Finally, she mumbled, “This is the time of day that Hannah takes a nap. I really don’t want to disturb her because she needs her rest.”
He was sure the woman was lying. He pushed her further. “Oh, I didn’t know she napped.”
“Oh, yes. With her condition, she tires easily.”
Jarrett wondered what the condition was, but he didn’t ask. “I see. Then I must not keep you any longer today. I’ll try to find time to return, but now I need to go make some arrangements about finding a place to eat my supper. I was looking forward to some good southern food and the place I chose at dinner was a disappointment.” He stood. “I’ll tell Mrs. Wilcox that you and Hannah are doing fine.”
“Wait.” Verbena touched his arm. He could tell she was afraid something profitable was about to get away from her. “Why don’t you come back and join me for supper? I’m sure Hannah will be able to join us, and you can meet her then.”
He was surprised at the invitation, but tried not to show it. “That sounds wonderful. I’d enjoy sharing a good home-cooked meal in your home. I’m not that fond of restaurant food.”
“Very good. Shall I expect you to return about six this evening?”
“Would it put you out if I came at seven? I need to meet with the business men to let them know I’m tied up tonight.” He asked this to see if his changing the time would upset her.
It didn’t. “Seven would be perfect.”
He smiled at her. “I’ll see you at seven, Mrs. Wedington. Thank you very much for the invitation. You’ve especially kind to invite me.”
She walked him to the door and he knew she was still watching when he drove the buggy away.
♥♥♥
Hannah sat at the small window in her room and watched the tall, handsome man walk in long, determined steps to the street and climb into the buggy. Though she couldn’t tell if he was handsome just by viewing him from the back, she was sure he was by the way he carried himself. She wished she could see his face. As she watched the man drive away, she wondered who he was and why he was visiting Aunt Verbena and even if he’d come again. If so, maybe she could meet him next time. Hannah wasn’t used to her aunt having male guests. Unless it was the doctor, or the preacher, or occasionally Mr. Phillips, it was a rarity for a man to come to the house. That was one reason this man intrigued her so, but she guessed she would never know anything about this stranger except that he was probably a good looking man.
Nobody she knew had indicated they suspected she’d ever noticed a man’s looks, but she had. It was her foot that was useless, not her eyes. Of course she kept this fact about herself as her secret. She wasn’t about to tell people how she wished she could meet a handsome man someday, because she knew they would laugh at her and say a crippled had no right to think such thoughts. Some people even thought that because her foot was crippled her mind was also, so how could they ever accept that she wished for a normal life like any woman?
Her door opened without a knock and she turned her wheelchair around. Verbena walked in. “I see you lollygagging at the window instead of finishing up Mrs. Calhoun’s second dress. You’ve had a week to work on it and you know she’s coming tomorrow to get it.”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s all ready with the exception of finishing the hem. I ran out of thread and was going to ask Tobias or Minerva to request some from you when they brought my supper.”
Her aunt grunted then said. “I’ll be having company for supper and you’re to join me. I’ll send Minerva up with some warm water. I want you to wash up and get out of that old faded dress. Put your best one on. The blue one you made from the one I recently gave you. You’ll also need to brush your hair and braid it or tie it back, or something. When you’re ready, I’ll send Tobias up for you. I want you to look respectable when my guest gets here tonight.”
Hannah couldn’t believe that she was being invited to have supper in the dining room with her aunt and a guest. It hadn’t happened in a long time that she’d been invited to eat in the dining room. And it had never happened with a guest. Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “May I ask who will be joining us?”
Verbena pursed her lips. “I guess I might as well tell you. You’ll find out soon enough. It’s a Mr. Jarrett MacMichael. Seems he’s friends with the man Drina married, and he came by to speak to us. I felt you should meet him so he could tell Drina’s husband you were well taken care of here.”
Hannah didn’t notice the fact that her aunt said she was well taken care of because she couldn’t help the excitement that she going to get to meet someone who had news of Drina. “Oh, how wonderful. I can’t wait to hear how Drina’s doing. I haven’t heard from her since she left.”
