Untamed Hearts

by Colleen O'Connell

  Jared’s arm stretched out around her waist as he woke, pulling her closer, and squeezing her body to his. He pushed her over onto her back, casting his leg over hers.

  They had made love for hours the previous afternoon and evening, and still she wanted more. Jared seemed of equal mind. His caresses brought her to new heights of pleasure. They peaked together, spiraling down to contented bliss. Taryn relaxed in bed, reveling in the aftermath of their passion while Jared had already risen and dressed. A soft smile on her face, she got out of bed herself, retrieving her nightgown and putting it on. “Where are you going?”

  Jared turned to her as he reached for his hat. “I want to discover what actually happened with Dean Breck.”

  Stunned at his apparent lack of comprehension of how others would perceive their separation so soon after their nuptials, it took her a moment to find her voice. “Does it have to be today?”

  He moved to the side of the bed. “I’m sorry, Taryn, but it does. The sooner I find out the truth, the better it will be for us.”

  “Then wait for me. I’ll go with you.”

  “Not this time. I’ll try to be back early this afternoon.”

  Her mouth tightened. “What am I supposed to do in your absence?” She had thought they’d spend the day together.

  He paused. “Whatever you normally did to amuse yourself before we married. If you find yourself at a loss, I have a shirt in need of mending.” He gestured to the referenced clothing hanging across the back of a chair before giving her a brief kiss and leaving the room.

  “A shirt to mend…” Taryn spluttered in rage, her chest heaving with fury as she stood rooted to the spot. Recalling the use of her feet, she bounded out of the bedroom after him. He had already exited the room. She opened the hall door. Jared was halfway down the staircase. She slammed the door closed. Fuming over his departure, she returned to the bedroom, stomping to where his shirt hung on the chair. She snatched the shirt from the chair, inspecting the tear at the shoulder. She glared at the garment, realizing it must have ripped in his fight with Brad. With her mouth set, she grasped the shirt at either side of the tear pulled her arms wide. Taryn took immense satisfaction at the sound of the material ripping. She continued to tear the shirt until it shredded. “There. It’s mended!”

  He wanted her to amuse herself, did he? Well, she had no intention of remaining in the hotel for the day awaiting him.

  Stepping out onto the street, Taryn paused before deciding she’d better inform the dressmaker, Marie Dubois, she would not be needing the wedding gown the woman had been making. Walking toward the shop, Taryn had the feeling of eyes watching her. Turning, her gaze came in contact with a group of women. They hastily turned away. Continuing down the street, she had the same feeling when she passed others. She couldn’t decide whether her imagination made her feel as if the glances of those she passed were condemning in nature.

  Did everyone know of the previous day’s events leading to her marriage? She was being overly sensitive. Shaking herself of the feeling, Taryn continued to the dress shop. Opening the door to the shop, the tinkling of the bell pronounced her arrival. Marie gave her a welcome greeting before returning to her task of wrapping up a gown for another customer. She took her time viewing the items displayed, fingering a delicate lace chemise. Each gown was beautiful, a great many of European design. Numerous parasols, hats, and other accessories sat on display throughout the shop to tempt the patrons’ eyes. There were bolts of cloth lined along one wall. Captured by a shimmering royal blue satin, she ran her hand over the material in wistful longing.

  “Miss Ashford.” Marie’s dark eyes shined as she greeted her. “I’ll have one of the girls bring your wedding gown out for you to see. We finished it last evening.”

  Taryn hesitated. “The very reason I stopped by. I’m afraid I won’t need it any longer.” Working under time constraints, Marie had been diligent in her effort to complete the order. Now she told the seamstress all the hard work she’d expended was for naught. A simple apology seemed inappropriate.

  Marie hesitated. “I hope everything is all right.”

  “Yes, everything is fine, but I won’t be getting married this Saturday. I’ll see you’re paid for your work regardless.”

