“No, Richard, I did not know that. I think the Civil War was a terrible affair. No country should go to war with itself. And look at the Confederate states now, trying to rebuild what was destroyed by all of the fighting and pillaging,” Adeline said boldly.
“Well, it sounds to me like you know more about history than you let on, Adeline! I hope you enjoy the book. It is good to know the history of the places you travel to, and the people you meet, right?” he inquired.
“I suppose it is; however, I do not really know that much about your past, Richard.” Adeline confronted him, with a kind smile.
“That is for another day, dear. For now, let us have a nice lunch. I bet you have been reading so long that you forgot it is time to eat!” he said, jokingly.
“Yes, yes, of course, lunch. I do not want to disappoint Tillie. I know she is going through a lot of trouble to make sure things are just right with me here,” Adeline put the gift on the table next to her chair, and stood up, arching her back from the soreness of sitting so long.
“We will all go through a lot of trouble to make sure things are just perfect for you here, Adeline. I want you to like it here, and want you to feel most of all, safe,” Richard smiled and opened the door to the house, motioning for her to go in before him.
* * *
The next morning, Richard left for his two -day business trip while Adeline was still sleeping. When she woke, she found a yellow rose and envelope outside her bedroom door. She opened the envelope, and in Richard’s handwriting, she read, “Dearest Adeline, I will miss you terribly while I am gone. In Texas, the yellow rose denotes friendship, and I hope you accept this rose as a sincere token of my everlasting affection for you. I have high hopes that we will come to be even better friends when I return. Please take care of yourself, and Tillie and the other hands are all at your beck and call. Sincerely, Richard.”
Adeline slipped the note back into the envelope, and put it in the desk drawer in her bedroom. She grabbed the lantern, a bit relieved that she had two whole days to herself here at Arnolds Ranch. She proceeded to the kitchen, where she was assured she would find Tillie preparing her morning breakfast.
“Good morning, Tillie!” Adeline enthusiastically greeted Tillie, as she entered the kitchen.
“Good mornin’, Miss.You are chipper this morning.” Tillie responded, slowly pouring a cup of coffee for Adeline.
Adeline approached Tillie, accepting the steaming cup of coffee, and then sat down at her usual chair at the table. “I believe I will go for a bit longer ride this morning, Tillie. I want Thunder to become more acquainted with me.”
Tillie walked over to the table, standing in front of Adeline, “Will ya’ be wantin’ your breakfast again before your ride, Miss?” She asked.
“Yes, please, and today I will have bacon with my eggs. I need a heavier meal to last me longer while I ride today,” Adeline requested.
“Yes, Miss Adeline. I already have bacon made for ya’. I was just waitin’ for ya’ to rise to make your eggs fresh for ya’,” Tillie began to crack eggs into the skillet, “I thought maybe after lunch today, Miss, we could have one of the hands take us into town to buy some pretty material. I’d like to sew you a new dress, if you would let me. One other thing my grandma taught me was how to be a good seamstress. Richard said we are invitin’ company this Saturday for dinner when he returns. He is afraid you will get too lonely roaming around this place by yourself all the time. He wants to introduce some of the town folk to ya’.”
Adeline smiled, “That would be lovely, Tillie. I have yet to go into town, and I would be ever so grateful to you for a new dress!”
“Then, it’s settled, Miss. I will let one of the hands know to have our coach ready to go after lunch,” Tillie’s voice rose in excitement.
“Thank you, Tillie, for all of the extra care and attention you are providing me while I am here. You have really made it easier for me to adjust to a new environment.” Adeline complimented Tillie, as she began to eat the bacon and eggs Tillie had placed in front of her.
* * *
It was already a warm morning when Adeline began her ride. She let the reins fall loose, as Thunder trotted. She softly talked to him, stroking his mane, just like she did Nellie’s back home. Today, she decided she would explore the backside of the property, the only area she had not gone, yet. She passed by one of the hands chopping wood. He stopped, pulled a rag out of his pocket, and wiped his sweaty forehead as she and Thunder trotted by.
You would think none of these lads had ever seen a woman on a horse before!
She pulled the reins tighter, gave Thunder a boost with the heels of her boots, and he began to trot faster, until they were up to a good speed, headed in the direction of the back fence line. She felt the hot wind blow through her long, brown hair. She had not taken time to fasten her hair back this morning, or to braid it. She was in too much of a hurry to ride.
Thunder began to slow down, as Adeline pulled the reins back, seeing a figure in the distance, on the other side of the fence. She slowed Thunder down to a walk, and headed directly for where the figure was standing. As she rode closer, she could make out that the figure was a man, standing on the other side of Richard’s fence, peering at her, with his hands in his pockets.
He had a black horse tied to the fence, which whinnied as Thunder rode closer. Once he was within her complete line of sight, she could see he was an extremely attractive man, probably around her age, or a bit older. He had raven-black hair, and his muscular build showed through his tight work shirt. Adeline gasped as she stopped just short of the fence line, directly in front of her admirer.
