Tracie Peterson - [Land of the Lone Star 03]

by Taming the Wind

  “It won’t be easy,” Peevy added, “but we’re trying to fight this from every angle. But it hasn’t helped that your mother moved away to live with her cousin or that your sister married a former Confederate major. Had they remained on the property, it might be a different story now. There might have been some sympathy for a widow. Even if she is a Southerner.”

  Peevy’s comment only served to anger Tyler. “I thought the country was supposed to be unified now. I thought we were supposed to put aside the past and move forward.”

  “If you were on the right side of the war, that’s true enough,” Judge Peevy replied. “I’m sure life in the North goes on as it did before, except for the fact that they want to make the South suffer and pay for the war. I’d like to believe the past issues can be put aside, but frankly, there’s too much bad blood to wash away.”

  “Perhaps if Lincoln had lived,” Will began, “he might have been able to change the hearts and minds of the people. Especially those in Washington. His death has left a bitterness between the North and South that might never heal.”

  “William is right. Even those of us who supported the Union are looked upon as the enemy for simply living here.”

  “They don’t understand the heart of the Texas people,” Tyler muttered. “It never really was our war. We stood in support of our Southern brothers, but mostly we would have been content to reform our own country. Now we want to put the war behind us, and they won’t let us.”

  “Be that as it may,” Peevy countered, “there are those in control who can hopefully be counted on to help.” He reached out and put his hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “I want you to know that I will be working faithfully on this matter while you’re away, but I cannot promise anything.”

  “In other words,” Tyler said, balling his hands, “I could return to find the place sold and forever out of my reach.”

  William and Judge Peevy exchanged a glance, and then turned back to Tyler. Peevy nodded. “That’s the truth of it, son. I’m sorry.”

  Carissa watched as a man of some means spoke with William and Tyler. “Who is that?” she asked as she and Hannah made their way back from the smokehouse.

  “That’s Judge Peevy. He’s trying to help Tyler get his ranch back.”

  “It seems so unfair that he should have lost his home. Especially after his father died trying to defend it,” Carissa replied.

  Hannah paused and fixed Carissa with a smile. “You care about him—don’t you?”

  Carissa’s hand went to her throat. “I . . . well . . .” She licked her lips and forced her nerves to steady. “I care about everyone here.”

  “But Tyler is special. I can see that.”

  Carissa didn’t know what to say. The idea of admitting her growing feelings was something she wasn’t at all comfortable with. Over and over she’d told herself that it wasn’t sensible to care about another man. But at the same time, she feared for Gloria.

  Hannah reached out to touch Carissa’s arm. “He’s a good man, and he cares about you and Gloria. I’ve not seen him show this much affection for anyone else. I think you should know that.”

  “But why?” Carissa questioned.

  “The men are leaving tomorrow. It might be wise to tell him how you feel.”

  Carissa shook her head. “I’m not even sure I know how I feel—except for overwhelmed. So much has happened. Tyler saved my life, and in essence, Gloria’s too. I will always feel a special connection to him because of that. But my husband was cruel. He’s made it so that I don’t feel . . . safe . . . with other men.”

  “Don’t give him any more power over you, Carissa. The past can be put behind you. It’s not easy, nor can I say that you’ll never have to face certain fears. But for Gloria’s sake, I’d encourage you to try. A woman without a mate has a hard enough time in this world. A woman with a child . . . well, I can tell you from the experience of raising my brother and sister that it only gets harder. I fell in love with William but had already decided I’d have to marry in order to see to their needs.”

  “But that’s not a good reason to marry,” Carissa said, shaking her head. “What about love?”

  “I agree that love is important. It was very important to me, but many a marriage has started because of something other than love.” Hannah paused as the men moved off toward the pens. “I know he cares about you. And, Carissa, I can’t help but believe you care about him. I think love is growing between the two of you. I just want to encourage you not to let fear kill that love.”

  Carissa was momentarily offended by Hannah’s frankness, but then realized it was exactly what she wanted in a friend. “I think I’m afraid of everything,” she finally admitted.

