Choosing Love (Hero Hearts: Historical) Page 8

  “Perhaps you shouldn’t be so angry with her, she doesn’t mean to be unhappy,” Hayden said, offering Miss Holdsworth his arm as they made their way towards the school.

  “I know. She married Papa when he was a clerk at the bank. She believed that he would have a respectable career with promotions and pay increases. She believed they’d live in the city where she wished to be. But Papa was miserable in that job. He hated that life.”

  “Men have it easy, when they are unhappy they can just up and change everything,” Hayden said. “Women have to do as they are bidden and often accept lives that are not of their choosing.”

  “I never thought of it that way. I just felt that she begrudged Papa his dreams. I never really considered that Papa took hers without even thinking of how she might feel about it,” Miss Holdsworth said, her face thoughtful. “Maybe I should be kinder to her. I should hate to have a husband decide my path in life, though I don’t doubt that will be my fate.”

  “As it is of most women,” Hayden said as they mounted the steps to the front door of the school. “I often think that our society is wrong to dismiss the talents and dreams of our womenfolk. Many of the women I have known are cleverer and more practical than all the men I know.” He chuckled at that and shook his head.

  “You are an unusual man, Mr. Galsworthy,” Miss Holdsworth said as he opened the door for them to enter the cool school house. “I doubt there is another man in Texas who thinks the way you do.”

  “I doubt there are many anywhere,” Hayden laughed. “I know that in Boston I was considered quite peculiar when I fought for a friend of my wife’s to be admitted to the University. She was so terribly clever and had so much to offer, but they were refusing purely because she was a woman.”

  “You were married? I wasn’t aware of that,” Miss Holdsworth said as they made their way along the corridor to Mrs. Temple’s classroom.

  “I was, and most happily. Veronica was lovely and clever, and foolish enough to think I was wonderful.” He chuckled at the memory.

  “That’s not hard to believe.” Rebecca blushed and ducked her head as she said the words. Hayden felt his chest swell with sheer happiness, realizing that she liked him. Did he dare to think that maybe even as much as he liked her?

  “There was an outbreak of diphtheria. She volunteered, through the church, to nurse those afflicted. Everyone tried to talk her out of it.”

  “And she fell prey to the disease, too?” Rebecca’s tone was soft and understanding.

  “Yes, she did. I miss her every day but I know she would be proud of me and what I have achieved here in Springville. She would have loved the adventure of life here. I think she would have been one of those formidable women you see more out here than back East. Those that make their own way through life.” Hayden smiled and waited to see how this new information affected her..

  “Like Mrs. Wilburton in Harrisonville?” Rebecca asked. “I think people are still surprised that a woman would want to be mayor, let alone do it so well.”

  “Indeed. She is an excellent example,” Hayden agreed as they entered Mrs. Temple’s classroom. The children crowded around them excitedly and Hayden laughed as they led Miss Holdsworth to the front of the classroom, and insisted she read them a story.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Even as she sat in the Jenkes’ drawing room, waiting to find out what had happened behind Mr. King’s office door, Rebecca couldn’t help but think about everything that had passed between Mr. Galsworthy and herself that afternoon. It seemed wrong to be thinking of him this way, on the day of a funeral, yet he was the only thing she seemed able to focus on.

  She had been surprised to learn that he’d once been married, but she felt no envy for a woman who had sadly been taken before her time. Veronica Galsworthy sounded like she had been a lovely person and Rebecca knew she could never live up to such a woman. But, she had the strangest feeling that she didn’t need to try. This afternoon had made her certain that Hayden Galsworthy was as fascinated by her, as Rebecca was by him. That thought made her heart jump for joy.

  She wondered how long it would be before she and Coby made their announcement. Rebecca hoped that it would be soon. She longed to be able to run to Mr. Galsworthy and tell him that she was free, that she hoped he might consider her worthy of him. But, Mama would be utterly ashamed of any daughter of hers prostrating herself before a man in such a way. And so Rebecca knew she’d have to wait until he came to her when he heard the news. But, she longed to be able to tell him, in subtle ways of course, that he could.

