Cassandra Austin (11 page)

Now she had to face the gauntlet of the long room and three men with her hair down around her shoulders. She had been braced for it once, and look what had happened.

She entered the room and her eyes were drawn to Christian first. He was building a fire, with Emily watching over his shoulder. She turned quickly to find the other men. They both looked up from their reading, and she smiled a nervous greeting. She would have walked past them, but Arlen came to his feet.

“Come sit by the fire until your hair dries,” he said. “The nights still get cool, and you shouldn’t go to bed with wet hair.” When he was close enough to touch her, he inhaled deeply. “You smell wonderful,” he said, not quite softly enough to keep the others from hearing.

She tried to smile at him as he led her toward the fire. Christian had finished, and he and Emily moved away. Lynnette sat on the hearth where Arlen indicated,
and, when he sat down beside her, she put her bundle down on her other side. “Your hair is lovely,” Arlen said. “I pictured it a little longer, though.” He touched the end of a lock where it fell between her shoulder blades. “It looks as if it’s been cut.”

Lynnette tried not to notice where Christian had gone. She was a terrible person to even think about him now.

“Really long hair is too difficult to pin up,” she explained, wishing he would quit talking about it. Of course, they were all used to seeing Emily’s dark mane…and watching Christian braid it.

She couldn’t help looking toward the pair. They had chosen a chair across the room, and Christian sat on its edge while Emily knelt on the floor. He didn’t take his eyes off the thick rope in his hands. For the first time in Lynnette’s life, she envied someone’s waist-length hair.

“It never occurred to me that women trimmed their hair,” Arlen said, drawing her attention again. “Emily seems to manage some clever styles, and her hair is down to her waist.”

He was trying to suggest that she quit trimming her hair. Odd that it would irritate her when she had been thinking the same thing. Of course a husband would want a say in his wife’s appearance, but it still made her want to grit her teeth. “Not without help, usually,” she said.

“I suppose,” Arlen said and turned to Hugh, changing the subject. He mentioned an article he had read in the paper and soon he and Hugh were deep in conversation.

With the attention off her, Lynnette pulled the brush from where she had tucked it in her bundle and began brushing her hair. Anything, she thought, to hasten its drying and thus her chance to escape. Once she thought she saw Christian pause and look at her, but it was seen from the corner of her eye and when she turned he was as busy as ever.

“Oh, I forgot to tell everybody,” Emily said suddenly. “Christian and I are going to town tomorrow.”

“That’s nice, Emily,” Arlen said in a tone that said the opposite. “Aren’t you old enough to know better than to interrupt?”

She gave him a pouty frown, then ignored him. “We’ll stop at Blainey’s and invite Rose. She can come any time, can’t she, Father?”

“Of course, dear,” Hugh said fondly. He didn’t seem as eager to return to his conversation with Arlen as the younger man did.

“Emily,” Lynnette started, effectively cutting off Arlen who had just begun to speak. “Sorry.”

He motioned her to go ahead. “If I get a letter written to my friend, can you post it for me tomorrow?”

“Sure. I’ll have one for Mother anyway.”

“Thank you, Emily. I’ll go write it now.” She gathered up her things and hurried for the stairs.

A short time later, her things put away and her dress exchanged for a nightgown, she sat down at the desk with writing paper before her. What would she tell Amanda?

Christian was being tortured. With the sweet scent of Lynnette still clear in his memory, he was forced
to listen to her voice, watch her brush her thick wavy hair and pretend not to care. It was a wonder Emily didn’t notice how clumsy he was.

He was glad when he could kiss his sister good-night and head back into the cool evening air. At the barn he headed straight for the stallion’s stall.

“It’s your lucky night, boy,” he said softly. He slipped the halter over the sleek black head and led him from the barn. He tied him to the snubbing post and took a few minutes to rub the long neck. “Want another chance to knock my brains out?” His tone was soft and soothing. “I’ll get the saddle.”

Lynnette finally put down the pen, stood and paced across the room. Should she tell Amanda everything?
Arlen’s a charming young man, but I’m fascinated by his brother. Did I say fascinated? I may be in love with him.

She shook her head. She and Amanda used to share everything, but that was before she started her double life as Silver Nightingale. This was even more shocking than her book.

Or it would be if it were true. Which it wasn’t It was all her imagination! Her heart pumped blood through her body; it did not govern her emotions. Her mind did that. She would forget her interest in Christian now that she had decided not to finish the story.

She remembered Amanda’s questions about her love for Arlen and knew she could have answered yes to all of them, if they had been speaking of Christian.

“Fanciful,” she said aloud as she had to her friend and almost believed it.

She headed back for the desk, determined to write to Amanda about the house and what she had seen of the ranch. Instead she found herself stepping out onto the balcony. She left the door standing open behind her.

