A few weeks ago, the thought would have been nothing more than a flicker in her mind. Now, she experienced regret that what she should have could not be. Feeling as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders, she watched while Wyatt tied two of the horses Pa had raised to the back of a stranger’s wagon.
She blinked back tears and squared her shoulders. It needed to be done if they were to keep the land. She turned and headed back to the house before Wyatt could see her emotion.
Wyatt didn’t miss the sheen of tears in Savannah’s eyes. If he had the funds, he’d pay her taxes. As it was, he was lucky to have a roof over his head and food in his belly. What was left of his army money had gone toward purchasing the horse he still hadn’t named.
Once the son of a wealthy plantation owner, he didn’t have a dollar to his name now. His childhood home burned to the ground, Pa dead of heart failure, and Ma … well, she’d died soon after of a broken heart. Carpetbaggers had scooped in after that and taken what was left. It was all gone by the time he’d returned home. Saving the Rocking W was Wyatt’s attempt at regaining purpose in his life. He wouldn’t allow himself to fail. Seeing Savannah’s tears only reinforced that fact.
Once the new owner of two fine mares drove off, Wyatt whistled for Lincoln and Lee. “Can you men ride a horse?”
The men nodded.
“Let me ask the boss where we can graze these cattle.” He strode toward the house, finally locating Savannah helping in the kitchen despite Irma’s protests.
“Where can we put these cattle, Boss Lady?” He grinned as she heaved a sigh. “If you know of a small canyon, it would prevent us constantly chasing after the critters.”
“I know of a place.” She left the dough she’d been kneading on the counter. “I’ll meet you in the barn.”
“I’ll saddle your horse.” He tipped his hat at the women and headed for the barn. If he had her horse ready for her, they could leave as soon as she joined them. Hopefully, finishing one task quickly meant the cotton could be picked over the next day or two. Once sold, it would provide payment to the hired hands and put a bit in the ranch’s coffers to tide them over until he heard back from his army buddy.
He mentally concocted a to-do list in his head, praying Lincoln and Lee would stay on after the fields were picked and replanted. With horses, now cattle, the fields, and keeping the creek free of dams, it was more work than one man could handle.
“I’m ready.” Savannah entered the barn, tugging gloves onto her hands. “The canyon is a little less than an hour’s ride from here.”
So far? He’d hoped for somewhere closer. A place easier to keep an eye on. “Is there a patch of rich grass closer?”
She twisted her lips in thought. “The creek meets up with another smaller one not too far away. If you put the cattle there, they probably won’t wander too far. The greatest threat would be bears and cougars.”
“We need to hire another hand. Someone who won’t mind sleeping with the herd.”
“I hear money trickling again.” She checked the cinch on the saddle then put her foot in the stirrup and swung onto the horse’s back.
“Maybe I can find someone willing to work for food until we get back on our feet.” He grabbed the reins to his horse and two others. “I’m doing the best I can not to spend money you don’t have. But, as amazing as I am, I can’t do it all myself.”
“I can help.”
“You do help. But it’ll take more than us two, even with Lincoln and Lee.” He cut her a sideways glance. “Lack of workers is one of the reasons this ranch is failing.”
Her face darkened. “That couldn’t be helped! Our workers left to fight and never returned. You saw how Mama acts toward the freed men and their wives.”
“Use the backbone God gave you and don’t let her rule the roost. You’re the boss here.”
She reined to a stop. “Excuse me? Who do you think has kept the roof over our heads for the last year?” She slapped her chest. “Me.”
He grinned. “There’s the spunk I want to see. Harvest that. Work as if you are successful, Savannah, and I promise you, this ranch will be something to envy someday.”
“I’m not one to give up. There’s no need to light a fire under me.” She urged her horse closer to the waiting workers. “They sure don’t look like cowboys.”
Wyatt laughed, his horse’s ears twitching at the sound. “As long as they can ride and follow directions, they’ll do.” He froze in his tracks, his smile fading. “Don’t look now, but trouble in a tailored suit is coming.”
