Chapter Sixteen
“Do you think you can stand my company a little longer?” Ross asked as he and John sat on the back porch and enjoyed the evening breeze.
John gave him a questioning glance. “I thought you were planning to leave the day after tomorrow. The doctor did give you clearance to travel yesterday, didn’t he?”
“He did and my health isn’t why I’d like to stay another week or two.” Ross took an envelope from his pocket and removed three folded sheets of fine writing paper. “I had a letter from Delilah today.”
“And?” John asked, waiting for an explanation. “What did she say that makes you want to remain here?”
Ross grinned. “I think she’s falling love. If I’m not there, it might force her to fall a little faster.”
John chuckled and leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out in front of him. “Let’s hear it.”
“You want me to read the letter?”
“Sure. Knowing Delilah, I’m sure it’s full of interesting details beyond this fellow who’s caught her fancy.”
Ross cleared his throat and began reading aloud.
“Dearest Papa,
It seems as though you’ve been gone months and months rather than a few short weeks. I do miss you so.
Both the front yard and back are finished and look quite nice. Thank you for sending so many of the statuary pieces and the birdhouses. You won’t believe it, but a pair of waxwings are nesting near the birdbath by the blackberry bushes. I love hearing their trills among the symphony of my birds.
The sheriff and his cohorts, particularly Deputy Durfey, find it most amusing I’m trying to teach Oliver to leave the birds and their nests alone. Tully made a bet with me (and his wife). If I can train Ollie to stay away from the birds and eggs by the time June arrives, he’ll allow us to decorate his office any way we like for an entire month. Brianna and Sammy have visited frequently to assist in Oliver’s etiquette lessons. So far, he’s done exceptionally well, in spite of Deputy Durfey continually assuring me Ollie can’t be taught to ignore his instincts.”
“Who, or should I say what, is Oliver?” John asked.
Ross grinned. “Oliver is a raccoon my daughter has decided to convert into a pet.”
“You’re joshing me.”
Ross shook his head. “Nope, that’s the honest truth. When I left, she had it following her around the yard like a puppy.”
John offered him an incredulous look, but waved his hand toward the letter. “What else does she have to say?”
Ross lifted the letter and continued reading.
Deputy Durfey has encouraged me to cease traipsing through the woods in my britches and cap, reminding me there are unsavory characters who also linger in the area. I’ve limited my adventures to what can be found around the edges of town or when I’m accompanied by a gun-toting protector. Both Deputy Harter and Deputy Durfey have assisted with my explorations, although Deputy Durfey definitely shows the most interest in my work.
In fact, he has also accompanied me to the weather station numerous times and has learned how all the equipment works. He’s tried, unsuccessfully, to convince me to teach him our cipher system. I fear with his sharp intellect he’ll soon figure it out regardless of my lack of assistance.
John gave Ross a broad smile. “So she’s quite taken with Deputy Durfey, is it?”
Ross nodded. “It would certainly seem that way. Dugan Durfey is a fine, fine young man. He’s worked for the sheriff a number of years, has his own place on the edge of town, and is well-liked by everyone I’ve encountered.”
“And I’m sure he’s not a homely sort, either.”
Ross snickered. “Hardly. If your daughters weren’t already wed, he’s the type that would have set their heads spinning. Broad shoulders, tall, dark hair, blue eyes. From what I observed, Delilah could hardly keep her eyes off him, even though she’d never admit it. That girl is bound and determined a husband would impede her freedom and force her to sit at home knitting and planning dinner parties.”
John snorted. “I’d like to see someone try to force your girl to do anything she wasn’t of a mind to.” He looked over at Ross. “Ever picture yourself with a Wild West lawman as a son-in-law?”
“No, I can’t say that I had, at least until the first time I saw Delilah and Dugan together. After that, the idea didn’t strike me as odd in the least.” Ross lifted the letter again. “Shall I continue?”
“Of course.”
Ian and Maggie MacGregor invited me to ride with them out to the Jordan Ranch yesterday for a visit. Ian was kind enough to stop along the way several times so I could sketch the birds. There are so many of them, Papa. We saw grouse, quail, pheasants, hawks, magpies, and crows. I even had the opportunity to sketch a vulture as it fed on some poor dead beast. Ian said it was most likely what was left of a deer a cougar had killed. Yes, there are cougars in the hills, too. I heard a man at the mercantile speaking to the owner the other day about seeing a bear on his property. He lives north of town in the mountains.
