chapter 9
Mariah didn’t slow until she reached the riverbank. Spying a bench, she stripped off her gloves and sat. She was certain Logan would dismiss her this time. His pigheaded personality brought out the worst in hers. Never in life had she kicked anyone or thrown rocks, but all she could envision was more of the same if she stayed in his employ. She looked down at her hands. The plasters kept the cuts from opening again in response to holding the reins but they were sore as the dickens. Once she returned to the house, she’d give him a good soaking in soapy hot water, but she couldn’t think of anything she might use to cure her of reacting the way she had to Logan. How he could claim he hadn’t yelled when he’d been loud enough to break windowpanes back East was beyond her, and he’d given no credence at all to it having been her first driving lesson. Surely he hadn’t expected her to handle the reins perfectly right off the bat, but apparently he had. She stood and walked closer to the water. On the other side, she saw a deer and a fawn stop their drinking and look over at her warily. They were too far away for her to bother so they resumed their drinking before bounding back into the cover provided by the trees. Logan was so busy crowing about being right about her hands that he’d given her absolutely no credit for not letting that be a deterrent or an excuse, which is what the old Mariah might have done. Crossing the country to take the job as his housekeeper had emboldened her in ways that made her feel stronger and more confident about who she was. The old Mariah would never have gotten behind those reins. She admitted to feeling more than a bit of trepidation at the prospect of having to control the large horse, but she hadn’t let her fears sway her. She was proud of herself, even if her employer wasn’t.
Taking a slow stroll down the bank, she wondered if she should quit her position and seek employment elsewhere. Surely she’d be able to find another with someone she didn’t want to assault. The more she thought about it, the better that solution seemed to be. The sounds of an approaching rider interrupted her reverie. It was Logan on his beautiful black horse. The sight of him brought back her rising attraction, even as the memories of their last encounter threatened to reignite the nearly extinguished embers of her anger.
With the stallion reined to a walk, he approached. When he came to a stop behind where she was standing, she had nothing to say to him except, “I’ll look for another position first thing in the morning.”
I didn’t come to fire you.”
It doesn’t matter. We don’t get along, so to save my sanity and yours, I’ll move on.”
To where?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, but this isn’t working and we both know it.”
Logan looked up at the sky for a moment, then found himself admiring the strong lines of her back and the delicate shells of her ears made visible by her pulled-back hair. He hadn’t anticipated this, and as a result was unsure of what to say or do. In spite of the volatile last two days, he didn’t want her to walk out of his life. And for the first time in his thirty-seven years, Logan knew he had to eat crow. “I should’ve remembered it was your first time holding reins, and given you credit for wanting to learn, even with your injured hands.”
She turned with surprise written all over face. Her eyes brushed the plaster centered on his forehead. “I am sorry for injuring you.”
You did warn me.”
She dropped her eyes and he saw the small smile. “From now on, I’ll do my best to be more of a gentleman if you’ll holster your weapons. Your temper’s becoming legendary around here.”
Never knew I had one until I met you.”
That’s hard to believe.”
I used to be meek as a church mouse.”
You?”
She nodded. “Me.”
She looked off into the distance as if thinking. He saw a cloud pass over her features and so asked gently, “What’s the matter?”
Just thinking about that other me.”
What do you mean?”
She turned back to the water and the silence of the trees and mountains rose around them. For a moment, he thought she might not answer, but she finally said in a quiet tone, “My first memories are of my mother berating me. I was beaten, slapped, and called worthless my entire life. I came to California to escape that and her.”
Logan froze.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “And never once did I talk back, or question or do anything but be obedient.”
Things didn’t change after your marriage.”
There was no marriage, Logan. I lied about being a widow so I could get the position and flee.”
He had no idea why he felt so elated but he began chuckling softly.
What’s wrong?”
Nothing. Just you.”
So, now you really have ample grounds to dismiss me.”
But I won’t, and I’ll keep your secret if you decide to stay on.”
Thank you.”
He saw her then in a whole new light. Not many women would leave the safety of their homes and set out across the country to seek out a new life, not knowing what they’d find on the other side. Yet she had, and turned herself from church mouse into a very formidable woman. He wanted to know more about her relationship with her mother, but decided to defer it for now. Just hearing what he had and that she was as prim and as innocent as she appeared was enough for him to digest for the moment. “Would you like to ride back to the house with me?”
