Wayward Lady

by Nan Ryan

  “Mrs. Brand, will you be wanting your lunch soon? I told Dorothy and Louise I’d only help out with the dusting until it was time to fix your meal.” In the week Suzette and Austin had lived at the mansion, Kate and her two helpers, Dorothy and Louise, had needed little instruction. Intelligent and dependable, Kate knew how to run a big home efficiently, and Suzette was grateful to have her. The three servants had private quarters on the ground floor of the house and were so quiet and respectful Suzette hardly knew they were around.

  “Kate, I’ll wait to have my lunch with Mr. Brand.” Suzette started into the drawing room.

  “Oh, ma’am, Mr. Brand told me he won’t be eating lunch at home today.”

  Suzette bit her lip. “I see. Very well, I’ll have a tray in my room in an hour.” Furious that he hadn’t told her he would not be at home for lunch, Suzette went back up the stairs. She spent the afternoon alone, growing more contrite with each passing hour. By the time she heard Austin’s deep voice downstairs, she was so glad he was home she flew down the stairs and straight into his arms. “Austin, please don’t be angry with me. I’m sorry about this morning.”

  Austin cupped her chin in his hand. “Sweetheart, I’m not angry. I love you so very much and you must understand that if I seem overly protective, it’s only because you are so precious to me.”

  “I know, really I do. I can be terribly bull-headed.”

  Laughing, Austin kissed her nose, then said, “That you are, my dear. You’re also terribly cute. Could I interest you in dinner by the fire in my bedroom?”

  Suzette grinned and hugged him. “Shall I dress for the occasion?”

  “The decision is yours. Dressed or undressed, you’re welcome at my table.”

  At breakfast the next morning, Austin told Suzette he wanted to take her by the stables and bunkhouse to meet some of the men. Yawning sleepily, Suzette nodded and took a sip of coffee. She pulled the lapels of her robe together and pushed her long hair out of her eyes. Slowly, she raised her eyes to her husband’s.

  “What’s funny?” she murmured.

  Austin touched her cheek. “Nothing, darlin’. It’s just that you are so adorable. Eat your breakfast and I’ll bring the horses around. I’ll come upstairs for you in a half hour.” He rose, then leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

  Suzette was in her room preparing to dress when Austin knocked at her door. “Come in, Austin,” she called.

  He stepped inside and closed the door, then leaned against it. Suzette stood near her bed, buttoning a white blouse. A pair of buckskin trousers lay across the bed. She smiled at her husband and picked up her leather pants. Before she could put a foot into them, he moved swiftly across the room and grabbed the trousers from her hand. “My God! You don’t think you’re going to wear these do you?” He held up the buckskins accusingly.

  “I most certainly do,” she declared, reaching for them.

  His gray eyes narrowed as he jerked the pants out of her reach and strode to the fireplace. He tossed the pants into the flames and turned back to look at her.

  Shocked, Suzette could only stare at him. Then anger got the better of her and she shouted, “You had no right to do that! Damn you, Austin Brand! Damn you! Damn you!”

  She trembled when he stormed across the room and grabbed her arm. “Don’t swear, Suzette! I won’t have it! And I won’t have you going about in tight trousers either.”

  “I will damned well wear pants any time I choose!” she yelled at him.

  “You’ll wear what I tell you to wear!” he raged as he dragged her to her dressing room. His fingers pinched the flesh of her upper arm as he pinned her to his side and looked through the gowns and dresses arranged neatly by color. He chose a modest dark wool dress, then marched her back into the bedroom. Suzette, uneasy and afraid to irritate him further, looked warily at him when he sat down on her bed and pulled her to him and held her between his knees.

  Suzette trembled with fury and fear; the white blouse she wore stretched tautly across her heaving breasts. Gooseflesh prickled on her arms and legs. Now Austin was unbuttoning her blouse, pulling it off. But when he looked into her hurt, frightened eyes, his rage suddenly subsided. Dropping the clothes to the floor, he sighed. “Suzette, dear, I’m sorry.”

  “Austin, have you not seen me in trousers many times?” she replied coldly.

  “Yes, of course I have,” he admitted.

  “Then how could you act so…so beastly about it? What have I done? How can you be so mean to me?” Tears were starting at the corners of her eyes.