The road to the Jordan Ranch is nearly straight from Baker City if you continue south of town for about an hour and don’t account for the rolling hills. The landscape is dotted with sagebrush and juniper trees and native grasses, along with the birds I mentioned. There are plenty of deer, coyotes and snakes. Maggie and I both cringed to see a rattlesnake coiled up beneath a large sagebrush. Ian assured us it was more afraid of us than we were of it. I highly doubt the possibility of that statement bearing truth! When I mentioned it to Deputy Durfey, he said the same thing.
The Jordan Ranch is spectacular. The road ends at the top of a hill overlooking the ranch in the valley below. The place almost looks like an oasis in the desert with green pastures and, of course, Jemma’s lovely lawn and flowers. Their two-story house was completed last year and boasts every luxury available, including two bathrooms. Thane and the hands (as they refer to the cowboys who work on the spread) finished building young Lily a playhouse just before Bolton’s arrival. The playhouse is nearly as impressive as the main house with papered walls and lace curtains. The high-spirited child often wanders into mischief and the hope is that the playhouse will keep her closer to home and easier for Jemma to keep an eye on with the new baby.
Allie and Ben Amick (Ben is Thane’s half-brother) live in a rustic cabin across the ranch yard. Ben has been talking about building Allie a house like Jemma’s but she seems perfectly content with the cabin. From my understanding, she grew up in a soddy on the prairie and the cabin is nearly four times the size of her childhood home.
We truly have been so blessed, Papa. I can’t even fathom the hardship of living in a house made of earth and sharing one room with so many people. Allie said she has five brothers she had to share the soddy with as well as her parents.
Anyway, it was a lovely visit and such a treat to see the ranch. Jack invited me to ride with him so he could show off his horse and the cattle. Maggie and I both borrowed horses from Thane and went with Jack and Ben to check the cattle. Lily accompanied us on her pony, Peppermint. Exuberant is not an adequate word to describe her zest for life and adventure. Thane will certainly have his hands full with that one when she grows into long skirts and starts wearing her hair up.
We returned to the ranch to find Deputy Durfey there along with Sheriff Barrett and his family. Sammy and Jack seem rather fond of each other. Deputy Durfey took me for a walk after supper to see the river then rode back with us when we returned to town. He kept us entertained the entire way with engaging, humorous tales, most of which I’m certain were fictional, meant only to provide amusement.
Sammy’s teacher has requested an opportunity to bring the class to the weather station for a demonstration. There are actually two classes planning on visiting that day. The other class includes Nate Palmer. His father owns the saddle shop and his mother makes the beautiful quilts you’ve no doubt noticed in the mercantile window. We’ve set the date for a week before the end of school. I’m looking forward to showing the youngsters the equipment. Afterward, they will come to the cottage for cookies and punch in the backyard. I just hope Oliver is on his best behavior. Deputy Durfey volunteered to help me set up tables outside for the children. He has been most generous with his time and is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, with the exception of you, Papa.
I must go, but please know how very much you are missed. I look forward with great anticipation to your return home.
All my love,
Lila
John chuckled again. “You better get used to the idea of a deputy in the family. Your girl is quite taken with the man, even if she can’t or won’t admit it.”
Ross folded the letter, slid it in the envelope, and tucked it inside his pocket. “I agree. That’s why I’m hoping if I linger here just a little while longer, Dugan will take advantage of the opportunities to step in and fill the gap.”
“And you aren’t worried about him doing something he shouldn’t?”
“I’m a father, and wouldn’t be a very good one if I didn’t worry, but I do trust him. He’s an honest, good man.” Ross sighed. “Besides, Lila is old enough to know her own mind and I trust her.”
John smiled as his wife stepped outside with a tray of refreshments and set it between the two men on a rattan table before returning inside. John picked up a glass of iced tea and handed it to Ross then took one for himself. “To our children. May they enjoy long, happy lives with spouses who cherish, love, and encourage them.”
“Here, here.” Ross held his glass up in toast, wondering just how long it would take for Dugan to convince Delilah to marry him. For the sake of the grandchildren Ross longed to one day bounce on his knee, he hoped the deputy worked quickly.