by Carré White
“Gracious, what’s the matter?”
“Ryan’s been attacked,” said Nathan. “How injured are you?”
“I’ll live.”
“Looks like Miss Hampton’s been taking good care of you.” His expression revealed amusement. “Did you get any dancin’ in?”
“No, sir.” He struggled to sit, holding his belly. “Darn. They sure kicked me good this time.”
“Things are probably bruised in there. You better take it easy.” He held out his hand. “Come here, Jane. I’ll help you down.”
“I’m fine. I can manage.” I stepped from the back of the wagon, although the wide skirts were cumbersome.
“You look pretty fancy in that dress.”
“Thank you.”
“Too bad you got blood everywhere.”
“It couldn’t be helped, I’m afraid.”
Ryan was able to leave the wagon on his own steam, but every movement seemed to bother him, as he grunted and groaned. Once we were in the house, Hannah’s little girl, Letty, approached us. She was dressed in her nightclothes.
“What happened to him?”
“He’s had an accident, honey,” said Hannah.
Nathan helped Ryan to the sofa, where he sat against the cushions, looking miserable, but focused. I was next to him, eyeing the wounds judiciously. “He needs a cold compress.”
“I’ll get one,” said Hannah.
“I’m sorry this happened to you, Mr. Hartsock,” said Fanny. “I know Jane was looking forward to dancing with you.”
“I’m lousy at dancing anyway.”
“But this can’t go on,” I implored. “Why do they keep doing this to him? It has to stop.”
Hannah returned with a small block of ice in a cloth. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.”
Nathan seemed resigned. “Was it the Oldham brothers?”
“Them and a few others.”
“That’s hardly a fair fight.”
“There was nothing fair about it,” I said. “It was five to one.”
“Are you fond of a whiskey, son?”
“Not much.”
“We might have to take a little trip to town together and join the boys at the bar. I’ve a coupla friends who’ll have our back.”
“Why would I do that?”
“To show everyone that you’re one of us. They look at you and see a heathen, no offense. I’m speaking bluntly. You scare people, Ryan. If they saw you more often, they’d get used to you. If anyone tries to pull somethin’, I’ll be there to help you.”
“I can hold my own, sir.” He moved slightly, grimacing.
“Not against five people. No one can.”
“I’m going to mention this in church.” Jack’s brows had drawn together. “How partial are you to church?”
“Pardon?”
“Do you go to church? I’ve never seen you there.”
“I’ve been…but not often.”
“If you were to attend regularly, folks would get to know you. I’d like it, if you could come read for us this Sunday.”
“I’ll look like something the cat dragged in.”
“It doesn’t matter. Everyone is welcome in the house of God, no matter what condition they come in.” He smiled, chuckling.
I closed my hand over his. “You could sit next to me.”
“Then I’ll go,” he said with surprising vigor. “Yes, sir. I’ll be happy to pray with all you people on Sunday.”
“I think he’s going to be just fine,” said Hannah. Her gaze lingered on me. “You’re quite a sight. There’s blood on your face.”
I raised my chin a notch. “It couldn’t be helped.”
“No, of course not.” Her smile was hidden beneath a secretive veneer. She knew I was partial to Ryan.
“Well then,” said Jack. “We’ve got a plan now to deal with this issue.”
“I’m willin’ to do whatever it takes to help the boy,” said Nathan. “He worked harder than any man out there killing ‘em bugs in my field. He dug trenches faster than nobody’s business, and he saved Jane from fire. He’s golden in my book, and I’m not gonna let a coupla no-good drunks drive this good, honest, hardworking man from town.”
“Amen,” murmured Hannah.
“Why are people so mean to Ryan?” asked Letty. Her little pink mouth had turned down. “He’s awfully nice to me. I get horseback rides from him all the time.”
“People can be small-minded, honey.” Hannah ruffled her hair. “Did you brush your teeth? Are you ready for bed?”
“I don’t wanna go to bed.”
