A Headstrong Woman(31)
“The word is they think you’re attractive and terribly romantic,” Alexandria informed him.
“There are other younger and more eligible men…”
“Yes, I see what you mean, you are so terribly old,” Alexandria said in mock disdain.
Jonathon was surprised by her teasing but couldn’t help smiling; he was several years younger than Elijah had been.
“I’m relieved you see it my way,” Jonathon said with a nod. Alexandria chuckled.
“Seriously these girls don’t even know me,” Jonathon pointed out.
“Oh, you’re quite a legend didn’t you know? Everyone knows all about you.” Alexandria’s eyes were lit with mischief when he glanced at her.
“Really?” Jonathon asked cautiously.
“Really, Mr. Stewart, you are a most remarkable man if the stories are to be believed.”
“What stories?”
“Well you should know. You remember the time that you rescued you’re future wife from a horrible fire?”
“Can’t say I do.”
“That’s how you met.”
“I thought that Emily and I were neighbors and childhood sweethearts.”
“No, you rescued her.”
“Thank you for informing me.”
“You’re welcome. Of course your proposal was quite remarkable.”
“Was it?”
“Yes, proposing in front of the whole town like that.”
“And I thought I had done a bang up job of it after crashing her engagement party to another man.”
“What?” Alexandria asked attentively.
“We had a falling out; she went to visit an aunt in the city while I was working for my uncle and wrote to inform me she was marrying another. I hopped the first train I could catch.”
“Wow, that’s better than the rumors,” Alexandria informed him.
“Anything else I should know?”
“Yes, you camped by her grave for three days and had to be pulled away by several men.”
“No, I rode away before they were even through with the burial; I couldn’t bear to look back,” his voice was heavy with pain.
Alexandria winced for him; he had obviously loved his wife deeply. “And you kept riding?” she guessed.
“I gathered a few of my things but, yes, I basically kept riding,” he admitted as the ranch came into view.
***
Alexandria, her eyes wide, stared at her image in the mirror. She had not counted on the denim pants fitting so closely. They weren’t tight, exactly, but were rather form fitting. She placed her hands on her hips and wondered when they had filled out as they had. Had she really been so distracted that she missed that?
“How bad is it?” she asked Anna, who was watching her from the bed.
“It’s not so bad really, just unconventional,” Anna had a smile on her face. “You look kind of tough.”
“Great,” Alexandria groaned, “just what I need.” She grabbed her hat, slapped it on over her braid, and yanked on her gloves. She had decided against chaps, though she did own a pair now, and carried her duster. The day had turned out warm and she planned on carrying it along rather than wearing it.
“How did you find boots to fit?” Anna inquired.
“They’re boy’s boots,” she answered as she pulled her door open. “Wish me luck,” she called as she started down the stairs. If Jonathon stared or gawked she knew she would turn right back around and march back into the house.
Chapter Eight
Jonathon stood at the bottom of the porch steps and waited for his boss to join him. Maybe with her properly attired to work they could make some progress, especially since the weather was co-operating. He still thought he was crazy for getting himself into this situation. Why had he promised Eli he’d look after her anyway? Because he hadn’t expected to have to do it, he admitted to himself. It wasn’t that he disliked Alexandria, he had no reason to, but looking after a headstrong woman wasn’t what he would call a picnic, even if her spunk did amuse him.
The door to the house opened and pulled Jonathon’s attention from his thoughts. His gaze swept over his boss and he quickly worked at schooling his features. When he had pictured her in men’s clothing, he had pictured her lost in baggy pants; he hadn’t expected her to buy them to fit. Apparently she hadn’t expected the end result either; she looked highly uncomfortable.