Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

“Wonderful.” He looked at David. “And you, sir?”

  Scanning the menu once more, he wrinkled his nose. “Chicken.”

  “With potatoes, sir?”

  “Of course.” Handing Oscar the menu, David met Isabella’s unwavering gaze.

  “I believe you were about to tell me about the promise you made to Arnott.”

  David nodded, ignoring the way Travis leaned forward. “His wishes were quite clear. He made me promise to take care of you after his death. Make certain you were safe from those who might take advantage.” He shot Travis a scornful glance. “Arnott knew you and I had a special friendship. A bond, if you will. Do you not agree?”

  Her features softened a little. “You and I have been friends since my marriage. You helped me ease into Philadelphia society, for which I will always be grateful.”

  “This was Arnott’s point. For many reasons, he believed you and I would be well suited.”

  Isabella’s brows furrowed. “Well suited for what?”

  “Marriage, of course.”

  Eyes sparking, her mouth gaped open, a deep flush creeping up her face. “Marriage? You must be mistaken. Or insane.”

  “I assure you, I am neither. Arnott felt our backgrounds, education, social status, as well as our mutual desire to marry and have a family, made us a good match. All of these reasons are why he made me promise we’d marry after his death.”

  She shook her head, her hands fisting in her lap. “Arnott has been gone a long time, David. Much too long to believe you took the promise seriously.”

  “I can understand your concern, Isabella. Unfortunately, you left Philadelphia quite unexpectedly. It took me a good deal of time to put my affairs in order and travel west.”

  Her brows wrinkled, voice rising. “You and I have been corresponding for months. Not once did you mention your conversation with Arnott.”

  He offered an uneasy chuckle. “It isn’t the type of thing you mention in a letter, Isabella. I came here to speak to you of his wishes. I must say, Arnott was quite forceful about what he wanted.”

  “Here you are.” Oscar set down a tray holding their food, halting the conversation. Setting plates before them, he stepped back. “May I get you anything else?”

  “This will be fine, Oscar. Thank you.” Travis’s attention switched to Isabella, who’d said nothing after hearing what David stated were Arnott’s wishes. He’d felt certain she’d dispute David, deny her late husband would ever make such a statement without speaking with her. The longer she stayed silent, the more uncertain Travis became.

  Perhaps she did believe Arnott had made such a request. Or worse, maybe she already knew his wishes, traveling to Splendor to avoid such a union. At this point, Travis didn’t know what to think.

  Isabella’s mind reeled. Arnott had been twenty-five years older than her, yet they’d shared everything. They’d spoken of her future after his death, how he’d reached an agreement with their banker to work with her on his estate. Arnott assured her she’d never have to worry about money. At the time, Isabella hadn’t cared about the finances as much as wanting to see her husband recover. He hadn’t.

  And not once had he mentioned confiding his wishes to David. Isabella had no doubt Arnott wouldn’t have kept something so important from her.

  Picking up her fork, she stabbed a piece of corned beef, lifting it to her mouth, then setting it back onto her plate.

  “I’m sorry, David, but none of what you say makes sense to me.” She sucked in an angry breath, her gaze moving over the other diners before returning to David.

  Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out an envelope. Opening it, he lifted a somewhat crumpled piece of paper, handing it to her. “Perhaps this will help.”

  Taking it from him, she read the handwritten message, the style reminding her of Arnott’s pen. Her bottom lip trembled, as did her hand, the meaning becoming clear. Looking up, she shook her head.

  “I don’t understand any of this. Arnott would’ve told me his thoughts about a union before speaking with you, David. He never would’ve committed me to such an outrageous action.”

  Travis reached out. “May I?” Taking it from her shaky hand, he scanned it quickly, his jaw hardening. “Is this your late husband’s writing?”

  David shot him a frustrated glare. “I assure you it is.”

  Ignoring him, Travis focused on Isabella. “Is this his writing?”

  Biting her lower lip, she shook her head. “I’m not certain. It could be.”