“Go finish up, and I’ll help you say your prayers.”
She grumbled in reply, grasping the banister. “Oh, all right, but I’m not happy about this.”
“We should be going,” said Fanny. “It would’ve been a fun night, if this hadn’t happened, but it was hardly Ryan’s fault. I feel awful that he wasn’t able to enjoy himself.”
He glanced at me; his expression was pained, yet thoughtful. “I missed something special.”
“We’ll make up for it. I promise.”
“Does this mean I can court you?”
“Yes.” My response had been given swiftly, without hesitation. I noted the look that passed between Fanny and Hannah, yet I didn’t care. My feelings had grown dramatically where Ryan was concerned, and I wouldn’t be able to hide them any longer. “You most certainly can.”
He grinned, but then groaned. “Well, the night wasn’t a complete loss. Not at all.” His gaze lingered on my face. “My blood looks good on you.”
“I must be a sight.”
“We’ll have to soak that dress in cold water as soon as we get home,” said Fanny. “It can still be saved…I hope.”
Ryan squeezed my hand. “Now I’ve got somethin’ to look forward to.”
“What?” I whispered.
“Sunday. I never thought I’d want to go to church so bad, but I sure do now.”
I giggled in reply, enjoying the feel of his hand, although it was swollen and marred with dried blood. “Please get some rest.”
“I will. Thank you for being here.” He glanced over my shoulder. “Thank you, Pastor Bailey. I’m sorry you took one to the face. Looks like you might have a shiner yourself come Sunday.”
“Well, I was injured in the line of duty, I suppose. There are times when you have to stick your neck out there. Tonight was one of those times.”
“Thank you, Mr. Weaver. I’ll probably take you up on that idea to go to the saloon pretty soon. If that’ll make the boys realize I’m one of ‘em, then I’ll do it. I’m not much of a drinker, though. You might have to…um…carry me home after.”
“I’ll toss you over your horse, and you’ll be good.” His grin revealed he was teasing.
“Yes, sir.”
Fanny’s hand was on my shoulder. “We should go now.”
“I’ll see you on Sunday then,” I said.
“Sunday.” He squeezed my hand.
I hated having to leave, but the evening was over. “Bye.”
“Bye, but not for long.”
I glanced at him one last time before I left the house, as he held the ice to his eye. Nathan followed us out, heading for Ryan’s horse, which was tethered to the back of the wagon.
“Gotta get Banter in the paddock. Then you can be off.”
Mary and Susanna scrambled into the back of the wagon, while I sat with Fanny. I heard Jack say, “Thank you again for your help, Nathan.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“But you will. You’ll help Ryan be accepted, although the acceptance of a bunch of drunks isn’t something to aspire to, but the hostility towards him must end.”
“Yeah, it will. Some folks just take longer to warm up to things.” He led the horse away saying, “Have a safe trip home.”
“Thank you, we will.”
Fanny glanced at me. “What’s this about courting Mr. Hartsock?”
“He wants to
court me…and I want him to.”
“I think you should wait for Wesley’s return before going forward with this. Have you written to him about Ryan?”
“No.” I stared at the darkness that surrounded us, feeling a slight breeze. The sound of crickets resonated.
“I don’t think I can give permission for this. Wesley is laboring under the assumption that he’s going to marry you. It speaks poorly of your character, if you were to…carry on behind his back.”
“I haven’t heard a peep from Wesley in nearly two months. I don’t even know where to send the letters.”
“Then you should wait to tell him in person.”
“Why must I? I don’t believe I want to be with him.”
“Just think before acting, Jane. What do you really know of Ryan Hartsock? He’s not from around here, and he’s not connected with anyone other than the Weaver’s, and they’re his employer, not family. I just don’t want to see you ruining something with a steady, dependable man like Wesley.”
