“No please,” Suzanna gasped, leaning forward in her chair.
“Sam, stop it,” Hugh snapped. “I see no point in frightening Miss Jefferies any more than she already is. It took a lot of courage for her to come here today and tell us the truth.”
“I’d wager it took more than that,” Sam offered knowingly as he glanced up at Dalton while Suzanna squirmed on her chair. “In my opinion, a few more applications of ‘courage’ might be of great benefit to her.”
“Be that as it may, it’s not for us to decide,” Hugh responded. “Where we go from here is the issue at hand. My demands are few, Suzanna. You will return the things you’ve stolen and issue a sincere and personal apology to each and every one of the brides for your actions. You will apologize to both my wife Amelia and my mother for abusing the trust they placed in you by allowing you to reside in their homes.”
Suzanna nodded shortly.
“I also want you to be aware that Mr. Ferguson has begun to court Elinor. Should I decide to let you return to my home until other arrangements can be made, you will do nothing to interfere with the progression of their relationship. Do you understand?”
“Yes, but…”
“Suzanna will not be returning to your home, Hugh, although we appreciate your kind offer. She has agreed to become my wife and I will be responsible for her from this point on,” Dalton said confidently.
“Then she knows…”
“She knows what she needs to know,” he snapped out quickly.
“I see, well congratulations to the both of you.”
“Thank you. I’ve already had the bank draw up a draft to cover the money she took from you as well as her passage west. If there are any other expenses associated with her stay, please let me know. When would you like us out to the house so she can settle things there?”
“Around four this afternoon would suit me. I’d like to be there to make sure everything goes smoothly, you understand?”
“Of course. We’ll be there at four and can you please send word to Mrs. McGuire. I understand my future bride has some combs that belong to her. Ask Mrs. Hadley as well. I’m sure Suzanna would like to speak to her also. I feel it’s best to take care of these things as soon as they crop up.”
“I agree,” Sam inserted, “and if you have need of any other crop, feel free to let me know. I’d be happy to buy one as a wedding present.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Dalton replied smoothly. “Come along, Suzanna. We have other stops to make,” he said, taking her arm and leading her to the door.
“I’m really sorry, Hugh,” she said, pausing and ignoring Sam entirely in her apology.
“I hope you mean that, for your own sake,” Hugh answered with a slight smile. “I find you a lovely young woman who has had a tough go of it. Hopefully when you have the things you need to be happy, a strong loving man by your side, the security of your own home and the wherewithal to help your mother, you’ll fulfill the promise of your beauty both inside and out.”
Cole was much nicer than Sam. In fact, he was quite jovial, picking her up and swinging her in a wide circle before planting a big kiss on her cheek.
“Thanks so much for running out on me, Suzie,” he cried as he set her back down. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
Suzanna laughed.
“I don’t know whether to feel insulted or proud,” she said with a smile, “but I’m very happy for you. I’m sorry I lied to you and let everyone think it was me who worked night and day on your house,” she admitted with a blush.
“Yes, that was very naughty of you, Suzie and had I gone ahead and married you I’d have likely taken that lie out of your hide daily for a while. As it was, everything worked out for the best. Charlotte’s a treasure and for the life of me, I can’t understand why I didn’t see that from the very beginning.
“Did you get everything straightened out with the Jordons?” he asked Dalton, shaking his hand.
“I believe so. We’re going out there this afternoon so Suzanna can set things to rights. We’d like to have Charlotte there too.”
“I’m going home for dinner,” Cole replied grinning and rubbing his tummy. “She’s making French Toast and bacon so I’ll let her know.”
“Are you hungry?” Dalton asked as they walked back to the hotel.
She shook her head. The sun had come out and dried up a good portion of the mud holes and Suzanna was sorry he didn’t have to lift her in his arms.
“Well, you have to eat something,” he insisted. “You hardly touched your breakfast this morning and Lord knows how long we’ll be gone tonight.”
“All right,” she conceded. “Maybe some soup. I am feeling a little worn out.”
Dalton grinned.
“I wouldn’t mind a nap myself,” he admitted. “We’ve had quite a day so far, all things considered. You go on up to the room,” he told her, handing her the key. “I’ll order a light meal and bring the tray up with me.”
“Fine.”
She could feel his eyes on her as she ascended the stairs and paused at the top to look back at him. So handsome, so confident, so masterful and, oh so broke, she sighed. How could she marry him?
He was the first man she ever had genuine feelings for and while she wasn’t sure what she felt was love, she did know it would break her heart to be parted from him. Shoulders sagging in defeat, she let herself in their room and took off her jacket. Lying on the bed, she was asleep in minutes, her dreams haunted by taunting voices calling her “liar,” “thief” and now “tramp.” She ran, looking for Dalton, but couldn’t seem to find his strong arms to hold and protect her.
Chapter Seventeen
They were all there when she and Dalton arrived. It had all the makings of a trial and Suzanna knew she would be found guilty. On the ride from town she’d fidgeted on the seat until Dalton took her hands in his and scolded her.
This was the last step he told her. After this afternoon she would never have to see any of these people again if she chose not to. How he was going to accomplish this she had no idea but she kept quiet and chewed on her lip.
