In a few moments, she’d cleansed the wound. “I still have a few pieces of petticoat left to bandage your head.”
“It ain’t necessary.” Jake rose from his place as he secured his hat on his head, giving her his no-nonsense stare.
“You need a bandage to keep it clean.”
“No time for that.” Jake strode toward the wagon, his head throbbing with every step. “Gotta get a move on, missy.”
Evangeline’s voice caught up with him before she reached his side. “You need to cover that with something.”
“You need to get in the wagon.”
“Your hat is filthy.”
“Your petticoat any cleaner?” Jake spat the words out before he could take them back. “I mean …”
Evangeline raised her hands in surrender. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
Silence fell between them as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Sweat trickled down Jake’s back, making him even more uncomfortable.
“How long before we get there?”
“Late afternoon, unless somethin’ happens.”
“Unless something happens … what does that mean?” Evangeline snapped.
Jake glared at her. “’Cause out here things happen.” He winced as the jolting of the wagon beat a rhythm in his head.
“What kind of things could happen?” Her voice became shrill.
“Horse could go lame, wheel could break, outlaws, Injuns, mountain lions, snakes, thunderstorm.” Jake’s voice rose with each addition.
“Enough.”
“Didn’t mean to scare ya.” Jake knew his response was tinged with sarcasm.
“Please stop saying that. Why do men always assume women are afraid of everything?” She crossed her arms and looked away.
***
The creaking of the wagon wheels on the uneven terrain filled the silence. Guilt from her harsh words grabbed Evangeline’s conscience. The fault for his poor night sleep lay with her, and she intended to claim it, starting with a more civil tone and careful words.
“Please forgive my wicked tongue.”
“You’re tired. I should apologize to you.” Jake reached over and covered her hand with his. “I don’t know what I was thinkin’ when I decided to use that old soddie for the night.”
Evangeline removed her hand from his. “I imagine you were being practical. I doubt I would have slept any better in the finest hotel in New York.”
The wagon hit a deep rut, causing Evangeline to slam into Jake. She scooted toward her side of the seat, uncomfortably aware there were just inches between them. She caught a glimpse of pain on Jake’s face once she repositioned herself. The words how are you feeling perched on her tongue. Instead, she searched her mind for conversation. “Where did you honeymoon?”
“What?”
“I was asking about your late wife. Where did you honeymoon?” Once she repeated the question, it seemed inappropriate, but it was too late to take it back.
“We didn’t.” Jake’s short response was followed by a long silence.
Evangeline wondered if he, too, felt the question was out of line.
He shifted in his seat and rearranged the reins in his hands before speaking. “You might as well hear the whole story. Mary was very ill when we wed. Her pa, Ben Mitchell, wanted to make me his heir. His sons had died in the war, and his brother had no desire to own the ranch. Ben figured if I married Mary, his will wouldn’t be questioned. His brother in England is quite wealthy, I understand.” Jake turned to face her. “Mary was like a sister to me. I refused at first, but she convinced me it would make Ben happy after losing her brothers.” Jake straightened his shoulders and focused forward. “I owed Ben my life. And before you ask, I did care for Mary. But the town gossip painted me a no-good gold digger at first.”
“At first?”
“You know gossip. It hangs on till a juicier bit comes around.” He readjusted his hat.
“Be careful. Don’t dislodge your stitches.”
“I am very aware of them stitches.” Jake rubbed his temple.
She responded with her doctor voice. “Being aware is good. But with no bandage, the chance of infection is greater.”
“Well, we don’t have no bandages handy, and before you suggest it, I’m not diggin’ through all them boxes to look.”
She crossed her arms and stared at the side of his face. “And my petticoat is no longer an option?”
A weary sigh escaped his lips as he kept his eyes on the road ahead. “Exactly. And no naggin’ on your part will change that.”
“Fine. Be bullheaded then.” Evangeline adjusted her bonnet to block her vision of him, but not before she saw him scowl. “I’m sorry.” Her tone was soft as she placed a hand on his shoulder, then quickly removed it, turning her focus to the mountains before them. “I must admit I’m a bit overwhelmed by … well, by everything.”
