by Renee Ryan
*
Rosamond couldn’t have been more pleased with the day. After they had finished their picnic, they’d traveled to the carpenter’s establishment in Esperanza. They’d finally arrived home to find Father back from his travels. As they sat around the supper table, she and Garrick had much to report to him on their activities.
“Mr. Schmidt welcomed the opportunity to work on the hotel,” she said. “He’s happy to make time in his busy schedule to construct the interior walls and build furniture for the hotel.” Rosamond couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. “He’s going to write to his sons in Denver to come down and help. He’ll also hire other qualified local workers.”
“From what I’ve seen of his work,” Garrick added, “I’m quite pleased. And he has no difficulty reading my drafts.”
Father gave an approving nod to Garrick, who was seated on his right and across the table from Rosamond. “I knew I could count on you two to get this project underway. Now, how about that high school of yours?” His eyes twinkled with interest and a bit of teasing.
A warm feeling swept through Rosamond. So he did care about her school. “I haven’t had time to plan anything, but I’ll get busy right away.” She might as well give voice to her main concern. “With workers needed for the hotel, I’m wondering who’ll be left to build it.”
“I can help.” Tolley, seated adjacent to Mother at the other end of the table, wore that familiar puppy-dog look that begged for Father’s approval. “Seems like—”
“What do you think, Garrick?” Father didn’t even look at Tolley, whose face fell.
Rosamond’s heart ached for her younger brother. Father never listened to him, only gave him orders. If he were a troublemaker, she’d understand, at least somewhat. But Tolley only ever tried to do what was right, just like their older brothers.
Garrick gave no indication he’d noticed the way Father interrupted Tolley. “I’m certain Rosamond will devise the perfect plan.” He smiled at her across the table. “Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.”
“Thank you. I will.” Any other time, that charming smile and agreeable attitude would stir her feminine appreciation. Yet she couldn’t let go of her concerns about Tolley, who now glared at Garrick as if he were the reason Father ignored him. Intervening never worked, so after dinner she’d ask her brother for his ideas.
As for Garrick, she decided they’d worked through their differences almost effortlessly, although she wasn’t quite sure how. Nor was she certain she could trust him for further details in completing the hotel. Only time would tell. In the meantime, she’d try to figure out why Tolley didn’t seem to like Garrick. Maybe he saw something in the Englishman the rest of them had missed.
Chapter Seven
Rosamond fidgeted in her chair in the parlor as she and Beryl watched Garrick and Percy battle over a chess game. Beryl watched with interest, but Rosamond found the game too slow and quiet. Besides, her mind was on Tolley, who still hadn’t returned to the house from evening chores.
“Checkmate,” Percy cried. “I’ve beat you at last.”
“Good match.” Garrick laughed, clearly not bothered by his loss. “Ladies, would one of you like to try?” He stood and waved a hand toward the chair he’d vacated.
“I would.” Beryl moved quickly to take his place. “At home, I’m the only one who plays, other than Pa.” She set about putting her chessmen in order with graceful hands that belied her cowgirl upbringing, hands that used to lasso calves and harvest hay fields. Percy watched her, his blue eyes bright with admiration.
Delighted at her friend’s blossoming romance, Rosamond smiled to herself…until she caught Garrick’s frown. If he disapproved of Beryl, he never should have let her take his place at the chessboard. Annoyed, she stood and moved toward the door. “I’ll be on the front porch.”
She hoped Tolley hadn’t decided to sleep in the bunkhouse but would soon return to the house. She wanted to know about his ideas for the high school. More important, she wanted him to know she thought he was a smart, capable man. After all, with Nate and Rand living in their own houses some distance away from the big house, Tolley was responsible for many of the duties close to home. Nobody had to tell him to go out and milk the cows or organize branding time. He also commanded the respect of the cowhands. Even the older ones didn’t seem to mind taking orders from him, though he was only twenty years old.
Outside, she sat in the porch swing and gazed toward the western range, barely outlined in the fading twilight. Lantern beams from the house cast shadows on the front lawn, and a mild breeze kept insects at bay. How she loved to sit here alone in the evenings and watch the stars sprinkle themselves across the inky sky.
