The Montana Widow's Husband (The New Montana Brides)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “I had enough of the Texas desert, and decided to come this direction. I liked the appearance of Helena and stopped. Now I need some work if I’m to eat.”

  Nobody could make up a story like that. It must be the truth “The pay is forty dollars a month and found. Are you interested?” she asked.

  “Yes, who do I see?”

  “You’re looking at her,” she said.

  “Who will I be working for?” he asked.

  “Me,” she said. “You’ll be working for me. My foreman had some health problems, and is in the hospital in Helena.” Would working for a woman be a problem for you?”

  “No ma’am. As long as you’re square with me, I’ll give you a day’s work,” Jeb said.

  “That is all I ask,” she said. “Find yourself a bunk, and see Lem, he’s the wrangler as well as the cook. You can pick your string from the remuda.

  Jeb Goes To Work

  One morning a week later…

  “Mrs. Walker, I wonder if I might speak with you,” Jeb asked.

  “About what?” Emma asked.

  “I may be out of line, but at West Point, we were taught observation and response. I’ve only been here a week, but I’ve made some observations and think you need to know what’s going on.”

  “What is going on?” she asked.

  “If I’m speaking out of turn, just tell me, and I’ll be moving on. I don’t like what I see,” Jeb said.

  “And just what is it you see, Calhoun,” she asked, an edge in her voice.

  “There’s no order, no logic to what is happening here. There’s no planning. Important things that need to be done aren’t happening. Instead, it’s piecemeal. Everyone seems to be going their own way. I don’t think it’s the way to run an operation this size,” he finished.

  “You could do better, I suppose?” she said.

  “Yes, I could,” he replied. “In the Army, I was in charge of a much larger operation than this.”

  “The Army is not like ranching, Calhoun. It is totally different.”

  “It’s not as different as you might think. You have a mission, that involves getting the men to a certain place and at a certain time. But, that isn’t all. You have to get their support, their food, and ammunition. All of the things they might need also have to be there. If it isn’t all coordinated, then the mission doesn’t will likely fail.

  “The mission of a ranch is two fold. One is to raise cattle; the cattle need food and water. You either have to get it to them, or take them to it. You can’t let them eat everything at once or there won’t be anything left for the future. You have to move them around to different areas, to make sure the grass replenishes.

  “All we’re doing here is chasing after strays and piddling little things like that. Who is looking after the maintenance of the buildings, and wagons, and other equipment? I can answer that. No one is.

  “When it comes time to get the cattle to market, how are you going to do that? You must have supplies; who sees to replenishing them? For that matter, who sees to grain for the horses, and your cows? By the way, I can tell you, you’re almost out of grain.”

  Emma was stunned. Jeb said, “I can see the disbelief on your face. I’m not a troublemaker, Mrs. Walker. If you like, I’ll just move on and get out of your hair.”

  “No… No… “ she said. “I need to hear this. I had no idea. I just assumed it was getting done. My late husband, Caleb took care of this. I assume Sam took care of it after Caleb died.

  “Can you show me some of what you’re talking about?” she asked.

  “Come into the barn, and we’ll start there.” He pointed to the grain bin. You have three, maybe four days supply of grain. Look at the wheels on this wagon. They need to be greased or they’re going to dry out.”

  Next, they went into the bunkhouse. “Lem, how is your supply of victuals?” she asked the cook.

  “We’re getting really low on beans and flour, Miss Emma,” Lem said.

  “You’re the wrangler, aren’t you?” Jeb asked Lem.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “How are you fixed for supplies there?”

  “I haven’t been able to do much in that area lately. I don’t rightly know,” Lem said.

  “Have you told anyone about it?” asked Jeb.

  “Who would I tell?” Lem asked. “With Sam gone, there’s no one to tell.”

  “You could have told me, Sam,” Emma said.

  “Aw, Miss Emma, you’re a woman, you don’t know nothing about shoeing a horse and things like that,” Lem said.

  “I rest my case,” Jeb said.

