Chapter Two
Jenny was vigilant after that day, watching her father closely and keeping her ears open for some clue about what was going on. Her closed-mouthed parents weren’t giving her any indication that something was amiss. By suppertime that evening, papa was his usual even-tempered self again, laughing and teasing with mama and sharing their typical affectionate banter. In the days that followed, he was patient as always with Will even when tackling his arithmetic, which so often made her brother pound the table in frustration. With Jenny, he was the same loving and doting papa, riding with her in the evenings as was their custom, and listening attentively as she shared the events of her day.
Only once did she see anything else out of the ordinary. Coming up on mama and papa in the upstairs hallway one day, she’d been surprised to find them arguing in hushed tones. They had stopped immediately when Jenny appeared, dismissing it as a minor disagreement, but she had seen the worry on her mother’s face. When Jenny had asked later if something was wrong, mama had brushed it aside and then enlisted her help with some chore or another. She hadn’t seen the stranger since and things seemed fine at home.
One Saturday, she was frosting a cake for a potluck dinner after church the next day, when mama called her in from the kitchen. As Jenny walked into the parlor, wiping her hands, she was shocked and more than a little dismayed to find Letty Jackson, a longtime friend of her mother’s visiting. She was accompanied by the blond girl from the store that awful day, introduced as Janelle Jackson, the marshal’s new wife, which of course, she had already surmised. Jenny sat awkwardly on the settee as the two older women chatted non-stop for the better part of an hour.
As Jenny tried to come up with a polite way of excusing herself, Janelle, apparently of the same thought, stood up unexpectedly and blurted out, “Your home is beautiful, Mrs. Harper.” Although addressing her hostess, her gaze was set on Jenny. “I’d love to have a tour and possibly take a walk around the grounds. It’s such a beautiful day and I noticed when riding up that the view of the mountains from your farm is spectacular.”
“Jenny would be happy to show you around, Janelle.” Her mother then shooed them off, going back to her animated discussion of events in town with Letty, or as papa would call it, gossipy chin-wagging. She did as she was bid, but with a puckered brow, becoming increasingly mindful that her mama was shooing her off a lot lately.
As soon as they stepped onto the front porch, Janelle grabbed her hand and hauled her to the swing. “I thought I’d never get a word in edgewise with those two.” She took a seat and since she didn’t let go of her hand, Jenny had no choice but to sit next to her.
“Please don’t be embarrassed about what happened at the store that day, Jenny. Louise Meyers is nothing but a conniving bitch.”
Shocked at the vulgar word, Jenny gasped; the next instant giggling as Janelle’s jaw dropped open and her hand flew to her mouth.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, clearly appalled. “That slipped out, but that woman makes me so angry. She wants what she wants and has no regard for who gets in her way while trying to get it.”
“I heard what happened after I left, Janelle. Thank you for sticking up for me. Not many people would do that for a girl they just met.”
“That’s so wrong. If no one stands up to the people like Louise Meyers, they’ll run amok and make us all miserable. Besides, my father always told me never to run from a bully. If you hold your ground, more likely than not, they’ll back down.”
Jenny grinned, finding her honest, straightforward ways refreshing. “I heard you did more than hold your ground. Rumor has it that you beat her in a tussle using some sort of special fighting maneuver.”
“A wrist lock,” Janelle replied with a dismissive wave of her hand, “nothing so special. I took Self-Defense 101 at U of W freshman year—” A becoming blush tinted her cheeks as she stopped abruptly. “It wasn’t a fight, not really. She made the first move, tried to slap me, in fact, so I defended myself.” She frowned fiercely as she added, “Ooh, that mouth of hers. She infuriates me to the point I want to scratch her eyes out. Making all those insinuations about a relationship with Aaron, and what she said to you, well, it flew all over me. She is rude, abrasive, and spiteful. Cruella De Vil seems warm and fuzzy by comparison.”
“Cruella De-who?”
The look Janelle sent Jenny was comical, but she shook her head without explaining.
“Please know that I am appreciative of your support, Janelle.”
“Anytime, honey. I tagged along today to check on you, but I had an ulterior motive. I was hoping we could be friends. I’m new in town and don’t know many women my age.”
“I’d like that very much. I was afraid after what Louise said, you would get the wrong idea about me.”
“Never. I’m a good judge of character. I had Louise pegged on the spot. She flies her bitch flag higher than most.” Her hand flew back to her mouth. “Oops, I keep forgetting. That word is more commonly used where I’m from.”
“Where is that exactly, Janelle? Your manner of speech is quite… distinctive.”
“I’m from Cheyenne,” Janelle quickly stated, then changed the subject, leaving Jenny suspicious that she wasn’t telling her the whole story. She hoped in time their friendship would grow enough that she would confide in her.
