by Liz Crowe
Henry thought, That’s your problem Ben, when it comes to girls, you don’t think.
“I think she was just being polite,” Henry explained. “She don’t seem like the kind of gal who’d hurt a fella’s feelings. Besides, Albert would be madder than a wet hen.”
“Well, I’m not scared of Albert, and I didn’t think you were either. It’s about time Albert learned we’re grown men and he can’t push us around,” Ben replied.
*****
The next morning Albert brought his horse, Diablo, and another horse into the courtyard as he waited for Anne. His brothers came around the side of the barn on their mounts.
“Going into town this morning?” Albert asked, checking the cinches on the saddles.
“Nope,” they answered at the same time.
“Just what do you two plan on doing today?” Albert asked, warily eyeing the two.
“Oh, we just thought we’d help you show Anne around Sky Valley,” Ben replied.
“No, you’re not,” Albert began. “I don’t need any help. You two just find some other way to entertain yourselves.”
“We want to be hospitable, just like you, big brother,” Henry chuckled.
Anne came out of the house, saw the three brothers together, and greeted them with a “good morning” and a smile. Not hearing the conversation between the brothers, Anne walked over to Albert and innocently asked, “We’re all going to go riding? How wonderful!”
A dark look crossed Albert’s face. The look that normally caused his brothers to scatter. But today, in front of a pretty girl, both of them wrapped in a sense of bravado, they had lost what common sense they had. As Anne mounted her horse, Albert did, also. Ben and Henry got on either side of Anne as they rode out.
“Coming, Albert?” Anne asked over her shoulder.
Albert didn’t like this turn of events. What were his brothers thinking? They had never openly defied his wishes before. He was in a foul mood now as he followed the three riders in front of him.
“Anne, this is the main road into Carson City,” Ben explained, smiling at her. “We found that this is the fastest way into town.”
“Good thing, Ben,” Albert said with a smirk. “It’s the only road from Sky Valley into town.”
“And, Miss Anne,” Henry began, “on this here road, we can go into the city whenever we want.”
“Thank you, Henry. Thank you, Ben.” Anne smiled at them. “I’ll remember that this is the only road into Carson City, and we can use it whenever we wish.”
A thought crossed Albert’s mind. She knows they’re trying to impress her, why they’re tagging along. They’ll make fools of themselves before long. I’ll just hang back and watch and wait.
“Now, Anne,” Ben explained seriously, “this is where Henry and I were this morning, rounding up steers.”
Not to be outdone, Henry nodded his head. “Yeah, we were here a good three hours before any of the hands got here.” He gave her a smile.
“Most admirable, Henry. I’m glad to see you and Ben are so diligent in your work habits,” she replied, adding, “Is there anything you’d like to show me, Albert? That is, other than the road into Carson City and where Ben and Henry were this morning.”
“No Anne, not quite yet,” he said, fighting the urge to laugh. “Let Ben and Henry give you the tour of how to get from the ranch house to the road to Carson City. I’ll be ready when you want to see something of value.”
If it hadn’t been for his brothers in their attempts to impress this girl, he would have felt sorry for the two as they made fools of themselves. At least Anne wasn’t ridiculing them. She would never make fun of someone, not even two foolish men like my brothers, he told himself.
After an hour of riding, Anne had seen enough of the road, the pasture, and the latest item Ben and Henry had come up with, the feeding station for the cattle.
Ben’s explanation of the feeding station was the last straw for Albert as he yelled, “Feeding station? It’s a pasture, Ben! A pasture!”
Fighting the urge to laugh, Anne pulled her horse to a stop, and told his brothers, “I believe I’d like Albert to show me some of Sky Valley now. Thank you both for taking the time to show and explain so many things this morning. We’ll see you back at the house, all right?”
They had been dismissed, and they knew it. She had accomplished what Albert couldn’t do; she had gotten rid of Ben and Henry. After telling her good-bye, the two men rode back towards the ranch house. She and Albert sat waving, watching them go.
