Three hours later, Claire was blissfully immersed in a tub of bubbles at Mrs. Shipp’s boarding house in Columbus. She leaned against the high copper back and thought over the last few hours. She and Tom had ridden into Columbus and he delivered her into the capable hands of the proprietress. The pert owner of Shipp’s Fine Rooms had taken one look at Claire’s dirty clothing and messy hair and whisked her upstairs to the nicest guest room. In no time at all she arranged for a hot bath and hot tea for Claire. Then she’d set off for the dressmaker’s shop to buy some changes of clothing for “the poor Miss Secord.”
Claire was glad she had the presence of mind to grab her treasures from the shanty to pay for her expenses. She was looking forward to fresh clothing, a nice room, and a hot meal. Maxwell was probably at the local jail right now explaining the situation to the sheriff. Claire smiled to herself at the thought of her kidnappers all trussed up and helpless. Served them right, she thought, after what they put her through.
The thought of how close she had come to suffering unspeakable horrors at the hands of those brutes made Claire shiver despite the hot bath water. She opened her eyes and looked around to reassure herself. That ordeal was over and she’d handled herself pretty darn well. She said a quick prayer of thanks and slid deeper into the rose scented bubbles.
***
“What? Where did you say those two are? She did what to them two?” Sheriff Craig shook his head in disbelief. He slapped his hand on the desk in front of him.
“Well, I’ll be darned. A schoolteacher turned shopkeeper thwarted those two bums. Yah, I know who they are. Just a couple of good for-nothing homesteaders who don’t do any farming. I’ll send my deputies out in the morning to bring them in. You bring Miss Secord in and I’ll take her statement and yours. Then you can be on your way back to Omaha.”
“Thanks, Sheriff Craig. I’m bushed. I just want a steak dinner and a soft bed. I could sleep for days.”
Tom left the jail and stopped in at the telegraph office. It was closed for the night and he had to bang on the door until the clerk was roused from his sleep in the back room.
“What’s the meaning of all that gol durned pounding? Can’t you see I’m shut down for the night?” The telegrapher scowled at Tom and scratched his head. “Reasonable folks would wait ’til I opened in the morning.”
Tom flashed his badge at the grumpy clerk and growled, “Official business, this can’t wait, move it!”
“Uh, yes sir, right away sir.”
The clerk slipped on his wire spectacles and headed for the machine. Tom scribbled the message on a scrap of paper and handed it to the man. Seconds later the message was transmitted and on its way to Omaha. Deputy Simonson should have it in his hands in a few minutes. Tom placed a few coins on the counter and tipped his hat at the clerk.
“Go back to bed, and thanks for your help.”
He stepped through the door and heard it bolted behind him. He chuckled. He’d left the telegrapher a generous tip and good news was on its way home to Omaha. He hadn’t felt this good in months.
***
Claire stepped out of the tub and dried off with a butter-soft linen towel. She drew on a wrapper that had been laid by the tub and sat in front of the fire, drying her long tresses. She bent her head and raked her fingers through the length to separate the
strands, wishing for a comb.
The fire was crackling merrily as she sipped her tea and watched the flames dance.
Funny how life can change in an instant. We think we are in control of our destinies but that isn’t so. One moment I’m peacefully gardening and the next I’ve been robbed and kidnapped. Then when things look bleak, opportunities arise. How did I know to leave scraps and stones as markers? How did I have the courage to fight back and even shoot that awful Bud? I guess it’s true that everything you learn in life comes together at some point in time. More than likely it’s the saying that God never gives us more than we can handle. Yes, that must be it. I’ve heard that all my life but now I truly believe it.
Claire looked up at the sound of the doorknob turning. Mrs. Shipp bustled in with an armload of packages.
“My dear, I’m sorry it took me so long, but I had to wake up the dressmaker and the store owner to purchase your items. I went a little overboard, but bought you the best I could find. Let’s unwrap these things and get you dressed. That handsome sheriff is downstairs waiting for you to join him for dinner. My hired girl is preparing a late supper for you both.” The jolly woman stopped to take a breath and Claire chuckled at her enthusiasm.
