A Love to Cherish

by Connie Mason

  She wondered how she was going to apprise Casey of his impending fatherhood and if he would accept it. They hadn’t discussed children since theirs wasn’t a normal marriage, and she worried excessively about his response. He seemed fond of Tommy. Perhaps she should take it as a sign that he wanted children of his own.

  Maybe she shouldn’t tell him, Belle considered. Once he returned to the Pinkerton Agency he’d probably forget all about her. She’d already told Casey she didn’t want to continue this marriage but he hadn’t seemed impressed by her declaration. Damn his guilty conscience. Pity and guilt were no substitute for love. She didn’t want a man who didn’t love her.

  Doctor Peabody bustled through the bedroom door, nearly colliding with Casey, who was still pacing the hallway. Casey stopped abruptly and barred the doctor’s way.

  “Well? How is my wife? Is her illness serious? Whatever it takes, I want her cured.”

  This time there was no mistaking the doctor’s throaty chuckle. “It’s out of my hands, Mr. Walker.”

  Casey felt the blood drain from his face. “Are you saying … ? No! She’s too young!”

  “Now, now, don’t get excited. Your wife isn’t going to die. She’ll be right as rain in a few months. She wanted to be the one to tell you.” He tried to walk around Casey, but Casey was having none of it.

  He grasped the doctor by the collar and pulled him back. “Oh, no you don’t! Tell me what’s wrong with my wife and tell me now.”

  Doctor Peabody threw up his hands in defeat. “You’re a determined man, Mr. Walker. Very well, but you must promise not to tell your wife I told you. It always spoils the surprise and it’s more personal coming from the wife.”

  “What in the hell are you talking about? Just tell me what’s wrong with Belle.”

  “You’re going to be a father, Mr. Walker. In something less than seven months. But remember,” he said, wagging his finger in warning, “you didn’t hear it from me. Just make sure your wife takes her tonic.”

  Dazed, Casey leaned against the wall and took several deep breaths. A father! He’d often thought about having children of his own, but had never met a woman he cared enough about to marry. Until Belle. He wondered how she felt about bearing his child. Was she happy? Somehow he doubted it. At least now there was no question over ending their marriage.

  Casey never thought he could feel this happy about anything. He couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off his face. It just grew wider.

  “You seem mighty happy for someone with a sick wife, brother,” Mark accused. He had seen the doctor leave and had taken the steps two at a time, anxious to learn from Casey the outcome of the doctor’s visit.

  Casey could not stop grinning. “I’m about as happy as a man could be right now, brother. I’m going to be a father.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned. I always said you were a lucky stiff. You didn’t waste any time getting Belle with child. Kind of anticipated the wedding night, didn’t you?” His mischievous grin was infectious, and Casey threw back his head and laughed.

  “It doesn’t matter when we had our wedding night as long as a wedding followed. I just hope Belle is as thrilled as I am.” He looked at the closed bedroom door with trepidation. “Wish me luck, brother.”

  “You have it but you won’t need it. Go to your wife.”

  Belle couldn’t stop crying. A baby. She couldn’t have a baby, not now. She had scant moments left in which to decide whether or not to tell Casey. She could probably keep her secret for another few months, plenty of time for Casey to grow weary of playing at being a husband and move on. She expected him to move on anyway. It was the way men operated. Belle’s dismal thoughts ended the moment Casey walked through the bedroom door.

  Casey sat down on the edge of the bed and clasped Belle’s hand, his face carefully composed. The doctor had warned him not to spoil the surprise and he wasn’t going to, even if he had to bite his tongue to contain his happiness.

  “How are you feeling, love?”

  In that split second Belle made a decision, unwise though it might be. “Did Doctor Peabody say anything to you?” Casey shook his head in a negative manner. “He said I was suffering from stress and exhaustion,” Belle lied. “I should be fine in a few days so you have nothing to worry about.”

  Casey stared at her through narrowed lids. “Are you sure that’s all?”

  She forced a smile. “Of course. Why would I lie?”

  “Why indeed? Your eyes are red, have you been crying?”

  “I suppose. It’s a natural reaction to all that’s happened to me.”

