by Indiana Wake
Feeling as if they had made the right decision, Susan sat on the bed and closed her eyes. Maybe this could be their home.
Chapter 4
Susan and Ellie took their time to freshen up and relax from the journey. Soon it would be time for dinner and they wished very much to be acquainted with their hosts. With their few clothes unpacked and their hair and faces refreshed and ready they waited and waited. Soon their stomachs were groaning with hunger and dusk had begun to fall. They lit a lamp and decided it would be best if they went in search of the men. Perhaps they thought that they needed their rest?
Quickly they descended the stairs and looked around curiously until they finally came across a kitchen. In the kitchen, Jenna and a lady who seemed to be her mother stood washing some dishes.
Susan came in and said, “Pardon me, Miss but is it not yet time for dinner?”
The woman turned to her and said, “Dinner? I’m afraid the masters don’t have a meal together. Each one of them is sent their share to their respective quarters or wherever it is they would prefer to have it. Would you like some?”
Susan and Ellie looked at one another in wonder before settling down and thanking the lady for her offer. Just then a man’s voice boomed out, “Mrs. Jenkins.” The woman jumped at the voice and abandoned everything, quickly exiting the kitchen. She came back rather soon and looking at the two girls said, “Master Treherne wishes you two to have dinner with him and his sons. They are in the living area so you best be off.”
Susan and Ellie left the room and with the help of Jenna, went to the living area where the two brothers and a man who could only be their father sat. Curtsying, the two sisters sat down around a huge table. Susan kept a smile fixed on her face and tried to hide her worries. This was not what she had expected. It was almost as if the brothers did not want them there.
“Hello. I am Foster Treherne and I welcome you to my home. I hope your travel wasn’t too tiring,” said an older gentleman at the head of the table. Though his hair was turning gray and there were lines around his eyes he looked strong and confident. It was obvious this was the brother’s father.
“The journey to town can be a bit much at first,” he continued. “But with a warm meal inside you and a good night’s sleep you will soon recover. I hope the room is to your liking?”
“Thank you, the accommodations are splendid and the journey, though tiring, was not unbearable. We are much obliged for your hospitality and concern,” Susan replied.
“Are you mute?” Jarrett asked, looking towards Ellie.
“Jarrett!!” his father admonished him.
“She is only a bit shy at first, is all,” Susan said in defense of her sister.
Ellie put a hand on her sister’s elbow and turned toward Lawton. “No, sir. I am not mute. I just get nervous at first meetings and, therefore, don’t say much. I just tend to observe.” She had a fire in her eyes as she replied, challenging him to say more about it.
“Not a lot here for you to observe, I’m afraid,” Jarrett said with a gleam in his eyes. He was egging her on it seemed.
“I disagree, I am in a distant land, with people I have never met before, I believe I have the most to observe here,” Ellie said, not backing down from a challenge. She was a quiet girl but once rattled, she wasn’t one to back down easily.
“I agree with you, Miss Ellie. This is a new place and you are welcome to observe as much as you like,” Mr. Treherne cut in before his son could add anything further.
Jarrett turned toward his brother and whispered in a voice that carried across the table, “Feisty one isn’t she.” His head nodded towards Ellie.
Ellie’s face flushed red, but she didn’t say a word. Just then Mrs. Edwards brought in a hot pot and they all bowed their heads in prayer, before the meal.
Chapter 5
The next day after breakfast, as the two sisters were unpacking their luggage, Jenna summoned them to the young masters’ study. Apparently the men wished to speak with them. They followed Jenna down a hallway that lead deep into the house until they came to a big, wooden door. She left them there and scurried away like a frightened mouse. Susan knocked on the door and a voice from inside asked them to enter. They went in to find both brothers present.
Lawton sat at the desk, his boots on the polished surface. His brother Jarrett leaned against a cabinet. Both looked relaxed, in control and Susan thought rather arrogant.
Lawton motioned for them to sit on two chairs opposite them. The girls gathered up their skirts and sat down. Susan had a bad feeling. It was almost like being back in Aunt Melissa’s study. What was to happen now?
“We have asked you both here because we have some matters to discuss with you,” Lawton said. “Our dear ole dad has gone and insisted that we find wives. Even gone so far as to demand that we change our ways and marry or we will be thrown out on our ears. This isn’t something that we are gonna accept, so that is the reason for our advertisement. We want things to settle between us, so that we can go about our business as per usual. You will be our wives in name only but if you agree to this, we will ensure that you are taken care of.” He glanced across at his brother.
Jarrett nodded. “That’s about it,” he said.
“So,” Lawton continued. “We will give you a month or so to make your decision otherwise we start looking for another bride. That will be all for now. Think it over and if you have any questions ask Jarrett or me and we shall be happy to answer,” and then he crossed his arms and tilted his head towards the door. He had dismissed them just as Aunt Mellissa would.
Susan stood, but it felt like her world had dropped from beneath her. This was not the deal. Not what they had advertised for. How could she do this to Ellie? How could she ask her to marry such a horrible man?
