Chance Creek Brides (Volumes 1-3 & the Stagecoach Bride)
Page 6
“I’ll introduce you to some of the women after the service,” she told Missy. “Let’s sit over there behind the Harpers,” she said, leading the way.
Missy followed close behind her, with Jared and Mark bringing up the rear.
The younger brother broke off from their group and seated himself on the bench behind them with several of his friends.
With Della on one side of her and Jared on the other, Missy squirmed as several women stared unabashedly. Her eyes straight ahead, she ignored the attention she was attracting. But curiosity finally won out, and she met their inquiring looks with interest of her own. Most were dressed in homespun, or calico, as she and Aunt Della were.
Meeting the eyes of a curious older woman, Missy gave her best smile. The woman gave a short nod and turned away.
Jared leaned in beside her and spoke in a quiet voice. “Better be careful. That one’s the queen bee of the local gossip group.”
Chapter 13
A murmur flitted through the crowd as a couple walked in, casting shadows across the room. Missy’s eyes followed along. She shut her mouth to stop the gasp that rushed up her throat.
The beautiful woman was wearing a blue and white silk gown, setting off her creamy, fair complexion. The high neck of the dress was ruffled with French lace, also adorning the cuffs of the sleeves. Her perfectly coiffed hair was sheltered by a dramatic hat that perched high on her head.
She clung to the arm of the gentleman at her side. His dark suit and Stetson hat, along with a pearl-handled pistol in his gun belt, gave him the air of a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it.
At least two decades older than the woman, his silvery hair shone in the bright light. The subtle smile on his face conveyed the pride he felt for the prize that walked beside him. A small, mousey woman, dressed in what Missy assumed was a maid’s dress, followed close behind, carrying an umbrella and a small carpet bag.
Seth leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “That’s her.”
Missy’s eyes immediately went to Jared, seated close beside her. Arms folded in front of him, his handsome jaw was stiff and his eyes studied the wall behind the makeshift pulpit. Her heart went out to him and the pain he must be enduring. She resisted touching his arm, the tension plain in the tightening and slacking of the muscles in his mouth.
Her eyes back on the couple, she watched as the maid unfolded a small rug and then helped Victoria arrange the hem of her dress across it as she took a seat on the bench.
Missy bit the inside of her cheek and refused to smile, despite the snicker that was working its way up her throat. The dirt in this town must not be good enough for Victoria Ward to touch. The irony of the situation overtook her and laughter threatened to erupt. She stiffened her arms and pulled a handkerchief from the dark brown reticule that Aunt Della had made for her, pretending to cough, instead.
Jared’s hand touched her sleeve. “Are you all right?”
She looked into his cobalt eyes, devoid of the coldness they usually held. Had the pain of Victoria melted through the ice? “I’m fine,” she managed without choking. “I guess it’s just the dust.”
He nodded and smiled, the skin around his eyes crinkling in a moment of amusement. “Might as well get used to it. We have it most of the year, ceptin’ rainy season.”
She returned the smile and nodded. “I’m sure you appreciate the cooler weather once the rainy season is here.”
He shrugged and ran his fingers around the brim of the hat he held in his hand. “Every season has it’s time.” He glanced toward the other side of the room then back.
Sneaking a look at Victoria, she guessed. Was he still mourning for the bride he never had? Seth had hinted that the situation had turned his brother against the idea of marriage.
His eyes back on her, he gave her an earnest look. “I’ve never been one to adjust to change very easily, so you’ll have to forgive me if I’ve been bad-mannered a time or two these past couple of weeks.”
His voice and expression were sincere. Maybe he was starting to forgive her for that dunk in the creek, even offering a truce to his ill-tempered attitude.
She cleared her throat. “Oh, no–” startled, she jumped as a sudden round of shooting in the street, near the barn, drew everyone’s attention. Murmurs floated through the crowd as most of the men, including Jared, as well as Seth and his friends, were on their feet at once, heading outside.
Missy clutched her skirt, wadding the soft fabric in her hand. She sent a questioning look to Della, but the older woman’s attention was on the men as they left. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing her heart to slow, lest it hurtled itself from her chest. The woman seated in front of her, drew both of her children closer and whispered to them as they clung to her in fright.
How lucky they were to have loving arms around them. She was alone, abandoned in this darkness that covered her memory. She blinked back bitter tears. Guilt stabbed at her and she shook away the self pity. Please forgive me, Lord. I know that You are with me always.
Was it was just nerves causing her panic? Or the foggy images that kept racing through her mind the past few days? Try as she might, she couldn’t escape them. But they were too hazy to comprehend. Her pounding heart gave her hope that she might be starting to remember. However bad the truth might be, it was time for her to face it and get on with her life.
Turning back to the door, she couldn’t help but notice that Mr. Ward was still seated beside Victoria, though his attention was on the exit. How strange that a leading man in the area didn’t see it necessary to check on circumstances that might require him to protect his wife. Maybe the fancy gun on his belt was only for show.
Voices tittered throughout the barn and Missy could see Victoria whispering to her husband. He nodded and started to stand.
