“Yes, thank you. I overslept, must have been overly tired. I’ll be on my way as soon as I saddle my horse.”
Laura Foster nodded and she looked past him into the barn. “You’re welcome to come get a cup of coffee before leaving. There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
He buttoned his shirt and followed her to the house and once inside the tidy home, he noticed a crib next to the fireplace.
“Please sit, Mister Cole.” She went to the crib and reached in. Seeming to find the child well, she rocked the small bed and returned to the kitchen.
While pouring hot coffee into a cup and placing it in front of him, she kept looking over her shoulder towards the crib. She then went back to the stove and stirred the pot. With a steaming bowl of oatmeal in each hand, she placed one in front of him and sat with the other. Her hand trembled when she lifted her spoon to her mouth. “I’m sorry for the poor fare. I’m afraid I haven’t been out to the chicken coop this morning, yet. The baby kept me up all night. He seems to be feeling poorly.”
He wondered how dear the meal she’d given him the night before was to her. “It smells delicious.” He took a spoonful and ate. “A feast compared to what I’ve been eating while traveling.”
Her lips curved and once again commanded his attention. “I’d like to ask if you could help me find my husband.” She hesitated and sighed. “I think he’s dead, but I don’t know for sure.”
The brightness of tears in her eyes made Bronson want to comfort her. “How long has he been gone?”
She blinked several times with her hand in midair with her spoonful of oats and then lowered it. “Almost two months. He was going to town and never returned. I rode there several weeks ago and no one claims to have seen him. Since you’re traveling further, maybe you can find him.”
“Why do you think he’s dead?” Bronson turned to the crib when the child gave a short cry.
After a soft shrug, Laura stood and went to the crib. “I don’t think he’d just abandon us. He seemed happy about the baby. It being a boy and all.”
He watched as she picked up the small child and placed him to her shoulder while patting the small back. “Yes, I am positive he’d return, if only for his child.”
“I will look for him, Mrs. Foster. Can you describe him?”
She looked down, her face calm in concentration. “A bit shorter than you. Albert is thin. He is older, forty.” A tear slid down her face and she wiped it away with fingers. “I don’t have a picture I’m afraid. But his horse is distinctive. It’s a reddish brown with a white star shape on its forehead.”
Bronson stood. He picked up his hat and walked to the doorway. “I will look for him.”
She let out a sigh. “That’s all I ask. Thank you, Mr. Cole.”
He retired from the house and noticed a meager stack of wood. Winter would arrive soon and if her husband did not return, the woman would have to chop wood for herself. He suspected she’d already started doing so. “Mrs. Foster, would you allow me to chop some wood in exchange for your hospitality?”
Her shoulders fell and she nodded. “I would appreciate it. Thank you.”
Setting to his task, the next two hours passed quickly. He placed the ax down to drink water when Laura Foster exited the house and went about her chores. With a brisk walk, she led her horse to a small corral. Next she hurried from the barn to the house after milking the cows and collecting eggs. He hesitated from chopping wood and caught her looking in his direction. Their gazes met for a moment before she hustled into the house, her arms laden.
Later that morning, he left. Urging his horse into a trot, Bronson made quick time leaving Laura Foster’s home. Just a few miles in distance and his mind wandered back to her time and time again.
What would become of Laura Foster and her child if her husband was, indeed, dead as she suspected? The beautiful woman was at risk living so far from town alone and unprotected. He would look for Albert Foster, but he doubted the man would be found. If he was alive, he’d have returned or was long gone by now. If he was dead, as his wife thought, then Laura Foster was utterly vulnerable.
He headed south and soon left the woman and her child far behind, yet, at the same time, she remained very close in his mind.
Chapter Eleven
Two days after the horrible incident with Erwin Ford, Grace managed time alone in her house with her thoughts for company. Her shoes clacked against the wooden floor when she paced the length of the front parlor. Restlessness all consuming, she paused and stared at her cold tea.
