The ride to the general store wasn’t long and Blake didn’t intend to start a conversation with his wife about what had just transpired.
But Macie seemed to have other plans and asked, “Why would your grandfather insist I come along? What was he thinking?”
“I don’t know,” Blake replied, sighing heavily. “Granddad must have had his reasons.”
“What could they be? I have no desire to go out on some wild adventure. I suppose I pictured you going by yourself,” she admitted. “Surely I’ll only slow you down.”
Blake agreed with her silently but knew well enough not to do so out loud. This new stipulation complicated everything. Now he would have to go out and follow the clues with Macie in tow. It would have to happen before he annulled the marriage. There would be no waiting endlessly for a lull in the ranch business. He would have to talk to his father and get permission to leave the ranch as he followed the clues. And Blake dreaded that conversation.
The wagon stopped outside Nelsons’ General Store and the Bradfields climbed back down.
“We need some supplies,” Macie reminded him. “If I’m to cook meals for us, we need to replenish the stores right away.”
He nodded and held the door for her. “Go ahead and get whatever you think we need. I’ve been living as a bachelor for too long. I always ate my meals up at Ma’s.”
Macie gave him a long look before admitting, “You need a new scrub brush, too.”
“Get whatever we need,” Blake repeated. “Don’t worry about the cost; I have money set by. Besides, you’ll be a better judge of what we need than I would be.”
With that, Macie picked up a basket from the stack inside the front door and began her work. Blake watched her go before heading off to look at the tools.
***
Macie worked, enjoying the selection available to her even here in this small Texas town. Into her basket went a scrub brush before she began to examine the brooms. She’d had a terrible time trying to sweep the floor this morning with Blake’s old one with the bent twigs. But which broom would be best to replace it? The general store was well stocked and she had the choice of three different brooms, each with its own attributes.
“Can I help?” interrupted a voice.
Macie looked up and found herself being addressed by a buxom young woman.
“I’m Belle Nelson. My father owns this store,” the newcomer explained.
Macie smiled engagingly. “I’m Macie Bradfield,” she introduced herself. The new name felt clunky and strange on her tongue, though it sounded well enough to her ears.
For some reason, Belle’s face turned rather sour. “I take it you are Blake’s new wife.”
“I am,” Macie said with another friendly grin. “We were married just yesterday.”
“How… sudden,” Belle commented, her voice acidic.
Face coloring at the insinuation, Macie stuttered, “Oh, it wasn’t anything like that. I was living in Connecticut until just recently. We’ve been writing letters and decided to marry.”
Belle’s eyes narrowed. Her gaze fixed on the scars on Macie’s chin and said, “Well, Blake has always been the sort of fellow who likes to help the unfortunate people around town. I just never knew he’d take things so far. He always was rather hung up on me. I told him no often enough. I suppose he finally was desperate enough to send for you. Did he know about your deformity before you arrived?” She smiled evilly and then sat back, arms crossed, ready for her victim to fall to pieces.
Tears pricked at Macie’s eyes, surprised and hurt by this cruel attack. She took in a slow breath and applied her good sense. If Belle had been in town and Blake had wanted to marry her, he’d said nothing to Macie. From the way she was behaving, it seemed unlikely that the shopkeeper’s daughter had been the object of Blake’s affection. Macie had a hunch that it was rather the other way around. And that meant that this woman was nothing more than a troublemaker. Well, Macie could handle herself if that was the case.
She straightened her shoulders and calmly retorted, “I’m surprised that you are so quick to be unkind to your patrons. If this is the sort of behavior I’m to expect here, I’ll ask my husband and his family to use another store in town.”
As Macie had hoped, her comment hit the mark. Belle’s eyes widened and she colored. Without another word, Macie selected a broom then turned on her heel and moved away from the young woman.
The triumph she felt was short lived. Belle’s words had stung. Macie was extremely aware of the scars on her chin, but she wasn’t sure if Blake was. Did he find her unattractive? Was that part of the reason why he’d been eager to have separate sleeping quarters? At the time, Macie had been relieved, but now she worried.
She forced her mind to the task at hand and did her best to get everything they might need for the immediate future. Normally, she would have enjoyed ordering the groceries they’d need for the next weeks. Now, though, Belle’s attack had stolen the fun from the day.
When they finally were on the road, Macie was all too glad to leave town behind.
“I’m sorry about what happened back there,” Blake interrupted the quiet once they’d reached the open road.
Macie started, surprised that he knew about it.
Then he went on, “I had no idea that Granddad would want you to come with me.”
She sagged a little. In the business at the general store, Macie had forgotten all about the treasure map. Now that Blake had brought it to mind, she found she had even more reason to feel down.
