by West, Everly
Earlene peered to the gunsmith’s shop door. “I do believe Michael O’Leary is visiting with Franklin. He is working on my husband’s old, rusty gun collection.”
“Finally doing something with those things I see,” Eugene replied good-naturedly. “I’ll have to stop by and see his work. I have some gunsmith work I need done myself. I suppose I’ll leave a note asking the young man to come out to my ranch.”
Earlene nodded, losing interest. “I will be sending an invitation to your family soon. We are hosting a social evening next Saturday. I hope you can all attend. Especially Thomas and Wesley so they can keep company with my girls.”
Both her daughters tensed, while Thomas smiled at them, seeming to immediately understand the reason for the chance meeting. Earlene liked the young man. Although she considered him a bit brash, he was from a good family.
“I will most definitely inform Josephine upon my return. She will be delighted at the news, I’m sure, since she was just complaining of a lack of social life this spring,” Eugene replied.
Earlene wanted to clap in delight. If things went as planned, Beth would marry Wesley Carlson. Especially as the only other young women invited would be her sister’s daughters, who both seemed more infatuated with knitting than flirting.
They said their farewells and immediately headed to the dress shop. As she’d expected, several other ladies and their daughters had selected fabric, which they clutched to ensure no one would take it.
“Caroline has my lavender fabric,” Sybil whined. “I knew it would be gone.”
“Don’t fret, dear. I’d already asked Madame Danielle to put some newly-arrived bolts aside for us. A buttery yellow for Jane, a deep green for Beth and some beautiful pale lilac for you.”
“Lilac?” Sybil frowned. “I hope it’s as pretty as the lavender I had my hopes on.” She hurried to one of Madame Danielle’s assistants, without heed to the order of who’d arrived first. “Can you bring out the fabrics Mother had put aside?” Sybil announced loudly just to annoy the other girls.
Earlene studied all the pretty faces, wondering who’d annoyed Sybil last. Her youngest daughter could be most headstrong and rash. However, she got over any ill feelings quickly and more often than not would bend over backward to make things right.
When the assistant came out from the back, Sybil grabbed the three bolts of fabric and rushed to where her sister and mother stood by a table. After handing the two other bolts to Beth, she unfolded a long bit of the lilac. The color was a bit lighter than the one she’d first chosen, but it had a slight sheen that made it look as if it had a bit of blue and gold tones.
“Oh, my,” she exclaimed. “This is much prettier and the color will suit me so much better than the color I chose earlier.” Sybil was practically breathless.
Her sister looked at her as if she’d grown a second head. Beth touched Sybil’s forehead. “Are you feeling unwell? You’re acting so odd.”
“I’m perfectly fine. It’s just that I’ve been enamored with the idea of a lavender dress for some reason.”
“Where would this notion come from?” Beth was much too inquisitive, which could be bothersome at times. She wasn’t about to let anyone know how the prospect of time with Thomas Carlson almost brought her to tears of joy.
“Inexplicable,” Sybil said airily, assuming a look of disinterest as she perused the room. Madame Danielle’s shop was like stepping into a different world. The whirring of sewing machines in the next room wafted into the front to mingle with the soft music from a phonograph. There was an aroma of whatever tea the seamstress was brewing that made a person inhale deeply. Sybil suspected Madame Danielle boiled herbs just for that purpose alone.
The coiffed woman claimed to have traveled from Bordeaux, France. And by her accent and knowledge of fashion, no one could argue the fact.
“Ladies, would you like to peruse our latest catalog?” A young seamstress approached holding a large book. “Two arrived just this week, directly from France.”
Seeing Thomas Carlson earlier had sent her pulse to racing to the point she wondered if it was audible to the others. Thomas had met her gaze only for a second and yet it had been enough to send tingles of awareness down her limbs. Her mother had mentioned on several occasions how wonderful it would be if one of them were to marry a Carlson. The family was not only wealthy, but was well established in society back east.
