“Bert is talking to the sheriff and others. Austin needed to find out what, if anything, can be done to stop that mining venture.”
“I hope whatever they’re cooking up works. Bert explained to me last night how bad it would be for ranchers, farmers, and the wildlife.”
“Austin is really worried.” She filled a plate with food. “I don’t want the mine problem overshadowing our wedding day.”
“I certainly understand that so let’s talk about something pleasant. Did you notice the dress Mrs. Jenkins is wearing? It was made for her by Flossie Cornelius, the sheriff’s wife. Isn’t it lovely? She copied a design from the latest Harper’s Bazar magazine and created her own pattern.”
The dress in question was light green foulard silk with dark green shamrocks. The trim appeared to be ecru oriental lace. The sleeves stopped with a cuff halfway between the elbow and the wrist. The Marie Antoinette overskirt was anchored at points with dark green bows.
Mina studied the lovely dress. “We sew but I don’t think I’d have the patience to make something that intricate, would you?
“If I did I’d need a long time to work on the project. That’s not something I have with the twins and this house, even with a wonder like Mrs. Brown here.”
Mina swallowed a bite of sandwich. “Now we know who to consult if we need something fancy in a hurry.”
Looking solemn, Austin came toward her. When his gaze met hers, his eyes lit up and he smiled. Seeing the change in him warmed her heart. Perhaps he would love her someday.
He leaned near her ear. “Do you think we can slip away soon?”
She turned her head to smile at him. “I’m sure we can.” Her heart sped because their lips almost brushed. What would he have thought if she had kissed him?
“My hands have gone ahead home. They’re not real comfortable with what they call ‘society folks’. They didn’t mind attending church, but would prefer to come into town for supplies and maybe a drink at the saloon and then head home.”
“Some sent disapproving glances at Chico and Buck. Mean-spirited people are what they are and it’s a shame we can’t change them. I’m sorry the men who work for you were embarrassed on our account.”
“Thank you for saying so. I’m sure relieved we agree on that.”
“Let’s tell Cindy and Bert goodbye and thanks.”
Mina didn’t know who had found time, but someone had brought Mina’s valise down and set it by the door. Austin grabbed it as they left. People lined up and cheered or gave out cat calls as Austin helped her into the buggy and they drove away. She turned to wave briefly. Then, lest she should be like Lot’s wife, she turned around and faced the future.
Chapter Eight
Austin drove the buggy, happy to be alone with his bride. “Well, Mrs. Wright, ours was a nice wedding and reception. All the same I’m glad to be on the way to our home.”
“I’m eager to see the ranch and the house.”
“You can make all the changes you see fit to the house. Later we can build on if you think we need more room.”
“Point out things to me on the way. Tell me about the land and vegetation—anything that comes to mind.” Mina jumped. “What was that odd creature?”
He chuckled. “A roadrunner, real name is chaparral. They eat snakes, lizards, and I don’t know what else. Never have seen one fly more than up to a tree limb.”
“I’m in favor of anything that kills snakes.” She shuddered.
“In a day or two I’ll teach you to shoot. To live on a ranch you need to know how. In addition to four-legged and slithering critters, there are two-legged ones sometimes that need to be shot or scared off.”
“I’ve never held a gun so you’ll need to be patient. My father didn’t own one of any kind. A lot of our neighbors did, though. Even in town there are snakes and rats and the occasional prowler to scare. I don’t think anyone I knew had ever shot a person.”
“You never can tell.” He gestured to the right. “You see that big tree there? That’s a live oak and about my favorite type of tree.”
She nudged his arm. “I can see it’s alive.”
“No, the name of it is live oak. Although its sheds leaves, there are always plenty of green ones so it stays green all year. You can tell the leaves are different from that red oak over there.”
Mina laughed. “I guess I sounded pretty silly.”
“No way could you have known. I’m real glad you have a sense of humor and don’t get riled up easy.”
“I am slow to anger but when I do get ‘riled up’ you’d better stay clear of me. Even though I don’t get mad easily, I’m a fire-breathing dragon when I finally get angry enough to boil over or explode.”
“Then I hope you don’t get mad at me. I’ll consider you my secret weapon.”
She laughed again.
After a half hour they arrived at a wide gate with a wooden sign stretched between two tall posts. The words said “Wright’s Flying W Ranch” and the W before the word ranch had little curves like tiny wings at the top.
She clasped her hands to her chest. “I love the name of your ranch. The Flying W is perfect. I feel as if I’m floating on air and that’s kind of like flying.”
He chuckled and urged the horses to go faster. “I planned on a place like this a long time. For the past five years I’ve worked my tail off, if you’ll pardon my language. And, don’t forget that now it’s our
