The reality of the situation was she was the outsider. This wasn’t her farm anymore. Oh, Pa, what a mess you left me in. She heard Murphy come into the house and talk to Fitzpatrick, but their voices were too soft for her to hear.
She pulled her dress over her head and hung it on a peg. Next, she washed and put on her nightgown. She turned down the covers and glanced outside. Guy Dooley was up in a tree watching her. Swiftly she left the room, ran down the stairs, grabbed the rifle and raced outside. Taking aim, she shot at Guy and missed, though she hit the tree.
Murphy was behind her, trying to wrestle the rifle from her.
“What are you doing?” he shouted angrily.
“Protecting myself.” She pushed Fitzpatrick back with her shoulder and went back inside. She trembled as she walked up the steps.
“Brooke, come back down here. You need to explain why you were running around in your nightgown with the gun.”
Ignoring him, she went to her room and locked the door. Instead of asking who was out there, he was concerned about her nightgown? He probably thought her crazy. She pressed her back along the wall, inching slowly to the window. Her legs felt wobbly as she snuck a peek. She didn’t see Guy.
Sighing in relief, she relaxed her tense shoulders. How many times in the past had Guy watched her? He’d probably seen more of her than she had. A chill coursed through her. It didn’t matter whether she had a man around. Guy didn’t seem to care. Riding out to talk to his mother again might be the best idea. Then if he still spied on her again, she’d see the sheriff.
Her bed called out to her, but she pulled a wooden chair over to the window and kept watch. Someone needed to protect her and MJ.
Chapter Ten
Murphy, Fitzpatrick, and MJ ate a breakfast of eggs and bacon they’d cooked. MJ took his plate to the counter.
“Think I should see about Ma?”
Murphy shook his head. “Let’s let her sleep.” He stared at Fitzpatrick.
“MJ, how about you show me the beginnings of your cat ranch?” Fitzpatrick asked.
“Oh, boy! Once you see it, you’ll understand it.”
Murphy heard MJ talking about little cats as they walked out of the house. Murphy went up the stairs and lightly knocked on Brooke’s door. When there wasn’t an answer, he opened the door and walked in. She sat in a chair by the window with her head slumped forward, though she seemed to have a good grip on the rifle.
He took the rifle from her first and that woke her. The glare she gave him was unexpected, and he jerked backward. What had he done? She was the one running around in her nightgown in front of his brother. There must be something wrong with her. How had he missed that?
She tilted her head and squinted at him. “What do you want?” She sounded weary.
“For starters, what was last night about?”
She huffed and then she stood. “It was about protecting myself and MJ. I’m sick to think I’ve been spied on. He probably watched as I changed my clothes.” Her lip quivered.
“Who? I don’t understand.” Should he just go along with what she says? It might be easier.
“I’d just put on my nightgown when I thought I saw a face in the tree, the one I shot. It was Guy and he was looking in my window.”
Anger at the other man rushed through Murphy. Was that it, or should he wait for more?
“I scared him off when I shot at him, but I figured he’d come back so I waited all night by the window with my rifle. You and Fitzpatrick thought the entire thing funny. If he’d been watching you in your most private moments you’d be upset too.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “This isn’t working for me, having you here. MJ has changed too much, and I… I’m miserable. I’m going into town today to find some work and a place to live.” She punched the bed. “Why does the law have to be so complicated? I’ve worked this farm all my life. It’s in my blood. Yet our marriage gives the whole place to you.” She quickly glanced away.
“As your husband, yes, it legally belongs to me. I have no idea what your father thought or why he lied to me about your supposed death. But now that I’m here, it’s plain as can be that you need help to run the farm.”
“I never looked at another man, not even when I decided I should find another husband. And after I found out you were alive, my father reminded me constantly that I was married and couldn’t find another husband. He made me feel shame for something I never did. Men can do what they want. They can sit on another women’s porch and no one says a word. I got the feeling that you’ve become quite the ladies’ man.” She huffed out a frustrated breath. “Don’t feel that you need to stay here each night. If our vows aren’t sacred to you, then just forget it.”
