Sweetwater (Birdsong Series)

by Addy, Alice

  He nodded. “You’re right, Dora. I’d be much obliged if you could get Whiskey going. I’m really frightened for her.” His eyes were red and she noticed his strong hands were trembling.

  Dora walked over and put her big arms around his shoulders, burying his head in her ample bosom. “You’re a good boy, Doc. Everything will work out,” she said, patting him on the back.

  Blake gasped for air, as the kind woman released her hold on him. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.”

  He got to his feet and smiled reassuringly. “I’m all right now. I’ll find those two miserable cowards and make them pay for upsetting Emmie. Then I’ll bring her home.” He left, leaving the doors wide open.

  Dora had no doubt he’d do just as he’d sworn to do. The resolute look in his eyes said everything. It would be foolhardy to get in his way. “Go get her, Doc,” she whispered.

  * * *

  The sun was high in the sky when Emily finally opened her eyes. She stretched her arms high above her head and wriggled down into the soft, warm covers. It was pure heaven, lying there, looking up at the beamed ceiling above the big brass bed, upon which she had slept the night away. Shafts of warm, golden sunshine streamed in through the floor to ceiling window and darted through the charming room, lighting every corner. Tiny dust motes danced in the soft breeze.

  Everywhere she looked, she discovered a treasure so unique, and of obvious importance to the owners of this cottage. Items appeared to be handcrafted with love and much expertise. The sheets were well made and embroidered with monograms and flowers—masculine in design, with just a touch of feminine whimsy for softness. Romance was all about her. It was a cottage filled with the memories of a great love. If only the house could speak, she mused.

  Stretching, once again, Emily sat up and slowly threw off the coverlet. She decided to spend the day dusting. She’d dust and polish every surface in her cottage. It would soon shine with the love she had for it. Emily decided that she would stay here, on her farm, until the sheriff came to arrest her. She would not willingly leave of her own accord. Her eyes darted to the corner of the room, just beside the door. Whiskey’s loaded shotgun rested securely against the wall. It gave her confidence, knowing she would not be totally defenseless if someone should come around . . . if he should come around.

  Dressed only in her nightgown, Emily walked to the front door, her bare feet padding lightly across the smooth waxed floorboards. Standing on the broad front porch, she looked out across the yard and beyond the lake. Inhaling deeply, she caught the fragrance of the wildflowers growing along the banks. Emily imagined her roses and lilac bushes encircling both ends of the porch, filling the air with their highly aromatic scents, spring and summer. She’d have trumpet vines climbing the split rail fence, just for the hummingbirds. Since this was Kansas, sunflowers would dot all the fields, bringing the red-winged blackbirds, she loved so much. Meadowlarks, robins, and goldfinches were plentiful, as well. Maybe she’d be able to build a martin house. She had seen them on farms and delighted in their noisy colonies.

  “Freedom,” she sighed, as she gloriously spun around in a circle, hands held high above her head. Her heart felt light for the first time in years—maybe for the first time ever. The farm was magical.

  Then she did the strangest thing. Emily leaned toward the doorjamb and gave it a little kiss. “I love you,” she whispered. Then she smiled at her childishness. Thank goodness no one was around to see her act in such a peculiar manner; but she really did love her home.

  As if on cue, two gray geese waddled across the yard, followed by their fuzzy goslings. The darker one stared at her and honked. Emily wasn’t certain if that was a greeting or a warning. Then, the second goose followed suit. It honked . . . twice. Before long, a goosey cacophony of sounds filled the air.

  “Well, get used to me. I’m here to stay and you’re welcome to stay, too,” she shouted, just before she shut the door, laughing at herself. Now she was talking to irate geese. The day was getting better and better, she thought. Next thing, she’d be having complete conversations with herself.

  Looking about the neat cottage, she found cleaning rags suitable for polishing. She found all the brooms and mops, that she’d need for cleaning, organized and kept neatly in a storeroom. The house was amazingly well stocked. Although it had been abandoned for years, it was almost as if the owners had just gone into town for the day, and would return in time for supper. That thought was kind of sad, Emily felt. Looking around, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Who were you? Where did you go?”

