying the Garcia Ranch. If she had, she knew her boss man would be livid. She wasn’t sure what he’d do when he found this out.

  A moan came from the bed and interrupted Delores’s thoughts. She turned to see Mrs. Donahue tossing her head from side to side.

  Delores moved to the bed to hear a slurred mutter, “No, Rafe. I don’t want to drink it. Take it away. No, Rafe. I…”

  Delores frowned and reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “What are you saying, Ma’am? Drink what?” When there was no answer, Delores went on. “Did Mr. Donahue make you drink something?” Still silence. “Please, Miz Elizabeth, talk to me.”