Colin's Quest

by Shirleen Davies

  “I don’t think that would be wise. If you recall, I’ve never given you the slightest indication of interest in being courted by you. In fact, just the opposite. Besides, I’m already betrothed—”

  “To a boy who has never come to claim his prize.”

  Sarah glanced away. She’d been plagued by the same thoughts, but wouldn’t allow herself to give up on Colin. In her heart, she knew he’d come.

  “My promise knows no limit as to time. Rest assured, Mr. Bell, he will come for me.”

  “I appreciate your devotion to him, however misplaced. It’s been five years. That’s a long time to wait with no word from him. Do you truly believe he’ll come after all this time?”

  Lifting her chin, she glared at him, disliking him more with each comment. “Yes, Mr. Bell. Colin MacLaren will come for me. Of that, I am certain.”

  Wes studied her, admiring her spunk, more determined than ever to turn her dedication toward him.

  “All right. I’ll no longer attempt to change your mind…today. However, I would still like to invite you to supper. You must eat, correct?”

  “Yes. However, I’ve already accepted an invitation from Mrs. Olford. Now, I really must be going. Good day, Mr. Bell.”

  As she turned to leave, he called after her. “I’ll not give up. You will be seeing more of me, Miss MacGregor.”

  Chapter Seven

  “We’ll not be able to go further today. Best we find a place to camp for the night.” Colin turned his collar up as the rain pounded down. The trail had already turned into thick lumps of mud, forcing them to ride through the brush where the leaves and thick undergrowth made the ground easier to traverse.

  “Up ahead, in those boulders.” Brodie pointed to a spot further off the trail where several large rocks came together, forming a partial shelter, providing some protection from the storm.

  Thirty minutes later, they’d found a dry area to start a fire. It had been almost a week since they’d left the girls in Mindell. They’d spoken little about them, although Quinn had mentioned how quiet the ride seemed. Riding with Coral, Pearl, and Opal for several days had allowed them to form a partial bond with the sisters, none more noticeable than Coral’s attachment to Colin.

  “I wonder if the reverend found homes for them.” Quinn sipped his coffee, cradling the tin cup between both hands.

  “Hope he did. Having two younger sisters to feed, clothe, and keep safe is a big burden for anyone, even for a girl who appears to be as strong as Coral.” Colin sat between his cousins as they huddled against a large boulder.

  “At eighteen, she’s a woman, Colin.” Brodie quipped as he tossed out grounds from his cup, then poured more coffee. “All three acted older than their years.”

  “You grow up fast when you’re on your own.” Colin leaned his back against the rock, pushing his hat low over his forehead. He didn’t want to think of the girls, preferring to let his mind wander to memories of Sarah.

  The last time he’d seen her, she’d been running back to her wagon, clutching the brooch tight in her hand. He wondered if her golden brown hair still held wisps of yellow when catching the rays of the sun, and if her bright blue eyes still sparkled when she smiled. She had freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks five years ago. He tried to envision them darkening from work on their farm, spreading to form a thin blanket of color across her face.

  At least he thought they’d planned to farm. It’s what the MacGregors had done for generations and he doubted Dougal would change. Angus had said Dougal was a man lost in the past, and it would take a miracle to bring him into the present.

  Quinn nudged Colin, pulling him from his thoughts. “Did you hear me?”

  “What did you say?” Colin pushed his hat back enough to cast a glance at Quinn.

  “I told you he’d been thinking of Sarah.” Quinn grinned at Brodie. “The man has lost his mind over that one.”

  “Aye, he has,” Brodie agreed, handing Colin some hardtack and jerky. “How many more days before we can have some real food?”

  “If the rain stops, maybe as soon as tomorrow.” Colin took a bite of the hardtack, chewing slowly, then swallowing it down with lukewarm coffee. “The reverend said the first town we’ll come to is River City. The last he’d heard, the town had close to two thousand people, a few restaurants, and one hotel.”

  “Any saloons?” Quinn chuckled before a sharp shove from Brodie sent him sprawling. “Ach. What was that for?”