“Would I be imposing if I joined you?” Garrick didn’t make a sound as he came out the door.
“Not at all.” His presence didn’t bother Rosamond as much as it should have, considering her annoyance with him only a few moments ago.
In truth, he did bother her, but the disturbance was of another sort. They’d all washed up after their trip, and now his bergamot cologne wafted through the air in a most pleasant way. He’d given Mother the Earl Grey tea, and the aroma of bergamot was becoming one of Rosamond’s new favorites, a dangerous situation. In his presence, every bit of good sense seemed to fly out of her head.
“Are you pleased with the events of the day?” Garrick settled in the nearby rocking chair and regarded her with an uncertain look. He wasn’t at all like the young men in Boston who’d sought her out, usually trying to court her. Instead of a confident, aggressive approach, he seemed a bit awkward, even bashful. Not that he was courting her. Certainly not. On the other hand, he was never shy when they discussed plans for the hotel. And he’d been quite authoritative at the quarry, impressing even the master mason with his knowledge of stonework.
“I’d say the day turned out very well.” Rosamond gave him a guarded smile. She mustn’t forget Tolley’s obvious reservations about Garrick. “Not only did we find our builders, but I believe we settled most of our concerns.” She wouldn’t mention the hotel facade. She had a suspicion Garrick had spoken privately to Mr. Frisk about the Palladian design. But at this late hour she was too tired to start an argument.
“Hey, sis.” Tolley emerged from the house, a sweet grin on his still-boyish face. Until he saw Garrick. “Wakefield.” He gave him a curt nod as he sat beside Rosamond and flung an arm over the back of the swing. The protective gesture wasn’t necessary, but if she playfully shrugged him off, he’d be embarrassed in front of Garrick. Besides, for some reason, he seemed to want to protect her from the Englishman, and she’d never discourage any of her brothers from such inclinations.
“Tolley.” Garrick returned Tolley’s nod, but the sigh that followed suggested he wasn’t pleased with the interruption.
Now she wouldn’t have a chance to ask why he came out to join her. As far as Tolley was concerned, however, she knew exactly what to ask, even if Garrick heard it.
“Hey.” She gently elbowed him in the ribs. “I’m dying to know your ideas for my school. Any help you can give…”
Even in the shadows, she saw his face light up. He glanced at Garrick and then turned a shoulder to him, as though to exclude him. “Seems to me the ones to build the school ought to be the ones who’ll attend it.”
Weary as she was from a long day, Rosamond felt a rush of energy. “Yes! What a grand idea. Thank you.” She gripped his free hand, even as a problem occurred to her. “But won’t the school-age boys be too busy with ranching and farming to help? Summer’s not the best time to take them away from their families, but we need the building before fall.”
“True. But most of the fellas want to attend high school bad enough to use their free time to help out.” He lifted his chin and gave her a triumphant smile. “I’ve been talking it up since last fall when Mom told me about your plans.”
Grateful tears stung her eyes. “Oh, Tolley, how can I ever thank you?” She ne
stled under his arm and gave him a tight hug, ignoring the scent of a day’s hard work emanating from his shirt. Why couldn’t Father see what a wonderful, hard-working man his third son had become?
“And if you need a foreman to manage the project,” he said, “my time off is yours to command. Just tell me what you want.”
She pulled back and regarded him with a playfully skeptical look. “And exactly what have you built, Mr. Foreman, that gives you sufficient experience for the position?” She injected a teasing tone into her words so as not to reveal the pinch of doubt in her mind.
“You been over to Rand and Marybeth’s house? It’s two full stories, and I did as much as Rand and more than Nate in building it.”
“I’m sure it’s beautiful. That reminds me. I’ve neglected my sisters-in-law since coming home and should visit both of them. I’ll inspect Marybeth’s home closely.” Even though she still teased him, she felt certain Nate had taught him everything about building a solid house. As they were growing up, Nate was always more father than brother to Tolley. Which helped, considering the way Father ignored him.