“Well, hello there!” the stranger called out, and waved.
Adeline felt an impulse to turn Thunder around and flee the situation as quickly as possible, but something drew her nearer to his call. She waved back at the man and cried out, “Hello!” Her voice cracked as she yelled. She could only think to say hello. No other words came to her mind except how beautiful the man was, and what was he doing watching her?
“I’m Ernest, by the way. I am Richard’s neighbor. Are you new here?” he asked, as Adeline sat motionless on the horse.
Her mind went blank again, and then she was able to find one word, “Yes,” she answered.
The man could sense her nervousness, and broke her silence, “Well, welcome to Talon Peaks! Where are you from?” Ernest asked.
Adeline’s lips were too dry to speak too many words, “Arizona,” she replied.
“What part of Arizona?” Ernest prompted her. “Frailburg,” Adeline began to sweat profusely.
What is wrong with me? I never act this way! I can hardly speak!
“I’ve never been out to Arizona before. Only been back East.” He continued, “Are you related to Richard? I was not aware he had any relatives.”
Adeline swallowed, her throat burning, “Yes, no, I mean, no, I am not related to Richard. He is a close friend of my family.” She proudly said, knowing how hard it had been to get out a full sentence.
“I saw you out riding yesterday. You’re pretty good on that horse!” Ernest complimented her.
“I have riding experience back home,” she answered.“But this horse here has some power. We are trying to become mutual friends.” She explained.
“I would like that,” he smiled.
Adeline fell silent again. After what seemed like an extremely long pause, she spoke softly, “I mean the horse and I are trying to become mutual friends.” She blushed a deep red.
“I am sorry if I am asking too many questions, but I have one more. What is your name?” Ernest questioned her.
“Adeline,” she replied.
“It is nice to meet you Adeline. Maybe we can ride together some morning? We don’t get many visitors out here in these parts.” Ernest tipped his Stetson hat back, getting a better look at this beauty.
“Well, I ride very early most times, and mostly ride alone.” She said defensively.
“How
about tomorrow?” Ernest asked, ignoring her last statement.
Adeline fell silent again, “I guess that would be fine.” She blushed again, this time realizing it, and lowering her head so he would not see her flushed cheeks.
“Why don’t we meet at the front gate of the Arnolds Ranch, and I will show you around a bit?” he eagerly questioned her, hoping she would regain enough strength to finish the conversation.
Adeline felt butterflies in her stomach. She then tried to justify to herself that he was probably just trying to be a friendly neighbor, and she immediately responded, “Yes, I would like that. About 6am? At the front gates of Richard’s ranch?”
“Yes, we will ride!” Ernest proclaimed.
“Thank you,” Adeline said quickly, and pulled the reins to turn Thunder around toward the ranch house. She gave him a stiff kick with her heels, knowing that he would tear out into a full run, but that was exactly what she needed at this moment. As Thunder bolted off, Ernest continued to stand, watching her until she was well into the distance.
Thank you? Was that the proper way to respond to his invitation of us meeting to ride? Good God, Adeline, what is wrong with you? You have more guts than that!
When Adeline reached the ranch house, she led Thunder to the stables, giving him to Sonny. Without a word, she walked into the ranch house, and immediately went upstairs, closing and locking her bedroom door behind her.
* * *
“Are ya’ okay, Miss Adeline?” Tillie asked, as the coach stopped in front of the Talon Peaks General Store.
Adeline had been staring out of the window of the stagecoach since they left the ranch. Startled, she replied, “Oh, yes, Tillie. I just think the heat has gotten to me a bit today.”
The stable boy jumped down off the coach, and opened the door for the women, “Would ya’ like me to come in with ya’, Tillie?” he politely asked.
“No,” Tillie said abruptly, and stepped out of the coach, holding her hand out to help Adeline step down.
Adeline could not quite figure out why Tillie had such an attitude with the stable boys. It seemed to be with all of them. “Thank you, Tillie,” she said, stepping down, and adjusting her braided hair. She had spent the rest of the morning, after meeting Ernest, in her room, doing a bit of daydreaming, grooming, and soul searching as to why she had acted the way she did when she met him. Her conclusion was that she was very attracted to him, and there was just something about his voice and eyes. Yes, those bright green eyes!
Tillie led the way into the General Store, and turned around to speak to Adeline in a whisper, “Let me know what material ya’ like for ya’ dress when ya’ see it, okay?”
Adeline followed Tillie to the back of the store, and passed by the owner, who nodded a gesture of welcome to her. There was a plethora of material to choose from. Tillie began to run her hands over some of them, asking Adeline if she liked this one, or that one.
Adeline interrupted Tillie’s questions, “Who is Richard inviting to this dinner Saturday night?” she asked inquisitively.
Tillie stopped touching the material. She looked directly at Adeline, “Well, no one ya’ know, at least not yet. Just a few people from town, and a couple of neighbors.” She replied.
That was the answer Adeline was hoping to hear.
