Melinda Heads West (13 page)

“It’s been my pleasure. I think this house has potential.” He looked deep into Mindy’s green eyes. “I’m interested in buying the farm.”

“Really? I hadn’t considered that, but it would be perfect for you. I can see you here.”

“I can see you here, too, Mindy.” He took her hand again. “It would be perfect for
us
. I hope you’ll think about it. You know my intentions.”

Mindy pulled her hand back and looked away. “It’s awfully quick, Luke. I need time.”

Lucas smiled. “Well, Lord willing, we have plenty of that.” He lay back and stared up at the blue sky above them. “Look, there goes a general.”

Mindy looked down at him and smiled. He was such a kind man, and it seemed he really cared for her. She could do worse. Of course, at this point in life, there was the possibility she could do without. She noticed his well-combed blond hair and couldn’t help but think of Boone and his unruly mass of brown locks. With Boone, she wanted to run her fingers through it; with Lucas, she was satisfied to see it from a distance.

“What are you thinking?” Lucas asked.

“Just silly thoughts. Nothing that matters.” They were quiet for a few minutes before Mindy asked, “Why me, Luke?”

“What?”

“Why me? I’m sure you’ve known lots of women in your life. Why me? Why now?”

“I don’t know, exactly. There’s just something about you that makes me smile. You warm my old, cold heart. I had stopped believing that was possible, Mindy.” He gazed at the house and field. “And I can see you as a wife. You’ve proven you can handle tough situations. You may be a little tenderhearted, but I admire that. You’re brave … you’re beautiful.”

Mindy snickered. “I’m afraid it is love, because they say love can be quite blind.”

“No, you are beautiful, Mindy. You’ve just never been around a person who can see it like I do.”

“Well, I’ve been around a lot of people, Lucas, but I’ve never been accused of being beautiful. You may be too old and senile for me!”

The rest of the afternoon passed in like fashion. When he dropped her off at her hotel room door, he asked her to supper again, but she declined.

“Let’s take it slow, Luke,” she said, before she smiled and closed the door.

• • •

The next day was filled with activity as Lucas set out to have the property surveyed and Mindy prepared for her visit with the Boone ladies.

She decided to walk to the general store to buy new gloves, and couldn’t help but notice the townsfolk decorating the streets for the upcoming Independence Day. A large banner was being raised over the dusty main street:
July Fourth Celebration!

“A lot of excitement about the holiday,” she commented to the proprietor.

“Oh, yes,” said the gray-headed man behind the counter. “We do the Fourth up right. We have a barbeque and a dance, and games, and contests of skill. People come from miles around to join the celebration.” He smiled with obvious pride.

“I’d love to see it, but I don’t think I’ll be here that long,” Mindy murmured.

“It’s worth staying for,” he said with a wink.

• • •

Boone rose later than usual. He was disgruntled and irritable. Ever since the incident with Mindy and Lucas in the bar, he couldn’t get the two of them out of his head. It was funny how Mindy always made him want to hit something. This time, he was afraid it was Lucas. He finished his morning chores with a scowl.

Boone had finally heard from the managers of the stage line. He had been encouraged to find a couple of cowboys to join him, and then head off in search of the money and the Byler brothers. He had plans to head into town as soon as he cleaned up after his morning meal.

At the breakfast table, his mother was impatient. “Gary Boone! Why do you have to wear your boots into the house! I swear, you’ll be the death of me, yet.”

Boone looked up from his eggs and ham. “What did I do this time?”

“Those boots are filthy, and every time you wear them in the house you track mud and dirt to kingdom come.”

Boone leaned back in his chair. “Let me get this straight. You want me to take off my boots before I come in the house?”

“Well, it wouldn’t hurt you!”

Boone glanced around. Something about the house seemed different. Everything sparkled and gleamed. His mother always kept a tidy home, but it looked as if she were preparing for a visit with the queen. “You having company today?”

“I am, and your dirty ways don’t make it any easier.” Mrs. Boone was scurrying around like a beaver. She came to the table and picked up his plate.

“I wasn’t done with that yet.”

“Well, now you are.” She scraped the leavings off into a slop bucket and plunked the plate in a dishpan full of soapy water. “Don’t you have something to do? I don’t need you underfoot today.” She seemed nervous for some reason. Boone shook his head. Women!

