“She’s the one said it first.”
“As I mentioned before, I taught school. This has been delightful,” Isabel said.
“Where’s my wife?” Jake started for the kitchen.
“Violet sent Javier around for her.”
Jake said nothing.
“I can see by your confused look you had no idea Mrs. Farley is with child.”
“Aunt Evangeline went to check on her,” Juliet added. “She sent a driver ’cause Aunt Evangeline told her we was too shorthanded to have someone drive her over.”
“Miss Juliet, you are a fountain of information.” Jake reached over and yanked her braid. “I brought you somethin’. Wanna see it?”
“‘Course I do.” Juliet opened the small box he set on the table. She held up a delicate silver chain. “It’s beautiful. It’s for Ma’s locket ain’t … I mean, isn’t it?”
“Yep, I think you’re old enough to wear it now—for special occasions anyway.”
Juliet kissed Jake’s cheek, then ran to get the locket. On her return, Jake helped her with the clasp. “Thank you. I’ll take really good care of it. Lookee here, Isabel, there’s pictures of my ma and pa inside.” She opened the locket to show her friend.
“Isn’t that wonderful?” Isabel gave her pupil a warm smile. “Enough studying for today. Go finish your chores, and perhaps we will ride again after dinner.”
As Juliet started to gather up her books, Evangeline came in carrying her black bag.
“How’s Mrs. Farley?” Jake greeted her with a kiss, and she gave him a playful swat on the arm.
“Physically, she is perfectly fine, but I’m very worried about her emotional state.”
“Did you try persuading her again to go back East to her family until the child is born?” Isabel asked.
Evangeline handed Juliet her slate. “Do you have your chores finished?”
“No, ma’am, but I will. Look what Uncle Jake brung, I mean, brought me. A chain for my mama’s locket. Ain’t … I mean, isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it certainly is.” Evangeline admired the locket before hugging Juliet. “Now, put it away in your room and do your chores. Those chickens won’t gather their own eggs.”
“The chickens won’t gather their own eggs. You are so funny.” Juliet giggled before she scampered away.
“That’s another thing I love about you,” Jake said. “Now, tell me about Mrs. Farley.”
The women shared the details of Violet’s pregnancy and her husband’s strange reaction.
“What kind of man wouldn’t let his wife visit her own people if she felt the need?” Jake said in disgust.
“That’s not the only odd part. After you went to bed last night, I connected Farley’s papers with something Isabel told—”
Isabel interrupted. “Farley said some interesting things over my dead body. He plans on selling his land to investors. I think he might have some connection with Amelia’s dilemma.”
“Explains why he’s goin’ after my land. It’s rumored Farley has some connections with Rose’s Place. He owns several businesses in Charleton, but the saloon don’t fit with his upstandin’ image.” Jake raked his hair back with his fingers, and Evangeline reached up and smoothed a lock that fell back over his eye. His irritation melted with her touch, but her hand moved away as fast as it had appeared, leaving Jake wishing she hadn’t started her pacing.
“Perhaps I’m overreacting, but it seems Violet might be using a false identity too. As long as we talk about trivial things, the conversation feels ordinary. But as soon as we talk about her family, everything becomes vague and confusing, like she’s trying to hide something.”
“I thought perhaps she might be ashamed of her family,” Isabel said.
“Today, it seemed like she had forgotten her story. Before, she mentioned her family lived in Boston. Today, she said Illinois. I didn’t press the matter.” Evangeline stopped pacing and nervously tapped her foot.
“Sounds like we have a fine mystery on our hands.” Isabel’s eyes sparkled. “It would make a wonderful play.”
Evangeline grinned. “Only you could find a silver lining in our trials.”
“Indeed. I think I would like a spot of tea.” Isabel excused herself from the room.
Jake grabbed his wife’s hand as she began pacing again, pulling her into his lap.
“Jake, please,” Evangeline said but did not resist.
“I brung you somethin.” He opened the palm of his hand.