“I‘m sure whatever you purchased for me will be perfect. Anything is better than the dirty rags I’ve been wearing for days.” Claire surveyed all the boxes before her and beamed. “Ooh, this is better than Christmas! Help me open these packages!”
Soon, all of Claire’s new items were spread out on the bed. The very thorough Mrs. Shipp had bought her two new dresses with coordinating undergarments, an embroidered linen nightgown, a comb and brush set, stockings, handkerchiefs, and a pair of leather boots. There was even a lovely floral shawl that matched both dresses. Claire sighed with pleasure at her new belongings.
She chose a deep burgundy dress with a scooped neckline and form-fitting bodice that clung to her curves. She stepped into her stockings and undergarments before pulling the dress over her head. Mrs. Shipp fastened the row of buttons at her back with a deft hand. It fit perfectly and emphasized Claire’s shapely bosom and tiny waist. The rich wine color picked up the highlights in her waist-length hair, now dry and sweet-smelling.
“Miss Secord, if I may, I should like to do your hair. I think an upsweep would be lovely with this dress.”
Claire nodded and sat by the fire, luxuriating in the pleasure of having someone else brush her hair. In a matter of moments, Mrs. Shipp had twisted and pinned her tresses into an elegant upsweep.
“There, my dear, take a look. You look absolutely fetching.”
Claire peered into a wall mirror and marveled at her own reflection. Gazing back at her was a serene and lovely young lady with shiny brunette hair and deep emerald eyes.
“Now dear, pinch your cheeks and bite your lips to add just a bit more color to your face.” Claire did so and turned to face Mrs. Shipp.
“Thanks so much for caring for me. I feel like a new person.” Her stomach growled. “A new and famished person.” She smiled and Mrs. Shipp chuckled.
“You are most welcome, Miss Secord.”
“ Well, I shouldn’t keep Sheriff Maxwell waiting any longer.”
“I agree, you wouldn’t want someone else grabbing him up. He is one handsome hunk of man.”
Claire looked at Mrs. Shipp with surprise. “I may be a married lady but I still have eyes to see. That lawman is a fine catch. Don’t let him get away. If I was twenty years younger I’d go after him myself.”
Claire smiled. ‘‘I’ll remember that. Thanks for everything.”
She headed downstairs to dinner with her handsome sheriff.
Claire reached the bottom step just as Tom looked up from his chair in the parlor. He sucked in his breath. “You look fantastic. I really mean it. You are beautiful.”
“Why thank you, you’re looking quite nice yourself.” Her face glowed in the soft lamp light.
Tom had freshened up and changed into a clean set of clothing. He’d combed his black wavy hair and even trimmed his generous mustache. His navy shirt set off his very blue eyes and his dimples were showing.
“Well, my dear, since we’re both so fetching, let us retire to the dining room, shall we?” They both laughed as Tom took Claire’s arm and led her to the exquisitely set table.
A crystal decanter of apple juice cider waited. Maxwell poured the juice into delicate glasses and Claire noticed his hand tremble ever so slightly. She started to remark on it but checked her tongue.
“Shall we have a toast Miss Secord?” Tom peered at Claire so intently she blushed.
“Why yes, Sheriff Maxwell, that
would be lovely. To what shall we toast?” She raised her goblet high. Her own hand was trembling slightly.
“Why, to cunning and courage; to honor and justice; and to you my dear and… to us and our future together. That is…” His voice faltered and Claire held her breath, the glasses in mid-air.
He set his glass down, Claire followed suit, her mind racing. What is he trying to say? Could he possibly be proposing?
“Claire,” his voice trembled. “Claire Secord, I love you. I have loved you ever since you and I swam in the Missouri. When I got Percy’s telegram, that you’d been kidnapped, I thought of nothing else but you and your safety, of bringing you home to Omaha, to me. Claire will you marry me?” He leapt up from his seat and knelt by her, taking her hands in his large strong ones. Claire looked into his eyes, seeing warmth, tenderness, and the promise of a loving future. Her heart soared with joy and love.
