Ethan's Wild Rose Bride (Texas Frontier Brides Book 2) Read online

  He snorted. “No, I don’t think that. Sounds like a woman that needs a husband and a place to live.”

  Yes. She definitely needed a place to live. Far from wherever she was right now. And it finally dawned on her. If she read an advertisement of a woman wanting love, or companionship, Ethan shot it down at once.

  “You just think it’s a bad idea, don’t you?” he accused.

  Mostly she did. But when a person was desperate, well, she cleared her throat, “Not really. As a matter of fact I don’t. I’m even considering it myself.” There. She’d said it aloud.

  “What?!”

  She laughed at the surprise in his voice, the way his eyebrows arched under the locks of hair on his forehead. “You must have noticed that there are advertisements in here from men, as well as women. Didn’t you?”

  He snorted again. “You?” He shook his head. “You can’t do this Hallie. It’s not safe for a woman. . . .” he let his words trail away.

  “Not safe for a woman? But safe for you, I suppose. And you’ll be writing to a woman that tried it. Why is it safe for her?” If ever a man knew how to ignite her anger, he was the one. Of all the stubborn, insulting, demeaning. . .

  The fire in his eyes matched her own. “Are you crazy? What if you end up with some snake oil salesman. Or someone like that Trevor fellow that showed up here that evening? He’s a snake in the grass, if I’ve ever seen one. There’s probably a wanted poster out there somewhere with his picture on it. A poor excuse for a man, that‘s what he is. What are you going to do if someone like him shows up?”

  Hallie felt the irritation grow inside of her. How dare he suggest that only she might be fooled by whoever she wrote to? “Well what if you get a female version of Mr. Trevor? Have you thought about that? What if your new wife lies in her letter about herself. Chip Howard‘s wife told him she was a young beauty. I guess she might have been ten years or more ago.”

  Or twenty. That woman had Chip fooled if he believed she was thirty-two. More like forty-five. And why had she lied? To get a husband, that’s why. And maybe a lot of the women were doing just that. And how many men or women had come west, just to discover that they’d been lied to by the person they were coming to marry? There was no telling what Chip had written to his new wife about himself. He would have had to have done a fair amount of embellishment to make himself appealing.

  What about herself? What would she say if she answered one of those marriage advertisements? Or put one in herself? A person had to make themselves sound appealing or no one would answer. For the first time, she wondered what Ethan was going to say about himself when he answered one of the women’s enquiries.

  “I haven’t heard Chip complain,” he countered. “Besides, I’m not marrying her for her looks.”

  Hallie folded her arms in front of her. “For what, then? Not love. That’s obvious. You don’t want to write a letter to a woman looking for love. Just what do you have against caring for someone, Ethan? Life without love is nothing more than living in an empty shell. God made us to love.” The words snapped out of her mouth before she could stop them. Hot anger and embarrassment washed up her throat and to her cheeks. It was Ethan’s business, not hers. And who was she to lecture another person on who they should love?

  He stood, the chair screeching across the old wood floor. “I’ll tell you why, Miss Bolton!”

  Hallie swallowed hard. She had never seen such fire in his eyes or anger in his face.

  “I tried to marry for love once. And she left me for someone else rather than marry me.”

  Hallie took a step away. His face was as red as the embers in her cooking stove. “I. . .I didn’t know, Ethan. I. . .”

  “She left me for a friend I grew up with.” Ethan went on, as if she had to have an explanation. “Together, they took what little money I was saving. By the time I tracked them down to ask her why and get my money back, all that was left of her was six feet under the ground. Do you know what a fool I felt like when I finally found her? The town where she was buried charged me $20 for putting her in that sodden grave. She was nothing but trouble to me and I’m not going to go through it again. Love, for the most part, is a waste.”

  The words stuck in her throat, and swelled into a sob that threatened to burst from her mouth. She shook her head. Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke. “Ethan. . .I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Please. . .please forgive me. I had no right to say those things to you. I. . .I. . .”

