Malachite (The Jewels of Texas Historical Romance Series Book 5) by Ruth Ryan Langan Page A

soup. “Go ahead, Byron. What did you want to talk about?”
    For long moments he stared at her back. Then, with a sigh of exasperation, he said, “It’s about your boarder.”
    “What about him?” She set the bowls on a large tray, then began slicing chunks of hot, crusty bread.
    “I hope you’re remembering what I said...”
    “Afternoon, Millie.”
    From the doorway came the sound of women’s voices. Millie looked up to see Jade and Ruby, arm in arm, beaming at her.
    “How good to see you, ladies,” she called. “Make yourselves comfortable. Lunch will be on the table in minutes.”
    “Can we help you with anything, chérie? ” Ruby asked.
    Millie shook her head. “It’s all done. Just sit yourselves down.”
    The two sisters walked into the dining room, where they could be overheard talking to the deputy.
    Millie returned to her tray and added freshly churned butter. “You were saying, Byron?”
    He couldn’t hide his frustration. On a sigh of impatience he muttered, “Would you mind giving me your attention?” Her hand paused in midair. She turned slightly.
    “I think it’s important that we talk about that mysterious half-breed you’ve allowed into your home.”
    Millie’s eyes flashed before she turned and picked up the heavy tray. With her back to him she said, “I’ll remind you that you’re a guest in my home. And so is Malachite Jewel. If you ever use that term again, you will not be welcome.” She turned to face him. “Is that understood?”
    He flushed. “I only meant...”
    “I understand exactly what you meant. And now you understand me.”
    She walked out of the room and into the dining room, where she began to serve her guests.
    Just as she was about to take her place at the table, she heard April’s voice calling “Mama.”
    Excusing herself, she hurried up the stairs.
    “How are you feeling, honey?” She perched on the edge of the bed and touched a hand to her daughter’s forehead.
    “Much better. But my clothes are wet.”
    “That’s good news. That means your fever has broken.” Millie hurried away to fetch clean nightclothes and a cool, damp cloth, which she used to sponge April’s face and neck.
    “I made soup. Think you could try a little?”
    The little girl shook her head.
    “Then try to sleep awhile. I’ll be back soon.” Millie bent and kissed her cheek, then hurried away to see to her guests.
    In the dining room she poured coffee and passed around the last slices of apple pie and bread pudding.
    “Did I hear one of your daughters?” Byron didn’t bother to hide his agitation. “Aren’t they all at school?”
    “April’s not feeling well. She’s upstairs in bed.” Millie filled his cup before moving on to fill the others.
    “Not feeling well?” Byron’s brows drew together, as if he were deep in thought. Then he said, “I suppose you should have expected it.”
    “Expected what?”
    “The curse to begin. First illness, then...”
    “Not another word,” Millie said sharply, cutting off what he was about to say.
    “You’re looking a little tired,” Jade said. “Maybe we ought to send you to bed, too, Millie.”
    “I’m fine.” Millie flushed. “I can manage.”
    “I’m sure you can.” Jade pressed her hands to her growing middle. “I only hope I can do as well when my baby comes. Oh my, Millie. I don’t believe I’ve ever had such an appetite. Everything you make tastes so good.”
    “That’s because you’re eating for two,” Millie said with a smile.
    “For three,” Ruby corrected.
    “That’s right. Now you see why you have to eat.” Millie set a second slice of pie in front of Jade. “Go ahead. It’s just a tiny one.”
    With a delighted laugh, Jade polished off another piece of apple pie.
    “Thanks for lunch, Millie.” Deputy Spitz pushed away from the table. “I’d better get back to the jail.”
    “I have to leave, too.” Ruby set down her empty cup and got to her feet. “I promised Lavinia Thurlong a