What would she do about Erwin Ford? And Ashley, was he really a killer? No, she refused to believe it.
It still angered Grace to think that Ashley did not plan to escort her home from the fair. In hindsight, she should have realized her father was probably the one who’d caused it. But his not doing so, bowing to her father’s demands, had resulted in her being attacked by Ford.
Now she felt bad at having told him not to call on her again, the words spoken out of hurt and confusion. After the intensity of their kiss, that he didn’t want to escort her home really hurt her feelings. In her opinion, he should have stood up to her father.
With a sigh, she toyed with the idea of seeking out Ashley to tell him about Erwin’s threat, perhaps finding out the truth. The two definitely knew each other. Why did they both deny it? Did Ford have something to do with the charges against Ashley?
She peered out the large window to an empty path. It would prove too obvious to ride east towards the Cole’s ranch and she had the feeling Erwin had her watched. She lowered into an overstuffed chair and lifted her needlepoint to inspect her work. The colors faded as her mind wandered again and she glanced through the doorway of the sitting room toward the hallway.
Her father had already gone to work and she’d not seen her mother since breakfast. She assumed she’d appear at any moment bringing yet another fabric swatch or other frivolous item that she considered necessary for the wedding. A wedding she’d do anything to avoid. Not that she could tell her mother so at the moment.
It bothered her that neither of her parents seemed particularly put out at her reaction of annoyance at Erwin’s well-acted, poignant declaration of seeking her hand in marriage. No sooner had they returned from the disastrous carriage ride, did Ford turn into the picture of the besotted suitor. Surely, they knew her well enough to discern that she was not in the least bit enamored with Erwin Ford.
Of course, they were probably so overjoyed it was not Ashley seeking her hand, they’d not paid attention to her expression.
Ashley.
How to get to him and warn of what Erwin threatened? It was a lie, of course. She refused to believe Ashley guilty of what Ford accused him of.
“Grace, darling?” Her mother walked into the room holding a doll dressed in bridal attire. “Look at this dress. I do believe this style would be perfect on you.”
“I doubt it would fit me.”
Her mother blinked and looked to the doll before understanding Grace’s joke. “Don’t be flippant. You need to help me decide on your dress and accessories amongst so many other details. Erwin seems to be anxious for this wedding to be soon. There is much to do.”
Grace studied the doll noting the elaborate dress that overtook the poor thing until barely any part of it showed. “I don’t want to look like a cake, Mother. And I am not in as much of a hurry to marry. I would like to get to know him a bit better.”
“I can’t believe you would put him off.” Her mother sank into a chair opposite Grace, the doll falling face first into her lap. “Why would you want to wait?”
An explanation did not form. Grace looked to the doorway again and wondered how to find Ashley and put a stop to the nonsense. “Please, Mother. I need time to become accustomed to the idea of being engaged before throwing myself into the planning of the wedding.”
Her mother shook her head, picked up the doll and held it out to her. “Just tell me what you think of this design. It will
take weeks to get the fabric in.”
“I prefer something simpler.” She kept her voice even, despite the urge to scream. “Don’t order anything.”
“I’ll find a picture of another dress in the Sears and Roebuck catalog. I’ll be back in a minute.” Her mother rushed from the room.
With a resigned sigh, Grace leaned back into the chair. She had to find a way to speak to Ashley and soon. If Ford’s threats were idle, she’d call off the wedding immediately.
*****
The opportunity arose two days later when she walked into the mercantile and found a very pregnant Nora Cole inside. She found her way to the woman who held a bolt of yellow fabric in her hand.
“Nice to see you, Nora. How are you feeling?”
Nora smiled. “I was wondering when I’d run in to you. How are you? Congratulations on your engagement. We just heard.”
Grace’s mother would prove a valuable asset if ever the telegram system was disrupted. “Err…Thank you…”
Nora held up the pale material. “What do you think? Would this make a nice baby blanket?”
