“Not a problem,” April said, grabbing hold of the arms of Jane’s chair. Wes led the way back outside.
“April, I’ll pick her up if you’ll just push her chair down the back steps.” He reached down and picked Jane up. “Girl, you’re light as a feather.”
Once they got Jane to the outhouse and opened the door, Wes sat her inside. When Jane told them she could take care of the rest, he was relieved.
“Give us a yell when you need us, Jane,” April said. She followed Wes to the well. “I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking about dealing with that aspect.”
Wes wanted to change the subject. “I thought Jane did all right on her first lesson. What’d you think?” They’d reached the well and he dropped the bucket down, then let his eyes travel to April’s.
“She seemed like a natural and caught on very quickly. You were very gentle and calm with her. Another side of you I hadn’t seen,” April replied, pushing the hair back from her brow.
Wes pulled the bucket back up and handed her the dipper and a cup that sat next to the rim of the well. “Thank you. It’s what I enjoy most—being outside doing what I love to do.” His eyes swept over her, and her eyes skittered away as she brought the cup to her lips.
April drank the entire cup in one gulp, then handed it back to him. Wes wished his own thirst could be so easily satisfied.
“I guess I’d better go see if I can talk Sassy into coming back with me,” she said, looking at the pasture.
“I’ll walk with you. It looks to me like the horses are at the farthest end of the pasture with the other horses. But do you think Jane will be all right by herself?”
April gave him a half smile. “She’ll be fine. A minute or two will teach her patience.”
As they walked with the sun beating down on their backs, Wes resisted the urge to hold her hand. A gentle breeze floated through the cottonwoods and rippled past through the high grassy meadow. When a jackrabbit hopped across April’s foot and ran away in the tall grass, she grabbed Wes’s hand and gave a nervous giggle. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
They were nearly under a tall shade tree, and he pulled her out of the sun, still holding her hand. “It’s cool under here.”
“I’m not complaining. It’s a lovely day,” she said, her gaze searching his.
Wes’s gaze bore through her. “It is now with you here,” he said hoarsely, watching her face flush. She lowered her eyes, and he noticed how long her lashes were. Her small nose had a little tilt to it that he thought was charming, and when she smiled, a dimple formed near her mouth. Wes couldn’t resist the urge to touch it and ran his thumb across the side of her face. He couldn’t tell if she was shocked or pleased from the look she gave him, but she didn’t let go of his hand.
Wes felt brave, so when she leaned against the tree, he stretched his arm against the tree trunk for support and leaned over her. She looked up at him, and he felt almost weak. It’s now or never. He moved closer, tilting his head down, and with the lightest touch, he kissed her waiting lips. A spark of fire shot through him, shaking him to his boot heels. April’s lips were still parted, and when she didn’t resist, he kissed her harder, tasting the sweetness of her lips. He felt her catch her breath and go weak, laying her head against his outstretched arm. The kiss was better than he’d even imagined, but when he reached to stroke her face, she pulled away.
“Wes, don’t. This won’t work,” April whispered.
Wes’s smile faded. “Why not? You haven’t given us a chance yet.” He dropped his arm, allowing her to move away.
“We’re from two different worlds. I don’t live here and I intend to go back to Colorado.”
“You may change your mind after a month or so.”
Her gaze skittered away. “I don’t think so, Wes.”
“You can’t deny that you have feelings for me—you enjoyed the kiss.” Unease swept over him. Was he wrong, and she was repulsed by him? He’d even taken a bath, washed his hair, and made a huckleberry pie to impress her!
“Wes, I can’t live the way you live.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? What’s wrong with the way I live?” Anger flooded his chest. “I didn’t even say anything about living with me.”
April blushed and stared at him after a moment of silence. “For you, nothing’s wrong with the way you live, but it is for me,” she said. “I shouldn’t have let this happen.”
“But you did,” Wes said flatly.
“April! Where are you?” Jane’s yell could be heard clear down to the pasture.
