The Christmas Journey (22 page)

Ignoring the identical frowns flashed her way, she sat and indicated Viola should take the seat to her left. She glanced across the table to find Sadie staring dumbfounded at her.

However Inez, who’d brought in a platter of food, gave her an approving wink. Josie’s confidence bounced back and her shoulders straightened.

The brothers, with nothing left to argue over, took seats across from each other.

When it came time to say the blessing, it looked as if the same argument would erupt, but Josie gave Ry a pointed frown, nodding toward Viola. This time, thankfully, he took the hint. Bowing his head, he asked the blessing over the food.

Once the meal started, things turned civil, but Josie noticed that the brothers never spoke directly to each other.

Since Griff sat to her right, he did his part to make polite conversation. He became quite animated when she asked questions about the livestock and the workings of the ranch. When he wasn’t talking to or about his brother he could be downright charming.

During a lull in the conversation, Sadie turned to Viola. “I’m afraid we don’t have a pony on the ranch, but we do have a horse who’s gentle as a lamb. Her name’s Poppy and she’d be perfect for you if you care to ride while you’re here.”

Viola shifted in her chair. “I don’t know how to ride.”

“You don’t?” Ry sounded shocked.

She shook her head.

Recovering, he gave her a reassuring smile. “Well, we’ll just have to remedy that. What do you say we have a riding lesson tomorrow morning?”

J
osie leaned against the paddock rail, elbow to elbow with Sadie, watching as Ry gave Viola a riding lesson. It had rained during the night, making the ground slick and muddy, but Ry seemed perfectly at ease, ignoring the dirt caking his boots and splattering his pants, standing with a sure-footedness that conquered the slippery ground.

“I remember when Ry gave me riding lessons.” Sadie’s voice was soft and dreamy. “I was not quite six and he was eleven. You’d think a boy that age would resent having to take care of his baby sister. But not Ry. He was the most patient teacher, just the way he is with Viola right now.”

“Why didn’t your pa teach you?”

“Pa was much too busy that summer clearing the west pasture, and I was too impatient to wait. Besides, Ry was more than capable, even at that age.”

“He mentioned once that he enjoyed working with horses.”

Sadie laughed. “An understatement. He has a way with horses, an affinity for them. It’s almost like he can understand what they’re thinking. Pa said he was a natural.”

“And he still keeps horses here.”

Sadie nodded. “Monarch is his prize. Ry painstakingly bred several bloodlines through four generations until he was satisfied that he had just the right animal to sire superior bloodstock. And he’s carefully chosen a number of quality brood mares from all around the country.”

“Sounds impressive.”

Sadie nodded. “The foals coming out of his stable now are highly coveted. Whenever word goes out that he’s ready to sell one there’s a line a mile long waiting to snatch it up.”

She turned back to study what was happening in the paddock. “A pure pleasure to watch, isn’t it? And he obviously loves doing it. Makes you wonder why he’d want to work in some stuffy office back east when he could be here, doing this.”

Josie could think of a few reasons. “They have horses in Philadelphia.”

“Yes, of course. But this is where he’s set up his stable. Kind of telling, don’t you think?”

Josie wasn’t sure how to answer that, so she didn’t. “How does Griff feel about that?”

“He appreciates a good horse, but he’s a cattleman. To him, horses are tools, a means to get his job done.”

Josie worded her next statement carefully. “I might be out of line for saying this, but I couldn’t help noticing your brothers don’t get along very well.”

Sadie grimaced. “It wasn’t always like that. There’s only two years separating them age-wise you know, and they were really close growing up—sort of like those twin nieces of yours. If you saw one, you knew the other was close by.”

“What happened?”

“Grandfather.” There was a wealth of distaste in that word.

“How so?”

“One summer he came for a visit. Stayed for a very long two weeks.” She cast Josie a sideways look. “Pa and Grandfather didn’t get along well, though they both tried to put a good face on it when we were around.”

She turned back to the paddock. “Anyway, the day before he was supposed to leave, he announced he wanted to take one of his grandsons with him to Philadelphia.”

“Grandsons? Not grandchildren?”

Sadie laughed. “Grandfather wasn’t looking to replace my mother, he was looking for someone to follow in his footsteps.”

“Oh.”

“Pa didn’t like it, but he sent Ry along. After all, Griff would have been like a squirrel in a rabbit hutch if he’d gone to the city—completely out of place.” She rested her chin on her fists. “And it was only supposed to be for a couple of months.”

She cut her eyes Josie’s way. “That was the sticking point, that Ry chose to stay rather than return to Hawk’s Creek once the summer ended. It seemed such a betrayal.”

