Cowgirl for Keeps. Louise M. Gouge

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 be a skinned jackrabbit. I didn’t know we had company.”

      Garrick shuddered inwardly at the picture the man’s metaphor produced.

      “You didn’t notice their horses? Honey, you need spectacles.” With no attempt at formality, Mabel pointed at Percy and Garrick and announced their names. “Boys, this here’s my George, and these are three more of our girls, Laurie, Georgia and Grace. Grace is the deputy sheriff. She’s been keeping the peace in town since a bank robbery a few years ago. I’m glad we got us a full-time sheriff now so she can help out around here a bit more. Maisie, she’s our oldest daughter, is married to the town doctor. You’ll meet them at church tomorrow.”

      While she chattered on about her family, Garrick tried to grasp the idea of a female law officer. Granted, at nearly six feet tall and wearing a gun at her side, Grace seemed capable of managing wrongdoers. Even ladylike Rosamond had helped defeat the train robbers. Perhaps these Western women needed to be as tough as the men. Except Beryl, whose cheerful chat with Percy ended the moment her sisters entered the room. Curious. Yet no matter what he saw here, he must try not to judge any of them by proper British standards.

      “I don’t know, Ma.” Grace grabbed a roll from the platter. “Sheriff Lawson said this mornin’ he’s countin’ on me to help him.” She took a bite but kept talking. “Beryl’s home now. She can help you.”

      Beryl began to tremble.

      “Oh, dear.” Rosamond put an arm around her friend. “I’m counting on Beryl to help me plan our new high school.” She smiled at the two younger sisters. “I hope you’ll be enrolling in our classes.”

      Warmth swept through Garrick’s chest. He didn’t understand the situation, but Rosamond’s care for her friend suggested an admirable depth of character. Perhaps working with her on the hotel project wouldn’t be so difficult, after all.

      “In fact,” Rosamond said, “we’ve a lot to plan and need to start right away. Mabel, will you let Beryl spend a few weeks with us, starting tomorrow after church?”

      Garrick’s warm feelings sank to his stomach like a cold lead weight. With Percy and Beryl in the same house, how could he prevent their forming an attachment?

      From the enthusiasm on Percy’s face, Garrick feared it was already too late.

      * * *

      Rosamond had tried to outwit Mother’s maneuvering, but here she sat beside Garrick in the church pew. This afternoon she must persuade Mother to stop her matchmaking. After Garrick’s obvious disapproval of Beryl and Percy’s developing romance, she couldn’t even like Garrick, much less love him.

      Of course Reverend Thomas gave a sermon on loving one’s neighbor. She’d learned long ago the pastor always preached what she needed to hear, as though the Lord whispered in his ear that Miss Rosamond Northam wasn’t listening to Him, so His servant must speak to her in an audible voice she couldn’t miss. How silly. She hadn’t spoken to Reverend Thomas since returning from Boston, so he knew nothing of her spiritual disposition. Still, she paid attention.

      Despite the conviction churning within, she enjoyed being back in her home church. Would Garrick turn up his nose at their simple service? Oh, dear. There she went again, judging him. Lord, help me to love him with Your love.

      Across the sanctuary, Beryl sat with her family. Occasionally, she smiled hopefully at Rosamond, which must mean her folks had given permission for her move to Four Stones. Last night, Mother had welcomed the prospect, for she always thrived with a houseful of guests.

      Rosamond hoped none of Beryl’s sisters objected. Beryl wanted to please everyone. A complaint from a beloved sister might make her stay home, whatever the cost emotionally. Yesterday as they toured the Eberly ranch with the Englishmen, Laurie and Georgia had teased Beryl about her parasol. Though she laughed, Rosamond could see they’d hurt her feelings.

      As the final hymn ended, Mother gave Garrick a smile. “Rosamond will introduce you and Percy to Reverend Thomas while Mabel and I count the offering.”

      Rosamond smiled, despite her annoyance. “Certainly. Come along, gentlemen.” Maybe she could leave them with Reverend Thomas and find Beryl. Or leave Garrick with the pastor and take Percy to find Beryl. Rosamond didn’t care for Mother’s matchmaking on her behalf, but she certainly enjoyed doing it for her friend.

      * * *

      Garrick approved the way Reverend Thomas conducted the service. His sermon revealed an intelligent theological mind. The service was simple, the music a pleasant surprise. The gray-haired organist played the pump organ with a dexterity that belied her age. Most of the congregants sang heartily, and most sang in tune. After the closing hymn, Garrick felt his spiritual cup full to overflowing.

      Mrs. Northam needn’t have assigned Rosamond the task of introductions, for the minister stood at the door to speak to each parishioner. Yet after hearing a fine message on loving one’s neighbor, Garrick looked forward to Rosamond’s company. Her rose-scented perfume only added to the pleasure.

      Each churchgoer lining the aisle received a warm, personal greeting from the minister. In return, some complimented the sermon while others shared news. Garrick planned his own remarks with care.

      “Rosamond!” The minister greeted her with a warm smile. “Look at you. All grown up.”

      She beamed like a child praised by a parent, although the young minister was perhaps twenty-eight and no more than thirty.

      “Reverend Thomas, your sermon was just what I needed today.” She glanced at Garrick.

      His heart sank. Did she have so much trouble viewing him with Christian charity?

      “Permit me to present Garrick Wakefield and Percy Morrow.”

      As she made the introduction, Garrick realized his mistake. She’d looked at him only to bring him into the conversation. He must cease thinking she bore some antagonism toward him.

      After the presentations had been made and hands shaken, Percy added his compliment. Garrick then took his turn.

      “Your quotation from Spurgeon’s sermon was most appropriate, sir.” He saw Rosamond’s eyebrows arch. Had his remark sounded arrogant? “When I was a lad, I had the pleasure of hearing Spurgeon speak at Metropolitan Tabernacle. His message ‘Pray without ceasing’ entirely changed my prayer life. In fact, my life in general.”

      “Ah, you know Spurgeon’s work?” The minister spoke in an amiable Southern drawl.

      “Indeed. I have a volume of his sermons that provides excellent reading.”

      “An entire volume?” If a minister could be accused of envy, Reverend Thomas’s eyes took on just such a longing. “I have only a few pamphlets and quotations.”

      “You must borrow mine.” He’d make it a gift and purchase another copy when he returned to London. “I’ll bring it tomorrow.” He glanced at Rosamond, whose half smile and warm gaze indicated approval of...something he’d done? “Would tomorrow afternoon be acceptable?”

      “Yes.” She looked behind them. “We should move on.”

      “Of course.” He turned back to the minister. “Could we meet for Scripture study?”

      Reverend Thomas smiled. “Entirely possible. We can begin tomorrow, if you like.”

      “Excellent.” Glancing around for Percy’s agreement, he saw his cousin and Rosamond crossing the churchyard toward the Eberly girls.

      Beryl gazed up at Percy from beneath her lace parasol. The two younger ones chatted merrily. Grace stood watching, arms crossed, gun hanging