Not that social standing mattered much to her or her parents really. However, it was understandable that they sought for the girls to marry and remain living in the same standard they were accustomed to.
Beth tapped her arm. “What do you think about this dress? Is it much too elaborate for Wyoming?”
They broke into unbridled laughter at the utterly ridiculous concoction that looked more like a cake than a gown.
* * *
Although the pot roast was delicious, Jane was impatient to retreat to her room to read. Everyone, however, lingered as the conversation continued. Sybil, the youngest, insisted on repeating everything discussed at the Laramie Ladies Club, talked non-stop. It was obvious both sisters were excited at the prospect of hosting a social event that Saturday.
“Girls, we have a few days to get everything ready. It will be a small affair with only about twelve people. The Carlsons, your aunt and uncle, and, of course, your cousins.
Obviously, her mother wasn’t inviting any family with daughters who would rival with them for the Carlson brothers’ attention. Jane wanted to laugh out loud at her mother’s meddling. It would backfire in her case, of course, since she had absolutely no desire to marry either Thomas or Wesley Carlson. Although both were handsome, she supposed, neither had ever paid her much heed. As a matter of fact, Wesley, the eldest, seemed more in love with the study of the law than anything and Thomas hadn’t quite matured in her opinion.
The evening would be enjoyable, since Jane loved the idea of visiting with her cousins, Rose and Etta, who shared her love of reading.
“Mother, won’t the ladies that belong to your club be put off when they realize you didn’t invite them to our gathering?” Jane asked.
“I’ll explain it was a small family gathering. That the Carlsons were invited, I will explain, is because we are practically neighbors.”
What sounded like a goose honking sounded as Beth covered her mouth with both hands. The attempt to hide laughter had gone horribly wrong. Both Sybil and Jane pressed their lips together to keep from chuckling. The Carlsons lived quite a distance away, several homes between their lands.
“I see,” Jane finally choked out. “Just to be sure we don't contradict each other.”
Sybil’s face was beet red as she took several breaths. “Would you like us to visit our real neighbors and drop off the invitation?”
This time, all three sisters dissolved in giggles, finally leaning against each other and wiping tears of mirth as they laughed.
Earlene sat ramrod straight and frowned at them. “Stop it. It’s in your best interests that no other families come. Why, just last week the Smiths held a musicale we were not invited to.”
“That was a blessing because poor Arleta can’t play a song without breaking out with red blotches all over her face,” their father said with a chuckle. He pushed away from the table. “Earlene, leave the girls to find their own way. Our daughters are much too headstrong to be led. They will find husbands without our prompting.”
“The wrong ones perhaps.” Her mother let out a huff. “I must work on a menu and get the invitations written. I’ll send one of the ranch hands to deliver them.”
“I’ll ride to Uncle Ted’s tomorrow,” Jane volunteered. “I planned to exercise Daisy.”
“Very well,” Earlene said. “But not alone, take one of your sisters along.”
Chapter 3
It was a beautiful day and Jane was thankful to be outdoors riding with her sister, Beth, who brought her horse alongside.
Jane studied her sister’s soft smile, her eyes
downcast as if keeping a delightful secret. “What are you hiding?”
“I think Sybil is sweet on Thomas Carlson. Should we ensure they have a private moment the night of the dinner party?”
“Yes, let’s do it. Mother will be most pleased if at least one of us falls into her trap.”
Beth laughed. “Poor Mother. She is so anxious to see us married off.”
Jane nodded. “I think marriage would be wonderful. I am quite eager to get married, but no one has caught my eye yet. I find most of the men in town bothersome.”
Her sister shaded her eyes. “Who’s that approaching? He looks familiar.”
She couldn’t believe it. Of all the men in town to see twice while out, why did it have to be Michael O’Leary?
“Speaking of bothersome. He was shooting on our land yesterday and scared poor Daisy to death. I dare say, the Irishman is much too familiar.”
“I think he’s quite handsome. I’m surprised you don’t find him so. You always did have a thing for men with light hair and eyes. He fits your description of a perfect man almost exactly as you’ve always described.”