  “Of course it’s his writing. I didn’t travel across the country to this uncivilized town on a whim, Isabella. I came here to fulfill Arnott’s dying wish.” David scooped up a bit of chicken.

  She cocked her head at him. “When did he write this?”

  His fork stopped midway to his mouth. “The night before he died.”

  She thought of Arnott’s last hours, trying to remember who visited and if David had been at the house. Shaking her head, she rested her clasped hands on the edge of the table.

  “I don’t recall you being at the house in the days before his death.”

  David attempted to set a hand on hers, stopping when she pulled them away. “You were quite distraught during the final days of his illness. No one would blame you if you didn’t recall all of those who visited.”

  Her gaze hardened on his. “I’m certain I’d remember you being there, David. He thought of you as a younger brother, a part of the family. No matter how distraught I was, I’d remember your presence.”

  An indulgent expression appeared on his face, his voice softening. “Regardless, I was there the night before he passed. As I recall, you were talking to your banker in the study when Arnott spoke of his desires and gave me the letter.” He nodded at the paper Travis still held in his hand. “I don’t know why he never mentioned it to you as he’d obviously given it a great deal of thought.”

  Pressing a finger to her temple, she closed her eyes, doing her best to remember who’d been in the house the days prior to Arnott’s death. Isabella recalled meeting with their banker the evening before her husband died. To her knowledge, except for their servants, no one else had been in the house. Opening her eyes, Isabella looked at her full plate, feeling none of the hunger she had before David’s surprise declaration.

  “Travis, would you mind accompanying me home?”

  “Not at all.” Folding the letter, Travis stood, glancing at David’s outstretched hand. “Since Arnott’s note was addressed to Isabella, I believe it is hers to keep.” Ignoring the anger building on David’s face, he stepped behind Isabella’s chair, pulling it out. “We’ll leave whenever you’re ready.”

  “I’m ready now.” She looked at David. “Thank you for delivering the message. I’m sure you’ll understand if I’m skeptical of the contents.”

  Nodding, he stood, stepping beside her. “Of course. Still, your doubts don’t invalidate Arnott’s wishes. Don’t forget. You owe him a great deal, Isabella.”

  Lifting her chin, she stared at him. “No one needs to remind me how much I owe Arnott. Without him, well…” Isabella’s voice trailed off, her chest squeezing at what would’ve become of her if she hadn’t met Arnott. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled, moving closer to Travis. “I’ll still not rush into anything. Where will you be staying?”

  “I’d hoped to stay with you.”

  Travis took a step forward, silencing Isabella’s response. “That’s out of the question, Mr. Peeler. Isabella lives on a ranch, acting as a nanny.”

  David blinked a couple times before his wide eyes settled on Isabella’s. “Surely he’s jesting. Why would a woman such as you stoop to being a nanny for another family?”

  “The reasons are mine alone, David. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She slipped her arm through Travis’s.

  “Wait. How will I reach you?”

  Travis leaned down, his face a few inches from David’s. “Give a message to Sheriff Evans. He’ll make sure it reaches Isabella.”

  Steppi
ng into the afternoon sun, Isabella sucked in a deep breath, letting the warm air fill her lungs. She gripped Travis’s arm, his steady presence giving her strength. He leaned down, kissing her temple.

  “I want to talk to Gabe and let him know about David.”

  “You know he’ll be able to find me, Travis. Everyone in town knows I live with Luke and Ginny.”

  “That’s one reason I want to speak with Gabe. A few words from him may warn David away from riding out to speak with you.”

  They walked across the street to the jail. Glancing over her shoulder, Isabella spotted David standing on the steps of the St. James. “I know David, and he won’t let this rest. He’ll continue to pursue this, pushing for a decision.”

  Stopping outside the jail, he turned her toward him. “You don’t believe what he’s saying, do you?”

  Looking away, she thought of Arnott, how he’d changed her life by offering marriage. “You never met Arnott, Travis. He never thought of himself as most in his position do. It wouldn’t surprise me if he did consider who I might marry after his death.” She shifted to look up at him. “My husband always wanted what was best for me. If what David says is true, I must at least consider Arnott’s wishes.”

