Pony Express Courtship (2 page)

The boys were older than he'd thought they'd be. But from the looks of them, they would all make good riders. Mr. Bromley had told him they were just a bunch of farm boys and would need a lot of training. That was why Seth had arrived at the farm in early February instead of closer to his scheduled date of April third. He was happy to see the Pony Express horses had arrived safely. One of the boys closed the corral gate and headed up to the house.

Was he ready for all this responsibility? His gaze moved to the young men as they hurried to the house for breakfast. Mrs. Young stood on the porch hugging each of them before they went inside. She was a pretty little thing with a lot on her slender shoulders. He silently reminded himself not to get attached to any of the Young family, especially Rebecca Young.

He had to find Charlotte. Even though he had never met her, he still felt responsible for her and he wouldn't break his promise to his grandmother.

* * *

Rebecca wasn't sure she was up to the changes about to take place on her farm and in her home. Already things were different. Breakfast proved to be a quiet affair. Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or afraid to speak lest something worse occurred. Seth Armstrong made several attempts at polite conversation, but finally lapsed into an awkward silence when no one seemed inclined to answer with more than one word. Finally they each took their plates to the kitchen and then left single file. Rebecca cleared the rest of the table and washed the dishes. She wiped up the countertops and table, then poured the dishwater into the hog slop bucket.

Wagon wheels crunched near the front porch, reminding her that they were going to town for supplies. “Joy!” she called up the stairs. “Time to go!”

A smile parted Rebecca's lips as she watched her five-year-old daughter cross the room. Joy had changed from her nightgown into a simple brown dress and had pulled her fine blond hair into a blue ribbon. “I got myself ready,” she said, twirling in a circle.

“I can see that. You look very pretty.” Rebecca grabbed her pale blue cloak and bonnet from the peg by the front door, then helped Joy into hers.

They stepped out onto the porch and Clayton jumped down from the driver's seat to help them up. Benjamin, Philip and Thomas ran from the bunkhouse and landed in the back of the wagon with loud thuds.

“Where are Andrew, Noah and Jacob?” Rebecca asked, looking back at her sons.

“Mr. Armstrong says Andrew and Noah need to stay here and take care of the place,” Thomas answered, giving Philip a shove.

That accounted for Andrew and Noah, but not for Jacob and Seth. Rebecca looked toward the bunkhouse. “Where are Mr. Armstrong and Jacob?”

“Mr. Armstrong said we can call him Seth,” Benjamin answered with a grin.

“That doesn't answer her question, Beni,” Philip said. He turned to look at Rebecca. “They are inside talking about why Jacob thinks we should all go to town.”

Thomas snickered. “If you call that talking.”

Rebecca lowered herself from the wagon. It was bad enough that Seth Armstrong had announced he was their new boss, but to cause strife this soon...well that was unacceptable.

“Ma, I wouldn't interfere if I was you,” Clayton warned from his seat. “Jacob is in kind of a foul mood.”

“I can imagine.” Rebecca turned to the bunkhouse. “You boys stay put. We'll be ready to go in a minute.”

She heard raised voices before she got to the door. Rebecca pushed the heavy wooden door open and walked inside. Her sons turned expectantly. “What's the ruckus?” she asked, placing both hands on her hips and giving her children the “mother” look.

Jacob and Andrew each clamped their lips together. Noah studied the end of his muddy boot. It was obvious her boys had no intention of answering her.

Seth crossed his arms and met her gaze full-on. “We men are having a discussion.”

“From what I heard—” she didn't bother telling him she heard it from Philip and Thomas “—you expect Andrew and Noah to stay here while the rest of us head to town.” Rebecca held up a hand to stop him from answering. “And if I know Jacob, he's not happy with the arrangement and intends to stay with Andrew himself.” Her gaze moved from her oldest son to Seth. “Do I have it right so far?” Her eyes locked with the station keeper's.

“I'd say that about sums it up,” Seth responded.

“Mr. Armstrong, may I ask why you want the two boys to stay behind? We've always gone to town as a family before.” His eyes were the prettiest shade of blue-green that she'd ever saw. Did they turn that color when he was angry? She mentally shook the thought away and focused on the problem at hand.

Seth sighed. “With the horses loose, Indians or bandits could come and steal them while we are gone.”

“That's why I should stay,” Jacob growled between clenched teeth.

Seth turned to Jacob. “I need you to help me bargain for supplies. The men in town don't know or trust me just yet. And since I don't know them, either, I need you to make sure the Pony Express doesn't get cheated.”

Rebecca realized that what he said was true. She knew that even though the men in town knew her, they didn't want to bargain with a woman. They'd made that very clear shortly after John's death. Jacob had a wonderful working relationship with them and the chances of them accepting Seth Armstrong from the get-go were slim to none.

