When Ben halted near Landis, he pushed back his parka hood, silvery streaks nearly invisible in the wavy blond hair which hung to his collar. “Trapped any decent furs while I been gone?” he teased.
“Afraid not. But I did catch something prettier and worth a lot more,” came the mischievous retort.
Ben’s brow lifted inquisitively, amused by the glow in Landis’s dark eyes. “Prettier? That sounds like a woman,” he concluded.
“Eyes as blue as a summer sky. Skin as fair as snow, hair like cornsilk, both as soft as mink,” Landis said proudly.
“That unknown sparkle in your eyes tells me she isn’t one of Soapy’s new girls,” Ben ascertained, then chuckled.
“Nope! She’s one of the new cooks in Moore’s camp. Came up the first of September from Seattle,” Landis playfully added more clues.
“Have you gotten past her protective father? With a description like that, he probably has her guarded every moment.”
“He can’t. She’s an orphan. Came with Mrs. Pullen to work,” he casually stated, waiting to spring his astonishing news.
“Ah, yes; you mentioned the famed lady with red hair who has the lumberjacks eating out of her hands. Kind of strange you didn’t tell me about her beautiful companion, especially if she can turn the head of one notorious rake named Landis Jurrell,” he ventured, eyes twinkling. “That defensive streak working overtime?”
“Can you blame me? She has Moore’s men acting like her big brothers. Not to mention half the men there were hotly pursuing her. Could be why I snatched her so quickly,” he announced, chuckling.
“Snatched her?” Ben inquired, noting Landis’s devilish mood.
“Luckily I was first to meet her. I charmed her and won her.”
“You? I’ve never known you to take after a filly before. She must be something quite special.”
“She’s smart and brave; puts me to shame on both counts,” he alleged. “Don’t faint, Ben, but I married her,” he dropped his stunning news.
“You married her?” Ben echoed, knowing it would change things.
“Yep,” Landis stated. “You know me, Ben; love and marriage never tempted me before,” he admitted.
“Until now?” Ben speculated.
“Marriage conjured up visions of chains. But one look at Kat, and it was a losing battle,” he muttered, knowing the problems which were keeping them apart and the fiery passion which was drawing them together.
“When did this major event take place?” Ben asked.
“September tenth,” Landis unwillingly admitted.
Ben studied his friend for a time. “Why the big secret? Where have you been keeping her?” he quizzed, thinking it weird he hadn’t been told before.
Considering the time lapse and their long friendship, Landis felt compelled to explain the reason behind their hasty marriage for her protection. “She’s staying here for a while,” he divulged.
Ben glanced at their cabin. “She’s here? I thought you said she was living in Skagway?” His gaze revealed his astonishment and bewilderment.
Landis briefly related how she had come to be here, forgetting to mention her search for her missing father.
“She staying for good?”
“Surely you don’t mind her visit?” Landis said.
“Visit? I know she caught your eye too soon to please you, but it doesn’t sound like you to take advantage of a young girl in trouble, Landis,” the older man softly chided him, curiously piqued by the false marriage.
Landis eyed him; Ben was serious. “We’ve known each other since September. We are married. She’s the one who wanted to stay here a few weeks,” he defensively informed his disappointed friend.
“For a man who loves his privacy and freedom, do you think it was wise to let her? If she stayed, that means she loves you. How do you plan to deal with it when she has to leave?” Ben reasoned, keenly aware of Landis’s character and feelings, until Landis met this particular woman. It would shock Landis if he learned how much Ben knew about him, including his real name and identity. Ben was puzzled and annoyed by this selfish ruse.
“I’ll think about that when the time comes,” he declared, vexed by the guilt Ben was making him feel.
“How long is she planning to ‘visit’?” Ben probed.
“Until she wants to leave,” Landis casually stated.
“What if she never wants to leave? What if she gets underfoot? You know how the other men will treat her if you drop her later,” Ben made Landis face reality.
When Landis didn’t reply, he softly guessed, “Do you love her?”
“Why else would I marry her? I also like having her around.”