“According to Mr. MacMichael, she’s doing fine—so don’t start making a pest of yourself by asking him questions.” She paused and looked back as she was half-way out the door. “Now calm yourself down and start making yourself presentable. You look like a ragamuffin, and I don’t want him to see you like that.” The door closed.
It was all Hannah could do not to shout out loud when she found herself alone. She was going to get word about Drina from someone who actually knew her husband. Reminding herself to contain her enthusiasm so she wouldn’t get into trouble with her aunt, she rolled over to her dresser and picked up the hairbrush. If Aunt Verbena wanted her to look her best, then she’d do all she could to accomplish it. It was the least she could do since she was to be allowed to join her aunt and her guest at supper. She began to form questions in her mind. She wanted to ask just the right things so she could learn all she could about her sister and her husband. She smiled as she leaned over so she could see how her hair was shaping up in the unbroken corner of the mirror.
♥♥♥
When he left Verbena’s house, Jarrett decided he had time before supper to check on Burl Hamilton. Maybe a meeting with this man would go as well as the one with Verbena Wedington. As he came into the yard, he couldn’t believe how rundown the farm appeared to be. He reined his horse up and threw the bridle around the leaning hitching post near the front porch. At one time, the farm house had been lovely, but today it had shutters hanging at angles beside the filthy windows and there was a missing step leading to the sagging front porch. Several windows facing the wrap-around-porch were patched with some sort of heavy paper. He thought he saw someone peek out one of the windows, but when they didn’t come out, he wasn’t sure.
A scrawny hound dog came running around the edge of the porch. He growled and barked at the intruder. Behind him, a dirty farmer with a ragged pair of overalls and a floppy brown hat pulled over his eyes yelled, “What’re you doing here and what do you want?” In his right hand he had a shotgun.
Jarrett knew he had to be careful. This man didn’t look like he’d mind raising that gun and putting a bullet in anyone who he took a notion to shoot, including Jarrett. “I’ve come to talk to a man named Burl Hamilton. Is that you?”
“Who wants to know?” The dog continued to bark. “Shut up, dog.” The old man raised his leg and kicked the animal in the side. The pitiful looking hound ran off toward the woods whining. Another dog crawled out from under the porch and followed the hurt one.
“I’m Jarrett MacMichael.”
“That don’t tell me nothing. I never heard of you. Are you from the county?”
“No. I’m from Flagstaff, Arizona.”
“You the man Drina run off and said she was gonna get married to in Arizona?”
“No, but I know the man.”
“He ain’t sending her back here to me is he?”
“Not that I know of.”
“That’s too bad. I could use somebody asides Lulu to do some cooking round here.” He spit a stream of tobacco juice on the ground and let his gun relax. “Told the fool she should’ve stayed here where she had a decent home. At least until Lydia decides to leave that outlaw she married and come back where she belongs.”
“Do just you and Lulu live here, Mr. Hamilton?”
Burl shook his head. “Nah. I got a couple of maids and a butler just like that shriveled up old sister-in-law of mine. Not to mention the beautiful young wife that loves me more than anything.” His voice was sarcastic. “What does it look like? Seen anybody else around?”
Jarrett ignored the sarcasm. “What about your other child, Hannah? Doesn’t she live here with you?”
“Hell no! And she never will. I didn’t want her when I had her. I give her to her aunt when she was little. Ain’t seen her since, and don’t want to.” The man seemed to get a better grip on the gun. “What business is if of yourn, anyway?”
Jarrett knew he had to be careful. This man was unpredictable. “You’re right, Mr. Hamilton. It’s none of my business.” He laughed.
“Well, I’m tired of your foolish questions and there ain’t nothing else for you to talk to me about.” He raised the gun and pointed it at Jarrett. “Now, why don’t you jest get back on that horse and ride outta here afore I take a notion to shoot you?”
“I’m sorry I disturbed you, Mr. Hamilton, but I thought you might like to hear from your daughter, Drina.”
