Cowgirl for Keeps. Louise Gouge M.

      “Indeed, I did.” He wanted to move on but didn’t want to offend this man. Tolley already found him lacking in some way. For his own part, Garrick must apply today’s sermon and forgive Tolley for tripping him during yesterday’s branding. It hadn’t been an accident or prank, but a malicious act.

      “I told my Sunday school class about you and Percy,” Rand said. “They’d enjoy hearing from you. Would you address them next Sunday morning? We meet an hour before the church service, and we can invite Nate’s class to join us.”

      The unexpected request astonished him. “It would be a privilege, sir.” How remarkable that the older two brothers taught Sunday school. Speaking to the lads was an honor he wouldn’t decline.

      “Yeah,” Tolley said. “They’ll get a real hoot out of the funny way you talk.”

      Rand chuckled, giving Garrick pause. Was his invitation meant to be an insult rather than an honor? A knot formed in his chest. Whatever they threw at him, he must answer without offending or he’d risk losing Colonel Northam’s good opinion.

      Rand elbowed his brother. “You’d be surprised, kid. Some of these boys hanker to see the world beyond the San Luis Valley. They may never travel abroad, so this’ll be a real treat.”

      Garrick’s knot eased. Tolley, however, snorted and walked away. His brother’s use of “kid” made him flinch. Oddly, Garrick felt a measure of empathy, having endured his own share of set downs. At the birth of Viscount Eddington, Uncle’s first son, Garrick was demoted in Society’s view. No longer heir presumptive to an earldom, thus no longer sought after for future favors, either social or political. Of course, Tolley probably wouldn’t understand how crushing that had been. As one of four heirs to his father’s wealth, he had a secure future, even if his inheritance was part of a dusty cattle ranch in this remote mountain valley.

      Garrick must find a way to befriend him, even though Tolley seemed determined to dislike him. Even though a veiled threat shaded every look the younger man sent his way.

Chapter Four

      Rosamond spent the early part of Sunday afternoon making space for Beryl’s clothes in her wardrobe.

      As she worked, she searched for reasons to like Garrick. He’d given his valet the day off but seemed displeased when Roberts and Richards attended a different church with Rita and Consuela. Of course before Roberts left, he made sure Garrick was properly dressed. She wouldn’t let those small matters count for anything. Not much, anyway.

      With her room in order, she searched for Percy and found him relaxing in a rocking chair on the front porch. Garrick sat on the porch swing.

      “Are you ready?” Why did she sound so giddy? “Beryl’s waiting for us.”

      Percy nodded. “I’ll be delighted to see her again.” Such a sweet remark, especially since he’d talked with Beryl just a few hours ago.

      Was that frown Garrick wore his favorite expression? As they walked around the house toward the barn, Rosamond chided herself. She must stop these unkind thoughts about him.

      “We’ll take a wagon for Beryl’s trunk,” she said, “but if you feel like riding, we can saddle horses, too.”

      Garrick stopped. “Do you mean...?” He clamped his mouth shut and resumed walking.

      Rosamond could guess what he’d started to say. “Yep.” Her teachers at the academy would have apoplexy over her quick return to Western slang. Yet something about Garrick made her want to do just that. Right away, her conscience smote her. Deliberately irritating a person wasn’t the way to show God’s love. “The cowhands are off today, so it’s up to us to hitch the team to the wagon and saddle the horses.”

      “Brilliant.” His tone suggested something entirely different.

      “Capital.” Percy picked up his pace. “It’s been a while since I saddled a horse. I relish the challenge.”

      In spite of one reluctant student and another entirely too enthusiastic helper, Rosamond managed the affair without a catastrophe. Soon she was driving the wagon up the lane, while the men rode along beside her. She occasionally glanced at Garrick and noticed him gazing at the distant mountains or watching migrating geese flying above them. Judging from his placid facade, he seemed to be enjoying himself for the moment.

      Despite their disappointment over Beryl leaving them, her sisters helped load the wagon. Even Garrick pitched in with heavier items, impressing Rosamond with his strength. With servants to do everything for him, how could he be so strong?

      Soon they were traveling back to Four Stones. Beryl sat beside Rosamond on the driver’s bench, but she’d tied her mare to the wagon...a good sign. Her willingness to ride might be the first step toward restoring her courage.

      Riding close to the wagon, Percy chatted with Beryl over the clatter of the wheels. A stranger looking on might assume they’d known each other all their lives. So far, Rosamond hadn’t heard a word of disagreement between them. They liked the same books, the same music, the same pastimes. What an agreeable marriage they could have. Too bad Garrick couldn’t hide his disapproval. Did he hold some power over his cousin to prevent this romance?

      The valets returned to Four Stones in time to help Garrick and Percy move the trunk and luggage to the bedroom. Consuela helped Beryl unpack, and Rita planned a hearty meal for everyone rather than taking the evening off. All four servants appeared to be energized by a jolly mood, and a hint of romance sparked between Rita and Roberts. Percy and Beryl still had eyes only for each other. Rosamond couldn’t help but long for a romance, too, but with so much work for her school and the hotel, she’d have no time for such an indulgence. Or so she tried to convince herself.

      * * *

      “That will do, Roberts.” In the mirror, Garrick admired his cravat, which his man had tied with expert precision. Yet for some reason, he felt irritated at being fussed over despite having been dressed by a valet since leaving the nursery.

      “Very good, sir.” Roberts never revealed emotion while doing his job, although yesterday Garrick had seen him smile constantly as he talked with Rita in the kitchen.

      When everyone left for church yesterday morning, he’d not been pleased to see the valets and the female servants going south while the Northam family traveled north. But, after all, it was the servants’ day off. He couldn’t insist that Roberts attend the same church.

      “Your portfolio, sir.” Roberts handed the folder to Garrick.

      “Thank you.” He unfastened the clasp and thumbed through the architectural drafts to refresh his memory. All was in order. “I won’t need you until after dinner. This afternoon I’m meeting the minister in town, so I’ll require something appropriate for the occasion.”

      “Yes, sir.” Roberts coughed softly into his fist, as he did when he wished to speak.

      “Yes?”

      “Would it be permissible for me to assist Mrs. Northam in her garden this morning?”

      Pleased by his valet’s thoughtfulness, Garrick nodded. “That’s fine.”

      The smile that spread across Roberts’s face extinguished that pleasure. Rita would no doubt be working with them.

      Garrick had no time to ponder the matter. He must meet Rosamond in Colonel Northam’s office in a few minutes. That thought instantly improved his disposition. Despite her coolness toward him, he’d missed her at breakfast. Or maybe he simply wanted to decipher that coolness and possibly overcome it. He wouldn’t succeed with the hotel unless he gained her favor.

      As he walked down the hallway to the front staircase, he heard girlish giggles coming through the closed door of her bedroom. Giggles just like his sister’s. How would Rosamond and Helena get on? Would they like each other? But they’d never meet, so he shrugged off the