Drinks were filled and Johnathan settled in. He needed to play conservatively tonight. He already owed Noah Grady a lot of money and his boys, the Iron Club gang had already given him more than one warning that payment was overdue.

The game ebbed and flowed. Just a he felt his luck turned Vance took his hand and others began leaving the table. It wasn’t his night. He sighed and pushed his cards to the dealer. 

“Nature of the game.” He gave a shrug at Vance’s apology. “Shall we go have a drink at the bar now? I should be getting home. Early morning.”

As he stood, waiting for the man to collect his winnings he eyed Vance. An eyebrow raised as the man inquired into his cousin.

They moved to a small table with comfortable high back chairs. They seemed more like something one would find in a parlour than a saloon but this part was set up for men to relax in hopes they would end up with a whore in their lap. Johnathan ordered drinks for them both. He sat, leaning comfortably in his chair. A woman began approaching but Johnathan waved her away. His money was best spent on cards, not women.

“Lilly?” Johnathan never could understand what men saw in his cousin. She was doe eyed, fair faced but too educated in his opinion. He liked women who focused on the home, like his mother. His aunt and uncle had always encouraged their children, Lillian included to read, discuss and debate. It was something Johnathan found tiresome in the opposite gender. Bruce had liked Lillian for her face and her brains. It appeared Vance at least had an interest in her physical features. He figured the man would grow weary of his cousin but in the end it was none of his business. At least for now.

“Let’s see. They married a year and a half ago….when was that….” He took a drink. “Oh yes, they married late spring at aunt Helen’s insistence. The accident happened in….” Johnathan ticked off months on his fingers. “She has been in mourning for about three months now. Two at home before they sent her out here to get away from Boston. They thought the air out here would put the colour back in her cheeks or some such nonsense. Women…”

Another sip of his drink went down. “Bruce, her husband was trampled you know. He was taming a horse and it turned on him. She has money, let me tell you. Married well that one and yet she does nothing with it.” 

Johnathan sighed. He knew his cousin had wealth that she simply just sat on. Bruce had come for a wealthy family and when he died he left the estate to Lillian. When she headed out west she left it in the trust of caretakers and advisors. She received weekly reports though. Again, something Johnathan found unattractive in a woman. Other than household basics women had no place in money or business. 

“If Jenny manages to pull off this party I think she will be out of her mourning clothes in a week. If not, who knows if she ever will.” He smirked. “You have an eye for my little cousin then? You would be far different from her husband, I assure you of that. I will see to it that Jenny invites you to the party though I doubt she will need any convincing.”  

When his drink was done Johnathan bid his farewells and headed home. The ranch was quiet as he turned in. 
*******
Mornings came early on a ranch. There were cattle to feed, milk, check in on. There were other parts of the ranch that needed tending. They took care of themselves with chickens, fields and a kitchen garden. Between the three Stewart men, their few ranch hands and the house staff the whole place ran efficiently.

Their only issue was at night. Every morning the Stewart men checked the livestock in hopes that none had been poached. This morning found their numbers accurate. Benjamin was pleased though that Vance was coming to speak with him this morning. He hoped the man was as true as what he said. They needed a man or men to keep watch over night.

In the house the women were up and dressed. The men had headed out before the sun was fully up but now they all sat around the table enjoying breakfast. There was a little talk but overall quiet.

Mabel was working on a short list of things they were need from the general store. Jenny was sitting next to her discussing her plans for the party. 

Lillian had risen early. Her sleep was plagued with dreams that had bordered on the scandalous. She blamed Anna’s bluntness before she had gone to bed. This morning she felt better, pushing aside those less than ladylike thoughts with the book that rested on the table beside her.

She had bathed and smelled of lightly scented soap. It was lily of the valley, a scent she had always favoured. Her hair was swept up and pinned loosely. A few stray strands fell about her ears. Her dress, still black was a less formal cut and material. Lighter and with a sheer fabric over her bodice that allowed the garment to breathe in the Arizona heat. It was not a style that suited her youth or figure but it was appropriate and Lillian wanted to ensure her aunt had no objection. 

“I must go work on some paperwork before I meet with Mr. Hamilton. Good day ladies.” Benjamin rose and  headed for his office.

Anna yawned and stood. “I think I will nap.”

“Already?” Johnathan frowned. “Should we send for the doctor?”

The rest of the table looked up and towards the woman. 

Anna sighed. “No need. I am just warm and pregnant.” She moved off towards her room. 

Her meal finished Lillian rose, taking her book. “I think I will go read.”

Johnathan looked over at her. “So, cousin will you be changing from those clothes for the party? A little colour perhaps?” He was curious, bolstered by Vance’s question the previous evening. He wouldn’t let that little secret be known yet.

Jenny practically bounced in her chair. “You should order a new dress! In lavender. It is the colour that is in style at the moment. I was going to order a dress for the party too. Perhaps we could go into town later together.”

Lillian scanned the table. It wasn’t the cost that had her worried but the timing. Was it enough? Shouldn’t she mourn for him for a year? “Perhaps.” Her tone was tentative. “We can talk after the men’s meeting and luncheon when our guest will be gone.”

Johnathan snickered under his breath. Jenny’s cheeks turned red. “Oh yes! Mr. Hamilton is coming. That should be fun to learn more about him.”

With that Lillian gave a slight nod of her head before moving to the parlour. She sat on the chaise with her feet up and began reading her book. Greek mythology. She enjoyed the stories of gods and mortals, monsters and quests.