“I do when I have business here. Then someone told me you often come here on this day of the week, so I thought perhaps if we could take a walk together.”
“Kind of hard to be walking with your hands full,” Sam mumbled.
Kern turned to Sam. “Do you have a problem this morning?”
Across from her, Sam stiffened. “No.”
Though Belle wasn’t sure what Sam had been getting at, as though Sheriff Kern was not being quite everything he said he was, warning bells were going off in her head. “Thank you, Sheriff, but I had best go right home.”
Holding out her hands, she practically grabbed hold of the fish Sam had wrapped in paper and hugged it to her chest. “Fish don’t keep for long, you know.”
But to her surprise, Kern didn’t shy away. “How about I walk you home, then?”
“Well, I, um . . .”
“I insist.” He took her elbow and guided her away from Sam’s stall and along the narrow passageways of the fish market. Though his hold was strong and unforgiving, she noticed it wasn’t painful.
She also noticed that she couldn’t help but be aware of his touch. Afraid to meet his gaze, Belle kept looking in front of her. When they got back to Market Street, she pulled her elbow away from his grasp. “There is no need to keep ahold of me, sir. I’m not going to run away.”
“I wasn’t trying to keep you,” he said impatiently. “Only navigate through the crowded market.” He waved a hand toward one of the many abandoned buildings on the edge of the warehouse district. “You know it’s not safe here. Half the buildings are barely standing after the last storm. You could get hurt.”
“By a collapsing building?”
“Vagrants and rats live around here too. I promise, neither are suitable company for you.”
He was looking out for her. Trying to shield her. She stiffened as she realized she appreciated his efforts. It was so unexpected. He stopped and looked at her curiously. “Is anything wrong? You seem out of sorts.”
“I am fine. I am simply not good company this early in the morning.”
“I hope that is all it is.” After they walked another half block, he said, “As I said, I was hoping to see you. I want to speak to you.”
“About what?”
He glanced her way. “Well, how are things at the boardinghouse?”
“About the same. We got two new boarders last night.”
“Any other visitors?”
“No . . . well, no, unless you count the older Mrs. Ruth Markham and Miss Viola Markham.”
Sheriff Kern’s eyebrows rose. “They were there? Did they spend the night?”
“Oh no. They came in, talking about how they were going to be getting the house soon. We all thought we were going to get fired, for sure. But then Mr. Truax practically ran them off.”
“I see.”
Belle wasn’t sure what he saw. “Has anything happened, sir?”
“I’m not sure,” he said slowly. “I plan to ask Mr. Truax about his conversation with those women, though.”
They were back in Mrs. Markham’s neighborhood. The streets were wider, palm trees and mossy Spanish oaks lined yards, and far fewer people were out than when Belle preferred to be stirring.
Maybe because it felt as if they were the only two people around, their conversation felt more intimate. “Is there a reason you are worried about that?”
To her surprise, Sheriff Kern now looked even more uncomfortable. “I simply want to make sure Mrs. Markham is in no danger.”
That, for Belle, was the last and final straw. She was tired of him circling around their conversation, asking things yet not giving her a reason why he was so concerned. “Sir, are you sure it’s Mrs. Markham you are worried about?”
He drew to a stop. “Please explain yourself.”
“If you had really cared about her, you would have tried harder to figure out who sent her that very first letter. Instead, you made her feel like a fool. And then, when everyone started disparaging her character, you could have put a stop to it.”
“And how would I have done that without causing her more undue gossip?”
“I don’t know. But it seems to me that you could have tried. Mr. Markham gave his life for the cause. But you—and half the people in this town—act like that wasn’t good enough.”
“I did not start that talk.”
“But you were in a position to finish it, sir. I know that. You could have done something, but you didn’t.” No longer caring that he was the one in the position of power and she was just a maid, Belle added, “You didn’t want to offend the wrong people so you ignored her pain. Just like when someone started sending her awful, hateful letters you didn’t want to get involved.”
His brow wrinkled. “Belle, I promise, I had no idea who wrote those letters. I still don’t know.”
“But you didn’t even act like you cared to find out. And by your reaction to the news that Mr. Markham’s sister and mother came by, you must somehow know how they have been treating her. They act like Mrs. Markham is no better than a harlot. So does half this town. But you have let that talk continue. Only now that Mr. Truax is here do you seem to care.”
He was pale now. “Perhaps you have a point.”
“I know I do,” she bit out as she turned to face him on the street in front of the Markham mansion. “Just as I know I am right about you not wanting to get involved, I know Robert Truax has done more to help her than you ever tried. And that is wrong.”
“I am trying to make up for it now.”
“I see.” His tone was earnest, his expression haunted. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe he was talking to Kyle Winter to help Mrs. Markham, and she was tempted to ask him if that was the truth.
However, it was more important that she concentrate on Mrs. Markham herself. Actually, what she needed to do was stop trying to figure out if Sheriff Kern was her ally or one of the reasons her employer was so miserable.
“Do you have anything else to tell me?” he asked quietly.
“No. Just that I hope you will help Mrs. Markham solve her problems as soon as possible.”
