“He’s a bit harder to read. One thing is he’s never been up this far in the open country. He seems jittery for different reasons than Coyote. The black is frightened. Mountain lions are just as common as bears up this way. Much more dangerous to horses. He’ll need all the confidence you can muster when we start after the herd.”
“You sound pretty sure we’re going to find them.”
“I’m certain we will now. It’s just a matter of time.”
Something in the air has me skittish, as well, Charlie thought. Maybe it was that their kiss was always on his mind. Every time he tried to tell himself it was Brenna he needed to court for Maddie’s sake, Nell popped into his head. Maddie had grown attached to Brenna; Nell lived too far out for the tutor’s liking. Agitated with thinking of the two women, he realized he’d given precious little thought to Grover Galante since they’d set out.
Nell stopped about halfway back to camp. “Let’s hobble them here, but take one to camp and tie him there. We can switch him out later.”
The horses immediately dropped their heads and began cropping the grass. Dog bounded into their group, his tail wagging happily as if he were on a grand adventure. Nell laughed and patted his head. They made fast work of hobbling the horses’ front feet, and then they led Jake’s horse back toward camp and snubbed him to a tree.
“I’ll switch him out with Coyote later tonight,” Nell said when Jake came close to see if anything was wrong. “Being they don’t know the country, they may be skittish. This way the others won’t wander off.”
His reply was a grunt. Gabe squatted before the crackling fire. “Supper’s on,” he finally called. With a large spoon he ladled out generous portions to all and Nell ripped chunks of bread to pass around.
As hungry as Charlie was, the simple fare was satisfying and tasted good. But a slather of fresh butter would make it a whole lot better. Like the sweet, creamy goodness his stepmother used to glob on a crumble-topped apple pie as soon as the sweet was out of the oven. His mouth watered and his taste buds squeezed just dreaming about it. He couldn’t think of one thing he wouldn’t give to have a nice, big slice in front of his nose right now.
Nell cleared her throat. “Charlie?”
He jerked his gaze up, realizing he’d been mesmerized by the recollection of the tasty boy-taming concoction he missed so much.
He skimmed the faces. “Yeah?”
“Gabe just asked you about the horses. What you remember most about where you found them and numbers and such.” Her excitement was palpable from the opposite side of the campfire. The golden light made her hair gleam as the shadow of the flame danced across her face.
“Not too much, since I thought I was just passing through.”
“What about a stallion?” Gabe asked. The boy hadn’t said more than a few words on the ride here, so Charlie didn’t have a measure on his disposition. Nell thought a lot of him, though. If she believed he was a good-enough hand when the pushing started, that was enough verification for him.
“Never saw him,” Charlie said. “Probably caught my scent and took off. There was plenty of white in the herd. Paints, grays, roans, lots of solids with tall socks and large blazes. Some pretty nice-looking animals.”
Nell took a sip from her cup. “I’d venture to guess the stud is probably a paint himself, with what you’re saying about the makeup.” Dog lay with his head on Nell’s boots as if they were a pillow.
Gabe and Jake exchanged glances. “I wonder why no one else has rounded them up before this,” Gabe said. “Sounds too good to be true.”
“Maybe they have.” Nell tossed the scant remains of her coffee behind her. Dog lifted his head at the sound. “Who knows how large the herd used to be before Charlie’s sighting. Staying in the high country keeps them pretty secluded. We could come away with just a handful ourselves.”
Again a glance passed between Nell’s friends.
“Jake,” Nell said. “What’s new with you and Daisy?” Jake lifted his cup to his mouth as she added, “You two have weddin’ plans yet?”
“Nothin’ set in stone.”
Gabe perked up. “He’s waiting on gettin’ a place of his own. So he don’t have to live at the ranch afterwards.”
Jake sent his younger companion a disparaging look. “You talk a lot.”
“Nell asked.”
Nell sat forward, clearly interested. “Jake?”
“I’ve worked out a deal with Chase about buying a small place he owns on Shady Creek. Not much bigger than a chicken coop, but there’s room to grow.”
