Dark Journey Home

by Cherie Shaw

  As they rode through the forest of Aspens, then toward town, Logan asked, “Will this hombre ever learn?” He held the reins of Henry’s horse, but the prisoner only stared straight ahead with a blank expression, and Logan almost pitied him, or would have, if it hadn’t been for the man’s obsession with Olivia.

  The Sheriff answered, “I believe he’s beyond learning, or even hearing, for that matter.”

  Henry wasn’t listening, and, right at the last, had barely resisted arrest. All his senses had been directed to the retreating figure of Olivia, as she and Maria had walked through the tall grass, then through the Aspens, toward the ranch yard, his hope for a small fortune, along with a lovely wife, shattered once again. “Oh well,” he thought, “there will always be tomorrow, another day, another meeting.” His hopes and dreams had kept him going this far, and “Who knows what the next day will bring?”

  <><><>

  After leaving the Marshal’s office, where they had watched Marshal Rhodes turn the key to lock the cell they had placed Henry Adams in, Logan unpinned the deputy badge and handed it over to the Sheriff. He shook hands with Denton, then decided to check into the hotel for the night. He had a lot of thinking to do before returning to the ranch, though before he could leave, Denton put a hand on his shoulder saying, “I could use a young capable deputy, full time, but I know you’ve other ‘fish to fry,’ Logan. We do make a good team, you and I. If you get back this way, give it some thought.”

  Logan nodded, hesitated, then said, “Thanks Paul. Appreciate that, maybe another time, that is, if things were different.”

  Logan was given the same room he had stayed in previously at the top of the stairs, then after washing the trail dust off, he proceeded to walk down to the hotel restaurant. Once seated, and drinking a cup of hot, black coffee, the waitress, Dolly took his order. “I’ll have Hank wave a nice thick steak over the fire, just the way you like it, cowboy. Fried potatoes, thick gravy and creamed peas. How’s that for service?”

  “Sounds like the best service I’ve had in awhile.” Logan answered.

  “Hey, cowboy, you flirting with my girl?” Bart McCain asked, as he walked up, then gave a slap on Logan’s shoulder.

  “Hello, McCain. Did you follow us to town?” Logan grinned, as he waved McCain to a seat, and added, “Didn’t know Dolly was your gal. Guess my heart’s been broke for sure now, but I’ll just have to step aside.” Dolly was listening, and gave a laugh, “That’d be the day, Logan, when you take your mind off that little lady you’re so stuck on to even look at the likes of me.” She took Bart McCain’s order then flounced off to the kitchen, after winking at the two men.

  McCain answered Logan, after Dolly had left, “No, Logan. I had to come to town to pick up some supplies for the ranch. Got the wagon loaded, but seen you come into the restaurant, and thought I’d have a bite myself, before heading back. And, no, Dolly ain’t my gal, but sometimes I wish she was. Known ‘er for over twenty years, an’ ain’t no nicer little lady. Sometimes I feel like she’s serious about me, and then I think it over and I think she’s just being nice.”

  “You’ll never know unless you ask her, McCain.” Logan offered.

  “Yeah, an’ make a durn fool of myself. One time I almost asked her, then changed my mind. I’ve saved a lot of my wages, over the years, thought to start a spread of my own, but then I’ve been so attached to the Triple-B. Guess I’d miss it some, wouldn’t be no use to have me a place, unless I could take Dolly with. Not sure if she’d go or not. An’ talk about askin’, don’t you think it’s about time for you to get serious and ask that little niece of the boss’s just where you stand with her?”

  “What do you mean?” Logan was surprised.

  “Don’t act so surprised, Logan. Everyone on the ranch has seen how you get all mushy-eyed, when she’s around. An’ we all know about the picnic up in them hills, where you two went ridin’ the other day. So don’t tell me to ask Dolly anything until you declare yourself to Miss Olivia Worthington.” Bart gave a knowing smile, and began spooning sugar and cream into his coffee.

