“A ranch hand,” she purposely spoke in a light tone. “I love the color green, don’t you? It reminds me of grassy fields and it is the color that represents envy too, doesn’t it?”
The woman flushed and let out a delicate huff. “I prefer blue. So is he new to the area? I’ve never seen him before.”
It was best to reply to the questions and move on, although she didn’t feel it was her place to give Virginia all the information pertaining to Patrick. “He and his friend just arrived a couple weeks ago from Texas.”
“Good afternoon, ladies,” Margaret Evington interrupted and smiled broadly at Charlie. “It’s nice to see you, Charlie. You don’t come to town often enough.” It was interesting to her that Mrs. Evington didn’t greet Virginia directly, instead the woman moved to stand by the fabric and lifted the bolt Charlie had been admiring. “Have you had an opportunity to choose which ones you want?”
Virginia took the hint and moved away to a different bin that held sewing notions. Obviously in an attempt to get Charlie alone again if she purchased other items for her project. Every once in a while, she craned her neck to peer out at the window to where Patrick leaned against the wagon, arms crossed, seeming to enjoy the time alone.
Mrs. Evington cut the fabric and leaned closer to Charlie. “That woman needs to find a hobby to keep her busy from prying into people’s business,” she whispered. “Sometimes I can barely keep from throwing her out. She spends more time gossiping than shopping.”
Charlie laughed and Virginia looked over, narrowing her eyes. “I plan to come more often as it’s always nice to see you. I visited Mrs. Delworth as well. She served tea and we had a nice chat.”
Packages in her arms, she breezed past Virginia without speaking. Just as she reached Patrick, the woman appeared beside her. “Do you plan to stay in town just a bit longer? We could have tea at Betsy’s.” Her eyes rounded when she looked at Patrick. “I do apologize, I don’t believe we met. I am Virginia Collins.” She held her hand out to Patrick, palm down. He shook it much to Virginia’s chagrin. The action made Charlie press her lips together to keep from smiling.
“Patrick Callahan. Nice to meet you, Miss Collins.” The sound of his deep voice did funny things to Charlie’s stomach, which made her frown.
“We really don’t have time to linger, Virginia. I’m afraid it’s best we head back. There is much work to be done at the ranch and I’m sure Joe is fit to be tied at Patrick being delayed for this long.”
Not waiting for Patrick’s assistance, she climbed onto the wagon as he rounded it and climbed up next to her. She gave Virginia a curt nod and then they headed back.
Billowy clouds dotted the sky partially obstructing the bright sun. There was a slight chill in the air, which suited Charlie just fine as being alone with Patrick made her temperature rise a bit higher. The sooner they got back, the better. She needed time to think and consider what she’d say to him.
Of course a kiss didn’t mean they had to address a relationship or anything of the sort. But if he was going to work for her, it was best to clear up the matter.
Just as she took a breath to tell him it was best they forget the kiss, he spoke. “I hope you don’t feel uncomfortable about what happened earlier.” He slid a glance at her. “I am not so presumptuous to assume it meant anything personal between us. Just a matter of circumstance.”
Her mouth fell open as she heard him say the words almost exactly as she’d rehearsed them. But coming from him, they felt hollow, cold even. “Of course.” She took a deep gulp of air as his comment took her breath and a strange tightening of her chest took over. She pressed her hand to her temples when a light throb hit next. “Oh no, I hope I’m not getting another headache.”
There was concern in his eyes when he looked to her. “Were you able to get the herbs?”
She nodded and patted her reticule. “Yes, thank goodness. However I preferred not to have to test them so soon.”
They spoke very little the rest of the trip. Each time the wagon jostling them instead of warmth, it was more of an awkward sensation. Finally they arrived and she scurried to get down, not waiting for his assistance. Thankfully Mary Ellen greeted her at the doorway and helped unload the bundles.
“I’ll see about putting the wagon away and taking care of the horse,” Patrick told her just as he turned to head to the stables. Charlie didn’t take dare look toward him, instead she walked beside Mary Ellen, and rambled about the people she’d spoken to in town.
