Chapter 3—BV

After the prayer over the meal, Audra continued.

"And she was simply the sweetest thing. We hit it off right away..."

"And who are we gushing about today?" Nick said as he walked in. "Sorry I'm late for dinner Mother. I was busy in town," he added leaning down to kiss her cheek before taking his seat.

Audra continued. "Nick, do you know a Mr. Steele?"

Cocking his head to the side as he thought, Nick nodded his head. "Steele. Oh yes. Came to town a few months back. A lazy son of a..."

"Nick."

"Sorry Mother. As I recall, he tried working a couple of jobs around town but was fired. I think I played him in poker once. Not much of a game...he lost. Why?"

"I met his daughter today."

"Daughter? Didn't know he had any children," Nick replied as he filled his plate.

Victoria responded, "Apparently, he has three, all grown, but only one lives here. Audra has been telling us about the poor girl."

"Poor? Oh, you misunderstood me Mother. Granted, she doesn't have much, but she is far from poor. She was delightful and quite content. Her father ran off and left her alone."

"Alone? How old is this girl?" Heath asked, concerned.

"She is a young woman of 20. And very independent. I found her hammering on an old buggy in the barn. Mrs. Moss sent me to her for alterations on my dress, and we talked and laughed for two hours. Leonor is quite pretty, and her eyes are the most beautiful shade of..."

"Pretty, you say?" Heath interjected. "Maybe I should stop by and see if she needs anything."

"I think that's a wonderful idea, Heath," Victoria added. "If Nick can spare you."

Nick had been focusing on eating and missed part of the conversation. "I think he is still thinking of his very busy day today in town. How are those new hands working out, Nick?" Jarrod asked. At the mention of his name, his brother responded.

"They seem to know their way around a ranch. Completed all the chores that Heath gave them, and Jameson did a few things without being asked. Addams is a bit quiet, but no crime in that, I guess. Seems competent enough." As he finished speaking, Nick shoveled another mound of food in his mouth.

"I think Nick can do without me for a few hours. I'll go by and check on her tomorrow," Heath said and went back to his meal.

"She lives at Seth's old place," Audra said, glancing at Jarrod. "I believe I will invite her to my party. We would have a grand time...only..."

"Only what, Audra?" Victoria asked in the silence.

"Mother, her dress is threadbare. I glanced in her closet while I was changing and her other one is worn also. Do you think I would offend her if I offered her one of mine?"

"It's a wonderful idea. You said she was smaller than you, so what about that stack of clothes you were going to donate to charity that no longer fit? Perhaps take her a few things and see how she reacts."

Smiling once again, Audra answered, "I'm going back over there day after tomorrow to get my dress. I'll take them then. Or you could take them tomorrow, Heath."

"It's settled then," Heath responded.

"What's settled?" Nick asked, suddenly interested in the conversation.

"Never mind, big brother. Just enjoy your food," Heath answered with a smile, bringing snickers around the table, unnoticed by the distracted Nick.

###

Collapsing onto his bed, Nick looked out the window at the setting sun. It wasn't often he retired before dark, but rest was exactly what he needed this day.

Nick figured he would drop off as soon as his head hit the pillow. Boy was he wrong.

He ruminated his time in town as he lay there staring at the ceiling, his head resting on his arm. When he should have been dreaming, his thoughts turned toward the young man he had met.

Lenny.

With a sigh, Nick wondered who his opponent was. No one seemed to have ever seen him before today, so perhaps he was passing through Stockton. His clothes were practically falling off him, which concerned Nick further. But although he seemed to be down on his luck, Nick saw a tenacity that was impressive. Had Lenny not been so small, he might have made a good ranch hand. Perhaps he was good with horses and could work as a groom.

It wasn't often that Nick's thoughts kept him awake, he was usually so worn out that he fell right to sleep at night. But tonight, he was haunted by green eyes and a brilliant smile.

Maybe Nick would go back to town tomorrow and search for the young man. If things were as bad as they appeared, Lenny wouldn't turn down the offer of a job.

