him a new hat. Why didn't you tell me about Adam? Were you afraid I would tell the other girls?'
Mary Rose shook her head. 'Why would I care if you told anyone or not?'
'Because you would have been shunned.'
Mary Rose's patience was worn thin. All she wanted was a hot bath and a little comfort. She knew she wasn't going to get either of those things until she got her houseguest situated.
'We know all about prejudice, Eleanor. Being shunned by a group of ignorant girls means little to me. Frankly, my brothers and I have learned not to waste our time on people who hate. All my brothers are wonderful, proud men. I'm not ashamed of my family.'
'Then why didn't you say anything?'
'Family is private,' Mary Rose explained, repeating what she'd been told over and over again by her brothers. 'Who we are and what we do isn't anyone else's business.'
'Now that I think about it, you never told me about your other brothers either,' Eleanor said. 'I knew you had four, but that's all I ever knew. Are they… like Adam?'
'Yes,' Mary Rose replied. 'They're just as kind and good-hearted. Douglas and Cole are a little more stubborn though.'
Eleanor couldn't seem to get her wits about her. She was still reeling inside from the shock Mary Rose had given her.
'We can get out now.'
'In a minute,' Eleanor whispered. 'Things are different out here, aren't they?'
'Conditions are different here than in the city,' Mary Rose replied. 'But family is family, no matter where home is.'
'What in heaven's name is that supposed to mean?'
'Now that I know about your father and what your family life was like, I can well understand why you wouldn't understand. Once you get used to all of us, I think you'll like living here. It's stifling inside, Eleanor. Can't we get out?'
'Adam is head of your household and for that reason, I shall respect him. I give you my promise.'
Mary Rose shook her head. 'No, you will respect him because you should. His position in the family isn't important. Meet him,
Eleanor. I promise you that once you get to know him, you'll respect him because of who he is, not what he is.'
'Honestly, Mary Rose, you're always trying to mix me up. Adam's the only one who can make me leave, isn't he?'
Mary Rose gave up trying to reason with the woman. 'Oh, for heaven's sake,' she muttered. 'I want a bath. Will you please stop arguing with me and get out?'
Eleanor finally noticed how horrid Mary Rose looked. 'What happened to you?'
'A difference of opinion,' she replied.
'Your brothers didn't…'
'Of course not. Honestly, Eleanor, we aren't barbarians. I'm getting out before I faint.'
'It is hot in here, isn't it?'
Mary Rose reached for the door latch. 'You will be gracious to everyone, won't you?'
She wouldn't have demanded the promise if she hadn't known just what Eleanor was capable of. 'Don't you dare try any of your nonsense on my brothers. They won't put up with it.'
'What nonsense?'
'You know what I'm talking about.'
'Give me an example.'
'The look of disdain you give everyone,' Mary Rose said. 'And the…'
'Oh, all right. I'll be nice. Lord, I only hope I know how.'
Mary Rose wondered the very same thing. She finally opened the door and tried to get outside. The heat had made her weak, and the burst of fresh air was as refreshing as a drink of cool water after a day in the garden.
The door knocked Harrison. He'd been standing close by, waiting to see if Mary Rose needed his help. He offered her his hand and helped her step down to the ground.
He looked worried. She smiled to let him know everything was all right. She still had Eleanor's gun in her hand, but kept the weapon pointed to the ground until Harrison spotted it and took it away from her. He tossed it to Cole who immediately tucked it into his gunbelt.
Eleanor climbed out of the stagecoach a minute later and stood next to Mary Rose's side. She squinted against the sunlight and kept her gaze directed on her friend.
Because Harrison was the closest, Mary Rose introduced him to Eleanor first. Then she made her brothers come forward to meet their new houseguest.
Clive was standing by the steps. He still looked as though he wanted to string Eleanor up from the nearest tree.
Eleanor and Mary Rose walked over to face the driver. Eleanor finally whispered an apology.
Clive wasn't satisfied. 'You got to say it loud and clear so everyone will hear, and you got to call me Mr. Harrington, real respectful-like.'
Mary Rose had to nudge Eleanor into complying. Clive never smiled, but Mary Rose could tell he was pleased by Eleanor's apology because his scowl wasn't as dark.
'Miss Mary, will she keep her word about buying me a hat?'
'Yes,' Mary Rose promised.
Clive nodded. He strutted back to his stagecoach, muttering under his breath all the while. Mary Rose knew his bluster was all for the men's benefit. Clive couldn't act relieved, not if he wanted to keep his mean reputation in tact.
The driver climbed up on the perch, took the reins in his hands, and then called out to Mary Rose. 'I was feeling a bit poorly early in the week, but now…'
He paused in his explanation to glare at Eleanor. 'Now I ain't too sure how I feel. How long is she gonna stay?'
'For a spell,' Mary Rose answered. 'There's always room for you, Clive. You know that.'
'I'm feeling better,' he said. 'I might be able to fight off this illness… for a spell. Bye now, Miss Mary.'
'What was that all about?' Eleanor asked.
Mary Rose waved to her friend before answering. 'He's telling me he won't get sick until you leave. Why don't you go and sit in one of the chairs on the porch while I go inside and talk to Adam. It's going to take a while,' she predicted. 'He's going to have to welcome you before you can set foot in our house.'
'What if he won't welcome me?'
Mary Rose didn't want to think about that possibility. 'Adam is compassionate. I'll have to tell him what happened to you. Will you mind?'
'Will he tell everyone?'
'No,' she assured her.
Eleanor agreed. 'Do I have to sit there alone?'
Mary Rose looked around her for someone to keep Eleanor company. Harrison became her only candidate for the task, but only because he was the slowest one getting away. Cole had already reached the main barn, and both Travis and Douglas were hot on his heels.
Harrison didn't particularly want the duty, but he was gallant enough to do as Mary Rose asked.
He made her beg first, however, which she thought was extremely rude of him.
She had to chase after him too. 'Will you slow down?' she demanded when she finally reached his side. 'Why are you frowning like that?'
'I was concerned about you,' he admitted. 'You shouldn't have gotten inside. She had a gun, Mary Rose. You could have been hurt. She already shot at Clive,' he reminded her.
'Eleanor wouldn't hurt me, or anyone else for that matter. She's afraid, Harrison. She's had a bad time lately. Be kind to her.'
Harrison knew he was going to have to be a gentleman about this. He shouted to Douglas to come and get MacHugh, and when the brother arrived, he followed Mary Rose over to the porch.
