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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Sept 23, 2012 8:33:43 GMT -8
Evangeline enjoyed when her father was away for one reason and one reason alone: she was allowed to work in the barn. She had been outside all morning, helping the hands work all the horses in the barn as well as break a few new ones, and begin the long process of getting ready for the hundred head they had coming in within the next week. Quality stock her father had assured her, and with Randall with her father, it gave her free reign to do what she wanted however she wanted.
It was late in the day when she had finally come to a stop and, still in her work clothes, she took up a place in the rocking chair on the porch with two of her hands looking out over the property as the heat of the Texas sun began to fade, a glass of scotch in her hand and a smile on her face. She took her hat off, wiping her brow with the back of her sleeve, before allowing her hat to drop onto her knee where it could sit for the time being.
They had seen no signs of the cougar that Mr. Harte had warned then about, but Evangeline had made sure, none the less, that a watch was kept up at all times. As understaffed as they were, it was tough, but they had managed. The day before, she had gone into town to put up a flyer in the saloon and the general store, making a note that they were hiring ranch hands, and had told her friends in town to pass the word around. Hopefully, soon enough, a cowboy that wasn't too drunk to ride would show up and make things much easier on them.
She had just settled back into her seat and had closed her eyes when she could hear a knock through the house. Even with her eyes closed, she could hear the butler moving away from his position lounging on the porch with them to go answer the door. One of the hands at her side, Logan, spoke up. "Miss Evangeline, there's someone at the door."
"I heard 'em, Logan." She informed him in a voice that sounded almost like a fat, lazy cat. "That's why I have a butler."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2012 20:12:51 GMT -8
The sky was turning into a golden red as the sun almost kissed the far off mountains. Aaron Anderson ascended the wooden steps onto the wrap around porch of the Redwood Ranch. He had seen a poster for help wanted for ranch hands. He'd had worked on a few ranches back home before fleeing so he was used to it. His boots could be heard as he paced on the wooden planks before rapping on what appeared to be the front door.
Aaron's bright blue eyes scanned the land as he glanced over his shoulder. Talking could be heard from what he assumed the side of the ranch home before the door opened. An older man stood there, poised and held tightly onto the door handle "yes, can I help you sir?" he asked. Aaron cleared his throat not bothering to remove his hat. "I'm here for work, I saw that there poster in town, came here for the work" his speech had a southern drawl to it, a Mississippi accent, lightly faded. Years of roaming did that to a man, made him forget half of what he truly was.
The doorman nodded silently before he motioned with an arm to the side of the home. Aaron gave a nod before making his way around the wrap around porch. Turning the corner his eyes settled on a man standing and a woman in a rocking chair. Aaron cleared his throat once more, to alert them as he drew near. He stopped a foot away before his eyes shifted from the man to the dark haired woman. Girl was more like it, she looked young. "I'm here cause I saw looking for the ranch hands poster back in the town, I'm here for the work" he explaining bluntly, his voice deep, raspy and just on the edge of a mumble. Aaron stood there awaiting an anwser, the silence was unnerving. |
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Sept 24, 2012 8:45:46 GMT -8
It seemed that her prayers had not gone unanswered. Her butler returned, followed closely by a man who was far dustier and dirtier than she was. She turned in her chair to look at him better, dark eyes watching him like a rattle snake. He was handsome enough, tall enough and broad enough to verge on intimidating.
He was here looking for work. Excellent. She looked to the other two hands now eying the stranger up and down almost challengingly, apparently not overly fond of the way their pretty employer was enjoying his rugged presence on the porch. She cleared her throat to get their attention but that failed to get the pair to look away from the newest addition. She growled, grabbing her crop from where it sat next to her chair and brought the leather business end down against the arm of her chair. It snapped loudly and both hands turned to look at here.
"Get from here." she snapped, thick drawl hanging onto the edges of her words. Both darted off, leaving just the young woman, her butler, and the visitor on the wrap around porch. Only then did Evangeline stand, tiny but intimidating, and offered a hand to shake to the stranger. "Well, sir, you've come to the right place. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable." she gestured to the chair next to her own.
