by Linda Ford
Peace stood at the end of the table. “Folks, we’re civilized out here, even if things might appear crude to your way of thinking. So we say grace before we eat.” He bowed his head.
Louise jerked hers down. His reminder made her realize how quickly it was possible to forget her manners. She’d been ready to dig right in. Sometimes it was hard to remember to think about God. No wonder her faith was so small. She didn’t have her own Bible, had always used Aunt Bea’s or shared with someone else, but right here and now, with Peace Lewis praying over the food, his guests and the weather, one of the first things she decided to do when they reached civilization was purchase her own Bible.
“Amen,” Peace intoned. “Now hand me your plates.”
After the first taste of his stew, she didn’t care what else the place lacked. The food was excellent. His bread would put many a woman’s attempts to shame.
Miss Rolfe had chosen the place at the end of the table closest to Peace. She asked him question after question, and he politely answered, though it was evident to everyone that her interest made him twitch. Everyone, it seemed, but Miss Rolfe.
“I’ll wash the dishes,” she said as soon as the meal was done.
“Oh no, ma’am. You’re my guests. You’ve paid for the meal and that includes the cleaning up.” He grabbed a stack of dishes and backed away.
She followed, every eye in the place on her. Would she succeed in getting his interest or drive the poor man out into the cold?
Louise caught Nate’s gaze on her and they smiled in shared amusement. But then she couldn’t look away. It was as if he held her in his grasp, their thoughts as one, their wants the same. For a moment she could almost think her future was promising, see herself held in a pair of strong hands, feel an unbreakable bond.
Peace grunted and Louise freed herself from Nate’s invisible hold and drew her attention back to Miss Rolfe and her determined pursuit.
Peace handed her a towel. “Very well. I’ll permit you to dry the dishes, though I normally put them on the towel and let them dry by themselves.”
Miss Rolfe almost snatched the towel from him and stood as close to his side as possible. Peace made sure it wasn’t too close by putting the basin of water on the corner of the table and parking himself kitty-corner to his pursuer.
Mr. Adams brought a book out of his breast pocket. “I’m anxious to get back to my story.”
Young Mr. Adams likewise pulled a book out of his breast pocket. “This is a story about the march of the North-West Mounted Police from Winnipeg to Fort Macleod. They faced and conquered tremendous odds. It’s a thrilling story.” He opened the book and was soon lost in the retelling of the adventure.
Missy had her book and turned to it.
Even Sam had a book.
Louise had not brought anything to read, not realizing there would be times she wished for something to while away the hours.
Peace noticed her sitting with nothing to do. “Ma’am, I have a supply of books. You’re welcome to borrow one. Just send it back with Dutch when you’re done.” He opened a cupboard to reveal several dozen titles. “Invitation is open to everyone.”
Louise eagerly went to select one. Having done so, she turned and plowed into Nate as he reached for a book.
He grunted as the air whooshed from his lungs.
“I’m so sorry. It seems I’m always causing you a problem.” For some silly reason, the words caught in her throat and wobbled.
He clasped her shoulders and looked into her face as if searching every corner of her mind. “You are not a problem to me.”
She told herself they were only words, perhaps for the benefit of those who couldn’t help overhearing. Despite her arguments to the contrary, she believed him. For the moment, she’d allow herself to be comforted by his admission.
She nodded, the book clutched to her chest.
He reached past her to get the title he’d chosen and they returned to the table to sit side by side.
She read the words and turned the pages, but couldn’t have said what the story entailed. Her thoughts wouldn’t settle. It was merely worry, she told herself, about getting to Eden Valley Ranch before the baby came. Concern for the safety of the little life she carried. But in a moment of honesty, she admitted that her predominant thought centered on Nate. Why was he being so nice to her? Treating her as if he really cared, when they both knew he was only doing this out of a sense of obligation to the Porters. Or at least that was the explanation she had given herself. He’d given none. Would he if she asked?
