Midnight Secrets

by Janelle Taylor

  “If we park like this, how will we get to our things to do our chores?” Louise Jackson asked arrogantly. “What we’ll use on the road is packed at the rear, out of reach from the outside. ‘ We’d have to carry things out of the circle to work, then haul them back inside. Why can’t we park with our backs pointed outward? It seems just as easy and far more practical for chores. That way, the teams would already be inside when we unhitch them.”

  “That would make things easier for you women,” he began, and saw the bossy creature gloat with smugness. “But it isn’t safe, and safety is more important than ease with chores. If an attack comes, the men can defend themselves and their families better from the front of the wagon. If you’ll notice, the wagon beds are high enough to pass things underneath to keep from having to walk around countless times.”

  Ginny was glad when Steve’s authoritative tone and gaze hushed Louise, who looked miffed at being overruled. She wondered where he would camp, as he didn’t have a wagon to put into the tight ring. Inside, she mused, with the animals, as there was enough room for a small campsite? Or outside, where the loner had space and privacy, as he could defend himself against any threat that might come along? Changing her line of thought abruptly, she was amazed by how he could control the color and expression in his eyes: he could make them blank and unreadable, cold and harsh and intimidating, or soft and entreating. He seemed to have masterful prowess in every area of his life and body.

  “Any more questions or remarks?” he asked. The women remained silent and alert. “All right, ladies, let’s pull out and do this again.”

  By one o’clock, they had finished the lesson and eaten lunch. Steve announced with a grin, “I’m going to let you rest and do chores for a few hours, ladies, while the men go hunting for fresh meat. I’m sure your children need some attention from you, more than just a quick visit at night before turning in. We’ll start shooting lessons when I return later.”

  Ginny sat on a quilt beneath a shade tree away from the noise of camp. She read while Ruby Amerson’s two babies napped nearby on a pallet. She had insisted on tending the children while their mother washed clothes at the river. She liked the perky redhead and knew Ruby could use the help. She didn’t know much about babies, but, as long as they slept, she was sure she wouldn’t have a problem. Ruby had showed her how to diaper them if it became necessary, but there was no feeding scheduled.

  Ginny stopped reading a while to ponder the mysterious and appealing Steve Carr. He had avoided her today, perhaps to prevent temptation or to conceal his interest from the others and from her. He could be afraid he’d make an embarrassing error if he became ensnared by thoughts of her, and unaccustomed fear must be something he despised. Maybe the selfprotective scout didn’t know how to deal with or woo a woman who caught his eye. Or know how to apologize for harshness, warranted or not. Maybe he tried to do it by being nice and helpful afterward. Or perhaps he thought she was only being friendly and he could never win a woman so different from his own self. Should she show him otherwise? But why, when their paths would separate soon? She must not risk hurting herself when Steve Carr was unattainable and unchangeable.

  Ginny gazed at the sleeping siblings, infant and toddler. They were precious bundles of joy with fine strawberry-blond hair and pudgy cheeks. One day, she would have a family as happy as Ruby’s was. She—

  Her musings halted as she saw Charles Avery walking toward her. She smiled before touching a finger to her lips and pointing to the babies to indicate quiet. She motioned for him to sit beside her. In a low tone, she said, “It’s good to see you. How are things going?”

  “That’s what I came to ask you,” he whispered with a smile.

  “Fine, so far, except that contradictory Steve Carr gives me a hard time once in a while. I have to confess it’s partly my fault; sometimes I have trouble paying attention during class.”

  The tall, lean man just responded, “It’s no wonder, my dear, after what you’ve been through lately and what you have staring you in the face soon. I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time with him; he struck me as a nice fellow.”

  “He is, but I rub him wrong at times, too many times.”

  Charles studied the curious blush on her cheeks and grinned. “Ah, so that’s how it is,” he teased. “You like him a great deal. What about him?”

