Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection

by Amanda Barratt

  The stranger tipped his hat to Jenny as she and Austin approached. “Good evening.”

  Austin nodded. “Austin Hart. And you are?”

  “My apologies. I was so flummoxed at seeing two of the same lovely ladies that I fear I was tongue-tied for a moment. Elrod Hewgley. Of the St. Louis Hewgleys.”

  He said the last part as if it should mean something to her, but it didn’t. She’d never known anyone with the last name of Hewgley.

  When no one responded, the dandy scratched his chest, looking a bit put off. “My family owns the St. Louis Ledger.”

  Jenny giggled. “Austin Hart of Hartville.”

  Austin and Mr. Hewgley both cast her sister an odd look. Austin cleared his throat. “I was born on the 7 Heart Ranch, not here in town.”

  Mr. Hewgley’s gaze snapped to Austin’s. “You’re one of the seven Hart brothers? I heard about your father’s deal to marry you all off in a year and came to write a story about it. How about an interview?”

  Austin shook his head. “It’s getting late, and I need to see the ladies inside.” He motioned for Rebekah to enter the hotel then followed with Jenny still at his side. Mr. Hewgley followed them.

  “I can wait until you say good night to the ladies, or we could talk tomorrow, if it’s more convenient for you.”

  Austin stared at the short man. “It’s not. My pa isn’t in the habit of airing the Harts’ private business publicly.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” He gestured toward the stairs then touched the brim of his hat. “Ladies, I bid you good night.”

  Rebekah took the hint and started up the stairs, glad her sister followed. As they turned the corner and started walking down the hall to their room, Jenny giggled again.

  “What’s so funny?” Rebekah had been pleased with how Austin had put that snoopy reporter in his place, both efficiently and fairly politely.

  “If one of the Hart women has a son named Hardy, his name would be Hardy Hart.” She snickered. “Isn’t that funny?”

  “Hardy is a perfectly fine name.” She was seriously beginning to wonder if her sister’s last name would ever be Hart. “Well, how did your talk with Austin go?”

  “Boring.” Jenny yawned. “He told me about his family history again.”

  Rebekah unlocked their room and opened the door. “Did you ask him any questions about himself, like what he likes to read or what he does on the ranch?”

  Jenny shook her head as she dropped onto the bed with a loud sigh. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Why not?” Rebekah locked the door and turned up the lamp.

  “Because I don’t really care what he likes to read or what he does.”

  Rebekah resisted shaking her head. “Well then, why didn’t you ask him about something you do care about?”

  “Because I find him boring. There’s nothing I care to know about the man.”

  Rebekah set her reticule on the desk and sat next to her sister. “Mr. Hart seems like a very nice man. His family is obviously wealthy, and he could take good care of you. That’s what’s important. You need to think seriously about marrying him.”

  Jenny bolted up. “But what about my happiness?”

  “I feel certain happiness will come once you’re married and get to know him. Just look how delightful his sisters-in-law were. They all seemed quite happy.”

  “But they probably weren’t forced to marry.”

  “I’m not forcing you. You’re the one who accepted his marriage offer. And besides, we’re out of options.”

  Jenny flopped on the bed again. “It’s all so unfair.”

  Rebekah couldn’t help agreeing. Life for a man was so much easier than for an unmarried woman, but as things looked to her, Jenny was by far getting the better deal.

  Austin drove the buggy into the ranch yard, anxious to see Jenny’s expression. She quietly assured him at breakfast this morning that she still planned to marry him although she had requested at least another week to prepare for the wedding. He didn’t understand what there was to get ready, but after witnessing five of his sisters-in-law prepare for their weddings, he knew women needed time. Something about Jenny’s demeanor nagged at him. Maybe it was that she didn’t seem excited to be marrying like the other Hart women had. But then those gals had time to get to know their intendeds well before their weddings and weren’t marrying a stranger like Jenny was.

