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Maria began to allow her feelings to surface. Emerson had been thinking about her, and telling everyone about her beauty. Maria wasn't particularly vain. She knew that she could be very attractive to Emerson, while still not impressing someone else. She admitted to herself that Emerson was the one she wanted to impress and it was beginning to appear that she had, even more than she dreamed.

Emerson, on the other hand, cursed himself for talking so freely about his past and Maria. Over the years he told more people than he could remember. He never thought Maria would meet any of them, but he should have known better. The world wasn't that big, and people seemed to remember his stories. He hoped that Maria would not take offense at his mentioning of her name.

Maria had been silent and Emerson had squirmed during Reynolds' story. Emerson asked again, "Can we get on with the business now, Walt? What will you pay for beef?"

"Emerson, you know I am in no position to haggle with you," Reynolds replied. "You name a fair price and give me your count. I'll agree to it."

There it was! Emerson knew the rest of them were watching him. This was an opportunity they never expected.

"Walt, you put me in a tough spot. I have to ask as much as I can and I have to treat you right." Emerson went on, "Suppose you give me Taylor's lowest price and your men take the count. Would that be fair?"

"It sure would. I knew you wouldn't take advantage of my debt to you, although Taylor's lowest price was higher than most buyers are paying. We will make the count tomorrow and take control of the herd. It will take a few days to get the draft." Reynolds went on, "Could I give it to you in Santa Fe in a week. I will be in for the Governor's Ball. Why don't you folks go to that, too?"

"Lieutenant Andrews made it a point to invite us to that already," Cathy told the Major. "We are already making plans, and we will see you there. It sure has been a pleasure doing business with you. Should I save a dance for you, General?"

Reynolds laughed as he answered, "That is a condition of this sale! Each of you ladies must reserve a dance for the "General" and I will hold you to it."

"Emerson, I should tell you that Ellen Lander is in Santa Fe and will probably be at the ball. It wouldn't be like her to miss it," Reynolds concluded. "She has been asking about you, trying to find out anything she can. Of course, I told her nothing, as I promised, but she has the resources and intelligence to put the pieces together, even if she doesn't actually know you are in Santa Fe. I can pretty well guarantee that if you go there, she will find you."

Emerson nodded. "I guess it doesn't matter now. Thanks, Walt."

Cathy and Maria exchanged glances at this message. This was another mystery Cathy was determined to solve. Maria also found herself wondering who Ellen was and what she meant to Emerson.

The ride back to the herd passed quickly. Cathy, Tom, and Bob were excited about the day's events and discussed it during the ride. Emerson was pensive and didn't join in, but Maria found herself catching the others' excitement. Soon she was talking and laughing with the others.

Cathy was laughing as she talked about her plans. "We should be in Santa Fe in two days. That gives me time to find something to wear, or have something made. Maria, you have relatives there. Will they help us find everything we need?"

"My cousins will be delighted to help. I haven't seen them for a couple of years, but I know they will. They are probably planning on going themselves." Maria then asked Cathy, "Are you saving any dances for anyone besides the 'General' as you called him. I think he liked that."

"Well, Maria, it sure didn't upset the man, did it? As far as saving any other dances, I guess it will depend on if I'm asked, and by who. Tom and Emerson have already earned them, so I'm offering one to you lucky boys, if you are interested," Cathy declared.

Tom Gordon answered immediately, "Interested? I'd fight for that chance! I hope to sneak more than one from you. How about you, Emerson?"

"I would be a bigger fool than I already am to pass that offer up," responded Emerson. "I look forward to it!"

Cathy continued, "How about you, Maria? Are you going to save a dance for anyone else, or do you want to save all of them for someone?"

Maria smiled as she answered, "I would certainly make the same offer as you, except I will include Bob and the rest of the crew, if they are interested. I will never be able to thank these men enough. This was difficult, but it worked out well. So, do you cowboys want me to save a dance for you?"

Bob Jordan was the first to respond. "I was hoping you'd ask! Count me in, early in the night. When the other girls see you dance with me, my stock will go up. They'll all want a dance!"

"In that case, I would like the last dance," Tom chuckled. "That will let me remember it longer. How about you, Emerson?"

