by Ava Frost
“When not in front of them you can call me John. But I insist that my sons show respect to their elders. So otherwise you will be referred to as Miss Jane when in their presence. I hope you have no objection to this arrangement?”
“Of course not Mr…..err John,” I answered.
“As I informed you upon hiring, I am very busy running the ranch so I hope you can excuse me now. Clara will show you to your room, and the boys have their daily chores to complete. So we shall leave you to settle in and see you at dinner.”
John abruptly rose to his feet and strode purposefully across the yard to join the ranch hands who were gathered beside one of the large barns. I watched him in wonder for a few moments before Clara emerged from the main door.
“Come on then darling. I’ve had Seth take your bag upstairs and I’m sure you will want to freshen up before dinner,” she fussed.
Clara smiled graciously as she left me at the doorway to what was now my new home. I looked around the room in wonder, lightly touching the delicate fabric that draped the small window. My bag had been left at the end of the bed so I slowly began to unpack, my heart aching as I placed a worn photograph on the night stand.
My brothers and I looked so happy sitting beside the stream, our parents with their arms wrapped around us. That day seemed like an eternity ago now, but I could still recall how happy we had all been. Now I was alone, and Deadman Creek no longer felt like home to me.
A pitcher of water had been left by the tiny sink in the corner of the room, its coolness refreshing on such a hot day. My travelling clothes felt sticky with sweat and it was a relief to slip into a lighter summer dress. I smoothed its creases, making my way back down the stairs.
Clara had told me to meet her in the kitchen when I was ready, and I found her busily preparing lunch. She beamed while motioning for me to get a drink from the large jug of chilled lemonade that was on the table.
“Would you like me to help with anything?” I offered.
“Oh no sweetheart. You must be tired from your long journey, and Sarah will be here soon.”
“Sarah?” I asked curiously.
“A lovely young girl who helps me in here and keeping this place clean. These men would be the death of me without her,” Clara chuckled.
Watching her rush between the large oven and the cold store my mouth fell open at the amount of food that she was arranging. Fish was steaming above the coal fire, as a large pot of vegetables bubbled upon the hob. I could smell the fresh breads baking in the oven, all the aromas causing my stomach to rumble hungrily.
It was fortunate that Sarah arrived when she did as a large gong sounded to announce that dinner was ready. So I felt compelled to help serve the food to the ravenous ranch hands that were waiting to be fed as I hurried behind them.
I blinked against the sun’s rays as I stepped out into the yard, cautiously balancing the plates of food I held. The men filled the several long tables, all waiting eagerly before tucking into their meal.
As I passed John’s chair he caught my arm lightly, stopping me in my tracks. His emerald green eyes bore into me as he looked intently before speaking.
“I would like to meet with you in the drawing room after dinner. We need to discuss in detail, my sons teaching,” he said in a hush.
“Of course Mr. Christian,” I whispered my reply.
Despite remaining busy helping to serve the day’s afternoon meal my mind was preoccupied, only able to think of meeting with John later. We had met on a few occasions before he finally offered me the position as his son’s live-in Nanny, but each time I was left feeling mystified.
John portrayed an air of authority and sternness which somehow made me feel slightly intimidated. As if he were an old school teacher of mine ready to reprimand me at a moment’s notice. Yet there was something deeper hidden behind his eyes that captivated me whenever John spoke. Causing me to feel as if I were drowning, leaving me gasping for breath when he left.
So even though butterflies fluttered within my stomach, I squared my shoulders and breathed deeply before knocking on the door to the drawing room a short time later. John stood at an open window, turning to greet me as I entered.
“How have you settled in so far Jane?” he asked, motioning for me to take a seat opposite him at a small table.
“Everyone I have met have been lovely,” I answered with a smile.
“We are a close family and I am sure you will fit in well with us all. That was why I chose you, and of course as my son’s took such a liking to you.”
“And I can’t thank you enough…….” I began before John raised his hand to silence me.
“Never mind all that, I invited you here to speak about the boys. As you know I have struggled since their mother died, but I still want her teachings to continue as she would have wanted,” John continued.
“Of course Mr….sorry, John. My own mother was strict about our lessons so I am sure that I can work with them both. I know how important it is for them to be able to read and write.”
“Yes but there are other important lessons that they must also learn. One day they will take over the ranch and I need to ensure that they are prepared for when that time comes. It is how I was raised and I instilled this into Faye when we married so that she knew what was expected when the boy’s came along. Now that she has passed I shall expect you to continue in the same vein. So with that in mind I shall be monitoring things for a while to ensure that things are done correctly,” he concluded.
“I shall do my best,” I replied firmly as I stood to leave.
Though I left the room quietly, inside I was fuming. I had seen for myself how strict John could be with his two sons, and now he was expecting me to be the same. And I had told the truth about mother being strict with me and my brothers, but at least she made her lessons fun.
When I took the role of Nanny here, I thought I would have more control over how I educated the boys, but John had now made it clear that he was in charge. So with my mind filled with ideas on how to handle this new situation in which I found myself, in I wandered outside.
