“Here, let me take a look at that.” Benjamin scooped up her hand between his own, inspecting her finger. “It’s the least I can do. I came by your house several times to thank you for caring for my wounds after the raid, but each time, Sarah told me you were unavailable.”
“You needn’t trouble yourself. It was nothing, really. I helped Doc care for all of the wounded.”
He glanced over the tips of her fingers. “Oh. Maggie led me to believe you wouldn’t allow anyone besides you or Doc to look after me.”
Ruth Ann looked away, her heart beating wildly in her chest. How could he still affect her this way after what he’d done? “Maggie talks too much.” She tried to wriggle free of his grasp. “I-I just wanted to make sure you were well taken care of. You risked your life for me, after all.”
Benjamin’s grip remained firm. “There it is. Hold on. This might hurt a bit.”
She squirmed again. “Really, I’m fine.”
“Hold still. Quit being such a baby.”
“I’m not being a baby. I want to finish dec…ouch! That hurt!”
“Got it. Quite a nasty one, too.” Benjamin brought her finger to his lips and kissed the spot pierced by the thorn. “All better.”
“Let me go!”
~*~
Benjamin grinned as he released her hand. She was fun to tease, but there was nothing funny about the way that woman’s touch stirred his blood. It had been months since he’d laid eyes on the curvaceous beauty, and all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her soundly. Since that would only earn him a well-deserved slap, he focused on the task at hand and climbed the ladder to secure the far end of the bunting to the roof. He tapped the nail two times then wrapped the string around it. “How’s that look?”
“Good.” Ruth Ann bit her bottom lip. “Why did you remain on the security patrols, Mr. Coulter? Captain Reynolds told Joseph you personally watched our home every night.”
Benjamin secured the bunting with another nail. “Captain Reynolds talks too much.”
Ruth Ann pressed her lips together and furrowed her brow.
“You really want to know?”
She nodded.
He lowered himself from the ladder. “Because I still care about you, Ruthie. I can’t get you out of my mind—or my heart.” He reached for her hand. “Is that why you looked after my wounds, because you still care for me, too?”
She stepped away from him. “You need to refer to me as, Miss Sutton. I told you I simply wanted to repay your kindness for protecting me and my students.”
Benjamin shook his head. Just when he thought he was making progress, she sidestepped him. It was probably best to go slow and not push her, but the fact that she took care of his wounds personally and wouldn’t allow anyone but her or Doc to nurse him gave him hope that deep down she still loved him. “What else can I do to help?”
“Nothing, we’re all done. That was the last of the buntings. I’m afraid I arrived late, and Maggie did most of it herself.”
Benjamin put the hammer in the toolbox. “Where do the ladder and tools go?”
“Maggie borrowed them from the livery. I’ll return them after I put these crates inside the train station.” She stooped to lift one.
Benjamin took hold of the opposite side. “Let me help you with that.”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
He held firm. “A gentleman doesn’t let a lady carry heavy crates while he stands idly by.”
She tugged back. “Nor does he push his way upon the lady.”
“Fine. Have it your way.” Benjamin released his hold. “You are the most stubborn woman…”
Ruth Ann stumbled backward. Unable to find her balance against the momentum of the crate, she plopped down hard against the wooden planks of the porch, sending her skirts and ruffled petticoats above her knees.
Benjamin dropped beside her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
He yanked her skirt across her shins, earning himself a swat in the process. “What did you do that for?”
“I can manage quite nicely.”
Benjamin stood and dusted off his pants. “I guess I’ll be going then since you don’t need my assistance.”
“Aren’t you going to help me up?”
“No, I figure you have it under control.”
Ruth Ann released a forced breath. “You insist on helping when I don’t ask for it and then refuse me when I do.” She set the crate to the side, struggled to her feet, and brushed off her skirts.
Benjamin peeked at her shapely backside. “Don’t forget this side over here. I could help dust the back of your skirt if you want.”
