No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Book #1): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  “I can see to that,” Sara said. “Charles is very handy with a hammer, and I’m sure we can recruit other members to help out when they hear that there’s food involved.” She laughed heartily, and others joined in.

  Mary flashed Sara a grateful smile. “Wonderful. Ladies, it’s not too soon to decide what you can contribute to help out. Any needlework, such as quilts, aprons, etc., will be needed, and of course, any fruit preserves and jellies are always a bestseller. And I hear that Crystal makes a delectable apple pie.”

  “Who told you that?” Crystal grinned with modesty.

  “I did.” Everyone turned to look at Flo, whose ample frame draped over the edge of her chair. Her dress sagged like a swing between her spread legs. “Carmen told me herself.” She fanned her flushed face with her apron. “Told me she just might garner my blue ribbon.”

  “That’s not likely. We all know Flo’s Café has the best pie in these parts,” April blurted out.

  “And just what is your specialty, April?” Crystal asked, sipping her coffee.

  April gave her a smug look. “Oh, I’m accomplished at a good many things.” April’s mother shifted nervously in her chair.

  Emily stood and began collecting coffee cups, apparently trying to divert the growing tension. “Ladies, we’d better get on with the job at hand. We should be able to get this quilt top pieced and then break for lunch, which Flo has graciously provided for us today from her café.”

  The morning flew by, and the group of women chattered, laughed, and traded stories while their fingers rendered perfect tiny stitches on a basket pattern quilt. Crystal enjoyed this new feeling of friendship, of women working with a single purpose that derived pleasure at the same time. But at times throughout the day, she caught April watching her.

  While Emily and Beth spread blankets over the grass for their guests, Flo passed a large box of fried chicken around, and the women had their lunch under a large cottonwood tree. The subject of a bridal shower for April came up, and a cloud descended over Crystal’s otherwise bright day.

  “I would like to give April a shower soon, and you’re all invited,” Mary remarked.

  April’s head shot up. “Oh, how thoughtful. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Flo leaned over and whispered in Crystal’s ear, “The reason Mary even considered it at all was for her dear friend Alice. Certainly not for her snooty-nosed daughter, who has everything in the first place.”

  Crystal didn’t respond. Gossip was not ladylike, and while she didn’t care for April, she didn’t want to talk about her either.

  “The store will be a little cramped for space, though,” Mary continued.

  Crystal wanted April to know that it didn’t make any difference who she married, so she offered her ranch to have the shower at. Emily and Beth exchanged quick looks but said nothing.

  “Are you sure?” Mary asked.

  “Quite. In fact, I insist. Just let me know what week you decide.” Crystal looked over at April and said, “Has a date been set for the wedding?”

  “No, but I’m sure it’ll be soon. You’ll be the first to know.” April continued picking at the chicken leg on her plate.

  Flo licked her fingertips and wiped her mouth, then shot Crystal a quizzical look. “Reckon that’ll be after the roundup then. Luke said you’re going on the trail drive, Crystal.”

  An audible gasp sounded from April. “What? Why would you want to go on a cattle drive?”

  Did he tell Flo everything? “I want to learn ranching from the ground up,” Crystal replied.

  “A trail drive can be very dangerous, dear.” Sara clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth.

  “I intend to be careful. Luke and Rusty know what they’re doing. I’m already learning how to handle the horses and the cattle—enough to have a lot of respect for them.”

  The somewhat mollified Sara pursed her lip into a tight, thin line. “Do be careful. A stampede can get mighty out of hand. Men are sometimes gored by frightened steers.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be looked after. And she’ll be in the company of some mighty fine-looking men,” Beth declared.

  Mary and Emily laughed, but April obviously didn’t see the humor at all. “Still, you really don’t have any business out on a cattle drive alone with a group of men.” It was obvious that she meant Luke.

  “I promise to mind my p’s and q’s, April,” Crystal teased.

  Flo chuckled. “Yours are not the ones she’s worried about.”

  April stood, brushing the crumbs from her skirt with her long, thin fingers. “Ma, we’d better get a move on. Luke promised to ride over tonight for dinner.”

