“You asked the questions—I’m just supplying the answers.” Carrie set the towel down and smoothed her hair. “I think Kate’s glad for the change. Aren’t you, Kate?”
“Yes, I am,” Kate replied. “This new menu will be fun to make, and we’ve kept enough favorites that everyone should be able to find something they like.”
“You see? This was a good choice. Now, there’s the train whistle. Let’s get to work.” Carrie went out to the lobby to greet their customers, and Ruth turned to Kate with a forced smile.
“We can do this, right?”
“Of course we can.” Kate put a hand on Ruth’s shoulder. “They’re going to love what you’ve done here, Ruth. Don’t be so worried.”
“All right. I’ll take some deep breaths and everything will be fine.”
As the waitresses came and went, they reported a few complaints from the dining room, but most of their customers were pleased to see the new items. Most popular seemed to be the pork chops, followed by the herbed chicken. Ruth received compliments on the new soup, and the only thing that didn’t seem to go over well was the new recipe she’d tried for corn bread, so she decided to go back to the recipe they’d used up until that point.
“It’s a success,” Nora said on her last trip into the kitchen. “I’ve heard so many nice things out there.”
Ruth smiled, exhausted but elated. “I’m so glad. I know it’s hard to see things change when we’re used to a set way of doing things, but if we want to keep our regulars interested, I think it’s important to have a variety.”
“I agree,” Mr. Brody said, entering the kitchen in time to hear her comment. “Delicious meal, ladies. You’ve done the Brody proud.” He turned to Ruth. “Mr. Runyon wonders if he could speak with you when you’re finished.”
Oh, gracious. Mr. Runyon. “Mr. Brody, would you be willing to put him off for me? I’m afraid he’s becoming too attached, and the whole situation is unsettling.”
“Of course. Anything in particular you’d like me to say?”
“No, just that I’m very busy.”
He gave a nod and left the kitchen.
“I thought Mr. Runyon was planning to leave before now,” Emma said.
“I don’t remember what his plans were exactly, but it does seem like he should be gone,” Ruth answered. She hoped he hadn’t rearranged his schedule on her behalf, but after what he’d said about coming to see her in Kansas City, it seemed like something he would do.
Dr. Wayment said he and Jeanette would sit with Alex until midnight, and Nora said she’d keep watch from midnight until morning, since she had the next day off and could sleep. “Get some rest,” she urged Ruth. “You’ve been doing so much lately—let us help carry some of your load.” Then she raised an eyebrow. “You do realize that Mr. Barker isn’t your exclusive assignment—we’ve all been asked to lend a hand.”
“I know that. I just feel a certain sense of responsibility.”
“That’s kind and noble of you, but you need to let us take turns.”
Ruth nodded. “You’re right, and going to bed does sound wonderful.” Kate was working the breakfast shift—that would give Ruth the chance to sleep in a little bit. That was exactly what she needed—she was sure she’d feel more settled afterwards, and maybe she’d even know what to do about Mr. Runyon.
Chapter Twelve
It felt luxurious to sleep in the next morning and to get ready for the day at an unhurried pace. Ruth didn’t come down from the attic until it was nearly eleven o’clock, and she felt like an entirely new person.
“Dr. Wayment says we can stop watching him like a hawk now,” Josie said when Ruth peeked into Alex’s room. “As of this moment, Mr. Barker, you’re free.” She stood and gathered up her knitting basket.
“Hooray,” he said, giving her a smile. “Now I can get up to all sorts of nonsense without anyone being the wiser.”
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out anyway,” Ruth told him. “How are you feeling?”
“I believe I’m in somewhat less pain, but I’m not ready to test that theory.” He studied her. “You look well rested.”
“I am. I slept well.”
“Good. You deserve it. Now, tell me—do you have anything to read besides stories about sea captains and their ill-fated romances? Any histories or biographies?”
