* * *
“I’d rather you not go too close to his stall.” Malachite halted just inside the barn, and the others followed suit. “I think the sight of all these strangers might spook him.”
Across the length of the barn, Diablo stood in his stall, silent and watchful.
“Oh my.” Pearl touched a hand to her throat. “He’s... frightening. Frightening and beautiful.”
“That he is, chérie.” Ruby sighed. “I have heard some of the talk about him, but I never expected him to be so... splendid.”
“I may not be the best judge of horseflesh,” Diamond said with a trace of awe, “but that stallion is magnificent.”
Malachite nodded. “Despite a lifetime in the wild, his coat is glossy, his eyes so clear you’d think he could see through you. He’s the finest horse I’ve ever handled. It would be a waste to kill an animal like him.”
“I don’t see why you should have to destroy him,” Marshal Regan said, “as long as you’re certain he’s really tame.”
“He is. I give you my word.”
They all watched as the stallion tossed his head and whinnied.
“He scares me,” little Daniel whispered.
Beside him, his older brother, Gil, stared transfixed. “I’ve spotted him dozens of times up in the hills leading his herd. But up close, he’s...” He shook his head in wonder. “He’s like a king.”
Seeing all their attention riveted on the mustang, April couldn’t resist revealing her newly-discovered courage.
“Malachite lets me ride him.”
There was a collective gasp from the others.
“Considering what happened to your father, I can’t believe you would be so reckless.” Lavinia’s voice rang with disapproval.
“I’m always careful,” the little girl said softly. “Besides, Malachite says I have a real gift with horses.” She turned to Malachite. “Could I feed him a carrot?”
“I don’t think so, honey.”
“I’d like to see that.” Byron turned to the others. “Wouldn’t you?”
Malachite shook his head. “There are too many people around. Even though he’s learned to trust us, Diablo’s still a wild creature.”
“Please,” April pleaded. “You can go in first, Malachite. I’ll do everything you tell me.”
The others looked at her in disbelief, fascinated that anyone would want to go near such a creature.
Malachite thought back to his first introduction to the shy little girl. She had come so far. It would be a shame to stifle her first attempt at a public display of bravery.
He nodded and reached for the carrot in his back pocket. “Come on.”
The others crowded around as Malachite and April approached the mustang’s stall. While April waited outside the stall, Malachite entered, speaking softly. Diablo sidestepped and shifted.
When the horse settled down, Malachite signaled April to enter. He handed her the carrot, and she, in turn, offered it to Diablo.
“Take it, Diablo,” she murmured. “You’re going to like your treat.”
The crowd let out a collective sigh when the horse lowered his head and took the carrot from her hand.
While he chewed, she patted his head. “Good boy. Good Diablo.”
Moments later, as she and Malachite emerged from the stall, the little girl was caught up in hugs and embraces from everybody.
“That was so brave,” Daniel said.
“Oh, I wish I could do that,” Gil admitted.
Even her sisters, usually so quick to tease, were filled with admiration for what she had done.
“Well, I, for one, do not like this.” Lavinia pressed her lips together in a look of distaste. “You are inviting evil on this child.”
“And on this ranch,” Gladys said.
Without a word in his own defense, Malachite started to lead their party from the barn. But Byron’s next words had him stopping in his tracks.
“Maybe there’s a reason why Malachite Jewel was able to capture Diablo when no other cowboy could.”
Everybody halted.
Malachite shot him a dark, challenging look. “And what would that be, Conner?”
“I told you I’ve made a study of the Comanche culture. Your people believe that an evil spirit can be transferred from man to animal and back again.”
“What are you suggesting?” Lavinia asked.
Byron gave a knowing smile. “Maybe Malachite Jewel is as much a devil as that mustang. Maybe this town will only be free of evil when both of them are gone.”
It took all of Malachite’s willpower to keep his hands clenched at his sides. The years had taught him the futility of striking out at such fools.
Instead he said softly, “I guess only time will tell whether or not you’re right.”
He turned and stalked back to the house.
Behind him, the crowd followed in silence. But several were mulling over Byron’s words. And wondering if they were indeed in the presence of evil.
Chapter Twenty
As they entered the kitchen, they were greeted by the wonderful fragrance of fried onions and potatoes wafting on the air. Thick slabs of roast beef simmered in gravy. And fresh biscuits were browning on the fire.
“Mmm. Something smells wonderful.” Diamond breathed deeply.
Her husband pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Smells a whole lot better than the lunch I’d planned. Cold beans and biscuits along the trail.”
“When are you going to learn to cook, Diamond?” Lavinia’s tone was tinged with condemnation. “It isn’t fitting that a man should be cooking for his wife and baby.”
“You’re right,” Diamond remarked with a perfectly straight face. “I’ve been thinking of bribing Carmelita to come work for us. That way Adam and I can spend even more time with the herd. And I’d know that little Onyx would be looked after the same way I was when I was little.”
“I’m shocked and appalled.” Lavinia’s tone was tinged with self-righteousness. “That you would even consider having someone else cook and look after your child when you’re perfectly able to do it yourself.”
