"I'll think about it," she said, not wanting to disappoint his grandmother.
Suddenly, a squeal filled the air as a young woman ran across the vestibule and threw herself into Cora's husband's arms. Well, that was certainly uncalled for.
“Martin, you're back. No one said a word about you returning."
The woman's breasts were planted firmly against his chest and Meg didn't like it one bit.
"Excuse me," she said as she moved toward the couple. Pulling her shoulders straight, her head held high, she stopped in front of Martin and put on her best phony smile.
No, she didn't hold any claims on him since they planned to end the marriage, but no one else had knowledge of their decision. Well, she didn't like another woman throwing herself at her husband.
"A friend of yours, darling," she said in a sarcastic tone.
Martin jumped and pushed the woman out, his hands holding her at arm’s length. His sapphire eyes twinkling with merriment and what looked a little like guilt.
"Dear, this is my childhood friend Ruth,” he said. "We grew up together. Ruth, this is my wife, Meg.”
The woman barely acknowledged her, and for a moment, a surge of animosity so strong rushed through her, she felt a fight brewing. The woman needed to take her hands off Martin, or she would show her an old-fashioned hair pulling contest.
"You married," Ruth said rather sullenly. "No one told me a thing about your wedding."
"We've only been married a week," Meg said, wishing the woman would stop touching August. She didn't like feeling this jealousy. With regards to her husband, she shouldn't feel anything. But she did. Why? Could she be starting to care for Martin?
"Oh," Ruth said stepping back. "Well, congratulations, you two. Are you moving back here?"
"That decision is still undecided," Martin said, gazing at Meg like don't blame me.
Don't blame him that he let the woman cling to him for so long? Oh no.
"I'm sure your grandparents would love to have you," the girl said as she turned to Meg. "Again, congratulations. Hearts all across Pagosa Springs will be breaking at this news. You're a very lucky lady."
Was she a lucky lady? And it wasn't just Pagosa Springs where hearts were breaking. Certainly in Denver and Durango as well. Meg was not the girl supposed to marry Martin. He was meant for one of the other debutantes whose mothers pushed their daughters at him.
"Thank you, I know I am," Meg acknowledged while trying not to roll her eyes. The look she gave Martin warned him he was playing with fire. "My husband is very good at breaking hearts. Especially ones in a library."
Martin grinned at her and held out his arm. "Ready to go, love?"
"Anywhere with you," she said sarcastically.
The grin he gave her sent tremors through her body. This couldn't be happening. How could she be falling for her husband? That would only lead to heartache as he didn't want this marriage any more than she did.
Chapter 20
All day yesterday, Martin smiled. His wife was jealous. When his childhood girlfriend all but jumped into his arms, Meg had not been happy, though he doubted she would admit to the emotion. In fact, she'd crossed the room to make certain the woman learned he was married. For some reason, her jealousy made him happy.
Being at his grandparents’ ranch, he felt useful and needed, not like he was being used. In the last few weeks, Martin had been happier than he had in years. No, he didn't miss Denver and the life of balls and women and drinking and fighting with his father.
Climbing out of bed before the sun rose, he had gotten into the habit of drinking coffee with his grandfather. Later, the two of them would ride out to care for the cattle before coming back to a nice hot lunch.
This morning the touch of Meg’s near naked buttocks snug against his manhood was almost more temptation than he could handle. Quickly, he threw back the covers, rose and dressed, leaving his sleeping bride in bed alone.
Glancing at her one last time before he left for the day, he smiled. Maybe they had a chance after all. That not only surprised him, but his groin tightened in anticipation.
As he hurried down the stairs, his grandmother met him in the kitchen. "Sit down, son."
Concern rushed through him and his chest tightened, fear coming over him at the serious look on her face. "What's wrong."
"Nothing. Your grandfather is a mite weak today. He's going to stay in bed and rest. Thank goodness you're here to help," she said pouring him a cup of coffee. They both sat at the kitchen table and he could see the concern on his grandmother's face.
"Your grandfather is aging so quickly. I don't know how much longer he can work the ranch," she confided. "As our only grandson, if you don't want the ranch, we understand. We'll move into town, but your grandfather cannot continue at this rate. It seems he grows weaker all the time and I worry about him."
Warren sipped his coffee. "The first thing I noticed when we drove up is how much he'd aged. I'm not ready for him to die."
"Neither am I, and that's why I'm insisting come spring, we move to town."
Martin wanted to promise his grandmother he would stay and keep working the ranch, but he also wanted to be certain. Over the last few weeks he enjoyed being here, but fourteen days and a lifetime were totally different.
"Grandmother, since I got out of college, my nights and even some days I spent drinking and going to parties and hanging with women I had no interest in only because I hated being in Denver. And it upset Father."
"Oh, son," she said softly.
Running his hand through his hair, he stared at the older woman. "Father kept pushing me to get into the family business and I don't want to be a liar who goes around promising everything and delivering nothing."
With a sigh, he glanced up at this woman he loved. "Father wanted me to go to law school, do something productive with my life, but the more he pushed, the angrier I became. Since we arrived at Elk Ridge, I have been more at peace than I can remember. It's like I rediscovered what I enjoy. Like I've come home."
