Savage Land by Janet Dailey Read Free Book Online

on the white tablecloth. ‘Is Maggie eating with us tonight?'
    'Oh, no, dear. She says that hopping up and down is bad for her digestion, so she eats later.'
    'Who's the extra plate for?’ Coley asked.
    'Oh, didn't I tell you? Benjamin's grandson will be here for dinner this evening. Now really you must hurry. The men will be coming in shortly and the table won't be ready.'
    Coley placed the silver around the table, filled the glasses with iced water, and brought in the necessary salt, pepper, butter, sugar and cream containers from the kitchen. Danny entered the room as Aunt Wilhelmina was putting the finishing touches on the centre-piece and Coley was ticking off on her fingers the various items on the table.
    'Is dinner ready?’ Danny asked, stretching and patting his stomach hungrily.
    'Mmm,’ Aunt Willy answered absently, stepping back to admire her handiwork. ‘We'll be sitting down presently. My, but you look nice, Daniel.'
    Coley glowed at the praise for her brother. His crisply starched white shirt and brown trousers did make him look rather attractive, especially with his fresh scrubbed face, and the water still clinging brightly to his immaculately combed hair. A murmur of voices sounded from the hallway.
    'That will be the men coming.’ Aunt Willy adjusted the strand of pearls around her neck and patted the silver waves that wouldn't think of being out of place.
    Coley and Danny turned to the arched doorway expectantly. Ben wheeled in first, his grizzled hair still bushily denying any efforts from the brush.
    'I certainly hope dinner is ready by now, Willy,’ he grunted.
    'Of course it is, Benjamin. We always eat at this time,’ Aunt Willy admonished, accompanying her brother-in-law to his place at the head of the table.
    Tony followed his uncle into the room, smiling at Danny and slapping him on the back.
    'How are you feeling? The old muscles tightening up yet?'
    'Some,’ Danny smiled, his head cocking inquiringly at the man now standing in the doorway. He glanced at Tony and added, ‘I guess I'm not used to it yet.'
    'You will be,’ Tony nodded with a mock grimace. Turning towards the doorway, he said, ‘I don't think you've met our new guests, Jase.'
    Coley stood transfixed staring at the man in the doorway. His beard was gone, revealing the strong cheekbones and sharp jawline. The scar wasn't as visible against the tan of his cheeks as it had been. His straight black hair was still too long and his icy blue eyes hadn't lost their brilliance. He looked younger, in his early thirties. His clothes were different. In place of Levis were trimly tailored blue slacks topped with a lighter blue shirt. He looked so distinguished, so commanding and slightly ruthless. He was walking forward. Coley dimly heard Aunt Willy making the introductions, catching the words only half-consciously.
    '—my sister's daughter's children. Colleen, Daniel, this is your Uncle Ben's grandson, Jason Savage.'
    Jase held out his hand to Danny. ‘I understand you had an unfortunate experience with our floods,’ he said.
    Danny cocked his head bewilderedly, then with dawning comprehension, he took Jason's hand and replied, ‘We're lucky we were able to get to the Simpson ranch.'
    Jason turned to Coley. ‘I'm happy to meet you.'
    Coley awkwardly placed her hand in his warm, firm handshake. She couldn't speak. She just swallowed and nodded.
    'Did you want me to start servin’ dinner now, Mr. Savage?’ Maggie asked from the kitchen doorway.
    'Of course,’ Ben scowled. ‘I'm not sitting here for want of a better place. Providing that you're finished with all of your polite amenities, Willy.'
    'I believe we're ready to sit down, Maggie,’ Aunt Wilhelmina agreed with a stately nod. ‘I hope you will remember Benjamin, about quarrelling at the table. It's very bad for the digestion.'
    Jase had pulled out the chair on his grandfather's left for Coley before walking around the table to sit at Wilhelmina's left. Coley glanced