“I have funds that we can use to rebuild the barn,” Seth said. “I'm sure Mr. Russell and Mr. Bromley will approve, considering they need the barn to house the Pony Express horses.”

Rebecca looked to Noah. The boy hadn't looked up from his boots. He was so young. She didn't like the idea of leaving him and Andrew alone on the ranch any more than Jacob. “Why leave Noah? He's only twelve years old.”

“Because Jacob says that Noah is the best at using a rifle.” Seth's gaze never left Jacob's face, daring him to deny it.

That was true, too. Over the past few weeks, Noah had proven he could shoot the antennae off a grasshopper, if he had to. Rebecca walked between the men and looked her oldest son in the eyes. “Jacob, what he's asking isn't unreasonable. I'm sure that Andrew will see that Noah is kept safe.”

Jacob's eyes held warmth and sadness in their depths. He nodded. “I'm sure he can, but it is my job to take care of this farm and my family.”

Unaware of the sorrow and weight of the promise Jacob had made to John, Seth interrupted, “Not anymore—it's mine. Be in the wagon in five minutes.” He turned on his boot heels and left them standing looking at each other.

Rebecca concealed her anger toward Seth. Who did he think he was, coming in here and demanding that these boys follow him blindly? He didn't know them. Or what they'd been through since John's death.

She thought about staying home with Andrew and Noah, but she needed to get supplies for the house, and if she stayed behind, who would keep Seth and Jacob from coming to blows? She sighed. “Come along, Jacob. We'll do as he asks today.” But as soon as they returned from town, she thought to herself, she'd be having a word with Seth Armstrong.

Chapter Two

T
he trip into town was frosty to say the least. Seth could feel the anger boiling over from both Rebecca and Jacob. He'd known coming into this job that it would be difficult. But he'd also thought that Rebecca and her boys knew what they were getting into.

As Dove Creek came into view, Seth stopped the wagon. After coming off the farm, the landscape had become flat and dusty. There were a few trees scattered about the town, but it didn't offer the peace and greenery of the Young farm.

“Is this the first time you've been to town?” Rebecca's soft voice drew him like bees to honey.

He nodded. “Yes. It's not quite what I expected. Dove Creek sounds so pretty.”

A soft chuckle came from deep in her throat.

“Ma says that all the time,” Benjamin said from the back of the wagon.

Seth glanced over his shoulder at the little boy. He was sitting beside Joy and they'd been looking at a picture book most of the way to town. “She's right.”

Benjamin nodded as if they'd come to a profound agreement and then turned his attention back to his sister and the book. Of all the siblings, those two looked most like brother and sister.

Bromley hadn't told him anything about the family, other than their pa had died and that Mr. Russell and Mr. Young had made an agreement before the Pony Express had even been constructed. Seth's orders were to swear in the boys by having them say the Pony Express rider's oath and teach them what would be expected from them as Pony Express riders.

He flipped the reins over the horse's backs and continued down the hill. The sooner they got to town, the sooner they could get home. He didn't like leaving the other two boys at the house any more than Jacob did, but without a bar, the animals were out in the open and needed protection from not only Indians and bandits, but also other wild animals.

Seth felt the restrained movement as Rebecca shifted on the seat beside him. His gaze moved in her direction and caught the profile of Jacob, who sat beside his mother. The boy's jaw was clenched and his eyes directed straight ahead. Rebecca had rested a slender hand on her son's leg in silent comfort.

Returning his attention back to driving, Seth inwardly sighed. He and Jacob would have to sit down and talk about the boy's attitude. Seth was sure there was more to it than just not wanting to leave his brothers behind.

“Would you drop Joy and me off at the general store?” Rebecca asked.

His gaze moved over the town. There was just a dirt road, and plain wooden-faced stores lined the streets. Smoke billowed from the top of each one and the smell of pine teased the air around them. At least they could warm up a bit before they started the long trek back. The church sat on the hill to the right side of them and he could tell by the children playing in the yard that it also served as the town school. Why weren't the smaller Young children in attendance?

Since it really wasn't any of his business, Seth chose to answer Rebecca's question instead of asking one of his own. “We can do that.” He directed the horses down Main Street and continued to study the dusty town.

A saloon stood tall at the far end of the settlement. Not that he'd ever go there, but he knew the boys were of an age that they might be tempted. Seth mentally made a note to talk to the boys about such places, after they repeated the oath. As their boss he didn't want them coming to town and getting drunk. Best to nip that sort of behavior in the bud. It would not be allowed.