“All right, then. Once you tell me what you want, I’ll start rounding up those volunteers.” Tolley stood, pulled her up beside him and started to tug her toward the door. “Time to go in.”
“Oh.” She hung back. “I think Garrick wants to discuss the hotel.” He might want to discuss something else, but she couldn’t just abandon him here on the porch.
“If he does—” Tolley shot a warning look at Garrick “—he can come inside where the rest of us are.”
Rosamond barely managed to swallow a laugh. She mustn’t make him feel bad for wanting to protect her reputation. She reached up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. My, how tall he’d become. If she wasn’t mistaken, he had at least an inch on Nate, maybe two on Rand. Her baby brother had become quite a man over the past two and a half years, and somehow she must make their father see it.
*
Garrick followed Rosamond and Tolley inside. He’d hoped for a private chat with her, perhaps to inquire about her interests beyond ranching. From the first, he’d been fascinated by her plans to establish an upper school for the local youths. Even more remarkable, she not only planned to teach at the school but also to take on the duties of headmistress. Although some young ladies back home involved themselves in charitable works, most were too busy with their social lives to think of those less fortunate.
Tolley’s suggestion of using local boys to build the school was quite brilliant, if they were all as capable of building as he’d boasted. Before Garrick could compliment the younger man, however, Tolley had insisted that they go inside. While his concern for his sister’s reputation was commendable, something Garrick himself would do for Helena, his persistent hostility was mystifying since the two of them had barely spoken a few dozen words to each other since Garrick had arrived in Esperanza. How could Garrick make peace with him? He had noticed the way Colonel Northam ignored his youngest son, another mystifying situation. Should Garrick mimic the Colonel’s behavior or go out of his way to show respect for Tolley? Rosamond obviously loved all of her brothers, but her eyes held a hint of compassion for Tolley. Perhaps Garrick should follow her example.
Later that evening, as Roberts helped him prepare for bed, Garrick experienced an odd moment of impatience. How ridiculous that he couldn’t manage a simple task such as shedding his clothes and putting on a nightshirt. Even the Colonel didn’t employ a valet, yet he was always well groomed and impeccably dressed. Did Garrick’s need for such assistance diminish him in the eyes of these self-sufficient cowboys? While he wasn’t at all prepared to dismiss Roberts, perhaps Tolley’s disdain could be overcome if Garrick continued his plan to learn cowboy ways.
Tomorrow he’d rise before the sun, dress himself and make his way out to the barn. Pete had offered to teach him ranch duties, so he’d make good use of his time until the work crew and materials arrived for the hotel. Maybe he’d even learn how to milk a cow. Well, no. That was a bit too much.
Before falling asleep, he once again considered the differences between English and American customs, even their diverse ideals. At home, he’d been respected and honored simply because of his family’s wealth and position and, of course, his own expectations within the hierarchy of British Society. How quickly that had changed when Uncle sired a direct heir and Garrick learned he must earn his own living, not to mention Helena’s dowry.
Here in America, any footloose wanderer could buy a piece of property, settle down and build a respectable life within a community of good people. Considering his own loss of expectations, Garrick suddenly found that idea appealing. Where in England could he change the course of his life rather than suffer the whims of heredity?
With a weary yawn reminding him of how much energy he’d expended that day, he sent up a sleepy prayer that the Lord would waken him before dawn so he could find Pete and start on his new project. Perhaps he should spare his Hessians any damage and purchase a pair of those boots everyone wore out here. After all, he already possessed a very fine cowboy hat. Might as well complete the ensemble. Perhaps even one of those garish plaid shirts…
*
“Come with me,” Rosamond said to Beryl and Percy, who sat very close to each other on the other side of the round breakfast table. Fortunately, Garrick wasn’t there to frown at them. “Marybeth will enjoy the company. Ranch wives get pretty lonely, especially during the summer when their husbands are so busy.” She wouldn’t tell them she’d be inspecting the house Tolley built or that he’d volunteered to round up workers and build the high school. If his work wasn’t satisfactory, she’d tell him she’d made other arrangements. That would break her heart—and his—so she prayed he’d done a good job.
