by Dawn Brower
Jayne ran her hand across the fur once more. “I almost wish I could keep her myself. It’s a good thing I can come visit any time I like.”
“Where else will you find a job where you can come out and play with rabbits or horses?” Fletcher took the animal and put it inside the enclosure. “I think Bethany’s had a good morning, don’t you?”
“I wish I was able to capture her face when she saw the horses. She was so surprised. I loved it.”
“You should have seen your own face when you saw hers. I thought your face would crack from smiling so much. You were radiant.”
Her face warmed. “I doubt that. I’ve never been called any such thing.”
“I wouldn’t lie about it.” His voice softened. “You are uniquely beautiful.”
“I think you’ve had too much sun.” But it pleased her that he said so.
“There’s a gentleness about you that makes me feel happy. Almost light-hearted. You put people at ease, Jayne. That’s nothing to dismiss. Before I met you, I felt as though my life was monotonous. Bethany brightened it when she came to visit, but you make the clouds break away every time I think of you.”
His earnest words touched her heart. “I’m happy that I can make you feel better.” Could she tell him that he made her happy too? Just with the thought of him? “I look forward to visiting with you more than any other part of my day. I must admit, I never thought I would become friends with an American cowboy, but I’m glad it happened.”
His face clouded for a moment.
“Did I offend you?” She drew back, ashamed.
“It’s not that. I’m just sorry that…” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“That?”
“I’d take you out if I were able. Court you if it wouldn’t cause trouble. I know that it would. I don’t want to endanger your position. That’s never been my intention.”
“You would court me?” Incredulous. A man as handsome as him. “That’s flattering, Fletcher.”
He scuffed his boot across the grass, careful not to dislodge it. “It’s the truth.”
Fletcher, broken-hearted from his past, admitting he cared for her. There could be no worse timing. It was unfair that her position demanded she remain single when a man finally showed interest in her.
“Then we shall have to remain close friends. It’s the best we can do and I will treasure the knowledge that you have said such lovely things to me.”
“I wish I could be more to you. Perhaps if you ever grow tired of Bethany…” He nodded toward her. “Although I expect you could spend every day with her and never grow tired of her unless you heard too much about horses.”
“Even then, I could distract her with another topic.” She sighed. “I hope our friendship will last a long time.”
“Me too.” He put his hand on top of the rabbit enclosure. “Suppose I’d better call her back in so I can give her this gift before you two go in to start setting up for her real party.”
With Mrs. Lusk’s help, they had arranged to invite from children from Upper Enggate. Jayne hoped to invite those children more often so Bethany could make friends. Some of the servants’ children were also coming. It might be the grandest event they got to attend. Jayne hoped it would teach Bethany compassion for children who didn’t share her advantages.
“You should come in when you can. We’re having a vanilla cake filled with strawberry jam. The cook is putting it together right now. I can hardly wait to taste it.” She moved closer to him, under the pretense of looking at the rabbit again, but she brushed her fingers against his. “Will you try to make it?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
His intense gaze made her flesh prickle with want of a simple kiss.
“Then I’ll save you a piece of cake. There will be ice cream too.”
“Sounds good.” He moved away. “I have to bring Bethany back before I give in and kiss you.”
I wish we could take that chance. She nodded. “I’m going inside. Send her in when she’s finished grooming Little Dan. We have a lot to do.”
“Will do.” He touched the brim of his hat, then turned away.
Exhausted from the festivities, Jayne bid Bethany goodnight, then started up the stairs to her room.
“Miss Strange?” Mrs. Lusk stood at the base of the staircase.
“Yes?” She turned.
“Mr. Nash is in the parlor. He wondered if he could have a moment of your time.”
“Of course. I’ll go there now. Thank you.” She lifted her skirt and descended again.
The parlor doors were open and Fletcher stood before the fireplace, gazing at the portraits over the mantle. His head was bare and his hair was ruffled. Fletcher added a bit of wildness to the domestic scenery.
“Fletcher? You asked to see me?”
He turned. A smile lit up his face. “Sorry to bother you. I know you must be worn out from all the visitors today. I just wanted to give you something.”
“Me? Whatever for?”
“Remember the day we went to town and you mentioned your birthday had passed?” He removed a small box from the mantle. “I wanted to get you something. You worked hard on getting everything ready for Bethany. You deserve a gift.”
Surprised, she didn’t know what to say.
“Well, go on.” He held it out.
Jayne crossed the floor to accept the box. “You didn’t have to.”
“I know.”
She untied the string holding the box closed, then removed the lid. A shining gold locket gleamed from the velvet interior of the box. The front was engraved with a rose in full bloom and two small buds. “It’s gorgeous. You really shouldn’t have. It’s too much.”
The slow grin that spread across his face was as handsome as the locket. “You want to try it on?”
“I do.” She lifted it from the box and held it out to him. “Is jewelry an appropriate gift between friends?”
“For a birthday gift, I think so.” He unfastened the clasp. “Turn around.”
She did as asked. The chain looped around her neck, then he closed the ends together.
She faced him again. “How does it look?”
