Throughout the meal, Katherine kept a barrage of questions flowing toward the children. She didn’t want to think about last night’s nightmare. She didn’t even remember having one.
After the children were put to bed, Urias joined her in the sitting room. “You should get some sleep, too, Katherine. I’m going to Creelsboro in the morning for Shelton. While I’m gone, his bandages will need tending. And Prudence could use a hand with the children.”
A contorted smile rose on her lips. If she arranged things well, perhaps she could go to Creelsboro, too. It was time to start moving on with her life.
Shelton leaned on the makeshift cane and hobbled about the barn. He’d been up since the crack of dawn, waiting on Urias. He knew his leg wasn’t up to a horse ride, but with a little luck he might persuade Urias to take the buggy instead. They could tie Kehoe to the rear. Anyone who knew good horseflesh would spot Kehoe’s qualities a mile away.
“Shelton?” Katherine whispered as she poked her head into the barn.
“Over here.”
She turned toward his voice, squinting in the diffused light of the barn. “Urias said he was going into Creelsboro for you. Why?”
“He agreed to try to find some breeders there who might take a look at Kehoe. If we can catch some settlers going west, I’d offer them a discounted rate for quick cash.”
She glanced behind her shoulder. Shelton guessed she didn’t want anyone to see her in the barn alone with him. “When is the season for breeding horses?”
“All year, but mainly spring till fall.” He leaned hard on his cane. “I was hoping to convince Urias to take the wagon this morning and let me come along.”
“Perhaps I could go with you instead. I’ve been meaning to take a trip to Creelsboro.”
“Are you sure?” Shelton brushed her hand with his. “We’d be sitting side by side.”
I’ll do whatever’s necessary. “I have to go into town.”
“You’re safe with me, Katherine,” he assured her.
A single nod. No words, no eye contact. What has happened to her?
“You’re bleeding.” She pointed to his trousers. “Perhaps we’d better go another time. Right now, you should concentrate on getting well.”
“I’m fine.” He held the cane tighter as a wave of dizziness washed over him.
Katherine placed her hands on her hips. “You’re being awfully pig-headed.”
Shelton wanted to spar with her but decided not to push this new willingness to spend a little time with him. “Wait over there,” he said, pointing toward the large barn door, “while I change my trousers.”
She raised her right eyebrow as if to question him, then lowered it and went out the door.
He removed his boots and pants, then wrapped a blanket around his waist. “You can come in now.”
Urias appeared in the doorway. “Katherine says you had a foolish idea of running into Creelsboro today.”
“I thought with the wagon—”
Urias wagged his head. “You obviously weren’t thinking.” He scanned the bleeding wound. “Katherine will clean that up. But you’re getting back in that bed.”
“Urias—”
“And if you get out again before I say you’re ready, I’ll personally set a hundred-pound keg on your chest to hold you down.” Urias glared at him until Shelton sat on the bed, then he stomped out of the barn.
Katherine entered moments later with a fresh basin of water and a clean cloth. Merriment danced in her eyes.
“You think this is funny? Your brother is ordering me about like a child.”
“He is a very protective man.”
Pain shot up Shelton’s leg, like a knife cutting deep into his skin. He moaned.
Katherine came to his side. “Lay your head down. I’ll take care of this.”
He wanted to resist, but the dizziness he’d experienced earlier hadn’t entirely left and he felt the room spinning. The soft pillow encircled his head. Katherine placed her delicate fingers on his forehead. “You have a high fever. You should stay down and let your body heal.”
“Yeah,” he mumbled. He’d lie there forever if she’d stay by his side.
She placed a cool cloth on his forehead. Then he felt her heavenly touch on his leg.
“It’s still a little red, but the blood is drying to a dark brown scab. That’s good. It means there be no sign of infection. You should be up and around in no time.”
Shelton chuckled. “I like your Irish brogue. You don’t use it much.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Why not?”
Katherine applied some pressure on the wound. Shelton grimaced. “Sorry. I’ll try to be more gentle.”
“You’re fine. It’s just sensitive. Thank you for all your help.”
She acknowledged with a simple nod of her head.
Shelton wished she would open up and confide in him. “Katherine, what’s your biggest desire in life?”
“A place of my own,” she blurted out. Her hand stilled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that.”
Shelton sat up, adjusting the blanket to maintain modesty. “Your secrets are safe with me.” He winked, remembering the day he’d discovered her secret hiding place in the barn. He’d kept his word and never looked to see what she had hidden in that small box. Perhaps it was a tidy sum of money she’d saved in the hope of being able to someday afford a place for herself.
“Why did you want to go to Creelsboro?”
“I’m hoping to find some work, as a seamstress perhaps. I’m not smart enough to be a teacher, although Grandma Mac has been giving me lessons. My mom didn’t care much for book learning. But I’ve learned a lot since I moved here.”
“I think you’re a very smart woman.” He could see her in a schoolhouse, teaching the children and living in a private room off the back. Unfortunately, there didn’t seem to be a place for him in that picture. “Seamstress, huh?”
“Yes.” She smiled.
“I may have a small job for you. Perhaps you could repair the trousers I had on the day of the raccoon attack?”