Mr. Morrillton marched toward them. “So, it’s true. You’ve hired shanty people.”
“What is your objection, Mr. Morrillton?” Savannah squared her shoulders. “I told you we would have the taxes paid, and so we shall. Or did you think damming the creek would set us too far back?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He adjusted his tie.
“We’ve posted a warning, sir,” Wyatt said, “and we’ll be hiring a guard. If such behavior persists, we’ll have to get the law involved.”
The man’s gaze clashed with Wyatt’s. “I’ll get this ranch lawfully, Mr. Jamison. Mark my words. Hiring … those people won’t save this place from being purchased right out from under Miss Worthington’s pretty little feet. By me, I might add.” He spun on a polished boot and stomped back to his buggy.
“What a vile man. Where is he going?” Savannah asked.
Wyatt shrugged.
The banker switched directions at the last moment and approached the house. Mrs. Worthington stood from her rocker and smiled. The man took her hand and kissed the back of it.
Wyatt’s blood ran cold. The worm wouldn’t consider courting and marrying Savannah’s mother in order to obtain the ranch, would he? If so, nothing Wyatt did would make a difference. All his plans for success would be wasted.
From the look on Savannah’s pale face, she feared the same thing. “I’m afraid you’ll have to take the cattle without me.” She slid from her saddle. “There are … some papers I need to find.”
“Papers?”
She lifted her chin. “Pa wrote up a new will where he left me the ranch, not Mama. But the will has been … misplaced. Without it, people will naturally think he left the ranch to Mama. I have to find it before she does something foolish … like marry that snake in a dark suit.”
Chapter 4
Savannah sat back, staring at the trunk in front of her. A week had passed since she’d begun her search for Pa’s will. Nothing. Where could Mama have put it? The worst part … Mr. Morrillton made a point of visiting the ranch every day to prey on Mama’s affections.
“Are you still looking?” Mama entered Pa’s office. “Your father handed me a stack of papers tied with twine and told me to put them in a safe place. I wish I could remember where that place is. I’m sorry, dear, but you needn’t worry. Leaving the ranch in my hands is the same as leaving it in yours.”
Savannah stood, dusting her hands on her brown skirt. “Not as long as that man is courting you.”
“Oh, pshaw, he’s only being friendly.”
Savannah had suspected for a while that her mother’s mind might have been affected by the loss of her only son and husband within months of each other. Her blindness regarding Mr. Morrillton confirmed the notion. “Please think again where you might have put them. Think back to last year when Pa handed the papers to you.”
Mama tapped a finger against her lips. “I’m trying. He would have handed them to me in the house. I’m sure of it.”
“Could you have stuck them in your skirt pocket? Maybe carried them to the barn?” Please, God, don’t let Mama have thrown them in the fire thinking they were garbage.
“You know I don’t go to the barn.” Mama narrowed her eyes. “They’re in the house somewhere.”
“Hidden panels, false drawers?”
“I have a headache from all this thinking. I’m going to lie down.”
Savannah fell into
Pa’s office chair. If there were hidden places in the house, surely he would have told her. There’d been no secrets between the two of them since her brother’s presumed death. He’d openly stated that she would inherit the ranch.
Tears pricked her eyes remembering the day she’d found him facedown in the cotton. With the workers having left to fight in the war, he’d not bothered to hire help, instead doing it all himself. Savannah had managed to get neighbors to help get that crop in and replanted, but by then they were already so far in the hole financially, she’d feared they couldn’t return to a life of prosperity. With Wyatt, she’d again had hope, until now. If Mama remarried, the ranch might succeed, but Savannah would lose her inheritance for sure.
Where would she go? What would she do? Pa had bought the land when she was five. It was all she knew.
“Tea, Miss Worthington?” Irma carried a silver tray into the office.
“Thank you.” Savannah took a cup and set it on the desk. “If you lived here and needed to hide important documents, where would you put them?”
