Robin (14 page)

              Robin squinted against bright sun when she stepped out of the barn. How had she managed to get herself into so much trouble in such a short amount of time? Her stomach growled in protest of the skipped breakfast.

            
 
Breakfast
.
Robin rubbed the back of her neck. To get even with Uncle John, she’d chosen to leave the kitchen in shambles––the kitchen Miss Blair was no doubt perusing at this very moment. Would she ever learn? How much more humiliation could she take?

              She pried off her boots on the porch, stepped into the house, and answered her own question
—
not a whole lot.

              Anna stood on a chair, a voiceless shriek emanating from her beautiful, contorted face. Beneath the table, feasting on bread crumbs, sat the fattest rodent Robin had ever laid eyes on. The critter seemed unperturbed by the commotion going on around it. She had complained to Uncle John that she’d seen signs of the pesky things. But he’d scowled
.
“This ain’t Chicago, missy. Them creatures come in and make themselves to home both spring and fall. I’ll try to plug the holes they’s coming in, if I don’t forget.
”
It was rather obvious, at the moment, that he forgot.

              “But they’re dirty,” she’d argued, “and if someone sees them in here they’ll think I’m dirty, too.”

            
 
John shook his head. “Every woman on this prairie has them things coming and going, and it don’t have nothin’ to do with dirty or not. They’s field mice what wishes they were a house mouse.”

              Robin stomped her stockinged foot exasperated by the audacity of the creature, the silly behavior of Miss Blair, and her uncle’s neglect. The thing skittered behind the cupboard.

              “Was that . . . a rat?” Anna’s gaze darted around the room.

              “Miss Blair, I have no idea whether it’s a fat mouse or a small rat. But no matter what it is, I’m so very sorry you had to encounter the intruder.” Robin reached to help her guest from the chair.

              Anna shrank from her grimy hands. “Oh, thank you, but I—I don’t need help.”

              Robin stuck her hands in her pockets. With luck, the dirty crumb-eater would stay hidden.

              “I can’t imagine what you must think of us, Miss Blair. Let me assure, you, this is not a typical day. To explain would only confirm your worst imagination, so I won’t even try. But do sit down—that is if you can find a spot that isn’t occupied by debris of some sort.” She pushed the remains of breakfast to one side of the table then went to wash her hands.

              “Robin? You don’t mind if I call you Robin, do you?” Anna brushed something off the chair before sitting. “I came this morning, wishing to become better acquainted. I . . . I very badly want to be your friend. And I need your help.”

              Robin dried her hands and set a plate of cookies and the teapot on the table. At least she had pretty teacups, thanks to Emma. “I don’t mind at all. And I could use a friend, myself. But I can’t imagine why you would need my help doing anything, Miss Blair.”

              Anna removed her gloves and ran a delicate finger around the rim of the teacup, a small frown resting between her eyebrows. “I do hope you won’t think I’m being presumptuous, Robin. But Henrietta Harvey assured me you would be the best person to ask. I’m sure you’re aware that Ty and I will be married at Christmas. Unless, of course, he insists he simply cannot wait that long.” She smiled.

              Robin shrugged so her shoulders wouldn’t sink with her heart. No. She was not aware of that little piece of news but couldn’t trust herself to utter a reply. A shrug would suffice.

              “I’ll be so busy planning and purchasing my trousseau, and seeing to ever so many small details. I fear I won’t have the time nor the energy to sufficiently prepare the big house on Ty’s ranch for my arrival. With no woman on the place since Grace Morgan’s death, I’m certain it’s in need of a thorough cleaning.”

              “And you’re wanting my help with that?” Had the woman not taken a good look around her?

              “I was hoping you would agree to do it––without my help.”

              Robin sank into the chair across from Anna. Her hands shook too much to do more than fold them in her lap. “I’m sorry, Anna. I wouldn’t feel at all comfortable being in Mr. Morgan’s home with no other woman present.” It didn’t help to look down—all she could see were men’s britches.

