Their journey to the Taylor's house was a quiet one, however, Robert simply couldn't let her be. He felt like she would lose herself in her own head if she continued to worry that much, he knew that because he was exactly the same, and he wanted to show her that she wasn't alone.
“Miss Geraldine,” he started and grimaced. Robert wanted to smack himself across the forehead since he sounded too formal. It was good she couldn't see him as they rode together on Duke; that would be a complete disaster. “Geraldine,” a very high-pitched voice could be heard behind them, and Robert turned to see a rather robust woman smiling and waving to them.
“Mrs. Taylor,” Geraldine greeted the woman back and dismounted. Robert followed suit. “We were just coming your way,” Geraldine informed the other woman before she made introductions.
“Oh, how nice,” Mrs. Taylor sing-songed.
They walked the short distance to the house together, and Robert helped Mrs. Taylor with her morning purchases.
Mrs. Taylor completely took him by surprise saying. “I was wondering when you would be coming to visit us.” In the next instant, she turned and opened the gate and started calling out. “William, come quick, we have company. It's the Sheriff.”
Mr. Taylor appeared shortly after, and unlike his wife, he didn't appear so thrilled to see Robert at his doorstep. Mrs. Taylor instructed him where to put down her basket, and Robert obliged. “Good day, Sheriff,” Mr. Taylor greeted him.
“I told you he would come,” Mrs. Taylor said to her husband somewhat triumphantly. Robert was very much intrigued by their exchange. Did they have something to share with me? What did they know? He supposed he was about to find out.
“So, you know why I came to speak with you today,” Robert said to them without preamble.
“I don't,” Mr. Taylor grumbled.
And Mrs. Taylor scoffed. “I told you, because Elsa died, remember?” She did not wait for him to respond but turned toward Geraldine, “I am terribly sorry we didn't make it to her funeral.”
“That is quite all right,” Geraldine offered back.
“Anyway,” Mrs. Taylor continued speaking to her husband again. “The Sheriff came to speak with us about your indiscretion with her,” she said all that in one breath and without an ounce of embarrassment, Robert practically swallowed his own tongue. He wasn't that easily surprised, doing the job he did. Mrs. Taylor certainly did manage to do just that. Geraldine's face suggested she was taken aback as well, luckily she succeeded to mask it rather quickly.
“Martha,” Mr. Taylor chastised his wife. She simply waved with her hand, suggesting she thought he was acting ridiculous.
“We are all adults here and we can speak plainly about such things,” she informed him. Then something occurred to her, and she turned toward Geraldine.
“You can go inside and say hello to the kids if you would prefer it, dear. You don't have to listen to this.”
“I wish I don't have to listen to this,” Mr. Taylor grumbled under his breath. Fortunately, only Robert heard him. Robert didn't envy him. On the other hand, maybe he deserved it since he was unfaithful to his wife. A little uneasiness was a small price to pay for such big betrayal as far as Robert was concerned.
“That is quite all right,” Geraldine replied slowly, clearly disliking being put on the spot like that. Mrs. Taylor is an intriguing woman, Robert mused.
“All right then,” Mrs. Taylor said, putting her hands together. “Shall we sit at the patio? It's such fine weather; it would be sinful to waste it indoors.”
“Whichever you prefer,” Robert replied, so they all listened to her.
A rather petite woman that resembled Mr. Taylor came outside carrying a tray. Mr. Taylor's sister. “Bless you, dear,” Mrs. Taylor said approvingly. “I was just about to ask Sheriff and Geraldine if they would like some refreshments.”
Robert thanked the woman for the drinks, and she simply moved back inside without uttering a word. Maybe she couldn't keep up with Mrs. Taylor who talked for at least two women and simply gave up, he joked.
Putting his glass away, Robert was eager to hear what Mrs. Taylor had to say since Mr. Taylor remained a silent stoic at her side. Despite being highly amused by their dynamic, Robert needed William Taylor to speak as well. For now, he would simply let this play out. They must have a fun marriage, Robert thought to himself. Or at least it looked fun to him. He couldn't quite say if Mr. Taylor shared his sentiments.
“Right. Well,” Robert started first while Mrs. Taylor was too busy drinking her juice. “Since you know why I'm here, let me cut to the chase. Elsa Potter was murdered, and I'm investigating all the people who had any connections with her.” Especially those romantically involved.
“Hear me out, Sheriff, my William did not kill Elsa..”
“Martha, please.”
“You know that is the reason he came here,” she replied to her husband before turning to Robert. “William wouldn't harm a fly. Yes, he made a grave mistake in the past. That is all behind us now. And I know what you're thinking now. I have more reasons to hate Elsa, even kill her. She did frolic with my husband, after all, and I won't lie. I was deeply hurt, and we went to Father Mathew with our problems after William confessed everything to me, and together we surpassed all of that.”
