To Dream Anew (14 page)

“Are you also overseeing the thievery of cattle by your boys?”

“It’s Mr. Chester Lawrence, isn’t it?” Portia asked as she pressed closer. “I believe we’ve met, but it’s been a long, long while.”

Lawrence nodded. “I remember meeting you, ma’am. My complaint ain’t with you.”

“Mr. Lawrence, I have no idea who you are or what your trouble is all about,” Trenton said, standing his ground.

“My trouble is that Diamond V hands are stealing my cattle. You may think it fine to round up cattle that don’t belong to you, but I won’t stand for it.”

“If any of your cattle have managed to get in with our herd, you’re welcome to cut them out. We’ll be moving to winter pasture before long, and it’ll be easy enough to recognize your brand.”

“I’m sure you’ve already rebranded them,” the man replied sarcastically. “I’m telling you, I’ll see you all hanged as cattle thieves if I don’t get my stock back today. I’m heading into Bozeman, and I’ll come back with a posse if need be.”

Portia put her hand on Mr. Lawrence’s arm. “I’m so pleased you remember me.” She batted her lashes and smiled coyly—just like she used to do with Ned. “You’re heading to Bozeman, did you say?”

Trenton’s blood boiled. He wasn’t sure who he was madder at—Portia for reminding him of the past or Lawrence for his lies.

Chester immediately became captivated with the woman, giving Trenton time to think. Portia continued her flirtatious actions, leisurely touching Chester’s forearm and then his chest.

“I thought you were about the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on when we met in town. I do hope you’ll consider setting aside your argument with the Selbys—at least long enough for us to get better acquainted. I’m just dying for a little ride over to Bozeman, and no one here has time to take me. My dear papa is due back at the fort, and I do so long to see him. Perhaps you would consider taking me?”

“Well, I might be able to help you out,” Lawrence said, his tone considerably softened. He turned to face Trenton, though his voice lost a bit of its angry edge. “This isn’t over. Your boys had better watch themselves.”

“Did it ever occur to you that maybe Indians or no-accounts are running off with your herd? The Diamond V has plenty of its own cattle. We don’t need yours,” Trenton answered with certainty.

“You can manage this later,” Portia said in an almost whisper as she leaned closer to Lawrence. “He’ll still be here next week.” She smiled, seducing the man with her eyes. Trenton had seen it all before. “Now … about getting me to Bozeman.”

“I’ll … I’ll be back,” Lawrence said, stumbling over his words. It was clear he had been completely drawn in by Portia’s spell.

For the moment, Trenton couldn’t have cared less about the couple. Let them go for their ride—let them do whatever they would do. What he wouldn’t stand for were threats. Not from Portia. And certainly not from some no-account rancher.

“Who was that?” Levi asked as he came up behind Trenton.

“Chester Lawrence. One of the area ranchers. Says we’re stealing his cattle.”

Levi shook his head. “Takes all kinds, I guess.”

Trenton closed the door. “I guess so. Portia’s trying to talk him into taking her to Bozeman. I hope she succeeds.”

“It wouldn’t hurt my feelings none either,” Levi agreed. “She keeps tryin’ to stir up trouble among the boys. Always flirting and causing them to argue amongst themselves. I know she has no interest in any of them, but I think she enjoys the fight that comes after she gets them all mad at each other.”

“That’s her way. She’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. She stood here cozying up to Mr. Lawrence, and she only met him once. She wanted to get to Bozeman, however, so she didn’t care what it took. That’s what bothers me most about the woman. She’ll Do anything to get her own way.” Thoughts of her threats still rang in his ears.

“Oh, by the way, Billy Joe and Gabe are back from Virginia City. They’ve brought this mail.” Levi handed a stack of letters to Trenton. “I’ve got to get back out there and help with the supplies.” Levi exited out the front door, leaving it open just long enough for Trenton to spy Portia still clinging to Mr. Lawrence. She appeared to be talking fast and furious.

