by Kari Trumbo
“Are you ill? You never stay abed this late.”
He was far too distracting, with his tender touch and his body far too close to her. The heat from him poured off of his skin, or maybe it was just heat rushing to her face. She had to hold back, look away. If she didn’t, she might resent him, even hate him, according to Alma. But if she had to choose, the job would have to go. She couldn’t stand lying in bed, wishing he were with her every night for the remainder of her days. It wasn’t worth it.
“Oh, Elias.” She flung the coverlet off and climbed into his arms. He drew her closer, tenderly holding her head to his rushing heart. “I can’t do this. I wanted to honor your wishes. Alma said such terrible things, but I can’t. I’ll stop working if I must, but I can’t stay away from you.”
His purposely soft touch, wound up and down her arm, slowed then stopped. “They are not mutually exclusive. You can stay in my room and continue to work. I only asked you to consider it. I didn’t want you to be exhausted, and I can take care of you. I want to take care of you.”
Daisy buried her face deeper in his chest, his skin warm against her cheek, and the soft down of his chest tickling her. “Alma said that you would be dissatisfied with me. That you would get angry if I was tired after work, and that you would rest while I worked. And…” Oh, that last bit was so embarrassing. But she’d already mentioned it the night before and she didn’t want him to start leaving a mess. Daisy took a deep breath and rushed on. “She said that you would expect me to perform my wifely duties whether I was too tired or not, and then I’d have to pick up your underthings every weekend.”
A chuckle rumbled, slow at first, then built in momentum until Elias was laughing so hard he couldn’t hold her close anymore.
“I don’t see what is so funny. She’s been married for a long time.”
He took a minute to get himself under control, but his laughter was just under the surface, trying to burst free. “How long have Beau and Ruby been married? He used to pick you up from school every day, so it has to have been for quite some time.”
She hadn’t thought about it, but their son, Joseph, was almost sixteen years old. They had been married in 1882, the day before her father died, then Beau had willingly taken over the job as the father of all Ruby’s sisters. “Eighteen years.”
“And does Beau leave a mess for Ruby?”
Alma had seemed so much older than her sister, but they had to be close in age, since they’d been married almost as long. “No, but Ruby doesn’t work. She tends to their son and the house. It must be so empty now.”
“Don’t you see, Daisy? Just because one woman isn’t happy with the way her marriage has gone, doesn’t mean that you will end up the same way. You can’t be the only one of your sisters who works.”
Nora was a milliner in Hot Springs, and she was very happily married to her sheriff. Lula had been a teacher before she and Barton started a family. Frances wrote romance novels, even to that day, but that was mostly from home, and her husband, Clive, helped her. Eva did charity work in Lead, along with teaching art classes, and her husband had some job no one was allowed to know about. Hattie, Jennie, and Ruby all still lived out at Ferguson Ranch, tending their husbands and anything else around the ranch that needed to be done. “Yes, some of them work.”
“I’ve never forced you to perform any wifely duties. Have your sisters ever complained about having to keep up with their husbands’ demands?”
She was sure she was scalding Elias’s chest with the heat pouring off her cheeks. Husbandly duties, indeed. “They have never said so, no,” she whispered, unable to speak past her embarrassment.
He drew her from him and tipped her face to look at him. The mirth had evaporated and all that remained was the melted chocolate heat of his eyes. “If your sisters are happy and well-loved, don’t you think I can do the same?”
Her insides fluttered to life, sending luscious, tempting waves flowing through her. “I thought you didn’t want me,” she whispered.
“It’s not a matter of wanting you. I’ve wanted you for years. You’ve been open about your fears with me but I’m afraid mine are not as easily relayed. I fear that if I make love to you, I will crush you. If I put a child in you, it could kill you, and I could never live with myself after.”
If his honesty didn’t frighten her, nothing would. Daisy gazed into his eyes, her blue depths were so alive, inviting. She slid her hand up his bare chest, tempting him to the brink.
