Something inside his chest seemed to fracture. “I’m sorry. Truly, I am. I’ll sleep in the livery from now on. I can’t risk hurting you again, or one of the girls.”
“It’s not that,” she said, her voice watery. “I’m not worried about you hurting one of us. What happened was an accident. I know better than to disturb you when you’re sleeping now. I’m sad because I feel guilty. There were times when I didn’t want the war to end. I was helping with my father’s law practice. I knew once peace was declared, and the men came home, that I’d have to quit. I wanted that job even though I knew people were suffering and dying, people like you, but I couldn’t stop those thoughts. I enjoyed the work. I was good at what I did.”
He brushed the hair from her forehead. “No one ever lost God’s love for having a selfish thought. You didn’t want anyone to suffer and die, you wanted to continue the work you enjoyed. There’s nothing wrong with that. A person can have those two thoughts in their head at once. You could want the war to end, and still want to keep doing the work.”
She sniffled. “I never realized how much guilt I’ve been carrying. Working for the widows and orphans society was the perfect solution. I could be helpful, and I could atone for the guilt.”
“We’ll survive this, and you’ll be stronger. You’ll live in New York, and you’ll help all the widows and orphans you can find.”
“Will we? Will we survive this?”
“You have to believe. Sometimes, the only thing we have left is hope.”
The door to the girls’ bedroom swung open. Knuckling her eyes, Elizabeth padded into the room in her nightgown.
“Thirsty,” she declared.
Tilly held out her hand. “Come along. Let’s fetch you a drink of water.”
Elizabeth tilted her head and pointed at Tilly’s forehead. “Ouch. You have an ouch.”
Nolan’s hands quaked. He’d done that. He might not have laid a hand on her, but her injury was his fault.
“Yes,” Tilly replied easily. “I have an ouch. Now let’s fetch that water.”
Elizabeth crossed her arms and vigorously shook her head. “No-wan help.”
Tilly rolled her eyes. “You’ve obviously become her favorite.”
“Here.” Nolan extended his arm and she grasped his index finger. “I’ll fetch you some water.”
The child’s unwavering trust in him was humbling. She’d been born after the war. She’d only lived in a time a peace. Would that all children could know only settled times.
Tilly glanced down the corridor to the front door. “They really aren’t worried about us escaping, are they? They haven’t even bothered to stay awake during their watch.”
“They keep a tight hold on the horses. That’s all they need to do.”
“Shh.” She held a finger before her lips. “I think there’s someone outside.”
Anxiety thrummed along his nerves. “Which one is it? Snyder?”
She crept toward the door. He handed Elizabeth her cup of water and followed Tilly, then pushed her back and out of sight. He didn’t trust anyone at this point.
“It’s not one of the outlaws,” she said. “It’s too dark to see, but I think it’s one of the cavalry men.”
The outlaws always set a watch, though they often dozed through their duties. The purple fingers of dawn crept along the horizon. Nolan caught a glimpse of a familiar animal. While it was too dark to make out the man, he recognized the horse.
A jolt of pure relief flooded through him.
The horse belonged to Lieutenant Perry—the one man he trusted.
They were saved.
Chapter Ten
A flash of lightning threw the rider into focus, exposing the distinctive gold braiding on the man’s hat.
Tilly’s heart soared. “We’re rescued.”
Elizabeth blinked. “Rescued?”
“Nothing. Never mind, dear. Off you go to bed. You’ve had your water.”
“I awake.”
“It’s too early to be awake. Don’t disturb Victoria and Caroline.”
Tilly quickly hustled the toddler back into bed with her sisters.
“Wait here,” Nolan ordered. “I’ll direct him around back. He doesn’t know the outlaws are here. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be riding past the relay station. Anyone could spot him. If they recognize his uniform, he’s a dead man.”
“Be careful,” Tilly said.
He tugged his collar over his neck, set his hat low on his forehead and dashed into the rain. He caught up with Perry and waved him toward the relay station. The two men gestured back and forth in the rain. Unable to see clearly, she scrubbed at the windowpane.
When they finally circled the house, she grasped a lantern and dashed for the back door, then ushered them inside.
The cavalryman touched the brim of his hat. “Officer Perry, ma’am, at your service. Nolan says you’ve had some excitement.”
“Come inside, Lieutenant.” Tilly stepped aside to let the men pass. “We’ll have to speak softly. There are children sleeping.”
The lieutenant met her gaze and his eyes widened. “You’ve been injured, ma’am.”
“It’s nothing.” She gingerly touched her cheek. “An accident. I’m sure it looks worse than it actually is.”
Nolan flushed and looked away. Tilly’s heart went out to him. She hadn’t considered how she’d explain her injury without making Nolan feel worse than he already did. She’d simply avoid the subject whenever possible.
The lieutenant inclined his head. “My sympathies on your misfortune. I’m relieved the injury doesn’t pain you.”