“Is that how you feel?”

Sadie looked away. “After Pa died, Griff asked Ry to decide if he wanted to come back and take his rightful place on the ranch or if he’d rather have the kind of life Grandfather offered him. Ry keeps saying he has to weigh all the options and consequences.” She dropped her hands. “I don’t understand why he has so much trouble choosing. I just want my brother back.”

“Aunt Josie! Aunt Sadie!” Viola’s excited cry saved Josie from having to answer. “Look, I’m riding.”

“Wonderful!” Josie said, while Sadie clapped in admiration.

Sadie obviously loved her brother, Josie decided. But it was just as obvious she didn’t understand him.

Then it struck her that Inez, who wasn’t related to Ry by blood, was the only person who’d truly acted as if he belonged here, rather than as if he were merely a guest.

Ry lifted Viola from the saddle, pleased with the progress they’d made. She was a quick learner and hadn’t let her fears get in her way. With a bit more practice Viola would make a good rider. He’d get her a steady, well-mannered pony when they found a place to settle. Maybe by Christmas?

He carried her across the muddy ground, handing her over to Josie when he reached the fence. The action had such a natural feel to it. Did Josie sense that as well?

“Did you see me, Aunt Josie?”

Josie gave her a hug before setting her down. “I sure did, sweetie. Are you certain you haven’t ridden before?”

“No, never.”

“Well, you sure took to it mighty fast.” She glanced at Ry. “Must have been the good teacher you had.”

Viola nodded. “Uncle Ry told me just what to do. And after I got used to being up so high, it wasn’t scary at all.”

“I think we should celebrate your achievement.” Sadie offered Viola her hand. “Let’s go inside and clean up, then see what Inez has in the kitchen.” She paused to glance back his way. “You’re going to join us, aren’t you?”

“You ladies go on while I take care of Poppy. Just tell Inez to save me some of whatever she’s cooked up.”

“As if I have to tell her.” Sadie turned to Josie with a mock-pout. “Ry always was her favorite.”

Josie grinned as she took Viola’s other hand, then looked back over her shoulder. “You might want to hurry with your chores,” she warned. “Those clouds look ready to burst anytime now.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Yes, ma’am.”

Ry watched the three of them head back toward the house.

Sadie was laughing, probably at something she herself had said. There were times when she seemed as playful as a child. And she’d certainly taken to Viola. Yet it was Josie’s hand Viola clung the tighter to, her skirts the child drew closest to.

The bond between those two was growing stronger. Had Josie noticed? If so, would that bond mean enough to her that she would reshape her dreams to embrace it?

“W
e’re pulling into the station.” Ry had pitched his voice to a whisper. No point waking Viola just yet. The child was curled up on the seat beside him, her head snuggled against his side.

The trip from Tyler to Philadelphia had taken four and a half days and even Josie had grown tired of the experience.

She blinked, then focused on his face. He saw her chagrin when she realized she’d dozed off. “Sorry.”

“No need to be.” In fact he’d enjoyed watching her nap, had admired the soft, relaxed look of her, had wondered what it would be like to kiss those generous, full lips.

What would she think if she knew of his highly inappropriate thoughts? Would she be affronted? Or pleased?

With an effort, he pulled his thoughts back to the present. “Grandfather should have a carriage waiting so we won’t have to stand around for long.”

Josie nodded and folded her lap blanket. He saw her gaze stray to the window, saw the eagerness creep into her expression.

He couldn’t blame her. She was about to take a giant step toward realizing her dream. And he aimed to see that he did everything he could to give her her fill over the next week or so.

Only then could he bring up the subject of settling down again. He just hoped he’d guessed right about knowing where her heart truly lay. And that she figured it out for herself—soon.

He roused Viola and once he’d found a porter to take care of their bags, he picked her up, carrying her off the train. He didn’t want to take a chance of her getting lost in the crowd on the windy platform. From her height, the mob of travelers rushing to get in from the cold was no doubt a daunting sight.

Josie, however, was another matter entirely. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she drank in all the sights and sounds. Was it living up to her expectations?

He led them into the modern, bustling station building. A minute later, he spied a familiar face and lifted a hand in greeting. “Nichols, I trust you’ve been well.”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Lassiter.”

“This is Miss Wylie and Miss Viola.”

Nichols bowed to Josie, then turned back to Ry. “All is ready for you and your guests. You’ll find the carriage right outside the main door and there are hot bricks inside to ward off the chill. Let me see to your bags and we’ll be on our way.”

Hefting Viola a bit higher on his hip, Ry placed his free hand at Josie’s back and moved toward the exit.