“Remarkable.” He held her gaze.
A smile took over her mouth. “You aren’t speaking about the locket.”
“No, I’m not.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Happy birthday, Jayne. I wish it could have gone better for you. Surrounded by those you love and who love you in return. This is the best I could do.”
“This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me. Even above the things the Eastons did.” She touched the cool gold. “I like it very much. I like you too.” A pity her gift couldn’t be accompanied by a real kiss.
He took her hand. “I’ll let you go to bed now. See you tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
His fingers entwined with hers. “One last thing.”
“What?”
He pulled her closer to him with his free hand. Fletcher’s mouth descended on hers.
Heat poured through Jayne like summer sunshine as Fletcher deepened the kiss. His free hand wound into her hair. A shiver rolled over her. The crush of his lips made her lean into him. Breathless, she drew back, but couldn’t stay away. She stretched on her toes to reach him.
He gave her a quick brush of lips. “Happy birthday. I have to go before someone sees us.”
Her heart thudded hard as he left.
Well, the kiss was no new saddle or a rabbit, but the feelings he left her with were worth more than all the expensive presents anyone could shower on her.
Chapter 7
“You won’t let go?” Jayne hesitated on the mounting block.
Oro huffed out a breath.
“I’ll be holding him the whole time. I promise.” Fletcher held Oro’s bridle and patted the horse with his free hand. “Even if I didn’t, he’s not going to take off. He knows better.”
The sky was overcast, the wind a little chilly. “It might
rain. Perhaps we should wait for a better day.” Jayne stepped down from the mounting block. “I don’t wish to get wet.”
“Miss Jayne.” Bethany groaned. “Stop being such a scaredy-cat. Oro is the best horse to learn to ride on.”
“Don’t pressure her, Bethany. You know it won’t help. Miss Jayne has to do it when she’s ready. If she needs a few moments, then you can take Oro across the paddock.” He let go of the bridle to help Bethany into the saddle.
She settled in, took the reins, then clucked her tongue to get the horse moving. They sailed across the pasture with Bethany’s laughter ringing across the grassy landscape.
“I’m sorry. I’m a coward.” Jayne’s hands shook. She tucked them behind her back. “At least Bethany can enjoy riding him for a while.”
“You’re not a coward. Being afraid isn’t something to be ashamed of. You just aren’t ready for the next step yet. You’ll get there.” Fletcher leaned against the paddock fence and folded his arms on the top rail. “Give yourself time to get used to the idea of riding. There’s no rush.”
Bethany and Oro were a striking pair, red and gold against the green grass and the grey sky. Two vibrant creatures outrunning day-to-day problems.
“I wish I had her confidence.” Jayne shook her head. “She’s fearless.”
Fletcher sighed. “She hasn’t known difficulty or hardship. She’s lucky in that, but when some bad news strikes, it’s going to be hard for her to adjust.”
“Then we’ll have to help her along the best we can. That’s my job, after all, to make sure she grows up capable and well-educated.”
Fletcher moved closer to her. “If she comes out like you, the world will be richer for it.”
Warmth spread up her face. “I’m pleased you think I make a positive influence. I am teaching her science, you know. It’s frowned on in some circles. I daresay if her mother and father knew, I might be thrown out on my ear.”
“Oh, dear. Science. She might learn to form her own opinions. She might become a suffragette.” He pressed his hand to his chest in mock horror. “You forward-thinking heathen.”
“Some people would think so.” She frowned. “Lady Easton wouldn’t hear of such a thing. She said women should be quiet, stay home, and manage their households.”
“There are four territories in the States that allow women to vote. Women can be doctors. They can do more than sew and cook and order servants around. In Cody’s show, plenty of females could outshoot the men. Annie Oakley, for one. She’s hell with a gun and still manages to be a lady.”
“Don’t tell Bethany about her. She already has it in her mind that she’s going to travel the world and never marry. Her parents will be aghast if they think I taught her that’s all right.” She leaned on the fence next to him. “I can’t imagine what a woman should vote for. The president of your country?”
He shrugged. “Sure. Him, other officials. For rights of their own.”
“I would encourage that, except Lady Camprich might prefer I didn’t.”
“You always let others influence your opinions?”
Fletcher was close. The scents of the barn clung to him, though not unpleasantly. Hay, dirt, horse. Irresistible scents she’d never noticed before meeting him.
“I parrot what my superiors tell me. The popular opinion has served me well.”
“Be honest. You think women should vote?” His olive-green eyes searched her face.
“If they like. If the issue is important. I honestly think I might try if I thought my vote could change something for the better.” She swallowed. “But I won’t create a fuss about it. It would go against the things I was taught.”
“Sometimes I’d like to strip those things you were taught right off of you.”
Her palms grew slick. “What do you mean?”
“You know what I’m talking about.”
The things Lady Easton had said to her about her looks, about her station with the Eastons.
“They didn’t harm me. Her letter of reference earned me a position here. I’m happy here. Isn’t that what matters?”
“It doesn’t hurt.” He turned his gaze toward Bethany again. Waved for her to return to the gate. “Are you going to get on that horse today?”
