Jamie POV
I woke up before the sun, and as usual, I began to plan my day before I even crawled out of bed. I had my own space inside the bunkhouse, being the ranch foreman had its perks. The others shared a sleeping space with cots along each wall. My room was small, but I didn’t need much. Just a bed, a writing desk and a night stand that held the ewer and basin. Today’s agenda included bringing in the twenty steers born this year for branding. They had just weaned a few weeks ago and we needed to get them added to the herd so they could acclimate before winter set in. After the branding, which would take most of the morning, we needed to ride fence again. I wanted to take a look at the spot that was damaged yesterday. Following that, I wanted to check on Mrs. Beecham. Yeah, I needed to think of her that way. It was the only thing I could do. I was an honorable man and she wasn’t mine.
I heard the others moving around and decided to crawl out of bed and get the day started. I joined the others in the common area of the bunkhouse and put on the coffee. None of us could start the day without at least one cup of coffee. Some days it took two cups to get us going. With the coffee on, I turned to the men and said, “Here’s our plan for today: First, get the steers in and get them branded. Second, ride every inch of fence. Something or someone has been messing with the fence line and we need to ensure it isn’t malicious intent. Third, time allowing, let’s meet back here before supper and make a list of supplies we need from town. I will probably be making a trip to town for Mrs. Beecham. My guess is that she will start cooking at the big house and I doubt there are any supplies in the house. Any questions?”
Walt looked up at me, smirked and said, “Two things. First, I can guess why you would want to help Mrs. Beecham. But be careful, son. You know that won’t work out in your favor.”
Before he could say anything else, I cut him off, “I won’t deny that Mrs. Beecham is a looker. She is. However, I have a job to do and that is to take care of this ranch and if Mrs. Beecham needs supplies, then I will go get them.” I was grinning like a fool and they could all see how I felt, but they knew that I wouldn’t touch her. As Walt said, it wouldn’t work out. “What is the second thing, Walt?”
“I might have a theory about the fence line. But I want to talk with you about it in private. I could be wrong,” he said cautiously.
Cookie spoke up and said, “I imagine we are all thinking the same thing about the fence line. Maybe each of us should visit with you Jamie, in private. And if our theories are the same, maybe we can regroup and make a plan together. What do you say?”
“Sounds good. Walt, why don’t you and I head for the steers together and we can chat on the way. Cookie, you and I can herd them back to the main group and chat then. Bo, you can show me where the fence was damaged yesterday. Then this evening, if we all seem to be on the same page, we can talk as a group,” I reasoned out loud, making our plans for the day. The men all nodded in agreement.
Cookie stood and said, “Well, with that decided, I had best get started on our breakfast. Give me just a bit and I will have it ready.”
“Thanks, Cookie. I am going to head out to the barn to feed the horses before we start our day,” I replied as I rose and headed for the door. I opened the door, looking back at them to see them all nodding in agreement and collided with a warm body. “Ooofff”, I mumbled as I turned and grabbed for the body in front of me. “Mrs. Beecham? Are you okay? What on earth are you doing here at this hour? I would think after traveling so far you would still be abed,” I replied, my words coming rapidly as I tried to regain my composure. Having her in my arms again was a wondrous feeling but I quickly let her go, seeing that she had once again found her footing.
“Good morning, Mr. Smythe. Gentlemen,” she said, nodding to the others. “I came for several reasons. First, Mr. Cookie, thank you for the stew last night. It was delicious and a welcome meal after living on tack and quick meals for the last several weeks,” she smiled at him in appreciation. I could relate, Cookie was definitely our salvation when it came to mealtimes.
“You are most welcome, Ma’am. But the name is just Cookie. No mister about it. Much easier that way,” he gave her a lopsided grin that I could tell meant that she had now taken a special place in his heart. Hannah had another admirer to add to her growing list. I glanced back at her and she was still grinning ear to ear at Cookie’s comments and demeanor.
“Ahem, Mrs. Beecham, what else can we help you with,” I drew her attention back to me. Although I wanted her attention and wanted to spend time with her, I was fearful that if Beecham found her here it would not be pleasant for her.
“Right, yes. I was wondering if you men had any eggs, bacon, bread, and some lard you could spare. I need to make breakfast for myself ...and my husband,” she stuttered after saying the word husband, “and the kitchen in the house is unfortunately bare.”
