As Anna neared the two-story log house, she marveled at how impressive it looked with its wrap-around porch and glass windows across the front. The structure wasn’t as large as the plantation homes back in South Carolina, but it had a rich, masculine look that was comfortable.
Anna scanned the yard. Where was everyone? She dismounted, looped the reins around a hitching rail, and stared at the wooden door to the house. The nerves in her stomach knotted tight. She would have to knock on that door. No problem, though. She would do it for Edward.
Straightening her spine, Anna marched up the stairs, across the porch, and rapped her knuckles on the wood before she could second-guess herself. Within seconds, the door opened and a petite woman with red and grey hair eyed her.
“Well, sakes alive. Come in, come in, lassie.”
Before Anna could introduce herself, the older woman wrapped a strong hand around Anna’s upper arm and pulled her inside the house. A delicious aroma tickled Anna’s nose as the woman led her into a large parlor with a magnificent stone fireplace covering most of one wall. The furniture was rugged but striking, with firm, clean lines and masculine fabrics.
“Why we haven’t had such a lovely visitor in ages. Ya must come in and sit a spell. I’m Lola O’Brien, but please call me Aunt Lola. And who be you?” The woman spoke in a heavy Irish brogue, but the accent didn’t disguise the kindness in her tone.
“I’m Anna Stewart—”
“Stewart, ya say?” Mrs. O’Brien interrupted with a twinkle in her blue eyes. “Are your folks from the old country? I knew I liked you for a reason.”
The woman’s grin sent a warmth through Anna. “My grandfather was born in Ireland, but his parents came to South Carolina when he was a boy. Our family has lived there ever since, until recently.”
“Aye. Well it’s a pleasure, it is, to share your company. Ya must sit down and make ya’self at home while I get us some tea.”
The older woman turned and started out of the room, but Anna spoke quickly. “No, please.” Mrs. O’Brien looked back with a question on her face. Summoning her courage, Anna began, “I...I came to speak with Mr. O’Brien about an important matter. Is he home?”
“Nay, Marty’s out checking on the men in the south pasture, but I expect he’ll be back soon. He didn’t take a lunch, so I’m believin’ his stomach will bring him back straight away.” The twinkle in her eyes was contagious, and Anna squelched a chuckle. “Now sit ye down and I’ll be back in a jif.”
As the woman disappeared around the corner, Anna eased herself down onto a sturdy-looking sofa and clasped her hands in her lap. The small, spunky Irish woman’s assertive kindness had caught Anna off guard, but she couldn’t be deterred from the reason she had come. The minute Mr. O’Brien returned, she would discuss her business and leave.
Anna’s nerves began to settle, and she smoothed a hand over her skirt. Mrs. O’Brien’s voice drifted into the room even before she appeared in the doorway with a cup in each hand. “I put a drop of sugar in your tea. I be thinkin’ a lass as sweet as ye wouldn’t have it any other way, but if you prefer it without I can bring in a fresh cup.”
“No, this is perfect.” Anna accepted the cup from the woman’s wrinkled hand. Mrs. O’Brien shuffled over to seat herself in a petite armchair that seemed overshadowed by the large pieces around it.
A whinny from the yard caused the older woman to look up from the teacup she’d been stirring, and her ever-present grin widened. “There be my cousin now.”
“Your cousin?” Anna struggled to keep the disappointment out of her voice. Where was Mr. O’Brien so she could get this errand over with? “Your cousin lives with you and Mr. O’Brien? It must be nice to have family with you.” She attempted a smile, frustration weakening her effort.
The older woman’s grin turned somewhat mischievous. “Aye, lassie, family is a wonderful thing. But my cousin is Mr. O’Brien. I haven’t got a husband—never did have one—so Marty took me in some years back after his precious Katherine passed. Said he needed a bit of a woman’s touch with his boy. It was reason enough for me, so I’ve stayed on, helping where I can.”
Anna wanted to melt into the steamy tea she’d been swirling in her cup. “I…I’m so sorry. I just assumed…”
“Nothin’ to be sorry about.” Miss O’Brien scolded. “I wasn’t thinkin’ about ya bein’ new to these parts. Should’ve told you my story right off.”