Emerson looked at his companions. He scratched his chin and appeared to be thinking the offer over. Maria had almost decided to recant her offer when Emerson finally answered.

"I would ask for the one just before intermission, so you might spend that with me as well."

Maria was touched. "You fellows know how to make a girl feel good! I won't forget your dances, I promise."

That evening Emerson asked everyone to report to the camp to learn the deal that had been reached. He passed over the preliminary trouble and simply stated the terms of the contract.

"I made the deal and I am glad to stand by it," Emerson told the group. "We should get the government draft in a week, but they are taking the herd tomorrow. Does anyone have any problems with this arrangement?"

Ernie Hooker, who had proven himself a top hand for a man of any age, asked, "It may not be my place to ask, but I'm curious. How did you get such a good deal from the Army? I always heard they liked to buy low."

Maria answered that question, "You are right, Ernie. It seems that the Major Reynolds owed Emerson a large debt of gratitude for something he did in South America a few years back. Emerson forgot to mention that."

Billy Hatko asked, "Reynolds? South America? I guess Emerson earned a favor!"

Cathy made a mental note to talk to Billy as soon as she had the chance. Billy knew the story and Cathy hated being on the outside of a mystery. He could even know about the girl called Ellen.

There were no complaints. Everyone was more than satisfied. That evening Pat Casey sat by Emerson as they ate. Maria sat near her father and listened as Pat told Emerson, "I can't thank you enough, Emerson. You did what you set out to do. You got the herd through and sold for a good price. Everyone survived. In fact, you were hurt worse than anyone else.

"You came through for Maria in that stampede. I thought I was going to lose her that time. I don't know how I could have faced her mother if something had happened. You risked everything for the girls when Gustin showed up. Your arm is still in a sling from that. I'm just trying to tell you that Carmella, Maria, and I know what you have done for the Casey family. We won't forget it."

Emerson shook Pat's hand. "Pat, I should be thanking you. Your family was good to me back when you had every reason not to be. You threw in on this drive without argument or complaint. You ran things when I was unable to do so. Maria saved me from that Indian and got me through my injuries. You owe me nothing. I feel very much indebted to your entire family."

Maria listened to the two men talk. She realized this was something they felt they had to say. It seemed strange to her that men could be more honest with other men than they were with women, even the ones they loved. Listening, she knew that her father and Emerson would always be friends. It seemed so simple and basic for them.

Cathy and Maria were excited about the drive finishing so well and the impending visit to Santa Fe, including the Governor's Ball. They sat and talked long after the others were sleeping.

"Maria, I saw you drop back with Emerson today while we were riding with Lieutenant Andrews. When you rejoined us you looked a bit flushed. Did that man insist you pay your debt?"

Maria smiled as she thought back to the ride with Emerson. "Are you kidding? He is so proper! I practically had to climb into his saddle to settle my account, but you will be glad to know I have taken care of it."

"Maria, you have changed your opinion from a few weeks ago! I guess you aren't going to claim you hate him any more. Maybe it is the opposite emotion?"

"I never hated him, as you guessed. He just hurt me badly and I felt the need for some kind of revenge. Also, I didn't know how he felt about me and I didn't want to make a fool of myself. I guess I was afraid to show my real feelings."

"You seem to be showing them a little now. How will your mother feel about Emerson? Your Dad seems to think he is the best. Will she approve?" asked Cathy.

"Cathy, haven't you heard my mother talk about him? She was sold on him before I was. She will be delighted, but don't rush this thing. We have no understanding or anything."

"Maria, you can wrap that man around your finger! You can take this anywhere you want to go and you know it."

"How is your romance working out? Tom seems to stick close to you as much as possible. Is this something serious, Cathy?" asked Maria.

"We haven't really talked about it, but I think it might be. It is one reason I am looking forward to the Ball. I can dress up and let Tom see I am not just a cowgirl, although I'm proud to be one. This cattle drive has been a great experience."

The troops from Major Reynolds' outpost arrived early the next morning. Lieutenant Andrews was in charge and he dallied after his men started the herd. Emerson saw him talk to Maria off to the side and was mildly curious about the nature of the conversation, although he felt he had a good idea what it was about.

