Teton Splendor

by Peggy L Henderson

  Sophie regained her balance, and wheeled around to face the child who clung to her wide skirts. Fear was evident on the child’s face, but it wasn’t fear of her. He clutched at the ruffles on her dress, his eyes wide. Sophie bent down toward the boy, and then squatted to be closer to eyelevel with him. She held his arm while the boy gestured animatedly with his other hand.

  Joseph was almost within earshot of her, when a large man in an expensive-looking tailored suit barged past him.

  “There’s that little thief,” he shouted, and pointed a walking cane at the boy. Sophie’s head shot up when the man bore down on the child, and she stood, moving in front of the boy.

  “What seems to be the problem here, sir?” she asked, lifting her chin. She squared her shoulders and faced the angry man.

  “That filthy little brat stole from me,” the man roared.

  Sophie glanced at the child cowering behind her, then back at the overbearing angry man. Joseph only needed to lunge forward to grab the bastard if he posed a threat.

  “What did he steal?” Sophie asked, not budging an inch. She pushed the boy further behind her skirts. Joseph’s chest swelled with sudden pride for her. She continued to be full of surprises.

  “He came running into the dining parlor, and brazenly stole a loaf of bread from my table. Miss, hand him over immediately so he can be punished. And the captain will hear about this. It’s an outrage to allow such riffraff on the upper deck.”

  “A loaf of bread is hardly worth the effort to come down here and demand punishment,” Sophie said firmly. “One look at this child, and you can see that he’s hungry.”

  “That is not my concern. If this crime goes unpunished, what will he steal next? My jewelry? My money?”

  Sophie scoffed. “He’s a mere child. He only wanted some food. I’ll personally see to it that he doesn’t steal again. I’ll even compensate you for your lost bread.”

  “Miss, I suggest you return to the lady’s lounge where you belong, and let me deal with this thief,” the man raised his voice in anger, along with his cane. Joseph stepped forward and grabbed his arm.

  “There’s no need for violence,” he sneered. “Take your own advice and head back to the upper deck, mister. The lady said she would make good on what the boy did.” He glared at the red-faced man, who puffed his cheeks like a bullfrog.

  “Take your hands off me,” he demanded hotly. “I’ll be filing a formal complaint with the Nelson Company and the captain.”

  “You do that,” Joseph said in a low tone, forcing the man’s arm to his side. He pushed the arrogant buffoon away, and looked toward Sophie. The depth of admiration in her eyes, the look of wonder on her face, accelerated his pulse to new heights. Abruptly, she tore her eyes away from him, and glanced down at the cowering boy. She turned and squatted in front of him again, giving Joseph an enticing view of her bare shoulders and the swell of her breasts. He cursed silently, and turned his attention to the angry man, whose demands for justice had brought several crew members to his side.

  Sophie hastily rose to her feet, and gave her name to one of the men.

  “Tell the captain to see me for any charges incurred by this child,” she said. “If he has further questions, he can speak to me directly.”

  The crewman gaped at her in astonishment, then slowly nodded. Trying to calm the angry man, he ushered him away with the promise to take him directly to the captain. Sophie inhaled a loud breath, then turned to the child, who still clung to her skirts.

  “Where’s your family?” she asked softly.

  “I’s trying to get to them in Louisville.”

  Sophie held him by the shoulders, a soft expression on her face. “You know that stealing is wrong, don’t you?”

  The boy glanced at his feet. “Yes’m. But I ain’t had food in two days.”

  “I see,” she said quietly. “I’m going to make sure you’re not hungry anymore. Come supper time, I’ll have a basket brought down from the dining hall with food for you.”

  The boy’s head shot up to look at her with wide eyes. Sophie ruffled his hair and smiled. “No more stealing.”

  “No, ma’am,” he said, his face brighter than a full moon. He darted out from her grasp.

  Sophie chuckled and shook her head. As if she suddenly remembered Joseph, the smile faded from her face and her head turned toward him.

  “I didn’t even catch his name,” she said.

  “He probably has lice,” Joseph said. “You might want to take off those gloves you’re wearing and burn them.” When she opened her mouth, he quickly added, “That was a mighty nice thing to do.”

