by Indiana Wake
“Oh, it is nothing. I just need to find something and I can’t seem to find it in any of these books,” Foster said, crestfallen.
“Then let me help,” Emily said and she took him by the arm and led him to a chair. She so hated to see him this way and knew she must find the reason. Sitting opposite from him, she rested a hand on his arm and taking a deep breath she looked up at him. “What are you looking for?” she asked. “Perhaps I could help you find it.”
Foster looked at her gratefully but said, “Thank you, Emily, but you don’t need to worry. I can handle it and perhaps it’s not even as big a deal as I am making out. You should go back to your book.”
Emily wasn’t prepared to let this go she desperately wanted to help him, so she insisted, “Please tell me what the problem is, Foster. I want to help you and I won’t let you leave without telling me what the matter is.”
Foster looked into her eyes and she watched him relax.
“Remember the calf born to Belle,” he said running a hand through his thick hair. “She is sick and it isn’t one of the usual maladies. No one can figure out what is wrong with her and even Doc has given up, but I can’t just let a baby die, even if it is a cow’s baby. I have to save her Emily, I just have to.”
Emily looked at the man, who was so distraught for a baby cow. Her heart ignited and fluttered as she saw how big his heart was, how limitless his kindness. She could not believe that such a gentle and kind man existed, much less that she had met him and been bestowed with that kindness. As she looked at him, her feelings took on a new meaning to her. She realized that somewhere down the line something had happened. With his generosity and kindness, with the attention he gave her and the way he made her blush and her heart flutter. The way he respected her opinions and treated her as an equal, she had fallen in love with him.
His kindness towards an animal had shown her beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was an amazing man and that she would never deserve someone as pure and as good as him. Taking a breath she brought her thoughts back to the matter at hand. “Would you describe the symptoms to me, please?”
“They are most strange,” Foster said. “She has red spots on her abdominal region and yellow dots within the spots. She won’t eat anything and we can hardly get any water down her. From what I gather, she’s running a temperature and she keeps making these choking noises. I went out to see her and the state she’s in has me panicked she won’t last the night. I don’t know what to do and none of these books has anything to help her.” Foster said waving the book in the air before tossing it to land heavily on the wooden floor.
Emily sat in thought for a few minutes before she felt a tingle of excitement. Maybe God had sent her here for this very reason and she whispered a prayer before turning back to him. “I think I can help,” she said. “It sounds like an illness that went around in my home town, a while back. The baby animals started dying off and they had the same symptoms. No one could find a cure to help the poor creatures until a woman gave one of her lambs a bottle of barley water that she had boiled to make up a broth. The lamb drank the entire bottle and two more after that. Once the lamb started to drink, it slowly but steadily got better and soon it was eating and drinking. Within days the spots were gone, and the fever broke. I am not saying it will work but if you give me an hour, I will have a few bottles ready and we can try and see if it works on your calf.”
Foster looked at her as if he could kiss her at that moment. Gratitude shone in his eyes. “You are a blessing,” he said. “Please do this for me and I cannot thank you enough.” He took her hands and squeezed them gently.
Emily felt electric spark up her wrists straight to her heart. She pulled her hands away and covered her scar. It was an unconscious gesture.
“There is no need to do that,” Foster said and he took her hand and pulled it away. Gently he traced a finger down the scar and it sent shivers down her back. Emily could not believe the way it made her heart pound, but the feeling was not disgust but love. Quickly she jumped up. “I must get busy,” she said.
“Thank you, Emily,” he called after her. “If this works and I can save the poor thing, I will owe you for it.”
She turned in the doorway, keeping her scar hidden. “Nonsense. I am the one who is in your debt. It is the least I can do after all you and your family have done for me,” Emily said, blushing at his words and the way he was looking at her.
“Well, I will go tell the men the good news and I’ll be back in an hour for the bottles. Thank you again for helping out like this,” Foster said before taking leave of her and rushing out, a huge smile on his face.
Emily rushed to the kitchen. The scar on her face felt different. She could still feel the touch of his fingers and she pressed her fingers there as if to take comfort from his touch.
Chapter 9
It turned out that Emily’s remedy worked and soon the calf was nursed back to health. Foster was over the moon and determined that everyone felt the same. He made sure that they all thanked her and complimented her on her knowledge of the illness; even Lawton had a kind word for her. He seemed to have softened towards her each day.
Over time, everyone grew used to Emily and more and more each day, she felt like a part of the family. Emily and Foster had grown rather close to each other, talking for ages and looking at one another covertly but never saying a word to the other. Neither one had a clue that the other one liked them.
A month or so after the calf incident, Emily was sitting by the fireplace, knitting when there was a rather loud knock on the door. It was late for visitors so glances were exchanged around the room, for no one expected a visitor to call after dinner. This was a time dedicated to family. At last Foster got up and walked to the door to receive whoever was calling on them at that hour.
