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and she began to think that he wasn t talking about her playing. Are all
of you musically talented? she turned around and looked at the others
trying not to show him how she affected her. Regardless it was
Everett s deep voice that answered her.
Yes. I play piano, Jace plays the violin& and Chance has a
voice that can sooth a storm. He offered causing both of his brothers
to seem slightly embarrassed, But they won t admit it, it destroys their
tough guy images.
50
The King s Lady
Unknown to Kate, everyone was watching her with a sense of
stunned wonderment after her playing. None of them could find the
words to answer her
She laughed while taking in the impossible height and size of
the men, I don t think there s a chance of that even if you all took up
sewing. She said, causing a look of mock shock on Jace s face before
he roared with laughter finally bringing them out of the trance they
were in.
I would love to hear you play the violin Jace. It seems forever
since I ve heard one.
Who could resist a lovely request from a beautiful woman?
Jace said causing her to blush and Everett to scowl at him. Jace winked
at his brother and went to a large walnut cabinet to remove the case his
violin was preciously preserved in.
Before long Everett was sitting next to Kate each playing one
hand of the next piece while Jace played on the violin.
Two hours later the four King men were bidding Tyler and the
women goodbye and as the wagon trundled away Ed turned to Everett.
Well son, I must admit, you chose well.
I thought so. He added absently while rolling another smoke.
You going to marry that girl?
I reckon. If she ll have me. He added, lighting cheroot and
taking a long drag, She s really sophisticated.
No more than you. This got him a sideways glance. Ed laid
an affectionate hand on his eldest son s shoulder briefly before he went
back in the house and left him with his words.
Several days went by and Kate began to feel gloomy. She hadn t
heard from Everett and from the way he paid attention to her at Red
Oaks, she really expected him to come calling. It had been a long time
since she felt part of a family and an equally long time since she had
actually enjoyed herself. The Kings managed to keep her mind off of
the death of her father for the first time since his passing. Even though
51
Lietha Wards
Ellie and Tyler had welcomed her with open arms, she still had the
overwhelming sorrow lingering over everything.
Chapter
Over the next few days, there were no more visitors and Kate was
going crazy with anticipation. Did Everett not seem interested? Did
she imagine it all?
Keeping herself busy with needlepoint and gardening to take her
mind unsuccessfully off of him didn t help either. She stabbed herself
half a dozen times with the needle and ended up pulling half a row of
undeveloped carrots because her mind kept wandering.
That s enough young lady. Silvia clucked looking at the
destroyed row and the sheepish young woman kneeling in the dirt, I
think I ll put you on a simpler chore like dusting, but stay away from the
china. She quickly added as an afterthought.
I m so sorry Silvia, I don t know what got into me. Only she
did, and was completely embarrassed over her behaviour.
No? she gave her a curious look, Well honey, I m sure you ll
figure it out. You re a smart girl.
Sure she was. If she was so smart she would be able to at least
figure out what had occurred between her and Everett when they were
together. Was he really interested in her? She seemed so certain when
they shared a touch or a look, but when she was away from him, doubt
started entering her mind. What if he was only interested in her as he
was with other women? Already she knew it would break her heart.
There was no cure for the way he made her feel when he was around.
Looking at her fingers and the stab holes in them from her needle, she
knew she d probably end up killing herself if she didn t figure this out.
The next day Ellie took Kate into town with the wagon to
introduce her to some of the townsfolk. She couldn t be more thankful
for the distraction thanks to her cousin. Although she did have a
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The King s Lady
sneaky suspicion that Silvia had put her up to it. The day before, she
was helping her make candles and one of the curtains in the kitchen
caught fire and it was her fault. She was grateful that Silvia moved
quickly enough and threw a nearby vase of water on the flames dousing
them. She felt terrible, but Silvia only gave her a pat on the shoulder
and told her not to mind. However, there was something odd in her
eyes when she said that. Something akin to amusement.
Ellie s voice cut through her thoughts.
You ll meet more of the townsfolk at the King s celebration,
but I thought you could use a day out.
You re always so considerate.
Ellie gave her a smile, No more than you. She pulled the
wagon up in front of the general store and introduced her to Mr and
Mrs Coulter.
Jeb! called Mrs Coulter almost eagerly sparing her husband a
glance, Come meet Ellie s cousin.
Kate watched a tall lanky man come through the back door and
approached them. A pleasant smile lit his face at the sight of the
women. By the look of him, he might have been several years older
than her. He had brown hair and blue eyes like hers and if she didn t
meet the King boys earlier, she would have thought he was the most
handsome man in Cottonwood, but now he didn t hold a candle to
them.
Pleased. He nodded settling his eyes unmistakably on Kate.
You staying long?
Ellie started telling the Coulters of Kate s recent loss, but Kate
could feel Jeb s eyes on her the whole time and couldn t bring herself to
look back. Ellie told them of Kate staying with them and she felt relived
that she didn t have to answer his question. When he was momentarily
distracted by Ellie s story, she excused her self, turned and began to
wander through the store pretending to be looking at knickknacks while
waiting for her cousin. He was a handsome man, but she was
uncomfortable with the way he looked at her because she still had
53
Lietha Wards
hopes for Everett. Normally, his interested stare wouldn t have made
her feel such a way. Unknown to her, Jeb followed her down one of the
far aisles.
Miss Kate.
Startled at the sound of his voice, she turned to see Jeb
standing behind her. Yes.
Would you mind if I called on you.
She flushed. Obviously he didn t have a problem being so
forward. Something she noticed that was common with the people in
Cottonwood. It might have put her off him, if she didn t see the
kindness in his eyes.
He took a couple of steps in her direction, and softened his
voice not wanting to seem to aggressive, I know Ellie said you had a
recent loss, but if your feeling up to it. I could take you on a picnic.
Jeb swore he d never seen a woman so beautiful and he normally wasn t
so assertive, but he knew that a woman that looks like her wouldn t
remain available for very long.
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