  “He’s a little boy.” She shrugged, and averted her eyes.

  Joseph stepped closer. He inhaled the intoxicating flowery scent in her hair, and reached for her elbow. Too many men still lingered from watching the spectacle. At least that was a good excuse for touching her. He led her up the deck, away from where most of the lower-class passengers milled about.

  “What are you doing down here, Princess,” he asked quietly, facing her. He dropped his hand from her arm. Sophie raised her head. Uncertainty flashed in her eyes.

  “I was hoping you’d have supper with me this evening, Mr. Walker. We’ve hardly spoken since this journey began, and—”

  Joseph laughed. “I don’t think the rich folk want me to mingle with them any more than I do,” he said. “You’ll get enough of me once we get to St. Louis, probably more than you’d care for.” His look challenged her for a response.

  “I’m sure we’ll get along fine, Mr. Walker,” she said. “I’m prepared to do what you advise.”

  Joseph studied her. It didn’t appear as if she was mocking him. There was only sincerity in her eyes, and . . . He clenched his jaw, and forced his hand to remain at his side. The urge to touch her, to run his palm along her cheek was overpowering. He took a step back.

  “Then I suggest you start by calling me Joseph,” he said, clearing his throat.

  “All right . . . Joseph,” she said, and smiled warmly. He ran a hand through his hair, his forehead damp with perspiration.

  “Careful, Princess, or that watchdog of yours is liable to slap a chastity belt on you for being too friendly.” Why the hell did you have to say something insulting? “Where is your chaperone, anyhow?”

  Sophie gaped at him. A flash of anger shot from her eyes, but she remained composed. “Probably in our cabin. I told her I was going for a walk. I didn’t tell her—”

  “Miss Sophia,” a shrill voice interrupted her. Joseph grinned. Apparently his time alone with her had come to an end. And he certainly hadn’t put his best foot forward.

  From the front of the boat, Lucy marched toward them, a determined look on her face. In the next instance, a loud explosion boomed through the air, and the deck rocked violently.

  Chapter Eight

  The steamboat’s boilers exploded in a blast so loud it would rival the most violent clap of thunder. People screamed as bodies were hurled through the air. The acrid smell of smoke and fuel filled Joseph’s lungs. He grabbed Sophie around the waist, and whirled her around to face away from the horrid scene.

  “Lucy,” she screamed, her eyes wide with horror. She strained against his hold, trying to look over her shoulder. Joseph pulled her tightly to him, holding her head against his chest. She didn’t need to see this.

  Most of the upper deck had shattered, people screamed in terror, and lifeless bodies fell overboard. Passengers on the upper deck who’d been spared in the explosion jumped for their lives into the strong current of the river.

  In the chaos, animals that had escaped death and their hold in the cargo area ran amuck on deck. His own horse and several others leapt into the water in a panic. The gelding was still fully saddled, and for a split second, Joseph cursed the crewman he’d paid to tend his animal. Then he quickly realized he wouldn’t have to search for his belongings in all the chaos. His horse would swim for dry land. Finding the gelding later was the least of his
worries at the moment. Further up the deck, Lucy was lying facedown on the ground.

  The boat rocked violently and the deck tilted, then lurched downward. Joseph braced his legs to maintain his balance. The strong current of the Ohio towed the craft along, even as it began to sink. There was only one way to escape certain death.

  “We have to get off this boat,” Joseph shouted above the noise all around them. He gripped Sophie’s upper arms. The terror in her eyes wrenched his heart from his chest.

  “Lucy,” she stammered. “We have to get Lucy.” She squirmed against his tight hold.

  Staring into her horror-struck eyes, Joseph nodded against his better judgment. He held tight to Sophie’s hand, and pulled her along behind him. Together, they ran down the deck to where the maid had fallen to the ground, dodging people and debris.

  “Lucy,” Sophie sobbed when they finally reached the woman’s body lying on the ground. Sophie dropped to her knees. Joseph knelt beside her, shielding her from panicked people all around them. Slowly, he turned Lucy onto her back. One side of the maid’s face was covered in blood and black soot, a deep gash below her hairline. Her large bosom moved up and down in rapid succession as she gasped for air. Her head turned slightly, and she smiled at her charge. Sophie threw herself at her maid, sobbing uncontrollably.