  He slapped the newspaper down on the table, sending the practice papers flying to the floor. “We’ll talk about this later.”

  Her eyes followed him as he strode to the door, banging it shut when he left.

  The moment she heard his wagon drive away, she burst into tears.

  Chapter 19

  The dawn seemed a long time coming, as the darkness went on and on. Her head was heavy and full of fog. Her eyelids were red, and as swollen shut as those of a newborn kitten. The dull pain that accompanied the heaviness in her head could only be cured by a few hours of no crying and, possibly, a few cups of coffee.

  In the kitchen, the sweet aroma of warm peaches filled the air. She peeked under the thin cotton that covered the two trays of slices. The fruit was too soft to store, so it would be another day in the sun for the pungent fruit. That meant the two bushels that were left would have to wait another day before their turn in the sun. This afternoon, she would sort them into too ripe, almost ripe, and a pile that needed more time. Within a week, she should be finished with the project.

  There would be plenty of peaches for the winter. Too many just for herself. But, if she sent off for that husband. . ..

  Ethan’s shocked expression crossed her mind. Well, he could just be persnickety about the whole thing. He was sending off for a spouse, too.

  She picked up the coffee pot, filled it with water, and shook away thoughts of last evening. The more she reviewed last night’s conversation, the more she began to realize how much she had hurt him. He would never have told her those things about his former fiancée if she hadn’t been so argumentative. And what a tragic story it was for him.

  Stirring around the coals in the stove, she threw in some kindling and watched while it turned into a flame. Then, she added a few pieces of stove wood. All she needed was enough heat to make the coffee. Her stomach would never stand for a full meal with all the rolling and complaining it was doing.

  Adjusting the coffee pot over the stove lid, she headed for the table to continue her thoughts. She could reason that Ethan had provoked her to her taunting, but in the end, she was responsible for her own words. She would apologize. She had already prayed that he might accept her apology. But, he had to understand that she was not his little sister. She was a grown woman and she was in charge of her own life. She would send off for a husband if she wanted to. And Ethan Kane would have to come to terms with that.

  She stood and picked up the first tray of fruit and headed out the back door. The sawhorses that Ethan had made for her served well to hold the fruit. She went back inside for the other tray and was on her way back to the house when a sharp bark caught her ears. Essie?

  “Essie? Where are you, girl?”

  A bark answered her call. It sounded as if it came from the barn. “Essie? Come here girl.” She stood for a moment watching the door, but the dog did not appear. She hesitated as she approached the barn. Memories of the snake still haunted her. She had rarely ventured inside, unless Ethan was in there working. But she had to face it sometime, and it looked like that time was now.

  The door stood open as she approached. She stopped just short of entering. The scent of leather and warm hay greeted her nose. “Essie?”

  A whimper sounded from one of the stalls. Hallie stepped inside and made her way to the farthest stall. Just inside, she could see Essie. And four pups! “Oh, Essie, they’re beautiful.” She knelt in the hay and admired the squirming balls of slick fur. Two yellow, one black, and a reddish brown, like their mo
ther.

  “You must be a proud mama,” she smiled, letting her fingers brush against the nearest yellow pup. Essie thumped her tail and licked the newborn closest to her head.

  Hallie stood. “Looks like you need some food and water, girl. I’ll be right back.”

  Inside the house, she checked the coffee, and she busied herself with making a nice meal for the dog. Essie needed to be in good condition to care for her pups and remain healthy.

  From her mother’s oak pie safe, she took a hunk of cornbread and put it in an old tin bowl. She covered it with bacon grease, and then added a small amount of milk. That should do her for the morning. And maybe a bit of meat tonight.

  Outside the door, Hallie stopped and picked up a small bucket of water for the dog. She would shut her in the stall with the pups and open it once she was back from town. Reba Barkley would be waiting for her to pick up her new dress, and she had a few other errands, as well.

