by Renee Ryan
Chapter Twelve
From the moment Mary left the bathhouse to return to the main hotel, she knew that she wasn’t going home soon. It wasn’t just the tiny snowflakes that had seemed to appear out of nowhere, but also the way the wind had suddenly picked up and begun whipping down the mountain. Colorado weather. She still hadn’t yet gotten used to the fact that it could go from sunny and warm to ice-cold in minutes.
She entered the house just in time to see Mrs. Haggerty bundling up. “Have to get back to the ranch before the weather gets too miserable. There’s stock to feed, and Lord knows what else will be coming our way. By the way Josiah’s knee is paining him, it’s a bad storm coming.”
Not comforting words. As much as Mary would like the other woman to stay, she understood the obligations of home and family. Obligations Mary would be shirking for a while longer.
“Safe journey home.” Mary hugged Mrs. Haggerty. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
Mrs. Haggerty gave a short nod. “It was nothing. Where would we be if we didn’t offer hospitality to our fellow man?”
Her words sounded something like what Polly’s ma, Gertie, would say. For the first time since they’d begun their adventure on what was supposed to be a simple trip to the Soda Springs, Mary missed home. Though her siblings’ squabbles often got the best of Mary’s nerves, they were nothing compared to being stuck in a barn with a bunch of cranky overindulged misses. And though she liked Emma Jane well enough, she didn’t have the same jolly constitution Polly usually did. Plus, she’d gotten used to Nugget snuggled tight against her as she slept every night.
Perhaps having this time away was exactly what Mary had needed to appreciate her family. These feelings would bolster her courage when it waned due to the children’s misbehavior. She’d need it for the lonely nights when she might have been tempted to question her penance.
Mary gave Mrs. Haggerty another hug. “Promise you’ll call on us when you come to town?”
Mrs. Haggerty returned the embrace, smiling. “I’d be honored. I’ve heard Pastor Lassiter preaches the best sermons around. You’re so fortunate to be living under his roof.”
She’d always known that being under the Lassiters’ roof was good fortune indeed, especially after the abuses she and her siblings had suffered at Aunt Ina’s. But now, hearing it emphasized by a good woman such as Mrs. Haggerty, and hearing Emma Jane’s tale, Mary considered herself doubly blessed.
Mary walked Mrs. Haggerty to the door, barely able to open it against the force of the wind.
“Stay inside where it’s safe, dearie. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
With a bang, the door closed behind Mrs. Haggerty. Mary turned to find Mrs. Lewis to see if there was any chance she, too, could return home today.
Instead, she was met in the hall by Will. “With the storm moving in, we’re staying here. The doctor says Emma Jane shouldn’t be moved yet, and even if she could, I don’t think we can outrun the snow.”
Glancing out the window, Mary sighed. The snow was coming down harder now. One would think they’d be safe from the danger of a blizzard in September, but Mary had heard enough stories from the old-timers that Will’s worries were not unfounded.
“How is Emma Jane? Any change?”
Mary looked in the direction of the guest room where Mrs. Lewis had installed the injured woman, but the door was closed.
“She’s awake, but weak.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” She pushed past Will and darted into the room.
Emma Jane lay on the bed, her eyes open, Mrs. Lewis sitting beside her.
Mrs. Lewis rose. “Oh, good. I was hoping you’d get here soon. I need to see to my other guests, but I don’t want to leave poor Emma Jane alone.”
“I can take over for you. Emma Jane can fill me in on what the doctor said.”
Once Mary was comfortably seated and the door closed firmly behind Mrs. Lewis, Mary took Emma Jane’s hand. “So tell me really. How are you? What did the doctor say? We were so worried.”
“You’d be the only ones,” Emma Jane said, her voice weak and thready.
“Stop that.” Mary squeezed Emma Jane’s hand. “When we get back to town, I’m showing you off as my dear friend, and once the other girls get to know you, they’ll say the same thing.”
She didn’t mention the part about how Mary herself had alienated many of the girls upon their departure. But with Polly’s help, they’d figure out a way to bring acceptance to Emma Jane.
