The Rancher’s Second Chance Bride Read online

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Honora awoke early the next morning and was pleased to see that the sun was shining. The big sky was blue and cloudless. She saw ranch hands going about their business, getting the day started. She felt a rush of anticipation. All she could think of was what she was going to do around the ranch. Keeping busy would keep her mind clear.

  It was going to be her first real day back at the ranch, and she couldn't wait to get to work. She dressed in casual clothes, wide skirt, loosely tied shirt, and low cut boots, all of which she was sure were suited for outdoor work. In the past, wearing such clothes had prompted disapproving looks from her parents and those accusations of being a tomboy. Glancing at herself in the mirror she allowed herself a bittersweet moment of remembering.

  Downstairs, she found Mabel cooking up a breakfast, but there was no sign of Rufus. Mabel put a plate down on the table. As Honora tucked into her food, Mabel made an announcement. "We're going to be having a couple of visitors today," she stated.

  There was a glint in Mabel's eyes which immediately put Honora on the defensive."Who?"

  "One of the new Buchanan wives is coming over, along with the sheriff's wife."

  Honora frowned. "Are they friends of yours?"

  Mabel sat down at the table. "I guess you could say that. Sophie, that's sheriff Nathan's wife, she's a real nice person. Helpful type," Mabel said. "You know the kind."

  There was something not quite right about that description, Honora told herself. "What does she do? Apart from being the sheriff's wife."

  Mabel paused, suddenly looking uncomfortable. Honora wondered why, but continued eating while she waited for a reply. Finally, Mabel answered. "Sophie likes to arrange marriages," she declared bluntly.

  Her fork suspended in front of her mouth, Honora gazed, wide-eyed across at her aunt. "Marriages," she echoed in a flat voice.

  "And she's pretty good at it, too," Mabel said. "Got both those Buchanan boys their wives in no time at all," she stated and sighed. "It was real impressive."

  Honora continued to eat for a while as she considered why the visitors would be coming to the ranch today. There was only one reason, and it had to do with what her aunt had said to her soon after arriving. Inspiration was a place that needed wives. Honora straightened in her chair as she glanced across at her aunt who'd become suspiciously quiet.

  "And the other woman?" Honora asked.

  "Johanna Buchanan. That's Zane's wife," Mabel said and smiled. "You and her will get along real well, I figure," she added.

  "Why do you say that?"

  Mabel folded her arms and gazed intently at Honora. "I think you and Johanna have a lot in common. You're both strong-willed. You can handle a horse. And you're both pretty."

  Honora felt her face flush at the surprise compliment.

  "And you're both handy around a ranch. Johanna takes a lot to do with the Buchanan spread. That's when she's not setting up home with Zane on their little corner of the ranch." Mabel sighed contentedly. "They sure are a happy couple. I've been over to that cabin of theirs down by the river. It's a cozy nest they've built for themselves. Real romantic."

  "Sounds nice," Honora said diplomatically. "What time are they coming?"

  "Lunchtime."

  Honora put her fork down and leaned back. "I'll be busy."

  Mabel's face turned pale. "What do you mean?"

  "I've got things to do," Honora said. "I need to see how things are on the ranch. Find out what needs doing. I want to speak to the ramrod so he can tell me where the work is. What has to be sorted out."

  "Why would you want to do that, Honora?" Mabel asked.

  Honora leaned her elbows on the table. "This was my home for so long, Aunt Mabel. You know how much it means to me. I want to get my hands dirty. Just like I used to before me and my parents left."

  Mabel leaned closer. Her eyes filled with sudden concern. "But, you only just arrived, Honora. Surely you don't want to start working so soon. You need rest. You've had so much to deal with. You need to build up your strength."

  Honora's throat tightened with emotion. Of course, her aunt was right. Maybe the wise thing to do was to take time to settle into her new life. Perhaps she needed time for the pain of her parents' loss to ease. But, that wasn't the way Honora did things. The last thing she wanted was to mope around the ranch remembering former times. She had to keep herself occupied. Apart from which, it would have been what her parents would have wanted her to do. To start rebuilding her life as soon as possible.

  Honora stretched a hand across the table and laid it on Mabel's arm. "I know you only want the best for me, aunt," she said. "But, I have to do things my own way. The enemy makes work for idle hands. You know that."

  Mabel tilted her head. "Idleness is certainly not a virtue, that's for sure." Mabel nodded. "Maybe you're right." She narrowed her eyes at Honora. "Just promise me you won't do anything foolish. No tomboy stuff, okay?"

  Honora smiled and squeezed her aunt's arm. "I promise." She stood and glanced down at her loose-fitting skirt. "I'm already dressed for work," she said and smiled. "What do you think?"

  "Even looking like that, all casual and such, I do believe you'll break the heart of some of those ranch hands," Mabel observed.

