Kirk shook his head. “Only if you want to give it to her. What I know about Jennifer is that she is looking to be loved by someone. Anyone. She’s desperate, and after what happened to her in Dry Springs, I can see why.”
“So, you think she’s normal?”
“Normal? Well, I don’t think she’s crazy. She’s just a woman who is desperate to be loved.”
“Kirk, I don’t think you see what others are seeing.”
After a knock on the door, Mary Louise entered the office. “How is my sheriff, today?”
Kirk smiled. “Just fine now. Maybe you can help Angus with a problem he has.”
Mary Louise turned and looked at Angus. “You have a problem?”
“Sort of. Mary Louise, what do you think of Jennifer Grant?”
The smile faded from Mary Louise’s face. “Oh, her.” She glanced at Kirk. “I don’t suppose my sheriff has noticed, but the woman is trouble to every man and woman in Lone Oak.”
Kirk sat up. “Trouble?”
“Yes, trouble. She’s got that power that some women have. Usually, the women in the saloons. And they—”
Kirk looked at them with a puzzled frown. “Trouble? She’s done nothing wrong. I should know, I’m the sheriff.”
Mary Louise put a hand on his shoulder. “Now, wait. Listen to me. When Jennifer walks past men, just watch what they do. It’s like they are drawn to her and can’t help but look at her. And her voice, have you listened to it? Low and deep, she entices men with every word. Why, even if she says the sky is gray and she wants it blue, half the men in this town would fall all over themselves to paint it for her.”
“Mary Louise, I can’t believe you’re talking about her this way. You know what trouble she was in when you rescued her.” Kirk was standing now.
Angus had seen enough. Yes, the woman was trouble, and he was going to stay away from her. “Kirk, Mary Louise, don’t argue. I got my answer. Thanks.” He left the office and walked down the street.
He’d stop in at Heart’s Café for dinner. He was hungry, but it was too late to ask Adelaide. Besides, he still had some thinking to do. He opened the door and sat at a table. He ordered the stew and biscuits.
Angus had just relaxed when she walked into the café. He tried to look away, but he wasn’t fast enough, and Jennifer walked over to his table.
“May I sit with you.”
He stared at the table, cringing as he heard himself say, “Sure.”
Chapter 9
Diane didn’t want to talk to Adelaide and opted for a quiet dinner alone. So, she walked over to the café. She stepped inside and happened to look in the back and saw Angus and Jennifer at a table together.
Sad for Adelaide, Diane sat at a table away from them. She didn’t want to hear anything that would disturb her, or that she’d have to tell Adelaide about and break her friend’s heart any more than it already was.
Addy had just said how she liked Angus and thought they’d be a good match when that Jennifer had taken him from her, again. Well, Diane didn’t like Jennifer at all. There was definitely something not right about the woman.
And Diane had a feeling it had been there before the outlaws had taken her prisoner. In fact, she secretly wondered if the outlaws might not have been happy that she was gone. Yet, they had come after her.
She purposely sat where she wouldn’t have to look at them, and even then, felt like Adelaide was being betrayed. How could Angus do that to her friend? Diane snuck a look back.
Jennifer was sitting like an innocent little kitten sizing up her prey for the kill. Poor Angus looked as if he were being tortured, knew it, and could not do a thing to stop it.
Diane turned back and dug into her beans and cornbread. She instead thought of Jeff and wondered if he would make a fool of himself around Jennifer. She didn’t want to see. Didn’t want him to let her down.
After a few torturous minutes, there was only one thing Diane could do. Adelaide deserved to be defended. Diane picked up her plate and drink and walked back to the table where they were sitting.
“Oh, Jennifer. I saw you back here, and I didn’t want to eat alone. You don’t mind, do you?” Diane almost laughed at the angry glare Jennifer gave her.
Diane sat beside Angus. “How are you? You’re in town early this week.”
Angus choked on his stew and coughed a few times. Yet, he looked relieved that she’d joined them. “Yes, I came in early. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the social. I’m looking forward to the dance.” He cleared his throat. “I’d like to dance with Adelaide. Is she joining you?”