Jake shifted again, jostling the seat and causing Evangeline to look his way. “No need to feel that way. Juliet’ll make you feel right at home. I’m sure you’ll get along with everyone. I think you’ll surprise ‘em.”
“How?”
“Other than bein’ a mite naggy, you don’t seem prissy or stuck up.” Jake glanced back at the road as his smile broadened.
“If I was not so tired, I’d be offended.”
She heard Jake chuckling under his breath as she tried to hide her own amusement.
***
The sun’s rays became more intense as the day lengthened. Evangeline adjusted her bonnet to shade her face. Conversation was sparse. Her eyelids drooped, but the bumping of the wagon kept her awake. Her mind wandered in the silence.
She’d passed the night relieved Jake had kept his promise.
Evangeline wasn’t naive. She’d seen the longing in his eyes. His confession about Mary spoke a lot to his desire to do the right thing. But Evangeline was healthy, so his only barrier was his promise. She took sly looks at her husband on occasion and sensed he was doing the same. As she turned to watch the passing landscape, her bonnet shielded her face, giving her a feeling of privacy.
Her thoughts went back to her childhood home. Visions came to her of innocent times when Charley’s hijinks caused their father to laugh and their mother to fuss. Remembering Charley made her wonder just how hellish Jake’s war memories might be. Were nightmares only a part of the burden he carried from the war?
Approaching the top of a rise, Jake stopped the wagon.
Evangeline stared. “Is that—”
“The Double M.”
Her eyes traveled over the large adobe ranch house with long verandas, two additional wings on each end, massive chimneys, and tiled roof. There was a barn with a large garden behind it, stables, a chicken coop, and several other buildings. A whitewashed fence surrounded the whole area and from her vantage point, she could see horses in the corral and figures moving around the compound.
“This is your ranch?”
“Our ranch.”
“It’s quite large. Your description did not do it justice.”
“It ain’t so big. I mean, the Triple Diamond is twice the size of mine.”
“The Triple Diamond? Where is that?”
“Farley’s spread is up the road nearer to Charleton. Farley’s goal is to have the biggest ranch around here. But I’m content with the Double M.” Jake removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair, wincing as he touched the stitches. Gingerly, he adjusted his Stetson back on his head.
She saw pride in his eyes as he gazed at the view before them.
“If you’re not too tired, I have somethin’ to show you before we go home. It’s up ahead a piece.”
“Certainly.”
***
After a short detour, Jake stopped the wagon in front of a small, deserted cabin nestled in an oasis of overgrown greenery.
“This is the family homestead. Pa got gold fever in forty-nine, but we never made it to California. Wagon broke down near here, and Ben Mitchell and his wife ca
me to our rescue. He talked Pa out of his foolish venture. Pa built a soddie the next day.” He helped Evangeline down from the wagon. Stretching their legs gave a respite from the bumpy ride.
Standing in the ruins of his past, Jake shared his history. “Ben taught my pa everythin’ he knew about ranchin’. They became good friends.”
“When did you move from here to your ranch?”
“After the war, I came home in pretty bad shape. The girl I’d hoped to marry had married my little brother, Robert.” Jake tried to sound matter-of-fact even though raw emotions lingered near the surface with his fatigue. “My pa died while I was off fightin’. I couldn’t bring myself to live in the same house with Robert and Nora, so I hired on as foreman for Ben.”
Evangeline nodded for him to go on.
“I was drinkin’ and carryin’ on, tryin’ to forget the war, not proud of my actions back then.” He removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. “Ben took me under his wing and showed me the light. Helped me forgive myself and receive God’s forgiveness. Came to Jesus because of Ben. I owe him my life.”
Her eyes never left his.
“I’m sorry … I’m ramblin’,” Jake said. He saw a single tear fall down her cheek.