  Marie refrained from asking any other questions. “I won’t hear of it. I’ll display the gown. I’m sure it will interest one of the other young women in town.”

  “I appreciate your understanding.”

  “I enjoy my craft,” Marie said. “I noticed you considering a particular bolt of fabric. The material would be perfect with your coloring.”

  Taryn walked back to the shelf holding the shimmering blue material she’d been admiring. She brushed her fingers over the silky texture. “It is beautiful.”

  “Why don’t we drape it over you for the full effect.” Marie took the bolt from the shelf, walking over toward the full-length mirror against the wall.

  “I shouldn’t.” She followed Marie to stand before the mirror. She felt bad enough without even considering asking another gown be made.

  Marie took a length of the satin, skillfully draping it across her shoulder, down across the front of her, and angled it around her hip.

  Taryn sighed in awe at her reflection.

  “I received this material from Paris last week along with a few others,” Marie said. “I haven’t had the chance to see how it might be designed on someone, but now…” Marie removed the material from around Taryn, placing the material down. “I have some wonderful patterns I could show you to give you a better idea of the styles best suiting this material, if you have the time.”

  Marie was too wonderful. If the woman had asked her to leave and never return, Taryn would not fault her. Yet, Marie treated her as though she’d purchased the entire contents of the shop. “As it happens, I do have time. I hadn’t anticipated making a purchase today.” She didn’t want to further impose on Marie’s time when it wouldn’t be beneficial to the seamstress.

  “You needn’t feel you have to make a purchase,” Marie said. “I’ve never liked the idea of pressuring anyone. I find people will always come back if they’re not expected to purchase something every time they enter my door.”

  “Perhaps I could take a moment.”

  “Of course you can.” Marie pulled various sketches out. “We can assess these, then I’ll show you the other materials recently delivered.”

  For the next few hours, Taryn passed the time in an engaging discussion with Marie, going over patterns and materials, even though she would not be able to place an order with the woman as much as she wished she could. Taryn had no idea whether Jared would find such a purchase warranted.

  As angry as she felt toward him for his boorish behavior earlier, she would not make a purchase out of spite. Marie was tireless in her suggestions, each idea wise and more striking in description than the last. Taryn viewed pattern after pattern, as well as all the matching accessories to complete the gown. She became caught up in the woman’s enthusiasm and could have chosen a dozen or more gowns had she the means with her. Taryn stood to leave. “Thank you again for being so understanding about the wedding gown, and for spending so much time with me this afternoon.”

  “Not at all. I have a feeling you’ll return.”

  “I promise you I will.” Taryn admired the woman’s expertise and sincere attitude.

  The time spent in Marie’s shop had served to lighten her mood. She didn’t recall her anger with Jared for leaving her alone their first full day of marriage until leaving shop. Only noon, Taryn had no intention of going back to the hotel to see if he had returned. She told herself she didn’t care. By his own words, she was to do whatever she normally did, and so she would. She didn’t want to go to her uncle’s ranch, but there was a place she could go to distract her mind. She hoped it wouldn’t be remiss of her to arrive without notice. Retrieving her horse from the livery stables, she directed the animal to the south end of town.

  The fro
nt door to the home opened wide. Etta Briggs’ expression suffused with welcome and immediate pleasure. “How delightful!” Etta ushered Taryn into her home.

  Taryn’s spirits were lifted at once by the greeting. Etta’s exuberance acted as a soothing balm. “Have I come at an inappropriate time?”

  “No time is inappropriate for you to visit.”

  After a tour of Etta’s home, they walked through a set of French glass doors off the parlor to the semi-octagon shaped tea room. They sat at the piecrust tea table. “I’ve been meaning to stop by your uncle’s ranch to visit with you and your family, but I’ve been so busy arranging the house,” Etta remarked, before gesturing to her servant, Benita, to bring in refreshments.

  “You’ve done a superb job.” She viewed the beautiful room they sat in with its Roman-styled architecture. The atmosphere and decorations emanated warmth. By appearances, one would think Etta had lived in the home for a good many years rather than the weeks it had been.