Ben assumed Landis was feeling guilty about his trick, but was too selfish to consider the effects on his phony bride. No doubt she was very beautiful, susceptible, and vulnerable. Naturally she was trusting and naive, else Landis wouldn’t have such a hold on her. “I should warn you, Landis; if you treat a woman like a real wife, she’ll start to believe she is one. So much for your little charade.”
“Kat and I have an understanding, Ben. I’m not misleading her. She knows I can’t settle down yet. A man like me can’t change overnight. She accepts me like I am,” he contended, too rankled by the hard time Ben was giving him.
But Ben knew why the timing was wrong for them. What Ben couldn’t figure was why Landis was deceiving her; without a doubt, he hadn’t unmasked himself. “For now,” Ben burst his bubble. “She might demand more or walk out on you. Believe me; I know from experience. Years ago I met a lovely creature, eyes as green as grass, hair as black as fertile land, skin and teeth like rare pearls. We…lived together for a while. She wanted more than I could give her. She finally left me for another man, and I never saw her again. A female can demand a lot from you; can hurt you deeply.”
Ben sighed regretfully as he recalled his painful past, a past which had cost him a precious little treasure with hair of gold and eyes of blue. But a marked man had no right to happiness, to reclaim a lost treasure. Besides, her hair was probably black now like her real father’s…That golden childhood fuzzy had fooled him for two years.
“You’re sorry you lost her?” Landis gleaned astutely.
“Yes,” Ben murmured sadly.
“Why didn’t you marry her?”Landis asked, intrigued.
“You won’t come out of this without scars, my friend, not if you have any feelings for this girl. Look at me; I’m getting old, and I have no one. I rashly lost my little love. If you’re smart, you won’t throw away this chance and wind up like me,” he replied vaguely.
Landis studied his friend. Ben had never revealed such intimate details about himself. Landis hadn’t even considered such powerful emotions and conflicts within this vital man. There was more to Ben Weathers besides what was revealed on the surface. “I can’t change right now. Kat will hang around until I do.”
“If she doesn’t?” Ben parried.
“I won’t release her, Ben,” he disclosed. “You want to meet her? See if I’m being the rake you think I am.” He laughed merrily.
“Sure,” he agreed, smiling at Landis, dropping the nasty discussion.
They entered the quiet cabin. “She’s still asleep. I’ll go tell her you’re home. She’s been most curious about you.”
“Filled her head with tall tales no doubt,” he quipped.
“Naturally.” They joked easily. “The coffee’s ready.”
“I’ll put my things away. I take it she isn’t borrowing my room?”
Landis grinned roguishly. Ben headed to his room to store his belongings, giving Landis time to talk with his bride. Ben chuckled as he realized he hadn’t even asked her name. Considering the vast distance between Skagway and the Klondike, it didn’t seem unusual the sourdoughs he’d come into contact with lately hadn’t mentioned the golden dream in his friend’s bedroom, but it did strike him odd that Landis hadn’t previously mentioned a new wife.
Landis walked over to the bed a
nd sat down. He gazed at Kathy, gently shaking her shoulder and calling her name. She began to stir, sighing peacefully. Her lids fluttered and opened. Sleepy cornflower blue eyes met smoldering ebony ones. She yawned and stretched, rubbing her eyes. She smiled, reaching up to caress his lean jaw. Landis’s hand stroked her wavy blond hair with streaks of silver.
“Good morning, love,” he murmured huskily. “Ben’s home.”
She sat up and stared at him. “He’s here?”
“He’s putting away his gear. He’s dying to meet you.” He grinned cheerfully. “I told you not to worry about Ben. He’s already scolded me about being unfair to you.”
“He did. Why?” she guardedly asked.
“Because he knows I’m trouble, and he’s heard how beautiful and fragile you are,” he jested.
“Was he upset to learn I’m staying here?” she fretted.
“Not at all. Thinks I’m a damn lucky man. So do I. I’ll get breakfast started while you dress. He’s a bit miffed I kept you a secret.”
