Secrets & Charades

by Cindy Ervin Huff

  “Might I suggest we kill me?” Artie stood against the open door in the oversized nightshirt, sweat pooled on her pale brow.

  “What are you doing up?” Evangeline led her back to her bed as Jake followed.

  “I must say, things have certainly gotten lively around here since I’ve been convalescing,” she replied in a voice Jake did not recognize. As she reached her bed, she looked at him. “We have not been properly introduced. I am Isabel Hawthorne Weaver.”

  Jake stifled a grin. “And where do you hail from, Miss Weaver?”

  “From London, actually.”

  “London?”

  “The Hawthornes are a well-known theatrical family. We brought our acting troupe to the colonies. We performed predominately in New York and Massachusetts.”

  Evangeline covered her with the blankets. “How did you end up out here?”

  “I fell in love with an American. Arthur Weaver was a minister, which shocked my family. We were only married a short time before the war broke out. He served as a hospital chaplain. Diphtheria took him from me.” Her brief biography was delivered as if she were the narrator of a play.

  “I’m so sorry, Isabel,” Evangeline said.

  “After that, I attached myself to his family and came west with them. They loved the Lord, and I wanted to follow the faith I had come to know.”

  “Why dress like a man?” Jake asked, still trying to deal with the reality of the situation.

  “The Weavers’ homestead did not do well. Savages murdered my in-laws. My sister-in-law made the acquaintance of an unsavory character who loaned us money to get back on our feet. Amelia was smitten with him. He promised to establish her in business if she came with him to Charleton.” Isabel laid her head back, looking exhausted.

  “You really should rest.” Evangeline finished tucking her in.

  “I will, but let me finish my soliloquy.” Isabel gave a little smile as she took in a deep breath. “I stayed behind to settle our accounts, Amelia came to Charleton, and, of course, that scoundrel had lied. He told her she needed to repay the money he loaned us and forced her to work at Madame Rose’s establishment. When I didn’t hear from her, I came to investigate but had to disguise myself to get close.”

  “You came as a man so this evil person would not know you?” Evangeline asked.

  “I needed a disguise that gave me access. I donned a red wig and mustache and posed as a peddler. Once I found Amelia, it was hard to persuade her to let me help. Her shame kept her from seeing me at first. She believes God will not forgive her, and she is doomed to hell.”

  “You mentioned you could make more money working as a ranch hand,” Evangeline recalled.

  Jake’s head was spinning, but things were beginning to make sense. “So you took on another disguise and came to work for me.” It was a statement more than a question.

  “I am dreadfully sorry for the deception, Mr. Marcum.” Isabel shivered as she pulled the blanket up to her chin.

  “Well, considerin’ the situation, I see why you done it.”

  “I often go to visit her, usually as the peddler, but on occasion as Artie.”

  “Is that where you were the night before you found the cattle rustlers?” Evangeline asked.

  “Yes. Amelia needs to see me at least once a week. I hadn’t been there in two. I took a risk and got back about midnight. I’m the only one who can protect her.”

  “It’s understandable why you didn’t go to the law,” Jake added.

  “I suppose you are going to tell me the owner of Rose’s Place owns the law here, as well.” Evangeline’s expressive eyes and deep furrowed brow reminded Jake his wife was a woman of action.

  “Let’s just say places like Rose’s have a lot of support out here. The sheriff isn’t going to stir up trouble over one woman’s complaint.”

  Evangeline’s shoulders sagged. “Then what do we do?”

  “You can kill me,” Isabel said without flinching.

  “I swear, all women must be insane by nature.” Jake began pacing.

  “Perhaps she has the right idea.” Evangeline’s declaration broke through Jake’s musings.

  “I assume you gals don’t actually mean killin’-killin’. More like play-actin’.” Jake feared these women, in their desire to find a solution, had lost all touch with reality.

  “I propose we play the Juliet death scene.” Isabel’s smile was weak.

  “What are you talkin’ about?” Jake was more confused than ever.

