Secrets & Charades

by Cindy Ervin Huff

  Jake frowned at the man. “I don’t see it that way.”

  “We will discuss a few ideas first, which gives us a starting place,” Farley insisted.

  “Fine.” Might as well give in. “What time do you want us?”

  “Seven would be excellent. I have heard wonderful things about your wife from Violet. She can’t stop talking about her. Says she is a woman of refinement, comes from a fine family.”

  There it was—the reason Farley was getting so friendly all of a sudden. Jake suppressed a smile as he pictured all of them together. “I’m sure she’ll find you very interestin’.” Jake shook hands with Farley and walked back to the wagon.

  Farley’s in for a surprise when he meets my gal.

  ***

  Cordelia Hanks greeted Evangeline before she stepped through the door. “Why, Mrs. Marcum, it is so good to see you again. How can I help you this fine day?”

  “I remembered the dress you were wearing the first day we met and thought I’d like to buy a few yards of that material.”

  “Of course. Right this way.” Cordelia maneuvered between the aisles back to the yard goods table. “Are you going to make a dress for yourself? The yellow is an excellent choice.”

  “Actually, my plan is to make curtains for Juliet’s room.”

  Mrs. Hanks’s eye twitched and a disgusted look enveloped her face as the doorbell chimed. “What is she doing here?”

  “I told her to meet me here.” Evangeline waved to Bertha, who clomped toward her, arms full of yarn and material.

  “I brung you what you said.” Bertha’s face beamed with happiness.

  “Look at this, Mrs. Hanks. You are in for a treat.” Evangeline took the goods from Bertha’s arms and laid them deliberately on top of the yellow material. “I have never seen broadcloth as finely woven as this.” She held it up for the woman to examine.

  The proprietress fingered the material. “Yes, it is very fine.”

  “You like it then, Mrs. Hanks? You like it fine?” Bertha’s smile broadened.

  “I had Bertha meet me here because I plan to send some of this fine broadcloth to my sister. She can make a suit for her husband. He’s a doctor.” Cordelia’s brows flew upward, and Evangeline was glad the emphasis was not lost on the crass woman. “Notice the superior quality of the yarn, not to mention the brilliant colors.”

  Cordelia picked up a skein of yarn and examined it carefully. “Yes, this is finely spun.”

  “Do you like the colors? I can make any color you want. I can do green and red and brown and yellow and lots more. Do you like the colors?” Bertha stared at Cordelia in anticipation.

  “Yes, they are lovely.” Cordelia ran a strand through her fingers but kept her eyes on Evangeline. “Are you sending this to your sister as well?”

  “Absolutely. And I’m confident she will want to purchase more yarn in the future.” Evangeline turned to Bertha. “I did mention I wanted you to knit a scarf and hat to go with the sweater you are making for Juliet?”

  “The sweater’s done already.” Bertha extracted the garment from under the broadcloth.

  “Bertha, your talent is amazing,” Evangeline exclaimed.

  Cordelia’s eyes squinted, relaxed, and sparked as she glanced sideways at Bertha.

  Evangeline reached into her bag. “Bertha, let me pay you for all this, and Mrs. Hanks can help me wrap it securely for mailing.” She deliberately counted out the money. “Twenty-three dollars. That’s right, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, ma’am, it shore is.” Bertha looked slyly at Mrs. Hanks. “I should have enough here to pay our bill.”

  “Let’s go look, shall we?” Cordelia moved toward the front counter and tripped over a fifty-pound sack of flour in her excitement. After smoothing the front of her dress and patting her hair back in place, she stepped behind the counter and opened the ledger. “Let me see. You owe thirty dollars and fifteen cents.”

  Bertha turned to Evangeline. “Would you check them numbers? I’m not clever in numbers.”

  “May I?” Evangeline pointed to the ledger, and Cordelia turned it toward her.

  “Mrs. Hanks, there appears to be a mistake. I see by my calculations, the Woods only owe twenty dollars and fifteen cents.”

  Cordelia shrugged her apology. “My husband tends to get in a hurry. Now, Bertha, I have a proposition for you. I want to stock your yarn and broadcloth in my store.”