“Don’t care nary a thing about hearing from her. She weren’t worth much ’cept she’d put a decent meal together now and again. Let that cowboy she married put up with her stupid ways till she decides she wants to come back and cook for me.” He cocked the gun. “Now, git.”
“Yes, sir. I’m taking my leave.” Jarrett climbed on the horse.
“And don’t come back.”
Jarrett didn’t say anything, but he had no intention of ever returning to this farm. He figured he’d seen what he needed to and had gotten all the information he’d get from Burl Hamilton.
Chapter 3
Jarrett couldn’t believe his eyes when Tobias showed him into the formal parlor that evening. One of the most beautiful young women he’d ever seen sat on the settee with her slightly faded royal blue skirts billowing around her legs. The neck of her dress was scooped, and he noticed the smooth, white skin on her neck. Her long, luscious blonde hair was pulled back and tied with a ribbon matching the dress. Her blue eyes looked at him with interest. Though Jarrett was used to beautiful women, for some strange reason, this woman made his heart flutter.
He glanced away thinking this couldn’t possibly be the girl, Hannah, everyone was talking about. Or could it? If so, there was no way this lovely young woman needed anyone to look after her. Of course, he noted silently, there were probably a gaggle of young men who would like the job. If it wasn’t for his affair with Felicia at this time, he’d be there in the mob to assist this lady, too…and maybe he would be there regardless of Felicia.
Verbena stood and held out her hand. “Mr. MacMichael, I’m delighted you came. It’s a pleasure to have you join my niece and me for supper.”
Knowing he had to stay on Verbena Wedington’s good side, he took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “It’s my pleasure, dear lady. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you and meeting your niece.”
She grinned and nodded toward the settee. “May I present my niece, Hannah Hamilton?”
He was surprised at the revelation that this was the girl he’d been seeking, but he was able to hide his amazement. He took Hannah’s hand and kissed it lightly as his heart did another little unexpected flip. “I’m delighted to meet you, Miss Hamilton.”
“And I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. MacMichael.”
When she smiled at him, he could hardly believe the strange feeling that ran down his spine. This shouldn’t be happening. He was here to do a job. Not be stirred by a beautiful young lady. Though stirred, he was.
His thoughts were interrupted when a pretty, slightly rotund Negro lady came in with a tray. “Here’s the tea you requested, Miz Wedington.”
Verbena gave her a hard look. Jarrett knew the mistress wasn’t pleased that her maid spoke in front of a guest. It didn’t surprise him. From first meeting her, he’d already gathered Mrs. Wedington was stuck on correct protocol and demanded those around her use it at all times. She was also probably still stuck in the past when those of color were only slaves. It probably bothered her to have to hire them to work in her house now.
Verbena turned to him. “Please have a seat, Mr. MacMichael and Minerva will serve the tea.”
He chose a chair where he could observe Hannah Hamilton without it being obvious he was doing so. He needed to figure out why Wilcox thought this lady needed his help. Though, he didn’t mind giving that help, if it was necessary. In fact, he’d look forward to rendering it.
“Thank you,” he smiled and said when the maid handed him the filled tea cup. Jarrett didn’t particularly like tea and would have much rather had a cup of strong coffee or a stiff drink of whiskey to get him through this supper, but he would make do since he had no choice in the matter. He was on a fact-finding mission, and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that.
“I hope your meeting with your business partners went well this afternoon.”
“Yes, Mrs. Wedington, it was satisfactory.” He threw Hannah a smile and she returned it, then ducked her head as if she was embarrassed or afraid. He wasn’t sure which.
“My husband, Hector Wedington, was an astute businessman. I miss him so very much. He was always doing special things for me.” She waved her hand toward the marble statue. “For instance, he brought me that lovely piece of art when he returned from a business trip to New Orleans. He knew King David was my favorite Bible character and he wanted me to have the special remembrance. I cherish it, not only for its beauty, but because Hector was so thoughtful.”
