Oregon Trail Boxed Set

by Hutton, Callie

  “Well, if I’m to not blame myself, how can you blame yourself for Lucy’s failings?”

  “Ah, but it’s a parent’s duty to feel guilty,” he said with a small smile.

  “Enough of this wallowing in pity.” Sylvia swallowed the last of her sherry and stood. “I think we should take this up with Dr. Penrose. Maybe he can suggest something, or maybe you can hire a companion for Lucy. Someone near her age.”

  “Wonderful idea.” Eli helped her into her wrap. “Now, let’s go to dinner and the theater. Although,” he winked at her, “I understand the seating host at the Bella Donna Restaurant is nowhere near as good looking or fascinating as the one at The Golden Buck.”

  * * *

  Eli, Sylvia, and Lucy sat at the long dining room table. A crisp white tablecloth graced the length of the cherry wood table set with china, crystal and silver, glowing in the light of the candelabra on the table and the fireplace against the wall. The family chose from platters of ham, codfish, and several vegetables. Sylvia passed a silver basket of hot rolls, covered in a white linen napkin. Each of them had a goblet of water, and a smaller one of wine.

  Lucy drained her glass of wine, and reached for the decanter.

  “Lucy, it would be better if you ate your dinner, and drank less of the wine.” Eli frowned as he removed the decanter from her reach.

  “I’m not particularly hungry, Papa.” The girl slurred her words as she reached again for the decanter.

  Eli shook his head and continued to eat. Sylvia watched the play between father and daughter with dismay. Eli purposely avoided a confrontation with the girl, and she feared it wouldn’t end well. She glanced at Lucy to see her glaring hatefully in her direction.

  “When are you and her,” Lucy nodded in Sylvia’s direction, “getting hitched?”

  “Our wedding is in two weeks.” Eli glowed. “Pastor Dunn will perform the ceremony, and I’ve arranged for a small reception to follow at the hotel.”

  Sipping her wine, Lucy smirked at her father. “I’ll check my social calendar.”

  Eli smiled brightly, obviously missing the sarcasm. “Yes, we want to make sure you’re there. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  “Lucy,” Sylvia said, “can you give me a list of friends you may want to invite?”

  “No thanks, Mrs. Hardwick, I don’t have any friends.”

  “That’s not true.” Eli laid his fork down and addressed her. “You have plenty of friends. There were dozens at your party. I haven’t seen any of them around lately. You’re spending too much time by yourself for a young beautiful girl.”

  “I’ve told you, everyone is so boring. And the people who came to my party would not be interested in your wedding.”

  “What about some of the young men? You used to have so many of them underfoot.” Eli tried again.

  “They’re too young. Much too immature.” She looked at Sylvia over her wine glass and smiled. “I prefer an older man.”

  20

  Angel hurried Sylvia into the church. Even though her wedding day had dawned rainy and chilly, Sylvia looked beautiful as only she could. Angel fussed with her stepmother’s outfit, adjusting, and smoothing where necessary. “You look wonderful.” She bent and kissed Sylvia on the cheek.

  Her beige silk and lace gown with matching hat, and a small bouquet of white roses made for a simple but elegant bride’s outfit. As she followed Angel down the aisle of the church on Nate’s arm, the bride looked serene and happy.

  Eli stood at the front of the church, beaming. The pride and love so evident on his face, brought tears to Angel’s eyes. As her step-mother’s maid of honor, she joined Sylvia, best man, Nate, and Eli in the Sanctuary as the pastor began the service. Throughout the ceremony, Julia-Rose, settled in Mrs. Darby’s lap in the second pew, shouted over and over, “Mama, up please.” Nate and Angel grinned at each other.

  Angel thought back to her wedding in this very church, performed by Pastor Dunn. Little did that scared, tired, and sick young woman realize she was about to begin the greatest adventure of her life. She glanced at Nate who studied her as if knowing her very thoughts. He winked, and gave her that heart-thumping smile. Perhaps he did know her thoughts. He certainly knew her heart.

