by Robyn Corum
Boone and Lucas exchanged long looks. Boone made a rude noise. “I’m going to sleep. See y’all in the morning.”
• • •
Mindy glanced to Lucas and shrugged. “Men! Oh, present company excluded, of course.”
Lucas smiled and Mindy stared into his blue eyes. He was a tall man and sat ramrod straight. He was attractive in a rough sort of way. Sometimes his eyes were hooded, as if he had seen things he didn’t care to remember. He was used to giving orders and being obeyed. Someone had said he’d been an officer in the war and she could believe it. Lucas didn’t speak often, but when he did his words were precise and clear, and brooked no argument.
As they continued their conversation, her eyes wandered over to Boone, stretched out near the warmth of the fire. The two men couldn’t be more different. Where Lucas was fair, Boone was dark, with black eyes that spoke what he wouldn’t say. Her Tormentor was even taller than Lucas, but muscular and swarthy. He had wide shoulders that narrowed into a trim waist, and she frequently found herself watching him walk. He was confident and sure of himself, to the point of cockiness, which often made her mad enough to spit. Just looking at him could make her blood boil. And certainly, his kiss had made her bubble. There was something about Boone that made her think crazy, act crazy. Why, she’d completely forgotten about his wife! He probably thought she was the sort of jezebel her mom sometimes whispered about, returning his kiss like that. She could still feel his lips on hers there in the darkness. Mindy had never imagined a single moment could make you feel so many things at once: dizzy and safe, curious and wise, hungry and —
“ … are your brothers?” Lucas was asking.
Mindy shook herself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said.”
Lucas followed her eyes to where Boone snoozed. “Never mind. It’s getting late. We better get some sleep.”
Mindy was startled by the abrupt end to the conversation. “All right.” She turned to snuggle into the bed of soft leaves she’d made.
“I enjoyed talking with you, Mindy.”
Turning to study Lucas, Mindy replied, “Me too. You’re easy to talk with.” She blushed again and Lucas smiled. “Good night.”
• • •
When Boone awoke the next morning, there was no sign of Mindy. He glanced over to Lucas, who was adding small twigs to the fire.
Boone leaned against the ground and twisted his body. “I could stretch a mile,” he said with a grin, “but I’d have to walk back.” His eyes turned serious. “You two have a good, long talk last night?”
Lucas didn’t answer immediately. He poked the fire. When he looked up, his eyes were hard. “Is there anything you want to tell me about Mindy?”
“What do you mean? Besides, the fact she’s a pain in the backside?”
“No. If you have feelings for her. Sometimes, I get that distinct impression.”
“Me? You know we fight like cats and dogs. It’s oil and water.”
“I’m just letting you know that I care for her. I aim to court her when we get to town and get settled in.”
Boone stared into Lucas’s eyes and his black eyes grew even darker. “That’s fine,” he said. “She’ll need someone to take care of her and keep her out of trouble.”
“I need to know if that’s going to be a problem with you.”
“Heck no!” Boone stood and dusted off his dungarees. “You’re welcome to her and good luck.” For some reason the conversation was making him ill. He felt the need to hit something again, but his skin on his hand was still cracked and broken from the last time. He flexed it. “I’m going to wash up.”
As he walked to the water’s edge, he passed Mindy returning. She had washed the mud from her face.
“Don’t you have more clothes in that bag of yours?” he demanded.
“For your information, there’s only one change of clothes in there. As if it’s any of your business. I don’t see the need to destroy a second dress.”
Boone had to admit the logic of that, but was disgruntled by the amount of leg that showed beneath her tattered hem. Fully one half of her white calves was on display. Her brown walking boots did little to cover more than her ankles.
“Perhaps today would be a good day to change, seeing as how we’ll be getting into town,” he suggested with a grimace, imagining the looks she would receive.
Mindy looked down to her dress and then back at Boone. “Maybe so.”
“Do whatever you want,” he growled and continued to the stream.
