The Reckless Proposal (Heroes of Hays Series #2)

by Barbara Goss

  He took the letter out and reread it. Balls and parties, titled, rich men—If he went there, he’d then feel like the fish out of water. He tucked the letter into a drawer on his bedside table. He wouldn’t answer the letter. She didn’t deserve an answer. She hadn’t mentioned a word of encouragement that would make him want to travel across the ocean. Had she poured out her love for him and begged him, he’d have gone without hesitation. No, he’d be better off forgetting her, but how?

  Chapter Four

  Ned was impressed with the house where Mrs. Evans and her daughter lived. It was elegant and rich, without being terribly large or ostentatious. It was a one-floor white house, with four columns along the front holding up the roof of the large front porch. A black, wrought iron gate surrounded the home, and someone had spent a lot of time in the garden for flowers were in bloom all around. The curved brick walkway that led to the front steps looked inviting. The house seemed to fit the owners—unpretentious, yet beautiful.

  Hugh went to the door and brought the ladies back to the buggy. Vera was handed up onto the driver’s perch, and Maria slid in beside Ned in the buggy.

  “Hello, Ned!”

  “Nice to see you, Maria.” Ned swore each time he saw her she got prettier. She was wearing her hair down again. It was thick and wavy and fell nearly to her waist. It looked so inviting all dark and glossy, that he had the strong urge to run his fingers through it. She even smelled good.

  “I’m nervous,” she said.

  “Of meeting my friends?” he asked. “It will be easy because all of my friends are good people that will welcome you. In fact, several are single gentlemen and I’m sure they’ll want to sweep you off your feet. I’ll have to protect you like a big brother.”

  “You promise?” she asked with a grin.

  Ned crossed his heart with this hand. “I promise.”

  The music hadn’t started yet since it was early and most of the people were just arriving, as were they. Hugh parked the buggy, and they all climbed down and walked together toward the Wilson’s barn.

  The doors of the barn stood open wide, and the dirt floor was strewn with straw. There was a table against the far wall where some elderly ladies were arranging snacks and punch. He noticed Maria was lagging a bit behind him, so he stopped walking and waited for her. Once she'd caught up, he put his hand at the small of her back and led her to where Travis and Evaline were standing and talking to Peter Balcomb.

  The eyes of all three widened at his approach. Ned knew they were curious about Maria, so he purposely walked over slowly.

  He greeted them and then presented Maria. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Maria Evans. She and her mother have recently moved to Hays. You may have seen them in church. Her aunt is our choir director, Helen Landers.”

  Evaline put her hand out to Maria. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maria. I’ve seen you and your mother in church and have been waiting for a chance to meet you. This is my husband, Travis, and his friend, Peter Balcomb.”

  Maria took Evaline’s hand and smiled shyly. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

  Ned could see Peter eyeing Maria up and down. He remembered how Travis had told him that he and Peter had been promiscuous with women years ago. Travis had cleaned up his behavior, but he wasn’t sure about Peter. Ned sent him a frown until he looked elsewhere. He hoped to give Peter the message that he was her protector.

  “We’ll be back,” Ned said as he led Maria to another group of young people. He introduced her to Wade Sommers, Rance Balcomb, Ham Williams, and Libby with her new husband, Dr. Henderson. Will Landry also met Maria. He’d brought a girl with him who he’d introduced as Joanna Moore. Ned later discovered that Joanna had arrived in Hays as Will’s mail order bride. At least he wouldn’t have to protect Maria from Will.

  By then the music had started up, and couples had begun to dance. He noted his uncle and Mrs. Evans talking to some people by the entrance.

  Ned asked Maria, “Would you like some punch?”

  “Yes, I’d love some,” she answered.

  He scooped them each out a cup as they stood, watching the dancers.

  “I’m not much for dancing or I’d haul you out there,” he said.

  “No, you wouldn’t,” she said. “I’d not go.”

  Ned winked. “I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re doing very well, though.”

