by Carré White
“Yes.”
“Oh, Ryan.”
“Here we are, my dear.” Wesley gave me the glass of lemonade.
“Th-thank you.”
He eyed Ryan. “Looks like you met up with some trouble, sir. That shiner is…rather large.”
“It is.”
“I was overly eager to talk to my girl. I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier.” He held out his hand. “I’m Wesley Hornsby.”
“Ryan Hartsock.” They shook hands.
“You don’t even have an accent. That’s astounding.”
“An accent?”
“One of them Indian accents.”
“No, I’ve never spoken my mother’s language. She left when I was young.”
“I see.” He took a sip of his drink. “Well, Jane, we should find a place to sit. I’m dying to hear all the news. Someone said something about a grasshopper plague. What was that about?”
Feeling obligated to accompany him, I let him draw me away, as we sat in chairs near the table. I endeavored to speak with him about things, but it was a struggle. My mind churned with confusion, my heart breaking, wanting to be with Ryan, but now wasn’t the time to have this talk with Wesley. There were too many people around, chatting, laughing, and, after the pig had been brought up, eating. It wasn’t until the brunch had concluded that I found a moment to myself, standing in the parlor of Paulina’s house.
“We would like to talk to you,” said Louisa. “Can you come with me?”
“Yes.”
She took to the stairs. “Hannah and Paulina are waiting in the bedroom. It’s the only place to have any privacy.”
I joined her, wondering what this was about. In the room, Hannah sat on the bed, while Fanny was in a chair. “Have I done something wrong?”
“Close the door,” said Paulina. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong, but you look like you’re about to cry.”
Just the mention of tears brought them out, as several slid down my cheeks. The emotions I had held in check burst wide open, like a broken dam. I fell to the bed, hiding my face in the coverlet.
“It’s as I thought,” said Fanny. “For someone reunited with her beloved, you’re not exactly behaving—happy?”
“She’s in love with him,” said Hannah. “I could see it from the start.”
“Oh, no doubt,” murmured Fanny. “What’s she going to do, though?”
“You don’t like Ryan,” I accused. “You wanted me to stay away from him.” I glared at Hannah. “You lectured me on this topic, if you remember. You wanted me to wait until Wesley’s return. Well, he’s returned, and I still feel the same way. I won’t accept his hand, if he offers it. I won’t.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to. I just wanted you to explain these things to him in person. His sole purpose in mining was to earn enough money to provide for you. He’s a good, sturdy man. I know he’s not the one for you, but he’s not aware of that.”
“I’ll tell him it’s over. I can’t do it now, because I want to do it in private. I don’t want to humiliate him like that.”
“We’re just worried about you,” said Louisa. “We want the best for you, and, if you think Ryan is the one, then that’s your choice.”
“Has he asked you to marry him?” asked Paulina.
“Who?”
“Ryan?”
“No, not yet. He said he loved me.”
“Well,” said Hannah. “That’s a promising start.”
“But what does Ryan do?” Fanny seemed confused and worried. “He’s a ranch hand, but can he provide for a woman? A family? Does he even want those responsibilities?”
“I haven’t been able to ask him,” I said. “No one lets us be alone. You’ve done nothing but watch me like a hawk. I have to sneak off to see him.”
Fanny’s brows had risen. “What?”
“She was here the other morning,” said Hannah. “She spoke with him then. Nathan found her…with him.”
“Good lord!” Was that the horse ride you said you were on? You came to Hannah’s by yourself?”
“It’s the only way I could talk to him. You’ve done nothing but get in the way.”
“All right,” interjected Paulina. “We’re making more out of this than need be. It’s obvious she’s in love with him. He’s in love with her. Once these things are explained to Wesley, he’ll go away and find another woman to care for. He’ll survive just fine. There are lots of ladies who need husbands. Then,” she grinned, “we can plan a wedding.”
“But he hasn’t asked me to marry him.” I sat up, wiping tears away with the back of my hand.
