by Amelia Rose
With a brief nod, Nell walked away. Mason made sure she was out of earshot before he asked, “How the heck did you do that?”
Jenny’s eyebrows rose. “Do what?”
“Get her to talk so much and look so happy,” Mason replied.
Perplexed, Jenny shook her head a little. “I don’t know what you mean. I was just being friendly. And she asked what we wanted before I even knew what they serve here, so it was just easier to ask for her recommendation.”
Mason rubbed his chin and pondered for a few moments. “Maybe it’s because you’re new. Most of us around here know what’s on the menu, so we don’t ask about it like you did.”
Jenny smoothed her napkin over her lap. “Perhaps what you mistake for reticence on Nell’s part is merely boredom. It must be very tedious for her if everyone orders the same thing day in and day out.”
Looking at it from that perspective, Mason had to agree with her. It had never occurred to him that Nell might be bored. Of course, he didn’t generally think about Nell much except when he was eating at the restaurant. With a flash of insight, he realized that maybe other people didn’t either.
“I guess you’re right.”
A little devil alighted on Jenny’s shoulder. “Do you really order the same thing for lunch every time?”
Mason’s frown made it hard for her to restrain a laugh. “Yeah, so what?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just curious.”
But the tone of her voice told Mason that there was more to it than that. “Curious? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, it’s just that I was expecting someone who lives out here in the untamed wilds of Montana to be a little less... predictable.”
Mason’s mouth almost dropped open. She thinks I’m predictable? “Are you saying I’m boring?”
“No, not at all. Well, perhaps I shouldn’t say that because I don’t know you very well. You could be boring enough to put a saint to sleep for all I know,” Jenny responded.
Mason stared at her for a long moment before he saw a smile tug at her mouth. When she raised her eyes to his, they glittered with humor. A grin spread over his face as he laughed and shook a finger at her. “I can see I’m gonna have to keep my eye on you.”
Her cheeks pinkened a bit when she smiled. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Crawford.”
Mason chuckled. “Please, call me Mason.”
“Very well. And you may call me Jenny, on one condition.”
“Which is?”
“When Nell comes back, tell her you changed your mind and you’d like something different.”
Mason shook his head. “Why?”
“Because it would show both me and her that you aren’t boring.”
Gazing into Jenny’s lovely blue eyes, Mason found himself agreeing to her request. The last thing he wanted was for her to think she was marrying a man who couldn’t hold her attention. It was a little unsettling how quickly he’d gone from dreading her arrival to being eager to please her.
When Nell returned with Jenny’s lunch, he asked if it would be all right if he ordered something else. Instead of her getting angry as he’d expected, Nell’s face lit up and she rattled off something that Mason would never have ordered for himself. Then, before he’d been able to answer, Nell had hurried back to the kitchen, her skirt swishing behind her.
Turning to Jenny, who had an impish grin on her face, Mason wondered if he was about to marry a sorceress instead of a schoolteacher.
Chapter Three
Although it was hot, there was a pleasant breeze that Jenny enjoyed as they drove to the Crawford ranch. The farther they got from town, the wilder the countryside became, but she didn’t mind. There was a different quality to the vibrant blue sky here. It almost seemed to sparkle as the sun shone down on them.
Back in Ohio, she’d lived in Cincinnati, and there were times when the tall buildings there made it hard to see the sky. The air quality there wasn’t always good, because of the factories, but here in Montana, there was plenty of fresh air. They drove past a large field that stretched for miles to the horizon, and Jenny felt something relax in her soul.
“Tomorrow, I’ll show you around town, but I thought you’d like to get settled and rest up some before supper.”
Jenny turned her attention to Mason and stifled a yawn. Her belly full of the excellent food Nell had served her and her eyes full of the pleasant surroundings, she did indeed feel sleepy. Taking a nap was a very welcome idea. “I must confess that I am rather tired.”
