by Ciara Knight
Jeb offered his arm, and she took it as if they were on the way to a church picnic. “I get the suspicion that Colonel Richardson is going to be difficult. One of the men said that there’s a lot of cattle in Texas that only needs to be rounded up.”
With a pat to his arm and a yawn, Elizabeth followed him to a tent at the outskirts of camp near the cattle. “You have to remind him that you’re the only man that can deliver those cattle. Despite bandits, storms, and rivers.”
The smell of beans filled the air drawing them both toward the men eating while watching the cattle.
“And the Fire Lady.”
Elizabeth tripped and nearly landed in Teddy’s lap. Jeb kept her upright and squeezed her into his side, but she pushed away and settled next to Teddy on a stool.
It didn’t feel right with her being so far away. She’d been in his arms for so many hours that the world felt cold and empty without her near him. If only he knew for sure whether she’d lie to him or try to manipulate him. Was he going to be his father, or a man who protected his home, land, and men?
“When do you think we can head back to the ranch?” Samuel asked. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be here to eat and sleep, but I’m ready to get back to Elizabeth’s real cooking. I want some pie.”
Elizabeth giggled, a soft, happy sound. One that Jeb wanted to hear more often. The trip had been trying on them all, but she looked thin and tired. He worried she’d done too much.
“Jeb Clayton,” a deep voice sounded from behind him. He turned to see Colonel Richardson offer his hand. “Glad you made it. I heard about your encounter with those men. Did you say there were five? One has a large scar on the side of his face?”
“Yes, that’s right. How did you know?” Jeb asked.
“They’ve been robbing stagecoaches, banks, and mail for the past few weeks. I’ve dispatched men to chase them down, but they always manage to elude us…except the other day. One fell off his horse because he’d been shot.”
“Can’t he tell you about the other men?” Elizabeth stood and joined them. As Jeb had feared, the colonel’s gaze roamed the length of her.
“I haven’t had the pleasure. I’m Richardson, Colonel Richardson.”
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Elizabeth McKinnie,” she said with a curtsy. “So what did the man say?”
Colonel Richardson bent over, took her hand, and kissed her knuckles. Jeb wanted to snatch her hand away, but that wouldn’t be wise in their current circumstance. “Afraid the man wasn’t much use before he died. He only ranted crazy things about a Fire Lady witch who cursed them.”
All the men burst into laughter. Samuel fell out off his stool and pounded his fist against the ground for extra drama.
Colonel Richardson scratched his temple. “What did I say?”
Teddy managed to stop laughing long enough to say something. “You’re famous, Elizabeth.”
She coyly dropped her chin to her chest and smiled.
“You? You’re the fire-haired witch?” Colonel Richardson asked in a celebratory tone and wide grin.
“No, I’m only a woman with unruly hair that had a rifle.”
Colonel Richardson still hadn’t let go of Elizabeth’s hand and actually tugged her toward him. “Witches are not to be messed with. We should lock you up for such a crime.”
Jeb had enough and stepped between them. “She’s no witch.”
“Relax, I was only teasing.” Colonel Richardson took a step back, but his gaze returned to Elizabeth. “I’d love to speak with you further this evening.”
“It’s late and she needs her rest,” Jeb said, attempting to keep the hate from his voice. “Nurse Mildred said she needs to eat and go straight to sleep.”
“If nurse Mildred said that, then please, do not waste another minute speaking with me.” He removed his hat and bowed at Elizabeth as if she were royalty. “Besides, Jeb and I need to go look at some cattle, right?”
Jeb wanted to usher the man away as quick as possible, cattle was a good enough reason as any.
Elizabeth curtsied. “It has been a pleasure, Colonel Richardson.”
“Please, call me Nate.”
“Nate. I hope to see you before we leave in the morning.”
He stepped to the side and tilted his head for Jeb to follow him toward the cattle. “I shall look forward to it.”
Colonel Richardson waved a hand, sending two men hustling ahead. The men held lanterns out in front of them guiding them through the darkness away from the main camp. In the dim light, Jeb made out the outline of a cannon and men huddled around it.
Jeb had disliked Colonel Richardson when he’d met him the first time, but now he really didn’t like him. And there was no way he was going to let him get his hands on a sweet girl like Elizabeth. Especially when she was his responsibility right now.
Once they were out of hearing range, Colonel Richardson clapped Jeb on the back. “Tell me about your friend, Elizabeth.”
“She’s with me.”
Colonel Richardson stopped in his tracks, causing both of the men riding at their sides to turn around and backtrack. The muted light highlighted the man’s face, showing a few minimal scars on his chin and cheek. “You brought your wife on this trip?”
“No, of course not. She is…was…my betrothed.”
“Was?” The way Colonel Richardson’s bushy eyebrow raised, Jeb knew he’d just given an open invitation for his advances toward Elizabeth.
“It’s complicated. We should focus on business.” Jeb pointed to the cattle. Crickets sounded around them, marginally soothing the tension in Jeb’s shoulders.
“I have time to listen, but if you do not wish to speak about it, I understand a broken heart.” Colonel Richardson started walking again, as did the men holding the lanterns.
