An Unescorted Lady

by Rita Hestand

"I'd like to see it. But I can afford one, so would you take one with me, if we went to town on Monday?"

  She turned her head in question. "I guess… why do want one?" She couldn't hold her curiosity back.

  "Most of the men on a drive keep pictures of their wives or sweethearts with them. You'd be surprised how often they take them out and look at them. I'd like one of you."

  "Only if you take it with me."

  He smiled, "I can do that."

  "And I want a copy of it too."

  "Alright. We'll do it first thing Monday morning, I want you to wear your wedding dress. And I'll wear my suit."

  "Alright." She smiled at him.

  "Done!" he smiled. "Did you like Sally?"

  "She's real sweet. She sure has a lot of kids."

  "And they are noisy too. Helen and Marty keep their kids busy doing things, but Sally and Joe sort of let theirs run wild. Which I guess it's alright at their age."

  Trudy laughed, "Most kids are noisy. Do you want children?"

  "I wouldn't mind a few. Couple of boys, and a couple of girls. What about you?"

  "I hadn't thought about it much, but yes, it would be nice. I was an only child, like you. I always wanted a big brother, one I could confide in, talk to about my troubles."

  "I guess we have a little more in common than some might think, huh?" he smiled.

  "I guess we do. My Mom never got pregnant again. I never understood why, but I never asked either." After a moments reflection she continued. "Our home was full of laughter, and fun. They made it that way. I never felt lonely."

  When she thought about her mom, she looked at him suddenly.

  "If I couldn't give you children, would that matter?"

  "No, not at all. What matters is that we make a happy home." He told her simply. "While I’m gone, I want you to be careful. There are a lot of dangers out here that you might not be aware of. Snakes come out this time of year and hide under rocks and in wood piles, do be careful an ordinary task can turn into a disaster if you aren't paying attention. Fox get after the chickens every now and then, just tell Chico or Mark, they'll take care of it. And you'll know by the way the chickens make such a fuss."

  "Chico, and Mark, are they the ones that will stay behind?"

  "Yeah and old Bill."

  "Why is he staying behind? I'd think he'd be looking forward to the drive."

  "He was until I explained it to him. Bill's got an even temperament; he knows how to calm Mark down. Mark usually listens to him for some reason. Mark can be hard to deal with every now and then, and if he gives you any sass tell Bill."

  "I thought maybe Rusty would be staying."

  "No, I'm training him to work the remuda. He's good with horses, and I want him to learn more. So, George and Gil will work with him on that."

  "Why are you letting Mark stay if that is the case?"

  "Because a mean temper isn't good around cattle. Stampede's can cost us a lot in time and money. Mark's young and he's got a lot to learn. Bill can handle him. He's a bit gun happy, between Bill and Chico, he'll be alright here."

  "Does Chico always stay here?"

  "Yeah, Chico is my man." He saw her eyes widened and he chuckled. "Whenever I'm gone for any time, he is here around the house, making sure everything is running and working. He's knows the place well, he used to come with his father who work for us, and when he died Chico came to work here afterwards. He's good with a gun, clever, and knows how to handle most people without losing his head. I trust him almost as much as George."

  "Is George going to watch after the cattle while you go to Boston?"

  "Yeah, George has been here longer than anyone, he knows the business." Lance informed her.

  "That's good."

  "Do many strangers come out here?"

  "Sometimes, Chico will make sure you are safe at all times though."

  "Safe?"

  "Well, when all us ranchers leave the ranch to take the cattle up the trail, sometimes drifters try to take advantage of a place. That's why I'm leaving three of my best here to protect you."

  "What kind of advantage?"

  "They steal, and cause damage sometimes, and if a woman is about, well, let's just say it can get nasty."

  "Oh!"

  "Don't worry, Chico will always make sure you are alright. He adores you for one, and you are his main reason for being here. We've already talked about it and in his words, 'I protect her with my life Señor'."

  "He's always in such a good mood. I like him."

  "Unless there is trouble, then he can become quite a powerhouse let me tell you, he's a little guy, but he packs a great punch. And he's good with his gun. But he's no hot head, which I appreciate too."

