Rio (12 page)

That night, she ran out to see her horse and rode Silver Slippers until dark. When this intrigue was all over, she intended to take the beautiful gray mare home.

The next morning, she washed and scrubbed the children and after breakfast, she and Fern loaded them into the buggy and headed for the capitol.

“We’d rather go swimming,” little Pedro complained.

“Si!”
Juan yelled.

“Maybe we’ll do that tomorrow,” Turquoise admonished him. “I told Senor Trace I would educate you and teach you some Texas history, so you must see our capitol.”

The three little girls chortled with delight. “Will there be sweets?”

“Maybe afterward,” Turquoise assured them all.

Fern gave her a knowing look but didn’t say anything. For that, she was relieved. With the children in tow, she and Fern walked into the state capitol.

Fern looked around, awestruck. “My, it is big, isn’t it?”

Turquoise nodded, thinking how important Edwin Forester must be to be part of all this. “I think we should introduce the children to a real legislator.”

They walked up and down the halls until she found the door she wanted. “Look, children, here’s Senator Forester’s office. I danced with him once at the debutante ball. Perhaps we can meet him.”

She and Fern herded the children into the outer office and a prim young man with eyeglasses and a pimply face looked up from his desk. “Yes?”

“We would like to introduce the children to the senator,” Turquoise said. “I’m Turquoise Sanchez and this is my friend Fern Lessup.”

The young man frowned. “He’s much too busy right now. He’s giving an important speech later this morning to the Senate.”

“Oh.” Turquoise turned to leave.

Just then, a voice called through the door. “Elmer? Who is here?”

The young man jumped up like his pants were full of red ants and went into the next room, then he returned, smiling and bowing. “Why didn’t you tell me you were good friends of the senator? Come right in.” He preceded them, opening the door.

Edwin Forester stood up from his big mahogany desk and came around, smiling and holding out both hands. “Ah, Miss Sanchez. I’m so glad you came to see me.” He took both her hands in his, looking down at her.

He was every bit as handsome and dignified as she remembered with his graying blond hair, although his chin was a bit weak. As usual, he was dressed in the height of fashion with a yellow rosebud in his buttonhole.

“Senator, this is my friend Fern and some of the children from the Triple D ranch.”

“Ah, Miss Fern”—he bowed to her and she looked like her knees had turned to jelly as he gave her a warm smile— “I’m so glad to meet you and all these little future voters.”

He shook hands with all the children as Turquoise said, “Now, children, this is a very important man. You will remember the day you met him.”

“As important as Senor Durango?” Pedro piped up and Edwin frowned.

“Yes, of course.” Turquoise gulped.

Edwin pulled out his gold pocket watch from his vest. “The Senate will be gathering in less than fifteen minutes and I’m due to make a speech. Why don’t you take seats in the Senate gallery and listen?”

Turquoise and Fern both sighed. “That would be so exciting. Will they let us in?”

Edwin’s chest puffed up. “I’ll see to it personally,” he said grandly, “and in the meantime, how would you all like to have lunch today with me at my home in Tarrytown?”

“Tarrytown?” Fern gasped.

Turquoise had no idea what that was, but judging from Fern’s reaction, it must be impressive. “Oh, Senator, we couldn’t impose—”

“Nonsense.” He shook his head. “I’ll send a messenger to Mother to set places out on the patio for seven more.”

She was going to eat dinner with an important senator in the best part of town. The girls who had ridiculed her should see her now. “If you’re sure it won’t be any trouble—”

“Of course not. It’s settled.” He cleared his throat and made a grand gesture. “Now let me get you seated in the
Senate gallery and I’ll send a message home. I’m looking forward to showing all of you more of Austin.”

Turquoise realized he was staring at her and she blushed. He was rich and important and that meant everything to her. Rio crossed her mind, but she brushed it away. His kisses might be unforgettable, but he could not give her the security and social significance that she craved.

The children whined and wiggled in their seats but as the Senate quieted and Edwin arose from his chair, his big voice rang out. “Gentlemen and fellow senators, I’d like to introduce some special ladies and little future voters, Senorita Sanchez, Miss Fern Lessup, and the children from the Triple D ranch who are here today visiting and learning Texas history.”

Turquoise and Fern stood up and nodded as the senators applauded. So this was what it was like to be in the spotlight and be admired and respected. It was a giddy feeling.

Then Edwin cleared his throat and began to speak on the subject of taxes, the future of Texas and the city of Austin. He even mentioned patriotism and the yellow rose of Texas and how every senator who was a true Texan should vote his way on this bill. The children wiggled and twisted during the senator’s speech but Turquoise was mesmerized.
This is an important man,
she thought, looking down on him from the balcony. He walked up and down the Senate floor, waving his fist in the air and making statements that resonated throughout the big room.