“I’m planning to head to town here in a minute. Will that suit you?”

“That’ll be just fine! Now get up from the table, and get on with yourself. I need to get that cleaned up.” Boone slid from his chair as she began wiping the spot where he’d been eating. “Go on.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Boone shook his head again.

As he walked toward his bedroom, she called, “And you’ll need to find something to do in town for a while!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Boone washed up and put on a fresh shirt. Once outside, he saddled his horse and climbed up. It was a beautiful day. The blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon and was full of puffy white clouds. If only his attitude was as clear and bright.

He set off down the road toward town, trying to get a certain girl off his mind.

• • •

Becky picked Mindy up at ten forty-five with an excited smile. “Are you ready?”

“Yep. Just let me get my reticule.” Mindy glanced around the room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. “Okay, I guess I’m ready,” she said as she pulled on her new gloves. Her luggage had arrived, so she’d been able to don one of her nicest dresses. She wore an afternoon ensemble of a long blue skirt with a slight bustle, and a white blouse with a square neck and ruching.

“Then let’s head out!”

The two women climbed into the buckboard and began the short trip to the Boone home. As they neared the homestead, they saw a lone rider approaching at a slow gallop. As he drew closer, the girls saw that it was Boone.

Mindy nodded, but Becky waved and smiled from ear to ear. Boone stared, openmouthed.

Becky hopped down from the wagon. “Let me take you in and introduce you to … Mrs. Boone … and then I’ll come back and see about the horses.”

Mindy wore a faint smile. She twiddled her hands.

Becky smiled. “Are you nervous? Don’t be! We won’t eat you.”

Mindy ran her eyes over the traditional farmhouse. It was a white one and a half level, with a wide veranda. Several trees competed to cover the house with their leafy, green branches. Mindy sighed. So this was where Boone was raised. It looked like home.

Mrs. Boone came out onto the front porch, waving. “Halloo!” she called. “Come on in!”

Mindy glanced at Becky, who smiled again and nodded. “I promise. No biting.”

As she stepped onto the porch, Mindy immediately felt at peace. Mrs. Boone was warm and welcoming, and greeted her with a familial hug. “I hope you won’t mind,” she said. “It’s just that I’ve been excited to meet you!”

“Me?” said Mindy.

“Yes. I’ve heard good things about you, and I have a feeling we’re going to get along famously. Come on in!” She led the way into a comfortable house, and gestured at her surroundings. “It’s not much, but it’s where we live. While you’re here, I insist you make yourself at home.”

Mindy studied the older woman. She was dressed for company, but in a simple afternoon frock. It was a green on green dress with a large bustle. The sleeves had been rolled back and the front was lightly dusted in flour.

“I see you’ve found my secret,” Mrs. Boone said, as she followed Mindy’s gaze. “I don’t believe in servants. I do my own cooking and cleaning. As a matter of fact, I’m running a bit late with our meal. Do you cook?”

“I can find my way about a kitchen.”

“Good! Then you’ll come help me!” Without another word, Mrs. Boone spun around and headed toward the hub of the house. “We’re having chicken and dumplings — I hope you like them. My broth is calling me; I need to drop in the dumplings. And if you don’t mind, I’ll let you peel tomatoes and pour the glasses.”

Mindy sighed with relief. Activity! She didn’t know what she would have done if she’d had to sit on a starched sofa making inane conversation!

Mindy jumped into the work and soon she and Mrs. Boone were chatting like old chums. Becky arrived, carrying fresh flowers from the garden. She gave them a good soak and began arranging them in a vase for the table.

“Of course, I meant to have all this done before you arrived,” Mrs. Boone said, blowing a stray wisp of gray hair from her forehead. “But the best laid plans … ”

“I understand,” Mindy said. “My mother is the same way. She tries to make everything perfect for company but ends up forgetting the most important things … Oh! I don’t mean that you … ”

Mrs. Boone laughed. “You’re exactly right. The house got a good once-over, but here I am asking our company to help in the kitchen!”

“I love it, actually. These tomatoes look wonderful and the dumplings smell delicious.”

“Mrs. Boone makes the best dumplings in Marion County,” Becky said with pride.

The trio made a good team and soon the ladies were seated at the dining table. Mrs. Boone said grace and they began to eat.

Mindy made yummy noises, and both Becky and her mother grinned. “I told you they were the best dumplings!”

