“Anna got letters from a number of gentlemen. She told me she intends to get to know each of you, but, as I am, she is seeking employment that will allow her time for courting. However, I do know she’s fond of flowers,” Barbara added slyly. She rather liked this bluff cowboy and knew Billy thought of him as a good friend.
She held onto his arm as he made a move to step away. She felt as if she were in his head as his attention flickered over to the next meadow which was lush with blooms.
“I did not mean right now, silly. Right now we are going to join the group and you are going to greet everyone politely and chat for a moment before announcing you are going to fetch me a lemonade and offering to get one for each of the other ladies as well.
“I assure you every man there will immediately make the same offer.”
Sam looked at her with interest. Hmm, strategy. He’d never thought in those terms. Seemed as if his recent military service might be useful for something after all.
She went on. “You will just wait for the clamor to die down a bit, and then, unless one of the ladies has declined, you can say, ‘Then that will be three lemonades,’ and head on over to the table. I assure you that you will not have to juggle three cups as at least two of the gentlemen will accompany you. In fact everyone may start to take off, but one or two will turn back to keep the ladies company.
“Those who stay, while acting out of chivalry themselves, will nonetheless have lost a bit of status as they are now not the knights errant. And, of course, those who accompany you will have lost those few moments of conversation. You, on the other hand, will be seen as the Rescuer of all the Distressed Damsels, from the Dragon of Thirst.”
She slowed to a stop, still a few paces away from the group and out of earshot. Sam was clearly paying close attention to what she had to say.
“Okay, now this last bit is the most important part, if you want this to work in your favor. When you return with a single cup of lemonade, because the others will ensure there is sufficient for everyone, you will bow and offer it to me, because it was I whom you set off to please in the first place.”
His respect for her was growing with every word and now his face split in a grin.
“You could have been one of the Generals I served under. That is brilliant.” As was his smile as he prepared to resume their march toward his quarry. She held him back a moment longer, making sure he was looking her squarely in the eyes.
“Sam, one last thing.” He waited most attentively. “Get Billy to give you some dance lessons.”
Startled, he guffawed, then with a huge grin, marched her over to the group, where he executed his assignment brilliantly, handing her the lemonade with a slight wink. Everything had occurred exactly as she had foretold and he was delighted to have enlisted her as an ally. He’d even take those dance lessons.
Jealousy
Having consumed another portion of dessert—someone else’s offering, as Charlie Sue’s pie had disappeared with startling rapidity—Billy decided to stroll about and headed toward the meadow, intent on gathering some blossoms for his Barbara.
They had taken a walk after supper the night before, taking care to remain in sight of the party since they were unchaperoned, and they’d had a chance to talk then instead of having to wait. She had shared with him her recent loss.
He was startled to realize just how recently, and understood why she wasn’t broadcasting such news. A number of the old biddies and sticklers would have had her in black between one breath and the next, and none of the weekend’s activities would have been possible, casting an unimaginable pall over the entire trip.
But he was mighty glad she’d agreed to abide by her sister’s wishes that she not mourn publicly, and, further, that she’d come west with the others. She was such a strong woman! He would give her the time she needed to get over her loss and just stand by to help in any way he could.
~~~
Looking up from the bunch of flowers he’d gathered, he saw Barbara get up and look around. His arm raised to wave, he realized he was too far away to be noticed. And then he saw Sam offering his arm as escort, and stiffened. Then they started walking over toward the tables.
They were acting as if they’d known each other for years! The flowers fell from his fingers and he faded back into the trees and watched, sorrow etching his features.
He followed their progress. He watched as they laughed and talked. He’d seen Sam fetch her some lemonade. That was his right!
Billy stayed behind the trees. He had noticed Barbara looking around for him, but his heart was broken. Sam was trying to get Barbara to step out on him.
He had thought he could trust Sam! He had thought he could trust Barbara!
But as he looked at her, he decided it was not her fault. She had made plain to him last night that she was still in mourning and was not seeking anyone to pursue her. And he could see that Sam was getting no further than he had. He brightened a bit—perhaps even less.
He had promised to give her the space she needed to recover. It doesn't mean you have to stay away
