The Cowboy Tutor

by Linda Ford

  So the next night he stayed until George left for work in the morning. Exhausted, he made his way back to the farm and threw himself on a cot and slept for eight hours without stirring.

  Five nights in a row it was the same. The only break from the monotonous routine was Madge’s arrival. Those days, he wandered down the lane to the back of the Gratton house earlier, telling himself he only wanted to be sure Madge was safe.

  He caught glimpses of her through the window and as she stepped outside to sweep the step. He backed away, determined to stay out of sight, though his heart begged otherwise. If only he could make his presence known and think she would welcome him. But it wasn’t possible with his task still ahead of him. He could not abandon it. Not with a clear conscience.

  He stayed out of sight until she returned indoors, then relaxed marginally and continued his vigil.

  George arrived home. Judd watched Madge serve the meal, then leave.

  Though his heart followed after her, he forced himself to stay hidden—waiting, watching, sure that eventually he would learn what he needed.

  Two nights later, his vigil was rewarded. After Mrs. Gratton retired to her room and turned out the light, a man entered by way of the front door. Judd, at the back, couldn’t make out who it was, so he slipped closer until he could get a wider view through the windows. The visitor turned.

  Judd saw him clearly. He stared a moment and then retreated out of sight.

  The pastor.

  What dealings did a man of God have with a scoundrel like Gratton? Could he be involved in a scheme?

  This situation might be more complicated than he anticipated.

  Madge slowed at the turn off for the Cotton farm. She eased to the side of the road and looked at the tracks in the dust. The last two times she’d passed, she’d thought she’d seen something that shouldn’t have been there. Faint depressions in the dirt, grass bent as if tramped on. Now she knew she hadn’t been mistaken. Someone was going in and out of the place. She sat back and stared out the window, her hands gripping the steering wheel hard. Who could it be, and what business did they have there? She hadn’t heard it had sold, and news of such would have traveled like wildfire through the town’s gossip chain.

  It could be harmless. Some hobos looking for shelter. Likely nothing to be concerned about.

  But still, someone should investigate.

  She contemplated her options. The lane was right there before her. If she was careful…

  She turned the car and, with as much stealth as a banging motor allowed, headed toward the buildings.

  The sunlight caught on something metallic. She found the cause and gasped. Judd’s car was parked against the barn, as far out of sight as possible.

  Her heart jumped with joy. He hadn’t left.

  Sanity pushed doubts into her thoughts, cooled her heart. There was only one reason he would still be here. To get to George.

  She glanced about. Saw no sign of him. No doubt he was in town watching the Gratton house. Anger twisted through her. Anger at his duplicity, the fact he would stay for revenge but not for her.

  There was only one way she could imagine putting an end to this plan of his.

  Madge prepared tea for Grace—beautiful teacups with matching teapot, creamer and sugar dish. “I lost most of my nice things when the financial markets took a hit,” she had several times explained. “George blames himself. As if he had the power to control the ups and downs of business. I told him we let greed get us into this situation, and now we have no one to blame but our own greedy natures. Why, I think God must look down from heaven and wonder if He didn’t make a mistake in giving us free will. It’s not like we’ve used it especially wisely, is it? Why, when I think of the Great War…” She shuddered. “If I could, I would march all the naughty boys—and it’s always men who start wars, isn’t it? I would march them—oh, I don’t know where.” She pressed her fingertips together and considered the problem.

  Madge smiled. She liked the way Grace’s conversations dashed from one thing to another, often finishing the first thought down a long convoluted conversation trail.

  Grace dropped her fingers and beamed. “I know what I’d do with them. I’d give them all the orphaned babies in the world to look after. Why, by the time they changed all the nappies, washed all the little garments, fed the poor little ones and cleaned the house, they would be much too tired to think of going to war.”

  Madge chuckled at the solution. “Too bad they don’t think to let women rule the world.”

  Grace sighed delicately. “But God is ultimately in control. I know He can do a better job than I, even if I don’t understand why He lets things go on in such a shameful way. I guess if I’ve learned one fact in my long life—” She added a dramatic sigh for good measure. “It’s that things have a way of working out in ways that surprise us. I cling to a verse in Romans, ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.’ Chapter eight—one of my favorite chapters. I recall memorizing it in school.”

  Madge wondered if it was one of the chapters Judd had memorized for his teacher. Her glance went to the window. Was he out there? She filled the fine teapot and set out some sugar cookies she’d made.

  Grace presided over the table with a regal bearing. “I used to have ladies drop in at teatime.”

  “You will again, once you get to know a few. The ladies will be thrilled to visit with you.” Tea was a great time to entertain guests, and Madge knew exactly who Grace should entertain—Judd Kirk.

  She had to be patient. Two days ago she’d been certain she’d seen his shadow lean out from the protection of the shed in the backyard. Today she was ready. “Excuse me a moment.”

  She slipped out the front door and edged around the side of the house, knowing if Judd was leaning against the wall, she could approach from his blind side. Quietly, she moved along. As she neared the last corner, she paused, caught her breath and listened.

  Did she hear him breathing?

