Most Unsuitable Courtship

by Clemmons, Caroline

  “The man who rode away had dark hair. Don’t know how tall he was because he was bending over the horse’s neck as he rode away. Could be him. Could be someone here in town.”

  Bill appeared thoughtful. “Could be both. We don’t know what the guy looks like. How would we know if we met him on the street?”

  “Sheriff Foster would spot a stranger. Probably at least strike up a conversation if he found someone who fit the description.”

  Rena asked, “You know a lot about horses. Would you recognize the horse?”

  “No. Only that he rode a bay. I didn’t get a chance to see if there were markings on it. I wasn’t sure Charlie was dead and I didn’t plan on him shooting me.”

  “Wonder why the man ran instead of waiting in a trap for you?” Bill shook his head. “Was me, I’d of tried to shoot you before I got away.”

  “Glad he didn’t. Posse coming into sight must have spooked him. At least that’s what I figure.” Storm glanced at Bill. “You see him ride away off the back of the cabin?”

  “No, I was watching you and that cabin door and window in case someone was inside. Guess everyone else did the same.”

  Storm’s watered down smile reached out and touched Rena’s heart. “So now I have a rich wife?”

  “Ja. I have back all that was stolen. I will show you.” She opened the valise.

  When she attempted to lift the elaborate box, Bill took over and set it on the bed where Storm lay.

  She held up an emerald and diamond necklace set in gold. “This belonged to Abram’s wife. Too . . . mmm, showy for me, but he was proud of it. The stones, they are real.” She took each piece of jewelry out and showed it to the men.

  Finally, she showed the pieces that had been her mother’s. “These are from Muti’s family. Not her own Muti, but further back. Abram said they are real, but not as valuable as those of his wife’s family.”

  She chose a pocket watch engraved with a forest scene and the matching gold chain and fob. “Bill, I would like for you to have this. It belonged to the man I call my grandfather. It was a favorite of his.”

  “Me?” Yearning showed in his brown eyes but he kept his hands in his hip pockets. “Are you sure?”

  “Ja. What would we have done without you? You have more than fulfilled a duty. You have been our friend.”

  Bill took the watch as if it were going to break in his hands. “It’s something else, isn’t it? Never saw one like it.”

  “I will show you how to wind it.” When she had done so, she pressed a button. “You see, you press here and it plays a tune. My grandfather was from Russia, but the watch is from Switzerland.”

  “Never thought I’d own anything this fine. I don’t know what to say. Except thank you.”

  Storm’s smile showed his approval. “Bill, have you thought of moving to Kincaid Springs? Lots of opportunity there.”

  “Matter of fact, I have. Been wantin’ to put down roots, but didn’t know where.”

  “Well, I’m inviting you. Whole bunch of us Kincaids live there plus extended family. We’ll line you up a job if you wish.”

  “Thanks. I’ll take you up on the offer.” He pocketed his watch and affixed the chain and fob to his vest. “Reckon I’ll get out of your hair now and go show off my new watch.”

  When Bill had gone, Storm captured her hand. “Nice of you. Bill’s been good to help us.”

  “He helped me more than you know, Storm. I was so frightened and alone when you were so ill from your infection yesterday. He knew many things I did not. He found the doctor and sent the wire and knew to put ‘waiting for answer’ so your sister would reply. Then he found the plant and the maggots and the garlic.

  “I thought I could do so much.” She sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder.

  Despair tugged at her thoughts, sending regret and shame to heat her face. “Now I see I have been isolated. Abram sheltered me, not from sadness, though he tried. But I,” she wave a hand dismissively, “I don’t know how to cope with life. He hoped teaching me English would serve me enough. I think he didn’t realize what a young woman must know.”

  “You read and speak English very well. Your clothes appear well made and in current styles.”

  She looked up and smiled. “You think so? Once he brought a woman’s magazine with drawings of dresses. Whenever he could, he brought newspapers and books, but most were old and not something to help a young woman know about being around others.” She sighed. “I know only how to keep house for an elderly man and ways to save money.”