“He will,” said Hannah. “Nathan spoke to him last night. They were in the parlor, and I heard every word. He’s worried that you’ll reject him because he’s part Indian. He doesn't want you to be treated ill by strangers for being connected to him. He also mentioned struggling with money.”
This was astonishing. “What else? Did you hear anything else?”
“He’s waiting for you to break the ties with Wesley. That’s all.”
“Do you think he’ll offer for me then?”
“Jane,” laughed Fanny. “Yes, you silly girl. You hold all the cards. He’s entirely devoted to you.”
“Both men are,” murmured Louisa. “What a problem to have.”
I was now anxious to break the unfortunate news to Wesley, but I dreaded having to do so. “I have to speak to Mr. Hornsby. The sooner, the better.”
Chapter Fifteen
Having the support of the Hoffman sisters meant a great deal to me. This was my adopted family, although I had fought against it at the beginning. I had begun to see things in a different light. Fanny and Hannah weren’t standing as a barrier to my happiness, as I had resentfully thought. It was my happiness that had motivated them to consult with me and guide me in the tricky matters of the heart.
As I dried the tears from my face and resolved to forge ahead, I found an inner strength I hadn’t known I possessed. I had always had permission to follow my heart, but I hadn’t truly owned it, until now. Descending the steps, I was startled to find a room full of people, all eager and waiting.
“My dear,” intoned Wesley happily. “I’ve something special to share with everyone, but most especially, you.”
Ryan was near the door, his hand on the knob, as if he were to flee any second. His hat was in his other hand, while he stared stonily, resignedly.
The Hoffman sisters were behind me. “Oh, my word,” Hannah murmured. “I hope it’s not what I think.”
“Jane, you’ve made me incredibly happy, as my faithful companion these last few years.”
I came to stand before him, feeling the grip of anxiety, which seemed to have settled inside my belly where it fanned out to every inch of my body. “Oh, Wesley.”
“Now that all your family is here, I’ve something very special to ask you.”
“No,” I whispered.
He lowered himself to one knee at the same time Ryan slipped from the house, closing the door behind him. Something painful flared in my chest.
“Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He reached within his pocket withdrawing what looked like a gold ring, which sported a small ruby.
I gazed around the room, seeing the keen faces of children and adults, Nathan in particular, who grinned crookedly, but his look was one of chagrin. He knew I wasn’t in love with Wesley. The elder Hoffmans seemed delighted, beaming, waiting for what I would say. All eyes were on me. The weight of their expectation fell upon my shoulders. Those that knew of my dilemma smiled sadly, but Wesley, grinning with pride, waited for me to say something. The light of triumph blazed in his eyes.
“I…” It was horrible that I had been put in this position, as I had not expected his proposal to be one so public. “I would like a word with you in private, if I may.” I wished to spare him the humiliation of being let down in front of everyone.
“A yes will do, Jane. Now give me your finger.”
“Wesle
y, I’d prefer a word alone. I have some things to say to you that I would like to—”
“Are you rejecting me?” He looked incredulous, his smile vanishing.
Oh, dear. I grasped his arm, pulling him to his feet. “Excuse us for a moment.” I hated the way my voice quivered. This had to be one of the worst moments of my life. The excited, happy faces were now staring with confusion. I led Wesley to the kitchen and out the back door, where we would hopefully be able to talk alone. “I didn’t think you’d offer for me today.”
“I’ve been waiting for weeks to do this. I thought you were too.” His hands went to his hips. “What’s the meaning of this, Jane?”
“I’m sorry, Wesley. I’ve been thinking…about things. I wish I could give you another answer, but I can’t.”
“This is no?”
“It is.”
“What have I done? It’s not my fault the letters went missing. Is the ring too small? I could—”
I held up my hand. “No, stop it. That’s not it at all. My feelings…aren’t as strong as I would like them to be. I admire you greatly. You’ve been wonderful to me, but…I’m not able to marry you.”
“Is it someone else?”
“Oh, Wesley.”