* * *
They became fast friends after that. Janelle was a hoot, keeping Jenny in stitches with her quirky speech and odd turns of phrase. She began inviting her for dinner on occasion and they often went shopping in town together, with Aaron as their escort. Jenny had known him for years, since their parents were close friends. The two couples socialized often with papa and Henry Jackson having business dealings on occasion. Closest in age of the three Jackson brothers, she’d been around Aaron the most growing up, but she hadn’t seen him in some time. At only twenty-eight, Aaron had already made a name for himself as the marshal for the territory, making him a very powerful and sought-after man. At first, she felt awkward around him because of his position, but she soon found that it hadn’t changed him at all and that he was as friendly and approachable as always. He also bore a striking resemblance to his eldest brother, which made him resplendently handsome in her book.
Jenny had to admit that although she was thrilled for her new friend’s happiness, she was also green with envy, and she wasn’t alone. Any girl in Laramie and the surrounding territory, from eighteen to forty, with functioning eyes and a beating heart, would have eagerly given her eyeteeth in exchange for a Jackson ring on her finger. Janelle had accomplished that, so of course there was talk. Being a newcomer to town, and in light of their whirlwind courtship, not all of it was kind. Some watched expectantly for the new bride’s waistline to expand, thinking that would explain the haste of their nuptials. Others disparaged her appearance, particularly her clothes, which was petty jealousy considering Janelle was both beautiful and stylish. Many were happy for the newlyweds, but the competition among the young women in town turned fierce with only two eligible Jackson brothers remaining.
Only last week, at the Jacobsons’ barn raising, Jenny and Janelle had watched in amusement as the unattached ladies of Laramie all but threw themselves at Luke. Most had simpered and blushed, smiling shyly as they vied for his attention. Lily Summers, one of the bolder girls, had flirted blatantly with him. He seemed to enjoy their fawning attention, but was careful not to single one out over another. In fact, he’d accepted a proffered glass of lemonade from Lily with one hand, and a plate of fried chicken and potato salad from Mary Hansen with the other.
Heath had been there too, but had been focused on work. Jenny had furtively watched as he nailed crossbeams way up high in what would soon be the barn ceiling. When he was thirsty, he swung down on one of the ropes, his muscles bulging as he easily maneuvered down to the ground and got his own drink. He noticeably avoided all the wide-eyed young misses that sought his eye.
Although not the reason for her friendship, spending time with Janelle had an added benefit of increasing Jenny’s chances of running into Heath. Not as sociable as the rest of the Jackson men, he seemed to avoid the dances and the monthly boxed socials after church. In fact, he rarely attended church at all. Jenny would know, often playing piano for services when Mrs. Stanton’s rheumatism acted up, which was becoming more frequent of late. Jenny didn’t mind at all, however, because the raised platform where the piano was situated gave her a clear view of the entire congregation. On the infrequent occasion when Heath did attend, Jenny would watch him from the corner of her eye, finding him irresistible in his Sunday suit and tie. Once, their eyes had met and she’d become so distracted she’d hit a few wrong notes, which was a rarity.
Jenny would see him in town on occasion, riding through or stocking up at the mercantile, and she’d passed him once on the mill road near their farm as he headed home to Silverbend. Other than those few, brief glimpses, their contact was next to non-existent.
The first chance she had to speak to him since the embarrassing incident with the flour was during a visit with Janelle one Sunday after services. Janelle had stepped inside to check on her roast for supper, leaving Jenny on the porch swing sipping lemonade, when Heath rode up.
Her foot dragged across the planked veranda, bringing the swing to a halt as he swung a long leg over his saddle and hopped down. His head was lowered as he bounded up the steps. She thought he would rush right past her, unnoticed, as if she was part of the porch furniture, but when he removed his hat at the door, his head jerked around, his gaze landing directly on her. Bowled over as always by his masculine beauty, Jenny could only sit and stare.
His mouth twitched, curling upward into a dazzling smile. His eyes twinkled with what she perceived as genuine pleasure, his teeth flashing bright white, his lips full and sensual. She wondered what they would feel like pressed to hers.
“Jenny. You were so still, I almost didn’t see you there.”
“Mr. Jackson.” Inwardly, she cringed at the breathless sound of her voice.
“Heath,” he insisted as he walked toward her. “What brings you to this part of town?”
She recognized it as small talk; she was on Janelle’s porch after all, but let it pass. “I’m visiting Janelle.”
“I should have guessed. I didn’t know you two were friends.” With his hat in hand, he motioned her to slide over and sat down. He rested his arm on the back of the swing and with a push of his booted foot set it in motion. At the sudden movement, Jenny grabbed the wooden armrest with a yelp.
