“Miss Daisy Jackson, Samuel,” Mr. Rockford said.
“I know exactly who she is. It’s all over town already.” Mr. Langhorne grinned.
Daisy decided she liked him. He seemed harmless, at any rate, and if he was on the town council as Mayor Winthrop said, she felt a little more confident about being allowed to stay. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Langhorne,” she said sedately. “And do you have any children I’ll be teaching?”
“Not me, ma’am. Never married.” He grinned impishly at her. “Never found a woman who’d put up with me, to tell the truth.”
“For once,” Mr. Winthrop muttered under his breath just loudly enough for Daisy to hear.
She spared him a startled glance, but Mr. Langhorne was speaking again. “I was wondering if I might interview you for the newspaper, Miss Daisy?”
She gulped nervously. Turning him down wasn’t really an option, but she prevaricated, saying she’d rather wait until she’d seen the schoolhouse and met some of her pupils first, and he seemed to accept that.
“And you two,” Mr. Langhorne turned on Mr. Rockford. “How long are you in town?”
“A few days,” Mr. Rockford said laconically. “We’ll be wanted back on the ranch soon enough.”
“Well, I still want to talk to you about your adventures in the high country this summer. Find any exciting new lodes of silver? Maybe gold?”
“That imagination’s running away with you again, Samuel,” Mr. Rockford said with a dry little smile. “All we found was a lot of cow, uh, manure.” He flushed, glancing sideways at Daisy.
She hid her grin by taking a sip of lemonade. She’d heard far worse, but she certainly had no intention of letting the men think she’d tolerate disrespect.
“We’ll talk,” Mr. Langhorne warned before bowing slightly in Daisy’s direction and taking his leave.
“And that was Mr. Langhorne,” Winthrop said into the sudden silence. “I sure hope you’ve got no scandals in your past he might dig up or embellish upon, Miss Daisy, or the whole town will be reading about them in the Rattlesnake Ridge Recorder.”
His blue eyes were uncomfortably sharp, but Daisy knew she had nothing to fear from that quarter. Even if Mr. Langhorne was as prone to embellishment as Mayor Winthrop seemed to be implying, her reputation was spotless.
“Nothing,” she said with perfect truth.
“You’ll find out soon enough. Or not if you’re lucky.” Mr. Winthrop paused for a moment. “Would you mind telling me why a young, well-educated lady like yourself would choose to accept a position all the way out here, instead of staying in San Francisco?” The question was blunt. Almost unforgivably so.
Mr. Rockford sucked in a sharp breath, glaring at Mr. Winthrop.
Daisy didn’t hesitate before answering. She’d been waiting for someone to ask. Mr. Winthrop had a right to know the answer to his question. “The color of my skin, Mr. Winthrop.” She gestured to her face. “My mother was Chinese. While at a distance I might pass for white, after one interview with me none of the various school boards in San Francisco would hire me to teach their children. I’m afraid my opportunities for employment were limited to those I could apply for by mail.”
She didn’t add that she’d more than half-expected him to take one look at her and order her out of town without even a return ticket home. Finding she wasn’t the only person without lily-white skin in Rattlesnake Ridge was something of a relief. With Miz May, Matthew, and his wife obviously respected among the townsfolk, she’d even begun to hope.
“More fools them,” Winthrop said with that smile which made him handsome again. “Their loss is our gain. As for the color of your skin, well!” He gestured to Mr. Rockford. “Look at him. After a summer living outdoors up in the mountains, he’s far darker than you!”
It was true. Daisy’s skin was a pale gold, while Mr. Rockford was tanned to a deep, oaken brown. Even Mr. Winthrop’s tan skin was darker than hers, and she suspected the job of mayor kept him indoors far more often than he would probably like.
“Thank you,” Daisy said fervently, genuinely grateful for his lack of prejudice.
Mayor Winthrop’s steady gaze softened. “I have no doubt you’ll do well here in the Ridge, Miss Daisy. It’s been a pleasure, but I can see any number of folks lining up to meet you and I shouldn’t monopolize your time. See she gets back to her room safely, please,” he addressed Mr. Rockford.
“You can count on me.”
