After the lengthy perusal Kyler offered her an agreeable smile.
‘I admit you’re a challenge, but that isn’t why I want to court you. I like what I see in you, Jessie, both inside and out.’
‘Like trying to see me at the pool, during my bath?’
‘No, ma’am,’ he replied at once. ‘I sure didn’t expect to catch you taking a dip in the creek. That was a complete accident.’
‘There are other girls around,’ Jessie changed the subject. ‘Why not try and court one of them?’
‘They don’t cause a stir in my gut the way you do.’
‘Oh, fine.’ She was sarcastic. ‘I make you queasy. I guess we do have something in common after all.’
‘I reckon mine is a love-sickness,’ he said, attempting to counter her remark. ‘You maybe need to buy yourself some stomach bitters.’
The first tune ended. Most of the couples parted
company. The last dance was promised to the man holding the girl’s ribbon, but she was free to dance with whomever she chose until that time.
Jessie stood with Kyler, poised as if still dancing to the music, each of them looking at the other.
‘Miss Yates?’ A voice broke their timeless stare. ‘May I have the next dance?’
Kyler was more than a little surprised to see Huxton standing there. Jessie displayed a curious frown, but she was gracious.
‘Of course, Mr Huxton,’ she replied.
Kyler felt the light of the world growing dark. Standing there with Jessie in his arms seemed the most natural thing in the world. When she turned to join the interloper he felt his heart slipping away. Nevertheless, he took a step back.
‘You don’t mind, do you, Dane?’
‘The price of being a gentleman is sometimes high,’ he replied. Then he looked at Jessie again. ‘Thank you for the pleasure of the dance, Miss Yates.’
‘You still have claim to the last dance,’ she said.
The music started and Huxton spun away with Jessie. Kyler watched, both curious and crestfallen.
Huxton didn’t speak until he had guided Jessie to the far side of the barn. When he gazed down at her, Jessie knew he was interested in more than a dance.
‘You two seem to getting along rather well for being from rival camps,’ he began. ‘Maybe it is an inducement for you to trade sides?’
‘He happened to buy my ribbon,’ she said,
dismissing
his suggestion. ‘I was only allowing him his due.’
‘What do you know about him?’
The question puzzled Jessie. ‘Why ask me? He works for you.’
‘I worry that his devotion to you could
compromise
the work he does for me.’
She laughed at the idea.
‘Other than fight like two dogs with one bone between us, we’ve hardly said a civil word to each other.’
‘Then I can assume your brother hasn’t hired the man to be a spy for your camp?’
She continued to scoff. ‘Where would we get the money to hire a gunman? We are barely able to stave off the bank! You and your bully-boys, by beating up our drivers, destroying our supplies and looting our wagons, have us nearly broke.’
‘I’m a man who gets what he wants, Miss Yates,’ Huxton said, not bothering to deny her accusations. ‘Perhaps there is a solution for us both.’
‘And what would that be?’ she asked.
‘A bonding union between you and me would bring our two companies together. We could unite the freight and stage runs under one company and both share in the good fortune.’
Jessie was stunned. ‘You – are you suggesting marriage?’
‘I’m not a bad catch,’ he replied easily. ‘And I could provide you with a very nice existence. You would be a queen.’
‘You and your hired gunmen have pushed us to the brink of financial ruin, but we still have a breath of life left in us and I still have my dignity.’
‘I don’t want a fight with you and your family, Jessie. I would prefer we join forces and make a company we can run together.’
‘And if I refuse?’ she challenged. ‘I suppose you will have your men force my other brothers into a fight and kill them, the same as Cory!’
‘Strap and young Cory’s fight was between the two of them. It was not on my orders. I’m opposed to violence.’
‘You can’t expect me to be so naïve. You’ve several men working for you who do nothing but rob and harass our drivers.’
Huxton flinched, but continued to guide her about in time to the music.
‘My, but you have a low opinion of me.’
‘It is well earned,’ Jessie retorted.
‘You’ve a feisty nature,’ he said with a smirk. ‘I do believe a man would have his hands full with you as his wife.’
‘It’s something you’ll never have to worry about.’
He chuckled. ‘Take some time to think about my proposal.’
