Sweetwater Series II
A New Life
Chapter 1
April, 1864
"Sweetwater!" bellowed Old George, as he drew his team of weary horses to a stop outside the livery stable. The dusty passengers began to descend awkwardly from the hard wooden seats, their steps uncertain after the long hours of jolting travel over imperfect trails as they made their way west. A young man dressed inappropriately in a dark woolen suit wiped his moist brow carefully with the back of his sleeve and surveyed the town before him. He was enthralled by everything he saw, unable to believe that they had finally arrived at their destination after so many days in the uncomfortable coach. If the proposed railway through Sweetwater had been completed they might have avoided the arduous journey, but that would be months away and he had not wanted to wait that long. He had been waiting far too long already for this moment.
A noise behind him caught his attention, and with a murmur of apology the man reached into the coach and withdrew the gloved hand of his wife. She stepped gracefully to the muddy ground, wearing the elegant traveling outfit she had worn the day after their marriage only a week before. Her coppery hair peeped out from under stylish bonnet, the curls as fresh and impossibly perfect as they were in Minneapolis when he had courted her.
"Well, we're here, Melanie," he said proudly, aware of the envious looks he was already receiving from the young men who were waiting to unload the luggage from the coach top. A woman as beautiful as his wife was an object of acute envy even in the city, and he enjoyed the attention. She threw him a tired smile now, her pale green eyes shining with relief at escaping the confines of the odious carriage interior.
"I was beginning to think we never would," replied Melanie, her gaze searching the faces of the townspeople as they went about their business. The lively bustle revived in her the excitement she had felt on leaving Minneapolis, and it was with keen enthusiasm that she took her husband's arm. "Where's the bank, Howard? Where is our house?"
"It's got to be around here someplace. Mr. Johnson wired me to say he'd meet the coach. Don't you worry now."
But Melanie was barely listening to him, she was too caught up in her surroundings and the new life that awaited her. She was impatient for it to begin now that she had gotten away from the city, away from her overbearing family and Minneapolis society. For years she had dreamed of coming to a town just like this and begin again, living life on her terms – being free. Of course, she had not foreseen the necessity of marrying Howard Brooks, but her parents would not hear of her leaving their house until she was married. Even the respectable position of schoolmarm was not good enough for the likes of the Minneapolis Mapletons, and her father had forbidden her from pursuing it.
Still, it had not pleased her parents when she chose a young upstart banker to wed, which was incentive enough for Melanie. Howard Brooks had wild notions of leaving the city and settling in the far more exciting West, and that suited her purposes. He was from a good family so her parents could not oppose the match, however disappointed they might have been. Melanie and Howard were young, her father concluded, and soon they would learn that running off to the West and leaving civilized society behind was a mistake. Melanie was determined to prove him wrong.
As the last of their trunks were hauled from the coach and the other passengers had left them, an elderly gentleman was seen hurrying towards the stables, pulling a heavy, dark jacket over his white shirt. He looked less than pleased to be doing so in the midday heat, and Melanie noticed that the other townsfolk seemed to be more interested in the practicalities of a garment than fashion. Quite sensibly so, she realized, as she was already sweltering in her tight, velvet jacket and full skirts after standing only a few minutes in the early summer sunshine. She certainly wasn't in Minneapolis any more. Melanie longed to be indoors and prayed that the gentleman approaching them was the promised Mr. Johnson.
"Brooks?" the older man inquired, lifting his hat out of respect for Melanie.
"Yes, sir. You must be Mr. Johnson," replied Howard, with his best customer smile. Melanie had fast learned to read his smiles after they had met and noticed that he rarely smiled with his eyes, as though he was keeping the entire world at bay. "I'm very pleased to meet you, sir. May I introduce my wife, Melanie."
"Ma'am," he bowed his head politely and took her outstretched hand. "So, you're finally here then. Guess that means I can take up my fishing pole and retire just as I've planned to all these years."
Howard continued his simpering grin. "We're just so glad to be here, as you know, Mr. Johnson. I'm looking forward to seeing the bank and I'm ready to take over as soon as you'd like."
"I can see I've found the right man for the job, if you can work some of that well practiced charm on our customers too."
Howard's face fell immediately, but the old banker took no notice.
"Come on and I'll show you the old girl… oh, begging your pardon, Miss," Johnson chuckled, and was rewarded by a dazzling smile from Melanie. It struck her how quickly the old man had understood her husband, and that he had had no qualms about calling him on it. She had a feeling she was going to like Lucius Johnson. She took his proffered arm and allowed him to escort her from the stables, leaving a somewhat disgruntled Howard to follow, carrying their numerous small bags of personal items.
* * *
The Sweetwater bank was a small brick and wooden building in the centre of town, conveniently situated opposite the sheriff's office. Lucius Johnson had been its proprietor for over twenty years, but failing health forced him to advertise for a replacement a month before. He was surprised when the answer he received had come all the way from Minneapolis, and that a bright young banker from one of the city's most reputable institutions would leave it all behind to come to a small, relatively isolated town like Sweetwater. To top it all off, he discovered that the young man was about to be married and would bring his bride out with him. Johnson wondered what kind of city woman would put up with that, especially one as beautiful and stylish as Melanie Brooks. But as he showed them around the small offices he could plainly see the delight written all over her face. It seemed Sweetwater suited Mrs. Brooks just fine.
"Oh, Mr. Johnson, what of our house? Were you able to find us a suitable place?" she asked eagerly before Howard could monopolize the conversation with questions about the running of the bank.
"Why, yes indeed, Mrs. Brooks, but your husband told me you had your heart set on a little place out of town." Lucius placed a cup of tea before her and sat down heavily in his office chair. Howard remained standing by the window where he could best see the faded numbers in the heavy ledger in his hands. "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer a little cottage in town? There'd be better company for you, especially with your husband working here all day."
"Oh no!" Melanie cried, her small hands clasped in her lap. "I would adore being on the land, I've lived in a city all my life. I won't be lonely."
"I'm afraid Melanie insisted on us finding a proper house in the countryside," Howard spoke up, almost apologizing for the fanciful nature of his wife. Johnson ignored his insinuating tone and turned his attention back to Melanie.
"Well you are in luck then, Miss. There's a little place not far from town. Now it isn't anything much, just a house, a barn and a few chickens, but I think it would suit you."
"It sounds wonderful," she breathed, eyes shining.
"Good, because I made the previous owner an offer so it is now owned by this bank, to be used by the family of its proprietor. I had some of the ladies of the town give it a good cleaning so you can move in straight away."
"Thank you, Mr. Johnson, you have been most kind." She took his hand warmly, the sincerity of her words evident from the look in her bewitching eyes.
"Now I can start my fishing in earnest," he mumbled dismissively into his beard, embarrassed at her attentive gaze. It had been several decades since any beautiful woman had paid him any mind. "Come with me and I'll take you there now."
* * *
Chapter 2
The first weeks Melanie Brooks spent in her new house were the busiest in her life. She would lay in bed beside her snoring husband as the sun rose, waiting until the golden sunshine spread across the quilt causing Howard to finally awaken. She cheerfully made his breakfast every morning, counting down the minutes until he would go and unhitch the buggy and leave for the bank. Then she could really enjoy herself, sorting through their belongings, making the small house her very own home. Melanie was so happy of a morning that Howard even overlooked the fact that the eggs were burnt and the coffee too weak. Her good humor was worth the sacrifice of a good meal in his estimation. They had only just been married after all and eventually she would learn, he magnanimously decided.
