“You know Andrew Montague?” She asked. Buck smiled.
“Everyone in Texas knows Andrew Montague.” He said. “So he is your fiancé, hm?” Clara nodded.
“Yes. Well, he hasn't technically proposed yet, but he sent my father a promissory note and made his intentions quite clear.” She said. Buck nodded, he didn't have the heart to tell her that Andrew Montague had also promised marriage to hundreds of other wealthy women as well.
“I am sure you will be very happy together.” He said half heartedly. Clara smiled, her rosy cheeks plumping.
“I do hope so.” Then she paused. “Buck? Can I tell you something?” She asked. Buck nodded.
“You can tell ole Buck here anything.” He said, tugging his earlobe.
“My father promised my hand in marriage to Andrew Montague because he is rich. I'm marrying him because he can keep me as my father did.” Then she sighed heavily. “I doubt there should be any love involved at all. He seems much too busy of a man for that.” Buck’s forehead wrinkled with lines of concentration as he thought of how best to comfort Clara. Then, reaching over, he patted her arm lightly.
“Well, seems to me that any good father would do the same and any smart woman would accept.” He said.
“But what about love?” Clara said wistfully. “My sisters both refused their marriages. They said they would rather marry for love than for money.”
“But you wouldn't?” Buck asked. Clara’s brow knitted together.
“I don't really know what I want.” She said. “I thought I did, but now I'm here and I'm all alone and he didn't even send someone to fetch me…” She trailed off as her bottom lip began to tremble and tears filled her eyes. Buck pulled a handkerchief from his breast pocket and handed it to her.
“I can tell you one thing,” he said as she dabbed at her tears. “You're not alone. Old Buck is here, and if I have to wait all night with you until Andrew Montague shows up, then I will.” He said. Clara giggled and clutched the handkerchief in her hands.
“Thank you, Buck.” She said, finally locking her pale blue eyes on his dark brown eyes. “And I'm sorry for before. For being so rude, I mean.” Buck patted her arm again.
“Everybody has their mind on something.” He said.
“Do you suppose one of those carriages out front might be ale to take me to Andrew Montague’s residence?” Clara asked.
“We could ask?” Buck said, standing up and offering her his hand. Clara took it and got to her feet. Then, before she could pick up her suitcase, Buck had picked it up for her. “Come on.” He said, tugging her by the hand. Clara nervously followed. She had never had a stranger clutch her hand quite so tightly before.
At the carriage stand, Clara and Buck found an older man in a three piece suit, despite the sweltering heat. He was brushing a large chestnut colored horse.
“Excuse me, sir?” Buck said. The man turned around and his face lit up.
“Buck! Nice to see ya again!” He said, putting down the brush and shoving out his hand. Buck released his grip on Clara’s and shook the man’s hand.
“Nathaniel! How’s Angela and the little one?” Buck asked. Nathaniel nodded.
“Oh, fine, fine.” He said. Then he nodded at Clara. “And who is this pretty young lady?” Buck looked at Clara and then back to Nathaniel.
“This pretty young lady is a new friend of mine, Clara.” He said.
“It's lovely to meet you, Mr…Nathaniel.” Clara said clumsily. Nathaniel laughed, a deep booming laugh.
“Just call me Nathaniel.” He said. “Were you two looking for a carriage?” He asked, looking back at Buck.
“Well, Clara here is affianced to Mr. Andrew Montague.” Buck said and suddenly Nathaniel’s face became significantly less cheery. “And she was wondering if you might be able to take her to his place of residence. You see, Mr. Montague was supposed to pick Clara here up from the station over two hours ago.” Nathaniel whistled through his teeth, but stopped quickly when Buck widened his eyes at him.
“Well, I'm afraid I can't go takin’ you to someone's house, Miss Clara, but I can take you to the nearest public house if that would be of any assistance?” Nathaniel said. Clara looked at Buck who looked pleadingly at Nathaniel. Nathaniel shook his head. “Sorry, Buck, you know I'd do it if I could. Besides, I was forbidden from ever returning to his property when Albert here shi…umm…used the facilities on his lawn.” Nathaniel gestured to the horse. Clara couldn't help but smirk. “My apologies for the language, ma’am.” Nathaniel added quickly.