True Heart's Desire

by Caroline Fyffe

  “Some.”

  By his tone, she had the idea he didn’t want to talk about the reasons why he knew, or perhaps the timing wasn’t right. “How can we stop them?”

  “I don’t know that we can without bloodshed. Money moves many men to do things they wouldn’t do normally.” A burst of wind made aspen leaves clatter and pine boughs sway. “I hate to see such destruction come to Eden.”

  “Bloodshed?” she whispered, the word conjuring up a horrible vision in her mind. How could she leave Eden with such danger hanging over her sisters’ heads, and their father’s beloved town under threat? Her heart pounded, and she laid her cheek on Rhett’s chest a moment longer, trying to pretend her world hadn’t just taken a dangerous turn.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Rhett and Lavinia moved carefully, picking their way along the dark trail. Rhett didn’t know what to think of the way she had stood in his arms, feeling almost like a lover. Her hand on his chest had felt intimate, and sweet, and he’d had a strong urge to kiss her.

  He shook his head and kept walking. She was young and scared. He shouldn’t read something into her actions that wasn’t there. Still, he’d better be careful. He’d been in love before, he thought, thinking of the heartbreak Margery had caused him. He knew the signs when they were shoved in his face. A swooning Lavinia Brinkman was the last thing he’d expected after the start they’d had on her sister’s wedding day. Still, tenderness welled up inside him when he listened to her footfalls behind him. The warmth of her hand in his felt right.

  He mentally chastised himself. He had one job to do, and that was to open Shawn’s restaurant, not get involved and lose his heart. Shawn will never have the chance to fall in love! Why should I?

  She tugged on his hand. “Rhett?”

  A breeze had intensified the low temperatures in the higher altitude. The sound of the swaying treetops reminded him of waves, waves covering his younger brother.

  “Yes?” He stopped and waited for her to continue, shutting out his brother’s memory.

  “Are you angry?”

  “That you went off and got yourself lost—yes. That was foolish.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I hoped we were past you being mad.”

  He wished there was at least some moonlight coming through the trees so he could see her face. If he could, the softness he imagined was in her eyes would be replaced with reality. Unfortunately, there wasn’t.

  “We’ll be past it when we’re back in town and you’re safe. I’m unarmed. I feel responsible for you. I don’t like that feeling.”

  He heard her huff in the darkness. There, that’s better.

  “You’re certainly not responsible for me.”

  Yeah, right. Tell that to your sisters if something happens.

  “I just wanted to ask . . . I saw you speaking with Lara this afternoon. Did she tell you what happened?”

  Has Lavinia been spying on me? Do I have more to worry about than I think?

  “No, she didn’t. But her moving into town was a red flag. You all have a falling-out?”

  The misery in her voice stirred his compassion. She seemed honestly moved by what had happened with Lara. He wanted—no, needed—to push her away. Make all the warm concern stop. Against his better judgment he asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Why in the world am I getting involved? I need to keep a distance.

  “I think I’m going to explode if I don’t get some of this pain off my chest. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. Lara is the only person who knew so much about our personal lives. All the things that were written about us in the articles. It hurts to think she could betray us and then deny it. But accusing her also hurts. I’m mixed-up. I don’t know what to think from one moment to the next.”

  “I see.”

  “Yes, we believe she sold the information to the editor and then didn’t own up to the fact when we confronted her. Her parents are quite well-off. Lara has so much, I can’t imagine her being jealous of us, but maybe she is. Maybe when we inherited what we did from our father, the enormity of it all was just too much for her. And she wanted to strike us in some way.”

  He felt her shiver in the darkness.

  “But even as I say the words, that doesn’t feel right either.”

  “Maybe she is innocent, Lavinia. Sometimes the truth can be staring a person in the face so closely, reality is difficult to see.” He supposed he’d feel the same if someone wrote about him and his brother, how Shawn had taken Rhett’s shift so his older brother wouldn’t lose his job, which ultimately led to his death. “Even if all the evidence does point to her, maybe you should follow your instincts.”

  “My heart says she’s not responsible, but I’m the one who brought up her name. I’m the one who suspected her first.”

  The hoot of a nearby owl brought her closer.