  “I……..guess; I just didn’t know it showed. Not sure what to do about her though, McCain. Just what would you advise? She’s worlds apart from me.”

  “Ricardo told me that he thinks you should just haul off and ask for her hand. Wouldn’t hurt none, then at least you’d know where you stand with her. Frankly, Ricardo believes the lady feels the same about you. You are one good-lookin’ galoot, an’ the ladies sure give you the looks when you come to town.”

  “Ricardo needs to mind his own business. He has enough to take care of.” Logan grumbled.

  Bart only chuckled. “You sure got it bad, pard.”

  Dolly brought steaming plates of steaks, potatoes, gravy and creamed peas. Then returned a few minutes later to refill coffee cups, and plunked down two large plates of apple pie. “On the house.” She beamed.

  Logan and Bart McCain got busy stuffing themselves with the tasty meal, so there was no more talk about the ladies, and McCain had to leave after eating to haul supplies to the ranch before dark. The fall season was on the way, and days were getting shorter, with the sun climbing down behind the western mountains early.

  Back at the ‘Triple-B’ Ranch, Claude Beckford was seated in his leather chair, behind the well-polished desk in his study, deep in thought. He was surprised to see Olivia hesitantly enter the room. “Well, Niece, I was just thinking of escorting you to the dining room. It’s about that time, isn’t it?” He arose and circled the desk, then, taking her arm, he led her to an easy chair before the fireplace and before she could speak, he added, “I was hoping for a few moments to talk to you before dinner.”

  “Yes, Uncle Claude?” Olivia began, as she seated herself in a black leather upholstered easy chair. “Actually I wished a word with you also. I know you and Amelia, are expecting the preacher from town, possibly tomorrow, and I wanted your opinion on refreshments to be served. I’m not sure that we expect very many guests. I am aware that most of the hired hands are out on the range busy with rounding up cattle, and, unless you expect folks from neighboring ranches and from town, there won’t be too many people here.”

  “Exactly what I wanted to discuss with you, Niece. You must have read my mind.” His blue eyes twinkled as he added, “I could wish that I had wed Amelia years ago, though she wished to wait. By the way, has your young man proposed yet? Could this possibly turn out to be a double wedding?”

  “Uncle Claude, be serious.” Olivia scolded.

  “You know, Niece, I almost feel sorry for that poor chap, Henry Adams. He’s followed you halfway around the world and, after Ricardo told me the details of this morning’s happenings, I realized just how enamored with you he really is.” Claude shook his white head, as he continued, “Then to be arrested and handcuffed in the presence of you ladies. It will be a wonder if he ever recovers from the shame of it all.”

  “You really are an old softie, Uncle Claude. But maybe now ‘poor’ Henry will get the help he needs. However, the scoundrel is really more enamored with your wealth than any feelings he may have for me.”

  “Think what you will, Ollie. You are a lovely young lady. That Logan chap can attest to that.”

  “Oh, and by the way, Uncle, think how devastated poor Lulu Haskell will be when she hears about your wedding.” Olivia teased.

  Claude chuckled, and said, “And that lovely lady was also impressed with my wealth. Maybe I should have invited her to the ceremony to watch me wed the love of my life.” Olivia giggled, and came back with, “Oh you are a cruel one, Uncle. Maybe we should go into supper.”

  As the Grandfather Clock, which stood proudly against the west wall between two very tall bookcases, began to loudly chime the hour, the two left the study arm in arm. Olivia asked, “Are you and Amelia going away for a honeymoon?”

  “We are away.” He answered lightly.

  “Oh, you know what I mean. Just the two of you, alone together.”

  �
�We discussed that, Amelia and I.” He hesitated, then turned to look at Olivia, “I told Logan we’d go to Wyoming with him, that is what Amelia wants also. We’ll leave soon. Probably travel by stage most of the way, though we will bring our own horses to ride part way. I believe Ricardo and Maria can handle things here; we also have a very capable foreman in Chester Burns. How about it Olivia? Do you want to see more of this country? I promised you a vacation. Staying here on the ‘Triple-B’ isn’t getting much traveling done.”