  “There are still a few touches yet to be done, but all in good time. I’ve been dividing my time between decorating the house and meeting my neighbors.”

  “Of which I’ve no doubt you’ve accumulated a number of new friends.” Taryn smiled.

  “I dare say you’re right. Delightful people here, all so eager and adventurous. It puts fresh blood in my veins, and who can’t use that now and again? Robert Michaels doesn’t live far. He’s stopped by a few times on his way home from the newspaper office in town to see if I might need anything. He’s such a gem. But enough about everyone else.” Etta threw up her hands. “Tell me what you’ve been up to since last we spoke.”

  Taryn couldn’t tell her she’d married the day before since Etta thought her marriage to Jared had occurred somewhere back in Chicago. “Jared and I are now living in town at the Grand Marquis Hotel.”

  “It is understandable.”

  “It is?” Taryn expected she would have to make up some half-truth to explain what they were doing living in a hotel when her uncle had a tremendous ranch.

  “Of course. Your uncle’s ranch is substantial from what I hear, but for newlyweds, I imagine it can become short of privacy. Am I correct?”

  “As always.”

  “I still want you and Jared to come for supper one evening,” Etta reminded. “In fact, with the house presentable, I’ve considered holding a small gathering of a few close friends.”

  “Whenever you’d like us to come, we will.” Etta’s idea of ‘a few close friends’ would undoubtedly consist of half the county.

  “Then I’ll plan for it. You and Jared don’t intend to leave soon, do you?”

  “We haven’t discussed leaving yet.”

  “I hope you consider a permanent residence here.”

  “It would be nice.” Taryn had grown fond of the area. She could see herself staying, but she’d married a man with whom nothing was permanent. His profession would force a transient lifestyle.

  “Well, we won’t think of you leaving.” She cheered up in her usual fashion. “More lemonade?”

  Taryn settled back to enjoy Etta’s descriptions of those she’d become acquainted with most of whom she had yet to meet herself. The woman knew more about the townspeople and neighboring ranchers than someone who’d lived in Sacramento their entire life. Taryn needed Etta’s rambling to take her mind off a certain someone.

  ****

  Jared wished he could talk with Luke about what had happened, but he would have to wait until Luke returned from his honeymoon. Though his own wedding and Luke’s were a day apart, two weddings could not have been more dissimilar. Considering the speed with which his own wedding had taken place, he still found it hard to believe he was a married man.

  Jared had begun his day by talking with the other two men who had been at Breck’s as he told Taryn he would. He had hoped the two men might have seen someone or something suspicious when they left. They hadn’t. They had only seen a nondescript coach passing as their coach pulled around in front of Breck’s. One man had commented he recognized the coach as the marshal’s. It may have only been a coincidence. If Rhodes had been returning from the wedding festivities, he would have to pass through town to reach his home, but Jared wasn’t abandoning the chance it could mean more. Finished talking with the two men, he headed for the Dalton ranch to talk with Jonathan. When he arrived at the corral where Jonathan and various ranch hands were branding new cattle, he noticed Dennis Ashford’s presence as well.

  He acknowledged both men. “Mr. Dalton, Mr. Ashford.” Dennis Ashford’s face was a mask of stubborn hostility. The suddenness of the previous day’s events had taken them all by surprise. Hoping to alleviate some of the animosity for Taryn’s sake, Jared attempted conversation. “I want you to know, Mr. Ashford, Taryn will be provided with the kind of life you would wish.”

  Dennis turned cold eyes to Jared King. “Don’t presume to know what my wishes for Taryn might be. My wife sits up in our room crying. A man I anticipated becoming a member of our family has been forsaken for a gunman instead. The girl I raised with values chose to ignore them. My wishes have been shattered by your self-indulgence and her lack of decorum.”

  “Mr. Ashford, if you and I could discuss this in a civil manner, I believe I can explain.”