Afterward, the audience in the gallery applauded and other senators crowded around Edwin, shaking his hand, clapping him on the back. He looked up at her and smiled grandly, so handsome with his light hair that was just graying at the temples.

He met them out in front of the capitol. “Well, what did you think?”

“Magnificent!” Turquoise exclaimed and nudged little Pedro, who nodded and smiled.

“Yes,” Fern said, obviously impressed. “Just brilliant.”

Edwin’s chest puffed out and he looked a bit pompous. “We’ll vote this afternoon and I’m sure my bill will pass.”

“Is it good for Texas?” Turquoise asked.

He frowned at her. “Well, ahem, yes, it’s good for certain people and it will give Forester Industries a wonderful tax advantage.”

Fern looked like she was about to ask a question, but the senator said, “Let me call for a carriage to take Miss Fern and the children to my home. Senorita Turquoise, why don’t you ride with me and I’ll show you the sights of Austin along the way?”

She took a deep breath, knowing Uncle Trace would not approve, but thinking how grand it would be to be seen along Congress Avenue in the senator’s buggy. “Fern, can you manage?”

Fern didn’t look too happy. “Of course.”

Turquoise supervised Fern and the children into a carriage and once she saw them off, the senator escorted her to his fancy buggy. “I usually have a big carriage and a driver, but it’s a nice day and I feel like driving myself.”

He took her hand and helped her up into the buggy. The way his eyes fastened on hers sent a chill of excitement through her. “Senator, I haven’t had such an exciting time since the night of the debutante ball.”

“You flatter me, my dear, and you must call me Edwin.” He climbed up beside her and snapped the reins at the fine black horse that pulled the rig. “I never had a real chance to apologize about the buggy getting stuck in the creek.”

“Oh, think nothing of it.” She remembered that night with him escorting the beautiful blonde.

“I also didn’t get a chance to explain about dinner at Del-monico’s that night.”

She bit her lip. “You don’t owe me an explanation, Senator.”

“Oh, but I wouldn’t want you to think I wouldn’t rather have taken you to dinner. My mother has been pushing me to marry and her candidate is Banker Turner’s daughter— beautiful, but so dull.”

That made Turquoise feel much better. “I never really got a chance to thank you for rescuing me at the debutante ball. I was so mortified in that gaudy dress.”

“I enjoyed it.” He nodded and smiled. “I hear that shop burned down later. It was all Mrs. Whittle deserved.”

“It wasn’t important.” She shrugged. “I do feel sorry for her. I hope she was insured.”

He shrugged. “I don’t feel a bit sorry for her after the cruel way she treated you. Anyway, if it hadn’t been for that ball, I might not have met you.”

She tried to be coy. “That’s true. Actually, we still hardly know each other.”

“But I’m hoping to know you better, a lot better.” He turned and smiled at her and he was so polished and educated, her heart fluttered.

She didn’t know what to say. She thought herself fairly well educated and well read, but just what did one say to an important state senator who held such power and prestige?

“You’re awfully quiet, my dear,” he said as they drove along at a fast clip.

“I’m just drinking in what a big city this is.”

“That’s the truth, and the Foresters own a lot of it and intend to own more.”

“Aren’t you rich enough?”

He laughed. “No one is rich enough, especially if they want to buy mansions and jewels for lovely ladies.”

She didn’t know what he expected her to say. She felt very young and stupid with such a prestigious man.

He smiled at her. “As a matter of fact, I’m trying to buy
up land now in one of Austin’s worst Mexican slums. Some of them are hesitating.”

“I can understand that,” Turquoise said. “What you consider a slum, they may consider their homes.”

“Well, I guess it is better than what they had in Mexico, but it would improve the looks of Austin, you see.”

Turquoise felt her face flush scarlet and the senator coughed and said, “A thousand pardons, my dear. I didn’t mean people like you, a lady of charm and class. I meant the low-class, uneducated peons.”

“But Senator, weren’t the Mexicans here first?”

“Now what does that matter? Texas belongs to the Anglos now.”

She was getting angry. “Do the Mexicans know you feel that way about them?”

He laughed. “Of course not. I need the rich ones’ votes, so I go to their celebrations and eat their tamales and talk about how Texas depends on them.”

She didn’t like him quite as well as she had before, but she told herself that maybe most Anglos in Austin felt that way.

“We’re almost there, my dear,” he said as the horses clopped along. “What do you think of Tarrytown?”