  Bertha looked surprised, then placed her yarn and material on the counter. “Sure thing, Mrs. Hanks, but if you don’t mind, I’d like Miss Evangeline to help figure out a fair price ’cause I’m not good at numbers. You can pay me, and then I can pay you for things we need.”

  “I was thinking of store credit.”

  “No, ma’am. I’ll take cash.”

  “Very well. How is twenty-five cents a yard?”

  “How about fifty cents a yard and twenty-five cents for each skein of yarn,” Evangeline countered. “At that price you can add thirty percent, make a profit, and still keep the price fair. Bertha has another pattern that is suitable for lady’s wool dresses and coats.”

  Cordelia extended her hand to Bertha to seal the agreement. “I must thank you, Mrs. Marcum, for bringing Miss Woods’ talent to my attention. How clever you are.” A knowing smile formed on her lips as she fingered the fine broadcloth.

  Bertha ran outside to her father, who helped her carry the yarn and cloth from the wagon into the store. A few minutes later, Evangeline came out with a parcel and greeted Jake.

  “I see you done good for Bertha.” He looked quite pleased.

  “I’m happy for the Woods. They are fine people. I wish others saw it.” Her friends returned to the wagon for another load.

  “I’m right proud of you.” Jake looked long at his wife, and it made her neck tingle. He helped her into the wagon, his hands lingering longer than necessary. “By the way, Farley invited us to dinner tomorrow night, and I accepted.”

  “I’m surprised you agreed.” Evangeline took the parasol from under the seat.

  “He wants to discuss the rustlin’ problem. I think he’s made up his mind who done it and how to solve it. He wants my backin’ before he goes through with his plan.” Jake squinted against the bright morning sun.

  “Backing? I thought—”

  “Violet apparently thinks you’re a woman of refinement, improvin’ my station. Almost makes us equals.”

  “Almost?”

  “There can only be one king.” Jake laughed as he flicked the reins.

  “How should I behave under the circumstances?”

  “Shoot, I don’t care none about impressin’ his royal highness.” Jake flicked the reins once more, causing the horses to quicken their pace and his wife to grip his arm tightly. “Be yourself, darlin’. Just be yourself.”

  She surprised herself with the silly giggle that filled the space between them. “You may live to regret that statement.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Evangeline hurried to the wagon and took Jake’s hand as he helped her in. After a long, full day, Jake wished he hadn’t agreed to the dinner meeting. He barely got home in time to clean up and change into his new suit before they left.

  “My, you look dashing.” Evangeline’s admiration warmed him.

  “I can’t escort my beautiful wife in my work clothes.”

  “Well, your new suit fits nicely.” She reached over and straightened his collar. “Bertha’s material makes this suit the finest I’ve ever made.”

  “I could never have afforded a suit this nice.” Jake smoothed the front of the jacket. The gray cloth still had a new sheen to it. “When do you find the time?”

  “Other than helping Selena at mealtime, I do little else. Sewing is my way of contributing to the household. Katie and I ran a seamstress shop before the war. I learned to produce a garment very quickly.”

  “My wife’s a woman of many talents, I see.”

  Evangeline tugged on her gloves and patted her hair. “I hope this d
ress is appropriate. I didn’t take the time to press a party frock. But if you are trying to impress the Farleys, maybe I should have.”

  “If you wore a feed sack, you’d impress the Farleys.” Jake shot an admiring glance her way and enjoyed the look of pleasure that appeared on her face. “That blue dress is somethin’. Did you make it too?”

  “No, Katie did. I won’t be sewing anything for myself for quite a while. She has me well supplied.”

  “I thought you bought that yellow material to make a dress.”

  “And compete with Mrs. Hanks? Hardly. I made curtains for Juliet’s room.”

  Jake shifted the reins from one hand to the other. “I can’t figure why you bothered with curtains. Not like we have neighbors close by.”

  “Juliet’s growing up. And someday the men around here will notice and …”

  “Of course, you’re right. I don’t like to think about her growin’ up.” Jake took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Thank you for carin’.”