  “Lem, tell Mr. Calhoun everything you need. Here, in the barn, wherever you need anything,” she said.

  “Mr Calhoun, after you get the list, come to the house. I’d like to talk to you some more,” she said.

  “I’ll do that,” he said.

  I’m not sure I believe all of that, she thought. Still, he seemed confident in what he was saying. And he sure is a fine looking man.

  Emma! Stop that! He’s a cowboy! Whatever, he’s still handsome.

  Later that same day…

  “I have the list,” Mrs. Walker,” Jeb said, when she came to the door.

  “Come in,” she said, “Would you like something cool to drink?”

  “I’m good to go,” he said.

  “Let’s talk in the living room, it will be more comfortable,” she said.

  He said, “I’ve been in the saddle most of the day, Mrs. Walker. I shouldn’t be sitting in your fine chairs.”

  “Nonsense,” she said. “This little fellow here is my son Jared. Can you say hello to Mr. Calhoun, Jared?”

  Jared moved behind her, then climbed on her lap when she sat down. “He hasn’t been around men much since his father died,” Emma said.

  She started the conversation. “My initial reaction to what you said earlier was disbelief, then I realized you believed what you said. It all started to make sense. Caleb never bothered telling me about the workings of the ranch; he never discussed the contracts we have for the beef. I have no clue about what I’m doing. I grew up in Bozeman. My father was a banker and my mother was a church lady. I guess I was just a pretty face.”

  “I wonder if you would indulge me. I would like for you to go in with me to pick up these supplies, and if Sam is up to it, talk with him,” she said.

  “To what end?” he asked.

  “Mr. Calhoun, I’ve known you a little more than a week. I’ve known Sam since Caleb and I were married. I’m not sure of my ability to judge what you’re telling me. I would like a second opinion.”

  “Sounds reasonable, I’ll go with you. When?” he asked.

  “Based on what you told me about the grain and what Lem said about the food supply, we’d better do it soon. I need some things for my pantry also. I’d like to do it tomorrow morning.”

  “Tomorrow morning then. An early start?” he asked.

  “After I give Jared his breakfast, I’ll be ready to go. Oh, and Mr. Calhoun, call me Emma.”

  “I’m not sure that’s appropriate. Would you settle for Miss Emma?” he said.

  “That will be better than Mrs. Walker, Mr Calhoun—Jeb.”

  Sam’s Endorsement

  With Jared in the back of the wagon, and the reins in the hands of Jeb, Emma rode on the seat by him. “The beauty of this place can be breathtaking on a clear morning like this,” she said.

  “It is certainly a lot different from the Texas prairie. Unless you’ve been there, you might not be aware of the fact that Texas has mountains. Near the border with Mexico, there are mountains, and up in the northwest corner, you can see them. They’re not as majestic as these.”

  What part of the country are you from, originally?” she asked.

  “Southern Ohio, he answered. “A small town named Dayton, north of Cincinnati. I left there for West Point and after I graduated, I was sent to Texas.”

  When they arrived in Helena, Emma directed Jeb to Dr. Palmer’s house
, and asked him to come in with her. “Carter, this is Jeb Calhoun. He’s working at the ranch now. He was in the Cavalry in Texas. Jeb, this is Dr. Carter Palmer.

  “Jeb, pleased to meet you,” Carter said. “I was an Army surgeon during the war.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Dr. Palmer. I entered from West Point, Class of ’68.”

  “Carter,” Emma said, “How is Sam? I’d like to talk to him, but thought I had better talk to you first.”

  “He’s past the worst, though I’m afraid he might have a recurrence of the problem. He’s not in good spirits right now, but I’ve got a feeling, the sight of you might cheer him up.”

  “Do you think he might be able to come back to work?” she asked.

  “I can’t give you a good answer about that,” Carter said. “Another episode like he had, might be fatal. I think he can be discharged in two or three more days, but he’s going to need to take it easy. Does he have a place to go, or relatives?”