He glanced her way in question. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, you startled me, is all.” No was the real answer. With him sitting so close, she could feel the heat of his body and smell his wonderful masculine scent. She inhaled slowly and quietly so he wouldn’t notice. No, she was definitely not all right.
They sat in silence for a few moments, the swinging motion causing loose tendrils of hair to brush her face. It tickled but she didn’t dare move, afraid to disturb the moment.
“Man alive, does this breeze feel good. It’s a hot one for September.”
“It’s Indian summer. I like it. I hope it lasts a while.”
He glanced down a second time, a hint of a smile playing along his lips. She felt his eyes scan her face and settle on her hair. Self-consciously, she put up a hand to smooth the flyaway strands that had come loose from her braid.
“You don’t seem at all bothered by the heat. You’re as pretty as summer wildflowers.”
Her face flamed hot and she imagined it had turned the same shade of red as her hair at his compliment. He opened his mouth to say something else, but the screen door squeaked open and Janelle appeared.
“Heath.” Her face lit up, the fondness she felt for her brother-in-law apparent. “I didn’t hear you ride up.”
Heath stood politely to greet her, sending the swing flying. Jenny jerked, her feet shooting out to steady herself while she juggled her nearly full glass of lemonade.
Janelle’s eyes shot to her in concern, but he didn’t seem to notice, approaching to give his sister-in-law a brotherly kiss on the forehead.
“You appear a bit flushed, little sister. Are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, I was in the kitchen. That stove heats the house unbearably in the summer. Now that it’s fall, I’m waiting for the cooler temperatures I was promised, but they’ve yet to arrive. How you people survive without A/C is beyond me.”
“A/C?” Jenny asked. She came to her feet and joined them, deciding she was safer around Heath if stationary.
Neither answered her question as they turned to look at each other. Instead, Janelle bit her lip and Heath chuckled as if amused by some joke that Jenny wasn’t privy to.
“I’m looking for Aaron,” Heath said, changing the subject entirely. “Is he home?”
“He left a while ago. There was a problem on Sixth Street, as usual.”
“That area of town sure keeps him jumping. If you know where, I’ll go find him. There was some trouble at the ranch.”
“Anything serious?”
“Some downed fences and a few head of cattle missing out near the eastern boundary.”
“That’s near our farm,” Jenny cut in with concern. “I hadn’t heard of any trouble.”
“Your pa is my next stop after I talk to Aaron.”
“Is it rustlers?” An image of the stranger immediately popped in her head. What had the stranger said? Something about papa taking care of it or he would. No, it must be a coincidence. Papa would never be involved in cattle rustling, especially from a good friend like Henry Jackson.
“Possibly,” Heath answered, “or it could simply be some downed fences and loose cattle. No need to fret about it, darlin’.”
The affectionate term warmed her inside. Jenny tried not to make too much of it, knowing it was often used by men out of hand. Nonetheless, when Heath said it, she melted.
“I’m making roast beef,” Janelle announced. “Swing by for supper when you’re done.”
“Not tonight, Janelle. I need to get back. The men are doing a full head count and patrols start tonight, to be safe.” He kissed the top of Janelle’s head before putting his hat back on, and with a polite nod to Jenny, took off down the stairs.
Jenny watched him ride out, as tall and imposing a figure on horseback as he was with his booted feet on the ground. His words, as pretty as summer wildflowers, replayed in her head and started a fluttering in her stomach. Her hand went to it reflexively.
The longing on her face must have shown because Janelle commented, “Oh, no, I know that face. I see it every day in my mirror.” She gripped Jenny’s hand tightly as she went on. “Don’t pin your hopes on that man.”
Jenny looked at her sharply. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“You wear your heart on your sleeve, honey.” On cue, her face ignited and Janelle smiled gently. “If your eyes didn’t give you away, your pretty blushes would.”
Her hands came to her cheeks, feeling the heat beneath her fingertips. “Do you think Heath could tell?”
Janelle didn’t answer, which was answer enough.
“There’s something you should know about Heath.”
Jenny’s head came up expectantly. When Janelle didn’t continue right away, she nudged her. “What do I need to know?”
“Heath swears he’ll never marry.”
It was her turn to be surprised and her jaw dropped open for a few seconds. She collected herself enough to ask, “For heaven’s sake, why?”
“It’s not my place to say, really. Aaron wouldn’t be happy if he knew I was gossiping, especially about his brother.”
“Then you shouldn’t have said anything in the first place, Janelle. Now you’ve got to finish!”
With her brows knit together, Janelle stared off across the yard. A moment later, as if coming to a decision, she said “Fine,” with a definitive nod, “but you’ll need to sit for this story.” Once they were seated on the wide swing, she turned to her. “He was engaged a long time ago, head over heels in love with the girl from what I’ve been told.”
