A Headstrong Woman

chapter Thirteen

“What’s going on with you and Alex?” Sparky asked after Alexandria had left.

Jonathon frowned at the younger man. “What do you mean what’s going on?” Jonathon inquired as he cleaned up the mess that he and Alexandria had made.

“You two seem awfully close these days,” Sparky said nonchalantly.

“We’re friends.”

“You sure that’s all?”

“Certain. Why haven’t you told her how you feel, Sparky? Everyone but her already knows it.”

“I like her, heck, I love her, but I’m not the man she needs and I know it,” Sparky admitted as he saddled his horse. “Alexandria…she’s kind of like a thoroughbred…”

“You’re comparing her to a horse?” Jonathon was amused.

“Hear me out. She’s beautiful, but high-spirited. She needs someone who can lovingly keep her in line; I’d be mush in her hands. As much as I admire her, come time for me to settle it will be with a nice quiet woman.”

“Are you calling her a challenge?” Jonathon was starting to laugh.

“No, not exactly. You can word it how you want, she’s special and unique but… high spirited.”

“I’m expected inside, I’ll see you later, oh; I have to run to town today. Would you kind of keep an eye on Alexandria, without her knowledge of course?”

“Of course,” Sparky smiled. “Hey, Jonathon, why don’t you call her Alex like all the other guys?”

“I’ve been calling her Alexandria since before she decided she was Alex, she’s Alexandria to me,” he shrugged.

“Just wondered; see you when you get back from town.”

“See you, Sparky.” Jonathon mounted the porch and entered the house. He stepped into the kitchen for Millie to survey him and laugh.

“Who won?” she inquired.

Anna turned to look him over; her face flushed with anger. Her back rigid, she quickly turned back to her cooking.

“We called a truce,” Jonathon answered.

“You’re a mess,” Alexandria smiled as she breezed through the door and pulled a piece of hay from his hair.

“Shoulda changed huh?” he smiled back.

“Nah, just go brush off good,” she suggested.

Anna plunked the biscuit pan onto the stovetop with more force than necessary, and viciously stabbed each biscuit to transfer them to a plate. Friendship was one thing, but flirting?

“What’s wrong with you?” Alexandria asked her sister.

“Nothing,” Anna bit out.

“Could have fooled me,” Alexandria frowned at her sister. “Does this have anything to do with the hay fight?”

“How perceptive,” Anna responded, then clammed up when Jonathon reentered the room. They were soon seated and plates were being passed around the table.

“Did someone attack the biscuits?” Jonathon inquired as he surveyed the damaged top of his biscuit. Alexandria watched her sister turn several shades of red as she busied herself with pouring a ridiculous amount of gravy over her own biscuit. Jonathon’s question went unanswered. After breakfast, Alexandria followed Jonathon outside.

“I need to go to town today; I meant to tell you yesterday. I have some personal business to see to.”

“Oh,” Alexandria looked taken back “okay, I have work here anyway,” she shrugged. She looked so lost that Jonathon almost invited her along, but he couldn’t.

Alexandria walked past him, into the barn, and saddled Spirit. Jonathon, anxious to have his trip over with, left for town. Jonathon combed town three times in search of a gift for Alexandria before settling on one. Once he had, he could only pray that Alexandria wouldn’t do bodily harm to him. It was with a smile and prayer that he left town.

***

Alexandria felt at loose ends all morning without Jonathon on the range with her and the men. Nick had been watching her intently and Alexandria finally decided to return to the house about lunchtime. Alexandria had just finished eating her lunch with Lilly and Millie; Anna had taken to her room with a headache, when a knock sounded at the door. She opened it to find a smiling Jonathon waiting.

“I want to blindfold you,” Jonathon announced without preamble. Alexandria, her look one of concern, stepped backward.

“Why?”

“I brought your birthday present home and I want to surprise you.”

“Why didn’t you just wrap it?” she was still watching him cautiously.

“Too bulky.”

“Okay, so just bring it in.”

“You don’t want this in the house,” Jonathon argued.

“Oh, fine, blindfold me,” she sighed as she turned her back to him. Jonathon blindfolded her and led her from the house.