“They had that coming,” he told her. “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.”
“I thought they were rather sweet,” she replied. “They did their best to come up with things they thought I might be interested in.”
“Anne, please. Showing you a road? A pasture? Don’t you think they were a bit foolish?” he laughed.
“I never think someone is foolish who tried to be kind,” she told him.
Wanting to change the subject, he asked, “Would you like to see a few things I really think you’d be interested in?”
“Yes, Albert, I would.” She turned her horse to join him.
He led the way to a lake he told her was named Topaz Lake. He explained, “The Indians believe it has healing powers. They bring all their sick people here to bathe in its waters. We’ve been in the saddle most of the day. Would you like to get down and walk for a while?”
“Yes, I would,” she said as she dismounted her horse. Walking to the shore of the lake and looking across its sparkling water, she told him, “It’s very pretty.”
“I think it is,” he replied. “The other reason I wanted you to see this place is there’s a herd of wild mustangs that roam the area around the lake. I thought we might get a glimpse of them.”
“That would be wonderful! I would like to see them. I’ve read about them and would be thrilled to see one up close.”
“Let’s stay here for a while and see if any come around.” He took her hand, leading her to a mound of grass overlooking the lake.
They waited for two hours with not a sight of anything other than assorted birds and prairie dogs. But the time was not lost. They talked about many things, places they had been, what Albert had studied in college, his asking her more about her home in England.
Finally, Albert told her, “I guess they’re grazing somewhere else today. Sorry Anne, I thought we might get lucky.
After that first day, Albert planned different activities for them, every free day he had. Something special that she had never done before, that he and Anne could enjoy together. Some days, they just went riding and ended up walking the horses back, talking as they went. He loved the soft lilt to her voice and the gentleness she possessed, confident of herself, yet soft spoken and feminine.
She asked to see the cattle they raised on Sky Valley as he took her riding out to the north pasture. Coming upon a small part of the herd she observed, “They are huge! How on earth do you control so many at one time?”
“This is only a small fraction of the herd, Anne,” he explained, shifting in his saddle. “The larger body is further south and they graze all over Sky Valley. This happened to be the closest group. They aren’t that hard to control when they’re grazing. On a cattle drive, now that’s a totally different story.”
With their daily excursions, Albert and Anne got to know each other well. They soon learned the other’s likes and dislikes, discussing books they had read and voicing their opinions on them when the other asked.
*****
One evening, while Anne was sitting on the porch, and Albert was busy going over the books for Sky Valley, Thomas asked if he could join her. He had been watching a growing fondness develop between his son and her and wanted to know her better.
“Please do, Mr. Stuart. This evening is too beautiful not to share.”
“Are you enjoying yourself, Anne, or are my sons driving you insane?” he asked.
“Your sons, all of them, have been very kind to me.
They’ve all shown me different parts of the ranch and explained many curiosities to me. You have a territory that is totally different from England,” she confided in him.
“I’m sorry Albert had to review the books tonight, Anne. We have a meeting with some buyers tomorrow, and I want to be sure of my figures. Besides,” he confided in her, “I hate keeping the books. Albert does a far better job.”
She sat laughing with him and then became serious. “Mr. Stuart, may I ask you something?”
“Of course, Anne, please do,” Thomas said, encouraging her.
“Did you know my parents in Baltimore? Before they moved back to England?” she asked.
Surprised at her question, he answered her slowly, “Yes, Anne, I did. Albert’s mother and I were friends of your parents before you or Albert were born.”
“What was my mother like? I don’t remember too much about her. She passed away when I was so young.” She looked into the older man’s dark eyes, waiting for his response.
Thomas began, his mind drifting back to that time, smiling. “You remind me a lot of your mother. You look like her, and you have her personality. Margaret, like you, always had a smile for everyone. I don’t believe that woman ever met a stranger. She and Albert’s mother were best friends. They met shortly after your parents moved to Baltimore. I think your mother was as excited as Elizabeth when we found out we were going to have Albert.”