  “We’re going to help you, Lucy,” Sophie cried. “Just hold on. Joseph will help you.”

  Lucy lifted her arm, and she grasped Joseph’s hand. Her glazed eyes stared up at him. “Please. Take good care of her,” she rasped. At a loss for words, Joseph merely nodded. Her grip loosened, and her arm fell to her side. A soft smile froze on her face, while her lifeless eyes continued to stare up at him. The boat lurched again at that moment, and the wooden deck groaned ominously. Sophie’s hand shot out, and she grabbed his upper arm to steady herself, renewed fear and panic in her eyes. They couldn’t waste any more time. They had to get off this boat now if they were going to survive.

  “We have to go,” he shouted, and pulled Sophie away from the body. Joseph hated to leave her beloved maid behind. Sophie cared for the woman deeply, but it made no sense to risk both their lives for a dead person.

  “No,” Sophie shrieked, fighting his hold on her. “I won’t leave Lucy. Let me go.”

  Joseph clenched his jaw and hardened his heart. Lucy’s dying words echoed in his mind. A week ago she had threatened him with bodily harm for looking at Sophie with interest. He was more determined than ever to honor Lucy’s request, and in order to fulfill her wish, he had to get Sophie off this boat.

  Wrapping one arm tightly around her middle, he hauled her away from the lifeless body, and veered toward the side of the deck. Sophie’s arms flailed wildly and she strained against him with a strength that belied her slight size. Her fists connected with his arms and chest, but Joseph ignored her attempts to free herself from his grip.

  “You have to save the nice lady,” a child’s voice hollered. Joseph’s head turned to see the young boy Sophie had helped earlier rush up to him. “Into the river,” the boy shouted, pointing to the shoreline some thirty feet away.

  “That’s what we’re doing,” Joseph yelled back at the boy. “Can you swim?”

  “Yessir,” the boy nodded, and ran for the edge of the deck. He hesitated, and glanced back. Joseph nodded in encouragement. The boy jumped into the water and disappeared from view. Adjusting his hold around Sophie’s waist, Joseph dragged and half-lifted her along. She continued to struggle against him.

  “Let me go. Please, let me go,” she screeched, digging in her heels on the wooden deck. “We can’t leave Lucy behind.”

  “Take a deep breath,” he yelled, ignoring her pleas. He didn’t stop when he reached the edge of the deck, and leapt overboard, his arm wrapped tightly around Sophie’s middle. Her shrill scream pierced his ear. The cold river water closed around him and over his head. Joseph kicked with his legs and free arm, pushing upward to the surface. His head broke through the water, and he sucked in a deep breath. He lifted Sophie above water, and she gulped for air.

  “Kick with your legs,” he commanded in her ear. “I’ll keep you afloat, but you have to help.”

  Sophie gasped, her arms paddling frantically like a dog’s. Joseph pulled his free arm through the water, the weight of the woman in his grip growing heavier by the second. Sophie’s skirts acted like anchors, dragging her down and hindering his efforts. She coughed and sputtered, and struggled with her arms. He renewed his hold on her, refusing to let go. Why the hell hadn’t he thought to pull all those petticoats off of her before jumping into the river?

  “Can you swim?” he shouted without looking at her. If she didn’t help, she’d drown both of them.

  “Yes,” she choked. “I’m trying. My skirts are too heavy.”

  The strong current swept them along, and Joseph kicked his legs through the water to get them closer to shore. Debris from the destroyed steamboat rushed past, and every now and then, the head or arms of a lifeless body bobbed up and down in the water. Joseph hoped the young boy was strong enough to swim to shore.

  A few more yards away from where he thought the water would be shallow enough to touch bottom, a heavy jagged object rammed into him, just above his left hip. Joseph inhaled sharply, and gritted his teeth. For a second, his vision blurred and faded to blackness. He blinked and pushed on despite the crippling pain. He lost his hold around Sophie, and she flailed her arms in an effort to keep her head above water. Her hands clung to his arm, and he redoubled his efforts. Pure determination and adrenaline drove him forward. His feet finally touched bottom, and he breathed easier. Stumbling onto the banks of the river, he hauled Sophie out of the water. She collapsed instantly, gasping for breath and sobbing.