  “For asking an eejit question. Of course they have saloons. Right, Colin?”

  Standing, Colin rested his hands on his hips, looking down at them. “In my mind, you both are eejits. Of course there’ll be saloons.” At least he hoped so. He figured he’d need at least one drink if he learned the MacGregors had settled in River City. Not for courage to see Sarah, but he’d take whatever fortification he could before confronting Dougal. Even after five years, he didn’t expect the man to have softened his hatred of the MacLarens.

  While they ate, the rain had stopped, allowing the ground to dry enough to lay out their bedrolls. Grabbing his blanket, he spread it out near the fire before tossing more sticks into the dwindling flames and lying down. He listened for a few minutes to the good-natured bantering of his cousins before allowing his thoughts to once more turn to Sarah.

  Over their weeks of riding, he hadn’t allowed himself to consider the idea she might have found someone else, married, and started a family. All his plans the last five years had been made believing Sarah waited for him.

  Colin knew some in his family thought he embarked on a fool’s journey, going after a woman who pledged herself to him at seventeen. Others, including Quinn, Brodie, Blaine, his parents, and uncles, stood by him, encouraging him to make the journey. Most interesting, it was his aunts and female cousins who were the skeptics. His nine-year-old twin sisters, Chrissy and Alana, stood by him, no matter what. They had a vague recollection of Sarah, the girl who’d played with them and read stories of warriors and knights, but not much more. A smile teased his mouth thinking of them. In their minds, he could do no wrong.

  Lowering his hat to shield himself from the light of the emerging moon, he closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be Saturday. He wondered what Sarah would be doing. An image of her appeared, eyes sparkling as she glanced over her shoulder at him, holding the brooch to her heart.

  “More tea, dear?”

  Settling her hand on her stomach, Sarah eyed the remaining cookies, shaking her head. “Thank you, but I believe I’ve had my fill, Mrs. Olford.”

  She’d spent Saturday morning at the house, doing laundry and helping Bessie with her mending. Now late afternoon, they had time to speak of her first week teaching, her new house, and the boy, Jamie, who hadn’t missed a day.

  “I can’t find out where he lives or if he has parents. The other children tell me he doesn’t, but how else would he live?”

  “Describe him to me.” Bessie picked up another cookie, then took a sip of tea. Each year, she and her husband made a trip north to Portland, a growing city of close to four thousand people. The journey gave her a chance to stock up on items in scarce supply in town, such as tea, chocolate, and nuts.

  “Jamie is about this tall.” She held a hand above the ground to estimate his height. “He told me he’s eight. His hair is long and dark brown, he has clear, soft gray eyes, some freckles, and a wonderful smile—if I can get him to show it.”

  Bessie pursed her lips, trying to picture him. “I can’t think of anyone in our congregation who looks like that and doesn’t have parents. I wonder how he got here.”

  “The other children say he showed up in town over the summer. I’d never say this to anyone else, but they think he stays near the back of the buildings, waiting for trash to be tossed out so he could go through it.” Sarah shivered at the thought of any child scrounging in garbage for food.

  “Have you tried following him after school?”

  “Aye, twice. He’s quick. I think he saw me ea
ch time and took off.” Her eyes glittered, remembering him looking over his shoulder, then taking off like a scared rabbit.

  “Does he bring food to school?” Bessie leaned forward, curiosity consuming her.

  Sarah slumped back in her chair, her heart sinking. “No. I bring a little extra each day, which I try to give him without the other children seeing. I don’t want to embarrass him.”

  “You can’t let him starve.” Bessie sympathized. They had two or three almost destitute families in their congregation. People were as generous as possible. Still, parents and children went to bed hungry more than she wanted to consider. With the population booming and new businesses starting, she believed the situation had to be addressed. Perhaps Jamie’s appearance would be what she needed to induce the town council to take action. She pushed the plate toward Sarah. “Pack these cookies up and take them to Jamie on Monday. I should also have some meatloaf for him. Then tell him you have somebody you want him to meet after school and bring him here.”

