Ellie's Legacy Page 13

  Ty whistled. “Ellie, you look beautiful.”

  She smiled and pivoted around, allowing especially her father to have a full inspection. “Well, what do you think now, Pa? Can you tell I’m a female?”

  “You look so much like yer ma.” His voice cracked and he lowered his head. He quickly swiped at his eyes.

  Ellie bent and hugged him. “That’s the nicest compliment I could have wished for.” She brushed aside a tear of her own.

  “A rose for a Rose.” Ty held up a second slightly wilted offering.

  Ellie accepted it with a smile. “It’s lovely, as was the other. Thank you.”

  “We’d better get on the road.” Ty hitched at his collar then took her hand and led her to the buggy.

  “Yeah, you two get going, and have a wonderful time.” Ben stood and walked to the edge of the porch with Ellie. “But be careful,” he added.

  Ellie turned and handed the other rose to Cook. “Please put this one in water for me, too. It was given to me by someone very special.” She whirled and smiled at Ty, and with his help, she stepped up into the carriage.

  Trying to squeeze her crinolines into the seat, she grumbled. “Looking ladylike is a lot more work than you think.”

  Ty lowered his head, but his chuckling was clearly audible.

  “You should try wearing this outfit,” she snipped, arranging her petticoats. “I’d like to see how well you move about.”

  He looked up with a grin. “Well, I doubt I could fill out that dress as stunningly as you do, and since you made the effort to look so darn pretty, can we just go and have a nice time?”

  She bit her lip at his flattering response. “Sorry, my temper gets the best of me sometimes, but then I’m sure you know that, and yes, I’ve so been looking forward to tonight. She smoothed her skirt then rested her hands in her lap. “I’m ready, and I promise I’ll be nice.”

  “Wait a minute,” Cook called, disappearing back into the house. In a few moments she reappeared carrying a heavy quilt. “Take this. It’s going to be a cold ride home.” She handed the cover to Ellie then hugged herself against the late afternoon chill. “I swear I can smell snow in the air.”

  Ty walked to the other side, climbed aboard and picked up the reins. He clucked, “Gee up,” at Pa’s dappled mare.

  The buggy lurched forward toward the gate. Ellie leaned out the side and waved back to the two special people on the porch, and then with a happy sigh, turned back to Ty and smiled.

  “I’m so excited.”

  Her mind immediately began to whir, and she found herself lost in a mental rehearsal of dance steps to avoid tangling her feet in her dress hem or even worse, stepping on his polished toes.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The buggy ride along Bon Air trail was much rougher than Ellie recalled. Every rut and bump in the road tightened another corset stay. She much preferred the soft camisole she wore everyday to being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

  “Danged female trappings,” she mumbled, giving a subtle yank at the binding garment.

  “Did you say something?” Ty asked, tilting his head and glancing over at her.

  “No, at least nothing that bears repeating. I’m so anxious to get to the dance. Wasn’t the last one at Bon Air Springs in April? Isn’t that a wondrous hotel? I can’t believe how many guests come to spend the summer there.” Without giving him a chance to answer, she rambled on. “And it seems like it’s been ages since I’ve seen any of my friends.”

  “And here I thought you were excited about being in my company,” Ty teased.

  She rested her hand on his arm. “Being with you is the best part, but you can’t fault me for wanting to show you off to the other girls.”

  Her compliment appeared to have left him speechless. It almost looked like his face had turned a little bit red. The silence became awkward and she searched her mind for something to say.

  “I especially can’t wait to see the look on Clare Smith’s face. She believes she’s the answer to every man’s prayer. Of course, maybe it’s because she has so many of them chasing after her.”

  Ty took his eyes from the road long enough to glance over at Ellie. “I highly doubt Clare Smith is gonna hold a candle to Miz Roselle Fountain tonight.”

  Ellie’s heart skipped a beat and a smile blossomed on her lips. She edged closer to him, daring to be bold. He turned again and smiled, and suddenly even the discomfort from the corset paled in comparison to the euphoric feeling of Ty’s evident adoration. Surely they would be the best looking couple at the dance.

  A sudden cold breeze whipped through the buggy. Ellie shivered, unfolded her wrap, and pulled it around her shoulders. Drawn by the lingering aroma of Ty’s soapy-clean scent, she snuggled up to him. The sun had dropped below the trees lining the trail, and a sudden chill iced the air.

