by Indiana Wake
“Unfair, how?” Jarrett asked.
“Well, it isn’t my fault that the older sister. The one I’m supposed to wed is such a broad. I can’t even comprehend ever falling in love with her. You have a beautiful lady to accompany you everywhere. Do not mistake me; I am glad you have a genuine connection with Ellie. It is just that… why did the woman I am to marry have to be such a big one? She is a fat, plain old thing and I shall die of shame introducing her to any of my friends.”
“She is hardly any bigger than my dear Ellie and she isn’t that large. Both sisters are pretty, kind and gentle. Isn’t that what matters? Anyway, for you to say a thing like that is shameful, brother. Now I know why Dad was so angry with us. He hoped that wives would bring us down to earth and let’s be honest of the two of you Susan is the better person. ” Jarrett said in a disgusted voice.
Having heard more than enough, Susan left without interrupting them and ran out to the gardens. She went down to the horse corral and let her tears fall. She had not planned on marrying him, despite his good looks and money. She cherished goodness, humility, and kindness above all else but hearing those awful things said about her cut her right to the bone. She knew she wasn’t as thin as other women but her weight and shapely body had never been a worry for her. She had been proud of whom she was as a person and that was all that should matter to him. Maybe she wasn’t as pretty as Ellie, but before today it had never bothered her.
Hearing all of his bitterness though, made her doubt herself and made her feel insecure about taking the step to live alone. She was afraid she might never find someone to love simply because of her weight. Closing her eyes, she said a prayer and asked for the strength to get through this. Most of all she must not let Ellie know. At least her sister had found happiness and she must make sure that was not ruined.
Eventually, she wiped away her tears and resolved that a man like Lawton would never deserve someone like her and she did not need to care what he thought of her. A man who was good at heart would not judge her based on her looks and weight. With that in mind, she finally went back to the house, just as the sun set.
Chapter 10
That evening Susan was quiet while they ate. She had little appetite but still it warmed her to see the secret glances passed between Jarrett and her sister. After they had eaten Ellie and Jarrett sat together in a corner whispering to each other. Mr. Foster Treherne sat writing a letter and Lawton was reading a book.
Susan steeled herself and stood up. She cleared her throat and said, “Mr. Lawton, I wish to speak to you if you would be kind enough to accompany me outside.”
Around the room all heads raised, surprised at her request. Ellie gestured her support with a nod of her head. Lawton looked irritated but curious at the same time. “I certainly can Miss Susan,” he said. “But it is chilly out now; perhaps we could talk in the den?” He did not wait for her reply and simply moved toward the door and led her out towards the den.
Once they had reached the brother’s private room and they had both sat down, Lawton stared across at her. Again she heard his harsh words and it straightened her spine. He would never say them to her face, swallowing she prepared to speak.
“I know you want to speak of Ellie and Jarrett,” Lawton drawled. “I guess with the settlement of their marriage it’s only right we settle ours. You know my reasons for this marriage and my expectations so if that is what you wish to speak of…”
He hesitated and for a second she thought she saw doubt. Maybe he was just imagining what his friends would think of her. Before she could interrupt, he was talking again and she pulled her mind back to the conversation.
“I don’t believe there’s much to discuss,” he said. “So can we agree on our mutual acceptance of both marriages?”
Susan had to bite down hard to hide her disgust. The man was so sure that she would be here only out of worry that their marriage had not been finalized. She sat up straighter and said, “On the contrary Mr. Lawton. There is something that I still wish to discuss. I wanted to let you know that the month is up and I have decided that I do not wish to marry you. I will, therefore, be leaving after my sister’s marriage and you can begin looking for another wife at first light tomorrow if you so choose.”
Lawton looked at her in shock for he had never imagined that she might not want to marry him. He had considered himself to be quite the catch and to be rejected by this woman in front of him. The one, whom he had dismissed so abysmally, caused shock to march across his face. “You do not wish to marry me? Why may I ask?”
“If it is the truth you wish to hear then here it is.” She said. “You are an arrogant and conceited man who has no appreciation or care for anyone but himself. You look down upon everyone and a kind word I have never heard uttered from your mouth. You judge based on materialistic things when life is so much more than that. To put myself through a life in which my husband has no respect for the sacred act of marriage would be a great injustice done to myself. These are the reasons I do not wish to marry you,” Susan said, passionately with a fire in her eyes.
Lawton laughed, but the sound was hollow to her ears, more bravado than mirth.
“From your letters I thought you were desperate,” he said standing and putting his hands on his hips. “You needed somewhere to live. Are yer really telling me that you would rather be out of a home than marry me?”
Susan stood, but still found herself staring up at him. She placed her own hands on her hips and raised her head. “I would not marry you if you were the last man on this earth,” she threw at him.
“Well I’ll be,” he said. “I guess you have made your sentiments quite clear and I thank you for your honesty. To help my little brother I am happy to have you stay for as long as you like at the Lazy T. With that he stood up and went to the window, turning his back to her as a dismissal. “I have paperwork to do now. Good evening, Miss.”