  “He has a home on the Flying W for as long as he wants it,” she said. “I don’t know about family. I’m sure his parents are dead, and I don’t think he ever married. I don’t know about brothers or sisters. I’ve never heard him mention any. He worked for Caleb’s parents on the ranch, so he’s been there for a long time.”

  They stopped at the general store where Emma introduced Jeb to Silas Farmer, the owner. He took the list of their needs. “I’ll have this ready when you’re ready to return,” Silas said.

  Next, they went by the church, where she introduced Jack and Letty to Jeb. She prevailed upon Letty to look after Jared while she and Jeb went to the hospital.

  Emma wasn’t sure what to expect at the hospital. What she saw was a man who had once been vital and strong, now a shell of himself. His appearance was shocking. I hope I can keep the shock off my face, she thought. He had lost most of the tan from his many hours in the sun, and his skin had taken on a pallor akin to the color of ash.

  “Sam, how are you?” she asked, as she hugged him? “I just talked to the doctor and he says you can come home in a few more days, as long as you take it easy.”

  “I’m not going to be much use to anybody the way I am now,” he said.

  “Oh you hush,” she said. “You’ve earned a rest. Now, I want you to meet Jeb Calhoun. He started to work the week before last, and has been helping us struggle along.

  “You two talk, while I go have a visit with Jack and Letty.” She turned to Jeb and said, “Tell Sam what you told me,” she said to Jeb, and left them to talk.

  At the church, Letty asked “How is Sam?”

  “I don’t think he looks too good myself, but Carter says it might take time. They’re going to keep him a few more days until he is more stable, but he won’t be able to work.”

  “Jack and I went by there the other day, but they would only let us in for a few minutes,” Letty said. “Now tell me about this Jeb. Who is he and where did he come from?”

  Emma told her about Jeb and the Army, and the reason he left. “He came around looking for work a week or so ago, and we needed a hand so I hired him.

  “He sure seems to know his way around the animals,” Emma said.”

  “He’s awfully handsome, too,” Letty said.

  “Oh, you think so?” Emma said. “I really hadn’t noticed.”

  “Emma Walker. You’re in a house of God. Don’t play loose with the truth,” Letty said.

  Emma blushed. “I guess he is kind of handsome in a rugged sort of way.”

  “Who are you two talking about?” Jack asked.

  “Oh. No one in particular, just girl talk,” Letty said.

  “Letty! What did you just tell me?” Emma said, as she laughed.

  “There’s just some things husbands don’t need to hear,” she said.

  “I left Jeb talking to Sam. I’ll go back and get him, and I’ll be back to collect Jared. I appreciate you watching him for me,” Letty said.

  “No problem at all. He’s a little angel,” Letty told her.

  Back in Sam’s room, she found Sam and Jeb in deep conversation. After a few minutes, she said, “Jeb why don’t you go on over to the store, and help get the order loaded? I’ll be along in a few minutes.”

  When he was out of sight, she said, “What do you think,” Sam?”

  “I like him, Miss Letty. I don’t think I’m going to be able to do the foreman’s job again. I believe he can keep the men in line, and keep things running smoothly. He’ll do a good job for you.

  “You won’t hurt my feelings none if you make him foreman, and we talked about me slowing down, before my problem came along.”

  “Thanks, Sam. It’s going to be good having you home again. We’ll be back to get you when Dr. Palmer says it’s okay.” She kissed him on the cheek and left to walk over to the store.

  “Let me walk through and see if I can think of anything we need that wasn’t on the list, then we’ll get Jared and head back to the ranch,” she told Jeb.

  A New Foreman

  Back at the ranch…

  The wagon was unloaded, the grain had been put in the bin, and Lem had his victuals as well as his farrier supplies. The supplies for the house kitchen were on the table to be put away.

  “Jeb, have a seat and let’s talk for a minute. After you left Sam’s room, he and I talked. You made quite an impression on him,” Emma said.

  “He’s going to be coming home in three or four days. Before his heart problem, he told me he could not put as much time in the saddle as he has been doing, and he wanted to slow down. Today, he told me he couldn’t do the job of ranch manager any more. He recommended you.

