A Headstrong Woman(73)

“I do work on the range some, it’s necessary,” she answered.

“How fortunate for you, most of us have to depend on catching a husband for support,” her eyes were nearly slits as she studied Alexandria. “My but you are tall aren’t you?” Ellie asked. “And rather sturdy as well.”

Alexandria flinched slightly at her words and Ellie smiled in satisfaction.

“It must help you in working on the ranch,” Ellie smiled sweetly as she seated herself on the settee.

Jonathon frowned; this catty woman seemed to have a sixth sense for Alexandria’s insecurities.

“Janice indicated that you are a widower, Mr. Stewart, what was your wife like?”

“My wife was kind and generous to everyone, one of many reasons I loved her,” Jonathon returned tersely.

“Well, of course,” Ellie smiled. “I bet she was small and petite; it made you feel manly didn’t it?” Ellie speculated aloud; she was watching Alexandria out of the corner of her eye.

“Why have you never married?” Jonathon questioned.

Ellie colored.

Jonathon avoided Alexandria’s astonished gaze.

“I haven’t met the right man, I guess,” her tone was cool.

“Good luck in finding him. Alexandria, we need to check on the cattle and meet with Rusty,” Jonathon stood.

He had surprised her nearly speechless. Not only was his behavior toward Ellie well outside his usual treatment of a woman, she had hardly expected to be invited back to the corrals after the previous trip.

“We probably should,” Alexandria stood quickly.

Janice was just returning to the room and frowned as she looked among them. The tension in the room was palpable.

“Would you mind terribly giving me a ride home to my aunt’s?” Ellie asked.

Jonathon’s jaw tightened. “Certainly,” his voice was too even. He asked Henry to prepare the smaller buggy and changed into his jeans and a work shirt. He pulled the buggy around front and Henry helped the ladies into the buggy. Ellie had seen to it that she was seated beside Jonathon and preceded to flirt for the five minutes it took to get her home. Jonathon had never been more relieved to be rid of someone in his life.

“That is the first time I have ever seen you be rude to a lady,” Alexandria commented after they were on their way again.

“That is the first time I recall being intentionally rude to a lady,” he admitted.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Why would anyone as pretty as she is act so ugly?” Alexandria was shaking her head in bafflement.

“She perceived you as competition, Alexandria. You’re a beautiful woman and she was threatened. She obviously feels better about herself if those around her feel worse; I’ve seen it many times. You didn’t catch on to that?”

“Jonathon, I’ve never been one to chase the men and I never bothered learning the games; besides, how was I threat to her?”

“She obviously picked up on the fact that we’re good friends.”

“Oh, I noticed she was interested in you. You know, Jonathon, you should start a mission for less fortunate men. You could send your cast offs their way,” she teased.

“If I thought it would work, I would,” he laughed.

Alexandria sighed beside him. “I’ll be glad to get home.”

“Listen, Alexandria, don’t let that catty…” he censored whatever he had been about to say. “Don’t let her words get to you. You may be taller than the average woman but I assure you sturdy does not apply. You have a very delicate build.”

“Delicate may be a stretch,” Alexandria argued. “I think she was referring to the fact that I am not as…curvy as she was.”

“Delicate isn’t a stretch,” Jonathon claimed her wrist from her lap and wrapped his hand around it. Alexandria was fascinated by the way his fingers overlapped each other.

“You look as though any amount of pressure should snap your bones like toothpicks. And I assure you I mean that in a complimentary, feminine way.”

“Regardless, I will be glad to be home,” Alexandria avoided responding to his compliment.

“Me too,” he let it go.

“Where is home to you, Jonathon?” Alexandria watched him closely as she waited for his answer.

“Montana. I’ll always consider South Dakota home but I’ve come to love Montana. If you fire me, I’ll have to start my own place.”