“And you’ll need stock.” Charlie admired these hardworking young men.
“That’s right. That’s why I pounced on the chance to go with you. A few mares crossed with Chase’s stud will be a nice start.”
“It sure will,” Gabe added.
Dog stood and shook, then settled his head in Nell’s lap, making her laugh. “And Daisy?” she asked, scratching behind his ears.
“Don’t know if you heard, but Hannah hired her on.”
“At the Silky Hen?”
“Yep. In the kitchen. Hannah says when people forget her past, she’ll let her start waitressing a day or two.” Jake shook his head. “I don’t know. People can be cruel.”
Although curious, Charlie didn’t ask for an explanation. If the fella had wanted to say, he would have. “Well, that was a nice supper.” The vastness of the stars expanded as he shrugged down deeper into his coat. Didn’t matter that it was still only fall, evenings in the high country got cold at night. “What does everyone say we get to bed? I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m beat and tomorrow’ll come early.”
Gabe stood and stretched. Jake followed and Nell handed Gabe her bowl and cup along with her utensils. The two started toward the creek with a lantern and Dog at their heels. Charlie heard their grumbles until they were out of earshot. Nell sat on the far side of the fire on a rock, looking pretty small in her sheepskin coat.
Time to set up bedrolls. He was exhausted and was looking forward to stretching out on the ground. He went over to where he’d unloaded the packhorse, hoisted his saddle and Nell’s, and brought them close to the fire. “Where would you like yours?”
“I guess that’s as good a place as any.”
He set hers down, horn to the ground, then placed his beside it. He waited for her to object but she didn’t. “I just think it’s smart if we all sort of stay close,” he said to her unspoken question. “You know—snakes.”
“Snakes?” Amusement tinged her voice.
“Yeah. Snakes. Like the one you shot the first night I arrived out at your ranch? You remember that, right? You admitted yourself that the rattler was large.”
“I wasn’t questioning you, Charlie.”
“I think you were, Nell.”
Her gaze did funny things to his stomach as he laid out his bedroll and then positioned his saddle for a backrest. He got down on his knees and patted down his blanket and then hers, reaching under for the stones that would be sure to keep them awake if left to chance. The brightness of the fire between them kept him from seeing her eyes but if he was right, she was smiling.
“You do that well.”
“Thank you. I’d rather take more time now than be sorry in the morning.”
Off in the distance, Dog barked.
Charlie, a little self-conscious, stood and looked around. “Guess I should go swap out a horse.”
Nell lunged up. “I meant to do that and forgot. I’ll do it, Charlie.”
A coyote yipped and the sway of the tops of the trees drew his attention. When he looked back she was halfway across the clearing, her body shimmering in the gloom like something otherworldly. Somehow it felt a whole lot more desolate out here with her, this far away from civilization, than it had even when he was out here himself. It’d be easy to forget that any other life existed. And all too easy to let his desires run away with him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Three o’clock
couldn’t come fast enough. Brenna checked the watch pinned to the bodice of her blue cotton dress as the children worked feverously on the essay, “What I Did over the Summer Break,” that Mr. Hutton had asked for.
Eleven whole days had passed since the first day of school and even though she had a schedule that kept her busy, she’d settled into a routine that was no longer fearful or draining—although her feet did ache by the time the children went home. If she was lucky, she caught a glimpse of Jessie now and then bringing Sarah to school or picking her up. It was like living on a deserted island with the children and Mr. Hutton—married Mr. Hutton. That knowledge still hurt.
Thankfully, his was the only case of measles to appear in Logan Meadows so far this year. His spots had faded to a light-rose color and he was feeling much better, always up and about when she checked in on him twice a day. He’d try to engage her in conversation, but since learning about the wife back in Pennsylvania that he’d failed to mention, she’d kept her distance. A home wrecker she was not.
“Time’s up, class. Please be sure your name is on your paper—and is legible. I’ll collect them as you leave the room.” She went over and pushed open the door, allowing a rush of fresh air into the room. Conversations twittered as the children gathered their things. “Have a nice weekend. I’ll see you on Monday.” Only one more week and I’ll have my life back.