"Would you like somethin' to drink?" The little brunette asked, a warm and friendly smile on her face, but not in her eyes. Those stayed very skeptical, very watchful. "Let me explain to you what I'm lookin' for. My Papa and I run a breedin' business. As such, we have quite a bit of stock comin' in and out frequently. Most of the boys 'round here are scared to death to ride a new horse. So my question is: how good are you with horses?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2012 18:34:53 GMT -8
Aaron didn't flinch or even sway when the riding crop came down upon the chair sending a loud snap schoing across the ranch land. He took her hand gently in his own, shaking it, her skin was in sharp contrast to his rough and tanned flesh. When Aaron was offered the chair besde the young woman he hesitated before sitting himself down. Removing his hat he ran his fingers through his long, unwashed hair, strands fell into his blue eyes before he again moved them aside.
He declined the offer to a drink with a quickly raised hand and mumbled words "no thanks ma'am" he said simply. Aaron was slient as the woman explained what the ranch actually did, horses was fine with Aaron, he knew horses well. When she was finished and Aaron relized that she ended with a question. He straightened himself up in the chair "yes ma'am, I know plenty about horses, broken in a few too, they don't intimmidate me in the least" he spoke, it was the truth and nothing but. |
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Sept 25, 2012 6:30:50 GMT -8
Evangeline nodded to his refusal for a drink, moving a hand up as a signal of dismissal for the butler. The suited man nodded, bowing at the waist before disappearing back into the confines of the house. Whiskey colored eyes kept on the stranger's face, watching for any subtle movements that could give him away. But he seemed quite at ease, quiet, but comfortable. She couldn't help but like that.
And when he reassured her that he was good with horses, that was all she needed to know. A small, pitviper smile crossed her features. "Well, consider yourself hired. I can offer you five dollars a week to start." Five dollars was a good amount of money, especially to start on a ranch in Texas. "If you choose to lodge here, all your expenses will be paid." She stood from her chair, putting her hat in her chair and offering him her hand.
"I'm Evangeline Redwood, by the way." She introduced. "My father Alexander and my brother Randall will be back in a few weeks so you can meet them as well." She had not missed the faintest of a Southern drawl on the edges of his words, and would not be surprised if he knew of her father and her brother. Most Southerners did as they ha both made a name in the war, but for different reasons.
Her father had been a well respected General, loved by his men and the populace, a man of honor and dignity, known as "The Gentleman Rebel" by the Yanks. Her brother...a totally different story...rather shameful really.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2012 7:20:24 GMT -8
Aaron did not smile nor show any signs that he was glad when he heard the words that he was hired. Clearing his throat he shook his head when she mentioned lodging at the ranch "no I won't be lodging here, have a place back in town where I can stay ma'am" he was lying, well half lying. He'd most likely just rent a room at the Blackbird Saloon upstairs once he received his first pay. But this woman didn't need to know that. Five dollars was good pay, and good money.
Aaron shifted slightly in his chair when the young woman stood from hers and offered her hand. Aaron pushed himself up, standing much taller then her. His hand still in his hand by his side he offered her his other one again, shaking it for the second time. "Aaron Anderson" he'd doubt she would have ever heard of him. Aaron had only been in Texas a week. But he did know her family. Not personally but he had heard of them as far back as home in Mississippi. Standing on the porch alone with Ms. Redwood proved rather awkward until Aaron decided to speak "how many horses you have on this here ranch?" he asked glancing out over the land, the setting sun catching his blue eyes. |
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Sept 27, 2012 20:38:59 GMT -8
Evangeline nodded, not wanting to admit her mixed feelings about his lodging off property. That meant one less mouth to feed quite as often, but that also meant that he would be around less often and...well...she did enjoy looking at him. When he took her hand again, her shake was firm, letting go before turning to look across the property, enjoying the silence until he spoke again.
