“Thank you. That was most thorough. I’m sure to find them.” The man stretched out his hand. The marshal took hold and shook it. “I am very much in your debt, Marshal.”
“Are you stayin’ in town, Mr. Cuker?” Austin asked. He leaned casually back against the wall, as if only mildly interested.
“I have taken a room at the hotel. I’m not here for long, but it seemed prudent.” The man pulled a watch from his vest pocket. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must see about renting a horse and buggy.”
He left without further comment, but Austin felt an uneasiness that made him want to follow the man. He went to the window and watched him cross the street.
“I’m not sure about him,” Austin finally said.
“He seemed likable enough. He didn’t shy away from coming in here. Most men who are trouble would avoid the jail like a dull knife.”
Austin didn’t want to stir up trouble. He gave the marshal a nod. “I’m sure you’re right. Now, I better head out to start inspecting brands. Thanks for the company and the lessons in marshaling.”
The older man gave a chuckle and took a seat behind his desk. “I was happy to help. Come back anytime.”
“Manuel brought us the mail from town,” Hannah declared as she joined Alice in the front room. “There’s a letter here for you.”
Alice frowned. “Who would write to me? I don’t have any family or friends except those who live right here, and I just had a letter from Mother.”
Hannah smiled. “Maybe it’s from an old friend.”
“I don’t have any,” Alice replied. She took the letter and studied the script. It was flowery and full of loops. The kind of writing a woman might make.
“Well, I don’t suppose you’ll know unless you open it,” Hannah said, thumbing through the rest of the mail. “Mostly payments due. I had hoped Eleanor would write. I’m afraid my daughter is rather caught up in the women’s movement for the right to vote. Writing to her mother to let her know how she’s doing might delay the cause.”
Alice smiled at her mother-in-law. She liked Hannah Barnett very much. The older woman was motherly and attentive—more so than Marty had been—although she never tried to impose herself on Alice.
Alice gave a brief nod, then carefully opened the letter. A single piece of paper was inside. Unfolding it, Alice read the brief message. She gasped before she could hide her fear.
“What is it?” Hannah asked and then apologized. “If you don’t mind telling me.”
Alice shook her head slowly and held the letter up to her mother-in-law. Hannah took it and read it aloud.
“Congratulations on your new baby. There are just some things money can’t buy.”
She looked back to Alice with a puzzled expression. “What an interesting message, but it’s not signed.”
“I don’t have anyone who would write to me here. At least no one that I would want writing to me.” Alice turned the envelope over. “It has a back stamp marked Dallas. I don’t know anyone in Dallas except my mother, and this isn’t her handwriting.” She gave a shiver, but the older woman was already looking again at the letter.
“It’s not really bad tidings,” Hannah said, shaking her head. “But it is a mystery.”
“A mystery I could do without,” Alice said, afraid of what the letter might well mean to her family’s safety.
Chapter 9
The skies opened up and poured rain just as church services began that September morning. Jessica tried to focus on the words of the hymn, rather than the sound of rain on the roof, but at one point she worried that the gully washer might cause damage. The land was still pretty dry, and if the rain came too suddenly, there would be flooding.
The congregation was just starting the second hymn when Jessica heard a disturbance at the back of the church. Apparently some poor soul had come into the service late. She didn’t bother to look around from her family’s pew in the front.
The congregation continued singing, drowning out the rain somewhat. Jessica had never been much for singing. She didn’t find it all that appealing and had difficulty carrying a tune. For all her talents, singing wasn’t one of them. Even so, she mouthed the words and tried to look involved.
There was a rustling sound to her right, and without so much as a whispered hello, Austin Todd slipped into the row right beside her. He was dripping wet and held his hat in his hands. Jessica knew she looked at him in surprise, but she couldn’t help herself. When the song concluded, she took her seat and threw Austin a quick smile. His presence, even though he was dripping water everywhere, was pleasing to her.