During her little speech, Mr. Taylor turned a few shades of red yet remained silent. Robert didn't like that one bit. On the other hand, he appreciated Mrs. Taylor's honestly very much. And there was no doubt in his mind she was honest, otherwise, she would be the greatest actress in the world. “That is all good to hear, Mrs. Taylor. I would still want to know where you were at the time of Elsa's death?” Robert was speaking to Mr. Taylor, and he got his reply from Mrs. Taylor.
“I was at my monthly meeting with my club, the Sisters of Mercy. And William—”
“No offense, could you please allow your husband to speak for himself,” at least once. Robert wasn't trying to be rude, simply needed to hear that man speak. She raised her nose ever so slightly, remaining quiet. I guess she did take offense.
William Taylor righted himself in his seat, he looked a bit startled as if he just woke up in the middle of this interview. “Ah, yes. I was in Riviera on business.”
Mrs. Taylor looked agitated at the mere mentioning of that, and Robert wondered why, so he asked as much. “Our store here in Oatman isn't doing, so well so I was looking for a partner who could invest to open a store in Riviera,” Mr. Taylor explained with a heavy heart. “I stayed the night, searching for a suitable home as well since we would most likely be moving there.”
“I told you, William, I would rather die than move there,” Mrs. Taylor snapped theatrically, clearly forgetting she was giving them the silent treatment. Robert was surprised she stayed quiet for this long.
“And I told you, that is a prudent business decision, especially with additional mouths to feed.”
Geraldine looked like she wanted to be anywhere else other than here as the married couple squabbled. Robert was used to scenes like this one, and it didn't bother him in the slightest. More to the point, he could learn a lot this way. Like now he wondered about Mr. Taylor's words. What additional mouths? “My sister and her children came to live with us,” Mr. Taylor provided on his own, clearly seeing the questioning look on Robert's face.
Geraldine had told him about the widow, still, he did not realize that was a permanent deal. It looks like Mr. Taylor had enough of his own problems with a widowed sister and a wife who liked to have everything her way. That was enough for every man, and on top of that, he had money issues.
Poor Mr. Taylor.
Then something occurred to Robert.
Maybe he asked Miss Elsa for money, for old times’ sake, and if she refused him, he could be desperate enough to kill her. There were two problems with that theory though. No money was missing from Elsa's estate, and Mr. Taylor was out of town. Or so he claimed.
He could be a fine suspect if his alibi doesn't check out. “Do you have
any idea who would do such a thing to Miss Potter?” Robert inquired, deciding he heard enough about their personal struggles.
“Who wouldn't,” Mrs. Taylor replied instantly.
“Martha,” Mr. Taylor said in exasperation.
“What? I did not say anything wrong.” Mrs. Taylor defended herself. “Sheriff already knows Elsa wasn't popular in town. I mean honestly, what kind of a woman would be with a married man? Not an honest, God-fearing woman, that is for sure.”
“That's enough, Martha.”
“There were rumors my William wasn't the only one,” Martha Taylor spoke over her husband.
Geraldine stood up. “I apologize, Mrs. Taylor, I have to say my goodbyes,” and with that, she walked away, and Robert understood why. She couldn't stand hearing someone speaking ill of Elsa Potter even if there was a reason for it.
William Taylor looked like he wanted to say something in favor of Elsa Potter. He held his tongue in front of his wife. Smart man.
“It is time for me to bid my goodbyes as well,” Robert jumped to his feet. “Thank you for all your help.”
“Of course, Sheriff, that's our duty as Christians,” Mrs. Taylor said crossing herself. Mr. Taylor grunted something as well.
Robert jogged to catch up to Geraldine. It was clear she was fuming, and he needed some way to lighten to mood. “That was different,” he commented, eventually. “I never met anyone who could talk so long and fast.”
Geraldine smiled ever so slightly. “Oh yes, it was highly amusing,” and then her face soured. Until it wasn't.
“I can't wait to see what surprises wait for us in the Kline household,” Robert said, pretending to not see the change on her.
“Surprises indeed.”
Chapter Twenty
Geraldine was grateful for the distraction in the form of helping the Sheriff with his investigation since she really did not want to think about her mother. She always knew, feared even, there would be good and bad days. Lately, they appeared to be strictly bad. And she did not know what to do about it.
Unfortunately, as it turned out, thinking about Aunt Elsa was equally troubling. Hearing Mrs. Taylor speak so ill of her made Geraldine sick to her stomach. A part of her was cross at Elsa for leading such a life and allowing people to speak ill of her, and a part was simply saddened. Her Auntie was a complicated woman and Geraldine loved her with all her heart anyway.
Spending so much time with the Sheriff had some problems. She could see the way he was looking at her, or notice the way he would 'accidentally' touch her, and that would make her instantly think about the kiss that never happened. And was sure he was thinking about the very same thing. Why are we both holding back?