“I’m not frightened of you. I told you last night. I don’t believe you would ever hurt me.”
She was too trusting, his little flower. He drew her close and kissed her, wanting so much more, but forcing himself to be satisfied after a taste.
“I'll leave it up to you if you want to work or not. But I can’t have you up here anymore. You’ve convinced me that I need you. I want you with me at night, if that helps you with your decision.”
She was good at her profession, he had no doubts. But she’d asked him not to interfere with her job, and so he wouldn’t. The night had been long as he’d laid there listening to Gracie snore and wishing his bride were there. It hadn’t taken her long to prove to him that she could never be replaced. Just a few short days and he was hooked.
“I don’t want to leave.”
“Then, perhaps I could hire someone to come in for a few hours a day and manage the cat, pick up, do the laundry, and make our supper. If that would make you happy, then that is what I’ll do. I would much rather spend my evening sitting with you than alone.”
Her eyes widened, and a smile broke over her face, warmer than a bath on a hot summer day. “You would do that? For me?”
For her, he’d walk across the desert filled with rattlers, barefoot, if he had to. “I’ll ask around for references, but I won’t ask Alma.”
She chuckled and tucked herself back into his chest. As much as he loved it, he had to get up and get ready. Court would convene in a half hour. As it was, they would have to drive to make it in on time. He kissed the top of her head, wishing he could indulge in more.
“Time to get up and start the day. The toasting wire is already hot on the stove, and the butter is on the counter. That’s about all we have time for. I’ll drive.”
She allowed him to stand, but she didn’t take her eyes off of him, either. When she watched him, he had the strangest urge to flex his muscles.
“Are you going to stand there and watch me dress, husband?” She smiled as she climbed from the bed, showing off those curvy legs that he hadn’t seen since that first night she’d insisted on joining him.
“No, not watching.” He closed his eyes and turned to leave the room, but the vision of her with her night dress hiked to her thighs was already imprinted there.
He rushed down to his room and quickly dressed. He’d been up there longer than he’d planned and there were few minutes to spare. He’d always been an honest man, and Daisy’s honest words sparked something deep within him. The way she thought was perfect for him, as if the Good Lord, knowing how he was and what he needed, had shaped her along her life to be just the woman for him. If only He’d fashioned Elias to be as perfect for her.
He finished buttoning his shirt and shrugged on his suit coat as Daisy rushed down the stairs.
“Have you eaten? I’m afraid I dawdled too long and there isn’t time for me to make anything.” Her sweet mouth turned down.
He took a rag to remove the toasting wires from the stove.
“I haven’t, but I’ll be fine until lunch. Will you join me?” He hoped the offer would take the strain from her.
“That would be nice. We can talk about hiring someone, like you mentioned.”
He grabbed her coat and slid it up her arms, leading her out the door. They would be late if he didn’t rush them. “Agreed.”
When they pulled out onto the street, he remembered he had yet to tell her about his note to his father.
“I sent a telegram to my parents. I’m sure th
ey’ll come within the next few days. I don’t see the Saunders case going to trial soon, so it would be a good time.”
“If that’s true, poor Alma will wonder where her husband is and will probably lose her job.”
Daisy had told him about the sheriff’s anger with Martin and his schemes, but it wasn’t his wife’s job to keep Martin out of trouble.
“Doesn’t seem fair that she be taken to task for being unable to do something the sheriff can’t do himself.”
“I don’t know if he would or if it was a bluff to keep her from coming to him when Martin turns up missing. It seems dreadfully unfair.”
“Why don’t you leave talking to the sheriff up to me. I won’t ask you to give up on a friend but do take what she says with a full measure of salt.”
Daisy nodded and turned from him. “I’m sorry I let what she said get to me so.”
“It’s already forgotten. If you’d like, you should invite your family to come for a day or two. We didn’t get to have a wedding party.”