  Certain she did, she gathered up her muscles and burst around the corner. He was there, and she grabbed his arm. “I thought I might find you here.”

  She feared he would try to escape at her touch, but once he saw who it was, he settled back. “What are you doing?”

  “I think it’s time you came out of hiding.”

  “Are you crazy?” He tried to shake her off, but she held on tightly, causing him to stare at her hand as if checking that it truly belonged to her. “You promised you wouldn’t give away my true identity.”

  “I did. Of course, at the time I didn’t realize you were set on dishing out vengeance to people I happen to care for.”

  He grabbed her shoulder. “You can’t take back your word.”

  “I don’t intend to.” She hoped and prayed he would do so himself. “I keep hoping you’ll admit you are mistaken about George.”

  “When will you accept I’m not?” His eyes bored into her, pleading with her to agree with him.

  She saw his longing. Suspected her expression conveyed the emptiness and loneliness she’d experienced since he’d left. “Judd.” Her voice fell to a pleading whisper. “Give it up.”

  A shadow crossed his face, and anything she thought she’d seen disappeared in hardness. “I can’t.”

  She pushed aside the emotions clogging her thoughts—how she missed him, wanted him—and returned to her original plan. “I was afraid you’d be stubborn. So I’m inviting you to tea.” She pulled her arm through his elbow, firmly leading him up the sidewalk.

  “Tea?” Poor man sounded bemused and suspicious at the same time.

  She’d counted on a measure of surprise to give her a moment’s advantage. They made it three feet before he realized she led him toward the back door of the Gratton house.

  He stopped. “I’m not going in there.”

  She urged him forward a step. “Why not? You might discover something to your advantage.”

/>   He dug in his heels.

  “Unless you’re afraid of a sweet little old lady.”

  “Of course I’m not.” He allowed her to steer him ahead, then stopped again. “You must promise you won’t tell my real name.”

  “Justin Bellamy it is. For now.”

  Without further urging, although she kept a firm hold on his arm just in case, he walked toward the door.

  “Grace,” Madge called. “I’ve brought company for tea.” She led Judd into the dining room.

  Grace looked up and smiled gently, though her eyes twinkled. “Why, where did you find this fine gentleman?”

  Madge jabbed her elbow into Judd’s side to make sure he understood the irony of Grace’s words. “He was outside. Grace, allow me to introduce Justin Bellamy. He’s my sister Louisa’s tutor. Well versed in Greek and the arts, I understand.”

  Judd nudged her in the ribs to warn her not to get carried away.

  Grace waved to a chair. “How nice to have a gentleman join us for tea. Bellamy, you say? I knew some Bellamys back in Toronto. Geoffrey and Janet Bellamy. Any relation of yours?”

  Judd sank to the chair. “I don’t think so, ma’am.”

  Grace poured tea and handed out sugar and cream. She passed the cookies. “Madge made these for me. They’re delicious. But then, everything Madge does, she does well. I suppose you know that already, young man.”

  Madge groaned. But Judd grinned. “From what I’ve seen, she’s a veritable dynamo.”

  Madge spared him a glower before she turned to Grace. “He’s not interested in my—”

  “Graces?” Grace provided. “I’ve always enjoyed using that word. I find it hard to believe the man isn’t interested, unless his eyesight is faltering.” She fixed Judd with an innocent pair of eyes that Madge knew were hiding a spark of mischief fit to start a raging fire. “How about it, Mr. Bellamy? Do you have something wrong with your eyes?”

  “Not a thing, ma’am.”

  He sounded far too pleased for Madge’s peace of mind. She prayed God would use this opportunity to show Judd that Grace was a sweet lady, adored and spoiled by her son. Then he’d realize George could not possibly hurt anyone, especially a woman.

  “Now tell me where you got your expertise in Greek and the arts.”

  The two of them were soon sparring good-naturedly about the virtues of one university over another and which artists could be considered worthy. They disagreed vigorously about which artists were the best and why.

  “I used to have an original by a fairly modern painter who is gaining a bit of renown,” Grace said. “I lost it, along with most of my treasures. As I told Madge, greed caused our misfortune. I have regrets over losing most of my beautiful things, but now I see how God is working it out for my good. I have this lovely young woman to keep me company several days a week, and now I’ve met a gentleman with a sharp mind, if rather questionable taste when it comes to the great artists.” She laughed.

  Judd pushed his chair back. “I really must be leaving.”

  Madge watched harshness cross his expression, followed swiftly by a genuine grin.

  “It’s been a delight meeting you and trying to convince you of your error in artistic choices.”

  Grace chuckled. “It’s been my pleasure. See the young man out, Madge.”

  “Of course.” She led the way out of the room.

  “No need to hurry back,” Grace called.

  Madge’s cheeks grew uncomfortably warm.

  Judd laughed and murmured, “She appreciates me.”

  Madge opened the door. “She doesn’t know the truth, does she? What would she think if she knew you were trying to destroy her son?”

  Judd’s jaw clenched. “By the sounds of it, he’s gambled away her things, too. She might just thank me.”