Mr. Winthrop placed a hand on Mr. Rockford’s shoulder. “I know I can.” He offered Daisy another respectful nod before leaving the saloon.
Daisy sagged down into her chair with relief. “That was easier than I expected.”
“You really thought they’d send you back,” Mr. Rockford said, obviously surprised.
She nodded, ashamed of the hot tears burning at the back of her eyes. It had been a long and tiring day, and the pressure of curious eyes on her was an almost-tangible weight. “I know we just got here, but would you mind very much walking me back now? I’m tired.”
“Of course.” Mr. Rockford never hesitated, just rising to offer her his arm. “Y’all can meet Miss Daisy another time,” he cut off a hopeful-looking man who tried to approach on their way to the door. “She’s all done in, and I promised the mayor I’d see her safely back to Miz May’s.”
His arm was rock-steady under her hand, and he kept his stride short to match her steps. Daisy was struck with the unaccountable urge to lean her head against his broad shoulder and pulled herself up sharply. Why, I hardly know the man!
“Got your key?” Mr. Rockford asked as they arrived at the stairwell door. “I can’t open this one, it’s women and children only upstairs.”
“Miz May told me.” Fishing the key from her pocket, Daisy held it up. “Thank you for walking me back, Mr. Rockford.”
“Any time, ma’am. Go on now, open the door. I’m not going until I hear you lock it again, neither.” He stepped back and folded his arms across his chest.
Daisy hid a smile at his protective attitude. “That’s very kind of you. I promise I’ll tell Mayor Winthrop you went above and beyond the call of duty to see me safely home.”
“Won’t be any need for that, ma’am!” He looked almost bashful, ducking his chin. “I’m glad to do it. Good night now, and sleep well.”
“Good night.” Closing the door behind her, Daisy turned the key in the lock and heard a satisfying click. Only then did she hear Mr. Rockford’s boots scuff in the dirt as he turned to walk away.
An honorable man, she thought as she ascended the stairs. There was a streak of mischief in him, to be sure, but she was quite certain Luke Rockford was a man she could trust and definitely one of the first people in Rattlesnake Ridge she could call a friend.
Chapter 5
The schoolhouse was both bigger and nicer than he’d thought it’d be, Luke saw the following morning. Or it would be when it was finished. The walls and roof were on but there was no glass in the windows yet. Desks were in the process of being assembled in the middle of the room. The smell of sawdust filled the air.
“Looks pretty near done,” he remarked to Daisy. When he’d seen her at breakfast this morning, he’d offered to show her where the schoolhouse and her new house were. As they’d walked, Luke had enjoyed the light conversation about the weather and the town. Walking with a pretty young lady on my arm was an experience and a half, Luke thought, and one he’d love to repeat again and again. Especially with the lovely Miss Daisy.
She turned to face him. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes!” He regarded her slightly downcast face and reached out to touch her hand before thinking better of it. “I heard as how the men working on it have been called away to get the hay in, but there’s not much to do. Even the glass is all here, see?”
Daisy stared blankly at the flat, paper-wrapped packages he indicated. “I don’t know anything about construction.”
“Well, I do. Tell you what—Jack and I are he
re in town for a spell before we have to go back to the ranch. I bet we could have this place finished for you in a week or so, and you could move into your house and start your teaching. I know the kids are anxious to get started.”
Luke was fairly certain Winthrop would make sure he and Jack would be paid for the time they put in. But even if they weren’t, he wanted to see Daisy settled and happy in her schoolhouse. Heck, he’d send Jack to the ranch alone with a message for his stepfather if it took longer than a week.
“You’d do that?” Daisy appeared utterly stunned, her deep brown eyes wide and soft as she gazed up at him.
Her lips looked softly kissable and… and I have no business thinking of her that way. A lady like Miss Daisy ain’t gonna fall for a rough-and-ready cowboy like me.
“Absolutely,” he said stoutly, knowing Jack would forgive him. Particularly since one Mrs. Barbara Jones was eager to see the schoolhouse finished and her children settled in with their teacher too. “While you’re talking with the Handleys, I’ll go see if I can find Mayor Winthrop and get permission to start. We’ll have you settled in no time, you wait and see.”
“Thank you!” She clasped his hand, eyes shining like stars. Luke might have lost his head completely if not for the deep voice which interrupted them then.