Just then, the front door squeaked and boots thudded in the hallway. A tall man with broad shoulders and a full head of salt-and-pepper hair appeared in the doorway. His dark blue eyes matched the color of his petite cousin’s, and they even held the same twinkle as they took in Anna seated on the sofa.
“Marty, ya must come in and meet our lovely guest.” Miss O’Brien took her cousin’s arm and pulled him into the room. Anna rose to her feet for an introduction. “Miss Anna Stewart, may I present Marty O’Brien.”
The older gentleman approached and bowed low over Anna’s hand then rose with the sparkle still securely in his eye and his lips twitching. “What a great pleasure you bestow on us, Miss Stewart. A lovelier creature I’ve not seen in a month of Sundays. And to what do we owe this honor?” His voice didn’t hold the same Irish brogue as his cousin but sounded more like what she’d imagined from a Texas ranch owner—full and vibrant, as if the indoors couldn’t contain it.
The heat crept back into Anna’s cheeks from the flattery and she lowered her eyes. Her downcast eyes caught sight of the man’s dusty cowboy boots, jolting her mind back to her purpose for coming. Setting her jaw and locking her eyes with the dark blue in Mr. O’Brien’s, she began, “Mr. O’Brien, I’ve come to discuss a matter of importance with you.”
“Indeed? “ His mouth straightened and a brow quirked. “By all means, please come into my office.” He held out an elbow for her, as if he were a fine Englishman escorting a lady to dinner. The image contrasted sharply with his bandana, dirty work shirt, vest, and pants—and the dusty boots she had spied before.
Taking his proffered arm, Anna raised her chin and swept forward as he led her down the hallway. He gestured for her to precede him through a doorway, and she entered a smaller room with hundreds of books lining two walls. Through the windows on the third wall, light streamed onto a mahogany wood desk.
He motioned toward a smaller guest chair as he settled in the high-back chair behind the desk. The chair seemed to fit the large man, and he nestled with his hands clasped behind his head. “Now, my dear. How can I help you?”
Anna fought the urge to wring her hands. Now was not the time to show weakness. “Mr. O’Brien, you may have learned from your foreman—a Mr. Monty, I believe his name was—that he has recently hired a new cowboy to work on your ranch. What you may not know, however, is that the new employee is not more than a boy—much too young to work around the dangerous longhorn cattle.”
Mr. O’Brien’s brows rose. “A boy, you say? And how are you acquainted with this boy?”
Anna’s already firm jaw tightened a little more. “He’s my brother, and he’s a lad of but fifteen years, not even old enough to need a razor.” Anna took a deep breath. Logic was probably the best way to approach this conversation. “You see, Edward has always lived in the city and hasn’t spent any significant time around cattle. He can handle a horse but doesn’t have any experience dealing with wild animals of any sort. I’m afraid he would be a liability to you, and it would simply put him in too much danger. Now I’m sure you can see why I object to his being employed on a cattle ranch.”
“I see.” Mr. O’Brien had leaned forward during Anna’s explanation and his elbows now rested on the desk in a thoughtful pose. “So your brother is not intelligent enough to receive training?”
Anna bristled. “Of course he’s intelligent. I’m simply concerned for his safety. Our parents are both deceased and Edward is my responsibility, therefore I must insist you release him immediately.”
He leveled her with a kind look, but it held
a hint of sadness, too. “Miss Stewart, I won’t begin to tell you there’s no danger or discomfort in a cowboy’s job, just as there is some sort of danger or discomfort in most professions. What I do know, however, is my men are all honest, God-fearing cowboys who put forth a full day’s work in exchange for regular pay, hot meals, and my highest regard. I have full confidence in Monty’s judgment. If he felt your brother has the qualities needed to develop into a talented cowpuncher worthy of his fellow cowboy’s respect, then I believe your brother will be just fine. Monty will make sure he’s properly trained, and the rest will be up to your brother.”
Anna sat back in her chair and exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Was he right? Could this ranch be a good place for Edward? Releasing her brother’s care into the hands of a group of rough cowboys made bile rise in her stomach. Edward was all she had left, her only connection to Mama and Papa and home.