  Since he hadn’t told any of his family about Jenny, he felt the best thing was to take her and Rebekah to the ranch, where they could get to know one another without being questioned constantly by curious townsfolk and reporters, and his family could all meet them before hearing any rumors. Jenny had been fairly quiet on the way to El Regalo, other than asking him what types of books he liked to read and what tasks he did. He hoped that once she got used to him, she’d talk a bit more. Not that he especially liked chatty women, but he wasn’t all that much of a talker himself and hated the thought that their home might always be quiet, except when his family was present. He was used to a noisy household.

  He studied his family home. What would the ladies think of it? He turned in the seat so that he could see the women, although both had their eyes trained on the house. “Welcome to El Regalo.”

  “It’s incredible!” The back of Austin’s seat gave way as Rebekah leaned out of the buggy to get a better look. “My, but you have a lovely home. I never expected to find something so large this far south. I imagine you can see for miles from the top of that tower.”

  Austin smiled, proud of his family home. “You can see a good ways on clear days. I used to climb up there to get away from my brothers when they were small.”

  Jenny stared at the house, her eyes wide. Was she as enthralled as her sister? “I knew you had a big house, but I was expecting a wood cabin. Does the stone keep it cool inside during the summer?”

  “Definitely cooler than standing out in the sun. Speaking of which, we need to get you ladies inside. It’s been a long, hot drive.” He climbed out of the buggy then lifted his hand to Rebekah since she was closest.

  As she pressed her hand against his palm, his heart bucked like a mustang with its first rider.

  Her blue eyes snapped to his, as if she also felt the odd sensation. “What … um … does El Regalo mean?”

  Austin had never reacted so much to a particular woman before. Sure he’d been attracted to them, especially when he was younger, but to have such a physical response from just touching a woman. “It means ‘the gift.’ My pa built this house seventeen years ago for my mother.”

  “It certainly is magnificent,” Jenny said, reminding Austin he still needed to assist her. How could one touch from a woman who isn’t his fiancée turn him into a mindless ninny?

  He reached out to Jenny and helped her to the ground. Why did her touch not affect him like her sister’s? It made no sense. He yanked two satchels from the boot of the buggy. It didn’t matter. This morning Jenny had assured him she was willing to marry him, and she was the one he intended to wed.

  Cody jogged out of the barn and headed toward them. He pushed his hat back and suddenly stopped, staring at the ladies. As if suddenly remembering his manners, he pulled off the hat, revealing his blond hair. His blue eyes twinkled, and a slow grin spread across his face. “I do believe I’m seeing double, boss.”

  Austin glared at the cocky young cowboy. “The buggy and horses belong to the livery in town. Cool them down, then groom and feed them. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have someone return them. But first, I need the ladies’ baggage unloaded and set on the porch.”

  Cody nodded. “Will do, boss.”

  Austin didn’t like the way Jenny smiled at the good-looking cowboy. Austin narrowed his eyes. Was she actually batting her lashes at him or did she merely have dust in them? The cowboy paused and watched as she strolled around the front of the buggy to join her sister.

  He walked up to Austin, his eyes still stuck on Jenny like a burr to a pant leg. “Whoo-wee, boss,”
he said in a loud whisper. “Is one of them going to be your bride?”

  “Never you mind that. Just tend to the horses. Have you seen my pa?”

  Cody nodded. “He went for a ride about an hour ago.”

  Austin hadn’t said a word to his pa about sending for a bride. He was looking forward to surprising him for once.

  Cody walked away several steps then swung around. “So, who’s the other gal for?”

  Austin lifted his eyebrows and stared at the ranch hand.

  “Oh yeah. The baggage.” Cody led the team toward the porch, but his gaze kept flicking back to the women.

  Austin sighed. He sure was glad most of his brothers had married, so he wouldn’t have to battle them for Jenny’s heart. They were all younger than him and nice-looking men. He feared if given her choice, Jenny would have picked a different Hart brother. Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he pushed his feet forward. There was no sense in dwelling on the senseless. His brothers were married and not a threat, except for Bowie. But he was gone to who knows where. As Austin stepped onto the porch, he was surprised to realize that he missed his cranky brother. Being the two oldest, he and Bowie had been closer to one another than their other brothers—at least until Bowie changed so much—a result of the war. Take care of him, Lord. Heal his hurts, and bring him back home when the time is right.