  “‘Perfect love casteth out fear,’” Hannah countered. “That’s from the Bible. God’s love is perfect, and when we turn to Him, He can set us free from fear through His love. Laura told me that you haven’t been long in seeking God’s direction. Maybe while the men are on the cattle drive, you can focus on growing closer to God.”

  “I wouldn’t know where to start.”

  Hannah smiled. “Maybe I can help. Would you like that?”

  Carissa felt her chest tighten. “Yes, I think I would.”

  “I don’t wanna sleep,” Gloria said in protest.

  Carissa knew her daughter wouldn’t take a nap willingly, but she also knew that without the break, Gloria would be impossible at supper.

  Taking a warm, wet cloth, Carissa began washing Gloria’s face. “I know you don’t want to sleep, but how about you just rest. You can talk to your dolly.”

  “I want Rusty.”

  “No, the dog has to stay outside.” Carissa put the cloth aside and unfastened Gloria’s pinafore. Gloria suppressed a yawn and danced around as Carissa worked to take off the apron and dress. Once this was done she pointed Gloria to the bed.

  “You be with me.”

  “No, I have work to do,” Carissa said, despite the fact that the idea was greatly appealing. She reached over to the nightstand and picked up Gloria’s doll. “Here’s your baby.”

  To Carissa’s surprise, Gloria didn’t argue. As was often the case, if she could get Gloria to be still for a little while, she usually yielded to her exhaustion. The girl yawned again and took the doll to her chest. Carissa pulled a sheet up to cover her daughter.

  “You get some rest and when you wake up, it will be time for supper.”

  “I see Tyer, too?”

  Carissa looked at her daughter for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed. “You like Tyler, don’t you?”

  Gloria nodded. Her lids were growing heavy, and Carissa knew she should just leave her child to go to sleep. Something kept her there, however. She thought of what Hannah had said about Tyler caring for her and for Gloria.

  Reaching out, Carissa smoothed back her daughter’s blond curls. To her surprise, Gloria spoke. “You like, Tyer, Mama.” It wasn’t a question, but rather a statement. Even so, Carissa felt that she could at least be honest with her child.

  “I do like Tyler.”

  Gloria nodded again and closed her eyes. Her peaceful expression left Carissa with a sense of well-being. Her daughter was safe and happy. She really couldn’t hope for more than that—could she?

  Leaving Gloria to sleep, Carissa made her way to the kitchen. She spied Juanita and smiled. “I’m here to help you.”

  Juanita nodded. “I have two pork roasts in the oven. We will make corn bread and grits, gravy, and something sweet.”

  “Sounds delicious.” Carissa took down an apron and slipped it on. Securing the ties, she went to the sink and washed her hands. “I know how to make corn bread and grits, but I’m not too good with gravy.”

  “Then I teach you,” Juanita said matter-of-factly.

  Carissa smiled and nodded as she turned to face the Mexican woman. “I’m ready.”

  They had barely started working when someone came in from the back. Carissa wasn’t surprised to see it was Tyler. Someho
w she had almost expected it.

  “We could use something to tide us over till supper,” he announced. “Would you happen to have any of your cinnamon sugar cookies, Juanita?”

  “Sí, I have those and some of Miss Hannah’s gingerbread. You want both?”

  “Absolutely. Me and Osage are pert near starvin’.” He looked at Carissa and winked. “We’re workin’ way harder than a man ought to work.”

  She couldn’t help but grin. “You’d better hurry then, Juanita. We wouldn’t want them to expire.”

  Tyler returned the smile and happily received a stack of cookies from Juanita. Next she went to a jar and pulled out pieces of gingerbread. Wrapping them in a dish towel, she admonished Tyler.

  “You don’t lose my towel.” She brought him the bundle and handed it over.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Tyler promised. “In fact, if I had another set of hands, I wouldn’t even take it.”

  Juanita shook her head. “If you had more hands, you’d just take more food.”

  Tyler laughed and moved toward the door. “She knows me pretty well,” he said, meeting Carissa’s gaze. “You could learn a lot from her.”

  “That’s the plan,” Carissa declared.

