After wiring his money, Chase entered the mercantile and looked around. Heat from a potbelly stove enveloped him, and tangy scents of spice and sugar made his mouth water.
The rustling of skirts drew his attention to the first aisle, where a small woman was dusting the shelves with a brown feather duster.
“Oh—may I help you?” She bustled over to him, dusting as she came.
“Yes, ma’am. I need a few supplies.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place, young man,” she said, boldly looking him up and down. “Do you have a list of the things you need?”
“No, I don’t. I want supplies sent out to Nathan Strong’s place. Enough for passing the winter without having to scrimp.”
The second he’d mentioned Nathan Strong, the woman nearly stood at attention. “Be sure to include coffee, tea, sugar, and flour. Throw in any canned goods you have and some candy. Some bolts of fabric would be good, and three blankets, if you have them.”
“Mercy me, that’s a big order.” The quantity and variety of things he wanted seemed to surprise the wiry little woman. “You must be kin—a brother maybe of Mr. Strong’s?” Curiosity burned in her intense blue eyes.
“No, I’m not.” Chase was relieved the store was empty except for the two of them. “I’m an acquaintance of Mr. Strong’s. I rode with him on his last job. He was killed, and I brought the news to his widow.”
Her face went white. “Oh, my! Poor Jessie!” The woman was clucking her cheek now, and Chase couldn’t help but notice her resemblance to a chicken.
“Poor child. My, my, my. Have you told her yet?” The woman was fanning herself with the feather duster, and little bits of fluff were floating around her face.
“Yes. I just came from there.” Chase spotted a rope coiled on the wall. “And throw in that rope,” he said, pointing.
“Yes, yes.” The old woman was scurrying here and there, piling things on the counter. “I’ll ride out with Virgil when he delivers your things. I need to see how Jessie is takin’ the news.”
“Fine, but I have some other business I need to take care of first. I’ll be back in about an hour, and then we’ll go out together.”
The blacksmith’s shop was small, with corrals around the sides and out back. A small living area was built above the lower stable. Chase was struck by how neat and well kept everything was. A new coat of white paint made the little building stand out in a town where everything else was in drastic need of repair.
The ring of metal on metal reverberated, telling Chase the man was finished with his nooning. Entering the smithy, he found Mr. Shepard bending over the hoof of a massive black horse.
“Howdy.”
“Howdy, Mr. Logan,” Garth said, straightening. He took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face and the back of his neck. “Megan over at the eatery told me your name. I reckon you know my name since my shingle’s hanging out front.”
Chase, trying hard not to like this man, flexed his shoulders. He’d seen him yesterday enjoying Jessie’s company entirely too much. But his sunny disposition and generous manner were hard to dismiss.
“That’s so.” Chase held out his hand, and Garth took it in his. The men shook while sizing each other up.
“I’d like to take a look at those horses you have for sale.” Chase said after a pause. “I need something real gentle and broke solid.”
“They’re ’round back. Come on, I’ll show you.”
Chase peered into the corral at the motley group—three horses and a mule, standing ankle deep in muck. Garth took a rope and, not giving notice to the mud he was trudging through, brought the horses over for Chase’s inspection, one by one.
Chase stepped into the corral and studied their conformation. The first horse, a gray, pinned his ears and bared his teeth when approached. Chase ruled him out instantly.
“The gray’s unsuitable. The other two? Are they gentle?”
“Seem to be,” Garth answered. “Haven’t seen them bite or kick or do anything dangerous. I think either one would be a good choice.”
Chase walked around the gray to stroke the neck of a little chestnut mare. She stood patiently, enjoying the attention. A paint, head hung low, ignored the men completely.
“How much?”
“Ten each.”
“I’ll take them both.” Chase stepped through the gate back onto solid ground. “With saddle and bridle, if you have them.”
“Fine. I’ll get them saddled up.”
Chase tied the horses in front of the mercantile and entered. Mrs. Hollyhock was busy helping a young lady who was straightening some bolts of fabric. Both women looked up as he approached.
“Looky who’s here, Beth—the man I was telling you about,” the storekeeper said, rushing forward to greet him.
