Mrs. Webb was the housekeeper in charge. “When we learned Mr. Lawson had died, we sent away the women he kept here. They took one of the wagons but we could hardly ask them to walk.”
Judith said, “Of course not. Where do you suppose they went?”
“They said they were going to Las Vegas. One or two had men friends there they may stay with but I don’t know.”
Judith looked at the housekeeper. “I’m curious. How did you know Mr. Lawson had died?”
Mrs. Webb appeared surprised. “Oh, many of us have family in town and our kin came to tell us the news. We were relieved to know law and order was being restored.”
“Did Mr. Lawson build this house?”
“Certainly not. Stole it from the owner, supposedly in a card game five years ago. When Mr. Gregory resisted, he was shot. I can tell you Mr. Gregory would never have wagered his ranch in a card game. He loved this place too much.”
Peyton frowned. “Does Mr. Gregory have kin who should have had it?”
Mrs. Webb rewarded him with a genuine smile. “No, the poor man was all alone but thank you for asking. Your question proves you are a fair man as you claimed.”
She held out her hands. “Shall I give you a tour or would you like to explore on your own?”
Judith said, “Why don’t you give us a tour and then we’ll explore.”
Jeff rushed in to join them. “ eight men to town to drive the horses here. Told them to tell Wimberly to total up what we owe and we’d settle up with him when we come back to town.”
He looked sheepish. “I gave the other hands the rest of the day off except for feeding and watering and getting places ready for the horses.”
Peyton nodded. “You’re just in time. Mrs. Webb is going to lead us on a tour.”
From the large entryway, she took them into the parlor. For some reason, she appeared frightened. “Lawson and his men were careless but we have tried to repair their abuse. Actually, we had hidden some of the finer pieces and fabrics.”
The housekeeper’s shoulders sagged slightly and her lower lip trembled. “I know that sounds deceitful and you may want to fire me for doing so, but Mrs. Gregory had many fine pieces imported when she was living. Such a kind lady. We brought the parlor draperies out and hung them this morning.”
Mama patted Mrs. Webb’s shoulder. “A sad duty when you see beautiful things abused and destroyed. You were wise to conserve what you could.”
Mrs. Webb’s face relaxed with relief, though she remained formal. “Thank you for understanding.”
She took a deep breath. “The next room is the dining room. As you can see there is seating for twenty guests. Actually, there are more leaves in the event you have up to thirty-six.”
As well as aghast at the size, Judith was puzzled. “Where did all the guests come from?”
“Well, there are plenty of bedrooms to host out of town guests. The Gregorys invited senators, governors, prominent families, Indian chiefs, everyone you can imagine.”
Peyton asked, “They didn’t have trouble with the Apache and Comanche?”
“I was not here until the home was complete. As I understand, when they were building they had some trouble. Mr. Gregory took several of his steers to each tribe. He pledged that their people would never go hungry on this range if he could live here in peace. He kept his word and they kept theirs.”
The tour continued for about thirty minutes. Judith paid close attention and Mama appeared to also. They ended on the second floor.
Mrs. Webb gestured to each end of the hallway. “There are two identical suites, one at each end of the second floor and each with a balcony. Each has been thoroughly cleaned and has fresh linens. The Gregory son was supposed to come here and carry on the family ranch but he died in the war. They’d just completed the house when they got word. He was their only child and neither was ever the same.”
She dabbed her eyes with the corner of her apron. “Pardon me. Well, I’ll let you folks get on with your own investigations. I pointed out the bell pulls. If you need anything at all, just call me.”
Peyton took Judith’s hand. “Well, Red, which end of the house do you want for us?”
“Let’s take the one with the pale green walls. Will that be all right?”
He smiled and tugged her with him. “Perfect. I’ll have our belongings brought up here later. Right now, I want to enjoy my wife in our very own suite of rooms.”
Judith said, “But Mama and Jeff—” she glanced back to see Jeff escorting Mama to the other suite of rooms.
“Jeff wants to talk to your mama and he needs privacy to do so. I hope you aren’t against Mama and Jeff marrying.”
“Oh, I’ve been praying they would. They’re good together, aren’t they? She deserves the happiness of having a loving companion and not just her grandchildren.”
He closed the door behind them, turned the lock, and pulled her into his arms. “Judith Ann Knight, you are my soulmate. When I first heard that term I scoffed. I thought the probability of anyone having a soulmate was ridiculous. Now I stand corrected for you are mine.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head against his chest. His heart pounded beneath her ear. “I wanted so badly to find the right man to love. When we met I wanted to sock you for your rudeness. At the same time, I thought you were the handsomest, most desirable man I’d ever met. I was right. You are handsome and desirable.”
He caressed her back and