Her knees weakened. “I don’t believe so.”
“Chicken.” He softened the word with a grin. “One of these days, we’ll get you up there.”
“When I find my courage.” If she ever did.
He removed his hat and ran his fingers through his dark hair. “I think it’s kind of like that material we looked at in the shop. You want a taste of what being a little different is like, but you’re afraid you’ll like it, and then someone will yank it away from you.”
“That is untrue. I’m not afraid of having anything taken away but my job.” And the feelings that blossomed when Fletcher turned his radiant smile on her. He was far too broken up about his wife to want another. Many men and women remarried, but he didn’t seem the sort. He’d made a life—lonely though it seemed—here and appeared content with it.
“And horses.” He let himself through the gate to collect Oro as Bethany brought the golden steed to a stop.
“Fine. I’m a little afraid of horses as well.”
“Did you see us out there, Miss Jayne? You could be free as a bird upon his back if you would only try to get on him.” Bethany’s blue eyes glowed with happiness. “You really should take him around the paddock at least once. He’s so fluid. Like molten gold. He responds to commands as though he can hear your thoughts.”
“What if I fall off?” The horse wasn’t too tall, but tumbling from his back, even on the grass, would embarrass her even if it didn’t cause her injury.
“You get up and get on again.” Bethany’s brow furrowed. “Unless you’re seriously hurt, in which case, it’s acceptable to quit for the day.”
Jayne laughed. Bethany’s words were so earnest.
“Just for a couple of minutes, Miss Jayne?” Fletcher’s smile beckoned. “Sit on his back? I won’t let him move unless you tell me to.”
“The pair of you are relentless. All right. I will sit on his back and he will remain still as a statue the entire time.” She wagged her finger. “No movement.”
“Cross my heart.” Fletcher led the gelding out of the paddock, back to the mounting block.
She climbed on it, then put one foot in the stirrup the way Bethany had. She held her breath as she settled into the leather seat. Her heart raced so hard, her chest ached.
Oro stood quietly, his ears and tail twitching, but all four feet remained on the ground.
“Well?” Bethany looked up at Jayne.
“It’s very high.” Her voice came out squeaky. “Higher than I imagined.”
Fletcher stroked his hand down Oro’s neck. “Do you think you’ll be able to tolerate a few steps inside the paddock?”
She nodded stiffly. “I can try.”
“Good girl.” He led Oro through the gate.
Jayne clutched the reins and part of Oro’s mane, though neither would be a great help if she slid over his side. His big hooves would trample her to dust if she got beneath them. Her throat dried. “Oh, goodness.”
“Stay calm. He’s going as slow as he can.” He led Oro in a small circle inside the pen. “You comfortable, Jayne?”
“Not really.” She felt each step, each shift of big muscle and bone of an animal that could easily decide he no longer cared for a rider on his back.
“Do you need to get down?” Fletcher watched her closely. “No sense overdoing it.”
Bethany, at ten years old, rode this horse as though they were an extension of one another. Fletcher guided the animal. If he believed any harm would come to the rider on Oro’s back, he would never allow anyone on the horse.
“We could take another minute. We’re getting used to one another.” Her voice shook a little, but she put her faith in Fletcher and his horse.
“Take all the time you need.” Fl
etcher’s voice was gentle and encouraging. “He doesn’t mind.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You can let go.”
Fletcher’s brow rose. “You sure?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Here you go. If you want him to turn, pull gently in on one rein or the other. He has a sensitive mouth. Give him a nudge with your foot on the direction you want him to go. Oro won’t let you down.” Fletcher let go of the bridle and stepped back.
“My heavens.”
The horse stood still, but his eye remained on Fletcher.
“Nudge both sides if you want to go forward.”
“All right,” she whispered. “Let’s go, Oro.” She gave him a little tap with her heels.
He took a few steps, big body shifting as they went farther into the paddock. Gently, slowly, and when she pulled back a bit, he stopped altogether.
She indicated he should turn right and he did, walking beside the fence. He responded as though she’d been riding him since he was broke to saddle.
“Isn’t it amazing?” She laughed as they made their way back to Fletcher. “I’m doing it.”
“Well done, Miss Jayne.” Fletcher put his hands on his hips. “You’re a horsewoman.”
“I knew you had it in you.” Bethany clapped from near the gate. “Next time you should try trotting.”
“Let’s have a few more lessons before we attempt anything more challenging. Best not to jump in all at once.”
“Sage advice.” Fletcher took the reins from her. “Do you need help getting down?”
“Please. It’s far.”
“I’ll go get the brushes so we can groom him.” Bethany ran for the stables.
Fletcher put his hands around Jayne’s waist and lifted her from the saddle.
Warmth tingled through her as she landed on her feet. She met Fletcher’s gaze.
His sun-tanned face still held the smile, but something else lingered in his eyes.
She licked her lips. Lips he’d kissed not so long ago in a moment of impulsiveness. Not a trait she could ever be accused of.
“You did well, Jayne.” He stepped back, releasing her from his grip.