What kind of fiend could use his own daughter as a gambling chip? And what kind of vile creature would accept it?
She shouldn’t be shocked at the evil actions of some men, they were fiends like Major Maximus. Matt was a decent man who she liked, that’s why she couldn’t accept his offer. Couldn’t allow him to ruin his life being tied to a woman like her. A whore Julia had called her, and indeed she was. Tears burned her eyes.
Chapter Six
Lily walked into breakfast. For once the smell of fresh coffee and biscuits didn’t make her feel hungry. After tossing and turning all night she had made her decision. She would accompany Matt and Annie to Houston, pretending to be his wife if that’s what it took to keep Annie safe.
She couldn’t believe how she had let herself become so attached to the pair of them. It was foolish, they were merely ships passing in the night, destined never to meet again once they got to Houston. Her heart wrenched, one chance of real happiness for the first time in her life cruelly snatched away because of what had happened in the past – through no fault of her own.
About to step into the parlor she glanced up and saw Matt and Annie coming down the stairs. “Good morning,” she said with forced brightness.
Matt looked as bad as she felt and poor little Annie, her heart bled for the child. She was dressed in the same clothes as yesterday, minus the pinafore. The buttons hadn’t been done up properly she could see by the uneven hang of the hem.
Matt grimaced when his gaze followed hers. “I’m not much good at them little buttons,” he said, looking shamefaced. “Annie can’t reach them and I’m all thumbs.”
“Easily fixed,” she said. “Come here, Annie, I’ll straighten them up for you.” She nimbly attended to the buttons. They were tiny ones, so she could see how a man would have problems with them.
“Thank you, much obliged, Lily.”
“You didn’t brush her hair.” She tried not to sound accusing as the poor man had obviously tried his best.
“I couldn’t find a brush and her hair was too tangled to use my comb.”
“I saw the bad men last night.”
Lily knelt down to bring herself to eye level with the child.
“Nightmares.” Matt mouthed the word.
“It was just a bad dream, darling, your Uncle wouldn’t let anyone hurt you. How about I use my brush to tidy up your hair. We ladies have got to look our best when we’re escorted by a handsome gentleman.”
Annie giggled, but stood still as Lily took a small brush out of her reticule. “It’s only Uncle Matt.”
“Well, he is kind of handsome, don’t you think?” Lily tried not to pull as she gently brushed the child’s tangled curls.
“Yes. He’s got guns, too.”
Her eyebrows rose in query as she gazed at him, and he nodded.
“There you are, the bad men can’t hurt you with Uncle Matt around so you’re quite safe.”
“You didn’t sleep well, either?” Matt quirked an eyebrow.
She must look bad if he noticed. “No.”
He took her arm as they entered the parlor. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a herd of stampeding cattle.”
At the table he pulled out a chair for her then Annie. Once they were seated he sat also. He had nice manners, another thing she liked about him. Be honest, you like everything about him. He hadn’t shaved, although the dark stubble didn’t detract from his appearance.
“What should I order for Annie?” His voice was laced with uncertainty and she felt sorry for him. The poor man was obviously trying, even though he didn’t have a clue about children.
“Why don’t you ask her?”
“Pancakes, Uncle Matt.”
Lily laughed. “See, it’s easy, she’s not a baby, most of the time she can tell you what she wants. I’ll have pancakes too.”
“I need a decent breakfast, fried ham, eggs, potatoes and biscuits, and a strong black coffee.”
“A glass of milk for Annie,” Lily said. “I’ll have a cup of tea if they serve it.”
“I’m sure they would.”
“Have you been to Houston before? Lily asked.
“Yes, a few times. It’s a big place, too noisy for me. What about you?”
“Never.”
“Why go there then?”
“Because it will be easier for me to get a position there and to....”
“Hide?” He stared intently at her. How beautiful his eyes were, thick lashes too.
“Maybe. Matt, I’ve been thinking about what you said last night. I’ll accompany you to Houston, pretend I’m your wife even, except we part company at the station.”
“You could be my wife, Lily. It’s hard to find a virtuous, attractive woman out West. I was sincere in my proposal.”
“I know you were.” She picked up his hand. It was a strong hand, roughened from outdoor work, making it even harder to refuse him. If she hadn’t liked him so much she might have been tempted to accept. It wouldn’t be fair. If he found out what she’d done he would despise her, any decent man would. And he admitted wanting a virtuous wife.
“What is it, Lily? Tell me, I might be able to help.”
“It’s too late. I only wish things could be different, but they can’t.”
“Are you already married?”
“No.”
“Are you going to marry Uncle Matt, Lily?”
“No, darling, I’m not. Eat your breakfast then we can all leave for the train station.” Annie’s crestfallen face nearly broke her heart.
“Is Lily coming with us?”
“For some of the way, darlin’.”
“Please excuse me.” Lily pushed her half eaten breakfast away and stood. If she stayed here much longer she would burst out crying, or worse still, accept Matt’s proposal.
“If we meet here in fifteen minutes it should give us plenty of time to walk to the station,” he suggested.
“Yes, see you in fifteen minutes then.” She left the room without glancing back.
