Wes's temper was at his highest. Before Martha could say a thing about it, and not waiting for the maid, he packed some of her stuff. Regardless of her protest, he rushed her out the door. The wind picked up siding with his mood, and he even welcomed the first drops of rain that fell on his face, the cold droplets were cooling him down, and he needed the distraction. It took all the willpower to stay in control of his rage and not give her a speech she deserved.
Mostly all the way to the Big J ranch he had to listen to her nonsense of complaining, and grumbling. He wasn't sure how he kept his calm. The usually pleasant ride that he enjoyed turned into a living nightmare. Upon their arrival at the ranch he couldn't get away from her fast enough. Clay was first to come to his rescue.
"I see you brought as a charming guest." Martha gave him a forced smile, unaware of the sarcasm in his tone of voice.
"Yes Clay. Could you get Mrs. Pierce for me."
"Certainly."
Wes gave the instructions to the main housekeeper to place her in the old house by the willow tree. It couldn't be too soon to have her out of his sight.
He already strolled away, but changed his mind and came back just as she was climbing back in the surrey.
"Don't try to cause any more trouble, or I won't be so generous next time. I'm doing this only for Sara. Her heart is way too soft, but I have no sympathy for you." It was the warning that he meant.
Martha wasn't to give up this easy.
She stared at him, but Martha was never thankful for anything, and to anyone, so she didn't think he was doing her a favour.
"You married my daughter. You owe me as much!" She hissed out, and threw her shawl around her shoulders and looked away from him.
He turned around and walked away without another word. He knew if he stayed in her company any longer, he'd lose control.
Sara thought she heard Wes's voice, and then he walked into the dining room where she was just finishing her lunch. His face was taught, his jaw shifting, his eyes stormy, and only when he spotted Sara his expression soften. He strode right to her side scooped her up, and hugged her.
"How I missed you!"
"I missed you too, but it's been only a few days. Is Martha feeling better?"
"Yes, she is just fine, and she's here. We placed her in grandpa's house, she'll be just fine there."
Nelly came down the stairs and smiled at Wes, "Wes! That is a surprise, we weren't expecting you this fast. Will you stay for dinner and then go home tomorrow morning? This way will have Sara a little longer." Nelly liked to have all her family around, and this was the opportunity she wasn't going to miss.
"Only if Sara wishes. "
"Oh yes, that would be fine." Sara got hold of his hand, her eyes shining."I have the news to share. My cousin, and my uncle are coming for a visit when the baby arrives. I'm so happy Wes."
"That will be good for you to have your family here. Martha shouldn't be a problem any longer. That house was empty for a long time, but she'll be comfortable and she'll be close to town." He reassured her.
"That is good. I hope she's happy with the arrangement. We can go home tomorrow morning. I'll check on her before we go. Knowing her, she'll complain, but that is Martha."
"I asked Clay to keep an eye on her. Come to grumpiness, they are a match." He grinned at the thought.
When Nelly exits the room to order the dinner, he leaned over and whispered only in her ear.
