Mail Order Tangle, page 4
She inhaled and her eyes glistened. “Well, gentlemen, I believe I’ll turn in now. Goodnight.” She strode toward the house and went inside.
Kage knew she was near tears, and he regretted his part in upsetting her. He had to be honest with her, though.
Matt waited until she was out of earshot. “Olaf invited her to go for a drive tomorrow so he can show her his ranch.”
“I guarantee that is never going to happen.”
“Damn right. We know what he has on his mind.”
Kage glanced the way Olaf had ridden. “I’m surprised some girl’s father hasn’t already forced him to wed his daughter. Not that I’d want any girl of mine married to a brute like him.”
“Probably why he’s still single. Someday, he’s going to push things too far and someone will shoot the bastard.”
“I hope it’s soon but not one of us doing the shooting. Wouldn’t sit right with Grandpa, one of us killing his nephew.”
Matt turned and started for the house. “Right. I don’t believe he’d mourn Olaf, but Grandpa wouldn’t want us mixed up in the fight.”
“Nice moon tonight.”
Matt laughed, a deep rumble erupting. “So you told Olaf.”
“Did you see the way she was flirting with all of us? She even flirted with Grandpa. She can’t make it here. No grit. Doesn’t have what it takes to make a rancher’s wife. I sure set her straight.”
Matt sobered and his voice carried caution. “Keep in mind Ellie came here expecting to get married.”
As he walked toward his room later, Kage replayed the conversation. Was he blaming Ellie for all his bad fortune? He hoped not but in his mind she symbolized Erik’s death and having to stay in Texas. And giving up a place he’d come to love and into which he’d poured sweat and blood and even a few tears.
Would she learn what a rancher’s wife needed to know? Maybe, but she had a long ways to go. He’d wait and see how she improved—if she did.
She was sure a looker. He wouldn’t kick her out of his bed, that was for sure. If only she was strong enough to survive out here. Shaking his head, he couldn’t see her making a go of it.
***
Ellie was waiting when Laura came to bed. “I know you’re tired, but we have to figure out what to do. I’d hoped Kage would offer to take his brother’s place as my fiancé, but he can’t stand to be in the same state as me. Oh, I’d like to slap that man’s smirk right off his face.”
“What do you expect, flirting like that your first night here? Talking about balls and parties during dinner, as if you never have a serious thought. Sounding as if you thought you were too good for ranch life.”
“I know I made a spectacle of myself. You know how my mouth runs away with me when I’m upset. Maybe because I’m so disappointed in how this trip has turned out.” Ellie sobbed into her hands.
Laura placed her arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “We expected the wrong things from this ranch, is all. We adapted when Daddy disgraced us, we can adapt here. For instance, I see how efficiently this house is planned. Every room catches a breeze. Everything here serves a purpose.”
Ellie sobbed again. “Except me. I’m only decorative.”
“That’s not at all what I said and not what I meant.” Laura handed her a handkerchief.
She dried her eyes. “But it’s true. I promise I’ll try to do better.”
Was it too late to change Kage’s mind? She didn’t understand the men out here. They were tougher. Maybe he was right and she had to be tough too. If only he knew all she and Laura had been through, he’d realize they were made of steel.
But Kage had no way of knowing that fact, so she’d have to show him. She was bright enough so surely she could learn to do the chores expected of a rancher’s wife. She vowed she’d learn to be the best ranch wife possible.
The next morning when Ellie entered the kitchen, she saw Inga sorting laundry. Here was her opportunity while Laura was busy polishing furniture.
“Could I do the wash for you? I’m not experienced, but I’m willing to learn.”
Inga’s face registered surprise before she smiled. “If you wish, that sure would help me. I already have water boiling outside.”
Ellie followed with trepidation. She’d never helped with the wash, other than stockings and handkerchiefs. Wouldn’t household clothes simply be the same thing on a larger scale?
Two large black pots stood outside. One sat over a fire, the other beside it. Each was filled with water.
