“The idea of losin’ money is what I’m countin’ on,” Jake said.
“If the weather holds and nothin’ spooks the cattle, we should get there in two weeks instead of three. Suits my leg just fine.” Cookie shifted and slapped his leg with his hand.
“Best we hit the hay. Got a long day ahead of us.” Jake kept a slower pace with Cookie as the men headed to their bedrolls.
CHAPTER 29
Evangeline smiled as Isabel admired her new pink dress with full sleeves and a fitted bodice. Her rosy cheeks reflected her restored health.
“Evangeline, you spoil me. This is the third dress in as many weeks.”
“We must give you a traveling wardrobe. You can’t come back as Isabel Weaver with only the clothes on your back.”
“How do you find the time?”
“Anxiety works wonders at keeping my hands sewing. Hard work numbs my mind and helps me sleep a little at night.” She took out a simple lunch of cheese and bread.
“You needn’t worry about me. I have peace in my heart,” Isabel assured her. She set out two place settings and strawberry jam.
“I’m sure our plan to introduce Isabel Weaver will go smoothly.” Evangeline bowed her head as she blessed the food.
Isabel mentioned the dark circles under Evangeline’s eyes. “It’s Jake. You miss him.”
“Yes, I worry something could happen in the company of Mr. Farley. He is not who he says he is.”
“I am not surprised.”
“Really?”
“Well … it takes a fake to know a fake.”
“What made you suspicious?”
“While in my coffin, I overheard Farley mention selling his place to foreign investors. Don’t know who he was talking to, but the voice sounded familiar. Part of the craft of acting is paying careful attention to others’ speech patterns. It will come to me.”
“Why establish himself as king of the cattlemen only to sell out?” Evangeline pursed her lips. “Are you sure it was Farley you heard?”
“I’d know that voice anywhere.” Isabel’s imitation of Farley was near perfect.
“Here you are about to reappear as Isabel after fooling everyone into thinking you were Artie. Aren’t you afraid of being found out?”
“Of course, but good actors can fool any audience. However, my trust is in the Lord, not my own abilities. He will guide me in helping Amelia. I can trust Him to blind the eyes of anyone who may think something is suspicious. As long as I sound American, everyone will believe I am Artie’s elder sister.”
Evangeline longed to have Isabel’s confident trust when it came to Jake’s return. Her mind went back to Richard’s betrayal. The truth of her past had pushed him away. “Absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder.”
“What a strange thing to say. I imagine those words had no reference to my plight at all.” She rose to pour the steeped tea. “One lump or two?”
“You know I don’t take sugar in my tea.”
“I was referring to the beating you are giving yourself.”
“You can’t know—”
“He will, jolly well, care for you more, I’d wager.” Isabel set the full teacups on the table and took her place once again.
Evangeline remained silent.
“Dear one, what are you so worried about? Anyone can see Jake is a man in love.”
“There is a voice in my head telling me once Jake knows the truth, his feelings will change.”
“Evangeline, if you believe God has forgiven you, why do you insist on believing Jake will respond so differently?”
“I promised Jake would be the first to know the whole story.”
“I don’t know what this truth is, but as a man, he took my pretense in stride and has kept my confidence.” Isabel drew a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Evangeline. “Jake shared his testimony with the men one Sunday after I first arrived. He told us all the sinful things he had done and how the Lord had forgiven him, made him a new man. I am sure he will offer you the same grace the heavenly Father offered him.”
“Thank you, Isabel. I pray you are correct.” Father, I am trusting her words are from you. Concentrating on her tea gave a break in the conversation which she directed back to Isabel’s wardrobe.
“I am teaching Juliet to sew. She is making you a handkerchief and should finish it today. Selena helped me redo a bonnet, and I have a few dresses my sister gave me I will never wear. I have altered them for you.”
Isabel had a faraway look as she rose from the table. “When do I leave?”
“Tomorrow. Selena and Manny will come for you. You’ll hide in the wagon bed until they pass the Farley’s ranch, then on to Hardyville.”