“Excuse me, folks.”
Everyone turned their attention to the doorway as the sheriff stepped inside and spoke.
“Nothing to worry about. Just some boys still celebrating from a long night at Luna’s. They thought they saw someone trying to take something over at the newspaper office. We checked it out and didn’t find anyone. I just wanted you to know that everything is under control.”
Missy released the breath held prisoner in her lungs. Jared, a head taller than most, led the way in the group of men returning. Disappointment stabbed at her as he bypassed sitting next to her again and instead, stood with four others, lining themselves along the long wall, as if serving sentry for the service.
***
Missy’s head swam with name after name as Aunt Della introduced her to various friends and neighbors, all anxious to make her acquaintance.
The mayor’s wife patted her hand and was extremely sympathetic. “I just can’t imagine what you’re going through, my dear. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
Missy nodded and averted her eyes from the little cluster of bluebirds on the woman’s fancy hat. The way they bobbed back and forth in the breeze gave one the impression that they might fly away at any moment. Maybe it was a creation from Ada’s Millinery that they’d passed earlier.
She followed Aunt Della to the wagon and Seth helped them unload the baskets of food as well as the stacks of plates, silverware, and cups. Inside the barn, sawhorses with boards atop had been set up as makeshift tables and several women were busy arranging tablecloths on top of them, while men moved the benches closer for seating. Missy pulled the coverings that they had brought from a basket and assisted Della in putting them out.
Jared’s arm brushed against hers as he handed a bowl of beans to her. She ignored the shower of tingles that raced to her hand from his touch. Being attracted to a man with no interest in her would just complicate the problems she already had. Best to ignore any thoughts of romance. At least until she knew who she was.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
The look of concern in his eyes wove its way into her heart before she could refuse it. Was he startin
g to soften towards her? Or, more likely, he was just protective because they were away from the safety of the ranch.
She smiled. “Yes. I’m just a little. . .overwhelmed with all of the attention, I guess.”
His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her face. “I don’t guess you’ve recognized anyone?”
“No. I wish that I had.” Disappointment sunk into her thoughts. Maybe he had hoped someone would claim her and he would be rid of his responsibility. His sudden cordial manners might be spawned by his wish to get rid of her. It was a wonder he hadn‘t talked the preacher into putting her on the podium, like a pony on the auction block, to see if anyone recognized her.
***
She trailed behind Della with the last of the baskets, pausing as a group of laughing children ran between them, making a way to their own wagons. A woman passing around her, lightly bumped her arm, knocking a spoon from one of the baskets. Missy stooped to pick it up.
She stood to greet a tall, fair-haired woman, dressed in a rather soiled calico wrapper. The yellow straw bonnet on her head had seen better days, as well. Sun filtered through greasy blond hair and her mouth was formed in a sour twist.
“Excuse me, ma’am . . .I–” Missy’s eyes locked on the broach pinned to the woman’s waist. It was her own. She was sure of it. Without thinking, her fingers reached forward. “That cameo you’re wearing. . .“
The woman’s eyes widened and she took a step back, visibly shrinking down, like a lamb anticipating a wolf to attack. Broken, rotted teeth showed in the stranger’s mouth. Her fingers clutched the pin. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Missy dropped her fingers to her side and swallowed hard. “I’m sorry. Do I. . .do I know you?”
The faded blue eyes seemed to lose some of their own fear. Her lips curled into a snarl. “Well just look at you.”
Missy summoned up a piece of courage that she didn’t think was there. “I asked, do I know you?”
Della called from the wagon. “Missy?”
The woman took this distraction as her opportunity to walk away.
Missy stared after the woman, her heart racing in her chest. Everything inside of her tossed and rolled like waves on a windy lake. Intuition told her that she knew the woman well. And not in a good way. She closed her eyes for a moment to chase away the fear that threatened to surface. If only she could remember. . .
“Missy? Is everything all right?” Mark appeared beside her, taking the basket from her arm.
She snapped her lids open and felt relief at the sight of his friendly face. “I. . .yes. Everything is fine.” Her voice trembled at the last and she swallowed hard.
Mark turned slightly and stared at the back of the retreating form. “Who is that woman?”
Missy took a deep breath and forced her mouth into a smile. “I have no idea. I thought maybe you might recognize her.”
He shrugged and turned toward the wagon. “Never seen her before. Must be new in town.”
Chapter 14
The ride home was long and dusty. Jared drove the wagon far behind the Mustangs that Mark and Seth were riding, but even the normal gait of the horses pulling the wagon sent dirt devils whirling in the dry, hot air, making it hard for all of them to breath.
“You’re sure quiet,” Della commented, breaking the silence, as they approached the house.
Missy started. “I’m sorry. Just tired, I guess.”
Della nodded and tightened the strings on her bonnet, shooing away the horsefly that was dancing around their heads. “I saw you talking to a woman right before we left. I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Did she introduce herself?”
Apprehension wrapped around her heart and she took a slow breath, willing her voice to be calm. “No. I accidently bumped into her. We didn’t. . .really speak.”