  This caused Tyler to pause, and Carissa could tell he wanted to know exactly what she meant by her statement. With a shrug and a hint of a smile, Carissa went back to where Juanita had started her sifting flour for the gravy. “I hope she’ll teach me to make those cookies. They look delicious.”

  She risked a quick glance at Tyler and saw that he looked momentarily confused. He didn’t let the expression linger, however.

  “Thanks again, Juanita.”

  And then he was gone and the room seemed suddenly large and empty. She missed his presence. Carissa frowned. She had never felt that way about Malcolm. Not in the time they were courting, and certainly not after they wed.

  “You don’t need so much,” Juanita said, interrupting her thoughts.

  Carissa looked down at the huge mound of flour. “Oh, sorry. I was daydreaming.”

  Juanita gave her an understanding smile. “Dreams are good . . . and sometimes they come true.”

  9

  That night Ted and Marietta Terry came to supper at the Barnetts’. Carissa helped to put the last of the dinner on the table before taking Gloria in her arms. She was used to holding Gloria for meals, but it wouldn’t be all that long before the child could sit on her own.

  “I don’t know why Andy gets to go on the cattle drive and I got to stay here,” ten-year-old Marty declared as she took the seat opposite Carissa. “I can ride better than he does, and I can lasso, too.”

  “Girls don’t usually go on cattle drives,” Hannah declared. “At least not unless they absolutely have to.”

  “Well . . . I have to,” Marty said in protest. Her long blond braids, coupled with the pout on her face, made her appear years younger.

  Hannah shook her finger. “That’s not true, Miss Marty, and you know very well how I feel about you exaggerating things.”

  “Cattle drives are hard work,” William added. “And you aren’t going to have any of the nice things you have here at home.”

  “Besides, you’re too little to go on a cattle drive,” her brother declared. Andy plopped down in the seat beside his sister. “You couldn’t handle a stampede or calm the herd in a storm.”

  “I wish you weren’t going, either,” Hannah said, looking at her brother. “You know how I feel about this, Andy. It’s dangerous.”

  Will put his hand out to touch hers. “Remember we talked about this, and you agreed to stop fretting. Andy is nearly thirteen and that’s plenty old enough to drive cattle.”

  “He’s right,” Ted said, helping Marietta to a seat. “Boys that young go all the time. They’re hardy and better able to endure the trail. Why, when I was his age I could drive a herd of a hundred by myself.”

  “And walk on water when they came to river crossings,” Marietta added to everyone’s amusement.

  Ted grinned. “Well, pert near. As I recall there was a time when you thought that highly of me.”

  She smiled. “I still do, Teddy. I still do.”

  One by one the others came to the table, and as Carissa settled into her seat, she found Tyler helping her. “Here, I’ll hold Gloria.” He swung the little girl up into his arms before Carissa could say a word.

  She looked at him for a moment, seeing how pleased Gloria was at his attention. Tyler pretended to munch on the little girl’s neck and Gloria squealed.

  “She certainly seems to enjoy you, Tyler,” Marietta said.

  “She’s my special friend. Aren’t you?” he said, looking to Gloria.

  “Yes. Tyer is my fwend.” Gloria wrapped her arms around his neck and pretended to return the munching.

  Tyler laughed and sat down beside Carissa. “I’ll take her now.” Carissa held out her hands.

  He didn’t even pretend to heed her instruction. “She’s fine with me.” Gloria quickly sat down on his lap and ignored her mother.

  Carissa wasn’t sure what to say, especially since it seemed everyone was now looking to see what her reaction might be. She lowered her gaze to the empty plate and folded her hands. Her discomfort seemed to stretch as she waited for someone to offer grace.

  “Let’s pray,” William finally declared.

  Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes. She felt so confused. Life used to be much easier—as a young woman, she would flirt and bat her eyelashes at any man who captured her fancy. She was the belle of the ball, and they all vied for her attention. Then Malcolm came along, and she thought he’d hung the moon and stars. He was so good at convincing her of his love. How could she ever trust her heart again?

  “He said amen,” Tyler whispered in her ear.

