The Heart of Thornton Creek

by Bonnie Leon

  The household help had been well trained. Each visitor was greeted, and after taking care of shawls and hats, which would be reclaimed for the ride home, the servants made certain every visitor had a cool beverage. Rebecca noticed that the blacks, except for the domestic staff, stayed out of sight.

  Like any new husband, Daniel took Rebecca’s arm and proudly introduced her around. Elvina Walker, a stout elderly woman with white hair and squinting eyes, joined Daniel and Rebecca. She made certain Rebecca knew she was the head of the women’s guild at church, then gushed over Rebecca and tittered over what she called “Daniel’s sweet surprise.” Although Elvina seemed friendly enough, Rebecca didn’t like her much. She knew instinctively that it would be unwise to get on Elvina’s bad side.

  There were many new faces, and soon Rebecca had their names mixed up. However, she guessed that if she were to call someone by the wrong name the blunder would be quickly forgiven. Everyone she’d met had been gracious and friendly.

  When the sun hugged the horizon, lanterns were lit and food was laid out. There was roasted beef, casseroles, cheeses, breads, potatoes, and even fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as sponge cakes with clabbered cream and tarts for dessert. Men piled their plates high, while most women were careful not to overindulge.

  Rebecca joined the line at the table. The sight and smell of food made her stomach rumble. She hadn’t realized she was so hungry.

  A tall, slender woman carrying an overly full plate sauntered up to Rebecca. “I’m Elle Taylor. I would ’ave said hello sooner except there was a crowd of people already waiting ta meet ya. It’s a true pleasure ta meet Daniel Thornton’s wife.” She smiled warmly.

  “I’m Rebecca. I’m pleased to meet you.”

  “Yer roight lovely. And I figure smart too.”

  “Thank you.” Rebecca wasn’t quite sure how to respond to such straightforward compliments.

  Elle glanced over her shoulder at Daniel. “He’s proud of ya. That’s clear.”

  Rebecca looked at her husband. Was he?

  Elle walked beside Rebecca; then when Rebecca sat she took the chair beside her. “So, ya settling in all roight?”

  “Yes. But I’m still getting used to my surroundings. This is very different from home.”

  Elle took a bite of bread. “Just wanted ta let ya know I’m glad to have ya in the district. My niece, Cambria, is dyin’ ta meet ya. I expect she’ll come ’round before the night’s over.” She picked up a piece of beef and took a bite. Talking around the food, she said, “I run the dress shop in town. If yer ever in need.” She turned her attention to a woman sparring with two youngsters. “Wal, looks like I’ve got a friend in need. I’ll see ya ’round.” She headed for the woman with the tussling children.

  Rebecca watched Elle walk away. She was a lively sort, and Rebecca liked her. Elle walked past Elvina. Neither woman looked at the other. In fact, the two seemed to snub each other. Rebecca wasn’t exactly surprised. They couldn’t be more different.

  A group of men assembled on a platform alongside the dance floor. One played a banjo, another a guitar, and the other a mouth organ. They started playing, and guests quickly finished up their food and gathered inside the pavilion. An occasional hoot and clapping of hands accompanied the music. Couples moved onto the dance floor.

  Daniel approached with a woman on his arm. Rebecca felt an unexpected jolt of jealousy. The woman had very blond hair swept up carelessly off her neck. She was reed thin and had radiant blue eyes and an inviting smile. She walked as if she would have been more comfortable in trousers.

  “I’ve someone I’d like you to meet,” Daniel said. “This is Cambria Taylor—a neighbor and friend.”

  Cambria took Rebecca’s hand and shook it heartily. “G’day. It’s nice ta meet Daniel’s bride.”

  Rebecca’s jealousy evaporated. There was no deceit or threat in this woman.

  “Hello. I believe I just met your aunt, Elle.”

  “Yais. She’s me father’s sister.”

  “Cambria’s family owns a sheep station not far from here,” Daniel said. “Our fathers were mates when they were lads, and their fathers before that.”

  “I’ve known him forever,” Cambria said with a smile. “There was a time when I could give him a go at arm wrestling.” She turned to him. “Then ya had to go and grow up. That was the end of that.”