              Anna pushed her cup to one side, contents untouched. “I’m sure no one would think any less of you for helping a neighbor and a friend. Of course, you could take the boy with you, if that would make you more comfortable. As far as Ty is concerned, I doubt he would even notice you were there.” She stood. “Mother agrees to pay you well for your labor.”

              Robin swallowed. “And when would you want this accomplished?”

              “I’ve not yet told Ty, but he does so love surprises. Mother and I are planning a big Fourth of July picnic at the Hawk. We’ll announce our engagement then, although it will hardly come as a surprise to anyone around Cedar Bluff. We’ve been promised since we were small children, you know.” Anna turned the ring on her finger. “That would give you at least six weeks. Would that be sufficient? I know so little about such things. We’ve always had a housekeeper, you see.”

              “I don’t think—”

              Tears welled in Miss Blair’s eyes. “Please don’t refuse me, Robin. I have no other friends who would even listen to such a plea. It would mean so much to both of us.” She kissed Robin’s cheek. “Thank you.”

              Robin stared, unblinking. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth and refused to let words pass. So the beautiful Anna Blair had no friends who would stoop to such a menial task? And Ty would hardly even know she was there?

              Robin followed Anna onto the porch as the lovely, soon-to-be Mrs. Ty Morgan picked her way past one barn cat and three old hens that had somehow managed to escape their confines. She would need to remind Jacob again about latching doors behind him.

              “Thank you, Robin. I’ll tell Ty he can expect you,” Anna called as she climbed into her buggy.

              Robin covered her mouth with her hand as she observed a large chicken feather stuck to bottom of the pretty lady’s dainty shoe.

              Perhaps the day had been redeemed after all.

FOURTEEN

              Ty removed his hat and wiped his forehead with his sleeve. The morning sun already burned through his shirt, but he wanted to check one more waterhole before heading back to the house. A swirl of dust advanced his direction, and he shaded his eyes to determine the origin. Who could be in such a hurry? Knowing a stranger lurked the hills made him wary. He gripped the reins with one hand and reached for his rifle. He relaxed when the dust settled enough for him to recognize his new cowhand.

              “Hey, Boss.”

“You’re riding like something’s on fire, Sam. You have trouble?”

              Sam grinned. “No, but you might have. Was you expectin’ company today, sir?”

              “I don’t ever expect company. You know something I don’t?” Ty liked this cowpuncher. Hard worker. Looked you in the eye. If only he knew a little more about him, instead of having to wait and find out in bits and pieces. He smiled to himself when Sam leaned from the saddle to tell his big news—like he had a secret.

              “Rusty had me choppin’ burrs out in the horse pen, and I seen me this buggy a comin’ down the lane. It drove straight up to the house, and a real fancy lookin’ lady got out and went in like she owned the place. I thought you oughta know.”

              “A fancy lady? And how would you know, Sam? You’ve seen a lot of fancy women in your day, have you?”

              He blushed. “No sir. Leastways not like this one.”

              “Did she have a boy with her?” Maybe Robin had forgiven him after all.

              Sam shook his head. “No sir. She was all alone. But she didn’t act like she was no stranger. Walked right in. Didn’t knock—anyway, not that I could see.”

              Ty hung his lariat over the saddle horn. “Well, friend. I reckon we better go see who this fancy lady might be, and what she’s doing in my house acting like she owns it and all.” He grinned. “Thanks for the warning.” He clicked his tongue, and Tag responded with his slow, easy walk.

              Sam rode beside him. “Ain’t ya even gonna hurry?”

              Ty winked. “Nope. If she’s as familiar with the place as you say, then she’ll still be there. And if she’s gone—well, I don’t think there’s a buggy Tag can’t outrun.” Maybe he should consider getting a dog. He didn’t much like the idea of anyone coming onto the place and into his house uninvited.

              When they reached the house Sam leaned toward Ty. “Don’t you want me to go in with you, Mr. Morgan? Or maybe I should go ‘round back in case she tries to escape.”

              Ty dismounted and handed Tag’s reins to the other man. “I recognize the buggy, Sam, and I can pretty much guarantee I won’t need any help.” He grinned. “You mind watering this animal for me? Then you can go back to choppin’ those burrs.”