Isabel’s voice dripped with melodrama. “There I shall board the stagecoach to Charleton where I will meet you as Isabel Weaver, Artie’s distraught sister.”
“Selena and Manny will visit with her cousin outside Hardyville for a few days before returning home. When you get to Hardyville, send a telegram to me so Mrs. Hanks will be expecting you.”
“Alerting the whole town to my arrival.” Isabel clapped her hands in delight.
“I hope to receive a telegram from Mr. Robert Farley soon. Ida had ample time to receive my letter detailing the action of the so-called Thomas Farley. Surely, the real Mr. Farley would want to come in person and deal with this matter.”
“I would think he would bring the law to deal with him as well.” Isabel took her place at the table again and nibbled on a piece of cheese.
Evangeline broke her cheese into small bits, no longer hungry. “Don’t you wonder how this imposter managed to fool a respectable and intelligent businessman?”
“After my experience with Prentiss Davis, I am not surprised at the lengths men will go to for greed.”
Evangeline froze. Hearing that name pulled her back to a time of tears, pain, and fear.
“What’s wrong, my friend? You’re white as a sheet.”
“How old is this Prentiss Davis?”
“Somewhere in his thirties. Do you know him?”
“Of course not.” The sharpness of her own voice startled Evangeline. She took a moment to school her emotions before speaking again. “No, the name reminded me of someone with whom I had an encounter long ago. He has since passed on.”
“Don’t let the evil from your past color your future.”
The words pierced Evangeline’s heart like a surgeon removing the last piece of buckshot from an old wound, allowing it to heal. She realized she’d painted her future with the same black brush of her past. The black dresses, the severe bun. Her whole demeanor had reflected her mourning over sin that God had taken from her long ago.
Cleansing tears began to wash away the guilt. Dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief, she felt joy rising up. Dare she allow it? Sadness had wrapped her heart like a shawl for so long. She ached to be the carefree person she knew herself to be deep inside. A smile spread across her face as the weight of her self-imposed punishment dissolved.
“Isabel, you are a wise woman of faith. You have no idea how much God has used you today to open my eyes.”
“I am humbled at your compliment. If you had not been here when this crisis occurred in my life, I am confident I would have been hanged. Without you, I would not be returning to my own life.” Isabel sat a little taller and held her cup with her pinky finger extended. “My next goal is to free Amelia. But unlike you, I have no plan or relatives back East to help me.”
Evangeline tapped her lips with her finger. “I have a plan.”
“When did it come to you?”
“As I heard your story, God reminded me how I could provide the funds necessary to release her. I had my bank in Missouri set up an account for me in Hardyville.” Excitement rose in Evangeline as her thoughts unfolded.
“In case your mail-order groom was less than desirable?”
“I may be bold to come to the West, but I am not foolish. While you are there, go to the bank
. I will give you a letter of introduction.”
“Will there be enough to redeem Amelia?”
“More than enough. I want you to withdraw all of it.”
Isabel’s brows shot upward. “All of it? I cannot take all your money.”
“Don’t worry, more is deposited every month. It will be replenished soon enough.” Evangeline’s heart was racing with the prospect of helping her friend.
Confusion was evident on Isabel’s face. “When you spoke of your family, I never got the impression they were wealthy.”
“They were not. I promise someday I will explain it to you. For now, trust me and follow my instructions. Together, we must trust the Lord to use the money to free your sister-in-law.”
Evangeline longed for Jake’s presence. Placing her head on his shoulder had become a source of safety for her. The ache in her heart for her husband was a new experience. Fear no longer held her paralyzed. She hoped when he returned she could explore these new feelings and see if God had placed His stamp of blessing on their union. She took Isabel’s hand. “My dear friend, I leave you to do whatever last-minute packing you need. When Selena comes tonight, she will bring the rest of your things.”
Isabel rose and hugged her tightly. “You are the sort of friend the Scripture speaks of who is closer than a brother. Thank you for being so faithful.”
