Rebekah pursed her lips. Why did Jenny have to be such a spoilsport? “Annie has been so hospitable. I hate to disappoint her. It was very gracious of her to invite us to see her new house.” When Jenny didn’t respond, she sat down on the edge of the bed, sighing. She’d been looking forward to spending a little time with her new friend, but on the other hand, she and Jenny didn’t have much more time together. As soon as her sister was married, she needed to return home. “Don’t you think it would be a good idea to get to know her since you two will be related once you marry Austin?”
Jenny crossed her arms and turned. “I have all the time in the world to get to know the Hart women. Right now, I’m tired.” Yawning, she dropped onto the edge of the chair, hiked up her skirt, and reached down to untie her balmorals.
With a loud sigh, Rebekah rose. “Very well. I’ll tell her that we can’t go.”
“What?” Jenny’s head jerked up. “You don’t need to stay with me. I’ll be sleeping for a while and then reading—or sewing. I’ll be perfectly fine by myself.”
“You know Austin won’t return until early this afternoon.”
“I heard him across the breakfast table just as well as you. He said something about checking on some horses. I might as well get used to being by myself. I imagine it will happen a lot.”
Jenny didn’t look too happy about the prospect of her lonely future. Maybe her children with Austin would help fill the void—if they had any. She studied her sister as she removed her shoes and felt a bit of remorse for Austin. Though Jenny could be obstinate and selfish, Rebekah loved her dearly. But her growing admiration for Austin made her wish her sister was more hospitable and helpful. How would he ever fall in love with Jenny the way she’d been acting? If he already knew about her past and had forgiven it, then she felt sure he would be able to face any problem with his new wife. But had Jenny told him? Rebekah was hesitant to bring up the topic that had been on her mind since she met Austin, but she had to know. “I don’t suppose you’ve told him about—you know.”
Horror engulfed her sister’s face. “No! Of course not.”
“It’s only fair that he knows before you marry.”
Jenny jumped to her feet, turning her back. “How do you suggest I broach such a dreadful subject? How do I tell the man I’m engaged to that I’m not a … virgin?”
Rebekah longed to cross the room and comfort her sister. “I know it’s difficult, but it needs to be done, and the sooner it is, the better things will be between you. I’m sure you’ll feel better, and I think Austin will respect you for telling him.”
“If he doesn’t send us packing.”
Having heard about his father’s ultimatum to marry, she doubted Austin would do such a thing, but men could be stubborn about marrying a pure woman. At least Jenny wasn’t with child. Things seemed so unfair at times that a man could carouse and spend time with bawdyhouse women and then were slapped on the back and congratulated. But when a man took advantage of a na?ve woman, it was always the woman who paid the price, no matter the circumstances.
Rebekah hated leaving her sister alone after raising such a heavy topic, but sometimes with Jenny, it was the best thing. A nap might well put her in better spirits, and being by herself would give her time to compose her thoughts about sharing her dreadful news with Austin. At least she hoped it would. She muttered a quick prayer for both of them and that Austin would be forgiving and not terribly hurt by Jenny’s revelation.
“You’re certain you want to stay?”
Jenny nodded.
“All right then. Annie said we’d be back in time for lunch.”
Jenny smiled and waved. “Enjoy your ride.”
“I will. You have a good rest.” Rebekah picked up her bonnet and closed the door, hating that she felt glad to have a few minutes away from her sister. All too soon, many miles would separate them for the first time ever, and then she’d sorely miss Jenny.
Ten minutes later, she climbed into the buggy with Annie. “I’m sorry that Jenny didn’t feel up to coming.”
Annie gathered the reins and smiled. “Think nothing of it. Our Texas heat can be hard to get used to. And to be honest, it’s good for Jenny to be comfortable staying in the big house by herself since Austin will be out working most days. Not that she’s totally alone with Perla and Josefina there.”
“I have to admit that it pricked my heart a bit that Jenny didn’t want to spend what little time we have left together.”
Annie patted her hand. “That’s understandable. It may take some adjustment, but I think your sister will love it here once she’s lived at the ranch a while. The Hart men may come across as large and intimidating, but deep on the inside, they have hearts as big as all of Texas.”
“I thought Robbie was going to join us today.”
“When GW heard of our plans, he invited Robbie to go with him and Austin. I don’t think I’ve seen such a big smile on my son’s face since we arrived here.”
“It’s nice of the men to include him.” She was learning that the Hart brothers were considerate men. They had to be, to be willing to take a boy with them for the day. But then she supposed Mr. Hart had taken his sons with him to work the ranch. How else would they know what to do now?