She turned another page. She’d soon bring another Porter into the world. She and Missy were this little one’s only relatives. She’d do her best to raise the child, but she’d never had two parents and it was something she’d always dreamed of giving her child.
She swiped at her eyes. She would not cry. Hadn’t she decided to trust when it was hard? God, I’m trying to trust, trying to believe You will see me through the many decisions and problems I will encounter.
She looked around the room, trying to find a diversion from her thoughts and emotions. Peace and Dutch played checkers with Miss Rolfe’s avid attention.
“You win again,” Dutch said and stretched.
Peace put the game pieces away. “Folks, it’s time to bed down. There’s bedding in this cupboard.” He opened the doors, revealing stacks of woolen blankets but no pillows or mattresses.
I can do this. I’m young and strong and brave.
And heavy with child. And weary to the bone from bouncing and jolting.
“Hey, Dutch,” Nate said. “Do you have buffalo robes in the stagecoach?”
“Surely do. You’ll be needing them tomorrow if the temperature continues to drop.”
“But they aren’t being used tonight, are they?”
“Nope.”
“Why not bring them in and let Louise—Mrs. Hawkins—sleep on them?”
Even as everyone turned to look at her, Louise hoped she was the only one to notice the way he hesitated over calling her Mrs. Hawkins.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Missy said as the others murmured agreement.
Louise shook her head. “That’s not necessary.”
But already Nate and Sam had left and returned with their arms loaded.
As Nate spread the furs on the side of the room where Peace indicated the women would sleep, Louise went to him. “This isn’t necessary,” she whispered. “I don’t expect special treatment.”
“It is necessary. I want to get you to Eden Valley safely.”
Of course, it was all about him and his promise to get her there. He would take care of her to make sure she wasn’t the cause for any delays in the trip.
“I don’t plan to be a bother.” She managed to keep her voice to a whisper despite the anger coiling inside her. Anger at herself even more than at him. Both of them had understood the terms of their agreement. A pretend marriage. Escape from Vic. Refuge at Eden Valley Ranch. That was all.
She swiped at her eyes, hoping Nate didn’t notice her tears.
It was only her stupid emotions being tampered with by the knowledge she would soon be a mama.
And the fear of what lay ahead.
*
Nate wanted to bang his fist on his forehead. Why had he made that comment? Still, they both understood they’d entered a pretend marriage in order to get her safely to Eden Valley Ranch. Once there, he’d get on with his plans. And she’d get on with hers.
Which were? He didn’t know. He had never asked what she meant to do. Not that he needed to. That was her business.
But he shouldn’t have reminded her of the future. She’d been weepy all evening, tears so close to the surface he feared they’d spill over.
He looked at her, tempted to reach out and take her in his arms and apologize, but Peace erased any opportunity. “Men,” he called out, “let’s go outside to give the ladies privacy to prepare for the night.”
Nate gladly grabbed his coat and joine
d the others in leaving. At least with the men and animals he didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing and triggering tears.
He moseyed over to the barn to check on his horse. Sam had rubbed the animal down well and given him feed.
He stayed there, leaning on a gate. He could sleep in the barn with the animals. It might be more peaceful. But he wouldn’t. Someone had to watch over Louise, whether she wanted it or not.
Archie Adams stepped into the barn. “Thinking of bedding down here, are you?”
Was it that obvious? “I guess not.”
“Good, because your wife needs you now more than ever.”
It felt awkward to have someone say she was his wife. “She’s not usually like this.”
“What do you mean?” Archie rested his arms on the top of the gate beside Nate.
“She’s usually feisty.” From what he remembered. “Now she’s weepy. Seems the least little thing will bring on tears.”
The two of them studied the horses for a moment.
Archie chuckled softly. “I remember when my wife was in the family way. She’d swing from happy to sad in the blink of an eye.”
“Is that what it is?”
“I expect so.”
“That’s a relief.” He hadn’t acknowledged it but wondered if she somehow blamed him or regretted marrying him even if only temporarily.
