Touching the Sky

by Tracie Peterson

  Laura nodded. “Yes, you did, although I was far too upset at the time to appreciate them.”

  “And now?”

  “Before I answer that, I need to know something. Obviously you were involved in trying to get evidence against Malcolm before we became acquainted. You deceived me.”

  He sighed. “It was never my intention.”

  “Nevertheless, that is what happened.”

  He heard the sadness in her voice. “I am sorry,” he said. “I didn’t want to deceive anyone. I was following orders.”

  Laura looked confused and Brandon wanted to kiss her and make her forget all that had happened. For months he’d worried that this exact thing would occur, and now he was angry with himself for not just bringing the subject to her attention himself.

  “I want to know,” she said seriously, “did you court me as a means to get closer to him? Was I nothing more than a pawn in this bizarre game of chess?”

  Brandon shook his head and took hold of her. “No. I have worried all along that you would think that, should the truth come out. I can even have you talk to my former commander, because I told him the same thing.”

  She pulled away from him. “So you knew it didn’t look good. You knew that I or someone else would have a reason to question your actions.”

  He led her to the far side of the room and drew her down to sit with him by the window. “Laura, please listen to me. I swear to you that Malcolm Lowe has nothing to do with our courtship. I meant what I said that night.” He paused and touched her cheek with his hand. “I love you. I’m completely smitten, and you can rest assured that when I’m with you, Malcolm Lowe is the furthest thing from my mind. Please forgive me. None of this was ever meant to hurt you.”

  Laura shivered slightly under his touch, but Brandon couldn’t be entirely sure if it was from pleasure at his declaration or the burden of her sorrow. She bit at her lower lip, and Brandon thought she’d never looked quite so vulnerable. Did she not believe him? Did she honestly think he’d paid her court for no purpose but to catch a criminal?

  He tilted her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “Laura, listen to me. I have never loved any woman as I love you . . . and I never will again love another.”

  “I want to believe you,” she said in a whisper.

  There was a single tear in her eye, and Brandon felt a rush of guilt that he had put it there. “Then do. I pledge it before God, and you know how seriously I take my faith. I would never make such a pledge before my God and King were it not so. My love for you is second only to my love for Him. Please believe me. Please forgive me.”

  Laura closed her eyes for a moment, and Brandon thought perhaps she would break into tears. He wondered if he should escort her to a more private place, but had no idea of where that might be. The seconds ticked by, and finally Laura opened her eyes and fixed him with a smile.

  “I forgive you. You have given me a wonderful Christmas gift, so let me return the favor. I love you most dearly. I have never given my heart to another, and never will.” She shivered again, and this time Brandon had no doubt it was due to the emotions of the moment. “I would forgive you even if I did not love you so. . . . However, I beg you to never deceive me again.”

  “I promise you that I will endeavor to always be truthful. My motives were pure, even if they appeared otherwise.”

  She seemed to relax a bit. “You have no idea how afraid I’ve been these last few days.”

  “Afraid?”

  “Yes. Afraid that you didn’t really care for me as much as I thought.” She twisted her gloved hands together. “I knew I’d lost my heart to you, but then I felt a fool for doing so.”

  He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “You are no fool, Laura Marquardt. In fact, you may very well be the most intelligent woman I’ve ever known.”

  She laughed. “So it’s my mind you’re fascinated with. I should have known.”

  Brandon chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Your mind, of course. But more importantly—your heart. You have held possession of that part of me for some time, Miss Marquardt. Very nearly from our first encounter.”

  “When you yelled at me?” Her dark brow rose ever so slightly.

  “I did not yell. I was merely firm.”

  “And bossy and opinionated. You didn’t even let me explain myself.” She moved back on the settee and folded her arms. “Is that how you always deal with matters of importance?”

  “I believe in obedience to authority,” he said, folding his arms, as well. “And you might as well know that I will probably have other moments of bossiness and opinionated firmness should we take our courtship further.”