Chapter Eighteen
By midmorning, the trio heard a welcome rumbling as they walked. It turned into a minute dust cloud, which turned into a stagecoach. Salvation had arrived. Mindy’s eyes began to tear, and it took all her control not to weep with joy.
Shorty, the wiry old man, was at the reins. He pulled the surefooted steeds to a hard stop, throwing rocks and dirt into the air. “Halloo!” he cried with a wide, snaggle-toothed smile, before leaning over the rail of the coach and spitting a brown stream of tobacco juice onto the hard soil.
“Anybody here ready for a ride?” His smile broadened at the humor of his words.
Mindy leaned against Lucas, gathering strength. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Yes. Thank You, Lord.”
The two men cheered up noticeably; their backs straightened and their eyes sparkled. “Come on, darlin’,” Lucas said, “Let’s head for Tipton!” He picked Mindy up and swung her in a wide circle.
“Put me down, you idiot!” Mindy said with glee. “You’re going to hurt yourself all over again.”
Sure enough, when he set her back on the ground, he gripped his chest with a tender hand, though he winked and said, “It was well worth the pain, my dear!”
Mindy turned and ran to the waiting coach. Boone had slung her bag inside and was holding the door. He wore a grim frown. Mindy ignored him as she climbed into the stagecoach. The faded velvet seating and wood interior made her feel like she had arrived home.
Mindy leaned back in the seat and sighed, as Lucas slapped Boone on the back and climbed aboard. Boone followed, closing the door. Before they were even settled, the driver started the horses into a canter. They were headed back to the land of the living.
• • •
“So, what’ll you do when we get to town?” Mindy asked Boone.
“I don’t have much choice. I reckon’ I’ll be heading out to find that bank money and bring it back.”
Mindy shuddered. “You can’t mean to chase after those fellows alone?”
“That’ll be up to the stage company. I’ll be reporting to them when we arrive. But I expect they’ll want me to head out as soon as possible. I’ll probably visit my mother and then head on out.”
“And your wife, I guess.”
“Yeah. Of course.” Boone mentally smacked himself again. A wife sure was a lot of trouble.
“Oh. By the way, I guess I can give this back to you now,” Mindy said reaching into her bag. She extracted a Bible wrapped in cloth and removed a picture from its pages. She handed it over to him. “Funny thing, you had it in your possession the whole time you were carrying my bag.” A faint smile crossed her face. “She sure is pretty.”
“Yeah,” Boone admitted. “She is that.”
• • •
Mindy fell silent. She had thought … she wasn’t sure what she had thought. But she hadn’t expected Boone to be planning to leave even before he arrived in Tipton. She looked out the window, past the faded, oiled-leather curtain. The landscape rolled past at a jarring pace. Again, she felt tears welling up in her eyes, but for the life of her she couldn’t be sure why.
• • •
In less than six hours, Mindy began to see signs that they were nearing civilization again. There was a steady stream of men on horseback traveling along the same road as they drew closer to Tipton. Just outside the town, Mindy saw a long line of wagons that obviously made up a wagon train. In a large, open creek bank, horses and cattle were enjoying the co
ol water. The sheer number of wagons and livestock was overwhelming. “Now, that’s a journey,” she commented.
Boone looked out the window on the same side of the coach. “Uh huh. There aren’t as many moving west by wagon as there once was. The railroad has cut down on the traffic, but when you’re moving your entire household, there isn’t much other way.”
Mindy watched women working near the wagons. Controlled chaos seemed to reign king. Children galloped and played nearby. “God bless ’em, is all I can say.”
Lucas chortled. “Yep.”
The stagecoach driver never gave any heed to the increased level of activity on the roads; he still drove like the devil was chasing him. The bouncing and banging reminded Mindy of her earlier complaints. Her attitude had changed, and she relished every jounce. It was better than walking any day.
Mindy watched, fascinated, as they entered into the cluster of buildings making up the town. Lines of wagons were parked along the roadside, forcing the coach to squeeze in between them.