Grace eyed the fabric and the look of anticipation in the woman’s face. She couldn’t help but smile. “It’s perfect.” She touched the woman’s arm. “I need to talk to you.”
“My, you look serious.” Nora’s eyes sparkled as she looked to her husband, who came to stand beside her.
Grayson Cole’s brilliant blue gaze took Grace in. Other than the same color eyes, he did not resemble Ashley. This brother’s hair was long to his shoulders, a burnished brown compared to Ashley’s darker brown. Although Grayson was a well-built man, Ashley was broader of shoulder and of a more muscular build.
Grayson greeted Grace with a polite hello and looked to his wife. “We need to head back if we’re to be at my parents’ for dinner.”
Nora nudged her husband away with a smile. “Give me a minute to speak with Grace. I believe we have all we need.” She pushed the bolt of fabric to his chest. “I want this, too.”
Grayson lips curved. “Good thing we brought the bigger wagon.” He walked to the counter.
When they had privacy, Grace moved closer to Nora. “Can you please tell Ashley I must speak to him? It’s very important. Tell him Captain Ford knows someone they both served with in the cavalry.”
Nora’s eyebrows lifted. “I don’t understand. Why is it important?”
Grace scrambled to come up with a good explanation. “I would rather explain that to Ashley. I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that only Ashley would find it of importance, I’m afraid.”
“Of course,” Nora replied. “Men and their talk of war and such. As you heard, I’m going to my in-laws’ for dinner. I will pull Ashley aside and give him the message.”
“Thank you, Nora. I appreciate it.” The women hugged and parted ways.
Watching the couple leave, Grayson with a protective hand on Nora’s elbow, his full attention on his wife, made Grace sigh.
If she were forced to marry Erwin, her marriage would be a disaster. She wouldn’t do it.
Hopefully, Ashley would find his way to see her soon.
*****
The conversation around the dinner table lulled and Ashley realized his mother looked to him. “…so sorry, darling. I’m just surprised she’d agree to marry Captain Ford. Were you aware they were courting?”
His gut sank as he attempted to grasp the full extend of the topic of discussion he missed while not listening. “No—I am not sure it’s true.”
Nora, who sat next to him, released a breath. “I’m afraid it is true. Grace is engaged. I congratulated her at the mercantile today and she thanked me. By the way…” Nora leaned closer to his ear. “I need a word with you after dinner.”
“When is Bronson due back?” His mother diverted everyone’s attention. “I still don’t understand this need for him to go to Fort Laramie this time of year. He’s going to be so cold. Are you sure the trail is safe?” She looked to Hank who met Ashley’s eyes for a moment.
“The trail to Laramie is well traveled. The cavalry keeps a vigil to ensure travelers are safe from Indian attack.” He patted his wife’s shoulder and looked to Ashley. “As far as the reason for his travel, I’m sure he’ll inform us when he returns. He asked that we be patient, remember?”
“Well, if my boy is not back in a week, you three,” she pointed at the men around the table, “will go fetch him.”
Grayson laughed and shook his head. “Ma, Bronson is more than capable of taking care of himself. But I’ll go fetch him if he doesn’t return in a timely manner, just because I know it will make him mad.”
“Ashley?” His mother turned to him. “Did Grace tell you she expected to be engaged? Why did she agree to be seen with you, as a couple, at the fair?”
“She told me Ford had been calling. I don’t think she expected him to propose.”
Thankfully, Nora jumped and giggled when the baby kicked and immediately everyone turned their attention to her. Grayson paled and dropped his fork onto his plate with a loud clatter. Nora gave him a droll look. “Every time the baby kicks, I fear Gray will pass out.”
Everyone laughed and Grayson ignored them, patting his wife’s swollen belly.
After dinner, Ashley went outside while the family drank coffee and talked. The clear night sky and bright moon provided plenty of light. He sat on the porch steps and looked into the distance. Why had Grace accepted Ford’s proposal? Had he been so wrong to think that she’d enjoyed their time together? She’d been responsive to his kisses and up until she’d abruptly told him not to call, he expected she was beginning to care for him.