  After the ceremony, the bride and groom led the gathering to the wedding breakfast. The newly redecorated hotel looked as bright and fresh as the bride. The deep red carpet complemented the gold and red wallpaper shipped from San Francisco only a few weeks before the wedding.

  Angel settled the boys at a table with a few other children. Tables set for the fifty-odd guests were adorned with gold tablecloths, white china plates with a gold rim, and more white roses. Crystal water and wine glasses, and heavy silver dining utensils completed the arrangements.

  Angel smoothed Matt’s hair back from his forehead, and met the gaze of each boy. “Now you mind your manners, gentlemen. Remember what I told you.”

  “All right, Mama. You told us about a hundred times.” Mark groused.

  Angel’s heart leapt, and tears flooded her eyes.

  My goodness, I’m a watering pot these days.

  She still hadn’t gotten used to the boys calling her ‘Mama.’ She touched her stomach, wondering how they’d take the news of another baby in the house.

  Lucy sat in sulky silence throughout the wedding ceremony and the breakfast. Angel glanced in her direction several times to see her glaring back with hate in her eyes. The young woman downed glass after glass of champagne, until it became obvious she was getting very drunk.

  Afraid of Lucy causing Eli embarrassment, Angel nudged Nate and whispered in his ear. “I think you should try to take Lucy home. It looks like it may become awkward for Eli and Sylvia. I would hate to see their day ruined.”

  “Oh, honey, no.” Nate groaned. “The last thing I want to do is be alone with Lucy.”

  “Take Matt with you.” Angel nodded in the direction of the children’s table. “If she makes a scene, it will embarrass and upset Eli. He doesn’t deserve that.”

  Nate stretched his neck muscles. “You’re right. I’ll try.”

  He pushed his chair back and headed to the table where the children sat. He bent and whispered to Matt, who stood and left the room. Then he walked over to Lucy, and sat alongside her. She immediately beamed at him, and grabbed onto his arm. They talked for a few minutes, and then they both rose to leave.

  Angel carried Julia-Rose, who had fallen asleep in her lap, over to Sylvia.

  “Nate’s taking Lucy home,” she said quietly, sitting alongside her.

  Sylvia nodded. “Thank you so much. I worried about where that was headed.”

  Angel shifted the baby from one arm to another. “Something has to be done about her.”

  “I know. Once Eli and I return from our trip to San Francisco, we’re going to see about hiring a companion for Lucy. Eli spoke with Dr. Penrose a few days ago. He thought that might be for the best. With all of this,” she waved her hand around the room, “it got pushed aside.”

  “Good luck with that.” Angel sighed.

  Eli’s attorney, Damian, joined Sylvia and Eli at the head table, bending low to speak quietly. “I believe I have some good news for you on your wedding day.”

  Once he had all of their attention, he continued. ““I took it upon myself to follow up with the New York City Police Department.

  “It seems when the attorney for Mr. Hardwick’s estate did the computations, he miscalculated and overlooked one of the depositors. When the police questioned him after the depositor contacted them, he said the matter had been closed, and all the remaining funds had been released to Mrs. Hardwick. Of course, he failed to mention to the police that Mrs. Hardwick—excuse me Mrs. Benson—did not receive anywhere near the amount of money the depositor claimed. When they found she’d left the state, they issued the warrant for her arrest. All this nonsense could have been cleared up with proper communication. The attorney offered his apologies for the trouble he caused.”
<
br />   Eli patted Sylvia’s hand. “See, sweetheart, it was all for nothing.”

  * * *

  Nate had his arm around Lucy, half carrying her. He hoped no one noticed her condition. A few heads turned their way when he helped her up. If someone didn’t rein her in soon, he could see disaster on the horizon.

  He got Lucy to his buggy and lifted her. Matt jumped in the back, and after making sure Lucy was settled, Nate went around the buggy and climbed up. Sitting as far away from his passenger as he could without falling over the other side, he slapped the reins and the buggy lurched forward.

  Lucy immediately slid over to his side and laid her head on his shoulder. Matt gasped. “Papa?”

  “It’s all right son, Miss Benson is a little tired. We’ll let her sleep.”