  Carissa’s head snapped upward to find everyone busily passing platters and bowls. She looked at Tyler and realized he was the only one watching her. She gave him a weak smile. “I’m afraid I’m rather tired.”

  “I don’t doubt it. You were hard at work every time I saw you today.”

  Taking up the bowl of grits, Carissa put a portion on her plate and held the ladle up. “Would you like some grits?”

  He smiled and nodded. “I sure do. And I wanna top it with some of that good pork gravy.” He looked to Gloria. “How about you, little gal? You want some grits?”

  Gloria clapped her hands. “Grits are good. I want grits.”

  He laughed and turned back to Carissa. “You heard the little lady.”

  Carissa pointed to her plate. “She can eat off my plate.”

  “Or mine,” he said as if it happened every day.

  Ted Terry interrupted her thoughts. “I heard from our buyer in Abilene. Prices are on the rise. There’s a big demand for beef out of Chicago and New York. Our buyer feels confident he can get us top dollar. The sooner we can get there, the better. I have a feeling once word gets around, every man and his brother will be pushing beeves north.”

  “So we might make more than forty a head?” William asked.

  “That’s what I’m thinking,” Ted said, helping himself to some of the pork roast. “Maybe even as high as fifty.”

  “That would bring us well over a hundred thousand,” William said, looking to Tyler. “Depending on how many head we lose, it might well bring us close to . . . a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.”

  “That’s amazing,” Marietta said, shaking her head. “Three years ago we couldn’t give those animals away. I remember Ted selling five steers for ten dollars.”

  “Apiece?” Carissa asked casually.

  “No, for all five,” Marietta replied. “Two dollars a head. The war made it impossible to make any decent wage.”

  “She’s right about that,” Ted agreed. He took two large pieces of corn bread and passed the platter to Tyler. “But now the entire world is starved for beef. The King ranch down Corpus way is shipping them out as fast as they can. I heard tell
that Mr. King is going into the meatpacking business, as well.”

  “Wouldn’t that require a lot of money, to keep the beef from going bad?” William asked. “I know they ship in ice cars on the rails, but our rail system isn’t the best.”

  “King could be planning to send his beef out of Corpus on ships,” Brandon offered. “Packing a freighter full of ice would probably keep easier than a railcar.”

  “Possibly. All I’m sayin’,” Ted continued, “is there are gonna be a load of opportunities for us in the future. I believe we can join our efforts to accomplish great things.”

  “I am certainly all for that,” William replied.

  Carissa noted that Tyler remained silent. She wondered if this was due to his uncertain future. She wished there was some way to offer him comfort. She wished her father and mother weren’t bound for Europe. Her father had many good friends among the former Unionists. Perhaps he could have helped Tyler get back his land.

  “So did you ladies plan for how you will go about living together?” Marietta asked.

  Hannah nodded. “We did indeed. We took your advice and made a list for each of us. The chores are shared among the women. We may even find ourselves with time to just rest and take it easy.”

  “That’ll be the day,” William said with a snorted laugh. “I think the only time you sit still for more than a minute is at meals, and even then you’re up and down so much I very nearly get seasick.”

  Chuckles sounded from around the table. Carissa watched as Hannah blushed and shook her head. “The only way to get things done is to do them.”

  The meal continued in a pleasant, almost celebratory, spirit. Carissa listened to the men discuss the need for extra lassos and gloves. Marietta suggested taking a stack of wool blankets in case the weather turned cold.

  “You can never tell about the weather. I’ve heard tell of snow in Kansas even into May. Best you go prepared,” she told them.

  Hannah mentioned a new quilt pattern that she got in the mail, and Marietta and Laura seemed more than a little interested. Twice Carissa tried to take Gloria from Tyler, but neither the child nor the man showed any interest. She fretted that this arrangement somehow signaled to the others an intimacy she was not yet ready to concede. But by the time dessert was served, Carissa finally began to relax and realize that no one thought it strange that Tyler and Gloria should share the meal. This seemed even more apparent when Ted took young Robert Barnett from his high chair and bounced the boy on his knee.