Melanie wandered out into the yard as she watched Howard's buggy disappear over the rise in the road, and turned her attention to the overgrown garden by her dilapidated fence. In time she would restore them to their former glory, planning rows of fresh vegetables and another garden where she would grow only bright, colorful flowers to fill the house. As she filled her lungs with the fresh morning air, Melanie felt truly alive for the first time in her life. The West was everything she imagined it would be, just as beautiful and just as exciting. Though their living conditions were now meager and her knowledge of practicalities when it came to running a household were minimal, Melanie did not wish herself back in her parents' grand house in the city with servants to see to her every need. She had waited her whole life for this, and did not regret for one moment the sacrifices she had made to get here.
Howard was far too busy with the takeover at the bank to interfere with her much. He would only half listen to her plans each night as he pored over the endless books he brought home with him, grunting his approval at the changes she had made to the house. Melanie did not mind, in fact it was just what she hoped for. If he remained disinterested in her activities then he would stay out of her way. She hoped the long hours at the bank would continue.
She did not have all her time to herself of course. Some afternoons Howard would come home to fetch her and then begin an endless round of calls on the townspeople, as he was eager to ingratiate himself with the business families of Sweetwater. He relied on their patronage, and it was only proper that the wife of the new banker should accompany him on these social outings. Melanie understood this and played her part, chatting amiably with merchants' wives as the men stood in the next room discussing business. She had not missed the dull company of such people, for they were the same people she had known in Minneapolis. Polite conversations and overly sweetened tea were not her idea of a day well spent. Not anymore, she thought to herself with a smile.
On each of these long afternoons Melanie would feign interest in the conversations about city fashions and the town happenings, while she secretly plotted and planned new additions to her house. Luckily the women she met did not seem to notice – they were thrilled that there was a new member in their circle, and a stylish young thing at that. The younger women envied her elegant clothes while the elders respected her good breeding and charming manners. In no time at all Melanie had more promises of visits and invitations to dinner than she knew what to do with. She could not make these women understand that she would be quite content to live out her days on her little farm without interference from the rest of the world. But if it helped her husband's business Melanie was prepared to sacrifice this wish as well, for if Howard's business went well, the more time he would spend a the bank. Nearly any sacrifice was worth that.
* * *
Their first Sunday in Sweetwater, the Brooks adorned themselves in their best church-going clothes and rode into town. Most of the townsfolk converged on the small whitewashed church each week, though not all went for religious purposes. Sunday was an excuse for the farmers and their families to come into town, the one day of the week when they could not work without feeling guilty. Some of them had to work of course, just to make ends meet, but even they tried to come into town at least one Sunday a month, no matter if the journey there and back took them all day. It was an opportunity to meet with friends, to gossip and discuss business, to simply be around other people. For the Brooks it was the perfect place to meet the people of Sweetwater.
As soon as the short sermon was over, the real socializing began. Howard immediately disappeared from Melanie's arm as he cultivated new relationships with the prominent farmers of the area, leaving her to the mercy of the town matriarch. Melanie was introduced to countless women whose names and faces she forgot immediately, and found herself agreeing to be part of committees and sewing bees she had no intention of honoring as it meant precious time away from her house. However she soon learned it was easier to agree than to refuse these women, who would not entertain the notion for a minute that she would rather not join them. When the conversation turned to the problem of the new school master who was far from living up to expectations, Melanie hastily excused herself and made her escape. She peered through the huddled groups and eventually spotted Howard talking to another man by a wagon, so she moved to join him.
"My dear, there you are, I was beginning to wonder what had become of you." Howard beamed falsely, and Melanie did her best to return the expression. She knew that when it came to business, Howard forgot everything and everyone else. Perhaps if she was especially nice to this prospective client she could convince him to return home sooner, she thought.
"Melanie, this is Mr. Morgan, he owns a horse ranch not far from us."
The young man held out a large brown hand and smiled warmly at her, removing his hat.
"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Morgan," she replied, giving him her best smile.
"The pleasure's mine, ma'am, but please call me Kid. Everyone else does." His face was open and friendly, the faint trace of a Southern accent in his voice.
"As I was saying," Howard piped up, "we must get to know each other better, now that I am taking over from Mr. Johnson at the bank."
"I'm sure we will, Mr. Brooks," said Kid, far more impressed with the banker's wife than with him. At least she was sincere in her greeting. "We're your closest neighbors after all. If you need anythin', Mrs. Brooks, we'd be more than happy to help. I know that the old Wilson place was gettin' a little run down."
"Thank you," Melanie began, and stopped with a gasp when something thumped into her legs, sending her hard against Howard's arm. She glanced down in astonishment and saw a small boy racing around them, throwing up dust with his tiny, booted feet. Kid swooped down and snatched him into his arms before the boy could do anymore damage.
"I apologize for my son, Mrs. Brooks, he just loves the spectacle of Sunday church," he said with a grin, holding the boy upside down for a moment.
"Indeed," muttered Howard with disdain.
When his giggling subsided Kid righted the boy and introduced his son to the couple. "This is Jamie, our eldest."
"How do you do, Jamie?" laughed Melanie. Though she had little interest in other adults she adored children, and this young boy was worthy of adoration. He looked so much like his father too, though he could not have been much more than three years old.
"A sweet child," Howard commented off handedly, eager to get back to the business conversation he and Kid had been having before. But all that was forgotten as his wife engaged the child in idle chatter, laughing at his frank and innocent responses. He sighed impatiently as Morgan seemed far more interested in talking with his wife about nonsensical things rather than the business at hand. Any hope of the latter was abandoned when a woman approached them, a sleeping baby in her arms.
"I'd like you both to meet my wife, Louise," said Kid, his arm encircling her slender shoulders. "This is Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, they've just bought the old Wilson place. Mr. Brooks is Lucius' replacement."
"Hello, I'm happy to have finally met you. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit earlier but I've had my hands full," beamed Louise, nodding to the dozing baby. She was particularly pleased that the new arrivals were close to her own age, rather than her older friends in the town with whom she had little in common. "I'm glad we finally have some new neighbors. You must come for supper."
"Why thank you, Mrs. Morgan, I'm sure we'd be delighted. I would be most keen to see your ranch too," Howard replied, far more interested in the property than its owners. The Morgan ranch was under mortgage after all, so it was only fitting that he inspect the land himself.
"I'd like that very much, Mrs. Morgan," said Melanie, a little embarrassed at her husband's eagerness. She knew his reasoning and hoped that his preoccupation with matters of business would not alienate this young couple. At least the Morgans did not seem interested in them purely out of curiosity as did so many of the other townsfolk. And they had the most beautiful children, something which endeared them to Melanie immediately.
"Why not come back with us now? There's no time like the present," came Kid's invitation. "You'd be more than welcome."
"Well, if you're sure we would not be intruding on your day of rest…"
"Of course not, Mr. Brooks. I understand you wanted to see our property anyway, we'd be pleased if you'd join us."
Melanie looked to Louise for confirmation, and the young woman nodded enthusiastically. There was something about Louise Morgan that Melanie could not put into words. On outward appearances she looked like many of the other women in town, dressed in a simple skirt and blouse under her church-going bonnet. But there was a wild merriment in her eyes that Melanie was not used to seeing in her female friends. Louise was polite and as well spoken as any lady in town, but still there was something about her which separated her from the crowd. Melanie was keen to discover just what that was. Howard shook Kid's hand and agreed to follow them to the ranch in their buggy.