He stilled. “Is there a specific reason you are stating this?” Though she knew her employer deserved her loyalty, something told her the sheriff could indeed be an ally. Heaven knew Mrs. Markham needed more of those. She let her anger go.
At last, she said, “Because maybe I know we don’t have much to lose. You see, before Mr. Truax arrived, we were worried that Mrs. Markham wasn’t going to survive much longer. However, with Mr. Truax’s arrival, I think she now has a reason to live and to be strong.” Lifting her chin, she said, “Maybe I want a reason to live and be strong too.”
His demeanor changed.
“Do you think I could ever be that reason, Belle?” His voice was plaintive, his gaze hopeful.
Her mouth went dry as she stared at him. He was handsome. He was powerful. When she’d first arrived in Galveston from Louisiana, she would have given anything for a man like him to even give her the time of day.
But now? Well, it seemed she was starting to want more out of life. She was starting to want people in her circle of friends whom she could depend on. People who cared about her even when things weren’t going her way. She wanted a man who cared enough to take risks.
She simply wasn’t sure if he was that man. She wasn’t sure if she could trust him. Apparently, Sam did not.
“I don’t know,” she finally replied.
Instead of getting mad, he stared at her. “Will you give me a chance?”
Belle swallowed. Here she was, standing with Jess Kern as dawn was breaking overhead. He was asking for her to give him a chance to make amends. To prove that he was good enough for her.
All while she was holding a newspaper full of smelly fish.
It was unbelievable. It was also . . . well, it was also rather flattering.
“I will think about it, Sheriff Kern. If you really want a chance.”
&nbs
p; “I do.” Looking over her, he suddenly smiled. “Will you call me Jess now?”
“Of course not. It isn’t proper.”
“Will you call me Jess in the early mornings . . . when you are holding fresh fish?”
She couldn’t hide a slight smile. “Perhaps.” She walked into the house then. Holding the fish to her like a newborn babe.
Maybe he was a man willing to take risks after all.
19
THE KNOCK CAME AT HALF PAST FOUR.
The moment Miranda opened the door to the man who should have been a complete stranger, she instead found herself smiling as though she’d suddenly met a long-lost friend.
Maybe it was the golden head of hair that looked to be ruthlessly kept short. Maybe it was the man’s pale blue eyes that had too many wrinkles at their corners. Or his military bearing.
Or, perhaps, it was the way he looked—as if he was not only the most formidable man on earth but also possessed the kindest heart ever known.
None of that really mattered. It didn’t matter how she knew him; she simply did.
As she stood there, fighting a smile, his own eyes scanned her face, seeming to memorize every detail.
And then he bowed from the waist. “Madam,” he said, his voice halting and respectful. “You don’t know me, but I am—”
“You’re Captain Devin Monroe,” she finished.
He blinked as if she’d taken him by surprise. Then, after a pause, he smiled. “I am, indeed. And you, I presume, are Mrs. Markham?”
“Yes, Captain, I am. I mean, I was Phillip’s wife, Miranda.”
His smile grew. “You are everything he said you were, ma’am.”
“As are you. Phillip must have been better at describing people than I had ever realized. I feel like I would have known you anywhere.”
“I am delighted to make your acquaintance at last.”
“I am pleased as well.”
After gazing at her face again, he folded his hands behind his back. “May I come in?”
“Oh! Oh, certainly.” She stepped back. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I kept you standing outside my door.” She waved a hand. “Please, do come in.”
After he’d followed her and she closed the door to shut out the wind, she held out her hands. “May I take your coat, Captain?”
He shrugged it off his shoulders. “Thank you. But please, simply call me Devin.”
“I could not,” she said as she hung his heavy wool coat in the wardrobe by the door. “You meant so much to my husband. To both of us.”
“Then I guess it will have to be Mr. Monroe. I resigned my commissions, you see. I’m no longer in the military.”
“I was not aware of that. Robert, I mean Mr. Truax, still refers to you as Captain.”
He smiled again. “Old habits die hard with Robert, I’m afraid. He likes things to stay the same if at all possible. Change doesn’t come easy. Perhaps you’ve noticed?”
“I can’t say that I have,” she said after a moment’s reflection. “All I have noticed is that he is more than he seems at first glance.”
Appreciation flickered in his eyes. “I dare say we all might fit that description.”
She was embarrassed now. Had she just revealed too much of herself?
“Please, won’t you come into the parlor and sit down?” she asked in a rush as she led the way. “Or may I serve you some coffee? Tea?” Another thought crossed her mind. “Or are you hungry? Perhaps you’d like a light repast?”
“I have no need of refreshment at the moment. Don’t go to any trouble, Mrs. Markham.”
His expression looked so serious all of a sudden that she sat down too. “All right.”
He looked at her again, his eyes showing genuine happiness. Then, catching himself, he shook his head as if to clear it. “I’m sorry for staring. It’s just that, well, you are almost all Phillip talked about. It’s taken me a moment to put the lady in front of me with the words that so often rang in my ears.”
“Phillip and I were a love match. I’m afraid we were both guilty of talking far too much about the other.”