“I’ll run downstairs and check. Miranda—the bride from the wedding we held here—set up a whole bookshelf for us in the parlor. I’ll be right back.”
Ruth perused the titles, finding a few more adventurous romance novels, which she moved to a shelf of their own for categorization purposes. There was a bit of Dickens that sounded good, as well as a history of the settlement of Britain. She stood from her crouched position in front of the shelf and turned around, the books clutched to her chest, and ran directly into Mr. Runyon, who was behind her.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I have a tendency to step lightly. I didn’t mean to alarm you.”
“Not at all. Will you excuse me, please? I have a guest waiting for me to deliver these.”
“Of course.” He didn’t step out of her way, however. “I missed having the chance to speak with you last night. Mr. Brody said you had work to do.”
“Yes. I’ve been rather derelict in my tasks lately.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll be able to catch up quickly. Will you have time tonight? I’ve extended my stay for a few days in hopes that we might enjoy each other’s company a bit more.”
Oh, dear. That was exactly what she’d feared. “I’m sorry, Mr. Runyon, but that won’t be possible.” As much as she hated the thought of hurting his feelings, she knew she had to be direct. “The truth is, I’m not in a position to pursue any kind of relationship. I have a great deal going on, and my focus is on my work right now. It will be quite some time before I’m ready to think about romance, let alone enter into any sort of agreement. I’m sorry.”
He chuckled. “Now I must apologize. I didn’t mean to suggest that we start a relationship—I thought we’d just get to know each other and have a few laughs before you move. I’m sorry if you mistook my intentions.”
Ruth was confused—had she been misunderstanding him? She didn’t think so, but as she’d admitted to Alex, she was sensitive because of things she’d experienced in the past. Mr. Runyon was likely embarrassed that she’d rejected him and was trying to backpedal so he’d look less vulnerable—she could go along with that.
“Then it’s all settled,” she said brightly. “Please excuse me now.”
She took the stairs two at a time, which wasn’t very ladylike, but she needed to get away from that situation. He’d been standing closer than she’d liked, talking about changing his schedule because of her—it was more than she wanted to deal with.
“I hope I found something here that will suit,” she said, handing the books to Alex.
He read the titles on the spines. “Oh, yes. I’m sure these will be very interesting. I’m more interested in you right now, though—what’s the matter?”
She told him about her conversation with Mr. Runyon, and his brow furrowed. “I think you did right in telling him your feelings,” he said when she finished. “And I don’t believe for a minute that he didn’t intend to hint at a relationship. Are you all right? You seem rattled.”
“I’m just eager for him to be on his way. I don’t like having to guess where I stand with people or trying to guess what they mean. I prefer things to be spoken plainly, with no hidden agendas.”
“It does make things much simpler.” He met her gaze seriously. “Chances are that I have a hidden agenda of my own.”
“You do? Of what sort?”
“I’m hoping that I might get an extra slice of pie with my lunch today. If I whine about how hungry I am, do you think you might oblige me?”
“I never respond favorably to whining. I find it manipulative,” she retorted. “However, if you ask
me nicely, I’m sure I could do something about it. I’m glad to see that you’re getting your appetite back.”’
“So am I, especially if I’m to eat everything Dr. Wayment wants me to eat.”
Ruth grinned. “When I was downstairs just now, I heard Jesse’s voice in the kitchen. He’s the man who hunts our fresh game for us—I have a feeling you’ll be getting something a little unusual for your dinner tonight.”
Alex groaned. “Must I?”
“Yes, you must. And you’ll enjoy it and be grateful for it, too.” She turned to go. “Someone will be back to check on you in a little bit.”
“All right. I’ll concentrate on my reading and try not to worry about whatever wild animal carcass you’re going to feed me later.”
She was still grinning as she headed down the stairs, pausing at the foot of the staircase to look for Mr. Runyon. Thankfully, he was nowhere to be seen, so she continued on to the kitchen. Things were going to be very difficult if she couldn’t move from place to place without scouting first to make sure her path was clear.