              Sam’s shoulders drooped. “I don’t mind tellin’ ya, it’s a prickly job.”

              Ty brushed his britches with his hat. “Yeah. Well, I have me a feeling I’m about to step into a right thorny situation myself.”

              He opened the door, and Anna appeared to float down the open staircase, a vision of sunshine with her yellow dress billowing around her.

              “Hello, Ty.” She rose on tiptoe to kiss his cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck.

              He stepped away from the embrace. “Anna, what are you doing here?”

              “Is that any way to greet your future wife? The Ty I remember would sweep me up in his arms and twirl me around and around.” She folded her hands at her waist. “Aren’t you even a little happy to see me?”

              He shook his head. “Did you honestly believe you could waltz back into my life, Anna? Surely you don’t expect us to take up where we left off? If you’ll remember, that little scene involved you walking away from me.”

              “I told you Sunday, I was wrong.” She brushed at her cheek, but he saw no tears. “I still have your ring, Ty. And, if you recall, you told me that night you would always be here. I would know where to find you. You would never stop loving me.” She crossed her arms and stepped forward. “Yes, I do expect us to resume our relationship.”

              Ty grasped the stair rail. “It’s not that easy, Anna. A year is a long time. Things change.”

              Anna drew nearer. “And have things changed so much that you can honestly look me in the eye and tell me you no longer love me?” She laid her palms on his chest.

              Ty’s heart beat like a war drum at her touch. Could he tell himself he didn’t love her? Had his pride been cut and peeled? After all, she left him behind to try to explain her sudden departure to everyone who thought they were a couple—and he couldn’t. And he most certainly didn’t know why she chose now to return. But the temptation to pull her to him flowed hot through his arms.

              “May I assume your lack of words means you’re thinking? Do you even see me, Ty?”

              His gaze met hers and her beauty took his breath away. How often they’d stood in such an embrace—his arms encircling her tiny waist, his cheek resting on her head—while they talked of a life together. But now, when he looked at her, he questioned his heart. What was wrong with him? What did he want? One move her direction and he could claim his dream—a life with the one woman who’d occupied his mind for most of the past year. But things had changed.

              “You have to give me time, Anna. It took me almost this entire year to come to grips with the fact that you chose to leave. I finally let you go. We have a lot of time to make up. There are so many questions I need answered. Don’t push me.”

              Anna smoothed his hair away from his face and traced her finger down his cheek. “I’ll give you time. I wanted to surprise you, but perhaps it’s better that you know. Mother and I have planned a picnic for the Fourth of July, here at the Hawk. It would be the perfect time to announce our engagement.”

              Ty slammed his hand against the railing, and Anna flinched. “Did you not hear me tell you I need time? I’m not ready to promise there wil
l
b
e
an engagement. Besides, there’s been no woman in this house since my mother died. Take one good look around and you can see for yourself. I’ve barely been able to keep it presentable.”

              Anna’s hands clenched at her side. “And I’m telling you, Ty Morgan. Ther
e
i
s
an engagement, and I have the ring to prove it. If you don’t intend to honor that, then you will be the one to explain to our friends and neighbors. And don’t forget the good people at church. You know this entire community expects us to wed, and they have since we were children.”

              “You didn’t seem to see the need to explain your leaving.”

              “My leaving was no business of anyone around here. But my coming back is. I’m here, and I’m staying as your wife. Or you can have the distinct privilege of telling everyone why you refuse to honor our engagement.”

              “Anna—”

              She raised her hand. “And you’re quite correct in your assessment of the condition of this house. It does need a thorough going over, and I’ve arranged for Miss Wenghold to take care of it.”

              “You did what?” He closed his eyes. Surely she didn’t ask Robin to clean his house. “Why, when you have a cleaning woman, would you ask her? How many people do you need to involve?”

              Anna sat on the bottom step and motioned for him to join her. “Why are you so angry? Is it because I didn’t let you in on what I thought would be a wonderful surprise? Or is it because I asked Robin?”

