Carrie's Montana Love: New Montana Brides (New Montana Bride Series)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “No, I don’t mind,” and then ignored him during the service.

  “Carrie, would you have lunch with me? We could go to the International Restaurant. I would really like to talk to you before you leave for Chicago.”

  Surprised again, by his knowing where she was going, she realized his mother had probably heard it from her mother. “Why,” she asked. What’s the point?”

  Taken aback by her apparent rudeness, he stood, and said, “I guess it was because I always considered you a friend, and just wanted to say goodbye. Forget it.” He slid to the end of the bench and moved to sit with his parents.

  His mother saw the hurt look on his face, then returned her attention to the sermon.

  Later, at home, she asked about it, and he said, “Oh, it’s nothing, I asked Carrie if she would have lunch with be before she left, and she said no.

  “ CP, there’s more to it than that. I saw the look on your face. You were hurt.”

  “It’s nothing, Mama. I’ve always liked Carrie and I just wanted to keep in touch, that’s all. She’s been telling people she is finally getting out of Helena and going to live in a real city.”

  “I don’t know what she’s looking for, I hope she finds it and doesn’t get hurt. She used to be the sweetest girl in school, but she changed.

  “I reckon I’m feeling sorry for myself, staying here and going to college here in Montana, while the ones I thought were my two best friends are leaving.”

  “What about Lucy? Have you talked to her yet? She’s leaving the week after next.”

  “I haven’t, but I will, but Carrie is the one I really liked. As shy as Lucy is, I was surprised she’s leaving town. I guess she didn’t have much choice. Her only interest is medicine and the medical schools out here don’t admit females.”

  “CP, you know you can go to school anywhere in the world. We can afford it,”

  “I know, Mama. I just want to be a rancher like Pa and Bozeman has a good program in animal husbandry. Being just a common rancher is not good enough for Carrie.”

  “You are not a common rancher and the Lazy J is not a common ranch. It’s the largest in the territory, and you should be proud of it.”

  “I am, Mama, I just wanted to share it with… His voice trailed off. It was the last they spoke of it.

  The next week…

  “Letty, has Carrie said anything to you about any problems with CP?”

  “No, she didn’t mention anything before she left. Why do you ask?”

  “He asked her to have lunch with him at the International, before she left. He said she turned him down abruptly. Actually, he said she was rude about it.

  I asked him about it because of how he looked when he moved in church. I think he’s in love with her and hasn’t discovered it yet.”

  “I always hoped it would happen,” Letty said. “They would be perfect together.”

  “I think so too. I guess that’s something they will have to work out for themselves,” Carrie answered.

  CP entered college that fall, and attacked his courses with an unmatched fervor. He added to his workload by enrolling in farm and ranch management.

  He maintained a regular correspondence with Lucy. Her letters were full of references to her studies and the area around the capital, In one letter, she said, “The hours are long, and a lot of memorization is necessary. There is so much more to it than when Pa went to school here.

  I envy you being able to go home and visit frequently. I will only be able to visit over Christmas, and even then I must prepare for the examinations held in January. During the summers I will be assigned rotations in local hospitals. The university is going to build a teaching hospital, I will probably spend considerable time there.

  I miss you and the family. Do you hear from Carrie? I have written several letters, but received no answer. I guess she is busy with her books. She always had to work harder than either of us..

  Carrie was enrolled in classes at Northwestern University in Chicago. Free of the restrictions that bind the daughter of a preacher, she found many distractions. In Helena, there had been less than 20 boys her age, and all of them wanted to be cowboys. At Northwestern, there were hundreds of boys, most of whom had never even seen a cowboy. With her looks, she was popular. It seemed there was a party every night, and Carrie was invited to them all. With all of the distractions, it was no wonder her grades suffered.

  She was called in for a meeting with her advisor to discuss her grades. “You did so well when you first arrived. What has happened to you? Are you studying?”

  “Yes sir, I study every night. I haven’t been home since I got here,”

  “Apparently your study habits are misdirected. I have your grades here, You are at risk for failing every class, I am placing you on academic probation, If your grades don’t reflect rapid improvement you will be dropped from the university. Do you understand, Miss Owens?”

  chapter Four

  Carrie Has A Crisis

  Academic probation… Carrie was humiliated. Mama and Papa gave up so much so I could attend Northwestern. I can’t mess this up. I’ve got to pay attention to school.

  She told her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Philip, the son of a wealthy Indiana banker, she needed to spend more time studying.

  “He responded by saying, “I’m not going to sit at home while you study.”

  After hours of hitting the books nightly, she managed to pass all of her finals and was able to get off probation.

  Philip, who was the quarterback on the Northwestern football team, was the most popular and recognized man on campus. Carrie had seen no one else since he first asked her out. She was devastated when he lost interest after being told she was going to have to restrict her social life. He didn’t ask her out again.

  “I guess I won’t be seeing Philip anymore,” she told Sarah Williams, her roommate. He has hardly spoken to me since I got in trouble with my grades.”