  “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” Laura raised her fan and drew it slowly across her cheek, allowing it to fall fully open.

  “Another language lesson?” He grinned.

  “Indeed.”

  She got to her feet, but Brandon pulled her back. “Well? You know I am hardly fluent in fan.”

  Laura laughed. “It would do you well to learn a few Southern customs. But I shall take pity on you.” She drew the fan open as she pulled it across her cheek. “This means I love you.” She met his gaze, and Brandon lost himself in the warmth of her eyes. “And I always will.”

  ———

  Laura could scarcely draw a breath when she left Brandon’s side. She had never been in love before now, and the feelings and wonder of it all very nearly brought her to tears. How glorious it was to be in love and have that love returned.

  She caught sight of Tyler and her sister and immediately sobered. Carissa looked ill, and Tyler was helping her to the door.

  Laura quickly joined them, Brandon right behind her. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Your sister got too hot. She’s feeling faint, and I thought perhaps some fresh air would do her good.”

  “I have a better suggestion,” Laura said. “I think we should return home. Carissa, I know you planned to have me join you at your house, but it would be best if you were to remain with us tonight. If you get worse, the doctor is only a short distance away. I’ll have one of the grooms ride over to your house with a note, just in case Malcolm returns from his trip tonight.”

  “Let me get your wraps,” Brandon said, leaving Laura with her sister and Tyler.

  Laura maneuvered toward the front door with Carissa close behind. “I am so sorry you have taken ill.”

  Carissa shook her head. “I am fine. From time to time I feel a little faint. The doctor has assured me that it often happens in my condition.” She flushed and glanced at Tyler. “Excuse me for mentioning such a delicate matter.”

  “No apology needed,” he assured her.

  They reached the door and the butler had just opened it when Carissa turned to look at Tyler. “I am so very sorry,” she said in a gasp and promptly fainted.

  Laura gave a little shriek but quickly recovered as Tyler caught Carissa before she could fall to the ground. “Please bring her outside. The fresh air will do more to revive her than anything else.”

  She motioned their driver to bring up the carriage. He hurried from where he’d been chatting with some of the other men while Laura turned to meet Tyler’s worried expression. “She’s to have a baby.”

  “I figured as much. Do you think she’s all right?”

  Laura nodded as Carissa started to come around. “She’ll be fine. Let’s just get her to the carriage.”

  Carissa opened her eyes and looked confused. Then she seemed to become fully aware of Tyler’s hold on her and her whereabouts all at once. “Oh . . . goodness . . . oh . . . put me down.”

  “Tyler is going to carry you to the carriage first,” Laura insisted.

  Brandon arrived just then with their things. The driver pulled up to the foursome and quickly reined back on the horses. “Whoa now. Whoa.”

  “Stay there,” Laura commanded the man as he started to set the brake. “We can manage.” She opened the carriage door and stepped back, and
Tyler climbed the step without difficulty.

  Laura felt a hand on her elbow and Brandon pulled her toward him. “What was that you were saying about going to stay with Carissa?” he asked to her surprise.

  “She’s afraid,” Laura replied, then turned to join her sister.

  Brandon stopped her. “Of course she’s afraid. You should be, too. You cannot go there and stay in the same house with that madman.”

  Laura felt a surge of anger. “Do not tell me what I might do where my sister’s safety is concerned. Malcolm would never dare lay a hand on her while I am there.”

  The grip on her arm tightened. “Malcolm Lowe doesn’t care if you are there or not. He will not be thwarted by your presence. If he chooses to hurt his wife, there is very little you can do about it.”

  Laura leaned closer in order to whisper. “I will not let her be alone. She cannot be sent back to that house and the danger that it represents without help. My parents have no idea of Malcolm’s abuse. And even if they were to know, I seriously doubt they could do or say anything that would change the situation.”

  “But you think you can?” he asked in disbelief.

  “Laura, are you coming?” Carissa called weakly from the carriage.

  “I am,” she replied and looked hard at Brandon.