“Your story reminds me of my brother. I wish Charley had found the Lord.”
Again, he resisted the urge to pull her close and comfort her.
Evangeline removed an embroidered handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes. “Please, finish your story.”
Jake cleared the lump fighting for a place in his throat. Something about this woman brought out his gentler side. “I married Mary. She was real frail. Consumption took her from me two months later. Ben died the following spring.” His voice caught at the telling. She touched his shoulder in sympathy. The warmth of her hand radiated through his shirt.
“That was a bad year. Nora died in childbirth the same summer. The baby boy was stillborn. Robert got thrown from his horse that autumn. The only good come from all the hurt was Juliet comin’ to live with me. She’s been a healin’ thing.”
“This is where Juliet was born, and you grew up?” She pointed toward the weather-worn cabin. “How old were you when your family built this place?”
Jake knew her question was meant to take his mind to happier thoughts, and he took her hand. Her palm was clammy, and she was trembling. Standing side by side, he kept his focus on the house. “My brothers and I helped Pa build this place when I was eight. Ma had a fine garden.”
Evangeline released his hand as they explored the house. Jake tried not to notice her abrupt motion or the emptiness of his hand. “At seventeen, I went off to the war. Pa had sent me to find my brother Clevis. He was s’posed to be attendin’ college with my cousins back in Kentucky. Clevis wanted to be a lawyer, go into politics. I preferred ranchin’ to schoolin’. He quit school and joined up and talked me into doin’ the same. Clevis believed the foolish talk of the Confederacy whippin’ the Union in six months. In six months he was dead.”
“How awful for you.” Evangeline reached for his hand. “War has a cruel price.”
Jake found immediate comfort in her touch. He’d forgotten how healing a simple touch could be. His mother’s hand had always soothed his aching heart. His wife’s hand remained in his as they left the house. Sadness and sympathy were not his goals in bringing her here, even if she seemed more relaxed as a comforter.
They faced the dilapidated barn. A tornado had aged it. The walls leaned, and the roof was half gone. Its desolation reflected Jake’s mood.
Evangeline dropped his hand and peeked in the barn door before turning to take another look at the abandoned house. Her weary eyes sparkled. “Why don’t you fix up this place? It seems a shame to let it fall to ruin. I can almost imagine the happy times you had here growing up. Perhaps Juliet would like to live here someday when she marries.”
“You and Juliet think alike. We come here for a picnic once a year and visit the graves over yonder. She said the same thing a time or two, except for the marryin’ part.” He took one more look around. “Are you ready to go, or do you want to linger?”
Evangeline seemed to take it all in before heading toward the wagon. She climbed up without assistance. In taking a few extra moments to remember what this place had been, he’d missed the opportunity to help her. But the sad feeling of visiting this place seemed to vanish when their hands had entwined. Now his hand was empty, vanquishing the peace. As he took the reins, his headache once again took a more prominent place in his thoughts.
CHAPTER 9
Evangeline’s stomach churned as the wagon stopped in front of the house. A thin girl with black pigtails ran from the house, her legs too long for her dress. Keeping pace with her was a large, mixed-breed dog.
“Uncle Jake! Uncle Jake!” Juliet climbed up onto the wagon to give him a big hug. “I thought you’d never get here.” Her greeting was almost drowned by excited barks.
“Hush, Dog!” Jake’s tone silenced the mutt.
With a radiant smile, Juliet crawled over her uncle to give her new aunt a hug so full of longing it took Evangeline’s breath away. Her heart melted. For this child alone, she was glad she had made the decision to come. “It’s nice to meet you, Juliet.”
“Come on and let me introduce you around.”
She scampered across Evangeline to climb off the wagon. The girl caught her dress on the wagon seat but with a tug, released herself. She signaled the dog to sit before he became the first to greet her. An older man stepped forward to help Evangeline from the wagon.
With a formal voice, Juliet made introductions. “This is Franklin Slade, but everyone calls him Cookie.”
The man had a noticeable limp, but Evangeline resisted the urge to inquire.
