by Paige Powers
"I wish you were coming with us, but I hope you have a restful evening at home."
Lizbeth leaned over and inhaled the scent of the roses.
"Can you make sure to set out my navy blue dress? I would like to make a good impression tonight."
"I will, Ma'am."
"Very well. Have a good day, Cassie."
Lizbeth went back into the house to finish reading her book. She stared at the dishes left over from her visit. She needed a maid. Someone had to clean up in here and it most certainly would not be her. She made a mental note to ask Bryan to find some help around the house.
By the time Bryan returned home, Lizbeth had practically lost patience with the entire idea of going to dinner. She also hated the fact that when Bryan came home, he was filthy. It was not the fact that it took him extra time to clean himself up, it was that she had envisioned their existence as being much more than her being the wife of a handyman.
She made a note to speak to him about possibly becoming a Texas Ranger like his brother. Having had the experience as a soldier, being a Texas Ranger could not be that much different.
Sitting in the Great Room, Lizbeth felt the last bit of patience slip from her body. She was ready to get up and practically start pacing when Bryan appeared.
"Are you ready for dinner, my love?"
When he spoke to her, his words and his voice had the ability to melt her ever so slightly whenever she had gotten herself in a tizzy.
"Yes, finally, my dear. It seems like I've been waiting for hours. I hate to admit that I'm famished – practically ready to faint."
Bryan simply opened the front door for her, and stood to the side so that she could step outside.
He held her hand on the way to the wagon. It was a gentle gesture, one that she appreciated, but was not sure what to do with. She allowed him to hold onto her hand for the moment it took them to get to the wagon.
"My dear, do you mind if we don't spend too much time in mixed company tonight? I would like to come back and start to enjoy the solitude of our own home."
"Lizbeth, we haven't even left yet. How are you ready to leave our guests when we have yet to arrive?"
She tried to find an excuse to cover the fact that she was not at all interested in this visit.
"You're right," she replied, trying to smooth things over. She did not want him to get upset and she knew that she had been complaining a bit much.
"I will go and enjoy the evening just as you say I should. The ladies were so very kind to me."
"Good. Let us go and enjoy our evening. Do you realize that it will be our first evening out as a couple in our new hometown?"
She simply nodded. Lizbeth felt guilty that her feelings did not mirror the smile on his face. She was not as happy about this new life. In fact, she was more ambiguous about it than ever. Bryan continued to do things that reflected the fact that he wanted to live in Owen's Bluff indefinitely. All she wanted was to go back home.
As they approached Brent and Lily's home, she felt more anxious. Lizbeth would have to put on a fake smile and pretend to be pleasant, and that was the last thing that she felt like doing this evening. She'd rather be back in her room sulking, pouting and doing whatever she could to convince Bryan that they should return home to South Carolina.
"Welcome!" Bryan and Lily stood on the porch to greet their guests.
"You both are right on time. Sheriff Dyer and Miss Sarah both just arrived as well. Come in, dinner is ready." Lily, warm and inviting, beckoned for them to come in to the home.
"Everything is so lovely. Thank you for having us," Lizbeth commented.
"Well now, Lizbeth, we are family. You are welcome any time," Lily replied.
Everyone said their hellos and took a seat at the table. The conversation was nothing more than idle chatter to fill the space.
"So, Brent. Bryan tells me you are part of the Texas Rangers. That sounds like a respectable job. How did you get started with that?'
Beaming, Brent explained the story. "I was on my way to my brother's wedding in California. I came across an advertisement while crossing through Texas and thought that it would be a perfect opportunity for a bit of change in my life. I responded, and Sheriff Dyer here answered me, asking me to come out here to Owen's Bluff."
"And we are happy to have him," chimed in Sheriff Dyer. "He's not only an addition to the Rangers, but he has been a great addition to our family here with me and Sarah."
"Yes, I've taken to Adam like he is my own," Sarah replied, ruffling the hair of the small child as he sat next to her. He giggled and the sound was infectious.
"And of course the most important part of my existence here is my love Lily."
The couple stared at each other dreamy-eyed.
"It is so wonderful that you could get such an esteemed position like that, Brent. Sheriff, maybe you can see to find a fitting position for my Bryan here. He is working doing odds and ends at the hotel and all over town. I’m sure he would love a position with the Texas Rangers."
Once the words escaped her mouth, there was a quiet that blanketed the room, putting everyone in an awkward position.
Bryan spoke to ease the tension. "I am quite happy doing what I am doing right now. I have no desire to tote a gun again or go after any criminals or desperados. I will leave that work to the ones best suited for it."
"We always have a place for good men. But I think we all fit into the world where we are supposed to." The Sheriff's voice was booming and the tone let them know that was the point at which they should change the conversation topic.
For a moment, there was only the sound of forks clinking on their plates.
Lily was the first to speak, breaking the icy mood in the room. "Miss Sarah, the biscuits are wonderful." She turned to everyone else to rave. "Miss Sarah makes the best biscuits I've ever tasted."
"Why thank you, Lily." Sarah folded her napkin and placed it gently on the table.
Sam leaned back in his chair. "What do you say us men retire to the porch for a bit of rum and a cigar?"
