The Heart of Thornton Creek

by Bonnie Leon

  “It wasn’t my intention to worry anyone. I simply needed to get out for a bit, and a ride seemed the right thing. I’m truly sorry I worried you.”

  Willa touched Rebecca’s cheek. “You’ve picked up a sunburn, dear. You best come inside.”

  Rebecca knew when Bertram discovered her outing she’d face a harsh reprimand. His absolute authority over her life galled her, but what was she to do about it?

  Remembering Daniel’s earlier threats to fire Jim, she wondered if she’d lose her only connection to home. She hoped not. He made her feel less lonely.

  As expected, Bertram called Rebecca into the library that evening. Although somewhat accustomed to the procedure, Rebecca couldn’t quiet the butterflies in her stomach. She encountered Daniel in the hallway. He offered no encouragement but passed without speaking or even looking at her.

  “Daniel?”

  He kept walking.

  His rebuff stunned Rebecca, but rather than give in to anxiety, she threw back her shoulders, straightened her spine, and stepped to the library door. I did nothing wrong, she told herself, turning the knob.

  Bertram stood behind his desk. “Have a seat, Rebecca.” His brow furrowed, he paced, then stopped and looked at her. “I understand you went for a ride today.”

  “Yes, sir. I did. I’ve been riding since I was a girl. I’m a competent horsewoman.”

  “Yais, well, not here. Ya don’t know yer way ’bout. And there are dangers . . .”

  “I was quite safe, sir.”

  “I won’t have ya disobeying me. Ya’ve been warned and yet yer determined to be stubborn and foolish.” He knit his brows and his voice deepened as he continued, “‘Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. . . . Keep my commandments, and live.’”

  His pale eyes boring into hers, he said, “Ya have a stubbornness ’bout ya that God will punish.” He clamped his mouth shut and stood with hands clasped behind his back.

  “May I be excused, sir?”

  He continued to stare at her but finally nodded and turned away.

  There would be no convincing her father-in-law that she’d done nothing wrong, and she didn’t have the spirit to fight him. Rebecca knew her rebelliousness had carried her out of God’s will many times. A hush lay over the house as she walked through dimmed corridors. When she stepped into her room, Daniel stood at the window staring out.

  “Daniel, I assure you everything is fine. We left while it was still morning, before the heat got bad . . .”

  “You won’t go out again.” He turned and looked at her. “Not unless you’re with me.”

  His tone reminded Rebecca of Bertram. Inwardly she quailed at the possibility that Daniel might become like his father. She would never acquiesce as Willa had.

  “Is that understood?”

  Rebecca met Daniel’s penetrating gaze. “No, it’s not. I’ll ride when I please. You can’t lock me inside this house. I have nothing to do here.”

  “The garden needs tending, and you have your sewing. We go into town on Sundays. Isn’t that enough?”

  “No. It isn’t. In Boston I was involved in my father’s law practice, I rode nearly every day, I took part in the household responsibilities. And there was the symphony, the ballet, and the opera. I’m not used to inactivity. Here I’m cut off from everything and everybody.”

  “When you married me you knew life here wouldn’t be like Boston. In fact, you made it clear that you frowned upon the posturing of Boston society and made it sound as if you wanted something different.”

  “There were aspects of society there I didn’t approve of, that’s true. But you didn’t make it clear to me just how different it would be here.”

  The look in Daniel’s eyes was baleful. “Are you saying you wished you hadn’t married me?”

  “No. I’m not saying that. But I have to be able to breathe. I need a certain amount of freedom.” Rebecca knew her next words would most likely make matters worse, but she was powerless to stop them. “I won’t be like your mother. Your father controls her every move. He tramples on her. You will not do the same to me.”

  “I don’t want that either, but I won’t have you embarrassing me. Your riding with Jim Keller today was like a slap in the face.”

  Rebecca had known that riding with Jim would be frowned upon, but in the midst of the battle she was unable to admit to the indiscretion. “I’ve been instructed that I can’t ride alone. He offered. There seems to be no one else. And I can’t bear to be locked up in this house any longer.”