Chapter 2
The day was still hot, the sun’s rays beating down from a clear afternoon sky. Although I could hear the men faintly out in the fields with the cattle, it still felt slightly peaceful as I made my way over to the stables. Seth was there forking fresh hay into the numerous stalls ready for the horses return.
“How did your meeting go with John?” he asked politely.
“Terrible! He is so controlling!” I blurted angrily.
“I have worked here for many years now, as has Clara. John was a mere boy when we first arrived and his parents were very harsh with him sometimes. We thought when he married Faye that things would change, but sadly not. It is all he has ever known, to be in charge and ensure that the ranch runs smoothly,” Seth explained.
“But didn’t his wife object to her son’s being under such strict control?” I fumed.
“Faye was a quiet little thing, barely spoke above a whisper. She was only eighteen and John’s father had chosen her well…”
“Chosen her?” I interrupted.
“It was an arranged marriage because her family didn’t want to lose their land. But she and John grew to love each other, especially after Paul was born. Still his parents were alive then and had a huge influence on their lives. They both had to abide by what John’s father said, a tradition that I believe has run through generations.”
I felt stunned hearing Seth’s revelations, totally unaware of how things had been for John growing up. It made me consider the look of loss that I often caught lurking behind his eyes. From what Seth had told me, John clearly struggled in showing his emotions, but I worried how this was impacting upon his children.
Before returning to his work Seth squeezed my hand, flashing me a warm smile with a brief wink.
“Don’t worry yourself Jane, you will work something out. I have a feeling that John has underestimated his new employee a
nd that there are going to be a few surprises in store,” he chuckled.
Reassured by Seth’s words I continued to explore the ranch, occasionally wiping my brow from the intense heat with a linen handkerchief. The smell of fresh paint reached my nostrils as I found the bunkhouse. Four of the ranch hands daubing it in white to brighten the walls.
“I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself during dinner,” one of the men quipped as he rushed toward me.
I blushed as he took my hand, kissing it lightly while his eyes roamed over me. As the others stopped their work and turned to stare I suddenly began to feel uneasy, pulling away politely. Undeterred the stranger continued with a broad grin.
“My name is Sam, and yours is?”
“Jane.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful lady,” Sam said with a bow.
Unable to prevent myself I giggled at his clownish gesture, noting his friends raising their eyes skyward. Sam brushed aside his wavy brown hair, dimples showing in both cheeks as he smiled at me.
Growing up on my own family’s ranch had taught me many things, how to handle the cowboys was one of them. My mother always ensuring that I knew how to react in certain situations. Meaning that I took little heed as Sam showered me with compliments, his intense brown eyes never leaving my face as he rambled on.
So when Sam suddenly fell silent I had to frown, yet within seconds I could sense someone’s presence behind me. Immediately I spun around on my heel, instantly feeling as if caught doing something wrong. My cheeks flushing as I met John’s sombre face while he stood with his hands on his hips.
“Chatting to Jane isn’t getting the bunkhouse painted Sam,” he said sternly.
“Of course John sorry. I have enjoyed meeting you Miss,” Sam replied before taking up his brush again.
“I shall take you to see the room where the boys have their lessons.”
Following in silence I had to practically run to keep up with John’s long strides. He crossed the dusty yard and back into the main house. Guiding me through to a small room at the rear of the property. It was dark and dreary, the walls bare and only one window to allow any sunlight in. The room was sparse with just a round table in the center with four chairs positioned around it.
“Would it be alright to brighten the place up?” I asked cautiously.
“It is my belief that a plain room ensures that the children will not be distracted, so it shall stay the same,” John answered bluntly.
Inwardly, I despaired at his reasoning, but knew that it would be futile to protest. John clearly was set in his ways so I would have to find another way to convince him that a different approach could work just as well, and in some circumstances even better.
“Paul and Andrew will be finishing their afternoon chores soon, so I shall send them to find you. Lessons can begin tomorrow, but I am sure you will want to spend some time getting to know them better before then.”
“That would be lovely, perhaps I could take them on a picnic,” I suggested eagerly.
John merely shrugged nonchalantly at the idea, which shocked me. I had expected him to object, or at least suggest joining us. Instead he excused himself saying that he was needed out in the fields. So with a shake of my head I went through to the kitchen to ask Clara what I could take for a light snack for us to enjoy.
“Well they can’t be having too much or they won’t eat their supper,” Clara insisted as she quickly gathered some things.
I thanked her as I took the basket of goodies that she offered, seeing her blush before ushering me out of the door. And it wasn’t long before me and the boys were on our way. Both of them full of excitement at the prospect of an adventure away from the main house for a change.
Chapter 3
Though Paul and Andrew had chatted and played happily amongst themselves the previous day, they seemed a little shy whenever I tried to engage them in conversation. So I woke that morning determined to form some kind of bond with the two boys. A way that I could reassure them that they could confide and trust in me.
While the others began their morning chores after breakfast I went to the classroom, immediately feeling suffocated by the heat. It was still early, but already the air was stifling so I quickly opened the window to allow the breeze from outside to circulate.