“Where are we going?”

“Just a few steps.”

“Jonathon, I’m scared,” her tone was teasing.

“I’m the one who should be scared.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see. Stand here, okay, don’t move yet. Now, you can remove your blindfold,” he informed her.

Jonathon watched as Alexandria removed her blindfold, her eyes grew wide, and mouth fell open.

“Jonathon, I cannot accept…no, you’ll have to take it back,” Alexandria was shaking her head.

“Can’t. It’s non-returnable.”

“You’ll have to!”

“Can’t.”

“Jonathon!”

“What?”

“I can’t accept a gift like this from a man!” she protested.

“I thought it was clothes you weren’t supposed to accept from a male friend.”

“Jonathon…I cannot accept this.”

“She’s yours, Alexandria. I’m not returning her,” Jonathon informed her. The beautiful cinnamon colored mare stood in front of them. She had one white streak down her nose and over her right eye.

“What would people say? It’s too much, I can’t…”

“I got her at a steal. No one can do anything with her at the stables and she liked you. She’s as cautious of men as you are, you’re the perfect pair.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“Welcome,” Jonathon’s grin was wide.

“I really can’t…”

“What’s her name?”

“Jonathon…”

“That’s an odd name for a female horse,” he teased and watched her smile. “What’s her name?”

“Lady.”

“Perfect.”

“Jonathon, people will talk…”

“Tell them you bought her or that it was an investment in the ranch. You won’t hurt my feelings any,” he suggested. Alexandria was staring at the horse longingly but hadn’t touched her. “Ride her.”

“I really shouldn’t,” she said without conviction.

“Am I going to have to put you on her?” he threatened.

Alexandria frowned at him and swung into Lady’s saddle. Jonathon had thought of everything, the stirrups were even adjusted to the right height. She urged Lady forward into a trot, and then a gallop and rode her to the top of the hill and back. She stopped in front of Jonathon, dismounted, and smiled.

“She’s great, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Jonathon smiled back.

Alexandria’s next move shocked her as much as Jonathon. She flung her arms around him and hugged him. It took Jonathon a moment to recover before he hugged her back, his arms slowly and cautiously coming around her.

***

Alexandria and Jonathon spent the rest of the afternoon on the range. Alexandria rode around the herd a bit more than usual; Jonathon smiled as he watched her. The men had admired her new horse, only a couple of them asking questions as to where she’d come from. He couldn’t help but recall Sparky’s words about Alexandria as he watched her. There was something in the way that both Alexandria and Lady held their heads that spoke of spirit and life. It was impossible not to take note of it in Alexandria; it was why she turned heads everywhere she went. And like Lady, she wasn’t about to submit to just anyone. Some men would see that spirit, admire it, and would respect her for it. Others would look at her and see that spirit; only they would want to break it; to bring her into submission just as they would a high spirited horse. Jonathon frowned at the thought of what it would take to break Alexandria’s spirit and the thought of any man attempting to do so.

“You alright?” Rusty asked from beside Jonathon and he realized that his jaw was clenched and his eyes were likely hard.

“Yeah, fine; just had an unpleasant thought is all,” he assured the man as Alexandria rode toward him. He shook his head at himself; here was comparing her to a horse after teasing Sparky for that very thing. He was losing it.

“You ready to return to the house? I have some things I need to do in the office,” Alexandria said as she rode up beside him. He had to admit that she made quite a sight sitting atop Lady. Alexandria’s back was straight and face shining with sheer enjoyment.

“Let’s go,” he agreed. As they rode back to the house, Alexandria asked Jonathon a question that had been plaguing her since Jonathon’s return from town with Lady.

“Jonathon?”

“Yes?”

“Why did you buy me a horse?” she asked.

Jonathon smiled. “I spent the better part of this morning searching for you a birthday gift. Nothing jumped out at me until I saw Lady. You know a lady in mourning is hard to shop for.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” she informed him.

“I wanted to.”

“Thank you, Jonathon. When’s your birthday?”

“I’m not telling,” he smiled.

“That is not fair,” she informed him.

