Lawson's Legacy

By Gloria Dawn

When James Lawson discovers a scenic river valley, he's found his ranch site! But is it available? Can he buy the land and make his dream come true?
Alice Bowman started teaching school with enthusiasm and high hopes. When she meets James, her heart turns cartwheels! But he's seen how a woman ruined his father's life, and he's running scared from his attraction to Alice. He's focused on establishing his ranch. She's dedicated to teaching School in town – until things go terribly wrong.
Can Alice's love for James conquer his fears about marriage? Will rustlers, fire and hardship destroy what they have started? Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles they face? Together, they establish a legacy of love and family unity that will flourish for many generations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Nov 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228830900

Gloria Dawn

As a child, Gloria dreamed up stories that always included dogs and horses. Ironically, in public school when assigned to write a composition, she panicked and her mind went blank – she couldn't think of a single word to write.Being secretary and press reporter for local horse and dog clubs introduced Gloria to writing. She moved to Alberta and was hired as 'cookee' or cook's helper on a ranch near Okotoks. It was the best summer of her life; she got to ride horses and watch local horse shows on her Sundays off.Gloria later married and farmed in North Western Ontario.As a widow, she finally started writing.Her first novel, The Floating Dock, was published in 2018 under the pen-name Marnie McFadden. It is #3 in her Blue Canadian Rockies series.Future books will be published under her own name.This novel, #1 in the series, precedes and leads up to the events in The Floating Dock, as does Texas Two-Step, #2 in the series which will follow soon.

Book preview

One

Keep your eyes open when you ride past that grove of aspens on the far side of the herd, Kenny told James. I couldn’t see anything, but the cows in that corner aren’t laying down and chewing their cuds like the others; something’s making them nervous.

Kenny and Jake were just coming off their shift of riding around the huge herd of cattle. James and Frank were saddling up to take the next four hours. Their boss had gone into town to arrange for the sale of the herd, and most of the wranglers rode along, to wet their whistles and celebrate the end of a long cattle drive, leaving only a skeleton crew behind to guard the herd.

Frank and James were the newest members of the crew who had come west with the cattle, and it was their first cattle drive. The men with seniority earned the privilege of having the evening off, leaving the four newest hires to babysit the cows their last night on the trail.

Yeah, it’s black as pitch out there, and I didn’t see anything either, but the cows seem unsettled, Frank, so keep your eyes peeled. Jake added, as he reached for the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. We sure don’t need any trouble now.

James and Frank swung onto their horses to ride in opposite directions around the herd. They’d meet on the far side and again back at the campfire, each round. It was customary for the men to sing or even hum as they rode, the relaxed sounds of human voices seemed to soothe the animals. Luckily, their ability to carry a tune didn’t seem to be a factor.

When James and Frank met on the far side of the herd, they stopped to talk softly before riding on. It seems quiet enough, Frank said, but the guys are right. The cattle must sense something out there or they wouldn’t be standing and looking toward the trees.

Take your time moving away, Frank, James suggested, keep close to this end of the herd. I’ll start on around like usual, but not in any hurry. We’ll try to look casual about it. Ride off slowly, but don’t go too far. If it was wolves, we’d have heard them, so there might be two-legged critters out there.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Dolly’s got her ears pointed toward the trees, like she senses another horse. Maybe you should just ride a little way and turn back if you hear anything.

They rode off again, in opposite directions, like usual, but walking their horses slowly, all senses alert for trouble. Heavy clouds hid the sliver of moon, making it so dark they were swallowed up by the night before they had ridden very far.

In the trees, two men waited patiently until the riders were out of sight. Expecting it would be a half hour before the cowhands circled the herd and returned, they stealthily rode out, slipping in among the standing cows and nudging a group of them toward the bush. With such a large herd, they figured fifty or so would not be missed right away, and it would be a good night’s haul for them.

Some of the cattle bawled in protest of being driven from the familiar herd, and it alerted James and Frank that something was going on. They rode back slowly, so as not to panic the rest of the cows which were starting to stand up too; the last thing they wanted was a stampede.

The rustlers were trying to be quiet and not attract attention, but when a rope landed over the shoulders of one of them and hauled him off his horse, he let out a startled yelp as he landed. The other one looked around to see what had happened, and that’s when Frank let his lariat fly, and the second rustler hit the ground with an Ooph.

Frank and James dragged their two prisoners at the end of their ropes for a short distance, roughing them up a little to get their respect.

The cattle were milling around, but as the ones who had been cut out of the herd straggled back to the main group, they gradually quieted. They weren’t laying down and placidly chewing their cuds, but neither did they appear panicked.

Jake and Kenny arrived to help James and Frank relieve the two captured rustlers of their jeans and boots, leaving them to find their horses or walk home in underwear and sock feet.

Your boots and jeans will be at the sheriff’s office, along with your guns and gun-belts! James informed them, as they watched the men stumble away, grumbling and swearing, in search of their horses, which had run off.