“No, she’s eating at the boarding house tonight. But we’ll get together tomorrow night for our Thursday Night Girl’s Club Meeting.” Diane drilled a gaze at Jennifer to remind her that Adelaide wasn’t alone.
Jennifer ran her finger over the rim of the glass. “I’ll be there, Diane.” She spoke it in that soft, profound way that irritated women and made men look up and follow her.
Diane nodded. “Good. It ought to be interesting.” She stared at Jennifer and then abruptly turned to smile at Angus. “Adelaide told me how much she enjoyed dancing with you at the last social. She’s looking forward to more.”
Jennifer broke in. “That was such an enjoyable time. I want to thank you both for encouraging me to go. I’m looking forward to the next one too.” She stared at Diane and smiled.
Diane didn’t think there was any goodwill in that smile at all. In fact, she felt it was meant as a sneer. Well, Jennifer wasn’t running her off. Not at all. “Angus, how is your ranch doing?”
Looking relieved to talk about something and divert his attention, Angus nodded. “Good. I have quite a few cattle ready for market.”
Diane nodded. “What about the Texas fever outbreaks?”
“You know about that?”
“Yes, when we were in Big Springs, the ranchers were having a conference on what to do.”
“Aye, I didn’t get to go, but my foreman did. We have to figure out what is causing it.”
‘Yes, that’s what Sheriff Taylor said. Do you have any ideas?”
Angus shook his head. That she should talk cattle and business had him confused if not a little impressed. “No. I don’t. Could be the grass, something in their blood, or something that comes in on them when we drive them north.”
Diane ignored Jennifer and looked into Angus’ dark blue eyes. “The only thing I’ve seen on those cows is flies and ticks.”
Angus stared at her. “True.” He tapped his fingers on the table. “Very true. I might have to look into that. Thank you, Diane.”
She grinned, enjoying the idea that someone had thought she said something useful. That rarely happened. “Well, I’ve eaten about all I can. You look like you hardly touched yours,”
Angus looked at his plate. “I am hungry.” He dug in and took a bite.
Jennifer was finished with her dinner, but not with whatever plans she had for Angus. Sitting there like a black widow spider, the woman eyed her prey and watched him eat.
Diane stared at her. How could anyone they’d rescued be so cold and uncaring? “Jennifer, I heard you got a job at the store. How is that going?”
Jennifer glared at her. “Fine. Mrs. Trent said I’m a natural at straightening and organizing the back of the store.” She smiled and batted her eyelashes at Angus.
The man dug his spoon in and scraped the last of his food in.
Diane wanted to laugh. Poor Angus. She really didn’t think Adelaide had too much to worry about, because he was as nervous as a cat on a cactus. Then again, why was he eating dinner with this woman? Diane decided she wouldn’t tell Addy about running into Angus and Jennifer.
Finished with her dinner, Diane stood. “Jennifer, I see you’re finished too. Would you like to walk with me back to the boarding house?”
Jennifer glanced at Angus, shrugged when she got no encouragement to stay and nodded. “That would be nice. The sheriff said it wasn’t good for us to be out al
one. Shall we go?”
Diane put down her money. “We can just leave our money on the table.”
Jennifer looked at Angus, who kept his head down. Finally, she dug in her bag and put the money on the table alongside Diane’s. “Let’s go.”
They walked out of the café together. Diane didn’t really want to have a conversation with the woman but didn’t see that it could hurt. “How do you like Lone Oak? Where is it you said you were from?”
Jennifer closed her bag and let it swing from her arm as she walked. “I didn’t. It doesn’t matter anyway.” She turned to look at Diane. “I like it here. The people are so friendly and helpful.”
“Yes, they are.” Diane wanted to swing her bag into Jennifer’s face. “So, you like working at the store?”
“Yes, it’s tolerable. Not something I want to do for the rest of my life.” She smiled at Jennifer. “I heard you were getting married this weekend. That sure is fast. Makes one wonder if there’s a reason for the hurry.”