  “You know she wouldn’t. Think about what you plan. Think about Grace and what your actions would do to her.”

  Judd walked from the house with long strides. Not once did he glance back at her.

  Chapter Twelve

  As Judd walked away, he realized he should never have allowed Madge to force him into the house. But he’d been so startled by her appearance and her touch, he’d been too befuddled to refuse.

  “Shoot,” he muttered to the wind. No matter what he did, where he went, he could not get her out of his mind. He snorted. More like he couldn’t get her from under his skin. His frustration stirred anger in his soul. What right did she have to sneak up and scare the liver from him? For a moment he’d wondered if his thoughts had led to her turning up. It was downright scary.

  He curled his fists and mentally banged them against his forehead. He reached the rail tracks before he realized how far he’d gone and ground to a halt.

  This was not where he should be. No, George would be home shortly, and he needed to watch the man.

  What was the pastor doing visiting him? Certainly he might be there for spiritual guidance, but Judd simply couldn’t accept that possibility. Not without proof. He knew what George had done to his mother. Feared it would happen again, though he’d yet to find evidence. But working in the bank gave George opportunity to learn people’s finances, learn the value of different properties. It was only a matter of time until Gratton picked a mark.

  When he did, Judd intended to be ready.

  He sank in the dusty yellow grass and wrapped his arms about his knees, pulling them to his chest as if he could protect himself from the war of emotions raging through him.

  Calm down. Think rationally.

  Someone had to stop George. Bring him to justice. That was Judd’s chosen task and solemn responsibility.

  But whatever he did to George would directly affect Grace, and he’d liked the woman. No doubt, exactly Madge’s intention.

  George had to pay. But making him pay would hurt a sweet innocent lady. Just as George had hurt Judd’s mother.

  Would Judd’s actions be any more or less despicable than George’s in the end?

  He pressed his face to his knees. God in heaven, I don’t know what to do. Could he trust God to take care of providing justice? He hadn’t seen any evidence of it. Could he hope to regain what his mother had lost? Only, he admitted, if he could either get Gratton to admit he had the money squirreled away somewhere or could intimidate him into offering some kind of compensation. It was the best he could hope for. Yet the idea didn’t sit as comfortably with him as he’d pretended in front of Madge. After meeting Grace, the whole thing made him feel a bit of a bully.

  But what else could he do?

  He stared out at the drifting soil, driven endlessly by the wind. The sun shone with unrelenting heat. The sky was brittle. Too bright for his eyes, and he squinted.

  How could he trust God when things were so bad? It was more than George. It was the economy, the weather, everything.

  Surely if God was loving and fair, He would put an end to this.

  Bits and pieces of scripture he had memorized so long ago blasted through his mind, as if driven by the wind: ‘The world was made by Him and the world knew Him not.’ ‘Every branch that beareth not fruit, He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.’

  Could it be all this hardship had an eternal purpose? Was an eternal purpose enough reason for suffering? Could he wait until eternity to see his mother’s suffering addressed?

  It simply didn’t feel right.

  He bolted to his feet and strode back the way he had come. But halfway there, he changed his mind and headed for the Cotton place.

  Madge watched for Judd to return, but when it was time to leave she’d seen no further sign of him. Had he changed his mind? She prayed meeting Grace had convinced him to do so.

  Yet her thoughts troubled her as she drove down the road. She wouldn’t be satisfied until she heard from Judd’s own lips that he’d dropped the whole idea of revenge.

  She slowed as she passed the Cotton place. If he was there, she could speak to him. />
  Her face warmed at the conversation that had followed his departure. Grace was convinced Judd was the man of Madge’s choice and had sung his praises.

  Not that Madge needed to hear them. She needed no convincing. But he was living a double life, and he planned something that would hurt Grace and George.

  “Life is not always as easy as one, two, three,” she’d murmured in protest of Grace’s continued chatter.

  At the sadness in her eyes, Madge wished she’d kept silent.

  “My dear,” the older woman had said. “Life will always be complicated. But we must not let it steal the sweetness waiting for us every day. Even when everything seems dark and forbidding, God is there offering light.”

  Madge nodded. “I know that.” But she found it harder to believe and trust than she had when she was young and carefree.

  She sighed and put her foot down on the gas pedal. Until Judd changed his mind about the Grattons, she would struggle to find the sunshine in her life.

  The mortgage payment was due in three days. Madge needed her wages from George. She hated to ask, but she didn’t have a choice. She brought it up when he came in for supper.

  “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”

  She heard the apology in his voice, and her lungs tightened.

  “I’m afraid I can’t pay you cash. By the time I paid the grocery bill and rent on this house, I had nothing left.”

  He’d tricked her. Led her to believe he’d pay her. Was Judd right about this man? Was George nothing but a fake and a cheat?

  “But I need the money.”

  He held up a hand in a conciliatory gesture. “I do have a suggestion. Mother has a car parked in Calgary. It’s a fine vehicle. Much better than the one you drive. I propose I give it to you in lieu of wages. If you don’t want it, you can sell it.”

  What good was a car? She needed money. Her chances of selling the vehicle were even more remote than his. Surely he knew it.