“I’m not surprised. I won’t let my folks keep you too long. Plenty of time to get more acquainted over supper,” Mason said.
“I appreciate that. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, and I’m looking very forward to meeting your aunt and uncle, but I’d like to be able to stay awake and enjoy their company.”
Mason gave her an understanding smile. “You’ll need to be fresh for that. Aunt Cecilia will talk your ear off.”
Jenny couldn’t resist teasing him. “Maybe she’ll tell me some stories about your childhood.”
Mason groaned. “She loves doing that, and always tells the most embarrassing ones.”
“I’ll ask her about those right away, then,” Jenny responded.
As they neared the turnoff for the ranch, Mason thought that Jenny wasn’t like any schoolteacher he’d ever met. She was funny and beautiful and not in the least shy. He’d been afraid that she’d be on the boring side or too shy to talk much. It was a relief to find out that wasn’t the case.
“Wait until I’m out of the house first, all right?” he requested. “Spare me a little embarrassment.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Mason smiled at her cheeky response.
He slowed the horse and turned to the right, leading them along the lane that led up to the house.
As they went up the gradual incline, Jenny saw a large farmhouse come into view. It was an attractive structure, with blue shutters that contrasted nicely with the white wooden siding. A long porch that ran the length of the front of the building was shaded by maple trees. There were a few rocking chairs with wicker seats placed on it, and Jenny imagined that it was the perfect place to sit and keep cool in the summer. Soon, they pulled up to the home, which had a welcoming feel about it.
Mason jumped down from the buggy, jogged around to her side, and held out his hand. Again, Jenny felt a spark of attraction as she slipped her hand into his and let him help her to the ground. No sooner had they started for the front door when it was thrown open and a rather tall, lanky woman wearing a green calico skirt and white blouse stepped onto the porch. Over her skirt, she wore a gray calico apron upon which she wiped her hands, and Jenny surmised that she must have been working in the kitchen.
An older man followed the woman down the porch steps. Both had welcoming smiles on their faces, and Mason introduced Jenny to them right away.
Cecilia held out a hand to Jenny. “My, but you’re a pretty thing. Isn’t she, Mason?”
Jenny blushed, but the pink that crept up Mason’s neck was amusing.
“Yes, Aunt Cecilia, she sure is,” he said.
Jenny blushed deeper when she saw a genuine appreciation in his eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Linking arms with her, Cecilia urged Jenny toward the house. “Now, come on with me. Mason and Herb can bring your trunks. I put you in the guest room next to our bedroom. It gets plenty of shade and gets cool at night. You’ll sleep like a babe.”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Jenny said, meeting Cecilia’s dark eyes.
“You’re welcome. I’ll show it to you, and you can have a lie-down,” Celia said. “You must be exhausted.”
Jenny smiled. “I won’t lie and tell you I’m not.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Oh, yes. Mason treated me to a very nice lunch as soon as I arrived.”
Cecilia nodded approvingly. “Good. I was going to scold him if he hadn’t.”
Jenny liked Cecilia’s friendliness and her motherly attitude toward Mason. She’d been nervous about how she’d be received, but her fears appeared unfounded. “He was the perfect gentleman, I assure you.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Cecilia led Jenny through the front door and right up the flight of wooden stairs that started from the small foyer. Various pictures hung on the floral wallpapered wall on the right side and a white banister with spindles ran up half of the staircase. Jenny was too tired to give the photographs more than a cursory glance as she followed Cecilia.
Upon reaching the upstairs hallway, Mason’s aunt turned right and went to a room at the very end of the corridor.
“Here we are,” she said, opening the natural pine door and gesturing for Jenny to go in first.
Entering the room, Jenny felt the temperature drop a few degrees, bearing out Cecilia’s remarks that it was the coolest bedroom. Pretty, rose-pattern curtains fluttered in the breeze coming through the two windows, and a single bed with a colorful patchwork quilt was situated between them.
