by Danni Roan
Trying to concentrate he lifted the spoon to his mouth and tasted the cinnamon and sugar that Bianca had added to it. The warm soft food was easy to swallow and he felt that soon he’d have his strength back. He worried about the round up, but knew that Will was more than capable of taking charge and getting everything done. What worried him more was Meg.
Had he done the right thing? Perhaps he should have listened to her explanation. His hand shook as he thought of the scene he’d walked in on just two days before.
The door of his room opened again on silent hinges and to his surprise, a smiling Benjamin Smith stepped over the threshold, a softness shining on his rugged, grizzled face.
Josh returned the smile noting how his best friend and oldest partner seemed to have lost a few years over the winter. Married life seemed to be treating him well.
“Someone said you were feeling poorly.” The broad gray haired man called as his boots clomped across the carpeted floor.
Joshua James smiled and handed his bowl to his big friend who pulled a chair up beside the bed.
“It’s good to see you.” Joshua said, his icy eyes reflecting his feelings as they focused on his friend. “Been too long since you came over.” He smiled wickedly. “I’d think Cathleen’d be getting tired of your company by now.”
“I was happy to bring her over to spend some time with the women folk. I figured any excuse would do, so when I heard you was under the weather I just came on over.” His eyes twinkled at the understatement.
Benji settled himself in the chair and waited to see what was on his friend’s mind. Aside from the fact that he wasn’t used to seeing his longtime partner laid up he could see the trouble in his eyes. The white haired patriarch ran a hand over his face and the two days’ worth of stubble along his chin. He sighed then taking a breath began.
“I’m not sure I did the right thing Ben.” He swallowed; he seemed to have to make his mouth work normally since the head ache. “I came on Meg and that new fella Clayton in the barn…” his eyes were pained “they were pressed up against the barn wall like two alley cats in a parcel.” Again he paused. “Meg tried to argue but I wouldn’t listen.” He came to a shaky stop and waited to see if his friend had anything to say. When Benji didn’t respond he continued.
“I got nothin’ against sparkin’ not even when it comes to my own girls but you have to draw the line somewhere.” His eyes roamed his friends face looking for assurance. “Clayton Allen didn’t argue though, he seemed to know that he’d bring shame on both of them if he tried to wheedle out of it. “
He reached for his coffee but Benjamin Smith reached it first and handed it to him so he could take a sip. Swallowing carefully, he organized his thoughts. “Maybe I didn’t see what I thought.” This time when he stopped he could tell the big man next to him was mulling it over.
“Seems to me I remember someone else playing the fool for a pretty face.” Benji said with a slow smile. His dark eyes sparkled as he cast his mind back. “When you come home with Chen Lou and Sue Lynn you had so many stars in your eyes you couldn’t see straight.” He chuckled. “We could all tell you were besotted with the girl.” His smile was accusing. “Once that girl set her cap for you it was all over.”
Joshua felt his face flush and squirmed slightly on his mattress. He’d been a fool when it came to that girl. He had been forty-seven when he’d met her, more than twenty years her senior yet she’d chosen him as sure as shootin.
“Kinda puts me in mind of someone else I know since he got himself a mail-order-bride.” Joshua grumbled casting his eyes at Benji.
“The point is,” the other man said, this time his face flushing, “that you couldn’t stay away from her and the two of you had to jump the broom before the preacher came by.” His eyes held his old friends steady.
Josh nodded.
“On the other hand what’s done is done and we’ll just have to see what comes of it.”
“I’m not sure anything good can come of it.” Josh ran a large weathered hand through his hair: It needed a wash. “That first night the shouting from that room about burst my skull.” He tried to shake his head but it made him dizzy. “Fetch me that letter from Jude and we’ll see if we can suss out anything new.” He lifted a large tanned hand and pointed toward the bureau on the opposite wall.
Benjamin lifted the heavy white envelope, pulled out the folded dispatch and returning to his seat began to read; his deep voice rolling over the words.
Dear Joshua, November 25, 1888
I hope this missive finds you and yours well and happy. I am pleased to inform you that the package we have been watching for has just recently arrived and it’s a dandy. The packaging is of the kind that would be well received in polite company or just about anywhere else for that matter.
With the weather here in Amarillo at the moment, I’m afraid I’ll have to detain it for the season but I’ll be sending it on to you in the spring. It is of the type of quality that travels well and holds up to the roughest handling. I trust that upon its arrival good news will be forthcoming.
I was pleased to receive your recent correspondence and look forward to hearing of the outcome of your current endeavor. Please give my love to the girls and all at the Broken J. Perhaps in the near future I might be able to pull myself away here and join you for a short visit.
Your Loving Brother,
Jude.
“Jude seemed to have a high opinion of the boy.” Joshua offered a bemused expression on his face. “I’d think if he had any reservations at all he wouldn’t have sent him.” He looked at his old friend uncertainty still clear in his artic blue eyes.
“He worked with him all winter as well and if he’d developed any doubts I’m sure he’d have let us know.”
Joshua nodded. “I guess there isn’t much more we can to do but wait and see.”