Penny, followed by Jane and Maddie, approached and stopped at the door. The two handed in their assignments. Maddie handed her a drawing of a flower she’d done from memory, not much more than some curved lines, but to Brenna it was a masterpiece. Prichard and Stevie had been the first out the door as they scampered on ahead. “Thank you, thank you,” Brenna said, collecting the papers from the children as they passed.
“Do you want us to wait for you, Mama?” Penny asked.
“No, honey. You go on ahead and I’ll be right along. I’m going to the mercantile for some flour.”
“I can get that for you if you’d like.”
“I’d rather you make sure the boys aren’t tearing down the house in our absence. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” After I check in with Hannah. The math books were always on Brenna’s mind. She’d hoped they would have already arrived. She caressed Maddie’s cheek. “You did well today, sweetie. I was so proud when you raised your hand and named the first president of the United States.”
A ghost of a smile crossed Maddie’s face. “My pa used to tell me.”
Brenna’s eyes cut to Penny’s. This was new. The first time she’d ever mentioned her father. “He did?”
Maddie nodded. “’Cause he was in the war. Said history is important.”
Penny and Jane watched with curiosity. “Did he say anything else?” Brenna asked.
Maddie scuffed her foot against the floor. When a teardrop landed with a splash between her small feet, Brenna quickly bundled her into a hug. “Girls, why don’t you two run along. I feel like spending some time with Maddie today. I’ve been so busy with school, I’ve missed out on more meaningful things—like snuggling her in my lap.”
Brenna picked Maddie up and sat on the bench against the wall. Jane and Penny stepped out the door quietly. A good five minutes went by without a word being said. Brenna rocked back and forth, crying inside while she felt the wetness of Maddie’s tears on her neck.
Brenna put her hand on Maddie’s forehead just to be sure she wasn’t coming down with something. As she suspected, the child’s head was cool. She was just tired. Probably homesick. Off-kilter with her stepmother’s new role as teacher taking time away from seeing to her needs. Maddie never complained. If not cheerful, she was quiet. She was no trouble at all. Brenna prayed this time the child would open up to her.
“Tired, sweetie?” Maddie nodded into the crook of her neck. “Me, too. I’ll be glad when Mr. Hutton is able to come back and I—we—can stay home.”
Maddie didn’t respond.
“You said your pa was in the war. Can you tell me more about him? I’d like to know because I love you and I want what’s best for you. If I know a little more, perhaps I can help find him.”
A moment ticked by. “Maddie?”
“No.” The word was a whisper. It wasn’t as if Maddie didn’t want to share with her, it was more that she was fearful to.
“That’s all right, you don’t have to tell me a thing.” She kissed her cheek. “Ready to stand?”
Maddie nodded. Brenna set her down and wiped her face with a hankie she had in her pocket. “There. You look prettier than a falling star.” That made Maddie smile. “Now let’s make a quick trip down the street to the Silky Hen so I can have a word with Hannah, then we’ll stop in Miller’s Mercantile for some flour and a penny candy.”
Brenna peeked her head into the restaurant from the lobby of the El Dorado Hotel, holding on to Maddie’s small hand. Several tables were occupied. Susanna, looking as regal as ever in her purple dress and starched white apron, came out with a water pitcher and began refilling glasses. When she noticed them she waggled her fingers. “How’re things at school, Brenna? You’re a brave woman to take that on.”
Brenna laughed. “Brave or knuckleheaded. I’m not sure which. Mr. Hutton’s return can’t come fast enough to suit me.”
“Well, don’t just stand there. Come in. Can I get you something? Hot tea?” She smiled at Maddie. “A cookie?”
Brenna glanced down to see a tiny smile on the child’s face.
“I think a cookie would be just fine, Susanna. Thank you.”
“Fine, then. Follow me.” She led the way into the cluttered kitchen where Hannah sat at the table looking over a list and Daisy smiled from the far side of the room where she was mixing something in a large bowl.
