Can the past be redeemed (closed)

[RidePlayer]

A man probably no more than 22 rode on horse back. He looked at the few bills he still had and sighed so far his luck had not been very good in the small town of Silver Hills named after a old silver mine that dried up years ago now the only ones still left are the few ranch familes that had made homes here before the mine had dried up and still called it home.

The texan sun beat down on him as he made his way. He pat his horse reassuringly on the side and said "good boy you've been through alot but I appreciate it." The horse whining lightly at the words and touch.

He check the list he got from the local inn of the ranches near town "this is hte last one ill have to hope my funds hold out till I get to another town if this one is no good." He made his way to the door the house looked in good shape if a little old. He made sure the revolver always at his side didn't look like a show of intimidation or threat.

Knocking he took his hat off and greeted the person who came to the door "Hi my names Marcus Flint. I'm looking for possible work I'm strong and no how to tend to cows and horses. I don't expect much just trying to make some honest money till I can move possibly back east or get my own land."

 

[SandS13]

The door the house opened and the rough looking man looked Marcus up and down. “You need to be talking to Master Callahan up the road at the big house. Come on.” He stepped out, rubbing his hands on his pants. “I’m Henry, one of the main hands. This here is the old house. The new one is up the road.” He gestured to the road that seemed to go on for a while. “Guessing you were pointed to us. We have been looking for hands.”

He waved Marcus to follow. “Walk the horse. Dust is flying these days. Bit of a drought.” He looked over his shoulder. “Your from east? So is the family. Been out here a while, all expect the new one. She just arrived a few months ago. They all come from money. Benjamin, he and his wife came first. Built the old house by hand. Two years ago they had the new house built cause of all the family that keeps coming. If you are a hard worker he will likely take you on. We don’t like trouble. We got enough of that already.” Henry grunted. “You know how to use that?” He pointed to Marcus’ gun.

-----

“After breakfast we need to take a ride out to check the herd.” Benjamin told his sons. Jonathan sat with his very pregnant wife Anne on one side of the table. Patrick sat on the other with his new wife, Jennifer on the other. Beside Jenny, as she was affectionately called in the family, sat Lillian. The twenty one year old was the niece of Benjamin and Eleanor, cousin to the boys. She was widowed almost a year and had come west to get away from the reminders of the life she never got to have out east.

“I thought I might go into town. I think mother needs some things.” Jonathan told his father as he wiped his mouth.

“I think that can wait. You go in more than you spend time out here and you need to see to things here.” Benjamin told his son sternly.

Jonathan gritted his teeth but nodded. He had other things he preferred to do. This ranch was was his parents idea. He enjoyed the money and status it brought but he never envisioned running cattle.

A maid came in. “Excuse me but Henry and some man with horse are on their way up the road, sir.”

Benjamin wiped his mouth and stood. He headed out to the front porch. This seemed to signal everyone to leave the table much to Eleanor’s displeasure. She pulled her body out of the chair and followed the family.

Jenny and a waddling Anne went to the parlour and looked out the window.

Benjamin walked out onto the porch and lit a cigar. He waved at Henry who waved back.

The dark haired Lillian stood in the doorway just behind her cousins. She was slim and in a black gown, fitting a woman still in mourning.

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus nodded as he greeted Henry "Marcus flint pleasure to meet you Henry"

He followed Henry up the road hearing the story of the ranch owners thinking to himself 'comes from money the kind of people Daniels always hated well if they got work and I can lay low and earn my way out of here i'll take it'

Hearing Henry's question he said "enough to keep a wild animal off me or a roadside robber if need be i'd say I can average 5/6 shots at cans paced 50 yards away."

When they arrived at the house Marcus let Henry and who he guessed was the master of the estate greet each other.

When finally addressed he step forward and still kept his hat down on his chest "Marcus flint sir pleasure to meet you" offering a handshake.

He cleared his throat and said "the inn in Silver Hills gave me your name among others while the rest of the ranches around here wouldnt take on any new hands Id hope this place might have room. I work hard no how to handle cattle and horses as well as manual labor I promise to earn my keep."

He noticed Benjemin glance at his revolver at his side "As far s the gun I am a okay trained shot so if any coyotes or other critter tries to get at the cattle I can help."

It was then that he spotted Lillian she was a site to behold for the cowboy noting her black attire and her age she most likely lost a husband already a shame when a widow is made young.

Righting his glance so not to come off as staring he said "I let you set the pay obviously all im trying to do is to maybe go back east or get my own land even if I have to work for years to do so."

Remembering his cover story he said "I originally tried to come out here and open my own business in Tombstone but the loans and everything fell through after I arrived I've been just living on the few bucks i had in my possession while I tried to find stable work."

