She gasped. “But, he could have come anyway! He should have made sure!”
“I agree. We know that now. But back then, if he’d gone in search and found you as your mother said, not wanting him, his dream would be dead.” She shivered, and he stroked her back, fingering the silky texture of her long ponytail. “I’m sorry for you, Belle. And I’m sorry for John as well. All of you.”
A strong gust of wind slapped him in the face, and along with it, a smattering of rain. Belle sucked in a surprised breath, and he hunkered over, protecting her.
“I feel like a sparrow tossed in the wind,” she whispered into his ear. “I’m pitched this way and that, not knowing what I should feel anymore. Sometimes I want to fly up into the sky, then up to the mountaintops where I won’t have to worry about anything.”
“I know you do, sweetheart. You’ve been through so much.” He stroked her back. “I wish I knew what to say to make things better. All I know is, life’s hard. One day to the next you never know what to expect. I just take things one day at a time. You should too.”
When the cloud above let loose, she pulled away. They scrambled to gather up the food, stuffing chicken, apples, and the two slices of huckleberry cake they’d yet to eat back into the saddlebags. With that done, he stood and pulled her to her feet.
“Let’s make for that overhang.” He pointed to the hillside, where he knew they’d have protection. “We can stay out of the worst until these clouds pass.”
“What about the horses?”
“I’ll go back for them once I have you out of the weather.”
She put her hand to his chest, stopping his steps. “I’m fine, Blake. A little water won’t hurt me. I feel better now that I’ve cried. Seems it’s all I do lately.” She looked up into his eyes. “Thank you for listening. And for wanting to help.”
He had to look away before he embarrassed himself. The depth of her soul was right there for all the world to see. Thing was, he wanted that look for himself. The realization took him by surprise.
“You’re welcome,” he said, primarily to send his mind in a different direction. “I’m here for you, Belle. I want you to know that.”
Her smile wobbled, and she turned away, walking awkwardly toward the horses, her stubbornness her badge of honor. She’d help him and not be coddled.
He stood in the downpour marveling over the new feelings that had worked their way to the surface.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
After five days of ranching, Blake had insisted Moses take the girls back to the hotel so they could bathe and rest in comfortable beds, as well as check on Mavis and Katie. Belle was relieved. She felt like the sole of a worn-out shoe that had walked a thousand miles. Just the day before, she’d lost the soreness from the saddle, but her arms still felt like limp rags from lugging the hot branding iron to the wranglers waiting to push the red-hot metal into a poor animal’s hide. The chore was difficult to watch. Most times she looked away. After several seconds of the sizzling brand with hide and hair burning, the calves would jump up, bawling so loudly it broke her heart. Their tails quivered with pain as they raced away to find their mamas. The practice seemed cruel, but Blake assured her marking them was the only way to keep the cattle from being rustled.
All the while, Katie was never far from Belle’s thoughts. Mavis had sent word out to the ranch that her little sister was feeling better and was now comfortable going downstairs to the café to eat instead of taking all her meals with Mavis in the room. They’d shared a few walks around town and visited Henry. Karen Forester, the motherly waitress, was always there to help. And friendly Dr. Dodge checked on her every day. That was all fine to hear, but Belle still needed to see her sister’s progress with her own eyes.
“I’m exhausted,” Lavinia mumbled.
“That’s because you’ve been a mighty help to me, missy. You too, Miss Emma and Miss Belle.” Moses held the reins in his large hands and worked the brake with his foot as they rattled down a steep grade in the road. “I couldn’t have done all that cookin’ without y’all, my ribs being as sore as they are.” Turning, he gave them a wide smile.
“We were glad to help.” Emma gripped the side of the wagon as they descended the hill. “I’ve never peeled so many potatoes in my life—my hands have been in water so long I don’t think they’ll ever lose all the wrinkles. Or plucked so many chickens. That’s a chore I can honestly say is not close to my heart!”
Lavinia laughed. “That actually wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. I’m just glad Moses didn’t ask either of us to do the killing. I would have drawn the line.”