  “You are very welcome.” She returned his squeeze. “I love her so much.”

  “I can see that.” He warmed to her confession. Jake placed both hands back on the reins, flipping them to encourage the horses to go faster. “Better not be late.”

  ***

  Jake sat in silent observation after Violet greeted them. She seemed anxious to make an impression. Her green party dress with silver accents was much better suited for a grand ball. He understood Manny’s reference about the woman’s need to talk. She carried the conversation from the weather to her new furniture to the latest fashion.

  Throughout the meal, Thomas corrected her. “No, dear, it rained Thursday, not Tuesday.” His voice was syrupy, and it made Jake want to go outside and hurl.

  “I am so sorry, you are right.” Violet seemed flustered and twisted her napkin. “My sister writes that satin slippers are the latest fashion.”

  “When you read her letter to me the other night it was silk, not satin.” This time, her husband’s voice was harsh.

  “Perhaps you are right.” Violet laughed nervously. “I am sure you are right.”

  Jake flinched at the way Farley spoke to his wife but held his tongue.

  Once the last dish was removed from the table, Thomas loudly cleared his throat. Violet stopped mid-sentence and ducked her head. Farley patted his lips with his napkin and placed it on the table.

  The man had to be at least ten years his wife’s senior, his medium build neither handsome nor plain. His mannerisms and posture were those of a man full of conceit. He wore tall riding boots more suited to a fox hunt than a ranch. Jake felt a bit of pride when he compared his new suit to the one his host wore. Evangeline had done herself proud. He wished he could wipe the smug, kingly expression off his host’s face.

  Once Thomas had everyone’s attention, he turned to Jake. “Women tend to have interest in such petty, unimportant things. Their little minds can’t understand the weightier matters.”

  Jake knew trouble was brewing when Evangeline’s eyes flashed. “I wouldn’t say all women.”

  “The only intelligent ones I’ve had the misfortune to meet were ugly as dirt.” Farley laughed, and the sound sickened Jake.

  Violet intervened. “Let’s have dessert in the parlor. I’ll instruct Maria to serve us there.”

  Jake helped Evangeline from her chair, and Thomas extended his elbow to escort her to the parlor. Jake did the same for Violet. Maria followed with a tray of cake and coffee.

  Evangeline smiled at Maria. “Su pastel se ve delicioso, muchas gracias.”

  “I see you have picked up Spanish,” Thomas remarked, obviously impressed. “That is a good way to keep these people on their toes. But there is no need to thank Maria. She is only doing what she is paid to do.”

  Evangeline’s nostrils flared slightly, and Jake bit his lip to keep from grinning. “I find thanking the servants and being kind to them makes them better employees.”

  “On the contrary, my dear. One must show authority at all times. Having a strong upper hand is important. Otherwise, they will try to steal from you. Mrs. Marcum, I am surprised you are not more aware, being from a fine New York family.”

  Jake saw a startled expression flash across his wife’s face. She hesitated before answering. “I was born in New York State, but I am most recently from Missouri.”

  “Your maiden name is Olson. I’ve heard you are related to Carl Olson of Olson and Grayston.” Farley leaned back in his chair, appearing to enjoy his interrogation.

  Jake saw Evangeline’s face pale.

  “Yes, he was my uncle. He passed away last year.”

  Jake caught the slight tremble in her fingers as she set her coffee cup back on its saucer.

  “I believe I heard of his passing the last time I visited New York.” Thomas paused, obviously to allow his words to sink in, then shifted the conversation. “I am quite surprised you do not handle servants better. Violet tells me you consider your housekeeper a friend. I must advise you, that is a mistake.”

  “We all have our own ways of handlin’ the help. Evangeline seems to do well,” Jake said, jumping to his wife’s defense.

  “Jake, you were once the hired help, so you naturally feel that way. But trust me, if you want to have what I have, you must be of sterner stuff.”

  “More dessert anyone?” Violet picked up the cake knife.

  Jake ignored the man’s barb. “I’ll have another slice. This is right fine cake, Mrs. Farley.”