Everyone could see Diamond’s temper beginning to climb. She’d had little tolerance through the years for Lavinia and her sidekicks, Gladys and Effie.
“It was different for your father,” Lavinia continued. “After all, he didn’t have a wife to look after his motherless child. But you have no such excuse.”
“I don’t need an excuse. I’ll do as I damned well—”
“Why, I think it’s a wonderful idea, Diamond.” Millie stepped between the two women. “Carmelita is feeling lonely and unnecessary now that you’ve all left home. I think she would love to be included in your life again.”
Diamond’s scowl turned into a smile. “You really think so?”
“Yes, I do.” Millie indicated the table in the dining room, set with the Jewel family’s crystal and silver. “I hope you’ve all brought your appetites.”
“Millie, you’ve been reading my mind. I was just thinking it would be nice to eat before we started on our way,” Diamond took her son from Adam’s arms and led the way, with the others following.
When they were alone in the kitchen, Malachite caught Millie by the arm as she started to pick up a platter. “Leave that a minute.”
She glanced up at him in surprise. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just need to hold you.”
She sighed and leaned into him, taking comfort from his warmth, his quiet strength. He, in turn, felt his anger begin to dissipate. How could he harbor anger when he held this angel in his arms?
“I suppose they’ll expect me to go back to town with them,” she whispered.
“I suppose.” He pressed his lips to her hair.
“I don’t see how I can refuse. I mean, I have no reason to stay now that the trails are open.” Her heart was silently pleading with him to say something—anything—that would prevent her from leaving.
“The gossips would
tear you and your daughters to shreds if you didn’t go home now that the storm has passed. As it is, they’ll probably make your lives miserable for a while.”
“I don’t care about my reputation. Oh, Malachite. I don’t want...”
They stepped apart as the door opened.
Diamond’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted her. “I wonder if I could have some milk for little Onyx.”
“Yes. Of course,” Millie bumped against the table, turned and picked up a pitcher.
Diamond took it from her hands and returned to the dining room. But as she went through the motions of pouring the milk, one thought remained uppermost in her mind. There was no denying what she had just seen. Though they had tried to look innocent, she had seen the flush on Millie’s cheeks. And the little frown line between Malachite’s brows had told her he was less than pleased at the unexpected interruption. She couldn’t wait to tell her sisters that Millie and Malachite had been embracing.
Maybe there was hope that he’d stay at the ranch after all. And the Jewel name would continue on in the little town of Hanging Tree.
A few minutes later Malachite, still scowling, made his way to the table. Millie followed, carrying a tray of biscuits. She seemed nervous and flustered.
“That was quite a show your daughter put on for us in the barn,” Byron Conner’s glance flicked over Millie, then back to Malachite.
“Show?”
“With Diablo. Feeding him a carrot from her hand.” He smiled at her sudden pallor. “I suppose that’s not nearly as dangerous as some of the things she’s been doing these past weeks. But that’s understandable. Even the most civilized creatures become wild,” he added meaningfully, “if they’re left too long without the rules of society.”
Lavinia, Gladys and Effie were watching and listening with glittering eyes.
“Now that the trails are open, I’m sure you’re eager to get back to town.” Lavinia was enjoying the scowl on Malachite’s face.
“Yes. Of course.” Millie couldn’t bear to look at Malachite. “But I can’t leave until I’ve cleaned everything and changed all the bed linens. It may be hours before I’m ready to go.”
“Leave it for Carmelita,” Byron said with disdain. “That’s her job.”
“I couldn’t possibly. The responsibility is mine. I’ll see to it.”
“Then I’ll wait.” He crossed his arms. “Those who rode here with me can ride back with the marshal.”
Quent Regan flinched, knowing he’d be subjected to endless miles of Lavinia’s gossip.
His wife, Ruby, seemed unaware of his discomfort. “Oui. Of course they can ride with us.”
Byron surprised everyone by saying, “I think Malachite should come with us. And,” he added, “I think he should ride Diablo. Everyone in town will want to see the devil stallion and the man who captured him.”
Malachite shook his head. “I don’t think we’re ready for that.”
“What’s the matter?” Byron taunted. “I thought you said you had saddle-trained him? Are you afraid to let us see your skill? Or are you just afraid the devil will show himself for what he is?”
Malachite knew he was being manipulated. But his temper was on a short fuse. “Sure. Why not? It’s time the townspeople learned they have nothing to fear.”
Byron lowered his head to hide his gleam of triumph.
“We’ll all go with you,” Diamond said. Now that she had seen her brother and Millie embracing, she was determined to keep throwing them together. Though the role of matchmaker was new to her, she discovered that she liked it.
Across the table, Millie moved her food around the plate, unaware of the flow of conversation around her. The only thing she knew was that she was returning to the house Mick had built for her. And unless she could persuade Malachite to change his plans, he would soon be leaving Hanging Tree for good and returning to Montana.
Everything would be as it had been before. And yet nothing would be the same. It had all changed. And all because she had lost her heart to this man.
“What do you think, chérie?”
Millie’s head came up. She realized they were all looking at her. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I said we’ll all help you clean. That way, you’ll be done in half the time and home before supper.”
