by Webb, Carole
The devilish grin and twinkle in his darks eyes made her cheeks feel flush. She did not answer, just kept her eyes straight ahead toward the outbuilding. Did he think her a silly weakling who couldn’t even ride a horse? Her irritation increased while she clenched her fists, wanting to rid herself of his company as soon as possible. Approaching a gate at the corral, a young man in his twenties with ash blond hair and deep blue eyes met them dressed in jeans and worn dusty boots.
“You must be Miss Newell. I heard you would be staying at the house with Mr. and Mrs. Adams. I’ll just take your horse and get him bedded down in the barn. A nice big stall leads into the paddock so he can stretch his legs.”
After releasing the lead rope from the wagon, he again turned her direction. “He sure is a beauty, ma’am. He must be pretty hard to handle for a little lady like yourself.”
Oh, this is just great. Do all the men in this country talk down to women in this fashion? She found this somewhat peculiar since Uncle Mike had always treated Diane as an equal. “I manage just fine.” She wanted to slap the smirk off Cash’s face, as he turned from her, his amusement obvious.
Cash leaped from the seat, walking to her side of the buggy in long easy steps. He grasped her waist lowering her effortlessly to the ground. Her skin felt feverish under his touch and breaths came rapid.
Men had touched her before, men not as despicable as this Cash fellow and she had never experienced such a sensation. He held his hands too long on her waist and his gaze seemed to brand her, making her feel a bit light in the head. Catching her breath, she yanked his hands from her waist and gave him a hostile glare before turning toward the house.
“I’ll bring your trunks right over, ma’am,” Cash called after her. He allowed his eyes take in the full backside of her body and the sassy walk as she moved away. He observed the perfect curves and her shiny chestnut hair as it glistened in the afternoon sunlight. What a stunning girl. He quickly led his thoughts away from her, having no desire to get involved with an impudent virgin or Diane’s niece. She and Mike had been friends for years and he did not want to do anything to cause trouble in their relationship.
Nick led her horse away and disappeared into the barn while Cash carried Raeden’s trunks into the house and Sadie met him in the hall with a pleasant smile. An abrupt unexpected feeling of disappointment at not seeing Raeden entered his mind when he glanced around the house from the foyer before the thought disappeared just as quickly.
“Hello, Cash. It sure is nice to see you again. Will you be here for dinner tonight?”
“Mike invited me. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” He looked forward to an evening with Miss Raeden. It would surely prove quite amusing. “Is Miss Newell okay? Does she need anything?”
“Oh, she’s just fine. She is upstairs getting ready to take a nice hot bath. What a lovely girl she is, don’t you think?”
“She is quite lovely, as long as she keeps her mouth closed.” He strode out the door with a picture of her naked in the tub on his mind while he jumped into the buggy and headed back to town.
Eight
Tossing her traveling attire in a heap by the roomy four-poster bed, Raeden fumed as she undressed. Unable to believe she actually found such a contemptible man attractive made her temper flare. Just who does he think he is, speaking to me in such way? In addition, those lecherous stares! With any luck, their contact in town would be minimal. Glancing around the bedroom suite, she unpinned heavy curls to brush out the dust from the trip.
A cherry wood vanity sat along the wall from her bed. It sported small drawers down each side. A three-section mirror curved across the back and a small padded vanity seat with ornately scrolled wrought iron for the legs and back, sat along the wall across from her bed.
Footsteps on the stairs drew her attention to the young man she met earlier, standing at her door with two huge buckets of steaming water for the long awaited bath. “Come right in, I truly appreciate your help. By the way, I didn’t get your name.”
“My name is Nick, ma’am.” His face blushed slightly when she flashed him a smile. Nick poured the hot water into the roomy etched copper tub standing near the fireplace concealed by an ornate foldable screen painted in Oriental design. “I‘ll be right back with more water.”
