Trixie had picked up a letter from her mother's sister Alicia, when she saw Dan Mangan going into the telegraph office next door. Curious, she hurried towards it, and lingered near the door. "...to plan. Mangan." She heard. "That'll do . . . thanks." Hesitating a second too long, Trixie started to dash away when he came out, and they collided. His strong hand gripped her by the arms so she would not fall. "Well, well, look who's hanging around spying on people. I believe it's called eavesdropping when you intentionally listen someone else's conversation," he said, his warm eyes twinkling. "I was picking up a letter for my mother," she said loftily, pulling free from his embrace. She hadn't forgotten how it felt to be pressed up close to that lean, muscled frame.
He had ignored the rules of proper dancing and kept her close against him. "From the other side of the street. I see," he smiled knowingly, and Trixie felt her face grow hot. "Mr. Mangan, it would serve you well to realize not everything that happens in this world revolves around you," she tried to sound haughty but to Dan, she just sounded irate at being caught. Dan laughed. "Maybe not but you sure seem to think so," he teased. Trixie's mouth dropped open. "You-you-impudent-" "Rogue, I believe you said last time," the smile never left his face. Without another word Trixie turned and stomped off, fuming. Dan just grinned. He had plans for the feisty Belden girl. And her handkerchief was safely tucked away in his pack, a token she had likely forgotten about. Trixie arrived home, furious and agitated. Why did that man get under her skin so quickly? And why could she not stop wondering if he'd kiss her
again? Helen was taking down the laundry when Trixie returned. "Trixie, are you all right?" Helen asked, concerned by her daughter’s frown. "Yes Ma," Trixie wasn't about to tell her mother about that rascal Mangan! "Well, we had a visitor this afternoon. Young Mr. Frayne has invited us to Sunday dinner." Trixie turned and looked at her mother, recalling the vivid green of his eyes as they danced, and the suppleness of his tall form. "Why?" she asked without thinking. "Well, it appears he and your brother have struck up quite a friendship, but he was very interested in you," Helen said with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes. "In me?" "Well certainly, after he spent half the night dancing with you," Helen smiled. "I do believe he fancies you my dear." "But-why me? Especially when there are girls like Madeline and Di!" "You know Mart is courting Di," her mother chided. "And your brother Brian seems to have eyes for Madeleine. Besides, some men like petite, pretty blondes that are a bit round," she said dryly. Trixie understood the message and threw her arms around her blonde mother, who shared her curls and petite, curvy frame. "I'm so dumb sometimes," she sighed. "I just can't believe anyone notices me when my friends are so pretty!" "You're underestimating yourself, Trixie," Helen said sternly. "Trust me, your brothers have worried for awhile now that they'll have to set some boys straight." Trixie giggled at the thought of her studious, quiet older brother Brian defending her. Mart was the more realistic choice for a fight she thought, hating to admit how deep her bond to him went. "I did your dress today so after church Sunday, we'll go the Frayne's for dinner." "Even Bobby?" Trixie asked doubtfully. "Even Bobby. And since Mr. Frayne seems to have a decided interest in you, Mart will watch Bobby." Trixie grinned. Free of Bobby watching and the attention of the handsome redhead. Not bad a trade off! *** Trixie tried to settle the curl in the middle of her forehead impatiently, while wondering why she was bothering. Was Mr. Frayne interested in courting her, as her mother seemed to think? Or would this be an opportunity to tease her? Frozen, she stared at her reflection in the small mirror. What if he told them about her pretending to Mart? Her parents would be livid, Brian would be mortified, and Mart would tease her for all eternity. Swallowing hard, Trixie's hand drifted to her table for support. Surely he wouldn't. Surely not. He was a gentleman, wasn't he? "Trixie, are you ready?" her mother called, her tone annoyed. "Coming!" she answered back, staring at herself in the mirror. The pale blue of her dress complemented her fair skin, which was currently flushed from her last thought of Jim telling her family her secret. Her sandy curls didn't want to settle, and she impatiently brushed the one in the middle of her forehead back. Wistfully, she wished she had Di or Madeleine’s tall, slender figure, instead of her short, sturdy one. Look how taken her brothers were with her friends. As she hurried down the stairs, Trixie wondered if Dan Mangan would be in church. Surely not, she thought, A cattle rustler couldn't show his face in a house of God. She couldn't recall if she had seen him there in the last few weeks. Helen looked her daughter over with approval as she straightened the pretty lace collar on Trixie's dress. The unruly curls weren't going to behave, but the dress accentuated Trixie's curvy figure without being immodest or flaunting. Someday, Helen thought, Trixie will realize how pretty she is. Daniel Mangan and James Frayne certainly had, she