  “Dear, you didn’t tell me he was coming.” Alice’s brow furrowed. April appeared flustered and started gathering her things. “Well, perhaps I forgot to mention it. But now you know,” she snapped at Alice.

  Crystal felt a sudden pang for the delicate Alice. Maybe it was the way April spoke to her with that dictating voice. She would never have talked to her mother the way April did. As if Alice couldn’t think for herself. She was beginning to dislike April more every minute. In her heart Crystal knew that she should be at peace as much as possible with all people, but it was not going to be easy with April.

  The sunny afternoon came to a close with Alice and April’s departure, and soon afterward, Mary and Flo, who had ridden in together, followed suit. Crystal helped the Johnson girls pick up the remains of their picnic, then prepared to leave.

  “I enjoyed the day, Mrs. Johnson,” Crystal said, giving her a quick hug.

  “Call me Sara, that way I don’t feel so old.”

  “In that case, I shall. I hate for the day to end.”

  “Me too.” Emily sighed. “I was hoping to get a chance to talk with you.”

  An idea quickly formed in Crystal’s head, and she suggested that Emily ride back with her and spend the night. “That is, if you can spare her, Sara.”

  “Oh, please, Mama, could I?” Emily pleaded.

  “Well . . . I suppose we can do without you for one day. What do you think, Beth?”

  “Let her go, Ma. I’ll tend to her chores. Besides, I think there’s someone at Aspengold she wants to see.” Beth rolled her eyes upward with a knowing look.

  “Beth!” Emily looked horrified, and her face flamed paintbrush red.

  Sara ignored the comment. She waved her hands toward the door. “Go on, get your things. Crystal doesn’t have all day to stand here lollygagging.”

  Luke and the boys were sprawled across the front porch, some in rockers, others on the steps, when the wagon turned down the drive to the house. Luke sat on the porch rail, leaned against the stout post, and chewed on a toothpick, hat pulled down across his eyes. Seeing Emily in the wagon, he shot a look in Jube’s direction to observe his reaction. Jube stiffened momentarily but removed his dusty hat and smoothed his unruly hair. Crystal’s bubbling laughter drifted ahead of her. She appeared to be in a much better mood today than usual. He wished he knew why it was that when women got together, they always found something to laugh about.

  Springing down from the wagon, Crystal surveyed the group. “Looks like you boys are waiting for the cook. I brought home a guest, so supper will be a little late tonight.”

  Jube hurried forward and helped Emily with her carpetbag.

  “What a nice surprise.” He took the bag from Emily, and she gave him a shy smile when he took her elbow. “This is worth waiting for supper any day.”

  Crystal stripped off her leather gloves and turned to Curly. “Please see to the buggy while we get supper going.” Turning to Luke, she advised, “Better get a move on, Luke. I believe April is expecting you for dinner tonight, and I don’t believe she likes to be kept waiting.”

  Luke swung his long legs over the porch rail and pushed back his hat. His eyes narrowed. “Tonight? I don’t remember telling her that.”

  “It’s perfectly all right to forget things when one is in love,”
Crystal said.

  “Thanks for the reminder,” he said sarcastically, and moved in the direction of the barn.

  He was tired and didn’t feel like riding over to the Rocking M tonight. But he supposed he must in order to stay in good graces with McBride. At least he would get a good meal.

  Sometimes April irritated him with her clinging. He wasn’t about to vanish into a vapor. Luke didn’t like it when women clung, and he didn’t want to feel owned. When he was with her, he sometimes felt like he had no breathing room.

  Funny, somewhere along the line his feelings for her had taken a different turn. He had always admired her way with horses, and she was accurate with a gun. She wasn’t afraid of anything, always figuring she could do anything as good as or better than most men could.

  Maybe that was it. He decided that April was a bit arrogant and high-strung. Luke blamed McBride for giving in to her every whim. Then his thoughts strayed to Crystal, whose silvery laughter came from the kitchen as he made his way to the barn for Buck. All soft and feminine. Very feminine. She exuded charisma, and her laughter was infectious, making people want to be around her. Stop it, Weber. You’ve made a bargain, and you’re going to keep it.