  ***

  Hallie flicked the reins across Satin’s back and the animal picked up a little speed. But not much. The horse loved to be hitched to the wagon and go on long trips with Hallie. Poor girl, she hadn’t had her out much, lately.

  Satin began to slow again, grabbing a quick bite when she could. The day was beautiful with sunshine casting its golden glow across the land. Wildflowers blooming along the road and in the fields were a treat for both of them. A nice snack for Satin and a refreshing burst of red and yellow for Hallie’s own eyes. The blanket flowers showing their bright colors would be fading soon and leave only dry stalks behind. But the black-eye Susan flowers, and bright pretty milkweed blooms were still to come for the season. Summer made up for its muggy temperatures with the beautiful color it offered.

  Ahead, she could see the Klein’s barn, their vast fields of cotton in neat rows spread behind the large building. The front yard of the small house was kept pretty with native flowers and bushes, all arranged in a pleasing arrangement. Hallie smiled and waved to Mrs. Klein, busy hanging her laundry on the clothesline. Mrs. Klein and her own mother had all but had a contest every year to see whose yard would be the prettiest. A real feat for a busy ranch wife and farm wife, with their families to care for.

  Hallie’s smile wavered. Mother had been gone for almost ten years, now. She had never been the same after the boys were killed in the war, but she had put on a brave face for everyone, only crying when she thought no one could hear her sobs.

  Hallie sat straighter and flicked the reins a little harder. There was no need to dwell on the sadness of the past. Mother was safe in heaven with Pa and the boys, no more tears on her face. And today, as every day, was a new day and she should be happy and look forward to whatever plans God had for her life. Mother had always stressed that she should depend on Him daily for her needs. Forgive me, Lord, for setting my eyes on the past, and not the future.

  She tightened the reins as they rounded the corner into town. Main Street was bustling with people and wagons. It seemed everyone had decided to come to town today. Unusual for a Thursday. Was there some event she had forgotten about?

  She guided Satin to the hitching post in front of Reba Barkley’s shop and jumped down from the wagon, careful of her clothing, lest she snag the fabric on part of the seat. She had worn her blue riding skirt and a newly-pressed shirtwaist. Trousers were all well and good when she was out by herself on the ranch, but if she was going to consider sending off for a husband, she needed to get back in the habit of wearing more feminine dress.

  She shook her head. For a brief second, the thought seemed ludicrous. But it seemed people ordered a spouse every day, according to the last article that she’d read. And men just weren’t that plentiful in Chance. She would keep praying about it, but the idea seemed the right decision to her the more she thought about it.

  Chapter 20

  “Oh, Reba, it’s just beautiful!” Hallie twirled around in front of the mirror, straining her neck as she tried to see the reflection of the back of the dress.

  Reba laughed and pulled up another full-length looking glass. “Now, just stand in front of that one and you can see the tie and pleats, as well as the bow. If you don’t like it on there, I can take it off.”

  “Well, of course I like it,” Hallie smiled. “The dress is lovely. Much prettier than I had imagined. You’ve done a splendid job, as usual. The women in this town wouldn’t look half as civilized if it weren’t for you and your talent,” she complimented.

  Reba laughed and sat on the small stool she had pulled next to her. “A dress is always prettier when a beautiful girl is wearing it.”

  Hallie felt her cheeks burn. She hoped that Reba hadn’t thought she was hinting for a compliment. “I’ll just take your word on that,” Hallie said, standing straighter as the older woman bent and began to pin the hem in place. This was always the worst part of having a dress made.

  Reba mumbled something. Hallie strained her ears, but it was hard to decipher words spoken through a mouth full of straight pins. A feat she had best not try, lest she swallow one or more of them.

  The ticking of the clock echoed around the quiet room. A dog barked somewhere in the street and the tinny notes of a piano wafted in the air from the direction of the saloon. A rumor had circulated that Bailey had recently purchased a player piano. So, was that what she was hearing or was it old Farley Tab still playing? She’d heard folks say he was rather good when he put his mind to it.

