Secrets & Charades

by Cindy Ervin Huff

  Jake motioned to the chair beside him. Cookie stared at the menu.

  “I want to speak to Mr. Marcum in private. It will only take a few moments.”

  “Speak your mind, Farley, or wait till we’re done eatin’.” Jake snapped. “Cookie’s mighty hungry, and I don’t think he should have to wait.”

  “I’ve come to inform you I am taking possession of your ranch. I’ll give you thirty days to vacate the property.”

  “Farley, what kinda crazy talk is this?” Jake’s laugh was cut short by Farley’s sneer.

  “I have been inquiring as to the details of how you took possession of the Double M.” Farley’s speech was haughtier than usual, and Jake wanted to dump his coffee on the cream-colored suit.

  Cookie slammed the menu down on the table. “Everyone knows Ben willed the ranch to Jake. No mystery there. What you tryin’ to pull?”

  “Unfortunately for you, the will was not legally filed. I have been in contact with his brother, Lord Byron Mitchell or rather, McKay. He has agreed to sell me your ranch for a fair price.”

  “You liar!” Jake’s voice rose along with his tall frame, knocking over the chair. Patrons at the adjoining tables stared. Righting the chair, he gripped it hard and spat out his words. “You will take my land over my dead body … if I don’t put you in the ground first.”

  “And you, a Christian man.” Sarcasm oiled Farley’s words. “You prove once again every man has a price.”

  “A price?”

  “To sell his soul to the Devil. Yours is your land.” Farley rose and straightened his fancy jacket. “You have thirty days.” He placed a large envelope on the table before leaving.

  “He’s bluffin’, right?” Cookie asked.

  “Probably, but we’re gonna have to go through these papers to be sure. Must have been what he was doin’ all those days he left the drive.”

  “You gonna open it?”

  “Right now I’m goin’ up to my room to pray.” Jake’s appetite was gone.

  “Don’t let Farley get to you. The man’s a cheat and a liar.”

  “He’s right, though, the Double M could be a mighty temptation to take matters into my own hands.”

  As Jake turned to go, Cookie abandoned the menu. Together, they headed to Jake’s room.

  ***

  Jake stared at the sunset out the window of his hotel. Cookie had been gone for an hour. The prayer time had calmed him, and his friend’s reminders that God is in control lifted his spirit. Cookie had returned to the restaurant to eat, but Jake still had no appetite. He lit the lamp to read the letters from home. He laughed as he read Juliet’s description of Dog trying to herd the horses in the corral on his three legs. Juliet was becoming quite a good writer. Evangeline’s letter filled him in on Isabel’s recovery and preparation for her journey to Hardyville. The last line caught his attention.

  I do not know if you have read my journal yet. I am praying God will use it to help you sort out your feelings for me.

  Jake removed the journal from his saddlebag. He loved her, and nothing from her past could change his feelings.

  July 12th, 1865

  Richard’s lack of compassion wounded me. How could he be so callous toward what happened when I was a mere girl of thirteen? Such a fraud. Upon hearing my story, he spoke kindly to me, saying it made no difference. The coward then sent his sister to deliver the news he’d wed another. He had agreed to an arranged marriage to a woman more suited to dreams of wealth. I am ashamed to admit I actually fainted. My soul is bitter and remorseful. My God is far from me. I wonder if He has ever been near. Therefore, I resolve to write upon these pages the whole story of my thirteenth year. If ever I give my heart to another man, he may read this and know the truth. If his love is true, it will not matter. How could it be otherwise?

  In truth, I fear if I do not write this account down on paper, it will fester in my soul for all eternity, and I will never be free of it. Somehow, I hope to find a way to make amends, but until then I will continue to hope God will return to me and bring His forgiveness.

  Jake read of a frightened girl sent to live with her wealthy relatives in New York to be taught how to be a lady. She wrote of her eagerness to please them and of her older cousins who loved to dress her up in fancy gowns. The first few pages described the innocence of a young girl preparing to take her place in the world as a woman. But as he read further, anger stirred within him.