Her skirts twirled about her ankles as she spun away from him. “No, thank you. You have helped enough. Good day, Mr. Coulter.”
“Then I’ll be on my way.” He touched the brim of his hat. “Good day, Miss Sutton.”
She was the most mulish woman he’d ever known. He chuckled to himself, recalling the day they first met. Her stubborn refusal of assistance had landed her in the creek. Even angry, she was the most beautiful woman of his acquaintance. He might’ve been temporarily distracted by Rose, but Rose’s appeal was only skin-deep. Ruth Ann’s allurement lay in her heart, making her pretty face and shapeliness irresistible to him.
Why had that lesson been so painful to learn?
Benjamin paused and glanced toward the train depot. Only a week at most before he’d be camping in Snickers Gap until the tracks went over the Blue Ridge. He was more than willing to make the five-mile trip to call on her, but he had to have a reason. Leaving her in a lurch like he’d done would do nothing to help his cause. Showing himself a gentleman by returning the ladder and tool box to the livery would be a better choice.
A fancy carriage arrived as he neared the station.
Thornton? What was that dandy doing here? Benjamin pressed against the rear of the building and peered around the corner, his fists clenched at his sides.
He hadn’t expected competition.
~*~
Ruth Ann placed the crates containing American flags and programs for tomorrow’s ceremony inside the depot. She wiped the dust from her hands and stared out a nearby window. Benjamin’s tall, muscular form disappeared behind an elm tree. Thoughts of what might’ve been flooded her mind. A heavy breath tore itself from her lungs. Only a few more days until he’s gone. Then all of this can be forgotten.
“Hello, Ruth.”
She startled. “James.”
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Myra told me I’d find you here. You look a bit...disheveled.” He wiped dirt from her sleeve then straightened her hat.
“I’m all done here. I need to return the ladder and tool box to the livery. Then you can walk me home.”
He removed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed the moisture beading on his brow. “Walk? When Zachariah is waiting in a luxurious carriage?”
“Please, James. It’s such a beautiful day. The red buds and dogwoods are blooming, even some of the azaleas.”
“All right. Just this once, but I do not intend to make a habit of it.”
She smiled.
James brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “If pretty smiles are to be my reward, I may reconsider the practice. I’ll tell Zachariah to return the ladder and tool box for you. He can take the carriage without us.”
“Thank you.”
He offered her his arm then steered her toward the Rockaway to give instructions to Zachariah before beginning their walk. “I was terribly concerned about you, Ruth. News of the raid made the papers in Richmond.”
“I’m sorry I worried you. Your letters were very kind.”
He tucked her hand inside the crook of his arm. “This is one reason why I strongly opposed you teaching the Negroes. It is not suitable for a young woman of your position—far too dangerous. I still can’t fathom why on earth Joseph agreed to it.”
James paused and cleared his throat. “My o
pinion has not changed, Ruth. When we marry, you will not be allowed to volunteer with any organization that aids Negroes.”
“I understand.”
He patted her hand. “Excellent. I had every confidence you’d outgrow your youthful obstinance where the Negroes are concerned.”
The laughter of children playing nearby drew her attention. Three boys knelt in the dirt, the scrawny carrot-top knuckled down, aligning his marble for the perfect shot. “You do want children, don’t you, James?”
“Of course, I want heirs, Ruth. What a silly question.”
“Heirs? James, they’re children, our f-family.” The word stuck in her throat. Could she really picture a future, a family with him?
“It’s the same thing, darling.” He patted her hand again. “Don’t mince words with me.”
His gaze drifted across the street to where the children played. A shoving match ensued when the redhead shouted “Keepsies,” claiming all the marbles he’d won. “But ours will be well-mannered, not running loose unsupervised like those ruffians. Our children will have the advantage of the finest boarding schools in the country.”
“Boarding schools?” She gulped, heart thrumming wildly. She’d assumed her children would be close by. What was the point of having children, or marrying James, if they were to be shipped away? What kind of father would he be? No doubt their children would never want for any material need, but would he love them? Would he hold them on his lap and tickle them as Benjamin had done with her nieces?