“April, can we talk about this later?” Wes pleaded.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I must go help Jane back into her wheelchair,” she said, hurrying through the tall grass. “Would you bring Sassy when you come, please?”
Wes just shook his head and watched her walk away.
16
April’s head was pounding from Jane’s incessant chatter on the entire way back home. April huffed but was able to lift Jane to carry her into the house, wishing she had told Billy to be waiting. She put Jane down on the settee until she could go retrieve the wheelchair. April quickly said her good-bye, promising to remind Billy to come back and play checkers with Jane.
Jane’s riding lesson had gone better than she expected, but allowing herself to be kissed by Wes—what was she thinking? April’s face burned at the memory. How was she ever going to look him in the eye again? The truth was she’d been thinking about kissing him from the time they drove up to his place, but she shouldn’t have let it go that far. There could be nothing permanent to their relationship. Their lives were just too different. April’s father had given her a college education, travel, everything she ever wanted. She figured that Wes had never been any farther than Lewistown. April might appear wild in her jeans on horseback, but she was well-acquainted with the finer things in life. From the look of his house, Wes didn’t care about any of those things.
April laughed and Sassy’s ears twitched at the sound. It was not as if he’d even thought that far ahead. She must be careful. She would not give her heart lightly again and wasn’t planning on another man breaking it.
While the afternoon shades lengthened, the stagecoach depot came into view, and April decided to stop in and inquire as to how long it would take for the bank in Colorado to send her money. She knew from her own ride on the stage that Morgan also carried the US mail on his route. Perhaps he could shed some light on it.
She turned the wagon into the yard to see Leon and Morgan doing a thorough inspection of the coach’s rigging before their trip to Billings in the morning. She yelled out a hello, and the two paused, waiting for her to climb down from the wagon. Morgan pushed his brown hat back, giving her a broad smile. Leon swept his hat off in greeting and held it to his chest, his hair a matted mess where the hatband had flattened it.
“Hi there!” April walked toward them.
Morgan nodded slightly. “What brings you here so late, April?”
“You know that I telegraphed the bank in Colorado for some cash. Do you have any idea how long it takes to arrive here? My bank said they would transfer funds to the bank in Billings, since my father had done business with them before, and then they’d be sent to the Fergus Bank.”
“Then it should be in a strongbox waiting on us when we get there,” Morgan answered. “It’s just a matter of travel time.”
“I see . . . Well, I’m kind of at loose ends for a while until Josh comes back. Without funds, I won’t be doing much of anything until my money is deposited.”
Leon stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Say, Miss April, why don’t you just go for the ride? This trip’s a quick turnaround.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Morgan sputtered, looking at his partner. “We don’t need another rider. Besides, I’m bringing Lenora back. She’ll be waiting in Billings for me. We may be cramped for room with the mail and all.”
Leon harrumphed. “Boss, you know
there ain’t nobody signed up on this particular run, unless we pick up a passenger in Billings,” he said, a wad of tobacco filling his cheek. “Besides, you can ride in the stage with your wife and give your arms a break. Miss April can handle those horses and I’ll keep my eyes peeled to protect the strongbox.”
Morgan looked more closely at Leon. “I might take you up on the offer.”
April studied both men, instantly interested in the offer. “I’d like to go on the route with you since it’ll be a quick trip. I have nothing to do around here but wait,” April said. “Is Lenora your wife, Morgan? She might enjoy some female company.” She could see that Morgan was hesitant to answer. April supposed that she had done a lot of complaining on that long ride, but she reasoned it was only because she hadn’t wanted to miss Josh’s wedding.
Morgan crossed his arms and stood with his feet apart. He exhaled slowly, apparently giving in to Leon’s crazy idea. “We leave at 6 a.m. sharp.” His blunt gaze swerved to her. “Can you get those blue eyes of yours open that early? I refuse to wait around for you, April.”
