“I brought something for you,” Bethany suddenly said. “I’ll go get it from the buggy.”
“Stay ‘ere with me,” Nellie said gently. “Hunter can get it. He’s big and strong.” It was the first time she’d heard the older woman use his name. She was beginning to wonder if she’d forgotten it. “He’s been good to me, that boy,” she said with a grin. “The rest of them townies have forgot all ‘bout me, I’m sure. But not that boy.”
“I’m sure they haven’t,” Bethany said, not convinced herself. “It’s so cold up here, and you must get lonely.”
“That I do,” Nellie said sadly. “Much as I tease that boy, I enjoy the company.” She waved her hands about. “It does get lonely, for certain. But I git nowhere else t’ go.”
The kettle boiled and Nellie went to pick it up. “Let me,” Bethany said, and Nellie let her. She placed the mugs on the table, and the two women sat down. Soon after, Hunter arrived with Bethany’s basket of goodies.
“For me?” Nellie said with emotion in her voice when she was handed the basket. “No one ever gives me anythin’.”
Hunter rolled his eyes. “What about the time I bought you a jar of coffee?”
“You only done that so you could have coffee,” she said dismissing him. “Sit down an’ drink.”
Nellie pulled each item out of the basket, one by one, then leaned in and breathed in the aroma of the food. “You make these?” she asked Bethany.
“She’s a baker, Nellie,” Hunter said.
She stared at him. “Finally when I’m on me last legs, he calls me Nellie. Wonders will never cease!”
“Better hang on ‘t this one, boy,” she said, reaching into the basket again. She lifted out the scented soaps and breathed them in. “I haven’t had somethin’ so special for a very long time.” Tears formed in her eyes, and she reached for Bethany. “Yer a kind gal, that’s fer sure,” she said then pulled out the other items. “Tis all too much for an old bird like me.”
She pulled the gloves onto her hands and wrapped the scarf around her neck. The lap blanket landed right where it was meant to be. “Thank ye, gal. Ye didn’t have ta do this.” She stood and hugged Bethany tight, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Don’t let this one slip out yer fingers, boy. She’s far too good ‘t lose.” She glanced at Bethany. “Far too good for the likes of you as well.”
After their coffee, Hunter had gone around the cottage and fixed all the holes he could find, and anything else that needed doing urgently. He would have to bring far more wood with him next time, he told her.
Bethany saw a totally different side to Hunter today, one she’d never seen before. She had always known he was kind, although it had taken a while for her to see that side of him. But today he’d shown a very special part of himself. And she loved him even more because of it.
Chapter Nine
“You both look knackered,” Nancy told them when they finally arrived back to the boarding house. Darkness was already surrounding them and it was time for supper. “Sit yourself down next to the fire, Hunter,” she directed him, despite his protests.
Somehow it had become normal for him to eat with everyone else. That wasn’t the way he’d planned it, but he wouldn’t complain. Anything that meant he got to spend time with Bethany was fine by him.
Bethany glanced from one to the other. “I need to tidy up before supper,” she said, pushing at her wayward hair.
Hunter suddenly stood. “I probably look a mess too.”
Nancy studied him. “You’re not too bad, but you can clean up out back in the laundry. That old cabin ought to be destroyed and old Mrs Bridges forced into town,” she said, clearly annoyed. “You put far too much time into fixing the unfixable.”
“I know,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “I’d love for her to move into town, but she simply refuses.”
“Hmph!” Nancy stared at him. “Off you go then.”
As he walked through the kitchen to the laundry, Hunter took in the various aromas. There were two pies sitting on the bench, and vegetables on the stove. He squatted down and could see what looked like cherry cobbler in the oven.
Nancy came up behind him with a towel, and flicked it at him. “Go on, get and clean up,” she said laughing, then tossed the towel toward him. “Supper won’t be long.”