  Isabel raised up on her elbows as a spark of excitement danced in her eyes. “From Romeo and Juliet. I assumed your niece was named after the character from Shakespeare’s play.” A dramatic sigh escaped her lips. “Juliet arranges with the priest to take poison that gives her the appearance of death so she can revive and run off with her lover. The only flaw in her plan was no one had told Romeo. It was all rather messy.”

  “What you’re sayin’ is Evangeline gives you some kinda poison, and after everyone sees you dead, you revive.”

  “Yes. I reappear as myself and rescue dear Amelia.”

  “This is crazy.” The women stared at him as he took his second lap around the small room. “But I can’t think of nothin’ better.” What was it about Evangeline’s deep green eyes and Isabel’s confident smile that sucked the common sense right out of him?

  Evangeline had an odd look on her face. “I am familiar with belladonna, hemlock, and a few others. I doubt a small dose would do the trick, and I don’t care to take a chance. Opium, laudanum, even chloroform have distinctive odors. I am not comfortable with experimenting with your life.”

  Isabel looked first at Evangeline then Jake, tears pooled in her eyes. “Mr. Marcum, I truly am sorry for all the trouble I have caused.”

  “Don’t you worry ’bout it none, Mrs. Weaver. You rest now.”

  As he and Evangeline left the room, Jake closed the door behind them and sent up a silent, urgent prayer.

  Father, we need wisdom.

  ***

  Jake stood by, feeling helpless as Evangeline sat on the floor of their room perusing her medical books and lecture notes, all to no avail. His inability to make things right was hard to swallow. He reached a hand to help his wife to her feet.

  “Now what?”

  “Prayer, something we should have been doing all along.”

  As they prayed together and committed the situation to the Lord, a sense of God’s intervention settled over him. Handing the last medical journals to Evangeline, he caught a glance out the window and saw a cloud of dust headed toward the ranch. “Looks like Cookie and Selena will be here soon.”

  “I’ll take that.” She held out her hand.

  He fingered the leather cover before handing it to her. “When you gonna forgive Juliet for readin’ your journals?”

  “I already have.”

  “It’d be good to tell her. She’s been miserable the last two days.”

  “Well, I must admit I hoped she would be. I’ll speak to her this evening.”

  “She thinks she’s committed the unforgivable sin.”

  “If I hadn’t been such a nosey girl myself growing up, I might have considered it unforgivable.” A mischievous smile formed on his wife’s face.

  “I can’t imagine you bein’ a nosey girl.”

  “Someday I’ll let you read the journal I wrote when I was twelve.”

  Jake headed to the door with Evangeline on his heels. Cookie and Selena entered the house, along with the Wongs.

  Mae bowed. “Mrs. Marcum, your house is beautiful. You are truly an artist.”

  “Thank you. But I know you did not come to admire my drapes.”

  “No, my father has come to care for Mrs. Weaver.”

  Jake’s eyes followed Evangeline’s as she glanced at Selena and Cookie.

  “Many women come from China dressed as men to meet their husbands. It is illegal for Chinese women to immigrate here.”

  “How long have you known?” Evangeline asked.


  “Since the first day she came into town. We provided her with the men’s clothes and the padding. I told her about you, Mr. Marcum. I knew a job with you would be safe. You are a good man, and everyone praises the Double M as an honorable place to work.”

  “Well, that explains a lot,” Jake remarked.

  “My father admires Mrs. Weaver’s courage and wants to offer assistance.”

  This was getting crazier by the minute, and Jake wondered how many others knew Artie’s true identity.

  ***

  “Is she dying?” Mae inquired as Evangeline directed them to her makeshift infirmary.

  “Quite the opposite. I fear the hangman’s noose for her.”

  The others remained outside as Evangeline and the Wongs entered the small room. Evangeline gently touched Isabel’s shoulder. “You have company.” She turned to Mae. “As you can see, she is far from well.”

  Mae and her father approached the bed. “Mrs. Weaver, how are you?”

  “Doing nicely, considering the state of affairs. So good of you to come.”

  Mr. Wong spoke in Chinese as he checked her wound. “My father says you will be well very soon. He has something to help your blood restore.”