  Why was she lying? Casey wondered. Her tears clearly weren’t tears of joy. The next thought struck him forcefully and he reeled back in dismay. Belle might as well have thrust a sword into this heart. She didn’t want his child. She needed time to come to grips with the fact that she was pregnant. He wanted to throw her lie back in her face, but decided to play out her little game to the bitter end. How long did she expect to continue this charade? Sooner or later nature would reveal her condition.

  Casey was angry and hurt. Everything he’d done in the past several weeks had been for Belle’s and Tommy’s sake. He’d put his entire life on hold while he searched for McAllister’s murderer. He had given Belle his name and pledged his protection, did she expect him to leave just because she thought she no longer needed him? Evidently that’s exactly what she expected. If Belle wanted to play games he would play along as long as it suited him. But the first time she did anything to harm his child the game ended.

  “Rest as long as you like, Belle. That’s the best medicine, I suppose. And take the tonic the doctor left. It’s supposed to build your strength. If you need me I’ll be at the winery. I haven’t had time to go out there yet and it’s been more or less running without leadership. The manager is a good man, I understand, but even he needs direction. The trustees of the estate placed me in charge of Tommy’s holdings until he reaches his majority, and I’m not going to let them deteriorate for lack of attention.”

  Belle breathed a sigh of relief. Casey believed her. She would wait and see how long he stuck around before deciding if and when to tell him about the baby. Time would tell.

  “Casey, before you leave, have you given any thought to what I said last night about Harry Hopkins?”

  “If you’re referring to the fact that you don’t believe he’s guilty, as far as I’m concerned the right man is in jail.” He bent down and brushed a cool kiss across her lips. It was difficult to forget that Belle had been crying over an unwanted pregnancy. And even harder to reconcile to the fact that she had deliberately denied being pregnant.

  The coolness of Casey’s kiss lingered on her lips and Belle compared it to the heated, passionate kisses they had shared last night. Was he cooling to her already? Perhaps it was best that it happened now, before she learned to love him more than she did already did. If that were possible.

  Belle felt so much better that she was up and dressed when Wan Yo brought Tommy home later that morning. Their reunion was poignant, tender, and exuberant. Tommy clung to his mother with a desperation that brought tears to Belle’s eyes. Everything, it seemed, brought tears to her eyes these days. It was a very long time before Belle could convince her small son that she would never leave him again. Once convinced, he allowed Wan Yo to lead him off to play.

  Belle was exploring the house that was now her home when Naomi arrived. She appeared in a state of agitation, obviously upset over something. Naomi hugged Belle tightly, then congratulated her heartily.

  “Thank God you had the good sense to marry Casey,” Naomi said as she sank into the nearest chair. “If not for him you’d still be in jail. The man cares for you a great deal, Belle. And for Tommy, too.”

  Belle perched on the edge of the sofa, her face a study of contradictions. “Casey was driven by guilt, not love for me or Tommy.”

  “For God’s sake, Belle, give the man some credit. He worked tirelessly in your behalf. He’s your husband,
do you feel nothing for him? This marriage could be a good one if you let it.”

  Belle stared down at her hands. “I doubt that Casey will be around long enough to develop lasting attachments.”

  “Still don’t trust him, huh? Are you sleeping with him?” Naomi asked bluntly. Belle’s flaming cheeks was all the answer Naomi needed. “You can’t fool me, honey. I know you. You wouldn’t bed any man unless you loved him. Does Casey know you love him?”

  Belle’s head shot up sharply. “No! And don’t you dare tell him. I don’t want his pity. I’ve got everything I need right here. Tommy, a house, and money.” Instinctively her hand splayed over her stomach, arousing Naomi’s curiosity.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me, honey?”

  Belle looked startled. “No, nothing.” Her answer came quickly, too quickly, Naomi thought. “Well, there is one thing that bothers me, Naomi. I don’t think Harry Hopkins killed McAllister. Casey thinks I’ve lost my mind but I can’t help feeling as I do. I … I’m going to visit Mr. Hopkins in jail today. Maybe he’ll tell me the truth. I met him before, you know. He seemed such a kindly man.”