“I often think of her,” she said as she leaned her head on the back of the rocker. “I remember a few things, her laugh, and her touch. But every day I forget more. Thank you, Mr. Stuart. It was kind of you to take the time to tell me about her. My father doesn’t speak of her anymore. I imagine it’s too painful.”
“I was happy to, Anne,” Thomas replied. “Anytime you want to talk about it, I’m more than happy to remember with you.” He smiled at the girl. As they sat there, no words passing between them, he thought, She is like Margaret. Her mother was gentle as Anne is, concerned with the feelings and well being of others. I like Anne; she has a gentle strength about her. I can see why Albert wants to spend time getting to know her.
“Anne,” Thomas began, “George just made some fresh coffee. Would you care for some?”
“Yes sir, I would. Please allow me to get us some,” she said.
“You’re our guest, Anne. I’ll get it,” Thomas replied.
“Please Mr. Stuart, allow me. Since we’ve arrived, I haven’t done a thing for myself and I’m not used to that,” she said laughing.
“All right, Anne,” he replied. “If you want to.”
*****
As Anne entered the house, she saw Albert at the desk. Going over to him, she asked, “I’m getting your father and me some coffee. May I get you a cup?”
“I would love some, if it’s not too much trouble. My father has made this task almost impossible. Thank you Anne,” Albert replied, smiling at her.
As she walked into the kitchen, she realized she had developed a stronger feeling for Albert. More than just a passing friendship. She thought Those dimples of his when he smiles are so charming. And those eyes! A woman could get lost in them.
She returned shortly, carrying a tray with three cups and a pot of coffee. Setting the tray on the desk, she placed Albert’s cup by him and poured it for him. Her fingers lingered there, looking at what he was doing. He absently felt for his cup, instead finding her hand. The touch was a shock for both, and they pulled their hands back at the same time.
“I’m sorry, Albert. I wasn’t paying attention,” she explained.
“Anne, it’s alright. I rather enjoyed that.”
She picked up the tray, blushing and took Thomas’ coffee to him.
Carrying the tray to the porch, her mind still on Albert, she hadn’t heard Thomas Stuart until he raised his voice to get her attention.
“Here, my dear. Let’s put the tray between us,” Thomas instructed. “Is Albert pulling his hair out yet?”
Setting the tray where he had indicated, she began pouring for them as she replied with a laugh, “No sir, not yet. I got him coffee, also. He seems to making progress.”
Sitting together, Thomas and Anne discussed many different things. Thomas asked more about McDonald Manor, school, and England.
Anne inquired about Thomas’ family; in particular she was most interested in Albert. Thomas told funny anecdotes about his three sons and daughter and how they were growing up, confiding in her that he had barely maintained his sanity.
“They’re three fine men, Mr. Stuart. You’ve done a wonderful job with them. They are all so different, yet all similar. You must be very proud of them,” she said.
“I am, Anne, their sister, too. It was hard at times, especially after Elizabeth died. Then I had to lean on Albert to help me with his siblings.”
“Albert’s help?” she inquired.
“Yes, I had to depend on Albert’s strength in raising his two brothers and his sister. I was so distraught after Elizabeth’s death; Albert had to shoulder the responsibility of being in charge and running Sky Valley.”
“No wonder he’s so competent in so many areas,” Anne observed.
“Yes,” Thomas told her. “Albert is most capable in all areas. He had to grow up very fast, much faster than I had hoped for.” The two continued to talk for some time. After awhile they heard the door open and Albert joined them.
“I believe I have the books in good order,” he told his father. “Took a while, but now the figures make some sense.”
“Thank you, son. I appreciate your efforts. Now, if you and Anne will excuse me, I’m going to go and prepare for tomorrow’s meeting.” Thomas got up from his chair and walked into the house.
