by Rue Allyn
He cut her off as she started to interrupt. “I have the floor, if you don’t mind.” Tapping his fingertips together, Case leveled a stare at her, like he had when she was little and caught her getting into some kind of mischief. “Young lady, I am very disappointed. Don’t you have faith in my ability to do what is best for the ranch and you?”
She realized she had gone too far, again. All her life she had pushed the limits of his patience, either in word or deed. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands into knots.
“I’m sorry, Papa.” She looked up, tears swelling in her sapphire eyes. “Really, I didn’t mean to imply you don’t know how to run the ranch. I’m just afraid everything is going to change and this … this man will try to take over everything or worse, he’ll be another shiftless remittance man; all promises and lies, draining us of everything and giving us nothing in return.”
“Let me tell you about my arrangement with Lord Stoneham,” Case answered softly. “I should have told you this sooner, I am sorry. Little Bit, I didn’t intentionally shut you out, but you must remember you and the ranch are my responsibility, and mine alone.”
He put up his hand to stop her before she could speak. “Let me talk, please.”
Leaning forward, he rested his forearms on the desk.
“First off, you know he’s not a remittance man. Stoneham is the heir of the Marquis of Lochay in Scotland. Stoneham is the title of the first son. His name is Hawke Pryce.”
“More like a chicken than a hawk, I bet.” She snorted softly.
“Young lady,” Case tried not to laugh, harrumphed, shrugged his shoulders, and continued. “He studied at the finest universities in Britain, and served in the military in India for several years. His is a very wealthy title, and Stoneham has had to learn the workings of all of its holdings. In addition, he has made a fortune of his own through many shrewd investments and ventures.”
“That still doesn’t explain why here, why us, and why you don’t think he’ll cheat us.”
“He heard about the Ladder J from Arthur Cove, over at the Rocking C. Apparently he’s an old family friend. Stoneham wrote me with the proposal to bring fresh bloodlines and capital into the ranch. In return, he wants to spend time out here and try some theories he has about ranching.”
“Oh, I see now.” Annoyance flashed through her. “This is some old gentleman whose father has yet to die. He needs to find something to relieve his boredom, and we are some experiment he wants to try. It doesn’t sound much different from Lord Peavey to me.”
The only person of noble birth she had ever seen spent his days and nights in one of the local saloons. It was rumored scandal drove him out of Britain and his family sent him money to keep him away. In her mind, British “gentlemen” were probably worthless wastrels who considered themselves too good to be bothered by the common rabble. “No, Kara,” Case replied, “Stoneham is not an old gentleman. He is not yet thirty and boredom seems to be the least of his worries.” He leaned back in his chair. “He has written me of the problems he’s seeing with the land in Britain and Scotland and is trying to learn new methods to correct them to make the land rich again.”
“All right,” she put her hands up in defeat. “All right. I’ll try to reserve judgment until I meet this man and see for myself what he is really all about.” She leaned her hands on the desk. “Right now, I’m going to go help bring in the cows and calves.”
Chapter 2
Kara was up early. At the bottom of the stairs, she saw her father reading a telegram.
“Is it bad news?” Stopping beside her father, she raised up on her toes to read the message over his shoulder.
“No, sweetheart,” Case turned, dropping an affectionate kiss on the top of her head. “A message from Lord Stoneham. He and a companion are expecting to arrive in Socorro tomorrow.”
“So soon?” She chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. She knew it was going to be awful. With all his money and his title he would be arrogant and try to change her ranch. And just because he knew Mr. Cove it didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to take over the ranch. But that wasn’t going to happen. Not if she had anything to say about it.
Case tapped the message with his finger. “We’ll have a barbecue to welcome him. Joe and a few of the men will leave today to meet them at the station. We need to send riders with invitations to some of the neighbors and into town.”
“Sure he won’t find it too provincial?” Kara snipped. “He’s probably used to fine china, silver, and lots of servants to wipe his mouth for him.”