“They said some horrible things to me last night.”
Was it only last night? It felt as though they’d gone through a lifetime. Years, at least.
“They’re just jealous cats. All they care about is impressing Jasper Jackson, and if making fun of you or some other unfortunate girl will get a laugh out of him, then they’ll do it.”
Emma Jane sighed. “That’s what Jasper said. He apologized for being unkind. He is rather nice to talk to. But I found that you were right. Our interests would never suit.”
This time, Emma Jane squeezed her hand. “Thank you for being such a wise counsel. I told Jasper about our conversation, and I think he appreciated that I will only see him as a friend, not the source of my family’s redemption.”
“You sound much stronger.”
“Physically and mentally.” Emma Jane smiled. “I’m still not looking forward to facing my family, or the other girls in town, but you’ve shown me true friendship I’ll not forget.”
Mary supposed it was wrong to puff up with pride, but Emma Jane’s words had that effect. She’d made a difference in this woman’s life, all for the price of friendship. Another benefit of living in the Lassiter household. She’d learned that all most people needed was to have someone care about them.
“Does that mean the doctor thinks you’ll have a full recovery?”
Emma Jane nodded. “He wants me to rest for several days, but he said that he sees no reason why I won’t recover.”
Mary leaned down and gave her friend a gentle hug. “I’m so glad my prayers were answered.”
“Mine, too.” A soft smile filled Emma Jane’s face. “I still don’t know what will happen with my family, but I’m choosing to trust what you told me and that the Lord will work it all out somehow.”
Though Emma Jane’s words were intended to encourage, they created a stirring in Mary’s heart. She’d been keeping her secret about Ben so tight because she wasn’t willing to trust that things would work out. Perhaps she needed to heed her own advice. Mary sighed. When she got back to town, she’d figure things out. There had to be a way for her to settle things with Ben without getting the authorities involved.
But for now…Mary turned her attention back to her friend. “Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
A soft smile crossed Emma Jane’s face. “The doctor said I could have some broth. I don’t think anyone’s taken as good care of me as you, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Haggerty. Even Jasper’s been so kind. I…”
Emma Jane looked away, toward the window, where Mary could see the snow starting to blow harder. Fortunately the Haggerty ranch wasn’t too far away. Hopefully, the Haggertys would be home safe soon.
“I don’t deserve such kindness,” Emma Jane finally finished, her voice muffled.
“Of course you do,” Mary said, rising. “Jesus died for the worst of sinners, forgiving even the thief on the cross next to him. When we get home, you should talk to Pastor Lassiter. He’ll help you understand.”
Getting broth for Emma Jane was a fine excuse for leaving the room before Mary’s heart combusted and the tears prickling the back of her eyes escaped. There was no question that Mary had been a good friend to Emma Jane. And she was glad to be able to share Christ’s love with the lonely girl.
But Mary Stone was the world’s biggest hypocrite. Who had she taken into her confidence about Ben? She hadn’t even taken the time to inquire of the Lord. Nor had she talked to Frank. While she’d assur
ed everyone else that he’d give a sympathetic ear, she hadn’t allowed herself that same grace. Mary was so good at telling others what was right, or what the right thing to do might be, but she didn’t have such wisdom for her own life. She wanted to be deserving of forgiveness, but she hadn’t yet accomplished nearly enough to be worthy.
Mary pulled the door closed behind her and went into the kitchen. “Emma Jane would like some broth.”
Mrs. Lewis turned from the stove and handed her a bowl. “You must have been reading my mind. I was about to take her some. You’re such a good girl, Mary. You must be a treasure to your family.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Mary bobbed her head slowly as she took the bowl of broth.
The more she pondered her secrets, the more they tightened the noose around her neck. Mary was no treasure. Yes, she took good care of her family, but the betrayal Rose felt at Mary’s actions—what little she knew of them—was real. Mary had deceived her family. Worse, she’d allowed a thief access to their home so that he could rob their aunt of her most prized possession. But perhaps the worst sin of all was that she’d neglected their care while pursuing the fantasy that a handsome man such as Ben Perry could love her.