***
Violet’s arrival was uncanny. She must have passed Selena and Manny on the road. Putting on her best smile, Evangeline opened the door and moved aside to let her neighbor enter.
“What a pleasant surprise. Please come in and have some tea. Have your driver make himself comfortable in the bunkhouse.”
Violet made no objection. “Evangeline, are we still friends?”
“Yes, of course we are.” She took note of the uncharacteristic attire—a simple day dress and bonnet. No one would take her for a woman of means.
“Good.” Relief filled her voice. “Thomas has forbidden me to leave the ranch while he is away, but I had to come.” Leaning toward Evangeline, she spoke quietly. “Can you tell if my baby is healthy? I’m worried.”
“Certainly.” Evangeline escorted her to the infirmary. After a thorough examination, she went to make tea while Violet dressed.
As Violet entered the parlor, the young woman’s face was etched with worry. “Is anything wrong?”
“No, I told you everything is fine. Please, sit down.”
“I feared your offer of tea was to prepare me for bad news.”
“You needn’t worry so much. The baby seems fine, but you are much too nervous, which is not good for either of you.”
“I am so afraid and so alone.”
Evangeline’s heart broke for the timid woman before her. Reaching up, she took Violet’s hand and pulled her down beside her on the settee. She suspected Violet was in the dark about her husband’s dealings. Getting away before she was confronted with the awful truth seemed the best course of action.
“I would suggest you go stay with your family back East until the baby comes.”
Violet wrung her hands. “I’m afraid that won’t do. Thomas would never approve.”
“Why not go for a visit? You could see a specialist there, and it would put your mind at rest. And if the doctor felt you should stay, well, surely your husband would not object to doctor’s orders.”
“Thomas has never let me visit my family since coming here. They are not in the same social circles.” Her face reflected anxiety as her eyes misted over. “For now you have set my mind at ease. I shall go home with a lighter heart. Thank you for being a true friend in my hour of need. Do come visit me soon.”
“I’m afraid it will have to wait until the men return. Jake left only a few men while he is away. I would feel wrong asking them to interrupt their work to drive me.” Evangeline patted Violet’s hand. “You are here now, so let’s enjoy the time we have.” She picked up the teapot. “Now was that two sugars and lots of cream?”
“Yes, please. You are very kind. How I wish we didn’t live in such a godforsaken place. I long for the city where it is safe to walk the streets. Perhaps I can stop by next week?”
“I have a visitor from Illinois coming. Artie Weaver’s sister.”
Violet’s face paled. “Perhaps I shouldn’t come. It could be awkward.”
“I think Isabel will be very forgiving. If you should decide to come, you are most welcome.” Evangeline had mixed feelings about future visits from her neighbor with all the drama afoot. But the poor woman needed a friend, especially now. “Violet, I would love to hear about your family. Have you written them about the baby?”
“No. Thomas would rather I not talk about them.” Violet stared at her hands in her lap.
“Well, I’m not Thomas, and I would love to hear about them.”
Violet appeared flustered. “Why don’t you tell me about your family instead?”
Trying not to look surprised, Evangeline smiled. “With pleasure.” She spoke of her brothers and sisters and told a few stories from her childhood. She could have sworn she saw envy in the woman’s eyes.
Violet left soon after, exacting a promise from her to visit as soon as the men returned.
Evangeline gathered up the tea things and took them to the kitchen, wondering about her visitor. What social circles kept Violet from her parents? And why would Thomas Farley marry outside his own social class unless even his marriage was a sham? Thinking back on previous conversations, Evangeline recalled that Violet’s comments often sounded memorized. Maybe Evangeline had misjudged her. Maybe she was almost as good an actress as Isabel.
***
Isabel exited the stage. “Mrs. Marcum, I presume.”