  Emily took stock of the things she had on hand, and the things she would need to purchase. Most of her money was in the bank, back in Hays City, and she wasn’t certain how she could obtain the necessary funds without being seen by her friends. She told herself that she was not really hiding from them, but simply trying to straighten things out in her own head. Secretly, she knew the truth. She was exactly where she had wanted to be, for such a very long time, and she was definitely hiding from her terrifying past. How could she risk going back into town?

  It had been a full and satisfying day for Emily—the first day on her farm. As she bolted the door and checked the shotgun’s readiness, she stopped to listen to the absolute quiet. Back at the hotel, there were always the sounds of the guests talking and moving about. The nearby saloons made a racket all of their own, with bawdy laughter and gay music pouring out onto the streets. Horses and wagons rattled by and children squealed with joy. Once in a while, the report of gunfire shattered the daily sounds of the city.

  Tonight, Emily could hear the frogs croaking at the edge of the lake, with the sound of a splash, now and then. When she peered out the door, just before locking up for the evening, she gladly noted the family of geese sleeping on her porch, under the chairs. Geese were as good as any watchdog, she thought, and they kept her from feeling lonely. “Good night,” she said, softly, before bolting the door.

  Turning down the lamps, she walked softly back to the bedroom. She undressed in the relative darkness, and turning back the covers, she took delight in the cool, silkiness of the sheets. Just before she closed her eyes, Emily heard the sound of a hoot owl, wishing her “sleep well”. Still smiling, her breathing became soft and regular, as she drifted off to continue dreaming about her beloved farm.

  *

  Blake was frantic. Emily had been gone for days. He wasn’t eating or sleeping. He had turned over the care of all, but his most seriously ill patients, to Dr. Wells. He roamed the streets by day and the saloons by night. No one had seen the beautiful Miss Emily leave the hotel. A redheaded, freckle-faced boy, of about ten years old, reported that someone had stolen his wagon and mule, but everyone knew he was a reckless youth and it would not be the first time that he hadn’t tied up his mule and let it wonder away. Sooner or later, it would turn up, as it always had before.

  Dora tried to keep an outwardly, calm demeanor about her, but she too, was beside herself with worry. She and Whiskey would take long walks, in the evening. Hand in hand, they strolled up and down the wooden sidewalks of town, discreetly looking into windows and listening to whispered conversations. It was as if Emily had just vanished into thin air.

  Patty sent off a letter to Eve and Ty. It was possible that Emily might try to get as far as their ranch. “Please keep an eye out for her. If you do see her, for God’s sake, let us know. We’re sick with concern for her safety.” She signed the letter and said a prayer as she sent it off by special courier.

  Cassie was slowly starting to return to normal. That is, as normal as any young girl of seventeen could be. Her birthday had come and gone with just a minimum of fuss. That was the way she wanted it. She avoided the saloons and anyplace where groups of young men gathered. She still dressed demurely, for her age, but that only made her more attractive. Trying to hide her striking features under layers of cotton gingham and calico was like trying to hide the sun under a basket—it always shown through. With every passing day, she grew love
lier.

  One day, never giving up hope of hearing some news of Emily, Cassie timidly approached a small gathering of soldiers from Fort Hays. They were admiring some horses that were soon going up for auction.

  “Excuse me, sirs. But I need to know if any of you have seen Miss Emily Falkenrath, from the Birdsong Hotel?” she asked, shyly.

  At first, the men ignored her question, as they didn’t know whom she was addressing. Surely, a pretty young thing, like this young woman, would not be walking around town in search of soldiers. But she stood her ground, staring up at them, one and all.

  Finally, one young man stepped forward. He had hair the color of a raven’s wing, blue black in the bright blazing sun. He gazed at her with eyes as dark as night, impossible to see into their depths. The young corporal would be frightening, if it weren’t for his bright smile and the perfect white teeth grinning at her. Dimples graced his cheerful face, as he obviously admired the beautiful young woman.