"Actually, I've had a pretty long day, and Bryan, if you don’t mind, I would like to go home and get some rest. I really don't believe I have adjusted to being in my new home here." Lizbeth tried to smile politely so that everyone would not think badly of her.
Sarah gave her a comforting look. "I do believe we have fatigued our guest of honor."
"But I really appreciate your hospitality, Miss Sarah. Sheriff Dyer. I thank you."
Everyone stood from the table.
"Well brother, I will see you later. It's so good to say that and mean it." Brent gave Bryan a hearty pat on the back.
Bryan and Lizbeth bid their goodbyes and loaded themselves in the wagon.
The ride back was not pleasant. Filled with stoic stares and silence, they rode back to the house with nothing more to say to one another.
Chapter 5
Sunlight streamed in the bedroom window. Lizbeth opened her eyes to the bright day and her first thought was of home. She longed for it every day. Every day that she woke up in Owen's Bluff, she felt her life in South Carolina slip further and further away.
She rose from the bed and took a look outside of her window. One thing that was perfect about her room was that she had a clear view of the gardens. Waking up to see the flowers in bloom was one of the bright spots in her day. After Cassie made her go outside and actually enjoy the grounds, it became one of her favorite spaces.
The scent of the hydrangeas and the roses, the array of colors was amazing. Whoever had planted this garden was an expert on color and floral arrangements. It was a spectacular display of love and it was apparent that this space had been special to someone.
Lizbeth sighed. She wanted her breakfast in bed and she could not think of why Cassie was not there with something ready. She would just have to do it herself. There was no point in Cassie being there if she was not going to be on top of things and get Lizbeth what she needed when she needed it.
&
nbsp; Once she dressed, she went down to the kitchen, only to find there was no food prepared. As a matter of fact, it felt like no one had been there at all. Bryan would most likely have left for work early in the morning, but Cassie's whereabouts were what she was concerned about.
Cassie was not in the garden and she did not appear to be anywhere in the house. The only place Lizbeth could suspect she would be was at the market. Either way, Cassie not being home was a major inconvenience and they would have to discuss it upon her return.
She took a piece of fruit off of the table and opted to go outside to the garden. The sun was shining, but was not too hot as of yet. It was the perfect time to take pleasure in the small piece of paradise.
Strolling, she found herself next to the roses. The pink ones were her favorite. She made a note to find some pruning shears so that she could come out and clip a few for the vase in her bedroom.
"Those are beautiful."
Startled, Lizbeth turned toward the sound of the voice. "That they are. Who, may I ask, are you?"
The tiny woman smiled warmly. "I am Maria, Ma'am. I was hired by Mr. Bryan to help with the cooking and cleaning." She nodded and looked down at the ground as she spoke in a heavy accent.
That made Lizbeth happy. "Bryan hired you? Well, what a blessing. I could use some help around here. Thank you for coming."
"I hope you do not mind me being out here. I was waiting for you to awaken and I saw this beautiful place and decided to come outside for a moment."
"It is absolutely alright. When you see the beautiful colors, it is hard to resist."
"Have you seen anyone else here this morning?" Lizbeth practically cut Maria off while she spoke.
"No, Ma'am." Maria practically recoiled, standing back, folding her hands gently in front of her.
"Alright. Let me take you inside and help you get acclimated. We can start with your fixing breakfast. I am famished. Please note that I like my breakfast in bed and that lunch should be no later than noon."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Maria followed Lizbeth into the house.
"So I assume that the kitchen and house cleaning is your domain. I won't intrude on that. I just ask that the meals are prepared and ready on time. Bryan is usually home by six in the evening. Dinner should be on the table, hot. Then you can leave for the day. I like breakfast at seven in the morning. Something light, like fruit or a boiled egg and toast. Coffee black, and make sure there is tea available. And as far as the housework, I like my sheets starched, my dresses should be hung with care when laundered. I buy them from one of the finest tailors in my hometown. That reminds me, I will have to find out how to have my garments shipped here because I have yet to find a place that will hand-craft them for me like I have at home. Are you getting all of this?"
Lizbeth turned around to see if Maria was taking note. "As you may have well figured out by now, I like things the way that I like them. I hope that won't be a problem for you. Maria, was it?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I am ready to work. Please relax in the garden and I will bring a wonderful breakfast out for you."
Lizbeth smirked. Employing Maria may have been the best thing that Bryan had done for her since moving to Owen's Bluff. It would be nice to have some help around the house since obviously Cassie could not be counted on.
* * *
The door in the kitchen closed. Lizbeth continued to sit in the great room and read her book of poetry. She knew that it was Cassie returning home. She could not wait to see what excursion Lizbeth had deemed more important than her job for Lizbeth.
"Lizbeth, I'm back from the market." Cassie entered the great room, and Lizbeth continued to stay seated.
"It's so nice of you to join us. I did not know that you were going out for the morning."
Cassie stared at her, standing there quietly as if pondering how to respond.
"With it being such a beautiful morning, I awakened before you and thought it a good idea to go the market before it became too hot."
Lizbeth closed her book and sat it on her lap. "That sounds nice. I would have loved to possibly go with you."