A frantic movement in the pen below caught her attention. In a moment her eyes adjusted to the dark, and she made out the shape of a horse and rider. As she tried to make sense of what she was seeing the rider sailed off the horse to land hard on the ground. She gasped, covering her mouth to hold back a scream, then realized she probably shouldn’t have. She was on the verge of running for help when she saw the figure come to his feet.

It was Christian. It had to be. The gray shirt she had seen him in earlier looked white in the moonlight. He brushed himself off and walked slowly to the horse. He rubbed the horse’s neck, caught up the reins and swung onto its back again.

Lynnette watched in horror, her hands pressed against her mouth. The horse turned in a tight circle, then jumped as if its legs were springs. How Christian could stand the pounding was beyond her. The horse twisted to one side, and Christian flew off again. He rolled and came to his feet.

She didn’t want to watch anymore. She wanted to run inside and write her letter to Amanda and pretend she didn’t know Christian was out here. But she couldn’t move. Someone had to watch, she told herself. What if he didn’t get up next time? Who would get him help?

He held the horse’s halter and stroked its neck for
a moment. She even imagined he whispered something in the horse’s ear. She felt a shiver go down her neck as if he were beside her. She stood frozen in fear as he swung into the saddle. After another terrifying ride, the horse threw him once again. She held her breath until he came to his feet.

This time, instead of following the horse, Christian walked to the fence facing the house and leaned there. She thought for a moment that he had seen her but realized he watched something below her. In a moment a woman came into sight.

“Where’s Jake?” The woman’s raised voice barely carried up to her. “You know someone should be with you.”

Even through the moonlight, Lynnette thought she could see him grin. “I would have invited him to watch, but I hate to show off.”

“Don’t try to tease me out of scolding you. Has it ever worked before?”

“Well, yeah, most of the time.”

“You, don’t get back on that horse until Jake gets here. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Martha hurried away from the house, and Christian walked slowly back to the horse. She thought he might be limping, and she choked back a sob. He caught up the reins, led the horse to the center post and tied him there. Then rubbed the horse’s neck, talking softly.

The horse sidestepped, and Christian looked up. She knew he could see her silhouetted against the back-lit curtains. What was he thinking, knowing she had been
watching, knowing she had listened to his conversation with Martha?

She should go in now. Jake would be there to run for help if he got hurt. She forced herself to turn toward the door. When the wind hit her face, she realized it was wet with tears.

S
omehow Lynnette was able to write the letter to Amanda. All the while she heard Jake’s muffled cries of encouragement or dismay. She never had the nerve to see which. When the letter was finished she fell into a fitful sleep.

She was up early, and dressed in a simple cream gown. She had plenty of time. Unless Christian could work miracles, Emily wouldn’t be ready to leave for hours.

She reread the letter to her friend. It told of getting lost and riding down the steep slope behind Christian, of Arlen’s enthusiastic conversations with his father on politics. She mentioned watching Christian break the horse in the moonlight. Everything in the letter was completely true. It was only dishonest in what it left out.

With the letter folded and sealed and Amanda’s address carefully written on the outside, she stepped out on the landing. The lamps that hung in sconces on the walls were not lit and the only light came up the stairs from the windows below. The effect was almost like
a dark box above a bright theater. She crossed in front of the stairs and turned toward Emily’s room as the door next to her opened. She now shared the landing with Christian.

Neither spoke for a moment. Would he ask why she had watched from the balcony? What would she say?
I hurt for you every time you fell? My soul feels as bruised as your body probably does?

She surprised herself by speaking first. “Are you all right?”

His smile was kind and dimpled, not the teasing grin she was used to. “I’ll make it. Thanks for asking.” She saw his eyes twinkle suddenly and wondered if he teased his family so much to avoid the serious issues. “I’m afraid if we had run into each other just now, I might not have stayed on my feet.”

“You’re hurt.”

“No. Just the usual stiff joints, a few bruises.”

“You could be killed.” She took a step closer without meaning to.

“Not likely. Broken bones are a possibility, but a horse can throw you anytime. In the winter you can slip on ice and break your leg…or your neck.”

It was none of her business. But then, she had never been able to resist an argument. “That doesn’t make sense. Accidents can happen anytime, sure, but you’re doing this on purpose.”

He seemed surprised but not especially put out “I’m breaking the horse. That’s how it’s done.”

“I hate it!” That surprised them both. Lynnette was glad at least that she hadn’t said it very loudly.

He went still. “Then don’t watch.” There was no
resentment in his tone; he said it with complete kindness. She could imagine stepping into his arms and accepting his comfort. That should have been enough to make her move away. Instead she stood and stared at him, listening to her own pulse race.

Then he did the most amazing thing. He stepped forward and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, bringing her gently against his side. “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “It’s all right.”

A tingle went down her neck and all the way down her spine. She felt herself tremble.

