Brazos Bride (13 page)

Ramona came to stand by Hope’s chair, as if unsure of her place. “You are like my sister. Why did you say nothing to me of this marriage?”

Hope groped for the right words. She spoke softly, hoping to soothe her long-time friend’s hurt feelings. “I did not want anyone to know, not even you. Everything will be all right now.”

“
Are you so sure?”

She clasped Ramona’s hand in hers.
“
You remember my father’s birthday fandango when I danced with Micah?” When Ramona nodded, Hope continued, “I fell in love with him then.”

Ramona whispered, “But you said nothing, even when I confessed my feelings for Eduardo.”

“
How could I? I had no idea how he felt. My father had been so rude to him, and I feared Micah would never speak to me again.” She gave Ramona’s hand a pat. “Do not worry yourself. I will explain everything later.”

Though he must be as exhausted as she was, Micah stood at Hope’s other side. “Hope, these are my aunts, Lizzie Mae Fraser and Maggie Jo Gamble, who’ve come from Weatherford to help out for a while.”

Quickly, Hope wondered if Micah had heard her words to Ramona. If he had, surely he’d decide they were part of the plan to be convincing. “Meeting you is a pleasure. Ladies, this is my lifelong friend, Ramona Chavez, who has acted as my companion recently. I could not have done without her help or her friendship.”

Hope forgot her earlier resentment when she looked at the two women’s lovely smiles. “Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. Gamble, you are very kind to come to my aid so quickly. I hope this will not be too much of a burden for you.”

The tall thin one called Maggie said, “No burden at all. It’s a grand adventure for us.”

“
We met Miss Chavez outside. She was most kind.” Tall, round Lizzie laughed, and the brown curls peeking beneath her bonnet bounced. “Now, Hope dear, you call us by our names, I’m Lizzie and my sister is Maggie. You too, Miss Chavez. After all, we’re family now. And we’ll enjoy having loved ones to cook for. It’s been too long since we had that satisfaction.” She unfastened her bonnet and removed it.

Maggie did the same. “And we know how to keep these three boys in line.” She rolled her eyes. “Well, as much as anyone can.”

Lizzie’s easy laughter bubbled up to brighten the room. “Isn’t that the truth? You boys are a caution. But it’s wonderful to see you again. Hope, we’re happy Micah found himself a wonderful wife.”

Hope couldn’t help the pleasure spreading through her at Lizzie’s remark. She’d had so few compliments in her life. Lizzie’s flowed around her like a warm blanket in winter.

Maggie said, “We brought food with us since we didn’t know if we’d have what we needed to cook for you this evening and tomorrow.”

Lizzie sobered. “And look how thin you are, dear. We’ll soon see about that, won’t we, boys?”

Consuela, the housekeeper, reappeared followed by three others. The old cook, Anunciata, waddled in wiping her hands on her apron. Maria and Tomasina peeked shyly around her. Hope sent them a reassuring smile. All four women stared at Micah with curiosity.

For years, Hope had tried to talk the cook into retiring. She’d even purchased a small home in town for Anunciata, who had to be close to eighty now. At the same time the woman appeared to disapprove of Hope, Annunciata insisted she could still do her job. She was Ramona’s
abuela
, her grandmother, which made the job of easing her out more difficult. The aunts’ presence would make that task possible, but breaking the news to Annunciata definitely would not be pleasant.

Hope smiled at her employees. “This is my husband, Señor Micah Stone. He and his family will be staying with us.” She turned to Micah. “Two other women who help out when needed are married to drovers and live in homes near the bunkhouse.”

The staff members present bobbed their heads in deference to the newcomers, but Anunciata frowned as she did so.

Consuela said, “Whatever we can do to assist you will be our pleasure.” She’d removed the white coverall from her gray dress, and looked regal. Her dark hair was in a chignon as always and her dark brown eyes showed her intelligence.

Maria said, “
Sí
, Señorita.” She gasped, “I mean Señora. We will do whatever we can to make your marriage a blessing.”

Shy Tomasina smiled but hovered behind the others.

Hope said, “Anunciata, please, sit down. We must talk.”

The cook lowered herself to a chair by the door. She moved as if she ached in every part of her body. “Do not worry. I can cook for all these peoples."

Dear Lord, give me the right words
.

Hope said, “I know that you can,
abuela
, but we must make changes. You have worked too many years and deserve a rest. You remember you have a house in town where there is room for your garden and you can visit with others each day. You can rest there whenever you wish.”

Anunciata frowned, “You would push me aside because you have married? You think I would leave when you are ill like your mamacita? She made me promise to look after you. What will happen to you without me?”

Hope gestured to Micah’s aunts. “These ladies are my husband’s aunts. They love to cook and they will handle all the food preparation. Tomasina can help them.”

Ramona smiled at her grandmother. “
Abuela
, this is a good change, is it not? We have talked about it. I helped Hope choose the furnishings for the little
casita
in town. You will love living there.”

Heedless of her granddaughter, the cook clutched her chest as if in pain. “Aiiieee, you can’t mean it? To cast me aside like an old shoe. What will become of me, and of my Ramona?”

Hope turned to look at her friend then back at her cook. “You know Ramona is like my sister. I thought she would remain here as always, but she can choose to live here or with you.”

Ramona’s widened eyes and a frown displayed her shock and sorrow. “I know not what to do,” she said to Hope. “The house, it is perfect for her. I thought
abuela
would be happy to go there, especially since she is not needed here.”

Hope said, “Anunciata, you have a lovely little house where you can do as you wish, and I will give you money each month.”