If Benejemin came to examine him he would be able to tell right away the cowboy was well built. Strong sturdy frame hiden under his loose shirt. Even the cousins and Lillian from the door could see the contour of muscle on his exposed arm where his sleeves were rolled up.

 

[SandS13]

Henry nodded. “Good, we need men that can shoot if it comes to that.”

Part of the way up the road he waved towards the large house. It was considerably bigger than the old house they had just come from and now there were people on the porch.

“Henry.” Benjamin said with a nod.

“Mister Callahan. This here is a man looking for ranch work.” He nodded towards Marcus.

Benjamin puffed his cigar and then shook Marcus’ offered hand. “Pleasure, Mr Flint.” He looked him over, glancing at the gun as the man spoke. He smiled when the man noticed and addressed this fact. Benjamin liked observant folks. “East you say? That is where we are from. Where are my manners?”

He waved back towards the door. “My sons, Jonathan and Patrick. There in the window is their wives, Anne and Jennifer. Curious ladies they are. Anne is due with our first grandchild in about two months.”

Eleanor moved past the crowd at the door. “You are letting flies in. Go in or come out now.”

“This is my wife, Eleanor. And the young lady in black is our niece, Lillian.”

The men and Lillian all stepped out at the chastisement and closed the door. Both men gave Marcus a nod. Lillian gave a small nod of her head. She tried not to notice how handsome the new arrival was. She was in mourning after all.

Benjamin nodded. “You know, loans and businesses are a tricky thing. I admire a man with goals. I can offer you stable work. The ranch needs hands, more importantly, I need men to help protect the place. As my stock has grown so has the poachers. Add to that there are scoundrels and such out here and I have four lovely women in my care. I need men that will protect this place and my family.” He took another puff of the cigar. “We offer you lodgings, pay and food. We will see to your horse, clothes, anything you need while you are in our employ. I ask that you promise me, as a man of honour that you are going to do everything you can to protect my ranch and my family.”

Lillian came to stand at her uncle’s left side. She was looking Marcus over. He was the opposite of her Matthew in every way. Strong and used to hard work by the look of him.

“What do you say, Marcus? If you agree, we can shake on it and I will get the paperwork in order while Johnathan shows you around.”

“I will show him around, Uncle.” Lillian said.

Jonathan nodded. “Yes, I have some things to see to and you did want Patrick and I to check on the herd. Let Lillian take him around the main area, show him where he will stay and then we can take him out with us. If you agree, of course Mr Flint.”

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus listened as Benjamin introduced the family.

He nods a curtious greeting to the men of the house. Tipping his head to the ladies "Ma'am's pleasure"

When Benjamin went into what he would be doing and what all he would be offered he said "that would be most gracious of you Mr. Callahan. I would be content sleeping in the barn but I will gladly put in the level a work I feel is needed to make up for all im being offered for the work."

He shook Benjamin's hand "I graciously accept your offer Mr Callahan" he followed him in doing the paper work.

Thank you for this chance Mr. Callahan." Shaking his hand again as he rejoined Lillian "Ma'am thank you for the tour." Smiling charmingly

As they walked he said "your family has a fine ranch alot of the other ones were a bit more worndown since the towns silver mine ran dry atleast thats what I got from the local Saloon"

He found himself taking side glances at Lillian trying not to linger or come off as inproper.

 

[SandS13]

“Good. Go with Lillian and then meet with my sons to ride out on the range to see the land and herd. When you return you can sign the paperwork.” Benjamin puffed the cigar and then turned and headed inside. His wife and sons followed.

Lillian remained on the porch. She walked down the stairs, leading Marcus away from the house.

“Thank you, my uncle and aunt worked hard. They had the money but they did the work to build it.” She led the way around the side of the house. “They built the house Henry lives in. I admire them.” Lillian smiled at him.

“I think, because Uncle Henry doesn’t rely on the silver mines he hasn’t seen the hardship some others have. He has investments in the railroad, in his cattle and other holdings.” She didn’t mention that the family came from an old line of money.

Lillian pointed to a big building that was the bunkhouse. Behind it and down the hill was the barn. “All the hands sleep in there.” Behind the bar was rolling fields. “He owes all that. You can see some of the cattle.” One group was wandering in the distance.

“Do you have a wife and family back east?” Lillian asked as they strolled.

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus took everything in smiling as he heard Lillian's family story.

He noticed she left out her story but he decided not to bring it up.

When she asked about his family he said "no my family passed away when I was young."

He said "I never looked at marriage either I had hoped that when I came out here to start a business maybe I would settle down meet a nice woman in tombstone and start my own family. But then like I explained the loans fell through and I was left here in texas with very little money to my name."