  “Oh, my love, forgive me,” he said and pulled her down onto his knee. “Sweetheart, let me explain. You see, I’m going to take you out to meet my men and…Suzette, those trousers show too much of you. They aren’t modest. I don’t want the cowboys to see my wife like that.”

  “If you thought the trousers immodest, why didn’t you tell me long ago?” She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.

  Austin handed her a handkerchief. “Darlin’, you never wore them to town. The only time you had them on was at home. I was the only one who saw you in them, so I didn’t mind. In fact, I enjoyed it.”

  Sniffling, she said, “Still, that was no reason to throw them in the fire. You frightened me, Austin. I thought you were going to strike me.”

  “Baby girl, I’d never raise a hand to you. You must know that. I’m sorry I lost my temper and burned the pants. I’ll buy you new ones to wear at home. Will you forgive me?”

  “I suppose, but—”

  “Darlin’,” he murmured against her neck, “I love you so much. You’re so temptingly lovely. You’ve no idea what you do to a man. You don’t have to wear the dress I chose. Pick any one you want and I’ll wait while you change.”

  “This one is fine,” she said as she rose. “Let me wash my face and put on some shoes.”

  Suzette was still upset when Austin led her into the bunk-house near the stables, but she put on her most winning smile and the hands she met thought her charming and beautiful.

  “Darlin’,” Austin proudly introduced her, “this is Tom Capps, my foreman and trail boss on the drives.”

  “Ma’am.” Tom Capps wiped his hand on his shirtfront, then extended it to Suzette. “I’m mighty pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “I’m happy to meet you, Mr. Capps. My husband has spoken of you often. I understand you were quite a hero in the war.”

  Tom ducked his head and shuffled his feet. “Well, now, I wouldn’t say—”

  “He most certainly was,” Austin interrupted. “But for Tom, I wouldn’t be here this morning.” Austin clasped Tom’s shoulder and grinned. “Suzette, this man saved my life, but he’s so modest he hates for me to mention it.”

  Tom’s face reddened, but he smiled shyly. “Mr. Capps,” Suzette said sincerely, “I am grateful to you. You must come up to the house soon and have dinner with us.”

  “Thanks, ma’am, I’ll do it.”

  “Darlin’,” Austin guided her to a square table where four men sat drinking coffee. All of them stood up as Suzette stepped up to them. “Say hello to Randy Lancaster, Bob Coleman, Red Wilson, and Zeke Worth.”

  Four heads bobbed and the men all smiled at Suzette, murmuring, “Mrs. Brand.”

  “Nice to meet you, gentlemen.” Suzette looked at each man. Randy Lancaster and Bob Coleman were ill at ease and stood stiffly, hands at their sides, grinning foolishly. Zeke Worth, a man well into his sixties, bowed grandly and said, “How lovely you are, Mrs. Brand.”

  Before she could thank him, young Red Wilson, a lean, good-looking drover with curly red hair, eyed Suzette boldly and extended his hand. He shook her hand firmly, all the while looking directly into her eyes. “Zeke’s right,” Red agreed. “You’re about the prettiest little thing I ever did see!”

  For an awkward moment, Suzette tried to pull her hand from the man’s powerful grip. “You’ll turn her head,” Austin said calmly and drew her away from the table. Suzette looked up at Au
stin and saw the possessive look in his gray eyes and hoped the young cowboy hadn’t made him angry.

  Near the door of the bunkhouse, old Nate sat whittling in a straight-backed chair. He rose when he saw Suzette and she rushed to him and hugged him. “Nate, how are you? It’s been so long.”

  “Honey, I’m so glad you’re married to Mr. Brand. I worried about you being over there by yourself. How was your trip up north?”

  “Nate, it was wonderful.” She stepped back and put her arm through Austin’s. “My husband is spoiling me, I’m afraid. I never knew life could be so pleasant.” She looked up affectionately at Austin.

  “Well, he should spoil you.” Nate winked at Austin. He looked back at Suzette and added, “He ever treats you bad, you tell old Nate. I’ll set him straight.”

  Suzette and Austin both laughed. “I’ll take good care of her, Nate.” Austin assured the old man, then led Suzette out into the sunlight.