April knew he was serious, but she batted her eyelids and smiled. “I’ll be here, but don’t expect me to be wearing a dress. If I’m going to sit on the bench, then I’m dressing sensible to the position.” April lifted her chin with a reassuring look at Morgan. “I think it will be a great adventure to drive the team.”
Morgan roared with laughter. “You would think of it as an adventure! We’ll see what you think after tomorrow—and you’d better grab something to eat before you come.” He went right on inspecting the axle wheels and left her with Leon.
“Better get to bed early, Miss April, he means what he says,” Leon said as he turned to leave.
“Oh! That reminds me of something I have to do tonight. I must run. I’ll see you in the morning, never fear. By the way, thanks for suggesting that I go along, Leon.”
He gave her a sheepish grin, and the thought occurred to her that he really liked her. Somehow on the trip to Lewistown, she had apparently impressed him with the way she’d handled Gus. The thought made her heart warm. I’ve made another friend.
After a wonderful meal of roasted chicken and some of Margaret’s canned green beans and carrots, April began helping Natalie and Louise clear the dishes while they chattered away like they’d known each other for years. Margaret looked on as the three worked together, trying to hide her surprise. May had shared a tray with her husband in their room, and Beth retired to the parlor away from the noise to give Anne a bottle while she enjoyed Margaret’s rocking chair. Margaret was so tickled that Beth was beginning to feel more comfortable around them and had even allowed her to rock baby Anne sometimes. It was almost like having her very own grandchild. Ahh . . . maybe someday.
“Josh is going to stay at least another week on his honeymoon,” April told them with a long face.
“Is that so? My, they must be having a wonderful honeymoon,” Natalie said, picking up the half-empty bowls. “We, on the other hand, can only dream to be as happy as they are.” She stared off wistfully.
“It’ll happen in God’s timing, not a minute earlier and not a minute too late,” Margaret said.
Louise wiped her hands on her apron. “Listen to you, Mother. You’re the one who’s so worried you’ll never see it happen.”
Margaret knew that was true. “Well, maybe, but it never hurts to be reminded that things happen when they’re supposed to happen.”
“Speaking of which . . . Louise and I have to scoot out. We have something we need to tend to tonight, because I’ll be out of here before daylight.” April paused with a stack of plates still in her hand.
“And where might you be going so early? Are you going off to see Josh’s ranch?” Margaret asked. She hoped April wouldn’t think she was being too nosy, but April had quickly grown to become like her own ward, and she wanted to protect her until Josh returned.
April’s eyes twinkled. “I’m going on a stagecoach run with Morgan. When I get back, maybe I’ll ride over and check out those despicable little creatures that my brother is so fond of.”
Natalie took the dishes from April. “Why in the world would you want to go along on a stage route?”
“For the adventure of it. I don’t have a whole lot to do until Josh returns.”
“I thought you were teaching Jane to ride,” Louise said.
“Oh, I am, but not every day.” April walked to the door. “Come on, Louise. There’s not much left to do here.”
“No, there isn’t, unless you count washing the dishes,” Natalie snipped at her sister.
“Natalie, Louise let you go off shopping on Monday, remember. Besides, Louise never allows herself any free time,” Margaret reminded her.
“Oh, all right . . . Go on, you two. I’ll handle the dish washing, though no suitor will want to hold my poor dishpan hands.” Natalie stared down at her hands, feigning sorrow with a pout.
Louise and April left the room, and Margaret couldn’t help but wonder what they were up to. With April, one never knew. Natalie carried the dishes back to the kitchen for washing, and Margaret decided to lend her a hand tonight.
April was amazed when she stepped inside Louise’s spotless room, which smelled of lemon beeswax and just a hint of vanilla. She drew in a sharp breath. Beautiful voile sheers crisscrossed the bedroom window, allowing slants of waning sunshine to touch the highly polished wood floors. A simple white matelassé coverlet adorned the bed, with muted green linen-covered pillows plumped against the cream-colored iron bedstead. Simple, but very inviting and relaxing.