He said "not sure what I'll do either move back east or settle down in a quite patch of land maybe even in the wilderness." anywhere to avoid the law he left out as they walked.

After seeing the heard and everyting he finally said "what about you Ma'am It seemed that all the guys were related to Benjemin is your husband in town on a errand?"

 

[SandS13]

Lillian smiled sadly. "I am not in the habit of wearing black but as a widow, that is what is respectful and expected. No, Mr Flint I have no husband in town on some errand. He died, almost a year ago. Fell while training a horse. Hit the stones of the courtyard of our home and died. We had been married only four months."

She brushed a piece of her hair back from her face. It had fallen out of the carefully pinned bun.

"I moved here to help get over the loss. Benjamin is my uncle, my blood relative. The rest of my family is all back there. My parents, sister.."

She put a hand on his arm. "I am sorry to hear of the loss of your family and when you were young, so very hard."

 

[RidePlayer]

He listened to her story feeling for the young woman though he had yet to be married.

He had once thought it would happen with Elizabeth a woman he met during a two month job Daniel's had him work in Arizona. They were hot and heavy but when she found out what.he was involved in she cut herself out of his life.

He said "my condolences for your late husband ma'am no one should lose a loved one so young." Leaving out clues from his past as he spoke chosing his words carefully.

"I had a woman Elizabeth we may of cheated making love out of wedlock but that was how strongly we felt for each other. Atleast I thought after my loans fell through she left me unable to be with me."

Realizing she hadn't moved her arm yet she felt the muscle under his shirt as he said "I should probably go sign those papers for Mr. Callahan then get to work with the others thank you for the tour Ma'am."

 

[SandS13]

Lillian shook her head a little. "I am sorry to hear she put other things ahead of her feelings for you."

She nodded, realizing he wished to be away from her company. "The paperwork, of course. Come back this way to the house. The men enter through the back door. There is a mudroom back there off the kitchen. Aunt Eleanor prefers the men stay there so that they do not trek mud and cow dung through the house." She pulled her hand away and made sure there was space between them. She realized she likely made him uncomfortable. Widows were often avoided especially early on in the mourning as it supposedly brought bad luck. Lillian couldn't help but wonder what life would be like when the mourning period was over.

"They will ring the bell for meals. The cooks are excellent." Lillian led the way around the back of the house. "There you are." She gestured to a door that was connected to a sun porch. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr Flint. I hope to see you around the ranch some time."

 

[RidePlayer]

" I hope to see you too...Lillian" hoping he wasn't being to casual with her.

When she moved her arm a part of him felt like a tingling sensation was left there missing the contact a bit as he followed her instructions entering the mudroom and removing his boots.

He signed the paperwork though Marcus Flint was just a alias he created. "Thanks again Mr Callahan" Shaking his hand as he left to meet the others in the field.

His thoughts drifted to Lillian the widow was stunning the man even if he only was we'd to her for a few months was a lucky man.

When he met the others in the field he rolled up his sleeves ready to work " where do you want me‽"

It was a long day Marcus was washing up before preparing to meet the others for a meal. He had his shirt off as he was dabbing his face and hands with a cloth and a bucket from the well.

He had worked very hard and as promised very strong Marcus hoping the sons would notice and let there father know. He did notice one seemed to try to skimp out from time to time till wrangled in by the others. He was wondering where that ones work effic was. He didn't voice his thoughts so not to offend

He didn't notice Lillian approach at first as she got to see his muscles without his shirt as well as a few lingering scars if she noticed them.

 

[SandS13]

Lillian left Marcus and went back to the front of the house. She entered and headed to her room.

She closed the door and sat at the vanity. She took the pins out of her hair and began to brush it smooth. The dark waves now loose fell to her hips. “Matthew, I feel such guilt. I put my hand on a man who was not you. It is wrong, I know but Matthew...is it or it is it that society says it is wrong?” Lillian glanced at the photo of her dead husband that sat on the vanity. “I am young and I know you would wish me to be happy. I am not saying I would let him court me but I could not help but notice his features.” She blushed though no one was around to see it or hear her words.

She re-pinned up her hair into a neat bun. Lillian grabbed her book on flora and went downstairs to read in the parlour. She took tea there with Anne who dosed in a chair. The heavily pregnant woman was more and more tired these days. Someone always watched her in case she went into labour.

“Lillian dear, take this to the new man please and then dinner will be ready. I will stay with her.” Eleanor smiled and sat, drawing up her needlework.

Lillian took the pile of clothes and bedding and went outside. She went to the back of the house and froze at the sight of Marcus, shirtless.