“I have a proposition for you, Miss Stewart.” Mr. O’Brien’s deep voice broke into her thoughts. “I don’t know what your current pursuits include, but I am in need of a cook for my ranch. You met Lola, my cousin, who’s been handling all the meals and housecleaning for a number of years now. She’s worked hard in her lifetime and is beginning to slow down a bit. This house is her pride and joy, but I’ve convinced her to give up the kitchen if we can find a suitable replacement.” The twinkle came back into his eyes. “I believe from her introduction that she approves of you, so I’m sure she would be willing to teach you her skills as a cook if you would be willing to learn. That way you could keep an eye on your brother and even make sure we feed him properly.” His lips quirked as he spoke the final words.
Anna’s mind reeled as she absorbed the offer. A cook on a cattle ranch? She’d been cooking and keeping house for Papa and Edward over the past eight years since Mama died, so she’d developed quite a repertoire and loved being in the kitchen. But that was her own kitchen back at home, not a stranger’s kitchen cooking for strange cowboys. And Edward… Taking this job would mean she would see her brother every day and ensure his safety as much as possible. They would stay together.
Anna scrutinized the man across the desk. Uncle Walter had spoken highly of him, and everything appeared to confirm he was a gentleman. And Miss O’Brien was here, so she would have female company as well. Perhaps this could work?
Clearing her throat, Anna tried to sound as business-like as possible. “And how much does the position pay?”
Mr. O’Brien’s face broke into a true smile. “Thirty dollars a month to start, then more when you’re able to handle the meals by yourself.”
“And my quarters?”
“You’ll sleep in one of the guest rooms upstairs. I believe you’ll find the accommodations satisfactory.”
She nodded. “I agree to a trial basis. I will cook all meals for you and your men for thirty days in exchange for room, board, and thirty dollars a month. And I can assure you, I am most capable in the kitchen. You must also agree to allow my brother and me to attend church services on Sundays. At the end of thirty days, we will reassess to determine if you and I are both satisfied with the arrangement. Agreed?” Anna rose and extended her hand to shake on the deal.
“Agreed.” He grinned like he’d just caught a two foot fish and rose from his chair to grasp her outstretched hand. “I have a feeling we’re going to get along fine, Miss Stewart. Just fine.”
CHAPTER SIX
Two days later, Anna rocked with the steady rhythm of the wagon as she sat next to Uncle Walter and peered ahead for another glimpse of the ranch house. From the back of the wagon, Edward leaned over the side to catch his own first look at the Double Rocking B—their home for who knew how long.
Butterflies flipped in Anna’s stomach. Another temporary place to live. Would they ever truly have a home of their own? Since their home in Columbia had burned and Papa died in battle shortly afterward, she and Edward had stayed with several different families for a few weeks. Then they’d finally boarded the west-bound train on the journey that brought them to Seguin. They’d arrived in town with only the clothes on their backs, although Aunt Laura had soon provided one more set of clothes for each of them. Anna was so thankful for the generosity they had received from friends and family, but she longed to have the means to make their own way. Her heart craved a space to call their own. Maybe this would be a fresh start, the change they needed.
Lord, I’m still not sure if we’re doing the right thing here. If this is not Your will, I pray You’ll make it clear to me. And please keep Edward safe. A bit of the tension released from her shoulders. No matter what happened, God would be with them.
As they pulled into the yard, Edward jumped out of the wagon before the horses came to a complete stop. He reached a hand up to Anna and helped her down from her seat, but his body twisted around while his gaze scanned the surroundings. His face held the expression of a puppy just released into a new field.
With her feet on solid ground, Anna’s attention focused on two figures coming through the open door from the house onto the wide front porch. Uncle Walter’s deep voice resonated beside her. “Marty, Aunt Lola. It’s good to see you both again.”
