“Amen!” Emily echoed.
“Thank you.” Catherine set a cold hand on Valerie’s wrist. “Once I get to Jericho Junction I’ll be fine. My cousin, Rebecca McCabe, will know just what to do for me.”
“I hope so. Nothing we’ve done has helped.”
“Indeed, and we’ve tried everything,” Emily said, sounding weary.
“You bathe next, Em. Go ahead.” Standing from the edge of the mattress, Valerie crossed the room and put an arm around her friend’s slender shoulders. “I can wait.”
“Oh, thank you. I feel—” She yawned. “—so exhausted.”
“It’s because of the babe you’re carrying.”
Emily’s features brightened and she ran a hand lovingly over her midsection.
Smiling, Valerie walked to her trunk, unlocked it, and opened it. Adalia had seemingly included everything, including Father’s lockbox containing the gold he’d mentioned. In her scrambling to leave, Valerie had forgotten about it until she’d unpacked that first night on the steamer. Adalia placed a note inside stating the exact amounts she’d taken in pay for herself, Ephraim, Chastean, and Willie. And what a blessing, her father’s gold!
Bittersweet feelings engulfed her. Her father had provided for her yet once more. With this trip’s unexpected rooming costs and expenses for their meals, which Valerie had paid for since Emily’s and Catherine’s funds had been depleted more than a week ago, they would have all three been in a horrible predicament without his provision. Even so, there were still plenty of coins left for Valerie if a need arose. Adalia had also thoughtfully tossed in Mama’s herbs and the last of her soap as well as all of Mama’s jewelry.
Opening one of the trunk’s many drawers, Valerie removed the lavender-rose bar that she and Em had been sharing, although a bath had proved to be a luxury on this journey.
“Valerie?”
“Here it is.” She peeled off the protective hankie and handed the perfumed cake to Em.
“What a pleasure and a treat this soap is after a day of traveling.” Em had climbed into the tub, the water up to her neck. She’d unpinned her hair and the coppery tresses hung over the end of the tub. “It’s a pity, Catherine, that you can’t bear the essence of anything on your body.”
“It’s this headache.”
Valerie thought it a shame. Not even some of Mama’s herbal teas had helped Catherine. “Perhaps we should summon a physician.”
“No, no . . . this time tomorrow I’ll be safe and snug in the McCabes’ home.”
Nervous flutters filled Valerie’s insides. What if Benjamin’s family disliked her?
Well, she’d have to cross that bridge when she came to it. For now she prayed Benjamin would find Luke soon and come home. She longed to feel her husband’s strong arms around her again.
Valerie lived for that day.
From inside the tub Emily began to sing, and Valerie hummed along. She stood in front of her trunk and unfastened Mama’s chain from which Benjamin’s watch hung. It had become her habit these past couple of weeks of opening the watch and staring at his photograph, just as she did at this moment. She passed the tip of her forefinger over his face, praying that wherever he was, he thought of her and still maintained his love for her as she did for him.
Unable to help the reflective sigh, she carefully wound the watch. That done, she touched her lips to Benjamin’s picture before slipping the precious keepsake into the black velvet drawstring bag that held hers as well as Mama’s jewelry. With the velvet pouch safely nestled inside her trunk, Valerie undressed for her turn in the tub.
As she unbuttoned the front of her dress, she felt the weight of a stare. Valerie chanced a peek toward the bed and met Catherine Elliot’s intent gaze. An embarrassed flush warmed her cheeks as she realized Catherine had observed her nightly ritual.
“Headache better?” Valerie chose to ignore the incident.
“No.” Catherine turned over, her back to Valerie now.
Em climbed from the tub and toweled dry while Valerie got in and washed up. After she too had donned her warmest nighttime gown, she sat on her cot and wrote another letter to Benjamin before extinguishing the lamp.
Beneath her thin blanket, Valerie shivered and envied Catherine beneath a thick, patchwork quilt. She could hear the woman softly snoring. Well, perhaps her headache would go away now.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and her limbs felt heavy with fatigue. Lord, be with us as we finish our journey tomorrow.
***
The next morning Valerie awakened to the sound of the chambermaid lighting a fire in the hearth. On the hard cot and shivering underneath her blanket, Valerie prayed her accommodations in Jericho Junction would be more warm and comfortable. Nevertheless, she’d slept hard during the night. But had she ever been so cold?
Again she shivered as the maid slipped from the room. The flames in the hearth grew higher, and the chill in the air abated. As soon as she dared, Valerie slipped from beneath the thin covering and strode to her trunk where she dressed as quickly as possible. She selected her gown with care, wishing Adalia was here so she could iron away the wrinkles. What Valerie wanted most was to make a good impression on the McCabes. The train would be arriving in Jericho Junction later this afternoon.
Only one more day of traveling . . .
Valerie pulled the lovely turquoise silk and cotton blend traveling dress over her head and straightened the white bodice. She’d left off her wide hoop skirt for traveling conveniences; however, Emily said women in these parts didn’t bother with them unless they were invited to a formal party or ball. Slipping into the matching blue-green jacket, Valerie fastened its only button at the neckline. The jacket hung in an A-shape from her shoulders, and she adored the lace insets in the sleeves.
A moan escaped from Em’s lips, and Valerie forgot all about dressing. She whirled around to find her friend perched at the side of the cot. She rushed to her side. “What is it?”
“I think I need something to eat or–or I’ll be sick.”
Another sign confirming Em’s pregnancy. Valerie couldn’t conceal a pleased grin. “There’s no food here in the room. I’ll run downstairs and see what I can find.”
