by Danni Roan
“I could have a love of my own,” Teddy whispered into the night sky. “Someone to have and to hold.” Amanda’s bright eyes and pretty face drifted before him, and he pressed the harmonica back to lips that longed to kiss her.
He would return to Needful in a few days and see if Amanda had considered his proposal. Teddy knew that if Miss Antonia married him, he could protect, provide, and care for her.
His home wasn’t much, but in time he could add on. He had a little saved, not being wasteful, or one who rollicked in the saloon. In time, if he worked hard and was careful, he could give Amanda the finer things in life that she was used to. Perhaps not to the extent she had known growing up, but wasn’t security, affection, and love more important than things?
Again, a sweet love song trilled into the night as the lights of the ranch came into view.
Was this how love started? Teddy wondered, with a wish, a hope, and a prayer.
“Teddy, is that you?” Dan’s voice echoed out across the yard as Pepper headed for the barn, the soft tones of the harmonica floating on the breeze.
“It’s me Cap’.”
Dan shook his head, stepping off the front porch and walking toward the pony that angled toward the barn. “I heard you comin’. It’s been a while since we had a tune from you.”
Teddy stepped down from his pony, slipping the harmonica back into his pocket. “I haven’t felt much like playing lately.”
“Seemed a happy tune, from what I could hear.”
Teddy felt his face flush and was thankful for the darkness to hide his red cheeks. “I’d about forgotten those tunes.”
“I take it you had a nice day?”
Teddy twisted his head, looking over his shoulder as he loosened the straps on Pepper’s saddle. “Can’t say it was bad.”
“You like this girl?”
Teddy stood, turning toward his boss as Pepper huffed in disgust at the delay. “I do,” he admitted seriously, wondering if Dan had something to say on the issue. “Is that a problem?”
“No, no,” Dan grinned. “Nothing wrong with it in my book. You just walk easy is all. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.”
Teddy lifted his chin. “I don’t see how it’s of any mind to you,” he said. “I reckon I like the girl, and if she’s of a mind, I’ll ask her to marry me.”
Dan’s eyebrows rose. He had his fill of trouble fighting his emotions when it came to Rosa, who was he to question Teddy. “All right,” he said, slapping the younger man on the shoulder. “I’ll wish you the best and leave it at that.”
Teddy’s bright smile was visible even in the dim light from the stars. “Thanks, Cap’n.”
“Would you stop calling me that?” Dan grumbled. “I’m not a captain anymore. I’m just Dan. Dan Gaines, reluctant mayor of Needful, Texas.”
Teddy chuckled. “That’s the truth. You never did want the position, but you’re doin’ a good job.”
“Thanks, Teddy.” Dan turned back to look at his house. He could see Rosa in the window of the top floor tucking Christina into bed and his heart swelled. He hadn’t planned on marrying the beautiful young woman or building a big house, or most any of the things he had done since settling in the hill country of Texas.
“You’d best put Pepper, up,” Dan laughed as the pony sidled toward the barn and a good feed. “I think he’s done with this day, whether we are or not.”
“Thanks, Dan.” Teddy grinned, snatching the reins of his pony and stripping the saddle with one hand. “I’ll do that. Good night.”
Dan waved, turning and walking back to the quiet house as Teddy headed for the barn. Things were changing fast around Needful and he wasn’t sure how best to protect those under his care. Teddy was so young, and yet he had seen so much in his few years. Dan prayed the boy wasn’t in for a world of hurt with the fancy little girl who had already stolen his heart.
***
“Has Mr. Lewis called?” Amanda asked Olive a few days after Teddy’s visit. “He said he would call again.”
“Now don’t you worry about Teddy, he’s a young man and will be along in time. For now, why don’t you sit with me, and we’ll talk about someone who might suit you and your specific needs?”
Amanda flicked her eyes to the floor in shame. She had understood that she was to help around the Hampton House to pay for room and board, but so far, she had not been of any real use. Only yesterday, she had dropped a tray full of food when a dirty miner had tugged at her sleeve, offering her a toothless grin. The day before, she had boiled a pot of tea dry, and when asked to do the laundry, she had all but caught her skirt tail on fire.
“Of course,” Amanda complied, slipping into a chair. “I’d rather not have anyone old.”
Olive chuckled, after Cookie’s appearance a few days earlier the young woman had become even jumpier than she already was. “There are only a few men I think might be suitable for you,” Olive began. “They are a bit older than you, but that means they are more established.”
Amanda’s eyes grew wide, envisioning an old toothless soul with a scraggly beard. Teddy’s handsome face popped into her mind, and she twisted her hands together in her lap. Perhaps Teddy wasn’t every girl’s dream, but at least he was young and seemed sincere in his desire to protect her. He lived on that big ranch and had steady work.
