Tougher Than The Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “Papa, look! The duck still has a head.” Beth pointed to the large bird being placed on the table. She was kneeling on her chair, leaning into the table, and staring at the bird’s eyes.

  “Do not point, Beth, it shows poor manners. And sit down,” Jocelyn corrected in a stern tone. She would not put up with the girl’s dreadful behavior today.

  Niall didn’t like Jocelyn’s tone. “I’ll take care of this,” his pointed words were directed at their hostess. He looked at his daughter. “Jocelyn’s right, Beth. You need to sit down and we’ll talk about the duck while we eat.” He did agree with Beth about the bird.

  “Niall, I don’t think it appropriate to discuss the meal with a six year old...” Jocelyn began.

  “But I’m seven, Papa,” Beth protested.

  “Beth, do not interrupt me when I am speaking.” Turning to Niall, “Don’t you think you need to discipline her? Perhaps she shouldn’t be allowed at this table. She should be eating in the kitchen with the help.” Jocelyn was beginning to lose her composure.

  Niall cast a stern look at her. “That’s enough, Jocelyn. I’ll handle my daughter, and she will not eat in the kitchen. Not now, or ever.” His voice was severe as he controlled his anger, as well as his desire to grab Beth and leave.

  Jocelyn startled at his terse words, but said nothing.

  “Beth, honey, let’s eat. We can discuss the duck all you want on the way home. All right?”

  “All right, Papa.” Beth dropped her head to stare at her plate.

  Dinner proceeded without further outbursts by either female, for which Niall was grateful. His appetite had soured, but he ate, sipped wine, and conversed with Jocelyn, but only to the extent necessary to be civil. The entire time he knew this wasn’t where he wanted to be. Not in this house and not with this woman. His mind had been made up days ago, when he realized the true extent of his feelings for Kate. He just wanted to finish the meal and get out.

  “Our dessert will be served in the parlor. Perhaps my maid can take Beth to the park while we talk?” Jocelyn wanted the child out of her house.

  Niall thought Jocelyn’s idea perfect. He’d be able to break it off with her today, in private. “How does that sound, Beth? Going to the park?” Niall leaned down to brush some crumbs from his daughter’s cheek and watched a smile form on her lips.

  “Yes, Papa. That would be fun.”

  A few minutes later the adults were alone. An awkward silence enveloped the room, but Jocelyn was nothing if not a good hostess, schooled in small talk. She was determined to salvage the afternoon.

  “How is the ranch? Anything new?”

  “The ranch is fine. Kate and Trent are moving the last of her belongings to their ranch today, so everything will be back to normal.” Niall realized the house had seemed normal with Kate in it. Now it would feel empty.

  “Good. It has been completely inappropriate to have a young, single woman living in the same house as three men. The gossip has been terrible. I’m surprised your family encouraged her to stay. Why, until her father arrived, she was the main topic for the town women, who spoke of her in all nature of foul terms. You should have heard them. Their comments were painful, but knowing their words might be true was worse. Of course, I protested their accusations about her being nothing more than a strumpet, but their comments affected me, as it’s common knowledge we plan to marry. But, I’m afraid the damage to Miss Garner’s reputation is irreversible.” Jocelyn’s tone was full of scorn and disgust for Kate, as well as censure for the part the MacLarens had played in the arrangement. She had no idea he’d match her words of contempt with strong ones of his own.

  “Her reputation?” His words were quiet, too quiet for the raging anger that had built in him as Jocelyn had continued her tirade. “And just what are you implying, Jocelyn?” Hardened eyes bored into hers as he advanced within a few feet of where she stood. “It’s hardly a home of all men. Everyone knows Aunt Alicia and Beth are in the house. If the town believes my aunt would allow anything unseemly to happen in her house they are greatly mistaken. And you are mistaken to think I believe you played no part in these conversations. I’m no fool and understand the games you play better than you realize. Frankly, none of the MacLarens care what the gossips invent or say.” In four long strides Niall was at the small bar. He grabbed a bottle from the shelf above and poured a generous amount of amber liquid into a glass. With one swallow he emptied it and poured another. He’d just lifted it to his lips when he was interrupted.