  “Your pay would be the same as what Sam was paid, you can stay in the bunkhouse or we’ll put up quarters for you.”

  “Are you interested?” she asked.

  “I’m going to have to think about it. I had not thought about settling here permanently. I will let you know tomorrow,” Jeb said.

  “Fair enough,” said Emma.

  Next morning…

  Emma was fixing a breakfast plate for Jared when she heard the rap on the door. It was Jeb. “Come in. Have you had breakfast?”

  “Yes, I have, but I will take a cup of coffee if it’s not too much trouble,” he said.

  She placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of him. He picked it up, and blew on it to cool it, then took a sip. “Umm, this is better than what Lem brews up. Well, I’ve spent most of the night thinking about your offer,” he said.

  “And?”

  “I haven’t had a steady place since I left Ohio back in’64, when I went to the Point. It’s high time I did, and I reckon as how Montana would be a good place to put some roots down.

  “I do have some questions. Will I be the boss, or will Sam?”

  “You will be the boss, you do the hiring and firing, but I ask you keep me up to date when you decide we have a need to take on more. The firing will be entirely up to you. I fired one man, and that was enough. It was not much fun.”

  “I heard about that. It sounded like something that needed to be done,” he said.

  “It was. I would have shot him too, if he hadn’t backed off, she said.

  “Lem told me about that, too,” Jeb said.

  “Did he tell you he was standing in the doorway of the bunkhouse with a double barrel shotgun?” she asked.

  “He didn’t tell me about that part. Do you think this man, Steele might come back?” he asked.

  “I don’t know,” Emma said. I called one of the hands over and told him to pass the word, that if Steele came on the Flying W property again, he was to be shot on sight.”

  “Did you mean it?” Jeb asked.

  “At the time I did,” she responded.

  “Whoa, remind me not to get on the wrong side of you,” he laughed.

  “I was scared, after I got back in the house, I had to hold on to the kitchen table to keep from falling.”

  “Fear is a good thing, as long as you keep it under control. Any man tha
t says he knows no fear, is either lying or he’s a fool.”

  “We have a deal then?” she asked.

  “We have a deal,” he said, and shook the offered hand. What soft skin, he thought as he touched her hand. And so warm, too. She sure is the best looking commanding officer I’ve ever had.

  “I’d like for you to tell the hands,” he said. “They should hear it from the main boss.”

  “Get them together and I’ll talk to them,” she said.

  Later…

  Emma stood on the porch, studying the men that worked for her. Jared was peeking out from behind her leg. She said, “I saw Sam yesterday in the hospital, and he didn’t look too good. He’s going to be coming back to the ranch in a few days, but he’s not coming back to work.” Puzzled looks spread across their faces.

  “Sam will always have a home on the Flying W. He had talked to Caleb about slowing down, before Caleb…” Her voice trailed off and she fought back tears.

  “Yesterday, when I saw him, he told me he couldn’t do the foreman’s job anymore, but he recommended someone. He suggested I hire Jeb Calhoun to take over the job of ranch manager. Last night, I offered the job to him and this morning, I’m pleased to tell you, he accepted my offer. As of now, Jeb is the new manager of the Flying W. He will be making all of the daily decisions, and I can go back to being Jared’s mother without worrying about the ranch. Jeb, do you have anything you want to say?”

  “Just a few words. Men, I was a captain in the 4th US Cavalry. I chased Kiowa, Apache and Cheyenne braves all over Texas. I got tired of the heat, and decided I wanted an easier life. I gave up my commission, and began heading north. I stopped when I got to Helena. Now I find out we have Red Cloud and the Sioux causing trouble here. I still have my Navy Colt and I still know how to use it.

  “You will find I’m a fair man to work for, and you’ll find I’m right in there, probably working harder than you. I will be giving you work directions, but you’re intelligent men. If you see something that needs to be done, don’t wait for me to tell you; just take care of it, and we’ll get along just fine.