The Runaways

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

"I told you I did not get the feeling that Miss Clarkson was a bad person," John told Jim the next morning when Jim came to the bank and relayed what Edie and Penny told Jake about the woman. "So you want me to somehow get her away from people and let her know why Edie and Penny came to town and for her to return to her home."

"Yes, that's the idea Julie, Jake and I came up with last night. If someone followed her to my house and saw not only me but Jake it wouldn't do for us to be seen with Miss Clarkson. And we need to get a message to Alyssa about the possibility of Buck taking over the hotel sooner that the first of next month and one to let Kevin Peabody know as well which I can do through Henry. Julie thought you could take a buggy ride with Miss Clarkson out to the Diamond G. You do think she's pretty after all is why we chose you," Jim teased him. "But in all seriousness make sure you are armed incase someone does follow you there."

"I purchased a derringer yesterday in fact," John replied.

"Good," Jim told him.

"I'll send a note around requesting she take a ride with me and if she says yes I'll have Billy bring the carriage around," John said. He liked the idea of having a reason to see the beautiful Miss Clarkson again.

* * *

L Bar W Ranch

"I didn't think you would be up this early," Luke said to Edie when she came into his study. He noticed she had dark circles under her eyes and he expected she didn't get much sleep last night worrying about her uncle knowing they were in Providence. "Mona should have breakfast ready shortly."

"I didn't sleep well last night," Edie replied as she sat in the chair in front of Luke's desk confirming his thoughts. "I checked on Penny before coming down and she's still asleep. Alice was already up and gone when I checked on her."

"She's in helping Mona this morning," Luke replied. "I asked her last night to help out in anyway she could I hope that is alright with you?"

"Yes, she came with us because unfortunately Penny and I have no idea how to cook, clean or even take care of our own clothes. We have always had servants to do those things for us but I think it's high time we learned a few things."

"Edie my offer of marriage is still there," Luke told her.

"Yes I know that would solve many things Luke but...but like Sam was raised to take over the Rocking R Ranch I was raised to take over Meriwether Publishing. I love working their Luke I don't think I could ever give it up."

"Edie when Jake married Sam he was living in San Francisco, the business his father started was in San Francisco. He knew Sam would never be happy living anywhere but the Rocking R and he didn't want her to be unhappy. He also realized that he liked living in Providence and living on the ranch so he sold his house, packed up all the furniture and moved along with his business to Providence. He brought with him everyone that wanted to come and gave a generous pay packet to those who did not. Most came and he built those with his business homes in Providence.

"Why does Meriwether Publishing have to be in New York City? Why couldn't you marry me and move it here to Scottsville? I have enough land we could build the building you need for it along with houses for those of your employees that wish to come to Texas and Penny would then be under my guardianship. You heard her last night Edie saying she never wants to return there."

"Yes I know she doesn't. I never thought of moving the publishing company here," Edie replied while she thought over what Luke said. Could she really do what Jake had done?