by Barbara Goss
She couldn’t help but give him a pouty look.
“Joanna…I just can’t. I guess you didn’t get my point. This is not the time.”
“Not the time for tea?” she asked weakly, knowing that hadn't been what he’d meant.
“I have to get back.” He turned his horse and stopped to give her a look of compassion. “Hey, it’s not personal—can we still be friends?”
Joanna felt so many emotions all at once, she felt like bursting into tears. First, he kisses her, then he pushes her away and just wants to be friends.
“Of course,” she said without emotion, and she turned and ran into the house.
Joanna tried to forget the tender kiss and the big, compassionate, blue eyes. She needed a hobby. She’d learned to sew at the orphanage, so she decided to start making clothing for the needy. Amelia told her that she could take the buggy to the general store and pick out some material. She said there were families the church gave clothing to, and that she could donate anything she sewed to them. This excited Joanna and gave her something to take her mind off of Jared.
The general store was crowded when she arrived. Early morning must be the most popular time to shop, she thought. She made her way to the back of the store where the bolts of cloth and sewing supplies were displayed. As she browsed the stock, she heard two women chatting in the next aisle. She knew they were gossiping, but since she didn’t know the people they were talking about, she didn’t pay much attention. She was matching thread to the color of the material she’d chosen when she heard a name she recognized and she listened more closely.
The heavy-set women said, “You haven’t forgotten about Jared Steele already, have you?”
The thin women replied, “Oh, it’ll be a long time before I forget him. What’s he up to now? I never see him in town.”
“I heard he’s hiding out in woods somewhere and is ashamed to face anyone in town.”
“Just as well, Thelma, but what about that sweet Rebecca?”
“I heard she went to live with a relative. The poor dear was so ashamed.”
“Men like Jared Steele need to be taught a lesson.”
“And then to deny the deed and accuse the poor woman of lying—disgraceful, that’s what it is.”
“His father is running for mayor with no one opposing him. We need to put up a candidate to run against him. He thinks that because he’s rich, he and his family can do whatever they please.”
Joanna dropped her sewing supplies and ran from the store.
Chapter Eight
During dinner that evening, Joanna yearned to ask the question that had troubled her all day, but she thought the subject might best be brought up after the meal.
After Flora had served tea in the sitting room, Joanna finally found the right time to ask Amelia and Ross her burning question: “What did Jared do to someone named Rebecca?”
Amelia nearly dropped her teacup, and Ross sat up straighter. She knew they wondered how she’d found out.
“I heard two women talking about it in the general store today.”
Amelia sighed. She looked at Ross who shrugged. “Joanna, Jared didn’t do a thing to that woman.”
“It sounded like he did something horrible, and that's the reason he lives in the woods. They think he’s ashamed to come into town.”
“Well, that’s partly true. Jared is ashamed, not because he’s guilty of what they think he did, but because of the embarrassment of the whole ordeal. No one believed him. They all sided with poor Rebecca.”
Joanna closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. No one had really answered her question sufficiently. “What do they think he did?”
Amelia sighed again. “Rebecca claimed he got her with child.”
Joanna gasped. “What?” She felt the blood rush to her head and she became dizzy. She touched her temples for a few moments until it subsided.
Amelia patted Joanna’s shoulder and explained. “Our theory is that Rebecca saw dollar signs when she looked at Jared, but when he didn’t propose to her like she thought he would, she decided to get revenge by claiming he…well, you know.
“She tried to woo Ross from me before we were married. Thankfully, her play for him was just days before our wedding, and she gave up on him and went for Jared. You see, Ross inherited the hotel from his father, so she thought he was the bigger catch. She’d heard Jared’s father was buying him the newspaper, but she didn’t know he’d refused it.”
“So, what did she do, Amelia, just make up a story out of the blue? Did Jared court her at least?”
“It was all my fault,” Ross said. “I urged him to court her to get her off my back, but he ended up courting her only a few weeks longer. She was the first woman he ever seriously courted but after a while, he said he felt she was pressuring him to marry her. He liked her well enough, but he didn’t love her, and he broke off the courtship. Then, two months later, she claimed she was in a family way. My brother isn’t perfect, but he is truthful. He swore to us he never touched the woman in that way, and we believe him because we know she’s a fortune hunter. Besides, Jared would never do something like that…ever. We’re close, and I know him well.”
“Is that why he built a cabin in the woods? To get away from the gossip?” Joanna asked.
“Partly. When he turned down the newspaper office offer, it was before he'd courted Rebecca. He wanted to make his own way in the world. My father still puts money in his bank account, but he doesn’t use it. At least, he hasn’t that I know of.”
Amelia moved closer to where Joanna was sitting and hugged her. “Joanna, Jared's a good man.”
Joanna smiled up at her. “I know he is. I agree with your theory, but until Jared can clear his name, he won’t ever get over this.”
“You’re right. I don’t know how he'll be able to prove his innocence since Rebecca's fled town. We have no idea where she is.”
“If you ask me, she fled town because she isn’t really in the family way and if she stayed, we’d all know it,” Ross said.