Susan kept her head held high and calm in her heart for she knew that by standing up to a man like Lawton, she had saved herself a lifetime of misery and sorrow. She was proud of who she was and looked forward to the journey ahead with a new vigor. The world was hers to cherish and to make her own. It was a beautiful place and she would find happiness in her life, she was sure of it. After all she had her faith.
Chapter 11
The next few weeks flew by and Susan was so happy for Ellie. Most mornings she rode out with Jarrett and their love seemed to grow and grow. Ellie was always smiling and all their hard years seemed to have melted from her. Now she was looking forward to a happy and full life.
Lawton had taken to ignoring her. At first the snub had stung but now she felt sorry for him. On more than one occasion, she had heard his father shouting at him. It seemed that she may not be the only one looking for a new home.
It was one morning after a particularly bitter fight that Foster Treherne called her to him. He was very like Lawton with deep blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. And even though his hair was sprinkled with gray he still looked strong and a force to be reckoned with.
“Come have a coffee with me,” he said and led her through to the kitchen.
Jenna served them two cups of strong black coffee and then made herself scarce. Susan sipped her drink and sat across the small table from him. This was it, she would be told to leave. It did not matter, Ellie was happy and that was all she cared about. For long seconds, he sipped his drink and stared at her over the mug.
“Lawton tells me you refuse to marry him,” he said at last.
Susan squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but Lawton is not what I consider good husband material.”
Foster slapped the table and laughed. “At the moment he’s not good son material either. I gave both my boys an ultimatum, get their act together, take a wife or get out. I can tell you I am proud of Jarrett. He has shown me that he can be a man and I think Ellie will make a fine addition to our family. She is sweet and pretty, but
she has a fine spirit. I like the girl and I like you too. I want you to know that I think my son is a fool for not treating you better. You are welcome in this house for as long as you want. If you decide to find a place of your own I will provide you with a small income.”
Susan felt her breath catch in her throat, how could he be so kind? What had she done to deserve such good fortune? “I cannot thank you enough. Knowing that Ellie is safe is all that I ever wanted.”
“You are more courageous than Lawton will ever understand. I know you found yourselves on hard times but coming out here…” His hands spread to emphasize his meaning. “It really was an amazing thing to do. If you ever need anything from me, please ask.” With that he stood tipped his Stetson and left the room.
Susan could not believe her luck, but she knew there were a few things that needed doing before she left the ranch. The first was to see Ellie properly wed the second was to teach the men some respect. That last one was not going to be easy.
***
Susan decided she would cook up a celebration meal, and while she was doing it, she would work on her plan. “Mrs. Jenkins, Jenna,” she called. The women came through and helped her plan the meal. “When was the last time you had a day off?” she asked.
The two women shared a glance. “We don’t rightly remember,” Mrs. Jenkins said at last.
“That is as I thought,” Susan continued. “I saw a small church on the way here. Do you like to attend?”
“It has been a long time,” Jenna said. “But yes we used to.”
“Then I have a plan. I will talk to Mr. Treherne. If he agrees, we will all go to church this Sunday.”
Quickly she found out Mr. Foster Treherne. “May I come in?” she asked as she peeked around his study door.
“Of course,” he said.
“You said your sons are spoiled. I believe that the way they treat your staff has a lot to do with it. Mrs. Jenkins and Jenna work hard, never take time off and yet the boys treat them like…” What could she say? “They treat them worse than they treat your cattle.”
“I have noticed this,” Treherne said. “They lost their Ma when they were just boys. There were no women here, just me and I guess I spoiled them a little. When we finally got help around the house, well maybe it was too late. What do you want to do?”
Susan told him her plan and he agreed. She spent the rest of the day preparing the meal. She picked flowers from the garden, gave the dining room an extra special clean and baked fresh bread. It was a recipe she had come across many years ago. Thick, soft bread filled with wild garlic. It had always been her favorite and she managed to churn some fresh butter to which she added more wild garlic.
The house smelled delicious and when the two brothers rode in from the range, she was almost ready with her plan. It would take them just twenty minutes to rub down the horses and then they would be hungry and tired. Susan walked back into the kitchen; she could see Jenna and Mrs. Jenkins rushing round.
“You two can take the night off,” Susan said.
Jenna was so shocked she dropped a plate. It hit the wooden floor and cracked into two pieces. Dropping to her knees she wailed an apology. Susan knelt down beside her and put a gentle hand on her back.
“It is all right Jenna,” Susan said. “Take the night off, leave this for me to clear up and tomorrow morning put on your Sunday best, we are all going to church.”
“But Mr. Treherne and the brothers won’t like that,” Mrs. Jenkins said.
“That is fine. I have cleared it with Mr. Treherne,” Susan said. “We both agree that things are going to change around here. Go, go now and if you hear your name called do not come.”
It was just fifteen minutes later when the brothers stormed into the house.
“Pump me some water Jenna,” Lawton shouted. “And be quick.”
Susan walked out of the kitchen, Lawton looked angry that it was her and he shouted again. She raised a hand to stop him. “I gave the staff the night off,” she said. “If you want anything from me then you can ask nicely.”