  His jaw fixed, Daniel leaned on the window sill. “I’m sorry you find living here so difficult.” He fixed his eyes on her. “Riding alone isn’t safe. But if you ride with Jim, you endanger your reputation.” He moved to the door. “I won’t have you humiliating me.” He walked out and closed the door hard.

  Rebecca sucked in her breath. She’d been so insistent on doing things her way, having her freedom. She’d forgotten Daniel. He was right—riding alone with a man like Jim could damage her reputation and might very well disgrace her husband.

  16

  The Thornton household buzzed with activity as family and servants prepared for a competition of roughriders and local contenders at the town of Mitchell. It would be a full day’s journey there and back, plus two overnights.

  A week had passed since Rebecca’s ride with Jim, but she still felt bruised from her argument with Daniel. Since that day, the tone between husband and wife had remained reserved. Although Rebecca made a point of being compliant and had avoided Jim, she and Daniel were more distant than ever.

  “I’m feeling absolutely exhilarated,” Willa said, joining Rebecca. “I quite enjoy these competitions.”

  “I’ve never been to a rodeo—that’s what we call these competitions in America,” Rebecca said. “It sounds a bit brutal.”

  “Oh no, not really. It’s splendid fun. And rarely is anyone injured.” Willa circled an arm around Rebecca’s waist and gave her a quick hug. “I think it’s just the thing for you and Daniel.”

  “I don’t know what will help me and Daniel, but I doubt it’s a rodeo,” Rebecca said. “He’s competing, you know.”

  “Oh yes. He always does. He’s quite good.”

  Woodman drove the surrey up to the front porch steps. “Lydies, ya ready ta go?”

  “Yes, quite ready,” Willa said, walking down the steps. She smiled, and her wholesome, tanned face came alive. “I know we can trust you to miss as many potholes as possible?”

  “No worries, mum. I’ll give ya a smooth ride of it.” He climbed down and gave Willa a hand into the surrey.

  A wagon loaded with supplies, including tents and other necessities, rattled its way from around the back of the house. Jim sat in the driver’s seat, while Callie and Lily sat in back. Rebecca felt a jolt of surprise at seeing Jim. She hadn’t expected him to join the festivities. He lifted his hat and smiled at Rebecca, then at Willa. It just so happened that at that moment Daniel rode up.

  His jaw set, he reined in his horse and turned sharply and rode toward his father, who sat on his heavy-bodied piebald.

  Lord, can it get any worse? Rebecca wondered, accepting Woodman’s assistance into the carriage. She settled on the seat beside Willa.

  Bertram approached, his stallion blowing air from its nostrils and tossing its head. “Ya ready, then?”

  “Yes. Absolutely,” Willa said.

  Bertram looked at the wagon with the servants and supplies. “Ya have everything, Callie, Lily?”

  “Yais, sir,” Callie said. “We do.”

  “Good.” Bertram kicked his horse and turned it away from the house. Daniel rode alongside his father, and the two men led the small procession.

  Rebecca would have preferred riding at least part of the way, but Bertram had made it clear that her proper place was in the surrey alongside his wife. Doing her best to be obedient, Rebecca had done what was expected without complaint.

  “I thank th
e Lord for the coolness of the day,” Willa said. “It ought to make for a more pleasant trip.” She settled back into her seat.

  Rebecca felt a stir of excitement. The idea of a rodeo was enticing. She watched Daniel. He sat his horse well and looked especially handsome riding his chestnut stallion. Rebecca wondered if they could ever find their way to each other.

  Maybe this weekend would help. Since he’d started preparing for the rodeo, his mood seemed to have lifted. He turned his horse about and rode toward the surrey, catching Rebecca’s eye. She offered him a smile.

  Daniel reined in his horse and walked alongside the surrey. “You ready for an adventure, then?” he asked Rebecca.

  “Yes. I am, truly. I’ve never camped before.”

  Daniel looked relaxed. “I’m looking forward to sharing this with you. It should be grand fun.” He lifted his hat, swiped his hand through blond hair, and resettled the hat.

  “I hope so. I don’t know anything about camping.”

  “No worries. I’ll teach you,” he said and rode off to join his father.

  “Looks as if things are better already,” Willa said with a smile.