No, I think I’ll walk if you don’t mind.”
That’s fine.”
He turned Diablo.
Logan.”
Yes.”
Thank you, again.”
My pleasure.” Filled with thoughts of her, he rode away.
Watching him depart, Mariah certainly hadn’t planned to tell him about her mother or the truth about her marital state, but it felt right, and she felt better inside as well.
On the walk back, she let the beautiful scenery remind her why coming to California had been such a grand idea. It was a gorgeous day, a mirror of the one before and she wondered if the weather was always so glorious. Up above, birds soared beneath the fat white clouds. She saw more deer and a fat rabbit who ran from her as if its tail was on fire. Next, she came upon a stand of wildflowers that took her breath away. She’d seen them on her way to the river, but at the time had been too upset to stop. Now, she paused to pick a few, and inhaling their fragrance made her smile.
As she moved on, she wished Kaye were with her to experience all she’d seen and hoped she and Carson were doing well. She held the same hope for her Aunt Libby. Had it not been for her and her copy of the Tribune, Mariah might still be in Philadelphia trying to figure out her future. Her mother crossed her mind. Did Bernice care about how Mariah might be faring? It was impossible to know. Since leaving the dress shop on that awful day, she’d prayed for her mother every night and vowed to continue to do so.
Her journey brought her back within sight of the house and corrals, and as she passed the ranch hands hauling away the burnt wood from the old bunkhouse, Eli walked over to her and asked, “Did Logan find you?”
Yes, he did.”
You plan to let him live?”
I do.”
Good. He can be a pain in the rear sometimes, but me and folks around here like him a lot, so I’m glad you two worked things out.”
So am I.”
Inside the house, Logan quickly packed enough clothes for a few days, then went into the bathing room to grab his shaving kit. That the rock-throwing Mariah Cooper wasn’t a widow but in reality an innocent infused him with muted delight. Virgins usually made him run for the hills, but the idea of being the first to initiate the hellion into the realm of pleasure made the challenge of doing so that much more enticing—thus he had to go. It was his hope that visiting Valencia would counteract Mariah’s steadily tightening spell because it made no damn sense for him to be this damn hard over a woman he’d met two days ago.
Mariah took her flowers into the kitchen to put them in water and realized there was nothing suitable for the purpose except one of the dented metal tumblers. Hoping its owner wouldn’t mind, she took one down, filled it with a few inches of water, and set the short-stemmed beauties inside. Smiling, she turned and the sight of Logan standing in the doorway brought her up short. The intensity in his eyes made her heart race so swiftly it took her a moment to remember she knew how to speak. “Um, you look very nice,” she said, referencing his brown suit.
I have some business I need to take care of. Be back the day after tomorrow.”
Because he’d not said anything about this earlier, she found his declaration surprising, but he wasn’t legally bound to discuss his comings and goings with her beforehand, so she replied, “Have a safe trip.”
If you need anything, see Alanza or Eli.”
I will.” For a moment, he looked as if he might have more to say, but he abruptly turned on his heel and left her. Wondering why the exchange felt so strange, she shook her head and left by the back door to place her flowers in her room.
When Logan entered Stewart’s, the town’s general store, the sight of Valencia behind the counter made him relax. With her there’d be no kicking, throwing rocks, or arguing. She glanced up and gave him a smile. She didn’t offer more of a greeting because of the female customer she was helping with a perfume purchase. Rather than interrupt, he walked over to where the store’s catalogs were kept, hoping he’d find a suitable stove for his home.
The store was a landmark and had been in operation for as long as he could remember. It was established by Val’s father, Jeremiah Stewart, during the heyday of the forty-niners. He’d come west with a group of free Black men from back East, and like most who’d flocked to California, he and his friends knew nothing about the rigors of mining. They did know hard work, however, and as a result became very wealthy. Jeremiah took his earnings and opened a store to supply other miners with the goods and tools they needed, and because they paid in gold he became even more wealthy. When the mining panned out and settlers moved in, he began selling things they needed, like farm implements and dry goods. He died five years ago, leaving the enterprise to his wife, Ida, and daughter Valencia Rose.