  “Forgive me, miss, but were you speaking to one of us?”

  “Oh, yes, sir. I am most distressed about a friend of mine. We work at the Birdsong Hotel, and she is missing. Do you know Miss Emily Falkenrath?”

  The soldier shook his head. “No, miss. I am sorry to say, I do not. This is the first time I have been in Hays City. Why are you so worried? Surely, she has left of her own accord. Perhaps she’s has even met a man.”

  Some of the soldiers snickered.

  Shocked at the very idea, Cassie stated adamantly, “Never! She wouldn’t do that. She doesn’t like men. And she is part owner of the hotel. She’d never leave us alone. We’re all so very worried about her. I know something terrible has happened.” Her luminous lavender eyes began to swim with unshed tears.

  The man reached out for her, clucking her under the chin. “Now, now. There’s no need for tears. Worry is just trouble borrowed. May I see you back home, miss?” He was mesmerized by the unusual color of her eyes and stared deeply, not willing to say goodbye, just yet.

  Forgetting her fear of men, Cassie nodded. “Yes, thank you,” she muttered. “I can’t think of anyone else to ask. I only approached you as a last resort.” Her bottom lip was trembling. It was obvious that she was having great difficulty keeping her composure.

  He grinned as he held out his arm to the lady, and led her back the same way from which she had come. The corporal could hear the chuckles of his friends. They were sure to be making crude jokes, but they didn’t understand. This lovely creature was in pain, and she was so delicate, he could barely take in her exquisite beauty. She looked like an angel, with her silvery blonde curls bouncing under her bonnet. A heavenly being sent to earth, to lend it beauty and grace, and he was going to help her find her friend. He vowed to help her, and then maybe, she would take pity on a mere mortal and bestow a kiss upon him.

  Looking up, Patty was surprised to see a very handsome soldier escorting a sad and dejected Cassie on his arm. “Cassie? Are you all right, dear?” she asked, as she rushed to her side.

  “Yes, ma’am. She’s just a mite disappointed,” the young corporal answered. “She was looking for her friend, Emily, but had no luck. I think she’s tired and could use some refreshment. May I stay with her for a while, ma’am?”

  “Certainly. You appear to be a gentleman. If Cassie has no objections, I would like to extend an invitation for you to stay for dinner, Mr. . . . I’m sorry. I do not know your name, sir.”

  “Forgive my lack of manners, ma’am. I’m Corporal Adam Breyer, from Fort Hays. I’m originally from Kentucky, where I left a family consisting of a mother, a father , two incorrigible siblings, and an odd assortment of aunts. That’s why I left,” he chuckled. “Actually, I really miss them.”

  His eyes returned to the stunning young woman standing by his side. After a brief hesitation, he asked Patty, “Could you introduce me to this lovely young lady? I don’t know her name.” He grinned, slightly embarrassed.

  “Corporal Breyer, may I introduce Miss Cassandra Miller. She is part owner of this hotel.”

  “This hotel?” He looked all around him and was quite noticeably impressed. He let out a slow whistle. “Isn’t she rather young to be the proprietress of an establishment, such as this?”

  Patty laughed. “Yes, she is. She is but one of four owners.”

  “You do know that I can hear what you both are saying. I’m not deaf,” Cassie grumbled. “And don’t you ever address me as Cassandra.” She looked up at the surprised soldier. “My ma called me that, and that’s why I ran away from home. My name is Cassie. Got it?”

  Grinning, Adam nodded. “Yes ma’am. I stand corrected, and I completely agree, Miss Cassie. I’ll never even utter that other name, again. It’s a terrible moniker to saddle on a young girl. Imagine naming your infant child something like that! I would never do that to my child. It’s simply awful. I don’t know how you hold your head up—”

  “STOP!” Cassie yelled. “Are you loco? My name may be bad, but it’s not hideous, and nobody has the right to say those things about my name, but me! I can say what I please, but you should remain silent. It shows good taste. You’re not very sophisticated, are you? I’m more gintilly, I suppose.”