Murphy stared at her, one eyebrow raised. “Does this mean you plan to find a beau?” he asked quietly.
She glared again. “It’s not something I feel I can do. I’d want to be honest to any man I became friends with and that would mean telling him about you. I’m sure your brother was sent here to bring you home. Well, I don’t want to leave here, but if you sell, at least give me a bit of notice before I need to pack up.” She stood and went to the door. She held on to the knob. “I’m going to get dressed. I have a visit I must make today.”
Murphy stepped out of her room. The door closed hard behind him. He went to the kitchen and poured himself more coffee. She’s making this all my fault. I didn’t have any hand in making this mess. I thought she believed that I thought her dead. Could she be having a breakdown?
Oh Lord, I just found her. Please don’t make it so I have to send her away.
Brooke walked down the stairs in her old patched dress.
“I can cook you some breakfast,” he offered.
“No, I need to take care of something.”
MJ ran into the house and instead of hugging her, he just said the quickest good morning he’d ever heard. Murphy frowned.
“Murphy, may I talk to you alone?” Brooke asked. “Perhaps in the barn… that is, if Fitzpatrick will stay with MJ.”
“I ain’t no baby!” MJ insisted, staring her down.
Brooke turned and ran out of the house.
“MJ, we will have a brief talk about manners and mothers when I get back.” Murphy ignored MJ’s scowl. He’d deal with it later. Right now, he needed to see if his wife was actually crazy or not.
* * *
“I’m not sure where to start,” Brooke said as she paced. “My priority is MJ. Did you know he wouldn’t allow me to tuck him in, read to him, or hear his prayers last night?” Her voice wavered, but she didn’t care. “He barely said anything to me this morning. What did you say to him? Are you planning on taking him from me?”
Murphy took a step toward her, reached out and with his hand lifted her chin so their gazes met. “I would never take him from you.” His stare was intense, and he didn’t stop until she nodded. “I’ll talk to him about it.”
“Ever since you came here, you have turned everything around. I owned a farm, kept a roof over my head with the ability to feed me and my son. Now I’m going to town to find a job. I know you don’t believe me about Guy last night, but he was out there. I’m stopping at his mother’s house on my way back. You can tell Fitzpatrick he can take you home soon. Best you just leave. Maybe you could find someone to lease this land from you.”
“No.”
“Then you are selling it?” She cocked her left brow.
A scowl twisted his face and he scratched his temple as though deep in thought. “Listen, I don’t know where you’re getting all these crazy ideas from.”
“Crazy? Who — You know what? Fine, think or do what you want. I need to get started on my day.” She went to Maisey’s stall and led her out of it. Then she saddled the horse herself. When she looked over her shoulder, Murphy was gone. Why wouldn’t he just give her a straight answer about the farm?
She rode toward town. What did he mean about her crazy ideas? She needed to get a job today. Didn’t he realize she would need to wo
rk once she no longer had the farm?
She tied the horse to a hitching post and stopped in at every shop and restaurant. No one needed help. Her spirit was flailing as she trudged back to Maisey.
“Mrs. Kavanagh! Mrs. Kavanagh,” An older gentleman called. She stopped and waited.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Attwood.” She gave him a smile.
“I hope I’m not presuming too much, but I heard mention from Tom Faber’s receptionist that you need a job, and my housekeeper needed to be with her family. The job is cleaning and cooking. There is a separate house for you and your son to live in.”
“Would cooking include feeding all your cowhands?” His ranch was vast.
“No, we have a chow hall next to the bunk house. You would only cook for me, yourself and your son. I know… Actually, I don’t know what you are going through. If you need a job, you have one.”
Lenny Attwood was one of the nicest men she’d ever met. “I’ll take the job. How soon do you need me?”
“How about I send out a few men with a wagon tomorrow afternoon? Do you think you could be packed up by then?”
“Yes, Mr. Attwood. Thank you so very much.” Her eyes welled.