  His hand tightened on her arm, his stormy eyes meeting hers. “Do you love him?”

  The air left her lungs, her features softening. “You know I don’t.”

  “But you’d sacrifice your own desires for what you think your dead husband would want?”

  “You don’t understand, Travis.”

  “Then help me understand why you’d even consider marrying a man you don’t love, haven’t seen in years, when you have a man standing in front of you who’d…” The rest of what he’d meant to say died on his lips when the door of the jail opened.

  “I thought I heard Travis’s voice out here.” Gabe stepped outside, feeling the tension between the two. “Did I interrupt something?”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Travis shook his head. “No. We were coming to see you.”

  “I’ve got some time before I have to ride out to meet Luke. Come on inside.” He moved aside, letting them walk in. “Sit down.”

  “I know Luke came to town yesterday. Is there something going on at the ranch?” Isabella asked, taking a seat.

  Gabe shook his head. “I’m not sure. A few missing cattle, mainly from the northern border of the ranch. It could be the Crow are raiding again.”

  “They’d be darn close to the Blackfoot territory,” Travis said.

  Gabe nodded. “Luke feels the same. He just wants me to ride out and take a look. It’s doubtful I’ll find anything. So, why did you want to talk to me?”

  It didn’t take long for Travis and Isabella to describe David’s unannounced arrival in Splendor and her desire to keep where she lived from him. Neither mentioned the letter, nor the strain it caused between them.

  “I’ll keep watch on Mr. Peeler and caution him away from trying to find you, Isabella. With everyone in town knowing where you live, I’d suggest you prepare for him to show up. There’s no law against Peeler riding out to Luke’s.”

  A grim smile formed on Isabella’s face. “I just need time to consider what we discussed, Gabe. Whatever you can do is appreciated.”

  “You know I’ll do anything possible for you, Isabella. I’d best get out to see Luke.”

  “May I ride with you, Gabe?”

  “It’d be my pleasure.”

  Travis’s head snapped toward her, deep furrows between his eyes.

  The smile she offered didn’t show in her eyes. “There’s no reason for you to go out of your way when Gabe is heading there anyway.”

  “It’s not out of my way,” Travis ground out, too low for Gabe to hear. Standing, he helped her up.

  She didn’t respond, following Gabe outside and walking to the livery. Travis stayed beside her, trying to figure out what he’d said to push her away. Stopping outside Noah’s shop, she turned toward him.

  “Will you be at church tomorrow?”

  Glancing away, Travis settled fisted hands on his hips. “If you’ll save me a place next to you.”

  “I will.” Stretching up, she kissed his cheek.

  “Are you ready?” Gabe walked out with his horse and Isabella’s.

  “I am.” She looked back at Travis. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Helping her into the saddle, he stepped back, a lump forming in his throat when she rode away.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fort Connall, Montana

  Shoving open the door to his office, Colonel Miles McArthur removed his gloves, slapping them against his thigh, a string of curses flowing from his mouth. Well over six feet tall with a wiry build and thick, dark hair, Miles could intimidate almost anyone by walking into a room. It wasn’t his stature alone that gave men pause. His chiseled features and implacable tone stalled many conversations before they started.

  “Did you find any sign of the deserters, Captain?”

  “No, sir. Like the last time, Sergeant Dowling had his men split up, taking different routes away from the camp they set up along Wildfire Creek.” Captain Jonah Ryerson’s mouth twisted into a grimace.

  Miles snorted. “I won’t have you referring to Dowling by rank, Captain. The man’s a coward and a deserter. He’ll face hanging once we capture and try him. I don’t know how he managed to talk three privates and our Crow scout to join him.”

  “Plus two civilians, sir. A cook and one of the stable hands.”

  “He never should’ve been allowed to wear a uniform.” Miles set down his hat, lowering himself into a chair. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he motioned for Jonah to sit down. “I fought with him at the end of the war. I’ve never encountered a man more brutal or soulless.”

