The Engagement Charade

by Karen Kirst

  His waitress, Sally Hatcher, wore a cowed expression as a patron, a man taller than Alexander and who likely outweighed him by a hundred pounds, shook his finger in her face. Gauging from the wet stain on his shirtfront and bits of coleslaw scattered on his person, Sally had had a bout of clumsiness. The man’s face was mottled.

  How anyone could be angry with the earnest, soft-hearted eighteen-year-old was beyond him. At only an inch or two above five feet and thin as a fence post, Sally was the type of girl who provoked protective feelings in most men.

  The man let loose another verbal lash. Sally’s big brown eyes filled with tears. Her head lowering, her wispy, corn-colored hair slid forward to hide her flaming cheeks. With a disgusted sound, Ellie inserted herself between waitress and customer as a living barrier. The sight made Alexander’s throat close up. He felt the crowd’s attention switch to him as he wove through the tables to reach them.

  “It was an unfortunate accident, sir.” Ellie projected a calm front, but Alexander detected her underlying distress. The irate man was at least a foot taller than her. “Sally didn’t mean any harm. I’m sure you’ve had mishaps before. None of us are immune, unfortunately.”

  “How am I supposed to finish my dinner with my shirt wet through and smellin’ of vinegar?” he growled.

  Ellie’s forehead wrinkled. “I understand that would be uncomfortable. If we had a shirt to give you, we would.”

  “My meal is ruined, and I want to know what you’re gonna do about it.”

  “Leave her alone, McCauley,” someone from another table muttered.

  Alexander pulled Sally aside. “Go fetch something to clean the food off the floor,” he murmured.

  “Yes, sir. Right away.” She fled the room.

  As she at last registered his presence, the color in Ellie’s cheeks surged and waned. He couldn’t resist the silent appeal for help in her coffee-brown gaze.

  Moving close beside her, he stuck out his hand. “Good evening, sir. I’m Alexander Copeland, the proprietor of the Plum. I see you’ve met with a mishap.”

  “Any fool can see that,” he snapped, indicating his chest.

  “I apologize for the inconvenience. If you’d like to accompany me to the kitchen, we can get you cleaned up. And of course, your meal will be on the house.”

  His unkempt brows formed a deep V.

  “You’re welcome to your choice of dessert, as well.” Ellie piped up. “We have rhubarb pie and fried apple pies.”

  “Go with the rhubarb,” another patron called out. “Finest pie I’ve put in my mouth.”

  “Harry!” the lady beside him complained.

  “Oh, not as fine as yours, my dear.”

  A few chuckles filtered through the room.

  “I’ll take you up on your offer,” Mr. McCauley consented. “Rhubarb it is.”

  Alexander had managed to calm a customer. Glancing at Ellie, he acknowledged she was the reason he’d gotten involved. Once he had the mess sorted out, he joined her at the stove where she was sprinkling salt and chopped herbs into a fragrant potato soup.

  “In the future, I want you to alert me immediately if another scene like that one arises.”

  Dusting her fingers on her no longer pristine apron, she tilted her head to one side, causing her ponytail to swing wide. “Sally and I are accustomed to dealing with unruly customers.”

  He grimaced as once again he pictured her squaring off against the giant of a man. “It’s my responsibility.”

  Clearly mystified, she nodded. “All right. I’ll let Sally know.”

  “Thank you.”

  He was about to turn away when he noticed she was wearing the unflattering gray blouse and skirt beneath her frilly apron, the same clothes she’d worn several days in a row. Suspicion wound through him.

  He made sure Flo was properly occupied on the other side of the room before voicing his thoughts.

  “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but is that your only outfit?”

  Her eyes rounded before she became inordinately interested in the simmering soup. “At the moment it is.”

  While he knew he’d embarrassed her, he couldn’t let the matter drop. “Did your in-laws prevent you from taking your belongings?”

  The spoon’s stirring slowed. “H-how did you guess?”