‘We’re not down to bartering me into slavery yet.’ She was again curt.
Huxton regarded her with a long, hard stare. She felt her body temperature cool under the frosty gaze.
‘You might want to seriously think over my proposal, Miss Yates. I’m offering you and your family a chance for survival. A joint venture between your family’s company and my own would be an amicable solution.’
She mustered her resolve.
‘The answer is no! Mr Huxton. I refuse to be bullied by you and your gunmen.’
The music stopped to end the tune. Huxton bowed shortly.
‘Thank you for the dance, Miss Yates. I’m sorry we can’t find a peaceful solution to our situation.’
Jessie did not reply, but watched the man thread his way through the throng of people. He quickly disappeared from sight.
‘What did the vulture want?’ Mike asked, having come to stand at her side.
‘He wants us to join his company in a partnership.’
Mike raised his eyebrows in surprise.
‘Do what?’
‘Yes,’ Jessie said, ‘and I’m to be the topping for this cake of a deal. I only have to marry him to make the contract complete.’
‘I’m guessing you said no.’
Jessie furrowed her brow.
‘Of course I said no!’
‘Strange, him offering up an arrangement,’ said Mike.
‘I’m not exactly the worst catch in the valley,’ she objected.
‘That isn’t my point, Jess,’ Mike replied. ‘If he is wanting to make a deal with us, he might be at the end of his rope.’
‘You think so?’
‘Huxton’s sister-in-law was in town for a couple of days. We don’t know the what or why of her visit, but Jeff overheard her tell him that he had “thirty days” right before she left on the stage. He thought it
might only be about getting together again, but it could have had something to do with the fate of his freight business.’
‘H and B,’ Jessie said, thinking of the name of his company. ‘Huxton and Bailey – isn’t Bailey her maiden name?’
‘Yes. Her family is very well off.’
Jessie felt a glimmer of hope.
‘Maybe Huxton is running out of money. Maybe he wants to marry me to save his business.’
‘It could be. We just don’t know.’
‘Miss Yates?’ A man stepped forward. ‘May I have the next dance?’
Mike gave the man a short once-over and grunted again.
‘I don’t think you’re going to get much rest tonight, Jess. I hope you don’t end up with blisters on both feet.’
The music started and she was immediately swept away with the cowboy. Any further discussions with Mike would have to wait until after the dance was over.
Kyler watched from a distance, disheartened, as an entire parade of men sought out a dance with Jessie. What chance did he honestly have with her? She was the toast of the town; she could have her choice of any man in the room.
Nat came over with his third helping of food from the buffet table.
‘You ain’t et a bite, sonny. That old saying about how a man can live on love only works if his love is for food … and he’s getting all he needs.’
‘I might as well eat something,’ Kyler acquiesced. ‘I won’t be able to get close to Jessie until the last dance.’
‘Right neighborly of Big Mike to tip you about her ribbon.’
‘You noticed who tapped my shoulder for the next dance with Jessie?’
‘Huxton,’ Nat said, rolling his eyes. ‘I never figured him to be romantically inclined toward Jessie. I’d wager he has something else on his mind.’
‘Yeah, I wonder what it is?’
‘If the man is concerned about you and your loyalty it might be time to pack your things and git. You don’t want to tangle with Phoenix.’
Kyler didn’t respond, but wandered over and picked up a plate. He would have to wait until the last dance to be with Jessie again. Even as he stood at the refreshment table he saw her laugh at something her dance partner said. The pang of jealousy reared its ugly head, gnawing at his insides. He didn’t want her laughing with another man, or smiling at another man, or even sharing the same earth with another man!
Dad-gum, he thought, I’ve become as insecure as a mouse at a cat picnic!
At last the mayor gave the announcement for the last dance. Kyler approached Jessie and offered up a smile.
‘Reckon you’re about worn out. I haven’t seen you sit down all evening.’
She returned the semblance of a smile.
‘The only let-up was when the band took a
twenty-minute
break. I think I’ve got blisters on my blisters.’
‘We can sit this one out, if you’d like?’
‘No,’ she answered. ‘My brothers would swarm down on us like vultures.’
The music began a slow-tempo song for the final number. Jessie took her position and they started to move.