  “I’m not interested in hearing your explanations, Mr. King.” Dennis brushed by him, walking back to his horse.

  Jared’s gaze burned into Dennis Ashford’s back with silent fury. The muscle in his jaw ticked as he ground his teeth together. He had expected Dennis Ashford’s initial bitterness by the events, but he had never considered Taryn’s father would not listen to reason.

  “Give him time, Jared,” Jonathan said, unable to hide his own shock over Dennis’ attitude.

  “I won’t have Taryn blamed for this situation.” He would have gone after Dennis Ashford, but Jonathan grabbed his arm.

  “Let a few days pass,” Jonathan said. “It was his pride speaking.”

  Jared heaved a sigh, trying to release some of his own anger. “Do you need help here?” He picked up a branding iron.

  “I cannot imagine you would come all the way here the day after your wedding so you could help brand these cattle.”

  “I didn’t.” He placed the iron back in the fire. He found himself too preoccupied to concentrate on the work. “I wondered if you recall what time the marshal left Luke and Anita’s wedding celebration.”

  Jonathan raised his eyes skyward in contemplation. “I can’t say I remember the time, but I know he was one of the last to leave. Why do you ask?”

  “I’m trying to piece things together. It may be of no importance.” Gone from the hotel longer than he’d anticipated, he considered Taryn. “Jonathan, I’ll need a few days…” he began.

  “Say no more,” Jonathan said, raising his hand. “I wasn’t expecting to see you today, much less the remainder of the week.”

  He nodded. “Thanks, Jonathan.”

  Dusk fell over the town when he returned to the hotel. Weary from the long day, he wanted to relax, have a hot meal, and an even hotter bath. He walked into their suite of rooms, expecting to find Taryn greeting him with some new weapon in hand. He had even prepared himself for the words she would hurl his way after the way he’d left earlier in the day. However, when he walked in, an empty room greeted him. He lit a lamp, glancing around. Her personal items lay strewn about so he was certain she’d not run off. Where could she be?

  Taryn hadn’t intended to be gone as long as she had been. Etta had kept her occupied in conversation all afternoon. Arriving at the livery across from the Grand Marquis, she dismounted, handing the reins of her horse over to the amiable liveryman. After a brief conversation with the liveryman about horses, she bid the man goodnight. Leaving, she collided with Brad. Startled, she felt the tension of the awkward encounter. She couldn’t think of anything to say.

  Brad glanced over her shoulder into the livery. “Alone so soon?”

  Brad’s voice held the resentm
ent displayed across his features. “Brad, please don’t be bitter.”

  “You’ll forgive me if I feel I have the right.”

  “I know the events of yesterday were a shock to you. I’m sorry.”

  Brad’s temper rose. “King’s to blame for ruining our plans.”

  “I won’t have you blaming Jared.”

  Ignoring her statement, Brad took her by the shoulders. “Come away with me, Taryn. I’ll be leaving for Chicago in the morning. I can purchase a ticket for you. We can still marry.”

  She took a step back, “Brad, I can’t leave with or marry you.”

  “Why? What is there to prevent you?”

  “I’m already married.”

  Brad snorted his contempt. “A matter easily contested. I know it’s not what you want. How could you want to be married to a gunman? I’ll even forgive you for your indiscretion.”

  She withdrew from Brad, stepping back. “Brad, whatever else Jared is, he is now my husband. I have no intention of returning to Chicago with you.”

  “You don’t know what you’re saying, Taryn.” He placed his hand on her arm. “You’re in shock yourself.”

  “I’m not in shock!” She pushed him back in sudden annoyance. His condescending tone of voice grated on her ears. Why had she ever tolerated it?

  Brad’s patronizing demeanor spilled over into his words. “How you’ve changed. For a year, you put off my ardor with coy rejections. Then King comes along, and you eagerly go to his bed, even giving him an alibi in the bargain.”

  “I don’t have to listen to this.” She stepped around Brad.