Amelia's Marriage

by Agnes Alexander

  “I’m sure you’ll learn to like Settlers Ridge. It’s a nice town and there are always exciting things happening.”

  “Are there any Indians?” Joel asked.

  “There are a few.”

  “Will they scalp us?” Benita’s eyes got big.

  “No.” Wilma smiled at her. “Most of the Indians are out on the plains. The ones in town stay mostly to themselves.”

  “Why?” Joel looked at her.

  Wilma shrugged. “I guess they don’t want to be with white people.”

  Esther spoke. “The only Indians my children hear about are the ones who are written up in the newspapers. It says they raid ranches and scalp and kill everyone there, and that’s what has them scared about coming here.”

  “I don’t think there has been an Indian raid for a long time in or around Settlers Ridge.”

  “Do you know any Indians?” Joel asked.

  “I know a man who is half Indian.”

  “Really?” Joel’s eyes got big. “Do half Indians kill people?”

  Wilma couldn’t help smiling. “This half Indian wouldn’t kill anyone except maybe an outlaw. He recently married a friend of mine and they bought a ranch to live on about two weeks ago.”

  “Is she a half Indian, too?” Joel asked.

  “No. She’s a white woman.”

  “Does she live on a ranch with him?”

  “Don’t be a dummy, little brother,” Benita butted in. “Of course his wife lives where he does. Married people live together.”

  “Not Mama and Daddy,” Joel argued.

  Esther broke in this time. “You’ve asked enough questions, children. I think you should stop bothering Miss Lawson.”

  “They’re fine,” Wilma said.

  “It’s time they took a nap anyway. I’m sure we have a long ride before we get to the next way station.”

  In a little while, the children drifted off and Esther had her eyes closed.

  Wilma felt the woman was as unhappy as the children were about coming to Wyoming. She wondered about her situation. If Joel was right about her and her husband not living together, was she separated from him because she wanted to be or was she forced to come west without him? Wilma knew there was no way of knowing the answers, but she wished there was some way she could make the move easier for Esther Venable, though she doubted there was.

  Esther opened her eyes and glanced at her children, then at Wilma. “I’m sorry they were so inquisitive about Indians, Miss Lawson.”

  “I didn’t mind, and I wish you’d call me Wilma. We’ll probably be seeing each other in town.”

  “Then you must call me Esther.”

  “I will.”

  “If you don’t mind, would you please tell me about some of the people in Settlers Ridge? You could start with your friend and her half-Indian husband.”

  “Of course, I’ll tell you all I can. Everyone in town was shocked when Amelia Donahue married Jed Wainright. She’s the daughter of the richest rancher in the area and Jed was a former bounty hunter. I was surprised myself, but when I met him, I could understand why she could fall in love with him.”

  “What did her parents think about the marriage?”

  “Her father was furious and I haven’t heard how her mother felt.”

  “So, he’s a bounty hunter turned rancher?”

  “Yes. He wanted to settle down.”

  “I guess the bounty hunting life got to be too much for him.”

  “It must have.” She gave Esther a small smile. “Or he came up against Amelia and she decided she wanted him. Amelia Donahue always gets what she wants.”

  They fell into a conversation with Wilma telling her many things about Settlers Ridge, the Donahue ranch, her friend Grace and about the happenings of the town.

  Finally Ester asked, “Would you tell me about Doctor Wagner?”

  “He was married until last year. His wife was his nurse and everybody liked her almost as much as they did the doctor.”

  “What happened?”

  “One day, she was hurrying across the street in the rain. There was a big crack of thunder and a horse broke loose from a hitching post. It went racing down the street and ran over Mrs. Wagner. She died a little while later.”

  “How tragic.”

  “Yes. We were all sad about it.” Wilma shook her head. “They had no children and the doctor was lost for a while. He seems to be doing all right now.”

  “I hope my services will be a help to him.”

  “I’m sure they will.”

  Before they could talk any more, the stage started slowing. Wilma looked out the window. “It looks like we’re at the next way station.”