  Harriet and Frederick were still here, with their children, as were the other Jenkes siblings and their families. Harriet sat fidgeting with a handkerchief, pulling at the lace at the edges, making it fray. Coby and Allison finally entered the room, having said goodbye to all of their guests. Rebecca stood and moved towards them. They looked calm, at ease even. “He left you the ranch,” she whispered to Coby as he bent to kiss her cheek.

  “He did, and to Allison, too. She has a quarter share and may stay here as long as she wishes,” he said.

  “I’m so glad,” Rebecca said truthfully. “But what about everyone else?”

  Coby smiled, and gestured that she should take a seat. Allison sat down beside her and the friends held hands.

  Frederick stood up. “This is ridiculous,” he declared. “The old man must have been out of his mind when he wrote that thing.”

  “Papa was many things,” Coby said. “Cantankerous, spiteful, clever. But I doubt any of you’d find a single soul who’d ever declare him out of his wits.”

  He seemed so unusually calm. Rebecca found herself feeling proud of him. She had warmed to him more and more since his father had fallen ill, and if it weren’t for the presence of Mr. Galsworthy might even have come to terms with the idea of becoming his bride.

  “No court in the land could ever allow so flagrant a disregard of the laws of inheritance,” a shrill female voice interjected.

  Rebecca turned to see who had spoken. It was Old Man Jenkes’ daughter, Clementine. She had not moved from Old Man Jenkes’ seat by the fire since they had returned from the service. She seemed to have hoped that taking his seat might convey the power he had once held. It did not work.

  “I will not see any of you without a share, as Papa had intended,” Coby said generously. “But, I will not split the ranch between you all. This place needs a firm hand. I cannot run it with all of you demanding your slice or your say on things you know nothing about.”

  “As if any of us would want to be tied to this place,” Will, the eldest son, said spitefully, hoping to wound Coby. “I’ll gladly take my share and never return.”

  “I’ll arrange with Mr. King to have the funds sent to your lawyers as soon as it can be arranged. I’ll decide the amount. You’ll each receive a fair share. I do not wish for our family to be estranged, but if you choose never to return I can do nothing to change your minds. I wish you all a safe journey home.”

  Rebecca was surprised to see everyone begin to stand up and make their way towards the doors. She had expected everyone to be much more upset, or to think they might be able to persuade Coby to override his father’s wishes. But, the firm tone he had used with them, and the fact he offered them money seemed to have taken the wind from their sails. They’d only ever wanted the money anyway.

  As Coby followed them out, Rebecca turned to Allison. “I am so happy for you both.”

  “I know, it is rather wonderful, isn’t it?” Allison said. “Though I doubt that they will be so polite once they return to their homes and set their lawyers upon us. But, I doubt they’ll be able to change anything. Mr. King said that the will was drawn up with all necessary requirements, and Coby has offered them a settlement he has no need to make. This is our home. It has not been theirs for a long time. None of them is prepared to put the work in that is needed to make the ranch work, so they don’t deserve to share in it.”

  Rebecca had never heard Allison so deter
mined. “So you intend to work the ranch with your brother?” she asked.

  “I do. Like you, I love this place. I love the work and Coby sees no reason why I shouldn’t do whatever I please. I do not have a husband to dictate my actions and, in truth, have no desire to have one.”

  “I admire your courage. I should so love to be able to run the ranch with my Papa, but Mama would be aghast at such an idea.”

  “Then it is as well that you will be Coby’s wife soon. He will be more than happy for you to do so,” Allison said, smiling up as her brother re-entered the room.

  “About that,” he said with a regretful look. “I know you long to have Rebecca as your sister, but she and I have decided that we don’t suit. We aren’t a match.”

  “Not a match?” Allison asked, looking a little confused.

  “No. I’m happy alone and Rebecca, I suspect, is more than a little in love with Hayden Galsworthy.”