Please, Lord, don’t let me lose her to the tug and drama of the city. You know how much Viola needs her.

How much I need her.

“Ladies, this is my grandfather, Mr. Roland Wallace. Grandfather, this is Miss Josephine Wylie and my ward, Miss Viola Hadley.”

His grandfather gave Josie a slight bow. “Miss Wylie, welcome to Philadelphia.”

“Thank you, sir.” She looked around, her eyes seeming to
drink everything in. “Your home is beautiful. And with all the greenery and ribbon draped about, it looks so festive.”

“Ah, yes. Getting ready for the Christmas season and all that. Glad you like it.” Then he turned to Viola. “And what is that you’re holding on to so tightly, young lady?”

“This is Daffy, my cat. He won’t be any trouble, honest.”

“I’m certain he won’t. You must keep him in the nursery wing with you and Miss Wylie, though. He might get lost in this big house if you let him roam around.” He gave her cheek a pat. “I’ll make certain he has a bowl of cream every morning and evening. He’ll like that, won’t he?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I thought so. Now, I know you ladies want to freshen up. Brigit, escort Miss Wylie and Miss Viola to their rooms, please.”

The maid curtsied and indicated they were to follow her. Ry gave Viola an encouraging wink, before turning to his grandfather.

“Glad to have you back, my boy. With so little warning before you left, the office has been in a bit of turmoil, but we’ll set things to rights in no time now that you’ve returned.”

Ry resisted the urge to apologize, and after a moment his grandfather continued. “After you take a few minutes to settle in, why don’t you come down to the study. I want to hear more about your trip, and there are a few things I want to catch you up on regarding our cases.”

Ry straightened at that. “Anything in particular?”

“The Bergmon case, for starters. It took an unexpected turn and I thought some fresh eyes might see something we’re missing.”

Ry nodded. He’d put a lot of hours in on that case before he left, so he was familiar with the particulars. “I’ll be down in fifteen minutes.”

Ry climbed the stairs, hesitating at the second floor landing.
Should he check on Josie and Viola? Deciding they were probably resting, he turned to the east wing, where his set of apartments were situated.

Fifteen minutes later, he was seated in one of the brown leather chairs that faced his grandfather’s desk.

His grandfather poured a glass of port, then offered Ry one. Ry held up a hand in refusal.

“So,” his grandfather said as he replaced the stopper, “will Miss Wylie be Viola’s permanent governess or will she return to Texas once you and the child are settled in?”

Ry stiffened. “You mistake the situation, sir. Miss Wylie is not Viola’s governess, nor is she a servant of any kind. I would consider it a personal favor if you would refrain from making her feel in any way inferior.”

His grandfather held up a hand. “My mistake. But, if I may ask, in what capacity
is
she here?”

Ry considered that for a moment. He wasn’t ready to let his grandfather realize how truly important Josie was to him just yet. Time for that when matters were more settled between them. “She’s a friend,” he finally said. “One I’m deeply indebted to. She helped me fight my way out of an ambush, her family took me in and nursed me when I was too weak to take care of myself, and she very kindly agreed to accompany Viola and myself on this trip so I’d have someone to help care for the child’s needs.”

His grandfather raised a brow. “Sounds like a remarkable woman.”

“She is that.”

The older man took his seat behind the desk. “Naturally she will be treated as an honored guest while she’s here.” He took a sip from his glass. “Just how long might that be, by the way?”

“I promised to have her home in time to spend Christmas with her family.”

“Ah. It’s good to have one’s family around at Christmas.” He leaned back in his chair. “Now, tell me about this misadventure of yours. How’s the arm doing?”

Ry raised his arm and rotated his shoulder. “No lingering effects.” He spread his hands. “As to the story, I was waylaid by a pair of hooligans. Fortunately, with Miss Wylie’s help, we were able to gain the upper hand.”

“Sounds like quite a dust-up. But I suppose that sort of thing is to be expected when you travel in the less civilized parts of the country.”

Ry set his jaw. “You can encounter unsavory types in any locale.”

His grandfather made a noncommittal sound, then moved on to another topic. “Too bad things didn’t work out the way you wanted with that Hadley woman. My condolences.”

Ry nodded.

“It must have been unsettling to discover she named you to be her daughter’s guardian.”

“At first. But the longer I’m in Viola’s company the more certain I am this is the right thing to do. I’ve grown quite attached to her.” An understatement. “Which reminds me. I would like for Viola to take her meals with us.”

“Is that wise?” His grandfather’s brow furrowed. “Surely the child will be more comfortable in the nursery.”