  “I always thought since you were in the same cavalry division with him during the war, you asked for him to be assigned here.”

  Miles barked out a mirthless laugh. “Hell no. I requested the transfer to Montana. Dowling was sent out here as punishment for stealing ordnance. He should’ve been court-martialed and sent to prison, but the Army needed men out west. It was my bad fortune they sent him here.”

  Opening a drawer, he stared down at the faded image of his wife. The woman he’d loved more than his own life. The same woman who’d run away with his best friend while Miles served his country.

  As the only remaining token of their union, he knew he should burn it. Instead, he kept it as a reminder of his poor judgment, the reason he’d requested a transfer thousands of miles away from their hometown of Baltimore.

  Slamming the drawer shut, he picked up a message, sending a piercing glare at Jonah.

  “A messenger arrived with this while you were on patrol.” He shoved it across the desk.

  Jonah glanced at Miles before picking it up. He could tell by the colonel’s expression whatever it contained wasn’t good. Reading it, the news couldn’t have been worse.

  “One man dead and two injured, including a child.” He shifted his gaze to Miles. “You think it’s Dowling and his men?”

  “His band of thugs, Captain. Did you see the reference to one of them appearing to be an Indian?”

  Jonah blew out a breath. “Black Feather. I don’t know how Dowling convinced him to leave. He’s been the fort scout for years.”

  “Money. It’s a powerful incentive for men who have none.”

  Jonah’s mouth twisted. “They killed a man.”

  “And they’ll kill more if they aren’t found and captured.”

  “The sheriff who sent this…” Jonah looked at the message again, “Gabe Evans, is asking for our help to search for them. It’s doubtful he knows they’re our deserters.”

  Miles crossed his arms. “Hell, Captain. We don’t know if the men who robbed the bank and killed the man are ours. We’re staring at assumptions here, but assumptions are all we’ve got. They figure six or seven men, at least one with a Union hat and another who they believe is an Indian.”<
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  Jonah leaned forward, handing the message back to Miles. “Do you want me to prepare some men to ride to Splendor?”

  “It’s not our job.”

  “But, Colonel—”

  Miles didn’t wait for him to finish. “We double our search patrols. Protecting the town is the job of their sheriff and his deputies. Finding the deserters is ours. It’s our only duty right now, Captain Ryerson. Am I clear?”

  Standing, Jonah squared his shoulders and saluted. “Quite clear, sir.”

  Splendor

  “What does the message say?” Mack Mackey, one of Gabe’s deputies, stood next to the desk, his hands resting on the edge as he leaned forward.

  Shaking his head, Gabe tossed the paper down. “Colonel McArthur says they have no men available to help our search.”

  “That’s it?” Caleb Covington, another deputy, sat down, his mouth twisted in disgust.

  Gabe nodded. “I’m afraid so. It appears it’s up to us to track them.”

  “Or prepare for another attack.” Dutch McFarlin, a former Pinkerton Agency detective, who turned in that badge for one representing Splendor, leaned his shoulder against a wall, crossing his arms.

  “What do you mean?” Caleb asked.

  “In my opinion, we have two choices. Patrol the town and watch for anything unusual or form a group to go after the robbers. Going after them will leave Splendor without full protection. According to Clausen, they didn’t get away with much. I’m thinking the gang may come back for what they missed the first time.”

  Steepling his fingers under his chin, Gabe nodded. “I’ve spoken to Cash and Beau about this. They feel the same as you, Dutch.”

  Mack nodded. “Since they’re our best trackers, I’d be inclined to go along with them.”

  “What about you, Caleb?”

  “I agree, Gabe. The colonel isn’t willing to help, and we don’t have enough men to track the robbers and protect the town. All of us believe they’ll come back. The best move is to prepare for when they return.”

  Gabe nodded. “Then it’s agreed. Tomorrow is Sunday. I’ll need all of you at the church, with your guns. When the service ends, Cash, Beau, and I will walk out first, check the trail. The rest of you will stay inside. Don’t let anyone leave until you get word from me. Understood?”