“Amanda, are you listening?” Olive, hunched low over the table, peered up into the young woman’s face.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Olive droned on chatting about someone with a small music business, and Amanda’s mind drifted again. It would indeed be better to marry Mr. Lewis than being auctioned off to some old man who thought of her as nothing more than a pretty bauble. At least Theodore Lewis seemed to hold some affection for her.
“Teddy Lewis is here.” Arabela swept into the room, blue eyes twinkling in a classically beautiful face. “He’s asking for you, Amanda.”
Amanda sprang to her feet. “If you’ll excuse me,” she squeaked, hurrying past the black-haired woman. “I’ll see him now.”
A wide smile spread across Teddy’s face as Amanda stepped into the dining area. She was as pretty as could be in a light green dress with a fancy waterfall cascade down the back.
“Hello,” her greeting was shy.
“Miss Antonia,” Teddy grinned. “I was wondering if you’d like to go for a buggy ride today and see the area.”
Amanda nodded, her mind whirring. “That sounds fine,” she smiled again. “I’ll just fetch my parasol and be right down.
“I’ll let Darwin know I need the buggy.” Teddy hurried toward the back door as Amanda hurried up the stairs. “Darwin,” he shouted across the dusty yard. “I need a buggy, wagon, cart, whatever you have.”
A black-haired man with a neatly trimmed beard emerged from the still-new livery structure with a grin. “You goin’ somewhere?” Darwin Rivers asked.
“I’m taking Miss Amanda for a ride,” Teddy beamed.
“You don’t say? She’s a frilly little thing, isn’t she?”
“I suppose,” Teddy blustered. “Have you met her?”
“Yes, Ruth took to her straight away. It seems they had a lot to talk about with books and parties and the things ladies enjoy in certain circles.”
Teddy looked over his shoulder to see if Amanda had followed him. “Do you have a buggy for me?”
“Sure, sure,” Darwin grinned. “All I have is the cart, but it’s nice and cozy.” The other man’s grin was devilish and Teddy felt his face flush.
“It will do, please bring it around to the front of the boarding house. I’ll meet you there.”
Darwin touched the brim of his hat with a chuckle, turning back to the barn.
“Mr. Lewis?” Amanda peered into the dining area as several men looked up and grinned.
“He ain’t back,” a man in a tattered coat offered. “I’d be happy to take you for a ride, though.” The man’s dark eyes glinted, and Amanda shrank back.
“I’d rent a bugg
y if you’d go out with me,” another man offered. “We could get better acquainted.”
Amanda felt her stomach turn and she clutched her parasol firmly, raising it like a weapon.
“There you are,” Teddy slipped back into the house, his dark eyes darting toward the men ogling Amanda. “If you’re ready, we can go.” He offered his arm in a gentlemanly gesture, glaring at the others in the room.
Amanda grasped Teddy’s arm, her fingers shaking as they swanned past the men, still gaping at her.
“Are you feelin’ poorly?” Teddy asked, handing Amanda into the small two-wheeled cart. “We can stay here if you’d like.”
“I’m fine,” Amanda smiled down at him, reading the concern in his eyes. “I’m afraid the way those men look at me is rather disconcerting.”
Teddy climbed into the narrow seat, his hip coming up against the young woman’s skirt. “Well don’t you worry about them, no man in these parts would harass a respectable woman. First, it just ain’t done and second, they’d have to answer to Dan and Spencer Gaines.”
Amanda smiled, feeling more at ease as Teddy chirruped to the horse, setting it off at a trot. “Oh,” she gasped, grabbing the young man’s strong arm, once more, to keep from tipping over the back of the seat.
“Sorry about that,” Teddy blushed. “I didn’t figure Darwin would give us a lively horse.”
Amanda ducked her head but smiled. It was a beautiful day for a drive and a significant talk. She was happy to get away from the boarding house and out into the bright sunshine of the Texas hill country.
Teddy drove on, liking the way Miss Amanda’s hand rested on his arm. She seemed thoughtful today, and he hoped she wasn’t going to tell him that Olive had found a better match for her. In the short time, he had known the pretty Miss Antonia. Teddy had grown rather fond of her. Perhaps she was from a whole different world than he was, but she had come to Needful seeking a husband, and he knew, given half a chance, he could be the right man for her.
“Mr. Lewis,” Amanda began, twirling her open parasol nervously. “Is what you said the other day on our walk true?”
“You mean about me liking you and hoping you’ll agree to be my wife? Yes.”
Amanda blushed but smiled. “Do you still mean it?”
“Of course.” Teddy looked toward the young woman. “Are you fixin’ to tell me you aren’t interested?”
“No!” Amanda squeezed his arm, feeling him relax. “I’ve been considering it, that’s all. Miss Olive is trying to find me someone more suitable, but I don’t think anyone would be more suitable.”
Teddy’s eyes grew wide with disbelief, was Miss Amanda saying what he thought. “You mean you’ll consider me?”
“Yes,” Amanda smiled, the shade of her parasol, making her eyes glow a deeper blue. “I feel safe with you, and you aren’t hard to look at. I’m afraid I’m not skilled in the art of homemaking, but I’m sure in time I’ll learn.”