“Hush,” Jane scolded. “He’ll hear you.”
They rode in silence until coming close enough to exchange greetings. The sisters waited for O’Leary to speak first. His gaze met Jane’s for longer than necessary, which made heat flush to her cheeks. She slid a look to Beth, who smiled at the Irishman.
“Good day, ladies. Out to enjoy the nice weather?”
“Mr. O’Leary,” Beth replied. “We are on our way to see our cousins, just around the bend.”
“Yes,” Jane added. “So we must go. Have a nice day, Mr. O’Leary.”
She urged her horse forward but Beth didn’t immediately follow. Jane pulled Daisy to a stop at hearing both O’Leary and her sister’s laughter. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. I was telling Mr. O’Leary not to shoot until after our horses are out of earshot.” Beth slid a look to the man. “Please come to supper on Saturday. We are hosting a small dinner party and Father will be delighted if you’d be there.”
If her eyes didn’t fall out, it was because they were tethered. Jane tried to get Beth’s attention to get her to stop and retract the invitation but, instead, Beth persisted. “We won’t accept no for an answer.”
O’Leary looked to Jane, one eyebrow raised. “What do you think, Miss Farnsworth?” Once again, he searched her face, his eyes darkening as they roamed, seeming to see right through her.
Forced to inhale, she frowned, not liking how just a look from him felt as if he caressed her skin. And why did she become so warm in a way unlike anything she’d ever experienced?
“I--I...”
“We’ll see you Saturday, Mr. O’Leary,” Beth said with a wave. “Let’s get going, Jane. I can’t wait to see what our cousins are knitting today.”
Once again, O’Leary’s gaze met hers and traveled to her lips just for a second before he nodded. “Very well. Good day, ladies.”
Beth beamed at him. “See you Saturday then.” Her annoying sister neared, the ever-present grin of delight on her lips. “I can’t wait for this dinner party. It will be most entertaining.”
“Why did you do that?” Jane hissed. “Mother is going to kill you.”
“No, she won’t. It will give her more to do as she tries to figure out seating arrangements and where to put Mr. O’Leary.”
“No doubt between Rose and Etta,” Jane said, laughing. “Poor Mr. O’Leary.”
Thinking about her awkward cousins being entertained by the very vocal` O’Leary made her smile. However, the more she thought about it, the more it bothered her. What if he found one of them attractive and decided to court her?
It shouldn’t bother her. It was probably just the idea of having to deal with the man on a regular basis that annoyed her. Not the thought that either Rose or Etta would one day be kissed by him.
“Do you think he’s the kind to settle down?” Jane asked.
“Of course,” Beth replied. “Mr. O’Leary has the look of a man who should be married.”
Jane had to look at her sister. “Whatever do you mean?”
“He will marry, either because he asks a woman or because he seduces her and has little choice in the matter.”
“My goodness, Beth, the things that occur to you,” Jane said with a soft chuckle. “I’m sure your imagination is running away from you.”
Beth held her head high and looked down her nose. “You, dear sister, are squarely in his sights.”
Jane attempted to come up with a retort, but words failed her. Surely he looked at every woman with the same flirty leisure. The fact he gave her such looks meant he was a scoundrel who needed to be put in his place. Her lips curved. She’d be the one to do it. The dinner party was going to be quite entertaining, indeed.
The Burnett cattle ranch came into view and the sisters sped up, their horses seeming anxious to graze.
As soon as they dismounted, her Aunt Therese emerged from the house and stood on the porch beckoning them. “I am so happy to see you two.” The rosy-cheeked woman allowed them to kiss her in greeting. “It’s a most beautiful day. I’ve been trying for hours to get the girls out to sit in the sun.”
“Where are they?” Jane asked, looking toward the doorway. “I’d think that on such a pretty day, they would like to sit out here on the porch and read.”
Aunt Therese huffed. “Etta is abed, claims a headache and Rose is in the sitting room knitting.”
