“Duchess.” Cassie Lynn moved beside the boy and propped a foot on the bottom board, concerned by his precarious perch. She rubbed the other mare’s neck. “And this here is Scarlett.”
She smiled as the boy stroked the mare’s muzzle. “I see you’ve done this before,” she said.
The boy nodded. “Uncle Riley has a real fine horse—a gray named River. He’s inside right now talking to Mr. Humphries about stabling him here.”
Well, at least she knew the boy wasn’t alone. Cassie Lynn patted Scarlett’s muzzle so the animal wouldn’t feel left out, then she leaned her elbows on the top rail again. “Are you visiting someone here or do you and your folks plan to settle down in Turnabout?”
The boy shook his head. “We don’t know anyone here. And I don’t have folks anymore. It’s just me, Pru and Uncle Riley.”
She absorbed the words, as well as his matter-of-fact tone. Before she could form a response, though, they were interrupted.
“Noah, what are you doing out here?”
At the sharply uttered question, Noah quickly turned, and in the process lost his footing. Cassie Lynn moved swiftly to stop his fall and ended up landing in the dirt on her backside with Noah on her lap.
“Are you all right?”
She looked up to see a man she didn’t know helping Noah stand up. But the concerned frown on his face was focused on her.
“I’m a bit dusty, but otherwise fine,” she said with a rueful smile.
He stooped down, studying her as if he didn’t quite believe her reassurances.
She met his gaze and found herself looking into the deepest, greenest eyes she’d ever seen.
Chapter Two
Cassie Lynn found herself entranced by the genuine concern and intelligence reflected in the newcomer’s expression. It made her temporarily forget that she was sitting in the dust and dirt of the livery yard.
“Can I help you up?”
She blinked, coming back to herself, and quickly nodded. “Yes, thank you.” Hoping there was no visible sign of the warmth she felt climbing in her cheeks, Cassie Lynn held out her hand.
He took it in his larger, work-callused one and she had the strangest feeling that she could hold on to that hand forever.
Then he placed his other hand behind her back, and with surprisingly little effort, the green-eyed stranger had her on her feet in no time. He stepped away once he was certain she was steady, and she found herself missing the protective strength of his touch.
He continued to eye her cautiously. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Cassie Lynn nodded as she busied herself dusting off her skirt.
What was wrong with her? It wasn’t often she found herself flustered this way. “Please, don’t worry. I’ve taken worse falls tripping over my own feet.” She quickly turned to Noah. “How about you? Are you all right?”
“Yes, ma’am. Thanks for catching me.”
She ruffled his hair. “Glad to help.” For the first time she noticed a young girl standing slightly behind the man, chewing her lip as if she didn’t want to be here. Before Cassie Lynn could introduce herself, however, the man spoke up again.
“I’ve told you before not to wander off without telling me.” His tone was stern.
Noah’s expression turned defensive. “I just wanted to get out in the sunshine. We’ve been cooped up forever.” The boy scuffed the ground with the toe of his shoe. “Besides, you were right inside, and I didn’t go far.”
The man didn’t seem the least bit appeased. “That’s no excuse.”
Noah’s shoulders slumped. Then he gave his uncle a hopeful look. “But you found me right away. And I knew Pru saw where I was going.”
Watching the interplay between the two of them, Cassie Lynn could detect genuine concern behind the man’s scolding. This, of course, must be the Uncle Riley that Noah had mentioned.
She studied the boy’s uncle while trying not to appear to be nosy. There was something about the man that intrigued her. It wasn’t just his vivid eyes, or his appearance, though that was appealing enough in a rugged, well-muscled sort of way. No, it was something about his bearing that commanded her attention, an air of self-confidence and strength, balanced with a concern for his nephew, which lent just a hint of vulnerability. It all came together in a way that she found compelling.
The man gave his nephew a final exasperated look, then turned to face her.
She quickly schooled her features, hoping she hadn’t given away any hint of her rather inappropriate thoughts. To her relief, his expression was merely polite.
“My apologies, miss, for any trouble Noah might have caused you.”
“No need to apologize.” She gave the boy a companionable smile, then held out her hand to the man beside him. “I’m Cassie Lynn Vickers, by the way.”
He took her hand and gave it a perfunctory shake before releasing it. “Glad to meet you, Miss Vickers. I’m Riley Walker. And I appreciate you coming to Noah’s rescue the way you did.”
She dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Glad to help.” Then she turned to the little girl. “And I assume you are Noah’s sister, Pru?”
The girl, who looked to be no older than ten or eleven, nodded.
Cassie Lynn turned to the children’s uncle. “I understand you folks are new to town. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
“I’m sure we will.” Mr. Walker touched the brim of his hat, and she thought for a moment he would make his exit. But instead he hesitated a moment and then nodded toward the corral. “Which one of these horses is yours?”
“None, I’m afraid. We’re just good friends.” She rested an arm on the fence. “I understand from Noah you’ve brought your own horse to town with you.”
