by Rosie Harper
“I think we could maybe even go one better,” Mariette said angrily. She prided herself on fair dealings, and had ensured that the rest of Stephenville did the same. She wasn’t going to let a bunch of outsiders come in and try and take over their town. She wondered what they though the land held. She knew the geological surveys said there was no gold, or copper but she knew that there had been rumours for years about the possibilities of oil production happening here in Texas. She’d lay her entire fortune that these men were getting ready for when there was the technology to make something of it.
“Whatever do you mean?” Melissa asked her, finally catching her breath.
“Well, I think we should firstly expose this story. Secondly I think we should start up a town co-operative. I’ve been thinking about it for ages, how it could work and if it would be a good idea. This makes up my mind. I think it is the only way to move forward. We all contribute either labour, produce, money or skills to the town. In return we can all draw on whatever we need so nobody need give up their homes when times are tough. I think we need to keep these parasites that are scouring the state buying up land out of Stephenville. Then, if there turns out to be anything under the ground, as a whole town we can contribute to finding the resources to mine it, and then to benefit from it.”
“Do you really think people will go for it? I mean it sounds wonderful, but many wealthy people will probably just think you are trying to take their money and palm them off with something less valuable.”
“We can maybe try. Use the newspaper to announce a town meeting to discuss the possibilities at least. The wealthy will agree to it if they think there will be a benefit to them. We need homes built, we need people to fix those homes, shoe our horses, make our fancy carriages. We also love to gamble on things that may make us a lot of money,” Mariette grinned at Melissa. “Oil is rumoured to be the next big thing. People are buying up land wherever they can. The technology to access it is coming, and anyone who had the foresight to buy now will benefit. Now, why should that not mean that we can benefit the entire town too?”
“Well, I’ll write this up and leave you to do that side of things, but you may be right. I know Caleb and I would be grateful for some kind of insurance should times be tough. If we could contribute in the good years, and be able to take our share when times are lean that could be a real blessing. I know many folk like us, and those less well off would feel the same.”
Mariette was sure that it was a good idea. She had been considering doing something about it for some time, but there were a few in town who would think her mad. But, the majority could really benefit from it, and she was determined to try. She quickly outlined her plan, rewrote it a dozen plans until she was sure that nobody could possibly misconstrue her meanings, and then chose a night for everyone to meet and discuss it. She almost bumped into Melissa on the stairs as she hurried down to pass it to Mr Cole to be included.
Two hours later and she held the first copy of the new Stephenville Star in her hands. She had to admit, it looked wonderful and was packed full of useful news and information for the townspeople. She hugged Melissa, and surprised Mr Cole when she did the same to him. His head only just reached her shoulders and he looked bemused and bewildered when he was released from her bosom. “How long before the entire print run is complete?” she asked him once he seemed to have recovered his wits.
“Should have it done by dawn, you hired lads like I suggested to deliver it to every home?”
“I did indeed. They will be scurrying around to ensure every home has a copy to read as they drink their morning coffee.”
Chapter Five
Hardy had moved into Caleb’s old shack. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for him. He would never have dreamed of taking Mariette there, but it was easier for him to come and go unseen to her smart little house. He knew he should end the affair, he was already in love with the woman, and knew no world where he could even consider taking her for his wife, much as he wanted to. His life was coming along nicely. He had saved most of the wages Caleb gave him, and he knew that within five years he would be able to buy his own ranch. He couldn’t ask Mariette to wait that long for him though. She was a woman in her prime, and would want to settle down and have children soon enough, he was sure of it.
Banishing dreams of wedded bliss with Mariette from his mind, Hardy went out into the yard and began practising with the lasso. Caleb had been his usual patient self, had shown him over and over, but he just seemed to have a block on getting the technique right. But he was determined he would achieve his aims one day, and so he continued with his best efforts. He wound the rope carefully, began to circle it up over his head and then let loose. He missed the wooden stumps he had nailed together to represent a cow by a mile. He shifted his feet slightly, stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth in deep concentration and tried again. The rope glanced off the beast’s back, but it was the closest he had ever come. He danced a few happy steps, not caring a jot if anyone caught him celebrating such a minor win.
He squared his shoulders, checked his posture and gave it one last shot before turning in. The loop wrapped itself around the log that represented the cow’s neck. He hollered with joy. Finally he had it. He danced for joy around the yard, rushing to his wooden beast and kissing it on its rough, bark covered face. “Well, I see my competition is not anything to worry about too much!” He shook his head in disbelief, then looked up and saw Mariette towering over him.
“What on earth are you doing up here?” he asked foolishly as he stumbled to his feet.
“Well, I could ask the same thing, but I am not sure I want to hear the answer,” she said with a grin. “I think we need to talk.”
“Uh-oh,” Hardy said trying not to feel anxious. He knew that it was rarely good when anyone said those six words – let alone when they fell from the lips of a beautiful woman.