The extra horses were sent as well. Andrews assured them that the Army needed them and they would be paid a fair price. With nothing to hold them, the happy group headed for Santa Fe. When darkness began to fall, the lights from the city beckoned to them. It was agreed that since they were that close, they would ride on.

Billy rode beside Emerson. "You should have a big smile on your face, Emerson. Instead, you look like your dog just died. Is anything wrong?"

Emerson smiled. Billy had a way of cheering him up. "I think I'm experiencing a let down. This thing was so important to me, I could think of nothing else. Now, I feel like a ship with no direction, just floating where the winds take me. I'll get over it soon enough."

"Reynolds said Ellen Lander was in Santa Fe. I really never thought I would ever see her again. I'm afraid she feels indebted to me. I hope she doesn't try to make too much of that incident in San Cristol. I would really like to keep her from our crew, but that isn't likely. That Cathy is a curious sort and seems to figure things out pretty quick."

"I don't think that story will cost you any friends! The fact that the Lander family owns a good chunk of this earth doesn't hurt either. I never saw her, but I heard Ellen Lander is something to look at. What about that, Emerson?"

"You seem to be well informed, as usual, Billy. She is very attractive." Emerson added, "I just don't want to complicate things right now. Ellen will get along fine if she never sees me again. I think I'll stay low while we are in Santa Fe."

"I don't know about you," Billy stated, "but I'll feel better after a bath, a good meal, and a drink. Then things will be right again."

The group stopped at a livery stable not far from The Casa Diaz. Before the drive started, family members had told the crew that they would be at the hotel, waiting to welcome them.

The girls, Tom, and Bob were very excited and hurried off to the hotel as soon as the hostler took the horses. Soon the others followed suit. Emerson and Billy took care of their own mounts before entering the hotel. They were the last two to go in.

Emerson was surprised at the number of citizens from Morgantown that were present when he entered the hotel. His mother and sister were there and met him with hugs.

"Maria told me you were shot in the shoulder, but you would be okay," Nancy told Emerson. "She said you were the bravest cowboy she ever saw! I'm glad we're all together again."

Emerson's mother held Emerson's left hand as she spoke. "Miguel told me a little about the trip. He said you were the difference, Emerson. All of them talked about the job you did. I'm very proud of you."

Emerson leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek. "I'm glad I've finally done something you can be proud of, Mother. I never did that when I was a kid. Miguel was great. Be proud of him, too.

Tom Gordon's father was the next to thank Emerson. "You did what most said you couldn't do, son. The trip has changed Tom. I can see that. I would have liked to have been there when he slapped Taylor! We can get by without his business, and sleep better at night for it. That must have been some gunfight you lads were in. I thank you for shooting fast and straight and for everything else." The older Gordon grasped Emerson' good hand as he spoke.

Emerson couldn't believe it when he saw Vern Jordan and a lady that could only be his wife. "I never expected to see you two here! You have to be Cathy's mom. I see where she got her good looks."

"Cathy told me you were handsome, but she didn't mention how smooth you are," Mrs. Jordan's eyes twinkled as she wrung Emerson's hand. "We couldn't sit around and wonder about the kids, so we came up here with everyone else. I'm not that fragile and the trip did me good."

Vern Jordan spoke, "Emerson, I was some relieved to see those kids, and everyone else, come through that door. From what I hear, you were largely responsible for that. Thanks a lot, son!"

Emerson began to feel like he was in a receiving line at a wedding. He was dusty and self-conscious of his appearance. Everyone but he and Billy had gone to get cleaned up. He went to the desk to register and remembered he had never mastered writing left-handed. Carmella Casey stepped in close to Emerson and wrote his name for him.

"I was told some of the things you did on that drive, like save my daughter's life twice, at least. Pat choked up telling me about it. Maria was unusually quiet. Emerson, Maria is a wonderful girl. She means more to us than anything else in the world. Pat told you we are your friends for life. I can only repeat it. Thanks for taking care of my daughter." Carmella made little attempt to hide her emotions as she spoke. She gave Emerson a hug and he could feel her sob against his chest. He felt emotions welling up in response.