“I don’t think that is anything to apologize for. Yours was a blessed union.”
“Yes. Yes, it was.” She folded her hands, then was suddenly embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I should have sent for Robert right away. He said he was asking for your help, and I’m sure he’s been expecting you.” Moving to get up, she said, “I think he is home. It won’t take me but a moment to—”
“Mrs. Markham, I do want to see Robert. But if you can spare the time, I would like to talk to you first.”
She felt more awkward than a schoolgirl attempting to please her teacher. “Oh. Yes, of course.”
“You see, Robert came here to see how you were faring. I believe you know that.”
She nodded.
“He’s been mailing me updates about you and his visit. He also told me about the disturbing letters you’ve been receiving.” He raised a brow. “And, I believe, you’ve also had some trouble with your in-laws?”
Everything he listed had happened. And while she supposed she was grateful to Robert for caring, she wasn’t as pleased to hear about her problems on this man’s lips. “I am not sure how I feel about Robert giving you updates on me.”
“He didn’t really have a choice, I’m afraid. You see, one night on Johnson’s Island we made a vow to each other, a pact, if you will, to look out for each other. Phillip asked that you be looked after too.”
Miranda didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Of course Phillip would have wanted her to be safe and secure. She could honestly see him, dressed in his worn uniform, standing with Robert and Captain Monroe and inserting her needs into their conversation.
It was sweet and so very thoughtful.
But she didn’t think they honored that vow all that much. After all, Robert had only arrived to see her a few weeks ago. But she had been suffering for so long before his arrival.
“You don’t seem all that impressed with our pact, ma’am.”
“I’m sorry, but I am not. The war has been over for some time, and I confess I’ve been struggling on my own. I never thought your men would seek me out, so I don’t want to sound ungrateful or bitter. It’s just that, well . . . I hope you have been looking after the other parties in your pact a bit better.”
He winced. “We scattered after we got out. I’d like to think the others are doing well now, but I have no idea. I, um, had some issues that I had to take care of directly after the war. I am only just now able to fulfill my promises.”
“No, I am sorry. You owe me nothing.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Mrs. Markham, I disagree. Furthermore, I have heard that you have been experiencing some difficulties of late. Perhaps you could tell me a bit more about what has been happening with you.”
She didn’t wish to ask one more man for help with her laundry list of hurts. “I will be fine. Sheriff Kern is now helping me. The only problem I’ve been experiencing that you might find noteworthy is the rumor that has been circulating around Phillip.”
It even hurt to say it. “About Phillip’s role in the war. Someone is saying he was a traitor. That, I believe, is cause for your concern. I suppose that is why Robert sent for you.”
Captain Monroe’s whole bearing shifted. He looked angry and hard. At that moment, it was hard to locate the gentleman who had opened the door to her. “Phillip was not a traitor, Mrs. Markham.”
“No, he was not,” Robert said as he walked into the parlor.
Miranda rose to her feet. “Robert, your captain is here.”
“Just arrived,” Captain Monroe said as he stood up as well. “I came as soon as I read your last letter.”
“So I see.” He winked at her before walking directly to Captain Monroe and holding out his hand. “Devin, it is good to see you.”
They shook hands, then to Miranda’s surprise Devin pulled Robert to him and clasped him in a manly, rough h
ug. “We’ve been through too much to simply shake hands, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, sir. I suppose we have.” Turning to Miranda, he said, “I hope Devin here hasn’t been filling your head with too many stories about our time together?”
She loved how he so easily used that euphemism. Instead of reminding them all that they’d fought side by side in the most terrible of situations.
“Mrs. Markham has just shared how she’s been besieged by rumors about Phillip betraying the Confederacy.”
“Which is where I came in,” Robert said easily. Taking a seat next to Miranda on the sofa, he said, “I have to say that whatever Miranda might have told you about the pressure she’s been under is probably at least ten times worse than she has led you to believe. I don’t know too many men who could put up with so much, let alone a gently bred woman.”
Captain Monroe’s expression turned fierce. “I would like to spend a few days here if I may, ma’am.”
“Yes, of course,” she replied.
Then he eyed her gently. “I would like the opportunity to share some memories of Phillip with you. If that wouldn’t upset you too much.”
“I would love to hear your stories. Well, if you feel they are suitable for my hearing,” she teased.
The captain grinned. “You’re looking at a man who has spent the majority of his life in the company of ramshackle men. I doubt any of my tales are suitable for gently bred ladies. But if you think your ears can handle stories with a few rough edges, it would be an honor to share some memories about a man I held in high esteem.”
“I might have been gently bred at one time, but now I’d like to think of myself as a survivor, sir. I promise, there is little you could tell me that I haven’t heard before.”
Robert chuckled. “Just probably not from Phillip.”
Feeling her cheeks heat, she averted her eyes. “You are right about that. Phillip was always careful around me.”
Monroe exchanged a meaningful glance with Robert.
“What is it?” she asked. “What did Phillip do? Robert, you told me Phillip was not a traitor. Were you telling me the truth?”
Captain Monroe stared hard at her again. Then, seeming to come to a decision, he sat back down.
The Loyal Heart Page 19