He gave her shoulder the slightest squeeze. “Trust me. I don’t let Arlen do it. I’ve never let Arlen do it.”

His words startled her back to reality. He thought she was worried about Arlen! Her trembling stopped, and he let her go.

She took a step away from him. “Thank you,” she murmured for lack of anything better to say. How was she to end this encounter? The letter was still clutched in her hand. She raised it, using it to point toward Emily’s door. “I—” She had to stop and clear her throat “I was on my way to give Emily my letter to mail.”

“Let her sleep another hour. I have chores to do before we can leave. I’ll take the letter.”

“All right” She didn’t know why she hesitated to hand it to him until she actually did it. It was a small letter. They already stood too close in the narrow landing. But she was careful and their fingers didn’t brush.

He held it in one hand and tapped it gently on his other palm. “I’ll just put it with my things.” He motioned
over his shoulder toward his door. “I could mess it up during chores.”

“Yes. Fine.” She was glad he turned away. He opened the door to his room, and she headed down the stairs. If her legs had felt steadier, she might have run. He had practically held her in his arms, and
he
had been thinking of Arlen.

She reached the bottom of the stairs and looked out on the tip of what must recently have been a colorful sunrise. A new beginning, she told herself. A new story to write. She would start it today.

Christian didn’t go into his room. He placed the letter on a chair just inside and eased the door shut. Arlen, thank God, was still asleep. Christian leaned his back against the door, waiting for Lynnette to reach the bottom before he followed.

What if Arlen had happened into the hall while he stood with his arm around Lynnette? Of course, Arlen was so trusting, he would understand at once when he told him what had happened. Christian cursed himself. Arlen would never guess the truth.

He didn’t want to eat breakfast with Lynnette. Once she was settled in the dining room, he would make his apologies as he went by. His trip to town was an excuse, and he could grab something on his way through the kitchen. He pushed away from the door. The plan was good except for the fact that he was starving.

Hugh’s door opened before he made it to the stairs. “Good morning, son,” said his father, coming forward. “I see you survived your ride last night.”

“Looks that way.”

Hugh started down the steps, and Christian fell into step beside him. “Can I do anything for you while I’m in town?”

“Get a list from Martha,” he suggested. “Why, here’s Lynnette to eat with us.”

They had reached the bottom of the stairs, and Hugh went to greet Lynnette where she stood by the center balcony. Christian hung back, wanting a chance to leave, unwilling to take it now that it was offered.

“I’m pleased to see you’re an early riser,” Hugh was saying. “Maybe we can find something besides the ranch to discuss at the breakfast table.”

She laughed, a quiet feminine sound that made Christian smile. “And here I was hoping that’s just what you would discuss,” she said.

“Ah yes, the book. I’m sure we can tell you more than you want to know. Does Martha know you’re down?”

She shook her head, and Hugh headed for the kitchen, leaving Christian and Lynnette to face each other. He took the last few steps to the floor. She looked almost as uncomfortable as he felt. With an open palm, he directed her toward the table. Hugh returned in time to hold her chair. Christian had been afraid to offer, he had come too close to her already this morning.

“There we are,” Hugh said, moving to his own place. “Emily isn’t likely to join us, Christian. You might as well sit here beside me.”

It was reasonable. This was where he sat when Emily was in Topeka. But Lynnette wasn’t sitting across
from him then. He pulled out the chair on his father’s left and sat down.

Hugh said the blessing, and Martha brought in a platter of scrambled eggs, returning a moment later with coffee and toast. Christian tried to concentrate on the food and not the beautiful woman in front of him.

His plan to see a prospective horse buyer while he was in town was the only information he volunteered. He let Hugh answer the rest of her questions. Soon Hugh turned the conversation toward her life in Topeka and her friends, including Felicia. She mentioned how much she had loved her father’s big quiet house filled with books.

“She fits right in here, doesn’t she?” Hugh said then.

Christian nodded. And if she didn’t, he would change the place until she did. How could Hugh have let Felicia go? Wouldn’t a man move heaven and earth to be with the woman he loved…if there wasn’t a beloved brother in the way? At that moment, Arlen’s footsteps could be heard on the stairs.

“Excuse me. I better tend to the chores,” he said, tossing his napkin on the table and scooting back his chair.

“When should we wake your sister?” Hugh asked.

“I’ll get her up when I come in to change.” He gave Lynnette a polite nod and headed for the kitchen. He thanked Martha on his way through and hurried to the barn. He was eager to be on his way to town and away from Lynnette Sterling.

Lynnette enjoyed her breakfast. She hesitated at first to mention Felicia but discovered Hugh was pleased
to hear about her. She found him perceptive and understanding and would have enjoyed the conversation immensely if she hadn’t been always aware of the man across the table.