“Of course.”
“I’d be happy to pay you.”
“There’s no charge for family.”
“I’m not your family, Katherine.” But I want to be.
“Close enough. You’re my brother’s brother-in-law.” Katherine chuckled. “Besides, I thought you were going to Creelsboro in order to earn some money.”
“I told you you’re a smart woman.”
She wrapped the clean linen around the wound and secured it. “All done. I’ll leave you now and send Vern in with lunch later. Get some rest. You’re looking pale.”
“Thank you, Katherine.”
He watched her leave, then took in a deep pull of air. He leaned back against the headboard of the old bed. Perhaps he still had a chance with Katherine after all.
Shelton reached over to the small table, which held a glass of water and some herbs that Mac had brought in. His head started swimming and he felt like he could fall out of bed without even moving. He’d deal with Katherine another day. Today he had to concentrate on recovering and living.
With time, he might just be able to win her heart. But only if she gives it to me freely, he reminded himself. He would not force her. He would not demand. He would wait patiently, treating her like a skittish mare.
That’s it! He smiled and knitted his fingers together behind his head. Katherine was like a wild mare; a firm but gentle hand was in order for her to trust him.
Chapter 5
Katherine pumped water into the barrel to wash clothes. Urias had built an outdoor shelter for a laundry room of sorts for spring and fall cleaning. It was the time to get all the quilts, blankets, and sheets ready for winter.
As she agitated the water, she thought back on the past couple of days and caring for Shelton. It seemed odd but good to be near a man and not be frightened. They talked more and more, and for the first time in her life she felt like
she had a male friend.
On the other hand, she noticed things about him that seemed totally inappropriate. Like how handsome he was, and how strong his hands were. She wondered what it would be like to be held in his arms. She shook off the images and went back to cleaning the dirty clothes.
“Katherine?” Shelton’s voice spun around her spine, giving her strength, not fear. Thank You, Lord. “Would you like to travel to Creelsboro with me tomorrow?”
She dropped the agitator in the barrel and dried off her hands on the long apron that protected her dress. “Do you think you’re well enough?”
“I believe so. I wouldn’t want to stress my leg too much, but the buggy would allow me to put it up some.”
Katherine thought about the wagon. It had a panel in front, and they could both place their feet up there. “Has the fever returned?”
“No, thank the Lord. Mac says that I’ll have to wait another week before we know for certain if I’m infected. But the prognosis looks good.”
Katherine fired off another prayer for Shelton. She didn’t want to lose her friend.
“Are you still hoping to obtain employment in town?” he asked.
A slight heat rose on her cheeks. She’d wanted to go the other day to find a job. She’d also entertained the hope of finding a man heading west who might want a wife. After a couple of days of prayer, however, she knew that wasn’t the answer. If she were ever to be given the gift of a spouse, it would have to be for more than convenience or escape. Oddly, the person she’d wanted to escape from was the one she now wanted to be near.
“Katherine?”
She snapped from her musings. “Forgive me, me mind was rambling.”
“If you’d rather I not know your personal dealings, I understand.” Shelton leaned against the rail.
“I have some items I’ve sewn that I’m hoping to sell to the merchants.”
“Speaking of sewing, thank you for mending my trousers.”
“You’re welcome.” She reached for the agitator.
“Well, I’ll leave you to your task. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Shelton.” She paused. She’d just about confessed to him that he wasn’t an interruption. “Why did you name your horse Kehoe?”
“It’s a derivative of the Irish word for horse.”
“Really?”
He looked at his feet.
“Why would you choose that name, then? You’re family isn’t Irish, is it?”
“No.” A deep crimson color ran up his neck. He cleared his throat. “It just … seemed like the right name at the time.”
Am I the reason? Katherine dropped the wooden handle. Lord, it doesn’t make sense. I was just his servant.
“Katherine.” He reached out to her. “I’ve always cared a great deal for you.”
She resisted the temptation to place her hand within his. Physical contact with a man, apart from tending to his wounds, was something she didn’t want to venture into. A violent flash from the past cut off her vision. Instinctively she rubbed her right wrist. She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain, the horror.
“Katherine?” Shelton’s voice soothed her. His hands landed ever so slightly on her shoulders.
Her heart raced. Cold sweat beaded across her forehead and upper lip, then total darkness.
Shelton caught Katherine’s body before her head smashed on the ground. What’s wrong with this woman? One moment she’s fine, the next she faints. Hoisting her delicate frame in his arms, he carried her to the house. “Prudence,” he hollered, kicking the closed door with his foot.
His sister opened the door. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. We were just talking and the vapors overtook her.”
“Place her on her bed. I’ll get a cool compress.”
Shelton thought back on their conversation just before she passed out. He hadn’t said anything upsetting to her. He’d just been embarrassed. How could he explain that he’d loved her so much he named his horse after her?
Shelton laid her across her bed. The same bed he had lain in right after the raccoon attack. He groaned.
“She’s not that heavy. You must be losing your strength, little brother.” Prudence placed a cool cloth on Katherine’s forehead.
She moaned.