  Rebecca gasped. She had not realized her affections had been so easily noticed. “I am so sorry,” she said. “I never meant to care so much for him. And I certainly never intended for you to know of it. Not that it will avail me in any way.”

  “He’d be a fool to pass you over,” Coby said warmly, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “And, I don’t think you need doubt that he returns your affections. I’ve been watching how he looks at you and how protective of you he is.”

  “But, I fear he still loves his wife. He is a widower, you know,” Rebecca said.

  “I think that he’s a pragmatic man and knows that holding on to a lost love isn’t the best way to face the future.” Coby sounded wise and understanding. Rebecca was amazed at his insight and wisdom. “I’ve invited him to join us for supper this evening, I thought it best we settle things as soon as possible.”

  “You… you invited him here?” Rebecca asked.

  “I did, and he is to stop by and collect your parents on his way.”

  “You’re such a schemer,” Allison teased her brother. “I can hardly believe you could do this, to arrange everything without anyone knowing.”

  Rebecca was shedding silent tears of joy. Allison squeezed her hand, and Coby pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I like to take care of my family, and Rebecca is as much a little sister to me as you, Allison,” Coby said proudly.

  “Thank you,” Rebecca breathed, looking up at him.

  The face she had once thought of as cold, the man she had believed to be uncouth and ill-mannered suddenly seemed kind and giving. He had saved his ranch from the grasping hands of his greedy siblings, he’d protected Allison and ensured her future was secure no matter what happened. And he’d given hope for Rebecca to be with the man she truly loved.

  Impulsively she stood up and flung her arms around Coby’s neck. “You are, and always will be the man every other has to match up to,” she whispered. He looked pleased as punch at her words as they drew apart.

  Mama looked grave when the gig pulled up outside the ranch house. Papa was more jovial, but Rebecca could tell by the look on Hayden’s face that the drive had not been a comfortable affair. She ran to help her mother descend from the buggy, and pressed a dutiful kiss to her cheek. Mama caressed Rebecca’s face tenderly and smiled at her. “Be happier than I have been,” she whispered. “Make the life you want.”

  “Oh, Mama,” Rebecca said, hearing her mother’s pain in every syllable.

  Papa leaped down and hugged Rebecca tightly. “Is what this young man says true? Are you really no longer affianced to Coby Jenkes?”

  “It is the truth. Coby and I decided we don’t want to be married, but he is eager to discuss the options ahead of you both to make both ranches more prosperous. He thinks a partnership is a very sensible idea,” Rebecca assured her father.

  “I don’t care so much about that. It will work out as God means it to. I just want to know you will be cared for and happy. Now, the other matter is this. Mr. Galsworthy has asked for your hand in marriage. I refused to give permission until I spoke to you. So, is it your wish to be the wife of a school master?” Papa looked at her with narrowed eyes.

  Rebecca nodded, her emotions making it almost impossible for her to speak. She wanted to tell her parents just how much she had come to love the quiet and clever man who was standing just a few paces away from them. She longed to be able to tell Hayden just how much of a comfort he had been to her, and an inspiration, too. But, the words caught in her throat.

  Her father took her arm and pulled her to the side, just a few steps away from her mother and Mr. Galsworthy. “Are you sure about this, Rebecca? In my estimation you’ve spent very little time with this man. I’m not sure you know him well enough to agree to marry him.”

  “I know him far better than Coby Jenkes, Papa. You were prepared to give me away to him and I barely knew him.” She watched her father closely and saw the guilt in his eyes. “But I’ve talked to Mr. Galsworthy on several occasions and I’m more than certain we are well suited. He is a hero, after all.”

  Her father took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Finally, he nodded. “Very well. Then if you’re sure I’ll give him permission to ask you.” He led her back to the gig and took her mama by the hand and led her inside.

  Rebecca and Hayden were alone. Standing face to face.

  “I’m aware that this seems sudden. We haven’t been officially courting. I guess the situation hasn’t been ideal for us to have a real courtship.”