Diane’s jaw dropped. Quickly, she closed her mouth. “When you find the man of your dreams, you marry him. That’s all.” She wanted to add that with Jennifer around, no man was safe, but she didn’t want to get into a battle with the woman. Besides, Diane knew that she’d lose. She was no match for Jennifer.
“I see. I do like Angus McDonald, don’t you? He’s such a manly man. I haven’t met your man. You’ll have to introduce him to me at the social.” Jennifer smiled in that sneering way and then walked on ahead to the boarding house.
Diane let her go. She was finished with the woman. She’d have to warn Jeff to stay away from her; that was for sure. Poor Adelaide. Then again, Diane wasn’t sure who to feel sorry for, Adelaide or Angus. The man hadn’t looked happy at all at the café.
Diane wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t like being around Jennifer, or he didn’t want her to see him with the woman. Well, Friday night ought to clear a lot of things up.
She almost turned around to go back to the café and tell Angus how much Adelaide liked him. Then Diane decided, why shouldn’t she. Adelaide was her best friend. The best. And she would want Adelaide to act on her behalf with Jeff.
Turning around, Diane saw Angus walking up the street toward the hotel. She ran to him. “Angus, wait.”
The man stopped. “What is it?”
“I just wanted to talk a bit. To let you know that Adelaide likes you. A lot. She was rather hurt by the way you left her to go after Jennifer.” As soon as she finished the words, Diane felt foolish. Why had she said such things? Thought it was the truth.
Angus took her arm and stopped her. “I had no intention of leaving her for Jennifer. I don’t know what happened. I like Adelaide too. A lot and I intend to make it up to her at the dance Friday. Would you tell her that for me?”
“Yes, I will. I will also fail to mention that you were having dinner with Jennifer.”
“I didn’t ask her to join me. I was eating a biscuit one minute, and the next thing I knew, Jennifer was sitting beside me and buttering me another one.”
“Well, that wasn’t all she was buttering. I hope you know that. Stay away from Jennifer. If you like Adelaide, act like it.” Surprised by her boldness, Diane walked away from the stunned man and was almost to the boarding house when Adelaide called out to her.
“Diane.” Adelaide walked toward her. “Why were you talking to Angus?”
Chapter 10
Adelaide had just gone outside to sit on the porch when she saw Jennifer and Diane talking.
Then Jennifer walked up the porch and smiled at her. “Good evening, Adelaide. I had a lovely dinner with your friends. I’d love to stay and chat, but I’m tired. Working at the general store does wear me out.”
Adelaide didn’t say a word to the woman. Eating dinner with her friends, who could that be? Then she looked and saw Diane stop in the middle of the street and walk back to Angus. Her friends? Some friends.
The more she thought about it, the more she stewed. Finally, she walked out to Diane and called out for her.
Diane saw her and smiled. “Adelaide, did you enjoy your dinner?”
“Yes, did you?”
Diane looked at her. “Yes. I had stew and biscuits. But I skipped dessert.”
“I suppose you ate alone.”
Diane fidgeted.
Adelaide knew Diane was a lousy liar and wondered what she’d tell her.
“Actually, I had dinner with Jennifer and Angus. He came into town early.” She took hold of Adelaide’s arm. “And I have wonderful news.”
“What, that you have two men now, Jeff and Angus?”
“No, oh, Adelaide. I told Angus that you liked him, and he said he liked you too. He plans to make up for the last time when he went after Jennifer, and this time spend the dance with you.” Diane looked pleased with herself.
“Diane, please tell me you didn’t tell him that I liked him and that he’d hurt my feelings.”
“Well, yes, I did.” She pulled Adelaide aside. “That Jennifer, she is after all our men. I don’t know what she plans to do, she can’t marry them all, but watch her. She’s a menace.”
Adelaide shook her head. “I can’t believe you interfered with Angus and me. That was not your place at all. Now you’ve ruined things beyond repair. How will I know if he likes me for me or because he feels bad because of what you said? Why did you do it?”
Tears streamed down Diane’s face. “I was trying to help. Don’t be mad at me. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. Even when we were both going after Angus, I couldn’t take him from you.”
