“Good day, Reverend.”
“Good-bye, Mr. Hart.”
Hays stepped off the porch and quickly retraced his steps to the livery, where he’d left Gage to get their horses.
Gage sat atop his gelding, lazily waiting for Hays. “Where’d you go?”
Hays took the reins of Bella, his dark brown Morgan, and effortlessly mounted. “I walked Miss Longley home.”
Gage nudged his horse into motion. “I don’t imagine that was pleasant.”
Hays set his spurs to Bella’s flanks. “I think I’ve found the one, Gage.”
“The new teacher?” Gage’s voice was filled with doubt. “Have you lost your mind? She doesn’t like you.”
“Maybe not now … but she will.”
Gage offered him a dubious look.
“There’s something special about her,” Hays said. “If we had met under different circumstances, I know she’d like me.” They had gotten off to a rocky start, but he could change her mind. He’d do it when her family came to dinner at El Regalo.
Emma sat in the back of the surrey nestled between her sister, Hope, and her young brother, David. Papa held the reins and Mama shaded her eyes as she shook her head. “My, my. Would you look at that?”
“It must be El Regalo,” Papa said. “I don’t imagine there are any other houses like it for miles around.”
“Emma, do you see?” Mama turned her pretty face toward Emma. Green eyes, the exact color of Emma’s, blinked at her from a face that looked too young to be a mother of grown daughters.
Emma bent in front of her brother to get a better look as they pulled up to a beautiful Victorian mansion. Two stories tall, with a flat roof, it was made of a sand-colored brick with darker brown brick accents around windows, doors, and corners. A three-story tower rose up from the structure with a blunted iron-railed widow’s walk.
“I bet you can see clear into Hartville from the top of that tower,” David said in his eleven-year-old voice. “I wonder if Mr. Hart will let me climb it.”
“Oh, David.” Mama sighed. “Please remember your manners—and do not ask to climb that tower.”
Disappointment clouded his gaze. “Yes, ma’am.”
Hope leaned across Emma, as she, too, tried to get a glimpse.
Emma had inherited their mother’s green eyes and their father’s dark hair, but Hope had been blessed with the opposite. She had eyes as blue as Papa’s and hair the same honey-colored hue as Mama. She was only a year younger than Emma and was as opposite in personality as she was in looks. Mama always said Emma tended to be serious and astute, but Hope was lighthearted and as changeable as the weather. Emma knew exactly what she wanted in life, but Hope was blissfully content to let each day flit away with little direction. The only two things her sister was truly passionate about were playing piano, which she did every Sunday in church, and seeking a husband so she wouldn’t be an old maid—though she was only eighteen.
“I’ve heard all the Hart brothers are tall and handsome,” Hope said breathlessly. “And not one of them is married. Papa said Hays Hart brought you home the other day.”
“I’d rather not talk about Hays Hart.” Emma would rather not face him again, either. She had quickly glanced at him in church earlier that morning, but she had spent the rest of the time avoiding him. It wasn’t hard to do, since it was their first week at the new church and everyone wanted to meet the Longley family.
“Would you like me to talk to Mr. Hart about donating money for the new school building?” Papa asked Emma as he secured the reins to the dashboard.
Emma shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“It’s up to you.” Papa exited the surrey to help Mama. “But I believe you could save yourself a lot of time and effort if you simply ask him.”
It would be simple, but in the end, it wouldn’t be the best thing for the town or the school.
David helped Emma step down from the surrey and then offered his hand to Hope.
The front door opened, and Hays strode out to meet them, his dimpled grin flashing. “Welcome to El Regalo.”
Emma steadied herself with a deep breath.
A cowboy appeared from around the corner of the massive house, and Emma recognized him as the man who had helped Hays hang posters.
“Gage, please see to Reverend Longley’s horses.”
The young man nodded, stepped into the surrey, and drove it away, but not before catching Hope’s eye. She waved at the cowboy and watched until he disappeared from the direction he had come.