By the time he returned to the sitting room, Bethany was relaxing in one of the comfortable chairs. She looked a little more relaxed. He knew she was concerned about Mrs Bridges, because she’d told him so. If only they could convince her to move into town. Her answer was always the same – it had been her home since she married her dear Ralph. Their five children had been conceived and born there, with only three surviving. They were all gone now, and she was the only one left. If she left, it would feel like she was dismissing a lifetime of memories.
It made his heart ache. She’d become like a grandmother to him over the years. Nellie Bridges had her strange ways, but she was special and he looked forward to visiting her every fortnight. Bethany said she was already looking forward to returning. She’d taken a real shine to the dear old lady, and visa versa.
“You look far better,” Nancy told him. “Supper’s ready everyone. Sit down.” Once seated, she turned to Hunter. “Would you say the blessing, Marshal? You did it so well last time.”
He glanced around the table. No one else volunteered, so after they’d all linked hands he bowed his head. “Bless this food and these people, Lord. We also pray for Nellie Bridges, and ask you to keep her safe. Amen.”
“Amen.”
“How’s she doing, Hunter,” Jonas asked as he dished some potato onto his plate.
Mildred stared at him. “Yes, how is she, Hunter. Really?”
He glanced from one to the other. “She’s faring alright, but would be far better if she lived in town. It is far too cold up in the hills, and the house is a wreck. I’ve repaired what I could today, but it will take a lot more work to make it truly livable.” It saddened him to think of her up there alone. At least she had meals to get her through a few days at least, thanks to Bethany.
Jonas put a hand on Hunter’s arm. “You’ve been going up there regularly for some years now. Let’s face it, the cabin should be demolished. You’ll get up there one day to find it collapsed on top of her.”
Hunter swallowed back emotion. It was true, he knew it was. Short of forcing her to move to town, what could he do? Arrest her? Nellie would never forgive him. Unless he could come up with some sort of plan that made her think it was her idea. But now was not the time.
Bethany stared across the table at him. Her expression said I know what you’re thinking, and I’m thinking it too. If their ideas aligned, maybe they could pull it off. If they didn’t, well, then they’d have to think some more.
“…Thursday. What do you think, Hunter?” Jonas was staring at him, but Hunter hadn’t been listening, he’d been lost in his own little world.
“Sorry, I was deep in thought. What was it you said?”
“The tree. You know, for the town center. We usually get it two weeks before Christmas. We’re running late this year. A few of us are going Thursday.”
“Yeah, sure thing,” Hunter said, his mind still ticking over. “Let me know what time you’re going, and if I’m available, I’ll tag along.”
He took a mouthful of Nancy’s chicken pie. Bliss. “This is magnificent,” he told their hostess, then leaned back and savored the food. It didn’t take long before he felt guilty thinking about Nellie Bridges in that rundown shack in the freezing cold. At least he knew she had plenty of food – thanks to Bethany. And also thanks to her, warm hands.
As he took the last mouthful, Nancy came along to collect the soiled dishes, and Lizzie put a mug in front of him. Bethany poured the coffee for everyone.
It was one of the things he loved about this place. It wasn’t just a boarding house, it was a community. Everyone who lived here thrived, and he was certain that stubborn old biddy who lived up the mounta
in would too.
“Nancy,” he said quietly. “I need to talk to you later.” She stared at him. “It’s nothing serious,” he said and she nodded before she headed back to the kitchen.
~*~
Hunter pulled his coat around himself, and wrapped his scarf around his neck. He pulled on his gloves as he strolled over the road toward Bethany who stood outside the bakery. “I wish I could come with you,” she said.
“I know, but it’s better this way.” He leaned in and kissed her gently. He didn’t care who saw, which was a far cry from how he would have felt a few weeks ago.
She reached up and pushed his hat back on his head, then stretched up on her tiptoes and kissed him again. His heart thudded. “Take care,” she said, then quickly turned and headed back into the bakery. He stared after her.
He knew she was upset about the situation with Nellie, but it was out of his control. For now anyway.
He climbed up onto the buggy and flicked the reins. As the group of wagons, horses, and buggies pulled out, Hunter knew this assignment could be far more difficult than anything he’d endured before, but it had to be done.