“You’re asking me?” The woman’s brows rose.
“Yes. You’re a smart woman, and I’m at my wit’s end.” Savannah waved a hand toward the only other place in the room for a body to sit. A cane-seated, straight-back chair. “Please. Sit and help me think this through.”
Irma was obviously not used to such an invitation, but with a slight shrug of her thin shoulders, she set the tray on the desk and sat down. “I’ve cleaned every inch of this house; let me ponder a moment.”
Wyatt stood in the doorway. “Cotton is ready to go to town. Will you be coming?”
Torn between wanting to continue her search and wanting to make sure the cotton got the best price, staying won out. If anyone could keep the buyer from cheating them, it would be Wyatt. “I’ll stay. But, I would like to be the one to pay our friends.” She smiled at Irma. “I hope your family will stay on. There is plenty of work to be done. I’m sure we can find ways to pay you.”
Irma nodded. “I’ll talk to my husband. As it is, the lodging you’ve provided is better than anywhere we’ve lived so far. Will my Lincoln be going with you, sir?”
“No, he’s elected to stay behind. He said I’d be treated with more fairness if I went alone.” Wyatt shook his head, started to say something, then clamped his lips shut. “I’ll look for you, Savannah, when I return.”
When he’d left, Savannah reached over and put her hand on top of Irma’s. “Don’t despair. Small-minded ideas won’t last forever.”
“I reckon.” Irma straightened. “Let’s go back to thinking on our current problem.”
“What did you do … before?”
“Before the war freed me? I was a house slave.”
“I thought so. You speak with education. Can you read?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good. You’ll know what you find when you find it. Now”—Savannah rubbed her hands together—“where should we look next?”
“Does the desk have a hidden compartment anywhere?”
Savannah shook her head. “I’ve gone over the entire piece of furniture. Besides, if it did, Mama wouldn’t have known. She’s horrible about keeping secrets. Pa would not have told her about one of his hiding places. We need to think like her.”
“Jewelry box?”
“I’ve looked.” They were getting nowhere.
“Attic?”
“A cursory search. Are you willing to get dusty?” Savannah grinned.
“I live for it.” Irma returned her smile and removed the spotless apron she wore. “I have some time before I need to get lunch. There’s no time like the present.”
Savannah stood and lifted the tray. “I’ll put this away and meet you at the stairs.”
“That’s my job, missus.” Irma moved to take the tray from her.
“You’re helping me with mine, I can help you with yours.” Savannah gave her new friend a look she hoped would not allow room for argument and headed for the kitchen.
Wyatt returned at lunchtime, sorghum seed in the back of the wagon and his pockets full of money. He’d gotten more than a fair price for the cotton, promising to help the buyer when the time came for the man to purchase a horse.
He turned the wagon and team over to Lee and went in search of Savannah. He was surprised not to find either her or Irma in the kitchen. Instead, Mrs. Worthington stood at the stove, staring at it as if she’d never seen one before. “Ma’am?”
“I’m wanting a cup of tea. Mr. Morrillton will be arriving soon and will want refreshments. Where is my daughter?”
A thud overhead gave him a clue. “I’ll find her.” He took the woman by the elbow. “Why don’t you wait in the parlor for your guest?”
He’d barely got her seated when a cry from above sent him flying to the attic. “What’s wrong?”
Savannah, tears in her eyes, hugged Irma. “We found it. We found Pa’s will hidden in one of Mama’s old petticoats. Irma is a gift from God.”
Irma chuckled. “I’ve never been called that before.”
“Well, gift from God,” Wyatt said with a grin, “there’s a woman downstairs distraught because she can’t boil water and is having a guest arrive soon.”
“Mercy me.” Irma dusted her hands. “I’ll see to her right away.” She hurried down the stairs.
“I need to put on my best dress if we have company coming.” Savannah’s smile lit up the room. “I’m sure Mr. Morrillton will be pleased.”
