A Headstrong Woman(30)

“You do that, Mrs. Morris. I should let you get back to your business and return to mine.”

Alexandria, a slight frown on her face, watched him walk away. What had that been all about? True enough he had spoken with her frequently in public before her marriage but they had never been more than polite acquaintances. With a shake of her head, she finished shopping and moved to the counter. Mrs. Lawson eyed her purchases but said nothing.

Alexandria emerged from the store and in her haste to return home, bumped into a passing pedestrian. She technically shouldn’t be out.

“Oh excuse me!” she apologized.

“Alexandria! How are you?” Lane asked as he bent to gather her scattered packages.

“I’m holding up alright.”

“May I escort you to your buggy?” her packages were now tucked firmly beneath his arm.

“Certainly,” she agreed and moved down the sidewalk beside him. “I hear that you’ve become quite a business man.”

“I’ve made several land investments and already they’re paying off.”

“That’s wonderful, Lane. I know your family is glad to have you back in town. Why did you stay gone so long?” she asked and watched his cheeks heat.

Lane wasn’t about to tell her that her marriage to Elijah had driven him from town. She wouldn’t understand: he had never had the guts to make his intentions known. He wouldn’t miss the opportunity this time.

“My business took longer than I expected. Have you decided what you’re doing with the ranch?”

“What do you mean?” she asked as they stopped in front of her buggy.

“You aren’t planning on staying on the ranch…” he was starting to watch her warily.

“Actually, I am. My foreman, Jonathon,” she nodded to where he stood, “is teaching me how things work around the place.”

Lane’s eyes slid to Jonathon; his face was red, “Alexandria, a ranch full of men is no place for a lady!”

“I’m not alone out there. Millie is there and at the moment so is Anna; she’s helping me with Lilly.”

“Alexandria, any of those men could easily…”

“I don’t fear the men who work for me. Elijah was very careful about who he hired. I appreciate your concern but I am a grown, widowed woman. Not a child. I need to go, I hope I’ll see you at church Sunday,” she said before turning and climbing into the wagon.

Lane was glaring at her. “We’ll talk later,” he said before turning and stomping off.

Alexandria tucked her shaking hands into her lap. She wasn’t one to back down from a confrontation but they always left her shaken.

“Still think he isn’t interested?” Jonathon asked her as they started from town. Alexandria’s expression said she wasn’t amused. Jonathon bit back a smile and urged the team forward.

***



From his window in his bank office, Simon Moody watched Alexandria’s wagon roll from town. Alexandria Morris was a beautiful woman and now the owner of one of the most valuable pieces of property in the area. How fortunate for him that she was now available. He had watched her exchange with Lane Wilson and knew the younger man was interested. Simon knew that at forty-five he was still an attractive man with his dark hair and eyes. He hoped that Bank Owner, a title he wore proudly, would only sweeten the deal. How had Elijah won her hand, certainly not his looks or charm? Elijah had been short on both. No, he suspected that Alexandria had married the man for the position that such a marriage would give her. He had watched many women marry their way up the social ladder in his lifetime and for the first time in his life he didn’t mind providing that ladder himself.

“Mr. Moody, Dalton and Zeke Wiley are here for their appointment,” a young bank clerk announced.

“Send them in,” Simon nodded. A few moments later the two men entered and claimed seats.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Moody. What services can we provide for you?” Dalton asked. The young man was attractive, with dark hair and dark eyes, and was always well groomed. The fact that the young man was so clean cut in appearance was the reason Simon had chosen him. His slow wit brother had come in the deal.

“I want you to rustle some cattle. I’m willing to pay and pay well. Are you interested?”

“Just how well?” Dalton’s eyes were lit with interest. Simon smiled.

***



“So just why are so many of the young ladies at church fixated on me?” Jonathon asked to make conversation as they returned to the ranch.