  “Sweetheart, those three men over by the corral are Freddy Black, Monty Hudspeth, and Slim Hester. They’re three of the best drovers in Jack County.” He raised a hand and pointed. “The young kid you see currying the horse is Denis Sanders. He knows all there is to know about horses. Clyde Bonner and Jimmy Davis are my youngest cowhands, but they’re already good workers.”

  “They all seem so nice.” Suzette smiled at the men at the corral.

  “They are excellent cowmen, but they are also red-blooded men with healthy appetites. Now do you understand why I didn’t want you wearing those tight trousers?”

  “Yes,” she admitted, “you were right.” She recalled the way young Red Wilson had looked at her. “Austin?”

  “Yes, love?”

  “Let’s not fight. I can’t bear to have you angry with me.”

  Austin cast a glance around them, then pulled her gently to him. He kissed her softly and whispered, “I could never be angry with you. I worship you, Suzette.”

  20

  The holiday season came and Jacksboro’s first couple threw a party in the new mansion. Suzette, not wanting to overlook anyone, told her husband that she wanted everyone in Jack County to attend. Ever indulgent, Austin suggested having Mr. Keach print a blanket invitation on the front page of The Prairie Echo.

  “Austin, that’s brilliant,” Suzette approved. “Be sure to add that children are welcome. And, Austin, make it clear that this party is not for couples. I want all the cowboys to come, along with as many young ladies as we can get. I think we should provide transportation for anyone who needs it. What do you think?”

  Nodding appreciatively, Austin mused, “I’ll get my men to help. We’ve several carriages, so the cowhands could pick up the young ladies or anyone who needs a ride.”

  Plans were put into motion and soon the town was buzzing about the party. Many people had ridden out to see the mansion being built while the couple had honeymooned. Now they could hardly wait to have a look inside.

  Suzette enlisted Anna Woods’s help in planning the menu and entertainment. Together the two young women busily prepared for the social event of the season. As the date drew near, farmers’ and ranchers’ wives sat at sewing machines and stitched new frocks. At the bunkhouse on the Brand ranch, cowhands meticulously washed and starched their best shirts, trimmed their hair, polished their boots, and looked forward to turning the pretty ladies about the dance floor.

  New Year’s Eve was cold and clear and by dark the mansion was aglow with lights in every room. In the big dining room, the long cherrywood table groaned under the splendid banquet. Champagne and wines were cooling in silver buckets on the sideboard, though Austin had told Suzette champagne was not the drink favored by cowboys thirsty for real liquor. He had ordered cases of good Kentucky bourbon, as eager as Suzette to cater to the wishes of the expected guests.

  The expensive Aubusson rug in the drawing room had been rolled up and the oak floor was polished to a high gleam. Local fiddlers had been practicing for weeks, and Austin agreed with Suzette that although they might not be accomplished musicians, hiring an out-of-town orchestra might well hurt the feelings of the men so eager to play for the party.

  Austin, handsome in a dark, vested suit, white shirt, and silk cravat, stood at the big marble fireplace in the drawing room admiring the tasteful decorations Suzette and Anna had chosen. After taking a look at his gold pocket watch, Austin replaced it in his vest pocket and clasped his hands behind his back. He took a quiet moment to be thankful for all that he had. His home was a gracious mansion of outstanding beauty; his ranch was one of the biggest, most profitable spreads in all Texas; his health was excellent; his intellect was intact. Best of all, upstairs, fussing charmingly over her hair, Suzette Foxworth Brand was his and his alone. Of all his joys in life, she was the ultimate.

  “Austin,” Suzette called softly and came into the room. He looked at her and caught his breath. Her dress was of lilac velvet, the bodice tight and low, the sleeves long and fitted. Delicate lace bound her wrists and accented the low neckline. Her golden hair was parted in the middle and brushed into long curls. She was radiant. “Austin, are you feeling well?”

  “You are breathtaking,” he said huskily, touching the tiny gold heart at her throat.

  Suzette lifted her hands to his chest, tilted her head up, and kissed his neck. “Thank you,” she said against his clean skin. Then she promptly turned to rush into the big kitchen to check on the food, saying over her shoulder, “I’m so nervous I can’t be still.”