“No, it’s not that,” Jeb protested.
Colonel Richardson rubbed his jaw. “Of course not. It never is.”
Jeb ground his teeth, forcing himself not to say anymore to the man. After they’d inspected each cow in the herd at least twice, Colonel Richardson said, “The number is here, but you were late.”
“I told you about our troubles.”
Colonel Richardson patted the back of one of the cows. “What makes you think you can make twice the distance with three times the cattle?” He laughed. “And with a woman, no less.”
Jeb stuck his thumbs in his vest pocket to keep from punching the man and his condescending tone. “I’ll take more precautions and hire more men. It won’t be a problem. I told you I’d deliver these cattle, and I did.”
“Late.”
“By hours, not days. No one is starving at this camp.” Jeb forced the sarcasm from his voice, but the words had still slipped through. What was wrong with him? He was a businessman, not some love-sick teenager fighting over a woman.
Colonel Richardson nodded, but Jeb saw the decision flash on his face with a tick at the corner of his eye. “Yes, because I won’t let that happen. I’ll pay you what we agreed upon for this, but I’ll sleep on my answer for the next delivery. I’m thinking you’re not the right man for the job.”
“We are the right team. You don’t know us, but we work together like no other ranch. We might be unorthodox, but we get the job done. These cows are plump and well-cared for, and all here on the day promised. You won’t get better service than this.”
“You have my answer, son.” Colonel Richardson’s superior, condescending tone left a sour taste in Jeb’s mouth, but he gritted his teeth to keep the next words inside. They needed this deal, so he couldn’t call him out for being a washed-out soldier that didn’t fit in his uniform anymore because he’d become a paper pusher who didn’t understand the first thing about cattle. Most of all, he wanted to call him out for underestimating his team, including Elizabeth. Instead of saying any of that, he stood still and watched the Colonel walk away.
In the morning, he’d be able to state his case more clearly. The cows were settled, and soldiers were helpin
g to watch them, so the men had shorter shifts. After a good night’s sleep, he’d be able to make a deal. That was what Jeb was best at, cool, calculated conversation that led to the desirable outcome.
For now, though, Jeb hurried back to the men.
Elizabeth welcomed him with a warm smile and bright eyes. “How did it go?”
“Fine. We’ll speak on the details in the morning.” He removed his hat and placed his hand on the back of his neck before he spotted Elizabeth’s analyzing gaze. He held his hat to his chest and nodded. “Goodnight.”
He waited for her to enter the small tent the men had given her to use, and then he walked over to his men. “I want someone watching the cattle, but you men sleep close to Elizabeth’s tent.”
“Already planned to, boss.” Teddy saluted mockingly, then settled onto his saddle blanket with his men.
Jeb went to the large tree near the cattle and sat, looking at the stars. It was a beautiful, bright sky, but he preferred to see it from his own property. He liked working his land, but the cattle drives were long and reminded him too much of living without comfort when he was young and poor. He wanted to be done with that. He wanted to sleep in a bed every night and wake to food on a table each morning.
He closed his eyes and dreamed of the front porch and a little girl with scarlet hair and pale skin rocking in a white swing. Over by the barn, a strapping young boy with dark hair and tan skin was feeding the chickens. The front door swung open, and Elizabeth stepped out with a round belly and a beautiful smile.
The dream faded, and he rolled over to find someone moving in the distance. He blinked, half certain he was still dreaming when he saw that it was Elizabeth. Light from the moon reflected off her red hair, illuminating its length, so he knew it was her. Besides, there was only one or two other women in camp.
He bolted up and jogged to where the tents were lined up neatly, and then she stopped at Colonel Richardson’s tent. After a moment, he stepped out to greet her, and then she went inside. The colonel remained outside and scanned the area, as if checking for anyone who’d see him, then disappeared inside his tent.
Jeb’s blood boiled. He took off toward Elizabeth, but four soldiers stepped out from behind one of the tents and stopped him. “This area isn’t open to you. Return to your men.”
For a second, Jeb thought about fighting them, muscling his way into Colonel Richardson’s tent and demanding to know what was happening, but he’d never make it. He needed to be smarter. He shoved the men from him, but instead of fighting, he held up his hands before turning and walking toward the cattle.
Unfortunately, the men followed him all the way back to his tree. The entire time, his mind raced about what could be happening to Elizabeth McKinnie.
Chapter Twenty-One
The smell of tobacco and leather filled the tent. It was a larger temporary home compared to any of the others with a desk, chairs, and a cot. Being a colonel had its advantages, she could see.
“Can I offer you something to drink?” Colonel Nate Richardson asked.
Elizabeth knew she was already taking a significant risk being in this man’s tent without a chaperone. “No, thank you. I came alone with the understanding that you are a gentleman. A man of honor among your men.”
“Yes, you are safe with me.” Colonel Richardson angled his face to the side. She could tell that he’d once been a good-looking man with strong cheekbones and bright eyes, but it was now hidden under some excess skin, scars, and sweat. “I must admit that I was shocked to discover that a woman such as yourself rode with those men all the way here. If you don’t mind me saying, it is no place for a well-bred lady like you.”