Emma nodded, then grimaced when they bumped over a rough patch. “That bloody hatchet stuck in the post still gives me the shivers. Who would’ve done such a thing? I’m glad Blake didn’t see any humor in it either.”
Praig. Or possibly Nicole? The girl had taken an instant dislike to her, but would she think such a stunt funny? The action was most certainly aimed at her and her sisters since the hatchet had been stuck in the homestead’s porch post, not the bunkhouse’s. Poor Emma and Lavinia had been traumatized. And Blake had been fuming mad to think Praig might have sneaked onto the property when the men were gone.
Belle was too exhausted to even participate in the conversation. She wouldn’t feel normal for some time.
“So you got to know our boy pretty good.” Moses gazed over at Belle with a strange look in his eyes. From the affection in his voice, he was referring to Blake. The two shared a special bond.
“I did. As we all did.”
“Was he patient with ya? Learning to ranch, I mean?” He cast another sideways glimpse, his brow arching at her bedraggled condition.
A bath in the hotel couldn’t come fast enough.
“Yes. He was, Moses. But why on earth are you asking? He was a perfect gentleman the whole time.” Well, mostly.
She thought of how tenderly he’d held her in his arms as she’d cried out her heart concerning her father. She still felt like she had an ocean of tears welling at the surface, ready to gush forth at any given moment. They’d never be completely gone. She’d been the most steadfast against their father for many years, and because of that, she had the most regret.
“Just wonderin’, is all.” He slapped the lines over the horses’ backs as the buckboard leveled out. “Get up there, you two lazybones! These gals have things to do!”
“How long before we reach town?” Emma asked, her eyelids at half-mast.
“Approximately a mile. You’ll be there before you can count to a thousand.”
Belle sneaked a look back, all three too drowsy to count to ten. “We’ll take your word for it, Moses.” She wondered if he would tell them what had happened to Blake’s family. Each time she’d asked Blake, he’d skillfully avoided the topic.
“Moses, we’re curious about Blake,” Belle said. “He’s half owner of the ranch, so it’s natural we’d want to know a little about him. I’ve inquired a couple of times, but we’ve been interrupted or he changes the subject.”
Moses glanced over, the dark skin of his forehead crunched in consternation. “I don’t like talkin’ about nobody, Miss Belle. Especially not Blake.”
She glanced at Lavinia and Emma for help.
“Please, Moses,” Emma said quickly. “It’s kinder to learn from you if he’s reluctant to speak of his past. We’re going to be working so closely together.”
“Are you staying, then?” he asked, also cunningly changing the subject. “You and your sisters will be part of Eden? Your pa’d be so proud if he was alive.”
Moses wasn’t stupid. He’d turned that around on them in a heartbeat.
“We can’t say for sure,” Emma replied. “Depends a lot on how Katie feels.”
He shook his head. “I sure don’t like what you told me about that. Her being stole away.”
“Neither do we.”
Slapping the reins over the horses’ backs again, he sent the team into a trot. “What would you like
to know?” He had to raise his voice to be heard over the racket of the wagon and horses.
Belle straightened. “Where’s Blake from? And how did he get the scar?”
They rounded the final corner before town. Moses would drop them off at the hotel and then pick up more supplies.
“Well, since we’re here now, I don’t have time. Sorry.” In front of the hotel, he worked the brake.
Belle was just getting ready to climb down and hurry inside before anyone noticed her peeling nose and windblown hair when the tall sheriff came striding over. He held out his hand. “May I?”
Mortified at her appearance, she forced a smile. “Thank you, Sheriff. I appreciate the help.” To his credit, he didn’t mention her state. He helped Emma and Lavinia out as well.
“I was wondering if you might pass along a message to your sister? Mrs. Applebee. She asked a favor of me a few days ago, and I’ve taken care of the matter.”
The three of them were intrigued.