Evangeline gasped at the mother-of-pearl cameo. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She pinned it to her blouse. “So lovely.” The peck on the cheek she offered in appreciation left Jake wanting more. Before he could turn her face for a more thorough kiss, Isabel returned with a tray.
“I brought you some coffee.” She poured Jake a cup, but her smile disappeared like the grains of sugar in a hot cup of tea when her eyes rested on him holding his wife in his lap.
Jake felt Evangeline stiffen under his caress but couldn’t resist kissing the back of her neck before releasing her. She quickly stood, twisting her shoulders in response to the kiss. He picked up his coffee while she took the chair beside him, sorry he had embarrassed their guest. “Yep, need to stay awake till it gets dark. Otherwise, I’ll be up in the middle of the night. My whole body aches like a wagon run over me.”
“When do you think the others will get here?” Isabel asked.
“In a few days, but they may be movin’ slower. Cookie was feelin’ poorly.”
“I put some laudanum in the medical bag. Didn’t he use it?”
“Till someone stole it the day after he used it.”
“How awful for him.” Evangeline fixed Jake with a disapproving look. “How could you leave him behind if he was feeling poorly?”
“Insisted I come ahead. ‘Sides, he don’t like being treated different ’cause of a bum leg.”
Evangeline wrinkled her nose before picking up her cup. “Did you find out who stole it?”
“We figured it was Bart since he’d asked for some earlier. Cookie didn’t let on like he had any.”
“Did you confront the varmint?” Isabel asked, reverting to her Artie vernacular.
“Cookie did, but Bart denied it. I spoke to Farley. He denied any knowledge and claimed he would investigate, but if he let whiskey flow every night, he don’t care about stolen medicine.” Jake took another swallow of the hot brew.
Isabel fiddled with her napkin. “Is he always obnoxious on a cattle drive?”
“Never went before.”
“How is that possible?” Evangeline asked.
“When he came six years ago, the elder Mr. Farley’s foreman was still there. Troy Smith always headed the drive. Last year he up and quit. At least that’s the story. I figured he must’ve left town, but now I wonder. A man as capable as Smitty could’ve had a job anywhere in these parts. I’d a found a place for him myself.”
“Doesn’t Farley trust his new foreman?” Isabel asked.
“Griggs has got gunslinger written all over him. Half of Farley’s outfit seems cut from the same cloth.”
Evangeline appeared deep in thought as she traced the rim of her cup with her finger. “Soon, Farley and all his men will get what they deserve, and we will be done with them.”
Isabel agreed. “Speaking of being done with people, I want very much to be done with the evil man who has my dear Amelia.”
“Tony told me he was goin’ right to Rose’s Place before he even comes back to the ranch. He’s worried Rose ain’t kept her word.”
“I wish Tony had returned with you. But at least it will be soon.” Isabel looked troubled. “When can I go and redeem her?”
“Do you want to do this thing publicly or quiet-like?” Jake asked.
“Is there a way to do it quietly? We had discussed marching in there and paying off her debt—perhaps knocking over a few tables.” Bitter sarcasm tinged her voice. “Chase the men out of that den of iniquity.”
“Why n
ot let Tony handle it? He’s willin’ to pay to redeem her. Seems she made quite an impression on him.”
“That won’t be necessary. The interest on the debt is quite high now. Evangeline has given me the money to redeem her, and I think Amelia would be uncomfortable if a man paid off her debt.”
Jake felt his eye twitch at the mention of Evangeline’s money. “I can see your point. We’ll talk to Tony about it. Men are dumb as posts when it comes to understandin’ women.”
“Before Juliet comes back, I promised I would explain to Isabel about my bank account in Hardyville.”
“Bank account?” Jake tried not to appear as shocked as he felt.
“Did you read the letters in the journal?”
“Didn’t care to read what your uncle had to say.”
“But they explained about the blood money.”
Isabel looked confused. “Blood money?”