Inga gestured to the kettle over the fire. “You start with the white things and the sheets then go on with darker colors and save the men’s work clothes until last. The sheets are the hardest because they’re heavy and awkward to handle. Here’s the stick to push the wash around and lift each item from the boiling water.”
She brought Ellie a cake of soap and a grater. “Here’s the soap and shaver. After you wash each group, you rinse them in the cold water, wring them as dry as you can, and put them in that basket until you can hang them on the fence.”
“All right. You mean the wooden fence around the garden?”
“Yes and the wire cables stretched from the house to that tree. Careful you don’t get too close to the tree or leaves and bird droppings will soil the clean clothes.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do just as you’ve said.” But Ellie worried. There was an awful pile of things to be laundered.
How much soap? How would she know the clothes were clean? Was this what Laura did every week? How humiliating she had no idea how their clothes came to be clean and pressed. How had Laura learned this after they’d lost their servants?
She gathered her gumption and started by tossing in the white clothing. Stirring with the stick was hot work. Before even the first load was clean, her hair was stringing down around her face and shoulders and the front of her dress was soaked. The ground was a mess of mud and she almost slipped every time she moved.
Inga came out with a load of white clothes, some of which she recognized as those she and Laura had worn on their trip west.
“I’ve already added a couple of dresses, should I start over before I wash these?”
“No, they’ll be fine with dresses.”
“Where are the men?” Ellie hadn’t seen Matt or Kage since last night. She guessed they’d eaten before anyone else was awake.
“They’re out with the cattle. Matt will be out all day, but Kage will be back soon or I miss my guess. He and Grandpa plan to go over the accounts.”
Ellie had more questions, but she was too hot and tired to bother right now. Inga went back into the house while Ellie went back to laundry. How did people survive doing this every day? She knew some women back home fed their families by doing laundry for others.
Back home? She almost sobbed when she realized she no longer had a home.
After what seemed days, she heard booted feet approach. When she looked up, Kage stood staring at her.
“Damn but don’t you look a mess? Clothes don’t look much better spread every which way. Don’t you know how to hang clothes to dry?”
She started to rise and slipped in the mud. When she plopped on her rear, Kage laughed. He didn’t even try to help her up but turned to walk away.
Before she thought clearly, anger fueled her scooping a piece of clothing from the rinse water. Without examining what she held, she balled up the garment and threw it at Kage. A satisfying splat and her target had wet clothing dangling from his head and shoulders.
Good grief on a biscuit, she’d picked up her drawers and thrown them at him.
He gathered the white cloth and held it up to inspect her pantaloons. Still laughing, he tossed them back.
“You lost your unmentionables.” They landed in the mud and he went into the house.
Ellie wanted to bawl and stamp her foot and yell. She wiped away a tear that escaped then went back to her distasteful chore.
Inside the house, Kage was met by Inga near the kitchen door.
“Son, you’re looking a little wet.”
Kage grabbed a cup towel. “What were you thinking to ask Ellie to do the laundry?”
“Ellie volunteered. She wants to help. Laura would have rushed to her aid but I insisted she give Ellie a chance to do something on her own. Apparently, Laura’s so overprotective she doesn’t let Ellie help with chores. Laura’s tidying up the bedrooms and sweeping for me.”
He gestured toward the back door. “Have you seen the mess Ellie’s making in the yard? Clothes hither and yon and a lake of mud.”
His mom took the towel from him. “Give her a chance, son. At least she’s trying to learn how to live on a ranch.”
“Humph. She has a long way to go before she can be a rancher’s wife.” He pointed a thumb at himself. “And her husband won’t be this rancher.”
Mama raised an eyebrow and gave him ‘the look’ that meant he hadn’t heard the last on the subject. “We’ll see. Don’t forget your promise to Erik.”
He wished people would quit reminding him of that damned deathbed vow and let him be. With a loud groan that came out more like a roar, Kage went to find his grandfather.