  Chapter Five

  Jenny sucked in a soft gasp, and Rebekah had a hard time keeping her mouth from dropping open as they entered the Hart home. Shiny walnut wainscoting lined the walls, and the oak floors gleamed as the light from the open door reflected on them. Past the vestibule was a wide hallway with several open doors, although the one to her left was closed. The place was fancier than any building she’d seen in a long while.

  “I’ve never seen anything so lovely.” Rebekah turned to Austin.

  “Me, either,” Jenny murmured.

  “My pa doesn’t like to do things halfway. That’s something you’ll learn quickly.”

  The strawberry-blond woman Rebekah had seen at the hotel bustled around the corner with a half-grown boy at her side. The woman halted suddenly. Confusion flashed across her face for a brief moment, before a smile replaced it. “Welcome to El Regalo, ladies. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” She turned to the boy. “Robbie, would you please inform Perla that we have guests?”

  Rebekah waited for Jenny to respond to the woman’s greeting, but her sister’s eyes were lifted to the coffered ceiling. “I believe the pleasure is ours. This place is quite impressive.”

  “It certainly is. I remember being as equally amazed the first time I came here. I’m Annie, in case you didn’t remember.”

  “I’m Rebekah Evans, and this is my sister, Jenny.”

  “Would you like to have a seat in the parlor while I have some tea prepared?” Annie looked at her for a moment then shifted her eyes toward Austin.

  He stepped around them. “Actually, I’d appreciate if you could show them to the bedroom at the back of the house, if you have time. I’m sure they’d like to get settled and rest before lunch.”

  “Of course. I’m happy to. I’ll also confirm with Josefina that the room is ready for visitors and let Perla know we have two guests.”

  “I appreciated it.” Austin glanced at Jenny and Rebekah. “I’ll go ahead and set these bags in your room then have the others brought in. Oh, and so you know, Perla is our cook and housekeeper. Josefina, her cousin, helps her at times. Both are like family to us.”

  Annie smiled. “Ladies, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your room.”

  Rebekah could barely keep from staring at the lovely home as she walked down the main hallway then turned right into a shorter one. Austin exited a room at the end of the short hallway empty-handed.

  Annie rapped on a closed door to her right, waited a moment, and then pushed it open. “This is a washroom. You will have it mostly to yourselves, unless we get some rainy days. If so, the men may clean up here before venturing farther into the house, so be sure to knock when the door is closed.” She moved past the open door into a room at the back of the house. “This will be your room for as long as you’re here. It belonged to Houston before he and Coralee got married and moved into their own place. Remember, you met Coralee in town?”

  “Yes, we remember. Thank you so much for your hospitality.” Rebekah’s gaze roved the big room. A large bed sat on the far wall, with a desk and chair on the right, a settee and wardrobe on the other walls. The décor was a bit masculine, but that made sense once she learned the room had belonged to Austin’s brother. She walked over, looking out the windows nearest the desk.

  Annie joined her. “The porch runs along this wall and in front of the washroom, so you might want to keep the drapes closed when you’re dressing.”

  “That’s good to know.” Jenny peeked out the other window overlooking the porch.

  Annie moved toward the door. “I’ll let you get settled. Please let me or one of the other ladies know if you need anything.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality.” Rebekah smiled. “Are some of the other Hart men and their wives living here?”

  “Not at present. The only Harts who live here now are GW, father of the clan, Austin, and Travis and me, although our house is nearly complete so we’ll be moving in a week or two. Bowie, the second oldest, still lives here, but he’s currently away. If I’m not around, Perla or Josefina will be happy to assist you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Annie nodded and left the room. Rebekah turned to her sister. “Quite impressive, isn’t it. I’ll rest well knowing you are living in such a fine place. Can you even imagine having an indoor washroom?”