  Once again, Honora felt her face flush. Mabel knew exactly how to embarrass her niece, and no mistake.

  As Honora started for the door, Mabel called out. "Just promise me you'll come back here for lunch, Honora. It would be rude not to be here when Sophie and Johanna come over. We need to think of others too, you know. They're going to an awful lot of trouble coming out here to see you."

  Honora froze and turned to Mabel. Her aunt was right. There was nothing to be gained by being stubborn. She was sure she could deal with whatever the two women had in mind. Honora nodded. "Okay. I'll be here." Mabel smiled. Before her aunt had a chance to say anything else Honora lifted a hand and cut her off. "But, there'll be no talk of marriage, aunt," Honora declared. "Not today."

  Mabel's features sagged with disappointment. After a moment, she stood and nodded. "Fine, Honora. Have it your way," she said. "It'll just be a friendly visit. Nothing more."

  Honora went to her aunt and hugged her. "Thank you for being so understanding." When she gazed into Mabel's eyes, Honora thought she could see a hint of a mischievous look in them. She decided not to say anything. Honora couldn't wait to get out onto the rangeland.

  She left the ranch house, went to the stable and rode out to the southern part of the spread. On the way, she met the ramrod, Buck, who was heading out with a team of ranch hands. She rode with them a while, asking him questions about what was needed around the ranch. Buck had been with the ranch since her parents had come to the territory. He understood just how much Honora wanted to get involved in ranch work.

  For some of the newer ranch hands, Honora's enthusiasm for ranch work seemed to come as a bit of a surprise. But, as they rode out toward the herd, she could see that one by one, the hands began to come around to accept Honora's knowledge of ranch matters. She was humble enough to realize that she'd never be as experienced as Buck. He'd been doing this work for years, having worked his way west from state to state. She respected Buck's authority, deferring as much as she could to his superior knowledge.

  From what he explained to her as they rode across the rangeland, there was plenty to be done over the coming weeks. Fencing posts needed repairing. There was some branding to be done. The drive to market was a big thing for the ranch to arrange. Buck sounded hesitant when it came to allowing Honora to take any part in that, but she insisted. Eventually, with a broad grin he admitted defeat. He knew how determined she could be, Honora told herself as they finally arrived at the herd.

  Honora drew her mount to a halt on a ridge and gazed down at the wondrous sight of the herd. It was still early morning, and the air was fresh. Rolling graze lands extended off into the distance leading to forested valleys. A river hooked its way through one of the valleys. The sun shone br
ight, making her squint. It was rugged country, a place she had loved ever since she'd come here with her parents. There was something glorious about this place, she told herself. Something God-given. For a moment, she regretted the decision to leave, but cast aside the thoughts. There was work to be done.

  As she headed down into the valley, she thought about the lunchtime visitors to the ranch. Maybe she would get a chance to catch up with what had been happening in her absence. She told herself it wouldn't do any harm to know what was going on in town. Not given to gossip, Honora told herself she'd restrain her curiosity. No doubt, Zane's wife would do everything she could to speak well of married life. Honora had no doubt that Zane was a good husband for the newcomer to Inspiration. And she was certain that Gideon was being a fine husband to his new wife. Ever since she'd known the Buchanans, Zane and Gideon, in each of their own unique ways, had always struck Honora as the most dependable and sensible of the four brothers.

  Reese, being the second oldest, had always had an easier time than Zane, who had many responsibilities thrust on his shoulders. As for Micah, he'd been given an easier time than most, simply because he was the youngest of the brothers. But, Honora knew that Micah had issues of his own to deal with. It wasn't always easy for the youngest son to live up to the expectations and standards set by his older siblings. And that was how it had always been for Micah. He never missed an opportunity to show how capable he was, just so no-one could question his abilities. That usually made for interesting times up at the Buchanan ranch.

  For now, all Honora wanted was to work hard and do what God wanted her to do. Renew her life at the Ferguson ranch.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The morning passed too quickly for Honora's liking. Before she knew it, Buck was reminding her it was time for her to head back to the ranch house. She'd given her word, and she wouldn't break that promise.

  Honora rode back to the ranch. When her horse trotted into the yard in front of the ranch house, Honora saw a carriage parked up in front of the porch. She left her horse in the stable and went into the house. She paused in the hallway, thinking to go upstairs to change out of her skirt and shirt. Before she could do so, she heard her aunt's voice calling out from the parlor. "Is that you, Honora?" Mabel asked.

  Honora brushed some of the dust from her clothes and strode into the parlor. Two women rose from the sofa and peered at Honora. The brows of both women rose in unison upon taking in the sight of the new arrival. Honora forced herself to smile at the two women. "I'm Honora."