  “If you ask me, I think you’re better off. He may be handsome and rich, but he is an arrogant, shallow and inconsiderate blowhard. Carrie, you’re the most beautiful girl on campus. You don’t need him.”

  “I miss the excitement of being around him,” Carrie said,

  “Let’s change the subject to something more pleasant,” Sarah said. “Are you going home for the holidays?”

  “Mama wants me to, but keeping me here is a strain on them financially. I know they will be disappointed when they see my grades. I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish out the school year.”

  Carrie picked up her mail at the school postoffice, surprised to find two letters. She had one from Lucy, and one from her mother.

  Carrie found Lucy’s letter uninteresting, Lucy described Washington in the fall, with the fall colors. She talked about her studies and the number of hours she was putting in. She said, “I find the attitudes of the male students toward me to be disconcerting. They resent me being here, and my having higher grades than they do, makes it worse. That’s their problem, though, and not mine.

  I had a letter from CP the other day. He said he really likes school in Bozeman and he is able to get home frequently.

  Mama said they had dinner with the Jamisons and your parents after church this past Sunday. CP was home for the weekend and joined them. Mama says he is so handsome, it’s almost a sin.

  I guess you two don’t write. Mama said he asked about you. I always thought you made a great couple. What happened between you two anyway? I know. It’s none of my business. So I’ll hush.

  I’m trying to arrange my schedule so I can make it home for Christmas. I hope to see you then.

  Love as always, Lucy

  Carrie decided it was time to come clean and write home about her problems. It had to be done.

  Dear Mama and Papa,’

  I am well and hope this finds you both well. I am sorry I haven’t been writing as often as I should. I have made some mistakes and fear my studies have suffered from it. I was placed on academic pr
obation because my grades had fallen close to the point of failure. I am ashamed of my actions.

  I fear I enjoyed the social life of school and Chicago too much and did not devote sufficient time to my school work. I have worked extremely hard this past month and have managed to be taken off probation.

  I am not seeing Philip any more. It seems he feels I have spent more of my time studying than with him, and he is unhappy about it. I am sorry he felt that way, but I know you and Papa sacrificed a lot to let me come to Northwestern. I have made the decision to return to Helena and attend school closer to home. I miss my family, even though I have not shown it. If you approve, I don’t plan to return to Chicago after the holidays.

  I had a very nice letter from Lucy this week. She has written several times, but I have let her down also, and not answered. I will remedy that today. Please don’t tell anyone of my decision, and let me take care of it when I come home.

  I do look forward to seeing you again, and I ask your forgiveness. I have learned a difficult lesson.

  Your loving daughter,

  Carrie.

  “It is time I fix things with Lucy,” Carrie thought aloud.

  “What did you say?” Sarah asked.

  “I was giving myself a lecture. I have made a mess of my life, and hurt some dear friends, not to mention my parents. I’ve also decided not to return here for the next semester. I belong in Montana and will go to school there.”

  “Well, Carrie Owens, I think you may be coming to your senses. I am proud of you,” Sarah said.

  Dear Lucy,

  Thank you for your recent letter. It meant more to me than you can ever know. I am afraid I forgot what was important and can only hope it hasn’t cost me your friendship. Your letter was a wake-up call for me.

  I have let all the people that love me down, and that includes you. I sincerely apologize for not responding to your letters before.

  I have decided not to return to Chicago next semester, and will be going to school back home.

  I will be home for the holidays and I look forward to spending some time with you, Thank you again for reaching out at a time I needed it”

  I love you dear friend. See you soon.

  Carrie.

  “I’m not going to attempt to apologize to CP in a letter. I will face that challenge in person,” she said to herself.

  The following morning, Carrie met with her academic advisor. “Mr. Phelps, I have made a decision, and do not plan to return to Northwestern next semester. My lack of discipline has caused me to lose sight of what is important. I intend to return to Montana and complete my schooling closer to home. I don’t think I was made for the big city. Thank you for your guidance. You played a major role in shaking me up. I do appreciate it.”

  “I would say you have made a mature decision, Miss Owens. You have worked hard to make up for the time you wasted. Northwestern will miss you. I wish you the best of luck, and appreciate your taking the time to inform me of your decision.”

  chapter Five

  Carter Patrick

  The library Montana State University…

  “CP, are you about ready to call it a night?” Barbara Turner asked.

  “I guess so,” he said, “the words are beginning to run together. Let’s go, and I’ll walk you back to your dorm.”

  “That’s not necessary. It’s not that far,” she said.

  “It’s necessary for me. I’m selfish. I don’t want anything to happen to my study partner. I’d be lost without you,” he said.

  “Hah! You’ve got the highest grades in the class. I was lucky you chose me.”

  “No luck involved for you,” he said. “I picked the best looking girl in the class, crossed my fingers, got in line and asked.

  “Aww, you say the sweetest things. If you’re not careful, you’ll turn my head.”

  He looked into the dark depths of her blue eyes. “You know, I might just do that.” He put his hand on her chin, turned her head and kissed her. It was the first time.