“Sorry.”

“If you don’t tell me I’ll have to pick a day myself,” she shrugged.

“June thirteenth.”

“Thank you.”

“You know the biggest reason I bought her for you?” Jonathon said a moment later.

“Why?”

“You two connected. I bought Raven because we immediately took to each other. I think horse and owner should be a team.”

“Oh, well, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Alexandria,” Jonathon answered with a smile.

“Rusty informed me that he knows of man in Jasper looking to sell some cattle. He said Tristan mentioned it the other day when their paths crossed in town. What do you think? Would it be a good move to replace some of the cattle we’ve lost?” Alexandria posed her question and watched him closely as he considered it.

“Perhaps, especially if we can find a couple of hands, which I might have. They are supposed to come out tomorrow for an interview. They had stopped by the livery just before I came and Mr. McAllister was able to tell me where to track them down. I wanted to meet them here on your turf and be there when they meet you.”

“You want to see firsthand their reaction to working for a woman?” Alexandria asked in understanding.

“Exactly; any hint that they’ll be a problem and they’re gone.”

“Maybe they’ll work out. I know we could use the extra hands.”

“We could. If they work out what do you say to us taking a look at these cattle?”

“I think we should,” she nodded.

“We should probably move quickly. Do you think we could contact the man through Tristan and be there all by Friday night?”

“Maybe,” she nodded.

“If this goes well tomorrow we’ll plan on it.”

“Want to join us for dinner?” Alexandria offered as they rode into the yard.

“Sure, sounds nice,” Jonathon agreed. He dismounted and reached for Alexandria.

“There you are…”

Alexandria looked up to see her mother, staring wide-eyed at her from the doorway, her words dead on her lips. Until this moment, her mother and father hadn’t known that she was working as a cowhand in men’s clothing.

“Mom!” Alexandria’s own eyes widened.

Jonathon summed up the situation in a moment. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Cannon,” he greeted as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Stewart. What a sensible choice of clothing, Alexandria, forgive my surprise.” Shirley had recovered.

“I should have told you,” Alexandria said as she mounted the porch steps.

“You’re an adult and I respect the fact that you’re taking on ranching on your own, you don’t have to explain anything. I would suggest, however, that you tread on the side of caution.”

“I have been, Mom, and I haven’t exactly been on my own. Jonathon has been a great help,” she explained. “Are you coming?” she turned to Jonathon. He nodded and followed her.

“Your dad should be here any time now,” her mother told her as they entered the house. “He had to go to town and I asked him to drop me off here.”

“Stay for dinner?” Alexandria invited.

“I think we will. Michael is joining Carolyn and her family for dinner tonight. They finally set a date,” her mother filled her in.

“When are they getting married?”

“July eight.”

“So soon?”

“Yep.”

“Carolyn, she’s the pastor’s daughter, right?” Jonathon asked the ladies.

“Yes, their one and only,” Anna answered from where she was setting the table. “She’s a vast improvement over the girl he was seeing.”

“Something smells good,” Clay commented as he entered the kitchen. His eyes fell on Alexandria, still dressed for work, and he blanched.

“Don’t you think that Alexandria made a sensible choice of clothing for working on the range?” Shirley’s voice carried an undertone that sounded suspiciously like a warning.

“Yes, yes of course, most sensible,” he said before kissing Alexandria on the cheek. “A bit surprising but sensible.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Alexandria whispered around tears.

“Nothing to thank me for, sweetheart,” he assured her.

“I’m glad you two stopped by, it saves Jonathon and me a trip to see you,” Alexandria said as she tried to compose herself.

“Why did you need to see us?” her father asked as they sat down at the table.

“You know that several head of cattle have disappeared, well, Tristan told Rusty about a gentleman in Jasper who’s anxious to sell some of his herd. If the two new potential hands work out tomorrow, Jonathon, Lilly, and I are planning on going to look into it. Rusty too, though he’ll go ahead of us.”

“With who as a chaperone?” Anna’s tone was clipped.

“Anna, we’d be on a public train together, then I would be staying with my in-laws, there would hardly be call for a chaperone,” Alexandria informed her sister.