  “Don’t rock the boat, honey,” Naomi advised. “The man confessed, what more do you want?”

  “I want to know why he confessed. If he isn’t guilty he shouldn’t be sent to prison or”—she gulped convulsively—“hung for murder. Casey said he’ll probably be sentenced soon.”

  “I’m advising you to forget Hopkins, Belle.”

  Naomi’s stern warning fell on deaf ears. Belle was already planning her visit to Harry Hopkins.

  “There’s something else I’d like to talk to you about,” Naomi added. “I took on a new girl. I did so with misgivings because she wasn’t the type I usually hire. But the poor thing seemed so desperate I couldn’t say no. Her name is Greta. She claimed to be experienced but I finally got her to admit she’d had only one previous sexual encounter. With a man she fancied herself in love with. She left her father’s home with the man. Unfortunately the bounder abandoned her after he stole her virginity and her money.

  “Last night was her first working night. A customer named Hank Jones took a liking to her and took her upstairs. I thought she could handle him but I was mistaken. At the last minute she got cold feet and refused to service him. Jones beat her quite severely. Doc Peabody patched her up and she’ll be all right, but I don’t have the heart to toss her out on the streets. She’s no whore and never will be.

  “The girl refuses to return home. Her father is a preacher and she doesn’t want to shame him more than she already has. She’s young, Belle, but smart. I thought it was about time Tommy had a governess.”

  “That poor girl,” Belle sympathized.

  “I reported Jones to the sheriff and hopefully the man will spend a night or two in jail.”

  “You’re a good woman, Naomi, always taking in strays. I’d fight anyone who says you aren’t. Send Greta around. If she’s as smart as you say, I’m sure Tommy will benefit from her instruction. And I’d be glad for the company. This is a household of males.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Naomi said, rising. “And honey, now that you live up here with the rich, I don’t think it’s wise for me to visit you again. I don’t want our friendship to sully your reputation.”

  Belle gave her a disgruntled look. “I had no reputation to begin with. You’re the only one who stuck by me when everyone else had me guilty of murder. I’ll see you anytime I damn well please. If you won’t come here, I’ll come to you.”

  Naomi shook her head, inordinately pleased but still skeptical. “You’re a stubborn woman, Belle. I certainly can’t stop you from coming to my house. You’re welcome anytime. But shouldn’t you ask your husband first if he wants you to visit a house of ill-repute?”

  “I doubt Casey will stick around long enough to care,” Belle said softly.

  “He might surprise you, honey. Well, I’ve got to go. I’ll send Greta around later. If it doesn’t work out I’ll try to think of something else for the girl.”

  Naomi left in a tantalizing swirl of frothy white petticoats and scarlet satin skirts.

  Later that afternoon Belle put Tommy down for his nap and prepared to go out. Wan Yo offered to accompany her but Belle declined. She preferred that he stay with Tommy. If Harry Hopkins didn’t kill McAllister, then the person who did was still roaming the city and could present a danger to those she loved. Belle knew she wasn’t thinking straight but somewhere in the tangled mass of her wild imaginings was a reasonable explanation. She just hadn’t figured it out yet. If Casey wouldn’t help it was up to her to make sure an innocent man wasn’t hung for a murder he didn’t commit.

  Sheriff Rogan refused to allow Belle access to the prisoner when she arrived at the jailhouse. “Haven’t you had enough of this place, Mrs. Walker? Does your husband know you’re here?”

  Belle refused to leave. When the sheriff could quote no law forbidding a visit with the prisoner, he grudgingly allowed Belle ten minutes. He escorted Belle to the cell and waited nearby while Belle spoke in low tones to Harry Hopkins.

  “What are you doing here?” Hopkins asked when he saw Belle standing on the other side of the bars.

  Belle thought the poor man looked more ill than he had the day before. “I’m here to satisfy my curiosity,” Belle said in a hushed voice. “I’m going to ask you a question, Mr. Hopkins, and I want a truthful answer. Why did you lie? Why did you confess to killing Mr. McAllister when you didn’t do it?”

  Hopkins stared at Belle in consternation. “You’re loco, lady. Of course I killed old T.J. For your own sake you’ve got to believe that.”