When they pulled to an abrupt halt, Boone was already swinging out the door. Lucas exited and helped Mindy down, and she glanced around, taking in the sights. The wood-frame buildings stretched out in either direction, lining the narrow thoroughfare. Along one side of the street was a two story hotel, Peter’s Livery, Feed, and Sale Stable, a barber shop, and a furniture store. Past those, the brick exterior of The Bank of Tipton was visible.
On the other side of the road stood two barrooms side-by-side, next to Kit’s Eatery. All along the boardwalks were the good citizens of the town, and the folks securing provisions for the long wagon trip.
Several women cast a wary eye at Melinda as she alighted from the stage; no doubt her red face, mangled hairdo, and inappropriate garb caught their attention. Melinda straightened her shoulders and looked them head on, without shame. She had survived a grand adventure — the likes of which she could tell her nieces and nephews about with great fanfare. Many of the women turned away, not being able to withstand the hard stare Mindy offered.
Lucas arrived at her elbow. “Let me escort you to the hotel and make sure we get you settled in comfortably.” He glanced over his shoulder at Boone. “I’ll take that bag off your hands now, friend.”
Mindy’s Tormentor stood still as a statue for a minute, looking at Mindy as if he would speak, but then he merely handed over the piece of luggage. It certainly looked worse for the wear. Mindy hadn’t realized until now the beating it had taken.
“Will we see you again before you leave?” Mindy asked.
Boone studied her quietly. “I don’t know why. Looks like you’ve got everything you need.”
Mindy glanced up at Lucas who wore a broad smile. “That she does, neighbor, that she does.”
The men exchanged glances. “You better do right,” Boone said in a hard voice. “I’ll be close by, and there’s always talk.”
“Do right about what?” Mindy asked, glancing from one man to the other.
“I think he gets it.”
“I got it. No need for worries. See to your own troubles. Let us know if you make it back all right.” Lucas was being extremely magnanimous.
Looking at Boone, Mindy realized that this moment might be the last she would see him. Without considering her actions, she threw her arms around his neck, surprising them both. “Thanks for all you’ve done.” She leaned against him and said in a quieter voice. “I take back what I said — your wife is a lucky woman.”
Boone took her by the arms and set her away from him. “I better go.” He tipped his hat once and turned on his heel. Mindy watched him walk away.
Chapter Nineteen
“Come on,” Lucas said, moving with a light step. “Let’s get you checked into the hotel.” He tugged at Mindy’s arm.
Turning, Mindy sighed. It seemed her heart had dropped into her stomach.
“I’ve stayed here several times, and I feel sure you’ll like it.” Lucas’s grin made him seem sweet and appealing. “Hot meals are provided each day, and the owners offer tokens for the plunge bath down the road.”
The idea of a bath caught Mindy’s attention. “Oh, that would be heavenly!”
“Shorty said they were sending a stage to pick up our luggage. It should be here by tomorrow or the next day. If you have need of anything in the meantime, I hope you’ll let me know.”
“That’s all right. I have my own money. And besides, I would never take yours.”
“I hope the day will come when you may accept more than that from me, Mindy.” They had reached the wooden boardwalk and he turned her to face him. “I’d like the opportunity to call on you.”
“What?” Mindy said.
“Surely you’ve realized by now that I have feelings for you, Mindy. I know this isn’t the appropriate time or place. I had planned to discuss it over dinner tonight, but, well … ” He shrugged and smiled.
Mindy was startled … and flattered, but beyond that, she wasn’t sure what she felt.
“You don’t have to answer me now. Think about it, and we’ll discuss it more over our meal.” He took her arm and wrapped it over his, patting it gently. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.” With that, he escorted her into the sumptuous hostel.