Emily continued with her knitting, all the while wondering who it could be at the door and what they could possibly want. Soon, she heard Foster coming back and he seemed to be talking to someone as he approached. Everyone looked towards the door to see who would be accompanying Foster. A man with half his hair missing and a snarky smirk on his face entered the room. Emily dropped her knitting to the floor as she stood up quickly, no, it could not be. A gasp left her as she saw the man before her.
He gave a nasty smirk to Emily and bowed slightly. “Hello, sister,” he said. “Fancy meeting you here, eh?”
Emily could not talk, she knew her mouth opened and closed like an old barn door in the wind, but she could not seem to formulate a reply. She glanced around and saw Susan and the rest simply staring. They looked from Emily to the man in surprise and back again in total surprise.
Foster, visibly paled. “Emily what is wrong?”
Still she could not speak and one frail hand waved at the visitor as if to ward off evil.
“He claimed to be your brother,” Foster said. “I assumed you would want to meet your family so I brought him in.”
Coming to her senses, Emily looked at Foster and smiling tightly. She had always known that this day would come. There was no escape and finally like a wounded animal she was trapped. “Thank you, Foster, for your kindness,” she said. “I really appreciate it.” Turning to her brother she straightened her back and lifted her chin. He would not see her beaten. “Well brother, what brings you to this part of the world?”
“Why you, of course. I couldn’t have my sister traipsing around the country, now could I?” he replied, giving her a nasty look.
Lawton stepped forward and extending a hand. “Hello, I’m Lawton Treherne; this is my wife Susan, my brother Jarrett and his wife, Ellie. You’ve already met our father, here.”
Nodding to everyone and shaking his hand, Emily’s brother seemed to grow. “My name is Donald Johnson. Nice to meet ya’ll. I hope my sister hasn’t been much trouble.”
Foster moved to Emily’s side and she felt comforted by his presence, but she knew how this would end. It had been her dream to stay here, but you always had to wake from even the mo
st perfect of dreams.
“She has been no trouble at all,” Foster growled. “In fact she has been a big help here. A fine woman your sister is, Mr. Johnson.”
Emily blushed but did not dare take her eyes from her brother’s, she had made that mistake before and her hand went to the scar on her face.
Donald snickered. “I highly doubt that pest could be any help.”
Lawton, who was standing close to Donald heard what he was saying and with a disgusted look on his face, turned towards him and asked, “What did you just say?”
Donald back peddled away from the big man and put a smile on his face. It was one Emily recognized, he wanted to put on a good impression, but he was like the snake. Most dangerous when cornered.
“Oh, nothing at all,” Donald said his voice all syrupy and sweet. “I have come to take my sister home. So, Emily if you’d just go pack up we should leave right now.”
Emily rocked on the spot. What should she do? If she left she knew what would happen but if she stayed she risked bringing disaster on these good people. She could not do that so with a heavy heart she stepped forward. A hand held her back and she turned to see Foster. His eyes were full of fire and it melted her heart. What had she done to deserve such a good friend?
Foster stepped between her and Donald. “I’m afraid it’s too late for her to travel anywhere,” he said his voice was deep and gave no room for argument. “You can’t take her, at least not tonight.”
Lawton stepped forward as if in support. “That is right there is no way she can leave at this hour, it isn’t appropriate. But if you need a place to stay, our bunk house is welcome to you. Follow me and I will show you the way.”
Donald looked at the men and then at Emily. She could see him weighing up the odds, wondering if it was worth the fight. Eventually, he nodded. “That’d be great thanks. I could sure use some rest right about now.”
“Well then, it’s settled. You are to stay with us until and if Emily goes with you,” Foster said, giving Emily the option to stay if she wanted.
Lawton indicated the door. “Come let me show you the way.”
Chapter 10
After Donald left everyone spoke at once but Emily could not understand any of what they were saying. She took herself to a quiet corner and sat down away from all the noise. What could she do? Must she leave this refuge? Must she go with her brother?
Foster was pacing the room, and Susan could not stand seeing him in this state. She put a hand on his chest and he visibly calmed down, looking at her adoringly. She took him by the hand and they stood in one corner. They looked across at Emily. She was sitting alone, looking scared and skittish as a wild colt. One who was going to run away at any moment.
Foster nodded at Susan and went over to Emily. Gently he sat down across from her.
Lawton came in and rushed over. “Who is your brother? What did he mean about you running around the country? I thought you traveled to see an Aunt and lost a relative along the road. What is going on?”
“Enough,” Foster shouted throwing a stern glance at his son. “Emily is still a guest and anything you ask of her you ask nicely.” He turned towards Emily and gently took her hand. It was shaking and he felt anger inside him. Who had done this to her? If it was the brother he would suffer, but that was tomorrow’s problem.
“Emily,” he said his voice gentle and encouraging like the one he would use with a newborn foal. “If you are in any kind of trouble, Emily, you but have to tell us and we promise you we will take care of everything. Don’t be afraid and just tell me. I want to help you; I need to help you,” he mumbled the last part.”
Emily could not believe how lucky she had been, but she knew she had to leave. She could not bring trouble on these good people. But seeing the concern in Foster’s eyes made her heart break at the thought of leaving him. No matter how hard she tried, she could not hold back the tears. They burst from her and soon she was engulfed in a hug. Ellie, Susan and Foster all held her tightly, soothing her as best they could.