He awkwardly patted her shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He tipped his hat at her and she watched as he walked away. That sure was lucky. She took Maisey’s reins and mounted the horse. As soon as she was out of town, she took her bonnet off. She wanted to feel the wind in her hair. It was a beautiful day.
Thank you, Lord, I know I said it was lucky, but I know it was You opening a door for me and MJ. I really don’t know what the future will bring, but knowing You walk beside me gives me the greatest comfort.
Stopping at the Dooleys would be a waste of time since she was moving tomorrow. The thrill of having a job faded as the hurt of leaving Murphy took over. She’d been without him for years before, though, so she could do it again. He could finally go home to his ranch.
As she rode up to the old farmhouse, it saddened her to know she had to leave. It would have been different if she couldn’t make a go of the farm. Instead, it seemed best to just admit to herself that the place didn’t belong to her anymore. She bet the house at the Attwood ranch would be lovely. She had always liked Mr. Attwood; he had great manners and there was kindness in his eyes.
She’d have to leave her animals, but she planned to take Maisey unless Murphy pushed the fact that she didn’t belong to her anymore. There really wasn’t any reason she shouldn’t be packed tonight. Apprehension went through her. Telling MJ would be the worst part.
An unfamiliar buggy was parked in front of the house. Fitzpatrick came out of the barn and helped her off Maisey’s back. “I’ll take care of your horse.”
She stared at the buggy as she cautiously made her way to the door. Something was going on, and she had a feeling it wasn’t good.
She ran her hands down her patched dress and walked into the house. She stopped and put her bonnet on the table near the door while she took a deep breath.
“Well, hello,” she greeted as she offered a polite smile.
Murphy and the other man stood. “Brooke, this is Dr. Hunt. He’s here to see about your health.”
She furrowed her brow. What was going on? “Dr. Hunt, it’s nice to meet you. Would you like some coffee?”
“I already have it boiling, and MJ is in the barn with Fitzpatrick. We’ve been waiting for you to get back.”
She sat down. “What about my health?”
The doctor cleared his voice. “I’m here to see if you’re sane or insane.”
She stood back up and crossed her arms in front of her. She glared at Murphy. “Did you ask the doctor to come here to see if I’m mad? How dare you?” She turned to the doctor. “I’m afraid your time has been wasted. I’m fine. In fact, I’m moving out tomorrow so I’ll no longer have to listen to Mr. Kavanagh.”
“I see. Where is it you think you’re going tomorrow?” The tone of his voice had her doubting herself.
“I found a job. Mr. Attwood has hired me to be his housekeeper. He even has an empty house MJ and I can live in.” She lifted her chin.
“What if I told you there wasn’t a Mr. Attwood?” He cocked his left brow as he stared at her.
“I’d have to say you’re the one who is mad. I just spoke to him in town.”
“Did you stop to see this Guy fellow who watches you?” He leaned forward, waiting.
“I did not. I’m not going to be here, so I thought it a waste of time. I wanted to get back, to pack.” She bit her lip as she watched the two men exchange glances.
“I can see how agitated you are. Won’t you sit back down?” the doctor asked.
“Murphy, what is going on? Is this so you can steal MJ from me? Is it because I didn’t fall into your arms when you showed up? Is it because I really don’t want to leave Arkansas and live on your family ranch? Or perhaps you have another woman in Texas. Tell you what, you live your life and I’ll live mine. I will be off your farm tomorrow afternoon. Both MJ and I will live at the Attwood Ranch. Now, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ve known Mr. Attwood for half my life.” Her face must be tomato red, judging by how warm it was.
“Now, dear, don’t get hysterical. There is also the matter of the physical examination.” Dr. Hunt had a gleam in his eyes. “We can do that at my… hospital.”
She backed up slowly. “Murphy, please send MJ to me once this sorry excuse for a doctor is gone.” She turned and raced up the stairs and into her room. It took a minute to find the key and then she locked it.