***
“Mr. Barker?”
Alex looked up from his Dickens novel and found Colonel Gordon peeking in through his door. “Hello, Marshal. Please, come in.”
The colonel entered the room and took a seat. “I’m pleased to report that I have some good news for you. I mentioned that I sent a messenger up to your brother’s new property.”
“Yes. Is he back already?”
“It took some hard riding, but yes. My man says that your brother reached his land well before the theft took place and that four citizens of the nearby town saw him there—he bought some goods at the general store and so forth. That places your brother well away from the scene of the crime. Then he was questioned about the events, and he seemed genuinely shocked to hear that there had even been a theft. My man is content to believe that your brother is innocent and that Smith and Kale masterminded the plot, hiring their own thugs and arranging the heist without input from Jeb Barker.”
Alex exhaled with relief. “Thank you for letting me know, Colonel.”
“You’re welcome. Is Jack Milton still around?”
“No, sir. He left late yesterday afternoon. He stopped in to say goodbye first, but he was eager to get back to the Lazy Q before nightfall, so we didn’t chat long.”
The colonel nodded. “I was glad for his testimony and for his identification of the shooter. I believe we have an ironclad case to present the judge.”
“If this should go to trial, will you need me on the witness stand?”
“Yes, we will—but you’re not local. Where are you likely to be next?”
“I’d planned to continue my business ventures westward, but now I have no idea. I fear the things I’d planned are going to move on without me while I’m convalescing.”
“Well, I’m sure fate will bring new things your way to make up for what you’ll be lacking. I’ll let you know what happens with the trial. Please make sure I have contact information for you before you move on.” Colonel Gordon rose, shook Alex’s hand, and was on his way again.
Alex leaned his head against his pillows and allowed himself to feel the emotions of the moment. His brother had been cleared—thank goodness. Alex hoped this meant he was innocent and not that he’d gotten away with a crime he actually had committed. He would do as Wade planned to do, though, and leave justice and mercy to the law. He wouldn’t try to rile things up unless there was a good reason to do so. For now, his brother was a hundred miles away where he could no longer be a thorn in Ruth’s side, and that seemed like a very good place for him.
***
When Ruth came in Alex’s room later, she seemed troubled. He disliked seeing that look on her face—he wished she could always be happy and full of light.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, but he had the feeling he knew the answer before she said it.
“I had to hide from Mr. Runyon just now. He was coming up the hall, and I ducked into a closet to avoid him.” She chuckled, looking sheepish. “I hid in a closet. Gracious, how juvenile does that make me sound? I just couldn’t bear the thought of coming up with another excuse. He didn’t accept my straightforward refusal—what else can I say or do?”
Alex wished he could be helpful in some way, but laid up in bed like he was, his options were quite limited. “What if . . .”
“Hmm?”
He shook his head. “It’s just a foolish idea. It likely wouldn’t even work.”
“I’m more than willing to hear any and all ideas. I’m fresh out.”
“Well, what if you told him that you and I are engaged? You could even bring him in here to meet me, and we could have a nice chat.”
“Engaged? Oh, Alex, it’s kind of you to offer to help me, but I don’t want to lie. Well, any more than I already have.”
“What if it wasn’t a lie?” As Alex spoke the words, he found himself liking the idea more and more. “What if we became engaged right now? Of course, after Mr. Runyon leaves, we’d call it off—it might be the shortest engagement in history, but you wouldn’t be lying, and it would serve its purpose.”
She exhaled and looked down at her hands. “I’m sure it would dissuade him, but it feels so . . . dishonest.”
“If telling him the truth hasn’t done the trick and you’re still feeling pressured, I’m not sure that you have many alternatives.”
She finally looked back up. “Let’s do this—I’ll agree to a temporary engagement on the grounds that we only bring it up if necessary, and that we call it off as soon as possible. I don’t want you to feel obligated a moment longer than you have to, and I want to go on record as saying that I object to this whole charade.”