“Yes, ma’am. We surely do have extras. However, if you like, I am happy to add extra portions to what I am just preparing for the boys,” Cookie answered and moved toward the stove as if to add more to what he was preparing.
“Oh no, Cookie. I would very much like to cook in my own kitchen. I just need a few things to get me started this morning, if you please,” she responded, as if she was embarrassed to even be asking for supplies. She had to know it wasn’t her fault the kitchen wasn’t stocked. Beecham didn’t concern himself with what he considered women’s work and cooking definitely fit in that category as far as he was concerned. If he truly cared for Hannah, he would have seen to every one of her needs, including stocking the kitchen, but we all knew he hadn’t.
“If you are sure, Ma’am. I will gather what you need, give me just a few moments,” Cookie turned his back on her and began pulling together what she needed to prepare breakfast. While he did that, I turned back to her and asked again, “Anything else do you need?”
“Um, yes, when will you be going into town for supplies? I will need a few things and I want to have my list prepared,” she replied as quietly. “I have a few things that I will need right away, if possible.”
“I was planning a trip tomorrow, if that is soon enough,” I stated, watching her eyes. For one instance, I saw a flash of worry and then it disappeared. I wondered what brought that on and why would she be afraid of not having supplies before tomorrow?
“I suppose that will have to do,” she mumbled. She started pacing and then more quietly, I assume, so that no one would hear her talk to herself, “how am I to make the solution without the proper ingredients? I only found thyme and lavender in the kitchen.”
What solution? What is she trying to make? “Mrs. Beecham, is there something that you need sooner than tomorrow? It is possible that we may have it somewhere on the ranch,” I was trying to be helpful but I had to know what she was planning.
She stopped pacing, looked up at me with a partial frown on her face, hesitated briefly before leaning toward me and in a soft, quiet voice explained, “I have a tea that I like to drink and I also have a need for a medicinal solution of a private nature. I would ask that you speak to no one about this, most especially my husband.” More loudly so the other men could hear her, “I am in need of medicinal alcohol, baking soda, honey and a flower called Queen Anne’s Lace.”
“Mrs. Beecham, I can get those for you as well. How much do you need?” Cookie was watching her with a look in his eye. He glanced at me and slightly nodded, telling me he was certain he knew what she was about. I would ask him later in the day. “Cookie, if you can gather what Mrs. Beecham needs, I will continue with my chores,” I nodded back at him and turned to look at Hannah, the worried look on her face now gone. What on earth is she doing? I tipped my hat in her direction and went to the barn.
I greeted the horses and gave an apple to Smoke. “Hey, boy. Did you sleep well? What am I going to do when you decide you have had enough of this life? Huh? You were the last gift that Momma and Pa gave to me before they passed on. We have been through a lot together, right boy? We’re going to get to the bottom of what happened that day. What are we missing?” I continued chatting with my horse. I knew he couldn’t answer me, but for some reason talking to him seemed to help me work things out in my head.
“Ahem.”
I turned to the voice, startled. Hannah stood in the doorway of the barn. The sun was breaking over the horizon and her silhouette was framed in the golden red hues of early morning. “Ma’am”, tipping my head, I walked to the doorway to be near her. She had a look of embarrassment on her face that made her cheeks an even deeper red than usual. I had a feeling that she needed something else and she didn’t want the others to know.
“Mr. Smythe, I am also in need of a length of sheepskin. I only need about this much,” she said as she held her hands measuring a length of roughly six inches, no longer than one of my hands. I don’t know if she could blush any more than she already had, but I could have sworn her face was so red at this point that if I didn’t know any better, I would say she was overheated from sun stroke.
“Now, what on earth do you need that for? Sheepskin is thin and not good for much,” I countered, trying to get her to tell me what she was doing.
“It has many uses, and why I need it is not any of your concern. Now, do you have any or not?” her embarrassment now shifted to ire as she became frustrated with my questioning. I chuckled at her response and moved toward the side of the barn where the bandages and medical supplies were located. We kept them there for the animals.
“I was just teasing, Mrs. Beecham. I have some right here. If you need more, just come into the barn and get some. You don’t need to ask,” I told her, and then proceeded to show her where it was kept and then I cut her the length that she needed. As I handed her the sheep's skin, our fingers touched and I swear the sparks flew and once again I was gut punched.
“Thank you, Jamie,” she said quietly. She gasped and then looked up at me, “I’m sorry, Mr. Smythe, I shouldn’t have been so informal.” She looked down at the ground as if she had made a huge mistake. “But I just want to thank you for your help. You have no idea how much your kindness means to me. I would ask for your discretion as well. Please do not speak of my request to my husband.”