  “I’ll be ready to leave, when you are, Uncle Claude. I do love this place. Will we return here, or go on to those far-off lands you’ve told me about?”

  He smiled tenderly, “What do you think, Olivia? Shall we return to our ranch?”

  “I……..I believe so. It kind of feels like home to me already. I never dreamed of what I had been lacking in my life, back there at the Manor. I can always see those far-off lands another time. Besides, you have already seen them, a million times, and I have had enough of the sea already. I favor this western land, Uncle Claude.”

  “Alright, we’ll see how things go. I did instruct Chester to have the men complete the roundup and branding while we are gone but to wait until spring for the trail drive to sell cattle. We may even wait until the next fall, as I was informed that there has been enough selling of the stock already, and we need to build up the herd to where it once was when my cousin was owner. We should be back here before the spring roundup anyway, and then I’ll decide. I’d like to ride with on that drive up north to the rails. Should be quite an experience.

  “Now if they keep the cattle mostly on the lower range during the cold months, they should do well. The men have stacked up feed to last out the really cold spells.”

  Olivia giggled, and said, “Uncle Claude, you are losing your British accent, and are sounding like a true westerner more and more every day.”

  Claude chuckled, “It’s for sure, I’m learning more every day, this is surely different from the shipping industry.” Then he added, “Oh, by the way, Niece, Garth sent a wire just before leaving New York, stating that he had shipped the rest of your trunks to the ranch. They should be here when we return from Wyoming.”

  Olivia sobered, and replied, “Garth is a thoughtful brother and I miss him, as ever.”

  “Yes, he and Bridgett are on their way back to England by now. Right now I’m ready to eat. How about you?”

  The Methodist preacher, and his wife, along with two pretty, red-haired young daughters, arrived at the Triple-B in a shiny black buggy at exactly ten-thirty the next morning. Logan Wakefield, riding his sturdy roan gelding, rode in about fifteen minutes behind the preacher. Already the courtyard was filling up with neighbors and townsfolk, along with noisy youngsters.

  News had spread like wildfire, throughout the territory, and when folks had heard that there was to be a wedding, especially when the groom was the owner of one of the largest spreads in the territory and kin to the original owner, Sam Beckford, and anyone able to attend was invited, they began packing up lunches, and children, along with homemade presents, jams, jellies and desserts, and traveled for miles in wagons, buggies and horseback, looking forward to the event. Roundup had come to a halt, temporarily, so that most of the cowhands could join in the festivities.

  Olivia stood at the front window looking out, just as Logan was tying his roan with a slipknot to the hitching post outside the gate. She was totally stunned, yet pleased at the same time, when she saw how many folks had shown up for her uncle’s wedding. They had only expected a small group to attend. However, she was more than happy, when she saw Logan walk in, joining the others, with smiles and handshakes, only she gave a slight frown when she noted Trudy Perkins arrive, on the arm of Cougar Olson. Oh well, at least the little she-devil was escorted by the cowboy, and Logan hadn’t looked her way.

  Maria joined her at the window, and exclaimed, “Mercy, I only hope that Hank has enough coffee and cake to go around, I’ll stretch out the fried chicken, though I already have many tortillas filled with refried beans and hot sauce. We also have those platters of the cookies you baked last evening. That should please everyone. The little ones will be happy playing their games and filling up on the sweets. Oh my, Señorita, is that Lulu Haskell and her sister who just walked up. H’mmmm, maybe I should put that gringo, frizzy-haired female to work, helping serve the refreshments.”

  “Oh really, Maria.” Olivia giggled, then added, “Oh well, she might surprise you, and volunteer to do just that. Wait a minute; is that our sheriff, who is escorting her?”

  “I believe you are right. I almost did not recognize the gringo sheriff. My what a handsome figure of a man he makes in his grey suit. Oh, but that is his old battered hat.”