  Honora brushed the dust off her skirt and strode across to them. Both women were dressed in elegant gowns. The contrast between them and Honora could not have been more obvious. Both women had blonde hair and pleasing, even features. The friendly, bright expression on both their faces went some way to making Honora feel instantly welcome.

  The taller of the two women extended a hand. "I'm Johanna Buchanan," she said.

  Honora shook her hand. "I've heard a lot about you," she said.

  Johanna lifted a brow. "All good, I hope," she joked, releasing Honora's hand.

  "And I'm Sophie Cameron," the other woman said shaking Honora's hand. "I've heard so much about you, Honora," she added brightly.

  Aunt Mabel came to Honora and guided her to an adjacent sofa. "We were having some coffee," she said pointing to a small table upon which were cups and a plate of homemade cakes. Aunt Mabel took a seat by the fireplace. The two women sat back down on the sofa. Coffee was served. It had been a busy morning. But she was sure the two visitors to the ranch had other things on their mind than ranch business.

  They all chatted politely for a short while about the weather and the women's journey to the ranch, until the subject shifted to matters much more serious.

  It was Johanna who made the comment which Honora knew was inevitable. "We're very sorry to hear of your loss, Honora," Johanna confessed. She shook her head. "Our sympathies are very much with you at this time."

  "Yes, indeed," Sophie added. "When I heard about what happened, it just touched my heart. I can't imagine how difficult it has been for you." She sounded genuinely touched.

  Honora smiled warmly at the two women. "Thank you for your kind consideration." Honora glanced at her aunt. "Luckily, my aunt has been very supportive to me. Allowing me to come back to the ranch has meant a great deal to me. She didn't have to do that."

  "Nonsense, Honora," her aunt objected kindly. "What else would you expect me to do? As we've said, Inspiration is where you belong. And this ranch is your home for as long as you need it."

  Honora suppressed an urge to frown. Had there been the slightest hint of something else in the words her aunt had just used? The suggestion that Honora's stay at the ranch might be temporary? Was she trying to encourage either Johanna or Sophie to take the conversation in another direction?

  As if picking up on that, Johanna spoke next. "All the talk at the Buchanan ranch has been about your return."

  "Has it?" Honora replied. Why wasn't she surprised to hear that?

  "Reese was telling everyone about how you and he met at the border fence. He was amazed you were back."

  "That's nice," Honora said and took a long sip of her coffee. She put the cup down on the saucer. "Reese and I have known each other for a long time." It was the most neutral thing she could think to say at this moment.

  "I know," Johanna replied. Had she just lifted a knowing brow at Honora? If so, what could that possibly mean?

  "We're friends," Honora added.

  She looked at all three women and saw them exchanging skeptical looks. Honora felt herself bristle. Didn't they understand how difficult it had been seeing Reese yesterday? Especially given the circumstances of the ending of their relationship? It was all over between her and Reese. Surely they had to know that.

  As if sensing the sudden awkwardness, the conversation shifted to other matters. Honora listened as Sophie regaled her with an account of the recent goings on in town. Aunt Mabel had been right when she'd said there had been plenty happening. Honora couldn't resist asking Johanna to tell her how she and Zane had met and married.

  Johanna glanced at Sophie. "This fine lady had a lot to do with bringing Zane and I together. I came here as a mail order bride, you could say. Although, the way Sophie is bringing brides to Inspiration is a little different," she said turning to Sophie.

  "When I came here to become Nathan's bride I ran into some problems," Sophie explained. "It nearly meant Nathan and I didn't get married." Sophie frowned. "That would have been terrible."

  Johanna nodded vigorously. "Terrible," she echoed. She looked like she meant it. Honora wondered just what had happened to Sophie that could have been so bad. Before she could ask, Sophie continued. "So, I decided to start an agency, if you like. To bring brides to Inspiration and spare them some of the troubles I had." She glanced at Johanna. "It seems to be working out fine. Don't you think?"

  Johanna smiled. "You won't get any complaints from me, Sophie. Nor from Zane." She scoffed. "At least I hope not," she added and then laughed.

  "I was fortunate, I suppose," Sophie continued. "There was an urgent need for brides."

  "Why?" Honora asked.

  Sophie exchanged looks with Johanna and Mabel. She looked puzzled. "Don't you know?"

  Honora narrowed her eyes. "Know what?"

  "The Buchanan brothers all have to get married. And soon. Otherwise they stand to lose most of the family ranch," Sophie explained.

  Honora gasped and glanced at her aunt. There was a long silence. The other three women looked frozen, awaiting Honora's reaction. Had they just assumed Honora would have known? "Is that true, Aunt Mabel?"

  Her aunt gazed steadily at Honora, and paused for a long moment. Finally she nodded. "It is, Honora. It's true."