  “I think I was sixteen before I could beat her,” Daniel said with a grin. Two men grappled with what was left of the cooked beef. “Looks like I’m needed. Excuse me.” He headed for the men and what looked like a disaster in the making.

  “I’ve been dyin’ ta meet the woman who stole Daniel’s heart,” Cambria said. With a mischievous grin she added, “Meghan Linnell is fit ta be tied.”

  “Yes. I heard she might be.”

  “Ya’ll meet up with her sooner or later. I’m sure she’ll be ’ere. She couldn’t pass up the opportunity ta meet her rival.”

  Rebecca didn’t like the sound of that.

  “She’s had her eye on Daniel for years. They were considered the perfect couple. When she heard the news of yer weddin’, she was down ’ere in two flicks of a lamb’s tail, askin’ if he’d truly gone ahead and got married. She was so mad that . . . Well, let’s say if ya’d been ’round ’ere ya would ’ave been roight smart to stay out of sight.” She grinned, her eyes sparkling.

  “Really?” is all Rebecca could say. She glanced about. “Is she here?”

  “I haven’t seen ’er yet.” Cambria leaned in close to Rebecca and spoke softly. “To tell ya the truth, I’m glad Daniel married ya. I’d hate ta ’ave seen him saddled with someone like Meghan. She’s roight spoiled and downroight overbearin’. He deserves someone better. He’s a good sort, ya know.”

  “Yes. I do know.” Rebecca remembered the touch of Daniel’s gentleness as she said the words.

  “Sorry,” Daniel said, rejoining the women. “Those two blokes were about to drop the second helpings in the dirt.” He laid a hand on Rebecca’s arm. “Would you like to dance?”

  “I’d love to.” Rebecca turned to Cambria. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we’ll have a chance to visit again.”

  “Yais, me too. We’ll make a point of it, eh?”

  “Absolutely.” Rebecca liked Cambria and hoped for a friendship.

  Daniel guided her onto the dance floor. When he placed an arm around her waist, it felt natural. For the first time that day, Rebecca felt herself relax. He steered her through the other dancers, skillfully moving across the floor.

  “You’re a good dancer, Daniel,” Rebecca said.

  “You can thank my mum for that. She made sure Elton and I wouldn’t embarrass the ladies. She was raised to believe in the social graces.”

  “We can all be grateful for that,” Rebecca said with a laugh. She liked the feel of his large hand over hers and the closeness of his body. His blue eyes gazed down at her. Was it love she saw in them or only passion?

  For a long while they danced without speaking. Rebecca’s mind wandered back to Cambria, and she said, “I like your friend Cambria. She seems very nice. I met her aunt as well.”

  “She’s a good gal. She and her family are well respected in these parts. Except for Elle. She’s another story—loved and hated, actually.”

  “Why is that? I liked her very much.”

  “Oh, she’s one of those who believe in being just who they are, and that kind can sometimes be a burr under one’s saddle. You’ll see her in church occasionally, and Cambria’s almost always there.”

  “Daniel,” a woman said, stepping up to the couple. “How good to see ya. I meant to come by sooner.”

  The woman’s voice was like silk, rich and smooth. Her brown eyes melded with Daniel’s. She ignored Rebecca. Her reddish-brown hair had been swept up in a chignon, but tendrils caressed her face. She wore a vibrant blue gown, and it would have been stunning except that it was cut too low in front. Even in Boston it would have raised eyebrows.
r />   Meghan, Rebecca thought.

  Laying a possessive hand on Daniel’s arm, Meghan tossed a smug smile at Rebecca. “I was hoping I might steal him from ya. Just for a few minutes.” She looked back at Daniel. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, eh?”

  “I’d like a visit, but right now I’m dancing with my wife.”

  “I haven’t even been introduced to yer new bride.” Meghan batted long lashes.

  “Rebecca Thornton—Meghan Linnell.”

  “Lovely to meet ya,” Meghan said. Before Rebecca could reply, she turned back to Daniel. “Please, just one dance?” Looking at Rebecca, she asked, “Ya wouldn’t mind loanin’ ’im to me for just a few minutes, would ya?”

  “Of course not,” Rebecca heard herself reply. It was the polite response but the last thing she wanted. Confronted by Daniel’s past love, she felt a stab of resentment and jealousy.