As the one keeping the ranch's records, she knew, offhand, how many horses were on property at all times. "Two hundred and three, eight stallions, the rest are mares and babies. We have three thoroughbred stallion, three quarter horse, Papa's hunter stud Jackson, and my Andalusian, Tracker. There are also two hundred head of cattle. There are sixteen two year olds that at least need to be started under saddle before their buyer comes to pick them up Wednesday. Between the two of us, and the two other hands I have to work with the horses, it shouldn't take us very long to do that." Her tone was clipped, authoritative, and professional. Despite her tiny stature, it came across very clearly that Evangeline Redwood was not one to be trifled with.
She finally looked back to him, grabbing her hat from it' place in her chair and placing it on her head. "I know you said you will not be stayin' with us, but can I at least convince you to stay for dinna? Mammy has not yet adapted to my brother and father gone and has been cookin' to feed an army, and mot of it ends up going to waste. Besides," perceptive, dark brown eyes watched his face. "It would do my gentle Southern heart good to see a man eat."
As her brother would have said, 'Gentle Southern heart, my ass'. Evangeline was no more gentle than a baby rattlesnake, and probably just as deadly. But she wanted more time to observe this man, learn him, pick out his strengths and learn how to use his weaknesses.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2012 20:34:14 GMT -8
Aaron didn't speak when Ms. Redwood spoke a mouthful about the ranch and it's horses and what they needed to do by Wednesday. It could be done and would be done if Aaron was left to his devices. He was a hard worker and wasn't a man to slack. His blue eyes flickered back to Evangeline when she placed her hat back upon her brunette curls. Clearing his throat when she invited him to dinner a faint smile came to his face before being replaced by a quick single nod. "I'd like that very much, I haven't eaten in two days" he admitted before placing his hat back upon his own head.
Aaron followed Ms. Redwood in silence, his tall figure looming over her as he slowly stepped into the large ranch styled home. As he let his gaze fall over the furniture and oil paintings upon the wall he felt uneasy. The Redwood family clearly had money, and liked showing that they did. Aaron stopped just inside of the door before the butler came in from the adjacent room and shut it. "Ms. Redwood, I don't think I'd be much presentable to you or your mother in this state" he pointed out looking down at his dusty boots and dirty attire. Aaron couldn't remember the last time he had taken a hot bath, or had a clean pair of clothes. |
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Oct 1, 2012 21:28:59 GMT -8
Evangeline couldn't help but smile slightly over her shoulder as Anderson seemed so uncomfortable in the house. "If I may be so blunt, Mr. Anderson, I never knew my Mama. She died givin' birth to me. It's just me, my Papa, and my brother Randall, both of who are absent for the next few weeks, so it's just me. And I promise you, if anyone ain't gonna be judgin' you, it's me." She then continued through the house, raising her voice to echo off of the walls. "Mary, if you would, set another place at the table for Mr. Anderson."
An affirmative came from the kitchen before Evangeline finally turned to look back at the other man, the cook bustling around behind her to set the table. "Mr. Anderson, my family is the type of employer that takes care of our employees. So if you'd like, after you've had your fill, I can have a hot bath drawn up for you, and I'm sure my brother's clothes would fit you. If you'd like, of course, I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable." She smiled the most dazzling smile she could muster, one that lit up her entire face and made dark eyes sparkle.
As she finished speaking, the table was being set and dinner was placed on the table. She turned to look at the spread, noting it did look delicious. A roast that had probably been cooking all day, an array of garden fresh vegetables, and a bottle of her father's best red wine. She licked her lips expectantly before gliding across the room to sit and one end of the table, using her hand to gesture to the other. "Please, Mr. Anderson, take a seat and help yourself."
Not many had good things to say about Evangeline Redwood. Among the words used to describe her were: whore, harlot, tease, viper, devious, and, her personal favorite, bitch. But none of those same people could say she was anything but a good host, at least when she wanted to be. It was a roll she played very well, and was putting on now. She wanted him to feel at home, and comfortable, in hopes that he would not be overwhelmed by his surroundings and leave to never return.