When she didn’t continue, Jenny rolled her eyes. It was like pulling teeth. “Obviously there wasn’t a happily ever after, since he’s unmarried. What happened?”
“She jilted him, left him at the altar and ran off with a rich man like some gold-digging tramp. He was at least thirty years her senior. She was married to him when she slunk back to town a few days later.”
Jenny gasped. “How awful. How did I not know about this?”
“It happened ten years ago. You couldn’t have been more than ten or eleven at the time.”
“Wait. You said she came back. Does she still live here?”
Janelle nodded. “Abigail Dorchester.”
“Great day in the morning! Frank Dorchester is seventy if he’s a day!” He was also bald, had a beak-like nose, and was stick thin. He had always reminded Jenny of a scarecrow, a scrawny old scarecrow. She wrinkled her nose in distaste.
“Not quite that old, but he sure looks it. Pretty gross, huh? Heath’s heart was broken and he was publicly humiliated. He swore he’d never go through that again. He was thrilled when Aaron married me and took some of the heat off him. Needless to say, Letty and Henry are not pleased with his decision.”
Jenny couldn’t imagine giving up Heath Jackson for any reason, especially for an old man, even if he did have money. She couldn’t imagine kissing Frank Dorchester, or worse, sleeping in his bed. To imagine anything else was too repugnant. After the initial shock, she became angry, outraged in fact, on Heath’s behalf.
“What could have possibly been in her head? Heath is young and handsome, and Silverbend is one of the most successful cattle ranches in the territory.”
“Now it is, but not ten years ago. They had just moved here from back east and bought acres upon acres of unimproved land. Things were rough starting out from what Letty has told me.”
“That’s hard to imagine. For as long as I can remember the Jacksons have had a thriving ranch. I bet Abigail Dorchester regrets her decision now.” Jenny’s tone was smug, disliking the woman for what she had done to Heath a decade ago and the long-term hurt she had caused.
Abigail had approached Jenny a while back about piano lessons for her son Chester. Yes, they had actually named their child Chester Dorchester. His full name was actually Winchester, but kids were cruel and the boy was stuck with that awful moniker, which would undoubtedly follow him all his life. Jenny was relieved that she had said no to Abigail, due to a full slate of students already, thank goodness. She would have found it impossible to continue teaching the boy with what she now knew of the parents.
As she mulled this new information about for a moment, a question popped into her head. Without thought, she blurted out, “So what is Mrs. Jeffers to him?”
Janelle stiffened at her side. “What?”
“I saw them together at the store. They seemed… friendly.”
“They are what you’d call special friends.”
“What do you mean?”
Janelle glanced at her meaningfully and waggled her brows. When Jenny didn’t clue in right away, she added, “They’re very close friends, if you catch my drift.”
“You mean… she’s his mistress? Oh, my stars,” Jenny choked out. “That’s scandalous.”
Janelle shrugged it off. “I’m not sure it’s as official as a mistress. I’d say casual lovers. She’s a widow. People tend to look the other way. Widow or not, I think it’s rather ridiculous how judgmental people can be. Where I come from, people are not so prudish.”
Tilting her head to the side, Jenny paused to study her friend. “Where exactly are you from, Janelle? You have the strangest way of speaking. Almost as if—”
“I told you, Cheyenne,” she responded abruptly, then redirected the conversation. “My point is a widow can get away with it. A young innocent like you knocking boots with Heath, however, would cause such an uproar that your papa would surely find out. He’d be perp-walking Heath down the aisle at the end of a shotgun faster than Dirty Harry could say, ‘Go ahead. Make my day.’” Her head came up mid-laugh and she added, “Not that I’d want that to happen. I love Heath.”
Jenny narrowed her eyes at her friend. “See? That’s what I mean. I didn’t understand half of that. Sometimes it’s as if you’re speaking a foreign language. If you’re from Cheyenne, I’ll eat my left boot.”
“Whatever.” Janelle drawled this with a dismissive flip of her hand. “The bottom line is that as a result of his vow to never marry Heath only sees women he feels are safe, like widows and hookers.”
“Uh, Janelle, you’re still doing it.”
“Oh, sorry, a hooker is a painted lady, you know, like in the brothels in town.”
“Oh!” Jenny said, flushing hotly. The thought of Heath with any woman, be it a saloon girl or a safe, lonely widow, hurt her to the core, at first. A moment later, she got angry. Why wouldn’t he want to settle down with a nice girl who loved him, like her? If he’d only open his eyes and see her—
“I’m only telling you this because I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Janelle said softly.
Jenny didn’t want to be hurt either, but with her heart engaged already, she was afraid this warning had come much too late.