Trenton shuffled through the letters in his hands. Most were addressed to Dianne, but one, surprisingly enough, was addressed to him. It appeared to be from R. E. Langford, Ned’s father.

Amazed at this, Trenton quickly put the other letters aside and opened the missive. Scanning the two-page letter, Trenton felt uneasiness wash over him.

“ ‘I have reason to believe,”’ Trenton read aloud very slowly, “ ‘that Ned’s wife played a hand in his death. Dare I say the word murder?”’

Trenton looked up, his teeth clenched in anger. “I knew it. I knew she was up to no good.”

He continued reading. “ ‘I would be very grateful if you could help to gather evidence that might see Portia convicted. I will pay you well… .”’

The rest of the letter was immaterial. Trenton burned at the thought that his fears for Ned had been well founded. If Ned’s own father believed Portia responsible … Trenton intended to see her pay for her deeds.

“I just knew you’d understand,” Portia told Chester. “These Selbys are so used to being in charge that they don’t have much concern for the needs of other people.”

“Why is Selby gone?”

Portia was already bored with the conversation, but she sensed this man could very well be the answer to all of her problems. “He and Dianne have gone to bring back her brother. The man was a soldier and was injured in a recent Indian battle.”

“How long will he be gone?”

“That I can’t say,” Portia answered honestly. “I suppose it will depend on the weather and Indians.”

“Look, how about I promise to take you to Bozeman by the end of the week? I need to tend to some matters that won’t wait.”

Portia grinned as she turned to go back into the house.

Chester returned a smile that was sly and confident.

CHAPTER
10

B
UTTE WAS RAPIDLY BECOMING AN IMPRESSIVE TOWN.
Already the potential for growth was being realized daily in the form of new mining interests and businesses. Dianne had no idea there was such prosperity to be had in Montana. It was by far and away the biggest city she’d been to in some time.

“We’re supposed to meet the judge in ten minutes,” Cole said matter-of-factly. He put his pocket watch away and turned to pick up his hat.

Dianne grimaced at his cold tone. He’d barely spoken to her the entire trip. “I’m ready,” she said, adjusting her hat of plum and black jets. It nicely matched her traveling suit. “And Zane will join us for supper, right?” She tried hard to sound lighthearted and carefree. She hoped to draw Cole out of his stupor without resorting to an out-and-out apology.

“That’s what his note said.”

“I wish he’d stayed here to meet us instead of gallivanting off with some stranger.”

“Guess he wasn’t as worried about seeing you as you were about seeing him.” Cole stared at her with a stoic expression.

“That’s hardly fair. Zane didn’t know I’d be here.” Dianne picked up her bag, trying hard to ignore her frustration. “I suppose I’ll see him soon enough.”

They headed to their appointment with Judge Adams. The man had been recommended to Cole in Virginia City as someone who might be able to influence officials and see Koko and the children left to the sanctity of their home. Dianne could only pray that the man would be willing to help; after all, prevailing thoughts were not kind when it came to the Indians.

After a short walk, they arrived at exactly eleven o’clock and were ushered into a plush office where a balding man of some girth sat behind a massive mahogany desk.

A tall, thin man announced their arrival, and Cole stepped forward and said, “Judge Adams, I’m Cole Selby, and this is my wife.”

The man struggled to his feet and extended his short pudgy hand. “Glad to meet you, Selby. What can I do for you?”

Dianne wasn’t used to being ignored, nor of having business brought so quickly to the forefront. Nevertheless, she took a seat when Cole motioned her to do so. No sense making a scene when this man might very well be able to help them.

“We have a delicate situation,” Cole began, his voice firm and authoritative. “I have a ranch in the Madison Valley south of old Gallatin City.” Dianne bristled at the way he left her out of the conversation but held her tongue. She fixed her attention to the rows of books lined in a stately manner on fine oak shelves behind the judge. It was a wonder that anyone could ever read so many books.

The judge nodded, catching Dianne’s attention. “I see. Take a seat and explain the circumstance that has brought you here.” Both men sat and Judge Adams waved to the man who’d shown them into the office. “Take care of those papers, Simmons. I’ll speak with you later.”