“Last year, my Uncle Carl died. My Aunt Dorothy sent me a letter explaining my uncle’s wish. He had calculated how much profit he had made from his association with Prentiss Davis and made that my inheritance.” Evangeline’s voice cracked, and tears coated her eyes. “The second letter was from my uncle begging my forgiveness.” She stopped to compose herself. “I didn’t want the money at first. But the last counsel my friend Fiona gave me was to keep it. Turn it into something redemptive. She said every time I used it for good, it would remind me of the blood Christ shed for me.”
Jake worked to keep his voice calm. “All this money is in a bank in Hardyville?”
“Well, most of it is still in a bank in New York, part of it in investments, I suppose. All I really know is money is deposited into my account every month. It became a bane to my existence back in Missouri once the neighbors found out I was an heiress.”
“Did anyone ever find out the truth behind the inheritance?” Isabel’s voice was sympathetic.
“I hope not. The fear of my shame being discovered weighed heavily in my decision to come here. Before we left Hardyville, I met with the banker I had contacted through my banker back in Missouri. I had an account set up in Hardyville because there is no bank in Charleton.”
“I understand why you never mentioned it till now. So the money in your petticoat is your dowry, and the money in the bank is your inheritance.” Jake repeated it to be sure he had it straight. The conversation he’d had with Farley accusing him of marrying for money pressed into his thoughts.
“Yes, the money sewn into my petticoat was my dowry from my grandmother. I want to use it to build up our ranch.”
“Your petticoat. How very clever,” Isabel said.
“As a nurse during the war, I had to keep people from stealing medicines. I created a petticoat with heavy, reinforced pockets.”
“You are clever and very caring, dear friend,” Isabel said. “Making you the perfect keeper of the blood money.”
“Thank you.”
Jake stood before his wife started pacing again. “How ’bout a walk around the ranch before dinner? I want to see what things need doin’.” The discussion of her wealth left a dry feeling in his mouth and an ache in his heart. Lord, you kept this secret from me because I am so prideful and pigheaded. Help me.
Evangeline took his arm. “I’d love to walk with you.”
Isabel started placing the cups back on the tray. “I’ll clear the table and help Selena prepare dinner.”
“She lets you in her kitchen too? Another miracle.” Jake chuckled and took his hat off the hook.
“Yes, and she is trying another recipe from that fancy cookbook. Sometimes the directions are confusing, so I translate them into Spanish for her.”
“I should have realized you speak Spanish. Artie did.”
“We don’t need her to translate for us, do we?” Evangeline winked mischievously.
“No, ma’am, we surely don’t.”
CHAPTER 33
One week later
Evangeline groaned in frustration as Violet Farley’s carriage pulled into the yard. There were so many things to attend to, none of which included a visit with Violet.
She met the woman on the porch, hoping to make it short. Jake would be home for lunch, and she didn’t want to be entertaining company. Since the cattle drive, their relationship had grown deeper, and she looked forward to the time they shared together. Jake’s men had returned, and time alone with her husband was precious.
Her neighbor immediately began applying her charm. “Please come with me. I am headed to town to buy baby things. I loathe shopping alone.”
“I have a houseguest. It would be impolite to leave her.” Evangeline hoped the excuse would satisfy.
“Bring Miss Weaver along. We can make a party of it,” Violet pleaded.
Evangeline went into the house to interrupt Juliet’s studies. “Mrs. Farley would like us both to accompany her on a shopping trip to buy things for her baby.”
“I think not. Juliet and I must press on. Please, don’t stay on my account. If you recall, today I go to collect Amelia.”
“Maybe I can dissuade her.” Evangeline found the porch empty. She feared she might have offended her troublesome friend by not inviting her in. Katie wasn’t here to lecture Evangeline on her lack of hospitality, and she preferred not to waste the day shopping.
She found Violet standing near her carriage. As she strolled closer, her mind filled with possible excuses she could give to discourage further pestering. Javier was inspecting the horse’s hoof, and Violet stomped her foot to emphasize her vexation.
“My servant says the horse has thrown a shoe.” The woman started to cry.
“We can always go another day.”
