Cowgirl for Keeps. Louise Gouge M.

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СКАЧАТЬ rode to the back door and dismounted, tying her mare to the hitching rail. “I smell cinnamon. Mabel must be baking.”

      The men followed her up the back steps.

      “You don’t mean to walk right in, do you?” Garrick frowned.

      She returned his look but quickly forced a smile. She must remember English customs were different. Even in Boston, she’d never entered a friend’s house without knocking.

      “Yes, I do. Mabel would be bothered if I knocked. She’d have to stop her work to answer.” She opened the door and entered.

      The two men followed hesitantly, but Rosamond hurried through the back hallway and into the large but cozy kitchen. “Hey, Mabel.”

      Plump, red-haired Mabel Eberly dropped her spoon into the stewpot and turned, her merry face beaming. “Rosamond, honey, come on in.” She embraced her warmly and then held her at arm’s length. “My, you’re even more beautiful than ever.” She glanced at the Englishmen. “I know who these fine gentlemen are. Howdy, boys. Beryl told us how brave you were when those outlaws tried to rob the train. And George says you’ve come out here to build that hotel.” She beckoned to them. “Come on in. Have a seat.” She waved a hand toward the kitchen table. “Would you like some cinnamon rolls and coffee?”

      Rosamond prayed they wouldn’t rebuff Mabel’s offer. While Garrick stood back, his handsome face crinkled in confusion or maybe consternation, Percy stepped over to Mabel.

      “Rosamond, would you please present me to this charming lady?”

      His formality tickled Rosamond, but she did the honors in all seriousness.

      “Mabel, this is Percy Morrow. Percy, remember, first names out here.”

      Percy kissed her hand, and Mabel’s sweet face turned even redder than usual. “Oh, go on, now.”

      Rosamond summoned Garrick with a whip of her hand and a glare Mabel couldn’t see. “This is Garrick Wakefield.”

      He must have realized the importance of compliance, because he followed Percy’s example.

      “What fine manners. Now sit down.” Mabel ushered them to the table and served coffee and a plateful of fresh cinnamon buns. Her merry manner seemed to set the men at ease, for they didn’t hesitate to eat.

      Seated by the door, Rosamond heard a soft tst. While Mabel plied the men with rolls in exchange for their life stories, Beryl peeked in and beckoned to Rosamond. In the hallway, Beryl embraced her fiercely.

      “Rosamond, save me. Get me away from here.”

      “What’s wrong?” Rosamond knew the answer. She’d happily donned her comfortable ranch clothes, but Beryl wore one of her Boston dresses. Underneath, Rosamond felt her tightly laced corset.

      “It’s my sisters,” Beryl whispered anxiously and glanced toward the back door as if fearing they’d enter. “They expected me to jump right into work.” She bit her lip and stared at her hands. “I’m willing to do my share, but I can’t bear to get all freckled and rough-skinned again.” A tear slid down her ivory cheek. “I’m terrible, aren’t I?”

      “Nonsense.” Rosamond hugged her. “You’ll get used to home life again.” She didn’t believe that herself. Beryl’s fears ran deeper than how her complexion looked. Rosamond thought of one way to help her. “Come meet those Englishmen.”

      Beryl’s blue eyes widened. “Not like this.” She swiped away tears.

      “Go freshen up.” Rosamond forced a cheerful laugh. “Your ma is feeding them her cinnamon rolls, but they can only eat so much.” She smirked. “The blond gentleman wants to meet you.”

      Beryl’s eyes rounded in wonder. “Truly?”

      “Truly. Now hurry.”

      While her friend complied, Rosamond returned to the kitchen. The two men stood, as they had last evening. Their refined manners pleased her. Not every man understood the importance of such a gallant gesture.

      “Beryl wasn’t expecting company.” She sat in the chair Garrick held for her, another chivalrous move on his part. Her opinion of him rose a little. “She’ll join us soon.”

      “Capital.” Percy’s blue eyes brightened just as Beryl’s had.

      Garrick, however, frowned as he reclaimed his chair. Rosamond’s opinion of him plummeted. How could he dislike sweet Beryl when he didn’t even know her?

      “So, you boys are planning to build that hotel.” Mabel poured coffee for Rosamond.

      “Not I, madam.” Percy chuckled. “I accompanied Garrick so I could see the famous—or should I say, infamous—American West.” He leaned toward Mabel with a playful smirk. “I believe the train robbery was staged entirely for our amusement, what?”

      Mabel slapped his shoulder and howled with laughter. “You’ll do fine out here, boy. You’ll do fine.”

      He grinned despite his coffee sloshing onto the tablecloth. Again, Garrick’s frown revealed an opposite reaction, disapproval of the kind lady who was showing him such generous hospitality. Before Rosamond could frown back at him, Beryl entered.

      The men stood, and Percy stepped forward and bowed over her hand. “Miss Eberly, I presume?”

      Beryl received him with the grace she’d learned at the academy. “How do you do, sir? You must forgive me for not knowing your name. We should have introduced ourselves after the train robbery, but—” Confusion clouded her face, and Rosamond gasped softly. Her friend almost revealed her hysteria to her mother.

      “Ah, but with no one to properly introduce us...” Percy touched her elbow and drew her to the table as if he were the host. “Please permit the informality. I am Percy Morrow, and this is my cousin, Garrick Wakefield.”

      Garrick gave a sober bow while Percy continued to fuss over Beryl. “Your mother’s cinnamon rolls are delicious beyond description. Do have one.”

      Rosamond’s eyes stung. Percy had just rescued Beryl. What a good man, exactly what her friend needed.

      Beryl regained her composure, and she and Percy began to chat. Mabel eyed Rosamond and lifted one eyebrow. Rosamond returned a tiny nod, bringing a pleased smile from her hostess.

      Boisterous laughter sounded in the hallway as Beryl’s father and her three unmarried sisters entered. She sent Rosamond a panicked look.

      “Oh, good.” Rosamond knew of only one way to manage this situation: head-on. “You gentlemen will get to meet more Eberlys.” These next few minutes might be awkward.

      * * *

      Garrick stood beside Percy while bedlam descended upon the kitchen as a ruddy, middle-aged man and three attractive young ladies in Western garb entered. Unlike quiet, well-mannered Beryl, the girls jostled each other and more yelled than talked.

      “Mabel, honey,” the man said, “we could smell your baking clear out in the barn.” He blinked. “Well, I’ll СКАЧАТЬ