Satisfied that he had a good plan, Nick turned on his side and closed his eyes, finally drifting off to sleep.

###

Suddenly Nora's eyes popped open.

Hearing something unusual, she crept into the living room. The noises she heard outside weren't normal, so she slowly walked to the small cupboard and quietly opened a drawer. Reaching in she was alarmed to find it empty.

This is where we always keep the pistol, she thought, and then realized that Papa had taken her only means of defense when he left.

She quickly thought about her options- run out the back door into the night or hide somewhere in the house and hope that once whoever was outside came in, they would see there was nothing to steal and leave.

Just as she heard the doorknob turning back and forth- I locked the door, didn't I? - Nora heard a low growl.

"Easy boy," a muffled voice said right before the most menacing snarl and bark she had ever heard. All the while, Demarco was snorting and stomping in the nearby barn. Soon the sounds of running feet followed as did the barking that faded into the distance.

Nora sat down and exhaled, knowing she needed to go check on Demarco but wanting to make sure that the danger had passed. Probably some vagrant looking for a place to spend the night, she pondered as she caught her breath.

Waiting a few moments, Nora stood and walked to the door, slowly opening it. As if that would keep someone out, she laughingly thought before swinging it wide. Right on the other side, there lay the dog that she had seen the day before. He stood as she exited and stepped out of her way, watching her every move.

"Hey there my friend. Are you protecting me? Perhaps you are my guardian angel."

The dog wagged his tail as she spoke and walked alongside her to the barn. After a few moments of calming Demarco down, Nora went back to the house, stopping outside the door to peer in. "Well, that was stupid of me, Sentry," she said to her newfound protector, the name coming naturally to her lips. I hope whoever that was didn't sneak in my house while I was out. Sentry hadn't left her side since she exited and shadowed her every move until she reentered.

"Would you like to come in?" she asked, holding the door open and observing as he hesitantly looked around before cautiously walking in. Closing and locking the door behind him, she watched him glance about the room, and then lie down next to the front entrance. "Good boy," she said, stunned at his defensive posture and loyalty to someone he barely knew.

As he closed his eyes, Nora realized that the threat was past and went back to bed, knowing she was safe and yet unable to sleep the rest of the night.

###

Victoria hid a smile behind her hand as Nick came into breakfast the next morning. His shirt was buttoned wrong, dark circles under his eyes, but it was his hair that brought the humor. His dark locks that he normally so carefully coifed before leaving his room, were sticking out in several places. As he hid a yawn, his mother spoke.

"Looks like you had a difficult night."

"Mornin' Mother," he mumbled as he leaned down to kiss her cheek and took his seat. "Uh, yeah. Had some trouble sleeping. I'll catch up tonight."

A nod by his mother followed his statement as she went back to her coffee.

"Good morning," Heath said with a peck on Victoria's face as well. His glance at Nick brought a quiet snicker. Audra's entrance caused much the same reaction, but neither said a word.

"It's a fine morning everyone, the birds are singing..." Jarrod said as he took his seat at the head of the table and looked around, stopping on Nick. "Or perhaps they are nesting in my brother's hair..." Victoria was glad to see her oldest son so chipper this morning.

Nick looked around at everyone and the laughter finally came out at his confused expression. Reaching up, he felt the misbehaving hair and shook his head. "I... guess I forgot to fix it today," he said hesitantly, bringing more laughter. "Excuse me," he said snippily as he left the table, his family members mirth coming to an end.

"Uh, Nick?" Heath said, stopping his exit. "Your shirt."

Looking down brought a huff and a quick departure, along with a few more chuckles.

"Boy howdy, I don't think I've ever seen Nick so untidy. At least not at breakfast," Heath stated, loading his plate with eggs.

"It seems he didn't sleep well last night," Victoria replied, everyone now focused on their meal.

"Oh Heath," Audra said, "I have a box by the front door. If you could take that to Nora for me, I would be appreciative. And tell her I will be by tomorrow for the dress."