Lawton’s face was like thunder. His mouth opened to say something, but it closed when Jarrett started to laugh.
“I guess spirit runs in the family,” Jarrett said. “It smells mighty nice in here Miss Susan. Excuse me but can I use the pump outside the kitchen?”
Susan nodded and stepped aside to let him through. Lawton moved towards her, but at the last moment he turned and stormed up the stairs. Susan let out a breath. With her hand on her chest, she tried to calm her racing heart and went back to the kitchen.
Jarrett was stood outside; he had pulled off his shirt and had splashed water all over his face and body. Susan turned away as heat hit her cheeks. As she busied herself he searched for a towel, taking pity on him Susan handed it to him.
“Thanks mighty,” he said as he dried his face and chest. “Now don’t you go worrying about Lawton? He has a few worries on his mind. Things my Dad don’t know about. He comes over all ornery, but he isn’t a bad man.”
Susan felt a touch of fear. “These things, do they threaten our safety?”
Jarrett looked down at his hands and then at her face. “I love Ellie and would do anything for her. We are safe here at the house,” he said and then he walked past her making sure she had no chance to ask anything else.
Chapter 12
Did he mean they were in danger? Is that what he had hinted at that Lawton was protecting them somehow? Safe here at the house, he had said. What did that mean? She knew she would have to ask Lawton, or should she ask his father? A noise in the hallway told her the men were ready to eat. “Ellie, come help me,” she shouted.
Ellie rushed down the stairs just as Jarrett replaced his shirt. Her face was all flushed and full of smiles. Susan forgot all her worries and decided to concentrate on her plan. “I have spoken to Mr. Foster Treherne. The sons are to get nothing unless they treat the staff with respect and that includes us.”
Ellie’s pretty smile turned into a pout. “My Jarrett is a true gentleman; I do not think he needs a lesson.”
“You may be right, but Lawton is not. Come, let us serve the meal before it goes cold.”
Susan put a stock pot on the table along with platters of vegetables and thick slices of her garlic bread. Foster nodded at her and she sat down. Though her head was lowered, she could see Lawton. Impatience crossed his handsome face.
“Let us say Grace,” Foster said. “Lord we thank you for this bountiful meal and for these two amazing women that have come to join us. We ask that you keep us safe and provide for our needs, Amen.”
“Amen.”
Susan sat and waited and as Ellie reached out her hand she grabbed it from beneath the table.
“Are you going to serve us?” Lawton asked.
“No, she’s not,” Foster Treherne’s voice cut across the table. “I’ve seen the way you treat Mrs. Jenkins and Jenna and now our guests Miss Susan and Miss Ellie. It stops now. From this day forth you treat everyone with respect and you ask nicely. If not you get nothing, no food, no washing and no bed beneath you, are we clear?”
Jarrett nodded and helped himself to some stew. He smiled at Ellie and served her some and then at Susan. “Thank you for your hard work Miss Susan,” he said.
With a smile, Susan passed her dish over and then passed Fosters. The only one without food was Lawton. Susan watched him clench his fists and she thought he was going to stand up and walk out.
Foster Treherne was leaning across the table and the challenge between the two men was almost thick enough to slice. Then a laugh escaped from Lawton and the tension was broken. Foster sat back down and Lawton passed his dish to Jarrett.
“I underestimated you, Miss Susan,” Lawton said. “And maybe you are right, maybe I have been… well, maybe I’ve become a bit of an animal. So to please you all I will change my ways.”
“That’s good,” Foster said. “Because we are all going to church tomorrow, we have a wedding to arrange.”
Ellie let out a squeal of delight.
Chapter 13
Susan and Ellie came down early to make breakfast. Ellie was so excited she could not keep still and Susan was so pleased that things had worked out right for one of them. Quickly she cooked up some eggs and sliced up some salted meat. Everything was ready when Mrs. Jenkins and Jenna arrived.
The two women carried out the food to find both Lawton and Jarrett waiting. Susan followed them in and took a seat opposite Lawton. He was wearing a dark shirt with white piping and his hair was slicked back. For a second she regretted they would not be married for he was a most attractive man.
“Thank you,” Lawton said as Jenna served his breakfast.
Susan nodded encouragement at the girl and smiled at Lawton. “You look very nice this morning, Mr. Lawton,” Susan said.
“Thank you, mam,” he replied. “It has been too long since we have been to church.”
The morning passed quickly. While Ellie and Jarrett whispered together, Susan was pleased to watch the change in Lawton. It seemed as if he was a different man, both polite and courteous. After they had eaten, she snuck back to the kitchen.
“What has happened?” Mrs. Jenkins asked. “I’m worried about the masters.”
“There’s no need,” Susan said. “And if either of the brothers treats you badly you must come tell me at once.”
“You will make Lawton such a good wife,” Jenna said.
Susan did not know how to reply. Just as she was about to tell them that would never happen, Jarrett popped his head round the corner.
“Come on ladies, we’ll be late.”
They all climbed into a wagon, and Mrs. Jenkins and Jenna got in one behind them with a few of the ranch hands. Susan looked around but she could not see Lawton. “Is your brother not coming?” she asked Jarrett.