  My cousins refused to accompany my uncle when he did business with Mr. Davis. To Aunt Dorothy’s credit, she was persistent in her efforts to dissuade my uncle from taking me along. Uncle Carl insisted all would be fine. He needed Mr. Davis to have a nice evening in order to close the deal. I have always wondered why he did not protect me. He left me with Mr. Davis while he spoke with an old friend. During that brief interlude, he whisked me away.

  Jake wanted to pummel her uncle for using this innocent girl to expand his business. Learning the details of the business associate’s actions sickened him. As he read on, the night shadows deepened. Seeing the woman he loved as a terrified young girl wrenched his heart. Several times, he placed the volume down, but he knew he had to finish it.

  Infuriated by the cover-up her uncle had insisted on, Jake threw the book across the room. He stewed for some time before retrieving it. His anger grew as he felt her pain of rejection and humiliation. His heart broke when he read how she cut off her beautiful hair in an attempt to rid herself of that man’s hands and his unspeakable deeds.

  There was a note to him on the last page.

  My Dearest Jake,

  God has done much healing in my heart since I was thirteen. He has healed both my heart and my mind. I still mistrust myself and, of course, men in general. But by God’s grace, I know I can learn to trust you.

  God has taken the hate from my heart for Uncle Carl and Prentiss Davis, freeing me to open my heart to love again. My uncle died last year. Enclosed you will see the letter begging my forgiveness. I forgave him when I let Jesus heal the hurts and fears buried inside. I know God has forgiven his greed and has received him into heaven. Over the years, Aunt Dorothy and my cousins Ida and Rowena have corresponded with me. Each has taken Jesus as Savior and found joy in serving Him. This brings me a measure of comfort. As for Prentiss Davis, he has gone before the judgment seat of Christ, and I leave his eternal fate in my heavenly Father’s hands. As for the child I was forced to give away, my heart longs for him every day, and I pray that one day we might be reunited. That, too, is in the Father’s hands.

  I hope this journal has helped you understand. God has used the difficulty in putting these events on paper to begin my healing process. I am praying you find it in your heart to forgive my past and love me for the woman I am now.

  Your wife,

  Evangeline

  Jake closed the journal, blew out the lamp, and lay exhausted on the bed. Thoughts of Evangeline flooded his mind.

  She was betrayed, abused, humiliated … and there was a child.

  An intense desire to be with her overwhelmed him. Now he understood those times when she seemed warm and affectionate only to suddenly turn cool and stiff. Even now, Jake could feel her gentle fingers removing stitches from his head. He had felt foolish when first taking the lace handkerchief, but as he pulled it from his pocket and breathed in the lavender scent, the small cloth brought her close. He longed to run his fingers through her thick hair.

  A vision of her joyous smile when he uncrated the sewing machine brought with it a resolve to do everything in his power to make her happy.

  “God, help me love her as she deserves to be loved. Increase my patience. I need your grace to wait for her to come to me. This day has brought more heaviness than one man can bear. The ranch— my wife—whatever the future holds—I give it to you. I can’t do this on my own.”

  Jake prayed until sleep overcame him. The words of the previous night echoed in his mind. The Lord protects the righteous and hears their prayers.

  CHA
PTER 31

  Dog’s persistent barking alerted the household to Jake’s return. Evangeline peered out the window as he raised Juliet in a swinging hug and planted a kiss on her forehead.

  Her eyes took in his haggard, dusty appearance and stubbly chin. He looked wonderful to her. She longed to run to him and bury her face in his chest, but fear froze her in place. Perhaps there would be no smile for her. His telegram had said he was headed home early. There was no explanation or words of affection in the small missive. But Jake was frugal, and telegrams were expensive. Did he keep it short in case Cordelia read it? Did his early arrival mean he missed her, or did he want her gone before his crew returned home? Evangeline smoothed her dress as the happy pair headed toward her. Pulling her shoulders back, she stilled all the emotions his presence stirred within her.

  He was in the middle of answering Juliet’s questions. “Traveler rode on the train with me.”