Mary Ellen listened with interest and was as astonished as she’d been at Virginia Collins’s actions. Her friend tore open the fabric bundles and frowned. “What do you plan to make? These colors are quite nice, but you just made several dresses.”
With as much nonchalance as she could muster Charlie shrugged it off. “I want to make shirts. Have you not noticed how worn Joe’s are? Figured it would be nice to make him a shirt or two. Then feeling bad, I decided to purchase fabric so we could make shirts for Jerrick and Patrick as well.”
“The gray for Jerrick and green for Patrick?” Mary Ellen lifted the blue fabric and studied it. “This would be nice for Joe.”
“You guessed exactly right,” Charlie smiled and went to place a kettle on the stove. “Oh, I almost forgot. A letter for you came.” She pulled a letter from her reticule and handed it to the other woman.
She poured tea as Mary Ellen sat and read. “Good news?”
At Mary Ellen’s silence, Charlie spun around to find Mary Ellen staring at the piece of paper, one hand over her chest. Her face totally drained of color, Mary Ellen’s moist eyes met hers.
“What is it?”
“My youngest sister had a terrible time of delivering a child. The babe, a boy, was stillborn. She is bedridden and writes asking for my help in caring for the other three until she gets better.”
“You must go, of course,” Charlie told her emphatically while at the same time afraid of what it meant for her. One less pair of hands to care for the ranch.
A single tear slipped down Mary Ellen’s cheek. “What about you? And everything to do? You’ll be alone, with only Joe here. Patrick and Jerrick plan to leave once they buy land.”
“I’ll make do.” In truth, she wasn’t sure what her future held. At the moment, it looked more bleak than bright. “I can always hire someone to come and help around here a couple days a week, you know with cooking and such.” Charlie fought not to cry. It would be a lonely time without her friend. Yet, she’d not stand in the way of caring for family. “Go, Mary Ellen, and don’t worry about things here. When you come back, it will be as if you never left.”
The announcement of Mary Ellen’s departure at suppertime was met with various reactions, side-glances between Patrick and Charlie, an understanding nod from Joe and Jerrick scowled.
Jerrick waited for Mary Ellen just outside the kitchen door, when she walked out to pour out the dirty dishwater. Her heart tumbled at the sight of him under the full moon. It was inevitable; she knew he’d want to talk about her impending departure.
The problem was she wasn’t sure what to say and how she’d handle speaking to him without crying. Although not knowing him long enough for any deep feelings, she’d started to hope. It was the worst of feelings to know he could be gone when she returned. If she was able to return. After all, she lived with Charlie to help out, if she was gone too long, she’d be replaced. It would be hard to return without a place, some way to earn a living. She wasn’t about charity.
His normally light expression was dark with emotion as he looked at her. “Were you planning to tell me you were leavin’?” His hand jammed into his pockets, he waited for her to reply.
“I was,” Mary Ellen pulled her shawl around her although she was not cold. “Just not sure what to say. I don’t want to go.”
“Then don’t.”
His statement made her look up to him with wide eyes. “You can’t ask me that. We don’t know each other well enough, Jerrick. I have to go, my
sister is counting on me.”
With an exasperated huff, he raked his fingers through his hair and looked up at the sky. “You said there was other family. Doesn’t her husband have people there in Billings? It could be they are only asking you because you’re not married, because they figure you don’t have any other obligations.”
“It’s true.” Mary Ellen didn’t resist and reached to cup his face. “It may not be for long. I’m hoping a couple months at most.”
He remained silent, not moving away. She realized he’d not made any proclamations, given her no real reason for why he didn’t want her to go. Yes, they’d walked a couple times. He’d kissed her once, but other than that, they’d formed more of an easygoing friendship than anything else.
This was the first time she got any indication he felt something for her. Or maybe it was just her imagination.