• • •
It took a moment for Mindy’s eyes to adjust after the bright sunlight. Once they did, she gasped. The interior of the hotel was sumptuously appointed, with floor to ceiling columns and rich, maple furniture. A piano sat to one side of the large receiving area and a writing desk sat to another. The walls were painted stark white and decorated with elaborate wooden trim painted the same shade. Cozy armchairs were scattered here and there. The reception desk sat at the far wall, and four large, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Mindy moved slowly through the room, touching various pieces of furniture and studying the patterned Brussels carpet beneath her feet.
“Is it okay to walk on this?” Mindy leaned over conspiratorially. “My shoes are filthy!”
“This hotel caters to ranchers and cowboys, among others. They’re used to much worse than dirt on these floors!” Lucas laughed.
A man approached wearing a sharp uniform and addressed Lucas. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Wilhite. Will you be staying?” Mindy was surprised that he seemed to pay no attention to her state of dress or disheveled appearance.
“Yes, Curtis. I’ll need a room for myself and a room for Miss McCorkle. Please give her your best.”
“Nothing less.” The man named Curtis looked around them. “Are you carrying luggage, sir?”
“It hasn’t arrived, but we expect it tomorrow or the next day. Our driver said they’ve sent another stage after it. Please send Miss McCorkle’s to her room as soon as it arrives.” Lucas glanced at the dining room entrance. “Are the supper seatings still at five and seven o’clock?”
“They are, Mr. Wilhite. When would you like to dine?” Lucas told the man to save a table for them at the late meal.
Mindy listened to the conversation, faintly irritated that she had not been consulted. As good as food sounded, a bath and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed sounded even more appealing.
“Curtis, Miss McCorkle will want to visit the baths. Could we have our tokens immediately?”
“Of course, sir.” Curtis spun and headed to the reception desk to take care of the request.
When the man left, Mindy looked at Lucas. Her mouth was set in a hard line. “Lucas!” she hissed. “I can’t afford the most expensive room in the hotel!”
“Don’t worry about the details, Mindy. Leave them to me.”
Curtis returned with two keys. “May I escort you?”
“Not necessary. I’ll see Miss McCorkle to her room. Thank you.”
Together they walked through the lobby to a carpeted staircase. Lucas knew the way and soon had Mindy at her door. “I’ll leave you here. I look forward to seeing you at dinner.”
They said their goodbyes and Mindy stepped into
her room. She was instantly taken aback by the decor and lavishness. She had a corner room on the second floor. White curtains fluttered in two windows.
A large, mahogany bed sat catty-cornered to the room, and a writing desk, chairs and fireplace completed the picture. Mindy sighed, wanting more than anything to fall into bed and sleep for hours. But she knew she’d feel better when she was clean again.
• • •
The bathhouse was a long structure with high ceilings and a large pool for bathing. It was intended for multiple guests at once. Thankfully, Mindy was able to secure a private room for her ablutions. She sank into the galvanized tub full of hot water and drifted away. When she awoke, the water was cool and she had to hurry to get ready for the evening.
The extra dress she had packed was a simple frock, but it was clean. Mindy delighted in sliding into the garment. She pulled her hair back and tied it with a ribbon, and felt like she could pass for a respectable female again.
Walking back to the hotel, she scanned the buildings around her for sight of The Blue Saloon, with no luck. Another day.
She arrived a bit after seven and went straight to the dining area where Lucas awaited. His eyes grew wide when she entered. “How lovely you look!”
Chapter Twenty
June 14, 1880
Dear Mother,
I am finally situated in Tipton and able to catch you up on what has happened since my last letter. I have only just arrived after another uneventful stage in my journey. Traveling can be so monotonous!
I am currently domiciled in the Golden Hotel and, believe it or not, I am staying in the brides’ room! It is a feast for the eyes, and I know you would enjoy seeing the fancy embellishments. (Do not worry, there is nothing new to report — I have only reserved the room for one.)
You might be surprised to learn I have met a man who seems smitten with me. The very idea makes my head swell to unreasonable proportions. I cannot remember the last time I was even regarded by a man! And Mother, he has asked if he may call on me.