The Texan Read Free

buy her out so she can stay back East?” Josh was frowning, his mood dark as he thought about trying to run the ranch with Hank’s daughter—a girl who’d been brought up to be a society lady, not a ranch owner.
    “No.”
    “What about the ranch hands? What should I tell them?”
    “For now, just tell them Hank wanted to keep things going exactly as they are.”
    “And you think the ranch will remain unchanged when a female who’s been raised back East takes over?”
    “That’s right.” Les looked up at Josh. “He trusted you, Josh, and he admired you.”
    “I felt the same way about him, but this isn’t going to be easy.” Josh knew it was going to be a challenge.
    “Nothing worth doing ever is,” Les assured him. “But remember, Emmie has spent every summer with her father here on the ranch. She may surprise you.”
    “I’ve heard the boys talk about her occasionally, but there’s a big difference between paying a visit every year and actually knowing the business and running things.”
    “You’re right about that,” the lawyer agreed. He paused and then added, “There is one other thing.”
    “What?”
    “Hank never told his wife or daughter about taking you on as a partner. He was going to tell Emmie when he introduced you to her, but now that won’t happen. I thought it would be best if we could let her know after she returns to the ranch.”
    “All right. Have you wired them about Hank yet?”
    “No, I’m not going to send a wire. I want to be there with them when I break the news, and then I have to explain the terms of Hank’s will. I’m leaving for Philadelphia tomorrow.”
    “What will happen if Emmie refuses to come back?”
    Les held up a sealed envelope. “Hank’s directions are here, and he gave strict instructions that this was to be opened only if Emmie didn’t agree to the terms and she and her mother ended up being disinherited.”
    Josh stood, ready to ride back to the ranch. “How long do you think the trip will take you?”
    “I’ll be gone for at least three weeks, possibly longer, depending on the trains. I’ll wire you from Philadelphia and let you know when I’ll be returning—hopefully with Emmie.”
    “I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
    “I’ll make arrangements with Fred Harris over at the bank so you can access Hank’s money in case you need anything on the Rocking R.”
    They shook hands again, then Josh left the office.
    After Josh walked through the door, he stood for a moment, just staring down the street at the saloon. He thought about stopping off for a drink, but decided to ride back to the ranch instead.
    There was a lot of work to be done.
Philadelphia
Ten days later
    The party at the Randolph mansion was well under way when the carriage carrying Sarah and Emmie Ryan arrived. They descended gracefully with the help of the doorman and were welcomed warmlyby the Randolphs as they went inside to join the festivities.
    Mother and daughter were both looking forward to enjoying themselves this evening, but Sarah, in particular, was eager to see how the evening progressed. Kenneth St. James, a sophisticated young man from a wealthy family, had recently been showing interest in Emmie, and Sarah thought he would be the perfect match for her daughter. He had prestige, and his family was well established here in the East. The last thing she wanted was for Emmie even to consider returning to live in Texas. Her yearly visits to the ranch were troubling enough for Sarah. She wanted her daughter’s future to be safe and secure.
    For her part, Emmie was well aware of her mother’s interest in Kenneth as a possible suitor for her. She did enjoy his company, but at that particular moment she had only one thing on her mind: finding her best friend, Millie. Emmie immediately spotted her on the far side of the room.
    “There’s Millie, Mother,” she announced.
    “Go and have fun, dear,” Sarah said.
    “You, too,” Emmie replied, knowing how much her