Kline's Ranch was a bit too far to visit on foot, so they collected Duke from the corral, and after the Sheriff helped her mount, he jumped behind her. Once again, she could feel his arms around her, and her pulse quickened instantly.
No amount of Calm yourself, Geraldine, helped.
He let go of the reins, handing them to her. She looked at him questioningly over the shoulder. “I don't know the way, so it is better if you take us there,” he explained to her with a small smile as if she was daft. Focus, Geraldine, you are embarrassing yourself, she snapped, quite irritated with herself. “Very well.”
It was fortunate Duke was such a fine animal since Geraldine was distracted, to put it mildly. They rode into Oatman from her farm in this same manner. She was apparently so lost in her thoughts, worrying about her mother and such, she completely missed the fact Sheriff Bradway was that close to her. She was noticing that at the moment, all right, and then some.
Geraldine didn't quite know what to do with herself since she never felt like this before toward anyone. It was more than simple physical attraction, although there was nothing simple about the way he made her feel. She longed to be held and kissed by him. It was even more than their enjoyable and easy banter. She felt connected to him in a rather profound way. If that made any sense.
Robert calmed her, deep down, infused her with the knowledge that somehow everything will be all right, only to make her feel restless on a whole different level. Overall, it was maddening. Being around him felt as necessary as breathing and yet it was troubling at the same time.
If this is what it feels like to be in love, I am very happy it did not occur to me sooner. Besides, Geraldine couldn't even imagine feeling something like this to some other man that was not Robert. It didn't even matter if he felt the same way about her, she was content as is.
“Kline's ranch is the farthest one from the town,” Geraldine said simply to say something and stop herself from thinking about everything. Her mother, Aunt Elsa, Robert, the list was a hefty one.
“I grew up on a ranch,” Sheriff Bradway provided, surprising her. She couldn't explain why, she assumed he came from a family that was all in the same line of duty as he was. It was etched in his entire being, being the Sheriff, so she presumed it was in his blood.
“Really?”
“Oh, yes.” I guess I was wrong. He was a simple boy that grew up on a ranch, just like she was. She rather liked that, that they had something in common, it made her smile.
“So, why did you decide to become a sheriff instead of working on the ranch yourself?” Geraldine asked, curiosity taking over her.
There was such a long pause, Geraldine wondered if she even asked her question out loud. Finally, he started to speak again. It was rather hard trying to concentrate on his actual words as he said them so close to her ear, his hot breath caressing her skin.
“I loved living on the ranch. I learned how to ride a horse long before I knew how to properly walk on my own.”
Me too, Geraldine wanted to exclaim. She remained silent not wanting to interrupt him.
“Life had different plans for me, I suppose,” he made a pause again. “One day, when I was a very young lad, a group of armed men, thieves, bandits, came to our ranch. They killed everybody, all the workers, including my family.” Geraldine gasped; she was horrified by his tale. This poor man.
“I was the only one that survived.”
Geraldine was more than grateful he had. Unfortunately, it was apparent, by the sound of his voice, how much that notion pained him. “I am terribly sorry for your loss,” Geraldine offered her condolences.
“Thank you.”
She felt genuinely touched he shared this piece of his tragic history with her. “No one should experience what you did, and at such a delicate age.”
“Same could be said for you.”
“Why?” Geraldine didn't quite understand his logic. She didn't want to scale things. In her mind what happened to him was far worse than what happened to her.
“My point is, never in my life did I experience such helplessness than that day. Seeing someone you love in pain, hurt or ill and being unable to help in any way can be pretty devastating.”
And then she understood why he felt the need to share his story with her. Sheriff Bradway was trying to make her feel better. He is such a lovely, kind man.“You are right, Sheriff. That is the most horrible feeling in the world.”
“You mother is happy to have you.”
Geraldine sometimes wondered. Maybe she should be doing more. There must be some kind of treatments they could try, probably in the major cities. Geraldine would move for her. Not that her mother would want to go. “I feel like all I do every day is try to make her feel as comfortable as possible,” and that simply didn't seem like enough. “That's the only thing you can do at times.”
Geraldine wanted to respond when suddenly two small children jumped in front of them, running about, laughing and playing. It was fortunate they were going at a rather slow pace, and Duke stopped in time.
Sometimes the children were too fearless, it was both a blessing and a curse. The children stopped as well once they spotted them.
The sheriff cautioned them to be more careful. “Sorry, mister,” they shouted in unison. “Is your father home?”
Geraldine inquired.
“Momma and papa,” the younger one replied to her before scurrying away. “They are at the house,” the elder provided, looking at the pair on the horse with curiosity. Geraldine saw the exact moment the boy spotted the Sheriff's golden star since his eyes widened in wonder and surprise.
“Thank you,” Geraldine replied to him. The boy didn't hear her, too busy looking at the badge and she had to smile; he was that adorable. “I think he's star-struck,” she whispered to the Sheriff.
“We all were at that age,” he replied in the same manner.
The Sheriff's Rebellious Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 20