  She watched the familiar landscape and knew within a short time they would be in Sparta. With a glance at the quilt on the seat next to her, she whispered a silent “thank you” to Cook. The ride home would indeed be a frosty one. All the more reason to cozy up to Ty.

  He reined the mare to a stop in front of the town hall. The street was already full of other horse-drawn buggies and saddled steeds. The sounds of guitars and fiddles created festive music easily heard from inside. Ellie wanted to leap out of the buggy and dash in, but for propriety’s sake, she sat and waited for Ty to secure the mare to the hitching rail and come to help her down.

  Recalling how difficult it was to get into the buggy, she appreciated the assistance to keep from falling flat on her face…or on her backside.

  Ty offered his hand, and Ellie leaned forward and into his waiting arms. He held her for a little longer than necessary, but she didn’t mind. Her pulse quickened as she slid down the length of him, reveling in the feel of his warm breath washing over her face and his eyes connecting with hers. Her feet touched the ground, but her heart soared.

  Ty backed away, crooked his elbow and offered his arm. “We best get inside and enjoy the fun.”

  Ellie locked her arm through his and they strolled inside.

  The warm air within the hall felt good, especially on her freezing cheeks. She loosened her wrap, as her eyes scanned the room. Along the front wall, long tables filled with a myriad of good home cooking beckoned to the hungry. Festive pumpkins and gourds decorated the tops where pies, cakes, cookies, rolls, smoked hams and poke salads, all looking and smelling wonderful, were tastefully displayed.

  Ellie’s desire for socializing was stronger than her appetite, and she searched for familiar faces, preferring a good chat over a piece of cake. Far across the room and barely visible above a crowd of people, her good friend, Betty Jo Warner, waved to her.

  “Oh look,” Ellie cooed, pointing to the corner. “There’s Betty Jo, and oh,” her voice turned icy cold, “and Clare Smith.” Within a split second, Ellie’s mood lightened again. Her distaste quickly forgotten, she clapped her hands. “Isn’t this a great turn out?”

  “Sure is,” Ty replied, hanging his hat and coat with all the others on the wall, while ogling the food. The look on his face displayed a longing to partake, but Ellie dragged him across the hall to where her friends gathered. It took a lot of polite pushing, nudging and elbowing to get through the throng of people.

  “Hey everyone,” Ellie called out, as she gave Betty Jo a quick hug, and then turned her attention to the others. “You all remember, Ty Bishop, our ranch foreman and my escort for the evening. Ty this is Betty Jo, Celia, Sassy, and of course, Clare.”

  Ellie drew a tighter grasp on his arm and beamed as she noticed the surprised look on Clare Smith’s snippy face. Sparta’s belle of the ball appeared stunned. Even in her perfect ivory gown, most likely specially made to fit her body like a glove, Ellie had bested her.

  Clare’s pasty-faced companion for the evening was no match for Ty. Ellie felt proud to be on the arm of one of the most handsome men in the place, and he was all hers. She found it hard to mask her gloat
ing grin.

  Betty Jo fingered the material of Ellie’s skirt. “Your dress is beautiful, and your hair is divine.”

  “Thank you,” Ellie said, spinning around to showcase her prized find. “I planned on making a dress, but ran out of time. I found this at the mercantile. Can you believe it?”

  She surveyed Betty Jo’s pale yellow gown trimmed with eyelet. It accented a trim waist and full bosom. “You look wonderful, too,” Ellie commented, and gave appreciative nods to Celia and Sassy, as well.

  Betty Jo’s shoulder-length blonde hair shone like spun gold and her brown eyes sparkled with excitement. If not for her noticeable overbite, she would be very attractive. Unfortunately she was quite aware of the flaw and constantly held a hand to hide it.

  Nonetheless, it appeared that one of Sparta’s young men didn’t mind at all and had taken a fancy to her. He didn’t seem to want to wander too far away. Ellie was about to ask his name when Ty cleared his throat.

  He tugged uncomfortably at his collar and fidgeted. Ellie locked her arm back through his, hoping to make him feel more comfortable. She was just starting to speak when Clare interrupted.

  “How on earth did you snag such a handsome fellow, Ellie?”

