Claiming the Cowboy's Heart (21 page)

Only if he acknowledged her growing strength. Not that she minded him providing an extra pair of eyes while Oliver’s murderer lurked about, but he had to understand that she wanted to prove she could take care of herself.

Chapter Fourteen

F
or two days Seth rode the perimeter of the ranch looking for evidence of the Englishman, dividing his time between that and keeping Jayne company, mostly doing his best to make sure she didn’t leave the house.

The only exception was when she fed Thor, and he stuck to her side like a burr. Thor had quickly become a pet. He raced to the fence when they approached with a bottle. He welcomed the children to play with him. So far, they had restricted the fawn to the barn or his pen but soon he would need more space.

Letting him run about the ranch posed many risks, mostly predators. “You’ll have to be responsible to see that he’s shut up at night,” he warned Jayne that afternoon as they discussed the fawn.

“Me?”

He hadn’t meant to make it so plain that he wouldn’t be here. But she already knew that.

A curtain fell behind her eyes. “I’ll take care of him.”

The same way he would take care of her.

The next day was Sunday and there’d be so many people coming and going. Eddie and Linette invited everyone in the county to visit and attend church. But the Englishman would not be welcome nor would he likely show his face. Instead, he would lurk in the shadows, hoping for a careless moment.

Seth rubbed at the tightness in his neck.

Jayne didn’t mean to be careless about exposing herself to someone who might have her in his sights several yards away, but she was so determined not to let fear rule her that she often stood in clear view from any number of spots around the ranch.

He knew she would never consent to remaining in the house for the day so the next morning he put on his best shirt—a buff-colored cotton with pearly buttons— and a clean pair of trousers. He glanced down his leg. He’d worn this pair of trousers when he was shot and he’d figured they would go in the trash, but Jayne had scrubbed them clean and mended them so neatly he could hardly tell they’d been ripped. She certainly knew how to use a needle and thread. But despite her fine job, his trousers were about worn out.

He badly needed to buy some new duds. His boots were in particularly bad shape since he’d pried off the heel. It had taken two hours the night before to get them polished up as good as he could. He studied them. They still looked like they belonged on the range, not at a church gathering. Good thing this was a ranch church where the men were cowboys.

The others left as he waited at the bottom of the stairs for Jayne.

She came down the hall. “I’m ready.” She patted her head.

His eyes followed her hand. She’d scooped her shiny brown hair into some kind of curly thing at the back of her neck. Her skin glowed with summer color. A gray bonnet dangled from her hands. She wore a shiny dress in black and white stripes with a pretty collar that framed her face.

His mouth dried. She was a beautiful woman with a brave heart.

She smoothed the skirt of her dress. The fabric rustled with the touch. A very beautiful woman used to fine dresses, luxuries and servants. Used to being sheltered and protected.

The reminder burned through his thoughts.

Could he ever take care of her the way she deserved?

He knew the answer. Had known it from the beginning. No. He had a record of failure in protecting those close to him.

She should meet one of the rich land owners from the nearby ranches. Or a colonel from Fort Macleod. She deserved the very best in life.

He kept her close as they went to the cookhouse and once inside, sat between her and the windows.

She gave him a long, steady look, then shook her head as if to suggest he worried too much.

If they’d been alone, he would have said it wasn’t possible, considering the danger out there. Instead, he gave a smile that didn’t touch anything but his mouth and turned to the others.

Besides those who lived at the ranch, Ward, Grace and little Belle were in attendance. And two cowboys from the OK Ranch, Buck and Matt.

Bertie’s talk was simple and straightforward.

“God loves us and listens to our prayers. He will never fail to fulfill His promises.” Bertie went on to tell of times when God had shown His faithfulness.

Seth believed God loved him in a distant sort of way. After all, if God made him, He must feel some sort of responsibility for him. He just wasn’t sure God cared enough to answer his pleas. His doubts had started at Frank’s death and simply become a habit. He never gave them much thought. And didn’t intend to start doing so now.

As was the custom, after the service the guests enjoyed coffee and cinnamon buns served by Cookie.

