Frontier Wife (13 page)

He didn’t like feeling guilty. All his adult life he had been as ruthless as his father before him; one had to be, to hold on to such a large property. He would fight to the death, if necessary, to hold on to the legacy forged through the hard work and sacrifice of his forebears.

Normally he was not a vindictive man, and believed David could be persuaded to sell. The fact he might be taking advantage of a sick man bothered him, but he needed the Lindsay water if his stock were to survive a prolonged drought. Tommy was the one fighting him. David’s fighting days had ended. He gave a savage curse. This was war, between her and him, and he intended coming out victorious.

When she argued and defied him it proved easy, but those big blue eyes swimming in tears affected him even more than the milky white bare flesh around her shoulders. Her skin, perfumed with just the faintest hint of flowers filled his nostrils. Her hair shone like polished gold. He had never seen such a vibrant color on a woman before.

He clenched the reins so hard the horse snorted in protest until he loosened his grip. He tried to calm himself by thinking of Sophia. She would make him a suitable wife. Those extra acres she brought into the marriage would come in handy. He must keep this fixed in his mind and if he valued his sanity, he wouldn’t come within a fifty-mile radius of Tommy Lindsay. She was dangerous and made him feel things he didn’t want to feel.

****

When Tommy went to check on David the next morning, he slept peacefully.

She fed Warrior, milked the house cow and made some butter. It promised to be another scorcher so she wanted all the outside work completed early.

The buggy had been left out the front, the horse released into one of the holding yards. What time Adam had arrived here she couldn’t even hazard a guess, as the stress of last night caused her to oversleep.

Before she woke David, she decided to make some bread. The yeast had been prepared the previous day, following the instructions their housekeeper imparted years ago. There was another way of making yeast, although she preferred the recipe containing flour, brown sugar, salt and water. Her bread was a source of pride as the loaves always rose and had crisp brown crusts.

David slept until noon. On waking he seemed none the worse for his ordeal. Once he got dressed he showed no signs of distress, except for a slight pallor. They ate their meal, cold mutton and warm bread, spread with freshly churned butter.

“I can’t help worrying about Jamie. He should have been back by now.” Her hands fluttered at her breast.

“Don’t fuss, Munro will take good care of him. I think the squatter has a soft spot for our little brother.”

“It would be the only soft thing about him.” She banged her cup on the table.

“He doesn't seem such a bad type. We owe him for last night.”

“I know, and I hate being in his debt. This is the second time he’s helped us out.”

When Tommy thought of the exhibition she made of herself weeping all over him, she wanted to scream. So, he had been kind. She had watched his eyes darken with shock then widen with genuine concern when he saw David’s wounds. She dared not let her guard down because she felt so vulnerable in his presence. Why hadn’t they met under different circumstances?

“I might fix those shingles on the barn,” David announced, as he stood up.

“Don't be ridiculous, the doctor instructed you to rest.”

“It needs doing. Those wretched birds are getting through the hole and devouring all our seed.”

“Wait until tomorrow; one more day won't make much difference.”

He thrust his jaw out. She found it useless arguing with him when he set his mind on something. He could be so stubborn and pig-headed. Back in the kitchen she mixed up the ingredients for a currant cake. By the banging and hammering David had started working on the roof. Going outside, she watched with trepidation from the verandah as he wielded the hammer. As a boy he had always professed an interest in carpentry, but their father had an army career mapped out for him.

“Tommy, Tommy.” She swung around on hearing Jamie’s excited voice. He rode up in front of Adam on a large chestnut. He waved enthusiastically on seeing her.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Munro.”

Adam dismounted before lifting Jamie down. “Good afternoon, Miss Lindsay.”

“Did you have a nice time, my darling?”

“Yes,” Adam shot back with a smirk.

“I didn’t mean you.”

“No? I’m devastated.” His grin clearly told her that he wasn’t.

She lowered her eyes so he wouldn’t catch her staring at him. His lips were full, sensuous. His tanned skin had the texture of smooth flawless leather and she felt a shocking, inexplicable urge to reach out and touch him. The thought of what it would feel like sent a warm sensation whirling around in the pit of her stomach. She took in a couple of desperate, shuddering breaths.

“Adam took me mustering.”

“That’s nice.”

Adam wore a blue work shirt left open to expose his tanned throat. Firm fitting brown moleskins stretched across his muscular thighs every time he moved. His knee length dusty black boots were of the finest leather and sported a raised pattern around the top. His usual wide brimmed hat was pulled firmly down over his forehead.

“Young fool.” He turned his attention to David. “What's he doing on that roof?”

“I tried to stop him.”

“He's just as stubborn and willful as you are.”

“Thank you for collecting Jamie, Mr. Munro.”

“My pleasure.” He gave a mocking grin and touched the brim of his hat. “Miss Lindsay.”

“Would you care to come inside for some tea?” Courtesy dictated she at least make the offer.