“What a nice surprise,” Hannah said, laughing happily. “I wasn’t expecting to see you for another day when you brought in my pastries. How’re you, Maddie?” she added. “How was school today?”
“Fine, ma’am.” Maddie’s voice wasn’t quite back to normal after her crying, causing Brenna’s heart to pull up tight. Now standing, Hannah scooted out two chairs for them to join her at the table. Susanna went to the cookie jar and returned with a large oatmeal-raisin cookie that she placed in Maddie’s palm.
Maddie’s face lit with pleasure. “Thank you.”
“Hannah, look what Maddie drew today in class.” Brenna handed her the picture from the top of the assignments she held in her arms. “Isn’t it the prettiest flower you’ve ever seen?”
Hannah gasped softly. “It is. You have a nice touch, little one.”
“Very pretty,” Susanna agreed from over their shoulders.
“It’s one of the loveliest flowers I’ve ever seen, Maddie,” Daisy added, admiring the picture.
Maddie was everyone’s favorite.
“So, what do I owe this unexpected visit to?” Hannah asked. “I’m glad because I haven’t seen you for almost—”
Hannah gasped loudly and Susanna looked over from the stove in surprise. Hannah’s eyes grew so round Brenna reached over and touched her hand, but the guilty expression was almost more than she could stand.
“Please, Hannah, tell me it’s not true. Tell me you didn’t forget about the books.”
Every day that passed, Brenna had meant to check with her, to be sure the order had been placed. But every day she’d been waylaid with things that needed to be done. She’d counted the days until the books’ arrival, making up all sorts of half-lies to keep Mr. Hutton from the truth. Hannah’s white face gave her the answer.
“It’s true,” Hannah whispered. “How could I be so careless?” She reached down into her skirt pocket and pulled out the note Brenna had given her the first day of school. “And it’s even still in my pocket. I’ve worn this skirt three times since and never once put my hand inside. How can I ever make this up to you, Brenna? I feel horrible.”
Brenna hadn’t heard anything past “It’s true.” Her stomach turned sour and a prickly heat broke out over her body. What in l
and’s sakes was she going to do? Dr. Thorn had cleared Mr. Hutton to come back sometime next week. He’d made a surprisingly fast recovery.
“Brenna. Please. Say something.”
Brenna reached out and ran her hand down Maddie’s back. The girl had stopped eating and was listening to the tense conversation, a frown pulling her small lips downward. When she felt the caress, she reached over and clutched Brenna’s hand.
Hannah slid the note across the table. “Tell me what I can do to help. Anything, Brenna. I can talk to Mr. Hutton myself, if you want. I’m so sorry.”
Brenna tried to smile, but knew she was failing miserably. “I don’t think there is anything anyone can do now. Please don’t worry overly much. It was—and is—my mistake. I’ll have to tell Mr. Hutton tonight.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
The disappointment of the last few days had Nell’s head hurting. No horses. And hardly any sign of them, either. She reached up and rubbed the two sensitive spots on the side of her skull while she gazed up at the multitude of stars. Or perhaps her head hurt because of the hours she’d lain awake thinking about Charlie and how she would miss him when they got home and he picked up where he’d left off with Brenna.
A rustle of blankets sounded from across the campfire. Gabe rose, grabbed the coffeepot, and headed for the stream. This was their ninth campsite. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep for another few moments. They needed these horses. She wasn’t giving up. She opened one eye to see Charlie’s place empty. Through her lashes she watched him working on the fire. Jake rose, stretched, greeted him quietly.
She rolled to her side and stood.
Charlie glanced over. “Morning.”
His tone said he was as frustrated as she was. They’d been going out in pairs. The boys’ disappointment had turned them quiet, while she and Charlie had become argumentative. She didn’t want another day like yesterday. “Morning,” she finally replied, heading to the stream to wash up. She owed it to everyone to stay strong. They were here doing their job. She could at least put away her fear of going home empty handed and make each moment count.
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