  “Lara’s asked me for the job opening I’ll have when the restaurant opens,” he said. “I hired her.”

  Lavinia sucked in a breath.

  “Is that a problem for you?”

  “Not at all. Actually, it’s a blessing. I’m just surprised. We all thought she’d be on her way home. I guess she changed her mind. And the reason her staying makes me happy is because we’ll have more time to work through this complication. We love Lara, but if she won’t speak with me . . .”

  He couldn’t see her face, but by her tone, it sounded like she was calm. “I’m glad to hear that. I didn’t want to upset you or your family any more than I already have, but when she asked, it was impossible to say no. Besides, I think she may be a good draw for the unattached men of Eden. I’ll need all the help I can get to launch the place off the ground. I’m sure its success won’t be as a result of my cooking.”

  He thought he heard Lavinia straighten.

  “Don’t be upset,” he went on. “Your café has you as a lure. I’ll need something to encourage the men to give my place a try. You wouldn’t begrudge me that, I hope.”

  She stood silently in the darkness. Maybe he’d surprised the words and questions out of her. He’d have to remember that tactic for the future. “Don’t you agree?”

  “I think you’re being silly. But I’m sure she’ll be a good employee—or at least try to be. She enjoyed helping out in my place, but that was just for fun. She’ll need quite a bit of training. Restaurant work can be tricky when all the tables fill with hungry, impatient patrons. You’ll have to show her the ropes, Rhett.”

  He chuckled nervously and rubbed his free hand over his face. He was dreading opening night.

  “Rhett? You do have experience working in a café or eatery, don’t you?”

  “A little more since a couple of your suppliers paid me a visit last week, thanks to you. I now know how to put in an order. And I’ve been practicing. Other than that, not much. Just some light cooking from helping out at home. But I’m sure I’ll catch on quick enough. Either that or sink and lose the place. I have no intention of doing that. I’ll be fine, you’ll see.”

  “Rhett, I’m shocked! Will the opening be soon? In the next few days . . . You’ve never said.”

  Her tone seemed to wobble, and he wondered why.

  “Not sure, but hoping for a week. I’m pretty much ready anytime—with the construction, that is. That’s the part I like.” The wind, now picking up, whispered in the treetops. It felt like there was something she wasn’t saying. “Do you think you might help train Lara?”

  She squeezed his hand ever so lightly. Was there something wrong?

  “Lavinia?”

  “Yes—if I’m still here.”

  What is she talking about? It felt as if his heart dropped to his boots. It was easy to deny his feelings as long as he knew she’d always be around to see and talk to. But was she planning on going somewhere?

  “What do you mean?” he asked softly. “Are you planning a visit back to Philadelphia?” A visit’s not so bad. A few weeks to a month . . .

  “Not a visit,” she whispered almos
t reverently. “I’m leaving.”

  Heat sprang to his face, and the air no longer felt cold. “For good?”

  “Yes. I’ve accepted an apprenticeship in a prestigious hat-making company. It’s something I’ve wanted for my whole life. A dream come true. I won the spot before coming to Eden and then lost it by staying too long. But I’ve been given a second chance.” She let out a deep breath. “I’m ecstatic.”

  Then why don’t you sound happy?

  “I didn’t tell my sisters before, because Mavis had just lost Darvid, and then we got the telegram about Father and we had to come to Colorado. I’d appreciate it if you keep what I’ve said to yourself until I have the chance. I just got the telegram last Saturday.”

  And she still hadn’t told everyone?

  A loud roar sounded somewhere off in the trees. Lavinia gasped and wrapped her arms around him, making it difficult for him to keep in the front of his mind his resolve not to fall for her. He gently stepped back and pried off her arms. “That was a long way off.”

  “What kind of animal made that growl?”

  She was trying to be brave, but her shaky voice gave her away. There wasn’t a woman he knew who wouldn’t be frightened if placed in her shoes.

  “Cougar, maybe. But lest it’s cornered, they rarely attack a human unless provoked. We should be going, though.”

  Dallas growled deeply and then bounded away from them into the darkness, crashing off the trail and through the brush.

  “Dallas!” Rhett shouted. The thought of losing the last thing he had left of his brother’s was unthinkable. He turned and shouted several more times, the desperation in his voice sounding strange to his own ears.