  Luke always enjoyed Josh’s company, and conversation was never lacking between them. April hovered close by after dinner. They had coffee in the parlor, and he felt himself relax as he listened to Alice playing the piano with a faraway look in her eyes. Josh excused himself shortly after they’d had coffee.

  McBride smiled at his beautiful daughter and asked, “Have you young people decided on a date for the wedding?”

  “Oh, Daddy . . . we haven’t had much time to talk about it, have we, Luke?” She placed her hand on his arm.

  “Maybe we should take a stroll and discuss it. How does that sound, April?” Luke took her hand.

  McBride answered for her. “Yes, you two run along. Enjoy this fine weather while it lasts. Alice, I’m about ready to turn in.” He gave Alice a decided look, signaling the close of the evening. Closing her music, she rose and bade Luke good evening, then obediently followed McBride up the stairs.

  Luke and April strolled toward the garden in the cool evening shadows. Linking her arm through Luke’s, April leaned close enough that he could smell her perfume. Her long, slender fingers stroked his forearm.

  “Luke, don’t you find me attractive?” She stopped walking and turned to face him with a pouting look.

  “Well . . .” He hesitated. “Sure I do.” The moonlight had turned her blonde hair into golden streaks the color of ripened wheat, and he reached up and stroked her hair.

  “Then why don’t you kiss me? You haven’t in a very long time.” Her tall frame swayed against his.

  His strong arms pulled her to him, and he bent to press his lips hard against her slightly parted ones. Her lips responded to his, and she pressed harder against his long frame, encircling his neck with her arms. A small groan escaped her lips, and at once he withdrew her arms and pushed her away from him. He hadn’t felt even a flicker of desire. What was the matter with him?

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.” Luke swayed, and his mouth felt dry. His head was spinning with too many thoughts.

  “Was I complaining?” she asked flirtatiously. “It’s very normal between engaged couples to express themselves so.” Luke realized she probably had taken his abruptness as a sign to quell his mounting desire. “I don’t want you to stop,” she murmured.

  “Your father would skin me alive, and I have no wish to become one of his trophies mounted above his fireplace.” With a firm grip he took her elbow and guided her along the garden path back to the porch. “Besides, I’d better leave. It’s getting late. Some of us have to work.”

  “Well, you won’t have to for long. I’ll see to that. Our days and nights will be of our choosing. You’ll have all the free time you want.”

  “April, I think you’d better understand something here and now.” He stopped and turned her to face him. “I like to choose what I do and when I do it. No one is going to tell me how I spend my time.”

  “Shh . . . you don’t have to yell, Luke. We’ll work it out.”

  “There’s nothing to work out. I–I have to be going.” He untied his horse’s reins from the porch railing and in one fluid motion was on Buck’s back. He tipped his hat and looked down at her.

  “Be seeing you.”

  15

  On the ride back home, Luke tried to clear his head of churning thoughts of April. He realized they had never gotten around to setting a date, and he was somewhat relieved. What had he gotten himself into? He was nuts to think he would feel passion in their kiss, but he’d had to prove it to himself. The problem was he knew she felt desire for him. He thought he could make it work, but now he just didn’t know. April’s too scrawny. Crystal’s curvaceous. April’s a tomboy. Crystal’s feminine. April’s cool and calculating. Crystal’s friendly and vivacious. April’s rich. Crystal’s poor. Ah, and there it was, he admitted to himself. Marrying April meant he’d get the land he’d always wanted, and land had to be worth more than any woman . . . or was it?

  Good grief, man. Stop this. You can’t have everything. Besides, Crystal had Drew waiting for her—and then there was Josh. But Luke knew there was something different in Crystal that he couldn’t put his finger on. He rubbed his brow and sighed. He was tired of thinking.