He was shorter and stockier than Nolan. A thick beard covered the lower half of his face, making his age difficult to discern, though she guessed he was in his midtwenties. His pale blue eyes flashed in the light of the lantern. He wasn’t as handsome as Captain Ronald or as rugged as Nolan. Though not unattractive, there was nothing particularly noteworthy about him. He was the sort of man one passed in the street without a second glance.
The three of them made their way to the kitchen and took seats around the table.
She offered the lieutenant a towel and he blotted the rain from his face and hair.
“How did you and your children come to stay here, ma’am? I was given to understand this relay station never housed overnight guests. Everyone in these parts knows that Mr. West is a bit of a recluse.” The lieutenant winked at her. “I’m certain your delightful countenance swayed him.”
“Actually, my niece became ill, forcing our stay.”
“Your niece? Then you’re not traveling with your husband?”
The lieutenant glanced around, as though searching for her phantom spouse.
“I’m not married, Lieutenant.”
An enormous grin split his face. “This is growing more interesting by the moment. You wouldn’t have a cup of coffee for a man who’s been riding in the rain, would you?”
“I’ve just set the pot to brew.”
Tilly took an immediate liking to the man. He was friendly without the forced charm of Captain Ronald. The lieutenant’s pleasant demeanor was genuine, while she’d sensed the captain’s flattery was practiced.
“The coffee should be ready shortly.”
The lieutenant threw one arm over the back of his chair and followed her progress. “Where do you hail from, ma’am? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Omaha.”
“Fine city.”
Nolan cleared his throat. “If we’re done with the pleasantries, we have more important problems to discuss.” He leaned forward and clasped his hands before him. “Where’s the rest of your unit? I can’t believe the captain let you travel alone. Especially under the circumstances.”
“Just me, I’m afr
aid. With Dakota Red on the loose, we’re spread thin. The captain has everyone watching the other side of the river, but I spotted smoke yesterday on the south bank, and decided to cross.”
Tilly checked the pot and adjusted the flame higher on the stove. “Smoke? I didn’t see anything, did you?” She directed her question toward Nolan.
He shook his head. “I didn’t see anything. Then again, we were both distracted looking for Caroline.”
“True.”
The lieutenant glanced between them. “Someone made camp north of here. I decided to have a look. Turned out it was a band of Indians.”
Tilly jolted, and accidentally touched the side of the coffeepot.
She yelped and quickly retracted her hand.
The lieutenant hastily stood. “Are you all right, ma’am?”
Tilly squeezed the blister on her index finger. “I’m fine. I was surprised, that’s all.” She’d been so worried about the outlaws; all her other fears had paled in comparison. “Indians? Are you certain? Are we in any danger?”
Nolan snorted. “Any more danger.”
“Not at all,” the lieutenant replied smoothly. “I’ll explain everything over a cup of coffee.”
Once the coffee had percolated long enough, she grasped the handle with a folded towel, then hooked her fingers around three mugs before rejoining the men at the table.
“It’s the Ponca tribe,” Lieutenant Perry said, accepting a mug. “They’re peaceful. Nothing to worry about. As long as we leave them alone, they leave us alone.”
Tilly secured the lid with one hand and poured coffee into the lieutenant’s cup. “Isn’t it dangerous, traveling without a companion in this area?”
The lieutenant cradled his mug with both hands and leaned back in his chair. “The captain couldn’t spare any more men, and he figured I was on a fool’s errand anyway. But I had to see for myself. We’ve been staked out across the river for two days, and we haven’t seen any indication of the outlaws. It’s as though they’ve vanished. We finally decided they must have moved on, but the captain wanted to stay another day. I was desperate for any sign of them. Folks don’t simply disappear. After I realized I’d been chasing a dead end, I kept traveling as long as the moonlight held. I thought I could beat the storm, but it caught up with me. I figured I’d better settle in here overnight. Nolan always has extra room.”
“The smoke might have been a dead end, but your hunch was correct,” Nolan announced grimly. “Dakota Red, his brother, Charlie, and a third man have been holed up in Pyrite for two days.”
The lieutenant jerked upright. His coffee sloshed over the side of his cup, and he winced, shaking the scalding liquid off his fingers. “I don’t understand. We’ve had men watching the river crossing since the escape. There’s only one ferry between here and the village of Yankton. They sure didn’t swim across. The current is too strong.”
“I don’t know when they crossed, but I’m guessing they were already on this side of the river before the patrol came through town on Tuesday. Maybe they slipped across during the night. Doesn’t matter now. They’re here.”
The captain glanced between Tilly and Nolan. “You two are blessed to be alive.”
She circled the table and rested her hand on Nolan’s shoulder. “We’re alive thanks to Nolan’s quick thinking.”
“He’s a good man.”
The lieutenant’s attention lingered on where her hand was touching Nolan’s shoulder. She flushed and moved away.
“He’s the best man in the area,” the lieutenant said. “Where are the fugitives now?”
“They’re staying in the house next to the livery. The old undertaker’s place.”
“Fitting.” Lieutenant Perry tugged on his gauntleted gloves. “I have my rifle and a sidearm. If they’re all in the house together, the two of us can ambush them. We’ll use the element of surprise to confuse them.”