“Who’s in there? Come out at once, you don’t have any business in there!”
Daisy gave a little cry of shock and let go of his hand, jumping back. “Who’s that?”
“Sounds like Deputy Watson.” Luke wasn’t sure whether to be furious with the man or grateful he’d interrupted before Luke did something irredeemably stupid—like try to kiss Miss Daisy. “It’s Luke Rockford, Deputy.”
“Come out with your hands up!” Watson’s voice changed, a kind of glee creeping into it. “You’re trespassing!”
“I’m accompanying the new schoolmarm, Deputy.” Luke gave Daisy a wry glance, shaking his head at Watson’s officious attitude. “She wanted to see the schoolhouse. If you come on in, I can introduce you to her.”
There was a moment’s pause, and Luke was pretty sure Watson was considering whether he could get away with arresting Luke for trespassing anyway. Then came a heavy footfall on the freshly laid pine boards of the floor, and Watson entered the schoolhouse cautiously, gun in hand.
Daisy shrieked a little at the sight of the gun, dodging behind Luke. “Please don’t shoot! I really am the new schoolteacher!” she cried. “I have my letters from Mr. Winthrop with me, if you want to see them!”
Scowling at Luke, Watson holstered his weapon. “That won’t be necessary, ma’am. I heard about your arrival.” Daisy stepped out from behind Luke, and Watson’s expression changed as he got a good look at her. “Grant Watson, ma’am. Begging your pardon for giving you a fright, but we don’t tolerate trespassers on town property.”
Luke had never seen that particular emotion on Watson’s face before, a kind of fawning admiration, and it took him a moment to realize the other man had taken a shine to Daisy. Once he did, he wanted to punch Watson’s pretty boy face right off.
Unfortunately, Daisy stepped forward with her hand outstretched; the charming smile he’d noticed she wore to greet new folks plastered on her face. “I do apologize, Mr. Watson. I hadn’t the slightest idea we were doing anything wrong.”
Watson accepted the offered hand and then obviously surprised Daisy by bending to kiss it gallantly. “You’re forgiven, Miss Jackson. You’re not to blame for Rockford making the wrong decision,” Watson’s eyes flicked to Luke, “...as usual.”
Luke’s jaw clenched. “I’m a law-abiding citizen, Deputy,” he gritted out, furious. “If you think you’ve got evidence to the contrary, why don’t you take it up with the sheriff? See if he thinks you have enough for an arrest warrant. McCullough doesn’t put too much faith in personal grudges, I understand.”
Watson pretended Luke hadn’t said anything and spoke to Daisy again. “While you have every right to be here, Miss Jackson, I’m not sure it’s entirely safe for you to be inside the building while it’s still under construction.” Watson held out his elbow. “Please, allow me to escort you out.”
Daisy’s eyes darted from Watson to Luke and back again. Luke waited for her to accept Watson’s arm. The deputy was closer to her own age, smart and official in his clean black coat with the star shining on the breast. Handsome too, Luke supposed glumly, with an immaculately trimmed mustache and neatly cut brown hair.
Just the sort of well-set-up young man Daisy would probably like to have courting her, instead of a cowboy on the wrong side of thirty, Luke thought.
So, it came as a complete shock to him when Daisy stepped closer to him and said, “Thank you, Deputy, but I have no doubt I’m completely safe with Mr. Rockford.”
Luke wasn’t alone in his shock; Watson’s jaw dropped. He looked enraged for just a moment before wiping the expression from his face. “I’ve learned never to contradict a lady. I have no doubt I’ll be seeing you around, Miss Jackson. Good day to you.” He tipped his hat to her before turning on his heel and exiting, shoulders stiff.
“You probably should’ve gone with him,” Luke said as they listened to Watson’s footfalls die away.
“I didn’t like him.”
That surprised him. “Why not? Most women think he’s handsome, I’m told, and he’s got a good job. Steady.”
“He was very rude to a friend of mine.” Daisy gave him a pert little smile before turning away and walking toward the door at the back of the big schoolroom. “Is my house in back?”
Does that mean she considers me a friend? Feeling unaccountably warm at the thought, Luke hurried after her. “I expect so. Let’s take a look.”