Adelaide folded her arms. “Well, maybe you’re right. I know you’re my friend, but it does hurt me that you went behind my back.”
Diane stared at her.
Adelaide studied her friend’s face and eyes. The look on Diane’s face told Adelaide volumes. She was leaving something out and wanted to tell her but was afraid to. Facing Diane, Adelaide concentrated on looking pleasant and, in a gentle voice, said, “What else?”
Diane blushed and looked away.
“What are you not telling me, Diane?”
With a heavy sigh, Diane nodded. “Jennifer was at the same table as Angus. They were eating together, and it bothered me so bad that I got up and joined them. To protect you.”
Adelaide hugged. “Thank you, Diane. Jennifer already told me she had dinner with Angus. She is a woman to watch.”
“I think she’s going after Jeff at the social. If we can, I think we need to meet early for the Thursday Night Girls Club and discuss Jennifer.” Diane sighed. “I don’t know what we can do, but I think we need to do something.”
“I’ll go and talk to Kate and Mary Louise. We can meet an hour earlier before she shows up. I have to say I feel rather badly about going behind Jennifer’s back.”
Diane shook her head. “Well, she didn’t feel badly about going behind yours. Friday at the social, keep your hands on Angus’ arms at all times and keep his attention, especially when Jennifer comes around as she is sure to do.”
“I guess you’re right. I hope she leaves the men alone when they’re married.” Adelaide rubbed her arms. “I’m sorry I was angry with you. How could I so easily forget what a good friend you are?”
“Who hoo, ladies, Claire made some cookies. She wanted me to ask you to come in.” Jennifer waved to them from the porch.
Adelaide stared at the woman. “Let’s get our cookies, Diane.”
Diane walked alongside her. “When does Claire not make cookies? Why are we meekly going along with what Jennifer says? I don’t like it. Not at all. I’m going back to the shop and do some work on Mrs. Heart’s dress for the social. I want it to be perfect for her.”
Adelaide waved her goodbye and walked up the steps to the boarding house. She ignored the plate of cookies on the porch and Jennifer sitting on the swing.
“Adelaide, won’t you come and—”
Adelaide didn’t say a word and hurried past the tray with refreshmen
ts. She had nothing to say to Jennifer. Not a thing. In fact, she was going to ask Claire to come Thursday night to the early meeting and give her perspective on what to do about Jennifer.
***
Diane finished the last of the work on Mrs. Heart’s dress. “Adelaide, I’m done. Want to go to the café now? When did you tell the ladies to meet us?”
Adelaide poked her head in the back. “I said, let’s meet at four. That will give us an hour before Jennifer comes at five. Claire is coming, too.”
“Oh, good. She’ll give us wisdom. I don’t like going behind someone’s back, but I don’t trust that woman. The other day, I saw her talking to Stephen Adams, Zoe’s husband.”
Adelaide shook her head. “We can’t tell the woman she can’t talk to anyone.”
“That’s not what she was doing. You know what I mean by talking. More like seducing. I wish she would leave town.” Diane had a frown on her mouth, making her look a bit mean.
“Smile, Diane. We are falling back into our former gloomy selves. If nothing else, we ought to learn from Jennifer that smiles gather more men than frowns.”
“I only want the one I picked out. Not like I’m going for a herd of them.” Diane laughed.
Adelaide chuckled. “True. But we do need to remember to smile. And we need to trust the Lord and our men. Jennifer isn’t the only temptation around.”
“Yes, you’re so right. As always, you know how to straighten things out.” Diane wrapped the dress and practiced smiling on the way to the door. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, just putting my smile on.”
Adelaide hoped Mary Louise and Kate were at the café. Both had looked at her a little unsure of just why they were meeting early. Claire joined them halfway to the café.
“It’s a beautiful day.” Claire smiled at them. “I do hope we can solve this before it gets serious. The other day, Zoe talked to me about the woman.”
Diane looked at the older woman. “So, it’s not just us.”
A Contest for Christmas Page 5