  “But you didn’t do it, Mr. Hopkins. Did my husband talk you into confessing? Did he threaten you?”

  “That young man was mighty persistent but he didn’t threaten me. Look here, little lady, I’m dying. I knew you couldn’t have killed the bastard so I thought I’d do one good deed before meeting my maker.”

  “But it’s not fair!”

  “Life is rarely fair. But ya gotta make the best of it. You got your whole life ahead of ya. McAllister hurt you just like he hurt me and Jones. I didn’t kill him but I’m not sorry he’s dead. That husband of yours is one determined man. If my confession served to bring you and your son and husband happiness, then I will die a contented man. Who’s to say I wouldn’t have killed McAllister if I had gotten to him first?”

  “Do you have any idea who killed my father-in-law?”

  “Old T.J. must have had numerous enemies. I haven’t been in town long enough to name them.”

  “Why were you watching his house?”

  “I admit I walked past the mansion a few times, trying to get up the nerve to confront the bastard, pardon my language, ma’am.”

  “I’m going to try to convince my husband to find the real killer,” Belle promised. “He’s got to listen to me.”

  “Good luck, ma’am. I ain’t afraid to die, if that’s to be my fate. I ain’t got long to live anyways. Thank you for caring, little gel. If I had a daughter I’d want her to be just like you.”

  “Time is up, Mrs. Walker.”

  Belle started violently, surprised to find the sheriff standing behind her. Had it been ten minutes already? “Good-bye, Mr. Hopkins. Try to keep your spirits up.”

  “What’s your connection with that man?” Rogan asked curiously.

  “No connection. I just wanted to hear from his lips why he killed my father-in-law.”

  “Did he tell you? I’d be interested in finding that out myself.”

  “We hadn’t gotten around to that yet. Good-day, Sheriff.” She left Rogan staring after her with his mouth hanging open and his curiosity unappeased.

  When Belle arrived home, she found Greta waiting for her in the parlor. Tommy had woken and he and Greta were conversing quietly.

  “I see you’ve met my son,” Belle said, smiling at Greta’s bowed head. “I’m Belle Mc … Walker. Naomi told me all about you.”

&
nbsp; Greta looked up at Belle and flushed. “And you still want me to be your son’s governess?”

  Belle got her first good look at Greta’s face and her hand flew to her mouth. The girl had been severely battered. Her face was bruised and swollen until its original contours were all but obscured by purple and black blotches. Her eyes had been blackened and her bottom lip was swollen to twice its size. “Oh you poor thing!”

  “Miss Greta fell, Mama,” Tommy said. “Isn’t it awful? But the doctor told her she’d be all well soon. Naomi sent her to be my governess.”

  “If you’ll have me, Mrs. Walker, after …” Greta’s voice cracked with nervousness. “I’ll understand if you don’t think I’m appropriate for your son’s governess.”

  Noting Tommy’s rapt attention, Belle said, “I’ll bet cook has cookies and milk for you in the kitchen, son. Go get your snack while I speak with Miss Greta.”

  Tommy ran off, and Belle took Greta’s hands and led her to the sofa. “Sit down and tell me about yourself. Noami told me a little but if you’re going to be my son’s governess I’ll need to know more.”

  Greta cleared her throat and looked Belle in the eye. “Despite what you know about me I’m not a whore.”

  “What is this all about?” Casey strode into the parlor. He had heard Greta’s words and his curiosity was aroused.

  Belle jumped to her feet. “This is between me and Greta.”

  Casey studied Greta with slow perusal, wincing at the sight of her battered features. “If this is a household decision then I damn well better be included. Especially in view of what I heard when I entered the room.”

  Just then Tommy bounded back into the room and grasped Casey’s hand. “Casey, have you met my new governess?”

  Belle sent Casey a bright smile. Casey frowned furiously. Poor Greta wished for the floor to open up and swallow her.

  Chapter 15

  Belle wished she’d had more time to talk to Greta before Casey came home, but there was no help for it now but to introduce her. “Casey, this is Greta. Naomi recommended her for Tommy’s governess.”