“Or,” Amelia said, “she was in the family way because of someone else.”
“I grew up in an orphanage, so I wouldn’t know what it’s like to have a lot of money like your family, but I’m thinking that sometimes it isn’t such a good thing. It wasn’t for Jared.”
Joanna went to bed that night praying hard for a solution to Jared’s problem. No wonder he'd pushed her away. He knew she’d hear the gossip sooner or later. She knew he’d keep pushing her away until the truth was known, but how could they possibly uncover the truth?
After Ross and Amelia had left the following morning, Teddy harnessed the buggy for her and she rode out to Jared’s cabin. He wasn’t outside, so she walked up to the door and knocked. Jared opened the door, his eyes widening when he saw her.
“Joanna! What are you doing here?” He looked left and right to be sure no one was around to see her.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Give me a minute. I’ll be right out.” He closed the door.
Fueled by what Rebecca had done to him, Joanna pushed the door open and followed him. She felt bold and decided to attack this situation head-on. “Why, yes, of course I’ll come in and have tea.”
He swung around. “You can’t be in here.”
“Why? I was here once before for quite a few hours, if I recall.”
“That was extenuating circumstances. You were injured. It’s not proper.”
“Don’t worry. I left the door wide open.” Joanna sat down at his table. “I like my tea with cream and a touch of sugar, please.”
Jared sighed and carried the other chair to the table. He put tea leaves into a teapot and poured hot water into it. “Since you insist on coming here, I think it’s time I told you everything. Maybe then you’ll understand why—”
“I know all about you and Rebecca.”
Jared nearly dropped the teapot. “You do? Who told you?”
“I heard two ladies talking abou
t it in the general store, and so I asked Ross and Amelia. They told me what they think happened.”
“And you still came out here after you heard what I supposedly did?”
Joanna smiled knowingly. “Of course. I don’t believe it. I haven’t known you long, but I know you’re a decent man and I know how to read a person’s eyes.” She took the cup from him and set it down. “Our problem is how we can go about clearing your name.”
“Humph. I think about it night and day.”
“Oh, Jared, it’s so unfair for a woman to do that to a man. What can I do to help?”
Jared sat down across from her and said, “You can stop coming here. If someone sees you, it will ruin your reputation. Just being seen with me will do that.”
“I just had to come here to tell you I know about Rebecca, and I don’t believe it, but if I don’t come here, how will I ever see you? I like being with you.” She couldn’t very well tell him she was in love with him. It might scare him even further into the woods.
Jared reached over and put his hand over hers. “I like being with you, too, Joanna, but it’s just not the right time. Now you know why.”
“And that’s the only reason?”
“No, not really. I’m done living near busybodies and gossips. I feel one with nature here. I love waking up to the birds, crickets, and leaves blowing in the wind. I love the fresh air and the quiet. This is my home, now. So, even if it were the right time, I wouldn’t ever expect a woman to want to share this kind of life.”
“This is why you passed up the newspaper?”
“No, I gave that up because I wanted to make my own way in the world. My father tries to control Ross and I with his money. I love my father, but I don’t want a newspaper or anything else he wants to buy me. Whatever I choose to be, I want to decide for myself and work for it on my own.”
His words caused a warmth to spread throughout Joanna’s chest. “You’re a remarkable man, Jared.”
“You deserve to know the whole truth.” Jared looked her straight in the eyes. “I courted Rebecca at first because Ross asked me to, but I could've stopped after he was safely married. She was a beautiful woman, and I enjoyed her company at first. I took her to the opera house and for several dinners, but I was never alone with her. She lived at the boarding house and visitors weren’t allowed. I lived at home with my father and several servants, though I never brought her there. I took her for a few Sunday drives and a picnic at the river in plain view of a dozen or more other families.
“After a few weeks, she began trying to talk me into accepting the newspaper my father had offered me, and then she started pointing out land I could buy to build a home. Her hints started turning into pressure for me to propose, and I ended the courtship. I told her the truth, that I wasn’t in love with her, and Rebecca became furious. I didn’t see her for a few weeks after that. Then, the rumors she was spreading got back to me.”
Joanna frowned. “I want to find her and yank her eyes from her head for doing that to you.”
Jared laughed. “Somehow, I can’t picture you doing something like that.”
Joanna finished her tea and placed the empty cup on her saucer.
Jared stood. “I’ll follow you home.”
“You needn’t do that. I’ll be fine.”
“Not with McKenna still putting his claim on you. And—don’t take this the wrong way, Joanna—but don’t come out here again. If he sees you, he’ll follow you, and the forest would not be a good place for him to find you. He’s desperate to have you.
"I’ll see you home, but don’t come back. If you need to speak to me, send a message with Teddy, and I’ll stop by to see you.”
Joanna stood and pushed in her chair. “You will?”
“As long as Amelia or Ross are there, yes.”
“Can I give you a friendly hug goodbye?” she asked.
To answer, he stretched his arms out, and she flew into them. He held her for several moments before giving her a final squeeze. “Stay safe.”
