The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2), стр. 72
His smile did not reach his eyes. “How could I forget, my dear Natalie?” After a moment, he sat on the settee with her and took her hand in his. “Forgive me. I am simply eager to make you my bride and show you off to the world.”
George had said something similar to her after they married, as though she were a pretty possession rather than a cherished wife. “We needn’t rush into anything.” She withdrew her hand. “You thought to court me at first, and I believe I should like that. We don’t truly know one another. For instance, I know nothing of your home, your family, or your business.”
His eyes narrowed a bit. “Why should those things matter, mi pequeña? Has someone put ideas into your head?”
“I don’t know what you mean. I simply want to know more about the man who has asked me to marry him. That doesn’t seem so unreasonable, does it?”
He relaxed. “It does not. You may ask me anything you wish. And as soon as we are husband and wife, I will take you to see my family’s ranch. It is beautiful land with a river running through it. Our cattle graze on the best grasses in Texas.” He offered a devoted smile. “Of course, it is Rose Hill and its lovely mistress that have captured my heart.”
Uncomfortable with the passion shining in his black eyes, she thought to change the subject. Thankfully, a disturbance in the yard drew their attention to the open window. Ebenezer barked and yelped, followed by Samuel’s happy shrieks and bubbling laughter. Curious, she rose to see what it was about.
Her heart tumbled over itself at the scene that met her.
There on the front lawn, Levi had Samuel up on his shoulders, teasing the big dog with a stick. The three of them chased and circled and danced, looking silly and happy and oh, so wonderful. She smiled despite the sheer agony it brought to her heart, knowing they would never be the family she longed for.
“What is he doing here?”
Alexander’s irate voice came from directly behind her. She turned to find him staring out the window, his cold eyes focused on Levi.
“I don’t know.” She returned to her seat lest he see something in her eyes to give away her true feelings. Though it was foolish and there was no future in it, she loved Levi still.
A few moments later, noises on the porch and her son’s nonstop chatter told her the playmates were coming into the house. They both appeared in the parlor doorway, Samuel rosy-cheeked and grinning. Levi’s face, on the other hand, grew stony the moment he saw Alexander across the room.
“Mama, the co’nel says we can go fishing.” Samuel ran to her and clambered onto her lap. “Can we? He says you and Ebenezer can come. Will you, Mama? Please?”
Natalie couldn’t help smiling at her son’s enthusiasm, and then she looked at Levi. His expression hadn’t changed, but his eyes now rested on her.
“Fishing is not something ladies do, Samuel.” Alexander moved to stand next to the settee, his scowl imparting his feelings on the subject.
Samuel returned the scowl, his bottom lip poking out. “The co’nel said girls can go fishing.”
Natalie didn’t relish being in the middle of the squabble. Keenly aware of Levi’s gaze, she forced a smile. “You’re both correct. While ladies don’t normally go fishing, we girls sometimes make exceptions, especially when very handsome young men ask us to join them.” She tickled Samuel, causing him to squeal.
He jumped off her lap and tugged her hand. “Come on, Mama. The co’nel said he knows a good place to catch some fish.”
She looked up to Levi, the awkwardness of the situation settling around her.
Finally, he gave a slight bow. “I promised Samuel we would go fishing, and I am a man of my word.”
Whether the statement had a double meaning or not, she didn’t know.
“Natalie,” Alexander said, drawing her rather reluctant attention. “Have you forgotten who this man is and what he did?”
She glanced at Samuel, his little ears attentive to the conversation around him. “I have not, but we won’t discuss that now.” She indicated her son. “Suffice it to say, a trip down to the creek is nothing to worry over. Join us if you like.”
All three males in the room frowned at her suggestion.
She rose. “I’ll get my hat, and we can be off.” Leaving the parlor without looking at either man, she hoped they could get along for the few minutes it would take her to go upstairs.
In her room, she stood in front of her mirror and tied on a wide-brimmed straw hat. A flush high on her cheeks spoke of her anxiety at the prospect of being with Levi all afternoon, but Alexander’s presence would serve as a constant reminder that her future was not with the Union officer. That he was kind to her son was endearing. That he’d saved Samuel’s life earned her indebtedness. But unless he changed his mind and chose to stay in Texas, there was no hope for anything beyond friendship, passionate kisses notwithstanding.
She joined the three of them outside. Levi held two fishing poles while Samuel carried a small bucket. Alexander stood a few paces away, his arms crossed and a deep frown on his brow.
“Can we go fishin’ now?” Samuel asked as he danced around Levi’s legs. More questions tumbled from him in his excitement, wondering where they would fish, how many they would catch, and if they would eat their catch for dinner. A glance at Alexander’s dark countenance as he watched, however, reminded Natalie she would need to encourage her son to spend time with the Tejano. If she planned to seriously consider his proposal, one of the deciding factors would be Samuel’s acceptance.
“We sure can.”