But there was nothing she could do about it now. Keeping her head high she nodded to her sister. Together they stood, curtseyed at the men and walked towards the door.
“One other thing,” Lawton said, “do make yourselves useful around here. Mrs. Jenkins and Jenna aren’t enough to see to this house and our needs. With you extra folks here, I fear our needs will not be given full priority and I do not wish to suffer for my father’s stubborn demands. Thank you that will be all. Good day, ladies.”
Susan and Ellie trudged back to their room. Was this it? Ellie slumped down onto the bed and sat staring into space. She was plainly shocked while Susan paced the room.
“Whatever shall we do,” Ellie asked.
“I’m trying to figure out what our plan of action should be,” Susan said, pacing the room some more. She wanted to shout, to scream and to let her tears fall, but she would not. More than anything she must stay strong for Ellie.
“I am afraid,” Ellie said.
Susan came up to her and hugged her. “We have a month. I think the best course of action would be to observe these two brothers and judge if we would be able to be happy or at least content enough to live here. If we pray for them, maybe it will help. But if, by the end of the month, they seem to be as wretched as they are now, we could leave and settle down close to here. What do you think of that?”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea. I am not ready just yet to venture out into the world,” Ellie said.
“You won’t have to and if the time comes where we have to, then trust that I will always be there to protect and guide you, my dear. Now let us go see how we can help out Mrs. Jenkins.” And with that they set off towards the kitchen to help out as they had been asked.
Chapter 6
Soon they had formed a pattern to their days. In the morning, they woke up to prepare breakfast, and then the three men dined with them. After that they helped out with the chores of the house and once that was done, they would help out in the stables, with the animals. In the evening, they would all sit down to eat together and would then proceed towards a conversation or some reading. The girls soon realized that the two brothers were egotistical, rude and spoilt. They had a lavish lifestyle and ha
d no regard for anyone around them.
Ellie had a tendency of getting into spats with Jarrett, for he was always pressing her buttons and getting her to react to things. It was as if he enjoyed seeing her riled.
One day, a couple of weeks after they had settled at the Lazy T Ranch, Ellie was in the stables brushing the coat of a horse she had grown rather fond of when Jarrett came in. He stood by the door and watched her as she hummed along to the horse while brushing it. She turned to get an apple for the horse and her eyes met his.
Seeing that he had been spotted, he straightened and cleared his throat. He came up to her and said, “I was gonna ride out across the ranch this afternoon. Would you like to join me?” He seemed different, nervous; not rude the way he was in front of his brother.
Ellie looked at him quizzically, before shaking her head. “I’m afraid I must decline. I do not know how to ride a horse, you see.”
“Well, if that is the problem then don’t you worry; I can teach you to ride and you will be riding soon enough,” he said enthusiastically.
Ellie looked from him to the horse doubtfully. Seeing her hesitating, he grinned at her with his devilish smile and said, “Don’t tell me you are afraid of a little riding. I promise I won’t let you fall. Just trust me and live a little.” He then proceeded to saddle the horse in front of her.
Giggling, Ellie allowed him to help her on. Once she was settled he very gently, began to teach her how to handle her horse and the reins. Soon she was walking and then trotting around and he was clapping in pride for her.
“That’s enough of a lesson for one day,” he called out. “Bring her back in and we can continue this tomorrow.” As Ellie started to get off the horse, her foot caught on the pommel and she lost her balance. It felt as though she was falling through the air and she let out a squeal of despair. Jarrett rushed towards her and caught her in his arms.
Engulfed in the safety of his embrace she looked up to see his clear green eyes, like pools of spring water she could almost fall into them. Hidden within their depths was a kindness she had never seen before and Ellie felt her heart melting just a little. Instead of putting her down immediately, Jarrett held onto her and continued to stare into the very soul of her. His eyes softened and a small smile graced his lips, making him seem to be the most amicable man alive.
As they continued to stare at each other, Ellie felt herself fill up with butterflies, her skin ignited and a flush overtook her. Seeing her blush, Jarrett’s heart started beating so fast that she could feel it through his shirt. His eyes hooded and he began to bend his lips nearer to hers. Just as he was about to kiss her, she cleared her throat a little. That jolted him out of the spell they both seemed under and he quickly put her down. They both stood there, blushing and avoiding eye contact.
Jarrett cleared his throat and said in a nervous voice, “Well, Miss Ellie, I shall teach you about riding some more tomorrow. It is time I get back to my work now,” and bowing to her, he rushed out of there as if he were on fire.
Ellie watched him leave; the tingling feeling had not completely left her body, and her own heart pounded against her ribs. As she thought of the man that lay hidden behind his tough exterior, she smiled. She decided that she would somehow get him to let out the nice man hidden within him. With thoughts like these, she went back to her chores.
Chapter 7
That evening as they all sat down to eat; Susan noticed that something seemed different between Ellie and Jarrett. They still bickered with each other over every little thing. But now there was a spark in both of their eyes and every once in a while, Jarrett would give her a look that made her blush and look away.
Curious, Susan asked her about it later that night. “Oh, it is nothing sister. Jarrett just gave me a lesson in riding this afternoon, is all,” Ellie told her, brushing the whole thing off.