The service lasted another hour, with the preacher teaching on the story of Daniel in the lions’ den.
“Daniel’s faith, much like that of Abraham and Joseph, whom we studied in the weeks past, saw him through much adversity—even in a dark lonely pit with man-eating lions.”
Jessica was familiar with the story. She rather enjoyed all of the Bible stories she’d been taught in her youth. They spoke of great adventures and of people who left all they knew and traveled to make a new start for themselves in unknown lands. Such ideas had always appealed to her. Perhaps that was why she’d enjoyed traveling with her grandparents, while her siblings preferred to remain at home.
Maybe that’s what I need to do.
Here in Cedar Springs, Jessica knew her reputation was that of a spoiled little girl. Maybe a new start in a city far away would suit her.
I could start over somewhere else. I could be my own woman, just as the women’s movement encourages. Who knows, I could even join Eleanor Barnett in her cause. Jessica almost giggled aloud at the thought.
It might suit me, but Mama and Papa would have kittens.
She continued smiling at the thought only to find that Austin was watching her. He seemed neither disturbed by her amusement nor supportive. She felt her cheeks grow hot and lowered her head. It was then that she noticed Austin was dripping water onto the skirt of her gown. She frowned, then chided herself mentally. It’s only a dress and it will dry out.
Lifting her head to look to the front of the church, Jessica tried to focus on the lesson. She stared at the pulpit with its handmade wooden cross nailed to the front while the pastor continued his sermon.
“When morning came and they opened that pit up, the king was mighty worried about his friend Daniel. You see, he hadn’t wanted to put Daniel to death—not really. But sometimes folks in authority don’t lead properly. They get impressed by the folks around them, and they’re afraid to make the right decision. The king knew what was right but didn’t choose to follow through, because the law at that time didn’t leave room for changing.
“Now, you can find yourself relating to Daniel or to the king, but the important thing is this: God was faithful and trustworthy. The king halfway believed that Daniel’s God would save him. But Daniel knew that his God was the true God, and He would take care of the details, whether Daniel lived or died. We must all strive for faith like that.”
But how does one get faith like that? It’s hard enough to trust the people you spend every day with. It’s much harder to trust God, whom you can’t see.
Jessica pondered the subject even while the pastor began to pray. She’d attended church all of her life. She’d accepted that she was a sinner and without Jesus she would be forever separated from God. When her Sunday school teacher had told her class that it wasn’t hard to get saved, Jessica had listened closely. She could still hear old Mrs. Rogers explaining salvation. She had stretched out her arms and demonstrated that in this position her body formed a cross. She then said that Jesus had died on the cross to take away our sins. The cross was a bridge that allowed us to get to God.
“Anyone who would like to get saved has only to ask God to forgive their sins through the blood of Jesus, and then they need to walk in repentance and stop doing the bad things they did before.”
Those words had greatly affected Jessica. And she had prayed silently as the teacher
led the children in prayer. Jessica’s parents had instilled in her respect for God and for her teachers, but this experience seemed different . . . more personal. When she told her mother about it later that evening, Mama had wept with joy and told Jessica they would arrange for her to be baptized. She was proud that her little daughter had made such a grown-up decision.
The congregation now rose to sing a final hymn, and Jessica got to her feet, as well. She put aside thoughts of her childhood and considered instead the man beside her. She’d never before encountered Austin at church and wondered if he was a new convert. He was certainly handsome, and his hands bore the rugged, tanned look of one who was used to working hard.
He extended the hymnal to share with her. She took hold of the book, but neither of them sang. The moment seemed to connect them in a way that startled Jessica. She couldn’t help finding Austin fascinating. She’d heard so much about him from others, yet now that she had met him face-to-face, none of those assessments seemed complete.