Elizabeth forced a coy smile and flutter of her lashes. “Yes, well, I’m stronger and more capable than I look, but I assure you that I am not the reason you should agree to the contract with Jeb Clayton.”
“Ah, now we turn to business. That’s a shame, I thought we were having an enjoyable conversation.” Nate gestured to the two chairs. After pouring himself two fingers of what she guessed was whisky, he sat down in the chair by her side.
Elizabeth crossed her ankles and clasped her hands together, sitting straight and tall. “These men that have delivered the cattle to you are the finest ranchers I have ever seen. They worked together like a perfectly choreographed dance when they drove the herd. Not one was lost as a stray. They did not select one undesirable animal to deliver.”
“Animals that we could round up ourselves if we had a mind to.”
“Now, Colonel Richardson.”
“I told you to call me Nate, please.”
“Nate.” She fluttered her lashes and smiled. “We both know that you have your hands full with civilizing this part of our country. You do not have time to send men hundreds, if not thousands of miles to round up and drive cattle to your fort. And even if you did, what do your men know about ranching?”
Nate leaned back, crossing an ankle over his other knee before he took a swig, and then lowered the cup to his lap. “You have a persuasive argument.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Let me ask you something. If I’m to accept this contract, will you be among the ones driving the cattle to the fort?”
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, but then forced herself not to give too much away. “I thought you said that driving cattle wasn’t the right place for a woman like me.”
Nate laughed. “I see you are not only skilled at negotiating, but the ways of conversating.”
“I had six sisters and three brothers, conversation and negotiating were a daily necessity in our home.” Elizabeth forced a breath, but if her pulse didn’t stop hammering against her wrist and neck, she thought she’d jump out of her skin.
Nate stood and poured himself another drink. “I’m fascinated. Tell me what brought you to such a job, and will you continue with working as a cook?”
Elizabeth toyed with the lace sleeve of her borrowed dress, then looked up at the colonel with hooded eyes. “I will do whatever God leads me to do.”
He swirled the dark liquid in the cup. “Let’s be honest here. You want me to contract with Clayton, and I want more information about you. I suggest a trade.”
The noises of snoozing men and distant animals made her realize just how alone and vulnerable she was. And his words were broaching indecency.
“Now, I thought you believed me to be a gentleman. I only wish to know your story.”
Elizabeth released a hint of her anxiety with a small exhale and nodded. “You will offer the contract to Jeb if I tell you my story?”
“Yes, I love an intriguing tale. And madam, I believe you are going to tell me a great one.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “As you can guess, I’m Southern, so after the war, I had nothing left. No home, no brothers, no parents, only sisters. Seven of us in total and none with husbands. With all our men dead, we had no choice but to search for men outside our home, so we agreed to be mail-order brides. When I arrived at my destination, there was a mix-up and I did not have a husband.” She flashed to the memory of Jeb Clayton ripping her dress, insulting her, and turning her away. And after their conversation on their way here, she understood why.
“At that point I had two choices: return home as a burden to my older sister, whom I knew would never accept her betrothed and leave me behind, or find a way to make it work on the ranch. I found a way to make it work. The men liked my food, the cook was thrown off the ranch for being a drunkard, and I took his place.”
“How fascinating. And you plan to keep traveling and cooking? Certainly, a woman of your beauty and domestic talents could find a husband easily,” Nate said with a lift of brow and inviting smile.
“Perhaps, but I have no desire to belong to a man. If I can care for myself, I will never have to follow orders and be a slave to anyone.”
Nate settled back into his chair, but he scooted closer to Elizabeth, his knee nearly touching hers. “I see. What if I told you that you could be marrie
d and still live a life of freedom, only dealing with a husband a few months out of a year?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I’m not sure what I would say.”
“What if I told you that you would have money to travel to visit with your sisters, and that I have no need of any children, only companionship a few months a year?”
“No children?”
“I have seven from my first wife. They are grown, and my wife is gone. Think of it, Elizabeth. You could live a life of leisure on my family estate in New York. It is grand, and you would have servants instead of serving yourself.”
Elizabeth swallowed. “It sounds…good.” Could she ever be happy up north? Did she want a house full of servants with no husband or children? She didn’t want to be a baby maker for a husband, but she’d never considered being without children of her own forever.
“It appears you have much to think about.” He stood and offered his hand to her. “Think about it, Elizabeth. You could have a husband, but also your independence. An equal in life.”
She rose and allowed him to kiss her cheek. “I’ll consider your offer on the way back to our ranch. Once I reach Sherman, I’ll send a message with my answer.”
He escorted her outside the tent and waved one of his men over. “You are a tough negotiator, and hopefully an equally challenging wife.”
Nate nodded to the soldier and then returned to his tent. Elizabeth followed him but stopped only three steps away. By the edge of the tent stood Jeb with a look that she’d never seen before, but before she could ask him what was wrong, he turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The morning bugle called the warning that sunrise was coming, and with it the reality of what Jeb had seen last night. Elizabeth, the woman he’d begun to open his heart to, wanted another man. A man she’d only met a day ago. Was she that desperate for a husband?
“Boss, how far you think we’ll get today?” Samuel asked.