“This has turned into such a mess and it’s all my fault,” Blake said with a sigh. “I don’t know how I can ask you to follow me off to who knows where in search of Granddad’s treasure. The clues could lead anywhere.”
For the first time, Macie examined her husband carefully. He was clearly crushed by his grandfather’s request. Blake longed to go off on this adventure and was chafing at the thought that Macie would come along and slow him down. Her heart sank. Being a burden was abhorrent to her and now she was destroying Blake’s dream. She’d thought she’d help him, but it turned out she was doing quite the opposite.
She heaved a sigh of her own and straightened her shoulders. Well, she’d stood up to Belle Nelson hadn’t she? She could handle roughing it long enough to get Blake’s treasure, whatever it might be.
“I know I’ve lived in Connecticut these past few years,” she began, “but I’m a Texas girl at heart. I helped my father on our ranch plenty of times. Going adventuring isn’t exactly my cup of tea, that’s true enough. Still, you are my husband and I will help you however I can manage it.”
Blake sat up, too, and looked at her with new eyes. At first, they were skeptical, but as he read the resolve on his wife’s face, his expression became excited once again.
“How are you at riding?” he inquired.
“I haven’t ridden in some time,” Macie admitted. “Back on the ranch, though, I rode bareback often enough. I’m sure I could pick it up in no time.”
“Well then, I suppose the next step is to tell my family about Granddad’s letter. Once they understand that we’ll be taking off for a few days, we can make our plans and get on our way.” Blake threw her another excited grin.
“Don’t you want to read the letter?” Macie asked with a laugh. “It might help if we knew what we were getting into.”
Chapter 12
Blake looked around at his parents and brothers, trying to keep his temper from getting the best of him. He’d called this family meeting with the hopes that he might be able to explain his position and walk away with his father’s permission, if not his blessing. Now, that hope seemed foolish.
As always, any mention of Ewell Bradfield put the family on edge instantly. Blake had heard often enough that people with red hair had bad tempers. Where his grandfather was concerned, he was willing to believe this old wives’ tale. Troy was fuming, Harris had his arms crossed and was mumbling to himself, and Len was staring daggers at his middle son.
How on earth was Blake going to get permission from his father to follow the map? He’d laid out the situation plainly and unemotionally. It had been very logical and well-thought out. Yet, here was the evidence in front of Blake that his argument was ineffectual. He racked his brain as Len started speaking.
“My father valued wandering aimlessly over staying and caring for his family,” Len began the old familiar lecture. “When we needed him here, he was gone. I had to work twice as hard to figure out how to keep this ranch running. If Pa had been here, he would have been invaluable, but he was nowhere to be found.
“I know you idolized him, Blake. His adventures kindled something in you. I hoped that as you grew older you’d come to see how that foolish that sort of thing is. Pa never did anything other than waste time, energy, and money on his so-called adventures.” Len crossed his arms, a disgusted curl on his lips.
Blake’s teeth were clenched so hard his jaw was starting to ache. He knew all of this. He’d heard Len say the same thing a dozen times in the past years. He understood his father’s perspective. Why was it, then, that Len never came to understand Blake’s side of things? He ran an irritated hand through his curly mop.
But then Macie stood up next to him and said in her calm, low voice, “What you’re not realizing, Mr. Bradfield, is that this treasure map is a way for Blake to say good-bye to his beloved grandfather. Since Blake was the only one who appreciated his granddad’s stories, they shared a special kinship. Now he has been left one last treasure hunt. Following it will allow Blake to have an adventure of his own and feel close to Ewell one last time.”
Len eyed his daughter-in-law carefully. Blake was surprised when the older man’s fixed frown softened. Wanting to leap for joy, Blake threw his wife a small smile which she returned with bright eyes. Macie was a clever woman, Blake admitted to himself with a touch of pride.
“I think it’s a fitting way to say good-bye,” Judy jumped in, glancing up from her knitting. “And it will be a nice way for Blake and Macie to have a little honeymoon trip. They can spend some time together away from the ranch and all the obligations of regular life for a few days.”
Well, after that, there was no way that Len could refuse. He gave his blessing with far less reluctance than he might have held if the two women hadn’t stepped in. Still, Troy stalked out angrily and Harris never did seem to come to terms with the idea. Blake knew, though, that he could mend fences later.
And so, the young couple found themselves returning to Elmswood the very next day to purchase supplies for the trip. Blake had spent the evening gathering bedrolls, blankets, ropes, and lanterns. He’d found some crates and begun to pack things carefully. Len had agreed to let them take two horses as well as the wagon. Sleeping in the wagon would be far more comfortable than on the ground, Blake knew. Now that Macie had championed him, he was eager to make the trek as easy on her as possible.