  He pressed his mouth to her hair. “And how to mother orphaned children. And how to bring meaning to my life. I never knew a woman could brighten a room just by being here, but you do. Even thinking about you makes me happy.” He slid his arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry you’ve had so much sorrow. From now on, I aim to see you have only happiness.”

  “If you are well, I will be truly happy.” She met his gaze again. “Not all was sorrow and loneliness with Abram. He was a kind man. In his way he tried to prepare me for after he was gone. He devised all sorts of ways to protect me, like the tunnel and stump. The secret alarm word. Saving for my dowry. But I never even went inside the stores or to a social function after we left Bavaria.”

  “How did you get your clothes?”

  “He bought them or the fabric and I sewed what I needed. I made lists for him when he went to town. He thought if I went with him, men might see his age and think to follow us. He didn’t want to endanger me.”

  Storm hugged her to his side. “Smart of him, but lonely for you.”

  “Ja. He did what he thought best for me. Always for me. I told you he would have stayed in Bavaria and found other Jews in a settlement somewhere if he had not been burdened with me.”

  “You’re wrong there, honey. Believe me, he could not have thought you were a burden. He could have found someone for you to live with if he had wanted to be rid of you. I think he truly thought of you as his daughter or granddaughter. Maybe you reminded him of one of the people he lost.”

  Memories crowded into her mind. Her eyes welled with tears for the man who’d been so kind yet died brutally. “Ja, he said I was like his daughter Hulda. She was his favorite I think.”

  “Then you brought happiness to him. You became his family. I’m very grateful to him for caring for you and bringing you to Texas.”

  “We both wanted to come here. Many Germans talk about their family members who have come here and say it is a wonderful place with land for everyone. Abram was not strong enough to homestead and build a house. But we found one where the rent was very low because the owner wanted to move away. The man hoped we would eventually buy the farm and house.” She sat up suddenly. “I must write him and let him know what has happened.”

  “Another time. Now I need you here with me. Open the door so the children can see us, and let’s enjoy the rest of our day. Tomorrow Pearl and Drake will arrive, but this is just us.”

  “You want your sister to come, don’t you?”

  “Sure do. But I also want to spend time with just us. Pearl will fuss and then she and Drake will arrange for us to go back to Kincaid Springs with them. This is our last day together with just us for a while.”

  Her arms glided around his neck. “No wonder I love you, Storm Kincaid. Always you know what to say to make me happiest.”

  “You want to make me happy?” He glided his arms along her body.

  She scooted out of his reach. “You must curb your passion until your sister arrives and treats your leg. When she says you can make love to me, then we will.”

  “I have to have my sister’s permission?” He pretended agony and clutched his chest. “You know how to hurt a man.”

  Laughing, she danced away. “I know how to please one man. But I do not want to love him to death.”

  A knock interrupted their conversation. When Rena opened the door, Dr. Larrimore entered.

  “How’s the patient?” The doctor stro
de into the room and set his bag on Storm’s bed. He turned back the sheet and red suffused his face. “What foolishness is this?” He tossed the agave to the floor in obvious disgust.

  “My sister is a healer and she wired instructions for my treatment.”

  “Pah, old wives tales. Useless rubbish. Do you want to die, young man? Look at this wound.”

  Rena peered at the bared sore. “It is better today, ja?”

  “Not enough. See these red streaks? Blood poisoning.”

  She assessed her husband’s skin. “The streaks are less than yesterday. I believe he improves.”

  “Ridiculous. I’ll have two men bring you to my office, Kincaid. I’ll amputate right away.”

  Storm opened his mouth to answer, but Rena cut him off. “You will not cut off my husband’s leg!” She faced the doctor, hands on her hips. The nerve of him telling Storm his sister’s instructions were of no benefit.

  The doctor pointed a shaking forefinger at her. “Are you willing your husband to die?”

  “No, I am not. He will recover. His sister will be here tomorrow. She will heal him if you cannot.”