After an afternoon at their cousins’, Jane was exhausted upon returning home. Her stomach sunk at seeing they had company. A carriage was in front of the house, two horses still hitched. Whoever had come, obviously didn’t plan to remain long.
“I wonder who’s visiting?” Jane asked her sister. “I hope it’s not a long stay. I’m much too weary for company.”
Beth nodded. “I would guess it’s Mrs. Bennett here to bring Mother back from their quilting circle. I bet the only reason they’re inside is because Mother is showing her something she’s made.”
“You’re right.” They guided the horses to the family stables. By the time they finished unsaddling and brushing down their steeds, the company would probably be gone.
* * *
“What are you wearing?” Their mother was flushed and unable to sit still. The dinner party had loomed over every single conversation that week and, finally, the day had arrived.
If anything, everyone looked forward to it, so that it would be over.
Jane patted her mother’s hand. “I don’t know why we entertain as often as we do. Each time, you get in a state mother. Please don't be overset. We’re all helping and there isn’t anything for you to worry about.”
Instead of a reply, her mother stared at her. Jane realized she’d not answered the question. She quickly went over what was in her wardrobe that would be suitable for a spring evening event. “I am leaning toward the cream dress with the little white flowers.”
“No, that won’t do,” her mother replied and stood. “Oh, dear, I best go through each of your wardrobes and help choose what to wear. You must look your best tonight.” She pinned Beth with a look. “Especially you.”
Jane slid a look at poor Beth who’d be the center of attention. Once their mother had her mind made up, it was certain to happen. There was a strong possibility Beth would be engaged and married within weeks.
“What about me?” Sybil asked. “I want to be engaged. Why don’t we focus on me?” She grinned and held both arms up as if presenting herself for the first time to the family.
“That’s because you always manage to get everyone’s notice one way or another,” their father said, shaking his head. “Try not to fall down the stairs tonight.”
Unable to keep from it, Jane laughed. “Or to ride a horse into the house.”
“I didn’t ride a horse into the house,” Sybil snapped. “It was a donkey and he was hungry.”
“Please,” Earlene said with
hands up to her face for dramatic effect, “don’t bring either of those subjects up tonight.”
* * *
When evening finally came, their mother raced to and fro ensuring everything was just right. The house was aglow with candles and lanterns. Every surface gleamed with fresh polish. On the porch, chairs were grouped in sets of four for conversation and trays of sweet treats were set on table surfaces.
The aroma of chicken pie filled the house as well as the sounds of chatter as Sybil, Beth and their cousins debated over their favorite book’s characters.
On the porch, her father, Franklin, and Uncle Ted sat in rockers drinking glasses of lemonade while discussing ranch matters, while Aunt Therese and her mother fussed over the seat placements in the dining room.
Jane went to a large front window in the parlor upon spotting a horseman approaching. It had to be Michael O’Leary. Just behind him, a carriage ambled at a leisurely pace. It seemed the Carlsons were to arrive at the same time. Interesting turn of events. Three bachelors and five single women.
Her lips curved as she watched O’Leary dismount. He moved with a fluid grace of self-assuredness. He led his horse to a corral where he was greeted by one of their horse handlers. The two men spoke, seeming to know each other.
She squinted to figure out who was speaking with O’Leary. It was Ian Flynn, another Irishman. Jane liked Ian. He was a consummate flirt with an easy-going smile that made it easy to look past his teasing remarks.
“Who’s here?” Beth came to stand next to her. “Oh, look. It’s Mr. O’Leary and Ian.”
Jane slid a glance to Beth. “I’m surprised Father didn’t invite Ian to join us.”
Beth chuckled. “You know Father always includes him. However, I’m sure he’ll have his hands full with the visitors’ horses.”
“True,” Jane replied, her gaze on O’Leary who ambled toward the house. O’Leary would be stopped at the porch by her father and uncle, so she didn’t have to worry about facing him just yet.