Jarrett drew his attention back to the older woman. “That is a lovely piece and I agree it was very thoughtful of your husband to purchase it for you. More husbands should think of their wives in such a way.”
“Are you married, Mr. MacMichael?”
“No, ma’am. Not yet.”
“I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful husband when you meet the right woman.” She sighed. “God forbid if something were to happen to you, she’d always cherish your memory.”
Jarrett had no intention of marrying any time soon, but he didn’t tell Mrs. Wedington this. Instead, he asked, “Have you been alone long?”
“Almost seventeen years.” She sighed and gave him a crooked smile. “You would’ve liked Hector very much, Mr. MacMichael. You remind me of him.”
“You flatter me, but I appreciate you saying such a nice thing.” Was this woman actually flirting with him? To change the conversation, Jarrett turned to Hannah. “I’m sure you miss Mr. Wedington, too.”
Hannah looked a little scared, but then she shook her head. “I never met him.”
Before he could ask why, Verbena said, “My dear husband passed away before Hannah came to live with me.”
“I’m sorry.” He changed the subject because Hannah looked uncomfortable. “It does look like your late husband was a good businessman. You have such a lovely home. May I ask what type of trade Mr. Wedington was in?”
“I don’t mind at all. My husband was extremely judicious when it came to business. When he saw the war brewing, he was smart enough to invest in the right things. At first, he and his partner bought a small fleet of ships, then he bought stock in one of the companies that made buttons for uniforms, and I think he had something to do with the productions of gunpowder. I’m not sure what else he was involved in, but I’m sure there were other businesses over the years. Of course, the war was hard on many of us and we lost a lot of our material wealth. Yet, with Hector being so diverse with his investments, we fared better than most people.”
“I’m sure that was a blessing for you and your family.” Again, he glanced at Hannah. Why was she acting so nervous? He hoped it wasn’t because of him. He didn’t want to make the lovely woman upset in anyway.
“Of course it was. My parents were dead, but I had my sister, Ella. She stayed with Hector and me until she married Burl Hamilton. They had three children, all girls, and Hannah is the y
oungest. After her death, Hannah came to live with me as a small child. She’s like my own daughter.” Verbena set her tea cup in the saucer and placed it on the table. “Now, Mr. MacMichael, I’ve told you about my life and I’d like for you to return the favor.”
Now what was he going to do? Tell her the truth about himself? He didn’t think that would serve his purpose since he knew he wasn’t a very interesting person. He’d followed his father’s footsteps and became a rancher for a short time. For some reason, the profession hadn’t taken with him, and he decided to become a lawman. For a while he worked as a marshal, but he didn’t like the rules, though he did like the part of tracking down a criminal. It was then he decided to go in business with his twin brother, Everett. Five years ago, the MacMichael & MacMichael Detective agency was born.
Instinct told him Verbena Wedington wouldn’t be impressed with this story, so he decided to do what he called improvising.
Taking a breath he said, “I’m afraid I’m not very interesting, but I’ll tell you some of the highlights. There were two boys in my family. I was the youngest, and as lots of families, we were considered part of the poor working class. One day my brother, Everett came home from school with a bloody nose and a broken arm. He had taken a biscuit with nothing but butter on it for lunch and some of the boys made fun of him. They told him his mother didn’t care enough to give him a good meal and they made him cry. Of course, he fought with them, and lost. Dad was furious. He decided then and there that his family wasn’t going to stay poor. He went to the mountains and staked out a gold mine. Needless to say, it was the smartest thing he ever did. It made us wealthy.”
At least part of this was true. He did have a brother named Everett. He decided not to mention his younger sister, Charlotte.
“Is your father still living?”
“Unfortunately, no. He and mother were both swept away in a flash flood on their way home from a trip to Denver. They shouldn’t have set out for the estate with the rain coming down like it was, but my father felt he could beat the storm and they were anxious to get home.” He wondered what the folks would think if they knew he’d killed them off in this story. Instead of being dead, they were happily working on their ranch near Phoenix.
Hannah's Wishes Page 3