  “Thank you for talking with me, Wilma. It has certainly helped the afternoon pass quickly.” She then turned and began waking her children.

  * * * *

  “When the hell did Lawson sell his place?” Rafe glared at Charles Fielding.

  “A couple of weeks ago.” Charles grew uncomfortable.

  “Whatever possessed him to do such a thing? He knew I was going to buy it.”

  Charles shrugged and took a drink of the bourbon from the heavy crystal glass Rafe had served him. He wasn’t sure what to tell his friend.

  “Who bought it? Do you think I could give him a little profit and still get it?”

  “I’m surprised you don’t know who the new owner is.”

  Rafe frowned. “How would I know?”

  Charles decided to be straight forward with Rafe. He’d find out who the owner was anyway. “Jed Wainwright and his partner, Curt Allison, bought it.”

  Rafe’s eyes filled with fury. “How the hell did a man like him have enough money to buy the place?”

  “He’s been putting his money in the Settlers Ridge Bank for some time now. I think it has always been his plan to quit hunting outlaws and settle on a ranch.”

  “Hell and damnation! The last person in the world I want settling anywhere near me is the son-of-a-bitch who stole my daughter.” Rafe grabbed the crystal decanter and poured himself another drink. “Did the bastard use any of my daughter’s money to buy the place?”

  Since the total of Jed’s savings added to his partner’s was enough to pay for the ranch, Charles could honestly say, “All the money for the ranch came out of his account and from what his partner brought with him.”

  “I suppose his partner is another lowdown bounty hunter?”

  Charles was glad Rafe hadn’t pursued asking about Wainwright’s account. “Said he’d been working on a ranch somewhere in New Mexico. Previously he was a US Marshall until he got hurt.”

  “And you believe him?”

  “Have no reason not to. He has the limp to prove he’d been wounded.”

  “Probably got it when a bank robbery went wrong.” Rafe sneered.

  “You are cynical, Donahue, my friend.”

  “I have every right to be.” He took a swallow of the drink. “What would you do if your daughter was with a man like Jed Wainwright?”

  “You know damn good and well I’m not married and I don’t have a daughter.”

  “Well, if you did, what would you do?”

  Before Charles could answer there was a tap on the door.

  “Come in.” Rafe’s voice came out almost as a growl.

  Elizabeth opened the door. “Supper is ready, gentlemen.”

  “Thank you, Elizabeth.” Charles stood and walked to the door. “May I have the honor of escorting you?”

  She took his extended arm. “I’d be delighted, Mr. Fielding.”

  Rafe downed the rest of his bourbon and followed them to the dining room with a scowl on his face.

  Charles noticed, but ignored the look. He knew, even after all the years, her husband was still jealous because Elizabeth and he had been sweethearts before Rafe came into her life. Every time Charles saw her, though he didn’t particularly want to irritate Rafe, it made him feel good to know that the powerful Rafe Donahue thought he was a threat. He als
o couldn’t help remembering he had planned on asking Elizabeth to marry him until she informed him she’d fallen in love with Rafe. There were still times when he wondered if Elizabeth regretted choosing Rafe over him. But no matter how much he liked being with the woman he still cared for, Charles knew he was going to be happy when this evening was over.

  Chapter 12

  After rearranging the furniture in the parlor the way she wanted it for the fourth time in two weeks, Amelia decided to start supper. She knew Jed and Curt would come in from the range hungry because they always did. She sliced ham, cooked some dried apples, stewed potatoes, cooked green peas and cut up tomatoes. Knowing the men would want bread, she made biscuits and put them in the oven. Since she still had time, she decided to make fritters with the stewed apples.

  At six-thirty Jed came into the kitchen. “Something smells good.”

  “I’m not the best cook in the West, but I think it’s edible.”

  “So far, nobody has complained.”

  “Good.” She took the biscuits from the oven. “It’s ready. Tell everyone to wash up.”

  “Mort wanted me to ask you if you still want him to come in. I don’t think he can get used to having his meals in the house.”