“Oh don’t be so foolish,” she scolded him. “I just think we need to work out what is going on here. You seem to like me. I like you. But, are we headed anywhere?” As always she asked him directly, her gaze steady. Her face never gave him any hint as to what she expected him to say.
“I’m not sure I understand,” he fudged. “What’s wrong with things as they are?”
“Nothing,” she said with a sigh. It was the first time he had ever seen her give anything away, her eyes looked a little saddened by his response. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Now, don’t go jumping to conclusions,” he blustered. “I’d marry you tomorrow if I could.” She had begun to walk away from him, back to her horse, was about to mount. He grabbed her arm and swung her around. “I cannot give you the life you deserve Mariette, no matter how much I love you. It wouldn’t be right.”
“What life do I deserve Hardy? I came out here a poor girl dressed in men’s clothing. I lived three years in conditions many men simply couldn’t hack, and made my fortune. I do not, and have not ever needed a man to give me the life I deserve. I don’t want or need that from you. What I had maybe hoped was that maybe we could share our lives, because we loved each other.”
“Oh Mariette, I love you and I know you have a hide as tough as leather when it comes to brushing off what people say. But, I’m not as strong as you. I couldn’t bear for anyone to say I had married you to get your money – for started because of the insult that would be to your intelligence in choosing a man – but I have pride too, damn it. I want to make something of myself. How could I ever do that if you always paved my way?” She nodded, as if she understood, but Hardy couldn’t help but feel that she didn’t, not one bit. She lived to flaunt public opinion, but it wasn’t that easy for others, for mere mortals like himself.
She took his face in her palms and kissed him gently. It was as passionate and loving as kiss as any they had shared, but Hardy couldn’t help but think that she was kissing him goodbye. “I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow?” she asked.
“I think it is a great idea. I’ll be
cheering you on, but Caleb needs me to mind the herd. I hope it goes well and you have my vote,” he said, choking on the words, trying to hold back the emotions that seemed to be ripping him apart. He’d lost her, he knew it. His stupid pride had made sure he lost the most incredible woman in the world. He helped her up onto her mare and watched as she cantered out of sight.
He walked back inside, past his log cow. His earlier triumph seemed somehow pointless now. He so wanted to impress her, wanted her to understand he was doing it for her – because she deserved the best man, the best of everything. He wanted to give her the moon and stars, but couldn’t even give her a home. Oh, he knew she already had a home, but he meant one that his sweat and toil had built for her. He slammed the door behind him, and ripped off his boots, crashing into bed without even undressing.
He knew sleep probably wouldn’t come, but closed his eyes anyway. All he could see behind his lids was her sad face, and he bolted upright once more. Shit, he needed to go after her. To tell her he hadn’t meant it. He’d learn to live with the comments. If anyone was worth it Mariette was. But he knew in his heart that he would resent her, would resent feeling small. That it would ruin whatever love they had for each other, would replace it with anxiety and rage. No, he thought as he lay back down, much better to have loved her and lost her before he drove her from him.
He awoke the next morning feeling groggy, and tired but he dragged himself up and out to the stable. Melissa was usually kind enough to have made he and Caleb breakfast before she set off for her own work at the newspaper, and often made sure he had a filling evening meal before he headed back to the empty shack. As he looked around now it hit him that this would be it now. There would be no more midnight rides into town, spending a few hours in Mariette’s arms. What a fool he was. But no man could live that way, knowing his wife was in charge because she held all the power.
Thankfully Caleb worked him hard, Bartlett’s herd were all finally looking healthier and fatter. They had to drive them out to find the main herd, and he would need to stay with them to ensure everything was fine for a few days. He hadn’t been looking forward to the solitude before, but now being alone with his thoughts and hundreds of cattle made him feel downright petrified for his sanity. But, Caleb was a good boss and he had a new wife he wanted to be at home with. Hardy would never begrudge the man that. As he set up camp Caleb did a final circle around the herd. “All okay so far. Be careful though, if they do start to butt heads keep your distance, but make a lot of noise. They’ll soon back off from one another,” he said as he came back to be sure Hardy had everything he needed. “That stew should see you through,” he nodded at the large pot Melissa had insisted they take with them that morning.
“You got lucky there Caleb. Melissa is such a wonderful lady.”
“That she is, as is Mariette. Nobody out here would ever think anything of her being wealthier than you my friend, though I know that is probably on your mind.”
“How did you know?” Hardy was surprised. Caleb had never struck him as the observant type – at least not of humans. He could spot even the slightest problem in his herd a mile away.
“I’d love to claim I’m some kind of genius, but Mel let it slip. Life is hard enough out here my friend, when you find a good woman don’t be daft enough to let her get away.”
“I may already be too late, I think it’s all over,” Hardy said sadly.
“It’s never over, if she loves you she’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Think about it. Do you want your life to consist of nothing but this,” he gestured at the herd and the tiny tent and camp fire. “Or, do you want it to be full of love, a family, happiness. You’ve got all the time in the world to work it out!” he said with a grin as he turned his horses head and began to head back to his own loving wife.