  “What a wonderful idea.”

  They both turned toward the sound of knocking on the front door.

  “I’ll get it.” Sarah crossed the living room to the entry, smiling when she saw who stood outside. “Caleb. It’s so good to see you. Come in.” Caleb followed as she walked back to the kitchen. “Mrs. Olford, we have a guest.”

  “I heard. How are you, Caleb?” She set a cup of tea and a few extra cookies in front of him.

  “Quite well, Mrs. Olford. I wanted to thank you again for recommending me to Fergus Bell.”

  “No problem at all, young man. And how is it going at the Bell Ranch?”

  Caleb took a sip of tea before replying. He wouldn’t say a word about his thoughts on Wes. However, he’d learned Wes had made several attempts to invite Sarah to supper over the previous year. She’d spurned him each time. The concern he felt about Bell trying to court her came from his extreme unease about the man. Although Caleb said nothing, he’d heard Walt’s comments about Wes and his stepmother. He grimaced, learning of Wes’s betrayal of his own father. Sarah deserved much better than a man such as him. “Lots of hard work, which is good. It keeps me busy and my mind occupied.”

  “Do you have plans for supper, Caleb?” Sarah asked, wanting to learn more about him.

  “You know you’re welcome to join us,” Bessie added.

  He glanced between the two women, hoping this came out right. “Actually, I came by to ask if Sarah would be available to join me for supper.”

  Her face flushed at his offer. “Mrs. Olford, if you don’t mind…”

  “Of course not, dear. You’ve both worked hard and deserve some time to celebrate your new jobs. Go before the reverend returns and tries to talk you into staying.”

  Ten minutes later, they crossed the street, Sarah’s arm through Caleb’s. He led her to a small restaurant at the other end of town, finding a table near the window.

  “I hope this is all right.” Caleb pulled out a chair for her.

  “Wonderful. I’ve never been here.”

  “One of the ranch hands said they eat here most Saturday nights before going to the, well…before moving on.”

  Sarah laughed at his attempt to shield her from the nighttime activities of many of the cowboys. “Do you mean go to the saloon?”

  Caleb’s brows lifted. He should have known better than to try and bamboozle her. Chuckling, he watched her eyes glitter in amusement. Other than the woman who’d deceived him, leaving him with a shattered future, Sarah was the only woman who caught his interest. What a pity he no longer had a heart to give, and hers had been promised years before. He hoped Colin MacLaren knew what a jewel he had waiting for him.

  After they finished their simple meal and were waiting for coffee and dessert to arrive, Caleb crossed his arms, relaxing back in the chair. “I’ve told you some of my reasons for being in River City. Why are you living in town when your family’s home is so close?”

  Sarah stroked the brooch pinned to her dress, thinking of the last time she saw her father. A chill passed over her at both his and Wes’s face when she made it clear she had no intention of marrying anyone except Colin.

  “I don’t know how much you remember about Da, but he can be quite a stubborn man.”

  “Oh, I recall. His temper is something not easily forgotten.”

  “Yes, he does have a temper. He’s also steeped in the old ways, prejudices, and hatreds. Years ago, at least two hundred, a feud began between the MacGregors and MacLarens. They held adjoining lands in the southernmost part of the Highlands. I don’t know what caused it, but I know some MacGregors have never forgotten. During the trip west, when he’d learned I’d become friends with Colin, he forbid me from speaking to or seeing him again.” Sarah stopped when the server arrived with their coffee and pie. She picked up the cup, watching as Caleb took a healthy bite of pie before he nodded for her to continue.

  “Going against his wishes was hard, but I refused to not see Colin again. One night, Colin approached Da about marrying me. Da refused, threatening Colin if he tried to see me again.”

  “I remember. My father and I weren’t far away and saw most of it. If it helps, I would have had the same reaction as Colin. I would’ve fought for you…or any woman I loved.”

  His comment warmed her, even though she knew Caleb also referred to the woman who’d turned her back on him.