The Morgans departed with their small brood and Melanie watched as Kid carefully took the baby from his wife's arms while she seated herself in their wagon, Jamie already clambering on the backboard. The Kid smiled as Louise reached down for the sleeping babe, and the loving look that passed between them struck Melanie forcibly. Perhaps it's that, she thought with a trace of bitterness, she loves her husband. Melanie looked at Howard as he helped her into the buggy and wondered if she would ever feel that way about him. Somehow, deep in her heart, she doubted it very much.
* * *
Chapter 3
When Melanie first laid eyes on the Morgan property she knew it was what she what she had always envisaged for herself. From the quaint white-washed house to the stables and the horses grazing peacefully in the corral, it was perfect. After all the grand houses she had seen and visited in Minneapolis, she was more envious of Louise Morgan for her simple ranch than any of them.
After a hearty Sunday dinner of roast chicken and after the children had been put down for afternoon naps, Kid took Howard on an extensive tour of the property, even going to the trouble of saddling a couple of horses so he could show the new banker the neighboring land he hoped to buy in order to extend the paddocks. Lou knew they would be gone for some time, for when the Kid started talking of expansions and plans for the property he would be a while. In the front parlor of the house she told Melanie so as she placed a tea tray before her.
"I hope he won't bore your husband to tears," Lou smiled, pouring her guest a cup. Melanie laughed softly to herself and shook her head.
"Don't feel bad for Howard, I'm sure he's having the time of his life."
Louise wasn't sure if she was being serious or not, in fact she was having trouble understanding Melanie Brooks at all. She spoke guardedly, often too politely, as if not willing to reveal her true thoughts. And when she spoke of or to her husband her tone changed noticeably, so Lou was glad that for the moment he was out of the house so she might get to know the young woman properly. She was her closest neighbor after all, and since Adam had been born Louise's movements were somewhat restricted. Her dearest friend Rachel had recently come for a visit but could only stay a week before she had to return to Denver, and Lou missed her company. She wasn't convinced this city-bred woman would be much of a substitute though.
"How are you settlin' in at the old Wilson place?" Lou was unsure how to begin a conversation with the placid Mrs. Brooks, who was surveying the room. She was surprised when the mere mention of the place brought a distinct glow to Melanie's eyes.
"It is everything I hoped for… and more," she replied, the faintest of smiles on her lips. "I simply couldn't bear living in town, that wasn't the reason I came out West."
Louise nodded knowingly. "It has that affect on some people. I remember the first time I set foot in Sweetwater, the first time I ever saw this property… I thought there wasn't a more beautiful place on earth. Not many others feel the same way though."
"Oh, but I do!" Melanie beamed. "I know exactly what you mean… I don't know how you could ever leave this place, Louise."
Lou smiled, her fears allayed. Perhaps Melanie Brooks would turn out to be a friend after all. The cool exterior had been replaced by a sincerity and conviction that Lou didn't question. She knew very well what it felt like to be so taken with the West.
"I don't intend to, not now. We have too many memories here."
"Howard mentioned this used to be a Pony Express station? It's hard to imagine this place as anything other than a horse ranch. It's perfect." Melanie set her cup down and moved to the window, where a gentle breeze kissed the lace curtains.
"You didn't see it a few years ago when we were settin' up, there was just our old rundown bunkhouse, a barn and this house…" Lou sat back in her chair and smiled at the memory. "Kid and I have certainly seen a lot of changes. Things have changed since the days of the Express."
"Oh? Did Kid ride for the Pony Express?"
"Hmm hmm, that's how we met in fact." Lou's eyes twinkled as walked over to the mantle above the fireplace and picked up a framed photograph. "Here."
Melanie peered at the yellowed picture of a group of young men standing outside the ranch bunkhouse, and underneath was written "Sweetwater Station 1860". Next to them was a fair haired woman that could not possibly be Louise, but she was able to recognize the young earnest face of the Kid staring back at her.
"They're all so young."
"Yes, we were," Louise replied, knowing full well that she had not been noticed in the picture. Melanie's face was puzzled, so she felt compelled to clarify. "Second from the left."
"It's not…" gasped Melanie, looking more closely. The boy was smaller than the others, wearing a dark hat pulled down firmly on his head and a pair of spectacles. With arms crossed firmly over his chest he was not so conspicuously different from the others, until Melanie saw the familiar features under the disguise. "Louise, it's you!"
"Yes, ma'am, though in those days I went by Lou. I don't suppose Russell, Majors and Waddell would've hired me otherwise." She laughed at Melanie's bewilderment and replaced the photograph above the fireplace.
"You actually dressed up like a man and rode for the Pony Express?" Melanie had never heard of such a thing, not in real life anyway. There were stories of rough women of the West, but she couldn't equate them with the lady before her.
"I didn't have much choice back then," Lou said, no longer keen to explain any further. "It was just somethin' I had to do."
"I think it was very courageous of you," Melanie said abruptly, her voice steeped in admiration. She had discovered what made Louise Morgan different from other women she had met. She was the kind of person that did things Melanie only dreamed of. All of a sudden she was overwhelmingly grateful that the Morgans were their closest neighbors, for she was fascinated with Lou's life and curious to know more. "I would never be able to do what you did."
"You don't know that," replied Lou, embarrassed.
"Louise, I've lived my whole sheltered life in the city, where the most interesting thing that happens is a new dress pattern." Melanie spoke frankly and passionately, pushing aside convention that forbade such talk with a newly made acquaintance. "All I ever wanted was adventure and excitement… the kind of life that you have led. I came out here in the hopes of finding my dreams, to find out who I am."
"Then I'm sure you will." Lou took her hand and squeezed it, feeling an immediate affinity for her new neighbor. She saw much of herself in Melanie Brooks, the same drive and ambition. At that moment she knew they were destined to be the best of friends.
"I have a long way to go, I don't even know how to ride a horse, let alone run a farm."
"Then we have to do somethin' about that. I'll teach you," Louise stated simply. Melanie eyed her carefully, unsure whether or not to believe her.
"That's very kind of you, Louise, but…"
"But nothin'. If you're going to live on the land then you have to know how to ride, anyone will tell you that."
"Howard would never approve."
"Do you only do what Howard approves of?" It was more of a challenge than a question, but Lou could not stop herself from saying it.
Melanie smiled gratefully at her new companion, a new wave of excitement rising within her. "When do you think we could start?"
* * *
Chapter 4
The next few weeks were the most joyous Melanie had known since arriving in Sweetwater. In Louise she found a kindred spirit with whom she had an immediate rapport. At first she had been content with staying at home in her new house, but since meeting the Morgan family her world opened up. Melanie did not want to make herself unwelcome, but the days spent away from her new friends were long and empty, and she waited impatiently until her upbringing and sense of politeness allowed her to return for another visit. This behavior did not last long however, as Lou was always pleased to see her and questioned her as to why she had stayed away so long. The gesture was one that Melanie cherished, and she secretly vowed to ensure Louise Morgan remained her friend for life.