Small oval braided rugs covered the floor on either side of the bed. A nightstand sat to the right of the bed and a small cushioned chair took up the opposite corner. The last piece of furniture in the room was a long, intricately carved bureau with a large mirror.
“This is a lovely room,” Jenny said.
Cecilia smiled at the compliment. “Thank you.”
Boots sounded on the stairs and, soon, they were joined by the men. The women stepped back as Mason and Herb lugged Jenny’s trunks into the room and stacked them against an empty wall. Mason had laid her carpetbag on top of her trunk and he handed it to her.
“Thank you both for bringing them upstairs for me,” Jenny said.
Herb smiled. “Sure thing. Well, me and Mason got work to do.”
“That’s right, but I’ll see you at supper,” Mason agreed.
Cecilia moved toward the door. “The bathroom is right next door. Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Jenny thanked her as the trio left and closed the door. Alone, she looked around the room. Her gaze settled on the bed and she felt exhaustion tug at her. She gathered a few things from her carpetbag and went to the bathroom. There was fresh water in the dry sink and a few clean washcloths hung nearby.
Jenny washed her face and neck and took down her hair. She brushed it out and drew it back in a low ponytail with a ribbon. She completed the rest of her toilet and went back to her room. Undressing down to her chemise, she pulled down the quilt and slipped under the cool linen sheet. The stress of her long trip had taken more of a toll on her than she’d realized and, in no time at all, she sank into slumber.
“SHE SURE IS A LOOKER, son.”
Mason smiled as he pounded a strand of barbed wire fast to a fence post. “I won’t argue with you there. Her picture was pretty enough, but she’s even more so in person.”
Herb stretched out the next section of wire and held it in place against a fence post. “Does that mean you’re glad we pushed you to get a bride?”
Mason shot him an annoyed glance but nodded. “Yeah.”
Herb laughed. “Don’t sound so unhappy about it. You know we only want what’s best for you.”
“Don’t get me wrong, but I’d have liked to pick a wife in my own time.”
“You did pick Jenny in your own time,” Herb countered.
Mason straightened and wiped sweat from his brow with a forearm. “How do you figure that?”
“Well, we got you to start writing women, but you didn’t choose the first woman you wrote to,” Herb replied. “It was a couple of months before you got Jenny’s letter, and you seemed taken with it almost right away.”
Mason pointed his hammer at Herb. “No. Aunt Cecilia was taken with it, not me.”
“That’s a load of hogwash, Mason. You forget how well we know you. When you told us about Jenny’s letter, you had that excited look you always get when something interests you.”
Mason couldn’t deny that, but he’d still felt pressured about the whole affair. However, there was no use stewing over it. Jenny was here, and he was looking forward to getting to know her. “Well, that’s all water under the bridge. I’m just looking to the future.” He grinned. “I must say that it does seem pretty bright.”
Herb chuckled, and they returned to their work. When the sun started sinking in the sky, they collected their tools, left the west pasture, and headed for the big red barn situated a little up the road from the house. As they walked along, Mason wondered if Jenny had had a good rest. The image of her curled up on a bed popped into his mind and his pulse ran a little faster.
He succeeded in halting that train of thought while they fed the stock for the night, but he found himself hurrying through his chores, eager to see Jenny again.
JENNY WOKE WITH A START when someone tapped on her door.
“Supper will be ready in just a little, Jenny,” Cecilia called.
“Very well. I’ll be down soon,” Jenny responded.
As Cecilia’s footsteps retreated down the hall, Jenny stretched and yawned. Looking out the window, she saw that the sun was inching toward the horizon above a distant mountain. It was cooler in the room and Jenny felt refreshed. The savory scent of meat tantalized her nose and her stomach felt empty, as though she hadn’t eaten lunch just a few hours ago.