A few neighbors? As far as I know, there are only two! And Ernest is one of them!
“Tillie, this needs to be an exquisite dress. By all means, I want to impress Richard’s guests on his behalf. It is one way I can show my gratitude for all the kindness I have received here.” Adeline strategized.
“We’ll make ya’ real pretty, Miss, promise. Now, how about this blue velvet? It’ll go perfect with ya’ eyes!”
Chapter Seven
Adeline tossed and turned that night. She awoke very early, and could not get back to sleep, so she decided to get up and read by lantern light until she knew Tillie would be in the kitchen to prepare her morning meal. Adeline went directly to the kitchen.
“Good morning, Miss Adeline,” Tillie spoke, as she placed her breakfast on the table.
“A good morning, to, you, too, Tillie! I think I will go for a ride again this morning, but do not worry, I will stay inside the perimeter of the fence lines, just as I did yesterday. I just want to enjoy the morning sky again! It is so beautiful, the Texas sunrise,” Adeline explained.
She ate a quick breakfast, drank only one cup of coffee, and then ran back upstairs to take one last look at herself in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. She had braided her hair, and put on her best riding outfit. She grabbed her riding hat, and exited out the back door just before six o’clock.
Only one stable boy was awake, and he sleepily saddled up Thunder, handing Adeline the reins, and leaving her to get on top of the horse herself.
Maybe this is why Tillie gets so irritated with these lads! When Richard is away, they are sleeping past dawn and hardly do any work!
She mounted Thunder, and gave him a verbal click, pulling the reins in the direction of the front gate. She trotted Thunder to the gate, not wanting to look too anxious in case Ernest was watching her again. She waited outside the front gate for what seemed like eternity, and then she heard the thump of hooves on the dirt. Her stomach tightened, and she felt her mouth go dry again.
No, no, no! I have to act normal this time, or else he will think I am too odd!
“A good morning to you!” She heard that deep, husky voice. Ernest approached the front gate on the same black horse that had been tied to the fence yesterday.
“Good morning,” she answered.
“I forgot to introduce Henry to you yesterday,” Ernest patted his horse “He’s been with me for many years, but still is a runner. Nothing like the thoroughbred you are riding, though!” he laughed.
“He’s still a beautiful horse,” Adeline complimented, as Thunder and Henry both whinnied.
“Shall we?” Ernest pulled on the reins, leading Henry to the left, toward the other side of Richard’s property.
“Yes, I have not been over on the other side yet. I went around the full perimeter on this side these last few days.” Adeline found it easier to speak now that they were engaged in an activity, where there was not so much focus on her.
Thunder and Henry began to trot across the dirt road. Adeline noticed Ernest glancing over at her every now and then, but did not talk. They just simply rode, and rode, until they were a fair distance from the front gate of the ranch.
“How far does Richard’s property go on this side of the road?” Adeline questioned Ernest.
“Most of it is Richard’s, however, he has not fenced this side, as he has the other,” Ernest replied.
“I like the freedom of the open terrain, no restraints like a fence,” Adeline admitted.
Ernest caught up to ride side-by-side with Adeline, “So do I. I’m not much for restraints, myself. Had enough of them growing up.”
Adeline felt a bit uncomfortable with Ernest right by her side. She felt those butterflies in her stomach again, “And where was that?”
“South Carolina,” he answered, feeling her uneasiness.Ernest pressed his heels into Henry’s sides, pulling in front of Thunder.
“Is that better, Adeline?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” she said sheepishly.
“I can feel your uneasiness with me riding by your side. Is it Henry, or do I dare ask, is it me?” He projected a hearty laugh.
Adeline blushed, “I, uh, I am sorry, I don’t usually act this way!”
“It’s okay. I seem to have that effect on women!” Ernest giggled and then challenged Adeline, “How about a race?”
“Oh, I do not know, Ernest. I have only run Thunder one time. He is very spirited.” She replied.
“Oh, come on! Just a short jaunt down to those two trees!” Without waiting for an answer, Ernest kicked his heels deep into Henry’s sides, and yelled out, “Ya!” Henry bolted forward, and Thunder, following suit, began to run also, without b
eing prompted by Adeline.
Thunder pulled out in the lead, and Ernest tried to get Henry to sprint past him, but Thunder was no match for Henry, which he knew ahead of time. Once they reached the trees, Ernest suggested they tie the horses to them, and rest for a while. He pulled out a canteen of water from his saddlebag, and offered Adeline a drink. She accepted, and took a tiny sip.
“How long have you lived here in Texas?” she asked.
Ernest sat down, propped up against the side of the tree opposite from Henry, “Oh, about 10 years. My parents moved here to do cattle ranching. I grew up on a ranch, herding cattle as a young lad. Both of my parents are gone now, and I decided to keep their ranch. It gets lonely out here sometimes, but I like being on the outskirts of town. I do not like to be in a mess of people.” He took another drink from the canteen, handing it to Adeline, who was standing next to him.
The Cowboy's Stolen Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 6