Chapter Five
After dinner that evening, Kage and Matt sat on the front porch with Grandpa. Kage’s head ached from a day spent reviewing accounts and breeding records instead of being outside riding the range.
He looked out toward the main road. “Well, well, would you look who’s coming?”
Matt crossed his feet at the ankles. “All decked out with his mama’s old buggy.”
Although over a decade old, the vehicle had been purchased when Olaf’s parents were alive. The style was one favored by doctors and included a top.
Kage’s stomach joined his head in attack. Why did everything have to be so hellishly hard? “Just the kind of vehicle Ellie expected us to have.”
Grandpa rubbed at his chin. “Might oughta get us one. A buggy like that would come in handy for Inga and the girls.”
Kage shot his grandfather a concerned look. “The girls are temporary. Mama might like one, though. Don’t know why we haven’t thought of that sooner.”
“Inga never asked for one. Never asks for anything.” Grandpa nudged him. “But in one of those, she’d be able to drive herself to town. Probably appreciate being able to visit friends more often.”
Olaf pulled up and stepped out of the buggy, then reached inside to the seat and came up with a handful of wildflowers. Smoothing down his pomaded hair, he glanced at Kage as he strode toward the porch.
“I’ve business inside.” Olaf rapped on the door then went into the house.
Kage stood and followed him. He gritted his teeth when he heard Ellie gushing over the weeds.
“Why how sweet of you to bring flowers. I’ll put them in water.”
Laura took the bundle. “I’ll do that for you.”
Olaf was on his best behavior, but Kage wasn’t fooled. If for no other reason than the fact Ellie had been promised to Erik, Olaf wanted her. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, Kage guessed that placed him as the protector of her virtue.
Olaf held his hat in his hands. “Fine evening out, Miss Ellie. Thought you might like to take a ride in my buggy.”
Ellie’s eyes sparkled. “I’d love to. Just give me a bit to freshen up and change my dress.”
When she’d dashed toward the bedrooms, Kage stepped in front of Olaf. “She’s not going anywhere alone with you.”
Olaf smirked. “Jealous? She’s a grown woman. Going driving with me is her decision, not yours.”
“Nope. I gave my word I’d look after her and that sure doesn’t include her going anywhere with you. I know about the Doan girl carrying your child. I know about other girls you forced, too.”
Anger flashed across the other man’s ruddy face. “Gossip. You can’t prove a thing.”
Matt and Grandpa eased into the parlor and stood at one side.
“No need to. I know your lack of a conscience. No way are we letting Ellie alone with you.”
Olaf narrowed his eyes and rippled his shoulders. “You can’t stop her if she wants to go with me.”
“I can stop you.” He hoped he wouldn’t have to because Olaf was built like an ox.
Kage wasn’t sure he could win a fight with his cousin. But Kage worked hard where Olaf let his ranch hands do the heavy work. The man might not be as strong as he appeared.
“Uncle Bert, won’t you back me? The lady’s a guest in your home.”
Grandpa shook his head. “Kage is in charge of the ranch now. What he says goes.”
Kage stood his ground. “And I say get the hell off the ranch.”
“You wait until you don’t have your family backing you. I’ll teach you a thing or two.” Olaf clapped his hat on his head and stomped out.
Mama and Laura came into the room from the kitchen. Each wore an expression of concern.
Olaf had no more than driven away than Ellie came rushing out of the bedroom wing. “Where’s Olaf?”
Kage exhaled. “Gone. You’re playing with fire, Ellie. Let him be. He’s not the man for you.”
Sparks ignited in her green eyes. “And who is? You don’t want me. Laura and I can’t live on your family’s kindness forever.”
He extended a hand in a halting motion. “I told you I’d see you settled someplace and I will. There are plenty of good men in these parts. But you stay clear of Olaf. He’s poison.”
She shook her finger under his nose. “You have your nerve, Kage Johanssen. You don’t want me but think you can order me around.”