Her heart was pounding hard against her chest. What had just happened? They seem to make a case for a judge to have her committed. She noticed a pretty green dress on her bed and sat so she could touch it. Was this her going to the mad house dress? Murphy was the crazy one if he thought these tactics would work. She just needed to get to Mr. Attwood’s, to prove she really had been hired.
How did one prove they weren’t insane? She’d have to have witnesses to say she was fine. Now she wished she’d made an effort to make friends. She had Robin, but half the town didn’t trust her and her cures. Brooke had rarely gone to town until her father had died. MJ knew she was fine, of course, but who would take the word of an immature boy? Fitzpatrick was probably the one who had the doctor come to the house. If she had put a wrap on before she shot at Guy, would it have made a difference?
Her shoulders slumped and she thought she might be sick. They couldn’t take her away, could they? She never would have thought Murphy would be involved in something so sinister. Hysterical? Murphy had seldom gone to town during his stay. He’d never met or heard of Mr. Attwood, she bet. No wonder he thought there isn’t such a man. She’d heard horrible things go on at the madhouse. Would they lock her in a dark room for months?
Suddenly, her room seemed too small; she was trapped. She’d locked herself in with no way to escape. She wanted to weep, but she didn’t have time. If she ran for it, she’d have to leave MJ behind. Her father had always told her to live, to fight another day. If she allowed them to take her away, she’d never see MJ again.
How far was it to the ground if she left through her window? She walked to it and looked. She could do it. Suddenly she spotted Guy in the tree again. Disgust filled her as she sat on her bed to think.
Chapter Eleven
Murphy was tired of listening to the doctor. Once again, Fitzpatrick had talked him into doing something that was turning out disastrous. He excused himself and climbed the stairs. Once outside Brooke’s room he knocked and tried to turn the knob. He frowned.
“Brooke, I’m sorry. There is nothing wrong with you. Please unlock the door.” He put his ear to the door to listen. He heard sniffling.
“Is Dr. Hunt gone?” she asked.
“No, the thing is, we offered him lodging for the night.” He heard a gasp and maybe a growl?
“Fine, I’ll talk
to you once he’s gone. I’m going to take a nap now. My brain has been so taxed. I’m sure you understand.” Her voice was laced in sarcasm.
It would take days to get her to forgive him, maybe weeks. There wasn’t anything he could do about it at the moment. Where had Fitzpatrick found this doctor? How many women had he sent to hospitals? He pretty much told Brooke everything she said was made up. Hopefully Murphy could persuade Brooke to eat something later.
He should have objected to the questions. He should have just said she was sane and put an end to the nonsense. So she had really found a job. It was like getting kicked in the stomach. Murphy needed her present to work things out. He wanted his family. He’d already bought the property next to the farm to run cattle on. His next plan was to have a sizeable house built on the border of both properties, and he wanted both Brooke and MJ to stay with him for always.
How did everything go from hopeful to hopeless so fast? He’d been within sight of his dream, and now his dream had disappeared. He ran his hand over his face. She had only just begun to trust him, and now she had no reason to trust him one bit. He would have to let her go tomorrow. But he wasn’t going back to Texas, not when he had a big spread right next door. He’d get that up and going. How long would it take for her to forgive him?
“You really blew it, Murphy,” Fitzpatrick said. He shook his head as he sat down in a chair on the porch.
“Where did you find that doctor?”
“I asked around in town and sent for him. He’s not cheap, you know.”
Murphy narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean you asked around? There isn’t a doctor in town?”
“Sure there’s a doctor, but he refused to get involved. Too many men say their wives are crazy to get rid of them.” He shrugged. “So I asked in the saloon and most of the folks there thought Dr. Hunt was the doctor we needed.” A smile spread across his face.
“Do you realize what you’ve done? I wanted an actual doctor. I don’t want to have her proclaimed mad. Now Dr. Hunt plans to take her away tomorrow. I’m not trying to be rid of her. I want her to want me to stay. I have a family and I want us to live as a family. Brooke got an excellent job at the Attwood spread.”
Murphy: Cowboy Deceived: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 6 Page 8