  “You were right, your friends are all very courteous and friendly. I was pleased to meet Travis, since you’d mentioned he was your best friend. He seems very nice.” She sipped her punch. “Is his wife Ellen’s sister?”

  Ned nodded sullenly, reminded of his heartbreak and the letter. He tried to hide it, but Maria must have noticed.

  “I’m sorry I mentioned her,” she said. “I can see it upset you.”

  Ned sighed. “I’ll get over it.”

  “You will. It takes time, is all.”

  Not only did Ned trust Maria, but he felt so comfortable with her, he aspired to share everything with her.

  “I received a letter from her the other day,” he said. “It didn’t help things any.”

  “Was it bad news?” she asked, touching his arm softly. Her face reflected genuine concern and that prompted him to tell her more.

  “She said she misses her sister—oh, and me, too.”

  “I see,” Maria said.

  “She did invite me to England, though.”

  “See there, maybe she really does care. You should go,” Maria prompted.

  “No, I don’t think so. It would only serve to open new wounds.”

  “It might just heal them, Ned. You have to face her and realize what your feelings are. If she still does care, you might have a lovely life together,” she said.

  “And live in England? There’s no way I’d do that.”

  “Let me sort this out. You criticized Ellen for not wanting to live here in Kansas, and you refuse to live in England—no one wants to give in?” she asked.

  “Good point,” Ned said. “I’ll give it some thought, but if she’d sincerely told me that she loved me and wanted to be with me in the letter, an ocean couldn’t keep me away.”

  “You don’t think her invitation was sincere?” Maria asked.

  “I’ll let you read it sometime,” Ned said glumly.

  “Do me just one favor, as a friend?”

  “I’ll try,” Ned replied.

  “Have a good time tonight and forget all about her and the letter. Just for tonight. Have fun.”

  Ned smiled. “I guess I can do that.”

  Evaline walked over and smiled at them both. “Are you two being anti-social? Get out there and dance.”

  “We really prefer watching,” Ned said.

  “Well, in about a half hour, Travis and I are leaving, and we’d like you both to come with us for coffee or tea so we can become better acquainted.” She looked at Maria when she said that last part.

  Ned looked to Maria for a sign; she looked at him and nodded.

  “Thank you. We’d love to,” Ned said.

  Ned could tell on the ride to Grayson Ranch, Maria was nervous because he saw her bite her bottom lip several times. He reached over, took her hand in his and squeezed it. She looked at him and gave him a nervous smile. He kept her hand until they’d reached Travis and Evaline’s home.

  Her hand felt good in his, and Ned was surprised that he’d felt warm all over just being with Maria. It wasn’t the steamy, passionate heat he’d felt with Ellen, but more of a calming, comfortable warmth, and he felt good about being with her.

  They enjoyed a quiet evening with Travis and Evaline. Maria was a bit quiet, but polite and ladylike. Evaline seemed to take a liking to her, and took Maria upstairs, at one point, to show her the antique Bible she’d inherited from her grandmother.

  As they were leaving, Evaline invited Maria shopping. Maria seemed genuinely happy and accepted. Ned was glad that Maria had found a friend.

  Ned didn’t see Maria for a week thereafter, and he w
ondered how her shopping trip with Evaline had gone. He hoped Evaline wasn’t befriending her in order to find out more about their relationship.

  His uncle had taken Vera to dinner a few times, but Hugh hadn’t asked him to go. He figured it was because Maria wouldn’t be going with them, and he wondered why. He missed seeing her and he’d found a perfect excuse to visit her.

  He reread Ellen’s letter several times, before putting it in his pocket and heading out the door. It was early in the evening and still light out when he galloped up to the Evans’ home.

  He knocked on the door and Vera answered.

  “Why, hello, Ned,” she greeted. “Won’t you come in?”

  Ned stepped inside and gazed around the room. He didn’t see Maria anywhere.

  “Is Maria in?”

  “Why, no. One of your friends took her for a buggy ride. They should be back soon. I’m sorry,” she said.