“The green beans are delicious, too!” Mindy said. “How long have you been here?”

“Oh, about twenty years now, I suppose. We moved here when Gary was about nine or ten. Becky wasn’t even born then.” Suddenly, Mrs. Boone seemed to realize what she had said and looked up to find Mindy’s curious gaze on her. “Of course. She wouldn’t have been. She’s years younger than Gary. I suppose she would have been … born … later. Don’t you think, Becky?”

“Yes, ma’am. Certainly. I certainly agree.” Becky coughed. “Would you care for more tea, Mindy?”

Mindy’s gaze traveled from one woman to the other. Something had made the two strangely uncomfortable all of a sudden. She placed her hands in her lap while they struggled with words.

“I think Becky was born … near here. Weren’t you, Becky?” Mrs. Boone was saying.

“Yes. Quite close. Yes.” Becky coughed again, a choking sound, and then said, “Mindy, won’t you have more dumplings?”

Mindy’s eyebrows arched, but she said nothing.

The meal passed without further disruptions and afterwards, the ladies adjourned to the living room.

“Tell us more about you, Mindy,” Becky said. “All we know so far is that you were on the same stage as Gary when it had the wheel accident that left you all stranded. He came in with a head wound but had little to say about what happened or the people with him. You know how men are.”

“Well, there’s not much to tell. I’m from a small town in Mississippi. I live with my mother and three brothers. I have three sisters who are married and I have three adorable nieces and nephews.”

Mrs. Boone smiled at Becky and then said to Mindy, “I’ll bet you’re good with children. You have a very pleasant way about you.”

“Oh! I love children. I’ve always wished for my own, but things have never quite worked out in that regard. I’ve never found a man that was suitable … or that found me suitable.” Mindy laughed. “I’m getting used to my ‘old maid’ status now.”

“But you’re still a young thing! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

“Twenty-three. Long on the shelf, I’m afraid.”

“Not at all! As a matter of fact, I think I know someone who may be interested.” Mrs. Boone met Mindy’s gaze. “Someone close to you.”

“Yes. Lucas seems to be a fine man. We’ve spent quite a bit of time in each other’s company. I like him very much.”

“Lucas?” Becky and Mrs. Boone said together. “Who’s Lucas?”

“The man who … ” Mindy paused. “But then, who were you talking about?”

Mrs. Boone looked at Becky and then straightened her shoulders. “Mindy, there’s something you should know. Becky and Gary are not married.”

Mindy gasped. She’d heard of these things before, but had never thought to run across it!

“No, no!” Becky said. “I’m married, but not to Gary. He’s my brother.”

Mindy glanced from one woman to another. Her red face flushed even more. She felt like the biggest sort of fool. “You mean … ? I’m not sure I understand.”

Mrs. Boone looked at Mindy with gentle eyes. She stretched out a hand. “I don’t know why Gary would tell you such a thing. But there’s something else you should know. As his mother, I feel I know my boy very well, and I think — ”

Mindy stood up. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’d like to go now.”

Mrs. Boone stood. “But, Mindy, please let me finish.”

“I think I’ve heard enough. Perhaps I do understand … Boone is not married to Becky. The child I saw with him is not his own. He lied to me.”

“But don’t you understand there has to be some reason? Boone — Gary — is not a liar by nature.”

“I think I understand that, too.” Mindy said. “He didn’t want to tell me that he wasn’t … ” She looked at Becky. “I’m sorry. I’m feeling ill. Could you take me home?”

“Of course.” Becky stood up and headed for the door. “It’ll only take me a moment to prepare the wagon.”

Mrs. Boone started to speak, but Mindy cut her off. “I think I’ll wait outside if that’s all right. Thank you for a pleasant lunch.” Mindy held out her hand in a formal fashion.

Mrs. Boone sighed. “Mindy, this is not at all how I had hoped today’s luncheon would go.”

Mindy continued to stand with her hand out and Mrs. Boone accepted it. “Thank you for joining us, Mindy. I hope to see you again soon, perhaps under better circumstances.”

Mindy turned and headed for the front porch. The air there felt stale and hot. She fanned herself with one hand, feeling a bit nauseated. As she waited for Becky and the wagon, she saw a rider approaching and could tell by the way he sat the horse that it could be no one else but her Tormentor.