  He snickered, but didn’t dare correct her. She was adorable just as she was.

  Patty knew the soldier had caught Cassie’s faux pas, but she admired his decision to let it pass. He was definitely well educated, and she could tell he probably came from a more gentile background than Cassie would ever suspect. She approved mightily of this Corporal Adam Breyer.

  “Forgive me, Miss Cassie. May I still stay for supper?”

  Cassie started to fidget, running the toe of her little shoe in circles on the carpet and twisting her hair. “Yes, Adam. You may stay, but will you continue to help me look for my friend?”

  He smiled. “For you, I’d do anything.” And he meant it.

  All throughout dinner, the discussion centered on finding Emily. Dora and Patty told the corporal what little they knew. They told him of the two disreputable men she ran into, the night before, and her irrational reaction to the event. She must have known them, they all surmised.

  “I’ll put the word out to the men, back at the fort. You say she is tall, slender, with black hair?”

  “Oh, she’s much more than that,” Dora added. “Just look for the most beautiful brunette you’ve ever seen. That would be her. She has twinklin’ blue eyes and a certain comeliness about her that a man can’t ignore. You’ll know her, whenever you see her.”

  “I’ll keep vigilant and I’ll spread the word.” He looked at Cassie’s hopeful face. “Don’t worry, miss. She’ll turn up when she’s good and ready. I bet she’s hiding out for a while, until those men are long gone. Don’t fret.”

  Cassie smiled, believing every word the handsome soldier said. Against her better judgment, she could feel herself falling in love, and she was certain it was forever.

  Standing, Adam excused himself. “It was a wonderful dinner, Miss Dora. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Patty for inviting me to stay. Miss Cassie, would you walk me out? I’d like to say something to you, privately.” He smiled a bone-melting smile at her. “I have to leave now, and return to my regiment.” He held out his hand and lifted her small hand to his lips. “Please?”

  She nodded and left the table.

  Once the young couple found themselves in the relative privacy of the front porch, standing in the deep shadows, the soldier relaxed. “Cassie, I’d like to see you again, the next time I’m in town. Would you agree to that?” Adam asked, tentatively.

  She nodded. “I think I’d like that very much, Corporal.”

  “Good. May I be so forward as to ask if I may kiss you?”

  Again, she nodded, but said nothing. Standing on her tippy toes, she shut her eyes tight and pursed her lips, awaiting his touch.

  He chuckled at her charming face, all puckered up, like a small child’s. “Cassie, just relax,” he whispered, as his lips lightly grazed over the top of
her own. He gently placed a kiss on her mouth, getting just the slightest taste of her sweetness. Forcing himself to step back, away from her delectable mouth, he sighed. “You are so beautiful. I can’t breathe when I look at you.”

  With that said, he turned and walked away, not daring to look back at the beautiful young woman with the stars shining in her amazing eyes and the beguiling smile on her sweet, sweet lips.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Emily took one last look around her, admiring the beautifully appointed room. She had stayed away from the hotel for much longer than she had planned, but it hadn’t occurred to her how difficult it might be to tear herself away from the farm. She had already planted a small flowerbed for cuttings, by the back door, and she had imagined much, much more in the future. She would return to Hays City today, but she would leave her heart snuggled safely, in comfort, in her own little piece of the world.

  Emily hooked the quarrelsome mule up to the wagon, and giggled at the thought that she may be a wanted outlaw—for mule theft! “Oh, dear. I better get you home, little one.”

  With one last look back, she cracked the reins, moving the mule only slightly, but trusting him to follow the road back to Hays City. She allowed him to walk back at his own leisurely pace, for she certainly wasn’t in any hurry to get to town. There was no telling what kind of reception she would receive, but it was almost guaranteed not to be pleasant. It had been unkind of her to let her friends worry, for surely they had suspected the worst. She could just picture Blake scouring the town, looking under every rock for her lifeless body. The guilt of that, caused an unexpected tightness in her chest and a feeling of overall sadness. Emily had to admit to herself, that she had developed very strong feelings for the doc.