  Ginny didn’t feel uncomfortable talking about her romantic feelings, as Charles Avery had a way of relaxing her. “I can’t tell how he feels or what he thinks, Father. ” They shared soft laughter. “Sometimes he’s nice and seems to want to become friends; other times, he’s cold and rude and distant. I don’t understand him at all.” She related the incidents that weren’t too personal. “Do you see what I mean? I’m utterly baffled.” She listened to the forthcoming advice from her trusted and respected friend.

  “Be nice and cooperative, Anna; he has a heavy burden on his shoulders.” The name of his deceased daughter rolled easily off his tongue. Lord, how he missed his child and wife. He liked this girl and would do almost anything to help and protect her. “He may only be intimidated around a real lady; I doubt he meets and deals with many genteel women. He could be afraid that a refined lady can’t learn her lessons or might not hold up during the hardships on the trail or that she will delay everyone with spoiled ways.”

  Ginny knew where her assumed name had come from and guessed what Charles had been thinking and feeling when he paused for a moment. Her heart went out to him for his tragic loss. The eyes that filled with torment for a while were the bluest, clearest, and gentlest ones she had ever seen. She had no doubts he liked her and that she was safe with him. “You could be right. He’s nice when I’m obedient and catch on quickly. He gets mad when I don’t focus my full attention on him and class.”

  “If he wants total concentration on him, give it to him. It is to your best interests. Besides, you might have use of him later.” At her quizzical look, he explained, “A skilled guide like him would make a good scout and protector for what you have to do soon. If you agree, I can loan you the money to hire him for that service.”

  “Let Steve Carr take me to Colorado?” she murmured as her head filled with thoughts of what could happen between them on a secluded trail.

  “Are you afraid of him? Has he done or said anything to make you think he’s dangerous or untrustworthy? If he hasn’t been a complete gentleman, I’ll thrash him with a whip.”

  Ginny knew why the man got upset and why his face flushed with angry seriousness. She understood his concern. She appeased him with a touch on his rigid forearm and by assuring him Steve hadn’t done anything improper or scary. Not, she added mutely, like you mean.

  “He’d better not!” Charles declared angrily, balling his fists.

  “I’m certain he won’t, sir. I just don’t want to distract him from his duties with disobedience, mistakes, or romantic overtures.” Ginny turned to check on the Amerson children, who had stirred to the disturbance, but she settled them down with light pats on their backs and a soothing tone.

  Her last few words told Charles Avery that she was powerfully interested in their guide. Since Carr struck him as a decent fellow, he wasn’t worried about Ginny leaning in the man’s direction. After all, Carr could be of great help to her soon, especially if her deception in Texas failed and if her father was truly dead. From overhearing talks between the two girls before Johanna Chapman died, he knew more about Virginia Marston and her dead friend than she realized or had confided to him.

  If he didn’t have his own busy schedule and problems to resolve, he concluded, he would escort her to Colorado himself. Perhaps he could after they were handled. He would make sure she knew where to locate him in case trouble arose in Texas. But if he couldn’t help her if she got into peril, the skilled scout was a path she needed to open and to keep cleared for use. He would continue to encourage and advise her to do so. With the interest Ginny seemed to show in him, that shouldn’t be difficult. All he had to do, Charles
planned, was to make certain the scout was just as enchanted by her as she obviously was of him. If so, Steve would do anything to help and protect her. They had a long trail to cover and plenty of time for him to push the two young people together, but only if he didn’t change his mind and opinion about the expert trail guide.

  When Ginny faced him again, Charles said, “I’m sure you’ll be fine, Anna; you’re brave and smart. You know what you have to do to succeed. You have a lot at stake, so you’ll make the right decisions to accomplish your goals. If the war taught me one thing, it’s to do what one must for survival, victory, and happiness.”

  “Those are my dreams and goals, Mr.—Father,” she corrected herself for practice. She returned his affectionate smile before continuing. “But sometimes I’m afraid I’ll fail.”