  “I’m not tired. I want to snuggle.” Lucy slurred the words. Turning to Matt, she added, “I should be the one who’s your mama, not Angel. Did your papa ever tell you that?”

  “Lucy, don’t say that to the boy,” Nate snapped.

  “Why not? It’s true. If everything had gone as I planned I would be your wife, not that whore from New York City.”

  “Papa!”

  Anger shot from his gut to his head where the blood pounded. “Lucy, if you were a man I’d beat you to within an inch of your life for that remark. I’m allowing you’re a lady, or at least you used to be, and you’ve had too much champagne. I’m warning you to hold your tongue.”

  Nate kept his eyes on the road and almost jumped off the seat when Lucy’s palm settled on his thigh. She ran her hand up and down, causing Nate to break out in a cold sweat. He pulled the buggy over and stopped.

  He turned to his son. “Matt, come on up here in the front with us.”

  “But, Papa, I don’t want to.” His gazed darted from him to Lucy. “We’ll be squished.”

  “No, it won’t be so bad, and it’s not much farther to Miss Benson’s house.”

  Nate jumped down, and practically dragging Matt over the seat, plopped him next to Lucy, who had to move over. Nate climbed back up and started the buggy again. Lord, would this ride ever be over?

  “I know what you’re doing.” Lucy’s voice rang out. “But it won’t work forever, you know.”

  Matt looked back and forth between the two adults, his face paling.

  “Lucy, why don’t you lay your head back, and take a little rest?” Nate snapped the reins to make the horses go faster.

  “Papa, I think she’s already asleep.”

  Nate blew out a deep breath. “Good. We’re almost there now, anyway.”

  The buggy continued down the long driveway and stopped in front of the house. The door immediately opened, and a middle-aged man in a livery uniform stepped out.

  Delivering drunken Lucy to her door is becoming a habit.

  “I’m afraid Miss Benson is under the weather.” Nate called to the man as he left the buggy and walked around to Lucy’s side.

  The older man took in Lucy’s disheveled appearance and drew in a breath. “Oh, my. Can you carry her in?”

  “Sure.” Nate reached into the buggy and slid her out. Her head lolled back like a rag doll. Her hat rested askew, and she had dribbled champagne on the front of her blue silk dress. As he started forward, she began to snore.

  “I’ll show you the way to her bedroom.” He started up the stairs, and then stopped. Nate banged into him, almost causing the three of them to tumble down the stairs. He shifted Lucy, amazed at how light she felt.

  “I think I should get Bella first,” the man said.

  Nate stood juggling Lucy while her maid was summoned. A small, black-haired woman came running from the back of the house and raced up the stairs.

  “Oh, dear,” her voice sounded breathless. “Bring her this way, sir.”

  They all started back up the stairs. Bella led him to Lucy’s room, opened the door and stood aside so he could enter. He deposited his bundle on the bed, and immediately turned to the young servant.

  “I’ll be leaving now, miss. I’m sure she’s in good hands.” He backed out of the room, closed the door and hurried down the stairs. Matt stood in front of the buggy.

  “Let’s go.” Nate jumped into the buggy. Matt climbed up the other side, and Nate set off as if the devil himself raced after them.

  “What’s wrong with Miss Benson?” Matt peered at him as they left the driveway and entered the main street back to town.

  “She’s had too much champagne.”

  “That’s not good, is it?” The boy looked at him wide-eyed, with all the solemnity of a wise ten-year-old.

  “No, son.” He looked down at the little boy. “That’s not good.”

  “How come she said she should be my mama?”

  Nate shrugged. “For some reason, she thought I would marry her after your mama died.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “Because I didn’t love her for one thing, and I didn’t think she would be a good mama for you and the others.”

  “But you didn’t love Angel when she first came, did you?”

  Nate glanced at the boy. “Well, I had a liking for her.”

  “But you love her now, don’t you?”

  He grinned as the image of Angel hugging all his children on Christmas morning, tears in her eyes, came to mind. “Yes, I do, son, very much.”

  “Me, too.”