****
Lily had paid for her lodgings and was waiting near the parlor when Matt and Annie arrived. He carried two carpet bags and Annie skipped along beside him, carrying his Stetson. She wore the same dress while he wore brown trousers, blue shirt and a brown leather waistcoat.
“Ready to go?” He smiled causing a dimple in his chin to deepen.”
She nodded.
“Sorry I can’t offer to carry your bag, my hands are full.”
“It’s all right, I can handle my own bag; it’s not heavy.”
“You obviously travel light, unusual for a woman.”
“I’m different to other women, besides, I’ve got everything here that I need.” It was pitiful really to have so few possessions. Two pairs of bloomers, a petticoat, gown, shawl, a hair brush, a handkerchief and a bottle of lavender water was all she had. I’m lucky to have even that much because of Julia’s last act of spite. She had come in and cut up the few gowns hanging in Lily’s wardrobe and poured boiling water all over her spare undergarments. The only clothes she had been able to rescue were those hanging on the washing line.
Aunt Mildred had given her ten dollars and told her she was lucky to get it. How could a wealthy woman be so mean? It wasn’t as if she hadn’t worked for her keep. From the time she moved in with Aunt Mildred she was an unpaid servant, while Julia was feted and spoilt.
At the station Lily declined Matt’s offer to buy her ticket to Houston, even if it meant she had very little money left to start a new life in a strange town.
Matt wore twin guns slung low on his slim hips, and she would bet her last dollar he wouldn’t hesitate to use them. They had strolled to the station walking close together with Annie holding her hand. He had glanced around several times and she noticed a tenseness in his body, yet to the casual passerby, they were a happy family.
As they waited for the train to steam into the station a few other passengers joined them. A loud whistle nearly deafened her, then with a
hissing of steam and a black ribbon of smoke, the train pulled in.
Matt helped her board, before lifting Annie up and boarding himself. She wasn’t looking forward to the long journey to Houston, but the train was more direct for her purposes. It was less cramped, and there was little or no risk of being held up by outlaws.
Once the conductor showed them to their carriage, they let Annie have the window seat. Lily sat next to her with Matt opposite. An elderly couple joined them. They sat next to Matt, and she hoped no-one had booked the seat next to hers.
“All aboard. Stand clear of the train,” the station master bellowed. Seconds later the train chugged out of the station. She was on her way to Houston to start a new life.
Chapter Seven
Julia and Aunt Mildred would be back in Charleston by now. Lily wondered why she kept thinking about them, they certainly wouldn’t be giving her a seconds thought. She no longer existed as far as they were concerned. She didn’t need them, didn’t need anyone. She could take care of herself, she’d been doing it since she was sixteen.
“Look, Lily, look.” Annie grabbed her arm. “Horses, cows and cowboys. What are they doing?”
“You tell her, Matt. I hardly know a cow from a horse.”
He stared at her momentarily and she felt foolish for saying such a silly thing. “Looks like they’re driving a herd to market.”
“Where they sell them?”
“That’s right, darlin’, - where they sell them.”
Annie started rubbing at her eyes. “Tired?” Lily asked.
“A bit.”
“Lean against me and have a nap.”
“Why don’t we all have a nap, it will make the time pass more quickly,” Matt said. “We can go to the dining carriage later and have something to eat and drink.”
Lily nodded in agreement. Surely a cup of tea or coffee wouldn’t cost much. She would have to find somewhere really cheap to stay for the first few days at least. Perhaps throw herself on the mercy of some charitable organization. She wouldn’t be too fussed as long as the accommodation was clean and respectable. When she arrived in Houston surely someone at the station could recommend such a place. Lily closed her eyes and let sleep overtake her.
She awoke with a start when the train shuddered to a halt. They had obviously arrived at a station. She couldn’t read the sign, not that she cared. Thankfully, the elderly couple got off and no-one else took their places.
“Ah, this will be better.” Matt placed his Stetson on the vacant seat. “We can stretch out a bit.”
They were picking up speed now. Because they were in the front carriage she could hear the hissing of steam and see the black smoke belching skyward.
“How about we get ourselves a coffee?” Matt stood and stretched.
“I want coffee too, Uncle Matt.”
He laughed. “Milk for you, darlin’.”
In single file they made their way up the passageway. Suddenly Lily was flung against the carriage wall. Matt who was walking behind, reached over Annie’s head and steadied Lily with a hand on either side of her waist.
“Must have been a sharp turn in the tracks.” He dropped his hands and Lily missed their warmth and strength.
She was starting to feel too much for this man. One part of her wanted to push him away, the other part wanted to put her arms around him and hold him close. Her brain and heart fought for supremacy, and for the moment neither was winning.
She glanced down at the home sewn, simple green cotton gown she was wearing, wishing it was more attractive. The white lace around the cuffs and collar, and the tiny pearl buttons were the only adornment. Wistfully she wondered how she would look decked out in the silks and satins favored by Julia.
“I’m not wasting good money on unsuitable gowns for you,” Aunt Mildred had snapped when she once asked why she couldn’t have pretty gowns also. “I’m keeping a roof over your head and asking little in return.”