They needed the help, and she already liked his company. Something about his quiet, stoic nature intrigued her as much as it thrilled her. She wanted to know more about him, know what he hid behind blue eyes and a placid face. Wanted to draw more of his true self out of him. And, she was already convinced that beneath the dirt, grime, and excess hair, he was a picturesque portrait of the handsome cowboy, which definitely counted in his favor. She had her fair share of suitors in her day, but they had all been pretty rebel boys who had been young and headstrong and thirsting for war, too dumb before they left, and too off when they came back. At least for her tastes.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 20:37:32 GMT -8
Aaron was about to open his mouth to apologize for assuming Mammy was some type of Texas slang for mother but decided against it. He listened as she spoke and gave orders to the staff. He was amazed by how many hands she had, well her family had on the ranch. But he did know of her family and they were rather wealthy, so it made perfect sense.
When she mentioned a hot bath Aaron just wanted to skip the meal and head right for the warm clean water, much better then bathing in a stream or muddy watering hole. When Ms. Redwood mentioned her brother’s clothing Aaron raised his hands lighting in a dismissive manner “no ma’am that won’t be needed, just a hot bath and a full belly will do me fine” he stated.
Aaron would have found it much too awkward to wear her brother’s clothing; he could imagine it was fine clothing too, nothing Aaron would be able to pull off. A good pair of boots and riding hat and he was set, Aaron was a simple man and he enjoyed life that way. When Ms. Redwood gestured for him to sit Aaron did so in a slow movement, like a deer being stalked he was very out of place and he looked it. Clearing his throat he let his blue eyes glance over the roast, vegetables before they flickered to the butler pouring a crystal glass of dark red wine.
Aaron directed his gaze to Evangeline before he spoke, breaking the tension and silence. “I can’t thank ya enough Ms. Redwood for this here meal, it looks wonderful” his voice was low, gruff and raspy, his usual tone but there was a natural and honest gratitude to it. Picking up the fine silver fork and knife he started to cut at the roast piece, slipping it into his mouth his tastes buds danced. Aaron couldn’t remember the last time he had food this fine.
The older man quickly reversed back to his lower ways as he shoveled the food past his teeth before taking a long sip from the glass. He stopped looking to the educated and proper woman just alittle ways across the table, embarrassed he wiped at his mouth with his hand “I apologize I don’t have too fine of manners Ms. Redwood, I haven’t eaten in days” he admitted. It was sad and slightly pathetic, but true. |
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Oct 4, 2012 20:52:08 GMT -8
Evangeline found herself smiling as the thought of a hot bather apparently settled on Mr. Anderson's face. She turned to the butler, speaking in a low tone. "Please start havin' some water heated for Mr. Anderson's bath." The butler nodded and went to dictate the Mistress's orders, and she set about eating her meal, but only taking small bites. She was hungry, no doubt, after the day she had, but the old ways were still stuck in her. Men should only see a lady eat like a bird. She would sneak downstairs and help herself find something later.
"No need to thank me. Like I said, I'm a firm believer in keepin' my employees happy. And I'm alone in this house. After growin' up with men, it's nice to see a man eat." She took a bite of the roast, smiling and moaning in delight. It was delicious. Mammy had done a very good job with dinner, that much was for sure. She licked her lips, taking another small bite. Only barely restrained self control kept her from inhaling her food much like the man across from her was."
She was mid bite when he spoke again and she looked up at him, briefly wiping her mouth with the napkin in her lap before replying. "Mr/ Anderson, don't apologize to me. Enjoy your meal. The quicker you're done, the quicker you get a hot bath." She smirked knowingly, taking a sip of the rich red wine before going back to her roast and vegetables.
