Bluebells on the Hill by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online

Thank you for waiting.' She dumped
the third bag into the back of the truck, not letting his bad
temper affect her. She was truly grateful for his help, much as he
might resist giving it.
    'It's a good thing I did wait,' he replied,
putting in the other bags. 'How would you have managed for the five
miles or so to your place?'
    She smiled impishly. 'I would have coped. Do
you like my hat?' she said, changing the subject.
    For a moment Amanda thought she saw a
softening of his features; no, she must have imagined it. He was as
impassive, as disapproving as ever. With no reply, he took her arm
and led her over to the man he had been talking with.
    'Ed Tyler, I'd like you to meet Mandy Smith.
She lives in Cora's place.'
    'How do you do?' Amanda shook hands. Ed Tyler
was tall and very thin, with a weathered face and kind eyes.
    'Pleased to meet you, Miss Smith. I heard
Cora left us. Glad you've come to settle here. We don't get a lot
of young blood moving into Timber. Most young folks want big cities
and excitement.' He smiled kindly at Amanda, then turned back to
Mac.
    'Keep in mind what I said. Let me know if you
think of something.'
    'I will.' Mac shook hands and bade him
goodbye. As Ed ambled away, Mac opened the door for Amanda.
    'Ready now?'
    She gave him a look as she climbed in. No one
had asked him to wait. Though she was very glad he had.
    Fifteen minutes later they were unloading the
truck, carrying in the bags and packages to Amanda's cabin. Mac had
not said anything on the ride, nor spoken when they reached her
place. He got out of the cab and began unloading the supplies. He
followed Amanda in, made two more trips. Putting down the last
package, he looked around.
    'Looks about the same as when Cora had
it.'
    'Yes, I know. But that's what's in some of
the packages, things to brighten it up a little, until I can get it
painted and get some rugs and furniture.'
    'Mandy, I want you to listen to my offer. I
know from the county records what the place sold for. I can give
you a nice profit on it.' He shook his head and held up one hand as
she made to speak. 'No, just listen. I also know from chatting with
Martin that you just stumbled across this place. I'm sure that
there’re others around here that would be just as good. I want this
property.'
    'It's not for sale,' she replied. He was
stubborn, but she could be, too.
    'Times will get rougher when the mortgage
comes due. Work’s scarce around here. I don't know how you financed
it to start with …'
    'I don't have a mortgage,' she said.
    'So you just wrote a check?' he said
sardonically.
    She nodded.
    'Sure you did. Listen, in reality you have to
keep up with a mortgage, not to mention insurance, taxes,
assessment fees ...'
    'If it’s such a burden,' she interrupted,
'why do you want it so much?'
    'It's Mackenzie land. My father deeded this
portion over to Cora Rosefeld years ago. It was a mistake. I want
it back.'
    'No sale.'
    'Dammit, Mandy,' he slammed a fist down on
her table, 'you have all of Calaveras County out there. Find
another place. I'll pay any increase within reason.'
    'Another place won't be as appealing, won't
have a stream; won't have bluebells on the hill.'
    'You can plant flowers!' he roared.
    'It's not the same!'
    He shook his head wearily and moved towards
the door.
    'Mac.' Amanda stopped him. 'Thank you for
taking me to town and for waiting. It was most kind and
helpful.'
    He paused and looked back at her, a grin
lighting his face, the first Mandy had seen on him. What a change;
he looked younger, happier almost.
    'Maybe I'll get to you with kindness. See
you.'
    She remained where he left her, staring
thoughtfully after him. When had his wife left him? Amanda didn't
think it had been recently, not if the lines on his face were an
indication. They were too deep; too set not to be from years of
frowning. Were they divorced or just separated? Had they tried a
reconciliation? She smiled, trying to visualize knowing him well
enough to ask. She couldn't