Case glared at her. “I had thought you were going to reserve judgment.”
“I’m sorry.” She reached out to grab her father’s hand and reassure him. “I guess I’m worried, and you know me.” Tilting her head, she gazed at her father, trying to look harmless as a lamb. “I get peevish when I’m worried or scared. I didn’t mean it. I’ll give Lord Stoneham a chance.”
Until he proves me wrong.
He smiled at her indulgently. She knew when she tried so obviously to manipulate him, he couldn’t stay angry.
“Would you talk to Consuelo about the arrangements?”
Nodding, she started to leave.
“And … ” said Case, glaring at her outfit of denim pants and one of his shirts. “Please wear a pretty dress for the party. We wouldn’t want everyone to think you were my son … would we?” Turning back, Kara crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
“Next thing I know, you’ll want me to put on a split skirt.” She remembered the first time she had put on the mannish clothing, and he had ordered her back to her room to change into a more ladylike split skirt. The split riding skirt had not been practical. Kara had protested, but tried to work in the heavy garment to please him.
He gave in and let her dress in the pants after the heavy skirts had caught in the brush, and she was almost pulled from her horse. He had tried to discourage her from working, told her it wasn’t necessary, but she always said it made her feel useful.
• • •
After stopping to speak to Consuelo, Kara left the house, promptly putting all thoughts of Lord Stoneham and his impending arrival from her mind. Walking down the porch steps, she greeted Bob, one of the ranch hands. He had come west after the War Between the States, seeking the freedom a black man could not find in the south.
“Mawnin’ Miz Kara.” Bob tipped his hat. “There sure is a lot of work for us this day. We’re going to be jumpin’ like fleas on a hot griddle!”
“You’re surely right. If anyone needs me, I’m off to help bring the cows and calves in from the north pasture so we can brand and catalog them.”
White teeth split his dark face in a broad grin. “I recon’ you’ll get on just fine. Consuelo will have your hide though, if’n you forget to take your midday meal.” He handed her saddlebags bursting with food and a canteen of water. “She thinks you need to be putting some meat on them bones. So don’t be coming back lessen you eat every bite in those bags.”
She took the bags. Consuelo was not only the family cook and housekeeper, but Bob’s wife. The small round Mexican woman kept everyone on the ranch toeing the line, especially Bob.
“I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble. I’ll eat every bit.” She laughed at the exaggerated wink he gave her. Looking up, she saw a strange cowboy watching her as he walked across the yard towards the barn. The young man stared so hard, he didn’t notice the fence post until he smacked right into it.
The cowhand blushed furiously at the sound of the other cowhands’ laughter, shook his shoulders, pulled his hat low over his brow and hurried into the barn.
“Your mannish getup did it again, Miz Kara. Poor Jeb. Guess no one warned him ’bout your clothes.”
It had become a long-standing joke among the older hands not to tell the new hires about her unusual work clothes, so they all got a good laugh at the expense of the unsuspecting cowhand.
“I swear,” she huffed, looking around at the cowhands who we
re still chuckling. “You’d think men would stop acting so stupid. It’s not as if I’m running around in a hurdy-gurdy girl’s outfit. I’m covered from head to toe. Men can be so silly sometimes.”
“Miz Kara! Where’d you be knowin’ what hurdy-gurdy girls wear?” Bob’s eyes were wide with surprise.
“Oh, Bob,” she replied. “The world is changing. I’ve seen photographs in the newspapers in Virginia. Why, I’ve even been to rallies for women’s rights.” She saw the shock on his face. “Women should be allowed to vote and decide how to live their own lives, and even be allowed to go into a place where those women work.” Seeing his eyes narrow, she added quickly, “Not that I’ve ever been in one of those places … . I’m off to get Gally.”
Looking back at Bob’s frowning face, she headed for the barn. “And don’t worry; I won’t forget to eat everything in my saddlebags.”
Entering the barn, she headed for the end stall. She had always loved stories of King Arthur and his knights as a young girl, and named her horse Galahad after her favorite character.