He pulled the wagon up in front of the general store and hopped down. Seth turned to help Rebecca down but Jacob assisted her, his gentleness evident in the way he held her hand until she got her balance. Clayton had climbed out of the wagon and helped Joy down, as well. Benjamin scrambled over the side.

“Whoa! Where do you think you're going?” Seth asked, moving to block the boy's descent.

Benjamin jerked away from him. “To help Ma.”

“Not today. I need every man's help to load lumber and nails.”

Benjamin's little chest puffed out. “I get to help?”

“You're one of the men,” Seth said, walking back to the front of the wagon.

He grinned as Benjamin whispered, “Did ya hear that, Ma? I'm one of the men.”

At least he'd made good points with one of the Young men.

* * *

Rebecca took Joy's small hand within hers and entered the general store. A bell rang out announcing their arrival. She inhaled the onslaught of scents that greeted her. Spices and leather fought the strongest for her attention. Colorful burlap flour bags lined the middle shelf, right at eye level, and she ran a hand over them, her mind zipping along with plans for Joy's next dress. The material proved soft to the touch and Joy loved to spin around, showing off the big flower design.

Joy's hand tightened on hers as if giving a warning and she looked up. The owner of the general store, a mountain of a man, approached them. She glanced down at her daughter, wondering if Joy felt the same sense of unease she herself did around him.

“Hello, Mrs. Young. What can I help you find today?” He kneeled down in front of Joy. “How are you today, Miss Joy.”

As was her custom, Joy hid her face in Rebecca's skirt. She mumbled, “Good.”

He held out his large hand. On top of his palm rested a lemon drop. “I'm glad to hear that.” His big brown eyes looked up at Rebecca. “Cat got your tongue today?”

Rebecca felt her ire rising. The man never did or said anything out of place; but he constantly made her feel uneasy. She handed him her list. “Hello, Mr. Edwards.” She patted Joy's back. “Go ahead and take the candy, Joy.”

Joy tentatively took the candy and popped it into her mouth. Around the sweet she said, “Thank you.”

Mr. Edwards laughed loudly and stood. “See, that wasn't so hard.” His gaze moved to the list and he whistled. “I see the men running the Pony Express pay you well.”

The list was longer than usual but Rebecca didn't really understand why he assumed that Mr. Russell gave her the money for the items. Still, she didn't correct him. She'd let him think what he wanted.

John had left his family in good financial stability. Thanks to his wisdom with money matters and his inheritance, she and Joy would never have to work a day of their lives. But it wasn't enough to give the boys money to start their lives. John had said the Pony Express would give them the money they needed and open doors for each of them. She prayed it would be so.

Once more Rebecca felt the store owner's brown eyes focused on her. “The church picnic is this Sunday. Would you like me to come out to the farm and escort you and the children to it?”

He'd never been so bold before. Rebecca's hand fluttered to her chest. What would her older boys think of Mr. Edwards calling them
children
? She focused on the best way to reject him. “Thank you, Mr. Edwards, but that won't be necessary.”

Something flashed in his eyes before he turned away from her. “You might reconsider—I hear the road bandits are becoming bolder. I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem taking a single woman's wagon and any cash she carried from her and a passel of kids.”

Did he think she and the boys were helpless? Heat filled her face and boiled through her blood. If so, was he threatening her?

She took a deep breath to calm herself. Experience had taught her to carefully consider her words before speaking. Her father-in-law, on the other hand, had often said plain talk was easily understood and that was just what the man in front of her would get.

“I don't need a man to take care of me, Mr. Edwards. The good Lord has protected us through many dangerous situations and I have no doubt He will continue to do so. I don't know if you've noticed, but my boys are no longer little boys, but men.” As an afterthought she added, “But thanks so very much for your concern and for the invite.”

Joy poked her head out. Her sweet young voice broke the awkward silence between the adults. Worry lined her words. “Mr. Armstrong and Jacob will be with us, won't they, Ma?”

She stroked her daughter's silky hair, wishing Joy hadn't broken her silence. “Yes, sweetie. There is nothing to fear.”

The bell over the door jingled again. Rebecca turned to see Mrs. Little and her eldest daughter enter the store. She wondered if all the women in the area brought someone with them when they came to visit the general store.

Mr. Edwards paid no heed to the other two women. “Mr. Armstrong?” His eyes bore into Joy's as he waited for an answer. “Who is this Mr. Armstrong?”

Joy tucked her head behind Rebecca's skirt again. Rebecca stepped in front of her daughter, protecting her from questions she had no knowledge how to answer. “I'd like to get our supplies as soon as possible, Mr. Edwards. The men will be back shortly to pick us up.”