‘I never used to get asked to dance,’ she spoke up after a few moments, ‘because of my brothers. Most of the boys were afraid to come near me.’
‘Yeah, Big Mike’s presence is enough to curb most guys’ enthusiasm for trying to spark his little sister.’
‘Spark!’ she said distastefully. ‘Not a very flattering word for romance.’
He chuckled. ‘I reckon it’s about as romantic as some oaf making gibberish out of Tennyson, huh?’
His humor prompted a laugh.
‘You did pretty much demolish the man’s poetry.’
‘Just goes to show that a man shouldn’t try to be something he’s not.’
‘Oh?’ she raised an eyebrow. ‘You mean a man shouldn’t try to impress a girl?’
Kyler immediately back-pedaled.
‘No, I meant he should stick to what he knows. Nothing gets a fellow into more trouble than
showing
off for a lady.’
‘Yes, you’re right on that count.’
‘I was a little surprised that Huxton asked you to dance,’ Kyler changed the topic. ‘That’s kind of like consorting with the enemy isn’t it?’
‘It was more personal than business,’ she replied.
‘You mean he only wanted a dance?’
Jessie’s expression hardened and fire leapt into her eyes.
‘In case you didn’t notice, he wasn’t the only one who wanted to dance with me! Brothers or no brothers, I’m not exactly the most undesirable girl in the valley!’
‘No, ma’am,’ Kyler attempted to extract his foot from his mouth. ‘I was—’
‘Is it so hard to believe the man finds me
attractive
?’
‘No, ma’am,’ Kyler was still reeling. ‘I’d be among the first to point out that you sure ain’t the lean end of the pork-chop.’
Jessie stopped moving to the music and scowled at him.
‘I’m not what?’
Kyler’s brain refused to work.
‘You know, where women-folk are concerned, you’re more the prime cut.’ He swallowed his words, abruptly confounded by his poor choice of
comparison
. ‘What I mean is—’
‘I know what you mean!’ she snapped. ‘I’m equal to a piece of meat! A pork-chop! A choice portion of a pig!’
Kyler was in it, right up to his chin. He groped for a way to disarm the beast he had awakened, but he was trapped, without a weapon or a single defense to his name.
‘You mangle Tennyson’s beautiful poetry!’ Jessie scathed him with her attack. ‘Then you steal my clothes! You insult and embarrass me at every
opportunity
and now – now you compare me to a butcher’s cut from a hog!’
Kyler released his hold on Jessie and backed up, hands extended, palms outward, to attempt to calm her.
‘Miss Yates,’ he scrambled to reason with her. ‘I didn’t—’
‘Last dance or not,’ she pulled her ribbon from her pocket and threw it into his face, ‘I refuse to have anything more to do with an ignorant, uncouth lummox like you! Good night, Mr Dane!’
With those final words, Jessie whirled about and stormed away. Kyler could only watch, helpless, loathing the taste of having both feet firmly entrenched in his mouth. Jeff and Kenny joined up with Jessie, curious at her leaving the dance area in a
huff. Kyler knew that even if he had enough wit to conjure up an apology there would be no talking to her at the moment. Her temper was an overheated forge and it was going to take some time before she cooled down enough for him to approach.
‘Dad-gum, Dane!’ He cursed his maladroit handling. ‘Changing your name sure didn’t change the way you mishandle a woman!’
Big Mike stuck with his partner until the music ended. Then he walked over to join his three siblings. He cast a hard look in Kyler’s direction, evidently wondering what he had said to insult his little sister.
Kyler didn’t stick around. Mortified at his ineptitude, he left the building and headed for a cold bed and a sleepless night.
Jessie refused to explain her behavior to her brothers until they were on their way home. With Jeff and Kenny in the back of the buckboard, Mike eventually coaxed her into telling them why she had so abruptly parted company with Kyler.
‘I was tired,’ Jessie admitted. ‘I had to be nice to twenty different guys, including Mr Huxton. When Dane came over for the last dance, I wanted to relax.’ She sighed. ‘I wanted to laugh with him and maybe have him say something nice or flattering.’
‘What did he say?’ Mike wanted to know. ‘If he insulted you, I’ll have a few choice words with him.’
Jessie shook her head.
