'Tess, your room is aired, and Joe's room is 123 aired, and I just
happened to air the back two, but I haven't touched the others yet. I
was getting around to them, but then when we heard ... When we heard
that both you and Joe ... Nothing seemed to make much sense anymore.'
'That's all right,' Tess said.
'But we'll nee~l linens and all for Mrs. Simmons and Mr. Red Feather.
Can you see to that? We'll put them in those two rooms you aired.'
'What about the lieutenant?'
'I believe he's staying in town. And should he wander back, well, he can
wander into the barn.'
Jon made a choking sound, then laughed. Dolly gave a little gasp.
Tess didn't care. She walked grandly down the hall.
'Dolly, this room here is more appropriate for a lady, I think.
There's a big dressing table in here, and the light is wonderful in the
morning.'
'It is just wonderful!' Dolly said delightedly.
'I love it!' She caught Tess's cheeks between her plump hands and gave
her a kiss on the cheek.
'I am so glad I came. And don't you dare wait on me. I'm here to help.
Jane, you run along and get linens, and I'll get this bed made up, and
then you show me around the house and tell me what I can do!'
' 'Dolly, you don't have to do anything but rest. It's been a long trip
' You hush, dear. I'm going to get to know my room!' She stepped inside,
closing the door. Jane hurried down the hall to the little'
linen-storage room.
Tess smiled wryly at Jon.
'She's wonderful, isn't she?'
'Dolly? Yes, she's a wonder.'
'I didn't really give her the best room, Jon, both these rooms are big
and have beautiful views. I think you'll be just as happy over here. The
bed is large and firm, and it's very airy.'
'I'll be quite comfortable wherever you put me,' he sured her.
Smiling, he looked into the room, then backed out again.
'I'll go help Hank with the trunks.'
'If you're tired'
'Tess, do I look tired? If yon Heusen is coming back tonight, we want to
look settled in, don't we?'
'It's interesting that you should feel that way. Apparently the
lieutenant wasn't very worried.'
'Don't underestimate him, Tess. He knows what he's doing.'
'You would defend him no matter what, wouldn't you?'
'Because I know him,' Jon said quietly, and he stepped past her, down
the hall and down the stairs. She'd best get moving herself, Tess
decided.
She turned and hurried down the hallway in Jon's wake. While the men
unloaded the wagon, she could see to the horses and the mules.
Then she'd have to find out how many of the ranch hands had stayed
around once they'd heard that von Heusen would be taking over.
And then she'd have to wait. for von Heusen himself.