Amelia answered the door, flanked by Tempest.
“Ah ma petit, it is good to see you are well. We have all been so worried about you,” Tempest said kindly, taking her arm. “Come, we will get this unpleasantness over with so we can enjoy the rest of the evening. You must stay to supper ma Cherie, you and your intended. Hugh tells me you are to be married,” Tempest continued. “Ah, another grand wedding,” she sighed with delight.
Suzanna smiled weakly as she was led into the great room. Martha nodded coolly in her direction as she worked on something in her lap. Jane sat stone faced as she watched the drama unfold. Elinor sent her a somewhat smug smile, her arm through Mr. Ferguson’s as they stood behind the couch. Grace and Effie were seated next to each other in matching chairs. Grace smiled tentatively while Effie scowled. Molly looked at Suzanna with wide accusing eyes and Suzanna faltered. She liked Molly, respected her ability to find something to be grateful for even in the face of adversity.
Clara, Mary and Charlotte stood in a little group off to the side watching her closely. Charlotte blushed.
Hugh and Sam were absent, as were Ethan and Angus. Only Duncan smiled and nodded a welcome.
“Come sit by me,” Tempest insisted drawing Suzanna toward a small bench as Effie rolled her eyes. Grace kicked her ankle.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” Grace whispered.
“Oh crap,” Effie replied, kicking her back. “Then we’re all helpless.”
“That’s my point.”
“Jonah has changed you,” Effie accused. “I do believe you’re entirely too well behaved for my tastes. I only want to rip her hair out. Is that so bad?”
“Yes,” Grace hissed. “This is Amelia’s home and your mother-in-law is obviously feeling generous.”
“Tempest loves everyone,” Effie sighed dramatically. “Plus I distinctly heard the w
ord ‘wedding’. That alone is enough to put her in a good mood. I’ll bet she’s planning it right now.”
“How kind of her,” Grace approved.
“Yes, especially if she glues her good silver to the tablecloth,” Effie snorted. “Otherwise it may disappear.”
“And we’ll all eat with our fingers,” Grace declared sarcastically.
“Enfants,” Tempest said, clapping her hands. “Suzanna has something to say. Go ahead ma petit. They will listen,” she assured her.
“I just want to say I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. I let my personal worries dictate my actions and have done some pretty despicable things to all of you. Molly,” she continued rising and walking to her. “Here are your combs. Please forgive me for taking them when I had no right.”
“Thank you,” Molly whispered, her eyes shining with tears. “I never thought to see them again.”
“Clara, here is your brooch,” Suzanna said pressing the pin into Clara’s hands. “I’m so sorry to have taken it from you.”
Clara nodded.
“Mary, here is your pearl necklace. I wish I hadn’t taken it, but the truth is I did and I’m sorry.”
“Charlotte, I didn’t take anything from you,” Suzanna began…
“No, because I had nothing of value,” Charlotte replied.
“That’s true, but I’d like you to have these earbobs.”
“No, I couldn’t,” Charlotte protested.
“Really, I’d like you to have them. Think of it as a wedding present and I’m thrilled you and Cole are happy. He deserves a wife who loves him and you deserve a home of your own. I hear you’ve made it quite lovely.”
“I’ve done the best I could and we’re comfortable, but, to tell you the truth, I’d live in a sod hut if it meant we’d be together.”
“That’s wonderful,” Suzanna sighed. “You make him happy. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Suzanna,” Charlotte replied softly. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Ellie, these are your gloves,” Suzanna said, handing them over. “There was a small tear, but I’ve mended it.”
“Thank you,” Ellie replied, tucking the gloves into her pocket.
“I’d also like to apologize for the mean and hurtful things I’ve said to all of you,” she whispered, looking at the floor in shame. “I should never have come here. I should have stayed in Georgia where I belong and I’m going back just as soon as I can,” she finished, running toward the front door before anyone could stop her.
Suddenly the door crashed open, banging against the wall. Angus McGuire leaned against it clutching his side and out of breath.
“What is it, Angus?” Duncan demanded, rushing to his side.
“There’s been an accident,” he gasped out bending over.
“Mon Dieu,” Tempest cried rising.
“Where? How bad is it?” Duncan asked swiftly.
“On the tree line at camp three,” Angus panted. “We’ll need help and the doctor.”
“Come on,” Duncan called to Dalton and Clayton Ferguson. “Someone get to town as fast as they can. Tell Hugh and Sam to grab every available man they can find and Doc Martin. You ladies be ready with supplies. Jane, you know what to do.”
In seconds they were gone.
“I should have asked if Ethan was hurt,” Martha cried out, shaking in fear.
Grace hurried to her side.
“Now, Miss Pettigrew always says, “Don’t borrow trouble,” she stated firmly. “Let’s not panic until we know what’s really happened.”
“I’m going to town,” Effie stated, jumping up and heading toward the door.
“I’ll go with you,” Suzanna added, racing after her.
For a moment Effie froze and stared at her in shock, then she nodded and both women disappeared out the door, skirts flying behind them. Racing to the carriage she and Dalton arrived in, Suzanna clamored in letting Effie take the reins.