He nodded. “River goes everywhere I do.” He waved toward the livery end of the corral, where Mr. Humphries was leading what was presumably Mr. Walker’s horse through the gate. “That’s him now.”
She heard the pride in his voice and turned to study the animal more closely. His coat was silvery-gray with a few darker flecks on his flank and a charcoal colored mane and tail. The animal appeared spirited and well cared for.
“He looks to be a fine horse.”
Mr. Walker’s smile had a touch of affection in it. “He is that.” Then he turned serious again. “It was nice meeting you, Miss Vickers, but if you’ll excuse us, I need to get us checked in at the hotel.”
“Of course.” As he moved away, she called out to them. “Mr. Walker?”
He paused and turned back, his expression one of polite inquiry. “Ma’am?”
She felt foolish for her impulsive act. “I just wanted to say if you have questions about any of the local establishments, or need directions of any sort, I’d be glad to help you.”
“That’s very kind of you, but not necessary at the moment.”
They resumed their exit and this time she let them. But she overheard another snippet of their conversation before they moved out of hearing range.
“Are you really going to work here, Uncle Riley?” Noah asked.
His uncle nodded. “I am. But just for a few hours each day.”
Were the Walkers going to settle here then? She certainly hoped so. It would give her a chance to see that sweet little Noah again.
And his uncle.
She watched them until they disappeared around the corner of the livery. Then she dusted the back of her skirt with her hands and turned to the horses. “Well, now, wasn’t that an interesting little encounter? I must say, I found Mr. Walker and his charges to be quite fascinating.” She stroked Scarlett’s muzzle again. Given that Cassie Lynn was looking for a husband, she couldn’t help but think that Mr. Walker would be a not unpleasant choice.
Ridiculous, of course, since she didn’t really know him. The
n again, she didn’t know any of the local gents very well, either. It certainly couldn’t hurt to put the newcomer on her list while she tried to learn more about him. For instance, learning if he was even planning to settle down in Turnabout or was just passing through.
She grinned at her own silliness. Then the reminder of just why she was making her husband candidate list came flooding back, and she no longer had any desire to smile.
It was time to stop her foolish daydreaming and get down to business. Cassie Lynn picked up her shopping basket and walked away from the corral.
Finding a husband wouldn’t be easy, but it wasn’t altogether impossible.
Please, God, if this plan be in Your will, prepare the man You have in mind for me so that he is open to my proposal.
Feeling somewhat better now that she had a direction, Cassie Lynn straightened and moved forward with a lighter step.
But there was one big problem with her plan. She didn’t know the men in town well enough to evaluate them against her requirements. Which meant she needed an advisor, someone who could help her make those comparisons and who would perhaps think of candidates she might not be aware of. There were only a few people she felt comfortable turning to for that kind of assistance.
There was Janell Chandler, the former schoolteacher who had eventually won the hand of Hank Chandler.
Then there was Daisy Fulton, the restaurant owner Cassie Lynn had worked for for six months.
And of course there was her current employer, Mrs. Flanagan. Daisy and Janell were closer to her own age, and both had moved to Turnabout from elsewhere, so they would know something of her situation. On the other hand, Mrs. Flanagan had grown up here and knew just about everything there was to know about her fellow townsfolk.
But did she really want her employer involved in her dilemma that way?
Better to turn her thoughts to what she would prepare for Mrs. Flanagan’s evening meal and let the other matter simmer a bit.
A simple vegetable soup, perhaps, or a potpie could be prepared with very little thought and would leave her mind free to ponder her situation...
What would Mr. Walker and his two charges be doing for supper tonight? Maybe she could convince Mrs. Flanagan to invite the Walker family to dine with them one night soon. Having company to ease the monotony of the widow’s days would be good for her, whether she would be willing to admit it or not.
And it would, after all, be the neighborly thing to do.
* * *
Riley hurried Pru and Noah along. There were several things he still had to do this afternoon, and the sooner he settled the children at the hotel the better.
The most pressing matter was to get a telegraph off to Mr. Claypool. He always made a point of letting the Pinkerton detective know where to reach him when he arrived in a new town.
Then he wanted to take River for a run. The horse had been cooped up in that train car for much too long and would be ready for some exercise. And truth to tell, Riley was, too. He missed being on horseback—there hadn’t been nearly enough opportunity for him to turn loose and ride lately.
His mind drifted back to Miss Vickers. She was an interesting lady. At first glance he’d thought her a tomboyish adolescent. The way she’d stood so casually at the corral fence, elbows on the top rail, laughing with Noah—no wonder he’d gotten the wrong idea. And her slight build had only reinforced that impression.
Rushing to Noah’s aid with such disregard for her own well-being or dignity as she had, and then taking her fall with a touch of humor rather than dismay—there weren’t many grown ladies who would have done such a thing.
It was only when he’d stooped down to check on her that he’d realized his mistake. That engagingly rueful smile had most definitely belonged to a woman, not a child.
It was when their gazes first met, though, that he’d found himself thrown off balance. He’d never encountered quite that combination of innocence and humor before, especially mixed as it was with an air of maturity and resolve.