He’d rather not share Daisy for days and days but doing so might cool his blood. Seeing his parents for a few days certainly would. Nothing could quite remind him of his purpose more than seeing the woman he almost killed, just by being born.
Chapter 19
Daisy squinted at the roll of steno paper in front of her and tried to concentrate on the tiny marks, so she could finish up her typing and walk home. Elias had told her at lunch that he had finished meeting with clients and that he would meet with a woman that afternoon about the housekeeping position. She’d never dreamed it would come together so quickly, but so many people struggled to make a living in South Dakota that any job would be filled quickly. Including her own if she chose to leave.
“Ahem,” Mr. Payton cleared his throat beside her desk and waited for her to turn. “Excuse me, Mrs. Laury. Might I beg a moment or two of your time?”
She didn’t want to, not after he’d tried to make Elias think that she’d introduced herself to him as an unmarried woman, and almost ran them down in the street. She paused, fingers poised above the keys, hoping he understood that she was too busy for his interruption.
“Yes, Mr. Payton? I’m afraid I’m in quite a hurry. My husband will be coming to get me shortly.” He would never know it was a lie, that she usually walked home to save Elias the trouble, but he’d always seemed somewhat frightened of Elias and, if that made him leave, she would happily tell him her giant of a husband was on his way.
“Mrs. Potters asked me to deliver this note to you. She said it was urgent.”
She had no interest in Mr. Payton, but Alma was her only friend. Daisy turned and accepted the note.
Dear Daisy,
I’ve found Martin. He’s hurt. Can you please come with Mr. Payton and help me?
Alma
Something about the note didn’t sit right. Mr. Payton and Martin were enemies, why would Alma give him such a note?
“I don’t understand how you came to be with Alma when she found Martin?” Daisy folded the paper and scored it with her thumbnail as she tried to figure out what she should do.
“Alma came to me this afternoon, since she’d heard that Martin was seen at my house. She asked if she could look around for him and, of course, I let her. She found him injured in one of my old sheds, hiding like the mole he is. I don’t know why he was there, nor do I care. She asked me to deliver that note and bring you with to help her.”
Daisy didn’t want to do anything with him, there was a hint of danger about him. Not to mention his driving wasn’t safe, and he hadn’t cared that she was married when he’d turned philanderer on her in the park.
“I don’t see why you can’t help her get Martin to the doctor. I certainly can’t. Perhaps we should wait for Elias? He would be big enough to help lift an injured man.”
Mr. Payton narrowed his eyes and smiled, though it looked more like he was baring his teeth. “Mrs. Laury, I assure you, I have no idea why she requires your assistance, but I’m not a driving service. You can come or not, it doesn’t matter to me.”
Alma had never wanted to reach out to anyone for help with Martin, afraid that people would either take away her position or put her husband away in a home. Was that her fear now? Was she reaching out to the one person who would listen? She might be looking for help from Daisy because she had nowhere else to turn.
“Let me get my coat. We must be quick, though. I don’t want Elias to wonder where I am.”
Mr. Payton gently touched her back as he led her out of the courthouse. His touch made her shudder like finding maggots in the larder. His car waited, already running, on the street at the base of the steps. She’d never forget it after he’d almost run them down in the street. He held the passenger side open for her and she hesitated. Elias wouldn’t like the fact that she was getting into his car, that anyone would see her with Payton at all.
“Dear, we don’t have much time.” He pushed her onto the seat and slammed the door shut, rushing around to the driver’s side. He slipped in and slammed it into gear, smashing her into the back of the seat as he rushed off.
Daisy held tight to the door as he swerved down the streets and screeched around turns. He didn’t even slow down enough for her to try to jump out. Horses and buggies jostled to get out of his way and cowboys cursed at him as he careened down the street.