  “Do you intend to drink the entire bottle?” Jocelyn huffed. How dare he use that tone with her. His words had shaken her, but she stood her ground, determined not to let this backwoods cowboy intimidate her. She was a van Deelin, far above anyone else in this dusty settlement.

  He glanced at the glass in his hand, downed it and poured another. He considered the glass for a moment before the drink shot down his throat, warming him, and replacing his anger with a certainty of what would come next.

  “What I intend to do and don’t intend to do is none of your business. My life, and that of my family, is not open for discussion–––least of all with you. We discussed how our lives would work if we ever married. My life would be mine.”

  “But wouldn’t I have rights also, such as with Beth? Surely you don’t expect me to mother your child without the ability to correct her mistakes and guide her upbringing?” Jocelyn was incredulous.

  “That’s exactly what I’d have expected. I wouldn’t have expected you to mother Beth at all. You’ve never shown the least interest in Beth, or any child. Why would you believe I’d allow you to have a say in how I raise my daughter?”

  “Because we will be married, and that’s how it’s done.” Jocelyn felt the conversation spiral out of her control.

  Niall let his temper calm before answering in a level voice. “No, Jocelyn, we won’t be getting married. It has become quite clear to me that a marriage between us, even one of mutual convenience, is out of the question.”

  “But our plans, think of what you would be tossing aside.”

  “Believe me, I am thinking of everything I would throw away if you and I did marry.” In his mind he pictured Kate. Her laugh, quick smile, honesty, and kind nature were a complete contrast to the woman standing before him. “I’m also thinking of how a marriage to you would affect the lives of my family. I now believe it would cause tremendous discontent and be the greatest mistake of my life.” He set his glass on the table and started toward the foyer.

  “Niall, wait, please.” Jocelyn followed him but already knew it was too late. The man had made his decision.

  “No, Jocelyn. I’m sorry, but I’m no longer interested in the future we discussed. I’ll be seeing you around Fire Mountain, but will no longer call on you.” He tipped his hat and walked out the door.

  “It’s the girl, isn’t it? You’re sleeping with her, just like your saloon whore, aren’t you?” Jocelyn spat out to his retreating back, her venomous hatred of Kate now undisguised.

  Niall stopped dead. He turned and walked back up the steps to stand in front of her.

  “This decision is mine, for my own reasons. Whether Kate enters into it or not is none of your concern. And understand this. If I hear one negative word about Kate, or about Miss Chalmette, I’ll consider you the source. Do not cross me, Jocelyn. I’m not someone you want for an enemy.” His jaw worked but he said nothing more.

  Jocelyn watched him go, stunned he’d spurned her for a girl of no standing, with no money, and a tainted reputation.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The days seemed to fly after their move. Trent had approached Niall about a purchase he wanted to make. The two had negotiated a price, and Kate was now the proud owner of Captain. She was thrilled. Alicia told her the family wanted her to stay as Beth’s governess, if she still wanted the position, and the schedule could adjust to accommodate her duties at her new home. Kate saw no reason to change Beth’s routine. She planned to do her chores early, th
en ride over to the MacLaren’s, work with Beth in the morning, and ride back to her father’s ranch each afternoon. She hoped this schedule would allow her little time to encounter Niall.

  Kate still felt the excitement of being able to live at her father’s ranch—their ranch, as her father called it. He was clear he’d bought it for both of them, and if anything happened to him, it would pass to Kate. It was a good feeling, knowing she had security, but she didn’t want to discuss it further as she had no intention of letting her father go anytime in the foreseeable future. He’d just have to stay healthy and be safe, and Kate had told him as much.

  “Afternoon, Kate. Did you have a good day at the MacLaren’s?” Josh threw over his shoulder as he moved hay from the barn to the adjacent corral.

  “Hello, Josh. Yes, a wonderful day. Beth is so bright it’s a joy to teach her. Where’s Father?”

  “Niall and Jamie stopped by earlier. The boss was needed for a meeting in town. Said not to wait supper for him.” Josh stopped long enough to wipe his brow. “Oh, yes. Niall asked about you.”