The promised riding lessons were forthcoming as soon as Melanie could convince Howard to take her the ranch each morning on his way to work. At first he grumbled about the extra traveling time on his daily journey, but after a few well chosen words and cajoling looks from his wife, he acquiesced. Melanie knew exactly how to act to get what she wanted, and Howard did not complain when her good humor continued as she spent more time with her friend. She was far more agreeable when in a good mood, and he was quite happy to enjoy it while it lasted. She was even more accepting of his amorous advances towards her too, so it did not take long for him to comply with her daily visits to the ranch.
On the first day of her riding lessons, Melanie waited nervously in the parlor while Louise was looking for something upstairs. She had not told Howard of her plans as she knew he would probably forbid her to ride horses. For a young man who had dreamed of adventure in the West, Howard had traditional, parochial views when it came to women and how they should behave. He expected her to keep house, have babies, and generally fulfill his every desire, but he never considered she might not feel the same way. He relied upon her upbringing and the expectations instilled in her from birth. He did not ask if she thought otherwise, nor did he care. Melanie understood her husband even if he did not understand her. She would never tell him of her riding lessons. It was something which belonged to her and her alone.
"Found them!" said Louise and she stomped down the stairs. Melanie glanced up from her reverie, her eyes widening ever so slightly when she saw that her friend was dressed in men's pants and a shirt, her hair fastened securely under an old hat. Lou dumped a small pile of clothes on the chair in front of Melanie and grinned.
"Here you are, you'd better put these on. I have to see to the baby."
Melanie was puzzled at her mischievous tone and bent to pick up the garments. She was shocked to find they were men's clothes too – thick, coarse pants and a blue button-up shirt. She laughed in spite of herself and looked at Lou incredulously.
"You're not serious surely… I can't wear these!"
"Of course you can, I'm sure they'll fit," she replied over her shoulder as she walked out of the room. "You can't go ridin' in that pretty outfit of yours, you'll get all tangled up astride a horse."
Melanie stood there in the empty parlor and smiled shyly to herself. First riding and now men's clothes… As if reading her thoughts, Louise popped her head suddenly around the corner.
"Besides, I'm sure Howard wouldn't approve!"
"Where can I change?" Melanie grinned.
* * *
After several months of her clandestine rides with Louise, Melanie could not think of a time when she had enjoyed herself more or when she had felt so alive. There was something inexplicably freeing about flying across the open plains, losing oneself in the thrill of the ride, the speed blurring together the trees, the grass and the sky into one glorious canvas of color. She had taken to riding so quickly and so well that Louise pronounced her a natural horsewoman and gave Melanie her own saddle and riding clothes to be kept for her at the ranch.
She was a familiar face around the place now, and everyone grew to love her, especially the children. She had such a way with Jamie and Adam that Louise thought it was a shame she had no children of her own. But then, she and Howard had not been married that long, it might take time. Louise did not complain either, because having Melanie around allowed her more time to work the ranch with Kid – something which she had not realized she missed until then. She was thankful every day that Howard and Melanie Brooks had made Sweetwater their home.
When the long summer days began to drift into cooler fall afternoons, Melanie grew more lax in her wariness of Howard finding out about her new pastime. She spent more time at the ranch, only returning home just before he did, making no apologies for the hastily prepared meals she served him. There was a time when she had carefully monitored his moods and her own behavior, lest he find out how she spent her days, but as the months passed she grew weary of it. The independence that had grown within her could not be silenced, and she began to say what was on her mind rather than what she knew Howard would like to hear. She could tell this annoyed him, but then his annoyance was of no consequence to her. Not any more. Howard might be her husband but Melanie was her own person for the first time in her life. Not a daughter or a sister or a wife, she could just be herself. She had never known such freedom.
She did not deny that she was happy. Howard had been spending more time at the bank of late. He would sit and tell her about his working day as she worked in the kitchen – about the incompetence of Lucius Johnson's accountancy skills he had uncovered, or a newly arrived merchant whose business he was trying to woo – but Melanie had stopped listening long ago. Instead she would gaze longingly out of the window of her small kitchen at the grassy plains beyond and count the minutes until she could gallop across them once more. Howard's voice would continue to drone in the background.
* * *
One day in September Melanie stayed out later than she ever had before. Usually she would make sure she was home before she could expect Howard, but the longer he stayed at the bank each day the more reticent she was to leave the ranch before dusk. He had started leaving for work so early that he now refused to drive her to Louise's of a morning, preferring to believe that the Morgan woman came to fetch her each day in her own wagon. Howard did not know that instead of this arrangement Melanie would saddle up the spare horse they owned and rode there and back herself.
The sun was dipping below the hills as Melanie loped along the old path she used between their property and the ranch, keeping well clear of the road in case someone saw her. She was filthy, she knew – the horse she had borrowed from Kid for her daily ride had been spooked by a snake and had thrown her into the dirt. She was not hurt, but her ego was bruised a little when Louise had enjoyed a good laugh at her disheveled appearance. Melanie had not been thrown since her first riding lessons and she was more embarrassed than anything, especially in front of Lou. Once they arrived back at the ranch, she realized how late it was becoming and she told Louise abruptly that she was leaving, limping away to retrieve her own horse. Melanie did not stop to change back into her dress or clean herself up a little, sure in the knowledge that Howard would still be at the bank.
When she trotted into the yard of her house however the first thing she spotted was Howard's buggy. Her heart thumped painfully at the shock of it, she had never expected him so early. Panicked, Melanie was immediately furious with herself for being so careless, before she regained her wits and tried to think what she would do. If she could make it to the barn without him hearing her… then she realized that her own clothes were still in Lou's spare bedroom where she had changed that morning. She had nothing to wear but the men's clothes she rode in everyday, and she could not let Howard see her like that.
She was about to turn the horse and bolt back to the ranch when the door of the house opened with a bang and Howard emerged with another man. Melanie sat frozen astride the horse as he took in her appearance without a word. Howard's face grew pale with anger as he saw her tangled hair and dirty face, not to mention the dusty pants and shirt she wore, opened brazenly at the neck. His stony visage did not change as she slowly dismounted, her eyes wide with fright at his expression and her cheeks red with shame at the sight of the unknown gray-haired man, who stood in the doorway looking rather embarrassed himself.
"Melanie, my dear," said Howard mechanically after the excruciating silence. "This is Mr. Evans, the new owner of the Mercantile. Mr. Evans… my wife…"
Howard swallowed with difficulty before he spoke the last two words, as if they were distasteful to him. Melanie did her best to speak evenly as she shook the man's hand, raising her chin with as much dignity as she could muster.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Mr. Evans. I apologize for not being here to greet you when you arrived, Howard did not tell me we were expecting a visitor."
"Obviously," Evans mumbled gruffly into his beard, and looked away from the young woman. "Well, Brooks, I must be getting back to town. Dinner seems to be out of the question and I have work to do. I'm a busy man, you know."
Without waiting for a reply the merchant took his seat in the buggy and waited for Howard to join him. Her husband glared at her a moment longer, forcing her to drop her gaze. He strode past her coldly and pulled himself into the driver's seat.
"I must apologize for my wife, Mr. Evans," Howard began immediately as he took up the reins, but Evans waved his hand to silence him.
"Drive."
* * *
Melanie's hands shook as she changed out of her riding clothes and bathed her dirty body. She had never seen Howard angry before, not like this. His eyes were cold with fury when he had looked at her – she had not known he had such hatred within him. Choosing the prettiest dress she knew he preferred, she fixed her hair carefully before she set about making dinner. Her mind was racing as she prepared the meal, and she strained to hear the first sound of the buggy as it approached the house. She heard nothing.