Eddie questioned Matt and Buck. “Have you seen any strangers around? Like an Englishman.” He described the man.

Matt shook his head. “Ain’t seen much but the back end of cows for three weeks.”

“Me, too,” Buck added. Then he snapped his fingers. “We did see a campfire over toward Dead Man’s Coulee. Didn’t think much of it. You know how people ride through and stop only to spend the night? Figured it was only that. You think it might have been this here man you’re asking about?”

Eddie shrugged. “No way of telling but if you see this man, either apprehend him or come tell me or Constable Allen.”

They agreed they would.

Linette rose. “You’re welcome to join us for dinner,” she said to the pair.

Buck ducked his head. Matt cleared his throat. “Thanks but we thought of riding into town.”

Seth grinned.

Beside him, Cal chortled. “Someone new in town? Someone I should know about?”

Matt scowled so hard it should have been enough to dry Cal’s mouth to a prune. But Cal only grinned wider.

“There are two young ladies who have come with their parents. But I warn you, they’re already spoken for. Right, Buck?”

“That’s right.” The pair scrambled to their feet, murmured their thanks and beat a hasty retreat to the door with Cal’s mocking laughter following them.

Buster looked as if he couldn’t decide to be shocked or annoyed. He swallowed twice then got slowly to his feet. “Seem like real nice guys, they did. Those girls are fortunate to have the interest of such fine fellas.”

Seth choked back a laugh at how the young man had said what all of them likely thought and done it in such an innocent way.

Buster seemed a fine fella, too.

Seth would see to getting that belt made soon.

As everyone made their way to Eddie’s house, Matt and Buck waited on their horses and called to Seth.

He went to them.

“I almost forgot. Petey said I was to see you got this.” Matt handed him a letter.

He stuffed it in his pocket and hurried after the others. Yes, Eddie watched out for Jayne but Seth had given himself the responsibility of assuring her safety, and he couldn’t do that if he lollygagged behind.

The women went to the kitchen to finish the meal preparations.

Seth hovered close to the door, alert to any unusual sounds. From where he stood he could see part of the trail that led from town. He watched Matt and Buck ride out of sight. The dust they kicked up would provide a perfect cover for someone to ride close. He waited until their dust died down, his gaze alert to any sign of an intruder. When he saw nothing to alarm him, he leaned in the doorway and pulled out the letter.

The envelope was wrinkled, Seth’s name and address blurred. The return address was Corncrib. From Crawford. The pages had gotten wet at some point and many of the words were too blurred to make out.

“Received the money. Just in time as I was preparing to leave. I’ve done all I can. Your father—” he couldn’t read the next bit. He could decipher only a few more words “—plans to travel…”

He folded the smudged paper and put it in his pocket. Seems Crawford meant to leave whether or not Seth returned. He strode toward the open door and looked out. Was he already gone? Seems he must be. How long had Pa been alone? If Seth left immediately, would he get back in time or would Pa die alone and untended? His insides twisted and knotted. Words Pa had said after Frank’s body was discovered burned through his brain.
You didn’t take care of your brother. Suppose you mean to neglect your parents, as well
.

He’d tried burying the words, vowing to never let them rise again, and yet here they were, mocking him.

A cowboy crossed the yard and Seth jerked to attention. He meant to watch for anyone who meant to harm Jayne.

How could he leave her and go to his pa?

Yet how could he neglect his pa? Pa would be all alone. At least Jayne had Eddie, the ranch hands and all her friends. Not to mention the Mountie.

He turned to the stairs. He took three at a time but halfway up he stopped. Surely Crawford would have arranged for someone to check on Pa. Made sure he had food and water. He sighed. That made him sound like a pet.

But would a day or two make any difference to Pa except in Seth’s mind? Was he letting cruel, thoughtless words spoken by his pa at a time of stress drive his decisions?

He stood on the stairs. What should he do? Be a responsible son or a caring friend who made sure Jayne was safe before he left?

Slowly he descended the stairs, his decision growing firmer with each step. He would never have any peace until he knew the murdering Englishman had been captured and Jayne was safe.

Then he’d ride hard and fast to Corncrib and take care of his pa.