They got off too easy, Kenny complained. We should have tied them up and turned them over to the sheriff in the morning.

In the olden days, they’d have been hung, no questions asked, Jake added.

We dragged them over some rough ground; Frank told him, they’ll have a few bruises to show for it.

They’ll have sore feet too, from walking in their socks, James added. That one guy had big holes in his socks; he’ll be close to barefoot by the time he gets home.

We should get a bonus, besides the night’s pay, for saving the boss a bundle.

You’re right, Jake, he owes us big time for extra work and no sleep tonight.

We’ll be in better shape than the rest of them tomorrow James laughed. Lack of sleep beats the sore heads they’ll have when they wake up, after hitting the saloons tonight!

I’ll be glad to see the end of this cattle drive tomorrow, and sleep in a real bed and eat good food again, growled Kenny.

You can say that again! Frank agreed.

Two

Flush with hard-earned wages from the long cattle drive, James Lawson and Frank Miller took a leisurely ride to look over the Alberta countryside. The foothills scenery was very different from their homes in Saskatchewan, where the land was mostly flat with low rolling hills. This country was wild and beautiful in comparison.

This morning they rode along the Macleod Trail to the crossing of the Sheep River, past a new trading post which the Blackfoot natives called Okotoks meaning Big Rock for the large glacial rock deposit.

A few miles further along, they came to a high ridge overlooking a large enclosed valley. A blueish-green river curved in an arc through one end of the valley, the sun sparkling off its ripples.

Look at that beautiful valley! James exclaimed. What a perfect place for a cattle ranch! The grass looks rich, and the river is flowing fast, so it won’t freeze solid in winter. Want to go in with me and buy it, partner?

Yeah, it looks like good cattle country all right, Frank replied, I can’t think of a better way to invest our wages, but I’m leaving right away to go home and marry Grace. I’ll bring her back with me.

That’s one pretty piece of land; James said, Let’s find out if it’s available, and file on it. Being in the valley, it would be somewhat protected from the elements. It’s only about fifteen miles from the Calgary stockyards. Just think, Frank, one day’s ride to bring our beef to market, instead of a whole summer!

I like the way you think! Frank laughed, already marketing cattle we don’t have, on land we haven’t bought yet! But if we can get it, I’ll put in half the purchase price. Let’s take a closer look.

They carefully eased their horses down the steep bank, breathing in the pungent scent of the sun-warmed evergreens on the hillside. They rode around the river valley, appreciating the lush grass, noting where the river had overflowed its banks in seasons past, leaving a layer of rich silt behind.

I’d build my cabin right about here, James said, far enough above the flood-line that it would stay dry. We can enlarge it when you get back. I could snake some timbers downhill from that pine ridge and have a cabin, barn and corrals built in short order. The river would give us a year-round source of water.

There’s enough land in this valley for hay and grain crops, and lots of pasture for cattle and horses too. Frank agreed, What brand are you going to register for your very own ranch, James? You’ll need one to identify your stock.

How about Diamond JL, or would you like your initial in it too, maybe Diamond J-F?"

No, thanks. Frank said, Just put it in your name; I’ll be your silent partner. You might be the only one here for a while. First, I must persuade Grace to marry me, then talk her parents into letting her go. Being the only girl, her Mother hangs on to her like glue, so there’s no telling when I’ll get back.

Tied to Momma’s apron strings, is she? James teased.

Yeah, but she’s well worth waiting for! In the meantime, I heard there’s a barn dance in town tonight. After trailing cows and eating dust for the last four months, I feel like kicking up my heels. What do you say?

That sounds like a great idea. James agreed, Let’s see if this valley is available and file on it first; then we’ll really be in the mood to celebrate!

They rode back into Calgary and found the land registry office. When they looked on the map, the clerk helped them pinpoint the area they wanted. They were pleased to discover that it was available. While there had been considerable interest in the property, the price was high due to its proximity to Calgary. The previous inquiries had not been accompanied by cash.

They went halves on the cost of the land, and James put it into his name as they had agreed. Frank would return when he could, hopefully by next spring.

The new owners of the future Diamond JL ranch registered their brand and left the land registry office. Their next stop was the mercantile for new clothes, then to the hotel for a bath, a shave and a haircut. Their pocketbooks were lighter, as were their hearts.

They’d both worked on another man’s ranch since leaving school. It paid decent wages and gave them valuable experience, but no opportunity for advancement. Being landowners gave them a new sense of pride and self-confidence.

James was eager to purchase some cattle for his ranch. He wanted to get started right away, while Frank rode the train back home to his girl. But tonight, it was time to relax and have some fun!

Three

The boss and the whole crew were staying at the hotel closest to the stockyards. The clerk frowned when the men came clomping in dusty and trail-weary, whooping and hollering with exuberance at finally being off the trail. James expected that he was used to the rowdy scene. Most of the boys would be in the saloons, drinking, playing cards and looking for fancy women tonight.