Cassie nodded. "Well then, I will know that for next time. There is fresh fruit in the kitchen, ripe and ready for lunch."
"You like it here? In Owen's Bluff?" Her question was more blurted out than anything.
Cassie paused. "I'm not sure if I like it specifically for the place itself, or if it is just the change of pace that is comforting."
Lizbeth considered what Cassie meant. "Personally, I don't find anything comforting about being displaced from your home environment."
Cassie moved a stray tendril of hair from her face. "I don't think I consider moving as being displaced."
Folding her arms, Lizbeth was practically sulking. "I can't see anything good about being here. Besides the garden. That is the bright spot of my day. And Miss Sarah's biscuits. Those were certainly a bright spot."
Both of the women shared a laugh.
"I do believe that is the first time I've seen you look remotely happy since we've been here," Cassie replied.
Lizbeth set the book on the table. "I would not want anyone getting any ideas. I'm not so sure that I'm willing to plant roots here just yet."
"Give it a chance." Cassie tried to be as encouraging as possible. "Change can be a positive thing."
"Hmph. I'm not convinced. I was much happier and comfortable back at home. I had everything that I needed there."
Cassie just smiled. "I'm sure we will find a life here, with each other. A good one."
"If you are convinced, what can I say? I’m just happy that you have decided to stick with me, although I’m not sure what my final decision on staying here in Owen’s Bluff will be." Lizbeth threw her hands in the air as if in surrender.
"Come. Liza. Let's go to the kitchen. I would like to show you what we got from the market."
Hearing her friend call her by her family nickname made her feel slightly closer to home, but it was not enough.
She followed Cassie to the kitchen, where they found Maria preparing something to eat. For a moment, she considered the fact that she could possibly remain in Owen's Bluff. But the longing for her home and her family was stronger than anything.
Lizbeth knew that her time in Owen's Bluff would be short. She would just have to convince Bryan that it was time to go home. The question was, how could she convince him.
A thought came to mind.
"Maria, do you think that you could prepare a basket of goodies for me? I would like to surprise my husband-to-be this afternoon with a small repast."
"My pleasure. I certainly will." Maria busied herself preparing the basket.
"Cassie, you have found the most delightful produce at the market." She tossed them around, perusing the things Cassie had purchased.
“And I’m sure that you’ve met Maria. She is my new help.”
Cassie nodded in Maria’s direction. Maria smiled politely.
“Maria, I’ll be expecting that basket in the next few minutes. I will be ready to go.”
“Yes Ma’am. And how will you get to town?”
Lizbeth shrugged. “I suppose I can walk.”
“Or my brother can take you.”
Lizbeth scrunched up her face. “Who is your brother? Does he work for us as well?”
“I mentioned it to Mr. Bryan. My brother’s name is Chavez. He would be willing to be your driver around town. He is a good man and he is looking for a job.”
Rolling her eyes, Lizbeth agreed. “Fine. As long as he can be here within the next thirty minutes when I’m ready to leave.”
Lizbeth walked out of the kitchen and went to get dressed. Bryan would most certainly be surprised. Hopefully, if things went her way, she could charm him into agreeing that they could go back home for good.
* * *
Cassie finished putting away the produce while Maria prepared the basket that Lizbeth requested. Maria seemed to be such a sweet woman. She thought that it would be nice to
have someone else around besides Lizbeth to talk to for a change.
Lizbeth spent most of her day whining and complaining.
It’s too hot.
I’m melting.
When do you think Bryan will be ready to go back to South Carolina?
I can’t take one more day of living here in this dust bowl.
The only nice thing she had to say was about Miss Sarah’s biscuits. She was being absolutely impossible and the more she spoke, the more Cassie was beginning to dislike her.
Cassie could not believe that Lizbeth was turning into such a pompous princess. She was spoiled enough and Cassie was used to a certain degree of arrogance. As a matter of fact, Cassie was not even sure she could truly classify the two of them as friends.
When Lizbeth referred to Cassie, she called her a friend. But the more Lizbeth thought about it, she could not consider Lizbeth the same. Although Lizbeth provided a certain lifestyle for her, she had never really considered herself and Cassie as equals. Cassie knew all of Lizbeth’s secrets and more about her than Lizbeth cared to know about Cassie.
Truthfully, Lizbeth only knew the basics. She knew as much about Cassie as the rest of the townsfolk back in South Carolina knew about her. Lizbeth never took the time to ask Cassie how she felt, what she wanted in life, or who she truly was. Cassie did not know anything about Cassie’s thoughts on love or life.
Possibly because women like Lizbeth were not supposed to have opinions. They were simply supposed to sit and look pretty and be the support of the man they were married to.
That was not a world that Cassie could completely buy into. She had opinions and thoughts and feelings. She wanted to be with a man who cared about that.
Bryan Abbott was all of the things she wanted in a man. He was sweet, kind and loyal to a fault. Cassie could not figure out for the life of her what Bryan saw in Lizbeth. At first she thought it was the obvious: marrying Lizbeth would be a status upgrade.
The Abbotts did not come from money, but they were by no means poor. While his parents were well respected, some of the Abbott boys were known for being more wild.