  Olivia laughed, and said, “Lulu does have a tight hold on his arm. I doubt if she would let go long enough to help us serve the food, though I suspect some of the other women will volunteer their services, heaven knows there are plenty of them, and it does seem that they all brought food too.”

  The wedding was held in the courtyard with the heavenly fragrance of roses filling the air. The beautiful ceremony, with a few tears shed here and there, was a happy occasion and Amelia had never looked lovelier in her elegant gown, brought all the way from England. Of course, Claude Beckford was at his most distinguished best. Logan, standing up as best man, wore a new western style black suit he’d had made for the occasion. Ricardo, pleased at having been chosen to give the bride away, had donned his Mexican style outfit, complete with the silver conchos running down each side.

  Olivia, as always, was wearing a pale blue satin gown with a full skirt of white chiffon covering the satin, and it was hard for Logan to keep his eyes off of her the rest of the afternoon.

  The ceremony was kept short as the local preacher knew, from years of experience, that the visitors, especially youngsters, could only be kept still for so long. Also knowing cowhands, that bunch would soon begin fidgeting. Last, but not least, Lord Beckford had instructed the preacher to keep the ceremony, as well as any sermon he wished to give, within reasonable minutes. Folks came for the wedding ceremony, and a minimum of preaching, then well-wishes and plenty of food. That was fine with the preacher, as he, and his family were invited to stay on for the festivities, which included food, drinks, music, and for those who wished to dance, the brick patio would be sufficient.

  A neighboring rancher had brought his fiddle and, while he began lightly playing the instrument, food was being served. Joining in the music, Hank, the cook, proved to be a talented guitar player. Then Ricardo joined in, strumming a Spanish guitar, and, while the guests began eating, Ricardo’s rich baritone voice rang out in a Spanish love song with many verses. After which he began a series of songs sung only in the colorful Spanish language. Then Maria surprised everyone by singing a duet with her husband, which by all appearances, had been practiced many a time.

  Olivia sat at a long table at the edge of the courtyard, across from her uncle and his newly wedded wife. Amelia was radiant, and the couple had eyes for each other only. Olivia couldn’t be happier for them. Now she had Amelia for an aunt, as well as a dear friend.

  Maria and Olivia, assisted by several of the women guests, had served the food and then, as they listened to the delightful music and watched the few dancers on the patio, they had filled plates for themselves.

  As she was finishing up the last bite of chicken on her plate, Olivia felt a strong hand touch her shoulder lightly. Quickly looking up, she gazed into the serious piercing green eyes of Logan Wakefield. He motioned towards the dancers, and said, “Shall we join them?” Olivia started to make an excuse, “Oh, well……I…..um.”

  But Maria nudged her, saying, “Do not play hard to get, Señorita Olivia. Of course you wish to dance with Señor Wakefield, so go!”

  Claude Beckford grinned and watched as Logan led Olivia to the patio. Amelia raised an eyebrow, and suppressed a smile.

  “I’ll try not to step on your toes, Olivia.�
� Logan began, as they walked away. “It’s been awhile, you know.”

  “Oh, of course.” Olivia flustered, “I……I’ll try not to step on yours too.” Oh heavens, was she going to be close to Logan on a dance floor? Then she let out a nervous giggle as he took her into his arms and began keeping time to the music. It was a slow, romantic tune and Olivia was floating on air.

  “You were so busy all afternoon; I had wanted to talk to you, before now.” Logan began.

  “Oh, well, yes. Maria and I had our hands full there for a while.” She answered, as she swayed in his arms.

  He tightened his hold on her, as the dance floor began to fill up with more couples. Lord Beckford and Amelia began dancing and the dancers formed a circle around them so the bride and groom could have the center of the floor. Olivia noted that Sheriff Denton and Lulu Haskell were joining in also, and had been inseparable all afternoon. As they kept perfect time to the music, everyone seemed surprised at what a nice couple they made. Most folks were romantics at heart anyway and enjoyed watching a blossoming romance. Maybe the good sheriff had found his match after all.