His body was that of a man who had worked his whole life. There were scars and muscles. Lillian made herself look down at the pile of clothes in her arms. She cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Mr. Flint. I have some things from my aunt Eleanor. Some clothes and blankets for your bed. She makes sure all the men have the things they will need.”

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus thought of lillian as he cleaned up hoping he had not been too formal or seem rude earlier.

As his thoughts drifted to her he thought about his times with Elizabeth all the pleasure filled nights they had.

A part of him a part he had to supress couldn't help but picture Lillian naked as the day god made her on her back and her legs spread for him.

He was snaped out of his thoughts by her voice looking up "thank you very much Ma'am I apologize i thought i should rinse off a bit from the days work. tossing his shirt back on to be presentable."

He came over and said "thank you very much for the linen and supplies" when he went to take them his hand brushed her own lingering there for a moment.

 

[SandS13]

Lillian smiled, blushed and looked away coyly as Marcus faced her. She had taken a few moments to look over his chest and a part of her wondered what it felt like. She didn’t realize how much she was missing physical contact. Matthew had been loving and gentle. Sex had been wonderful though slightly awkward at first as they got to know each other. Before the accident that had killed him they had been taking more time to explore and touch. They had an assortment of books from France and England from what her mother would describe as scandalous and immoral. They had been exploring them when Matthew died. They now sat somewhere in her trunks that she brought with her and never unpacked.

She returned to the moment. “Oh, it was Aunt Eleanor’s doing. She makes sure every man that comes to work here is taken care of.” Lillian smiled, heat rising up her neck as his hand touched hers. “I hope the day was a good one for you.” Her lashes batted a little. “Did they find you a bunk?”

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus smiled charmingly and said "well I'll have to be sure to thank Mrs. Callahan then just as I thanked you for bringing it to me."

He finally realized his hand had brushed against hers marveling how soft her skin felt. He felt those feeling stir again wondering what more of her would feel like.

He had to shove those down one she was a widow still in mourning plus he couldnt risk upsetting Mr. Callahan

He watched as she batted her lashes finding himself getting lost in her gaze for a moment before he finally said "No not yet I figured I would just pick what ever one was free."

He retracted his hand and said "would you ...would you like to walk with me to the bunk house?"

Hoping he wasn't being to uncooth with her.

 

[SandS13]

“She would like that. I am sure you will find her around outside in the coming days. She is fond of overseeing the vegetable and herb gardens.” Lillian smiled at him.

At his offer Lillian looked around. Normally, it would be unseemly for her to go into the men’s bunkhouse but they were all heading to dinner in the mess hall. “I would love a walk. The sun is starting to set and the air is lovely. Thank you, Mr Flint.”

She turned and fell in at his side. “Do you read much? What about music?”

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus chuckled running around with Daniel and his gang didn't give much use for reading or music.

He shook his head "i've listened to some music never learned to play myself and while I know how to read my upbringing didn't leave much room for carrying books around I was busy working since I was very young."

He laughed a bit solemnly "probably why every.....thing with the bank had fallen through not educated enough for there liking i guess." He almost caught himself saying everyone.

As they walked he couldn't help but steal glances knowing the only thing between them was a few inches of air.

Normally a man would offer his arm to the lady walking beside him but again Marcus was unsure what was too forward for this widow.

To tell the truth he also worried that if he touched her he wouldn't be able to fight off hte temptations he held.

As they entered the bunkhouse he chose one that would suite him "I guess this one is as good as any. After I make the bed I can escort you to the house for supper if you like a lady shouldn't be walking around near dark by herself especially if a coyote or wolf somehow got on the land."

He started to make the bed setting his few posessions in the trunk at the foot.

 

[SandS13]

Lillian watched him for a moment and then moved to help him make up the bed. "If you like or if you are interested we have a large library in the house. All sorts of books. Music too. Anne plays piano though lately she is too round to comfortably play."

She smiled as she put the pillowcase on the pillow. Her eyes moved to the trunk where he put a few items. It seemed the man didn't carry much with him but then he travelled on the road. He would likely find her numerous trunks wasteful.

"You know-" Lillian sat on the now made bed. "If you wish help with things with the bank I am sure my uncle would help." She licked her lips. "I could also offer my help. I-" Did she dare tell him about her business dealings? It was not typical by any means but her father and Matthew were progressive men. "I have a great deal of experience with such things. I have an accountant and a business manager but since i was young my father ensured I understood such things. I hold- well, not I in name as a woman cannot but I hold numerous investments and so did my late husband. They were all transferred to me on his death." She smiled sadly. "He liked a woman with a head on her shoulders he said."