With the food warming in the oven, the table set, the small house immaculate, Melanie sat and waited for Howard to return. The clock over the fire place ticked loudly throughout the silent rooms as the hours passed but still he did not come. Melanie's heart was heavy with dread, she didn't know what to think. Maybe he wouldn't come back at all, maybe he would stay at the bank all night to punish her. She knew she had embarrassed him in front of a prospective client. She was supposed to play the dutiful wife and lady of the house and instead she had returned home late clad in men's clothes and sitting astride a horse. Howard had probably never imagined she was capable of such an outrage, proving again how poorly he understood her. Melanie had not meant to embarrass him of course and she felt bad about it, but she would not apologize for it. Not when he had not even bothered to come home.
It was nearly midnight when he finally did show up. Melanie had made up her mind to go to bed when she heard the buggy. She paused in the doorway to the living room and waited for Howard to enter, steeling herself for the shouting match that was sure to follow. Her freedom was something she was willing to fight for, even if disturbed their placid domestic life.
Despite herself, she jumped with fright when Howard slammed the door open without warning. The house seemed to shudder with the force of it and unwittingly she clamped her hand to her chest. Her eyes were shocked but her fear drained rapidly into anger when Howard took a few uncertain steps forward and she realized he was drunk. Her husband never touched alcohol, but now he reeked of whiskey like one of the sots who frequented the many saloons in town. He laughed when he saw her expression, amused that she should be annoyed with him. That she should be the one angry with him.
"Melanie, my dear," he slurred, his voice hollow. "My dear wife."
He laughed again to himself and wiped a watery eye, as if he had made a huge joke.
"You're drunk," Melanie said coolly. She had no patience with him now if this was how he was to behave. "Your dinner is drying out in the oven if you're hungry. I'm going to bed."
She turned to walk away but with unexpected speed and agility, Howard crossed the space between them and closed his long fingers around the flesh of her upper arm. His grip was so hard she cried out in pain.
"You're not going anywhere," Howard said menacingly through gritted teeth. His eyes were dark and fearful, his breath pungent with alcohol. She shrank away as best she could, protesting, but he would not let go of her arm. "Do you think you can shame me like that and get away with it? Do you think I will stand for that behavior?"
"Let me go, Howard, please." Melanie tried not to make her voice sound so pleading but she was truly frightened now. He was dangerous in his present state, she couldn't deny it. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were going to bring someone home tonight."
"John Evans is the richest merchant in Sweetwater," he said, relaxing his grip on her arm slightly. "I invited him here to meet my charming wife and share a home cooked meal in order to secure his business, but what did I find? An empty house and a filthy creature dressed like a man! You disgust me, you hear me? You disgust John Evans! He won't be placing his money in my bank any time soon thanks to you! It's your fault!"
As Howard's tirade grew more animated his fingers pressed into her bruised flesh once again.
"Please, Howard, I'm sorry…"
"You're sorry?" he echoed, vaguely amused. He glanced away briefly then with lightening speed he drew back his hand and punched her, his fist connecting hard with the side of her face. The shock of the blow startled her and for an instant she felt nothing. Then the pain made her dizzy and white spots swam before her eyes. Her cheek burned where he had hit her and Melanie tasted blood in her mouth. Instinctively she laid a protective hand on her face and cowered before him on her knees, not daring to meet his eyes. In the silence that followed she heard the eerie ticking of the clock in the darkened room, her head still spinning.
Howard seemed somewhat sobered by his actions and he took an awkward step away from her. He ran a nervous hand through his hair and reached into his jacket pocket for a bottle that was not there. Clutching his forehead, he stumbled away into the kitchen and splashed water on his face.
In the living room, Melanie waited until she heard a chair scraping on the floor before he sat down at the kitchen table to eat the meal she had prepared for him. Slowly and silently she tiptoed to the bedroom in case he heard her and came after her again. Once she had reached the sanctuary of the room she locked the door with trembling hands. Only then did she allow a shaky sob to escape her lips as she slid down the back of the door to the floor where she crouched, shaking uncontrollably. She covered her mouth with both hands as she cried so Howard could not hear her.
* * *
Chapter 5
The next day was a busy one on the ranch. The Kid was preparing to deliver a large number of horses to the army and Lou was preoccupied with Adam, who had a slight cough. It wasn't until lunch time that she was consciously aware of the fact that Melanie had not come to visit yet. Her absences from the ranch were rare these days, but Lou concluded that Howard had probably roped her into lunch with some of the town ladies, as he was wont to do, in order to keep up appearances and their husbands' patronage. She was disappointed she had not come, because apart from missing her company, she was hoping Melanie would watch the children so she could help Kid with the horses. He would be gone at least three days when he and their ranch hand Tom delivered the stock and she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
Lou hated it when Kid was away, she had grown to dread his absences since the children were born. She supposed it was his calming force and gentle reassurances she missed when he was gone. Despite two children, motherhood was still new to her and she was often uncertain about her own abilities. Kid never doubted her for a moment and she relied on his faith in her. She had not thought it possible to love him any more than when they had married, but she had soon learned otherwise. She often got the feeling they were two halves of the same person.
To Lou's disappointment, Melanie did not come at all that day. Kid left at dawn the next morning, and it was with a heavy heart that she watched him ride away. She shivered in the cool morning air and walked back to the house, where their foreman was waiting with some freshly brewed coffee. Louise thanked him with a smile as she accepted a cup and sat with him in companionable silence as they waited for the children to wake up.
The days seemed longer to her when Kid was not there, made even worse by the fact that Melanie did not come again that morning. Lou began to worry that she had hurt her friend's feelings when she had laughed at her disheveled state after being thrown on their ride. She thought Melanie was not as thin-skinned as that, but then she conceded it had probably been a bit insensitive of her. Lou finished icing a cake she had baked and decided to take it to Melanie as a peace offering. Leaving the children under Cholo's watchful eye with the promise to not stay too long, she drove off in their buggy.
* * *
Louise drew the buggy to a halt in the empty yard of Melanie's house. She was disappointed to see the door shut firmly and the curtains drawn, meaning that there probably was no one at home. Still, she jumped down to check just in case. Lou waited after she had knocked loudly on the door, but there was no answer. She was about to give up and go home when she saw a brief flicker of one of the curtains. Peering closer through the lace fabric she could see someone moving across the room.
"Melanie? Open the door, I can see you're in there," she called out. "I'm sorry I laughed at you, it was mean. Won't you forgive me and let me in?"
There was no reply but Lou wasn't about to give up.
"Melly, come on… I made your favorite cake for you. Please don't stay angry… I'm not leaving here until you open the door," Lou stated stubbornly, and took a seat on the front step. She began whistling quietly to herself, knowing that Melanie was probably watching her from behind the curtains.
Finally the door creaked open a couple of inches. Melanie peeked out from behind it and smiled weakly at Lou's beaming face.
"You just don't give up, do you?" she said quietly.
"No ma'am," replied Lou with a grin. "You haven't been to visit so I come bearin' gifts to deliver my apologies."
"I'm not angry with you, Louise."
"Good. Can I come in then?"
"I don't think so. I'm not feeling well. That's why I haven't been to see you."
"What is it? Do you have a fever?" Louise asked with concerned, noticing that Melanie did indeed look rather pale. She took a few steps closer to come inside but her friend held the door fast.