  She felt the back of her neck bristle. She forced a smile and said nothing, refusing to react to Clare’s subtle insult.

  Ellie’s smile faded as she flashed back to the moment when she found out Pa had put him up to it. Clare certainly didn’t need to know that. Ty really did want to be here with her, didn’t he?

  “It is quite a surprise to see you here with Mr. Bishop,” Clare interjected. “I thought you might be coming with…oh what’s his name…that red-headed fellow at the mercantile?”

  Ellie’s jaw tightened. “I–”

  “How about a dance, Ellie?” Ty pulled her toward the crowded dance floor and out of hearing range of the others. “I sensed another little flare of red-headed temper building. I thought this might be the perfect time to waltz.”

  Ellie giggled. “You know me too well. That—that floozy makes me so mad. She thinks she’s…”

  All thoughts of Clare vanished the moment Ty’s arm snaked around Ellie’s waist and reeled her in. Somehow Clare wasn’t important at the moment. Ellie placed one hand on Ty’s shoulder and clasped his waiting one with her other, wanting to melt against him like she did when they kissed.

  Instead, she assumed a stance that maintained a proper space between them, easily following his steps to the melodic tune. She was very aware of his arms around her, of his freshly laundered shirt, and that same fresh smell of soap on his face she had noticed in the buggy. Her mind drifted to their shared kiss and her hope for a repeat performance

  Lordy, the room was hot. Everything feminine in her cried out to be caressed. Forgetting propriety, she inched nearer, feeling his arm tighten around her waist. As they waltzed past Clare, Ellie cast a smug smile, and then boldly rested her cheek on Ty’s broad shoulder. Let them talk. She planned to enjoy herself.

  “May I cut in?” A deep voice asked.

  Ty halted mid-step. Ellie raised her head to see Jeb Bryant.

  “No, you may not,” Ty responded brusquely as he continued the dance.

  “Is big bad Tyler Bishop afraid I might steal his lady?” Jeb taunted.

  Ellie quickly pulled away from Ty, and glared up at Jeb. “No, his lady would rather two-step with a polecat than dance with you. Now if you don’t mind…”

  She repositioned herself in Ty’s arms and they waltzed away, leaving Jeb with his mouth agape.

  Ty appeared not to hear Jeb’s parting remark, but Ellie clearly did. His mumbled words, “I’ll make you regret this,” made the tiny hairs on her arms stand on end.

  * * * * *

  Ty wandered to the food tables and Ellie took a seat along the wall with Betty Jo, crossed her legs and removed her left shoe. She massaged the bottom of her foot. “I’ve never danced so much in all my life. Who would have guessed Ty was so good at it?”

  “You make a stunning couple. I wish I could find a beau as handsome as Ty.”

  “You will someday, Betty Jo. You have to wait for the right opportunity. But I seem to notice someone lingering nearby tonight.” She nodded toward the young man who hadn’t ventured far from her friend.

  Ellie hitched up her stocking and put her shoe back on, straightening in her chair. “I sure never imagined Ty would be courting me…well sort of, if you count this dance and one kiss.”

  “You kissed him?” Betty Jo’s brows arched.

  “Just once, it was wonderful. I can’t wait to try again.”

  Her friend’s hand covered a giggle. “Oh, Ellie. You’re so lucky.”

  “Yes I am. I really like him.” Ellie’s stomach fluttered in confirmation.

  She stood on tiptoes, scanning the food tables for Ty. A slow song played and she was anxious to dance again. Directly across the room, she locked eyes with Jeb Bryant, who noticed her and puckered his mouth into an exaggerated kiss.

  “Ohhh, that man makes me furious,” she stormed, feeling her jaw tighten again.

  “Who?” Betty Jo looked around curiously.

  “Jeb Bryant, that’s who. He and his family have brought nothing but trouble to the mountain since they moved here.” She balled her hand into a fist.

  “I’ve seen his brother in town a few times. He always seems polite enough.”

  Ellie relaxed at the change of subject. “Joshua does seem so different from his twin. I feel sorry for him. I think he could be a really nice person if Jeb didn’t bully him around so.”

  “And Joshua is so cute,” Betty Jo whispered, her vision trained on the milder of the Bryant boys standing across the room.