“The family is waiting for you in the parlor,” Hays said as Emma and her family followed him through the front doors, past a small vestibule, and into a long, narrow grand foyer.
Emma blinked to see the magnificence of the interior. She had not expected something so fine. Rich walnut trim, plush carpeting up the wide stairs, extravagant chandeliers dangling from the tin ceiling—everywhere she set her eyes, she was rewarded with opulence.
“We meet every week for Sunday dinner.” Hays spoke to Mama as he motioned to a door on the right. “It was a tradition my mother started years ago when she was a young bride. Even though she’s been gone over twelve years now, Pa is still faithful to her memory and the tradition.”
“How nice,” Mama said. “I hope we’re not intruding on your family meal.”
“Not in the least.” Hays offered her his elbow. “Sunday dinner almost always includes guests.”
Hays pushed open two heavy doors and a beautiful parlor came into view.
GW Hart stood near the fireplace. When the Longleys entered the room, he walked toward them and extended his hand to Papa. “Welcome to El Regalo.”
Emma had been introduced to him at church earlier, but here, in his impressive home, he seemed larger than life and every bit the king of his domain. His white hair was cut short, and a well-trimmed beard lined his weathered face—but under the wrinkles and whiskers, Emma caught a glimpse of the younger man. His blue eyes, so much like Hays’s, were filled with determination and purpose, and his gaze reflected a keen observation.
Four other men rose from their places around the room. It was obvious these men were brothers. They all shared the same dark hair and a variation of blue or brown eyes—yet their similarities went deeper than their looks. Maybe it was a sense of confidence they shared or the same determination she saw in GW.
All but one of them had been in church, though Emma hadn’t realized they were Hart men.
“Reverend and Mrs. Longley, I believe you met most of my boys today,” GW said, “but let me introduce them to the rest of your family.”
“Yes, of course.” Papa stepped aside to allow everyone into the room.
GW gestured to the first one on his left. “This is my oldest son, Austin.”
Austin nodded a greeting and shook Papa’s hand, his black hair falling over his forehead at the motion. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you’ve found Hartville to your liking.”
There was a round of acknowledgment from her family, but Emma remained silent.
“This is my second eldest, Bowie.” GW indicated the man standing to his right. He was the tallest of all the men and he had a full beard. His hair was long, and when he tipped his head forward it covered a black patch over his left eye. Emma glimpsed a scar and black markings on his face before he turned away from her perusal. He had a commanding, if not brooding, countenance. He hadn’t been at church. If he had, she would have recalled seeing him.
“This is Travis,” GW said, nodding at the man standing next to Austin.
“Dr. Travis,” Hays said with a light punch to Travis’s arm.
“Travis will be fine.” He gave his brother a good-natured punch in return. “Welcome to Hartville.”
Where Bowie was rough and withdrawn, Travis Hart was gentlemanly and hospitable. His brown eyes and hair were much darker than most of the others, and he had an easy, caring smile. He caught Emma’s eye and she smiled in return.
“My next son,
Houston, is out in California. But this is Crockett,” GW said, indicating the man beside Bowie.
Crockett nodded a warm greeting, and Emma instantly liked the handsome man with the bright clothing. He also had dark hair and brown eyes but wasn’t as polished as Travis. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Boy number six is Chisholm,” GW said with a tinge of pride in his voice. “He’s a Texas Ranger.”
“And this scoundrel,” Travis said, putting his arm around Hays’s shoulder and roughing his hair up a bit, “is Hays.”
“The baby of the family,” Austin chimed in with a wink.
GW smiled and shook his head. “You’ve already met my youngest. Seems he knows everyone.”
“We’ve had the pleasure,” Papa said.
Hays elbowed Travis in the side, and when his brother dropped his arm, he made a show of straightening his dark hair. “The pleasure was all mine.” Hays glanced past Papa and offered Emma another grin. “I had the good fortune of meeting Miss Emma Longley when I was tacking up one of my posters.”