“Would you enjoy visiting Marybeth?” Percy gazed at Beryl like a lovesick puppy.
“If you would, I would.” Beryl returned his fond look.
“It’s settled, then.” Rosamond didn’t give them a chance to change their minds. “We’ll leave in ten minutes.” Taking a last sip of coffee, she rose from the table.
Courtesy demanded that she must also invite Garrick to go with them. Except that he wasn’t in his room, and even Roberts didn’t know where his employer was. Rosamond wouldn’t waste time searching for him. If they arrived at Marybeth’s early enough, they could help her with morning chores and give the new mother a rest. Tomorrow they’d do the same for Susanna.
Sure enough, they found Rosamond’s newest sister-in-law sitting in the parlor rocker, trying to comfort seven-month-old Randy, who was teething.
“We brought you some fresh milk, Marybeth.” Rosamond put two full mason jars into the ice box. “I see Rand’s been to the ice house recently.”
“Thanks. Yes, he’s good about keeping a supply in the house.” Marybeth held Randy against her shoulder and patted his back as he whimpered. “There’s coffee on the stove, so help yourselves. No cinnamon rolls this morning. I haven’t even fed the chickens or gathered eggs.”
“What can we do to help?” Rosamond brushed a hand over Randy’s damp, down-like brown hair.
“Well…” Despite Marybeth’s weary gaze, her face shone with a sweet, maternal peace.
“Permit Beryl and me to help you.” Percy bent down to peer closely at Randy. The baby’s crying became a whimper. Percy made a ridiculous face at him, and Randy hiccoughed out a giggle. “I say, what a delightful little lad.”
Marybeth laughed. “You’re good with him. Why don’t you hold him and I’ll gather the eggs.” Her eyes sparkled with teasing, and she lifted up her son toward Percy.
“May I?” Percy took the baby in hand as if he’d done so before.
“I didn’t really mean to trouble you.” Marybeth stood and placed a clean diaper over Percy’s shoulder.
“Nonsense. No trouble at all.” Percy clearly enjoyed what he was doing, even when Randy grasped the end of his nose with damp fingers.
Rosamond, Marybeth and Beryl star
ed at him, mouths agape.
“Whyever are you looking at me that way? Can you not see that Randall Jr. and I have formed a bond?” He bounced as he spoke, further delighting Randy. “You ladies run along and tend those chickens. We gentlemen will do just fine.”
Beryl gazed at him as if he’d parted the Rio Grande during flood season. “Where did you learn to manage babies?”
He gave her a modest smile. “When Lord Westbourne and his new bride began filling their nursery, I visited with each new addition. Jolly little lads, they are.” He slid a glance toward Rosamond. “I must say, for a man who’s been displaced as his uncle’s heir, Garrick certainly does dote on his little cousins.”
How generous of Percy to turn the attention to Garrick. Obviously, he wanted to stir up a romance between his cousin and her. While that would never happen, Rosamond was still moved by his comments, which she fully believed. When they’d all arrived in Esperanza last Friday, Garrick had made friends right away with Nate and Susanna’s two children. And he spoke of meeting some boy in town whose mother needed work. The arrogant Englishman she’d overheard in the Denver train station hadn’t sounded at all like a man who cared for children or needy mothers.
Tolley might still have his problems with Garrick’s English ways, but Rosamond must consider this other side of his character. His privileged upbringing wasn’t a fault any more than hers was—simply a fact of life. In spite of it, he appeared to have a generous spirit. Maybe she should try to dig a bit deeper and find out just what motivated him.
Beryl stayed inside to help Percy while Rosamond and Marybeth tended the chickens and gathered eggs. They came back inside to find Beryl in the rocking chair, holding a very happy baby sucking on a white cotton cloth.
“See how clever Percy is.” Beryl beamed up at him. “He put a piece of ice in this napkin, and it’s soothing Randy’s teething pain.”