“You’ve met someone else?” The deep line between his eyes grew even more so. “What’s been going on, Jane?”
“Nothing.”
“Something has. Something has come between us.”
“I just don’t feel the strength of the emotion I need for such a commit—”
“Don’t lie to me!” he shouted. “What have you been doing?”
“Please—”
“I’ve done everything I can to make enough money for us! It’s the only reason I went into the mountains. I did it all for you, and this is how you repay me? Who’s the scoundrel that’s swayed you? I’ll know who he is, Jane. When I find him, I’ll beat him soundly.”
That was alarming. “I’m sorry, Wesley. I can’t marry you. That’s all I have to say—” He had reached out, grasping the collar of my dress which suddenly tightened around my neck. I found myself on my toes before him, as he had lifted me off the ground. His eyes blazed with anger, while I struggled to breathe.
“That’s enough right there,” said a stern voice. It was Louisa’s husband, Matthias. “You let Miss Hampton go, sir.” He was a stocky, yet formidable-looking man. Behind him stood Nathan.
Wesley released his grip, mumbling something under his breath, while glaring at me. “That’s it then? This is all I can hope to expect?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m in the wrong, but I won’t marry you. I’ve my reasons, and I would appreciate it, if you would respect them.”
“I think the party’s over now,” said Nathan. “How about we show you to your horse, Mr. Hornsby. The lady has declined your offer, as is her right. I’m sorry it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.”
“Fine.” He glared at me one last time before turning on his heel.
I breathed a sigh of relief. “That wasn’t easy.”
“Let’s go inside,” said Matthias.
“Excellent idea.”
He followed me into the house, and, as we passed Louisa, he murmured, “He put his hands on her. I sure wasn’t happy to see that.”
“Heavens, what happened?”
“He held her by the throat.”
She gasped. “Dear Lord.”
“Thank you for your help,” I said. Paulina and Hannah seemed concerned. “I want to go now, if you don’t mind. I’m sorry for causing a scene. I had no idea he’d be here today. If I’ve disappointed any of you with my decision, I apologize. I…” tears were in my eyes…“I love Ryan. I can’t help it. Condemn me all you want, but I love him.”
“There, there, now,” soothed Mrs. Hoffman. “No one’s condemning you, my dear. It’s your decision. You must do what makes you happy.”
I glanced at Nathan. “I have to see him. Take me to him, please.”
“Where’d he go?” He glanced over his shoulder. “He didn’t stay for the proposal. Can’t blame him on that score.”
“Maybe he went home,” said Hannah.
“Then he’s still walking.” Nathan picked up Charles, balancing him on a hip. “Let’s go, Chickabiddy. Time to find Ryan, wherever he may be.”
I thanked Paulina for having us, apologizing for the drama. Then I departed as quickly as I could, wanting desperately to find Ryan. We clambered into the wagon, with Letty in the back. The elder Hoffmans would join us in their own time, as they had a wagon waiting. Once on the road, I glanced eagerly ahead, hoping to find Ryan. When his figure was nowhere to be seen, I began to despair. Perhaps, he had taken a shortcut through the prairie?
Pulling into the Weaver farm, I hastened from the wagon, running towards his tipi. I heard Nathan say, “Let her go. They need to iron this out without our interference.”
“Ryan!” I threw back the buffalo hide, expecting to see him, but the tipi was empty. “Where are you?” I hurried for the house, finding everyone inside, as Hannah was in the kitchen with Charlie in her arms. “Where is he?” A hint of panic was in my voice.
“He’ll be back, Jane. Try not to fret too much.”
“He thinks I accepted Wesley’s proposal.”
“I don’t know what he heard.”
In the other room, Nathan said, “Well, you’re just the man we wanted to see, son.”
I turned to flee, but Hannah grabbed my arm. “Wait,” she murmured.
“I’m thinkin’ about moving on, sir.”
“How’s that?”
I wasn’t able to see them, as they were near the front door, yet the short hallway allowed us to hear them perfectly.
“I was hoping things would work out for me and Jane, but…I’m not so sure.”