As they drove along, Macie took notes with a pencil and a small journal. She seemed determined to make a careful list of everything they would need. The longer they talked, the more Blake had to admit that she was wise. He wouldn’t have thought of half of the things they discussed.
“How much bacon do you think we’ll need for a week’s travel?” Macie asked, brow furrowed.
“If we pack it well, it’ll last the whole week,” Blake said slowly, thinking out loud. “Maybe three pounds? Four just to be safe.”
Macie nodded and scribbled this on her list. “How cold will it get at nights? Should we pack special clothes to help us stay warm?”
“It could dip down a bit, but it shouldn’t be too cold. I think we’ll be fine with bedrolls and a couple of blankets. It might also be warm enough that we’ll just sleep under the stars in our regular clothes,” Blake told her. He was pleased to see her eyes widen and cheeks color at the thought of sleeping next to him in the wagon.
By the time he pulled the wagon up to the general store, Blake found he was in high spirits. He swung his wife down and was about to follow her into the store when someone grabbed his arm.
“May I have a word, Mr. Bradfield?” asked Lucien Durning.
Macie looked over at the rotund man with frank curiosity. Lucien returned her look, but with a touch of leering. That look lit a fuse in Blake’s chest. He stepped neatly between the pair, blocking his wife from view.
“Go on inside, Macie. I’ll be in as soon as I get done here,” he called over his shoulder. He waited until the sound of Macie opening and closing the door told him she’d followed his directions. Then he scowled at Lucien and hissed, “What do you want, Durning?”
The older man lifted his hands to protest his innocence. “I don’t know why you’re talking to me like this. I was being perfectly neighborly. In fact, my feelings are rather hurt that you didn’t introduce me to your enchanting bride.”
Blake growled, “Stay away from my wife.”
“She’s lovely,” Lucien oozed obsequiously, “that is, if you can ignore those upsetting scars.”
Blake seethed, clenching his fists. In that moment, he could have cheerfully knocked this man down. How dare he insult Macie! Even though it was an obvious attempt to get the younger man worked up, Blake couldn’t help but be infuriated.
Durning smirked at him. He knew full well what he was doing and the effect his words had. He went on glibly, “Of course, I should say that it’s generous of that fine woman to marry you. Everyone around town has been talking about how you seem to have inherited your grandfather’s peculiar ways. People were betting on how long it would be before you took off and abandoned your family. It was quite the surprise when you up and married so suddenly. I hate to repeat malicious gossip, but tongues are wagging as to when the baby will be born.”
That was it. Throwing caution to the wind, Blake grabbed Lucien by the lapels and hauled him into the alley next to the store. He shoved the smaller man up against the wall, taking great satisfaction from the grimace he elicited when Lucien’s back made contact with the bricks.
“What do you want?” Blake growled.
All false friendliness was gone. Lucien’s eyes narrowed and he said, “Your father should take my offer. I’ve been more than generous with him.”
“My father isn’t about to accept any offer from the likes of you, Durning. He doesn’t want to sell and you need to leave us alone.” Blake punctuated his words by giving Lucien another shove against the wall.
Even though he was at the mercy of a man who was a head taller and in far better condition, Lucien merely smirked up at Blake. His face had taken on a decidedly reptilian look that caused the hair on the back of Blake’s neck to prickle.
“Oh, Mr. Bradfield, don’t you know? I always get what I want. I own most of the land around these parts. All that’s missing is your family’s little ranch.” Lucien looked down at the hands holding his shirt. “You should unhand me, boy, before I take offense to this rough treatment. It would be terrible if your mother or sister-in-law or wife had some sort of terrible accident because you didn’t treat me with the respect I deserve.”
Images flashed in front of Blake’s eyes and he released Lucien’s lapels as though they were hot coals.
“Are you threatening my family?” he asked incredulously.
The shorter man brushed at his shirt and jacket with excessive care. Finally, he looked up and smiled; the picture of friendliness once more. “Of course not! I don’t need to make threats. What I make, Blake Bradfield, is promises. And I promise you this: if your father doesn’t sell me his ranch now, there won’t be anything left worth buying by the time I’m done with him.”
A sick, worried feeling was twisting Blake’s stomach. It was quickly becoming apparent to him how Lucien had managed to purchase so much land around Elmswood. He remembered the seedy-looking fellows who were always lurking around the Silver Dollar Saloon and knew that Lucien would have no trouble finding someone to carry out his devious plans.
The Scars of a Pure Heart Page 9