  In the distance, Dallas barked several times, growled, and then let out a loud yip yip yip. After that, all was quiet.

  “Dallas!” Lavinia shouted at the same time he did. She had a death grip on his shirtsleeve. Again, he wished he’d brought along a lantern.

  “Here, Dallas! Here, boy!”

  Dallas reappeared at their side, breathing hard and whining loudly. Rhett hunkered down to the dog’s level only to quickly pull back.

  Lavinia, standing close to his back, gasped. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Is he hurt?”

  “Yeah. Has a mouthful of porcupine quills, some on his face . . .” He ran his hand over Dallas’s body. “Neck, chest . . .”

  “Oh, poor boy!”

  “Exactly. Now, I need to get you both back as soon as possible. Let’s go. Dallas is everything to me.” His voice broke. “The only reminder of . . .” He snapped his mouth closed, knowing he’d gone and said too much if he was to truly start over. When he started off, Lavinia stayed back, making him return to her side.

  “Rhett, you’ve avoided sharing any of your past with me or anyone else.” Her hand on his arm was affirming. “Who does Dallas remind you of? Please tell me . . .”

  He was thankful for the darkness. The thought of something happening to Dallas had rocked him to his core. He might butt heads with the animal, but he never wanted to lose him. Sometimes it seemed he saw Shawn’s expression on Dallas’s face, as outrageous as that sounded. Dallas was Rhett’s link to his past.

  “Please, Rhett. Maybe I can help?”

  He didn’t know if the sincerity in her voice was his turning point, or perhaps the darkness that kept her probing gaze at bay was to blame, but suddenly, he wanted to share. For a moment he squatted down again and carefully petted Dallas on his back and hindquarters where there were few quills. Then he stood.

  “All right. Dallas belonged to my brother. Shawn saved him from some drunken sailors. Dallas was thin and had mange. He followed the heels of one sailor who appeared at our docking shed.”

  “Is Shawn your brother?”

  “Yes. We worked together on the San Francisco docks for years. He bought Dallas for a huge amount of money to get him away from the cruelty. More than a month’s pay.

  “The ship was from Australia. They said he’s part dingo, a wild dog that runs free in that country.” Rhett chuckled, thinking how Dallas’s mood determined if he’d be obedient. “Dingoes are smart and cunning. I believe what they claimed. Dallas is usually one step ahead of me, whatever I’m doing. All that considered, he’s a good dog, well trained by my brother and getting better all the time for me.”

  “Why do you have him now?” she asked in a small voice, almost carried away by the sound of the wind.

  “My brother, Shawn . . .”

  “Rhett?” She rubbed his arm. “You can trust me. I can hear the emotion in your voice. Did something happen to Shawn?”

  He swallowed down a lump of regret. “He stayed behind . . .” In his grave. Taking a firm grip of her hand, he moved forward, finished spilling his guts for the night. He’d said more than he’d wanted to. “Let’s get the two of you to Eden. You’re near frozen and now Dallas’ll have hours of pain once I begin removing the quills. It’s not an easy job.” He didn’t wait for her next question but continued down the path, hoping they wouldn’t meet any more obstacles. His heart felt about as battered as poor Dallas.

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  It was past ten o’clock when Rhett finally led Lavinia down the trail from the upper meadow, a firm hold on her hand so she wouldn’t stumble. Plenty of lanterns still burned in windows above shops and even below, belonging to owners who’d not yet retired. They would be foolish to believe they wouldn’t be seen coming into town. He chanced a glance back at Lavinia, her skirt damp and marred with dirt and smudges. Her hair had long since fallen around her shoulders, and her eyelids drooped. She’d sleep well tonight, if she didn’t allow her imagination to run wild, worrying about what others might think about them. If his appearance in town hadn’t caused enough of a stir already, sneaking back into town after dark together, looking as if they’d enjoyed a good roll in the hay, certainly would. No doubt about that.

  “Miss Brinkman?”

  The voice was deep, one Rhett didn’t recognize. They had almost arrived at the hotel, where Lavinia could slip inside using the back door. Now there was no escaping.

  They turned.