He joined the others and listened to their chatter. He sat at the dinner table and enjoyed the feast, then afterward he joined in the visiting. He rose often and circled the room, looking out the window for any sign of danger. Eddie often checked the windows, too.

There were so many places the man could hide then slip closer without being seen. The yard was exposed from every side to any decent marksman.

Seth had forgotten how to pray. But he was beginning to think he might need to get back into practice, because only God could see everywhere at once.

* * *

Jayne did her best to appear unconcerned about the lurking Englishman but it was impossible to relax and forget it, even for a moment, with both Eddie and Seth prowling from window to window. Bedtime finally arrived, promising relief from the constant reminder until she realized Seth meant to sleep outside her door.

“I’m sure there’s no need,” she protested.

“How can you be sure? You can’t. So Eddie and I have agreed you will be guarded day and night until that man is under lock and key.”

She looked past Seth’s shoulder to Eddie.

Eddie nodded. “It seems the safest.”

She sighed, went into her room and closed the door. She and Mercy and Sybil had chosen to sleep in the small rooms down a short hallway off the kitchen rather than upstairs. Perhaps the latter would have been a better choice.

She lay in bed, acutely aware that Seth was on the other side of the door. She expected to stay awake, eyes wide, listening for any sound, but she fell asleep almost instantly.

She wakened the next morning with a smile on her lips. Remembering Seth guarded her door, her smile widened.

Not wanting to disturb him if he still slept, she tiptoed about getting dressed then cracked open the door.

“Good morning.” He sat on a tipped-back chair facing her door. “Did you have a good sleep?”

“I did.” She studied him closely. His cheeks were dark with a day’s worth of whiskers and his eyes were red rimmed. “Were you awake all night?”

“Off and on.”

“Aren’t you being overly concerned?”

“Don’t think so.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to say she wasn’t Frank or Sarah and wasn’t about to do something foolish like run out into the open, waving her arms, but he yawned and she only wanted to tell him to relax and get some sleep.

“I’m going to feed Thor then help Linette with breakfast.” It didn’t surprise her when he followed her down the hall. Nor did she object when he pressed her to his side as they went to the barn. There were advantages to his concern.

Breakfast was over when the Mountie rode in.

“Good news,” he said to the adults who waited for him in the kitchen. “I believe we have your man.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a ring that he showed to Jayne. “Do you recognize this?”

“Yes. It’s the ring Oliver’s murderer was wearing.”

“You’re absolutely certain?”

Jayne nodded. “Completely.”

“Good. He’ll go to Fort Macleod where the colonel will question him and arrange to have him sent back to England. Miss Gardiner, you may have to go there and give evidence, though the colonel might decide to accept your statement plus the evidence I’ll provide.”

“What do you have?” Eddie asked.

“In the man’s belongings were the stub of his steamship ticket and the copy of a newspaper article concerning Oliver Spencer’s death. Pretty conclusive evidence in my opinion, plus he fits Miss Gardiner’s description.”

Eddie clapped the Mountie on the back. “It’s good to know he is no longer a threat to my sister.”

* * *

Seth didn’t add his thanks or gratitude. He simply shook the Mountie’s hand. Jayne would now be safe. He could leave with a peaceful heart and go to Corncrib to fulfill his duty to his pa.

As soon as the Mountie departed, Jayne bounced to her feet. “I feel like I’ve been set free. Now I can go outside without an armed guard.”

At least she didn’t look at Seth when she uttered those words so he tried not to take them personally.

Jayne rushed toward the door. “I’m going to enjoy the sunshine. Who’s coming with me?”

Mercy and Sybil hurried after her. Seth followed more slowly. He really should be on his way. He could get a good start on the journey. But first he had to make sure Thor could handle being out of his pen, as they’d agreed to do for the first time today.

Jayne headed straight for the fawn’s enclosure and opened the gate. “I think it’s time for this little guy to enjoy some freedom, too. Come on, Thor.”

The fawn trotted over to her and followed her past the barn to the open area between the buildings. Billy and Grady raced over. Neil left the chores he’d been doing and came to watch.