While arranging toilet articles on the marble-topped vanity, Sadie entered with thick fluffy white towels followed by Nick with more water. “I’ll press all your garments. Just let me know what you want to wear and I will see to it while you bathe.”
Unlike the reprehensible marshal, Raeden had received a warm welcome from Sadie whose plump figure and rosy cheeks gave her a jovial appearance along with her flawless smile.
She opened a case and chose a yellow evening dress embroidered with petite pink roses around the neckline and held it out for Sadie.
“It’s quite a lovely dress. Is it imported?”
“No Sadie, I made it myself.” She always felt tremendous pride when someone compared her work to imported fashions.
“Well I must say, you appear very handy with a needle and thread.”
After thanking Sadie, she closed the door and made ready for her bath. The sweet aroma from the glycerin and rosewater she had sprinkled liberally in the hot water caressed the air as it ascended in the steam, inviting her into the water.
With a sigh, she submerged her entire body including her hair in the spacious tub and relaxed while thoughts of the tall, virulent man occupied her mind. His teasing had angered her, but his rugged confidence and attractive masculine demeanor made her speculate how it might feel to be possessed by such a man.
She cleared her thoughts and after scrubbing herself thoroughly she rinsed her hair with the water left next to the tub then stepped out to dry, wrapping her tresses in one of the generous soft towels.
She slipped into pale yellow silk undergarments, covered herself in a dark blue silk dressing gown then proceeded to unpack clothing, choosing shoes then a yellow ribbon choker adorned with small cameo that would rest in the hollow of her neck.
Sun streamed through the enormous window across the opposite wall spreading over an overstuffed chair, the perfect place to let her hair dry. Loosening the towel, long damp strands cascaded around her shoulders falling down to her waist.
When dry, she brushed the generous curls, bringing out the vivid crimson highlights streaked through her hair.
The sound of voices emanating from the stairway brought Raeden to her feet. Opening her bedroom door, she called downstairs. “Aunt Diane, is it you?”
Diane answered as she climbed the staircase, Raeden’s dress in hand. “I’m ready for a nice long bath. I see you already had yours.” Diane handed Raeden her garment.
“What a wonderful indulgence after all the time on the train. Did you get everything in storage?”
“Most of it, the men are still unloading the rest. Everyone in town will want to come and see what I brought back. I have a whole train car of items people ordered. I picked them out personally and I am sure they will want to get their goods as soon as possible. We will be at the store bright and early in the morning.”
“I can hardly wait to see it, and my work area. I’ll write a letter tonight so it can go back with the train to St. Louis. I am sure Mother and Father will be anxious to hear from me.”
She returned to her room and finished unpacking her things placing them in the chest of drawers matching the floor to ceiling carved oak armoire. She strode to the mid-sized writing desk in the anteroom facing a draped window. A cushioned chair with matching ottoman and a small chaise lounge sat around a plush hand woven Oriental rug covering most of the hardwood floor.
While sealing the correspondence to her family, the scent of food cooking wafted into the stairway making her hungry, so she hurriedly dressed tying her hair into a ribbon, leaving the soft curls flowing down her back. After one last glance in the mirror, she ran her hands over the folds of her dress and straightened the low cut bodice exposing creamy
white skin enhanced by the clef between firm jutting breasts.
When she entered the kitchen, the aroma of food made her mouth water. The roomy area had a small wooden table and chairs tucked in the corner, and ample pantries along the wall appeared well stocked. Long wooden counters graced the sides of a sink with a small water pump and the windows facing the rear porch held bright yellow curtains accentuating the last rays of sunlight setting in the west.
Sadie stood at the counter preparing the meal when Raeden entered. “Is there anything I can do to help? Everything smells fantastic.”
“Oh, no, I have everything under control here. Why don’t you go into the reception room and see everyone has something to drink? We have wine and several types of liquor or if someone would prefer there is buttermilk in a crock on the porch.” Sadie continued to work over the wood-burning stove. The bouquet of freshly baked bread filled the room, making Raeden ravenous.