              “Both. And what made you think John Wenghold’s niece would even consider such a task?” Why did she question his anger? What happened to the Anna who put other people first? What happened to the woman who cleaned this house when his mother became too ill to do it herself?

              “Henrietta Harvey told Mother that John invited his niece to come to Kansas to help him. Something about it working both ways, since his brother left a lot of debt. I thought it would benefit her, and I didn’t for one minute think it would upset you so.”

              “And how did Mrs. Harvey know this bit of news, Anna? I’ve never known John Wenghold to divulge anything vaguely familiar to family business, and I doubt his niece would tell her.”

              Anna shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m only repeating what she said. But there’s something you need to know that concerns Miss Wenghold.”

              Ty chewed on the side of his mouth. Had Anna been in the house long enough to find the picture Jacob drew for him? He did observe her coming down the stairs when he came in. With a sigh, he lowered himself to the step. “I’m listening.”

              Anna explained what she’d witnessed at John’s place in the barn and in the house.

              “You say the boy was screaming at John not to hit his mama?” Ty braced his elbow on his knee and rubbed his forehead.

              “Yes. And Robin––” An odd look came to her eyes. “She was dressed like a man, Ty. I’ve never seen the like. I would have mistaken her for Mr. Wenghold had he not been in a tussle with the child. And I think maybe John had knocked her down because . . . Oh, Ty—the girl limped something awful.”

              He shook his head. “So naturally, you decided asking her to come here to clean would keep her safe? Is that what you’re saying, Anna? And what did Miss Wenghold have to say about such a plan?” Plenty, he imagined.

              “She tried to reason it wouldn’t be proper for her to be at your home alone. But I assured her you wouldn’t even notice her presence, and she could bring the little boy with her. I told her Mother would pay her well, unless you would rather take care of it.” Anna smiled.

              “And she agreed?” She may not speak to him, let alone take money from him.

              Anna reached for his hand. “I didn’t give her an opportunity to refuse. The poor girl needs to get away from that dreadful place.” She ran her soft thumbs across his knuckles. “Maybe we could even work something out, after we’re married, so she could continue to work for us. This is far too large a place for me to keep up by myself, especially with the entertaining we will be expected to do. And it would give her a steady income.”

              Ty stood. “You’re forgetting, Anna. I’m agreeing to nothing. Have you already issued invitations for the picnic?” Did she honestly believe having Robin working for them would be an answer to any problem?

              She nodded. “Protocol demands sufficient time to plan. Anything less than six weeks would be egregious.”

              Ty shook his head. “I do wish you would’ve talked with me about this first. I don’t like it at all, and now you’ve managed to include the entire community.”

              Anna stood and squeezed his arm. “Ty Morgan—you know as well as I do that you have never been able to tell me no. Six weeks is a short time to get ready for such a gala event, but more than enough time for you to realize you still love me. Now, walk me to my buggy. Mother will be concerned I’ve not yet returned.”

              They reached the buggy, and she put her hands on either side of his face. “Look at me, Ty. Take a good long look so you don’t forget. Then you go back into the house and think about all we’ve talked about.” She kissed her fingertips then touched his lips. “That could be the real thing, you know. You only need to decide.”

              As she drove away, Ty pressed his fingers to his mouth. The real thing? How often, during the long nights this past year, he’d willed her to be in his arms with her lips on his. He could have taken her in his arms today. She let him know that with certainty. Why hadn’t he?

              He took the steps to his bedroom two at a time. He would change clothes, then hightail it over to John’s. Would Robin speak to him? What had possessed her to dress like a man? And why had Jacob yelled at John not to hit his ma?

              Ty grabbed a clean shirt from the wardrobe. As he turned away, he saw John’s notice lying on the bed, and that revelation removed all doubt. Anna had seen it all. But did she want him to know? He sat by the window and leaned his head against the back of the chair.

              Anna challenged him to remember her promise of kisses. But a small dimple, at the corner of a mouth he’d never tasted, niggled into his mind and squeezed into a corner of his heart.

Was it possible to love two women at the same time?