She looked around. The houses were grand places with perfect lawns that made her sigh at their beauty. “This is the most beautiful neighborhood I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s considered the place to live in Austin,” he said grandly. “Of course, my parents were among the first residents.”

He drove the buggy up the brick driveway of a very large and imposing brick mansion, complete with white columns.

A big man on a ladder painting a window turned and stared at her. She noticed a jagged scar across his chin.

“Luther,” the senator yelled at him, “don’t forget the
trim.” Then he turned to Turquoise with an exasperated sigh. “You just can’t get good help these days.”

About that time, a Mexican butler came out to meet them. The man took the horses by the bridle as the senator stepped down and came around to assist Turquoise. “My dear, you are about to meet my mother, Harriet. You saw her the other night.”

She remembered the hatchet-faced woman in the dove-gray dress with gray hair piled in braids on her head. She had looked snooty and imposing. “Yes, I saw her.”

“Some call her the ‘Iron Lady,’ but let me tell you, she is the undisputed queen of Austin society.”

Turquoise took a deep breath. Was she going to measure up? She really dreaded this meeting and now she wished she had not accepted the invitation. However, it was too late. A Mexican maid in a white apron and cap was opening the big door and escorting them inside.

Turquoise took a deep breath and held her head high as she entered the huge mansion. The inside was dark and smelled of rot, mildew, beeswax polish, and dusty velvet drapes. From the entry hall, she could see a huge library off to one side and a dim parlor full of ornate Victorian furniture to the other.

Edwin scowled at the meek little maid. “Where’s Mother?”

“Ah, senor, she’s out in the garden with the other guests.”

“Good.” Edwin turned and smiled at Turquoise. “Looks like the kiddies got here before us. You’ll like our garden. Mother prides herself on her flowers.”

From upstairs came a strange, haunting laughter.

Edwin sighed. “Anna, couldn’t you keep Miss Emily in her room today ’til the guests leave?”

“We try,” the maid whispered, “but you know how she escapes and wanders the halls.”

Turquoise gave him a questioning look.

“I have a sister who … she is sometimes not well.” Edwin looked shame-faced, as if he were reluctant to talk about her. “She was carried off by the Indians some years ago and when she was recaptured, her mind was affected.”

Turquoise felt a great deal of sympathy for him and patted his arm. “Never mind. I understand.”

He gave her a pleading look and wiped his eyes. “We try to keep her hidden, and not many in Austin know about her.”

“It’s all right, Edwin,” Turquoise said gently.

“It’s such a load off my heart that you understand.” He looked almost ready to weep as he squeezed her hand.

She felt so terribly sorry for him. “I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thank you. You’re so kind.” Now he breathed a deep breath. “Let’s forget this sadness and go out into the garden and see what Mama has planned for lunch.”

He took her arm and escorted Turquoise down the hall and through French doors out into a beautiful garden with a small fountain and fish pond and tables set up under the shade of china berry trees. Fern and the children were already seated. They shouted greetings.

Turquoise recognized the older lady with gray hair done up in braids and a dove-gray dress. Her face was stern as she came to meet them.

“Ah, Mama, this is Miss Turquoise Sanchez and you’ve already met her friends.”

Harriet Forester came forward, giving Turquoise the briefest nod of acknowledgment and hugged Edwin. She gave him a cold peck on the cheek, then stared at Turquoise again, seeming to bore into her with eyes as pale as Edwin’s own. “Sonny, you know our house is always open to your constituents. How do you do, Miss Sanchez?”

Turquoise curtsied. “Very well, thank you. Your son made a grand speech on the Senate floor this morning.”

A rare smile seemed to cross the woman’s thin lips. “He’s a born politician like his father and grandfather before him. You know he’s planning on running for governor?”

“Now, Mama”—Edwin grinned and reddened slightly— “you know that’s not decided for sure.”

“But of course it is!” she snapped. “And after that, the United States Senate in Washington and maybe, who knows? The country could use a Texan for president.”

“Oh, Mama, you embarrass me.” But he looked happy and ran his hand through his graying blond hair in confusion.

He was more ambitious and important than Turquoise had realized. “I think you would make a great governor,” she said with enthusiasm and Edwin looked pleased.

“Now,” commanded Harriet Forester, “let’s have lunch. I have a cold gazpacho soup, a baby greens salad, and some roasted quail, plus iced tea and chilled sangria, and a wonderful French chocolate mousse I thought the children might enjoy.” She signaled to a Mexican houseboy in a white jacket who hovered in the background. “Jose, as soon as we are all seated, you may begin serving.”