“I’m not thinking about running off with him and getting married. I only want the opportunity to get to know him better.” It was irritating having this conversation, feeling that I had somehow done something wrong. I hated having her censure. I couldn’t help the way I felt, and, every time I saw Ryan, those feelings grew. They grew even when we were apart.
“What do you think, Jack? Should she be able to court Ryan, while Wesley is in the mountains working hard for their future?”
“I…” he seemed displeased to have been brought into this discussion, “think that maybe taking things slow is a wise idea.”
“So, you’re forbidding me to see Ryan?” Anger flared hot and unreasonable, but I tamped it down, trying to remain as serene in appearance as possible.
“Let’s just wait until Wesley returns,” said Fanny. “When you’ve seen him and talked things over with him, then you may make a final decision, and we shall respect it.”
“Fine,” I said stiffly, crossing my arms over my chest. I had no intention of following these unreasonable dictates. A plan had begun to form, and I would implement it, as soon as possible.
Chapter Thirteen
There was a rebellious spirit in my personality that I had thought I’d eradicated years earlier, but, as I slid from bed early the next morning, I knew it had returned with a vengeance. I washed and dressed as quietly as possible, eyeing my sleeping sisters. After tying my boots, I gazed at myself in the mirror, seeing a young woman with wide, expectant eyes.
As quietly as I could, I slid from the room, traipsing down the hallway, hoping my boots wouldn’t make a sound. The occupants of the house were sleeping, as Jack’s light snore registered. Since it was Saturday, they would all sleep in an extra hour. Determined to make a clean escape, I hastened from the house, striding towards the pasture where I found Sally Anne. After bridling and affixing the sidesaddle, I stepped into the stirrup and pressed my thighs to her flanks.
“Let’s go, girl!”
This clandestine flight left me heady with anticipation, thrilled with the notion that I had taken matters into my own hands—although I knew I would be discovered. I was willing to take the risk. The morning was cool, with the scent of wildflowers lingering in the air. The horse trotted along at a brisk pace. The Weaver farm was as quiet as Fanny’s, everyone was still asleep, and, as I made my way to the paddock, I left Sally Anne inside, the horse grazing on blades of grass.
Ryan’s tipi stood at a distance, and I hurried to it, my boots wet from the dew. Tossing aside the flap, I spied him on his bedding; his face was to the side, but even from here, I could see the bruising. I left the boots near the entrance, not wanting to make a muddy mess of his home, and entered. He seemed to sense a disturbance, turning his head to the other side.
“Hum…”
As if it was the most natural thing in the world, I removed my bonnet, tossing it aside, and drew close to him.
“What?”
“It’s me.”
“Jane?”
“Were you expecting someone else?” There was humor in my voice, yet, as I snuggled next to him, he drew me into his arms, squeezing me.
“What are you doing here so early, you crazy woman?”
“I wanted to make sure you’re all right. How do you feel?”
“So much better now.”
“I’ll be punished for this, but I don’t care.”
“I’m sorry for that, but I’m glad you’re here. I was dreaming about you.”
“I hope it was a good dream.”
“They always are.”
“Oh, you’ve had more than one then.”
“Ever since I met you.”
“My word.”
“You’re the reason I’ve stayed in Denver City so long. I usually move from place to place.”
“What happened to your family? You never really talked about them.”
“Pa’s gone. He left me with a mountain couple and took off. He was a good guy when he was around, but trapping is hard work, and you have to go where the animals are.”
“Do you want to be a trapper?”
“No, ma’am.”
“What will you do?”
“I was happy and content to just wander from place to place—until I met you.” He glanced at me with his one good eye. “But, this city isn’t as hospitable as I like. I’ll have to work harder to stay here.”
“Because of me?”
He grinned. “Yes.”
That was heartening to hear. “We’ll help you to fit in, Ryan. Pastor Bailey won’t let them treat you this way. You’re still coming to church tomorrow, aren’t you?”
“I sure am. There’s nothin’ like the promise of a pretty girl to motivate a man.”