“By the way.” Austin crossed his arms and frowned. “I had to explain to Meribeth Mortenson at the mercantile that those things were a joke.”
Hays hung his thumbs in the pockets of his denim pants. “No joke.”
“Did anyone actually answer the advertisement?” Travis asked, squinting at Hays as he studied his younger brother.
“Not yet.”
Austin looked at Emma with a pained expression. “My apologies, Miss Longley. Our brother has very little tact. Apparently he doesn’t mind that the entire town knows about Pa’s … interesting edict.”
GW Hart cleared his throat.
“Miss Longley is the new schoolteacher,” Hays said quickly.
The abrupt change in conversation caused all eyes to turn to Emma.
She offered a polite smile, but thankfully a middle-aged woman entered the room at that moment and saved her from all the attention.
“Señor Hart.” The Mexican lady addressed GW.
“Yes, Perla?”
“La cena está servida.” She looked at Emma and dipped her head with a kind nod. “Dinner is served.”
“Shall we?” GW asked.
Everyone followed Perla out of the parlor and into the dining room.
A long walnut table was set with fine china and thick crystal. Dark walnut wainscoting graced the walls, and walnut beams crisscrossed the ceiling. Between the beams, gold plated tin added yet another texture, and dark green paper covered the walls.
The dining room was just as stunning as the rest of the house.
GW went to the head of the table, and his sons spread out on either side, with Bowie to his right, and Austin, Travis, Crockett, and Hays to his left. Each stood by a beautifully hand-carved chair bearing initials. Their monograms?
Three engraved chairs sat vacant, and the magnitude of their emptiness wasn’t lost on Emma. Two were positioned near Bowie, and one was at the foot of the table. She assumed they were for Victoria, Houston, and Chisholm. A stunning portrait above the fireplace could be of none other than the late Victoria Hart.
Hays quickly pulled a chair from along the wall and placed it between him and Crockett. “Miss Emma, I’d be honored if you’ll sit beside me.”
Crockett rolled his eyes in a playful manner and then turned his amused face toward Emma. “We’d both be honored.”
David and Hope were given chairs beside Bowie, and Mama and Papa sat on either side of GW.
Perla disappeared behind a silk screen, and when she returned she held a steaming tureen of soup. The delicious aroma met Emma’s nose before she glimpsed the contents.
“This is menudo.” Perla ladled the dark beef and bean soup into each person’s bowl, and then nodded for them to eat.
GW said a prayer and then they partook of the savory soup.
The flavors were new to Emma, but she enjoyed them very much. She was entertained as Hays bantered with his brothers, bringing her into the conversation several times. He was confident and lighthearted. It was evident he enjoyed making his family laugh.
GW spoke almost exclusively with Mama and Papa, and Hope prattled on with Crockett, who sat across the table from her. David had learned that Bowie raised Catahoula cur cattle dogs, and he asked dozens of questions, which Bowie answered quietly.
Perla arrived to clear the bowls, and when she reached Hays she frowned. “You have not finished your soup.”
“That’s because he talks too much,” Travis said with a laugh.
“Eat, Señor Hays,” Perla said, putting her free hand on her hip. “I do not slave in the kitchen all day for nothing.”
Hays gave her a good-natured smile and obediently finished his soup before she took the bowl away.
“A schoolhouse?” GW’s commanding voice rose above the others, and Emma lifted her head to find his blue eyes assessing her. “You plan to build a schoolhouse?”
Emma looked at her father, who sheepishly inspected his dinner plate.
“I do.” Emma nodded. “I spoke with Mr. Cochrane and he gave me permission, provided I secure my own funding.”
The other conversations came to a halt, and once again Emma felt all eyes on her.
GW wiped his mouth and set his napkin aside. “I think it’s high time this town had a proper school. I’d be happy to donate whatever is needed.”
Heat gathered under her collar.
“This is called guacamole.” Perla was suddenly at her side again and showed her the creamy green dish.