The man backed out from the office and closed the doors. The judge motioned to Cole. “Please continue.”

“The ranch was inherited by my wife upon her uncle’s death. Her uncle’s wife and children were not able to inherit, due to their being part Blackfoot, so he made my wife a partner in the ranch before his death.”

“Wise choice. So what seems to be the problem? Is someone questioning the validity of this transfer?”

Cole shook his head. “Not at all. The problem is the Indian wife and children. The army showed up a few months past while on route elsewhere. They were insistent on relocating the woman and her children to a reservation.”

“I’m not sure I understand the problem.”

“The problem,” Dianne interrupted, unable to remain silent, “is that the ranch is every bit as much their home as it is mine. No one should be allowed to force my aunt and cousins from this home.”

Both Cole and Judge Adams looked at her momentarily, then the judge returned his gaze to Cole. “Is it your desire to have this woman and her children remain on the ranch?”

“It is,” Cole said, meeting the man’s gaze. “They are good people. We made my wife’s uncle a promise to see to their care. I’m concerned that the army will return and insist on taking them. There is also the complication of another child, the result of a torture imposed on my sister-in-law. I wouldn’t wish to see her removed either.”

“The matter isn’t an easy one. The government simply has no interest in extending kindnesses to the Indians. Little Big Horn was just a year ago, and right in our own backyard we faced the Nez Perce as they defeated our soldiers at Big Hole. No sir, it’s a difficult time to see any consideration given to these people.”

“But she’s done nothing wrong. She’s half white, her children are three-quarters,” Dianne protested. “My niece is half Sioux, half white, but it certainly wasn’t her choice to be so. My sister was attacked and the baby resulted. She loves the child, even though she hates the baby’s father. Surely you wouldn’t see a baby torn from the mother who loves her?”

“Ma’am, I am unconcerned with the maternal bonds of your sister.” He gave a slight roll of his gaze to the ceiling, then refocused on Cole with a sigh. “Women are such emotional creatures. I had no thought to deal with one today.”

“I had no idea that she would accompany me, or I would have let you know,” Cole said, as if he were just as exasperated.

“I do apologize for my outburst,” Dianne said, realizing that her opinion was of no import to the judge. She worried that he might turn them away, however, in his disgust of her actions. With that in mind, she knew she must be still and allow Cole to speak on Koko’s behalf. She folded her gloved hands and determined in her heart to remain silent, no matter the outcome.

The judge leaned toward Cole. “Tell me about your ranch, sir.”

The men continued their discussion as if completely forgetting the important issue at hand. Dianne couldn’t focus on their trivial chat about herd sizes and growing communities. The events of the day, set against her fight with Cole, were slowly wearing her down. Perhaps she’d been spoiled by her uncle’s free hand. Bram had believed her capable of most anything, and perhaps because of their isolation he hadn’t concerned himself with her actions. Her own father had always given her a great deal of freedom, but then she had been younger—much younger.

The world doesn’t seem as lenient,
Dianne reasoned as she tried to sort through her thoughts. Portia often talked of life in the East and how prim and proper women conducted themselves. Dianne had generally commented on how here in the West women were expected to be as hardy and helpful as their mates, but perhaps civilization was coming to the West. And perhaps with it, women would be relegated to having no say over the matters that concerned them.

“I do wish I could offer you something more substantial,” the judge said, getting to his feet.

Cole rose as well. “I understand. Fear is a powerful motivator.” He extended his hand to Dianne. She looked at him for a moment, then allowed him to help her up.

“Mrs. Selby, I do hope you will enjoy safety in your journey home,” the judge said graciously.

Dianne smiled. “Thank you.”

They were just stepping into the foyer when an impressive man of short stature entered from outside. “Simmons,” he commanded, “I need to see Conrad.” He glanced up, rubbing his bushy goatee. “I do apologize,” he said, looking directly at Dianne and then Cole. “I had no thought that Judge Adams would be otherwise entertained.”