“Excuse me, miss.”
She looked around, startled by the voice. “Who’s there?” she asked, staring into the gloom of the barn, unable to see.
The young man who had run into the fence post stepped forward. Holding a battered cowboy hat in his hand, he didn’t look to be much older than her. Rail thin with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. He stared at her intently, like a snake staring down a rabbit. It made her nerves jangle.
“Hello, I’m Kara Jonston.” Unwilling to let herself feel intimidated, she took a step forward and held out her hand to the young man. “I understand you’ve just started. I hope you enjoy working here.”
The young man looked down at her outstretched hand and back up at her face without any expression. She noticed a tic at the corner of one eye, and the way he wiped his palm on his dusty pants.
“My name’s Jeb Black, miss.” His unblinking stare raked her body. “No one told me about you.” He stepped forward suddenly, causing her to take an involuntary step back, bumping into the stall door. His intense stare and slightly leering voice made her tense up.
“All they said was old man Jonston’s daughter worked hard as any hand. I sure thought you’d probably look like one, too.” His eyes raked over her body again, causing a shiver of revulsion to run down her spine.
Seeing him start to reach a hand towards her face, she instinctively jerked her head back.
“Yer sure beautiful, with your fine skin and — ”
“Mr. Black!” Kara said sharply, her voice stopping his hand in midair. She continued, hoping her voice wouldn’t betray her fear. “What do you think you are doing? Not only do I not know who you are, but I am, as you said, old man Jonston’s daughter.” Her anger began overcoming her fear; her voice icy, backing down the rude young man in front of her.
“If you wish to keep your job on this ranch, I suggest you remember that fact, and never approach me in such an untoward manner again.” She desperately pushed down the rapidly rising fear.
Jeb dropped his hand to his side, face pale, a mixture of embarrassment and anger. “No ma’am,” he drawled slowly, leveling his unnerving gaze on her again. “I guess I overstepped myself. Of course those clothes could give a man the wrong idea.”
Kara sucked in her breath.
“Black … . Where are you?” Joe, the ranch foreman, walked into the barn. Kara saw his eyes go from her face to Black’s clenched fists. “What the hell are you doin’ in here, Black?” he yelled at the younger man. “You’re supposed to be out bringing in the horses. You were hired to break horses, not dilly-dally in the barn. Don’t let me catch you wasting time or bothering Miss Kara again, or you’ll be off this property so fast … do I make myself clear!” He leaned towards Jeb, anger clenching every muscle of his face.
“I was just introducin’ myself to the lady,” Jeb said slowly, challenging the older man with an insolent stare. “Didn’t know it was a problem boss.” A slow, cold grin spread across his face. “Guess I’ll jest get on to work now.” Looking at Kara, eyes cold, Jeb tipped his hat. “Miss,” He turned and sauntered out of the barn.
A long breath escaped her. Only then had she realized she’d been holding it in. “Thank you, Joe.” She grabbed his arm, grateful for the momentary support, afraid her knees might give out. “I’ve never met anyone who has made me feel so uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure what he might do.”
“You stay clear of him, Miss Kara.” He put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug. “It appears that boy’s got some manners to learn. I’ll be sure the other men keep an eye on him and keep him clear of you. If he causes any trouble, he can just pack up. Bronc busters are a dime a dozen. I don’t allow troublemakers of any kind on this spread.” Turning to leave, he looked back. “You go on up to the north pasture with Henry and Lacy. They’ll keep you busy today. Don’t you worry about Jeb Black anymore.”
She entered the stall, still shaken by the encounter. The dark red gelding pushed his nose into her chest in greeting. She hugged his neck, breathing in the warm, musky smell — a combination of horse, hay, and dust. “Oh Gally, I don’t understand? I certainly didn’t do anything to provoke him.” The big horse snuffled softly in her hair. Sighing raggedly, she took a deep breath and worked to calm her racing heart. Pushing back from the horse, she turned and picked up a brush from the ledge outside the stall and brushed him down. The steady strokes of the brush across her horse’s coat relaxed her.