Wyatt laughed. “I’ve a gift for you.” He handed her the money. “The man will be wanting a horse in a month or two and I promised him a fair deal.”
“The way you’re selling off the horses, I hope the mares produce soon.” She slipped her arm through his. “I can’t thank you enough, Wyatt.”
“Three of the mares are expecting soon. I reckon a few more will be in the coming months.” He led her to her room. “I’ll be out by the barn when you’re ready to pay the workers.”
“Give me half an hour.” She entered her room and closed the door. Before he’d turned to walk away, she thrust the money back at him. “Go ahead and pay Lincoln and Lee. See if they’re willing to stay on. I’ll tackle Mr. Morrillton instead. Then we’ll have a feast, all of us, to celebrate.”
Her joy was infectious. His steps light, Wyatt headed to the worker cabins.
Lincoln and Lee whittled on their porches but stood when he arrived. “Did you get a fair price?” Lincoln asked.
“I did.” Wyatt counted off their share. “I want to ask whether you’re willing to stay on as hired help. I can’t guarantee regular pay until funds come in, but you will get paid.”
The men looked at each other then back at Wyatt. “Yes sir, we’s happy here,” Lincoln said. “It’s a safe place for our young’uns and we’re treated fairly.” He glanced over Wyatt’s shoulder. “Company’s coming.”
Wyatt sighed and headed back to the house. He didn’t want Savannah to be alone when she told the man his motives were going to be unrewarded.
“You can turn right around and leave, Mr. Morrillton,” Savannah said when Wyatt approached. “I’ve located the papers leaving the ranch to me. Courting my mother will not get you my land.”
“Savannah Marilyn Worthington!” Her mother stepped through the front door. “That is not why Mr. Morrillton is spending time with me.” She glanced at the banker. “Is it?”
He didn’t glance her way. “There are other ways of getting what I want, Miss Worthington.”
“Is that a threat?” Wyatt stepped to Savannah’s side. “I suggest you take your leave immediately.”
“Mark my words. This ranch will be mine.” He got back in his buggy and drove away.
“Well!” Mrs. Worthington plopped into a rocker. “He was only after the land. It’s all right. No one can compare to your father in my heart anyway.” She set the rocker into motion. “Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Jamison.”
“Walk with me, Wyatt.” Savannah steppe
d off the veranda and headed around the corner of the house. “How close are we to paying off the taxes?”
“Two-thirds of the way.”
“If you hire a couple of armed men, will we make the deadline?”
“It will be close.”
She glanced at the barn. “I’ve been offered good money for Bullet. Would it be enough?”
“I won’t allow you to sell your horse. We’ll get the taxes paid another way.”
Lincoln came up behind them. “Mr. Jamison, Miss Worthington.” He held out his wages. “Irma and I are willing to hold off a bit on getting paid. We’ve kept some, but the majority is here. You put this toward keeping the ranch.”
Tears shimmered in Savannah’s eyes. “That’s kind of you, Lincoln, but what if we lose the ranch? You’d never get your money.”
“You’s been good to us. We’s willing to take that chance. You’ve given us clothing, food, and a right fine place to live. Please. Let us help.”
Savannah glanced up at Wyatt. “How close does that get us?”
“If we sell off two more horses, you’ll have the money necessary to pay your taxes.” He scratched his chin. “But you’ll be very low on funds. You’ll need to be frugal for a few months.”
“What if we sell off twenty acres? I know it isn’t a lot, but the neighbor to our east may be willing to purchase the land to increase his wheat fields. That would tide us over for a good while.”
“You could sell ten acres and we’d be fine. No need to get rid of so much of your land. Not yet.” Not ever, he hoped, and she wouldn’t miss ten acres. That way, the livestock could stay to help build for their future.
He reached for her then pulled back, realizing he’d almost overstepped his boundaries. He wanted to hold her, caress her face, and rejoice in the fact they had a solution. As it was, he was her hired help, and it would do him well to remember that.
The American Heiress Brides Collection Page 36