  “I don’t mind, really. I’m not a fussy girl, but I do know what’s important to me.” Rebecca looked into his eyes feeling bolder by the minute.

  “So what’s important to you, Miss Holdsworth? I really do want to know.” He held her gaze and she was captured by his sincere brown eyes. He didn’t always wear his spectacles and though she didn’t mind them, she was especially thankful she could see his eyes clearly at the moment.

  “Faith. Trust. Love. There are other things that are important, but these are the most important to me.”

  “Worthy traits, indeed. So, Miss Holdsworth, will you agree to be my wife?” Hayden’s voice was tender and filled with hope.

  “I will,” she said, glad that she was able to articulate the simple response when it was time.

  “I loved you from that very first night, when you were all dressed up in that dress and all that rouge. You looked like a little girl trying to be grown up. But, though you were quite lovely that night, you have come to be more beautiful to me every day since. As I have been privileged to know you, the girl beneath all the embellishments is an amazing woman. I promise I will do everything in my power make you happy and give you the liberty to pursue the life you desire.”

  “Well, first of all, I’d rather like it if you might call me Rebecca. Might I call you Hayden?” He nodded and smiled. “And, the other thing is, I rather enjoying ranching and would love to continue to assist my papa up here with his herds. Would you be terribly objectionable and stop me from doing so?”

  “The first is easy, Rebecca,” Hayden said, lingering over her name as if he were savoring it like a fine wine. “The second would be to take away from you everything that makes you who you are. I will be happy to see you do whatever makes you happy and gives you purpose. It isn’t as though you would ever ask me to stop being a school master, or that’s not something I expect from you.”

  “Quite true. Now shall we go in and share our news?”

  Hayden took her arm and they headed to the house for a memorable supper with friends and family.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Hayden waited nervously at the church. Coby stood to his right. If anyone had told him, just three months previously that Coby Jenkes would become his closest friend, Hayden would have laughed, but he had discovered the brash man had hidden depths. He truly cared about his sister Allison, and about the entire Holdsworth family. He and Mr. Holdsworth had agreed terms that would see both their herds increase, and their wealth expand in the years to come.

  But, the action that had m
ost convinced Hayden of the older man’s worth had been his intervention regarding Rebecca. Coby had come to him, just after Old Man Jenkes passed away, and told him that he and Rebecca would not be marrying. Hayden had tried not to let it show just how wonderful the news was to him. It would have been insensitive at best to show glee when the man had just lost his father and the most beautiful woman in town.

  Coby had calmly stated that there was another man and that he did not wish to be second best in Rebecca’s eyes. Hayden had at first been incredulous. The idea that Rebecca could possibly have been untrue to Coby was preposterous. But, then Coby had winked at him. “The man is you, my friend. She’s head over heels in love with you.”

  “No, I can assure you it isn’t me. She’s not in love with me.” Hayden had protested but Coby held up a hand to stop him.

  “I’ve been watching you both, and I can assure you that she loves you.” Coby had insisted and Hayden had felt his heart leap, but he still had a hard time believing it.

  “I thought you were watching because she was yours and you would not tolerate any encroachment upon her.” Hayden chuckled nervously, but Coby slapped him on the back.

  “Not at all. I just wanted to be sure. Now, I’ll be inviting the Holdsworth’s to join Allison and I for a late supper after my father’s funeral. I suggest you offer to pick them up and ask for their permission to ask for Rebecca’s hand. You’ll have them as a captive audience and you can work out any differences on the drive over.”

  And so, that’s what had occurred and brought them to this place today.

  And now, he stood waiting for her to appear so that they could be joined together for eternity. He knelt down at the altar and prayed for strength and courage to lead the family he was sure to have.

  Then turned his eyes up to Heaven. Silently, he spoke to Veronica. “I hope you will be happy with the road I have taken. Rebecca is just as unique and special as you. I will always love you. But, I didn’t know how lonely I was until I met Rebecca. I love her.”