A pile of old newspapers had been left on the table to help with the boys reading, along with some faded parchment for them to practice their writing. Yet the dull grey paint on the walls still made me long to brighten them. But I had little time to consider it further as John appeared in the doorway, pushing his sons before him.
Paul and Andrew welcomed me politely before taking their seats, folding their arms atop the table. John pulled a chair into the corner of the room, patiently waiting to observe us. Nerves knotted my stomach as I initially struggled to find my voice but once I had begun the lesson my mother’s teachings soon came flooding back.
Faye must have taught them well, as both boys were proficient readers considering their young age and I could see the pride linger on John’s face as he listened. Yet as I moved onto the writing they fell into silence. Simply watching intently before copying the strokes of the letters that I had shown them.
It concerned me that they were so withdrawn, wondering if John’s presence was impacting upon them. Seeing their looks of relief when the dinner gong finally sounded a short time later. But they still hung back until I had excused them from the room, giving a nod in their father’s direction before hungrily racing outside.
“This morning has gone well, and I am pleased with the approach that you have adopted Jane. And of course the boys will obviously get used to you over time,” John announced as he briskly left.
Joining the others in the kitchen I sat down heavily at the large table noting Clara’s curious glance as she passed me a bowl. The aromas of the boiled ham and steaming vegetables caused my stomach to rumble, but still I struggled as I spooned out a small serving of each. Only picking at a chunk of corn bread while my mind wandered.
The kitchen became loud with chatter as others gathered around the table eager for the spoils that Clara had served. Yet I barely heard a word as I considered how to possibly improve things for the boys. Knowing that my first step would be to get John to trust me enough to leave the three of us alone.
Lost in my own thoughts I jumped when I felt a hand on my arm, meeting Seth’s concerned face. His crystal blue eyes sparkled as he gave me a warm smile patting me lightly.
“Are you alright Jane?”
“Yes I’m fine. Just wondering what to do about things, I still feel rather lost at the moment,” I admitted reluctantly.
“It will take time, you can’t expect things to change overnight. You won’t be aware of this, but those boys have barely spoken a word since their mother died. And John seems to always avoid spending time with them at every chance,” Seth said in a hushed voice so as not to be overheard.
“But that is terrible, they need each other!”
“Don’t blame John, I just don’t think that he knows how to cope. The boys are a reminder of Faye and I’m not sure that he has fully gotten over her death,” Seth confided.
Thanking him for the information I cleared my things before stepping outside into the afternoon heat. I spotted Paul and Andrew across the yard fussing a horse that was taking a drink from the trough outside the stables. Taking a small step backward I watched them curiously from my hidden position.
As Andrew threw his arms around the horse’s neck a small smile spread across my lips. Hearing Paul’s giggle travel to my ears on the still air as he looked down on his younger brother.
My heart instantly began to ache as I thought of my family, especially my own two brothers. The memory of losing them and my parents still raw in my mind as silent tears ran down my cheeks.
Hurriedly I wiped my eyes upon hearing the sound of approaching hooves, turning to see Sam behind me. Dismounting he flashed me a broad smile, tipping the brim of his Stetson
.
“Hello again Miss Jane.”
I blushed guilty as he moved forward and looked over toward the stables, clearly realizing who I had been watching. Sam shook his head wryly before removing his hat and wiping his brow with the back of muscular tanned arm.
“I hope John doesn’t catch them petting that horse,” he sighed.
“Why?” I asked curiously.
“Chestnut was their mother’s favorite horse, she rode him everywhere. John hates having him here, obviously just another reminder of Faye.”
“But if the boys find comfort spending time with Chestnut, how could he possibly object?” I reasoned.
“Who knows, John is a very complicated person. So all I can do is wish you luck trying to care for his sons without having him breathing down your neck. He’s a great boss, but he can also be unpredictable.”
Sam gave me a solemn look as he led his horse away to the stables, leaving me considering what he had said. Upon reaching Paul he whispered something in his ear, causing the young boy to glance around in panic.
Paul grabbed his brother’s arm, dragging him behind the stable building and into the shadows. The frown that had gathered on my brow soon disappeared however when I saw John appear from around the corner. Clearly Sam had warned Paul that his father was close by to give them chance to hide, knowing that they would get into trouble for being there.
My heart went out to the boys as I strolled back inside, taking the stairs slowly up to my room. Though I was warm from the day’s heat I still lay upon the mattress welcoming the slight breeze that wafted through the window. With arms behind my head I stared up the ceiling considering all that I had discovered since being here.
The situation had grown so much more complex within just a couple of days of arriving on the ranch. And although the concept was daunting, I was determined to find a solution.
Chapter 4
Without warning the following few days were thrown into turmoil. I was awakened at dawn one morning to the sounds of gunshots echoing through the air. Jumping up to look through my bedroom window I could see the ranch hands mounting their horses. Dust kicked up in the wake of their hooves as the men galloped after the figures who were disappearing into the distance.