When she was done with what she was going to eat, she leaned back contentedly in her chair, wiping her mouth once more and taking a final sip of her wine. The butler then came to her side, leaning down to whisper in her ear that the bath was ready. She nodded, a sweet smile spreading over her features, a true rarity when it came to Evangeline Redwood, as she looked upon one of the oldest members of her staff, almost as much of a father as her own father was. The smile alone seemed to make her less hard, less dangerous, and revealed her for what she was: soft and delicate. "Thank you."
She then turned back to watch Mr. Anderson finish his meal, sitting in silence. She wanted to alk to him, to question him on his background, but she wouldn't do that. She wanted him to eat his meal and enjoy it.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 21:12:07 GMT -8
It only took Aaron a few moments before the roast slab was gone, the vegetables were devoured and the glass of wine downed. Aaron wiped at his mouth once more with the back of his hand before he gave a cough and cleared his throat once more. The dry October air wasn’t the best on one’s lungs. Aaron watched as the old butler leaned to whisper into Ms. Redwood’s ear, apparently his warm bath was ready. Aaron said thank you in a muffled tone when a maid came to collect his dish and glass, ready to set the table once more. Aaron pushed his chair back and stood “I’ll let ya show me to the bath Ms. Redwood” he said waiting until she stood and led the way.
As he was led through the dimly lit hall Aaron glanced outside, the sun was almost done setting from what he could see outside of the tall clean and clear ranch window. Ascending the stairs they passed a few doors before coming to an open one. Aaron glanced inside before gingerly stepping all the way in. A warm bath and fresh cotton towels were set out, the tub was rather large, large enough to turn in without standing, it amazed him slightly. The bathroom itself was quote large.
He turned to face Evangeline not realizing the two were rather close as he loomed over her small frame “again, thank you Ms. Redwood, can’t tell ya how much I appreciate this” he stated before he removed his hat, vest, belt holster and gun and lastly his boots. His dark brown hair was tangled and slightly matted and he needed a shave, the dirt upon his face and hands were even more apparent under the warm glow of the wall candles.
“I won’t be more than a few minutes” he added, turning his back to the young woman Aaron pulled the dirty shirt over his head, revealing a toned back. He assumed Ms. Redwood would take his shirt removing as a signal to leave the bathroom, but Aaron wasn’t too shy with his body. He’d undress infront of her if needed, he didn’t care. The steam from the bath rose to dampen the large circled mirror hanging just above the sink, the steaming hot water was just calling for him.
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Post by Evangeline Redwood on Oct 4, 2012 21:33:13 GMT -8
When he signaled that he was finished with his meal, Evan stood and nodded, turning to lead him up the stairs and down the hall to one of the bathrooms. She opened the door, letting some of the steam that had been building up. She then stepped out of the way to let him into the room to take in the set up. When he turned around, they were so desperately close, close enough that all she would do was take her hand off the door knob to touch him.
She nodded her head politely. "Not a hardship on me at all, Mr. Anderson. There's enough rooms and, with me bein' the only one here, it gets rather lonely. It's nice to have a little noise in the house." She cleaned her throat, taking a step back to put a little distance between them, and nodded her head towards the small but elegant wash stand in the corner of the room. "There's a few straight razors and other things of the sort in there if you'd like to shave."
She stepped back, meaning to leave, until he took his shirt off, revealing his back to her. Each toned muscle rippled under sun bronzed skin, looking like something worthy of being carved in marble.She breathed in, hard, forcing herself not to gasp or lose her dignity and self control merely from the sight of him shirtless. She felt her skin heating, flushing a bright red that trailed all the way down her neck and decollete. She managed to regain herself after a moment, mumbling a quick 'enjoy your bath' before turning and quickly leaving the room.
She moved down the stairs and into the parlor, picking up her still slightly full glass of wine and making her way to the parlor. She lowered herself into a chair, grabbing her book with the intention to read. But she found herself blissfully distracted, the image of muscles, perfectly defined from years of hard labor, rippling under bronzed skin. She found herself biting her bottom lip gently, gazing at the pages of her book but not seeing any of the words. Oh yes, he was going to be very bad for business indeed.
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