Benjamin Smith smiled softly and reached a hand toward his lean white haired friend. “We can always pray.” Then clasping hands, they bowed their heads.
Chapter 12
Katie walked into the kitchen feeling glum. The men and four of her sisters were out on the range winding down the round up and branding while she was stuck at home. She felt restless and irritable not being able to join them. As she walked across the floor she was surprised to find Mae standing at the work bench next to Nona, tears sparkling in her eyes.
Hurrying to her sisters side she gazed down at the worktable where two pies sat their bottom crusts full of dried apples, sugar, cinnamon and tiny dots of butter. Mae stood with her small hands tightly clenched into fists.
“I can’t do it Nona.” The petite girl said, eyes brimming. “They’re terrible, just look at them.”
Katie watched as her grandmother wrapped an arm around the youngest James girl.
“Just try.” She said kindly. “People don’t eat pies with their eyes, what matters is that they taste good.”
Mae sniffed but took a deep breath and lifted the rolled pie dough disk over one of the open pie tins, trimmed it and began to crimp. She was growing steadily frustrated when her grandmother placed her hands over Mae’s slim ones and guided her fingers around the edge.
“Nona, you make it look so easy.” Mae moaned turning her dark brown eyes toward the matron.
“That’s because I have forty years of practice on you.” She stated kindly. “The more you practice something the easier it becomes.”
Katie smiled at her grandmother. She remembered those days. Mae, who struggled to concentrate on anything that wasn’t fast paced was often frustrated. She knew she tried but she was so full of life and energy that somedays no one knew what to do for her. It was a good thing she had her pony. Even if she couldn’t be out riding on her own she could at least spend time with the animal.
“How about when you’re all done we go out and check on Scooter. I’m pretty sure Eric would like help with him.”
Mae smiled at her sisters, all traces of tears gone. “Can I Nona?” She asked, pleadi
ng in her voice.
“Of course you can.” Her grandmother’s soft brown eyes gleamed at the girl, and she gently pushed a strand of hair off of the girl’s shoulders. Soon she’d be putting her hair up to and all of her babies would be grown. The woman called Nona sniffed at the thought then turned to gaze at Katie a bright smile spreading across her face as she took in the girl’s lovely face, and glowing appearance.
Life was a process, always moving like a tide and either you rode along the ebbs and flows or you would sink and be consumed by it. Over the years she’d watched life grow and change. Seen her granddaughters blossom from spindly girls to beautiful woman.
A bright tear gleamed in her eye as she thought of her own daughter and the stunning legacy she’d left her.
“You girls go on then and I’ll finish up here.” She said her voice soft and mellow.
Mae turned and hugged her grandmother tight drawing a soft woof from her and a light giggle.
“Scooter’s doin’ real good.” Eric said when the girls joined him out by the barn. Mae’s pony Callie was in the corral with the mule and the leggy colt as well as its mother. The big windmill’s sails turned gently in the chilly breeze.
“He does seem to be doing well. Maybe you’ll be able to bring him on the drive to Casper if he’s up to it.” Mae said.
“I’ll ask Uncle Deeks.” The boy said thoughtfully. “If he thinks it’s alright then he can come.”
Katie smiled at the seriousness in the boy’s voice. He’d sure been worried about the little mule, who was now ruffling his bright blonde hair with its nose.
Together the trio turned to watch the tired riders returning from the branding fires.
Eric raced to his mother. “How’d it go?” He asked his eyes bright.
“We’re all wrapped up and will be ready to go tomorrow or the day after.” She said smiling down at the boy. “Now how about you help put my horse up while I check in with your Pa?” She kissed the boy as she dismounted and handed him her reins before heading to the house.
Katie smiled as Will swung down from his saddle and began stripping tack. Soon the stock was put up for the night and the round up crew had all headed for the house.
Supper was still quiet for the Broken J but the addition of Benji and Cathleen to the table seemed to add a bit more life. Their aunt laughed and joked with the others around the table, her bright personality lifting the dark mood that had permeated the ranch of late.
After supper most people headed into the parlor or dispersed to their rooms to prepare their belongings for the trip ahead.
Clayton felt restless despite the long day in the saddle. He’d turned Duke back into the corral that evening and now that the other horses were becoming accustomed to the sound of his whip he would leave him there at least during the breeding season. Quietly slipping to the door, he retrieved his hat and stepped out into the dark night.
The dark haired puncher was surprised to see that a lantern still flickered in the barn, its soft golden light filtering through a crack in the smaller door set inside the big barn door. Approaching he heard the haunting strains of an old ballad lifting heaven ward on a woman’s bright voice. The old song had been one his mother was fond of singing; full of sorrow and longing.
The Last Rose of Summer.
'Tis the last rose of summer
Left blooming alone.
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone.
No flowerer of her kindred.
No rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes
Or give sigh for sigh.
So soon may I follow
When friendships decay
And from love's shining circle
The gems drop away
When true hearts lie withered
And fond ones are flown
Oh, who would inhabit
This bleak world alone
This bleak world alone
He stood spell bound as the last golden strains filled the large structure and his heart stuttered in his chest while he watched Meg, her sweet high voice singing, as she groomed her bright red horse. For long moments Clayton stood, entranced, unable to move, his heart both soothed and stirred. He’d have to talk to her soon. He’d put things right, she deserved better than sorrow. He’d certainly known enough of that himself and suddenly he wished that he and the copper haired woman could have started out as friends.