Taking the whip, Effie snapped it over the horse’s head and they were off, Suzanna clinging tightly to the seat.
“Why are you going this way?” she asked when Effie veered off the main tract.
“It’s faster.”
“But it’s not safe, it’s too close to the river,” Suzanna cried.
“We’ll make it,” Effie assured her, yelling over the thundering hoof beats. “The men don’t like it, but you and I together weigh much less than they do with the big wagon.”
“I don’t know Effie,” Suzanna yelled back. “There’s been a lot of rain and Hugh and Sam have both warned the others of mud slides. Maybe we should turn around,” she cried nervously.
“Nonsense! We don’t know what’s happened up on the mountain. We don’t even know if Sam and Hugh are up there or not. It’s possible they could be hurt. No! This is the fastest way,” she insisted.
Neither of them saw it coming. The well-worn road simply vanished in front of them as if it had never been. Effie yanked on the reins but it was much too late and both she and Suzanna were thrown from the wagon without a second to make a grab for anything.
Slick mud carried them down. They heard the horse scream in terror, watched him scramble for a moment before he disappeared from sight.
Both women tried grabbing for tree roots sticking out of the side of the mountain and while they each managed to grasp a few, they couldn’t hang on. Covered in heavy mud, bruised and bloodied by rocks and branches, they finally came to rest on a small outcropping of rock several hundred yards above the raging brown river. The silence, but for the broiling waters was eerie.
“Are you all right?” Effie asked, wiping the muck from her face.
“I think so. Nothing broken as far as I can tell.”
“Good.” Effie moved, testing her limbs and watched in horror as a piece of the rock shelf broke off and fell into the raging water below.
“I don’t think you should move around too much, Effie,” Suzanna warned softly.
“Agreed,” Effie whispered.
They sat in silence for a long while. Finally, Effie spoke.
“I don’t see how we’re going to get out of this one alive, do you?”
“No.”
“Shit,” Effie agreed before she laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“This. Of all the stupid things I’ve done in my life, and all the ways I envisioned my demise, I never thought I’d end up clinging to a cliff with the woman I despise above all others.”
“You have a point,” Suzanna smiled. “I hadn’t exactly planned on having my last earthly conversation with you either. I’m sorry I called you a skinny northern tramp,” Suzanna acknowledged with a sigh.
“Apology accepted,” Effie answered. “I know it was only because you wanted Sam so badly.”
“It wasn’t that I wanted Sam, as much as I wanted his money.”
“Then I’m glad you didn’t get him, because I happen to love him with all my heart.”
“I know.”
“Why was his money so important?” Effie asked, inching closer to her nemesis.
Suzanna briefly explained her situation, pausing when another piece of the shelf fell away.
Effie was quiet, then nodded in understanding.
“I wish I’d married Dalton.”
“You were going to weren’t you?” Effie asked.
“I don’t know,” Suzanna admitted truthfully. “In all honesty, I may have tried to get away, get to San Francisco or somewhere. He has no money.”
“I see.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter now, but I should have married him.”
“You love him,” Effie guessed.
“Very much,” Suzanna replied nodding. “He spanked me.”
Effie giggled.
“It’s really not funny,” Suzanna snapped. “It hurt.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Sam spanks you?”
“Whenever he gets an excuse, or sometimes just for fun,” Effie informed her,
smiling. “Take today for instance. If we were to somehow, miraculously live through this he would make me wish I’d never been born. He’d probably spank me every day and twice on Sunday for a month or two. No, this isn’t the kind of thing Sam would overlook.”
“Dalton wouldn’t either. Of course, I’d have to listen to an enormous lecture before, which I swear can be equally as painful. There’s nothing worse than a completely moral man, is there?”
“I don’t think so. It’s getting dark,” Effie observed, edging closer to Suzanna as they listened to the sound of tiny pebbles breaking away.
“Yes, it will be dark soon. Effie, can you swim?”
“Not very well. Miss Pettigrew didn’t see it as a necessary skill. Can you?”
“Yes. I spent a good deal of my childhood running off with the negro children down to the swimming hole. Mama never knew of course. She’d have had a fit, but it turns out I’m a very good swimmer.”
“You think we’re going to end up in that water down there, don’t you?”
“I’m afraid I do and we’ll drown for sure if we don’t get these clothes off.”
“We’ll freeze,” Effie exclaimed with a shiver.
“Effie, that dress alone will pull you under as surely as a rock tied around your waist.”
Effie looked at her for a few minutes and nodded.
“Let’s be as careful and slow as we can. Turn around and I’ll unbutton you,” Suzanna offered. “You try to unbutton your shoes.”
Over the next twenty minutes they helped each other undress down to their chemises. Suzanna fashioned a rope from the braided strings of their petticoats and gave one end to Effie.
“No matter what happens, try not to let go of that,” she warned her. “It will help keep us close together and I’ll pull you up if I have to. See that bank over there. I figure if we can jump and make it halfway across the river, I can get us to the other side.”
“Jump?”
“Or wait until this rock collapses beneath us,” Suzanna pointed out. “Maybe we should tie this around our wrists?” Suzanna suggested.
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