"Mrs. Casey, Maria really is a wonderful girl and you have every right to be proud of her. When the chips were down, she came through for me. Don't make me more than I am, please. If I should ever be lucky enough to help her, it is for me. It makes me feel better, so that makes it a selfish act." Emerson hugged her back. "You are a lucky woman to have a husband and daughter like you do, and they are even more fortunate to have you."

Emerson went up the stairs to his room. With one hand he cleaned himself up as well as he could. He promised himself a bath in the morning. Struggling out of his clothes, he crawled into his bed.

Someone banging on his door woke Emerson. He got out of bed and opened the door a crack. Billy stood in the hall grinning. "You didn't show up at breakfast and we all thought you were sleeping late. When you didn't show for lunch some of us got a little nervous, so I came up to see if you are all right."

Emerson looked out his window and saw it was afternoon. He must have slept fourteen hours! "Billy, thanks for the concern. I slept more than I ever have. I'm going to find a place for a bath and a shave and then I'll feel human."

It turned out there was a barber shop across from the hotel. When he emerged over an hour later, Emerson had a fresh shave, a haircut, a bath, and a new outfit. He had picked up a suit that was in style and felt much better.

Emerson spent the rest of the day wandering through Santa Fe. It was already an old city and Emerson found it interesting. His command of Spanish was a definite aid in a city were so many spoke it, and not English. It reminded Emerson of the times his ship would dock in a new port and he would explore the culture of that part of the world.

Emerson carried one colt, tucked in his waist and covered by his jacket. Occasionally, he saw men wearing holsters but for the most part no guns were visible. He had decided to not wear his sling. He found he could hook his thumb on his belt and keep his shoulder still. He felt less awkward that way.

He ran into other crew members and some of the relatives from Morgantown several times during the day. They were all very warm to Emerson, and sometimes that made him uncomfortable. Still, he was always gracious.

Near evening, as he entered a mercantile, he almost bumped into Maria. She was with Cathy and two pretty girls of obvious Spanish decent. Emerson tipped his hat.

Cathy saw Emerson and called to him, "Emerson, you really look a lot better. How do we look?" and with that, Cathy stood by Maria and turned slowly as Emerson watched.

Emerson's eyes told the story. These two girls from little Morgantown would not soon be forgotten in Santa Fe. They were dressed in dresses of Spanish style and were beautiful. Maria with dark hair, and Cathy with blonde, the two made a contrast that enhanced each.

Emerson gave a gulp and replied, "I am almost speechless. I would have to say that I have never seen a lovelier vision. You girls could cause a riot dressed like that. Be careful."

Cathy started to laugh, but Maria seemed nervous. She had Cathy's arm and started to pull her back to their shopping. One of the two Spanish girls that were with them looked at Emerson and gave a big smile.

"Emerson?" she said in a Spanish accent. Then, in Spanish, she continued, "I am Maria's cousin. She has told us so much about you over the years! I thought she had made you up, but I see you are very real and Maria was telling the truth. I'm sorry, do you speak Spanish?"

Emerson smiled at the girl, "Yes, and Maria said she had some attractive relatives, but she didn't do you justice."

The girl was about Maria's age and was pleased with Emerson's comment. The other girl had joined them and she told Emerson, "I think Maria is afraid we will steal you away. That is why she has not introduced us. I am Consuela and my sister is Margarita. We have listened to Maria tell Emerson stories every time she would visit for years. Finally, we meet you. I see why she is so proud of you!"

Maria was flustered and made an attempt to end the embarrassment. "You have met Emerson, now let's get on with our shopping. I'm sure Emerson has things to do."

"Maria, you don't want us to talk to him! Are you afraid we will say something to embarrass you? After all your talk, it would seem like you would be glad to show him off." Consuela ended her words with a small pout.

Cathy had been able to understand enough to catch what was going on. She laughed, "Maria, you are so selfish! Your cousins have heard about Emerson for years and you are trying to get rid of him now. That's what you get for bragging."

Emerson saw Maria's discomfort increase and decided it would be best if he left. "It has been a pleasure meeting you, but I do have to attend to some business," Emerson lied. In English he added, "Remember to be careful, you girls are too pretty!"