More than anything Mary Ellen wished he’d promise to court her. Request she entertain the idea of a future together. “Why are you upset?” She opened the door for him to express his feelings. “Is there a reason you wish me to stay in Colter Valley?”
His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “You’re happy here. Have a good life with Charlie and Joe. Seems to me anyway.”
“I do.” Her heart broke when he didn’t speak of anything between them. “Charlie already told me I could come back whenever I’m done with caring for my sister. I don’t expect it will be forever. It’s a bit of a sacrifice. But when it comes to family, we should do for each other, don’t you agree?”
He nodded and looked past her to the bunkhouse. “I’d do anything for Patrick, so I understand.”
Mary Ellen walked away from him blinking back tears. It was silly to cry for something not lost, as it was never going to be. Like a fool she’d allowed herself to hope. Allowed her heart to begin to feel something for Jerrick. At thirty, she was too mature to be considered for marriage. She knew this and shouldn’t have been so silly as to wish for a man like him to want her.
“Hold up, Mary Ellen, you sure are in a hurry tonight,” Jerrick caught up with her and took her elbow.
“I have much to do, pack and all. Just getting a bit of fresh air before going back inside.”
He cleared his throat. “I don’t want you to leave Mary Ellen. Too soon after getting here and all, didn’t expect to meet someone like you.”
What was he trying to say? She held her breath hoping he’d say more, be clearer. Instead he let out a breath.
“But I understand when it comes to family you have to do what is best.” He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on her mouth. “I’ll be here when you get back, Mary Ellen.”
With that he walked away. She eyed a rock and considered picking it up and throwing it at his back.
“Ugh!” Mary Ellen growled and dashed inside, slamming the kitchen door behind her. There was too much to get done before heading to town the next day to catch the evening train. She wasn’t about to waste time moping over a man. Yet, he had said he’d wait for her. That was something, at least.
“There you are,” Charlie said walking into the kitchen. “I’m going to help you pack…” She stopped and her eyes widened. “Are you crying?”
“No,” Mary Ellen said wiping at the corner of her eye with the back of her hand. “Maybe a little.”
“Oh, dear.” Charlie neared and wrapped her arms around Mary Ellen. “Sit. I’ll fix some chamomile tea. It will help us both calm our nerves.”
She sniffed and obediently sat. “It’s only for a few weeks, but I am going to miss being here. It’s my life now.”
“The days will go fast and before you know it, you’ll be back home.”
Home. That’s what she’d wanted to hear, this was now her place, where she belonged.
“Thank you,” Mary Ellen said no longer pretending not to cry. “I am so thankful for you, Charlie. That you allow me to live here.”
“Allow you?” Charlie gave her and alarmed look. “You belong here Mary Ellen and don’t you ever forget it. This is as much your home as it is mine. Daniel was your brother longer than he was my husband. Don’t you ever feel you are here as my guest or because I allow it.”
She hiccupped and giggled. “Don’t scream at me.”
“Oh you,” Charlie leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You are the closest thing to a sister I could ever wish for.”
They drank tea and planned what Mary Ellen would take with her. Finally Charlie couldn’t hold back any longer. “Did Jerrick declare himself?”
“What?” Mary Ellen was shocked at the question. “No, of course not. He’s younger than me and we are just friends.”
“Hmm,” Charlie gave her an incredulous look. “He doesn’t see you as just a friend. His gaze tracks your every movement. You should see the looks he sneaks toward you when you’re not looking.”
Although her friend’s words lightened her heart, she couldn’t believe them after the talk she’d had with him earlier. “I think you have a romantically vivid imagination.”
“No, it’s the truth,” Charlie told her. “You need to hold on to the thought. That man will be waiting for you when you return. I would bet my grandmother’s china on it.”
“You don’t have any china,” Mary Ellen retorted.
“If I did I would bet it.” Charlie lifted her cup and looked at her over the rim. “So what did he say?”
“Not much. Tried to convince me not to go. Said my family was taking advantage of the fact I’m not married. Then said he didn’t want me to go but didn’t make much of a case.”