“It wouldn’t look right!” Anna argued.

“Mom, Dad, I wanted your input,” Alexandria ignored her sister. Her mother and father were looking at each other and seemingly communicating without words.

“You and Jonathon work together daily and I happen to trust him to look after you, I think it’ll be okay,” her father finally answered. “As you pointed out, the trip would be in full view of the public.”

“You can’t be serious?” Anna’s eyes were snapping with indignation. “Do you know how that will look? A single lady…”

“Don’t question your father, Anna. Besides, your sister is a widow with a ranch to run and a daughter to rear, not an innocent straight out of school,” Shirley said to her youngest.

Anna’s cheeks flushed at the reminder that she was just that.

“You want to go? Then we could be two single women traveling with a man,” Alexandria’s tone was sharp.

Anna turned a deep shade of scarlet.

Shirley gave her daughters a sharp look and both dropped their gazes to their plates.

Jonathon shifted uncomfortably at the end of the table.

“We could hire a chaperone if you’re worried about it,” Jonathon offered Alexandria.

“I’m not, however, if you are, I’ll dress as a man and pose as your brother,” she proposed.

Jonathon choked on the bite in his mouth and quickly reached for his glass; he took a long gulp before responding.

“Forgive me, Alexandria, not only would you not pass for a man, I would certainly foil that one in no time. I don’t care how you dress or what work you do, you are a lady and I can’t forget that. I think one man helping another on and off the train and holding doors might look a little funny.”

“I could cut my hair and…”

“No!” Jonathon cut her off, paused to collect himself, and continued. “Alexandria, it’s preposterous to think you could pass for a man, even if you concealed your figure, one look at your face and anyone would know.”

“Jonathon’s right, it’s silly to go to that kind of trouble, if you’re concerned enough to try disguising yourself, hire a chaperone, but I think it would be a waste of time and money to do so,” Clay spoke up.

“I agree,” Alexandria nodded and took a bit of her dinner.

“Now that that’s decided, how are you two faring?” Shirley asked her daughters.

“Fine,” Anna said coolly.

“I’m okay, I guess,” Alexandria shrugged.

“When exactly are you leaving?” Shirley asked them.

“Friday, it’s short notice and we have a lot to do, but we have to act quickly.”

“Then we’ll plan your birthday dinner for after you return,” her mother informed her.

“That’s a good idea,” Alexandria agreed.

***

Alexandria paced the confines of her office as she waited for the arrival of the potential new hands. Jonathon had agreed that if these men were going to work on the ranch that Alexandria should greet them dressed in her widow’s weeds. It would also expedite her paying a call on Tristan. A knock on the door brought Alexandria to the door where she admitted Jonathon and the two men.

“Alexandria, this is Mitchell Harris and Lenny Mills, gentleman, this is Alexandria Morris, owner of the Bison Creek Ranch.”

“Mrs. Morris,” Mitchell Harris, the taller of the two gentlemen, quickly removed his hat and bowed slightly.

Lenny Mills followed his example and did the same. The two men were opposite in coloring. Mitchell was equal to Alexandria in height with blonde hair and cool blue eyes. His face was sharp and angular in an appealing way. Lenny was stocky, his eyes nearly as dark his black hair and his complexion ruddy.

“Gentlemen, please be seated,” Alexandria invited as she circled the desk and seated herself. On top of her desk lay a list of questions that Jonathon and her father had worked up for her to ask the men. Several questions later the men seemed to be working past the worst of their nerves and were answering her questions more comfortably.

“I feel it is only fair to warn both of you that I take a hands on approach to working on this ranch and am often among the men. I hope that doesn’t prove a problem for you?” she watched them closely.

“No, ma’am,” the both quickly assured her. Alexandria looked to Jonathon for their agreed upon signal and nodded.

“Very well; I would like for you to start a two week trial as of this afternoon. If that is too soon, tomorrow morning will suffice,” Alexandria informed them.

“This afternoon is just fine ma’am. We were hedging our bets and brought our things,” Mitchell stood and hesitantly offered his hand.