“No doubt I’ll find out about her the next quilting we have. New ladies are always anxious to join our circle. I hope you’ll come with me, too,” she added, as Jared pulled the wagon to a stop near the well.
“I don’t think she needs to go into town without me or one of the boys,” Jared mentioned, as he jumped down to lead the horses to the barn.
“Oh, don’t be silly,” Aunt Della told him, reaching over the side of the buckboard for the baskets, handing one to Missy.
“It would be best,” he told his aunt, grabbing hold of the horse’s bridle. He turned and his eyes met Missy’s.
She shivered in the afternoon heat. Somehow, he knew she had been frightened by the woman.
Chapter 15
Jared took his time, working the knots out of the horse’s mane. Old Red whinnied and pulled away. “There, boy. Easy. It just takes time.”
And time was all that stood between Missy and her past. Sooner or later, she would remember. And it seemed to be getting closer. The buggy had seemed familiar to her. As had the woman that bumped into her as they were preparing to leave.
If she hadn’t recalled exactly who that woman was, she had known that she should recognize her. Her expression had been pure fright when she’d backed away from the stranger. Yet a moment later, she had looked confused, as if she didn’t understand her own reaction.
She’d been silent on the ride home, deep in thought.
He was sure there was uncertainty, closer to fear, in her beautiful green eyes as they left town. The woman that Missy had seemed so frightened of had been at the dinner after service, but he hadn’t paid much attention to her. She had been busy avoiding making eye contact, keeping her concentration on the food, furtively stashing bread and cake in a couple of cotton napkins that she carried.
It wasn’t unusual for drifters to turn up at the dinners. If they were hungry, no one cared if they took something to eat. There was always plenty of food and folks were generous when they could help out. And she had looked close to desperation, with her grubby clothing and sneaky eyes. Maybe he should have watched her closer.
The comb caught in the mane again and he slowly worked the hair out of the knot. How Missy had come to be associated with a woman like that was a mystery. True, he didn’t really know anything about the girl. But she was sweet and kind hearted. The kind of woman that he had hoped Victoria would be.
He snorted and went back to combing the mane. Chances were, she was all an act. Women had a way of making you think one way about them, while they were busy making other plans for themselves.
He gritted his teeth until his jaw ached. Victoria. All sweet with sugar-melting-in-her-mouth words. Right up until the day she lit out to San Antonio to marry Hugh Ward. Not so much as a goodbye to the man she’d written to weekly for over a year. The man who had paid her way to Chance. And it would never happen again. He was a confirmed bachelor.
He turned as Mark entered the barn, leading the horses he and Seth had been riding. Dirt and sweat covered their manes and the brown Mustang shook his head, sending a cloud of dust in the air.
“If it gets much drier, we’ll be breathing pure dirt,” Mark laughed, tying the horses to a railing and beginning to unsaddle the pair.
Seth appeared in the doorway. “You two might want to take a step outside and look at the sky. You might be pleasantly surprised.”
Glancing at Mark, Jared set the comb on the post beside him. Was it possible they were finally going to get rain?
***
“Looks to me like it might turn,” Mark suggested, arriving at his side with a couple of napkin wrapped biscuit, bits of fried ham peeking out around the crusty edges. He handed one to Seth, and offered the other to Jared. “Aunt Della’s frying ham and Missy’s making biscuits for tonight. They said it’ll keep up our up strength in case we need it later.”
“Sounds good to me,” Seth grinned, taking another bite.
Jared started to wave away the offer, but the women were right. They’d already been watching the light show in the sky for over an hour. This wasn’t going to be a night for resting. If the storm came closer with no rain, there was a good chance of lightning str
ikes. And that meant fire in this drought stricken area.
The food would give him energy to keep alert. He sighed and took the filled napkin from his brother. At least the girl had learned how to make biscuits, he smiled to himself.
“I hope it takes a swing to the north,” he said, taking a bite of the bread and meat. “But, so far, it looks to me like we’re right in its path.”
Seth, practically swallowing his biscuit whole, wiped his mouth. “Guess we better take a few shifts of watching and sleeping. I’ll watch first, if you want.”
Jared shrugged and took the last bite of his treat. “I don’t think I’ll be getting much rest. But you two split off staying awake. Go on in and get some sleep, Mark.”
***
Thick towels in her hands, Missy took the second pan of biscuits from the oven just as Mark walked inside. The aroma of hot bread filled the air and sent her stomach growling. She hadn’t eaten since the noon meal after service.
Mark stepped beside her, dropping the red-checked napkins on the table next to the stove. “Those sure smell good.”
She smiled. At least her cooking was improving enough to merit a comment now and then. “Would you like a hot one?”
He nodded and she lifted one with a fork onto a small plate.
She pushed the saucer of butter along to him and took a pitcher of honey from the shelf. “Are Jared and Seth coming in?”
“I don’t think so. I came in to get a little sleep, then swap off with Seth. We’ll need to keep a good watch until the lightning dies out.”
She nodded and put another biscuit on the tray beside her. “What about Jared–doesn’t he need rest?”