  “Wonderful. See, Daniel? She doesn’t mind.” Meghan stepped between the couple and took Daniel’s hands. Daniel didn’t move. Then finally, with a bewildered look at Rebecca, he stepped into the dance with his new partner.

  Watching them, Rebecca felt miserable. They dance well together. Obviously they’re suited to one another—both Australians. They know what it means to live out here and to be part of this district—how to run a cattle station. Rebecca didn’t realize it, but she was clenching her jaw. Meghan probably would have been a better choice for Daniel. If I hadn’t agreed to marry him, he would have wed someone who truly loved him, she thought sadly.

  “I see you have no dance partner,” Jim Keller said, stepping into Rebecca’s line of vision.

  “Meghan was insistent.”

  “I don’t doubt it. She’s used to getting her way.” Jim offered Rebecca a small bow. “Would you forgive a bloke his bad manners and dance with me?”

  Thankful to be rescued, Rebecca said, “I forgive you. And yes, I would like to dance. Thank you, Mr. Keller.”

  “Just Jim. Don’t believe in formalities.”

  “I noticed,” Rebecca said with a grin. “After our first meeting I was beginning to think . . .”

  “Yeah, I know. I was rude. Sometimes I open my mouth when it ought to stay shut. I apologize. I was in a foul mood that day.”

  “Well, you’re not now, and I must say, this mood suits you much better.” Rebecca couldn’t help but notice the strong line of his jaw and the penetrating brown eyes beneath perfectly shaped brows. He was quite handsome. “I prefer you when you’re in a good disposition, sir.”

  Jim wasn’t as good a dancer as Daniel, but he managed to maneuver Rebecca around the dance floor without stepping on her toes. For several moments neither spoke. Finally Rebecca said, “I believe you were in more than a bad temper when I arrived. You seemed to take pleasure in frightening me.”

  “That’s not exactly true.”

  “What was it then?”

  Jim swung around, then stepped backward in time with the music. “Since you ask . . . well, I knew right off you didn’t belong here. You’re cultured and . . . soft. This country will kill you. Don’t know what got into Daniel, bringing you here.”

  “I’m not as fragile as you think. I can take care of myself.” Rebecca felt a stir of indignation. “Why is it that men always believe that because a woman is cultured and educated she’s also weak? I’ve had a good upbringing, but I’m strong and can do whatever it takes to live alongside my husband. And I wouldn’t say Willa Thornton is tough. She’s genteel and well bred, but she’s done well here.”

  “Whoa, simmer down. You’ve really got your dander up.” Jim smiled. “Didn’t mean to rile you.”

  “I won’t apologize for my displeasure, Mr. Keller. I grew up in a society that demeans women. And to be perfectly honest with you, I’ve had just about enough of it. I’d hoped that here it might be different.”

  Jim shook his head. “It’s no different here, especially not at Douloo. The women know their place. In fact . . .”

  “Excuse me. May I cut in?” Bertram asked, wearing a charming smile. “I haven’t had the honor of dancing with my new daughter-in-law.”

  “Of course, Mr. Thornton.” Jim stepped back and bowed slightly to Rebecca. “It was a pleasure.” With that, he turned and walked away.

  A sense of strength emanated from Bertram. When he took Rebecca’s hand and led her into the dance, she could feel the power and inner intensity of the man.

  “So how do ya like Douloo so far?”

  “It’s remarkable, intriguing really. But I’ve barely had time to get acquainted. I’ve had no opportunity to explore the station yet. However, after I’ve been properly introduced, I’m sure to be impressed.”

  “I can’t imagine living anyplace else. This is God’s country, eh?”

  Although Bertram smiled and chatted, the demeanor beneath the pleasantries frightened Rebecca. His power and authority were palpable, making her feel small.

  Bertram’s grip on her hand tightened, and his pleasant expression turned severe. “I know about your father and your reason for marrying my son. I won’t mince words—I don’t approve.”

  “It was your son who asked me,” Rebecca said.

  “Enticed by your beauty, no doubt.” He squared his jaw. “Ya need to know yer not my choice for Daniel. ’Ere a man needs a strong woman, someone who knows and loves this country. Yer an outsider and will most certainly become faint at the first sign of adversity . . . as we’ve already seen.”