The house was even closer to finished with the glass installed in the windows and the walls painted. All it needs is some good, sturdy locks, Luke thought. The town had done right by their new teacher, putting in everything new. There was even a fancy cooking stove which would have his mother in raptures if she got a look at it.
“This is lovely,” Daisy said, looking around. There was even furniture: a sturdy bed frame without a mattress on it yet, a nice little table with four chairs, and a well-made cabinet in the kitchen. “I wonder if they’ll supply cooking things, or if I’ll have to buy my own?” Small white teeth worried at her lower lip.
Luke wondered if she was short of money. “I’m sure they will be,” he said, thinking he’d have a quiet word with Winthrop to make darned sure of it. “I’ll show you to the Handleys’ general store, then you can head over to Matthew’s for dinner later.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea; thank you, Mr. Rockford.”
“Since I think you said, in a backhand sort of way, you consider us friends now, you should call me Luke,” he suggested as they left the building and strolled along the narrow side path back to Hill Street.
Daisy hesitated, then she gave him a shy little smile. “I’d like that, Luke. And yes… I do consider us friends. You’ve been very kind, especially with your offer to help finish the schoolhouse.” The smile turned to a frown. “I didn’t care for the way that deputy spoke to you at all.”
“Eh, don’t mind Watson.” Reaching the main street again, Luke offered his arm, pleased when she tucked her small hand into the crook of his elbow. “He’s not a bad sort, really.” He might not care for Watson, but he wouldn’t deny the deputy knew how to do his job and helped the sheriff keep Rattlesnake Ridge a sight more orderly than many lawless towns Luke had seen on his travels.
“I didn’t like him.” Daisy was quiet for a few moments before saying almost inaudibly, “I didn’t care for the way he looked at me.”
Luke didn’t want to dismiss her concerns; she was a beautiful woman. Men must stare at her appreciatively all the time. He never considered a good-looking woman might not like all of the attention. “I’m sure you get a lot of looks you could do without,” he said thoughtfully.
“I grew up in the gold camps of California, Luke. I’m used
to men leering at me, I’m afraid. It usually says more about them than it does about me.” She shrugged, as though it didn’t matter much to her. Still, there was something in her voice.
Luke had to think for a moment about what to say. “I think you’re a smart lady, Miss Daisy,” he said finally, “and I don’t reckon I need say any more about Grant Watson. You’ve got him pretty well figured out all by yourself.”
“My father always used to say I was a good judge of character.” She eyed him pointedly, and Luke felt suddenly warm inside.
If she considers me a friend already, that’s something to be proud of.
They reached the crossroads and turned right onto Main Street, heading for the general store which was just a couple of buildings down. Daisy smiled at everyone, stopping to greet anyone who showed signs of wanting to chat. Which meant walking those few steps took them the best part of half an hour. Luke was impressed by her patience and the pleasant, polite way she interacted with everyone.
“You might just be the finest lady I ever met, Miss Daisy,” Luke remarked as the last couple to intercept them walked away. He couldn’t hide the warmth in his voice or his admiration for her efforts to make herself approachable to complete strangers.
She actually blushed, ducking her head. “It’s kind of you to say. I’m nobody special. Just a schoolteacher hoping to fit in here.”
“You’ll fit in just fine.”
They were standing on the sidewalk right outside the general store, so it was no surprise when the door was flung open and Mrs. Handley demanded to know whatever was so fascinating that Luke had to keep a lady out in the hot sun?
“Biggest gossip in town,” Luke whispered in Daisy’s ear as they entered the shop in Mrs. Handley’s imperious wake. She nodded to show her understanding.
It’s a pure pleasure to watch Daisy charm everyone she meets, Luke thought, standing back and observing her. With a few choice words, she had Mrs. Handley under her spell in moments.
Spying Mayor Winthrop walking by out on the street, Luke thought now was as good a time as any to approach him. “Excuse me, Miss Daisy, but I see the mayor there now. I’ll go talk to him about me and Jack working on the schoolhouse, if you don’t mind? Let you talk with Mrs. Handley private-like.”
Coming From California (The Pioneer Brides 0f Rattlesnake Ridge Book 2) Page 4