The store was busy and Val was still helping customers, so after writing down the order numbers for a stove, an icebox he liked, and a few other items, he nodded a greeting to some of the customers he knew. He crossed to the newspaper stand and picked up the latest issue of the Daily Alta California, one of the San Francisco papers. Leafing through, he paused to read an article on the Congress of Berlin awarding Africa’s Congo to Belgium, and Nigeria to England, when a familiar feminine voice said, “You know I charge two pennies for reading my newspapers without buying.”
It was Val.
Pleased, he set the paper back on the stack. “How are you?”
I’m fine. Sorry it took me so long to greet you. Been a busy day.”
I see that. Can I steal you away long enough for a piece of pie?”
Sure can. Let me tell Curtis I’m leaving for a little while.” Curtis Adams was one of her two clerks.
Once that was done, they started up the walk.
So, anything new?” he asked.
Mama’s been feeling poorly, so I’m leaving tomorrow afternoon to go see her.”
Her mother lived in San Francisco with a sister. “Nothing serious, I hope?”
I don’t think so, but I won’t know for sure until I get there.”
Of course Logan didn’t like hearing that her mother wasn’t well, but he was disappointed that they wouldn’t be able to spend more than a night together. “Sorry to hear that. Was hoping to take you shopping.”
She stuck her hand in the crook of his arm and leaned close. “You are so sweet. Maybe some other time.”
They entered the small diner run by Naomi Pearl. The place was crowded as always and they were greeted by the beautiful chocolate-skinned owner.
Afternoon, Val. Logan. What can I get you?”
Pie,” Val answered.
Get yourselves a seat and I’ll be back directly.”
Naomi’s diner, Pearl’s, was yet another landmark. It was founded by her parents, Wesley and Anna, who began life as slaves in Panama. When Colombia abolished slavery in the Isthmus in 1852, they, like many of their freed countrymen, came north to seek their fortunes in the Mother Lode counties of California. They were both cooks, and because good cooks were in such high demand by the miners, they set steep prices for their services as they traveled from claim to claim. According to legend, Anna’s pies alone brought in enough gold for the couple to live on quite comfortably. They’d recently returned to Panama to enter the hotel business. Naomi, born in the States, opted to stay.
She arrived a few moments later and set down two still warm pieces of her famous apple pie. “Enjoy,” she told them and left to tend to her other customers.
Eli still sweet on her?” Val asked.
Logan nodded. “Yes.”
Poor fellow.”
Why’s that?”
She isn’t the most even-tempered woman around. Any man after her heart would need the patience of a saint.”
He immediately thought of Mariah Cooper. “Whereas you?”
Are of sound temper and mind, and undoubtedly a fine catch,“ she offered up teasingly.
He raised a forkful of pie in agreement. “Yes, you are.”
But she had no plans to marry. Due to the laws governing wives and their rights to hold property, she worried that a husband might gain control of her business and assets.
What happened to your forehead?”
Logan froze. “What do you mean?”
You’ve a plaster on it, Logan.”
He touched the spot. “Misjudged the height of a branch while I was riding,” he lied. “It’s nothing.”
He watched her study it for a bit longer before returning to her pie. He didn’t like lying to her, but the last thing he wanted was to discuss or be reminded of his run-in with his housekeeper.
I hear Alanza found you a housekeeper.”
He froze again and swallowed the pie in his throat. “Yes, a woman from back East. Widow named Cooper.”
Word is she’s very lovely.”
He wouldn’t look at her. “I suppose, but she was hired to clean and cook, nothing more. Alanza said Reverend Dennis asked after, so maybe he’ll find her to his liking since he’s looking for a wife.”
Quite possible. Do you think the two might do well together?”
I’ve no idea.”
Well, we can only hope. He’s a nice man and deserves to find someone who’s nice as well.”
Logan doubted the reverend would know what to do with such a headstrong woman, but he kept that to himself. “How about dinner after you’re done for the day?”
I’d like that. Been a while since we’ve seen each other. I’ve missed you.”
Missed you, too.” He’d been in San Francisco for two weeks previous for a horse auction. He’d returned to the ranch only a day before the arrival of the spellbinding Mariah Cooper.
How about I cook us a nice meal at my place so we won’t be disturbed.”