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus smiled "I appreciate the offer Ma'am but I think that was a sign I was not cut out to open a business here."

He couldn't tell her the truth that there was no business he was just a man trying to run away from his criminal past

He watched her lick her lips and found himself gazing at her maybe a moment longer than was appropriate avertingh is gaze he said "your late husband must of been a smart man. A beautiful woman and with a head on her shoulders."

Looking up he couldn't help but smile charmingly at her before he remembered his place.

He saw how she sat on his bed a part fo him imagining leaning her back and looming over her as he fought that urge.

He said "I hope your husband was as good of a man as he was smart." Hoping he took care of her as she deserved it.

 

[SandS13]

Lillian smiled sadly. "Matthew, that was his name, was a kind man. He came from a good family and was a bit older than me." She reached up to her neck and undid a couple of buttons. "Forgive me, mourning clothes seem to be meant to suffocate a widow." Lillian seemed to breathe a little easier. The corset limited her but the high collar felt as if it was strangling her.

"I think he was a good man and we would have had a happy life. I needed to leave though, too many memories there and it was too fresh. New life and all that." She shook her head. "You must think me ill mannered or ill behaved. Forgive me. I have been with only my family for too long."

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus watched as she undid the button of her collar some of her neck being exposed he imagined his lips caressing that neck.

Marcus said "as I said Lillian" Trying her name out hoping she didn't object "its never easy to lose a loved one but you shouldn't have to be uncomfortable for it."

Marcus hearing her words chuckled "your not ill mannered at all Lillian I'm a guest here and its in our nature to need conversation and companionship sometimes from those that are not our family. After all if you only ever talked to your family you would of never met your late husband."

Realizing the implication of his words he tried to corse correct for fear of offending her "Not that I'm trying to take his place or anyting just that even friends are born from those that are not relative to us and its sometimes just as much as a important bond as blood relatives."

He knew this from experience none of his gang was related by blood well though he didn't have them anymore not since the law found them and most of them were killed or arrested.

He said "as long as you don't tell anyone that I have the bosses neice sitting on my bed I wont judge you for getting comfortable."

 

[SandS13]

He used her name. This made her smile as she looked at him. She nodded along as he talked. He was right. Friends and companionship outside of family was needed.

"I would not snitch on you." She laughed lightly. "After all, I do believe I was the one who sat uninvited and that makes me the improper and rather forward one." Lillian batted those dark lashes. "Thank you Mr. Flint. I appreciate being able to talk with someone. My family mean well but I find myself feeling lonely. When my mourning period is deemed over my aunt will no doubt want to host parties but even that is not the same as having someone to talk to."

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus smiled when she said forward "forward would be you kissing me or propositioning me there's nothing forward about sitting.on.my bed and having a conversation."

Realizing what he said he tried to change the subject "I mean when your family does hold parties won't it give you a chance to meet another husband one as good as Mathew?"

"Feel free to call me Marcus if your okay doing so"

Marcus as much as he wanted to keep talking said " we should probably get you down for supper so they don't think I wished you away somewhere and did uncouth things"

 

[SandS13]

It was a whirlwind. His talk of her kissing him or propositioning him made Lillian blush profusely. She opened her mouth but nothing came out at first. He mentioned parties and another husband before telling her that she could be less formal and use his name.

She nodded a little too quickly and a couple of pins came loose from her hair, falling to the bed. Lillian stood. "Yes, oh I suppose we should. I am sorry. I have put you in such an awkward position by staying." Flustered she gave up trying to find the dark pins on the dark blanket.

"Thank you, Marcus. You are truly a gentleman and I would never wish to put you in a position where you feel your integrity is being challenged." Lillian looked a little concerned as she made her way towards the door. "I have never kissed a man uninvited." She stammered. "Not that you should- I was just pointing out that I would not be so forward."

Lillian folded her hands in front of her. "The parties would indeed give an opening for suitors but I fear I will only meet men who wish for my family's money. For my money. There are many who would not wish for a wife like myself but would so enjoy the bank account." She looked down towards the ground.

 

[RidePlayer]

Marcus noticed the shift "I never ment to imply you were like that Lillian not at all though I'm sure any man if you kissed them would not welcome it."

Hearing her words about the parties and her tone he began looking in her eyes taking her hand "any man who doesnt think your brain is as beautiful as the rest of you is a fool. I should know I don't really have much brains myself."

He held her hand for several moments getting lost in her eyes realizing he blushed and stood up releasing her hand but still liking the warm sensation it left on his skin.

He said "we really should go meet your family you must be hungry." Wanting to put some distance between himself and her before he risked giving into those desires he found were brewing.