  “We will discuss this further when we arrive at your home.” Brandon helped her into the carriage, then took a seat beside Tyler.

  Laura arranged her sister’s cloak around her shoulders and drew her close. “We’ll have Carlita get you tucked into bed as soon as we get back. I’ll have Esther bring you up something warm. Would you prefer milk or tea?”

  “Tea, I think,” Carissa said and sighed. “I apologize for ruining an otherwise perfect evening.”

  “Bah, you didn’t ruin anything,” Laura replied.

  “She’s right, you know,” Tyler said in a good-natured manner. “It wasn’t that perfect. There wasn’t a single sprig of mistletoe anywhere to be found. And believe me, I looked.”

  The foursome laughed at this, and Laura was grateful for the way it broke the tension of the moment.

  After the short drive home, Laura allowed Tyler to help Carissa to the door, then asked Brandon to assist her inside. She turned to Tyler and smiled. “Thank you so much for all you’ve done. If you are still in town tomorrow, I would be pleased to have you join us for dinner—say around twelve thirty?”

  “I would love to, but I have plans to be on my way. Thank you, however. I won’t forget your kindness, and the next time I’m in town, I will happily take you up on the offer.”

  Laura nodded. “I’ll call for your horse.”

  “Don’t bother. I know the way to the stable. I’ll retrieve him myself. Good evening.” He gave the briefest bow.

  Laura hurried inside and found Mother already fussing over her younger daughter. She deposited her wrap and gloves with the butler before turning to find Brandon watching her most intently. “I suppose we might as well discuss this now.”

  “I think that would be wise.”

  Moving back the pocket doors to a small sitting room, Laura took up a lamp from the hall table. Once she’d lit another in the sitting room, she replaced the lamp and took a seat. Brandon came and sat down beside her.

  “You know that Malcolm is dangerous. I’m not exaggerating that fact. If he has in mind to harm Carissa—he will most likely have no problem hurting you, as well.”

  “But what am I to do? Carissa can’t face him on her own. She’s far too delicate.”

  “Then get the doctor to recommend she stay here. Take the man into your confidence and let him know that Malcolm hits her. Tell him that you need him to insist Carissa remain here with women who can tend to her needs.”

  Laura thought for a moment. It might work. The doctor was a longtime friend of the family, and Laura knew she could trust him. “I suppose I can do that.” She let out a long sigh. “I know I cannot keep her safe forever.” She turned to Brandon with a pleading look. “Please, please get the necessary evidence and put that man behind bars, where he cannot hurt her. Please, Brandon.”

  He nodded and took hold of her hands. “I will. I will see that he is apprehended as soon as possible. Just remember—if we don’t manage to get the proper evidence against him, Malcolm could well go free. Then things will truly get ugly.”

  A trembling started in Laura’s knees and spread throughout her body. She was terrified of what might happen. The very thought of Malcolm being arrested only to be set free had never crossed her mind. “Oh, Brandon, God alone can see us through this.”

  He nodded. “You speak the truth. God has the only means to see justice done. We must trust Him to watch over the entire affair and reveal evil where it has its hold.”

  After Brandon left, Laura hurried upstairs to check on her sister. Their mother had finally gone to bed and Laura could see that Carissa was far from being sleepy.

  “Do you want to talk?” Laura asked.

  Carissa nodded. “Did you send a note to Malcolm?”

  “Yes. I had it sent soon after we arrived. Brandon reminded me before he left.” Laura sat on the bed beside her sister. “He also had a good idea. He suggested that I speak to the doctor and let him know of how Malcolm mistreats you. He believes, as do I, that the doctor will keep our confidence. We can have him suggest that you need to stay here due to your condition—that you need to have the care of someone in case you faint again.”

  Carissa met her sister’s gaze. “And he doesn’t want you anywhere near my house for fear of what Malcolm might do to you.”