“Viola is accustomed to mingling with adults in small family gatherings.” Ry spread his hands. “But if you’re concerned, Miss Wylie and I can take our meals with her in the playroom.”

“No, no, that won’t be necessary.” His grandfather waved a hand. “I only thought to spare her some tedium.” Then he gave Ry an approving smile. “I’m glad to see you’re taking your responsibilities to the child seriously. It’s time you considered settling down and starting a family.” He raised a
brow. “This isn’t exactly how I envisioned it, but what’s done is done.”

Ry didn’t bother to hide his annoyance. “Pardon my bluntness, sir, but when and how I start a family is my concern, not yours.”

“Yes, of course. I’m only anxious for you to find the same happiness I found with your grandmother.” He set his glass aside. “And speaking of family, it’s fortuitous you were able to combine this bit of business with a trip to Hawk’s Creek. How are your brother and sister faring?”

“They’re both well.”

“Good, good. By the way, the Havershams have invited us to their home for Christmas dinner. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve told them we’d be there. I didn’t think you’d want to travel back to Texas that quickly since you’ve only just returned.”

Ry shook his head. “I’m afraid you’ll have to send my regrets.”

“What do you mean?”

Was that a touch of annoyance in his voice? “As I mentioned, I promised Miss Wylie I would make certain she got home before Christmas. I certainly can’t expect her to make the trip alone.”

Grandfather waved a hand dismissively. “We can always send one of the servants with her.”

Not a chance. “I consider Miss Wylie’s welfare my personal responsibility.”

“I see.” The older man drummed his finger on his desk, then sighed. “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. We’ll put the Havershams off until New Year’s.”

“Perhaps you should hold off making any plans that include me for the time being.”

“Oh?” There was a definite chill in Grandfather’s tone.

“I’ve been thinking for some time that I need to decide just what course I want my life to take.” Ry steepled his fingers,
meeting his grandfather’s stern gaze without blinking. “That includes whether I should remain in Philadelphia or return to Texas—full time.” He interlaced his fingers. “Acquiring a ward has made that decision all the more pressing.”

“After your recent, near-fatal misadventures I would think the answer would be obvious.” If anything the chill had deepened. Grandfather leaned back in his chair.

Griff had also said he thought the answer was obvious. Of course, he’d been referring to a completely different conclusion.

Grandfather tugged at his vest. “Here she will have access to fine educational institutions, museums, theaters, symphonies. There are modern medical facilities and electricity to light our homes safely. Can Hawk’s Creek offer her anything comparable?”

“Perhaps not. But there are other things to consider.”

“Such as?”

“Such as being among people and settings one feels comfortable in. Such as being allowed to act rambunctious the way a child should without worry about being disciplined. Such as having a backyard comprised of acres rather than feet and a whole forest to explore as your playground.”

“I take it you don’t believe those things can be found here.”

“I didn’t say that.” Ry wasn’t going to be browbeaten into making the wrong choice. “What I said was that I need to consider both options before I decide.”

His grandfather nodded. “Deliberate, as always. That’s why you’re a superb lawyer. Which reminds me, there are a few case files I’d like you to take a look at. I hope you don’t mind going into the office tomorrow.”

“Actually, I thought I’d spend tomorrow showing Viola and Miss Wylie some of the sights around town.”

“The Bergmon case
is
rather urgent—we go to trial in two days. But I’ll be glad to keep the ladies company—Sanderson can fill you in on all of the particulars of the case.”

Ry nodded reluctantly, knowing his grandfather was right, on this point at least. He’d been gone for almost a month—time to get back to work. There’d be other opportunities to show Josie around in the days to come.

Besides, it would give him an opportunity to review his client files and assess what would need wrapping up if he left the firm.

Viola slipped her hand into Josie’s as they descended the staircase to the first floor. Josie didn’t blame her, she felt a bit intimidated by all the opulence herself.

She smoothed her skirt. It was one of the new dresses Cora Beth had made, but she still worried it wasn’t good enough. She didn’t want to embarrass Ry in front of his grandfather. Maybe she and Viola should have taken their meal in the playroom.

Just as they reached the foot of the staircase, Ry and his grandfather stepped out of a nearby room.

“My, my,” the older man said, “don’t you ladies look lovely?” He stepped forward and offered Josie his arm. “Allow me to escort you into supper.”

His admiring smile eased her fears. She lifted her head and placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you.”

Ry offered his arm to Viola, and Josie hid a grin as she saw the little girl follow her example.

As they settled into the meal, Ry’s grandfather turned to Josie. “I understand this is your first trip outside of Texas.”

“Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to exploring everything your city has to offer.”