Sighing once again, she finished saddling her horse, led him from the barn into the bright, warm light of a spring morning, mounted, and went to work.
Chapter 3
The young woman looked up through her lashes at the two men sitting across from her on the train. God, but he’s magnificent, she thought, admiring the man seated directly across from her. The smooth fit of his tailored black jacket across broad shoulders, and the snug fit of his vest emphasized the lack of spare flesh on this man. Looking at his long, thickly muscled thighs in snug breeches tucked into tall, riding boots caused a flutter in her stomach and heat to race along her skin. I wonder where he’s going. She licked her lips, contemplating a long ride and a casual flirtation.
A soft, deep chuckle caused her to jerk up her head. Face flaming with embarrassment; she realized the man had caught her looking him up and down and behaving like some common strumpet. Muttering an apology, she stood and hurried from her seat, exiting to the next car.
• • •
“Well, Hawke,” laughed the man next to him. “It looks like ye’ve done it again. Set another wee lassie’s heart to pittering. I’d think you would tire of the long looks and breathy sighs that have accompanied us on this interminably long journey.”
“You’ve had more looks and propositions than me, my friend,” Hawke smiled. “In fact, I seem to remember twin sisters on the boat over here … . ”
“Enough … enough,” laughed Alec MacCairn. “You win. I guess we’ve both had our share of attention from the ladies. But you, my friend, didn’t seem too interested in partaking of any offers. Not your usual style.”
No, the ladies loved them both, and they both enjoyed pleasing the ladies. Hawke knew his reserve seemed to attract and intrigue women, not scare them off, just as much as Alec’s roguish charm drew them like bees to honey.
“Well, I figured you were spreading your attentions around enough for both of us, Alec.”
The two had been boyhood friends, growing up on adjoining estates in Scotland. They had gone through university together and spent their military service in India in the same regiment. Now his friend had agreed to accompany him to the American West for no other reason than the chance at a possible adventure.
“You know,” said Alec seriously, the smile gone from his lips. “I still don’t understand what buying a partnership in a farm in this godforsaken wilderness has to do with your reason for coming out here.”
“I believe they call them ranc
hes out here. And it has nothing to do with my other business. Buying into the Jonston ranch … the Ladder J is purely a business decision. Coming out here to track down that worthless jackal is purely personal.”
Hawke’s anger flared at the memory. Controlling the urge to put his fist through something, he felt the muscle in his jaw jump. When he had returned from service in India, he had learned Geoffrey Tompkins, a neighbor, had somehow hurt his younger sister, Bethany, causing her to go into a deep depression. When he went to confront Geoffrey, he found that Geoffrey’s father — the coward — had sent his son away to avoid scandal. Geoffrey’s brother, in an attempt to protect him from Hawke’s wrath, had concocted some absurd story about Bethany and Tompkins being in love, saying when his brother had asked her to run away with him, she had gone crazy. It was too outlandish to believe.
It had broken his heart to see his once-vibrant sister lock herself in her room and refuse to leave the house. She never smiled anymore. She seemed caught in the grip of a black demon slowly draining her life away.
“Just a coincidence,” he said, pushing the painful memories back. “The detectives tracking Tompkins found out he headed toward the same area this ranch is in. I wouldn’t care if he’s hundreds of miles from the ranch … he’s in this part of the world, and I’m going to find him.”
He’d spent almost a year and a small fortune finding Tompkins’ whereabouts. It had been during this time the investment opportunity in the New Mexico Territory had appeared.
“So, this ranch will be just a place for you to stay while you search … am I right?” Alec had also been shocked by what had happened to Bethany. “This venture of yours will give you someplace to search from, and a way to expend energy while you wait. It begins to make sense to me.”
Taking a deep breath, Hawke forced himself back in control. He had always been the calm one, the logical one. He wasn’t about to change now.