  “Thanks.” Kate was surprised Niall had mentioned her at all. “Well, then, would you like to take supper in the house with me tonight? You haven’t joined us in a while, and I’d love the company.” Kate liked Josh, his smile, and personality. She’d heard of his way with women, but Kate knew she’d never fall for a man like him. Someone who seemed to have no interest in ever settling down with one woman. No, she simply sought the company of someone who could make her laugh, relax. Just for an evening.

  “That sounds good. Call when you’re ready for me.” Josh smiled at the invitation. It was always good to share dinner with a beautiful woman, especially one like Kate. She was out of his reach, though. He’d seen the looks passing between Niall and Kate, and until Niall finalized his plans to marry the van Deelin woman, Josh would keep his interest to himself.

  ******

  “Doc, Sam.” Trent, acknowledged the men already at the table when he, Jamie, and Niall arrived. “Is Sheriff Rawlins going to make it?”

  “No. Had to ride down to Phoenix, but Hen and Jerrod should be here any minute.” Sam looked over to see the two men walk through the door.

  They’d gathered to discuss the robberies and the young thieves involved. What Trent had learned from Tommy surprised and angered him. The boy’s father had taken off with some woman he’d met during their journey from Missouri, abandoning his family to their own fate. They’d been headed to a small town in California where his wife, Joanne Babbett, had kin.

  Mrs. Babbett had decided it was best to keep going as there weren’t enough provisions to make it back to Missouri. Besides, there was no place to go back to. Her husband had sold everything and took off with most of the money when he abandoned them.

  “What kind of man does that to his wife and kids?” Trent asked, almost to himself, after he’d filled the others in on what he’d learned. The others could only shake their heads in disgust.

  The men ordered drinks and food before Jerrod Minton, the local attorney, spoke up. “You all know the sheriff decided to keep the girl at the jail until he can find the mother. The boy hasn’t given us any more information since Trent got him to talk over a week ago. Won’t show us her location. Doesn’t trust lawmen, at least that’s what Rawlins said. Gloria’s bringing food to her at the jail and sending some back with Tommy when he stops by, but we need to decide what we’re going to do about this situation.”

  Doc Minton, Jerrod’s father, wiped his mouth and placed the napkin back in his lap. “Well, I do have news. Tommy came to the clinic late yesterday. Begged me to follow him to check out his Ma. She’s not good, a small fever, but I believe she’ll pull through. Needs care and food, but refuses to leave the shack. I don’t think she has any idea what her children have done.”

  Doc stopped long enough to sip his coffee, add some sugar, then try another sip, all the while gauging the reactions of his friends. Apparently satisfied with the coffee as well as the effect his words had on the men at the table, he continued. “Alma had her convinced she and Tommy both had jobs in town. That’s how they’re buying food. According to Mrs. Babbett, the Ma, Alma’s fourteen and Tommy’s ten. I didn’t ask about the jewelry, but Mrs. Babbett says Alma’s been going to the mercantile for supplies. That right, Hen?”

  “That’s right, basic stuff like bread, jam, eggs, milk, never any candy or other items you’d expect kids to buy. I didn’t place her at first when I saw her in the jail as she always wore a dress into the store and had her hair in a bonnet. I didn’t connect the two until right now,” Hen said.

  “So we have a sick woman, a boy that’s too young to get a job that would pay for their keep, and a daughter who was caught stealing but lying to her Ma about it. That about sum it up?” Niall asked no one in particular. The others nodded, each trying to come up with an idea on how to settle this mess for both the victims and the woman with two kids.

  “Boy says his Ma is a real good cook. Says Alma’s great with horses. Guess they used to raise them in Missouri. Maybe we can find someone looking for a cook, and kids who aren’t afraid to work,” Doc said.

  Trent leaned forward, placing his arms on the table. “Normally, I’d say that’s a good idea, Doc. But who’s going to want to take in a couple of kids who are known thieves? And who haven’t made any effort to return the property, or even admit they’re guilty? Those are a couple of sizable hurdles in my opinion.”