On her way to the reception room, she passed through the formal dining area. An ivory candelabrum with twelve crystal domes reflected off a mirror-finish wooden table lined with carved high-backed chairs. Thick cushioned seats upholstered in cream-colored damask woven in a floral pattern matched the elegant draperies covering bay windows with a view of the mountains casting a purple-black hue in the twilight.
Fine imported china, crystal goblets and silver flatware adorned each place setting and a centerpiece of fall flowers softly scented the room. Alongside the china cabinet in the far corner stood an enormous buffet table holding a silver coffee urn and several freshly baked pies with dessert plates neatly stacked at the side. She paused for a moment scanning a thick richly colored Turkish carpet admiring her aunt’s elegant taste.
The parlor held several deep-pillowed settees and overstuffed chairs strategically placed around one another. A cabinet with glass insets holding decanters and crystal goblets stood behind a small bar gracing the wall to her left. Oil filled sconces hung from each wall ready to illuminate this idyllic room to entertain guests.
Raeden found matches in the drawer of the cabinet and proceeded to light all the lamps before the last rays of the setting sun hid behind the horizon.
Anxious to tour the rest of the house, Raeden strolled into the ballroom adjacent to the parlor. Her dress flared above her ankles when she twirled across gleaming wood floors surmising how often the fabulous room held dancers. The entire house spoke of elegance and comfort not what she had expected so far from civilization.
Diane’s voice drifted from the kitchen so Raeden joined her, admiring the cream-colored dress showing off her slim figure. A strand of pearls encircled her long neck and pearl earrings adorned her lobes. When she turned to face Raeden, a smile curved her lips spreading to expose minuscule laugh lines and her clear blue eyes sparkled with life.
Diane reached out to take her hands. “You look stunning, my dear. Your dress appears quite European. I swear your creations are getting better all the time.”
Raeden smiled at the compliment. “Our annual autumn ball is coming up soon. You must make me something to wear that will show off your talent.”
Raeden perked at the idea. “There is going to be a dance?” Her mind already calculating, perhaps she would be able to contract a few ball gowns for the occasion.
“We all get together before the bad weather sets in. Traveling is difficult during the winter, so it gives us all a chance to see each other. Come spring, we hold one at our house and during the summer we have big barbeques.”
“That sounds delightful. I never thought so much would happen way out here. I guess I expected a more rustic environment.” Raeden became restless to begin the evening. “What time will your guests arrive? I will be serving pre-dinner refreshments.”
“They should arrive around eight o’clock. I have invited four couples and of course, Cash.”
The thought of sitting through dinner listening to his abuse made her stomach turn. “Did you have to invite such a vile man? He’s so rude.”
Diane’s eyes flickered with amusement. “Well, Cash is sort of the town rake but he will mind his manners while he is here. I want you to meet some of our friends. The ladies are sure to notice your attire. It might give you the chance to update their wardrobes.”
The two women walked toward the reception room. “Tomorrow we will get things set up for you at the store unless you would rather rest for a couple of days.”
“Heavens no, I want to help. I’m getting up early anyway to take Arte out to stretch his legs after such a long train ride.”
Nine
Hearing footsteps on the porch both turned their attention to the door. Raeden followed Diane when she opened it welcoming the first guests to arrive. “Hello, Jane, and how are you, Bill? Come in and let me introduce you to my niece.”
With a graceful turn, she reached for Raeden’s elbow drawing her close. “Raeden, I would like you to meet our friends Jane and Bill Winters. They own the hotel and also run a small ranch outside town to the east.”
Raeden greeted the couple allowing Bill to take her hand. He appeared strong and confident, handsome with his dark hair silvered at the temples. “So this is the niece we have been hearing so much about. I must say you favor your beautiful aunt.” Raeden felt her cheeks warm.