  A trickle of sweat began to run down her neck as she stood, straight and tall., doing her best not to move or sway. Her legs were beginning to cramp and at any moment her knees were sure to buckle. If I fall, Lord, please don’t let it be on Reba.

  “There, now,” Reba announced and pushed herself up from her small stool. “I think I’ve got it all around.

  Hallie breathed a sigh of relief. No wonder she wore trousers all the time. It was sure a lot less trouble than all this fuss over a dress. Maybe she should re-think that husband hunting letter she had been mentally composing.

  “You just go on and change back in your other clothes. I’ll start working on the hem while we have a pot of tea and some cookies,” Reba ordered, removing the pin cushion from her wrist.

  Hallie gave her a meek nod and began unbuttoning the front of her dress. Anyone who thought that schoolteachers could be bossy, had never come up against a dedicated seamstress. Reba, tiny as she was, was a woman with a commanding presence. She might be from Georgia originally, but today, she was a true Texas woman. She knew her mind and how to achieve what she wanted. Or at least how to make others achieve her wishes for her.

  The bell on the front door sounded and a spark of curiosity slid through Hallie’s mind as Reba left the room. Mrs. Barkley was still a lively and pretty woman. Did she ever wish for a husband? Or was she content with her life alone? With Maggie and Caleb to help look after her, maybe she was content with what she had.

  She turned and stared into the mirror. So was it wrong for her to want something more? Maybe God intended for her to stay a single woman. But something inside of her stirred. No, somewhere, out there in the world, was the man for her. She just had to find him. Apparently, by writing a letter.

  ***

  Reba was already pouring the boiling water into the teapot when Hallie walked through the kitchen door, dress draped over her arm. The small table was covered in a red-checked cloth, and a vase of late-blooming blanket flowers added their warmth to the pretty room.

  “Just set it on the back of that chair,” she pointed.

  Hallie gently arranged the dress and took a seat opposite where Reba stood. “The tea smells so good.”

  Reba nodded and returned the kettle to the stove. “I put rose petals in it. Always gives it a nice flavor and fragrance. There are some in the cookies, too, she said, pushing the plate toward Hallie.

  She took a bite and let the sweet flavor flow across her tongue. “Very nice,” she nodded. “I’ll have to remember that myself. I have an abundance of wild roses out on my front
fence.”

  Reba nodded and took a seat, pouring tea into two blue willow cups. “I remember how much your mama loved those roses.”

  Hallie nodded. “She really did. She even wanted to name me Rose, but Pa wanted to name me Hallie, after his own ma,” she smiled, taking another bite. The thought of her parents sent a dozen memories through her mind. Sad and happy at the same time. A hazy memory of her two oldest brothers joined her thoughts as their reminiscing continued.

  “They were wonderful people, your parents,” said Reba. “I was honored to have both of them as my friends, even in the short time that I was able to know them.”

  Hallie smiled. “I miss them every day.” Sometimes she forgot that Reba had only been in the area fifteen years. It seemed as if she’d known her forever. It was nice to have a friend that had been her mother’s, as well.

  Reba nodded and took a sip of her tea. “Of course you do. Always will, I imagine. I still miss my children. But I have Maggie and Caleb and their boys. God has been good to me. I can’t complain.”

  Hallie swallowed her cookie. “I shouldn’t complain, either. I have my health and I’m working on making the ranch into something. It’s just. . .” What was wrong with her? She shouldn’t be talking about these private matters to someone else. Not that Reba was known to gossip. She was a fine Christian woman. A good influence on everyone that she knew. Still. . .

  Reba glanced up from her work for a moment. “Loneliness is a common thing, Hallie. And I’m sure that if you’ll wait on the good Lord, He will fill up that emptiness for you. It just takes the right time and the right person.”

  Hallie nodded and reached for her cup. There must be some way out of this conversation.

  “And speaking of meeting someone, have you planned your Independence Day basket?”