He studied her a moment. As if sensing her uneasiness, he squeezed her arm snug against him as they resumed their walk. “What is the matter, darling? Why are you so melancholy?” He lifted her hand to his lips then returned it to the pocket of his elbow. “I am home after all, and we have picked up where we left off last fall. Everything is fine. I hold no grudge against you for your dalliance with the railroad man.”
Ruth Ann forced a smile. Should she be encouraging his attentions? What choice did she have? She needed to make the best she could of the only future that laid itself before her.
James led her up the stone walkway toward the front porch. “I wish you were joining us for dinner tonight. My parents would like to see you. I would enjoy showing you off to Mr. Heaton and the other Washington & Ohio board members who are joining us.” James removed his watch from his vest pocket. “Where is Zachariah?” He craned his neck to look for the approaching carriage as he spoke. “I need to get home to Brook Lawn, change, and be ready for dinner in an hour. It would be wonderful to have you by my side, Ruth.” His eyes settled on hers again. “Please come.”
“I’m sorry, James. I’m just not up for a dinner party with strangers tonight.”
Tiny red lines marred the whites of his watery eyes. He dabbed them with a handkerchief then sneezed. “Blasted pollen!”
Zachariah led the horses along the path toward the carriage house.
“There he is now. He is a good man—never disappoints me.” James caressed the polished surface of the watch before nestling it inside his jacket.
She slipped her arm free of his hold. “Besides, you will be talking of nothing but business. You won’t even miss me.”
“Ah, but you are wrong, darling. I will miss you. However, I am determined to win your favor this time, so I will consent to your wishes.” He grasped her hands and gently stroked them with his thumbs. “But once we marry, you will be expected to join me at functions like this as my wife.”
As his wife? Her eyes drifted to their hands. His touch didn’t make her tingle. The memory of his kiss didn’t make her long for another. His eyes didn’t smolder with passion for her. But what had that firestorm yielded? Heartache, that’s what.
This was the right course. It had to be.
Without fire, she couldn’t get burned.
~*~
Benjamin glanced at the cloudless sky—half past three, or thereabouts. He scanned the crowd gathered outside the depot. Where was she? The train was due shortly and from what he could tell, the Suttons nor the Palmers had arrived at the station.
Mr. Turner stepped to the podium. “Only ten minutes to the train, folks—ten minutes!”
The throng pressed closer to the platform. Businesses closed early, and farmers left their fields, all dressed in their Sunday best, to witness the arrival of the Washington & Ohio Railroad. A sense of pride filled Benjamin, knowing that his contribution to the rail line would bring continued prosperity to the community. Although he’d missed his certification exam while recuperating from his injuries during the raid, he was grateful to have been there to save Ruthie. He could reschedule as soon as he came up with the fee. The land mapping agency wasn’t likely to pay for it a second time.
Neil tapped his shoulder and pointed toward the station. Ruth Ann stood at the edge of the platform, tying the bow on the back of Chloe’s dress. His heart stuttered. Curls piled high in a fancy style, she’d left a few lose to drift in the breeze. Just enough to distract him. She waved her gloved hand at Maggie and Charlotte then took a seat next to Thornton.
Benjamin pushed forward through the crowd. Their eyes locked. She smiled then glanced away. His glare landed on his rival. A smug grin crossed Thorton’s face as he lifted her hand to his lips. She couldn’t be serious about that dandy—could she? Despite the mild temperatures, the heat scorched his neck. If he didn’t know better, he’d think steam surged from his ears.
The approaching train whistle brought the cheering assembly to their feet. Excitement filled the air as fathers lifted their children to their shoulders to view the oncoming train. Red, white, and blue buntings decorated the depot and the town square. Everywhere American flags waved in the air. As the train pulled to a stop at the Catoctin Creek Station, John Dillon’s coronet band played patriotic marches.