"No, I'm fine, I just need to rest. I'll come and see you in a couple of days when I'm feeling better." Melanie went to close the door, but Lou placed her hand against it to prevent her from shutting her out.
"If you're sick, Melly, someone should be takin' care of you. Where's Howard?"
Melanie laughed bitterly to herself at the mention of his name which puzzled Louise even more.
"Melanie, let me in." Lou was persistent this time and she did not have the strength to fight her. Melanie stepped away from the door but then turned her back on her friend straight away.
"Louise, please just go. There's nothing you can do."
But Lou knew that something was very wrong, she could hear it in Melanie's uncertain voice. She had never seen this behavior in her before and was concerned. She placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and forced her to turn around to face her. With a gasp, Lou saw that Melanie's left cheek was stained with a dark, painful bruise and her eye was swollen half shut. She quickly turned away gain from Louise's shocked and troubled gaze, afraid she would break down in front of her.
"Who did that to you?" Lou asked in a whisper, but she already knew the answer. Melanie did not have to reply. "Why did he hit you?"
"I didn't turn out to be the kind of wife he expected, I suppose," Melanie replied with another strange little laugh.
"That son of a–"
"Lou, it's all right. It was my fault," she said hastily.
"Your fault?" replied Lou incredulously and with growing anger at the though of Howard Brooks. "Nothin' you could have done deserves a beatin'. Nothin'."
Louise knew all too well what it was like to be hit like that. Cole Lambert had done the same to her years ago and she hadn't forgotten the sensation.
"Not according to my husband," said Melanie tiredly. She had not slept properly in two days, she constantly on edge whenever Howard was around. He had been apologetic the morning after, but not overly so. Melanie guessed he had always had the capacity to be violent, she had just never seen it before. Now she would watch for it always.
Lou paused only a few seconds before she strode towards Melanie's bedroom.
"Come on, pack your things, you're comin' home with me."
"What?" She followed her friend into the bedroom, where she was opening drawers and cupboards, looking for a carpet bag. "Louise, what are you doing?"
"You can't stay here with that man, not now. You're comin' to stay with me."
"No," Melanie said forcefully.
Lou stopped what she was doing and raised a curious eyebrow.
"I'm not going anywhere. This is my home."
"Melanie, your husband hit you!"
"Yes, he did. He didn't mean to do it, Louise. He was angry with me and he was drunk. He didn't mean to and it has never happened before."
"That don't mean it won't happen again! How can you stay with him?"
"Because I have to. Because he's my husband." Melanie sat down on the bed with a tired sigh. "Howard was already here with one of the new town merchants when I arrived home the other day. You know what I looked like. Of course he reacted the way he did."
Louise sat beside her friend and took her hand, her eyes shining with emotion.
"You can't stay here, Melly, what if he hurts you again? You can live with us, you know that. We won't let him hurt you."
Melanie smiled at her, a sad smile. "You don't understand, how could you? Your husband adores you. But not everyone is as fortunate as you, Louise. I married Howard Brooks for better or worse, I had a choice. And I'll live with the consequences." She squeezed Lou's hand tightly. "I can take care of myself, really."
"What about next time?"
"There won't be a next time. Howard was so sorry about the whole thing he has even arranged to buy another buggy from the livery so I'll be able to get around while he's at the bank. He realizes that I shouldn't be stuck here all day without some means of transportation. So you see that everything will be all right."
"I wish I could believe that," replied Lou half-heartedly.
"Louise, I want you to promise me something. I've never asked you for anything so important before," Melanie said gravely. "Promise you won't tell anybody about this, not even Kid. I can't have people knowing."
Lou did not reply immediately but Melanie's persistent gaze finally prompted her reluctant reply.
"All right, Melanie. But if he ever touches you again, he'll have to answer to me. I won't let him hurt my best friend."
Tears pricked at the back of Melanie's eyes and she suddenly hugged Louise tightly.
"Thank you for being my friend, Louise. It means more than you'll ever know."
Chapter 6
Sweetwater, November 1869
Five years was a long time in the West. Seasons changed, crops flourished, people were born and others died. It had been five years since Melanie Brooks had arrived in Sweetwater but it was so much a part of her now that she couldn't imagine living anywhere else. But more than the place itself, she cherished the lifestyle the land afforded her, and the people she had grown to love. Without her friendship with the extended Morgan family who had become her lifeline, Melanie's life would have been empty save the presence of her husband. As good as empty then, in her opinion.
She had never been particularly fond of Howard Brooks, not the way she expected to feel about her husband, and after five years of marriage she knew she never would. He wasn't always mean or violent, only on special occasions when he would drink to excess.
Melanie could usually tell when he was getting ready for such an episode, and without a word she would appear at Louise's door with a bag in hand. She would only stay a day or two – enough to keep out of Howard's way – but despite Lou's protestations she went back every time. Louise couldn't understand the sense of duty that forced her friend to do so, but in the end she had to concede that Melanie knew how to take care of herself. She did not show up with bruises any more, not that Louise could see anyway.
Melanie's life would have been contented had it not been for Howard and his fits of rage. But secretly she blamed herself for his behavior, especially now that his chief grudge with her was the fact that they had no children. They had been married for five years and still she had not given him a son. For her part, Melanie would have given anything to have a baby, even if it tied her closer to Howard Brooks. It was a desire that she tried not to show anyone, not even Louise, but when Howard was feeling particularly spiteful he would taunt her with her barrenness – and it was the one cruelty that hurt her the most. To share this pain with her best friend would have been difficult, considering the three beautiful children she had borne.
Charlotte Rachel Morgan had been born two years earlier and was immediately the apple of her father's eye. Charlie, as she was soon dubbed by her brothers who were both hoping for another boy in the family, had Louise's looks and spirit from the moment she was born, and Melanie could not help but be occasionally jealous of Lou's family. To even have one child would have completed her life in a way that she had dreamed about since embarking on her new life in the West. To have someone to love and who would love her back unconditionally was something that she craved, especially since her failed union with Howard.
As he spent more and more time at the bank they became strangers to each other in their own home. He often stayed in town at night now, having made himself a small sleeping area in the back room at work. Melanie knew he did not spend all his time there. She knew he had a mistress in town… probably one of the poor young girls working at the numerous saloons who had found herself out West with no other means of supporting herself. Melanie was not annoyed, in fact she was often amused at the excuses and lies Howard told her to cover up his exploits. She continued to play his dutiful spouse in public but was glad her role as a wife ended there. Melanie did not know the mistress's name, but she often thought about meeting her one day – she wanted to shake her hand and thank her, whoever she was. The thought always made Melanie laugh out loud.
* * *
Howard's buggy was barely over the rise in the road before Melanie hurried to the small barn and retrieved the saddle Louise had given her. He had not relented on the subject of her riding horses even after all these years, but it was the one defiance that she would not back down on. Instead she guarded her secret carefully by hiding the saddle under a pile of old feed sacks in the corner of the barn and biding her time. She knew Howard had no cause to ever enter the barn – he abhorred working around the farm – and old Sam who did odd jobs for her around the place was faithful in his silence.
So it was nearly every morning that Melanie was able to saddle her horse and treat herself to an hour or so of absolute freedom. She kept to the open plains away from any roads so she would be alone to enjoy the beauty of the land. Sometimes Melanie was so inspired by it all that she forgot all notion of time and it was not until lunch time that she would arrive at the Morgan ranch. Her morning rides were the one shred of independence that she clung to during her five year marriage to Howard Brooks – her sole consolation along with her friendship with Louise and her family.