Cathy was enjoying the situation. "Thanks, Emerson. Are you going to give your girl, Maria, a kiss good-bye?"

"Cathy, you do love trouble, don't you?" Emerson laughed. "I think it best if I left as fast as possible." As he spoke, Emerson turned and left the building.

Maria's cousins were clearly impressed with Emerson and told Maria so. "Maria, he is so strong and handsome! We thought he was someone you had made up, the way you described him. Now I see you were truthful. You are very fortunate!" Consuela exclaimed.

It was a few minutes before they got back to the task of finding the things Maria and Cathy wanted for the ball. Eventually Maria was alone with Cathy. Maria didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

"Cathy, I might as well tell you what that was about, if you haven't already guessed. When I visited my cousins, they always talked about all the boys, and then men, in their lives. I had to have something, and Emerson was far away, so it seemed safe for me to tell them about him and that he was my suitor. I never thought he would ever meet them! That was so embarrassing! What must Emerson think?"

Maybe he'll think you like him, and are proud of him. Is that so bad?" Cathy asked.

Maria was thoughtful for a moment and then told Cathy, "I am going to tell my cousins the truth. It will be embarrassing for a while, but they won't bother Emerson any more."

Cathy held Maria by the shoulders and spoke directly to her. "Are you crazy? Did Emerson look flustered? We both know he likes you, so you weren't telling a lie. In fact, it was probably the only time in the past eight years you were truthful about how you felt about Emerson. You can always tell them it didn't work out, if it doesn't. For now, let it go. No one was hurt. Certainly not you or Emerson."

Maria looked down. "Cathy, you always seem to understand what I should do. You are a real friend. I guess I'll let it go. The embarrassing part is over now anyway."

Cathy and Maria had made it a point to ask Billy about Emerson's business with Major Reynolds in South America and about Ellen Lander. Billy had not been helpful. He refused to elaborate on the former and claimed to have never met any Ellen Lander, or even heard of her. Still, the two girls had come away with the feeling Billy was not telling them what he did know.

"Maria, Billy is keeping information from us, I'm sure. Men really stick together. It occurs to me that if this Ellen Lander is in town, we should be able to find something out about her, with some discreet questioning."

"We have to be careful not to be too obvious or we could look rather foolish, Cathy. But it is worth a try. I must admit I am rather curious about this woman. I wonder if she is attractive. Somehow, I know she must be."

On the second evening after their arrival, Cathy and Maria were out shopping for the ball. Cathy came up to Maria with a mysterious look on her face.

"Well, it sure wasn't hard to find out who Ellen Lander is. This clerk couldn't say enough about her!"

Maria waited for the rest. "Cathy, don't play games with me. What did you learn?"

"Just that Ellen Lander is the richest, most beautiful woman in the country. Other than that, she isn't all that special, I'm sure."

"Cathy, are you serious? I can never tell when you are telling the truth."

"Maria, her father owns mines all over the world. They are wealthy, incredibly so. She is young and beautiful and in Santa Fe, staying at the best hotel, of course. It seems that every single man in the territory is presenting himself to her constantly. Everyone knows Ellen Lander, the clerk says."

"Did you happen to hear any connection with Emerson? I guess I don't have to ask. She's probably met him in some exotic part of the world. If she has, she will remember him, I'm certain." Maria was not enjoying Cathy's information.

The following afternoon, Carmella, Molly, Nancy, Cathy, and Maria were all together, strolling through stores and outdoor markets in the old part of the city. A shop specializing in silver caught their attention and they entered it. The jewelry was magnificent and all the women turned quiet as they looked at the different pieces.

Cathy saw Molly looking at a beautiful silver necklace. "Look, that piece has Molly Hernandez written all over it! It would look great on you, Molly!"

Ellen Lander had decided to pick up some gifts for her friends in Denver. It was that decision that brought her to the same shop Maria and her companions were visiting. As she entered, Ellen heard the name Molly Hernandez.

"Excuse me! Did you say Molly Hernandez?" she asked the group. "Is someone here named Molly Hernandez?"