  The soft pink hue tingeing her cheeks mirrored her rosebud mouth and lent a feminine delicacy to her features. She wasn’t beautiful, exactly, but definitely intriguing.

  Shaking off the thoughts, he answered her. “They’re spiteful enough to forbid you to utilize one of their horses for transportation. Based on your comments of how they took the news, not to mention the fact you had only a quilt with you the other night, it was a logical conclusion.”

  “Ralph snuck the quilt out to me. He wasn’t able to get anything else,” she said. “I don’t wish to be an embarrassment to the café. Once I save up enough money, I’ll buy fabric to make new clothes.”

  Without thinking what he was doing, he grasped her chin and gently tipped up her face. “You’re not an embarrassment, Ellie. That’s not why I asked. As I said before, I’ve had brushes with bullies and I detest such behavior. I won’t allow an employee of mine to be treated that way.”

  Moisture gathered in her molten eyes. “Oh.”

  Her warm breath fanned over his fingers. He had but to move his thumb an inch to test the texture of her bee-stung lips. Lowering his hand and shoving it in his pocket, he edged back a step.

  “Immediately following breakfast tomorrow, I will accompany you to collect your things.”

  Blinking fast, she laid the soup spoon on the table behind her. “That’s not necessary—”

  “Oh, but it is.” His tone brooked no argument. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

  Slipping outside into the tranquil evening, he gazed up at the stars, the same stars that overlooked his Texas ranch and the graves of Sarah and Levi. The familiar weight of grief and anger squeezed his heart.

  “I don’t know what Your purpose is in bringing her here, God, but I won’t be part of it. I’ll do this thing for her, and that’s it. No more.”

  Chapter Five

  She was going to be sick. “Please pull over.”

  Alexander shot her a dubious look. “The turnoff isn’t far ahead.”

  “Please, hurry!”

  He must’ve recognized the panicked note in her voice, because he hauled back on the reins and directed the team to the lane’s edge.

  “Let me assist you.”

  Ignoring him, Ellie scrambled down from the buggy and dashed into the woods. The trees and profuse underbrush hid her wretched state. Many minutes later, when she was somewhat reassured her stomach had settled, she trudged over ferns and fallen leaves, mortification seizing her. Alexander would have questions.

  She’d awoken that morning with a vague sense of dread. There was no way of knowing how this confrontation would pan out, but having her boss there as a witness added a layer of anxiety to an already problematic situation.

  He was waiting for her when she emerged into the lane. Standing on her side of the buggy, he swept her with his gaze, uncertainty an ill-fitting mantle on the usually unruffled gentleman.

  He took a single step forward. “What’s the matter? Are you ill?”

  “I’m afraid my nerves got the better of me. It’s quite embarrassing, losing my breakfast within my boss’s hearing. Let’s agree to forget about it, shall we?”

  His frown deepened. Turning away, he removed a canteen from beneath the seat and held it out to her. “You looked peaked. Perhaps a couple of sips of water would help.”

  After she’d finished, he withdrew a handkerchief from his vest pocket and dampened it. “Here.”

  Touched by his patient manner, Ellie wi
ped her face. The damp cloth felt wonderful. Although mid-September, the days weren’t much cooler than those they’d experienced in the height of summer.

  When she made to return it, he said, “Use it for as long as you need. Are you ready to resume our journey or do you require more time?”

  She forced a smile. “I’m ready.”

  Alexander didn’t immediately move aside. Beneath his bowler hat, his expression was difficult to read. “I could go without you. Spare you the trouble.”

  Stunned, she worked to form a reply. “That’s kind of you to offer,” she said at last. “However, this is my battle to fight. While I don’t relish the thought of you having to witness this ugliness, I’m grateful for your presence.”

  A peculiar emotion passed over his face. With a dip of his head, he lightly gripped her arm and assisted her into the buggy. The conveyance jerked into motion, and Ellie pressed her hand against her tummy, praying it would quieten. Her body tensed as the twin cabins came into view. Nadine was on her porch churning butter. Spying them, she moved to stand on the steps, arms crossed over her chest and her eyes flashing.