“There’s no need.”
“We insist,” Ruby said firmly. “Pearl and I will tackle the bed linens, and you and Diamond can clean the kitchen. Jade will sit here and hold little Amber. The men can take the children outside,” she added pointedly, “so they aren’t underfoot.”
“She means it.” Quent Regan shoved back his chair and got to his feet. “You’d better follow me. You don’t want to be around when the womenfolk make up their minds to start cleaning.”
With so many willing hands it took no time at all to have the house sparkling. A short time later, their chores completed, the women pulled on coats and shawls and made their way to the porch, where the men and children awaited them in the wagons.
It was a strange caravan that made its way over hills and across gulches swollen with water from the melting snows. Reverend Dan Simpson and his wife, Jade, took the lead in Jade’s elegant white-and-gilt carriage. Having taken pity on Marshal Regan, they had offered to take Lavinia and Gladys with them. Despite the presence of the preacher, the two women hadn’t stopped talking since the journey began.
Ruby and the marshal shared a wagon with the deputy and Effie. Without her two friends, the deputy’s wife had fallen silent, storing up all the gossip she could for the coming weeks. The fact that the widow Potter had spent weeks alone with Malachite Jewel would give her an entry into everyone’s kitchen.
Pearl and Cal and their family followed behind, with the boys seated in the back and baby Amber between them.
Diamond and Adam were astride their mounts, with little Onyx held firmly in Adam’s arms. Millie and her daughters rode in Byron’s fine carriage. A skittish Diablo, with Malachite in the saddle, took up the rear.
Halfway to town they spotted two horsemen. As they drew near, they recognized Rufus Durfee’s two sons, Damon and Amos. When the boys caught sight of Malachite astride the black stallion, their mouths dropped open in astonishment.
“It’s the devil,” Damon shouted. “Wait’ll we tell everybody in town.”
“Wait,” Malachite called as they wheeled their mounts. But they were too excited to heed his voice as they took off in a swirl of snow and mud.
An hour later, as their procession started through town, they could see the effect of the boys’ news. Crowds of people lined the street, from Neville Oakley’s stable, past Durfee’s Mercantile and all the way to the far end of town where the Golden Rule stood with its bell tower gleaming in the late afternoon sunshine. And all straining for a glimpse of the devil horse and the man who had captured him.
As Byron’s carriage rolled past, Millie could hear the ripple of excitement from the crowd.
“There he is.”
“My God. It’s Onyx Jewel’s ghost.”
“No wonder he captured the devil. It takes one to know one.”
Some women in the crowd crossed themselves as Malachite and Diablo passed by. Others turned their children aside so they wouldn’t look directly at the source of all their troubles.
One man shouted, “Now you’ve done it. We’ll probably all lose our ranches.”
But a few, caught up in the excitement, cheered and applauded as Malachite rode past.
“He certainly has a strange effect on people.” Byron turned to glance pointedly at Millie, seated beside him. She had been subdued throughout the entire journey. “They either love him or hate him.”
Hearing the venom in his tone, she lifted her head and met his look. “You’ve made it clear how you feel about him. What I don’t understand is why?”
Byron shrugged. “I don’t consider him a worthy heir. The Jewel empire is worth a great deal of money. What does a man like Malachite Jewel ca
re about that? By the time he’s through charming those silly women—” he indicated the four sisters, who, along with their husbands and the others, had pulled up in front of Millie’s house “—it’ll be worthless. And he’ll be back in Montana breeding his string of useless mustangs,” he said wrinkling his nose in distaste.
“It’s more than that,” Millie said softly. “You don’t hate a man over money.”
“Spoken like a woman who has never had any. If you knew how long it took to amass a fortune, you wouldn’t be so quick to see it squandered.” He flicked the reins. “But I suppose you’re right. It is more than that. Since Malachite Jewel’s arrival in our town, I’ve been worried about you.”
She drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders, as if to shut out his words. “You needn’t worry about me, Byron.”
He touched a hand to her arm. “But I do worry. If you aren’t careful, Millie, you’ll have people talking. And it wouldn’t do for a woman alone to have any... unpleasant rumors about her past. Especially if she hopes to one day become the wife of the town’s most respected banker.”
“Why, you arrogant—!” She bit off the rest of the distinctly unladylike words she’d been about to hurl. “Do you really think I would marry you?”
He pulled up in front of her boardinghouse and brought the team to an abrupt halt. Turning to her, he said softly, “By the time the town gossips get through with you, you’ll be lucky to attract a trail bum with less than a dollar in his pocket. But I’m willing to forgive and forget. Just as I’m willing to forgive and forget the fact that you spent the past weeks alone with a man who was once in jail.”
He’d hoped to shock her. And he wasn’t disappointed. The look on her face was one of stunned surprise.
“How did you know that?”
“That Malachite Jewel was in jail? I checked with the authorities in Montana. They told me all I needed to know. But I am surprised that you knew it, as well.”
“Malachite told me.”
“Ah. How convenient.” Byron climbed down, then held out a hand to help her from the carriage. “I suppose he gave you some sad story about the unfortunate circumstances that brought him so low.”