Maria turned to the questioner. She was not prepared for what she saw. A fashionably dressed young woman stood by the door. Her hair was copper colored and well coifed. Her figure was perfect and her looks stunning.

It was Nancy that broke the surprised silence. "My mother is Molly Hernandez. Why do you want her?"

Ellen looked from Nancy to Molly. It was apparent that she was in an excited state. That was when she turned and saw Maria. Staring, she approached Maria, a question forming on her lips.

"Are you Maria? There can't be two as lovely as you. You do have the look of an angel!"

Maria was shocked that this woman knew who she was. "Yes, I am Maria Casey. And you can only be Ellen Lander."

"So you know me? Have you seen, I mean, do you know a man, tall and handsome, that went to sea many years ago? I probably sound crazy, but I must know."

Cathy stepped forward. "Miss Lander, Maria isn't giving out information today. You'll have to excuse us."

Maria knew Cathy was trying to keep the Lander woman from Emerson and loved Cathy for it. She also knew that would solve nothing, only delay it.

"You are asking about Emerson?" Maria asked Ellen.

"Emerson? That would be his name. He seemed like an Emerson. Have you seen him in the past year and a half?" Ellen asked.

"Certainly. We are staying at the same hotel, the Casa Diaz. He is probably there now." Maria answered.

"He is? Is he all right. I mean is his health good?" Ellen was holding Maria's arms as she spoke.

"He is quite well, except for the bullet wound in his shoulder, but that is improving rapidly. It only happened a couple of weeks ago, but he is a fast healer." Maria answered.

"He has been shot again?" Ellen cried.

Carmella had been listening to the conversation and making little sense of it. "Could I ask what is going on? You have completely lost me."

"Mother, this is Ellen Lander. She is as wealthy as she is lovely. She and Emerson seem to go back a ways, and she is obviously anxious to see him again."

Carmella had noticed Maria's softening toward Emerson since their arrival in Santa Fe. It was quite apparent Ellen Lander was not a person with whom Maria felt she wanted to compete. Emerson seemed to have a way of attracting desirable women. She felt some of the emotions her daughter was experiencing and was proud of Maria's control.

Ellen could not contain her pleasure. "I can't believe my good luck. I was hoping I would find him, but I had almost given up. Hearing the name Molly Hernandez brought it all together. That and seeing this beautiful woman." She indicated Maria as she spoke. "Emerson really does have good taste."

"Thank-you so much! I haven't much time so I must go find him. Will I see you at the Ball? We can visit then. There is so much we can share!"

Again it was Cathy that answered. "We'll be there. Maria has promised Emerson a dance. He's really sweet on her you know."

"I sure do! I'll see you there," Ellen answered as she headed back out the door.

"Mother, isn't she beautiful!" Maria whispered to Carmella. "She is a real lady, in every sense."

"She is lovely, but certainly no more so than you. I've seen the way people, especially men, look at you. You are second to no one, and I'm sure Emerson will agree," Carmella responded.

Cathy moved close to Maria. "She does seems to be up on fashion, but you didn't have to make it easy for her to find Emerson. Why did you tell her where to find him?"

"Cathy, you are a wonderful friend, and I appreciate it, believe me. She would have found him sooner or later, and I have no right or reason to keep them apart."

"Well, I sure don't see it that way, but you are probably right. Did you see the heads turn when she went down the street? I think we'll have to work really hard to get ready for the Ball. She said she would be there."

By this time, Carmella and Molly were unable to contain their curiosity. Questions came faster than answers. There was much Cathy and Maria did not know, but were determined to find out.

Ellen Lander went directly to Emerson's hotel after leaving Maria, only to find Emerson was not in. She decided to finish her errands and check back at the hotel afterward.

Later that day, Cathy and Maria volunteered to carry the group's purchases back to their rooms, while the rest continued browsing through the city.

"This trip has been so good for my mother and Molly! They really do need to get away from the ranch now and then. Nancy is really enjoying herself, too. That cattle drive really did turn out well, didn't it?" Maria asked as the two women strolled toward the hotel.

"I should smile! We haven't been able to dress up, or see anything but home for quite some time. We also have a couple of pretty good men interested in us. Who knows how well this will turn out!"