  “Tell your father he must give me something to kill me for a few days.”

  Mae’s confused expression wasn’t lost in translation. Mr. Wong smiled as he pulled a bottle from his box. “This very special,” Mr. Wong instructed in English. “This very good for two-day dead.”

  “My dear friend, you are full of surprises. I feel like I am in a melodrama.”

  “Are you sure this is safe?” Evangeline examined the tiny amber bottle. “What is it?” Father, is this an answer to our prayers?

  “Something my grandfather created to save a friend from an evil warlord. Do not worry, Dr. Marcum. Tell her it is safe, Father.”

  The old man nodded vigorously. “Only if you do as I say. Two drops on the tongue. One you sleep a little. Three, you may die. Four or more, you dead.”

  “How will she look?” Evangeline’s stomach knotted as the plan came together.

  “Sleep of death,” Mr. Wong answered simply.

  “How long before the drug takes effect?”

  “A little time. You get very sleepy first.” Mr. Wong picked up his box. “We go back to store now.”

  “Are you sure you can’t stay for tea?”

  Mae bowed again. “No, my father rarely leaves the store. He fears robbers.”

  “Cookie will take you home.” As soon as the Wongs left the room, Evangeline turned to her friend. “When do you want to die, Artie Weaver?”

  “Not just yet. I need to say good-bye to my friends.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Evangeline took Juliet aside before dinner. The girl’s remorseful look tugged at her heart. “I want you to know, young lady, I am not mad at you.”

  Juliet’s face lit up as she reached to hug her aunt, but Evangeline held up her hand. Juliet placed her hands in her lap and stared at them, waiting.

  “I understand how tempting it was for you. But I must say, I am terribly disappointed. I do not appreciate your taking my things without asking.”

  Tears formed in Juliet’s eyes. “I am so sorry. You do forgive me, don’t you?”

  “Of course, and you do promise to stay out of my private things?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I promise to never read them journals ever again … unless you tell me to.” Juliet ended her declaration with a bear hug.

  Evangeline rocked her niece as the hug came to a close. “I’m sorry we didn’t have this talk sooner. Now, let’s go have dinner.” Juliet took her hand as they walked to the dining room. She kissed Juliet’s head, savoring the child’s new happiness but knowing it would be short-lived. Guilt tugged at her heart.

  ***

  Jake and Cookie joined the family at the table. “We’re gonna need more help before the cattle drive. I’ll go into town tomorrow and put out the word. We should get a few extra hands by week’s end.” Jake turned to Juliet. “Would you like to come with me?” He was anxious to have her away when Artie died.

  “Really? Can I? Can Manny come too?”

  “If he wants to.”

  Jake worried about crushing Juliet’s joy. The child seemed oblivious to the silence around the table. She carried the conversation about Dog and her day’s activity with little more than an occasional comment to spur her on to her next topic. Everyone appeared to be waiting for someone else to interrupt Juliet to set the stage for tomorrow.

  Cookie began the ruse. “How’s Artie doin’?”

  “Artie has requested to see his friends to say good-bye.” Evangeline’s tone was sad.

  Juliet stopped her fork midway to her mouth and looked from one adult to another.

  “So Artie’s end is near?” Cookie’s voice had just the right amount of sorrow.

  The sound of Juliet’s fork hitting her plate caused Evangeline to jump. Jake had to press his lips together to keep from smiling. This was going better than he thought it would.

  “I shall miss him,” Selena added as she brought in the dessert.

  “I don’t know how you all can eat pie at a time like this,” Juliet cried as she ran outside and sat on the porch with Dog.

  “Let’s move to the other room so little ears do not hear,” Selena suggested.

  The group took their dessert and coffee to the parlor before Jake doubled back to check on Juliet. “She’s headed to the barn,” he said as he settled into his favorite chair. “So the plan is to do this tomorrow for sure?”

  “I suppose so. Tomorrow gives us time to have a funeral before the cattle drive.” Evangeline placed her plate with her untouched pie on the small table.