“Do you know if she’s accepted him?”
“I would assume so, but I hope not.”
“What if she did?”
“Then there’s nothing keeping me here. I’ve stayed too long anyhow.”
“You don’t want to stay and fight for her?”
“How do you mean?”
“Do you love her?”
“Yes,” he said quietly. “I do.”
“She said she loves you, right?”
“She did, but that was before Mr. Hornsby returned.”
“If she said it before, why would she change her mind a few minutes later? That’s kinda fast to fall outta love, isn’t it?”
“I suppose. I’ve caused enough trouble, sir.”
“What sort of trouble?”
“They were happy before I came along. I stuck my nose in things I shouldn’t have.”
“How’d you do that?”
“I…I’m not sure, but…I guess I, oh, never mind.”
“Sounds like nothing is really clear. Before you pack your things and head into the great unknown, I’d appreciate it if you went into the kitchen and spoke to Jane. You’ve got your facts all down but nine, if you know what I mean.”
“She’s here?”
“Yeah. You didn’t get the mitten, Wesley did.”
Hannah glanced at me. “You should go talk to him.”
“I should!” Jubilation swept through me, and, as I hurried down the hallway, I encountered Ryan, who seemed stunned. I flung myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I said no. I can’t marry Wesley. Not for all the houses in the world.”
“I thought you’d accepted him.” His words were muffled, because his face was in my neck. “Oh, Jane.”
“I don’t want anyone else. I don't care for him the way I care about you.”
“Living with me will be a hardship. I’ll be harassed wherever I go, and people will look down on you for having married a native.”
“I don’t care. The only thing Indian about you is your looks and…and a tipi.”
“Actually, that’s not true. I’ve spent some time with my mother’s people. I occasionally fast before the Sundance ceremon
y, but it’s been years.” He held my face, his eyes glistening. “I can’t offer you much.”
“I just want to be with you. We’ll figure out the rest together.”
“Then I won’t ask to court you.”
“What?” My heart skipped a beat.
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
“When?”
I giggled, “Tomorrow.”
He threw his head back, laughing. “She says yes.” His arms were around me, holding me close. “I love you, Jane.”
“I love you.”
“You can’t get married tomorrow,” objected Hannah. “Arrangements need to be made. You don’t have a dress, and there’s no cake. No one’s been invited. Goodness.”
Nathan leaned against the wall, smirking. “They can do whatever they want, darlin’.”
“Where will they live? What will they do?”
“Those are things they’ll have to work out for themselves. He’s got a tipi.”
“But, but that’s hardly suitable. I suppose they could take a room in mother’s house.” The elder Hoffmans lived in their own house across the way.
“The tipi is just fine.” I took his hand. “In fact, that’s where we’re going now. We’ve things to discuss.”
Hannah’s mouth fell open. “Oh, no you don’t. They can’t be trusted to be alone together. I’ve…er…seen, I mean, it’s not seemly before marriage.”
“Let ‘em be, honey. Let ‘em talk. I trust Jane enough to know that she’ll wait one day before…before the honeymoon. Give them some space.”
She seemed irritated. “Fine, but if anything goes amiss, Fanny will blame us.”
He threw up a hand. “Blame away. I’m done coming between lovers. The last time I did, with Fanny and Jack, look what happened?”
“What?” I asked.
“They got married.”
Ryan took my hand. “If you’ll excuse us. We have some things to discuss.”
I happily followed him to the door, passing Nathan, who murmured, “Don’t think no one’s watchin’. I’ll be out in a half-hour.”
“Yes, sir,” laughed Ryan.
It was late afternoon and the sun hadn’t disappeared behind the mountains yet, but it had lowered substantially. As we strolled across the field to the tipi, waves of joy came over me along with a fair amount of relief. I had ended my relationship with Wesley, which I now knew was the right thing to do, although I had suspected it all along. I was on the edge of a new life, of being with someone who made my belly tingle and my spirits soar. I couldn’t ask for anything more.