Page 3 of The Rancher's Bride
He lived on a ranch at the base of the mountain where her family lived. She didn’t even know anyone lived there until the day the marshal’s daughter was taken. The kidnappers had carried little Hope Davis to the Kendrick land and released her in a deep ravine before fleeing on stolen horses.
Bethany helped Ben track the horse thieves, a skill she’d learned from Tommy. As they tracked the stolen horses, they said little, but Ben had plenty to say to her when she closed her eyes.He haunted her dreams.
Her recurring dream was always the same—a boundless darkness closing in, until a faint light grew brighter, then Ben reaching for her. She’d wake, gasping for air, feeling his presence even when he wasn’t there.
She didn’t know what it meant, but she was determined to see him again. She just needed to find a reason. He glanced around once more before disappearing into the doctor’s office.
“Good morning, Bethany.”
The voice broke through her reverie, and Bethany turned to find Ingrid Chapman, known affectionately as Marmee, watching her with a knowing smile. As a fixture in Flat River, Marmee was a kind and nurturing presence who seemed to know everyone’s business before they did.
“Mornin’, Marmee,” Bethany replied, offering a polite nod. She shifted uncomfortably in her saddle, suddenly self-conscious under Marmee’s keen gaze.
“What’s got you so distracted this morning?” Marmee asked, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Oh, just the usual, Marmee,” Bethany responded with a forced smile, trying to brush off her distraction. She couldn’t let on it was Ben Kendrick who had captured her attention. “Thinking about Pa’s furs and whether we’ll get a good price at the market.”
Marmee’s knowing smile widened, and she tilted her head slightly, as if she could see right through Bethany’s facade. “Oh, child, there’s more to it than fur prices, isn’t there? I’ve known you since you were knee high to a grasshopper. You can’t fool me.”
Bethany felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, unsure whether to share her thoughts about Benjamin Kendrick with Marmee, but the older woman’s warm smile encouraged her.“It’s just... I saw Ben Kendrick arrive in town, and…” Bethany’s voice trailed off as she struggled to articulate her feelings.
Marmee’s smile widened as she leaned in conspiratorially, her wavy black hair framing her face. “Ah, I see. Ben Kendrick, you say?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Why, he’s a fine man, no doubt about that.”
Bethany avoided meeting Marmee’s gaze, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. But Marmee was not so easily deterred. She tilted her head slightly, studying Bethany with a knowing look. “I saw you watching Mr. Mitchell,” she stated matter-of-factly.
Surprised at Marmee’s directness, Bethany stammered, “I-I... I noticed him at the livery and wondered who he was. He’s a new face in town, that’s all.”
Marmee chuckled softly, her voice warm and understanding as she placed a comforting hand on Bethany’s arm. “No need to be shy, child. It’s only natural for a beautiful young woman like yourself to take notice of a handsome stranger.” She gave Bethany a knowing look before continuing, “Theodore Mitchell.” Her voice was tinged with a hint of mischief. “He’s new to town. Rich as Titus and looking for a wife.”
Bethany scrunched up her nose. “Who’s Titus?”
“Emperor of Rome, my dear. Lived a long time ago.”
Bethany’s interest piqued at the mention of wealth and opportunity, but with that came a wave of unease. She knew the kind of man Marmee was alluding to. Theodore Mitchell was probably sophisticated, polished, and undoubtedly looking for a wife of high standing in the community. His arrival meant that the dynamics in Flat River were about to change, and Bethany couldn’t deny the flutter of nervousness in her stomach.
As Marmee rambled on about Theodore’s family backgroundand his rumored wealth, Bethany’s thoughts drifted back to Benjamin Kendrick. Despite her initial reservations about the mystery surrounding his past, she couldn’t shake the pull she felt towards him.
“Well? What do you think?”
Bethany turned her attention back to Marmee. “I apologize. What do I think about what?”
“You and Mr. Mitchell. I could make an introduction.”
Adjusting her grip on the reins, Bethany hesitated before replying, “I appreciate the offer, Marmee, but I’m not sure I’m ready to entertain thoughts of marriage just yet.”
Marmee’s expression softened, her blue eyes filled with understanding. “Of course, my dear. But, you aren’t getting any younger.”
“Maybe I’ll never get married.”
“Marriage is a serious matter and not to be rushed into lightly. It doesn’t hurt to keep an open mind and heart. Love has a way of finding us when we least expect it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Bethany wanted to be anywhere but talking to Marmee about marriage in the middle of the road. Everyone knew she had it in her mind to marry everyone off, whether or not they needed it. Wracking her brain to think of a reason to escape the conversation, Petunia appeared from the livery and jogged towards the store.
“Is that Tommy’s horse?” Pet called as she walked by Bethany. “I bet he’s in there. I wanna show him this rifle I’m saving for.” Pet gave Marmee a forced smile, somewhere between a grimace and a grin, and then slapped Bethany on the leg. “Hi, Missus Chapman. You comin’ in, Bethany?”
“Petunia,” Marmee started.
“I gotta go, Missus Chapman. Sorry, no time to talk.”