“Just tell her that the men in the jail are gone. I’ve transported them to Dove Creek, a small town north of here. They’ll stay there until a judge arrives. After that, I can’t promise where they’ll go.” He looked from one to the other. “Katie won’t be bothered anymore, worrying about seeing her abductors so close. If I can work it out to only use Blake as a witness, she may not even have to testify.”
“That’s thoughtful, Sheriff. Thank you so much.”
He dipped his chin and strode away.
Katie’s kidnappers. That was such a horror, still. Mavis and Katie must have been living in that shadow all week.
She rushed upstairs, eager to see her sisters.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Excited to see Katie, but nervous too, Belle stopped in front of her sister’s door and gave a light rap rap rap. Karen had been in the hotel entrance when they’d arrived and told them Mavis was with Katie in her room. Lavinia and Emma stayed back, waiting for some slices of the chocolate cake Karen had just iced to bring up to the room in celebration of their return.
“Katie? Mavis? It’s Belle.”
The door flew open. “Belle!” Katie vaulted into her arms. “Is the work finished?”
Mavis stood behind, looking relieved to see her. For most issues, they worked best together in a group, but Mavis had had to deal with Katie’s frightened state by herself for the last five days. They exchanged glances as she and Katie embraced.
Belle moved into the room but stayed off the inviting bed. She didn’t want to mar the pretty yellow quilt with her dusty clothes. “Not yet, but Blake—the kind soul that he is—sent us back to town to rest. I didn’t argue. I can’t believe Mother lasted there for as long as she did. Just warming water to wash with is a task. I didn’t know how easy I had it in Philadelphia with our cast-iron pipes. Such an indulgence.” She held up her arm and flexed her bicep. “I’ve developed muscles, albeit I’m sore. I think Lesley will be surprised when we meet again.”
“I don’t think he would recognize you at the moment.” Mavis winked and squeezed in for her own hug. “It’s good to see you, sister. Where’s Lavinia and Emma? They returned as well, didn’t they?”
“Yes. Down in the café, waiting to bring up a dessert to share in celebration of our returning alive. They should be here any moment.”
Katie’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to see them. Mavis and I have done some exploring and have much to share. And we’ve become friends with the new woman, Elizabeth Smith, and her darling little boy. They came into the café, and we invited her to join us. We talked for so long, Johnny actually fell asleep in my lap.” Katie turned and smiled at Mavis, as if not wanting to leave her out of the conversation. “She’s remarkable, Belle. She does needlework like Lavinia. We have a lot in common. And Johnny is just the cutest little boy . . .”
Mavis’s expression said they hadn’t been out of the room as much as Katie would like for her to believe. Her little sister still suffered from the effects of those outlaws. That reminded her of the sheriff’s message.
“That sounds wonderful, Katie. And I’ll be all ears after I soak in the tub. But I better get back to my room now, because Karen is sending the boys up with the water. Before I forget, Sheriff Dawson sent a message.”
Mavis perked up. Belle wondered about mentioning it in front of Katie, but her sister needed to face her demons to vanquish them. A wound not cleaned out often festered and became worse. She’d not let Katie become a victim of her own fear.
Katie tipped her head. “Oh?”
“Yes. He met our wagon as we came into town just now. He wanted both of you to know he procured a place for his prisoners in the small town of Dove Creek. They’re no longer in Eden. You can rest assured you will not be seeing them until the trial—and maybe not even then.”
Katie stepped back as if she’d just noticed Belle’s condition. “Look at you. Your poor face. Your nose is peeling. Peeling!” she said again, emphasizing the words. “Velma would be scandalized.”
Did she really just notice, or is she changing the subject so she won’t have to acknowledge what transpired?
Katie cocked a chastising brow. “You know how Velma hated the sun. Never allowed us to get any at all, and was horrified if we came home with the slightest color on our faces. And if our freckles appeared . . .” She shook her head. “She’d be shocked to see you now.”
“Yes, I remember well the many lectures from that woman. I don’t give a whit about her.” Katie’s eyes widened. She must have forgotten or put aside their guardians’ traitorous sins.
