Louise Gouge - Cowgirl for Keeps

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 at her side, and a critical gleam emanating from those intense blue eyes. Perhaps she agreed with Garrick that Percy and Beryl shouldn’t form an unsuitable attachment.

He took a step in that direction only to be intercepted by Rand and Tolley Northam. Tolley gave him a curt nod, and his lips formed a thin line.

Rand shook his hand. “Did you enjoy the service?”

“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.”