“Very good; one more thing,” Alexandria smiled for the first time since the interview has started. “Call me Alex,” she took his hand.

“Yes, ma’am…er Alex,” Mitchell smiled in return.

“Thank you…Alex,” Lenny offered his hand.

“Mr. Stewart is going to introduce you to Rusty. He’ll be showing you around since Jonathon and I have business to see to,” she informed them. She followed them to the door, closed it behind them and then sank against it in relief. Had she done okay or had they been aware it was her very first interview?

A moment later a knock on the door brought her back upright. She knew it was likely Jonathon.

“Hi,” she greeted him with a nervous smile. “Did I do okay?”

“You handled it like a pro,” he assured her.

“You flatter me,” her smile widened.

“No, I’m serious. You were as cool as a cucumber. Had I not known you had never done this before I would believe you did it on a regular basis.”

Alexandria’s expression was still skeptical but she nodded anyway.

“Are we ready to go?” she asked.

“Ready when you are,” he assured her.

Alexandria stepped into the kitchen. “We’re leaving for Mr. Price’s; we’ll back shortly,” she informed her sister and Millie where they worked. Today Lilly stood on a chair stirring something in a bowl she had been entrusted with.

“You be careful over there, that man watches you too closely. We don’t want him thinking he can add you to his list of mistresses,” Millie cautioned darkly.

“I’ll be careful,” she promised.

“Every man out there in her employ would tear him limb to limb if he tried,” Jonathon’s announcement caused Alexandria to jump; she wasn’t aware that he had followed her. Her gaze when it met his was disbelieving.

“It’s true, every one of those men would protect you if it came to it, well with the exception of Nick; I’m still not so sure about him.”

“Me either,” Alexandria admitted as she recalled the way he had watched her the day before. “We’re off now,” Alexandria nodded to her sister and turned to leave. The buggy stood waiting and with Jonathon’s aide Alexandria was soon seated in it.

“I’m not entirely thrilled to be calling on Tristan,” Alexandria admitted. “Perhaps we should have sent Rusty as you suggested this morning.”

“Maybe, but you’re right about it being, in some ways, more appropriate from a business stand point for you to go.”

“Thanks for coming with me, Jonathon; I feel a little better knowing you’ll be there.”

“I wouldn’t have let you come alone and neither would the others. I was serious at the house, Alexandria; you have gained the respect of those men and more than one or two of them are in awe of you,” Jonathon reiterated his earlier claim.

Alexandria snorted. “In awe of my unseemly behavior perhaps; I’m aware that it is highly irregular for me to run around in men clothes doing men’s work.”

“How is it you turn every compliment into some self-inflicted insult?” Jonathon asked in exasperation.

“It’s a gift I guess,” Alexandria offered him a self-derisive smile.

“Thank you, Alexandria; thank you is the response you give in return for a compliment it. Let’s practice. I’ll give you a complement and you say thank you. Ready?” Jonathon glanced her direction.

“Okay,” laughter bubbled in Alexandria’s voice.

“You’re beautiful,” Jonathon offered.

Alexandria snorted and burst into laughter.

“We’re not off to a great start here, Alexandria. Okay, how about this. You offer me a compliment. Say ‘nice hat’ or something like that,” Jonathon suggested. When Alexandria didn’t comply he turned to her. “Go ahead; I’m going to show you how this is done.”

“Okay,” Alexandria was still smiling at his foolishness. After a moment’s consideration she spoke honestly. “You have beautiful eyes.”

Jonathon looked taken back and at a loss for a moment before speaking. “Thank you,” he finally managed; his tone betrayed his surprise.

“You’re welcome,” Alexandria returned.

“Okay, now you’re turn. You are a very intelligent woman, Alexandria, and pretty as well.”

Jonathon glanced over at Alexandria to find her face scrunched.

“Thank you,” she said primly.

“You look as if someone handed you persimmons,” Jonathon accused.

“I said thank you!” Alexandria protested.

“I’m going to line the men up and instruct them to compliment you and you will be allowed to say nothing but thank you,” Jonathon threatened.

“You’ll do no such thing!” Alexandria scoffed.