  She waited until they’d disembarked to demand, “What do you want, Ellie?”

  Tall like her mother, Nadine had flyaway blond hair offset by sunbaked skin stretched over harsh cheekbones. She wore plain, everyday work clothes that accentuated her slenderness. When Ellie had accepted Nolan’s proposal, she’d been thrilled by the prospect of gaining a sister. Unfortunately, Nadine hadn’t returned the sentiment. It was almost as if she’d been jealous of Ellie’s intrusion into their family unit. Prone to grumbling about everything under the sun, she’d found plenty to complain about concerning Ellie.

  Drawing strength from Alexander’s watchful presence beside her, she said, “I’ve come to collect my things.”

  “My folks aren’t here, but I’ll tell you what they’d say. Get off our property and don’t come back.”

  Ellie felt Alexander stiffen beside her. “You know it isn’t fair to prevent me from having them.”

  “Consider it payment for room and board.”

  “I did pay you, Nadine.”

  Ralph walked around the cabin, a box of tools in his hand, the sun shining on his balding head. His initial surprise turned to wariness.

  “Ellie.” His gaze slid to Alexander. “Who did you bring with you?”

  She made the introductions. Neither man moved to shake hands.

  “Ralph, I don’t want her here,” Nadine implored her husband. “Make them leave.”

  Alexander stepped forward. “We’ll do as you ask as soon as you grant Ellie’s request.”

  “This is none of your business,” she snapped.

  “She’s made it my business.” A vein ticked in his temple. He looked even more forbidding than usual. “Now, you can act in a reasonable manner or you can continue this foolishness, in which case I’ll be forced to involve the sheriff.”

  Ralph hastened to his wife’s side. “He’s right, you know,” he ventured in a gentle voice. “It’s not right to keep Ellie from taking her belongings. She’s family.”

  Nadine jerked away. “That woman has never been part of this family, and you know it! If not for her, my brother would still be here...” she choked out, tears threatening.

  Ralph attempted to console his wife. Alexander angled his body toward Ellie, partially blocking her view of the pair. She hoped her expression didn’t tell the story of her deep dismay and the sense of failure that cropped up in her weakest moments. She hadn’t been good enough for Nolan or his loved ones.

  “Let’s go for a walk.” Curving an arm about his wife’s waist, Ralph directed her toward the forest, surreptitiously signaling for them to hurry about their business.

  When they were out of earshot, Alexander touched Ellie’s sleeve. “Let’s not delay.”

  Upset by Nadine’s outburst, she didn’t speak as she climbed the steps and entered the cabin. The smell of Nadine and Ralph’s breakfast lingered in the close air, bacon and eggs cooked in animal fat, mixed with the strong hint of disintegrating firewood. Breathing through her mouth, Ellie walked to the far corner where her bed and dresser were situated. Alexander remained in the doorway, a silent guardian. She placed her clothes and a handful of books inside a small crate she’d stored beneath the bed. A framed photograph of herself and Nolan was wedged between her keepsake box and a mirror and brush set. Picking it up, she experienced a rush of sorrow at the reminder of the naïve girl she’d once been.

  “You should take that.” Alexander’s rumbling voice behind her made her jump. “If you want to.”

  She traced her image. “I’m glad that girl didn’t know what lay ahead.”

  “Were they always this hostile?”

  “Not in the beginning.” She placed the frame with her other things—her baby would wish to see what her father looked like. “Nolan developed a marked mistrust of my loyalty. His doubts spread to the others. While not ideal, life was tolerable in Kentucky. The cross-state move put tremendous pressure on us all. The trip was arduous and the living conditions once we arrived were strained.” Living in canvas tents in the height of spring had been fraught with multiple challenges. “After his death, I believe their grief exacerbated their already poor opinion of me.”

  He studied the ring on her finger. “How long were you married?”

  “Four years.”

  “I’m not sure how you endured it.”