He cringed inwardly. The last thing he wanted to do today was chitchat in the house-goods section. Mrs. Happyhill, or whatever her name was, took hold of his arm and towed him toward the young woman.
“Beth, this is Mr…uh…”
“Logan,” Chase filled in for her.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Logan,” she replied, her cheeks instantly darkening to a crimson color.
“He’s the one who worked with Mr. Strong and is sendin’ all the food and such out to the Strongs’ homestead,” Mrs. Hollyhock said as she gazed up at Chase. “Don’t he look just like my Tommy? The resemblance is strikin’.”
Pausing, she took out a handkerchief and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mr. Logan, I didn’t mean to go on like that. It’s just been so long since my handsome boy rode away. I’m always hoping, waiting…”
“There, there,” the young woman said a bit impatiently. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m set to go,” Chase broke in. “Are the things I ordered ready?” The sooner he was out the door, the better. Females put him on edge, especially crying ones.
“Yes, they’re ’round back on the buckboard, Mr. Logan. Just let me grab my shawl, and Virgil and I’ll be ready to go.” Turning to the other woman, she asked, “Beth, would you mind closing up tonight? I want to ride out with Mr. Logan and check on Jessie. I’m jist sure she’s takin’ the news real hard, poor little thing.”
Chapter Twenty-one
As soon as the buckboard stopped, Mrs. Hollyhock spryly climbed from the wagon without Chase’s assistance and rushed to the door of the cabin. Moments later Jessie was enfolded in her embrace, and the little woman was rocking her from side to side. Gabe and Sarah watched from the fireplace, not knowing who the stranger was.
Mrs. Hollyhock pulled back and studied Jessie’s face, then sucked in her breath.
“You’re white as a sheet, girl. Come lie down before you fall over. I’ll bet my bloomers you’ve not had a bite to eat all day.”
Jessie glanced furtively out the door, searching for Chase. She hadn’t seen him yet and was frantic with the thought he hadn’t come back. Finally she spotted him alongside the wagon, and relief flooded her. He’d gotten a shave and bath, and looked utterly gorgeous. She caught his glance and searched his eyes, and suddenly she longed to feel his arms holding her tight. As if he could read her thoughts, he took a step in her direction, but before she could respond, Sarah came at Chase like a cat after a mouse.
“Da’s back, Da’s back,” she sang, vaulting into his embrace. Chase lifted her high. As he swung Sarah down, Jessie heard him whisper into the child’s ear.
“Shhhh…Your ma’s not feelin’ well.”
His voice, soft as worn leather, sent tingles dancing down her spine. She shivered, then glanced at Mrs. Hollyhock’s face to see if she’d heard what Sarah had called Chase. To her relief, the old woman was in her own world, fussing over Jessie as she hustled her into the bedroom.
Secluded in the room, Mrs. Hollyhock insisted that Jessie remove her shoes and lie down. She propped her feet on a pillow and bustled about, fluffing blankets and opening the window.
“Oh, poor
girl. It must’ve been a horrible shock to learn your man’s passed on. Iffen you’d like, I’ll stay out here with ya till you’re over the worst of it.”
“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Hollyhock, but it’s really not necessary,” Jessie said, struggling to sit up. Mrs. Hollyhock pushed her gently back onto the pillows.
“You look weak. Just stay where I put ya. You don’t know what’s good for ya at a time like this.”
Sighing, Jessie lay back on the pillow and closed her eyes. A sharp cramp caught her off guard, and she groaned.
“What is it, girl?” Mrs. Hollyhock peered anxiously in her face, as if she suspected Jessie of having some horrible ailment.
“Nothing much, really. Just a little pain.”
As if summoned to duty, Mrs. Hollyhock began eyeballing Jessie for symptoms. Leaning forward, she inspected her eyes, muttering speculatively.
“The whites ain’t yeller, so it ain’t the liver,” she said, sounding relieved. “Roll your head to the side so I can have a look-see into your ear.”
Jessie raised her eyebrows. “I’m fine, Mrs. Hollyhock. It’s just my monthly. For some reason I seem to have a hard time with them.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so, child? I have a pouch full of herbs that’ll make ya feel better right quick. I’ll be back before you get the chance to miss me.” Winking, she whisked out of the room in a flurry of flannel.