  Since Kate’s death there had not been a lot of laughter around the ranch, but tonight there had been gaiety and foolishness as the cowboys tried to impress both Crystal and Emily. After supper they played checkers with much cheating and uproarious hilarity, until Kurt was declared the undefeated champion. Now they had retired to the front porch, and it was growing late and chilly. Jube pulled up a rocker close to Emily’s side, making it perfectly clear to the others that he wanted no interference from them.

  “Miss Crystal.” Curly cleared his throat. “Remember you promised to play your Autoharp for us?”

  “Oh, please, Crystal,” Emily implored.

  “Well, I guess now is as good a time as any.” Crystal was gone a moment, then returned with her case.

  The talking ceased as she began to play soft and low. She sang a lover’s tale with a clear, lyrical voice, and her audience watched and listened with rapt attention. Curly looked as if he’d died and gone to heaven as he watched her face in the moonlight. Rusty leaned back in his chair and puffed on his pipe with a faraway look in his eyes.

  “Bravo!” Kurt exclaimed when she had finished, and the group applauded. “What a lovely voice you have. Please, do us the honor of another song.”

  Luke figured everyone had retired since it was so late, but instead he was greeted with the most enchanting sound he’d ever heard and realized that someone was singing. As he drew closer to the house, he could faintly make out Crystal’s shape on the porch, her Autoharp on her knees. What a beautiful silhouette she made with the moonlight touching her hair. The faint glow of the drovers’cigarettes lent just enough light to illuminate her face as her small hands strummed the instrument. He felt a lurch in his chest.

  Crystal finished the song and was glad it was dark so no one could see her blush from their obvious pleasure. Her breath quickened as Luke’s spurs jangled loudly on the porch steps.

  “Don’t stop on my account.”

  “I wasn’t,” Crystal said. She proceeded to open her case and place the instrument inside, hoping she looked composed. “It’s very late, y’all.” She smiled at the boys. “Emily and I are turning in.”

  Jube cast a quick look at Emily. “Aw, we were just starting to have fun,” he teased.

  All the cowhands shuffled off in the direction of the bunkhouse, with the exception of Jube and Luke.

  Emily touched Crystal on her sleeve. “Crystal, I’ll be back in a little bit. I told Jube I’d go for a short walk with him, if that’s okay.” Emily couldn’t contain the smile on her face, and Crystal shooed them on their way.

  After they were
out of earshot, Luke turned to Crystal. “You have a pretty voice. I’m sorry I missed the performance.”

  “Well, Mr. Weber, the hour appears to be very late for a visit now, so if you don’t mind . . .” She started for the door, but he stepped in front of her. She could smell April’s perfume still clinging to his clothes, and her throat felt dry. She didn’t want to think about April in his arms.

  Luke reached up and stroked her cheek. “Crystal,” he murmured in a husky voice. He took a step closer as if to pull her to him. Crystal wavered between taking a step toward him and running into the house, but she only stood there. She could faintly make out his face in the darkness.

  “Don’t, Luke.” Crystal pulled back. “I can smell April’s perfume still on you.”

  Luke took another step forward, with his hand holding her elbow. “I only wanted to kiss the lips of such a beautiful voice.”

  Crystal wished that he would wipe that stupid grin off his face. “Do you even remember that you are betrothed to another? Have you so quickly forgotten that you will soon pledge to honor, trust, and love only April forever?”

  His face sobered. “Who made you chief? Of course I care about April. You just looked so sweet standing there on the porch in the moonlight that I guess I lost my head.”

  So she had guessed right. He really did love April. Her spirits were dashed. With a sinking feeling she yanked her arm free, turned sharply on her heel, and carried her case through the door, closing it with a bang. She was shaking as she leaned with her back against the door. She hated the way she was feeling now. Part of her wanted to smooth the lock of dark hair away from his forehead and touch his thick moustache, while part of her wanted to rail against him and everything he stood for. She didn’t understand him at all. One minute he acted as if he really liked her, and another minute he berated her capabilities or the way she dressed and cooked. Yet she continued to feel painfully aware of his charm and rugged good looks. And she had almost let him kiss her. Again.