“All I have are pants and shirts. I’ll look awful to meet him,” she anxiously concluded, just like a woman, missing his last sentence.
He laughed and kissed her soundly. “You couldn’t look awful in anything. Ben’s friendly and easy-going, so don’t worry. He isn’t judgmental,” he declared, unconvinced at present.
“I’ll be ready soon,” she whispered, tension gnawing at her. Had Landis confided in Ben? Did Ben consider her a mock bride living here?
When Kathy joined them, she saw a tall and robust man pouring coffee at the stove. She hesitated. Landis went to her, his arm possessively encircling her slim waist. “Ben, this is Kathryn Leigh Hammond Jurrell,” he announced, looking down into Kathy’s timid expression. Kathy returned Landis’s blazing, encouraging gaze and smiled.
Ben’s coffee sloshed precariously as his body shook. He stiffened and paled. Ben slowly turned and gaped at the exquisite blond who was briefly aware only of Landis Jurrell. Cautioning himself, Ben came forward, hooded eyes shielding his thoughts. He smiled and nodded at Kathy. “You’re right, Landis; she’s absolutely breathtaking.”
Kathy blushed, lowering her long lashes. She smiled and thanked Ben, glancing at him for the first time. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Weathers,” she ventured politely, her manner and speech displaying her good breeding and gentle air as the stranger studied her.
Perceiving her uneasiness, Ben smiled warmly and coaxed, “Ben, please. Coffee?” he offered, trying to dispel her tension and his own crazy speculations as to her paternity. She was like a fragile flower: she didn’t appear the type to live under Landis’s terms. But, evidently she didn’t really know who—and what—her husband was.
“Thank you, Ben. Landis has spoken of you most frequently.”
“Has he now?” he genially responded, casting his friend a rueful look. “All bad, I suppose?” It couldn’t be me, Ben mentally fretted.
“Not at all. It sounds as if you two are much alike,” she remarked, her soft tone compelling.
“I’ll take that as a compliment, seeing how you feel about him.”
She blushed once more. Were her feelings that obvious, even to a stranger? Ben and Landis both laughed. Kathy sent Landis a reproving look, but Ben a radiant smile. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’ll get breakfast ready. Are you hungry, Mr. We…Ben?”
He chuckled, dismissing the implausible ideas racing through his mind. “Starved, Mrs. Jurrell,” he confessed, still observing her.
“Kathy, please,” she happily corrected, liking him instantly.
“Kathy,” he readily responded.
The two men sat down to chat while Kathy busied herself with their meal. Landis noticed the way Ben kept stealing glances at Kathy; evidently she was a total surprise to him, even after his warning. When the men’s gazes met, Ben amusedly lifted his brows and pursed his lips, nodding his appreciation of Landis’s taste. Ben’s solemn look intrigued Landis, until he decided this cozy setting might be refreshing those painful memories which Ben had confided to him. Possibly Ben was perturbed with him after meeting such a charming lady. Maybe he shouldn’t have joked about love.
Kathy served the men, then sat down. At first, they mutely devoured the food. Later, the two men discussed their trapping, then spoke of the area’s troubles. Kathy listened with absorption watching both impressive men as they conversed easily. Landis had spoken truthfully; they were perfect companions.
Ben remarked, “Maybe I should become a writer, Landis. I’ve certainly gathered enough colorful tales of romance, adventure, and peril. Of course, people wouldn’t believe they were for real if they saw my journal. But it’ll be nice to read it when I’m old.”
“Do you have a family somewhere?” Kathy asked.
“Not anymore,” Ben answered, looking down at his plate.
Kathv wisely sensed she should avoid that unhappy topic. Ben suddenly glanced up and grinned. “’Course Landis is like a brother to me.”
“Where did you live before coming here?” Kathy felt safe to ask.
“Came up from Montana. I didn’t think there could be any place colder. I learned I was wrong my first winter here. Landis tells me you’re from Seattle. I hear it gets mighty cold there, too.”
“We sailed from Seattle, but I’m from Washington, she stated.