Albert took Thomas’ seat beside Anne. As he reached to pour himself more coffee, Anne took the pot and poured coffee for him.
“Thank you, Anne,” he replied. “Father will be back to normal after tomorrow. He always gets this way before a major sale.”
“I think your father has been wonderful. In fact, all of you have. Everyone has gone out of his way to make our visit enjoyable.”
Henry and Ben, who had been absent all evening, came out of the barn. Seeing Anne, Henry called to her.
“Anne! I’ve got something here in the barn I think you’d like to see.”
Rising, along with Albert, Anne made her way to where Henry was standing.
“Me and Ben have been working with this mare all night. Come on, I’ve got something special to show you.” Entering the coolness of the barn, he led her to a stall in the back. Before her stood a mare and a newborn colt.
“He’s beautiful, Henry,” she declared, going to the colt, running her hand along his flank. The small horse, nervous by her touch, shied away to his mother. Anne was patient with the small animal, and, after petting him and talking in soft tones to him, he came over to her. Smiling, she knelt down and looked the foal over.
“He’s beautiful, Henry. How long was she in labor?” Anne asked.
“Pretty much all day long. She had a hard time with the last one, so we’ve been keeping an eye on her. He’s a pretty thing, ain’t he?” Henry declared proudly.
“Yes, yes he is,” Anne replied. “Who is his sire?”
Surprised by her question, Henry fumbled over his response. “Anne, I don’t rightly know, that all happened out on the range. We don’t match them up, it just sort of happens.”
“I’m sorry,” Anne said, beginning to blush. “Back home, we used certain stallions for stud. I just thought you did that here.”
Albert explained, “We don’t do that with the horses, Anne. Occasionally, we will purchase a bull for stud purposes, but usually they mate on their own. We’re primarily a cattle ranch. The horses are necessary stock.”
“I see,” she replied.
“Henry knows just about every she-animal that’s ready to drop a. . .” Ben added. Realized he was speaking to a woman, he began to blush. “Sorry, Anne. I just meant that Henry, that the animals. . .”
Ben was fumbling badly as he tried to explain himself.
“That’s alright, Ben. I understand,” she replied, smiling at him.
“Anne,” Albert began. “Would you like to go for a walk?”
“Yes, Albert, I would, if Henry and Ben will excuse me. The foal is beautiful, Henry. Thank you for showing him to me,” she replied, grateful that Albert had rescued her from the uncomfortable discussion she had been having with his brothers.
Albert took her arm, leading her out of the barn. As they turned toward the mountains, he led her to a large mound where they could sit and see the vista before them. After a few moments of silence, Anne told him, “I was telling your father that all of you have done everything in your power to make me feel welcome. Thank you.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Anne,” Albert replied. “I only hope my brothers haven’t pestered you too much.”
“No, they haven’t,” she said laughing. “They have both tried very hard to entertain me. That isn’t necessary. On occasion, I’ve had to entertain myself and managed quite well. But I do appreciate their efforts and yours.”
They sat for a while, just looking at the beauty before them, then she finally told him, “If you don’t mind, I’m tired. I believe I’ll retire for tonight.”
“I’m sorry I was all tied up this evening, Anne,” he began. “I had planned to take you for a carriage ride.”
“Albert, you take your responsibility to entertain me too seriously. Don’t you think I know your father forced me on you? I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”
Watching her face, Albert was taken aback that she spoke so straightforward. He had never known a woman who spoke her mind the way Anne did. And how did she know Father had put me in charge of her?
“Anne, everything I’ve done is because I want to. Yes, Father asked that I show you around, and yes, at first, I wasn’t happy with the idea. But now, everything I do is because I want to. I want to be with you and get to know you better.”
Smiling, she rose as he took her arm and led her back to the house. He walked with her in silence. He didn’t understand why he cared so much, that what she thought was important to him. He didn’t want her to feel she was a chore; before they met, he couldn’t have cared less. Reaching the house, they walked in together and found Thomas in the living room.