They followed the same path he and Bethany had ridden just days earlier. He’d seen some suitable trees near the turnoff for Nellie’s place, and the remainder of the group stopped in a nearby clearing. He alone headed toward the rundown shack. The closer he got, the more hair-brained he decided this scheme was, but he had to try.
Perhaps he should have bought Bethany with him after all.
He slowed the horse down and pulled up outside the cabin. He waited for the door to fly open, and for Nellie to come out screaming for him to get off her land, as she always did in her own silly way.
But she never came.
He sat waiting for several minutes, but still no Nellie. His heart pounded. Was the old lady sick, or worse, dead? He’d left it too late and now regretted it. He swallowed down the emotion that was building in his throat.
He sprang to the front door and pounded on it. It shattered under his strength, and he pulled the rotted boards out of his way. As he stepped over the threshold, fear overtook him. Fear and regret. “Nellie,” he called as he entered, trying to warn her he was there. Silence greeted him and panic set in.
He checked the bedroom, and glanced out the window. Hunter couldn’t see her, so he went out the back door, and there she was, sitting on the cold, damp ground. “Don’t just stand there,” she yelled. “I’ve broken me ankle. Dang thing.”
Swallowing felt like nails tearing at his throat. “How long have you been like this,” he asked quietly.
“A couple o’ days. Maybe more.”
Guilt overwhelmed him. It was cold enough during the day up here on the mountain, but overnight was icy. She’d been out here in the artic weather while he’d been tucked up in his warm bed, completely oblivious.
He glanced toward the small stream that ran through her property, and saw the drag marks where she’d tried to get herself inside. He studied the rotten steps and admonished himself for not noticing them before. If they’d been solid, she might have made it inside.
Hunter removed his jacket and put it around her shivering body.
He squatted down to her level. Nellie’s foot was on an awkward angle, so she was likely right. He scouted around for a couple of straight sticks to use as splints, then bandaged her ankle using a threadbare sheet he’d found inside and tore up, much to Nellie’s disgust. Once done he lifted the frail woman and took her inside, then covered her with a blanket. “Tell me what you need,” he said. “I’m taking you to town until you heal.”
She glared at him. “Over my dead body.”
“If that’s how it has to be...” he said, letting his words hang.
He began to rummage through the cottage, throwing her clothes in the same basket Bethany had used to bring her care basket out here last Sunday. “What else do you want?” He studied her. There were no second chances here. Everything she wanted needed to come with them.
“Them things your gal brought for me – the scarf and lap rug. I’m wearing them gloves. Oh, and that special soap.” She glared at him. “Since yer forcin’ me.” He pressed himself not to laugh.
As tragic as it was, this was probably the best thing that had happened. She had to leave to get medical treatment.
“What’re ye doing here today anyhow? It can’t be Sunday yit?” She suddenly looked confused.
“It’s Thursday. Some of the town’s men are at your turnoff cutting down a tree for the town center’s Christmas tree.”
She frowned. “They still doin’ that nonsense? The last time I went to the tree ceremony was about twenty years ago,” she said. “With my Ralph.” She seemed to reminisce and a smile crossed her face. Hunter was certain she was thinking of days gone by and the husband she missed dearly. “Hurry up then,” she suddenly said. “If ye got everything, let’s git going.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” he said, trying to fight a grin.
He picked her up gently, blanket and all, and carried her out to the buggy. Once he had her settled, he went back for her meagre belongings, and they were soon on their way.
~*~
When they arrived back in town, Hunter took Nellie straight to the doctor’s office. “It’s definitely broke,” Doc Shilling said. “You’ll need to rest it for at least six weeks and you’ll need crutches,” he said, handing them to the older woman. He turned to Hunter. “You did a good job with that splint. I’m not changing it.”
“I can’t git around on them things,” Nellie complained. “It’s hard enough gittin’ around my place as it is.”