Praise You, Lord, she’s all right. “Why would she just faint like that?”
“Women do that from time to time.”
“Oh.” The idea of it being a female issue disconcerted him so much he fumbled his way out the door and left his sister to tend to Katherine. Thank You, God, that I was born a man!
He heard voices and knew Prudence and Katherine were speaking. He set his hat more firmly on his head and marched outside. Every fiber of his body urged him to do something, anything. A ride, he decided. Taking Kehoe for a hard jaunt sounded wonderful.
In the barn, he saddled his horse and headed south toward Creelsboro.
Thirty minutes later, Shelton pushed Kehoe to a fast gallop. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d taken the animal out for a decent run. A good workout would be healthy for Kehoe, not to mention how much it would benefit his owner.
A small stream of sweat rolled down Shelton’s spine. He eased up on the reins and patted Kehoe’s neck. “Feel good, boy?”
Shelton stopped at Jobbes Fork and let the horse drink. Kehoe enjoyed the speed. Shelton did, too.
The gentle run of the river soothed Shelton’s rankled nerves. Perhaps Prudence was right and Katherine was just having some kind of female problem. But from the way her eyes went distant a couple of times during their conversation, he didn’t think so. She’s like a timid mare, Lord. Only worse. More like a battered horse.
“No, Lord,” he prayed. Surely nothing that serious had happened to Katherine. But a few days back he’d had a similar thought.
Shelton hoisted himself off Kehoe. The leather creaked as he steadied his feet on the ground.
Did he really want to know about her past? His mind imagined the worst thing that could be done to a female child. It made his stomach churn.
Lifting a twig, he pierced the packed sand of the riverbank. He jammed the stick in farther. “I’m madder than a snake, Lord. I know I shouldn’t be, but I am. Men like that should be hung.” He walked along the edge of the river, reminding himself not to assume something he didn’t know for sure was true.
The wind stirred the top of the pine trees across the river. Water cascaded over a fallen tree trunk. “Lord, take this anger from me. I don’t like being this way.”
Working at the mill was beginning to sound better all the time. It would be steady work, and the more Shelton felt anger building up in him the more he needed to do some physical exercise. Unfortunately, being a part of the higher social circles, he’d never learned to do much of anything other than take care of his horses.
With determined steps he limped back to his horse and headed toward Crockett’s paper mill. It was time for him to get a job. If he was hired, he’d save all his money and buy some land. Perhaps in a year he’d have a place built for his parents. Then he could think about becoming involved with Katherine. Maybe by that time he could handle his mixed emotions.
“Are you feeling better?”
Katherine smiled at Prudence, who was adjusting the cool compress against her forehead. “I’m fine. I don’t know what came over me.”
“When did you eat last?”
Katherine thought for a moment. At breakfast she’d nibbled at the counter, but didn’t sit down to eat with the family. “I had a piece of bacon this morning.”
“That’s not enough,” she chided. “Now, tell me what happened out back.”
Leaning her head into the pillow, she closed her eyes. “A dark memory overcame me.” She’d leave it at that. Prudence wouldn’t pry.
“That’s been happening a lot lately, hasn’t it?”
Katherine nodded.
“Is it because my brother is here?”
“I thought so
at first, but now I’m not sure. Maybe this will be the last time.”
Prudence gave her a slight smile. “Stay in bed and rest for a while. I’ll send Tucker in with something for you to eat.”
“Thank you.” Normally she would have objected at having someone wait on her, but today she didn’t have the strength to fight. “Prudence?”
“Yes?” Her sister-in-law turned in the doorway.
“I think it’s time for me to move to Creelsboro, find a place of my own. I can supply some of the merchants with articles of clothing to sell.”
Prudence shook her head. “Please don’t make any plans right now. If you can stay a little longer, you might not want to move to Creelsboro.”
Katherine sat up on the bed. “What are you talking about?”
“I can’t say right now. I’ll speak to Urias and tell him your plans.” Prudence turned to leave.
“Pru?”
“Talk to Urias,” she said as she left.
“Where is he?” Katherine called out, but no one answered.
Urias and Mac had been gone a lot lately and they seemed to bring little home from their expeditions. That was quite unlike them. Mac could track anything, anywhere. He wasn’t Indian, but he’d spent a lot of time with some before marrying Pamela.
Katherine picked up her sewing kit and the shirt she’d been making for Shelton. If she were to move out on her own, she’d have to sell it to help pay the rent.
She enjoyed the special friendship she shared with Prudence. But the desire to move away from the house was stronger now than it had ever been. Shelton was the cause of that.
No, she admitted, it wasn’t Shelton’s fault. Katherine closed her eyes. “Lord, it’s my own sinful desires. How can I even entertain the thought of wanting to be in a man’s arms after what I’ve been through? I can’t ruin Shelton’s life. I’m not fit for marriage. And he talks daily about providing for his parents. I know I could never be comfortable around Hiram Greene. Please, Lord, help me. I can’t be a burden to my brother any longer.”
She wiped her eyes at the gentle knock on her bedroom door.
“Auntie Katherine,” Tucker called. “Mommy said to give you this.”
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