“Just be patient with her. She’ll be back to her old self soon.”
“Soon?” His heart kicked into a gallop. Did the man see something Nate didn’t? Not that it would be hard. Nate had no idea what to expect. Would there be signs when the baby was coming? What if it wanted to come before they reached the ranch? Would they have to stop? For how long? He could hardly breathe. Would she want to go on if the baby was born? Or stay in that spot?
Archie chuckled again and clapped him on the back. “She won’t be normal until the baby is born. Be patient,” he said.
But Nate wouldn’t likely be around by then. She’d be at Eden Valley Ranch and he’d be finding a man to buy himself a little bit of land.
“We can go in now,” Peace called, and the men traipsed inside, keeping the lamp turned low. He had no problem distinguishing Louise on the pile of buffalo hides, wrapped to her chin in gray woolen blankets. Two smaller bodies lay on either side, as if the two other women sheltered her.
Archie signaled Nate to take the spot nearest the women. “You’ll be able to hear her if she needs you,” he whispered.
Before Peace turned out the lamp, Nate unrolled his blankets and stretched out. He was reasonably comfortable, and warm and dry. His muscles relaxed, but his mind refused to follow suit, which was odd. Sleep usually came readily, even when he shared quarters with men who snored, snorted and even a couple who yelled in their sleep.
But none of those sounds disturbed him near as much as the faint sighs coming from Louise’s direction. He had no way of knowing for certain if they came from her. But he also had no assurance they didn’t.
Missy was at her side. If Louise needed anything, she had only to tell her. Relieved by that thought, he drifted off.
He didn’t know how long he slept or what wakened him, but he was wide-awake, his heartbeat pounding. He strained to hear whatever had roused him.
A groan from the other side of the room.
“Louise?” he whispered. “Is that you?”
He heard nothing but silence except for the men’s snores.
“Louise, are you okay?” His whisper was a little louder.
“I’m fine.” Despite her soft whisper, he heard a large dose of annoyance.
“I heard you groan.”
“I’m fine. Go to sleep.”
“You’re sure?”
“Nate, go to sleep,” Missy ordered.
“Go to sleep,” Sam said.
“Please, let me sleep,” Miss Rolfe murmured.
“Are you satisfied?” Louise almost growled the words.
“Sorry,” Nate muttered. “I was only concerned.”
No one replied. There was nothing he could do but go back to sleep.
The next morning, Peace rattled about at the stove. As soon as he was sure they were all awake, he shooed the men outside to allow the women to dress.
“Chores to do,” he chirped as he hurried to the barn.
It was cold in the predawn morning, and the men, eager for the shelter of the barn, followed Peace and helped feed the animals.
They returned to the house, ate a hurried breakfast of fried potatoes and salt pork. Peace and Dutch went to hitch the animals to the stagecoach.
“It’s cold out there,” Dutch said when he returned, rubbing his hands together. “You’ll be grateful for the buffalo robes today.”
Miss Rolfe looked about the room. “Either Nate or Sam will have to ride. Won’t they be awfully cold?” Before anyone could answer, she nodded as if she had solved the problem to her satisfaction. “I could stay behind. Keep Peace company until the next stage.” She smiled at him.
Peace’s mouth fell open. He sputtered several times before he could get a word out. “Ma’am, that’s not possible. It would be highly improper.”
Miss Rolfe sighed. “I suppose so, but you can’t blame a person for trying.”
“If you say so.”
Nate reckoned Peace had never been so anxious to see a stagecoach and its passengers depart.
“I’ll get my horse.” He started for the door, but Sam stopped him.
“I’ll ride. You stay with your wife.”
Nate grinned at Louise and mouthed the words my wife. She glowered at him, but he didn’t care. He kind of liked having an excuse to keep an eye on her and she couldn’t do a thing about it.