  “That’s only natural, Anna, but you won’t,” he assured her.

  “You have more confidence in me than I do,” she confessed.

  “Because I know you’re a strong and courageous person. Before this journey and challenge end, you’ll be convinced, too.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.” He changed the subject. “Martha sent you a fine meal and a whole dried apple pie. I put it in the wagon before I joined you here. Is there anything else you need? I’ll be returning to town soon to reach there before dark. No need to tempt evil forces to attack me.”

  “You will be careful and alert, won’t you?” she asked with concern.

  “Of course, my child, and I’m well armed for trouble.”

  Ginny eyed the weapon he exposed and smiled in reassurance. “I can use driving gloves. Mine are too thin for protection.”

  “I should have thought of that. Give me a pair of yours for size and I’ll bring them tomorrow.”

  “I have to watch Ruby’s children, but they’re laying on the wagon seat.” She told him about Steve loaning her an extra pair of his.

  Charles grinned in pleasure. “Yes, sir, a real gentleman, just like I thought. Anything else? Don’t worry about money; I have plenty.”

  “Only if you let me repay you later.”

  He smiled. “It’s a deal. I’ll keep an account, if you insist.”

  “I do. I can use pants for climbing around on the wagon; a full skirt gets tangled up and immodest at times. You can use the green riding skirt on top of my trunk for size. And boots, if you can find sturdier ones to fit. Open the trunk on the left side facing front and pull out the slippers on top. Will that be too much trouble?” she fretted aloud. “If so, I’ll understand. I never considered proper attire for the trail or the training before I left town.”

  “Martha will assist me if I need help filling your requests. Don’t worry, Anna, it’s no trouble at all; honestly.”

  “Thank you, sir. I don’t know what I would do if not for you.”

  Charles was touched by the unshed tears that shone in her hazel eyes. “You’ve been a joy to meet, to get to know, and to help, Anna. I haven’t felt warm sunshine in my life since my daughter… died, not until I met you and… You know what I mean. Thank you,” he said with an emotional lump in his throat.

  “We’re both fortunate to have met each other in a time of mutual need.”

  “You’re right, my girl. Well,” he said as he stood, “I should get moving. Take care, Anna Avery, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Good-bye and thank you.” She watched him vanish into the trees between her and camp. With Charles Avery’s help and generosity, her first deception would succeed, no matter how distasteful she found it to lie to friends. As he had warned her, it was possible one of these people knew or knew of her stepfamily or her father, so she couldn’t risk confiding her identity and ultimate goal to anyone. As for her second deception, she wouldn’t think about it until the time came to begin it.

  The little girl stirred and awakened. Ginny lifted and cuddled the child to keep her from disturbing the baby boy. She didn’t know how much a child of fourteen months could understand, but she said, “Momma’s washing clothes; she’ll be back soon. Do you want… Anna to play with you?” She lifted a handmade toy to use to entertain the toddler along with words in a soothing tone. The child relaxed and responded, and they played.

  Steve approached, observing the tender scene that tugged unbidden at his stony heart. How, he asked himself, could he behave in a cold and disinterested fashion to a woman with such warmth and appeal? Yet, he must for the sake of his mission and to protect himself. He quelled his rebellious emotions to speak with her, to continue his cunning strategy of repel, attract, repel, attract. “Babysitting, Miss Avery?”

  Ginny looked over her shoulder and answered, “Yes, sir, while Ruby does the wash. She has more chores than I do, and her husband was with you.”

  He propped against the tree. “Why do you call me ‘sir,’ “ he queried, forcing a mirthful chuckle and grin to surface. “I’m twenty-seven and you’re nineteen; that’s only eight years separating us. ‘Sir’ makes me feel old.”

  Was he, she wondered, being subtly enticing again? “Sorry, Mr. Carr. Age has nothing to do with it; a show of respect to authority does.”

  “Ah, yes, your fancy schooling and fine breeding are responsible.”