  “What?” Ned couldn’t believe his ears. “Who was it?”

  “His name was Balsom or Balcome—”

  “Peter Balcomb?” He silently prayed it was Rance and not his brother Peter.

  “Yes, that’s it, Peter Balcomb. If you’d like to wait for her, I could make us some tea or coffee,” she offered.

  “That would be excellent,” he said, putting his fisted hands behind him.

  Peter Balcomb with Maria? Balcomb had a reputation for being forward with women. He was known to court loose women unless, of course, he’d changed in the past year.

  Ned sat with Vera in the sitting room sipping tea and chatting, when they heard a woman scream, “Stop! Stop it right now!” loudly.

  Ned bolted from his seat and ran to the front window, where he saw Maria struggling with Balcomb in the buggy.

  “What the—” He ran outside, grabbed Balcomb by the shirt collar, and threw him in the air. He landed with a thud on the cinders.

  “Mind your own business, Benedict!” Balcomb yelled. He wiped his mouth with his hand grimacing when he saw blood. “You’ll pay for this.”

  Ned turned to Maria. “Are you all right?” He could see she was shaking. He helped her from Balcomb’s buggy and started to walk her to the house. They heard Balcomb as he sped away into the distance, but his concern was with Maria, who was softly weeping.

  He didn’t ask her what had happened, because he knew that Balcomb had made an unwelcomed advance. He couldn’t help himself—even though he knew her mother was watching from the doorway, he drew her into his arms and held her, patting her back all the while.

  “It’s all right…he’s gone…it’s all right,” he kept repeating. When her arms wound around his waist, he felt something—he supposed it was her helplessness—that made his heart beat faster.

  “Is everything all right?” Vera yelled from the front door.

  Ned raised his hand and nodded to let her know Maria was fine. Vera went back into the house. Ned tried to gently pry himself from her so he could question her, but she clung to him and wouldn’t let go.

  She finally released her hold on him and let him walk her up onto the porch. He seated her on a wooden swing held up by chains affixed to the roof and sat beside her.

  “I’m sorry I introduced you to Peter. I know you wouldn’t have trusted him if I hadn’t introduced him as a friend. He’s really just an acquaintance. He’s more Travis’s friend, or at least he was.

  “Thank you,” she said so softly he had to bend down to hear her.

  “I’m glad I came to visit you tonight,” he said.

  “I am, too, and I was so glad to see you,” she said, squeezing his hand. “When Evaline and I went shopping, we ran into Peter, and he asked me if I’d go on a buggy ride with him. I refused, at first, but he was very persuasive, and I finally agreed.”

  “I’m so sorry this happened, Maria,” he said.

  “You saved me, so you’ve made up for anything you feel is your fault,” she said.

  Her blue eyes, trimmed in red from crying, were watery and beautiful. He felt the strongest urge to kiss her, but of course he couldn’t, because they were just friends.

  “I came here for a reason,” he said and tore his eyes from hers. He took the letter from his pocket. “You wanted to read the letter from Ellen.”

  She took the letter, removed it from the envelope, unfolded it, and read it twice.

  “I think she still cares,” Maria finally said. “You should go there and resolve this or you’ll always wonder, what if?”

  “It’s a long way, Maria.” He took the letter from her and put it back into his pocket. “I’d be gone for months.”

  “You need to know, one way or the other,” she said softly.

  He stood. “I need to get home. My uncle and I have sheep to shear tomorrow. I’ll keep what you said in mind.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” she said and turned to yell inside the front door to her mother. “I’ll be right back, Mother. I’m just walking Ned to his horse.”

  It was dark, but the moon was bright enough to light up the yard. Ned stood by his horse gazing at her. No wonder Balcomb had tried to seduce her—she was lovely, and with a sweet personality to match. He looked at her lips and once more felt the strong urge to kiss her, but he stifled it by looking elsewhere.

  “All the stars are out tonight,” he said, gazing at the clear night sky.