He smiled. “I understand that you’re only becoming engaged to me under the worst kind of duress, and that never in your right mind would you agree to it for any other reason.”
“I didn’t mean that! I’m sure you’d be a lovely person to be engaged to. I just . . .”
He reached out and took her hand. “Ruth, I understand. I’m teasing you. Now, for the purposes of getting you out of this most awkward situation, will you marry me?”
She looked up into his eyes, and unexpectedly, his breath caught. “Yes, Alex. I’ll marry you,” she said.
There was something so pure and sweet in the way she said those words, he imagined they were actually becoming engaged, and he was swept up in the moment. Then he came plummeting back down to earth, which was where he should have stayed in the first place. “Excellent. And this is just between the two of us until you choose to share it.”
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
He realized he was still holding her hand, and he let go of it, even though he’d rather hold it for quite a long time still. “I wish there was more I could do. I would offer to punch him in the nose, but I don’t think Dr. Wayment would approve of that.”
“Would you really punch him in the nose?”
“I was a boxer a few years ago. I learned how while I was going to college.”
“They taught you boxing in college?”
He laughed. “No, I learned it on the streets, and I competed some. That was in the evenings, and classes were during the day.”
“Thank goodness. I was trying to figure out just what sort of college you went to.” She stood up. “Thank you again, Alex. I hope it doesn’t come to it, but I appreciate your willingness to help me.”
“Like I said, I just wish I could do more.”
“I’ll be back in an hour with your next dose. And some rabbit stew.” She smiled, then slipped out of the room.
He lay there and stared at the doorway where she’d been. It was nice that he no longer required someone to sit with him around the clock, and yet he missed that companionship. No, he missed her companionship. What if that proposal—and her acceptance—had been real? He allowed himself to imagine it, grinning as he pictured what it would be like to banter with her every eve
ning and wake up to her beautiful face every morning. He could think of absolutely nothing wrong with the idea.
Except for the fact that he had no clue as to her feelings.
She’d been nothing but kind to him since he came back to the hotel, but that could just be her natural compassion toward someone who was injured. She wasn’t overly fond of him when they first met, and she might still be harboring some of those emotions. Had he done enough to prove that he and his brother were nothing alike, or did she lump them together when she thought of them?
He shook his head and closed his eyes. He was likely going to drive himself mad if he kept cycling through those thoughts. Best to take a nap until he was awakened for his next dose. Plus, there would be chocolate cake for dessert later, and he was inordinately fond of chocolate cake. He had many good things to look forward to. Rabbit stew wasn’t one of them, but he supposed he’d survive that too.
Chapter Thirteen
The remainder of the day passed peacefully. Ruth was able to accomplish each of her tasks without interruption—in fact, she had no idea where Mr. Runyon had even gone. Perhaps he’d left, but a glance at the ledger told her that he hadn’t checked out yet. Oh, well. Wherever he was, at least he wasn’t underfoot, and she hummed as she mixed up her cakes and her breads. It was nice to get back to concentrating on her work.
She had a little over a week before she would pack up for Kansas City. It wouldn’t take her long—she only had a few dresses, some books, and some photographs. She hadn’t collected much in the way of possessions since she came to Topeka—she’d been more concerned about saving her money. The thought of opening her own bakery still hovered in the back of her mind, and with this new job, she’d earn a bit more and perhaps reach her goal within the next two years. That was something incredible to look forward to.
At the close of the last meal service of the day, she wiped down the counters and stove top, made sure all the dishes had been wiped and put away, and stood in the quiet of the kitchen, listening to everything be still. Each day, the kitchen was filled with a hum that rose or lowered in volume depending on what was going on, but at this time of night, all she could hear were hushed voices drifting in from the lobby and the sound of cicadas outside.
The Turn of a Wheel (Kansas Crossroads Book 17) Page 11