  “We did ignore Da, seeing each other for the last time the night before we turned north for Oregon. He gave me this brooch, asked me to marry him, and said he’d come for me. I said yes.”

  Caleb had wondered about the beautiful jewelry she was never without. Now he knew its meaning.

  “Is that why you left home?”

  “In a way, yes.” Taking another bite of pie, she allowed herself to show the slightest amount of pleasure at the way she’d stood up to her da. “We were celebrating my birthday at the hotel restaurant. Da invited Wes Bell to join us. With no warning, Da announced he’d made an agreement with Wes for the two of us to marry.”

  Caleb’s brows knit together. He’d heard as much from the men who worked for the Bells, wondering if it were true. “You refused?”

  “Most certainly. And I wasn’t quiet about it. I announced my promise to Colin and refused to honor the agreement Da made. Then I left.”

  “And moved in with the Olfords.”

  “Even if they hadn’t offered a room, I still would not have returned to the ranch. It no longer felt like my home. Does any of this make sense?” she asked, pushing away the rest of her pie.

  “Believe me, it makes complete sense. You’re a grown woman, Sarah. A fact your father refuses to accept. He thinks he can tie you to the hatreds and traditions of the old country. Don’t misunderstand. Many of the traditions are good and should be continued. However, feuds shouldn’t be a part of them. They have no place in our new lives.”

  “You speak as if you know a bit about it.”

  A grin touched the corners of his mouth. “As a Stewart, we know both hatred and strong alliances. You may not know this, but the Stewarts and MacLarens were once allies. We fought next to each other at Culloden.” Finishing his coffee, he leaned forward, reaching across the table to cover her hand with his. “The same as the MacLarens, we put aside our hatred of those who fought against us and moved on. Your father should do the same.”

  The rain had stopped as Colin, Quinn, and Brodie turned in for the night. By morning, the sun shone bright, allowing them to make good time, stopping once before continuing to River City. If the information provided in Mindell could be trusted, they should reach their destination in time for supper.

  They heard the pounding of hooves before seeing the group of men appear in the trail ahead of them. Not liking the look of them, Colin rested his hand on the butt of his gun and waited. Brodie and Quinn reined their horses to a stop on either side of him, no one speaking, even as each felt the tension in the others.

  “Gentlemen,” the one in front called out
. Sitting tall in the saddle, he moved his horse forward.

  “That’s close enough.” Colin signaled his cousins to spread out.

  “Where you boys headed?” the leader asked, not missing the way Brodie and Quinn put distance between themselves and Colin.

  “I don’t believe it’s any of your business.” Colin kept his gaze on the leader while trying to keep track of the others.

  “I’m Sheriff Joe Walker and these are my deputies.” He pulled his coat aside so they could see his badge. “We’re following four brothers who robbed a bank and rode south. You want to tell me what you’re doing out this way?”

  Colin relaxed, but didn’t move his hand away from his gun as he spoke. Introducing himself, Quinn, and Brodie, he explained where they were from and a little about their trip. “We hope to be in River City tonight.”

  “Well, then, you won’t mind if my deputies search your saddlebags.” Walker nodded toward his men.

  Glancing at Quinn and Brodie, he nodded. Walker seemed to be satisfied with their story when the deputies failed to find the money from the robbery.

  “You looking for someone in particular when you reach town, or are you planning to pass through?” Walker asked, riding closer to get a better look at the three, deciding if he and his men were in danger.

  “I’m looking for my fiancée, Sarah MacGregor. Do you know her?”

  Walker glanced at the men with him, then back at Colin. “Can’t say as I do. Is she related to Dougal MacGregor?” He had heard talk of Dougal and a man named Bell.

  “Aye, sir. She’s his daughter.”

  “Well, you’re headed in the right direction. Before we rode out of River City, I heard talk of a prominent rancher setting his sights on Dougal’s daughter.”

  Colin’s gut clenched at the news, the first he’d heard about Sarah in five long years.

  “That a fact? Well, the man will have a fight on his hands if what you heard is true. I appreciate the warning, Sheriff. If there’s nothing else, we’ll keep going.”