It felt good to be in the arms of these people. It felt safe and like home, but she bit back her tears and wiped her eyes. Ashamed she pulled herself free of their embrace and looked at the people who had become like family. “My brother wasn’t always so horrible, but circumstances and too many mouths to feed made him greedy and selfish. My husband died in a shipwreck five years ago and I stayed on the docks for so long. Praying he would come home… There was a storm a tree fell down. That is how I got this scar. My brother came and took me from there. I had nowhere to go but to live with my brother. At first, he willingly kept me and looked after me but eventually I became a burden to him and he wanted to get rid of me. A year ago, my brother wrote to a man with a lot of money and a shady character. In exchange for a few services and a wife, he would pay my brother a handsome amount of money. My brother pounced on the offer since it was a way to get rid of his unwanted sister and make money at the same time.”
“This is scandalous,” Foster said and he took her hand in his.
Emily felt safe holding his hand and it gave her the courage to go on. “He told me he had found me a husband and that if I loved my brother even a little bit I would accept this marriage. I refused at first but was told it was that or I would have to leave. I had nowhere to go, so with a heavy heart I read the man’s letters and eventually conceded to be his Mail Order Bride. Like my brother told me who would marry a widow with such an ugly scar.”
“Stop that my dear,” Foster said. “You are among friends and we see you as beautiful both in personality and looks.”
Emily looked around and there was no judgment on their faces, just love. “We traveled a bit and soon we were living at this man’s house. He was a brute of a man, had no regard for women or people in general. He treated me like the maid and at times would even beat me. I couldn’t say anything because I was betrothed to be married to him. One day I had enough, so in the dead of the night I escaped from there. But he was too smart for me and caught me escaping. But I bided my time and soon an opportunity came. I escaped again and he sent his men and dogs after me and I barely escaped with my life. I ran as far as I could and it was during the time I was running that Susan and Ellie found me and offered me shelter.”
She stopped and looked at the two sisters, sending them her thanks in a glance.
“We are so pleased we found you,” Susan said. “You do not need to leave.”
“Thank you but I must,” Emily said. “I should’ve told you all about my circumstances earlier for now it is not safe for you if I stay here. I will not see any of you hurt for harboring me. You were all so kind and made me feel so safe that instead of confessing the truth and risking being sent away, I lied. I am really sorry for all that I have put you through and I shall leave as soon as I can. I will not go back with my brother to that man, but I cannot keep imposing on you. I cannot thank you all enough for all that you have done for me. All I ask is that you give me time to escape my brother.”
Foster stood, his face was red, his fists clenched and he paced across the room. As he reached the door, Jarrett put a hand on his father’s shoulder.
“I know what you want,” Jarrett said. “I think we all want to rip Donald’s head off, but it is not the right choice.
“Why not?” Lawton said. “The man deserves worse.”
“Because this is all about Emily,” Susan said and she would not want her brother killed. Now calm down men and let us work this out.”
Foster and Lawton paced the room and took in some deep breaths but eventually they gained control and turned to Emily.
“I wish you had told me all of this sooner,” Foster said. “None of us would’ve ever dreamed of asking you to leave and I would’ve been able to better protect you and not let that worthless brother of yours in my door! You are not going to go anywhere and don’t worry, I will take care of everything, you have my word. I will handle all of this. Now if you ladies will excuse me, I have some matters I need
to discuss with my sons.”
Susan and Ellie came across to Emily. She could not believe this, could not believe that after she had lied that they would stand by her. As Susan led her gently to her bedroom, all she could do was mutter her thanks and she knew tonight she would thank The Lord for sending her to these special people.
“Do you want us to stay with you?” Susan asked.
Emily stepped into her room and shook her head. “I will be fine, thank you.”
“Well, don’t do anything foolish like running away or something. Trust father, he will keep you safe and make sure that no harm comes to you.”
Assuring Susan that she wouldn’t do anything foolish, Emily retired to her room.
Chapter 11
The next day, after breakfast Foster, requested Donald and Emily to accompany him to his study. Lawton and Jarrett stood on either side of their father as he sat down, motioning for Donald to sit down across the table. Susan and Ellie stood afar at one corner. Emily sat as well off to the side but still in the middle of things.
Once he was seated, Foster stared across at Donald as if his very gaze could melt the man down to the useless lard that he was.
Donald visibly shook beneath that stare but said nothing.
“Mr. Miller,” Foster said. “I have heard all about your affairs from Emily. Even though it is not my place to lecture you, I will say I am disgusted with you and that Emily will not be going with you anywhere.”
Donald looked outraged and he rose up in his seat. “If you know everything then ya must know that she is promised to another. I can’t be showing up there empty handed. I need to give Mr. White his wife or all his money back, with interest. I don’t have me no money anymore so the wife is all I got to give. Besides she was lucky I got her a husband, with that scar an’ all. So let me tell you now, Emily goes with me.”