  Jenny shook her head and sat on the wide windowsill. “No, I never dreamed the house would have one—or that the place would be so monstrous. I fear I’ll be constantly cleaning.”

  “Did Austin not tell you about his home?”

  “Not that I remember. His pa probably wants his sons to marry so there will be more women to tend this big house.”

  “I doubt that’s true.” Rebekah eased onto the edge of the large bed. Annie seemed so eager to leave El Regalo to move into her own home. “I fear if I lived here I’d never want to leave.”

  Jenny leaned out the window, looking toward the front of the house.

  “What are you doing? Searching for your fiancé already?” She waggled her eyebrows so Jenny would know she was teasing.

  “Of course not.”

  She studied her sister’s frowning face as she crossed the room. Jenny had relented and told Austin at breakfast that she would marry him, but something was obviously wrong with her. Was she still having second thoughts, even after their talk last night when Rebekah had listed all of Austin’s admirable qualities, while Jenny’s main argument was his age?

  She pulled the pins from her hair. The breeze blowing through the open window, although still warm, cooled her sweaty head. Men were so fortunate to be able to wear short hair. She liked Austin’s tidy, freshly shaved look, so unlike the cowboy who had come out of the barn and ogled her and Jenny. Oh, he was nice looking and much closer to their age, but when he pulled off his hat, his blond hair had fallen into his eyes. Something pinched her stomach, and she looked at her sister. Jenny had taken a very unladylike pose as she bent at the waist and leaned clear out the window.

  “Jenny, get back inside before someone sees you. What are you doing?”

  “Oh, nothing.” She ambled toward the door. “I think I might take a walk instead of resting.”

  With a loud sigh, Rebekah sat up. “Let me repair my hair, and I’ll go with you.”

  “No. That’s not necessary. You go ahead and rest. I’ll stay within sight of the house.”

  “You promise?”

  “Of course.”

  “All right. Maybe you’ll run into Austin, and he can show you around your future home.”

  Jenny scurried through the door. Rebekah reached down to untie her shoe, feeling a
bit uneasy. Her sister was up to something, but for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what. Her boots dropped on the floor, and she lay back with a sigh, ready for a short nap.

  But she couldn’t fully relax. Something nagged at her. Why had Jenny seemed so eager to leave her behind? Rebekah bolted upright as a thought intruded on her rest. Surely Jenny wasn’t looking for that cowboy.

  Austin leaned against the corral railing and watched Gage take a green broke horse through its rounds. The bay mare still flipped her head up and sidestepped when Gage tried to turn her around to go the other direction, but she had vastly improved from when she’d first taken the saddle. “She’s looking good.”

  Gage reined the mare back toward Austin. “She still thinks she’s boss like a brand-new bride, but I’ll have her straightened out soon.”

  Austin grinned, thinking how his brothers bent over backward to please their wives. “From what I’ve seen, the women are the boss.”

  Gage chuckled. “Don’t let Gypsy hear you say that.”

  “Gypsy?”

  Gage pointed at the mare then looked up and focused on something in the distance. “Looks like GW is ridin’ in.”

  Austin climbed onto the lowest railing, searching in the direction Gage had looked. “Yep. That’s Pa.” No more putting off telling him about his bride. Pa would be pleased. Austin just wished Jenny seemed less hesitant about marrying him. Was she simply shy, or did she find him less desirable than she’d expected? He rolled his neck as tension from his train of thought knotted his muscles. He pushed away from the corral and strode toward his pa, rubbing the leg that pained him when he was tense or had overdone things. If he’d had his way, he and Jenny would have married in town before he brought her home. Maybe her unenthusiastic attitude was due to being a mail-order bride and the fact that she needed to marry. He clung to that idea because the thought that she found him lacking mutilated his manhood, and would make their marriage all that much harder from the start. He sure hoped his pa wouldn’t think less of Jenny because theirs wasn’t a love match like his brothers’ had been. But then again, some of them had a hard time wrangling their brides at first, too. He could only hope and pray that his marriage turned out as well as theirs had.