Evangeline tried not to laugh at the exaggerated greeting. “Miss Weaver, it is a delight to meet you. However, I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances.” Evangeline turned to Bo. “Please collect Miss Weaver’s things and take them to the wagon.” Bo tipped his hat at Isabel, not a sign of recognition on his face.
Mrs. Hanks stopped sweeping the steps of the Mercantile and called out loud enough for the whole town to hear, “Hello, Mrs. Marcum, how are you today? Who’s your visitor?”
“This is Miss Isabel Weaver from Illinois. She has come to inquire about her brother’s death. You remember our ranch hand, Artie Weaver.”
“Yes, I believe I do.” Mrs. Hanks paused and leaned on her broom as if she were trying to recall him. “You do resemble your brother a great deal.”
Isabel smiled but said nothing.
“We must be off, Mrs. Hanks. My husband returns in a few days. I received a telegram, but I’m sure you know that. I’m most anxious to get home.”
As Bo maneuvered the wagon along the main road, Evangeline followed her friend’s gaze toward Rose’s Place. Neither spoke their thoughts in Bo’s presence.
Isabel’s anguish showed in her eyes as she turned her face away from the saloon, but in moments, her face transformed to her new role. “My dear Mrs. Marcum, I do look forward to seeing the place where my little brother spent his last days and view his grave.” Her voice sounded more educated than Artie’s, but there was no trace of British heritage.
Lord, I believe this is going to work.
CHAPTER 30
Jake woke from his strange dream, almost forgetting he was on a cattle drive. This dream had no battle scenes. Instead, he stood on a hill overlooking his ranch as a black cloud overshadowed the house. It engulfed the outbuildings, growing in intensity to cover the land. Just as it was about to consume the ranch house, a voice from heaven spoke like loud thunder. “The Lord protects the righteous and hears their prayers.” The last vibrations of the celestial voice dissolved the clouds.
Jake was completely awake now. Leaving his bedroll, he found a place outside the camp where he could pray. “Lord, I don’t understand. Are you trying to tell me something? Give me wisdom.”
He walked and prayed as the night turned to dawn. Peace rested on him as he headed back to
camp. Not since he surrendered his life to Jesus had he sensed God’s presence so strongly. Whatever was coming, he knew God would take control.
Back in camp, he set his mind on the tasks at hand. They would have the cattle in the pens in Abilene today. Farley had disappeared again. Whatever the man was up to, Jake knew he needed to let God handle it.
Reflecting back on the cattle drive, Jake realized God had really kept all the men in His hand. Farley had been agitated by the path through Indian Territory but surprised Jake by not complaining about surrendering a few head of cattle to the Indians as payment. They lost fifty head in the swollen river and another thirty of the weaker ones to the elements.
The biggest problem had been the growing animosity between Farley’s men and the others. Farley’s men refused to help with any injured or lost cattle that didn’t have the Triple Diamond brand. The free-flowing whiskey Farley allowed definitely turned the river crossing into a nightmare. Quick thinking on Tony’s part had averted a stampede, and God’s peace had kept Jake through all of it. He knew his wife’s prayers were making a difference. By noon they should be herding the cattle into the holding pens and collecting their pay. He looked forward to the letter waiting for him in Abilene as Evangeline had promised.
***
Jake waited for Cookie in the hotel restaurant. A long, hot bath had soothed away the aches and fatigue of the trail.
Cookie sat down and squinted at the menu. “I’m hungry ‘nough to eat a bear. Can’t decide if I want roast beef or a nice leg o’ lamb.”
“Thought you were a cattle man,” Jake said in surprise.
“My folks were sheep farmers for two generations. I miss a good leg o’ lamb from time to time. ‘Sides, who’s gonna tell?”
“Certainly not me, friend. But I’d take beef over lamb any day. Ain’t nothin’ as good as a nice piece of beef.”
“‘Course, if you didn’t believe that, you’d be outta business.”
“Absolutely.”
Their pleasant exchange turned to silence as Thomas Farley approached. “Mind if I sit down?” He was dressed in a cream-colored suit with a red satin vest.
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