"You have," his grandmother said smiling. "This will always be your home as long as we're living here."
"I'll do everything I can to help you and Grandpa, but I'm still not certain about the ranch. Before I would take over, I want to be absolutely certain this is what I want to do."
"Understandable," she said, sipping at her coffee.
So many happy memories of his mother resided here, growing up here and his grandparents. No, he didn't want this place to be sold, but was he ready to commit to running the ranch?
Then there was Meg. In the last couple of weeks, he was starting to change his mind about marriage and his wife. He liked his stubborn bride and didn't want her to go to New York, but that was her dream.
"This marriage between me and Meg must be settled before I can promise you I'm not leaving," he said more confused than ever about his wife.
"What do you mean settled?"
In the next few moments, he gave her a quick rundown on how they were forced to marry. Shaking her head at him, his grandmother laughed. "That explains a lot."
Sitting in the kitchen, he gazed at the older woman he loved with all his heart. "The funny thing is I'm beginning to think I want the marriage to work. At first, I agreed to the annulment, but now I don't want this to end."
The thoughts he was having actually shocked him. But could he convince his wife that being with him instead of going east to school was more important? Would she love or hate him if they didn't end the marriage?
"Meg is a wonderful girl. You'd be lucky to have her for a wife. While I know she wants to go to this design school, what if she worked here designing women's fashion? Would that be enough?"
Would his wife give up her dream of attending school and remain here with him? "More than anything is she going to want to be with me? Will she want to be my wife? My lover? The mother of my children?
"All my life I never wanted more than one marriage and suddenly I want this one to work," he
said, feeling more certain by the day that he wanted Meg.
His grandmother smiled at him. "You need to court your wife and show her what a wonderful life the two of you will have together."
Weren't those the same words his grandfather told him?
Chapter 21
Later that morning, Martin watched as his wife came down the stairs. Her silky hair about her shoulders, the dress she wore showed off her impressive curves and all he could think about was last night's kiss. The one the broken bed slat so rudely interrupted.
What would have happened if they’d continued? And instead of being upset by the kiss, Meg laughed. They both giggled at the outrageousness of landing on the floor. If his grandparents heard them, they probably thought they were having the best sex of their young married life, but no, one simple smooch had done the damage. What would happen if they ever consummated their marriage?
All he wanted was to spend more time with Meg. Since she became ill, he wanted to protect her and learn more about her. Today he planned to ask her to go riding with him. With his grandfather resting comfortably, this seemed like the time to ask Meg to go.
"What are your plans for the day?" he asked.
She glanced at him. "Staying here and helping your grandmother. Maybe read a couple of fashion magazines. Why?"
Oh how he'd like her company to get to know this woman he married.
"Would you like to go riding with me? I need to check on the cattle in the north pasture and make certain there is enough feed. Then I'd like to show you some of my favorite places. The sun is shining; it's a gorgeous day and it could be fun."
A smile spread across her face and excitement brightened her eyes, telling him she wanted to go. Warmth flowed through him at the idea of being alone together.
"Let me change into an old dress I don't mind getting dirty," she said hurrying back up the stairs.
"I'll fix you kids a picnic lunch," his grandmother said, winking at Martin.
"Thanks, Grandma," he said, giving the woman an impulsive hug. "And you and Grandpa will be okay?"
For a moment, his grandmother looked at him like she wanted to slap him. "Of course. Now take your wife out to enjoy the sunshine."
In a matter of moments, Meg came down with her coat, hat, and gloves on.
"You look awfully dressed up," he teased.
"Oh no, these are all older and my hat should keep the wind off my ears. Don't want to become sick again."
His grandmother handed him a package of what looked like bacon sandwiches. "You kids have fun but be careful. Meg, don't worry about dinner. I've been cooking a long time."
After she'd gotten well, Meg had been helping his grandmother cook their dinners and cleaning up afterward.
"Yes, ma'am," she said as they walked out the door. "We'll be back before dark."
Taking her by the elbow, they went across the icy yard to the barn where he quickly saddled two horses. In no time, they rode into the bright sunshine toward where the cattle were kept. With Meg at his side, he made sure she knew how to ride.
"Your mother let you take riding lessons?"
She laughed. "No, my father insisted."
From the way she sat a saddle, he could tell she knew how to ride. While he wanted them to have fun, he also decided today might be a good day to talk to her about his life. To tell her the truth about his finances, because one night this week, he awoke and realized his wife thought he was wealthy. And he wasn't.
"Since I was a child. Father insisted his girls learn how to ride. Mother...she would prefer we never got on a horse. Her daughters were to be ladies." Meg shook her head. "Where we live, learning how to survive in the elements is important."
The woman's mother had no clue how vital it was in Colorado to be taught how to sit a horse and build a fire.
"Speaking of your mother, there's something, we need to discuss," he said, biting his lip, nervous. His wife never mentioned money. Would abundance be as pertinent to her as it was to her mother? "That night in the library, your mother was under the mistaken impression I was rich. I'm not."
Meg started laughing.