***
Joshua sat on an old log gazing into the fire. He was tired despite the fact he’d hardly done any work all day. It seemed like every time he turned his horse to chase a stray cow or turn a steer into the herd someone else was already there. All of the girls were working the drive and he worried about Katie but she too seemed to be taking it easy.
Will and Clayton did the work of three hands each and he could see the tiredness around their eyes but they were making good time and hadn’t had any real trouble along the way.
He gazed at the big black Dutch oven buried in glowing coals on the edge of the fire. Cookie and Cathleen had whipped up some concoction of beef and beans in a red sauce and then laid biscuits over the top before placing the lid on it and covering the whole pot in coals. Whatever it was it sure smelled good.
“You look like your gonna’ stare the lid clean off that pot.” Benjamin Smith said as he sat down next to his old companion. “You still worryin’ about those two?” he asked kindly.
Joshua drew in a deep breath. He felt old. He didn’t remember ever feeling old before. Of course he was close enough to give sixty a good nudge so it wasn’t like he shouldn’t have expected it. He’s was no longer a young man and watching his two sons-in-law work he could see he had slowed down a little.
“I’m still just not sure I did right.” He said. “I reacted without taking everything into consideration.”
Benji cast over his shoulder to where Meg was straightening her bedroll under the chuck wagon. “Well if it’s any consolation they haven’t tried killin’ each other yet.” He said with a grin. “They do seem to do their best to outdo each other in everything though.”
Joshua James shook his head. “I just can’t get my head around it Benj.” He started. “When I saw them in the barn, they was curled up so close together you couldn’t have slipped a piece of straw between ‘em.”
He paused but resisted the urge to look toward his second daughter. “Now all they do is pick and snipe and try to best each other in everything. I think Meg had to change horses three times today just to keep up with Clayton Allen but she wasn’t letting him think she’d quit.”
“Meg’s always been determined Josh.” Benji said watching the girl walk away into the deeper darkness of the night. “She’s had it in her head to go see the world a long time and I don’t think those dime store novels she gets from Billy help. She’s stuffed full of dreams of knights on white horses, and the glamour of fancy dances and plays. The facts of life might disappoint her.”
The white haired cattleman ran a hand over his weary face. “I never felt like I could talk to her like I could Katie. Seems she’s always wanted more than the Broken J could offer. Fiona was always so easy goin’, content to work with her grandmother making a home.”
He paused looking around the camp for his children, nodding toward where Issy and Lexi worked together laying out there bedding. “The twins generally keep themselves to themselves.” He offered before his eyes fell on Mae helping Eric secure his little mule. He shook his head, he wasn’t sure he knew what to do with Mae, but put the thought away. “Meg’s the big dreamer.” He finally concluded.
Benjamin Smith laid a rugged hand on his friend’s shoulder. “She’ll have to make up her own mind as to what she wants Josh, we can’t hold her.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I just hope she won’t hate me for tying her to that young cow poke. I thought …” he let his words drift off as others began gathering around the fire. Clay and Will were some of the first as they would ta
ke the early shift of the night watch.
Cookie stalked up to the fire, a long hook in his hand, which he used to fish the bail of the Dutch oven out of the hot coals. Using both hands and all the strength he possessed in his wiry body he raised the pot and hung it from a tri-pod over the fire. Then brushing the coals away from the lid he carefully removed it with the same hook.
Everyone around the fire leaned forward to gaze at the big fluffy, golden biscuits that steamed on top of their dinner.
“That smells good Cookie.” Fiona chimed, a bright smile on her face as she walked up holding Hanks large hand. Eric darted around them.
“I sure am hungry.” The boy called enthusiastically. “Is it ready?”
“You bet it is shorty.” Cookie chortled. “Jus’ let me get my ladle and I’ll start dishing up.”
***
Meg leaned forward in the small metal tub as her sister poured a pitcher of warm water over her long hair. It felt good to wash the dust of the trail off and get back into her regular clothes. As they’d done the last time they'd come to Casper the woman stopped at a home on the outskirts of the developing town and stayed with Mrs. Bicks who would rent rooms to people passing through if they needed them.
The girls had scurried into the low squat building quickly, hoping no one would see them in their dungarees and chaps and were quickly settled in rooms for the night.
Casper wasn’t a big town but it was growing and with the railroad station and cattle yard, more and more people were either passing through or getting here and starting to stay. It was still a rough town with more saloons than anything else but it had a good mercantile, a bank, and a sheriff’s office where Meg was headed right after her bath.
“If you don’t like Clayton, Meg, why in the world were you out in the barn canoodling with him?” Katie was asking.
Meg blushed at her stupidity but set her jaw. “It’s not what everyone thinks.” She said tersely.
“Then what was it?” Katie’s voice echoed her bewilderment. “You don’t just go around kissing a man you don’t like.”