  Rebecca blushed at the reminder of her snake encounter. She compressed her lips and forced down mounting outrage.

  “But . . . a marriage can’t be undone. So I’ve decided the only way ’bout it is to accept ya, make ya part of the family. It’s my intention to love ya like a daughter, like my own. And I expect ya to look at me as yer father. There’s a lot to running a station, and my son will need a woman who’s able to stand up to the hardships and support him. It’s not just lawn parties where the big question is whether or not to serve crumpets or cakes.”

  “I never for a moment thought so,” Rebecca said, her outrage spiraling.

  He continued as if he hadn’t heard her. “Ya’ll answer to me like I were yer father.”

  She couldn’t imagine Bertram as her father. But now wasn’t the time to tell him so. Swallowing her indignation, Rebecca managed to say, “I’ll do my best as Daniel’s wife. I’ll stand beside him. And just because we didn’t marry for love doesn’t mean we don’t care about each other. I think a lot of your son.” She met his eyes and held them. “And I’m not weak, sir.”

  “Well, that’s something we can hope for, eh?”

  At that moment Rebecca decided that she’d show Bertram just who she was. She’d be a good wife, and she’d learn about the station and what the cattle business was all about. She’d be the kind of helpmate Daniel—and Bertram—could be proud of. She’d show him that just because she was Boston born didn’t mean she was delicate or cowardly.

  Bertram steered her to the edge of the dance floor. “I look forward to knowing ya better. God has placed me over ya as yer guardian, then.” He walked away.

  “I thought it was Daniel God has placed over me,” Rebecca said softly.

  Bertram didn’t hear. He wasn’t meant to. Rebecca already knew it made little difference to him.

  12

  Rebecca reached beneath a rosebush and pulled a weed from the loose soil. She dropped it into a bucket. Working in the garden almost gave her a sense of belonging at Douloo. She liked the smell of earth and vegetation, and the sweet aroma of roses, lavender, and wisteria felt soothing.

  However, there was always the thought of Bertram overseeing every soul in his household. Just the idea of his power made her feel weak. It might have been less intimidating if she felt Daniel were a dedicated and loving advocate for her. I wonder if Bertram’s ever considered the potential of independence? I’d like to be the one to teach him.

  “What are you thinking?” Willa asked. “You have a most curiou
s smile on your face.”

  “I do?” Rebecca searched for a suitable reply. “I was just thinking about how much I enjoy working in the garden. It gives me a feeling of contentment. At home we had grounds-keepers. All I ever really got to do was cut flowers now and again.”

  “I’ve always found working with plants to be exceedingly uplifting. A garden appreciates a gentle touch and reliable workers.” She gazed over the patch. “Indeed, I love it here. The earth is cool and damp. It’s like . . . nourishment to me.”

  Willa’s eyes took on a misty look. “My mother always had a flower garden. Several times a week we worked in it together. Now I have my own.” She leaned close to a red rose and smelled deeply. “I dare say, my favorites are the roses. Nothing in this world has a more refined fragrance.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Except, of course, the smell of a newborn baby.”

  It took Rebecca a moment to catch Willa’s meaning; then she felt an embarrassed flush.

  “Oh, I know I’m being meddlesome, but this place needs children.”

  Rebecca hadn’t really thought about children. She’d had so much more on her mind. “Daniel and I hope to have children one day, but when . . . well, that isn’t up to us.”

  “Indeed. But a mother-in-law can pray for such a blessing, eh?”

  “Of course.”

  Rebecca wasn’t certain she wanted a child. The idea of raising a family in this empty land gave her pause. And bringing children into a loveless marriage didn’t seem quite right. And then of course there was Bertram. He was definitely not the kind of grandfather she’d envisioned for her offspring.

  Since her arrival he’d managed to be polite part of the time and had remained reserved. He dominated the family. Rebecca didn’t have to work hard to imagine that he could be cruel. She did her best to avoid him.

  Pulling another stubborn weed, she asked, “How do you think Mr. Thornton would feel about having little ones in the house?”

  “He’d be delighted. We’ve always talked about grandchildren and how one day our grandson would take over the station.” Willa shook dirt from the roots of a weed. “He loves children, truly.”