The air was fresh and clean as she trotted along in the tall grass, and she breathed in deeply to savor the sweet smell of the wild flowers underfoot. Melanie wondered if she had ever seen such a perfect morning, as she was suddenly filled with happiness. It seemed as if nothing could spoil her mood that day and all her troubles were forgotten. With a grin she dug her heels sharply into the horse's sides, forcing him into a dead run. Melanie knew the old horse didn't like it – he was used to pulling the buggy – but the urge to race across the plains got the better of her. The wind whistled past her ears, her auburn hair spilling out of its bun and streaming out behind her. She laughed at the folly of her actions, but she was having too good a time to even care.
When her horse started to snort in protest and chew at his bit, Melanie relented and drew the reins. She was almost as breathless as the gelding and eagerly headed for the nearest water. Loping up to the creek which had swollen considerably in size after a day of rain, she was relieved to see it was not running too fast. She paused a moment to allow the horse to water and looked around carefully for the best spot to cross, then kicked him lightly to urge him into the muddy water. The cold water splashed at her skirts as they crossed, but Melanie was enjoying the sunshine too much to even notice. The sky was free of clouds after the gloomy day before, it was if the rain had washed away everything unsightly that would mar her view.
Melanie was too engrossed in the beauty around her to notice that her horse had slowed considerably as they neared the far side of the creek, his steps heavier in the shallower water. When he stopped completely she absently kicked him again, knowing that Louise was expecting her soon and she didn't want to be late. She had promised to take care of Charlie for the afternoon, and Melanie did not want to miss a moment of her time with the young girl. The horse took another tentative step forward, but the mud of the creek bed had gotten so thick that his hooves simply sank again into the sludge.
"Come on, you lazy old thing, it's not far now," Melanie said, but the old horse remain unmoved. He seemed quite content to stay where he was, and even bent his head to drink again. Melanie sighed impatiently and kicked him forward to no avail. She looked enviously at the bank that was so close, and then at the light brown water and thick mud that separated them. When it was obvious that the horse refused to move at all, she had no alternative but to dismount and try and pull him out herself.
The water only came to just above her knees but she immediately sank further as the mud sucked at her boots. Melanie grimaced at the feel of it, and knew they would be ruined. She took hold of the reins and tried a few hesitant steps, straining to find a foothold in the soft creek bed. The horse watched her with a lazy eye as she attempted to pull him towards the bank, and if she didn't know any better she would have sworn he was punishing her for making him run so hard on the plains. No matter how much she strained they made no progress. Melanie was fast losing patience with the stubborn horse who refused even to try and get himself unbogged, and was tempted to leave him there just to spite him.
"Stay here then, see if I care," she muttered crossly.
"Now that would be a terrible waste of a horse."
Melanie was startled at the deep voice which seemed to come out of nowhere. She whirled around quickly to see who had spoken, but her feet where so deeply sunken into the mud that she nearly fell over into the water with the effort. Her arms flailed wildly in order to balance herself, which caused a laugh from the mounted stranger on the creek bank. Melanie straightened herself with as much dignity as a woman in her precarious position could muster and tried to speak calmly.
"Perhaps rather than laughing you might be a gentleman and help me out of this creek," she said regally, despite her muddied clothes and hair that was in disarray after galloping over the plains. Even in that state she could still conduct herself like a Minneapolis lady.
The man raised his eyebrows slightly and shrugged, as if he would have to consider his options. While he took his time making up his mind, Melanie grew impatient. He was dressed impeccably in a black linen suit, but the guns strapped to his hips made it obvious he was no preacher. The fact that he seemed to have taken so much care with his immaculate appearance also proved that he wasn't from Sweetwater. Melanie decided he must be one of the traveling gamblers that frequented the saloons in town and that she had often seen strolling without purpose through the streets. People like that tended to stick out like a sore thumb in a town like Sweetwater, whose general population had to work for a living. Melanie realized she was probably foolish for asking a scamp like that to help her, but under the circumstances she had no choice. Besides, the man did not appear to be dangerous, he was just infuriating.
"I realize it may be an imposition, sir, but either you will help me or not," she said finally, when he just sat there on his horse watching her with amusement in his eyes.
"Well now, I have to consider the fact that I might get muddy myself," he replied, and smiled at the indignation that appeared the woman's face. "This is a new suit after all."
Melanie narrowed her eyes in fury and jerked at her horses reins, determined now to get herself out of the creek rather than accept help from such a scoundrel who would rather sit there and laugh at her.
"Come on, you damn beast," she growled under her breath. The horse just looked bored.
The man on bank finally kicked his own mount forward and carefully made his way towards her, coming at Melanie from the side so he too would not be bogged in the mud.
"I guess I can't ignore a damsel in distress," he said lightly as he pulled up beside her. He held out a black gloved hand to her after tipping his hat mischievously. "Ma'am…"
Melanie ignored his facetious words and reluctantly took his hand, knowing that she would be stuck there permanently if she didn't. She gasped as the man effortlessly lifted her bodily out of the mud and onto his horse, his strong arm wrapped around her waist. Balancing her on his lap, he took her horse's reins out of her tight grasp and kicked his own animal forward. His horse was big and strong and was easily clear of the mud, dragging Melanie's nag behind them.
When they had reached the safety of the creek bank the man kept hold of Melanie's waist a little longer than necessary. She tried to thank him but he was staring at her with dark eyes that twinkled as he smiled at her. She was so close to his face that she could see the fine lines around his eyes from the sun and a small scar that ran along his jaw line. The musky cologne he wore tickled her nose as he sat there with her in his arms, not in any hurry and not in the least concerned with the impropriety of the situation. Melanie wondered if he expected her to kiss him in return for rescuing her. She was shocked at the impudence of the man, but there was something bewitching in his eyes that she tried to avoid staring at. She could not deny that he was handsome, even if he probably was a cad. Before she grew too uncomfortable under his gaze, he let go of her waist without warning and dropped her on the ground without much grace. Melanie had to regain her balance after the abrupt movement, and once again her temper flared at the man's behavior.
"Your dress is ruined," he commented lightly, not in the least troubled.
"I see your suit is not," she said through gritted teeth, trying to muster the good manners to at least thank the man for helping her. It was a difficult task, especially when he kept looking at her with those laughing eyes. "I thank you for your kindness, sir," she managed coldly.
"Just glad I could be of service, ma'am," the man replied, tipping his hat again in such a facetious manner that Melanie snatched back her horse's reins and promptly turned her back on him.
Her skirts were wet and heavy as she tried to mount her horse, and she was unable to pull it off cleanly. He had started laughing quietly at her hapless movements, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"If you're ever in need of rescuin' from a muddy creek bed again, I hope you'll allow me the honor," he bowed chivalrously as she prepared to ride away.
"I would rather drown," Melanie said with disdain. She kicked her horse hard and quickly rode away, his laughter following her.
* * *
Chapter 7
Melanie stopped briefly at her house in order to change out of her ruined clothes before she strapped the disobedient horse into the sulky at drove to the ranch. She was still burning with anger and embarrassment over the man at the creek and planned to tell Louise all about it. Knowing Lou, she would probably see the funny side of it, and she and Melanie could laugh over the unfortunate event.