Great idea. Do me a favor.”
Sure.”
Will you order the things on this list for me?” He handed over the numbers he’d written down.
She took a moment to read it over. “I know the numbers by heart and this is a pretty fancy stove, Logan. Very expensive, too.”
I know but I don’t have one in the house.”
China, too?” she asked looking up from the paper with surprise.
Nothing proper to eat off, either.”
Never known you to care about these types of things before.”
Blame it on the housekeeper.”
She studied him for such a long moment he almost squirmed, but she finally refolded the paper and stuck it into the pocket of her skirt. “Do you want everything shipped here or to the house?”
The house, please.”
Okay. Consider it done. I’ll wire the store in San Francisco. Should take no more than a week.”
Thanks.”
Mariah was in her room basking in the afterglow of her long soak in Logan’s tub when she heard the door pull. She hurried to answer it and found Alanza Yates on the porch holding what appeared to be a napkin covered plate. As she held the door open to let her enter, Alanza said, “Logan stopped by on his way out and said to make sure you have dinner.”
Mrs. Yates, you keep acting as if you’re the help instead of me.”
You don’t have a stove. Should I let you starve?”
No, ma’am,” Mariah replied with amusement. “I do appreciate your kindness.”
That’s better. You and Logan are better as well.”
Mariah took the plate from her hand. “Yes. He promises to be more patient, and I promised to holster my weapons.”
Good. When he gets back from his concubina, maybe he can show you how fine a man he really is.”
Mariah could pretty much guess from the sound of the Spanish word what it translated to in English, but just to be sure, she asked, “And that word means?”
Mistress. Paramour.”
I see.”
Alanza shrugged. “You may as well know what he’s about. Her name is Valencia Stewart. She owns the general store in town, and although she is very lovely and cultured, I prefer he marry someone else.”
And the reason being?”
No caliente.”
Which means?”
Heat. They’ve know each other for years, but for me, she lacks the passion and toughness Logan will need in a wife.”
Mariah wondered if Alanza had a candidate in mind that she did prefer, but was too polite to ask.
Alanza moved back to the door. “Enjoy your dinner and your evening. How are your hands?”
Still a bit sore from the reins, and my arms are weary from the strain, but I’ll be fine.”
All right. I will see you tomorrow.”
Thank you.”
Alone again, Mariah took her food out to the bench of her little courtyard and ate the meal of rice, beans, and tortillas filled with spicy beef. So Logan had a mistress. She supposed with his looks and wealth she shouldn’t be surprised, but she hadn’t expected to have the fact revealed to her by his stepmother. Alanza, with her fancy Spanish riding clothes and plain way of speaking, was a decidedly unconventional woman. Then again, she’d have to be, in order to run a ranch and raise three sons without the benefit of a husband.
Mariah turned her attention back to her plate and told herself that Logan having a mistress meant nothing to her, but a small voice inside shouted, “Liar!”
Logan was seated on the edge of Valencia’s bed with his head in his hands. She knelt behind him and stroked his back gently. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, Logan. Maybe you’re coming down with something.”
He was both embarrassed and angry. He’d never had this happen before. Never.
I’m sure things will be right in a little while.”
He’d heard about this happening to other men, but he was Logan Yates and in his prime, not a doddering old fossil who took his teeth out at night, and needed a horn for hearing. What type of man takes his mistress to bed only to be unable to . . . perform. He’d be mortified if he wasn’t so furious. As it stood, he was grateful for the darkness because he couldn’t look Valencia in the face.
She came and sat beside him. “I’ve been wanting to talk with you about something and I suppose now is as good a time as any.”
What is it?”
I’m leaving town.”
I know. You told me about your mother.”
That isn’t what I mean. I’m leaving California.”
To go where?”
Boston.”
For how long?”
Hopefully forever. I’m going there to marry.”
Logan stilled. “What?”
I’m getting married.”
To whom?”
His name is Daniel Roberts.”
Logan dragged his hands across his face.
I met him last year in San Francisco. He was there visiting. We’ve been corresponding ever since.”
He doesn’t know about us, I take it?”
No,” she replied quietly. “He believes I’m a widow living with Mother.”