thought with a smile, remembering the two men who kept her daughter dancing all night. *** To Trixie's mixed delight and horror, Mangan was in church all right. He and several of the cowhands stood in near the back. Trixie sat with her family in their usual place, joined by the Lynches and Wheelers. It was the first time she had actually seen Mr. Wheeler up close, and he was a big, sturdy man with bright red hair and dark green eyes, not unlike Jim Frayne's, she thought. They were accompanied by yet another redheaded man, of similar husky build and coloring. Trixie decided this must be the equine-loving cousin Regan. Trixie hid her smile and wondered why her heart skipped a beat when she saw Jim approach Matthew Wheeler. Obviously Matthew knew the young man as he gave him a hearty handshake and hug, but Trixie couldn't overhear the introductions as to the third redheaded man. She'd have to ask Madeleine after church if it was indeed Regan. Dan's dark eyes lingered on Trixie, noting how the pale blue dress brought out her bright blue eyes. When she realized he was staring at her she turned away but he caught the glimpse of red cheeks. That made him smile. He liked the feisty blonde. More than he should, he knew, especially with what lay ahead of him, but it was hard not to like the exuberant young woman. The lace collar gave her just a touch of femininity, and Dan found himself asking for His forgiveness for the thoughts that came to his mind. Jim didn't have a chance to talk to Trixie before church, but he was pleased the Beldens were coming for dinner afterwards. She looked stunning today, her womanly figure covered properly but enough to make him wonder about the rest of it. If she turned out half as pretty as her mother, Jim wouldn't complain. He'd always liked blondes. There had been one or two back in New York he thought about courting but neither had really stirred his blood the way this one did. Dot had been shallow, while Laura had been catty and high-strung. Maybe it was Trixie’s sparkling blue eyes when she got feisty, or the blinding smile when she was excited. The lush figure didn't hurt. His thoughts were interrupted by Matthew Wheeler’s approach. His father's oldest friend, he had met Matthew several times over the years. While only meeting his daughter the other night at the dance, he knew plenty about the shy and delicate Madeleine. Not that he had eavesdropped, but it was hard not to overhear the deep voices of his father and friend in the parlor. The third young man was Regan, Wheeler's nephew and groom, he learned quickly, and Jim was eager to talk horses with the young man not much older than himself. Jim adored horses, particularly his big black gelding, Jupiter. Regan was immensely proud of the Wheeler stables, and invited Jim to come over any time to see them. The bell was ringing, the service was about to start, and everyone quickly took their places. Jim and his great uncle sat behind the Beldens, and Jim found himself studying the curve of Trixie's neck, the way her sandy hair curled in different directions, as if it couldn't make up its mind. The service was hard to focus on, as he noted the the stiff set of her shoulders. There was no air moving in the small church and soon people were fanning themselves and the doors propped open as the Reverend droned on. Jim strained to her voice over the others as they all sang the hymns, but she blended in
well, and was sitting between her two older brothers. Time enough, he thought; gleeful that he had invited them to dinner. Dan stood in the back of the church with the other cattle hands, watching his employer watch the young blonde in front of him. He always did enjoy a good competition. Must be my own Irish blood, he thought with a smile. The sudden influx of redheaded men was a bit disturbing, he thought, wistfully remembering his cheerful, red haired mother. Kind, caring, feisty Eileen Mangan. His parents deaths had left him an orphan at age nine. If it hadn’t been for- Don’t go there, Mangan, he ordered himself. Stay focused. Trixie didn't have time to ask Madeleine about the third redheaded man, as Dan Mangan intercepted her. "Fine morning," he tipped his hat to her, his lips twitching to hide a smile as his dark eyes twinkled at her. "I suppose it is," she said coolly. "I wanted to thank you again for dancing with me the other night." "You're welcome." Before Dan could say anything else, Bobby came racing up and grabbed her hand. "Come on Trix! We're going to the Fraynes!" "Why are you-" Dan started. "Mr. Frayne invited my family to lunch," she answered, wondering why she felt apologetic. Maybe the disappointed look on his face. "Oh. Yes, well, have a good time," he tipped his hat again and swaggered off. Trixie found herself glancing back to watch him join the other cattle hands as Bobby dragged her towards their wagon. *** As Peter and James Sr. smoked pipes and discussed the cattle theft problem, Helen sat next to Peter, one ear on the conversation, but kept both eyes on the younger crowd. Bobby had been in full pest mode until Dan, who had come to by the house to have a word with Jim, offered to take the boy out riding for a while. Bobby had jumped at the chance, although Helen warned him not to get too dirty. Dan gave her a charming smile and