‘It wasn’t intended as an insult. He just …’ her voice grew harsh with her frustration, ‘he compared
me to a pork chop!’
Mike couldn’t help himself. He laughed out loud.
‘You’re kidding?’
‘He asked about Huxton’s motive for wanting to dance with me. I said it might have been simple attraction. That’s when he decided to compliment me – comparing me to the meaty end of a pork chop … something like that.’
Jessie didn’t realize it, but both Jeff and Kenny had leaned forward to listen. Now they were all in on the conversation.
‘What a silver tongue that man has,’ Jeff quipped.
‘Makes me wish I was a gal,’ Kenny also joked. ‘It must really feel good to have a guy dote on you enough to compare you to a slab of bacon or a juicy pork roast.’
‘Yeah, a prime cut from a fattened hog,’ Jeff said back. ‘Dang! Kyler Dane is so smooth, he should give lessons on the proper way to woo a lady!’
The boys laughed and Mike joined in. After a moment, Jessie began to laugh too.
‘The poor guy,’ she said, moved at last by pity for his plight. ‘When I started to screech at him, he couldn’t back away fast enough. I thought he was going to knock over a dozen people putting distance between us.’
More laughter.
‘Have to feel sorry for him in a way,’ Mike now took up for Kyler. ‘Even when I was trying to beat the stuffing out of him, he asked about courting you.’
‘Maybe you hit him one too many times in the head?’ Jeff ventured.
‘Yeah,’ Kenny joined in, ‘he maybe don’t think so good since you loosened all the rocks in his skull!’
Eventually the ribbing stopped and the two boys sat back in their seat. After a few minutes Jessie turned to Mike.
‘There’s one other thing Huxton brought up, while we were dancing. He is suspicious of Mr Dane. He even asked if he was working for us.’
Mike grunted. ‘I wish he was.’
‘Do you think Dane is something more than he pretends?’
Her question caused Mike to ponder on an answer for a time. When he spoke, there was a distinct suspicion in his voice.
‘It might only be his affection for you, Jess, but he sure enough strikes me as more than an average teamster.’
‘I saw him draw his gun,’ Jessie admitted. ‘Or, I should say, I saw his gun appear without his hand even moving. I think he might be as quick and deadly as Phoenix.’
‘They say Phoenix has no equal.’
Jessie shook her head back and forth. ‘I can’t believe any human being could be any quicker than Dane … and he was sitting down at the time.’
‘When did you see him pull a gun while sitting down?’
‘When I stopped him on the road,’ she admitted.‘You remember me telling you about it.’
Mike was dumbfounded. ‘Yeah, but I didn’t know he drew down on you!’
‘It wasn’t like that,’ she said. ‘It was a
demonstration
to show me how dangerous my actions were. He wanted me to know he might have killed me by mistake.’
‘Well, he’s taking a big chance. If Huxton decides he is helping us, he might send Phoenix to visit him.’
‘He didn’t give up his wagon to me. Why should Huxton worry?’
‘If Huxton learns it was him who stopped Skinny and Mugs from torching our barn, he might decide Dane is on our side.’
Jessie turned on the wagon seat and looked directly at Mike.
‘What do you mean –
stopped Skinny and Mugs
?’
‘He didn’t admit it, but he was the one. I figure he learned those two were going to burn down our barn and came up to our place to stop them. That’s when he ran on to you taking your bath at the creek. He prevented the two Huxton thugs from setting the fire, tied them over the backs of their horses and sent them back to town.’
Jessie groaned. ‘Please tell me you’re not serious!’
Mike shrugged. ‘Why do you think I told him which was your ribbon?’
‘Because you knew about him stopping those men!’ she deduced angrily. ‘You
knew
and you didn’t tell me!’
‘I didn’t want you feeling indebted to him,’ Mike said. ‘I’ve got to think about your reputation. I didn’t want the two of you sneaking off to the loft or something.’
‘And do what – spark in the moonlight?!’ She was furious. ‘You should have told me, Mike. All night
long, I kept reminding myself that he works for our enemy!’
‘He might work for Huxton, but I don’t think his loyalty lies with H and B.’
‘Why would he risk taking our side in this war, when he is working for Huxton?’