Susan decided to leave it alone and observe her sister’s behavior instead. Over the next few days, Ellie had a riding lesson every afternoon. Jarrett and she began sitting together in the evenings to discuss a variety of subjects. Ellie was lively and cheerful and Jarrett himself seemed like a changed man. He was gentle with her, nicer to the others around him and couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off Ellie.
After a week of subtle gestures and gazes, Ellie was leaving the living room one evening when Jarrett came up behind her.
“Miss Ellie,” he said. “I was wondering if perhaps I could have a word with you, in my den?”
Ellie turned around to see him beseeching her with his eyes. “Yes, of course, Mr. Jarrett; as you wish,” and she followed him down the hallway to the brothers’ study. When they had reached it, he asked her to sit.
“My dear Miss Ellie, ever since the first time you put me in my place when I called you mute I have been intrigued by you. You have a fire within you and you don’t let anyone bully you. You are kind and gentle and I have become a better man in your presence. I cannot say when or how but I find myself madly and deeply in love with you. I wished to marry you before for the sake of my lifestyle but if you will accept me as yours, I would gladly give up all the riches of the world. I only wish to be yours till the end of time and to have you as my wife. Will you marry me?”
His eyes had such passion in them as he knelt in front of her. Here he was putting his heart out for her to own. It was so gallant that she felt a tear escape her eye. He seemed worried by this display of emotion and his shoulders began to slump. Ellie quickly replied, “I do accept you, my dear Jarrett. I too fell in love with you with all your faults for I saw the man that you truly are. I love who you are and who you are becoming and I will be by your side until the end of times if that is what you truly desire.”
His face lit up with a joy so profound and he leaped up and pulled her close. He looked into her eyes and said, “I love you, my dear Miss Ellie and I always will.”
“I love you too, my sweet Jarrett and I too, always will,” replied Ellie.
Jarrett took her in his arms and bent his lips to hers. He gave her an earth-shattering, bone tingling kiss that made all her hair stand on end and her heart gallop like the fastest horse.
Chapter 8
Susan sat on her bed, knitting when later that night Ellie barged into the room, her cheeks flushed and her demeanor possessed.
“Whatever is the matter, dear sister,” Susan said, abandoning her knitting and rushing towards her.
“Oh my dear, sweet Susan, I am the happiest woman alive this evening,” Ellie replied, twirling around the room. Puzzled, Susan grabbed on to her sister and made her sit down. “What has happened, Ellie? Please, do tell me immediately.”
“Oh Susan, Jarrett has just asked me to marry him,” Ellie sighed happily.
“But my dear sister this is not news, we are here to be wed to the two of them,” Susan said, not impressed.
“No, my dear sister, you misunderstand me. Jarrett has confessed that he has fallen in love with me and wishes to be with me and no other. We love each other, Susan, and that is why we are marrying. Do you not see how that makes all the difference in the world? I never imagined I would be marrying for love and yet here I am,” Ellie replied, sinking into the bed contentedly.
“Why that does change things mightily,” Susan exclaimed. “I am so happy for you, sister. Jarrett has really grown and changed since meeting you and I believe he is well capable of keeping you happy. My dear sister this is indeed a great day and I wish you all the happiness in the world.” She then hugged her sister for joy.
“Oh Susan, I cannot wait for the two of us to be married and for us to be together in the same house for the rest our lives. I am sure Mr. Lawton will keep you just as happy as Jarrett plans to keep me. We will all be just one big, happy family. Life cannot get much better than this,” Ellie cried.
Susan extracted herself from the hug and looked at her sister with a solemn expression. “Ellie,” she said. “I am not going to marry Lawton.”
Ellie stared at her sister in bewilderment. “Wh
y ever not?”
“I do not like him,” Susan said. “He is not a gentleman and he has no regard for anyone but himself. He is arrogant and conceited and I have decided I would rather face the world alone than be married to a man who will never see me as more than the help.”
“Oh, but Susan we were to be a family. You cannot leave here alone. I will go with you.”
“No… No of course you will not. You will do no such thing. You have found love and I will see to it that you stay with him. I will be fine by myself, sister, you needn’t worry,” Susan said.
“When I shall be Jarrett’s wife, you can stay with us for as long as you like. I do not want to part from you, dear sister. Tell me, have you told Lawton about your rejection yet?”
“No, I plan to do so tomorrow and once you are married, I shall be off. Do not worry, I will be nearby and we can always visit each other. Now enough discussions for one night let us pray. Then we can sleep and I will be at peace knowing you have found love. Tomorrow I will deal with what is to happen with me. Come on, off to bed.”
The two sisters prayed before lying down to bed though it was a long time before either of them slept for they were too wrapped up in their own thoughts.
Chapter 9
The next day, after breakfast Susan went to the study to talk to Lawton. She was about to knock when she heard Jarrett speaking with his brother. “I am happy and I would appreciate you being happy for me too,” Jarrett told his brother.
“I am happy for you. I am glad that you are marrying a woman you love. It is only that I find the situation a bit unfair.”