Jane, a pretty woman in a country sort of way, healthy and hardy, moved closer. Raeden noticed her dress somewhat outdated. “You are such an attractive girl and your dress is lovely. Is it imported?” A genial expression illuminated her face while she admired the gown.
Raeden puffed with pride while she made a turn to allow Jane to view the gown in its entirety. “I design my own clothes. It’s sort of a passion of mine. May I serve you a drink while we wait for the others to arrive?” She led them toward the parlor then reached for glasses in the cabinet.
“I would love a glass of wine. How about you, Bill?”
“Whiskey will be fine.” He stood next to Diane and they began discussing the latest shipment in from St. Louis.
Raeden poured a glass of wine for Jane and herself then some scotch whiskey from a crystal decanter. “Would you care for something, Aunt Diane?”
Diane halted the conversation and glanced toward Raeden. “A glass of wine would be nice. Thanks so much for being such a gracious hostess.”
Passing out the beverages she handed Diane the glass of wine she had poured for herself then filled another. It most likely would take more than one glass of wine to get her through the evening once that man arrived.
“Where is Mike?” Bill inquired taking a taste of his drink. “Don’t tell me he is still at the store. I noticed you had an entire trainload when I picked up our furniture for the new addition to the hotel.” He downed another swallow of whiskey. “Good thing you built the new addition. By the way, I’ll be by tomorrow to settle my account.” Finishing his drink in one last gulp, Bill stood to refill his glass.
“Mike is upstairs getting dressed. We should see him any minute now. And there is no big hurry on your account. You can stop by anytime.” Her eyebrows curved upward as she cocked her head slightly to one side. “Just don’t leave town.” They both chuckled and turned toward Jane bringing her into the conversation.
Hearing footsteps outside, Diane rose to greet her guests. Raeden’s heart pounded in her chest when she heard Diane speak. “Hello, Cash, come in. I’m so glad you could make it.” With her hand tucked into his arm, they entered the reception room.
“Rae will be happy to pour you a drink. You certainly deserve it after the long day you spent helping us unload.”
When he entered the room escorting Diane with a hand on the back of her waist, Raeden noticed him dressed in formal attire. The dark blue western suit offset his dark eyes. A black felt hat rimmed with a silver band held in hand allowed her to observe the full head of thick coal-black hair. He stood straight as a mast and his presence filled the room. White teeth shone through a scant smile.
Nearing Raeden, a look of admiration glinted from piercing e
yes sending waves of heat through her entire body. She stood unable to remove her eyes from the skin below his neck appearing beneath the white shirt left unbuttoned at the collar.
His smile curved into a devilish grin making her back stiffen, and she held her head high waiting for a mocking gibe to emit from his perfectly formed mouth. “What may I get you to drink, Marshal Rydell?”
She did not attempt to hide the sarcasm in her voice, but her eyes traveled the length of his torso then glanced down his long well muscled limbs.
He returned her derision. “I’ll have whiskey, Miss Newell, unless you rather I pour it myself.” His hard stare slowly raked down the length of her body then back up to rest a moment on breasts rising above her bodice. A blush burned her cheeks while she turned to pour his drink. Her hand shook when she reached to hand him the glass.
His fingers softly brushed the side of her hand sending a shock wave up her arm and she prayed he would stop staring as if she stood naked. When he turned to join the others, she gulped down wine to ease her distress and her shoulders sagged slightly, relieved to be no longer on display.
The remaining guests arrived together shortly thereafter and Raeden busied herself at the bar but with a mind of their own, her eyes drew back to Cash’s chiseled face and lean hard body. When their eyes met, she hastily averted her gaze but she could sense dark penetrating eyes disrobing her frame. Never before had she quivered under a man’s stare.
Mike finally arrived, poured a glass of whiskey, approached Diane and bent to kiss her. With an arm around her waist, he entered the guests’ lively conversation.
Eventually, the women migrated to Raeden collecting around to admire her gown. All complained about their outdated wardrobes and made appointments for fittings the following week. Her mind began to focus on new designs.