  “I think so, too, but I wouldn’t get involved with the likes of them if I were you. Where Jeb Bryant goes, trouble follows, and the brothers aren’t often apart.”

  Ellie felt Jeb’s penetrating stare but pretended to ignore it. She looked from one side of the room to the other, searching for Ty. Suddenly, her mouth dropped open and her hand flew to her throat. “I don’t believe it.”

  “What’s wrong, Ellie?” Betty Jo stared at her with wide eyes.

  “Ty is dancing with Clare. Of all the nerve. Look how she’s clutching at him.”

  Betty Jo rose and followed Ellie’s blistering gaze, then turned to her friend. “Oh don’t get upset, Ellie. Maybe she asked him.”

  “I don’t care who asked who,” Ellie barked, putting her hands on her hips. “He knows how I feel about her. He could have refused.”

  Contempt heated Ellie’s cheeks. “How could Ty be so cruel? He could have danced with anyone else in the whole hall, but…”

  Ellie’s lips pursed into a thin line. Boldly, she walked over to Jeb Bryant. She’d show her so-called escort two could play this game. With a cocked head, she faked a cordial voice and flashed a feigned smiled at Jeb. “I changed my mind. Is your invitation for a dance still open?”

  Jeb’s eyebrows rose. “Well, will wonders never cease? Of course, Miz Ellie, I’d love to dance with you.” His speech slurred from his evident intoxication.

  She glanced over her shoulder, hoping Ty watched, and walked into Jeb’s waiting arms.

  The hair on the back of her neck bristled at his touch, but in order to make a point, she could endure one dance. She fought to keep her eyes from straying to Ty and Clare and prayed Ty took notice. It was a struggle to follow Jeb’s drunken lead.

  Would the song never end? The smell of whiskey on Jeb’s breath turned her stomach, and he held her far too tight.

  Ellie gasped when he trailed a kiss along the side of her neck. She backed away. “Stop that! I said I would dance with you and that’s all. I should have known better.”

  Jeb reeled her back, pulling her tighter against him. He seemed to revel in her discomfort. “You know you like it, Ellie. I’ve seen how you look at me.” He leered at her while struggling to retain his balance.

  Ellie pulled free from his grasp.
“Get your hands off me,” she yelled. “You must be as crazy as you are drunk if you think I’ve given you any encouraging looks.”

  “Then why would you dance with me?” He roared.

  “I-I…never mind. I told you it was a mistake. Just leave me alone.”

  All the couples around them stopped dancing and turned to gape.

  Feeling the weight of their stares, Ellie jumped when someone grabbed her. She turned to see Ty. Clare still hung on his arm.

  “What’s wrong, Ellie?” Ty asked, his smooth brow creased with concern.

  Clare yanked on him. “C’mon, Ty, let’s go finish our dance. Ellie seems to be having a lover’s spat.”

  Clare’s overly-emphasized drawl made Ellie want to slap her.

  “Yes, Ty, go finish your dance. I don’t need your help.” Ellie edged her voice with ice. How dare he act like he cared when he was so evidently captivated by Clare? If Ellie didn’t hate Jeb so much she would grab him and kiss him full on the mouth. Instead, she spun on her heel and pushed her way through the crowd, cursing Ty and her uncomfortable corset.

  A rush of emotion churned inside her and tears welled. How could Ty even consider dancing with Clare? Coupled with her anger at Jeb for presuming so much, Ty’s behavior was the last straw. This was supposed to be a special evening. Did she want to cry or shoot someone? Escape, that’s what she needed. A breath of fresh air and some time alone. She went back to her chair and grabbed her wrap.

  Betty Jo looked up from talking to her young man. “Are you alright, Ellie?”

  “Everything is fine. Don’t let me interrupt you. I’m going to step out for a breath of air.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m positive.” She patted her friend’s hand. “I won’t be long.”

  Ellie pulled her wrap around her shoulders, and seeing the mass of bodies between her and the front door, decided to use the rear one.

  Outside, crisp air washed over her like a waterfall. She took a deep breath and leaned against the side of the building, welcoming the relief from the heat generated by all the bodies inside the hall. She pulled her shawl tighter and replayed what had just happened. Her jaw tightened at the thought of Ty and Clare, and before she could rein in her emotions, tears cascaded down her cheeks.