  * * *

  Two days after the wedding, Angel sat at the kitchen table, considering various ideas for supper as she finished up the hem on a pair of Matt’s pants. The boy grew so fast, this would be the last time she could let the hem down. Time to pass them on to Mark. After folding the pants neatly and placing it on the table, she walked quietly to the bottom of the stairs to listen for Julia-Rose who napped, but only silence greeted her.

  The boys would be home in a little while, so she set fresh-from-the oven oatmeal cookies on a plate. She admired the effort. Her baking skills were improving. Within minutes four boys came charging into the kitchen from the back door.

  “Hi, Mama.” Luke reached for a cookie.

  “Hi, yourself.” She turned and gave him a hug.

  Not to be outdone, John also reached for one, and shoved it into his mouth.

  “Sit down and eat your cookies like little gentlemen. I’m going upstairs to get your sister.”

  Julia-Rose stood in her crib, blonde curls framing her face, blue eyes shining. She smiled brightly, and held out her hands. “Mama, up now.”

  “So, we’re expanding our vocabulary, are we?” Angel picked her up and quickly changed her soaking diaper, throwing the dirty one in a bucket of water.

  The boys had gobbled up the cookies by the time she returned with Julia-Rose. She set her in a chair, no longer using the strap since she sat up much better. Angel thought about asking Nate to build a high chair. She’d seen a picture of one in a catalog. When the new baby got old enough to sit up, a high chair would be much safer than having to deal with pillows and straps.

  How to tell Nate about the new baby still worried her. They had never discussed more children, and she honestly didn’t know if he would be happy or not. Knowing him as she now did, she opted for a happy reaction. Still, six children . . . Given how long they’d been married, at least she wasn’t as fertile as Amy.

  “Time for chores, boys.” She placed dirty glasses in the sink. Mark immediately ran out the back door, much to Angel’s surprise. He usually dawdled, the last one when it came to chores. Before the others moved, a knock sounded at the front door.

  “Watch the baby.” She tossed the comment over her shoulder as she hurried to open the door.

  Lucy Benson stood on the doorstep. Her eyes were bloodshot, her green linen dress a wrinkled mess, as if she had slept in it. She wore no hat or gloves, but carried a reticule. She attempted to smile, but it came out more as a grimace.

  “May I come in, Angel?” She swayed slightly.

  “Yes, of course.” Angel stepped back.

  A small kernel o
f fear settled in her stomach. Lucy had been her nemesis for a long time, but at the moment, this woman looked dangerous. Angel quickly glanced at the clock, but it would be another hour or so before Nate would be home.

  Lucy stumbled into the house, her steps none too steady. Her gaze roamed the parlor, she sneered. “This junk will have to go.” She turned and smiled at Angel. “But then, the whole damned house will go. In fact, I’ll enjoy seeing it burn to the ground.” She laughed, and entered the kitchen.

  “What can I do for you, Lucy?” Angel said. The remarks she’d uttered increased the size of the kernel of fear. She edged toward Matt, planning to have him go for Nate.

  “You can go away and never come back. That’s what you can do for me, Angel Hardwick Hale.”

  Julia-Rose let out a wail and reached for Angel. She headed toward her little girl.

  Lucy glared at her. “Stay where you are.”

  Angel ran her sweaty palms down the front of her skirt. “Boys, go on out and start your chores. Matt, take Julia-Rose with you, she could use a bit of air.” Her eyes never leaving Lucy, she snatched the baby up.

  “No. Everybody stay here.”

  Fear shot through Angel’s body. This was not good. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. “Lucy, why don’t you sit down? I’ll make a pot of tea and we can talk.”

  “No.” The one word came out at the same time Lucy reached into the reticule dangling from her wrist and pulled out a gun. She held it with two hands, and aimed it directly at Angel’s chest.

  Luke, John and Matt sat like three stone statutes, wide-eyed at the gun pointed at their mama. Too young to understand, but picking up the tension in the room, Julia-Rose cried harder. Angel quickly deposited her into Matt’s lap. She didn’t want to be holding the baby with a gun pointed her way.

  “Shut that brat up.” Lucy gestured with the gun in Julia-Rose’s direction. The child sobbed harder, her face a bright red.