A Headstrong Woman(53)
Anna felt jealousy burn in her stomach as Jonathon reached both arms around her sister; their faces were mere inches from one another. She felt relief when Jonathon stepped back and surveyed her sister.
“So what do you think?” Alexandria asked after the gun belt was in place and her gun holstered. Jonathon looked her over and chuckled before yanking her hat until it tilted over her eyes.
“You look like a kid plying dress up,” he teased.
Alexandria made a face before moving away to practice her draw. She dropped the gun the first two tries before improving.
Jonathon shook his head in amused amazement and propped himself against the post to watch. Anna admired him and wished she were the one he was watching with avid appreciation.
Chapter Twelve
Alexandria accepted Jonathon’s help climbing over the wagon wheel after their arrival in town. She had some supplies to buy and business to see to and Jonathon had supplies to pick up for the men. Her first stop was the dry goods store and then the bank. Alexandria had just entered the lobby of the bank when Mr. Moody approached.
“Mrs. Morris, how fortunate that you should stop by; might I speak with you a moment?” he inquired politely.
Alexandria grew nervous. She could think of no good reason he might have for wanting to speak with her.
“Certainly, Mr. Moody,” she agreed and followed him into the heavy, masculine room.
“I was so distressed to hear of your husband’s death, Mrs. Morris. I do hope that you are faring well?”
“Reasonably so,” she responded cautiously.
“I know this is highly improper and irregular, your still being in mourning, as you are, but I can’t imagine a woman as lovely as yourself remaining unmarried long, and was wondering if I might call on you.” Alexandria stared at Simon in disbelief. Had her banker really just asked to call on her? She chose her words carefully.
“Mr. Moody, I’m flattered, however, I am, as you pointed out, still in mourning and to be perfectly honest, it would be a waste of time on your part. I have no intention of ever marrying again.”
“Surely you don’t mean that, Mrs. Morris. You are a beautiful woman and I would imagine that there are a good many men biding their time to call on you. Surely you could see the benefit a match like ours would be. You’re beautiful and should be draped in the finest clothing and dripping with jewels, not exhausting yourself trying to see after a ranch,” Simon argued.
Alexandria’s look was one of consternation. “Mr. Moody, honestly I have no interest in jewels and expensive clothes and I did not find marriage to be a union I cared for. I’m very flattered by your interest but fear it is wasted.”
“Think of the social position and benefits,” Simon further argued. Alexandria bit back a sharp retort. Were they really having this conversation?
“Again, truly, I am flattered but care nothing of social position. If you’ll please excuse me, I have a lot to see to,” Alexandria stood.
“Of course, please forgive my insistence,” Simon, cool on the surface but seething underneath, apologized.
Alexandria left the bank in a rush after completing her transaction. Jonathon had been looking for her and immediately knew something was wrong.
“You okay?” he inquired.
“I’ll tell you about it on the way home, can we please finish our errands and get out of here?” she asked, her face drawn.
“Of course; I’ll help,” he offered and took her elbow to lead her down the boardwalk.
“Alexandria!” a voice called from behind them. Alexandria and Jonathon turned and Jonathon could feel the immediate stiffening of Alexandria’s frame beside him. One look at Lane’s face and Jonathon could see why.
“Hello, Lane,” Alexandria greeted cordially if not warmly.
“Is it true? Were you taken from your home in the middle of the night?” Lane, his face livid, demanded.
Apparently news traveled fast. “Yes.”
“Alexandria…you can’t stay there.”
“I’m not moving back in with my parents…”
“Marry me,” Lane blurted.
Alexandria, her eyes wide and incredulous, choked in surprise. Two proposals in one morning? “Lane…I don’t even know what to say to that.”
“Say yes.”
“No, Lane, I care for you but I don’t love you. I can’t marry you…”