He sighed aloud. He’d been hit by rocks, turned inside out by dreams of a woman he swore he didn’t even like, and now? He wondered if this day could get any worse.
He’s asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
Logan sat silent.
It’s not like you’ve ever made me an offer,” she pointed out crossly.
Because you told me you didn’t want to marry.”
Every girl wants to get married, Logan. If I’d told you that in the beginning you’d’ve jumped on Diablo and never come near me again.”
She was correct. He had no desire to marry. As he’d explained to Alanza, he was content with his ranch and horses, and because Val expressed a similar contentment with her own life, she’d been the perfect choice for his mistress. Angry and yes, hurt, he stood and gathered his clothes from the chair near the bed. “Then I hope you’ll be happy, Val. I truly do.”
Ten minutes later, he was riding home. He felt the need to blame someone. He blamed Val for not being truthful and playing him for a fool. He blamed himself for thinking life was supposed to function the way he wanted it to, and he blamed Mariah Cooper for being so bewitching he couldn’t make love to another woman.
The night was warm and Mariah’s small room was hot. Tossing and turning, she kicked aside the sheet, hoping that would bring her some relief. It didn’t. Before going to bed, she’d tried to open the lone window but it was sealed shut because of the many layers of paint on the jamb. Now, with no breeze to cool the air, she was sweltering. Getting up, she sat on the edge of her mattress and sighed resignedly. Moonlight streamed in through the curtainless window, filling the room. Guided by it, she dug through the drawers of her dresser until she found another nightgown to replace the damp, twisted one she was wearing. That accomplished, she padded over to the door that led outside and opened it. The night air drifted in, bathing her humid face and skin, bringing with it the relief she’d been seeking. She stepped out onto the wooden walk that connected her room to the kitchen’s back door, and looked up at the giant moon. The surface was dappled with shadows. Against the night sky, it looked close enough to reach out and touch. She couldn’t remember ever seeing such a beautiful moon in all her years growing up back East, and was once again glad she’d made the decision to change the circumstances of her life. The faint scent of sweet smoke drifted to her nose. Puzzled, she turned, and the sight of Logan Yates seated on the bench in the dark stole her breath. The smoke flowed from the cheroot in his hand. Although the night masked his features, she felt the potent power in his eyes as if it were full day.
Evening,” he said quietly.
Willing herself to breathe, Mariah nodded and replied, “Evening. I—didn’t know you were back.”
Change of plans.”
She fought to master the trembles suddenly racking her skin, and felt the need to explain why she was outside in her thin nightgown. “My—room was hot. I came out to get some air.” And because she couldn’t seem to master wits either, added inanely, “I—couldn’t get the window open.”
I’ll look at it in the morning.”
What Logan really wanted to look at was her bent over his arm with the nightgown undone and her breasts lit by the moon. He noted that although his body refused to rise to the occasion with Val, he was instantaneously erect the moment Mariah Cooper stepped into view. He realized he had two choices—either pursue her and hope a taste of her loveliness would finally cure his desire, or continue to deny his need and thus make himself insane. “You should probably go back inside, Mariah, because if I stand, I’m going to eat you up.”
Mariah’s knees turned to water. The heat in his voice flowed up from her thighs, tightened her breasts and whispered over her lips until they parted of their own accord. Over her pounding heart, she once again forced herself to breathe. No man had ever whispered such a thing to her before, and she sensed he meant each and every word. Rather than attempt to fight a battle she had no weapons against, she responded shakily, “Good night,” and fled like a hare before a wolf.
In the dark, a small smile crossed Logan’s lips.
A shaken Mariah crawled back into bed. Lying there, she willed herself to calm and revisited his warning. Why on earth had he said that? According to Alanza he’d gone to visit his mistress, so shouldn’t he be reserving such talk for her? Change of plans. Had he not gone? There were no answers, but the overpowering force of his warning continued to haunt her, mainly because she’d never experienced anything like it before. The potent remembrance resonated inside again, and only in the dark would she admit that parts of herself were curious and that her body had been left restless and awakened in a strange new way.
She turned over to get away from her racing thoughts. Was he still outside? Had he said what he had just to vex her in retaliation for the battles they’d been having? She didn’t put it past him, but there’d been something in his tone and manner that made her think something more serious was afoot. She just wished she knew what.