Mike chuckled. ‘You really ought to take a closer look in the mirror sometime, dear sister.’ A silly grin came on to his face. ‘Dane said it himself, you’re pretty much the tasty end of the pork-chop.’
‘Gads!’ she groaned. ‘I should have never told you about the pork-chop.’
‘Well, you did ask why he would take up against Huxton.’
‘I can’t believe I’m the only reason for that.’ She rebuked the idea. ‘If he helped us, it’s because we are in the right.’
‘Yeah, sure, I buy that.’ Mike oozed sarcasm.
‘Darn his hide!’ Jessie declared testily. ‘Why
couldn’t
he have said something sweet or charming, instead of comparing me to a cut of meat? Now I’m the one in the wrong again!’
‘Well, Jess, I wouldn’t worry about it.’ Mike grinned at her. ‘Working for the wrong side hasn’t stopped him from chasing after you; my giving him a beating didn’t slow him none; and even the threat of going up against Phoenix isn’t enough to drive him off. I doubt a few heated words will keep him at bay for long.’
Feeling guilty, Jessie found herself hoping Mike was right. She silently vowed that if Kyler made the slightest effort she would allow him to make up with
her. His attempt at flattery had been a total bust, but there could be no doubt he was sincere about
courting
her. Furthermore, she could not deny that she rather enjoyed the idea.
The next day, the stage was robbed on Jeff’s run. There were three passengers and they lost every penny they had, also their watches and jewelry. The following day Kenny left his wagon for long enough to sign some paperwork. When he returned the wagon was gone. He found it in a gully, a mile out of town. The supplies and wagon were both ruined.
The Concord coach had not arrived yet so Kyler returned to hauling ore. After three trips he arrived back at the livery with the team and empty wagon.
Nat helped put up the animals and apprised him of the trouble.
‘The war is heating up, sonny,’ he finished by warning. ‘I’d wager some that the trouble is from Abe and Pete Monger. They’ve been nothing but trouble since they were weaned.’
‘The Mongers, huh?’
‘I’m guessing them two are behind some of this here trouble.’
Kyler grunted. ‘Probably out of town for most of the stage runs.’
Nat gave a nod of his head. ‘And it’s been reported that two men, fitting their description, are pulling these stage hold-ups.’
‘If we could prove the Mongers are working for Huxton, it would be enough to convict the bull himself.’
‘Far as I know,’ Nat said, ‘the dirty work still comes by order of Strap Adere. There’s no direct contact with Huxton.’
‘Strap wouldn’t make war against the Yates family, unless it was on orders.’
‘No,’ Nat agreed, ‘but you would have to convince a judge and jury of that.’
‘Or Strap would have to point a finger at Huxton himself,’ Kyler replied. ‘We have to do something and soon. If Mike and his brothers decide to fight, it could be a blood-bath.’
‘What do you mean,
we
have to do something?’ Nat asked. ‘I don’t recall joining up to fight in this here war.’
‘You chose a side when you sent the letter to Judge Tate,’ Kyler reminded him.
Nat uttered a whine.
‘I knew you was trouble on the hoof, first time I laid eyes on you. I should have listened to myself, but no! I was too blind-stubborn to do it.’
‘I need you to keep your ears open. Let me know if and when another attack is coming and I’ll take it from there.’
‘Oh? That’s all?’ Nat skewed his face into a sour mask. ‘I only have to stick my nose into the snake’s den far enough to get it bit off, then you’ll take it from there!’
‘That’s about it,’ Kyler replied. ‘They still don’t trust me enough to talk about any plans when I’m around.’
‘All right, I’ll put my ear to a few doors and windows and see if I can learn anything of value.’
‘Good.’
‘What are you going to be doing?’
‘I think I’d better talk to Big Mike. The Yateses need to be especially careful right now. They can’t get into a fighting war. They have to give me the time I need.’
‘Trouble’s coming, son,’ Nat stated with certainty. ‘I see a storm brewing, dark and full of thunder. You sure you don’t want to send for some help?’
‘Not until I’ve got proof.’
‘OK, it’s your grave what’s being dug. If your idea don’t work out I’ll be first in line to kick dirt in your face.’
‘Always good to know where I stand.’
‘Yeah,’ Nat grunted, ‘so long as you’re able to stand!’