Chapter Eight
Louise had had it clear to the top of her head with Nate calling attention to her condition with his constant worry about her comfort. Like waking everyone last night with his question. Now everyone looked at her with interest or concern. No doubt they wondered if she’d delay their journey.
Nothing she said would ease their minds because they had only to look at her to know she wasn’t long from having the baby. And if her size wasn’t enough indication, she often pressed her hand to her belly before she could stop herself. But having Nate hover over her made her feel all prickly inside. Pretending he cared because she was his wife was even worse! It defied common decency.
She stepped outside and gasped as the cold air hit her lungs. Dutch helped the three women aboard while Nate and the two Mr. Adamses carried out the buffalo robes.
Miss Rolfe lowered herself to one seat. Louise grabbed Missy and pulled her down next to her on the cold leather seat beside Miss Rolfe.
Mr. Adams and then his son climbed in. Nate came last. He tipped his head at Missy to signal her to let him sit in her place.
“Missy—” But before Louise could order her to stay where she was, the younger woman hopped over and sat facing her, a pleased smile on her lips.
Louise smiled back but only with her mouth.
Mr. Adams spread the buffalo robe over the three on that bench.
Nate unfolded the one he held and pulled the robe around the three of them. He let Miss Rolfe tuck it in about herself, but he turned to Louise. First, he pulled her shawl over her head and tightened it under her chin.
“Your head is like a chimney. All the heat goes out there unless you keep it covered.”
Her gaze drilled his, warning him not to take his pretend-spouse role too literally.
He smiled, his blue eyes dancing.
He was enjoying this far too much.
He tucked the robe around her legs and shoulders. “That will keep you warm and cozy.”
She couldn’t move beneath the heavy buffalo hide. But he was right. She was warm and cozy, and felt safe and protected.
She was enjoying his attention far too much.
As the stagecoach rolled away, Miss Rolfe glanced back at the way station until it was out of sight, then she turned forward with
a breathy sigh. “I wouldn’t have really stayed.”
No one replied. Louise stifled a laugh. She, for one, thought Rowena would have stayed without a second thought if given the least encouragement from Peace.
They traveled onward, their breath making wisps of fog in the cold air.
Miss Rolfe spoke again. “But he seems like an awfully nice man.”
Beside her, Nate couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “He did. But I suppose the reason he is so nice is due to the high morals that he lives out in everything he does.”
Miss Rolfe nodded. “I think you are right.”
Louise stared at Nate. Did he realize he had just condemned her and himself, as well, as immoral people who followed moral values when it suited them and flouted them when it didn’t?
She could think of nothing more immoral than vowing before God without the intention of following through on those vows.
He seemed to know she studied him and turned to meet her gaze. Perhaps reading the confusion, shock and challenge in her eyes, his smile faded and he met her look with equal strength.
Finally, he blinked and his expression grew indifferent. “Are you warm enough?”
She shifted her gaze to the window but couldn’t see any of the passing scenery, as the curtains had been lowered to keep out the cold. “I’m fine, thank you.”
A sense of mischief urged her to turn the tables on him. She looked at him. “Are you warm enough? Comfortable enough? Did you get enough to eat? Did you sleep well?” She eased her arm from out of the warm covering and adjusted the scarf he had wound about his head. “There. You wouldn’t want to lose heat out your chimney.”
Missy giggled.
Miss Rolfe looked startled.
Mr. Adams grinned widely while his son watched with wide-eyed interest.
Nate looked at the curtained window. He sighed deeply for several seconds. “You’ll all have to excuse my wife. She’s a little touchy. I understand it happens to ladies in her condition.”
Missy laughed again, but the others sat back, wondering perhaps if Louise would let the comment pass.
She considered their reaction. Did they think she would get all defensive? Perhaps say something shocking or inappropriate? Well, she had no intention of providing them with entertainment. Not today. She extracted her arm from the warmth of the robes and patted Nate’s shoulder. “Perhaps I am a little touchy. But I really have no need to be. You take such good care of me, don’t you, dear?”