A Headstrong Woman(92)
“What’s your real name?”
“Wesley, Wesley Smith.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Wesley,” she extended her hand.
Sparky studied her a moment, smiled, and took her hand.
***
Alexandria rode silently beside Jonathon; her thoughts occupied, and body sagging. Jonathon had bullied her into coming back to the house for lunch and an afternoon of rest. She had been about to fall asleep in the saddle.
Jonathon watched Alexandria and wondered what she was thinking; she looked troubled. At the house, Jonathon reached for her and lifted her down. He felt her tense; her gaze pinned on something or someone over his shoulder, and turned to see what had disturbed her. Lane, staring at her in disbelief, stood at the bottom of the porch steps.
“What happened to your face?” his scathing gaze slid over her.
“One of my men attacked me; he’s moved on now.”
“Moved on? Are you crazy? Look at you; this is no way for a lady to dress! I told you that you’re ruining your reputation, do you not care?”
“Not particularly,” she shrugged.
Jonathon silently applauded her.
“I have a ranch to run, Lane; I’ll do whatever is necessary to do that.”
“Do you know what people in town are saying?”
“I thought we already covered this, I don’t care what people think. I’m going to raise my daughter and run this ranch to the best of my ability. It’s the only option open to me.”
She had said the wrong thing.
“The only option open to you?” Lane exploded. “I want to marry you, instead you insist on ruining your good name!”
“She has done nothing to ruin her good name; it’s busy bodies and gossips who are hurting her reputation,” Jonathon stepped in.
“You stay out of this! You’re almost as much to blame after yesterday!” Lane shook his finger in Jonathon’s face.
Alexandria wasn’t sure that was wisdom after what she had seen him do to Nick.
“This is between me and Alexandria,” Lane emphasized the use of her first name.
“When you start yelling at Alexandria, I make it my business,” Jonathon’s tone was cool and even.
Alexandria took in the hard glint of his eyes and stepped in. “Lane, I appreciate your concern but it’s unnecessary.”
“Is he just your foreman, Alexandria?” Lane demanded.
“No, I told you he’s my friend and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk down to him.”
“Friend? Don’t be foolish, Alexandria, men and women are never just friends,” he spat at her.
“Lane, I think you’ve said enough, in the future if you decide to come and yell at me, please refrain. Good day,” she said and turned to enter the barn; her hands were shaking.
Jonathon followed her and allowed silence to reign for a few minutes.
“You’re pretty intimidating when you’re mad,” he teased to break the tension.
Alexandria sighed, “I didn’t want to fight with him but he was making me angry. Making comments about me and treating you like… like…”
“A common cow hand? I am, Alexandria.”
“No, you’re not! Besides that, what makes him any better than a common cow hand? Certainly not his manners!” she said in indignation.
“I agree,” he told her. “But he’s part of the upper class. I’ve seen it my whole life. To your class I am a cow hand and before that a farmer.”
“My class?”
“Alexandria, sweetheart, you own the largest ranch for miles around, you’re not in my class,” he informed her and watched her frown deepen. She was so unpretentious. It was no wonder the ladies of her own class looked for reasons to scorn her, she had never deemed their social clubs worthy of her time.
“It may be the biggest, but right now it’s not the most profitable,” she sighed.
“It will be again in no time, Alexandria.”
“I hope you’re right. Want to join us for lunch?” she offered.
“I thought you’d never ask,” he smiled.
***
Alexandria watched Anna closely as she filled her plate. Anna was keeping her eyes on her plate, and wouldn’t join the conversation. As soon as the meal had ended, Anna busied herself. Alexandria decided she would confront her sister as soon as they were alone. Before she could follow through, however, a knock sounded on the front door. Millie answered it and returned a moment later with a deep frown.