  Violet looked at Thomas, who waved her off, preparing to light a cigar. Next, she turned to Evangeline.

  “No, thank you. I’m so full I might burst. Your meal was delicious from start to finish.”

  Violet beamed at the compliment.

  “Do you cook, Mrs. Marcum?” Thomas leaned back, drawing deeply from his cigar.

  “Yes, on occasion.”

  “How interesting. Violet doesn’t bother with cooking. She tells me you sew as well.”

  “I enjoy sewing.”

  “Perhaps you could teach Violet. She expresses to me often enough how bored she is. With servants doing all the work, she needs a diversion.” He reached over and patted his wife’s hand, a patronizing smile on his face.

  “If she wants to learn, I will be happy to teach her.” Evangeline turned to Violet. “I admire how well-read you are, Violet. Your collection of books is extensive.”

  Thomas smirked at her words. “Violet doesn’t read those books. They are much too heady for her.”

  Jake searched his mind for a subject change. He was finding it difficult to do while holding his temper in check.

  Evangeline defended her friend. “Violet graduated at the top of her class. How could they be too heady for her?”

  “The top of her class at finishing school,” Farley corrected. “She is well-versed in art and all manner of ladylike things. My library is too advanced for her. Her brain cannot comprehend the nuances of such writing.”

  “Apparently, you don’t think much of intelligent women.” Evangeline’s voice no longer held the edge in check.

  Ignoring her as if they had never spoken, he turned to Jake. “Shall we retire to the library to discuss our cattle?”

  Jake reluctantly followed him. His mouth ached from biting his tongue. Once the door closed, he looked around the room. His eyes took in the shelves lined with books, the fine leather chairs, and the gun collection displayed tastefully in a mahogany cabinet. He walked over to the case to get a closer look. Every moment he remained silent calmed his anger. He perused the collection of weapons and admired a Whitworth Sniper rifle among them. He dismissed the thought of using it on his host.

  “I’ll thank you to be careful how you speak to my wife,” Jake said as the man busied himself at a liquor cabinet in the corner.

  Farley, cool and obviously undisturbed by Jake’s words, extended a glass. “Brandy?”

  Jake waved off the proffered drink. Thomas tasted the brandy as he indicated one of his overstuff
ed leather chairs. “I asked you here to talk about a plan to catch the cattle thieves.”

  “Go on.”

  “My plan is simple. We confiscate the cattle of Skywater and Abernathy.”

  “That’s who you suspect—an Indian and a newcomer?” Jake frowned in disgust.

  “We confiscate their cattle as a warning.”

  “A warnin’ to who?”

  “Many of these ranchers owe me money, and they need to give me a certain amount of respect.” Farley finished his brandy and went to the cabinet to pour another.

  Jake stretched his hands across the arms of the leather chair as his anger rose. “You think they should just let you come on their place and check brands.”

  “You have a better idea?” Farley placed his glass on the end table and drew out another cigar. “I don’t suppose you smoke either.”

  “Not anymore.”

  “Your loss.” He lit his cigar. “I gather by your silence you have no plan.”

  “I have a plan. We all keep watch and compare information. We only have two weeks before the cattle drive. Surely the thieves will make a move soon.”

  “And if they don’t?” Thomas blew more of his irritating smoke rings.

  “They will. Cattle thieves always show their hand. I been ranchin’ long enough to know.”

  Farley sneered at Jake’s comment. “In the meantime, we just let them keep stealing?”

  “You can afford to lose a few head.”

  “Come now, Marcum, you married your wife so you, too, can be secure from loss.”

  “What are you talkin’ about?”

  “Apparently, your wife has been keeping secrets from you. I received a newspaper from back East several months ago. It contained an article regarding Carl Olson’s estate. When your wife’s uncle died, he left half his fortune to her, although I am curious as to why. After all, he had two daughters of his own. But men have their reasons.”

  Jake found this new information hard to swallow.

  “If you want to benefit from her good fortune, I suggest you take a more active role in teaching her how to be an obedient wife.” Thomas’s last barb hit its mark.