“I’m acting as your guardian in loco parentis.”
“Loco is right. Doesn’t that mean crazy in Mexican?”
“Spanish. Mexicans speak Spanish. And as of when you climbed into our wagon, you came under the protection of Matt, Grandpa, and me.”
Matt held up his hands and took a step backward. “Not me. No women in my life. I’m leaving soon as we round up enough cattle. Sorry, cousin, but she’s your responsibility.”
Ellie’s hands fisted at her sides. “That’s right. Pass me back and forth like an unwanted chore. Never mind that I’m standing right here and can hear you. I am not an object to be bartered.”
Laura draped an arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “Calm down, Ellie. I’m sure Kage has your best interest at heart. Why don’t we go to my room and talk?”
“I’ve talked enough.” Angry tears glistened on her lashes. She turned and stormed out of the house.
Mama glared at him. “Could you have handled that worse, son?”
He raked a hand across his face. “There’s no way to win this battle. I can’t speak of the things I know about Olaf. They’re not for an innocent lady’s ears.”
Laura met his gaze. “Inga and I heard from the kitchen. I’ll relate what you said to Ellie. If Olaf is like you indicated, she’s lucky you sent him away. Certainly she should never be alone with anyone so bad.”
Relief whooshed from him. “That’s right. I’m sorry you overheard, but please explain to her.”
Laura crossed her arms over her chest. “There was something about Olaf that gave me goose bumps the first time I met him. Nothing I can pin down, but I didn’t trust him.”
Inga patted her arm. “You have better instincts than your sister. When she learns the truth, I’m sure she’ll understand why Kage made Olaf leave.”
His mother looked directly at him. “But you weren’t tactful, son. Women don’t like being ordered around and that includes me.”
He was beginning to see why some men took to drink. “Reckon you’re right, Mama. I’ll give her a few minutes to cool off and then go talk to her.”
Ellie was both humiliated and furious as she hurried from the house. How dare Kage Johanssen refuse to marry her and then chase off the only man who’d shown interest. Not that she liked Olaf, but she had to find someone.
She couldn’t consign Laura to a life of slavery with old Mr. Cross. Her sister had been so good to her all her life, especially after Mama died. When Daddy had disgraced them, Laura had fended wolves from their door armed only with a few coins.
Ellie was so angry she paid no attention to where she walked until she suddenly became aware of her surroundings. She’d stormed from the house heedless of where she stepped. Immediately she realized how dangerous walking blindly could be.
What if she’d trod on a snake? What if she’d stepped into a hole and broken her ankle? What if someone who meant her harm was lurking?
Stupid to worry now that she stood at the barn. She hadn’t yet been inside the large building and cautiously opened the door. The scent of hay and manure and animals surrounded her.
Sounds of an animal struggling caught her attention. The interior was dark so she pushed the large door open wide. The setting sun’s rays illuminated a short way into the large structure.
She knew the milk cows were housed here at milking time and at night. Cautiously, she crept forward to the first stall. A cow appeared to be in pain. Judging from the distended, heaving sides, the cow was giving birth. Too curious to leave, Ellie reached through the slats to touch the cow’s head.
“Don’t worry, mama. I’m sure your baby will be all right.” She opened the gate and went inside the stall.
“You must hurt terribly, but don’t lose hope. I guess mothers everywhere go through what you’re experiencing.” She ran her hand along the animal’s large face. Would she experience this pain someday? First she had to find a husband and that search wasn’t going well.
The cow bawled, so Ellie renewed her soothing strokes and soft words. “Don’t give up, mama cow. Your baby will be here soon and you’ll feel much better.”
Kage couldn’t have been more surprised if he’d seen witches dancing naked around the windmill. Ellie Dickerson stood comforting a cow close to birthing.
But the cow didn’t sound right.
Stepping into the stall, Kage ran his hand along the cow’s sides as he moved to her rear. Sure enough, he spotted a calf’s tail dangling from the birth canal.