Mr. McKenzie, president of the railroad, emerged first from the train followed by Mr. Heaton and several other men he assumed were W&OR board members. Mr. Turner made his way to the podium and settled the crowd. Each dignitary stood and waved upon his introduction, inciting another round of cheering and flag waving.
“It is my great honor to introduce Ruth Ann Sutton. Her father, Charles Sutton, refused to allow the Washington & Ohio to bypass our little town on its way to Winchester. Along with William Thornton, they lobbied the state senate for the funds required…”
Benjamin stepped to the side to get a better glimpse of Ruth Ann. Her face paled and perspiration beaded on her lip. He noticed her trembling hands as she laid her notes on the lectern. Her eyes landed on him. Come on, Ruthie. You can do this.
Benjamin’s heart swelled with pride, listening to Ruth Ann speak of the father she adored and how this day was the fulfillment of his dream.
Maggie nudged him with her elbow. “I see that look on your face, Benjamin. You need to let her know you still care.”
“I’ve tried, Maggie. She either sends me away, or worse, we argue.”
Edward put his hand on Benjamin’s shoulder. “Don’t give up. You’ll need to be more stubborn than Ruth Ann if you’re going to win her back.”
He swiped a hand along the back of his neck. “That’s a tall order.” He tipped his head toward the platform where James Thornton was now speaking. “What about him?”
Maggie looked Benjamin directly in the eyes with an air of confidence he found unsettling. “She loves you, Benjamin, I know it. She’s just too stubborn or too scared to admit it.”
He shook his head. “Wooing women is hard work.”
Edward laughed as he hooked his arm around Maggie’s waist and pulled her to him. “It’s a lot easier when you don’t mess up so badly.”
Benjamin chuckled. “I suppose there’s truth enough in that.” Taking a deep breath, he scanned the crowd. “Guess there’s no time like the present.”
Edward prodded him forward. “Go on, then.”
Benjamin pushed his hat back on his head and surveyed the crowd. How would he find her in this mass of human activity? He’d wait on
her porch—all day if he had to. She’d come home eventually, and the short walk between here and her home might help him think of something intelligent to say, some way to convince her of the sincerity of his contrition.
Anxious to get away from any additional sightings of Ruthie and that dandy, he’d practically ran the entire way to her home. He eased himself onto the top step and removed his hat. Idle fingers glided across its brim. Lord, soften Ruthie’s heart. Help her hear my regret.
The soft plea of muffled cries reached his ears, interrupting his prayer. He followed the sorrowful weeping toward the garden. Crumpled in a puddle of fallen pink dogwood petals, Ruth Ann’s shoulders shook, face buried in her knees. What was troubling her?
The latch creaked as he pushed the gate open. “Ruthie, you all right?”
She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and shrugged.
When she stood, Benjamin could make out the name Buddy carved into a wooden marker.
He tucked his hat beneath his arm. “Sorry you lost Buddy.”
“Pretty silly to cry over a dog, huh?”
“Not at all.” He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her.
She sniffled. “By the end, he could barely walk. He died yesterday.”
“I know how much he meant to you.” Benjamin pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. “You must miss him terribly.”
“I do. And Papa. The ceremony has me thinking on him, too.” She dabbed her eyes. “What brings you by?”
His fingers skimmed the brim of his hat. “I wanted to let you know you did a fine job with your speech.”
A smile flickered on her lips before she reined it in.
Benjamin held out his hand. “Will you sit on the steps with me?”
Ruth Ann stared at his offering. “Just for a minute.”
Although she refused his hand, she had agreed to talk with him. It was a start.
“I couldn’t take my eyes off you when you were on the platform. You were…stunning.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“I had misgivings about leaving you at the train station yesterday with the heavy ladder and toolbox to put away. When I came back, I saw you with Thornton.”
She remained silent. He searched her face, but she avoided his gaze, choosing instead to focus on her hands, resting in her lap.
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