“No, it must be today. It took every bit of persuasion I could muster to get Thomas’ consent to go today. He was very cross with me. I doubt he will be so willing to give permission again.” Violet’s tears gave way to a very unladylike wailing.
A woman in Violet’s condition was prone to tearful outbursts, but this display reached epic proportions. Solomon came to the door of the blacksmith shop, and others stopped their various chores to stare.
Evangeline couldn’t believe the words coming out of her own mouth when she looked at Violet’s downcast expression. “Solomon can shoe your horse. Let’s hitch Sage to the wagon. She could use the exercise.”
***
Jake saw the dust from a lone rider as he left the stable. Several of the ranch hands stopped their trek to the bunkhouse to watch with him. One of the men walked toward the palomino as the rider dismounted—a tall, stocky man whose leathery skin most likely disguised his true age. Jake approached as the stranger extended his hand.
“Jasper Sims, U.S. Marshal.”
“Jake Marcum.” He shook the man’s hand. “You investigatin’ Thomas Farley?”
“Yes. Mr. Robert Farley should be here in a few days.”
“You expectin’ trouble?”
“Always expect trouble. This man has given me the slip on more than one occasion. It’s as if he knows I’m coming.”
“I don’t think he suspects this time.” Jake escorted Sims into the house.
“I hope you’re right.”
“Selena, please bring some coffee,” Jake called as they sat at the table.
Selena entered moments later with the coffee and two pieces of Evangeline’s cake.
“Sims, you’ll enjoy this. My wife makes some mighty fine cake. She’ll be sorely disappointed to have missed this meetin’. She’s shoppin’ with Violet Farley for baby things.”
“Her lead is why I’m here.” Sims sliced into the cake. “Congratulations are in order then?”
“Uh … no.” Jake felt his face warm. “It’s Violet who’s expectin’.” The idea of a child with Evangeline sent feathers tickling his gut. Jake worked to school his features. “Tell me what you have in mind. No, wait. Selena, call Cookie in.”
Cookie joined them immediately. “Should I fetch some of the other fellas?”
“Tony left with I
sabel a bit ago. Call Walters and Duke. I want some of my crew to hear the marshal’s plans.”
The others gathered in the room, and introductions were made. Sims outlined how the men could help by watching Farley’s place and questioning his crew. “Now that we have our plans set, I have to ask a question. How close is your wife to Mrs. Farley?”
“She feels compassion for Violet. The woman’s latched onto my wife. Seems to need her friendship, especially now.”
“The fact his wife is sneaking around behind his back could be used to our advantage. When are they expected back?”
“I worry. They should already be here by now.” Selena frowned from the kitchen doorway.
“I saw the carriage with the ladies on my way over here. I also saw two riders trailing them.”
Panic grabbed Jake’s heart as he looked at his men.
Duke jumped to his feet. “Boss, we’ll find the ladies. Don’t worry none.”
“I’ll get the wagon.” Cookie went to stand.
“No, Cookie, you need to rest your leg.” Jake ignored his friend’s protests. “I need you to stay here and pray, watch over Juliet. If the womenfolk show before we get back, send Manny after us. Walters, you get whoever is handy and head toward Farley’s place.”
Walters hurried out the door without a word.
“Duke, we’ll head toward town.” Jake tried to sound like he had things under control as he pushed down the fear in his heart.
As they headed to their horses, Sims joined them. “You’ll need a level head around.”
“Thanks.” Jake knew the man was right.
They were almost at the gate when Bo rode up. “Boss, I got a note for you.”
“Who’s it from?”
“Bart. He told me to bring it to you. Said he wanted to apologize for how he done acted.”
Jake read the note and handed it to Sims, who scrutinized Bo. “Where were you when you got this note?”
Bo turned to Jake and whimpered. “Mendin’ the north fence just like you asked me to. Why’s he lookin’ at me like that? I ain’t done nothin’.”
“Bart gave you a ransom note,” the marshal said.
“Ransom note?” Bo looked confused. “But he said—”
Secrets & Charades Page 24