The door wouldn’t open as she fumbled with the latch, trying to get out. Her hands trembled. Alma had better need her desperately, to have put her in so much danger. Mr. Payton lived outside of town near French Creek, far enough that Mr. Saunders's lot was an acre away, and the adjoining neighbor was no closer. Though it was still near enough that his loud automobile would be bothersome.
“Where is Alma? I want to get this over with and go home.” She slid from the car and waited for him to come around.
Payton laughed. “Right this way.” He gestured to one of his more decrepit outbuildings. He took long-legged strides to stay ahead of her as they made their way to the shed.
“Alma? Are you in there?” Daisy called, needing to hear her friend’s voice. The longer she was alone with Payton, the more the hair prickled on the back of her neck. Alma didn’t answer.
The door to the shed was a handle like those on a barn door. It was shaped like an O that had been flattened. He had to turn it sideways to open, then pulled the door wide.
“Why did you lock them in?” There would be no way for her to get out if she walked in to help Alma and he shut the door behind her.
“I didn’t intend to. This latch locks all by itself.” He stood back, giving her room to go inside.
“Alma, answer me or I won’t come in. I’m here to help you.”
Daisy took a step closer. “Alma?”
Payton’s face flashed hot anger and he grabbed her by the arm, shoving her into the small shed. She turned to run but the door slammed in her face. He laughed as the door latch locked into place.
The air around Elias vibrated with energy. The evening sun was bright in his eyes, and he tipped his head so he could see the exit to the courthouse better. He’d been waiting all day to tell Daisy that he’d found someone to work in their home, so she could continue doing the job she loved without any guilt. His foot tapped on the baseboard as he waited, pulling out his watch. She was late.
For the last week, she’d gotten home earlier than expected and he hadn’t even been able to pick her up. When the hour had come for her to leave work and she hadn’t arrived, he’d gone to pick her up. He turned off his auto and dashed up the steps. The light glinted off the bright white concrete, but Daisy’s little alcove had no window, so she wouldn’t be fooled by the light. His excitement shifted as worry brewed in the pit of his stomach. What could be keeping her?
The halls of the courthouse were silent and dim, having closed an hour before. The sounds of people usually echoed through the building, with its high ceilings. He strode down the hall toward Daisy’s tiny office, but there was no light shi
ning out, nor did he hear the clack of her typewriter.
When he reached her desk, it was a mess of papers and files. The scroll of steno paper from the case she’d been working on lay in a jumble by her typewriter and the case of her steno machine still lay open. Her walking coat and purse were gone. She never left her desk looking like that, it would be cause for her to lose her job. The concern that had been a weak wave as he’d come in the building built to a flood tide.
He tidied all her files and put everything away, so if anyone would walk by they wouldn’t immediately see what she’d been working on. Daisy’s friend Alma turned the corner and her eyes widened. She rushed to retreat back around the corner.
“Mrs. Potters! Wait!” He rushed toward her, his footfalls making a racket on the dull linoleum.
She waited, clinging close to the wall, her face hidden by her tucked chin.
“I know Daisy was helping you look for your husband. Have you seen her? She isn’t at her desk and I haven’t seen her since lunch. She hasn’t returned home.”
Alma sighed heavily and leaned closer to the wall. “I didn’t want to have to be the one to say anything. I’m sorry to have to tell you, because, it’s so scandalous.” Her glance flitted all over the hall, then centered on his right ear, but never on his eyes. “I saw her leave with Mr. Payton about two hours ago. He came in, talked to her for a few minutes, and then she left with him in a hurry. He had his arm around her when they left.”
Payton. How that man needed a good, swift kick. He’d told Daisy to stay away from Mr. Payton, to remember that she was his wife. Why would she go with him, unless she wanted to be with him? Had her anger and fear been an act when Payton had almost hit them with his car?
Alma reached out, then pulled away. “If you go to confront Payton, you’ll find her there. That’s all I can say.” The clack of her heeled slippers bounced down the hall until all was silent but the thump of his heart, pounding in his ears.