To Jessica’s disappointment the song ended, and with one final prayer, the service was over. Austin took the hymnal and put it back while Jessica glanced around at various people shaking hands and greeting one another. The sanctuary hummed with voices. Jessica had started to follow her mother and father from the pew when she felt a slight touch on her arm. Turning back, she found Austin looking at her with an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry for getting your skirt wet,” he said, nodding to the damp spot. “Guess I pretty well washed my portion of the pew, as well.” They looked in unison at the pew.
“It’s wood,” Jessica replied. “So as long as we dry it off, it won’t suffer much.” She took the dry edge of her skirt and gave the seat a quick wipe. She knew her action was rather scandalous, but it happened so quickly she didn’t think to stop herself.
“That won’t help your skirt any,” Austin murmured, seeming just as surprised by Jessica as she felt.
“My skirt will dry and be just fine. It’s only water.” She met his eyes and fell silent. For a moment they stood staring at each other, neither one seeming to know what to say.
“Jessica, I want to introduce you to someone,” her mother said from behind. “This is Harrison Gable.”
She reluctantly turned. To her surprise she found a handsome man, probably in his midthirties, staring with a grin. Jessica smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“The pleasure is definitely mine, Miss Atherton,” Mr. Gable replied. “I’ve had the privilege of working with your father and Mr. Barnett on the plans for Terryton.”
Jessica nodded. “You must be the lawyer from Dallas.”
“Not anymore. I just moved here,” he told her, looking quite pleased. “And I must say I’m not disappointed with the . . . area.”
He looked her over from head to toe, making Jessica feel self-conscious. This man’s confidence suggested he was someone used to getting what he wanted. She did her best to appear unaffected.
“This is a wonderful area,” she countered with a coy smile. “We have many beauties.”
“I noticed only one,” he said, glancing over his shoulder.
He was flirting with her, but Jessica found that she enjoyed the attention. Still, she couldn’t help worrying what Mother might think. Jessica’s concern was for naught, as she found her mother was already busy speaking with Hannah Barnett. For a moment there was an awkward silence between Jessica and Mr. Gable. She wasn’t at all sure what to say. Just then she remembered Austin and turned to introduce him. He was gone.
Jessica frowned and looked back to Harrison Gable. “I had thought to introduce you to Austin Todd, but it seems he has already departed. Mr. Todd works with the Texas Rangers to inspect cattle.”
“Mr. Gable,” Mother interrupted, “I understand you plan to have a late afternoon meeting with Mr. Barnett and my husband. I wonder if you might like to join us for the noon meal. Our place is right on the way to the Barnetts’. This way you can eat and rest before you and Tyler head over to your meeting.”
Mr. Gable smiled, and for a moment Jessica felt her breath catch. “I would love to,” he said.
Jittery and rather weak in the knees, Jessica tried to appear unmoved. She didn’t know why she was acting like a silly schoolgirl with a crush.
“Wonderful. You can follow us home if you’d like, or we’ve plenty of room in the carriage. You could ride up front with Tyler as he drives. I’ll ride in the second seat with Jessica.”
“Oh no. I can’t take your place beside your husband,” he said, shocking Jessica by throwing her a quick wink.
Mother didn’t seem to notice and continued. “It will be quite all right. That will give you two an opportunity to discuss any business that hasn’t yet been tended. Come along. We’re nearly ready to depart.”
“I have my horse,” Harrison Gable said, as if only then remembering.
“That’s not a problem,” Mother replied. “You can tie him to the back of our carriage.” She left to join Father, who was already near the back of the church.
To her surprise, Harrison Gable leaned closer. “I would much rather sit beside you for the journey.” His warm breath on her ear caused Jessica to jump back. Her eyes widened momentarily, but she straightened and feigned a reserve she didn’t feel. Mr. Gable gave a low, almost inaudible chuckle.
Harrison Gable enjoyed the meal offered him by Carissa Atherton. She was a beautiful woman with impeccable manners, as was her daughter Jessica. He found he rather enjoyed the effect he seemed to have on the young woman. She’d been watching him with furtive glances from her seat across the table. Her interest pleased him, and he was equally attracted to her.