  “You got him a ticket?”

  “No, he rode in an empty cattle car.” Jake chuckled, and the sound caused Evangeline’s heart to skip a beat. “Cookie and the others should be arrivin’ in a few days.”

  “How come they didn’t take the train too?”

  “They weren’t in as big a hurry as I was.” Jake’s voice sounded cheerful, giving Evangeline hope. He stopped at the porch steps and turned to look at Juliet. “You look like you’ve grown a head taller since I been gone.”

  Juliet hugged him hard once more. “I missed you so much. We prayed for you every day.” Smiling up at him, she loosened her hold. “Isabel’s here now.”

  “What do you think of her?”

  “She’s as nice as Artie, but better ’cause she’s a girl, of course. I’m so glad she didn’t really die. We been ridin’ every day since she got here. Isabel’s been workin’ on Aunt Evangeline to come with us.”

  “Has she now?”

  “Isabel has her talkin’ to Sage and groomin’ her so she won’t be afraid.”

  Evangeline warmed at the exchange between the two. Leave it to Juliet to tell all the secrets. As the two approached the door, she drew away from the window, her face aflame from eavesdropping. She hurried back to the kitchen and busied herself helping Selena.

  ***

  When Jake spotted Evangeline, she was setting the table for what looked like a dinner party. His favorite green dress hugged her curves and deepened her green eyes. “Darlin’, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a month.”

  “Cattle and cowboys are the only things you’ve looked at in the past month,” she said playfully, keeping her eyes on the table.

  Jake crossed the room in two steps, wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her thoroughly but gently. He held her for several moments, breathing in the lavender smell he’d come to love. “Woman, I’ve missed you.”

  “I’m so glad.” Her words were a whisper as she relaxed in his embrace.

  “If I were Artie, I’d be so jealous,” Isabel said as she entered from the parlor.

  Evangeline cast a pleading look at Jake. “I never mentioned anything to her.”

  “I’m a woman. We know these things. It was quite obvious how you felt, Jake. You gave Artie every disagreeable job on the place and sent him on wild goose chases at the far ends of the ranch.” Isabel’s laugh filled the room. “Welcome back, Boss.”

  “Sorry about all that.” Jake ducked his head as he shook Isabel’s hand. “I better get washed up. Need a bath and a shave, I’m thinkin’, to sit at such a fine table.”

  “No need. You look fine. You can bathe and change after you eat. I’m sure you are famished,” Evangeline said.

  “We all been workin’ on a special meal for you from one of Aunt Evangeline’s cookbooks. So hurry up and wash your hands.” Juliet ran to help Selena in the kitchen.

  ***

  “Cookie might be a bit jealous when he hears about this.”

  “I see the Señor was wise to come home early to his new wife and leave Cookie to tend to business.” Selena seemed even happier than usual as she brought in dishes of food. Evangeline followed with a large bowl.

  “I don’t know about wise. I feel a mite guilty, but not too much.” As he seated himself, he fixed his gaze on the woman he loved, taking in every movement as she fussed with the arrangement of the dishes on the table.

  Selena and Juliet brought in the remainder of the food. To Jake’s delight, Selena joined them at the table. “It is permitted, Señor?” she asked meekly.

  “Absolutely. It’s an honor, Selena. What other miracles has my wife performed during my absence?”

  Seeing the womenfolk grinning at each other made Jake even happier to be home. He led the blessing and then enjoyed every mouthful of the delicious meal. He amazed himself by having three helpings and two slices of cake that melted in his mouth.

  “The Señor enjoyed the chicken and dumplings, I see,” Selena said proudly. “I have not made them before. I worry you would prefer beef. But I can see how you love the chicken.”

  “And you’ve outdone yourself with this cake.” Jake scraped the last bit from his plate.

  “The Señora, she made it.” Selena smiled at Evangeline.

  “Darlin’, I had no idea you could bake.” Jake held up his empty cup. “I could sure use another cup of your fine coffee, Selena. It’s just not the same on the trail.”

