A Headstrong Woman(64)
“I could cut my hair and…”
“No!” Jonathon cut her off, paused to collect himself, and continued. “Alexandria, it’s preposterous to think you could pass for a man, even if you concealed your figure, one look at your face and anyone would know.”
“Jonathon’s right, it’s silly to go to that kind of trouble, if you’re concerned enough to try disguising yourself, hire a chaperone, but I think it would be a waste of time and money to do so,” Clay spoke up.
“I agree,” Alexandria nodded and took a bit of her dinner.
“Now that that’s decided, how are you two faring?” Shirley asked her daughters.
“Fine,” Anna said coolly.
“I’m okay, I guess,” Alexandria shrugged.
“When exactly are you leaving?” Shirley asked them.
“Friday, it’s short notice and we have a lot to do, but we have to act quickly.”
“Then we’ll plan your birthday dinner for after you return,” her mother informed her.
“That’s a good idea,” Alexandria agreed.
***
Alexandria paced the confines of her office as she waited for the arrival of the potential new hands. Jonathon had agreed that if these men were going to work on the ranch that Alexandria should greet them dressed in her widow’s weeds. It would also expedite her paying a call on Tristan. A knock on the door brought Alexandria to the door where she admitted Jonathon and the two men.
“Alexandria, this is Mitchell Harris and Lenny Mills, gentleman, this is Alexandria Morris, owner of the Bison Creek Ranch.”
“Mrs. Morris,” Mitchell Harris, the taller of the two gentlemen, quickly removed his hat and bowed slightly.
Lenny Mills followed his example and did the same. The two men were opposite in coloring. Mitchell was equal to Alexandria in height with blonde hair and cool blue eyes. His face was sharp and angular in an appealing way. Lenny was stocky, his eyes nearly as dark his black hair and his complexion ruddy.
“Gentlemen, please be seated,” Alexandria invited as she circled the desk and seated herself. On top of her desk lay a list of questions that Jonathon and her father had worked up for her to ask the men. Several questions later the men seemed to be working past the worst of their nerves and were answering her questions more comfortably.
“I feel it is only fair to warn both of you that I take a hands on approach to working on this ranch and am often among the men. I hope that doesn’t prove a problem for you?” she watched them closely.
“No, ma’am,” the both quickly assured her. Alexandria looked to Jonathon for their agreed upon signal and nodded.
“Very well; I would like for you to start a two week trial as of this afternoon. If that is too soon, tomorrow morning will suffice,” Alexandria informed them.
“This afternoon is just fine ma’am. We were hedging our bets and brought our things,” Mitchell stood and hesitantly offered his hand.
“Very good; one more thing,” Alexandria smiled for the first time since the interview has started. “Call me Alex,” she took his hand.
“Yes, ma’am…er Alex,” Mitchell smiled in return.
“Thank you…Alex,” Lenny offered his hand.
“Mr. Stewart is going to introduce you to Rusty. He’ll be showing you around since Jonathon and I have business to see to,” she informed them. She followed them to the door, closed it behind them and then sank against it in relief. Had she done okay or had they been aware it was her very first interview?
A moment later a knock on the door brought her back upright. She knew it was likely Jonathon.
“Hi,” she greeted him with a nervous smile. “Did I do okay?”
“You handled it like a pro,” he assured her.
“You flatter me,” her smile widened.
“No, I’m serious. You were as cool as a cucumber. Had I not known you had never done this before I would believe you did it on a regular basis.”
Alexandria’s expression was still skeptical but she nodded anyway.
“Are we ready to go?” she asked.
“Ready when you are,” he assured her.
Alexandria stepped into the kitchen. “We’re leaving for Mr. Price’s; we’ll back shortly,” she informed her sister and Millie where they worked. Today Lilly stood on a chair stirring something in a bowl she had been entrusted with.