Rising, Jenny opened her top trunk and found a fresh dress. It was made of lilac linen and had a bit of lace at the collar. It was lightweight and would keep her cool, which she was sure she would appreciate as it was sure to be warm in the kitchen. She put on a simple white corset over her chemise and then donned the dress.
Stepping over to the mirror, she made sure that the dress was neat. Her hair was another matter. She ran a brush through the curly mass, plaited it, and wound the long braid into a bun at the nape of her neck, which she pinned in place. After applying a little rose water behind her ears, Jenny was ready to go downstairs.
She opened her bedroom door and was surprised to encounter Mason, who was just coming out of the bathroom.
“Evenin’,” he said.
The way his gaze swept over her made Jenny feel warm, and she returned the favor. He’d washed up, but a light stubble shadowed his jaw, giving him a more rugged appearance that stirred her female senses.
“Evening,” she said.
“Did you rest good?”
Jenny lifted an eyebrow. “Yes, I rested well.”
Mason caught the way she’d stressed the word and smiled. “I can see I’m gonna have to learn to speak a little better around you.”
“What kind of schoolteacher would I be if I didn’t correct your grammar a little?” Jenny inquired. “I promise not to become annoying about it, though.”
“Good to know.” Mason nodded toward the stairs. “We best get moving or Aunt Cecilia will come looking for us.”
“Well, we wouldn’t want that.” Jenny walked past him and her stomach fluttered a little at his nearness. “Whatever she’s cooking smells wonderful.”
Mason followed her and Jenny felt his eyes on her the whole way down the stairs.
“To the left,” he said as they reached the first floor.
Jenny walked through the doorway into a large kitchen. Green checkered gingham curtains hung at the windows and cheerful rag rugs were placed in front of the back door, under the big round table and chairs, and in front of the sink with a pump. She hadn’t expected them to have such a modern convenience, and it was a pleasant surprise.
Herb had been sitting at the table, but he stood and smiled upon seeing her. “There she is. Looks like your nap agreed with you, Miss Carson, judging by those bright eyes of yours.”
Jenny chuckled. “Yes, it certainly did. Please, won’t you all call me Jenny?”
“Very well, Jenny,” Herb said.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Jenny asked Cecilia.
The older woman w
aved her toward the table. “No, no. You sit down and relax. I’m just finishing up.”
“Please, I insist,” Jenny said.
After considering for a few moments, Cecilia said, “All right. You can put the biscuits and butter on the table.”
Helping with the meal made Jenny feel less like a guest. She also didn’t want any of them to think her lazy, least of all Mason. It wouldn’t do to have her future husband think he was marrying a woman who was useless around the house.
Once everything was ready, they sat at the table. Herb said a simple blessing and Cecilia started passing dishes to everyone.
“How many children were you a governess to?” Cecilia asked.
Jenny smiled at the fond memories of the Harper children. “Just two. They’re twins. Eloise and Edward. They were so mischievous, but such a delight, too.”
“Why did you quit?” Herb asked around a bite of pot roast.
“Stop talking with your mouth full,” his wife scolded him.
Herb’s gray eyes crinkled as he laughed. “See what you two have to look forward to.”
Jenny’s eyes met Mason’s. His mouth twitched in amusement, and she couldn’t hold back a giggle. Soon they were all laughing, and Jenny felt even more comfortable with Mason’s family than she already had.
When their mirth subsided, Herb repeated his question, without food in his mouth.
Jenny replied, “I didn’t quit. Mr. Harper owns a couple of shipping companies and other business ventures. He moved their family to England for at least two years while he works on a merger and learns the other company’s business. Governess positions in Cincinnati are scarce and highly sought after, so I was unable to find employment with another family.”
Cecilia put more potatoes on her plate. “Is that what made you want to be a mail-order bride?”
Jenny had been dreading this question, but she wouldn’t lie. “Honestly, it was my brother Eli’s idea. Well, more like a dare.”
Mason’s brows drew together. “Your brother dared you to become a mail-order bride?”