Ever so quietly I whispered, “Hannah, you can tell me anything. I won’t tell him. I promise. Your secret, whatever it is, is safe with me. And for the record, I like it when you call me Jamie.” I so badly wanted to reach out and touch her face, to make her look me in the eye. But I forced my hands to stay at my sides, and I even took a step back from her, the temptation to touch her growing greater by the second.
She didn’t say a word, just nodded her head, and turned and left the barn. Her arms full of her supplies, I watched as she walked across the yard and made her way back into the house. I stood there for another moment before I made my way back to the bunk house hoping that Cookie had breakfast prepared. As I reached the door of the bunkhouse, I heard the men talking, “What is she using that stuff for Cookie?”
“Can’t rightly say, there could be any number of things,” came the reply.
“You know, I heard tell that a woman poisoned her husband with Queen Anne’s Lace and alcohol,” Walt stated, as if he really didn’t care either way.
“That sweet lass, no way. She ain’t about killing Beecham. But as I said, I can’t rightly say what she is doing. Could be something as simple as a stomach ailment and the homemade remedy was prescribed by her doctor before she arrived,” Cookie countered matter of factly.
I walked into the bunkhouse and shut the door, “breakfast ready?”
“Just now.” Cookie told us as we all made our way to the table. Once seated, we began to dig into the grits, eggs, bacon, biscuits and jam. Typical meal for us in the bunkhouse. Quick and easy, so we could fill up and then get to work. On a cattle ranch this size, we didn’t have time to sit around and eat elaborate meals.
“Due to the all the busyness of the day, lunch will be tack and biscuits. Hope that’s okay with you boys,” Cookie commented in between bites.
“That’s fine, Cookie. What are you planning for supper?” I responded before taking another swig of the hot coffee that was waiting for me when I walked in.
“Probably gonna do steaks and potatoes. We got some of those steaks left. I might take a couple up to the house for Mrs. Beecham to prepare, since the kitchen ain’t stocked as it should be.”
“I am sure she will appreciate that and hell yeah, to the steaks. My mouth will be watering all day!” I smirked at him. Yup, I was right, Hannah had another admirer, maybe even a protector.
Walt and Bo joined in agreement with me about the steaks for dinner. After that, the conversation waned as we dug into our meal to fill up for the day. Today would be a day for answers. Answers about Hannah, I hope. But I knew for sure that today I would learn if I could trust Cookie and Walt with the information about Beecham. Would these men help me reclaim this land? And if so, what would Hannah think?
Hannah POVThe sun was peeking through the curtains when I woke up. I knew it was early and I wanted to be out of bed and dressed before Robert woke up. I did not want to still be in bed and he decided that he wanted another session of rutting. Just the thought of him touching me again like that made me cringe. I crawled out of bed as quietly as possible so as not to wake him. I made my way to the bathing room and found my bags, which had been left there following my bath. Rummaging in my bags, I pulled out another dress, this one blue. It was slightly wrinkled but would have to do for today. I really needed to get some yard goods for more dresses, now that I was in my new home.Home. It didn’t quite feel like it. Maybe because I have just arrived. I had hope that once I settled into a routine, I would feel as though it was home. I continued in my musings as I dressed for the day. I will have to empty the tub later today and then unpack my belongings as well. But first thing, I need t
Jamie POV Shortly after breakfast, Walt and I mounted up and headed for the south forty to gather in the steers for branding. It was silent for a few moments. I assumed we were both trying to figure out how to start the conversation. When Walt didn’t speak, I decided to take the bull by the horns and ask the question, “So, Walt. What do you think is going on with the fence line out here?” He chuckled and responded by asking a question of his own, “How long are you going to pretend that you aren’t working against Beecham?” I turned my head so fast it would have fallen off if not attached to my neck, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I tried to remain cool and not let him know that my heart had at that moment decided to thump as fast as Smoke galloped across the prairie. Walt slowed his horse and turned to stare at me, eye to eye. “Look, Jamie. I respect a man who has a past and I respect the need for secrets. Hell, I have a few of my own. But I’ve been around here long eno