“Over there is Selena Hernandez and her son Manuel, but we call him Manny.” Juliet pointed, appearing to enjoy her self-appointed role as hostess. “She’s our housekeeper.”
“Happy to meet you, Señora Marcum.” Selena wiped her fingers on her apron and gave a formal curtsy. Like her son, her eyes focused on the ground.
Manny removed his hat and bowed. “Señora.”
“Please, call me Evangeline.”
“And that man over there is Artie Weaver.”
Evangeline observed the man’s reluctance to move forward as Juliet drew him into the circle. “Artie Weaver, it is nice to meet you. Your name sounds so familiar to me. There was an Artie Weaver who was a patient in an army hospital. I wrote letters for him to his family. But he would be much older than you.”
Artie’s face paled at her words. “Lots of men got my name.” He tipped his hat and left.
Evangeline wondered at his reaction, but her mind was too overwhelmed with all the new sights and sounds to think on it further.
“Please, Señora, I have a meal prepared. Come and freshen up. I will draw a bath for you after supper.” Selena motioned her toward the house.
“You are very thoughtful. A bath sounds divine. May I help you with anything?”
“No … I mean … it is my pleasure to serve you, Señora Marcum.” Selena offered a nervous smile and held the door open as she and Juliet—who stopped long enough to shoo Dog away— stepped inside.
***
Jake helped Cookie loosen the ropes from the wagon’s contents, waiting for the comments and questions sure to come.
“She’s quite a looker, Jake. How was the ride back?”
“Fine. Reckon it was a little long for her, though.” He removed his hat.
“What in tarnation happened to your head?”
“Hit it on the soddie rafters.” Jake tried to sound casual.
Cookie grabbed Jake’s head to get a closer look. “Them’s fine stitches. Lucky for you she’s a nurse.”
Jake had shared portions of his letters with Cookie, but correcting the error would break the promise he’d made to Evangeline.
“Are you done examinin’ my injury?” Jake asked.
<
br /> Cookie gave his head a playful pat before releasing it.
Jake emitted a fake groan and swatted at his friend’s hand. “Can I put my hat back on now?” Jake replaced his hat, grateful Cookie hadn’t asked for the particulars. “Get a few of the men to bring these trunks and boxes into the house.”
Cookie worked the ropes off the load. “Man, oh man. She brung a lot of stuff.”
“She mentioned she could have her sister send her other things.”
“Reckon she plans on stayin’ then.” Cookie smacked him playfully on the back.
“Yep.”
“Do you like her? Is she nice? Do you get along?” Cookie’s eyebrows raised with the last question.
Jake rolled his eyes and felt his brow tighten. There was no way he was telling even Cookie the details of their honeymoon trip. A honeymoon was something he’d never experienced, even with Mary. Her illness kept them more like friends than spouses. Now, another marriage of convenience for Juliet’s sake.
“We best be gettin’ inside. Selena won’t like it if we’re late to the table.”
***
Selena seated Evangeline at the end of the table she designated for the mistress of the house. The meal’s generous portions were more than Evangeline could eat, and the unfamiliar seasoning caused a protest from her stomach. But she did her best, not wanting to offend her new family. “I am so full, I may fall asleep in my chair from sheer contentment.”
“Please, don’t fall asleep yet,” Juliet begged.
“Now, Juliet,” Jake playfully scolded. “Your aunt is tuckered from her long trip. She had two days on the train besides the wagon ride.”
“Let me get your bath ready right away. It will refresh you.” Selena began to clear the table.
“I’ll do the dishes,” Cookie offered.
“Don’t put yourself out for me. I can help with the dishes or draw my own bath,” Evangeline protested.
“No, no, you sit. We will do this.” Selena escorted her to the parlor and directed her to one of the floral chairs. Evangeline held her protests as Selena placed her feet on a matching footstool. The housekeeper stood and gave her a nod of satisfaction before heading toward the kitchen.
Secrets & Charades Page 6