“Men have a hard time with emotions, you know,” Charlie insisted. “But for now we’ll get you packed and worry about what to do about Jerrick later. Because one thing I know.”
“What is that?” Mary Ellen asked.
“You and him. There’s something there.”
Mary Ellen pushed back from the table. “Come on, let’s get to work. Bring your imagination with you.”
They laughed as they went to Mary Ellen’s bedroom.
Chapter Ten
“Eeek!” At Charlie’s scream Patrick raced to where she ran to the side of the house. At once he ascertained something in her garden had spooked her and he waved off Joe and Jerrick who looked toward him from the corral.
She was laughing when he reached her and looked up to him with cheeks flushed and eyes bright. “Darn snake scared me half to death. It crawled over my hand. They are out to get me. I feel silly making such a fuss, please go back to whatever you’re doing.”
“That would startle anyone.” He moved to the garden and toed around the plants with his boot. “It’s gone, you must have ran it off with your screams.”
Charlie moved with caution to stand beside him. She looked down. “I’m normally not so squeamish, have seen plenty of snakes at a distance. Never had them so close like the one on the road and now this one. It touched me.” She shuddered before kneeling onto a folded mat and lifting her small spade. “I’m fine, sorry to have bothered you.”
Seizing the opportunity, he lowered next to her and began pulling weeds. “Don’t have much to do now. Day’s pretty much gone.”
Charlie couldn’t figure out what to do once Patrick began weeding with earnest, clearing neat paths between her plantings. He worked efficiently, not seeming to mind the mundane chore.
“Did you ever think you’d end up living in a small town in Montana?” Charlie asked him.
He scratched at his jawline in thought. “No, always figured I’d live and die in Texas on my family’s farm or go back to Ireland. Never aspired to go anywhere until just recently. Then for some reason I felt a pull to move on. When Da died and all I had was the house and land, I didn’t think twice about selling.” He looked to her and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “What about you? What did you envision for yourself?”
“A quiet life as a wife and mother. Thought I’d remain in my hometown near Boston in a small house, with a bunch of children, married to a man who worked d
uring the day and joined us for supper.” In spite of herself, she let out a sigh. “But I love it here. Colter Valley has grown on me. It is such a beautiful place, I can’t imagine going back to the city. Yet, it can be lonely.”
Patrick continued to work. She’d not seen her garden so orderly in a long time. “I can’t imagine living in a city.”
She smiled. “It has its good points. Activity, people, culture. There are so many gatherings, balls, dinners and such. A very busy life.”
“It must have been an adjustment for you.”
“Not as hard as I expected,” Charlie stood and dusted her skirts. “Now I must see about supper. Thank you for helping me. The garden looks better than ever.”
He sauntered away while she followed his progress. He was a sight, with a broad back that narrowed to slender hips and a slight bow to his legs, she could not help but admire Patrick Callahan. When a sigh escape, she gasped and hurried into the house.
Sounds of night never failed to fascinate Patrick. However, tonight it annoyed the daylights out of him. It had been a long day since he and Joe had done the work, which was normally divided three ways. Jerrick had gone with Charlie to see Mary Ellen off at the train station half a day’s ride away.
His friend had moped since finding out Mary Ellen was leaving and Patrick thought it interesting. He’d never known Jerrick to become attached to a woman until this one. In his opinion, when Mary Ellen returned, something would blossom between the two.
Things however remained the same between him and Charlie. At suppertime, most days she joined them and did not seem ill at ease around him. The same was not true for him. Each time she brushed her hair back with her hand, he imagined how those same fingers had dug into his shoulders.
When she spoke, the timber of her husky voice sent him back to the sounds she’d made when they’d kissed. A type of purr that had made his toes curl.
If ever her eyes met his, he recalled how bright they’d become when she’d looked down at him while perched on his chest. And that in itself is what kept him up most nights. The thought of the weight of her body over his. Even with a rock digging into his backside, the feel of her suppleness had felt right. Perfect even.
Lords of Ireland II Page 56