It was such a curious mix he wondered if he’d really seen all that in one quick glance. Still, the impression had remained with him. Of course, her cheery smile, and the dimple that kept appearing near the left corner of her lip, had contributed to the unexpected air that seemed to surround her. It bestowed on her a kind of unconventional attractiveness, even when she was sitting in the dust with a chagrinned look on her face. He hadn’t been so taken by a woman in quite some time. For just a heartbeat he’d been tempted to linger, to get to know her better.
And that had brought him up short. Because he couldn’t afford to let himself be diverted by such fetching distractions now, no matter how intriguing. Especially when there was no chance it could go anywhere. In another few days he and the kids would be moving on again.
“Uncle Riley?”
Noah’s words brought his thoughts back to the present. “Yes?”
“That Miss Vickers lady seems nice, don’t you think?”
It appeared he and Noah were thinking along similar lines. “I suppose.” Actually, “nice” seemed inadequate. Not everyone would have gone to such lengths to come to the aid of a stranger and then brushed off his thanks so modestly.
“And there are probably lots of other nice folks in this town, too, don’t you think?” Noah’s tone had taken on a cajoling quality.
“Could be.” Riley had an idea where this was headed and tried to cut it off. “But there are nice people everywhere.” He gave his nephew a little nudge. “Besides, who wouldn’t be nice to a great kid like you?”
Noah grinned up at him, then pressed on. “Anyway, since there are such nice folks here, don’t you think it would be okay for us to stay longer than a few days?”
There it was. “We’ve talked about this before. We don’t stay very long in small towns. Big towns are better for long stays.” Places where it was easier to disappear and not stand out so starkly. The only reason he’d stopped here in the first place was because the kids, especially Pru, had seemed unusually restless. It would do them good to get out and move around and get some fresh air and sunshine. “Besides, I have to be in Tyler for a meeting by Wednesday morning.”
Riley could tell Noah wasn’t satisfied with his answer. “I promise I’ll find us a nice big town to spend some time in real soon. Maybe you two could even go to school for a while.” He gave his niece’s shoulder a nudge. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you, Pru?”
The girl nodded. “I miss going to school.”
“That’s settled then. By the time school starts next month, we’ll be someplace where we can stay put for a while.” Assuming they could keep their relentless pursuer off their trail.
To Riley’s relief, they’d reached the hotel by this time and it ended the need for further conversation.
This whole business of moving from town to town, never staying in one place for long, was taking its toll on all of them. If only there was some other way. But he couldn’t afford the luxury of letting them set down permanent roots anywhere.
The well-being of the children depended on his keeping them several steps ahead of Guy.
His stepbrother.
The kids’ father.
Chapter Three
Cassie Lynn pushed open the door to Mrs. Flanagan’s home, her mood considerably different from the cheery one she’d had when she’d left here just one short hour ago. So much had happened in such a short period of time.
Dapple sat just inside the door, tail swishing impatiently. Seeming to sense her mood, the normally imperious tortoiseshell cat stropped against Cassie Lynn’s legs with a sympathetic purr.
She bent down and stroked the animal’s back. “Thanks, Dapple. You can be really sweet sometimes.”
That was apparently too much for the feline. He gave Cassie Lynn a baleful look, then turned
and stalked down the hall, the very picture of affronted dignity.
With a smile, Cassie Lynn headed for the kitchen. “I’m back,” she called out as she set her shopping basket on the kitchen table. “Sorry I took so long.”
Mrs. Flanagan wheeled her chair into the kitchen. “Rather than apologizing,” the widow said acerbically, “tell me what that father of yours wanted.”
Cassie Lynn should have realized her employer had known he was there. How much should she say? “He wanted to give me some news about Verne and Dinah.”
Mrs. Flanagan raised a brow. “They’re expecting a new young’un, are they?”
“No, at least not that I know of.” She started putting away the items she’d purchased at the mercantile. “But they are moving out and planning to set up their own place.”
There was a moment of silence, but even with her back turned, Cassie Lynn could feel the keen stare the widow had focused on her.
“I’ve known Alvin Vickers most of his life,” Mrs. Flanagan finally said, “so I know he didn’t come all the way into town just to deliver news like that. He wants you to move back to his place and take care of him, doesn’t he?”
Cassie Lynn reluctantly glanced back over her shoulder and nodded.
“You didn’t agree to go, did you?”
“Not exactly.”
The widow’s eyes narrowed. “What does not exactly mean?”
Rather than give a direct answer, she hedged. “He was very insistent.”
“You mean he tried to roll right over your objections!”
Cassie Lynn gave her a tight smile that was part grimace. “I appreciate you’re concerned about me, but—”
“Ha! Who said I was concerned about you?”
When she’d first come to work here, Cassie Lynn had been taken aback by Mrs. Flanagan’s vinegary tongue, but it hadn’t taken her long to see behind the woman’s facade to the soft heart beneath. So she didn’t take offense at the words.
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