  Jake did the same. “It would. Reckon we should invite the Farleys to the funeral?”

  Evangeline gave a slight shiver. “Do you think they will come?”

  “By the gossip in town, everyone plans on comin’.” Cookie frowned as he stirred his coffee. “This is quite the sideshow for the town folk.”

  “Everyone wants to see the bandito.” Selena muttered something in Spanish under her breath. “It must be done or there will be suspicion.”

  The room fell silent as the extent of their charade hit them.

  “Speaking of town, Cookie, did you get my telegram sent?” Evangeline asked.

  “Yes, ma’am. It was a trial with Mrs. Hanks there, but Selena asked to look at a few expensive lamps. You know Cordelia Hanks can’t resist money. It gave Horatio time to send it, and I took the telegram and receipt from him. He promised to bring out the reply as soon as it comes.”

  “You did make it clear there is no money if the contents are revealed.”

  “You betcha. He wants that twenty dollars.” Cookie cackled as he took a bite of pie.

  “What telegram cost twenty dollars?” Jake almost dreaded the answer.

  “I promised Horatio twenty dollars if he could bring me the answer to my telegram and not let his mother know about it.”

  “You really think she will not find out, Señora?”

  “I’m hoping so.” Evangeline started stacking cups.

  “What’s the big secret?” Jake tried to keep his tone even.

  “I sent a telegram to my Cousin Ida. Mr. Farley remarked he knew my Uncle Carl. I want to know what she knows about him or if he is merely name dropping.” Evangeline’s usual confidence seemed strained.

  “Good idea, I guess.” Jake made a mental note to ask his wife about her Uncle Carl later. Farley was becoming way too involved in his business.

  “Did the package arrive?” Evangeline asked Selena.

  “Yes, I will get it now.”

  “I hope you will not be upset over this purchase, Jake,” Evangeline remarked as Selena brought the brown paper package to her. “Please, go try these on.”

  Jake knew his face must have registered surprise, but without comment, he took the package and disappeared. Viewing himself in the bedroom mirror a
few minutes later, he felt both shame and appreciation. He’d sacrificed buying the needed chaps, work pants, and boots in order to purchase the sewing machine for his new bride. It shamed him that she’d paid his bill, thus paying off her gift. And now this.

  “Well, Jake,” he spoke to his reflection, “you can be ornery or you can be thankful.”

  Admiring the fine new duds, he decided there were more important things to worry over. Taking a few minutes to change into one of the new shirts, he gave his reflection one more look before exiting the room.

  “Oh my, you do look dashing. That new shirt fits nicely.” Evangeline stroked the sleeve and smoothed down his collar, prickling the hair on his neck.

  Seeing the pleasure on her face, he wondered why he had wasted so much energy fuming about the shirts she’d made for him. His thick skull was finally grasping the notion his wife loved doing special things for those she cared about. He hoped there was more than just care for him in his future.

  “Do the boots fit comfortably?” She pressed the toe of the boot.

  “Yes, indeed they do. I got some time to break ‘em in before the cattle drive. How’d you know what to buy?”

  “Artie—I mean Isabel—helped me order a few weeks ago. Mr. Hanks recommended the boots.”

  Jake strutted around the room. “I never had such fine boots before.”

  “You aren’t going to scold me for buying them?”

  “Just don’t buy such expensive boots in the future.” Even if it is your own money. “They’re just gonna get covered with trail dust and stable muck.”

  “You need a pair of Tony’s silver spurs for them fancy boots.” Cookie laughed at his own remark.

  “That’s one thing I won’t be needin’.” Jake pointed to Evangeline as he sat back down. After a few minutes of light-hearted banter about his boots, his voice took on a more serious tone. “How we gonna play out Artie’s death?”

  “I got an idea, Boss.” Isabel appeared, once again addressing them in her Artie-voice.

  “Why do you insist on getting out of bed?” Evangeline scolded. “Juliet might see you.”

  “I know exactly how Artie will die.” She took the chair Cookie offered her. “I promise to go back to my sick bed and be your obedient patient after I tell you the parts you shall all play in my little drama.”