“No, thank you, I must be off.”

Jamie left Tommy's side. “Don't you want some cake, Adam? Did you make cake, Tommy?”

“I'm in a hurry, another time, hmm.” He squatted on his haunches bringing himself down to the child's level. “Another time, all right?” A brown finger tilted the quivering chin. “Stockmen don't cry if they can't get their own way.”

“I’m not crying.”

White teeth flashed in a tanned face. “I know you aren't.”

“Sure you don't want any tea?”

“Positive.” Adam swung away without another word.

She watched him mount with that slow, easy grace she couldn’t help but admire. He rode away sitting proud and tall in the saddle, a man as remote and untamed as the frontier land in which he lived.

Over their evening meal Jamie chattered about his adventures with Adam. They had gone out mustering cattle, had even shared lunch of muttonchops and damper with some of the stockmen.

“Adam's getting me a stock whip. A special one just my size, so I can go mustering again.”

He sounded so excited she hated dampening such enthusiasm, and her worried gaze met David's across the table. “Adam has no right promising him all those things.”

“Look, we don't know he isn't going to keep his word,” David said.

For some reason, Tommy felt apprehensive at the idea of Adam returning.

Chapter Six

Christmas day arrived—roasting hot. Jamie woke early to inspect his stocking. They gave him what they could afford, sweets, a new ball, a picture book and a slate for school.

“I’ll look a dandy in this.” David slipped on the brocade waistcoat she had made and strutted up and down the parlor.

Jamie laughed at his antics. “Did you make the handkerchief box for Tommy? I want to learn how to do it.”

“I’ll teach you when you’re a little older,” David promised.

After breakfast they got ready for church. Tommy dressed in a white muslin gown with pink roses forming a delicate pattern. The sleeves and neckline had flounces trimmed with black ribbon, and she wore a matching bonnet.

They pulled up outside the bluestone Presbyterian Church. It stood on a rise, giving it a commanding view of the countryside. By the numerous carriages and buggies already in the churchyard, the service appeared well attended.

Late again. David dithered like an old woman sometimes. The congregation sang the opening hymn as they made their way to an empty pew near the back. The sun's rays reflecting on a beautiful stain glassed window threw colored reflections on the vaulted ceiling.

Tommy enjoyed the simple service and traditional hymns and Christmas carols. Of the people she recognized in the congregation, only a few nodded or smiled. They received this cold treatment because of their ongoing battle with Adam Munro. Interlopers, strangers who dared defy the mighty squatter, were sent to Coventry as punishment for their sins.

At the conclusion of the service, they rose to leave. As they waited for those at the front to move on, something made her glance up and she bore the full brunt of a devastating smile from Adam. Shock at seeing the very man she had been thinking about brought a guilty rush of heat to her cheeks. Thank goodness he was too far away to notice her turmoil.

Why would a man like him bother attending church? Then she spied Sophia resplendent in cream alpaca trimmed with crisscross bands of green. Here to see the minister about their coming nuptials? The thought caused a sudden, excruciating pain in the region of her heart.

At the door they shook hands with the minister who introduced his wife and daughter. Fiona Lawson looked about nineteen, a slim, dainty young woman, even shorter than Tommy’s five feet two inches. She had huge, fawn-like hazel eyes, and wore her auburn hair pulled back into a neat chignon.

Tommy gave her brother a poke in the back to bring him out of his trance. “She wants her hand back, too.”

David turned brick-red, instantly dropping the dainty hand he’d been holding. “Sorry.” He limped off.

“He's not, you know, Miss Lawson.” Tommy’s eyes met those of the other girl; understanding flashed between the two of them. “Merry Christmas, I'm sure we'll be seeing you again.”

They both smiled at each other. Cupid's arrow had gone straight through David's heart. Still laughing, she hurried to catch up with him.

In her haste she bumped into someone. “Sorry.”

“Well, really. Can't you look where you're going?” Sophia tossed her head and stared down her nose at Tommy.

“Still as impetuous as ever, Miss Lindsay?” Adam quirked an enquiring eyebrow.

“I've apologized; for a lady that should be enough.” She used her, as David would say, “lady of the manor” voice. Sophia turned red with rage and almost stamped her foot, while Adam stood with the suspicion of a smile hovering on his lips. Did he think she cared about him attending church with Sophia?

“Would you mind?” Tommy's words dripped out, sweet as honey. “You're blocking my way.”

“Merry Christmas, Adam.” Jamie darted up to them.

“Merry Christmas yourself.” Adam’s wide, genuinely pleased smile, revealed a dimple in his chin. “Did you find some nice presents in your stocking?”

Adam leaned over to speak with her little brother, putting his face up close to Jamie’s.

“Come on.” Sophia tugged at his arm.

“I got a picture book, chalk and a new slate.”

Sophia snorted. “That wasn't much; of course you—”