“Ah, there you are.” Nora walked out to the porch where Ashley sat. He stood and helped her lower into a rocker. A contented sigh escaped his pretty sister-in-law and she looked to the doorway. “Grayson will follow me out at any moment, so I better tell you the message Grace gave me for you.”
Ashley’s heart pitched. “Message?”
“Yes, she said it was urgent. That you’d understand what she meant and that she needed to talk to you.”
“Was she well?”
Nora shrugged. “Seemed well enough to me. She told me to tell you that Captain Ford knows someone you also are acquainted with from the cavalry. Grace said it was important that she speak to you.”
He thought on the words. Ford sent the clear message, of course. But how much did he tell Grace?
“Thank you, Nora. I’m not sure what that means, but I’ll see about talking to her next time I’m in town.”
“I hope you’re not too hurt at her choice. Sometimes these things happen for a reason.” Nora met his gaze. “She’s a very nice person and I know she’d not hurt you purposely.”
Did he know Grace well enough to discern if she was playing along with Ford? She didn’t seem the type to fall for flowery words, but Ford could be cunning. First light, the next day, he’d go to town and find a way to seek Grace out.
If it was a trap, he’d have to be smarter than the trapper.
Chapter Twelve
Grace walked through the dining room to place her teacup in the kitchen. Movement in the side yard caught her eye. She looked through the window into the garden, but there was no one. Once her mother left for her sewing group, she’d go out for a walk. It was ridiculous to hide and be kept prisoner by fear. The night before, at dinner, Erwin had closed up with her father in the parlor. Afterwards, it was announced her wedding would take place in the early spring. He left soon after, putting an end to a horrid visit as Erwin’s presence made her uncomfortable. His constant vigilance made it impossible to eat.
What were his plans? It made no sense for him to come to Alder Gulch for the sole purpose of gaining power. This was a small town, with little to no future other than cattle and farming. If anything, it was a place more welcoming for serene life with its slow pace.
“If you’re sure you won’t join me, I’ll be on my way then,” her mother called out.
“No, thank you,” Grace replied not interested in attending her mother’s sewing circle.
The front door closed. It was time to take action. Grace considered the best route to leave town and not be noticed. The last thing she needed was for Ford to catch up to her. It was an open road between town and the Cole’s ranch. She shuddered to think what the man would do if he caught her alone. Once again, a shadow crossed. Grace grabbed a pan by the handle and went to the kitchen door. Holding the skillet over her head she pulled the door open and scanned the field behind her house.
“Grace.” Someone materialized from behind her and she yelped in surprise swinging toward her target. Thankfully, he ducked in time.
“Ashley?”
His darkened eyes took her in and it was all she could do to keep from throwing herself at him in relief. “Goodness. You startled me. Come.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the kitchen. “I think I’m being watched. It’s best if we talk inside.” She placed her would be weapon on the counter and turned to him.
His large frame filled the small room adjacent to their kitchen. They stood close, just inches apart, but by the rigidness of his stance, they may as well be miles apart.
Of course, he thought her engaged, in love with Ford. She took his hand, needed to touch him. There was so much comfort in holding it. When his hand remained limp, with reluctance she dropped it and took a step back.
Where to start? Grace looked up into his eyes and let out a breath. “Erwin told me you killed a soldier and that you’re also a deserter. He said you’ll be put to death if the cavalry finds you.”
His eyes never shifted from her face. “Do you believe him?”
“I find it hard to believe.”
“Why?”
She concentrated on the rising and lowering of his chest. How could the man remain so still, so solid? “I just know it.”
Ashley exhaled. “Why are you marrying him? It’s a mistake. He is not a good man.”
“What would happen to you if Erwin were to turn you in to the cavalry? Is it true? Would you be hung?”
The Darkest Blue Page 8