"In all fairness, I resolved it would be best if I told you the truth. My father controls the family finances, and one of the many reasons we're here instead of in Denver, is because I was tired of only receiving cash whenever I did something he approved," he said.
The recollection of their fights over his inheritance overwhelmed him. "My mother left me money in a trust, but he's in control and I doubt if I'll ever see a dime of that."
With a shake of her head, Meg stopped giggling. "Oh, Martin, you do realize my mother only wanted me to marry you for your wealth and prestige. Now you've whisked me off to a ranch where there is no society and you're broke. Mother would be so upset."
Uneasy, Martin stared at his wife, wondering what she thought, now she knew he had very little money. All the reasons she married him no longer applied.
"And you?"
A smile crossed her face as she laughed. "No, as long as we have plenty to eat, I'm not concerned. Your grandparents are really nice people. With the weather the way it is and now your grandfather, I assumed we would be here until spring or the annulment comes through."
There it was again, that horrible word that for some reason he didn't want to hear any longer. In fact, the term made his stomach tighten in pain.
"Today, let's forget about the annulment. As for how long we'll be here, I honestly can't say. With Grandfather not feeling well, I can't leave yet. Where would we go? Right now, I'm more at peace and I'm happy," he said. Gazing at her, he wondered if she understood she was part of the reason for his happiness.
Every day, Meg made him feel like a kid again. He enjoyed her company, her laughter, and her strength of will and the ability to stand up for what she believed.
"All right," she said, "let's pretend we're two people out enjoying the countryside, checking on cattle."
Staring at the beauty of the land, the memory of his grandfather and how the man's toughness seemed to be ebbing created a hole in his heart. But living here, could Martin fill his shoes and be the rancher his grandpa had always been? With sadness, he pushed his grandfather's illness out of his mind, resolving to enjoy the day with Meg.
"I like that idea," he said. "Though I have to admit, I may try to steal a kiss later. If our kiss can cause a bed slat to explode, what will it be like on horseback."
"Certain death," she responded. "A runaway horse could send you falling to the ground."
"What a way to go. Lips locked, facing eternity together."
No, Martin didn't want to die. Not yet. Not until this thing between him and Meg was settled. Right now, he needed to know if she was the right woman for him. Did they have a chance at making this marriage work?
A shy smile spread across her face. “Martin Scott, no wonder you are considered a ladies’ man. No wonder my sister, Daisy tried to warn my mother about your dalliances."
With a jerk, he stared at Meg, a grin on his face. “Daisy warned your mother about me?"
"Yes, Mother told her the paper made up stories about you to make money."
A loud chuckle escaped from his chest. "Yet, your mother was determined I would marry you."
When they rode into the north pasture where the cattle were all eagerly awaiting him, Meg blushed and glanced at him. "You were the cream of the bachelors in her eyes. A railroad tycoon’s son, a wealthy man who would provide for her daughter. Once we married, she felt sure you would mend your evil ways.”
He stared at Meg, pulling his horse to a stop. "I'm none of those things."
The horse made a deep throated sound as they sat on their mares, looking across the land. An overwhelming sense of love overcame him. This was his home. "Sure, I'm the governor's only son, who is a disgrace because I won't work for him. Yes, I have money, but my father manages the trust, and I don't know if I'll ever see any of that money. Being here at my grandparents’ with you, I've been happier than I c
an remember."
With a nod, Meg smiled. "Yes, it's been pleasant. I'm not ready to go home."
"Maybe you should never return home," he said, hoping she would take that the way he meant it. That he wanted her to stay with him, but not convinced she caught his subtle nuance. Was he prepared to give her a one hundred percent commitment? No, but he didn't want her to leave.
Chapter 22
Martin’s words resonated with Meg while they scattered hay for the cattle. Even though he told her she didn't need to help him, with two of them working, the job took less time. This wasn't the first time she had helped someone feed livestock. Years ago, she assisted her father on a regular basis while her mother took care of her sisters.
On a small ranch, everyone took turns with the feeding of livestock in the winter. Just like Meg’s family, Martin’s grandfather had built sheds where he stored hay in different pastures.
What did Martin mean when he said maybe she shouldn't go home? Did he think she should go straight to New York? Or should she stay here with his grandparents? Or what? Certainly, he didn't intend for the two of them to remain married, did he?
Glancing at him, she noticed the way his arm muscles bulged beneath his coat as he carried a hay bale and broke it open. They each began to scatter the feed for the cattle. A cow bumped into Meg and she turned around to shoo the animal away. "Hey, girl, one at a time. You'll get your fair share of the goodies."
The cow mooed and Meg stepped aside to let her at the hay on the ground before she went back and scattered more from the bale.
If she didn't have plans on attending school, and if Martin loved her, then yes, she would remain his wife. Did her husband want her? Sure, she had dreams, though lately she questioned whether or not they were logical. Were they like her mother said—the fantasies of a child?
She adored fashion. She cherished designing a dress or making it from a pattern. Either way, she enjoyed molding the fabric into an outfit women loved.
The Debutante's Scandal: Western Historical Romance (Debutantes of Durango Book 4) Page 7