The children and Fern waved to her from their table as she and Edwin crossed the patio. She could only hope the children remembered their table manners as Edwin seated her at a small, separate table under a giant rosebush that dropped pink petals on them as Edwin sat across from her. “Like the place, my dear?”

“It’s breathtaking!” She inhaled the scent of the pink roses, thankful that the Iron Lady had joined Fern and the children for lunch instead of her and Edwin.

“Someday it will all be mine.” He took one of her hands in his well-manicured ones. “Of course the governor’s mansion is finer, but this is the best house in Tarrytown.”

“I’m sure it is,” she agreed, looking about. “Any woman could be happy being the mistress here.”

“Unfortunately, all these years I’ve been looking for just the right lady.” He looked deep into her eyes. “But none has ever really touched my heart.”

She felt her own jump as he squeezed her hand. “I’m sure you are the most eligible bachelor in Austin, if not all Texas.”

He smiled. “Perhaps. I know I have had a reputation as a ladies’ man, but that’s because I never found one I wanted to settle down with, or one Mama approved of.”

She nodded, not sure what to say. The others were being served and concentrating on their food, although Fern sneaked a wink at her.

In contrast, Mama seemed to notice the pair holding hands and her stern face clouded up like thunder. Jose served the cold soup and salad just then and that gave her an excuse to pull her hands away and begin to eat with the heavy, monogrammed silver. “Hasn’t your mother been choosing women for you to meet?”

He paused with his spoon halfway to his lips. “Yes, for years, but they’re always so dull or homely.”

“The banker’s daughter wasn’t homely,” she said.

“No, but she was dull. You know, if I do run for governor, people would be much more trusting of a married man than a bachelor.”

What was he getting at? She dare not hope as Jose took the fine china bowl away and replaced it with a crisp, browned quail. It was delicious and she ate in silence for a long minute and sipped the chilled sangria wine. It had sprigs of mint floating in it and slices of lemon and orange on the rim of the crystal.

“I realize, Miss Turquoise, I am a few years older than you. I’m almost thirty-seven.”

She gave him a winsome smile. “Sometimes a mature, thoughtful older man makes a much better husband.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

She actually wasn’t quite sure how she felt. This was all moving too fast. She decided to change the subject. “Edwin, this is the best food I’ve ever eaten.”

He smiled at her over his roasted quail. “We are more civilized here in the big city than out on a ranch. I imagine the food there is pretty plain.”

“Well, yes, but it’s good.” She spoke out loyally for Maria.

“We have a French cook and plenty of household staff,” Edwin said, “but it takes a good hostess and manager to run a place this large. My mother is getting elderly and hopes to give up the reins someday to a daughter-in-law.”

Turquoise glanced at the poker-faced woman who kept glaring at her. The Iron Lady didn’t appear to be ready to give up the reins to anyone. “Do you have other brothers and sisters?”

He nodded. “But they are off at school, except Emily, and none of them are interested in politics or the family businesses. Since I am the oldest son, Mama expects me to carry on the family name.”

She didn’t answer, suddenly not sure how she felt about Edwin. There was something about him that fascinated her, maybe because of his influence and prestige. No one would whisper about her behind her back anymore if they had to deal with one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the state.

She imagined her wedding night with Edwin and abruptly, her mind went to the muscular brown body of Rio. How dare the cowboy interfere with her plans?

Jose took away the plates and replaced them with crystal dishes of chocolate mousse that got a chorus of approval from the nearby children.

Edwin paused with a spoonful of the delectable dessert halfway to his mouth. “A penny for your thoughts?”

“What?” She came back with a start from the memory of Rio’s hot mouth and muscular body against hers.

“You seemed far away.” He smiled and then continued eating.

“I—I was simply enjoying the moment.” She sipped her sangria. The scarlet drink was sweet and cold. “This is such a beautiful home and garden, Edwin.”

“Good. I’m glad you like it.” He beamed at her. “I can almost imagine you standing at the door in some gorgeous dress just the color of your splendid eyes, greeting guests at one of my many parties. We have a lot of parties and balls here.”

“I love parties and balls.” She smiled at him and dipped her ornate silver spoon into the creamy dessert.

“Somehow I just knew that. We seem so much alike.” He gave her a warm, intimate look that was almost like a kiss.

“My uncle would have a fit if he knew I were here,” she said.

Edwin frowned. “You know, this silly feud has gone on far too long. I think we need to sit down together and talk. Surely we could find some common ground and live in peace.”

“Oh, Edwin, that sounds so good. I don’t even know how this trouble all started.”