  "And if something happened to Chico?"

  "Get Bill and Mark. Mark might be a hot head, but he's fast with a gun, that's another reason I want him here. I want you protected at all times." He told her. "The men all think the world of you, so you have no worries. They would all protect you, one because you’re the best cook, they ever had, and two, you're my wife."

  She sat back and looked at the blue bonnets growing in the field ahead of them. "I can't get over those flowers, it's like a carpet on the ground. I've never seen a wild flower grow like that. And the color is so vibrant."

  "God's work." He smiled. "Are you Catholic?" he asked.

  "No, my Pa always said if you want to talk to the Lord, go directly to him, don't be prayin' to no Saint as it wouldn't do a bit of good. And no priest is gonna save you." She chuckled. She sobered, "Is the church where we married your church?"

  "Yes, we'll go there tomorrow if you like."

  "I'd like to. I got a few prayers to say, myself. And don't ask me about them as it's private."

  He glanced at her and smiled. "Fair enough."

  Suddenly a rattlesnake scared the horses and they took off running. Lance took a hard hold of the reins and tried to slow them down, but it was a good ten minutes before they finally slowed. Trudy had grabbed the bench and hung on, she'd been tossed about, and her face went white as a sheet, but she didn't complain. Lance reached for her immediately.

  He whipped around at her, "Are you alright?"

  She nodded, "I see what you mean by the snakes. Are there any other wild animals I need to worry about?" She asked a bit breathless.

  He reached to touch her hair, his fingers sifted through it gently, stirring her to awareness.

  "Just don't be foolin' with any if you can help it. Sometimes we get a rabid coon, then you got troubles. Any animal drooling white spit, just shoot first, don't go near them if you can help it. Coons and possums are always around. Every now and then we get a big cat, or a skunk, but that's rare. Any time the horses are stirring and making noise watch out, something or someone is about."

  "Are there any hostile Indians about?"

  "No, those days are pretty much over. Most live on reservations. Most of us ranchers try to make friends with them, and they like to trade every now and then. So, try to be fair, if they want to make a trade with you. You don't have to worry about much the boys will keep their eyes open and take care of most problems and you won't even know they were around."

  "I appreciate that. But, will you leave me a gun."

  "Sure, you want a hand gun or a rifle or shotgun?"

  "A shotgun, please."

  "Fine, I've got a cabinet full of them and I'll show you where I keep the key to it."

  "Thanks."

  "It sounds scary. I guess me telling you all the things that can happen, but we will be gone a long time and things do crop up. But you'll have three of the best of my men with you at all times. Even if you go visit the girls, take one of them with you. Preferably Chico."

  "Alright, I'll remember that."

  When they arrived home, he helped her down from the wagon and kissed her hotly as he held her in his arms. He seemed to forget anyone was around and let the kiss wander.

  "I wish you wouldn't do that so often," she whispered near his e
ar.

  "Why?" he asked softly.

  "Because I enjoy it way too much."

  He chuckled. "So, do I, that's why I do it."

  When he raised his head he grinned, "Do you mind me kissing you in front of the boys?"

  "That was your original intention, I thought."

  "Yeah, it was my intention, now it's just a pleasure."

  Chapter Twelve

  Sunday morning was a beautiful day. The birds were chirping loudly in the trees. Trudy got up and fixed breakfast for everyone, and while the boys ate, she went to dress for church. She wasn't sure what the preacher might think of her if he knew the details before the wedding, but she wouldn't be bringing it up to him.

  An hour or so later Lance knocked on her door.

  She opened it and he gasped, she was dressed very nicely in a blue and gray dress that took his breath away, she wore the hat he bought her, and he smiled, "You look beautiful." He whispered.

  "You look kind of nice yourself," she smiled.

  "Most of the boys are going this morning too."

  "Oh, that's a good thing… " she checked her hat one more time in the mirror.

  "I love that dress on you, but then, blue is your color." He smiled.