  “Yes. I think so.” Rebecca kept her eyes on Daniel. His shoulders were broad, his waist narrow. His masculinity was appealing.

  “Are you certain you wouldn’t like to stay at the hotel with Bertram and me?” Willa asked. “It’s more comfortable.”

  “Thank you, but I’d really like to experience camping. This is quite an adventure for me.”

  “Indeed. I remember when I was young . . . and in love,” Willa smiled. “Those were good days.”

  Rebecca gave Willa a sideways glance. “You know Daniel and I don’t love each other, Willa,” she said quietly.

  “Oh yes. I nearly forgot. You two act as if it’s more than just need that brought you together.” She smiled knowingly.

  Rebecca didn’t know what to say, so she silently watched the expansive grasslands move by. But she wondered if something was happening between her and Daniel. She had a sense of expectation and quiet joy inside when she thought of him. It wasn’t something she’d ever felt before. Could it be love?

  By the time they approached Mitchell, Rebecca wondered if she might not prefer the hotel room. A hot bath to wash away the travel dust would be nice, and a soft bed would ease weary muscles. However, it had been decided they’d camp, and she wasn’t one to back out of commitments.

  Bertram and Daniel rode on ahead. When the surrey made it into town, father and son had joined a mob of men clustered outside the corrals where livestock for the next day’s competition had been confined.

  Mitchell teemed with activity. People from all over eastern Australia had crowded into the small town. Women strolled along the dusty street. Men gathered in clusters where they smoked cigars and spit. Those who ran sheep stations discussed the quality of wool, the cost of shearers, and the number of lambs lost during the previous season. Cattlemen talked about the value of good bullocks, the heat, and withering feed. Men who planned to compete stood in line to register and size up the competition. There was much bravado among the men.

  “This is definitely a man’s event,” Rebecca said.

  Willa offered a knowing smile. “Oh yes, dear, that it is.”

  Daniel had joined the line of men waiting to register. Rebecca noticed that Jim had joined the procession as well. She wondered if he and Daniel would be competing against each other. She hoped not.

  After Daniel registered he joined Rebecca and his mother. “I’ll take you ’round to the camping area, then help the gals get set up.”

  “What are you competing in?” Rebecca asked.

  “I’ll be bronc riding and calf roping. I’m not crazy enough to ride the bulls.”

  “Thank the Lord for that,” Willa said.

  “Isn’t riding wild horses dangerous?” Rebecca asked.

  “Too right.” Daniel grinned. “But I’ve been doing this since I was a lad. And don’t mind saying I do right well.” He smiled and nudged his hat up with his thumb. “You might have a go at the shops while we set up the tents.”

  “I’d like that.” Rebecca stood. “Willa?”

  “Perhaps later. I’d like to get settled in the hotel first. I’ll join you for tea at the hotel eatery later?”

  “That sounds nice,” Rebecca said, allowing Daniel to help her down from the surrey.

  Daniel kept hold of Rebecca’s hand. “So I’ll see you a bit later, then?”

  “Absolutely,” Rebecca said, suddenly feeling shy under Daniel’s fervent gaze.

  “G’day,” Cambria said, striding up to Daniel and Rebecca. Her aunt Elle followed close behind. “It’s grand ta see ya,” Cambria said, her blue eyes bright.

  “Hello.” Rebecca smiled. “I believe just about everyone’s here.”

  “It wouldn’t be a rodeo without the whole of East Queensland ’ere,” Elle said, the lines in her tanned face deepening with her smile.

  She’d twisted her hair into a chignon, and blond wisps had escaped, causing a halo effect. Rebecca thought it looked attractive. “I’ve never taken part in anything like this before.”

  “I don’t suppose, being yer from Boston,” Elle teased. “And if yer going ta get a taste of a rodeo, this is the best.” Elle glanced across the street at a cluster of men. “In truth, it’s a chance for the blokes ta show off for the lydies.” She chuckled. “I believe they’ve more brawn than brains. They seem in a hurry ta do themselves in.”

  “Are there many injuries?” Rebecca asked, feeling a prickle of fear for Daniel.