“Don’t worry,” Hunter said. “I have an idea.” Nellie stared at him suspiciously. Little did she know he had already planned it. As much as the broken ankle was a terrible thing for the elderly woman, it helped ease his mind.
He picked the frail woman up and carried her out to the buggy. “Where you takin’ me?” she demanded, still eyeing him with apprehension.
“Not far. We’re going to Nancy’s. Do you remember Nancy Richter?”
She stared at him through squinting eyes. “Maybe. What are ye up to, boy?”
He flicked the reins and they were soon on their way. “Here we are,” he said a short time later. The front door opened and Nancy came out, smiling and excited to see Nellie.
“This is a nice surprise,” she said as she greeted them. He’d warned her it needed to appear unscheduled. It was his idea all along to get Nellie here. Hopefully long term, but that would be up to her in the end. It was far too dangerous for her to go back to her cabin as it was now. That had been proven by her injuries.
“Hello Nancy,” he said as though he hadn’t seen her recently. “I wondered if you might have a room available for Mrs Bridges to stay in until she heals from her broken ankle?”
“Broken ankle!” Nancy was genuinely shocked. “You poor dear. Yes, yes, I do have a spare room. It’s on the ground floor too, so that will work out well.” Little did Nellie know Bethany had moved upstairs to allow the older lady easier access. “Bring her into the sitting room, Hunter. That’s a good man.”
He carried the featherweight woman and sat her near the fire.
“Let me get you something. Tea or coffee?”
Nellie glanced up at him. “Strong coffee, thank ye,” she said, apparently surprised to be waited on.
Nancy returned with coffee for three as well as a plate of blueberry muffins. “Bethany made these,” she said, offering the muffins to Nellie.
“She’s a nice girl, that one. Why she’d ‘ave eyes for this one, I’ll never know,” she said half joking.
It wasn’t long before Jonas and Mildred joined them, and Nellie was soon chatting as though they were old friends – just as he’d suspected she would. It had been obvious for a very long time she craved company, but for whatever reason, refused to leave her cabin. If she would agree to stay after she healed, he would go to the cabin and collect the rest of her belongs, meagre as they
were.
As he drank his coffee, Hunter was filled with joy. He had tried for so long to get the dear lady into town. It was a shame it took a catastrophe to make it happen, but he was beyond ecstatic she was now safe and warm. If he knew Nancy, she would have plenty of meat on her bones soon too.
~*~
Nellie sat on the chair Bethany had placed in the town center for her. She said she hadn’t witnessed the raising of the tree for decades, and it would be a first for Bethany too. They sat side by side and waited in anticipation. Nellie reached over and took the younger woman’s hand. “Thank ye for organizing for me to come ‘ere,” she said quietly.
“It was all Hunter. I just supplied the chairs.”
“That boy doesn’t deserve you,” she said, ignoring Bethany’s words. She had a real soft spot for the dear old lady who felt more like a grandmother to her.
“Are you looking forward to Christmas luncheon tomorrow?”
Nellie stared ahead. “We used to have wonderful Christmases when the children were small. Not so much after Ralph passed.”
Bethany squeezed Nellie’s hand as a tear rolled down the old lady’s face. She swiped at her cheeks then turned to Bethany. “Memories,” she said quietly. “They can be good, but also painful.”
It broke her heart to see Nellie like this.
As the tree was finally lifted to a standing position after nearly an hour of ropes being tied to branches, there was much delight from the townsfolk. As soon as it was secured in place, people moved forward and added their handmade decorations. “Perhaps next year, we can do that too,” Bethany told her. “We have a year to work on it.”
“Tradition says newlyweds make a decoration between them, then add it each year thereafter,” Nellie told her pointedly.
The heat rose in Bethany’s face.
“That boy needs to git and ask you to marry him!”
Bethany didn’t know how to answer that, so she didn’t. Instead she watched as Hunter and the other men ensured the tree was properly secured.
What would it be like being married to Hunter, she wondered, and her heart exploded.
Rescuing the Lawman Page 7