She wanted to know what
he
was thinking. She wanted to know more about his dealings with the horse buyer, what he thought of parting with the horses he had raised and trained. But she no longer had the excuse of a novel to ask those questions. She tried to put Arlen in the role of her rancher, but it didn’t ring true.

She was relieved that Christian had to leave before Arlen joined them. She found the older brother too distracting and could give Arlen the attention he deserved only if Christian wasn’t around.

Arlen let Martha know he wanted some coffee and took his place at the table. “You look lovely this morning,” he murmured to Lynnette.

She smiled. “There are still some eggs, though we seem to have eaten all the toast.”

“No thanks,” he said, moving his cup and saucer onto the plate in front of him. “The only thing worse than eggs in the morning is cold eggs in the morning.”

Martha brought the coffee and left the pot.

“Lynnette’s been telling us about her life in Topeka,” Hugh said.

“I’m sorry I missed it,” Arlen said. “But perhaps you wouldn’t mind repeating yourself. We can take the whole day to get better acquainted.”

“I thought perhaps we could go riding,” Lynnette suggested.

“There’s no reason to,” Arlen said. “We can talk better here.”

It was midmorning before Emily was ready to leave. Of course Christian hadn’t expected anything else. He handed her up into the waiting buggy. He didn’t have to check his shirt pocket to remember the letter was there. The crisp paper seemed to carry its owner’s heat directly to his skin.

“I’m surprised Lynnette didn’t beg to go since Arlen left her behind yesterday,” Emily said.

“I imagine she wants to spend the day with Arlen.” This wasn’t what Christian wanted to talk about.

“So they can make goo-goo eyes at each other. Why did he leave her behind, anyway?”

“He wanted to make a side trip to Bazaar and was afraid it would tire her.”

“Pooh.” Emily wrinkled her nose. “He wasn’t that late. We’ll be even later, I bet.”

Christian grinned at his sister. “We will if we stop to see Rose. But then Arlen got an earlier start.”

Emily shrugged, refusing to take offense. “I suspect he was afraid she’d talk about women voting and upset his followers.”

Christian tried to hide his surprise. His little sister’s occasional bursts of intuition were usually close to the truth. “So you think Arlen intends to keep her away from the public?”

“My guess is he’ll spend today teaching her what to say.”

Christian gave a surprised laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to go over.”

Emily shrugged. “Never worked with me.” Christian could see she was already bored with the subject He wasn’t surprised when she said, “Tell me everything about everybody in town.”

“That’s a tall order,” Christian said, smiling down at her.

“It’s a long ride.”

Christian had related all the best gossip by the time the buggy crossed the bridge. The town of Cottonwood Falls lay before them, with the beautiful new courthouse dominating the view at the end of the street.

He fed his horse first, then his little sister at the finest restaurant the town had to offer, and left her to shop and visit while he met with the prospective buyer. An hour and a half later he joined Emily at the store.

Emily hadn’t piled as many goods on the counter as he expected. Perhaps their country store didn’t offer the assortment she was used to. She appeared to have had a good time, however, and was reluctant to end her conversation with Mrs. Kaiser and two young female shoppers.

At the back of the store where Mr. Kaiser had his watch repair shop and post office, Christian traded Lynnette’s letter for one addressed to her. With this new letter in his pocket, he wandered the aisles searching for things on Martha’s list. He found several but resigned himself to having to interrupt Mrs. Kaiser to find the rest. On his way past a collection of books, a red cover practically jumped out at him.
Passion’s Secret.
Lynnette’s book! “Don’t look for it,” she had
said. Well, he hadn’t been looking for it. He glanced at the circle of women.

Only one seemed at all interested in what he was doing. Miss Waters, a preacher’s daughter, looked away quickly, her cheeks turning pink. She would probably watch him until he left the store. She tended to do that even though he had been careful not to encourage her.

Nothing in his hands gave him a place to hide the book. He considered slipping it into his shirt, but that would look like he was stealing it. He left it where it was and moved on. Finally, he took the list to Mrs. Kaiser to find the last few items, effectively breaking up the gathering. Miss Waters and her friend moved toward the door and Emily followed, expressing her wish to see them again during the summer.

Christian hoped she would follow them outside, but she came back to show him what she had picked out, including a gift for Lynnette that made him smile. The packages were wrapped and paid for, and Emily didn’t leave his side. He followed Emily out to the buggy, where she lifted the leather flap on the boot and he deposited the packages inside. As he fastened the cover in place, part of him tried to forget about the book, the rest tried to figure out how to get it.

He handed Emily into the buggy. “Oh, shoot! I got Martha’s things and forgot my own. I won’t be a minute.”

He hurried back into the store, thinking quickly. He palmed the book on his way to the hardware and in a few minutes was back at the buggy, stashing his purchases in the boot.

“I needed a sack of penny nails,” he told his sister. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” She seemed unconcerned, and he relaxed as they headed for the Blainey Ranch.