Anunciata sobbed. She reached for her rosary and her actions brushed her skirt hem aside, displaying her swollen lower limbs and red, angry skin.

Ramona gasped, “
Abuela
, your feet and legs!” She touched Hope’s arm. “I must see to my
abuela
. She needs me.” She walked swiftly to her grandmother and took her hand. “Come, we will get our things together and leave tonight.”

Heart wrenching, Hope stood and stretched out her hand. “Ramona, Anunciata, please. It grows dark. Wait until morning to leave.” Ramona had lived near since they were small girls. They had been together almost each day of their lives.

Ramona shook her head, tears in her eyes. “You hid from me that you planned to marry this man who murdered your papa. Now you bring in others to surround you. It is clear you do not trust me. Now that you have these strangers, you need me no longer and
abuela
does.”

Hope rose and hugged her. “No, you are my sister. I understand your grandmother needs you. When she is settled, please return here.”

“
I will think about it.” Ramona hung her head. “But now, Alejandro will drive us to town.”

Ramona’s departure was interrupted by Joel and Zach. The men hauled in case after case for the aunts.

Hope sank back to her chair. Every part of her plan meant her survival. One of these people intended to kill her. But how many innocent people would she hurt before this was over?

Chapter Fourteen

Hope gestured to her housekeeper. “Consuela, will you show our guests to their rooms.”

“
Con gusta
.” Consuela gestured toward the stairs. “Will the second floor be all right for the ladies, or would you prefer that I arrange something downstairs?”

Hope considered only a moment. “Perhaps the rooms at the back down here would be best for you, Lizzie and Maggie. Then you won’t have to climb stairs. Consuela will show you, and you must let someone know of anything you need.”

Hope rose and walked toward the steps, “Gentlemen, follow me up and I will show you to your rooms. I must lie down now.”

Consuela called, “When we heard of your marriage, Señora, we quickly moved your things to the room that was your mama’s.”

Hope stumbled and would have fallen but Micah caught her. Sleep in her mother’s room, with Micah only a dressing room away? She dragged herself up a couple of steps then faltered. Could she do it?

She thought she’d planned everything out carefully. How had she overlooked so many things, especially this? Why hadn’t she realized Micah would be so close when uniting herself with this man temporarily? What next?

As if misunderstanding her hesitance as fatigue, Micah swept her into his arms and started upward. “You’re so tired you can hardly stand. Tell me which way to turn.”

Weariness overwhelmed her. Although he had misunderstood her faltering, Micah had spoken the truth. “The second door on the left. Zach and Joel—“

“
Are grown men and will find themselves rooms.” He toed open the door and sat her on her mother’s bed.

Only now it was hers. Her gaze darted around the room. All her toiletries were here, her books, her knick-knacks. It appeared nothing of her mother’s had been removed, so the dressing table and chest were cluttered with the combination. With a smile, she saw that Consuela had remembered to move in her favorite rocking chair and place it by the window.

She slid her hand over the pale green coverlet of the dark cherry four-poster. “It seems odd to use Mama’s room.”

He looked as uncomfortable as she felt. “Didn’t your parents sleep together?”

She couldn’t hide her surprise at his question. “Certainly not.” Theresa and John slept in the same bed, but she thought it unusual.

“
Mine did.” His lips formed a firm line and he frowned.

She indicated the dressing room. “Your room is through there, where Papa slept.”

“
I don’t cotton to sleeping in your father’s bed. Reckon I’d planned on us sharing a room, like at the hotel.”

She refused to meet his eyes. Lying in his arms last night had been wonderful.
Too wonderful
. No way could she trust her heart by repeating that experience.

Never would she toss her independence aside on girlish fancies. She’d spent twenty-four years under a man’s thumb, jumping at his whim and subjected to his moods. It was time she had a chance to rule her own life.

A chance to be free.

When she made no reply, Micah said, “You’ll have to leave your door open, Hope. No way I can protect you otherwise.”

Still not looking up, she nodded. “I will. And you can hear me if I call out.”

He knelt and removed her shoes. “I’m getting pretty good at this.” He turned back the cover then he scooped her up in his arms.

She returned his smile. “I missed your help when I was getting dressed at your home.”

Caught off guard, she shivered from her illness, even though the weather was hot.

He guided her and she sank into the soft mattress. Micah covered her as he’d done at his home earlier that day. She was grateful to be in her home, grateful to be resting, grateful for his kindness.

Before he pulled away, she grabbed his hand. “Thank you for all you have done. Thank your brothers and aunts, too.”

Loud screams erupted from downstairs.

Hope started to rise and investigate but all energy had drained from her. She fell back on her bed and covered her face with her hands. “What now can be wrong?”

Micah laid his hand on her shoulder. “You stay here and rest. I’ll see what all the caterwauling’s about.”

The noise grew louder as he raced from the room.

Micah rushed down the stairs and into the kitchen. Anunciata, rolling pin raised high, threatened Lizzie while Maggie tried to protect her sister. Ramona tugged at her grandmother, who screamed Spanish curses. Consuela and Maria also tried to calm the old cook. The other little maid--he forgot her name--hid behind the pie safe.

Micah grabbed the rolling pin and stood between his aunts and Anunciata. “What’s going on?”

Zach and Joel, who’d stormed down the stairs with him, waited nearby.

All the women chattered at once. Micah held up his hand. “Stop!”

When he had silence, he asked, “Ramona, tell me what’s caused this ruckus.” In his haste, he forgot to call her Miss Chavez, but what the hell difference could it make?

Ramona glared at his aunts, then at him. “
Abuela
wanted a few of her things from the kitchen.
Las
tias
, your aunts, would not allow her to take them.”