  As they enjoyed their coffee, Jake’s description of the cattle drive brought a response from Isabel. “How I wish I could have accompanied you. It is my one regret in ending my greatest performance when I did.”

  “How can you say that?” Evangeline asked. “The whole trip sounded more harrowing than I would have cared for.”

  “Well now, Mrs. Marcum, I thought you came out west for adventure,” Jake said.

  “Believe me when I say I’ve had quite a lot of adventure right here at home.” Evangeline gave his hand an affectionate pat as she rose from her place. The women joined her in clearing away the remains of the meal. Selena took the last of the plates to the kitchen where Isabel and Juliet were doing dishes.

  Evangeline stood near the table, her hands smoothing back her hair as her eyes wandered around the room. “Do you want me to fill a bath for you?”

  “Not yet. Let’s sit a spell on the porch.”

  They settled on the steps, facing the setting sun and enjoying companionable silence. As the purple and red hues filled the horizon, Evangeline took his hand. “Did you read my journal?”

  “I did.”

  “Really?”

  “Why do you sound so surprised? It’s what you wanted.”

  “My past doesn’t upset you?”

  “It upset me plenty. I wanted to shoot those varmints. Fortunately for me, they’re already dead.” He stroked her hand, enjoying the softness of her skin. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever read. I wish I could have been there to protect you.”

  “Oh, Jake.” Her voice cracked.

  “Before I left, I knew I loved you and nothin’ in your journal was gonna change that.” Cupping her chin in his hand, he turned her head to look at him. “It did change one thing, though. I understand now that you been strugglin’ with everythin’ in you to overcome what happened.”

  “God has truly blessed me with an understanding man.”

  Jake placed a kiss on her lips that he hoped would prove just how much he did understand. “I promise, my love, to never hurt you. I can wait as long as you need me to. I want to love you the way you deserve to be loved, and by God’s grace I will.”

  After Jake bathed and put on clean clothes, he sat with Evangeline in the parlor. Her stiff posture and the way her teacup rattled against its saucer indicated some of the former awkwardness had returned. Her eyes no longer reflected the secret she held, but the moment for intimacy had passed. She set her cup on the table and looked concerned.

  “You look exhausted. Please go to bed and sleep as long as you need.”

  “I will, but first, there’s somethin’ I need to show you.” J
ake handed her an envelope. “I figured you could make more sense out of all this legal stuff.”

  She read through the pages as he waited. “If we didn’t know he was not who he says he is, this could be very disturbing. Let’s wait to see what the real Mr. Farley says about it.”

  “Have you heard from him?”

  “Yes, Horatio came out with a telegram this morning.”

  “When’s he comin’?”

  “He is waiting for the investigator to secure more evidence. He will send a telegram when all is ready.”

  “We can only wait and leave it to the Lord to work it all out.”

  “I agree.” Evangeline rose with the papers in hand. “Mr. Thomas Farley, or whatever his name is, makes my blood boil. He has some nerve trying to take your ranch. Surely, judgment is forthcoming.”

  The feisty side of Evangeline pushed the troubled side into the background. Jake loved the transformation. Her eyes flashed, and

  her hands moved to emphasize her words. Her strength buoyed his confidence. She stopped pacing and pointed in the air for emphasis. “Let’s not forget the scriptural exhortation to be anxious for nothing.”

  “And to pray about everything,” Jake finished. “That’s what we’re gonna do before I fall asleep in this chair.”

  CHAPTER 32

  Sleeping until midday helped, but Jake’s fatigue lingered. He stretched and glanced toward the pallet. His heart argued with his tired body about the time wasted in slumber that could have been spent with his wife. He ignored his aching muscles as he dressed, knowing it would take a few days to recover from his marathon ride. It had been worth it to spend those private moments together the night before.

  Jake combed his hair and took time to shave before he sought out Evangeline. He found Isabel at the table, assisting Juliet with her schoolwork. “I see you have a new teacher.”

  “Miss Isabel is much better too,” Juliet blurted out.

  “Don’t let your aunt catch ya sayin’ that.” Jake tried to sound firm.