As she approached the main house she was surprised to see that no one was working in the yards, in fact the whole ranch seemed deserted. Melanie drew the sulky to a stop and jumped down, glancing around for any sign of life. There was a quick movement of curtains from Louise's parlor window and her friend immediately rushed out to greet her, her face lit up with joy.
"Melly, you're here, this is perfect timin'!" she beamed and kissed Melanie's cheek. She wondered what had prompted such good humor in her friend, for she visited every day and was not used to receiving such an excited welcome.
"I want you to meet someone," Lou said breathlessly, almost pulling her into the house. Melanie laughed at her strange behavior and was more than a little curious as to its cause.
There was a crowd gathered in the parlor with the entire ranch family surrounding a tall man in a dark suit. The children were hopping with excitement around him, while Kid and Teaspoon smiled broadly. Louise and Melanie entered the room and the man turned to face them. Melanie was shocked to see he was the same man from the creek, the last man on earth she would ever want to run into again.
"Melly, this our old, dear friend, James Butler Hickok," Lou said, still grasping her arm. "Jimmy, our friend and neighbor, Melanie Brooks."
Jimmy smiled at her knowingly, and Melanie was afraid he would make some joke about how that had already met that very morning. But instead he just bowed his head slightly.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Brooks."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Hickok," she replied evenly, but a slight blush crept up her neck which only seemed to make his eyes twinkle more. Melanie was suddenly afraid that everyone was looking at her intently, and tried to cover her embarrassment. "Only it is Mrs. Brooks."
"Mrs. Brooks," he repeated quietly, and Melanie wondered if she did not see a flash of disappointment in his dark eyes at the revelation. Before she could even ponder this he had turned away from her and began talking to Kid again.
"He just turned up out of the blue, we haven't seen him in a couple of years. We never know when Jimmy will suddenly appear out of nowhere," Louise told her absently before stepping forward to retrieve Charlie from clambering on Jimmy's feet.
"I know what you mean," Melanie whispered to herself.
* * *
Jimmy's arrival at the ranch prompted Kid to announce they would all take the rest of the day off, and Tom's new wife, Mary, fixed a grand feast for them to celebrate. Only Cholo, who had never liked Jimmy from the start, refrained from joining in and was content to sit outside whittling while the party continued indoors. At least this time Hickok had brought some joy with him instead of sorrow, but Cholo had no doubt that it would eventually follow. Pistoleros like him always caused trouble.
Melanie was quiet during lunch as everyone urged Jimmy to tell them of his exploits since they last saw him. Jamie's eyes were practically popping out of his head as he listened in awe to his uncle's tales of his time as marshal in Fort Hays. There was no doubt in her mind that the incorrigible seven-year-old idolized the man. Kid and Louise too were so happy to see him they could not stop smiling, and she even noticed Teaspoon wipe a tear from his eye as he surveyed his family seated around him. The band of Pony Express riders were the only family the man had, and having Jimmy around again provoked great emotion in him.
After a while Jimmy began to enjoy the attention his family bestowed upon him, relieved that the unease he had felt the last time he visited had gone. He could not tell them the truth about his life now – not all of it anyway – and yet they listened to him intently and believed his embellishments. Throughout the meal he stole glances at the silent woman at the other end of the table when he thought the others wouldn't notice. She was scrupulously avoiding his eyes but he did not seek to mock her. As he spoke he was wondering what she thought of him and his tales, though he could not explain why.
As the afternoon wore on Louise insisted the children go upstairs for a nap, much to Jamie's dismay. He had plans to spend as much time as possible with his Uncle Jimmy so he too could be a marshal when he grew up. It took Kid's firm arms to carry him upstairs despite loud protests from the boy, and Louise followed with Charlie and Adam who were more complying. When Teaspoon excused himself from the room too and Tom returned to kitchen with his wife, Melanie found herself in the unsettling position of being alone with her 'savior'. She moved around the room uncomfortably as Jimmy watched her silently, hoping that he would not bring up the embarrassing events of that morning.
He opened his mouth to speak and Melanie immediately shot him a nervous glance warning him not to say a word about it. Jimmy paused for a split second and took pity on her, swallowing back the sarcastic remark he planned to say. He smiled instead and she surprised him by returning the grin. For another moment Jimmy was struck dumb by her smile which lit up her entire face and made her eyes shine. Soon he cursed her beauty for making him suddenly feel nervous.
"Have you lived in Sweetwater long, Mrs. Brooks?" he asked eventually, putting on a polite façade. Jimmy wasn't one for small talk, and she could tell.
"For five years now, Mr. Hickok. I've known Kid and Louise just as long," she replied equally politely. Neither of them sat down as their conversation continued, not realizing it was for the same nervous reason.
"Five years? Strange, I didn't meet you last time I was here."
"No, Louise told me I missed your visit. I had traveled home to Minneapolis… My father passed away."
"Oh, sorry."
"Thank you, Mr. Hickok."
"No, I'm sorry I missed meetin' you then," he said. Melanie could not help but smile slightly at his cheek, though she knew she shouldn't encourage him.
"You can call me Bill, most people do these days."
"I'm sure they do, Mr. Hickok, you have quite a reputation," said Melanie.
Jimmy looked pleased but then realized that she was not paying him a compliment. His eyes soured a little as he knew the legend of Wild Bill Hickok was not something to impress the likes of Melanie Brooks. He was annoyed with himself for wanting to impress her too, to make her smile at him again. Jimmy had never seen anything to rival her smile.
"Don't believe everything you read in the papers, Mrs. Brooks," he retorted with a resigned, well practiced shrug.
"I don't, Jimmy," Melanie said quietly before Louise and Kid came back downstairs. She turned to them and announced that considering the unexpected arrival of their guest it was time she was going. She left Jimmy pondering her words and the look in her eyes when she said them.
* * *
"I take it she's a good friend of yours," Jimmy commented, breaking the night's silence.
"Hmm?" said Louise, who had almost drifted off to sleep as she and Jimmy sat in the swing on the porch enjoying the warm breeze. The Kid was down in the barn with a sick mare, but other than that it had been a peaceful evening.
"Melanie Brooks. You two seem close." He tried to keep his voice as nonchalant as possible, hoping to start Louise talking about her. Jimmy had not been able to stop thinking about her all day, much to his displeasure. He kept picturing her standing in the river, her clothes and hair in disarray, still managing to be breathtakingly beautiful.
"We are. She's been a great friend to me these five years. I don't know what I would have done without her friendship, and the children adore her." Lou did not question Jimmy's motives for asking about her, she was far too relaxed to be suspicious. "She and her husband are our closest neighbors, so we see her almost every day."
"Her husband?" Jimmy probed.
"Howard Brooks, he's the town banker. You'll meet him eventually, I guess."
"What's he like?"
"He's not good enough for her, that's for sure," she said, coloring a little whenever she had to think about Howard Brooks too much. Louise would never be able to forget the fact that occasionally he liked to hit his wife, and it was something that would always rankle her no matter Melanie's protestations that he wasn't that bad. Any man that hit a woman was bad in her books. No longer sleepy, she threw Jimmy a look and wondered why he was so interested in Melanie. "You're rather curious tonight, Jimmy Hickok."
"Just askin'," he replied, and abruptly announced he was turning in. "'Night, Lou."
"'Night," Louise echoed, and watched him go inside with a slight frown creasing her brow.