Teddy lifted a fist in the air with hearty “whoop!” making the horse lunge into a canter and tossing Amanda almost into his lap. Ignoring the galloping horse, he pulled Amanda close and planted a firm kiss on her lips.
“Mr. Lewis!” Amanda gasped as he released her, her whole body filling with heat.
Teddy grasped the reins firmly in his hands, his face flaming red as he eased the horse back to a more sedate pace. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m afraid I lost my head.”
Amanda cast a sideways glance at the man next to her but grinned. “You’re that pleased?” She had never been kissed and the man’s enthusiasm seemed contagious.
“I am.”
A sense of accomplishment and well being filled Amanda’s heart. She would have her protector, one of her choosing.
***
“What do you mean you’re getting married?” Olive gaped at Amanda, who stood quietly in the busy kitchen.
“I’ve decided that Mr. Lewis is the best choice for me,” Amanda said. “We’ll be married this afternoon. Mr. Lewis is speaking to the preacher now.”
“But I thought you wanted someone more genteel.” Olive stared at the girl. “Teddy’s a good boy, but he’s not able to give you pretty dresses, or a big house.”
“I think Mr. Lewis and I will be well suited,” Amanda blushed. “He’s very attentive.”
Olive squinted at the girl. “Did something happen on that buggy ride?”
“No, Ma’am.” Amanda gaped. “I’m a proper lady.” Again her cheeks heated. “He did kiss me, though.”
“Good for you,” Ellen walked into the room, an empty serving tray in her hands. “If you like Teddy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t marry him.”
“Ellen,” Olive huffed.
“Mother Hampton, you know she’s a grown woman and able to make her own choices. Teddy’s a good soul, and he likes her. Isn’t that better than living with a man who sees you as a pretty object to be strutted about town?”
“Well, yes. I suppose so.” Olive still wasn’t convinced. “But why not wait and have a proper wedding. Sunday’s only one day away.”
“I don’t think it would be right to take further advantage of your hospitality,” Amanda’s words were soft. “I’m of no use to you here and besides, all those men staring at me every day is quite disconcerting.”
“You can’t argue with that,” Shililaih walked into the room, moving to the stove to retrieve a fresh pot of coffee. “The girl’s completely out of place here. She might as well get hitched and start out in her new life.”
“Shi!” Olive gasped.
“No, she’s right.” Amanda turned to look at the lovely Irish woman, with a name as sassy as her attitude. “I may not know how to do much for myself, but I will learn. I believe that Mr. Lewis will be patient with me and that he cares for me enough to see to my well being. It’s time I grew up and learned to look after myself.”
“When will the ceremony take place?” Olive asked in defeat.
“I’m sure Mr. Lewis will send word soon.”
“I wish you had given us a bit of time,” Olive grumbled. “A fine wedding would be quite the treat for the town, and it would show the other men that Peri and I do know what we’re doing.”
Ellen laughed, “Mother Hampton, why don’t we let Amanda get ready. I’m sure she’s brought a special dress for the occasion.”
“Yes, I have,” Amanda agreed, her blue eyes shining with excitement. “Could you help me dress, or are you too busy?” Amanda turned, looking at Ellen, hopefully.
“I’d be delighted.” Ellen grasped Amanda’s arm and turned toward the back stairs. “We’ll get you ready for your big day.”
“Ellen,” Amanda asked a few minutes later as her friend and companion helped her out of her day dress. “Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
“That depends,” Ellen smiled, running her hand over the delicate lace covering the pristine white satin of an exquisite gown, with a high collar and mutton sleeves.
“You think I’m rushing?”
“No, but if you don’t think you can grow to care about Teddy, you shouldn’t marry him.”
Amanda chewed her bottom lip for a moment. “I think I could care for him. At least he is closer in age to my own, and that gives us something in common.”
“You don’t have to rush.” Ellen looked up knowingly.
“I think it’s best if I just get on with it,” Amanda said, showing some nerve. “There’s no point putting off the inevitable, and I don’t see any of the other men Olive has contracted with being more appealing than Mr. Lewis.” The young woman shivered slightly with revulsion.
“Then I guess you’ve made the right choice.”
Amanda smiled, feeling some of the tension melt away. “May I ask you another question?” the younger woman blushed, meeting Ellen’s twinkling gaze.
“Don’t tell me, your mama never explained about the wedding night.”
Amanda’s face went crimson as she shook her head, but she didn’t turn away.
; Ellen took Amanda’s hand and set her down on the bed for the talk. Ellen took a moment ordering her thoughts for a conversation she believed she had years before she had to share. Her daughter had only turned eight a few weeks ago and had years before Ellen needed to explain love, but she still began.
Chapter 7
“You look like a dream!” Shililiah sighed as Amanda walked down the stairs, stepping lightly as Ellen held up the train of the beautiful dress.