“Little in return?” she yelled back, having been pushed beyond her limits of endurance. “You use me as unpaid labor.”
“Well, you don’t have to stay.” Julia had become so spiteful and mean. “Does she, Aunt Mildred?”
The arguments always ended the same way, Julia and Aunt Mildred would flounce off, leaving her cowered and almost broken. Not that she ever showed them how much their conduct hurt. The irony of it all was that Aunt Mildred thought of herself as a God-fearing, kindly woman.
“Unhappy thoughts?” Matt queried, staring intently at her.
“Yes.” The word left her mouth before she could stop it. She didn’t dare meet his eyes.
He led the way into the dining car and over to a table in the corner.
“Tell me about it.”
She glanced up momentarily, then looked to the ground. “Forget it, just ghosts from the past.”
“But you can’t forget it, can you, Lily?”
This time she stared him down. “No. I’d like to only I can’t, even though I know it will eventually destroy me.”
“Take a seat with Annie, I’ll get us some food. Tea and hot biscuits?”
“Yes, thank you.” She fumbled with her reticule despite knowing she had little money in there.
“No, I’m paying. You’ve been so kind to Annie, besides, I want to. I’d like to do a lot more for you if you’d only let me.”
She smiled. “Thank You. I appreciate it.”
He strode off, the swaying of the carriage not seeming to worry him.
“Do you like the train ride?” she asked, looking down at the little girl seated next to her.
“Oh yes.” Annie answered enthusiastically. “I’ve never been on one before.”
“Neither have I.”
She was an intelligent child, quite adult in many ways.
Matt returned with a tray containing a small pot of tea, a cup of coffee and a glass of milk. Several hot biscuits were slathered in butter.
“Here we are ladies.” He placed the tray on the table.
After Lily poured her tea she cut one of the biscuits in half. “They must have a stove of some description on board.”
“I reckon so, they’ve got plenty of coal,” Matt said before biting into a biscuit.
It didn’t take long for the plate to be cleared.
“Will I get us some more?”
“Not for me, thanks. They were lovely, but I couldn’t swallow another morsel.”
Annie shook her head and dropped a partially eaten biscuit back on the plate.
“You don’t want this?” Matt asked.
“No.”
He popped it in his mouth. “I don’t like to see food wasted,” he explained, as the two females stared at him.
There was more leg room here in the dining carriage; maybe this was why he didn’t seem in a hurry to move. He propped his elbows on the table and rested his chin in his cupped hands. “Tell me about yourself, Lily.”
“There’s not much to tell. My father died when I was about ten years old. When I was sixteen my mother passed.”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“A sister Julia. She’s four years younger than me. I looked after her as best I could for a few months until Ma’s sister came back to New Orleans. She spent most of her time living in Charleston or travelling and only stayed in New Orleans for short periods.”
“She treated you well?”
Lily hesitated. She couldn’t tell him the whole truth it was too painful. “Not really, she only loved Julia.” How pitiful the words sounded.
“Oh?”
“She expected me to earn my keep by looking after the house in New Orleans.”
“Your sister?”
Enlightenment was starting to dawn on him she could see it in his eyes.
“My Aunt lavished attention on her. I could have borne that, except she turned Julia against me, that’s what hurt so much. I didn’t mind hard work, I was used to it.”
“It must have been difficult for you.” He pic
ked up her hand and gently squeezed her fingers.
“Now you know about me. What about you?”
“Well, like you I had one sister. We were close until she married that varmint Roger. I have a ranch a few miles out of Guilford Crossing. We used to live there as children. Pa was foreman until he got the calling to be a preacher. Anyway, to cut a long story short I eventually bought the place. It’s not large as ranches go, although it’s enough for me to handle on my own. Well, there are a couple of old timers there that I’ve known since I was a boy.”
He ran his fingers across her knuckles. “I hire on men for the busy times like branding and round up.”
She ignored what he was doing to her hand, and to her emotions. “So, you’ve always been a rancher.”
“No.” A bitter mask came down over his face, his eyes darkened to ebony. “I was a Texas Ranger once.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t wish to talk about it. Like you, there are things in my past, which will remain a secret.”
She understood. Who was she to press him for more information about something painful in his past when she wasn’t prepared to share her secret?
Chapter Eight
Texas
It was mid-morning by the time they arrived in Houston. A tree had fallen down over the train line a couple of hours out of Houston, and it had taken a long time to clear it
Lily felt disheveled and worn out, and Annie had become exhausted and upset. Matt looked tired and strained also. Black stubble covered his jaw and chin. He still managed to take charge of the luggage somehow juggling the three bags as they alighted.
Lily enviously watched her fellow passengers being met by friends or relatives.
“Well, this is goodbye, Matt. Thank you for being so kind. I doubt if I would have coped with this long journey and the delays without you.”
“My pleasure. You won’t come with us?”
“No.” She blinked back tears. “Goodbye, Annie, be a good girl for Uncle Matt.” She kissed the child on the forehead and gave her a hug, her heart breaking all the while.
Lily Page 4