He frowned. “I know a little of it that best be forgotten. Some of it dates back to my grandfather and the original Durango—business dealings, I think. And my father and Trace Durango’s father …” He paused, frowning. “But I’d be willing to call a truce. I’m not sure about Mama.”

Turquoise glanced at formidable Mama. She decided it would be easier to fight a cougar. “If only the two families could live in harmony.”

He grinned at her. “That gives me some hope. I’ll work on it.”

They finished lunch with Turquoise in a daze. Marry Edwin? He hadn’t asked her yet, but he had certainly been hinting. What would Uncle Trace say? She wished Cimar-ron would get home so she could give Turquoise some advice. After all, Cimarron was the only one who could
deal with Trace Durango’s temper because he adored her so, but she wouldn’t be home for weeks.

Now Edwin smiled at her and took the wilting yellow rose from his buttonhole. “This rallied the senators this morning and put them in the mind to vote my way this afternoon, but now I think my favorite flower will always be pink roses.”

He reached up and broke off a pink rosebud from the bush that shaded their table and put it in his buttonhole. “Pink roses will always remind me of you, my dear.”

She smiled at him, genuinely flattered. “That’s sweet.”

“Not as sweet as you, dear Turquoise.” He pulled out his big gold pocket watch. “My, how times flies when you’re with a charming lady. I must be getting back to the capitol.”

Just then, Mrs. Forester clapped her hands and stood up. “It’s been wonderful, entertaining Edwin’s guests, but I know he has important business to attend to.” She led everyone out onto the front drive. “I do so enjoy meeting some of Edwin’s constituents,” she said and smiled, but her cold eyes didn’t smile. “Edwin, you will be home for dinner, won’t you, dear?”

He kissed her on the cheek. “Of course, Mama, but now I must get back to the Senate and push through that vote. The people’s business, you know.”

The carriage that had brought Fern and the children was waiting out front.

“Miss Turquoise,” Edwin said, bowing low, “I would return you myself, but I must get back.”

“Oh, don’t trouble yourself,” Turquoise said quickly. “I’ll ride with the others.”

Mrs. Forester said her good-byes and started back into the house.

Edwin caught Turquoise’s hand. “Could we meet for lunch tomorrow?” he whispered.

“Well, I guess,” she said. “The children would like it.”

“No, I meant just the two of us,” he whispered. “I have to be at the farmers’ market to make a late morning speech to a bunch of cattlemen. There’s an outdoor café that is quite good. Could you be there at noon?”

This was all moving too fast. “I—I suppose I could,” she said as she turned toward the carriage. “But Edwin, I don’t think your mother liked—”

“Oh, she loved you. That’s just her manner. When you get to know her, you’ll see.”

Mrs. Forester had paused at the front door and was looking back, glaring at her.

Turquoise had a feeling the old lady saw her as a threat and would never like her.

“Noon at the farmers’ market, the little café,” Edwin said hurriedly and helped her into the carriage.

She nodded, looking down at him, thinking he was afraid of his mother. “All right, I’ll be there.” Then she instantly regretted it.

The carriage pulled away and Fern leaned toward her, whispering, “My word! This is so exciting! I think the senator is very interested in you.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe.” Turquoise shook her head, confused about her own feelings.

“Why, half the girls in the social set have set their caps for him, but none of them have had any luck,” said Fern.

“But he’s almost thirty-seven,” Turquoise said, “and I’m barely twenty.”

“So? My father is fifteen years older than my mother,” Fern reminded her. “You know older men often marry younger girls. Just think what it would be like to be the governor’s wife or even go to Washington, D.C. Have you ever been to Washington?”

Turquoise shook her head. “No, but I’ve always wanted to. Just imagine the parties and balls and fine homes,
getting your name in the newspapers every time you gave a tea.”

She settled back against the cushions and looked around at the children. Most of them were full of food and nodding off. At the end of the week, she had to return to the ranch. A lot might happen before then. She wondered if the senator’s kisses would be as hot and passionate as Rio’s. Then she chided herself. No, of course the senator was an educated, civilized Anglo, not some wild, hot-blooded vaquero who seemed eager to take her down on the nearest grass and rip her blouse away, kissing her breasts with a hot, wet, greedy mouth and then his lips would move lower still….

She blushed at the thought and shrugged it off. All Rio could offer was fierce, wild mating like two untamed mustangs, while with the senator, she would have satin sheets, power, and prestige. But most important, no one would ever question or ridicule her background again.

That evening, Edwin came home from the Senate to find his mother waiting for him in the library. He sighed and poured himself a whiskey. This time, he would stand up to the Iron Lady; it meant that much to him.