  “It’s hard enough to keep you and Curt full. I don’t intend to cook and start carrying plates around. Which means Mort eats with us or he doesn’t eat.”

  Jed chuckled. “I’m sure he’ll choose to continue to come inside over starving.”

  Mort still seemed to be a little uncomfortable at the table, but he ate well and thanked Amelia profusely, telling her it was one of the best meals he’d had in a long time which was the same thing he said every evening. After a second cup of coffee with the apple fritter, he thanked her again and hurried out the back door.

  “Well, Amelia,” Curt said, “I think you’re winning over our hired hand and I certainly understand why. It was delicious.”

  “Thank you.”

  “If Jed hadn’t already snagged you, I’d be there fighting for your hand.”

  “Sorry, my friend.” Jed laughed. “Amelia’s hands are taken.”

  For six months anyway, she thought. Aloud, she said, “I appreciate the thought, Curt. Even an old married woman likes to be flattered. Now would you fellows like another fritter?”

  “I would like another one.” Jed winked at her and added with a grin, “And I don’t appreciate you calling my wife old.”

  Amelia blushed.

  “Since you twisted my arm, I guess I’ll have one, too.” Curt gave her a sheepish grin.

  She poured them more coffee and served the fritters. As they ate she began stacking the dishes.

  “Have coffee with us, Amelia.” Jed took hold of her arm. “I’ll help you clean up when we finish.”

  She gave him a surprised look. “Don’t tell me you wash dishes.”

  “I’ve washed a good many of them in creeks throughout the West. I figure it won’t be much different in a kitchen.”

  “He’s right, Amelia. I don’t expect you to wait on us. Me especially.” Curt cut into his fritter. “You’re Jed’s wife, not mine.”

  “You guys are working hard rounding up those cows to brand. I don’t mind doing my share.” Amelia sat beside Jed.

  He patted her knee. “I know you don’t, and don’t get me wrong. I appreciate this wonderful meal, but I don’t intend for you to become a servant to me or anyone else on this ranch.”

  “Thank you, but cooking a meal isn’t all that hard, Jed.”

  “I know you’re willing, honey, but while I was out on the range this afternoon, I was thinking that it’s not fair to ask you to do all the cooking and cleaning around here. Keeping this house going is a job within itself and I know you enjoy getting out on the range with Rambler.”

  She smiled. “I do like riding my horse. But when it comes time, don’t ask me to take part in the branding or castrating, though. I feel sorry for those poor cows.”

  Jed chuckled. “Don’t worry. You won’t have to do any branding or castrating.”

  “Good.”

  “What I’m getting at is, I think we should hire somebody to help with the cooking and cleaning around here.”

  “That’s sweet of you, Jed, but don’t think you have to do it.”

  “I agree with Jed, Amelia. Since I own part of this place, it gives me a vote, too.”

  “You know we’re going to have to look for a couple of hands soon and your work will increase, especially in the kitchen.”

  Curt nodded. “He’s right, you know.”

  Amelia shook her head and smiled at them. “I can’t fight the both of you. If you think we should have a cook, then we’ll look for one, but let’s not rush into it. I want the right person, not just anybody.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Jed threw her a smile. “Do you suppose if I had a third fritter it’d keep me awake tonight?”

  She chuckled then got up and got both him and Curt another fritter.

  * * * *

  “Hello, Mr. Olsen. My name’s Wilma Lawson and I’d like a room, please,” Wilma said as she walked up to the front desk in Olsen’s Hotel.

  “I recognize you, Miss Lawson, but I thought your whole family left for Texas.”

  “We did, but I decided I didn’t want to live in Texas. Papa let me come back to Settlers Ridge because he knew I’d only be happy here. I came in on the evening stage.”

  “What about your mama?”

  Wilma laughed. “Mama couldn’t handle the ride to Texas in our wagon so she caught a train in Denver. She’ll probably have a fit when Papa shows up without me, but it’ll be too late then.”

  “I understand.” Frank handed her a key. “Room three is at the top of the steps. Is there anything else you need tonight?”