Nolan raked his hands through his hair. “How many men are watching the river crossing right now?”
“I don’t know. As I said, we’re spread thin. The captain has been switching out the patrols with the men keeping watch. Could be two men, could be a dozen or more. Depends on the time of day, and what else is pulling them off watch.”
“Fetch the extra men, and then come back.”
“I can’t do that. I can’t leave a woman and children alone with those outlaws.”
“If we ambush them and we fail, we’ll be far worse off. All of us.”
“True. But it doesn’t sit right with me, abandoning you like this.”
“Leave me your sidearm. You have the rifle. If something goes wrong before you return, I’ll try and hold them off for as long as I can.”
“You won’t be able to hold them off for long.” The lieutenant reluctantly handed over his sidearm. “You’ve only got six bullets.”
“Six?”
“Remember the steamship that sank? That boat was ferrying all of our supplies. The ammunition is rationed until the next shipment.”
“Six bullets are better than nothing.”
“Don’t do anything foolish until I return.” The lieutenant finished off his coffee and stood. “By the time I fetch help, it’ll be sundown at least.”
“Sundown is better. Take the old buffalo trail. The path is longer, but you won’t be seen.” Nolan hesitated. “There’s another thing. It’s only a hunch, but keep your eye on the captain.”
“The captain?”
“Don’t you find it odd that the outlaws were able to make it across the river as easily as they did?”
The lieutenant gave a negative shake of his head. “Surely you don’t suspect the captain of aiding outlaws?”
“Enough gold will make a man do peculiar things. Maybe he’d rather live like a king somewhere far from here.”
Understanding spread across the lieutenant’s face. “I should go. The quicker I fetch help, the better. I’ll keep my eye on him. If he refuses to help, I’ve got men I trust. Men that will help me even if the captain refuses.”
“Good. That’s what we’ll need.”
“Isn’t that too dangerous?” Tilly asked. “You can’t leave yet. Not in this weather. We can hide his horse away from town, at least until the sun rises.”
“Don’t worry about me, ma’am.” The lieutenant’s teeth flashed in the dim morning light. “I’ve been scouting this part of the country for the past year. I know where I’m going.”
Tilly appealed to Nolan for help. “Can’t you talk some sense into him?”
“He’s right. We’re taking a big risk right now. Those men will be up any minute. They might even be awake now. The sooner he leaves, the better.”
“All right,” Tilly reluctantly replied. “Promise me that you’ll be careful.”
“I promise.”
Nolan held up one hand. “Stay here. I’ll check on Dakota Red.” He stepped outside and returned quickly. “There’s movement at the house. Snyder is getting up for the day. You’d better go.”
They went outside. The lieutenant mounted his horse and touched the brim of his hat. “Y’all sit tight, and I’ll be back with help by sundown tonight. We’ll set up watch at twilight, and make our move around nightfall. It’ll be safest that way. If you sight one of our men, don’t be alarmed.”
Tilly pressed her hand over her chest. “I’m so grateful for your help. I’m ready for this to be over.”
“We’ll get ’em, I promise you that. Keep out of their way today, and act as though everything is normal. The less suspicious they are, the better.”
As his shadowed form faded into blackness, her feet remained rooted to the spot.
“Don’t worry,” Nolan said. “Tomorrow this will all seem like a bad dream.”
Tilly unconsciously touched the side of her he
ad. “I’m ready to wake up from this bad dream all together.”
“He’s a good man.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” she replied absently. “I’m grateful he came through town when he did.”
“He admires you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You could do worse for a husband.”
The words took a moment to sink in. Her stomach dipped. Nolan was letting her know that her attentions toward him were unwanted. He obviously regretted his actions. She didn’t know why he’d kissed her, and she probably never would.
She lifted her chin a notch. “Good night, Mr. West.”
She didn’t need a husband and she certainly didn’t need the stagecoach man’s pity.
* * *
As the morning progressed, there was a festive mood in the air. Tilly and the girls slept later than usual and prepared breakfast. She poured streams of batter into the griddle, forming letters, then ladled more batter in a circle over the letters. The technique allowed their morning flapjacks to be emblazoned with each of the girls’ initials, much to their delight.
The slight bruising on her temple left Nolan unable to fully enjoy the idea of their impending rescue, but their buoyancy was infectious. He dug into his pancakes, inordinately pleased that she’d given him a stack with the letter N in darkened batter.
He finished his chores and skirted past the outlaws, who were engrossed in a card game on the front porch. Though the men had grown more lax since that first evening, true to their word, they never left the horses unprotected.
They moved the animals into the barn each evening, and Snyder or Charlie slept by the door.
The wind stirred the trees, and he studied the branches. How long before the lieutenant mustered a rescue? The sooner his guests were out of danger, the better.
Anticipation of their impending freedom kept the exhaustion from his sleepless night at bay.
As though sensing the mood of the adults, the girls were full of restless energy. Nolan scrounged some flat steel tire rims from replacement wagon wheels, and they rolled them through the center of town. Laughing and giggling, they challenged each other to see who could make their rings roll the farthest.
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