"Be glad to. Going to leave right after I finish my meal. I plan to take a few tools with me in case she needs some repairs around the place. Last time I saw the property it could use some cleaning up."

"I think you will find it in order now. Mr. Steele must have done a few things right," Audra responded after she swallowed.

A head nod was Heath's reply as he chewed. "I'm glad someone is taking care of it. Nice piece of land as I recall," he finally answered.

"I'll be in the north 40 mending that fence- again," Jarrod said as he ate quickly.

"It sounds like everyone has a busy day so perhaps we should finish our breakfast," Victoria stated as Nick rejoined the table.

"I have a few chores to finish around here before going to town this afternoon," Nick added. "I want to see if I can find that young man I met yesterday. Offer him a job."

"You old softie," his mother replied, smiling. As temperamental as he could be, Nick had a heart the size of Texas.

Hearing snickers around the table again, Nick angrily spoke again. "Now what's so funny?"

"Uh...your shirt," Heath replied, causing Nick to look down at the shirt he had forgotten to rebutton, bringing a sigh and then a laugh from him as he stood to correct it.

###

Nora finished dressing and took another look in the broken mirror on the wall to make sure her hair was decent. She had always hated the wild red tresses that she had been born with- thick and curly- and tried to tame the locks by pinning them up as much as possible. But today, she decided to leave her hair down. After all, she was only running into town for a few moments to pick up some necessities and since she was riding Demarco, she couldn't get much. It would take several trips to transport since she didn't have a wagon.

Nora couldn't do anything about the dark circles under her eyes from a lack of sleep last night. Hopefully she could catch up tonight.

Deciding that her hair was as good as it was going to be, Nora headed to the door. Sentry was let out around dawn and had disappeared into the woods and although she hadn't tried to touch him, she wanted to. He had saved her life- Nora was sure of it- and she knew he would be back.

As she was opening the door, a wagon pulled up bringing a small amount of anxiety before she saw the smile on the handsome driver's face.

Heath couldn't believe how clean and organized the place was as he arrived and looked around. When he set the brake, his vision was captured by a young woman that exited the house. She was very attractive with curly red hair that fell to the middle of her back. He could see she was nervous, so he wanted to put her at ease with a smile.

"Mornin' Miss. I'm looking for Leonor Steele," he said as he tipped his hat.

Nora returned the smile and walked closer. "Looks like you found her. But folks call me Nora."

"Nice to meet you, Nora. I'm Heath Barkley, Audra's brother," he replied as he stepped down to the ground.

"Very nice to meet you, Mr. Barkley. Your sister and I got along famously yesterday. If she sent you for the dress, I'm afraid it won't be finished until tomorrow."

Shaking his head, Heath responded. "No, I'm not here about the dress. Audra said she would come see you tomorrow and pick it up. Actually, I am here to see if you might need any help around here. She mentioned you were alone..."

Heath might have imagined it, but it seemed the young woman stiffened at his offer. A smile soon followed. "Well, that's very kind of you, but as you can see, I am quite capable."

"I can see that. The place has never looked better."

"Thank you," Nora said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to saddle my horse and get to town for a few supplies..."

"No need for that. I'm headed that way and would be happy to take you. It would be easier to bring your things in the wagon," Heath offered.

Nora thought it over and was tempted to decline, but ultimately decided he was right. And she wouldn't mind the company. "Alright. I accept your offer, Mr. Barkley."

"Please. Call me Heath."

"Heath it is," she replied warmly. "Let me grab my purse."

"Oh, I almost forgot. Audra sent this box for you. I really don't know what is inside," he said as he lifted it and headed for the open door.

"Well, I can't even imagine. Just place it on the floor and I'll open it later. Thank you so much. And thank her for me- whatever it is."

Heath couldn't help noticing the furniture, as scant as Audra had said. But everything was neat and tidy. Leonor Steele may not have much, but she took great care with what she did own.

"Are we ready?" Heath asked, offering her his arm.

"I believe we are," she replied as he helped her into the wagon.

