James retreated quickly. “I didn’t mean it that way.” He had, but Andrew’s adverse reaction made him wonder. Andrew had been here long enough to know the country; James was just going by first impressions. He admitted to himself, but not to anyone else, that he could be wrong.

He was disappointed when Andrew told him Austin had left for Mexico City to see what, if anything, he could do about getting the new immigration law liberalized. Damn it, the man was going to remain a faceless mystery to him after all. Andrew introduced the family to Austin’s partner, Sam Williams, who went over the legal documents with them and accepted the money James and Frank had brought to make the required payment on their land. Because both presented themselves to be livestock producers as well as farmers, they received a liberal grant of grazing land. They were stockmen without livestock, except for the milk cows and the few loose horses. Frank, being married, received much more acreage.

Williams told James, “Under the colonization laws as established by Mexico, when and if you find yourself a bride you will qualify for additional land.”

James cast a baleful glance at Annie. “I already got a sister who gives me hell enough. I sure ain’t lookin’ for a wife to make it worse.”

Annie said nothing but indicated by her expression that the matter would be explored at more length outside.

Williams said, “Well, it is just a thought to keep in mind should one of our beautiful young Texas ladies catch your fancy. There is a great deal to be said for matrimony, as your brothers Andrew and Michael can tell you.”

James had not seen any beautiful young Texas ladies so far, other than Juanita Moreno, and he had not been able to hold any kind of sustained conversation with her. “Don’t you be holdin’ up supper waitin’ for me to come in married, Mr. Williams.”

Annie, being a single woman, did not qualify for land. She’ll have to marry hers, James thought.

Annie protested, “It doesn’t seem fair that I’m left out just because I’m a woman. I know how to farm. I know how to make my own way.”

James was not surprised that Annie protested; she usually had something to say on just about anything that came along. But Williams was taken aback. “I can understand your feelings, young lady, but that is the way the laws of Mexico are written. They assume you will marry, and at that time your husband will qualify for additional land.”

“Him, not me,” Annie said pointedly. “What do I get?”

“A home, children, a husband who will no doubt love and cherish you—just what every woman wants.”

“Not every woman,” Annie snapped. “I’ve gotten along twenty-two years without a husband.”

With that kind of attitude, James figured, she would probably have to do without one for another twenty-two. Her only chance would be to grab one quickly, before he had time to discover her snappish nature.