  She adjusted the hat and didn't seem happy with it, so he took it in his hands, and set it to one side more. "That's it, I've been fooling with this hat all morning and couldn't get it right." She glanced at him.

  He chuckled, "Sounds to me like you needed your husband to help you. Next time just ask me."

  He bent and kissed her lips, "Good morning Mrs. Rogers."

  "Good morning," she barely breathed. She had no idea how beautiful she looked with her lips still moist from his kiss and the sweet pink blush on her cheeks that the kiss had aroused.

  He escorted her to the buggy. "Where did this come from?" she asked as he helped her inside.

  "I keep it for Sundays mainly." He grinned.

  She sat in the lush velvet seat and he joined her as Chico drove the buggy.

  "I've always wanted to ride in a fancy buggy," she whispered.

  "You never have?"

  "You must think me very strange, as I haven't done many things that others have. But, in St. Louis it was the sign of the wealth to have a fine carriage to ride in. I can't believe I'm sitting here, in this dress, sitting on a velvet seat. It's like a dream."

  He leaned into her, his face going serious, "I want to make all your dreams come true, Trudy." He whispered and kissed her long and thoroughly.

  She couldn't stop the smile that lit her lips, but she shook her head, "Not all of them. I won't have anything to dream about then."

  When he pulled away, he took her hand in his, threaded their fingers and smiled as he wrapped his arm around her.

  "I have a few dreams myself that I hope will come true very soon." He smiled warmly at her.

  She figured she knew what he was dreaming, it had been on her mind too.

  The white clapboard church sat in the middle of a huge field. There was a high steeple and a bell rang to gather everyone.

  As they arrived the preacher was greeting everyone. He was a tall, thin man, almost gaunt. He had a weary and weathered look about him, with no passion for life in his face. His cheeks were hallowed, and his blue eyes penetrated the soul as he stared into her innocent gaze.

  When she walked up to him, he smiled. "There she is, I've been wondering if you were better."

  "Much better, thank you Reverend."

  "So glad you are here today." The Reverend smiled.

  "Me too." She grinned and waited until her husband was through speaking with him before going inside.

  "Here you're going to be taking the cattle to the railhead soon."

  "Yes, just a few days now."

  "Guess my congregation will be smaller during that time."

  "I'm afraid you are right."

  Lance didn't talk very personal with the Reverend and Trudy watched them carefully. Just from his tone of voice, she knew Lance didn't care for the Reverend, although she had no idea what was between them. She chose to remain silent for this was no place to speak of it. Many of the women came to meet her and introduced themselves to her. She was a bit overwhelmed, trying to remember their names.

  The service wasn't long, the choir sang several hymns and they had a baptism afterwards for three children, all in the same family.

  "Wonder what they did?" Lance whispered in her ear.

  She looked puzzled.

  He smiled, "Three kids in the same family, I suspect they got in trouble for something and this is their day or reckoning."

  Trudy smiled at him.

  There was a church picnic afterwards and Trudy had brought two pies, and fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans. The men couldn't wait to taste it all.

  Children ran and played in the open field. Trudy and Lance sat on the lawn of the church and spread several blankets out, the men all crowded around them and they talked for a long while, as they watched the children play. It was one day they all seemed to relax.

  Trudy got to know the boys a bit better as they sat and talked about their growing up days, how some had skipped church for many years and then gone back to it later. How some still doubted. All the men that worked for Lance had a fairly solid background though. All were local boys that he'd known for a long time before hiring them.

  Rusty's girlfriend was there, Trudy got a glimpse of her as they managed to sneak off and have a few moments together. The girl had bright red hair, and although she had freckles, they were beginning to fade, and her pale skin was beautiful. She was thin like her father, but not very tall. She seemed thrilled to see Rusty though. It was obvious they were in love just from their expressions and smiles.

  The Reverend didn't know she was gone until someone told some of the others that there was a couple sparkin' in the trees.

  The Reverend went to check, his face a mask of frowns, and it wasn't long before he was pulling his daughter back to the picnic grounds and giving Rusty some advice about how to court his daughter properly.