“Walter, it’s always a pleasure.” Mr. O’Brien made his way down the stairs and pumped her uncle’s hand. Facing Anna, he bowed low like a gallant knight. “Miss Stewart, it’s wonderful to see you again as well.” Turning to Edward, he extended his hand. “And you must be Edward. I hear good things about you, son. Looking forward to you joining our group.” Edward pumped his hand so eagerly that Anna wondered how the older man could keep a straight face.
“Marty, don’t keep them standing in the sun.” Aunt Lola called from the porch. “You folks come in. I have coffee and cookies awaitin’.”
Aunt Lola’s bent frame led them down the hall and into a large dining room where three coffee cups were set out on a gleaming pecan wood table. “You men make yourselves at home while I pour you coffee, then I’ll take Anna upstairs to get settled in her room.” She winked at Anna.
Anna followed the older woman up the stairs. She admired the detailed scrollwork carved into the handsome banister. Someone had obviously put a great deal of time and care into building and furnishing the house, yet it was warm and inviting—as if it were welcoming her home.
“Your room is down at the end of the hall next to mine, so if you ever need anythin’, just come and knock hard on me door. Me old ears aren’t what they use to be.” The twinkle flashed in Aunt Lola’s eyes as she turned to smile at Anna before opening the door at the end of the hall. “Here ye go.”
As the door swung open, a gasp slid out from Anna’s parted lips. This wasn’t what she’d expected. The large, sturdy pine bed was impressive in the middle of the room, covered by an exquisite quilt with a star design pieced together in deep burgundies, hunter greens, and royal blues.
“Oh, how lovely,” she breathed, stepping forward to caress the soft fabric. A flash of color in the corner of her vision brought Anna’s attention to the windows, where curtains of the same rich burgundy material hung from the twin windows on either side of the bed. An arm chair rested under the glass on the left, and a pine bureau and mirror to match the bed sat in the opposite corner. The room held an aura of comfortable luxury.
Aunt Lola’s Irish brogue broke into her gawking, “You take your time, dearie, and settle in, then come downstairs when you’re ready. We still have a few hours yet, but you can help me get things ready for supper tonight. While we work, you can tell me all about yourself.”
Anna moved fast as she unpacked her single spare dress and underclothes, then tidied her hair and washed her face in the basin Aunt Lola had been thoughtful enough to fill with water.
She would like this feisty little Irish woman. She glanced in the mirror to make sure everything was in place, fingering the gold cross that hung around her neck. It had been Mama’s, and Papa had given it to Anna for her thirteenth birthday. The necklace and her olive complexion
were all Anna had left from her mother. She straightened the cross to lay flat on her brown dress then turned to hurry down the stairs, anxious to say goodbye to Uncle Walter before he headed back to town.
* * *
Later that afternoon, Anna stood over the stove stirring a large pot of what Aunt Lola called Irish stew. It was similar to the beef stew she used to make for Papa in the wintertime and smelled heavenly. Her gaze drifted to the pots hanging from hooks in the corner and the large work counter against the wall. This kitchen was larger than what she was used to working in and much better equipped. The variety of pans and utensils would make it easier to cook for a crowd, not to mention the large stove that was already causing beads of sweat to roll down her face.
Aunt Lola charged into the room with wave of her hand. “C’mon Anna-girl. The men are washing up, so let’s get this food on the table.”
Anna forced down the knot in her stomach. She was about to meet the cowboys for whom she would be cooking. What sort of men would they be? She grabbed the handles on the pot with her apron and carried it to the dining room table, shuffling so as not to spill. The cowboys filed in, nodded, and sauntered around the table to stand behind their chairs, each man holding his hat in his hands. Anna sneaked glances at the four trail-worn men standing around the table. They ranged in height and age, but all had rich black hair and mustaches, with darkly tanned skin. Mr. O’Brien and Edward hadn’t come in yet, and she wasn’t sure what to do with herself now that the food was set out, so Anna stood by the doorway to the kitchen.
Aunt Lola poured the last cup of coffee and looked up. Awkward silence filled the room. A smirk quirked her lips. “Lads, I’d like ya to meet Miss Stewart. She’ll be cookin’ for ya from here on, and if this stew is any sign, she has a real talent in the kitchen.”
The Rancher Takes a Cook Page 3