They settled in the drawing room after lunch, and Tyler asked him a few personal questions.
“You have family in the area, Mr. Gable?”
Harrison shook his head. “My kin are all in Alabama. I came west to explore the possibilities. I have to say, I’m truly more of a big city man. I prefer legal cases and the complicated practice of government law. In fact, I would like to one day work in Washington, D.C., or New York City.”
He saw the way Jessica seemed to take note. Perhaps city life appealed to her, too. Before he could comment, however, Tyler Atherton asked yet another question.
“What about a wife and children?”
“Neither one,” Harrison admitted. “Never seemed to have the time while studying to become a lawyer, and then I focused on actually practicing law. It’s been an uphill battle, but I finally feel ready to consider marriage.” He glanced at Jessica and added, “It would seem the possibilities are quite promising.”
Tyler laughed, but it was Mrs. Atherton who commented. “I think you’ll find some very nice young ladies in this area of Texas.”
Harrison nodded, most serious. “I’m sure I will.”
The conversation carried on in a casual, slow manner that put Gable at ease. He’d always had difficulty relaxing and enjoying people. Trained to listen to the details of client conversation and actions, Harrison usually found himself playing the lawyer even in his private life. Today, however, he felt as though he’d been accepted into a close group of people.
I think I’m going to enjoy this job. Maybe living out here in the sticks won’t be so bad after all.
“I’m glad we can ride to the Barnetts’ together,” Tyler told him. “It’s not hard to find, but we can discuss some of the other area ranches and farms on the way.”
“I’m going to need to speak with all of the families,” he replied. “Perhaps someone could accompany me as I make my rounds.”
Jessica seemed to perk up at this. He watched as she leaned forward and opened her mouth to speak. Harrison smiled, sure that she would volunteer for the job, as he had hoped. Instead, Tyler spoke up.
“I’d be happy to show you around and introduce you. Why don’t you plan to stop by here tomorrow?”
“Oh, I wasn’t trying to impose myself upon you. I know you’re a busy man.”
/> “Bah,” Tyler said, shaking his head. “I can take the time. This is important—not just to me, but to everyone in the area.”
Jessica eased back against the chair and folded her hands. She looked disappointed but bowed her head. Harrison felt a sense of pleasure at her response, because he felt the same regret. It would have been wonderful to get to know her better. Especially away from others who might interrupt or interfere.
He scowled, thinking of the rain-soaked cowboy sitting beside Miss Atherton in church. He didn’t know who the fella was, but he could very well be a rival.
“Well, I’ve stayed long enough,” Austin declared, getting to his feet. He’d enjoyed a wonderful Sunday meal with the Barnetts and Wythes.
“I’m sorry you have to leave,” William said, also standing. “Come back as soon as you can. You’re always welcome here.”
Austin nodded and looked to where the three ladies sat. “Thank you again, Mrs. Barnett.”
“Please call me Hannah,” she said, for what Austin figured was about the tenth time.
“I’ll try, ma’am, but I wasn’t raised to speak so casually to a lady.”
William and Jake walked out with him, but Robert remained inside, seeming enamored with his young son and wife. A twinge of regret ran through Austin’s heart, but again it didn’t hurt nearly as bad as it once had. Maybe time was truly easing his misery.
“I’m meeting with Tyler and our lawyer here in a couple of hours,” Will said as they walked to where Austin’s horse had been tied to graze.
“I hope everything goes well.”
“I plan to tell him that you’ve agreed to be our lawman in Terryton. That way he can get back to the railroad authorities and assure them that we have law and order in place.”
“It’s going to be interestin’ to watch all of this fall in place,” Jake interjected. “With the way Dallas is spreadin’ out, I can’t help but think our little town will suit the needs of folks who’d rather live in a smaller place.”
A Matter of Heart Page 9