A Headstrong Woman(66)

“Mrs. Morris, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Tristan entered the room.

Alexandria stood to greet him; she colored when he raised her hand to his lips. His gaze flickered over Jonathon before returning to Alexandria.

“I came on a matter of business, Mr. Price,” Alexandria admitted.

“Please, be seated, both of you,” Tristan instructed before seating himself opposite them.

“I know it is rather unusual for a ranch owner’s foreman to accompany them on such business, however, given recent events, and my gender; I didn’t feel it would be appropriate or safe to come alone,” Alexandria answered his unasked question about Jonathon’s presence.

“Most sensible; what business matter did you wish to discuss?” Tristan was now settled into a gracefully comfortable pose, his arm stretched across the back of the settee he occupied.

“You informed one of my hands, Rusty, that you knew of a man looking to sell several head of cattle. I was hoping that you could provide the necessary letter of introduction so that I might meet him and see his stock,” Alexandria explained her reason for coming.

“Of course, I would be delighted to help in any way I can. I must warn you, Mrs. Morris, that while Mr. Kingston keeps a neat ranch and good quality stock, that he is of…shall we say, questionable character. I would suggest that you arrange to meet him on neutral territory.”

“I will bear that in mind, thank you for the warning,” Alexandria offered sincerely.

“I would be happy to arrange the meeting myself,” Tristan offered. “Mr. Kingston and I have a long history and he owes me a favor or two. I believe I could make the meeting more comfortable for you,” Tristan offered.

Alexandria, uncertain how she should reply, hesitated.

“I think that might be a good idea considering how quickly we wish to pursue this,” Jonathon spoke for the first time since Tristan had entered.

Alexandria shot him a grateful smile and nodded, before turning back to Tristan.

“We were hoping to meet with him this coming weekend,” Alexandria explained.

“I could arrange that. I leave for Jasper tomorrow. I can have it all arranged by the time you arrive,” Tristan nodded confidently. “Would Friday be too soon?”

Alexandria bit her lip; that would move their leaving up a day and would mean a lot of frantic last minute packing. Still, they needed this seen to if they were going to do it.

“No, Friday is fine,” Alexandria decided with a nod.

“Very good; do you know where you will be staying?” Tristan inquired.

“With my in-laws,” she offered.

“Of course, I had forgotten they live there. Very well, I will send word there as to when and where to meet,” Tristan offered her a warm smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Price. I’m sure you have a lot to do and I find I suddenly have a lot of arrangements to make,” Alexandria offered him a smile as she stood.

“Until Friday then,” Tristan again raised her hand and pressed a kiss to it.

Alexandria politely removed her hand and made a bee line for the door. She had never been comfortable with such courtly manners. As Jonathon handed her into the buggy he made a show of checking the back hem of her skirts.

“What are you doing?” Alexandria demanded.

“Making sure your skirts aren’t on fire.”

“What?” Alexandria was frowning at him as he climbed onto the seat beside her.

“I thought I should check after the way you rushed out of there.”

Alexandria couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t miss much do you?”

“I’ve been accused of being observant,” he nodded.

“He makes me uncomfortable; I would prefer to not need his help.”

“As would I, but I believe he can be helpful in this instance.”

“Me too,” she agreed on a sigh of resignation.





Chapter Fourteen





Alexandria emerged from the house, her work clothes on and her sister and Millie assuring her that her packing, as well as Lilly’s would be seen to in time for them to leave. She knew that she owed them big time. Jonathon was waiting, negligently leaning against a porch post, one leg crossed over the other. Alexandria took in his long form and enigmatic gaze; it irritated her that he looked so appealing standing there. She wasn’t interested in men and certainly not her foreman.