“From Washington state or the American capital?” Ben asked, his gut knotting, praying the first would be her reply.
“The capital. My mother and I were travelling…” Kathy abruptly halted. She hadn’t permitted that heartrending and frightening time to plague her in weeks. “I’m sorry. Will you excuse me a minute?” she whispered, then hurried to Landis’s room, closing the door softly.
Ben was dismayed. He looked at Landis and inquired with great concern, “Did I say something wrong? Surely she didn’t run away from home? The Yukon’s a long way from Washington.”
Landis shook his head. “No, Ben. Kat’s just upset by something she remembered, probably for the first time in weeks. She’s had a difficult time recently, then this place wasn’t what she expected.”
“She mentioned her mother. Why did she leave home to come here alone? She doesn’t appear the adventuress. Problems back there?”
“Her mother died unexpectedly in August. Kat was left alone in a strange city. She and her mother were friends with Harriet Pullen, the woman I told you about. Mrs. Pullen persuaded Kat to come here,” he briefly expounded, too distracted to observe Ben’s reactions.
Ben was staggered by this news, but fiercely concealed his anguish. “I’m sorry. Perhaps I should speak with her,” he deliberated aloud, sharing this girl’s pains and problems. “She’s awfully young to be alone. What about kinfolk?” he probed.
“I think we should let her work it out alone. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought her here. It’ll only be worse for her when I send her back to Moore’s. I think you can see why I was compelled to help her.”
“Yes, but I can also see why you shouldn’t have,” Ben commented hesitantly, unsure of how Landis would take his unsolicited advice. “If you don’t love her, Landis, you should end this quickly and mercifully. Sounds like she has enough worries. Send her home to America.”
Landis halted himself before declaring his great love and need for Kathy. That would sound suspiciously contradictory. He was forced to credit his motives and actions to protection. “You sound just like Mrs. Pullen,” Landis teased. “Kat’s as safe here as in America alone.”
“Evidently the woman has her best interests at heart; do you? She doesn’t belong here, Landis, not with you or in the Yukon.”
“I know, Ben. But how do I convince her without hurting her?”
“She’s in love. Whatever you say or do, it’s gonna hurt her deeply. You should give her a real marriage or release her. With her mother’s death, I pity her. I also admire her and like her.”
Landis met his piercing gaze. “You’ve got heavy instincts for a loner, Ben. But the decision to
leave must come from her. If I force her to go, she’ll hate me. I can’t allow her to turn to another man to spite me,” he stated.
“She won’t leave as long as you give her reasons to stay.”
“You mean I should entice her to leave by behaving badly?”
“If you’re really concerned about her welfare, you will.”
“She’ll despise me, Ben,” he muttered sadly.
“She will anyway if she starts to believe you’re selfishly using her. At least make your real feelings known to her,” Ben urged.
“I have,” he vowed in exasperation.
“No way, my friend, not the way you treat her and look at her. You’ve got false promises written all over you. A girl in love has difficulty seeing reality. She doesn’t think about the future until she wakes up one day and realizes it’s passing her by while she’s playing house.”
“I’ve never been caught in a predicament like this before. I want her, Ben,” he confessed, omitting the vital words: I love her.
“It’s my guess she hasn’t either. One day, you’ll be sorry.”
“If I can locate her father, maybe things will be all right for her.”
“What do you mean?” Ben jumped on his friend’s words, his acute interest undisguised. “I thought you said she was an orphan?” he wisely added.
“That’s why Kat agreed to come here with Mrs. Pullen,” Landis began, then gradually explained the whole story of Kathy’s search for Jake Hammond and her many pitfalls along the way, including her battle with Marc Slavin and her mock marriage to Landis.
Ben listened intently, asking questions here and there, until the depressing tale was unfolded before him, all except Landis’s true feelings for Kathy. For a man who needed privacy, Landis had gone out on a limb to simply protect her. So much depended on a love-match between them…Yet, Ben never exposed more than sincere curiosity and empathy.
Golden Torment Page 30