Hardy did just that, sat at the fire and thought about what it was he truly wanted, and every time Mariette’s smile, her dry wit, her loving caresses were what came to mind. Not once did the idea of being a wealthy man from his own efforts. He wanted to jump on Blaze’s back and head home, to tell her that he had been stubborn and wrong, and beg her – night and day if he had to – to give him another chance.
Chapter Six
The newspaper office was quiet. Mr Cole had gone home, there were four days until their next issue so things were a little less frantic now. Melissa had gone home to make supper for Caleb. Mariette sat at her desk, tears pouring down her cheeks as she thought of what she had lost. She put her hands on her warm belly, wishing she could feel the heartbeat, or the sturdy kick of the life growing inside her, so she had some reassurance that she hadn’t lost Hardy from her life completely. But it was months too early to feel anything. She wasn’t even sure if Melissa’s hunch was right, though she prayed that it was. Hardy Williams was a stubborn bloody fool.
But she couldn’t bring herself to wish that she had never laid eyes on the man. She loved him and she prayed that somehow he might change his mind. Hell, she’d give up every penny she had if it meant he’d marry her. She hated that they had parted last night, that she’d had to give up hope that she could convince him to accept her as she was, as she accepted him as he was. But she could understand. Texas was very much a man’s world, she of all people knew that. Men wanted to be men, and for some reason they believed that meant that they had to be the provider.
Her only fear now was that once he found out about her pregnancy, and he was sure to do so soon enough, that he would insist on marrying her anyway – but she didn’t want him to marry her because of any kind of ridiculous chivalrous code. She didn’t need or want her reputation saved from tarnish. She was happy to ride out any scorn – and was wealthy enough to do so. She knew she had friends who would never forsake her.
She tapped her pen in irritation on then blotter, and tried to focus on the paper she was writing. She had managed to contact an old friend of hers from the Dallas Bugle who had dug up some dirt on the men currently ferreting around Stephenville. She had been so excited when she received his letter, and was excited it had arrived in order for her to present it at the meeting tonight. She dried her eyes, and decided that she had better get on with it or she would not be ready.
A sound on the stair made her jump. She was expecting nobody. Mr Cole, Melissa and Caleb would meet her at the town hall. She was probably just imagining things, her mind seemed to be on overdrive these days. She seemed to drift through a hundred emotions an hour. She began to pack up her things, ready to cross over the street. “Good evening Miss Macardle,” a gruff voice came from the shadows of the stairwell. “So pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“I’m sorry the office is closed and I am about to leave,” she said haughtily, but she could feel the anxiety in her chest. She had been right to be fearful after all. The voice was unknown to her, as was the pock-marked face that eventually moved into the light where she could see him. He wore a black hat pulled down over his face, and held a shining pistol in one hand.
“Oh yes you are, but not without us,” he indicated two men behind him, dressed in black both with gun holsters on both hips. She gulped nervously. “You see, you’ve been meddling where you just aren’t welcome, and there’s folk around that just don’t like that. My boss, well he says that you need to be taught a lesson. And so, you can either go to your public meeting and tell them all that you were wrong, and that your ferreting around has found nothing to substantiate your claims that there are companies trying to buy up land across the State in the hopes that they may contain oil, or you can come with us to meet my boss.”
“You cannot force me to say any such thing. I have the proof, and I will not bow down to anyone who thinks they can send a bunch of thugs into my office. Now, let me pass,” Mariette was fuming now, and feeling almost crazily courageous. She knew that they were onto something, but this proved without a doubt just how big a something they had dug up. To think that they thought they could intimidate her with a couple of idiots like this.
“Oh yes we can, and we will. Now, shall we leave? And do you want to go across the street, or out of town?”
“I’m going over the street. You may go and crawl back under whatever rock you crawled out from without me.”
“Oh I so love it when they resist,” the man said to his companions. “Tie her up.”
“You cannot seriously think that you will be able to tie me up and whisk me out of town without somebody noticing. There will be people outside waiting to attend the meeting, nobody will let you take me,” she said full of bravado as the two henchman set about their task. She squirmed and wriggled as they caught her, trying to get away, to avoid the ropes they bound tightly around her wrists and then her ankles. The truth was she had no idea how many people would even consider turning out on a dark night for her meeting. But she had to hope.
“Gag her too. Her smart mouth is beginning to annoy me,” he said. “There didn’t seem to be any sign of anyone, but that just might be because of this,” he held up a sheet of paper, on which was printed a change of night for the meeting. She went to protest, but almost retched as a salty, stinking rag was tied around her mouth. “Ah, now that is better. Didn’t anybody ever teach you that a woman should be seen and not heard,” her abductor said with a lecherous grin as he ran a dirt-encrusted finger across her collarbone. He then lifted his gun, and with a quick flick of the wrist the butt connected with her skull, hard. Searing pain made her cry out, and then thankfully everything went black.