“You approve, I take it?” Louise waited just inside her room.
“It’s lovely. Did you make this coverlet?” April ran her fingers across the tiny, flawless stitches.
Louise’s face beamed at the compliment. “Yes, I did.”
“That must have taken you a very long time to do.” April marveled again at how detailed Louise was in all of her work.
Louise shrugged. “I guess so, but I enjoy being busy.”
“I believe that to be a fact. However, we must help you find time for a little fun, or Mark will never even know that you’re available,” April said. She took a seat on the edge of the bed, and Louise cringed. “Relax, Louise, my sitting here will not destroy your bedcover.” April laughed. “Now, we don’t have much time, so show me what clothes you have.”
Louise turned on her heel, and April followed her to the wardrobe where she flung open the doors. April stepped up next to her and peered inside. There were two dark brown dresses and one navy serge traveling suit. The only others in the closet were a gray dress and two more nondescript dresses that April had seen Louise wear to church. “Heavens above! Louise, is this all you have?” April asked.
“It’s sufficient,” she answered meekly.
“It may be serviceable for work, but it’s hardly sufficient.” April touched the fabric of a couple of Louise’s dresses and just shook her head. “How is it possible that Natalie dresses stylishly, and you wear clothes suitable for a matron, which you are not!”
Louise’s face turned pink. “Who would look at me no matter what I wore? Just look at me—I’m tall and bony without the womanly curves or the beautiful head of hair you have. Natalie is vivacious and pretty, and people are drawn to her.” Louise looked down at April, her bottom lip trembling. “You even look feminine in those jeans!”
“What! I can’t believe you’re saying that.” April reached up and touched Louise’s hair. “You have gorgeous thick brown hair with hints of auburn, but you have it so tightly wound up from the front of your forehead to the base of your neck that I wouldn’t be surprised if you have terrible headaches every day. I think you carry yourself with the regal look of a true aristocrat.”
“But I—” Louise sputtered, fingering the back of her chignon.
“No buts. Just keep quiet and listen to me, my friend.” When she saw the look of apprehension cross Louise’s face, she softened her tone. She didn�
�t want to hurt Louise’s feelings. “You are not old—no need to look that way. First thing we’re going to do is style your hair and make it appear softer.”
“Why? I’m not going anyplace tonight.”
“Doesn’t matter. We’re going to practice. You can always pull your hair back out of your way when you’re doing chores. But you can leave a few curls framing your face, even if you pull most of it back.” April hoped she wasn’t wasting her breath. “I’ll loan you something to slip on for now so we can get the full effect. Come Sunday or the next time you go out, you’ll have a new look. I think a little shopping is in order when I return from Billings.”
“I don’t know if Mother will agree to this . . .”
“Just leave that to me. Something tells me that Miss Margaret will be pleased,” April said while she began taking the pins from Louise’s hair. “Oh, and we will need to order you some different shoes for entertaining. Those brogans won’t do. I’ll even see you wearing jeans before you can blink. Then people will say, ‘Mmm, Louise is very modern!’ ” April stood with her hands on her hips, pretending to be a typical observer on the sidewalk.
Louise giggled nervously and sat down at the dressing table. “I don’t know about that,” she said, but she succumbed to April’s fingers as they worked their magic on Louise’s hair.
April and Louise walked into the parlor a half hour later, and Natalie’s jaw dropped when she saw her sister’s new look. April had to nearly drag Louise into the room with her timid modesty. She wore one of April’s new frocks with tiny white sprigs of flowers on a background of deep lavender moiré, with a neckline dipping below the collarbone. The sleeves of the dress ended just below the elbow with two rows of delicate lace edging. A light dusting of powder gave Louise’s face a softer look, and April had rubbed just a hint of rouge on her high cheekbones. Louise didn’t look like the same person who’d left the dining room earlier.
“Louise, is that you?” Natalie asked, rising from her chair and slowly walking to her.
A Love of Her Own Page 16