Nora was starting to enjoy this man's company and hoped he wouldn't be ashamed to be seen with her in her shabby clothes. Nothing she could do about that, so she lifted her chin and resolved to appreciate her day in town with a pleasant man.

###

Jarrod wiped his brow and then continued his work. Many things had changed in the last few months since Seth died. One was the fact that some of their ranch hands had suddenly quit and left the Barkleys short-handed. They weren't shy in telling their reason for leaving.

They blamed Jarrod for the young man's death.

The painful story behind it would haunt Jarrod forever. He wasn't sure he could ever go back to being an attorney, so he shuttered his office and began working at the ranch. It was something he was good at; Tom Barkley had seen to that. The man was conscientious and raised his sons to be the same, and Jarrod knew his way around a ranch as well as any of the hands.

The problem was that he had always wanted to be a lawyer and defend people in need. And now he wasn't sure he would ever return to it.

His demeanor had changed recently, and he knew his family missed the old Jarrod. Hopefully one day he would find him again.

Until then, he had fences to mend.

###

"How about some lunch? My treat," Heath suggested as they walked down the sidewalk after she completed her shopping.

"That would be wonderful. Thank you so much," Nora replied. She was getting very tired of the little that she had at home and a hot meal sounded perfect.

Walking into a small diner in town, they sat at a corner table. "This is nice. I hope the food is good."

"It is," Heath responded. "Especially the chicken and dumplins'."

"Oh, that sounds magnificent. I'll have that with biscuits." Nora had sorely missed biscuits lately with her limited food supply.

After they ordered, the waitress soon brought them their iced tea. Heath couldn't help but notice how Nora slowly sipped hers as if wanting it to last. He knew what it was to be hungry, and this delightful girl had obviously had a lot of lack. Hopefully, she was comfortable enough to share her story with him.

"Tell me about yourself, Nora."

"The whole life story? Or the condensed version," she teased, treating him to a happy grin.

"Whatever you want to tell, I'd like to hear."

"As I really want to enjoy the rest of my day, I'll give you the short story. We moved a lot. I don't remember staying anywhere longer than a few months before we moved again. My mother died almost a year ago, leaving my middle sister and me with our papa in Sacramento. She left shortly after, but I stayed to take care of him. He...wasn't good at keeping a job," Nora began. Heath had met many lazy men that wouldn't support their families. It sounded like Mr. Steele was of that sort.

"When we were evicted, we came here," she continued. "Unfortunately, I lost touch with both of my sisters and I'm not sure exactly where they are. Two days ago, Papa saddled his horse and left me basically destitute." The words were spoken very matter-of-factly, and not to garner sympathy, and although Heath remained silent, he cursed her father in his head. How could he leave her alone?

Leonor Steele was a strong young woman indeed. And Heath admired her.

"I found a little money in his pants pocket and that's what I used to buy supplies today," she exaggerated. "I'm still hoping to find employment. I can do many things; I can even build furniture."

This last statement surprised Heath, although it really shouldn't have.

"Hello Heath."

Nora looked up at a well-dressed woman who had walked up to their table as Heath stood.

"Hello Priscilla. I'd like you to meet Leonor Steele," he politely said. "Priscilla Smith."

It was hard to miss the look of disdain that the pompous woman gave Nora as she looked her worn clothing up and down. "How do you do, Miss Steele?"

"Very nice to make your acquaintance, Miss Smith," Nora politely replied, sure that this young woman had never had to do without.

"That's an... interesting...outfit you're wearing, Miss Steele. Is that homespun?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," was Nora's quick but civil reply.

"How sweet," Priscilla said, raising her nose a little higher.

"It's good to see you, Priscilla, but if you will excuse us, we'd like to finish our meal," Heath said as he sat, giving Nora his undivided attention.

"Well, I never..." Priscilla said as she whirled around and stormed away.

"I'm sorry about that, Nora. She's a little..."

"High-strung? Conceited? Pretentious? Shall I go on?" Nora said before breaking into a smile. "You know, I don't think she liked my dress."

"Well, I like your dress just fine," Heath said as they both shared a laugh and continued eating their lunch.

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