assured her he'd take of the boy. He’d also noticed Jim's eyes lingering on Trixie. Trixie glanced out the window. Brian and Jim and Mart were engaged in a lively conversation about farming, as Jim's father owned quite a large one in upstate New York, and Jim had grown up working on it. The subject of farming bored her to tears but she couldn't politely join the men’s conversation, and her father would frown at any display that was unladylike. To support her imposter theory, she had searched for any indicator that Jim wasn’t who he claimed, but he looked too much like his great uncle to deny it. He knew too much family history and he moved around like he was very comfortable, used to this kind of surrounding. Nothing to indicate he was a fraud. Trixie was unaware of Jim's green eyes on her through most of the conversation, as he sat facing her, but Brian and Mart weren't oblivious. Their new friend's interest in their tomboy sister was apparent, and Brian planned to question Jim when the opportunity arose. Jim would have given anything to know what was running through her head as her blue eyes stared out over the land. "Miss Belden, is there a more entertaining topic you'd prefer?" Jim finally asked, during a lull in the conversation. "Hmm? Oh, I apologize," she blushed when she realized her daydreaming had become apparent. “My impractical feminine sibling was ruminating over her latest chimerical machinations,” Mart said. Jim smiled while Brian rolled his eyes. Trixie glared at him. "It's just such a nice day out yet we're inside," she sighed. "Would you prefer a walk outdoors?" Jim's eyes twinkled at her. "Could we?" she brightened. Jim rose and offered her his hand. "Of course. Brian, Mart?" Knowing they would have to chaperone, her brothers agreed and the four young people excused themselves from the parlor. Outside, Dan was riding was riding back from a check on the perimeter, Bobby sitting in front of him on Spartan, when he saw the four young people out walking. And Trixie's arm was interlaced with Jim's, making Dan frown. All right Frayne, he thought, you're going to court her properly, so I’ll court her improperly. A mischievous smile crossed his lips. Never let it be said Daniel Mangan wasn't clever. Or determined. *** "It doesn't make sense," Trixie said thoughtfully. She was laying back on the grass under the tree as Madeleine set out their picnic items. Perched gracefully on a big blanket, she turned to her friend, hazel eyes wide. "Well, Trixie, it does. If Father knows Jim, then he's obviously not a fraud." "She'll still find reason to suspect him," Di peeked into one of the baskets. She wore a new dress, a simple one of purple calico, and her dark hair was braided back. Since her family’s newfound wealth, she had a different dress for every day. "I think he's set it up. I think he's in cahoots with Mangan. They show up at the same time, they're both suspicious acting-" Madeline burst out laughing. "How so? Because they both have a soft spot for you?" Trixie blushed. "I think Jim must be out to get his uncle's money." "But Trix, he'd have to have someone on the inside other than Mr. Mangan. The cattle started disappearing more than a month before either showed up." "Then at least one other cattle hand is involved," Trixie answered. "I bet it's the foreman! He has to know where the cattle are being taken, and who's on watch." "The foreman, Jones, has been with Mr. Frayne for years," Di scoffed, pouring herself a cup of lemonade. "I seriously doubt he's going to suddenly become a rustler." "The cowboys usually rotate out at least twice a year," Trixie pointed out. "Which means it could also be one of the new hands brought on this season. I bet Mr. Frayne doesn't ask a lot about credentials," she continued, remembering Jim’s mild questioning of her, "and he takes people at his word! And that foreman makes me very uncomfortable-he’s all stooped shouldered and mean looking." "Mr. Frayne is no fool, he's too smart of a businessman," Madeleine answered. "Then it's the foreman," Trixie repeated. "I think you've been spending too much time following those men," Di laughed. "I would much rather talk about other things involving men." "Diana!" Trixie laughed in amazement, as Madeleine looked horrified. "Oh please, you two," Di laughed. "I meant the way Mart's eyes sparkle when he looks at me." Trixie made a groaning noise. "Brian is so gentle," Madeleine giggled. "He’s going to make such a wonderful doctor!" "Oh no," Trixie groaned, burying her head in her hands. "Not you both at once!" "Well we could discuss the riding strength of Mr. Mangan," Di said with a wicked gleam in her violet eyes. "He’s got to have quite a bit of stamina!" Madeleine’s mouth dropped open in shock. "Diana Lynch!" Trixie gasped. "What have you been reading?" Di giggled. "Mother had these books imported from England, and they’re love stories, and all about what happens between men and women-and even when they're not married!" Di pulled one out of her basket as the three crowded around to giggle and gasp in a mix of most unladylike delight and horror.
None of them saw the man lurking in the trees, and watching.
 
*** Author's Notes
- a huge thank you to my wonderful editor, Julie!
- Word Count 2,779
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