  “True,” she replied, but decided not to say more until she discovered what mood he was in this time. From his casual tone and expression, she couldn’t guess how he meant his last words. She remembered one teacher saying: “A smart woman knows when and how long to be silent with a trying man.” The problem was, Virginia Marston fretted, was she a smart woman when it came to a difficult man—to utterly bewildering Steve Carr?

  “I heard your father came to visit. Sorry I missed him.” He wished he had seen Charles, as he needed time with every one of his suspects. During the successful hunt, he hadn’t gleaned a single helpful clue.

  Ginny sensed that his full attention wasn’t on her. He was like a train with engines at both ends, each trying to pull in an opposite direction. “I ordered gloves and pants as you suggested. Father will bring them to me tomorrow. When I get them, I’ll return yours. And I told Father of your kindness. He speaks highly of you.” “Does that surprise you?”

  She watched a squirrel play as she answered, “No, why should it?”

  “We have had our… differences in the last few days.” “Only because I was distracted by other matters at the wrong time.”

  Steve watched her closely. She seemed to avoid meeting his gaze with hers on purpose. “You’re taking full blame for them?”

  “No, but most of the problems were my fault.”

  “Then you understand why I have to be tough on you?”

  “For the most part.” The toddler cried in boredom and from a lack of attention, or maybe the child sensed tension in the air and it unsettled her. As Ginny focused on quieting and comforting her, the unpredictable scout left after reminding her of target practice in thirty minutes.

  Steve had tested and instructed all but one woman with rifle and pistol when it came Anna’s turn. He said he had made her last again because the other women with children and husbands had more chores to do. He had set up a target area a half-mile from camp to prevent frightening and disturbing the youngsters. Since Ellie’s oldest children were twelve and fourteen and could watch the two younger ones for a while, Stuart Davis took the other women on their two-mile trek to let them get finished with their training today. Steve said that he or one of the other men could walk with Anna Avery when she had completed her shooting lesson.

  “You said you could load and fire a rifle, right…?” Steve began.

  “Yes,” she replied, aware they were alone and out of sight.

  “Show me.”

  Ginny accepted the Henry rifle and studied it.

  “Anything wrong?”

  “Nothing, just seeing how and where it loads; weapons do vary.”

  “It fires 44 caliber rimfire cartridges. It’s a fifteen-shot repeater with lever action and magazine loading. Any questions?”

>   “None.” Ginny loaded the rifle without trouble. “Ready?”

  “Do it.”

  Ginny eyed the targets he pointed out, shouldered the Henry, and fired fifteen times. “It kicks like a… mule,” she murmured, knowing she gained another bruise.

  Steve walked to the targets and checked them, then returned to her. “You’re right, a skilled shot, only two misses, and I doubt by much. How did you become such an expert marksman?”

  Ginny had to deceive him. “The teachers at school thought ladies should know how to protect themselves; we were at war, remember?” Actually, she had been taught because hunting was a favorite sporting diversion of the English, one every well-trained lady was expected to master.

  “What about a pistol? Do you know how to handle and use one?”

  “I’ve only fired small ones a few times.”

  Steve withdrew one of his Colts, unloaded it, and handed it to her. “Forty-four caliber. Six shots. Hand-cock the hammer after each firing.”

  Ginny took the pistol. At over four pounds and with a nineinch barrel, it was heavy and awkward to handle. She loaded the weapon, then looked at him in uncertainty. “How do I aim?”

  “Extend your arm and lock your elbow. Line up the end of the barrel with your target and pull the trigger.”

  Ginny obeyed with difficulty because of the pistol’s weight. She exerted pressure on the trigger and a loud bang filled the air. The force of the blast jerked her hand and arm upward, sending the shot wild and high. “Not even close,” she muttered as she cocked the hammer again.

  Steve grasped her right wrist and put downward pressure on it as she fired another shot. “Closer, but still off”. Try again.”