“Yes, Thomas Maxwell, oh yes! I love you too! And I would be proud to return back to Omaha and become your wife.”
“Then may I kiss you?” he asked joyfully.
She replied solemnly, her shining eyes encouraging him. “Of course you may.”
Tom, still kneeling, gently cupped her face and brushed her lips with his.
The tenderness of his touch surprised Claire. She didn’t realize that such a large man could be so gentle. He learned forward, kissing her again long and slow. She began to feel as if she were melting. When he released her, she nearly toppled from the chair. Trying to regain her composure, she gave him a weak smile.
“I guess this school teacher has a lot to learn.”
Tom chuckled, “I’ll be honored to be the one to teach you.” Claire blushed furiously.
“Sweetheart, we have all the time in the world. The rest of our lives to learn about each other.” Grasping her left hand he nodded at her ring finger. “When we get back home my grandmother’s wedding band will look beautiful on you. I’ve been keeping it for just that special woman and my dear, that woman is you.” Claire glowed in the candlelight. For so long she’d dreamed of a life, a home, a marriage. Everything she’d prayed for was coming true.
The sound of a fork on a plate broke her reverie. Tom was cutting into his steak with relish. “All of a sudden I’m famished,” he said, lifting a bite to his lips while grinning at her. “I swear I’m the happiest sheriff around, and the hungriest!” Claire giggled and realized she was starving as well. It was a wonderful meal. Between sips of sweet cider and bites of tender beef and roasted potatoes, the newly engaged couple began to plan their future.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Omaha, Nebraska, August 1869
“Connie, wake up! Connie, wake up!” Deputy Simonson pounded on the door of Connie’s living quarters behind the café, far too loud, for the middle of the night, in his excitement at the news of Claire’s safety.
“What? I’m coming!” Connie pulled a wrapper over her nightgown and opened the door.
“Land sakes, Percy, it’s the middle of the night! What is it?”
“She’s alive! Claire’s all right, Tom’s got her.” He waved the telegram at Connie and she snatched it from his hand. She hurriedly read it and threw herself into Percy’s arms, laughing as tears streamed down her face.
“Oh, I can’t believe it! Come in, I’ll put some coffee on and you can tell me all about it!”
They stepped into her cozy kitchen and she bustled about, making a new pot. Percy sat down and glanced around at the pristine room.
“Read it again to me, slowly, read it again,” she insisted.
Claire fine. Withme. Columbus.Two wounded by Claire. Meet at ranch two days. Tom.
“Two wounded, how could she have done that? Why is Tom taking her to the ranch? How’d she end up in Columbus?” Connie fussed, wanting the whole story instead of a short telegram. “Honey, how would I know? I have the same information as you do. You’ll find out everything in a few days, same as everyone else.”
“But Percy¼”
“Enough. Now come here. You sure do look fetching in that nightdress.”
Connie giggled like a school girl. “Now drink up your coffee and get out of here before the neighbors notice and start talking. I have a reputation to uphold. You know.”
“Well someday I mean to live here and hang what the neighbors say.”
“Why, Deputy Simonson! Do you mean what I think you mean?”
Connie batted her lashes coyly, playing along with Percy.
“Aw, doggone it, Connie, I’m serious! Someday, when I can afford a wife, I want you to be it. That is if you’re willing to have me.” The usually boisterous Percy turned red from his collar to the roots of his blond hair. Staring down at his toes instead of into Connie’s eyes he shuffled his feet like a small boy caught with a frog in his pocket.
Connie squealed, returning the blush. “Oh Percy, nothing would make me happier! Does this mean we’re engaged?”
Percy swallowed. “I guess it does, kinda.”
Connie stepped back, her hands in the air, arms flailing. “Kinda? Kinda? Well, when you figure out whether it kinda means we’re engaged or actually means we’re engaged, you let me know. For now I think you’d better leave.”
“But Connie, honey. . .”
“No. Out. I don’t want none of that “Connie, honey, stuff until you’re ready to commit to it. Not kinda commit.”