  “Aren’t they lovely?” She took hold of his hand. “Thank you, again, for coming to my rescue. You’re a good friend, Ned.”

  “I told you I’d protect you like a big brother.”

  Her hair shone in the moonlight looking almost like a halo.

  “Can friends hug goodbye?” he asked, craving to feel her against him again.

  She moved into his arms and he hugged her lightly. Then she looked up at him, and it just happened: without any forethought, his lips just met hers almost on their own as if a magnet were pulling them. She returned his kiss for a few seconds, and then she forcefully pushed herself away from him.

  “Don’t!” she cried loudly.

  “I’m sorry, Maria. I don’t know what—”

  “Don’t you dare do this to me, Ned Benedict!”

  Ned was confused. It was just a little kiss. He hadn’t planned it, and he had apologized.

  “Do what?” he asked meekly.

  “Make me fall in love with you! Not when someone else is in your heart!” She turned and ran into the house.

  Ned felt as if she thought of him as another Peter Balcomb, but it wasn’t like that. It was just a tiny kiss, and he hadn’t planned to do it. He’d thought about kissing her earlier but dismissed it as being totally out of place given the relationship they had. Why did he have to go and spoil everything by kissing her? What had made him do that?

  Chapter Five

  Ned tossed and turned in his bed that night, chastising himself over and over for kissing Maria, especially right after Balcomb had manhandled her. What was wrong with him? Now he’d feel awkward around her. Maybe he should go to England and make sure it was Ellen whom he loved. He was sure of it when she was living close by, but now that she was living across the ocean, he was confused about his feelings. Would he someday regret not finding out if he loved Ellen and whether or not she loved him? If they did love each other, would they find mutually agreed upon living arrangements? He knew he didn’t want to live in England, and he was fairly sure she didn’t want to live here, which sort of put them at a bit of a stalemate.

  At breakfast, his uncle asked, “What’s wrong? Why the long face?”

  “I’m confused, is all,” Ned answered.

  “About what?”

  “Whether I love Ellen or not.”

  “Hopefully, the answer is not.”

  Ned knew Hugh didn’t like Ellen because of the way she’d led him on and then left him. Now that he thought about it, she hadn’t even bothered to get word to him that she was leaving so he could say goodbye, and he’d gotten the news from Travis. Maybe he was being a fool to love Ellen, yet his heart skipped a
beat whenever he thought of her kisses and sensual caresses.

  Hugh and Ned had finally finished shearing all the ewes, and they headed back to the house, tired and dirty.

  Ned let out a sigh of relief that the day’s work had been completed. “I can’t wait to fill up a tub and soak.”

  Hugh said, “I’m first.”

  Ned was about to argue with him when he saw a woman, sitting on a horse in the lane by the house. As he walked closer, he could see it was Maria, and he felt a flush encompass him. How he dreaded facing her after what had happened the night before.

  She wasn’t smiling, which wasn’t a good sign, either. Hugh waved to him and whispered, “I guess I get the tub first,” and then he laughed as he walked into the house.

  Ned approached Maria’s horse, and she handed him the reins without saying a word. He tied them to the post and put out his arms to help her down. She fell into his arms but Ned quickly pulled away after she’d touched the ground, as he didn’t want to get into any more trouble with her than he was in already.

  “I think we should talk,” she said in a passive voice.

  “Is the front porch good?” he asked, trying to read her face.

  “It’s fine.” She let him lead her to the porch where she sat in a padded rocking chair. After he’d been seated, she said, “I apologize for my reaction last night. It was an extremely emotional night for me.”

  “I—” Ned started to explain, but she stopped him.

  “No. Let me finish what I have to say first,” she said.

  “I’m very fond of you, Ned. I didn’t mean to treat you the way I did, but I don’t want to become too fond of you only to be heartbroken later. It would be so easy to fall in love with you if I let myself, but I cannot. I guess it’s my survival instinct that warns me to steer clear of anything other than friendship with you. It isn’t right, Ned, to begin a new relationship when your past one is still so much alive inside you.