Hannah POVShortly after Cookie left, I heard the hands coming back from getting the steers. Cookie had shared with me that they had gone to the south forty to get the young steers so they could be branded. Without a brand, a rancher had no way to prove they were his herd. I looked out the window and watched as the men worked together to get the young cattle into the corral. The younger of the hands, Bo I think Cookie said was his name, closed up the corral. I decided that I would take out water in just a little while. This August heat was awful, definitely different than St Louis.I busied myself the remainder of the afternoon by tidying up the house. The amount of dust on the window sills, the mantle and the pantry shelves led me to believe that Robert was definitely a bachelor. The man probably didn’t know what a dust cloth was and if he did, he had no inclination to do anything with it. I stopped my cleaning three times so that I could take the men water. I d
Jamie POVStomping back into the bunkhouse, the others jerked their heads to look at me as I continued to walk over to the table where they were sitting, “What has you so pissed off already this morning,” Bo smirked at me. “Have trouble finding relief in the outhouse?”I glared at him and spat out, “Hell no. That damn Beecham! UGH!” I slammed my hand down on the table in frustration. “Sorry Bo. It’s not your fault. That man just knows how to push me.” I took a deep breath as I pulled my cowboy hat off my head and placed it on my knee. I r
Hannah POVBetsy directed me to a door on the left side of the small post office building. I entered and sat in one of the chairs in the small space. Betsy was a sweet lady with graying hair. She was short, with a plump middle and round face to match. When she smiled, her brown eyes sparkled with flecks of gold. I imagined she was a truly beautiful woman in her younger days. I wondered if she had ever found love.“So, Hannah, I don’t mean to be forward. Well, actually, that is a lie. I am going to be out right nosy. What happened to your face?” Betsy asked me. I could tell this was a woman that didn’t mess around.“I tripped last night and fell onto the table, it was nothing. I just lost my balance,” I told her, hoping she believed my lie.“Dear, you can’t fool me. I can see the slight outline of a hand print. And now that I am sitting next to you, I can see the bruises on your neck. Now, are you going
Jamie POV Hannah cried for what seemed like hours but it was probably only a few moments, then she leaned back, sniffled and said, “I’m sorry, Jamie. I shouldn’t have cried on your shoulder.” “Hey, we are friends and friends provide comfort when needed, okay. Think nothing of it,” I told her gently, trying to keep my voice steady. I was seething inside at how he had hurt her. From the very beginning, he had treated her as property. I was trying my best not to react to her words, but it was so difficult. If I didn’t have a reason to kill him before, I did now. That asshole was going to regret every one of his actions. Taking another deep breath, she continued, “after he slapped me several times, he began to drag me by my hair to the bedroom, telling me what he was going to do to me. I screamed once when he threw me on the bed and that is when he choked me. He told me not to bother screaming because you and the boys wouldn’t come to rescue me. Then he…” “Wait a minute, let me clear s
Hannah POVThe boys, I was so fond of the ranch hands I just couldn’t help but call them boys, were so nice to help unload the wagon when Jamie and I returned to the ranch. To be honest, the majority of it was mine and went into the house. As I began to unpack the crates, I was pleased to find out that Mr. Perkins had gotten me everything on my list. I now had three boiling pots, of varying sizes, two flat frying pans, several cooking utensils and knives, a rolling pin, and several pie and cake pans. I placed each of the items on the bottom pantry shelf. This way, they were accessible but allowed my canned goods to be on the higher shelves. The truth is, I had failed miserably at every attempt of Mrs. Sheffield to teach me to cook. I tried, but my meals never tasted as good as they should. I was hopeful that with Cookie's help, I might master the kitchen.I was happy to have a variety of canned vegetables in my kitchen. Someone’s
Jamie POV Thank God Walt whistled when he did or I would have kissed her. I wanted to. She wanted me to. We both knew we couldn’t. Both knew we shouldn’t. As I made my way back to the bunkhouse, I decided I needed to go for a swim in the creek. I met Walt’s eyes and said, “thanks. I’m gonna go take a swim in the creek. Can you keep watch on the house?” “That’s what I was doing. I thought some fool was going to make a mess of an already precarious situation, that’s why I interrupted. Go take care of business. I’ll watch the house,” Walt smirked at me, giving me shit for my almost lack of good sense. The creek was about a ten-minute walk from the barn and I knew the walk would do me good. I turned and quickly headed in that direction, knowing I had to put as much distance between myself and that beautiful woman I left standing just inside the door of her house. As soon as I could see the creek in the moonlight, I began unbuttoning my shirt. I made my way to the