“You wanna bet?” Jonathon returned.

“Here we are,” Alexandria was suddenly all business and prim.

“Yes, here we are.” He was going to teach her to take a compliment yet.

Alexandria waited for Jonathon to help her alight from the carriage before mounting the steps and ringing the bell on Tristan Price’s mansion. The man had built a Greek revival structure more suited the pre-civil war south than current day Montana.

“Some place,” Jonathon commented from beside her.

“Isn’t it? I came by here one day with Daddy.”

Any further comment was prevented when the door was opened by a maid.

“Alexandria Morris here to see Mr. Price,” Alexandria announced as she offered one of her seldom used calling cards.

“Please wait in the parlor,” the maid escorted her to the room before disappearing back into the hallway.

“I feel like I’m in Georgia,” Jonathon muttered as he leaned in close to Alexandria. She smiled but said nothing. The room’s décor was over the top.

“Mrs. Morris, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Tristan entered the room.

Alexandria stood to greet him; she colored when he raised her hand to his lips. His gaze flickered over Jonathon before returning to Alexandria.

“I came on a matter of business, Mr. Price,” Alexandria admitted.

“Please, be seated, both of you,” Tristan instructed before seating himself opposite them.

“I know it is rather unusual for a ranch owner’s foreman to accompany them on such business, however, given recent events, and my gender; I didn’t feel it would be appropriate or safe to come alone,” Alexandria answered his unasked question about Jonathon’s presence.

“Most sensible; what business matter did you wish to discuss?” Tristan was now settled into a gracefully comfortable pose, his arm stretched across the back of the settee he occupied.

“You informed one of my hands, Rusty, that you knew of a man looking to sell several head of cattle. I was hoping that you could provide the necessary letter of introduction so that I might meet him and see his stock,” Alexandria explained her reason for coming.

“Of course, I would be delighted to help in any way I can. I must warn you, Mrs. Morris, that while Mr. Kingston keeps a neat ranch and good quality stock, that he is of…shall we say, questionable character. I would suggest that you arrange to meet him on neutral territory.”

“I will bear that in mind, thank you for the warning,” Alexandria offered sincerely.

“I would be happy to arrange the meeting myself,” Tristan offered. “Mr. Kingston and I have a long history and he owes me a favor or two. I believe I could make the meeting more comfortable for you,” Tristan offered.

Alexandria, uncertain how she should reply, hesitated.

“I think that might be a good idea considering how quickly we wish to pursue this,” Jonathon spoke for the first time since Tristan had entered.

Alexandria shot him a grateful smile and nodded, before turning back to Tristan.

“We were hoping to meet with him this coming weekend,” Alexandria explained.

“I could arrange that. I leave for Jasper tomorrow. I can have it all arranged by the time you arrive,” Tristan nodded confidently. “Would Friday be too soon?”

Alexandria bit her lip; that would move their leaving up a day and would mean a lot of frantic last minute packing. Still, they needed this seen to if they were going to do it.

“No, Friday is fine,” Alexandria decided with a nod.

“Very good; do you know where you will be staying?” Tristan inquired.

“With my in-laws,” she offered.

“Of course, I had forgotten they live there. Very well, I will send word there as to when and where to meet,” Tristan offered her a warm smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Price. I’m sure you have a lot to do and I find I suddenly have a lot of arrangements to make,” Alexandria offered him a smile as she stood.

“Until Friday then,” Tristan again raised her hand and pressed a kiss to it.

Alexandria politely removed her hand and made a bee line for the door. She had never been comfortable with such courtly manners. As Jonathon handed her into the buggy he made a show of checking the back hem of her skirts.

“What are you doing?” Alexandria demanded.

“Making sure your skirts aren’t on fire.”

“What?” Alexandria was frowning at him as he climbed onto the seat beside her.

“I thought I should check after the way you rushed out of there.”

Alexandria couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t miss much do you?”

“I’ve been accused of being observant,” he nodded.

“He makes me uncomfortable; I would prefer to not need his help.”

“As would I, but I believe he can be helpful in this instance.”

“Me too,” she agreed on a sigh of resignation.