Mrs. Little waited until the storekeeper went to retrieve the items on Rebecca's list. “So you have a new man working for you?” she asked.

Well, it sure hadn't taken long for that little tidbit to make its way around the gossip mill. She had learned one thing living in Dove Creek and that was people had very little to occupy their minds, so interest in the people around them bordered on harassment. However, Rebecca couldn't dismiss the older woman as easily as she had Mr. Edwards. She'd been raised to respect her elders, and Mrs. Little could easily have been her mother. “He doesn't exactly work for me.”

Mr. Edwards moved closer to them. He continued to add items to the box he'd begun to fill, but seemed to linger ever so near.

“I see.” The condemning sound in Mrs. Little's voice had Rebecca quickly explaining.

“Mr. Armstrong works for the Pony Express. He's been hired to be the station keeper by Mr. Bromley.” Rebecca moved to the fabric, where she knew Mr. Edwards couldn't pretend to be gathering her supplies, since she hadn't added any sewing notions to her list.

Mrs. Little followed. “Is this a young man, dear?”

Joy followed her mother about the fabric table. She picked up an edge to a pink print and said, “This is pretty.”

Rebecca touched the material. “I'm not sure his age, Mrs. Little. I only just met him this morning.”

The daughter snorted, drawing a frown from her mother's face. “Catherine, that is very rude.”

Catherine was a newly married woman, but still had enough respect for her parent to look contrite and say “Sorry, Ma.”

Mrs. Little patted her daughter's hand and turned her attention back to Rebecca. “Is he older than your pa?”

Rebecca hated this line of questioning. She knew where the older woman was going and didn't like it. “No, but I don't know how much younger than Pa he is.”

“Is he married?” Catherine asked, admiring a blue print.

Rebecca frowned. “I don't know that, either.”

“Then what do you know?” Mr. Edwards asked.

“I know he showed up this morning, helped us put the fire out that burned our barn and announced that he is the new station keeper. That's all I know.” Rebecca waved at the box in Mr. Edwards's hands. “One of the boys will be back shortly to get our supplies. Please add the total to my tab, Mr. Edwards. I will be in on the first of the month to settle up.” She turned on her heels. “Come, Joy.”

The sound of Joy's shoes tapping against the hardwood floor assured Rebecca that her daughter had followed her outside the store. Rebecca wasn't sure if she was angry with Mrs. Little and Mr. Edwards, or at herself.

She didn't know a thing about Mr. Armstrong other than what she'd told them. Why had she been so quick to accept him at face value? He'd waltzed in, said he was the station keeper and proceeded to boss them all around.

“Ma! Slow down,” Joy called behind her.

Rebecca stopped and looked at her daughter. “I'm sorry, Joy.” She waited for the little girl to catch up with her, then continued on.

Her boys were with a virtual stranger. How had she been so careless? Rebecca planned on finding out just who Seth Armstrong was and she planned to do it now.

After all, once Mrs. Little realized that he was a nice young man, she'd have the whole town in an uproar. They'd be wondering what went on out at the Young farm. How could Mr. Bromley have put her in this situation? Could she continue with this business arrangement?

* * *

Seth handed Mr. Kaziah the remainder of the payment for the wood and nails. He knew it would be pricey, but hadn't expected it to be quite this expensive and wondered if the lumberman had overcharged him and the boys. Thankfully, Mr. Russell, one of the Pony Express founders, had supplied him with a hefty budget for turning the farm into a Pony Express station. Seth had been told by Mr. Bromley that since the buildings were already there, they hadn't done much work to the place and to spend what he needed to on the repairs. He'd have to send a full report to the older gentleman, explaining this added expense.

“Here comes Ma and Joy,” Benjamin announced from his perch on the bench of the wagon.

He turned to see the boy's mother heading toward them. Her face was set, but it was her eyes that caught and held his attention. She glowered at him, the blue orbs piercing the distance between them.

“She looks mad.” Benjamin turned to face his brother, confirming Seth's earlier thought. “I wonder why.”

Philip answered, “Beni, mas don't get mad. Dogs get mad. Mas get angry.” A teasing grin touched the young boy's lips but his eyes seemed weary.

Thomas slapped his brother on the back. “Good one, Phil.”

“Jacob, Mr. Armstrong. I need to speak to you both, now please,” Rebecca announced as she walked toward the lumberyard.

Seth turned back to Mr. Kaziah. “Thank you for helping us load the wagon. You'll be sending the rest out later today, right?”

The older man nodded and then leaned toward him. In a low, gruff voice he whispered, “I don't envy you. Taking on a passel of kids and that woman. She's a bit of a feisty one.” He turned away and hurried back inside the lumber mill before Seth could answer.