  Sam downed the remainder of his coffee, motioning the waitress to refill his cup. “You know, Trent’s made an excellent point. First thing we need to do is confront Alma with what we know, and that we’re going to bring her Ma in for questioning. Scare her enough to get her to confess. Once that’s done, she’ll talk about the jewelry. My gut tells me it’s desperation and circumstances making them steal, nothing more.”

  “So, we at least hope to find the jewelry and return it.” Niall summed up what they were all thinking. “I doubt much of the cash is still around, but returning the jewelry may be enough once people understand their situation. What do we do about the family at that point?”

  “Get Mrs. Babbett well and find them some work, at least until they’re ready to move on. Someone always needs a good cook, and the girl’s strong enough to help at one of the ranches. Put the word out once the jewelry’s been returned. See what happens,” Jerrod said. He pushed back his chair and stood. “I need to get back to the office, but I’ll do whatever I can to help. You know that. Fire Mountain’s a generous town. I’ve no doubt it’ll work out for this family, the same as it has for the rest of us.” He nodded to the other men as he turned to leave.

  ******

  “You know, Niall, you didn’t need to ride all the way back to the ranch with me. I could’ve found it on my own.” Trent chuckled at the look of discomfort on Niall’s face. “Or is there something else on your mind?”

  “Well, yes, there is. Thought maybe I’d say hello to Kate, if she’s here.” Niall had missed Kate not living at the ranch, being able to see her a few days a week. Now she rode over just long enough to teach Beth and visit with Alicia. She’d ride back to the Garner place before he’d finished his work each day. Niall had seen her a few times since he’d called it off with Jocelyn, but not long enough to have a real conversation, let Kate know where things stood with him.

  “Lights are on, so I believe she must be here. Come on in,” Trent said, but stopped when he heard laughter coming from inside. Stepping through the front door he saw Kate, on her hands and knees, with Josh next to her, his hand on her back. “Evening, Josh. What’s going on here?”

  “Hey, Boss,” Josh said and immediately removed his hand.

  “Evening, Papa. How was your time in town?” Kate asked the question without taking her eyes from the floor.

  “Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Trent had become more curious as the two moved around the floor on their hands and knees.

  “Oh, nothing much. I was showing Josh the
necklace I made for Beth and the strand broke. Everything went flying.” Kate laughed and Josh joined her. “Landed in Josh’s dinner, over the table, on the floor––everywhere.” She laughed harder, and reached over to place a hand on Josh’s arm. “One landed right in his spoon as he was taking a bite.”

  “Sure was a sight.” Josh smiled at her and noticed she hadn’t removed her hand from his arm.

  They both sat back on their haunches and noticed the second man in the room.

  Niall. Kate’s stomach tightened and her heart picked up a few beats.

  “Hello, Kate. Josh,” Niall said, never taking his eyes from the woman on the floor. So I may have waited too long.

  “Niall. Good to see you, again.” Josh stumbled over the words, understanding the impression this little scene made. “Well, unless you need some more help, Kate, I guess I’ll be going. Thanks for dinner.” He grabbed his hat and headed for the door. “Boss. Niall. See you both later.”

  Niall’s eyes continued to stare at the retreating form, but Trent turned to Kate, who was now clearing away the supper dishes.

  “So you had Josh over for dinner, I take it?” Her father eyed her, wondering why she’d asked their foreman over while he was away.

  “Yes. You were in town, Josh had no plans, and I felt like company. Anyway, he enjoys my chicken and biscuits, and there was plenty,” Kate said as she continued to clean the table.

  “Uh-huh,” Trent responded.

  “What does that mean?” Kate glared at her father for a second before she decided to ignore him, and their guest.

  “Nothing, Kate. Niall stopped by to speak with you, if you have a few minutes.”

  “That’s okay. Another time might be better,” Niall said. “Thanks for riding with us to the meeting. I’ll talk with Aunt Alicia about a cook, but doubt we’ve a need right now. Someone will come forward, I’m sure of it.” Niall nodded to Kate, who’d stopped what she was doing to listen to their conversation. “Nice to see you.” With nothing more to say, he turned and walked out the door.