  The doctor raised his voice. “If I cannot? Young woman, no one can heal this man’s wound. Do you hear me? No one.”

  Rena’s dislike for this man exploded like holiday fireworks. “His sister will.”

  “I have thirty years’ experience as a doctor. Served in the War. I know medicine better than any folk healer’s mumbo jumbo.”

  “I do not mean this as an insult, but you do not know my husband’s sister.” Neither did she, but hadn’t Storm told her of his sister’s success as a healer? “She does not use this . . . mumbo jumbo you said. She is very skillful.”

  “You’re letting family loyalty risk your husband’s life.”

  “You don’t understand, Doctor.” Storm held us a staying hand. “My sister has been treating illness all of my life. She trained with an excellent healer in Tennessee. Since moving to Texas, she consulted with curanderas and Indian shaman to learn their treatments. The doctor in our town works with her on many cases.”

  “A medical doctor works with her?” An expression of disdain flashed across the doctor’s face. “Huh, he must be a quack.”

  “On the contrary. He’s a good doctor. He and my sister work well together.”

  Rena raised her chin and sent the doctor a stony stare. “You see. Some doctors know that many healers are genuine and help the sick and injured. You must show more respect for my husband’s sister.”

  “Your husband has the start of gangrene and blood poisoning. If this leg doesn’t come off today, he will likely die within the week.”

  Storm fisted his hands. “I can’t agree, Doctor. You are not amputating my leg. That’s that.”

  Dr. Larrimore snapped his bag closed. “Then I wash my hands of you, young man.” He turned and stomped out.

  Storm raised his eyebrows and grinned. “Whew, we sure riled him.”

  “Also he riled me. He should not be so quick to cut off a man’s leg. He makes me wonder how many times that has happened needlessly.”

  “Honey, thank goodness I have you to act as my champion. Otherwise, if I was unconscious, I would have waked up with only one leg.”

  She dropped into a chair. “Oh, what if he is right? I cannot bear to think of it.”

  “Come here, Rena.” He held out his hand to her.

  When she approached he bed, he pulled her beside him. “My sister Pearl is very skilled. Many times she’s saved lives when others had given up hope.”

  She nestled her head on his shoulder. “I will have faith in her, Storm. I cannot bear to think otherwise.” No, she could not give in to despair. He needed her now. She would be a rock for him as he had been for her.

  She raised up and smiled at him. “You are my love, but we have children who worry about you.”

  “If you’re not going to make love to me, you’d better let them in here with us.” His poor-me expression made her smile.

  Laughing, she opened the connecting door. “Children, if you are quiet, you can play in here with Mama and Papa.”

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Rena glanced again at the train depot clock. Only two minutes had passed since she’d last checked. Hugging her arms, she paced up and down the disembarking area. No train had appeared.

  Would his sister blame her for Storm’s condition? Rena blamed herself. Once more she wondered why she had not insisted on checking Storm’s leg each day since the injury. When they made love, she had believed his warm skin occurred from passion, not fever.

  Because she had no prior knowledge of lovemaking, she still did not understand if this was in error. Certainly, her body warmed until she feared she’d burst into flame whenever she and Storm made love. And now, he had to pay for her ignorance.

  What a fool she had been. What if he lost his leg? Would it not be her fault? Her chest tightened as if constricted by steel bands. Inside, her stomach quivered and she wanted to curl into a ball and cry. When had that helped anyone?

  She straightened her tan shirtwaist, grateful the stains and dirt had come out in the laundry. Fingering her worn brown skirt, she wished she had purchased something new to wear. And a bonnet. She needed a bonnet. Would Storm’s family think poorly of her?

  A distant sound captured her attention. Thank heavens, she heard the locomotive’s approach and saw the funnel of smoke. Bracing herself, she waited for the train to pull into the station and stop.

  After what seemed hours of her lingering near the tracks, a man resembling Storm’s description of Drake stepped from the train. He turned to help a woman. Rena’s breath caught in her throat. Pearl was as beautiful and Drake as distinguished and handsome as Storm had described.