Reentering the main room, Mrs. Hollyhock saw Gabe and Sarah for the first time. “Who’s this strapping young man helpin’ put the supplies away?” she asked, looking from Gabe to Chase. “He your son, Mr. Logan?”
Before Chase had a chance to answer, she’d moved on to Sarah. “And to think I doubted the existence of wood pixies. Here sits one right ’fore my very eyes, as sure as I’m standing here.”
Sarah looked up from her seat at the table. She was nibbling on some raisins Chase had bought in town. Covering her smile with her hand, she giggled when Mrs. Hollyhock tickled her tummy.
Chase had no choice but to introduce the children. “This is Gabe Garrison and Sarah. They’re going to be living here with Jessie—I mean, Mrs. Strong.”
Mrs. Hollyhock stared at him in surprise.
“Mrs. Strong has adopted them,” he explained.
Silent for a moment, Mrs. Hollyhock eyed all three. Then, breaking into a smile that bespoke of great secrets, she zeroed in on Gabe. “Would you mind puttin’ on the kettle to boil? I have some herbs that’ll have your new ma feelin fine in no time a’tall.”
After Jessie had finished her tea and was fast asleep, Mrs. Hollyhock tiptoed from her bedroom and called the family to order.
“Jessie will be fine in a day or two. Be sure she don’t wear herself out doin’ for you and the little one,” she said, looking at Gabe. “It’s a shock to become a widder at such an early age. She’ll have some adjustin’ to do.” Virgil, slumped in a chair by the fire, hadn’t moved since they’d arrived. His snores sounded like the drawing of a saw blade.
“She’s asleep just now and probably won’t wake till mornin’,” Mrs. Hollyhock went on. “Help yourself to the soup I made, and Gabe, be sure to feed the little one before she gets hungry and starts whining. I don’t want Jessie to worry about nothin’ at all.”
She turned her attention to Chase. “What be your plans, Mr. Logan?” she asked innocently. “You have a family to rush back to?”
Chase almost winced. Here sat the only family he’d ever known. It’d felt nice being a part of it, even for such a short time. His thoughts turned to Jessie, tucked in her warm cozy bed, and his heart gave a little stutter.
“No family. Just me and my horse.” Chase stared at the ground. He didn’t want to see the effect his words were having on Gabe.
“Well then, will you be riding on tonight? You certainly can’t stay here.”
He glanced at Sarah, hoping the child wouldn’t choose this moment to speak up. “Seems as if everything—”
“Because iffen you’re interested,” Mrs. Hollyhock interrupted, “I have a room I let out above my mercantile. It’s yours if you need it for a day or two, or however long you decide to stay.” She straightened her skirt and continued. “My boy Tommy used to live up there. Did I tell you how much you resemble him? Why, at a glance I can almost believe it’s him standing here. Such a fine man, my Tommy is.”
Chase chanced a look at Gabe. Not being able to see the hopeful look on the boy’s face would be like not feeling the sun on a spring day. And, truth be known, he wasn’t ready to leave quite yet. Just a couple of days more…to make sure Jessie was feeling better.
“That’s a kind offer, Mrs. Hollyhock. I’ll take you up on it for a day or two.”
Gabe looked Chase square in the eyes, issuing a silent challenge. “Besides, Mr. Logan, I’ll bet your head still hurts where the bullet grazed your scalp,” he said softly.
“You’ve been hurt, Mr. Logan?” Mrs. Hollyhock hurried toward Chase. “Would ya like me to take a look at it, make sure it’s healin’ up proper? Ya wouldn’t want no gangrene ta set in.”
“No thanks, ma’am.” Chase pulled back to a safe distance. “It’s just a little sore.”
Gabe cleared his throat from his seat by the hearth, and Chase felt a hot stab of apprehension.
“Mrs. Strong sure did a fine job of doctoring him up,” the boy volunteered nonchalantly. “For a while we weren’t sure if he’d even make it. He was as helpless as a frozen snake.”