  “Some, but most blokes manage ta live through it all.”

  Sleeping on the ground turned out to be less exciting than Rebecca had imagined. She had a restless night, and by morning every muscle ached.

  Daniel was up early. He paced while sipping a cup of coffee.

  “You all right?” Rebecca asked.

  “I’m fine. Just a bit antsy to get to it. Hope I do well.”

  “I’m sure you will. Please be careful,” Rebecca said, realizing she couldn’t bear the thought of his being injured.

  Daniel stopped. “You really care?”

  “Of course I do. You’re my husband.”

  Daniel stepped closer. “I want you to be proud of me.”

  “I am proud of you. Truly.”

  He took her hands. “You know when I said I wasn’t sure if I loved you . . .”

  “They’re about to start,” Bertram called.

  Daniel glanced at his father. “I’m coming.” He looked back at Rebecca.

  Her heart pounded. There was something between them.

  “I love you, Rebecca. I’m sure of it.” He gazed at her, waiting.

  Rebecca knew he wanted to hear that she loved him too, but she didn’t know what she felt. She was confused. “Please be careful,” is all she could say.

  Daniel leaned close and kissed her tenderly. When he straightened he searched her eyes, but she couldn’t say what he wanted. Finally he walked off to join the other competitors.

  Rebecca sat on rickety wooden stands, her hands clasped in her lap. Willa sat on one side, Cambria and Elle on the other.

  The competition was about to begin. When the competitors rode into the arena, cheers rose from the spectators. Even atop their horses, the men swaggered. Rebecca thought Daniel the most handsome. He looked for her, and she waved, then settled back and prayed for his safety.

  Other spectators, including Cambria and Elle, didn’t seem to have qualms about injuries. They seemed only excited and animated. Willa, on the other hand, sat quietly, hands folded in her lap. She appeared tranquil in the midst of the uproar.

  During the bull riding men were dumped, kicked, and trodded upon while onlookers whistled and cheered. Rebecca had to admit to enjoying the contest even with its violence. “I’m thankful Daniel isn’t riding bulls,” she told Willa.

  “Indeed. He has more sense than that. His father, however, used to ride the bulls. I wanted to thr
ottle him.”

  “I’d liked to have seen that.”

  “The bull riding?”

  “No. You throttling him.”

  Willa chuckled. “Actually, I don’t think I’d have dared to.”

  Calf roping followed the bull riding. As it turned out, Daniel and Jim were the two top contenders. By the final round Daniel was in first place. A calf was let loose, and his horse tore out of the chute, chasing down the calf. Daniel swung a rope over his head, then let loose. A loop dropped neatly around the calf’s neck. Immediately the horse pulled up and stopped, the line went taut, and Daniel launched himself off the animal and, keeping a hand on the rope, ran to the calf. He picked up the bawling animal, dropped it on its side, and tied its hooves. While he returned to his horse, the calf lay still. It had been a good run. He’d be hard to beat.

  Jim’s turn came. And just as skillfully as Daniel he chased down his calf and tied him. He managed a faster ride, beating Daniel by two seconds to take first place. Daniel didn’t seem discouraged and congratulated Jim with a handshake.

  Daniel and Jim ended up in the lead at the last round of bronc riding as well. Daniel led by a single point.

  Jim rode first. He’d drawn a good horse—a lanky, cantankerous stallion with a reputation for dumping anyone fool enough to climb on his back. Jim managed to stay with him until the whistle, then with seeming ease let go of the rope, pushed clear of the animal, and landed on his feet. He lifted his hat to cheering onlookers.

  Daniel climbed atop his horse, a muscled white stallion. While still in the chute, the animal reared, nearly dumping Daniel.

  Rebecca stood, pressing a closed fist to her mouth.

  Resettling himself, Daniel fixed his grip and waited.

  Help him have a good ride, Lord, Rebecca prayed.

  “I always pray through these things,” Willa said without taking her eyes off her son.

  Looking at her mother-in-law, Rebecca realized Willa feared for Daniel. “Me too.”

  “Oh, but he loves this.”

  “I know,” Rebecca said, feeling a rush of pride at her husband’s courage and skill.