  Laura thought to deny Carissa’s comment, but decided against it. “Brandon said that if a man will beat his wife—threaten the mother of his unborn child—he would have no trouble hurting me. I suppose that his statement is true enough. That’s why I’m begging you to allow me to speak to the doctor. I will go first thing in the morning on the pretense of bringing him here. I will tell him what he needs to know. Are you agreed?”

  Carissa placed her hands on her still slim belly. “I am. Let us see if we can arrange this without Malcolm causing either of us further harm.”

  24

  It was easy enough to get the doctor to agree to Laura’s request. He had no patience for men who hit their wives and promised to keep Carissa’s secret. He also spoke directly to Stanley Marquardt, suggesting that Carissa needed to remain with her family in order to be properly cared for. Laura and Carissa exchanged a look of relief.

  “I don’t believe she needs to be bedfast,” the doctor explained. “However, due to her penchant for fainting it would be dangerous for her to be alone.”

  “I completely understand,” Father replied. “Of course she shall remain with us. I will let her husband know the situation when he returns to town.”

  The doctor nodded, then gave Laura a quick smile. “I believe I’ve done all that I can here. Don’t hesitate to send someone for me, however, if there is a problem.”

  Once he’d gone, Laura gripped her sister’s arm. “We should go to the house and get your things before Malcolm returns.” She looked to their parents. “I can go with Carissa. She can sit and point to what needs to be retrieved.”

  “Take Esther with you,” Father suggested. “That way you’ll have additional help.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Father. Thank you.”

  Carissa and Laura rose in unison, but it was Carissa who spoke. “I’m so sorry to bring this on you. Thank you so much for allowing me to stay.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Mother replied. “This will always be your home. We want you and the baby to be properly cared for.”

  Within the hour Laura and Carissa walked through the back door of the young bride’s house. Esther followed with a couple of carpetbags. There was no sign of Malcolm, and the note that had been delivered the night before remained on the kitchen table.

  “Apparently he’s still gone,” Laura said, looking around the small room.

  “We’d probably be
st get right to it,” Carissa declared. “I don’t have any idea of when he’ll return.”

  Laura directed Esther to go upstairs with Carissa. “Start the packing and I’ll be up shortly. Carissa, don’t waste any time.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  A thought had crossed Laura’s mind only seconds earlier. “I’m going to see if there’s any evidence we can take that might make the case against Malcolm.”

  “He has an office, but he keeps it locked,” Carissa said, pointing down the hall.

  “A skeleton key would most likely work,” Laura said. “Have you one?”

  “Yes—in the drawer just over there.”

  Laura went and rummaged through the contents until she found the key. “This should work. You go ahead and get your things. Hurry.”

  Esther and Carissa understood the urgency and rushed from the room. Meanwhile Laura made her way to the locked door of Malcolm’s office. She hesitated for a moment. What if Malcolm came home while she was in his office?

  “I have to try,” she whispered to no one.

  The key easily did the trick and she entered the room without further delay. Unable to see very well, Laura pulled back the drapes and went quickly to Malcolm’s desk. The newspaper from nearly two weeks earlier was still sitting on the edge of the desk with a pen and inkwell, but otherwise the surface was clean.

  Laura pushed back the chair and opened the center drawer. She took out a handful of papers; nothing there looked overly important. Shoving them back, she went next to the side drawers. The first two revealed a variety of items. Several books, a few letters, and writing paper. Digging deeper, Laura found a bottle of whiskey and shook her head. It only surprised her that he’d bothered to try to hide it.

  The bottom drawer proved to be locked. There was no evidence of a key anywhere. Laura pulled at the handle again, but the drawer refused to budge. Just then, she remembered a time when she’d managed to get some pieces of clothing caught in her dresser drawer. Carlita had resolved the problem by removing the drawer on top.

  Laura went back to the second drawer and pulled it all the way out. It was heavy and she very nearly spilled the contents as she wrestled it to the top of the desk. Once this was done she glanced to see if she’d gained access to the bottom drawer. She had. Her heart picked up its pace a bit as she reached into the darkened hole.