  The party was all Suzette had hoped for. The mansion overflowed with guests and Suzette laughingly told Anna she had no idea so many people lived in Jack County. The ladies in their newly sewn frocks accepted Suzette’s invitation to stroll throughout the house. The men, just as Austin had predicted, passed up the champagne for shots of bourbon. Children shouted and chased one another through the many rooms, and everyone ate and ate the delicious foods Kate and her staff had prepared.

  Old Nate and Tom Capps were the first men to come up from the bunkhouse. Within the hour, all the Brand hands had arrived, bringing with them the many guests they’d ferried to the mansion. By nine o’clock the local fiddlers were warmed up and couples were taking to the floor. Suzette dragged Austin to the center of the room and everyone applauded when he put a long arm about her tiny waist and turned her gracefully around beneath the chandelier.

  Out of breath at tune’s end, Suzette laughed and clapped. Austin guided her to a tray of champagne Kate was passing about. They both took a long-stemmed glass. Austin touched his glass to Suzette’s and said softly, “Your party is a success, my dear. I’m very proud to be your husband.”

  Before she could respond, Randy Lancaster and Bob Coleman were stammering their respective hellos and asking permission to dance with Suzette.

  “You’ll have to take turns,” Austin kidded the two as Suzette handed Austin her glass and took Randy Lancaster’s arm, propelling him to the floor. Bashful, yet charmed by her beauty, Randy held her stiffly and looked down into her dazzling eyes while Suzette chatted, determined to put the nice cowboy at ease. Bob Coleman was there to take Randy’s place as soon as the last notes died away. Like his friend Randy, he was very nervous, but he enjoyed every minute of the lively dance.

  Austin watched approvingly as the leathery drover held Suzette as though she were made of fine china. Over Bob’s shoulder Suzette caught Austin’s eye and blew him a kiss. Austin winked at her, then turned to Anna as she tugged on his sleeve.

  Austin obligingly led Anna onto the floor and lost sight of Bob and Suzette as more and more couples began dancing. The next time he caught a glimpse of Suzette, his eyes narrowed. She was in the arms of young Red Wilson, the impudent cowboy from Montana. Red wasn’t holding her the way Randy Lancaster and Bob Coleman had. Instead, he embraced her tightly, pressing her to him. The cowhand wore an expression that upset Austin as much as the way he was holding her. Red’s green eyes were on Suzette’s parted lips, desire plainly written in his gaze.

  Austin s
cowled and stared at the spinning couple until he caught Suzette’s eye. She was laughing at something Red had whispered and Austin felt the blood drain from his face. With a hard, flinty gleam in his eyes, he started through the crowd toward the swaying couple.

  In a voice so low only Suzette and Red heard him, Austin said coldly, “Get your hands off my wife.”

  “Hey, Austin, old man, what’s wrong with you?” Red Wilson slurred. “This here’s a party. We’re just dancin’.”

  “Release her, Red,” Austin said icily.

  “Austin, please,” Suzette said nervously, looking about. “People are staring.”

  Red Wilson abruptly released Suzette and grinned at Austin. “She’s all yours, Brand.”

  “She most certainly is, and don’t you ever forget it!” Austin pulled Suzette into his arms and danced away.

  At the edge of the dance floor, he took her hand and led her from the room. He closed the library door behind them. Before he could speak, Suzette said defensively, “If you’re planning to scold me, Austin, I’m not going to listen. I’ve done nothing wrong and I won’t apologize.”

  Austin, his back to her, poured a splash of brandy into a glass, tipped it up, and drank it. He turned to her. “I have no intention of blaming you for anything. Darlin’, Red Wilson was taking advantage of my wife, and I refuse to hold still for it. Come here.”

  Eyeing him cautiously, Suzette went to him. Austin put his hands on her gleaming white shoulders and kissed her softly, teasingly. With his tongue, he traced the soft contours of her lips. Gently, he pulled her closer to him as stirrings of desire began deep in the pit of his stomach. His eyes dropped to her high, full breasts and he whispered, “I wish all the guests were gone.” His eyes came back to her mouth as his hand moved down, sliding over the bare swell of her bosom, gently caressing it. When he reached the top of her velvet gown, his fingers traced the low neckline tenderly.