James and Frank chose the local family dance instead. They had no trouble finding it; as soon as they stepped outside the hotel, they could hear square dance music coming from the livery barn down the street.

In first box stall two ladies were lining up decorated boxes on shelves made from planks suspended between sawhorses. With a nudge to Frank, James said, This is even better than we expected; it’s a box social dance! We’ll get to eat lunch later, in the company of some pretty young ladies.

Or with my luck, some pretty young ladies’ big old mama! Frank laughed, but all I care about is the food; I’ve got my own pretty little lady back home!

In the loft, the band stood on a raised platform in one corner. An old man with a fringe of white hair and whiskers clacked a pair of spoons. A fiddle, a guitar and a banjo made up the rest of the band. Benches lined the outside walls, leaving the middle of the floor empty for dancers. The music was lively, making them want to tap their toes.

They watched for a while, gradually moving their way around the circumference of the loft. The floor was filled with sets of eight square dancers, skirts flaring and feet flying as their partners swung them. James couldn’t keep his toe from tapping in time to the lively music.

The square dance ended, and the caller announced that they would slow things down with a waltz. Frank and James watched as the floor filled with couples. In one corner a group of children were attempting to dance. By the giggles and squeals coming from them, they were having the most fun of all. There were parents dancing with little babies in their arms, old couples who looked to be in their eighties, teenagers and everything in between.

James eyed the crowd, looking for a potential dance partner. Three young ladies stood together on the far side of the loft, near the table holding a punch bowl. James observed that one of them was ladling punch into glasses as people came for refreshment.

I feel mighty dry, he suggested to Frank, maybe we should go over there and sample the punch! His eyes were on the tall girl standing beside the server. She had long golden hair and wore a royal blue dress of some shimmery material.

When she looked up as the two young men approached, her hazel eyes met James’s blue ones. He smiled, lost for words, suddenly feeling shy. Finally, he blurted out, Would you honor me with a dance? He reached out his hand and to his delight she took it and let him lead her onto the dance floor.

Are you new here? she asked him, as they joined the other couples, I don’t remember seeing you before.

I came into town with a cattle-drive this morning, after spending four months on the trail. I’m James Lawson; My buddy Frank and I are celebrating that we just bought a parcel of land today. We’re hoping to start a small cattle ranch in the Sheep River valley south-east of town.

That’s a nice area; I’ve heard my brother say it looks like good ranch land. I’m Alice Bowman, she told him, "and I’m newly returned to town myself. I just graduated from Normal School in Winnipeg and came back home a month ago to teach school.

It’s my first teaching job and I love the children - they are so eager to learn. Between the eight grades I have thirty-six pupils, all in one room!

It must be chaos, looking after thirty-six kids. When my cousins came to visit with their five, it was bedlam at my folks’ place.

It was rather hectic at first, till I got to know all their names, she admitted, but it soon fell into a routine. I get the youngest ones doing their lessons first, then go on to next class, then the next, with the oldest ones left for last.

You’re braver than me, Alice! James admitted.

As they danced, he couldn’t help marvelling at how good she felt in his arms. She fit perfectly, her head just the right height to tuck under his chin, as though she had been fashioned just for him.

How can I identify your decorated lunch box, so I can eat lunch with you? he whispered in her ear.

It’s supposed to be a secret! she laughed, so don’t tell anyone, but it’s decorated with a blue ribbon the same color as my dress. I hope you like fried chicken and potato salad, and apple pie for dessert.

You bet I do, and I’ll be watching for it!

When the waltz ended, James returned Alice to her friends and rejoined Frank, saying he was prepared to bid as high as it took to get Alice’s box.

I’m just going to look for the biggest box! Frank retorted, I’m starved!

They had both stashed the bulk of their remaining wages, after the land purchase, but carried enough money in their pockets that they could bid generously on the lunches. They had healthy appetites from working hard in the outdoors all summer and surviving on chuckwagon meals around a campfire. Good home-cooked food was something to get excited about!

* * *

Alice’s heart was beating in double-time as James returned her to her friends around the punch bowl table. Who was that dream boat? asked her best friend, Judy. What a heart throb! He’s almost as dreamy as your brother.

Yuck, I can’t picture Henry as dreamy – he’s my pesky brother! But James is just about the sweetest thing I’ve ever met!

Alice knew Judy had eyes for her brother Henry, but he’d been keeping company lately with a tall black-haired girl named Anita. She was pretty but didn’t act very friendly to Alice or her parents. They all wondered what he saw in her.

The bidding was lively for all the lunch boxes, with jeers and cat calls between friends to tease the winners and losing bidders. James waited for the box with the blue ribbon before bidding, but Frank raised the bids on several boxes till he chose one to outbid the crowd on. He settled with a smile on his face as the buxom owner of the box joined him to share her lunch.

When the box with the blue ribbon came up for auction, James kept raising the bid till finally it was his. He was smiling from ear to ear as Alice came to join him. While they ate, they chatted, getting to know each other.

Alice told him that the proceeds of the box social