Katie’s gaze dropped to the rug. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to mention Velma. Believing what they did is difficult for me.”
Reaching forward, Belle ran her hand down Katie’s arm. Katie was the youngest, so she had no recollections of the ranch, their father, or their mother. It was no wonder she’d bonded with their caretakers. “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. But I do think you should try to reconcile the facts in your mind. The sooner you do, the better you’ll feel. We all have a lot to work through.” She went over to the gold-leaf oval mirror above the washstand. “Oh! I do look a fright. The light here is much brighter than in the dark kitchen at the ranch house.” She fingered the bridge of her nose, dismayed. “Lots of freckles. Who would have thought they could appear so quickly? I’ll need to send for a milk plaster too.” She touched her chapped lips. “I hardly recognize myself so bronzed. I must go.” Kissing them both on the cheeks, she headed for the door. “I feel like going out tonight. Maybe let’s ask Henry and go to Mademoiselle de Sells again.”
Mavis’s eyes brightened.
“But we don’t have any money yet—at least not much,” Katie responded. “Besides, I like staying here in the hotel. I like this restaurant best.”
Why? Because you’re afraid to go anywhere else?
“You forget, little sister, we have accounts all around town. Henry said we’re welcome to use them. I’ve put in five days of hard labor. I’d like a night out.” And to get you out and show you danger isn’t everywhere just waiting to pounce. Belle grasped the doorknob. “Has the doctor been by lately?”
Mavis nodded. “A couple times a day. He’s been particularly attentive.” She picked up a bottle from the nightstand. “He gave Katie this to help her sleep.”
“I’ve only used it twice.”
Fondness welled up. “Good. I’m glad he’s been a help.” She winked. “As soon as I’m behind the soaking screen, come in and visit. I’ve missed you both, and we have lots to catch up on.” Katie didn’t meet her gaze. As a matter of fact, she’d backed away and was facing the window. Is she locking herself into a prison of her own making? Had that happened to Mother? Like Blake alluded to? Belle wouldn’t let that happen—not his day, week, or year. She was back now, and could help Mavis strengthen Katie. They’d figure out a way. They had to.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
The room was a welcome joy. How good it feels to be back
. What she once thought plain and simple was now luxurious. Belle had only stayed in this room three nights since first arriving in Eden. The cheerful colors were inviting. Mavis, perfect housekeeper that she was, had the place immaculate. Running her hand over the soft quilt, Belle imagined how good the mattress would feel tonight after she had bathed, was filled with a wonderful concoction from Mademoiselle de Sells—and sated from a glass of wine, or maybe even two. Giddy with excitement for the evening to come, she wanted to send a message to Henry right away.
At the window, she glanced across the street to his office. The attorney had been scarce the last week, and she wondered why. Of course, she’d been out at the ranch, but even before that, she’d noticed his demeanor had changed since their first meetings. He seemed preoccupied or worried.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out. The last few days had been exhausting, but other feelings had taken her by surprise. And every single one concerned Blake in one shape or another. He was about the only thing she thought about from dawn until dusk. She could hear his voice right now, as clear as if he were whispering in her ear. Her insides fluttered, and her heart felt light.
What is love?
She still didn’t know for sure, or how it felt. Her conversation with Mavis drifted through her mind. She compared the last few days to what she experienced when she was with Lesley. Confused, she wrapped herself in her arms.
What have I gone and done out at the ranch? A lot more than work.
Going to the tall wardrobe, she opened the door to see what dress would be suitable for tonight. Taking the skirt of her lilac gown, she fluffed out the lengths, having not worn the garment since she’d arrived. She loved the slightly scooped neckline with the delicate ecru frill lace. It was dark, and could pass for mourning if she added her black shawl. The dress fit her figure to a T and made her feel pretty.
Yes, this will be the one—
A horrific buzzing erupted from the bottom of the wooden structure. Gasping, she barely had time to look down before she stumbled back and fell. But not before she’d seen a large rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike.
Heart of Eden Page 22