  Pearl wore a lavender traveling suit with matching bonnet trimmed in dark purple and white lace. She glided like an elegant swan on a Bavarian lake. One had only to glance at her clothes to recognize her wealth, yet her face showed kindness.

  When they spotted her, both smiled and hurried over.

  Pearl stretched out her hands. Her dress emphasized her glorious lavender eyes so much like Storm’s. “You must be my new sister, Rena.”

  The generous greeting undid her. Unable to utter a coherent word, Rena sobbed.

  The other woman gathered Rena in a hug. “Oh, you’ve had such a difficult time. Drake and I are here to offer support, dear. How is my brother?”

  Rena hiccupped. “A little change, but the doctor still thinks the leg should come off.” She cradled Pearl’s hand in hers. “You have to help him. Losing his leg would kill his spirit.”

  A strong hand held her waist as Drake Kincaid guided both women toward the depot. “I’ll gather the luggage while you two go to the hotel. After I’ve found rooms for us, I’ll join you.”

  Grateful the delay had ended, Rena wiped her eyes and smiled. These people were as nice as Storm promised. “We are in room 201 and the children are in 203.”

  Pearl hugged her shoulders before they hurried away. “I’ve worried about Storm, but I knew from your wire you would not let the doctor amputate. Thank you for contacting us as you did.”

  “Storm speaks so highly of you and your husband. Of course he is devoted to all his family, but especially you two.” Rena managed a smile. “Your eyes are like his. So beautiful and kind.”

  Pearl returned her grin. “Tell me everything that’s happened, Rena. If you wish me to mind my own business, I’ll understand, but at least tell me about the shooting.”

  “Did I not ask for your help? Ja, and you must know everything to understand all that has happened.” She started with Abram rescuing her in Bavaria.

  By the time they reached the hotel and climbed the stairs to see Storm, Rena had summarized events and provided an overview for Pearl. “You see, this Pursley woman must have done something wrong. She insisted she knew how to treat a bullet wound, but she was not a . . . not a careful person.” Rena stopped. “Here we are.”

 
Pearl opened the door and stepped inside. “So you are lounging in bed while your wife comes to greet us.” Her words sounded chastising, but her expression showed concern.

  Lottie sat beside Storm. Drew leaned on the mattress and Susie sat at the bed’s foot. The children appeared apprehensive of the newcomer. Apparently her words worried them.

  On the other hand, Storm’s face radiated joy. “Had to get you here some way. Need help taking care of these rowdy children and you have all that experience.”

  He smiled at the children. “Kids, this is your Aunt Pearl. She’s taken care of me since I was Susie’s age. Pearl, this young man is Drew, the young lady is Susie, and this sprite is Lottie. And the big fella is Bill McAfee, who’s been my babysitter while Rena went to meet you.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you.” Pearl glided swiftly to shake hands with Bill. “Rena told me how much you’ve helped.” She turned back to the children. “What a fine nephew and nieces.”

  Drew stood straight. “Can you make Papa well? A real bad man shot him.”

  Pearl moved smoothly to the bed and leaned down to hug her brother. “I’m going to do everything I can.”

  Lottie patted Storm’s arm. “My papa.”

  “I see he is, Lottie. You children play in the next room while I check your papa’s leg.” Pearl helped Lottie off the bed. “When I’ve finished, I’ll tell you so you can come back in here.”

  Rena stood at the connecting doorjamb. “Play quietly with your games. I will call you in a little while.” She closed the door softly.

  Bill stood. “If you don’t need me, ladies, I’ll step across the hall and get out of the way.”

  Rena “Och, Bill, I think we exhaust your good nature because I have asked so much of you. Thank you for all your help.”

  Appearing embarrassed at the praise, Bill smiled shyly. “Glad to be of assistance.”

  “My husband will be here in a few minutes, Bill. I know he’ll want to meet you later and add his thanks.”

  “No need for thanks, ma’am. Just rap on the door across the hall if I can be of help.”