  “Oh my, that was a surprise,” she said.

  “I’m not going to apologize, since you didn’t hit me up side of my head.”

  “I would never do that to you, CP. What took you so long anyway?”

  “I was afraid of getting hit upside my head. Here we are,” he said, as they arrived in front of her dorm.

  “Barbara…” he said,

  She looked at him and came into his arms, She tilted her head back as he caressed her lips with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. Goodnight, CP,” she said. “See you tomorrow?”

  “Count on it,” he said.

  The next day after class…

  “I’m not going to be able to study with you anymore,” Barbara said.

  “Why, what’s wrong?” he asked.

  “It’s about last night. I should never have let that happen.”

  “You mean because we kissed?”

  “Yes. I… I have a friend back in Billings. We’re sort of engaged. It isn’t fair to him.”

  What about fair to us?” he asked.

  “There is no us. You’ll have to find someone else to study with you. I’m sorry, but I have to do this. Please, don’t push it.”

  “I’m sorry too, Barbara. I’ve enjoyed our study time together, and I think we’ve been good together.”

  “I have to go,” she said. Then she walked away, leaving a puzzled CP standing there, wondering where he had messed up.

  Back to studying alone, CP was really looking forward to the month long Christmas break, He had not gone home over the Thanksgiving break, making it the first one he had ever missed. And he missed it. After Christmas, would be the worst part of winter, and travel would be difficult. He missed his family and he missed the Lazy J, so he intended to take full advantage of the break,

  Christmas 1893…

  Case met the stagecoach bringing his son home. When CP stepped from the coach, his father enveloped him in a bear hug. “Damn, it’s good to see you son,” Case said. “It’s been too long.”

  “It has,” CP said. “Did Mama come?”

  “She’s a bit under the weather, and thought she had better stay out of the cold. I think she and Maude are planning a special dinner for you tonight.”

  “Is she all right? Has she been to see Uncle Carter?”

  “No, nothing like that. It’s just a cold.”

  “How have you been?”

  CP answered, “I’ve been okay, studying a lot, and spending a lot of time in the cattle barn. They’re going into new research on feeding and breeding. It seems as if there is something new every day.

  “What’s happening on the Lazy J, Pop?” he asked.

  After the dry summer, we’ve had some grass fires, and some of the water holes dried up on us.

  “We had some pretty good snows in early November. We had to bring the herd down from the high pasture early because of that. We’re still better off than most, because we had some good grass up there, but it looks as if it might be a hard winter. We could get hurt if that happens. We made good all of our fall contracts with the army.

  “Do you want to eat before we head home,” Case asked.

  “I’d rather not. I just want to get home.”

  Case smiled. His son had the same love for the land he himself had. He was going to be a good rancher.

  A burden lifted from CP’s shoulders when he caught his first glimpse of the Lazy J. “That sight never fails to cheer me up. I’d almost as soon give up school and stay home and work,” he said. “I would do it in a heartbeat, but I think it’s going to be important in the long run for me to stay up on what’s coming down the road.”

  “I do too,” his father agreed.

  When the wagon stopped, Case turned the reins over to a cowhand, and grabbed an arm load of the supplies he had bought before the stagecoach’s arrival. CP jumped down, and grabbed his bag and an armload of the supplies also.

  “I’ll get the rest of those in a
minute, Pop. I want to see Mama first,” he said.

  His mother had heard the wagon approach and was at the back door when he came in. He dumped his arm load on the table, threw his arms around his mother. He lifted her, and whirled around the kitchen. “I don’t think I have ever missed home as much as I did this time.

  “It’s good to see you, Mama. Pop said you were sick.”

  “No, I said she had a cold,” Case corrected.

  “I’m fine. Now that you’re here, everything will be better.” She held him at arms length, and said, “You look thin. You haven’t been eating right. We’ll take care of that. We’re having all of your favorites for dinner.”

  “The food at school doesn’t compare to Aunt Maude’s cooking,” he said.

  Maude, the cook and housekeeper had been on the Lazy J since before he was born. Even though her apron and dress were dusted with flour, he hugged her tightly. “I missed you too, Aunt Maude.”

  Maude looked at him with a critical eye. “Your Mama’s right, you look thin. We’ll fix that up.”

  “I might take you back to school with me. That way, you can make sure I’m eating.”

  Shaking her head, she said, “I’m not leaving the Lazy J.”

  “I don’t blame you,” CP said. I don’t like leaving either.

  His mother cut him a large slice of apple pie, and put it in front of him, on the table. “Have you heard from anyone?” she asked.

  “I get regular letters from Lucy, but I haven’t heard a word from Carrie Elizabeth. I guess she outgrew me.”

  “Have you met anyone special?”

  “I was studying a lot with Barbara Turner. She’s from Billings, but we don’t do that anymore. She thought it was getting too serious between us, and she had a boyfriend back home. I was sorry about that happened. It was a lot of fun, and we worked together well.

  “Are they coming home for Christmas?” he asked.