“Oh,” I giggled. “You’re incorrigible.” Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, I leaned over him, admiring the way his eyes looked sleepy in the morning, although there was still some blood on his face. His lip had a blackened slash where it had been cut open. “You are a sight.” I pressed my cheek to his, feeling the prickle of hair.
His arm tightened around me. “It don't bother you that I look Indian?”
“No.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were sweet on me.”
“I…might be.”
“More than a little too.”
“Don't flatter yourself,” I giggled. “I’m just checking on an injured neighbor.”
“At five in the mornin’?”
“Is it that early?”
“At least,” he yawned.
“Go back to sleep. I’ll have to go soon. I just wanted to make sure you were all right.”
He kissed my forehead. “I’m more than all right.”
“Me too.” It was cozy in his arms; the feel of his warm body seeped through my clothing. I snuggled even closer, resting my head against his shoulder, while letting my eyes drift shut. “I’ll go…in a little while.”
“Hum…”
Sleep had claimed us…but a voice shattered the peace an hour later.
“Well, isn’t this pretty as a picture,” said a male voice I recognized instantly. Nathan stood within the tipi with his hands on his hips. He sighed. “Can’t say I didn’t see this coming.”
“Oh, dash it,” I muttered. “I was supposed to leave.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Just since the morning, sir.”
“I’m gettin’ shades of Fanny and how I had to pry her loose from Jack in the early days.” He shook his head, but humor sparkled in his eyes. “I guess I gotta watch you now, until the weddin’, that is.”
“Good morning, Mr. Weaver,” murmured Ryan, yawning.
Nathan reached down, grasping my arm. “Come on, little lady. Out you go. Fanny and Jack are probably wondering where you went to.”
I glanced at Ryan. “I’ll see you in church tomorrow.”
I held onto him for as long as I could, Nathan pulling us apart. I was on my feet reluctantly. “O
uf! I’m a grown woman! I won’t be manhandled like this.”
“It’s my property, and somebody’s gotta be the moral sheriff around here. Ya’ll can’t be trusted to mind yourselves. That much is obvious.”
“Oh, the nerve!” I slid a foot into a boot. “Nothing happened. Nothing at all.”
“Yeah, but it looks bad. Real bad. It looks like you were here all night.”
“It’s my fault, sir,” said Ryan. “Blame it all on me.”
“Yep.” He grinned, the edges of his eyes crinkling. “I understand what you’re feelin’. Been there before myself. But, until you’re standin’ before the gospel sharp, you can’t be alone together. Am I making myself clear?”
“Perfectly.” I glared at him.
“Now don’t look so sour, honey. You’ll get your man. Sooner than later, I suspect. He’d be a fool not to marry you, wouldn’t you, Ryan?”
He struggled to sit. “I’m second in line, sir. There’s another fella in the way.”
Nathan clucked, shaking his head. “Oh, what a brazen woman.”
Anger needled me. “I’m not going to stay and listen to this. Good day, Mr. Hartsock. I hope you feel better.”
“I’ll be fine. It was good to…see you again.”
“I wish it were longer.”
“All right,” said Nathan, wrapping a steely hand around my arm. “Out you go. You can make goo-goo eyes at each other in church tomorrow.”
“Mr. Weaver!” I objected, but he laughed in reply.
He’d brought out Sally Anne, the horse tethered to a hitching post before the barn. Tipping his hat, he murmured, “Have a safe ride back.”
“Will you tell Hannah about this?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
My mouth turned down. “Oh.”
“She told me about finding you two together before.”
Now my face heated, as embarrassment registered. “I see.”
His look of amusement vanished. “What are your intensions, if I may ask. If you’re toying with that man for sport, I’d advise against it. By coming here like this, you’re sending a certain message, if you know what I mean.”
For some inexplicable reason, tears formed in my eyes. “I…am fond of him, but then…there’s Wesley. I wish that man would return so I could speak with him. If my feelings remain the same…oh, I don’t know.”