  Jeremy Gannon, Eden’s new doctor, stood before them in the lantern light from the drugstore and telegraph office. His eyes widened at the untidy condition of Lavinia’s dress and mussed hair, but he didn’t ask any questions.

  “I owe you an apology, Miss Brinkman,” he said, his tone contrite. “I’m sorry for my rude behavior when we first met in the café the other day. I suffer from serious headaches called migraines. The only thing that seems to help is lying down in a dark room and staying completely still, or, sometimes, strong coffee, and plenty of it. I’d been suffering on the stagecoach for three days, and I let that affect my manners. I hope we can begin anew.”

  Lavinia’s mouth dropped open. “Doctor, I’m so sorry to hear that. Of course. And I’m sorry for being impolite to you.”

  “I hadn’t noticed.”

  They smiled.

  At that moment, Dallas came trotting out of the darkness, seemingly unaffected by the porcupine quills sticking out of him at all angles. It was the first good look he and Lavinia had of the dog.

  “Dallas!” Lavinia cried. “I can’t stand to look!” Her hands encircled her throat, and her large eyes filled with tears.

  “My dog encountered a porcupine while I was out searching for Miss Brinkman,” Rhett said, wanting to explain right away about her tousled appearance. “She was lost above the meadow in the woods.” He hoped the doctor wouldn’t spread any rumors. “I was lucky to find her in the dark and get her home. Dallas wasn’t so lucky.”

  The doctor knelt and inspected the horrible sight more carefully. Dallas couldn’t close his mouth for the quantity of quills stuck in his tongue and gums. Dr. Gannon looked up at them.

  “Do you know how to extract the quills?” he asked, his voice all seriousness. “They don’t just pull straight out the way they go in. It takes some finessing. Backward-facing barbs grip the skin, making ex
traction extremely difficult and painful. The dog is liable to get ferocious when you try.”

  “I don’t.” But it sounded like the doctor did.

  “Why don’t you bring him to my place? I’ll give him some laudanum to make him sleepy. I have instruments.” He stood and waited for Rhett’s reply. “There must be three or four hundred quills, if I had to guess, and the chore of removing them will take all night.”

  Dallas was staring at the doctor, as if to say yes!

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Lavinia gushed, her face still twisted in sympathy. She glanced at Rhett. “Let the doctor do it. He knows what he’s doing.”

  Rhett nodded, and a grin appeared on Dr. Gannon’s face. “I grew up on a farm in Kentucky. Our hounds tangled with the porcupines a few times a year. You’d think they’d learn. My father was a surgeon before me and taught me all he knew—about animals.” He gave a hearty laugh. “I think he made more money tending horses, cattle, and hogs than humans. Anyway, I’ll do what needs to be done and keep him until you come for him sometime tomorrow.” He glanced down at Dallas. “How does that sound, Dallas? You want to be my first patient?”

  Relief washed through Rhett. “Let’s get him to your place, then. We have business with Henry Glass that won’t wait until morning.”

  What Lavinia had said about the tree stumps she’d seen and the log-clogged river was still fresh in his mind. They needed to get the word out about the lumber outfit and what they were doing on the Dolores.

  Henry stared at them over tented fingers from his side of the desk as Rhett and Lavinia relayed all they’d heard and seen. His rumpled hair was out of character. “That must have been the campfire Clint and I saw on our way back from the ranch the other night. Surveyors scouting the lay of the land. And the Dolores River is perfect. Wide of bank and fast flowing. Katie should have something to say about this. They’ll be scabbing away her business.”

  What a bedraggled group he and Lavinia made, Rhett thought as he let out a long sigh. He was thankful Dallas was in capable hands. It did his heart good to see the caring way Dr. Gannon had treated him, as gentle as if the dog were a person. Rhett and Lavinia had waited around until Dr. Gannon had drizzled a healthy dose of laudanum down a sputtering Dallas’s throat, fearlessly holding the dog around the neck as if he had a wrestler in a choke hold. It only took a few minutes before the dingo mix blinked sleepily and then sank to the floor, resting his quill-covered nose between his paws, still unable to close his mouth. Then Rhett and Gannon hefted him onto the clean examination table, but not until the doctor took care of the slice on Lavinia’s palm. Dallas hadn’t been Dr. Gannon’s first patient; Lavinia had.