  “I wasn’t in any physical danger. They weren’t nice to me, it’s true, but God saw to my needs. I had a roof over my head and clothes to wear. Food to eat. In my lowest points, I reread the account of Job. He lost everything, and still God sustained him.”

  His blue eyes went flat. “I commend your fortitude and generosity of spirit.”

  His demeanor hinted at his own troublesome trials. His past was a complete mystery, and he preferred to keep it that way. Why? What terrible wrong had he committed or had committed against him?

  “Mr. Copeland—”

  “I believe we’ve passed the formality stage, don’t you? Call me Alexander.” His gaze quelling any questions she might pose, he inventoried the room’s contents. “Do you have everything?”

  “The furniture Nolan and I shared is being stored in the barn, but I don’t have need of it.”

  Replacing his bowler hat on his head, he lifted the crate. “Then let us not tarry.”

  Outside in the yard, Ellie scanned and rescanned the woods. When he’d secured her things behind the seat, he turned to assist her. She placed her hand in his strong one. To take her mind off his heated skin and the tingle of pleasure the contact wrought, she said, “I’m glad Howard and Gladys aren’t here. The scene would’ve been much uglier.”

  He lifted the right panel of his suit jacket. “I came prepared.”

  Ellie plopped onto the seat. “I’ve seen you with your hunting rifle, of course, but I had no idea you owned a six-shooter. That’s a nice model. My grandfather owned one, only his had a pearl handle.”

  Alexander circumvented the horse and, once in the buggy, took hold of the reins. “I had quite the collection back home. You never know what or who you’ll encounter on the vast range.” He uttered a low command, and they were on their way.

  Ellie tried to imagine him in cowboy gear. It was a stretch. His austere business attire fit his personality and role as café proprietor. “Tell me about Texas.”

  His features shuttered. “I don’t like to discuss my—”

  “Past. I know. I’m not asking you to divulge your secrets, Alexander.” It felt good to voice what she’d been calling him in her head. “I’d simply enjoy hearing about a place I’ve only read about in books and newspapers.”

  He sent her a brief, considering glance.

  “It’s only fair,” she tacked on. “You�
��ve had a front-row seat to my sideshow.”

  A sigh gusted out of him. Once they were on the lane leading to town, he obliged her. “I grew up on a cattle ranch smack in the north central frontier of Texas. My father bought the land several years before he met my mother. He built the barns and workers’ quarters first. He didn’t bother with a proper house until later, when he found his bride and realized he’d need a place to raise a family. I was the first to come along. Next was Thomas, then Margaret.” He fell silent, his brow knitted in deep thought.

  “How wonderful to have siblings. I always lamented my lack.”

  Remembering her childhood longings, she wondered if her own child would ever have a brother or sister. For that to happen, she’d have to meet a man worth taking a chance on. Her marriage to Nolan had been such a disappointment. A trial, even. Ellie wasn’t sure she could take the risk.

  “Yes.” He roused himself from his musings. “It has its advantages.”

  “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”

  “Several years.”

  “Any plans to make a trip home?”

  He cast her a sharp look. “Texas is no longer my home. I will not be returning.”

  “I see.”

  Only, she didn’t. Whatever trouble he’d endured was linked to his home state. Ellie doubted he’d ever open up to her, but that didn’t stop her from wishing he would.

  * * *

  Sundays were Alexander’s only days of true solitude. The café was closed for business. Most of Gatlinburg’s residents attended church services in the morning and spent time with family and friends in the afternoon. He relished the quiet and the fact he had the building all to himself. No whining customers. No intrusions upon his time. No doe-eyed waif of a cook who poked and prodded his armor with disturbing regularity.

  On his knees in the vegetable garden, pulling weeds and plucking beetles from his cabbage plants, he scolded himself for getting involved in Ellie’s troubles. He couldn’t seem to help himself, however...old habits reasserting themselves. Well, he was done. She had her belongings. She had a place to stay. She didn’t need a reluctant protector.