Mary could spend the rest of her life taking care of her family and helping people like Emma Jane, but she had to wonder if it would ever be enough to make up for her mistake with Ben. Frank would tell her that, like the thief on the cross, she didn’t need to do anything, but she just couldn’t shake the condemnation that seemed to follow wherever she went.
If she didn’t find a solution soon, surely Mary would suffocate under the weight of her guilt.
*
Storms in Leadville were much worse than he’d seen in Denver, Will concluded after supper. The wind was howling more loudly than it had been earlier in the day, and though he knew Mary was eager to return home, he was glad they’d made the decision to stay. Sitting by the cozy fire in the parlor, Will couldn’t think of a better place to be. The forced relaxation was only relaxing because he knew that in the storm, Ben couldn’t do anything, either.
Jasper pulled up a chair next to him. “I’ve been thinking about your case. What information do you have so far?”
Will looked around. The ladies were occupied with examining some sort of cloth and paying them no mind. In fact, Mary had done her best to avoid him since their discussion before the storm hit.
“Not much.” Will blew out a breath. “All I know is that he’s in Leadville. I’ve spotted some of his gang, so I know they’re planning something. I met a woman, Mel, who confirmed that something big is going to happen, but she didn’t know what. With dozens of banks, assayer’s offices and mines, it could be anything.”
Jasper inclined his head in Mary’s direction. “How does she fit into this?”
“I don’t know. They were engaged at one time, which Mary claims is off, but Ben made a spectacle of it the other night. Either way, I can’t help but wonder if she knows something that can be of use. She doesn’t act innocent when I bring him up.”
That was the real problem. As much as he wanted to believe in Mary’s innocence, her body language and demeanor told him otherwise. He’d had the same suspicions with Daisy, but she’d charmed her way around them. Though he knew Mary and Daisy were two different women, he also knew that in the area of interpreting body language, his gut was never wrong.
So, what was Mary hiding?
“And if she has nothing of value to tell you?”
Will sighed. In truth, he’d spent an awful lot of time pursuing Mary without knowing how she could be of help. What if he was wasting his time?
“I have no other leads.” He went through all of his encounters with Perry since arriving in Leadville. Except…
“What do you know of The Pink Petticoat?”
“That flophouse?” Jasper shook his head. “A man’s got to be desperate to go there.”
“What do you think Ben Perry would be doing there?”
Jasper raised an eyebrow as if to question Will’s idiocy. Everyone knew what a man did in there.
“But why The Pink Petticoat? Why not one of the, um, classier, places that seems to be more Ben’s style?”
The ladies all laughed in unison. They wouldn’t be laughing if they knew what Will and Jasper were discussing. Such things were not spoken of in front of ladies. But if Will didn’t unravel this puzzle soon, he was going to go crazy.
Mary laughed again, the melodic notes of her voice stinging Will’s heart. How could someone so innocent get caught up in Ben’s game?
Jasper cleared his throat. “Could she be the target? Her family’s mines are worth a pretty penny. She and her sisters are bound to be the targets of fortune hunters.”
Something Jasper knew all about. Will often pitied the parade of marriage-minded mamas and their daughters chasing after Jasper’s pocketbook.
“I had thoughts along that line. I warned Mary that Ben would try to get her alone to compromise her and force a marriage. She seemed terrified at the thought.”
Yet she still wouldn’t join forces with Will.
“Compromising a lady doesn’t take a gang of men.” Jasper rubbed his chin, then leaned in toward Will. “Could he be capable of something more sinister, like kidnapping?”
Kidnapping. Will hadn’t even thought of that possibility. But as Mary laughed again, Will’s belly turned to ice.
“I think he’s capable of that, and worse.”
Mary’s gaze caught his. Locked, as though she knew he was talking about her. Those clear green eyes searing a warning into his conscience. Only he should be the one cautioning her.