  “I haven’t eaten. Is the dining room still open?”

  “It is. Go on in and have your supper. I’ll get Teddy to take your bag to your room.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Olsen.”

  As Wilma headed to the dining room the front door opened and Mrs. Venable and her children came in.

  “Good evening, Ma’am. Could I help you?”

  “I need a room for my children and me.”

  “Certainly. Sign in and I’ll fix you up. A week will be five dollars or it’s a dollar a day.”

  “I want it for a week.” Esther signed the register and handed Frank a five dollar gold piece.

  Frank glanced at the name the woman had written down. “It’s room eight, Mrs. Venable, and it has a big bed and a small bed. It’s at the end of the hall on the right. If you haven’t eaten, the dining room will be open another hour and I’ll get your belongings to the room.”

  “Thank you very much. We do need to eat something.” Esther took the key and pointed the children toward the dining room.

  * * * *

  It was after midnight when a sound from outside filtered through the open window of the Wainwright’s upstairs bedroom. Jed frowned and listened. He heard it again. Without waking her, he eased Amelia’s head from his right shoulder. Slipping his feet to the floor, he soundlessly stepped into his pants. Looking out the window, he saw a glow near the barn.

  Cursing silently, he grabbed his gun and left the room. At the bottom of the steps he called toward the downstairs bedroom his partner had chosen as his. “Curt! The barn’s on fire.”

  As Jed reached the porch, a shot rang out and he jumped behind the railing, firing as he took cover. There was a curse from a man and the sound of a horse disappearing into the darkness.

  “He’s gone,” Jed yelled as he headed toward the barn. “I don’t think the fire has done much damage, but let’s get the horses out.”

  “I’m right behind you.” Curt was on his heels.

  Amelia came onto the porch and followed them across the yard “Rambler. I’ve got to get Rambler.” She sounded as if she was about to panic.

  Mort ran up. “Let the men get the horses, Miz Wainwright. Me and you need to fill the wate
r buckets so they can put out the fire.”

  “But…”

  “Come on. We don’t want to waste time.”

  When she saw Jed come out of the barn leading a scared and rearing Rambler along with a frightened Devil, she nodded. “There’s a bucket beside the pump. Start filling it and I’ll grab another one from the porch.”

  Mort pumped the water and she carried the buckets toward the barn. Curt met her and as soon as Jed had the horses in the corral he joined them. In relay fashion, they passed full buckets of water to douse the fire. When she saw Mort was slowing at the pump, she told him to carry the buckets and let her take his job.

  It didn’t take as long as anyone thought it would to quash the fire and get the horses settled. Jed came up and put his hand on Mort’s shoulder. “Thanks for your help. Everything seems to be under control. I think we can all go back to bed now.”

  “I’m glad it weren’t no worse, Mr. Jed. It could’ve been awful if you hadn’t a woke up.”

  “I was lucky to hear the horse and rider come into the yard.”

  “Who’d want to do somethin’ this awful?”

  “I don’t know, but when it gets light, I’ll see if I can pick up the horse’s tracks.” Jed looked down as Amelia walked up beside him. He put his arm around her shoulder. “You did a great job, honey.”

  “I’m glad it didn’t burn the barn any worse and I’m especially happy the horses are safe.”

  Curt joined them. “Now that everything’s taken care of, do you think we could get a cup of coffee, Amelia?”

  “I don’t see why not. Let’s go inside.” She smiled at Mort. “Would you like some coffee, too, Mort?”

  “Thank you, Ma’am, but I think I’ll go lay my head down and get a little more sleep.”

  He nodded to the men and headed toward the bunkhouse.

  Jed built up the banked fire to heat the coffee, then joined Amelia and Curt at the table. “I’ll have to say we were lucky.”

  “Yeah. Lucky you woke up.”

  “I didn’t hear a thing until you called to me about the fire. What woke you, Jed?” Curt asked.

  “The man’s horse snorted a couple of times. I knew it wasn’t one of ours.”

  Curt shook his head. “All damn horses sound the same to me, but of course you’d know the difference.”