She opened the door and pushed him out, sliding the bolt with a solid thunk behind him. Percy stared at the door bewildered, wondering how he had managed to propose to the only girl he ever loved and instead of getting a “yes,” he got a door slammed in his face. He stomped away to the jail house, confused.
***
Claire awoke to sunlight streaming through the boarding house window. For a moment she wasn’t sure where she was. Then it all came back to her. Tom cradling her in his arms, the thieves trussed up, riding to Columbus and Tom’s proposal. She was engaged!
Leaping out of bed and hugging herself, she danced around the room. Mrs. Thomas Maxwell, Mrs.Claire Secord Maxwell, Claire Maxwell. Oh what a wonderful feeling. He loves me and I love him! I truly, truly love him!
Blushing at the memory of their kisses, Claire whirled around the room again.
Oh, this is what it feels like to really be in love. I thought I loved Caleb, but it wasn’t like this. This is laughter, warmth, excitement and…and a feeling of being on equal footing. With Cal I always felt I’d be in the shadows. Our life was going to be about him and his ambitions.
Suddenly she stopped in the middle of the room, a frown forming. “Why, he never once asked me what I wanted to do with my life. He always assumed I’d be a politician’s wife.” The words seem to reverberate in the quiet room. Her hands reached for the half- heart necklace tucked inside of her new nightgown. She began to unclasp it and stopped, not wanting to lose it on the ride home. After all, it did have sentimental value. Vowing to remove it back in her own bedroom where she could put it away for safekeeping, she began to dress for the long ride back to Tom’s ranch.
After a quick breakfast and a meeting with the local sheriff, Tom and Claire pointed their horses east. Making plans for their future was fun and the couple talked animatedly for many miles.
“Claire, what would you think about adding a couple of bedrooms and maybe a small parlor to the main house?”
“Why, I think that’s a fine idea. I’d love a sunny little parlor if that is possible,” she replied glancing over at the tall handsome man riding beside her. “But first couldn’t we do something for Linus? His room in the barn seems so small.”
Tom smiled at her thoughtfulness, “Sure, I’ve been meaning to help him build on another room. That’s a great idea.”
“Oh good. Do you think he’d let me bring him some household goods? Some linens, maybe a couple of new blankets?
Laughing again, Tom shifted in his saddle. “You’d have to ask him. We’re just a couple of bachelors out there. As for me, I’m looking forward to having a wom
an’s touch to spruce up the place.” He winked. “A touch and about a thousand of those kisses from last night.”
Claire’s cheeks flushed, but she turned and smiled. “I didn’t realize what a rogue you were.”
“My dear, you have no idea.” Tom’s eyes crinkled with delight. They made good progress that day. Evening found them camped in an abandoned cabin Tom had found on his way to Columbus. He lit a fire and they warmed up the food Mrs. Shipp had prepared for them earlier that day. It was wonderful; fried chicken, biscuits and jam and strong fragrant tea. After eating they curled up on their bedrolls and watched the flames crackle merrily.
“Claire, you have been very quiet today. Is everything alright?”
Tom tipped her face up and looked lovingly into her eyes.
“Yes, yes everything is fine. I’m just a bit tired is all. I’m not used to being on horseback all day.” Claire turned and opened her arms to him.
“Hmmm. That’s all I needed.” She sighed with pleasure as she lay in his arms.
They lounged in silence for a bit and Claire began to dream of her new future until Maxwell broke her reverie.
“Sweetie, let’s get some shut-eye. If we ride hard tomorrow, we’ll be back at my ranch by
nightfall. The next day you can ride on in to Omaha with me. I’m sure you’ll be happy to see your own home and the store.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Florence Train Depot, near Omaha, August 1869
“Omaha, Omaha!” The conductor’s booming voice roused Cal from his sleep. He stood and stretched his lame leg, gathering his belongings. Climbing down to the platform, he looked around with boredom. He generally enjoyed coming to new towns, but this one didn’t impress him. It was summer and a pleasant enough day, but from what he could see, Omaha was unremarkable.
People were bustling by, streets weren’t paved, and houses were plain, downright
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