But how? Mary had dismissed his admonition about being compromised. Kidnapping, and the sort of things that happened to young ladies who were kidnapped, was a far worse thing to be concerned about. That, at least, was something Will could do something about. He’d foiled a number of kidnappings in his day. Even though he didn’t have the badge to back him up, he could protect Mary. No, not could. Would.
Will met Mary’s stare. Like it or not, Will wasn’t going anywhere. Not until he’d brought down Ben Perry and was assured of Mary’s safety.
Mrs. Lewis seemed to pick up on their eye lock.
“It seems as though we have a young couple unable to keep their eyes off each other.”
Mary’s head snapped back to whatever they’d been examining. “Not at all. I was merely curious what the men were up to.”
“I’m sure you were.” Mrs. Lewis’s voice held much doubt. “So, tell us, gentlemen, whatever could you be about that has our Mary so fascinated?”
Mary’s face turned scarlet, and Will knew it wasn’t from the heat of the fire. Unfortunately for Mrs. Lewis, Mary had no more interest in Will than he had in her.
Except…he wasn’t entirely disinterested in the raven-haired beauty.
“Nothing that would be of interest to the ladies,” Jasper answered for him. “Work, I’m afraid.”
“Work?” Mrs. Lewis looked between the two men. “Now, this is most curious. We all know Jasper has hardly worked a day in his life. As for you, Mr. Lawson, what is it that you do?”
Will glanced over at Jasper.
“I’m between jobs,” Will said quickly. “But I once worked for Jasper and his father in Denver, and I was hoping that Jasper would put a good word in with his father for me.”
“Oh, mercy.” Mrs. Lewis let out a long sigh. “How dreadfully dull. I suppose if there’s nothing Mr. Jackson can do for you, I could ask Mr. Lewis if he has something for such a strapping man as yourself.”
Emma Jane giggled, but Mary’s face remained unreadable. He’d told the truth, perhaps not so much about needing a good word with Mr. Jackson, who’d told him he’d have work whenever he wanted it. But the full story, of his real intent in Leadville, wasn’t to be bandied about.
Mrs. Lewis looked around the room. “I do wish he’d come out of his smoking room to join us. Such a disgraceful habit. I’m so pleased that you
gentlemen don’t indulge.”
Though Mary appeared to be fiddling with a piece of cloth, he could feel her eyes on him. As if his answers to Mrs. Lewis’s queries mattered.
Her opinion of his answers shouldn’t matter, but they did. He’d like to tell himself it was only because it would bring her to trust him more, but his head was already full of things he shouldn’t have put there.
“No, ma’am. My mother believes tobacco products are a scourge, and I’ve always respected her opinion.”
“Oh my!” Mrs. Lewis clasped her bosom as though he’d given her the greatest gift. “A man who still listens to his mama. Ladies, if he’s not perfect husband material, then I don’t know who is.”
Mary dropped the cloth she’d been holding, and something clattered to the ground. She turned away before Will could see the expression on her face, but he had to wonder, could Miss Mary Stone have a deeper interest in him than he’d thought?
He’d just sworn to protect her from Ben Perry and his plans, especially if they leaned toward kidnapping. But now he had to wonder, how was he going to protect her, protect them, from having feelings for each other that neither had the right to?
Chapter Thirteen
“Where is my precious baby and what has that animal done to her?” Days later, after the storm had passed, the door thudded against the wall as a portly matron stormed into the room.
“Mother!” Emma Jane gasped and snapped her book shut.
Mary put a calming hand on her friend’s arm. “She’s perfectly safe, Mrs. Logan. Why don’t you join us and I’ll see if Mrs. Lewis will bring us some tea?”
Mrs. Logan continued her path toward Emma Jane, looming over them. “You poor darling. What you must have suffered.”
The two girls exchanged looks. Emma Jane looked as though she was about to cry. “I’m fine.”
“Oh, to hear the talk in town about my dear, sweet girl, alone all night in the wilderness with that man. And then to need a doctor’s care.” Mrs. Logan reached down and gathered her daughter against her in what looked to be a rather uncomfortable embrace.