Travis leaned around Crockett. “I think you’ll enjoy it.”
Emma allowed Perla to place the foreign food on her plate and then met GW’s penetrating gaze once again. “Thank you for the offer, but I would like the community to raise the funds on their own.” She glanced at her father for support, and then she looked back at GW. “You’ve been a generous benefactor to Hartville, but I believe the citizens, especially the children, would have a greater sense of ownership if they all pitch in and build the school together.”
GW didn’t say anything for a moment, but then a half smile appeared on his face. “I like your spirit, Miss Longley. I think you’ll do just fine.”
“I think she’ll do better than fine,” Hays said beside her.
The heat crept up Emma’s neck and blossomed in her cheeks.
“Don’t mind my youngest, he’s barely housebroken.” GW chuckled. “We’re still trying to tame him.”
“An impossible task,” Austin said, sending a grin toward his brother.
A round of smiles filled the table, and Emma relaxed. She had expected something far different when she arrived in the Hart home, but she was pleased to see that she had been wrong.
“I wish you great success, Miss Longley,” GW said. “And if there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.”
Emma nodded, though she was certain she would not ask the Harts for a thing. They had already done enough for the town, and it was time the town did something for itself.
Chapter Three
Hays set his napkin on the table, fully satisfied with the meal but unsatisfied with his progress. He wanted to get Emma alone and away from his family.
“Thank you for the delicious meal,” Reverend Longley said to Pa.
“It’s our pleasure.” Pa stood. “Let’s head on into the parlor for Perla’s coffee. There are a few things I’d like to discuss.”
Chairs were pushed away from the table, scraping the wood floor as everyone followed his lead.
“Miss Longley,” Hays said to Emma, “would you like to see the ranch?”
“That’s a good idea.” Pa turned abruptly, his countenance a bit heavy. “I’d prefer to speak privately with Reverend and Mrs. Longley.”
Hays didn’t miss the troubled glance Travis shared with Austin.
“Why don’t the rest of you take a tour of the ranch?” Pa said to his sons.
“I’d like to s
ee your dogs, Mr. Bowie.” David looked up at Bowie with wide eyes. “May I?”
Bowie had been making a quiet exit, but he froze at the request and dipped his head until his hair covered his scars. “If you like. But they’re workin’ dogs, not pets.”
“May I go, Mama?” David ran back to his mother and bounced from foot to foot.
“You may.” Mrs. Longley adjusted the bow tie around his neck. “But mind your manners, and please don’t be a bother.”
“Yes, ma’am.” David sidled up to Bowie, pulling the tie away from his throat. “How many dogs do you have? How long have you been breeding them? How much does one cost? Do you think I could have one someday…?” They disappeared out the doors, and David’s voice trailed away.
Emma’s sister stood smiling coyly at Travis. “Will you come on the tour with us, Dr. Hart?”
“I wish I could.” Travis checked his pocket watch. “But I’m afraid I need to make a house call. It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you.” He left the dining room before anyone could protest.
“I should go see about the new colt,” Austin said, following Travis.
“And I promised Perla I’d fix that leaking pipe in the kitchen,” Crockett said, right behind his brother.
“I won’t hear none of it.” Pa’s stern voice stopped Austin and Crockett in their tracks. “You two go with Hays and show these young ladies around the 7 Heart.” He held the door open for Emma’s folks and then showed them into his office without waiting to see if his sons listened.
Emma and her sister stood in the dining room with Hays, Austin, and Crockett.
Maybe Hays could still get Emma alone. “Do you enjoy riding, Emma—?”
“Would you like to see the new colt?” Crockett spoke at the same moment.
The brothers stopped and stared at one another—Austin stood off to the side, as if he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself.
Emma looked between the brothers and then nodded. “I do ride—and so does Hope.”
Hope giggled. “Only sidesaddle, mind you.”
“We still have my mother’s old sidesaddle.” Crockett motioned to the door. “Shall we?”
Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection Page 3