“Well, I’ll be.” The woman stood, looking startled. “I was under the distinct impression you’d jist arrived.”
She was drumming her fingers together slowly as she spoke, and Chase was starting to feel as spooky as a green colt.
“When was it you said you arrived, Mr. Logan?”
Ruining a girl’s reputation was not something to be taken lightly in these parts. Respectable women, widows included, were hard to find. The good ones were watched over and protected by the townspeople. Chase knew it would only take a word from the boy to send the old women scurrying for a preacher. And by the boy’s expression, Gabe knew it, too.
A hush fell upon the room. At some point in the conversation, Virgil had awoken. He and Mrs. Hollyhock waited for Chase’s answer.
“I didn’t.”
At that moment Jessie’s offer came floating back to Chase like something from a dream. You could stay if you wanted. Her sweet invitation flowed over him like warm honey, making him long for the goodness of her. Could he take a chance and put the past aside? Take a stab at something more solid than his horse and the next trail?
“I guess that’s so,” she said, darting a knowing look at Virgil. “Well, go on, enlighten us.”
Hold up, he thought. Telling the whole truth now wouldn’t give Jessie any say in a decision that would change her whole life. On the other hand, lying even more set about as well with him as sharing a den with a polecat. Deciding to give as little information as they’d accept and letting the cards fall as they may felt like the most honest thing to do.
“Been here a handful of days.” Chase ran his fingers through his hair, realizing he still hadn’t gotten it cut.
“Two days after I arrived, someone shot me, and Mrs. Strong saved my life. When I was able, I rode into town, and you know the rest of the story.”
It put him on edge to have to explain his actions, especially with Gabe sitting there knowing he was leaving out a major chunk of the story.
“Hummm.” Mrs. Hollyhock stood rooted to the floor. The color came up in her face, and it looked as though her eyes would pop out of her face at any moment.
“My-my-my,” she stuttered, all the while shaking her head. “Just what exactly did ya plan ta do, Mr. Logan?”
She was working herself up, no question about it. Her voice squawked like that of a plucked jaybird.
Virgil stared at her as if she’d just sprouted another head.
“Didja plan ta ride off after ya had a piece of the pie, a taste of the pudding, not carin’ wha
t happens to Jessie, possibly leavin’ her with another mouth ta feed? And her bein’ a married woman and all! You should be ashamed of yourself, cozying up to her and playin’ off her sympathies!”
“Hold on just a minute!” Chase shot back. “That’s not the way it happened at all. And she’s not married, at least not anymore.” Mrs. Hollyhock had it all wrong. But there was no stopping her now.
“Just what kind of chance will she have of findin’ a decent husband after people find out she’s been livin’ out here with the likes of you?” With that, she sighed wearily and plopped down into a chair at the table.
“That Garth…now he’s a fine man, iffen I’ve ever seen one. He’s always had an eye for the girl, ain’t that right, Virgil?”
Virgil seemed surprised that she’d remembered he was even in the room.
“Reckon so,” he mumbled.
“But now…” Her voice faded as she slumped in the chair. At the moment, all bent and defeated, she seemed no stronger than a feather in a gust of wind.
“Why, it’s only a matter of time before the whole town knows, being any young’uns I’ve ever known could never keep a secret. And me and Virgil”—she slowly shook her head—“we know what kind a life a ruint girl has. You’ve seen ‘em entertainin’ upstairs at the saloons, the likes of any man who will pay for it…one after another.” She’d lowered her voice and turned her face to Chase so the children couldn’t hear her last comments. “Just a shame.”
Chase’s mind flashed back to times when he himself had taken his ease in the arms of a woman like that. No, he couldn’t picture Jessie doing that. He was jolted back to the present by a half sob from the old woman.
“I can’t bear to think of Jessie at the mercy of some drunken…”
She left that sentence unfinished and suddenly snapped to attention, drilling Chase with an ice blue stare.
Chapter Twenty-two
“Why—why, you was here when Garth brought Jessie back from town the other day. Weren’t ya? Oh, heavens!” Mrs. Hollyhock looked as if she was about to swoon. “I’m sure he must’ve known there was somethin’ amiss.”
Where The Wind Blows Page 11