  Rusty came to flop down on one of the blankets. "Sorry Rusty, it was that big mouth, Jim Norton who blabbed about you and the girl." George told him.

  "At least I got to kiss her before he caught us." Rusty laughed.

  The Reverend didn't smile the rest of the day. His face seemed to dissolve into wrinkles.

  "He ought to find a woman of his own. He's not that old."

  "Really," Trudy glance at the Reverend again.

  "He's in his forties." George told her.

  "Where's her mother?" Trudy asked.

  "She died a while back, ever since then he's been keeping and eagle eye on his oldest daughter. Honest, she's old enough to make up her own mind who she wants courting her."

  "How old is she?"

  "Nineteen. But she cooks, manages all the other kids and keeps his house clean, since her Ma died, she's been a maid at home. Her father wants her to marry a rich man, he thinks I'm no account."

  "Patience is a virtue Rusty," one of the boys chuckled.

  "I’m beginning to think the only way to take her as my wife is to elope."

  Trudy shrugged, "You may have to."

  Lance frowned. "You sure how you feel about her Rusty?"

  "Damn sure. Pardon my language," he glanced at Trudy.

  "Then you learn to handle the Remuda during the drive and when we get back, I'll give you some land on the other side of my property and you can start building any time you want. Me and the boys would be pleased to help you."

  "You mean that?" Rusty's eyes widened in surprise.

  "I sure do. I got plenty of land, but you'll still have to work for me. I imagine we can have a house built before dead of winter."

  "It's a deal, boss. I won't let you down."

  "I know you won't, son."

  When the others drifted off and Lance and Trudy were left alone, he looked at her. "You think they are ready to get married?"

&n
bsp; "Doesn't getting married make more sense than running off to spark in the trees?" She grinned.

  "Maybe you are right at that."

  "I'm glad you told him that. Now he's got something to really look forward to." She told him.

  "He's still pretty young."

  "Age has little to do with love." She told him.

  "I mean, look at me, I'm sorta old maid material. Before I left St. Louis, I didn't expect to ever marry."

  He came closer, leaned and kissed her quite thoroughly and smiled. "You're not old, your just ripe for the pickin'."

  She chuckled.

  He kissed her again and the Reverend came by and cleared his throat. "Lance, there are children about."

  Trudy blushed, but was shocked that the Reverend would reprimand him in front of all the others.

  Lance turned slowly to the Reverend, an irritated smiled crossed his face. He seemed to weigh his words before speaking. "Look Reverend, well intended or not, I don't tell you how to preach a sermon, don't tell me how to act around my wife. We're still newlyweds, if your recall, and it's quite common for newlyweds to kiss. Besides, kissing isn't dirty, or sinful, it's very pleasurable Reverend, maybe you should consider getting married again so you can remember that."

  The Reverend frowned, "I guess you encouraged that young cowboy, Rusty, to kiss and fondle my daughter."

  "Your daughter is still young, and that young man is in love with her. He's saving his money to make a life for them, I forget, your new to our ways out here, aren't you Reverend? We all work hard, to keep what we have, we love hard too. But love is never shameful Reverend. I do encourage that sir. You want your daughter to be an old maid spinster so you can have a cook and housekeeper forever?" Lance asked loudly. "Or do you want her to be happy and have a home of her own someday?"

  "That is not your concern."

  "Seems we're both butting in where we shouldn't."

  The others heard and for a moment the silence was deafening.

  "That's uncalled for!" The Reverend sent him a scowling glance.

  "Perhaps it was. But I'm a cowboy too, and damned proud of it. I know God, Reverend, I see and hear him every day out on that prairie. I talk to him daily, I pray for rain, I pray for good river crossings, and I pray none of my men get hurt doing their job. So, I'm well acquainted with him Reverend, and not once have I ever considered being in love something bad. That boy loves your daughter, truly, and you better pray they get married soon, because if you don't let her, she'll run off and do it, and she won't love you for making her do it that way. Thanks for the food and the sermon, good day to you sir." He got up took Trudy by the arm and they got in the wagon and left. The boys mounted up with them and left too, shaking their heads at the Reverend.