Chapter Nine
Jared was nearly out of supplies, so he had to make his trip to Russell to sell his skins. He worried that McKenna might bother Joanna while he was gone, so he rode to the hotel to talk to his brother.
“Coffee, Jared?”
“No, I can’t stay long. I need to travel to Russell, and I’ll be gone about a week. Can I depend on you and Amelia to keep Joanna in sight?”
Ross leaned back in his chair. “Are you worried about McKenna?”
Jared nodded.
“I can handle McKenna, but I can’t really tell Joanna she can’t go anywhere during the day. She likes to drive the buggy here and there in the daytime. I think she’ll be fine.”
“Can’t you give her something to do so she won’t go rambling around?”
Ross grimaced. “That might be tough. She sews clothes for the poor and delivers them to the church.”
“Tell her to bring them with her on Sundays.”
“All right, Jared. If it will ease your mind, I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.” Jared stood to leave.
“Is there something going on between you and Joanna?” Ross winked.
“Beyond friendship? No.”
Ross gave him a raised eyebrow.
Jared ran into Amelia on his way out of the hotel “Jared! I hoped I’d run into you. Can you come to dinner on Sunday?”
“No, I’m afraid not. I’m going to Russell. I’ll be back in about a week. Keep your eyes on Joanna for me, won’t you?”
“Why?”
“McKenna's still around and claiming Joanna’s his.”
“I’ll do my best. Can you dine with us when you return?”
“Maybe.”
“Take care, Jared,” Amelia said as he walked out of the hotel.
Amelia walked into the office. “I just passed Jared. Was he here to speak to you?”
“Yes, he’s going out of town and wants us to keep an eye out for Joanna.”
“Wait. I’m confused—who was watching out for her before? He was out in his wilderness cabin.”
“He’s been paying Otto Sutter to check on McKenna’s whereabouts each night.”
“I didn’t know he was still a threat.” Amelia sat down at her desk. “Now, I’m worried.”
“I promised him I’d look out for her. He wants us to convince her to deliver the baby clothes on Sundays. Do I need to hire someone to watch our house?”
Amelia opened her accounting book. “I really think we're capable of protecting her once she’s in for the night. He surely wouldn’t try anything during the daytime.”
“Just the same, Jared wants us to keep her too busy to gallivant around town. We’ll suggest she bring her clothing donations to church on Sunday.”
“Is there something going on between Joanna and Jared that I don’t know about?”
Ross laughed. “He says they’re just friends, but I think he has a soft spot for her. I think that because of his present reputation, he’s hiding it.”
“Hmm.” Amelia thumbed through her ledger. “If we could only resolve his problem, I think Joanna and Jared would make an ideal match. Is there anything we can do to help either along?”
“Not that I know of. Just keep your eyes and ears open. Maybe someone in town knows where Rebecca is,” Ross suggested.
“I’ll have to visit the general store more often. Seems that’s where all the gossip is.”
Ross Steele checked all the saloons in town, but he couldn't find Bradley McKenna, so he rode out to his home, about a half mile from Hays' business area. Ross always knew when he neared McKenna’s place because the smell was so bad.
He saw a lamp on, so he knew McKenna was at home. He knocked several times, but no one answered. Ross pounded on the door. He heard someone shuffling around inside, so he knew someone was in there.
When the door finally opened, McKenna squeezed out from behind the partially closed door, blocking any view of the inside of the hous
e.
“What can I do for you?” McKenna barked.
“I’ve come to sit down and have a conversation with you. May I come in?”
“This isn’t a good time. My house is a mess. I just woke up.”
Ross studied the man. His hair wasn’t messed, and his clothing wasn’t wrinkled.
“I object to standing out on the porch to discuss an important matter,” Ross said.
McKenna sighed. “Just a minute, then.” He slid back into the house.
His voice had sounded resigned—what was he up to?
McKenna returned several minutes later to invite Ross inside. The house certainly wasn’t immaculate, but it wasn’t messy either, considering he was a single man.
McKenna led him to the sitting room and invited him to take a seat.
Ross smelled perfume. No wonder McKenna didn’t want him to come in. Ross wondered where he’d hidden her, but that was, of course, McKenna’s business and not his.
Ross sat with his elbows resting on his knees. “What’s this I hear about your claiming Joanna Rodgers as your bride? I thought that since Jared won the gun fight, the matter was resolved. He even offered to pay for the train fare.”
“She is mine. I brought her here to become my wife, and I aim to make that happen. I’ve been staying away from drinking in hopes she’ll give me another chance. I’ve been dry since the gunfight.”
“I see,” Ross said. “How do you propose to approach her again?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just knock on your door and ask her to ride in the country or something. The only objection she had with me was my drinking. It’s been rough these past six years.”
“You’re a good-looking man, McKenna. You could marry anyone—why Joanna?”
“I fell for her before I ever saw her. She reminds me of my Beatrice. Then, when I met her, I fell immediately in love.”
“I’ll pay for her train fare plus another hundred dollars if you just leave her be.”