  “Come on, we’ve almost made it,” he said to encourage her. When she didn’t respond, he bent and scooped her into his arms. Water poured from her drenched skirts, and he strained to lift her up off the ground. Her clothes were so heavy with water, it was a miracle he hadn’t lost his hold on her in the river. She flung her arms around his neck, and grabbed on, her body shivering uncontrollably.

  Joseph stumbled up the embankment, each step sending agonizing pain up his hip and down his leg. A safe distance away from the water, he sank to his knees, breathing hard. Water dripped down his face, and strands of his long hair fell over his eyes. He set Sophie down in the tall grass, bending over her. Her arms clung like a vice around his neck and shoulders.

  “We’re safe now,” he breathed against her ear. His side burned like hell, but he ignored it. Sophie’s body continued to tremble and shudder, and he gathered her firmly against his chest, offering any warmth he had. He drew in a deep breath. While she shivered, his insides heated at holding her so close. Joseph cursed his reaction to her. This was a hell of a time to notice her as a woman. She sobbed into his soaked shirt.

  “It’s all right, Princess. Everything’s gonna be all right.” He cradled the back of her head, and held her close.

  “Lucy,” she mumbled. “Why? Why did this happen? This is all my fault.”

  Joseph was willing to do anything at that moment to take away her pain. He didn’t know what to say, so he simply held her and let her cry. He stroked the back of her head, and brushed his lips against her forehead. How could he take away the horrible images of what she had just witnessed and experienced?

  “Nothing is your fault, do you hear me,” he said forcefully. He held her face between his hands, and stared into her tear-filled eyes. With his thumbs, he swiped away the water that dripped down her cheeks.

  “I asked her to come along,” she whispered. “If I hadn’t asked her to come with me, she would be alive right now.”

  Joseph’s grip tightened. “I won’t let you blame yourself for this, Sophie. Steamboat boilers are dangerous. Explosions are all too common. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I should have insisted we travel by horseback like I first intended.”

  She stared wide-eyed up into his face, the water from
her drenched hair mixing with the tears flowing from her eyes. What could he possibly say or do to persuade her that Lucy’s death wasn’t her fault? A violent shiver passed through her, and Joseph wrapped his arms around her again to shield her from the chill in the air. He had to get a fire started, and somehow convince her to get out of her wet clothes.

  Sophie raised her head away from his chest and gazed up at him. The moisture on her lips glistened in the sunlight. Joseph groaned silently. Before he realized her intent, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Her arms reached around his neck, and she leaned into him.

  Heat raced through him like a wildfire out of control. He wouldn’t need a campfire to stay warm after all. He couldn’t control his reaction to her surprising move any more than he could stop his heart from beating. Joseph’s lips parted, and his hand reached behind her head, holding her to him. His other hand slid along her exposed neck, the contour of her jaw, and up to her cheek. His fingers caressed her soft skin. Sophie moaned quietly, driving his desires to greater heights.

  Her innocence was evident in the way she allowed him to take command of the kiss. His lips slid along her soft mouth, slowly coaxing a response from her. Her heart beat fast against his chest.

  Somewhere in the back of his mind, a warning bell went off. What the hell was he doing? Sophie had just lived through a terrifying and tragic ordeal. She was merely seeking a way to cope with what she had witnessed and experienced, and he was taking advantage of her like some moose in rut.

  Joseph pulled his head back, and pried her arms away from around his neck. He sucked in a deep gulp of air, and fought to keep his erratic breathing even. The stunned look in her eyes - fear mixed with wonder and . . . desire, was almost his undoing.

  “Sophie, I . . . ah . . . we need to get a fire started, or we’ll freeze to death come sundown.” Joseph sputtered like a love struck juvenile. He inched away, needing to put some distance between himself and her. He stood, and turned quickly to hide his body’s reaction to her. A sharp pain jabbed his side, and he clutched his hand to his hip, his injury all but forgotten. Joseph raked his hand through his wet hair, and gnashed his teeth. How the hell was he going to survive the weeks ahead, and keep his thoughts and desires in check after that kiss?