The eatery bustled with patrons. Valerie managed to catch a serving woman’s attention and explained the situation. The harried older lady was kind enough to slap two biscuits and some honey onto a plate and pour out a cup of tea before trotting off to attend to other customers.
“Oh, Valerie, this is exactly what I needed.” Em sipped the tea. “My stomach is settling. I don’t know what I’d do without you—or what either of us would do, right, Catherine?”
“Yes, I suppose you’ve been something of a help to me, although you fawn all over Emily as if she were your spoiled child.”
Valerie didn’t react or reply, as Em didn’t want Catherine to know about her condition quite yet. As far as Catherine’s criticism, she’d grown somewhat accustomed to it by now. “Well, I think that was a ‘thank-you,’ and you’re entirely welcome. Both of you.” Valerie gave them each a grin before returning to her toilet. She brushed out her dark brown tresses and then pinned each side of her hair back with a small, ivory comb.
On the other side of the room, Catherine was in the process of dressing as well.
“You look as though you’re feeling better this morning.” Valerie thought Catherine’s face didn’t seem quite as pale as it had in recent days, although her slow, exacting movements indicated her body’s weakened state.
“I’m much better, thank you.” The aloofness in her voice sounded stronger, another indication of Catherine’s improved health.
“Mama used to say I’d make a fine nurse.” Valerie opened the little drawer inside her trunk and removed the black velvet pouch, intending to don Mama’s gold chain and Benjamin’s pocket watch, then slip it beneath her bodice as always.
“I think you would at that.” Emily stood and strode cautiously to her trunk. She’d regained the color in her face.
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The morning seemed off to a good start. But then, fishing her hand inside the velvet pouch, Valerie couldn’t locate the items she desired. She carried the bag to her cot and dumped out its contents. All her other jewelry seemed present and accounted for, but not the chain or pocket watch.
“It’s gone!” A chill swept through her.
“What’s gone?” Emily came to stand at her side.
Valerie turned to her friend, feeling confused. “Benjamin’s pocket watch. I placed it in here before bed.” She held up the now-empty black velvet pouch. “And this morning the watch has vanished!”
“How can that be?” Em picked through the necklaces, broaches, wrist bangles, and earbobs. “But you’re right. It’s not here.”
“You probably lost it yesterday on the train.” Catherine’s tone held a critical note.
“No.” Valerie stood and placed her hands on her hips. She retraced her steps. “I had it last night. I took it off when I undressed.” She glanced at Catherine. “In fact, you watched me. You—”
Suddenly Valerie felt like she’d been kicked. She couldn’t breathe. She just stared at Catherine, who stealthily moved toward her.
“Are you suggesting that I broke one of God’s commandments?”
“I’m not making any accusations.” Valerie somehow found her voice. Even so thin and weak, Catherine made an imposing, towering figure. Nevertheless, Valerie lifted her chin. “But I know you saw me unfasten my gold chain last night.”
She snapped her fingers. “It’s coming back to me now. So I did. But isn’t it also true that the chambermaid crept in here this morning without our notice?”
Valerie shook her head. “I woke up when she entered. I saw her every move.”
Em stepped in. “Perhaps we should put an end to all this speculation and summon the authorities.”
“I think so too.” Valerie squared her shoulders.
“No time, ladies. We have a train to catch.” Catherine eyed Em then Valerie. “But you can file a report with the sheriff in Jericho Junction. I’m sure he’ll see that justice is served.”
Valerie swallowed the unkind words bubbling up inside. She sensed deep down that Catherine lied. It hurt. After all she’d tried to do to help Catherine. But Valerie knew full well the other woman had observed her tucking the velvet jewelry pouch into the drawer of her trunk. It wouldn’t have been difficult for her to sneak into the trunk while Valerie had been sleeping soundly.
How could she?
Em took her hand and pressed it between her palms. Valerie peered into her friend’s sweet, round face. She could tell Em’s thoughts matched her own.
“Catherine’s right.” While her tone sounded placating, a knowing little gleam entered Em’s eyes. “We’ll take care of this matter in Jericho Junction.”
Some hours later, the train’s whistle belted out three short blasts as it rolled into Jericho Junction. Snow blanketed the wide open fields surrounding the depot and small town. Valerie peered out the passenger car window and took a moment to admire the pristine view, noting the way the indigo sky melded with the cloak of white on the horizon.
“Pretty country, isn’t it?” Emily leaned on her arm, catching a glimpse of scenery.
“Mm-hm . . . ”
“Are you excited?”
“Excited and somewhat nervous, I have to admit. But from the way Benjamin talked about his family, I feel like I know the McCabes already.” She moved her hand to her chest and the place where Benjamin’s pocket watch usually hung. She mourned its loss.
Emily gave her hand a pat, then sat back in her seat and packed away her knitting. Having finished the tiny sweater, she worked on a baby’s blanket now.
Valerie sent a glance into the next aisle where Catherine sat. She looked so peaked. Perhaps a good dose of this country air would revive her as she claimed, and maybe her conscience would prick her and she’d return the watch.
The train came to a halt, and Valerie pulled on her woolen cape before trailing Catherine and Emily out of the car and onto the platform. She sucked in a breath of frosty air and shivered. She wasn’t accustomed to these frigid temperatures.
Just then a tall man approached. He wore a lined buckskin jacket and used a cane on his left side as he limped toward them. Jacob McCabe. Valerie would have known him anywhere. He had Benjamin’s rugged features and broad shoulders, albeit his hair was the same color as his brown jacket and his eyes the color of burnt sienna.
“Catherine Elliot?” The man spoke the name with confidence, although his expression seemed uncertain until she stepped forward.
“Jacob?” She appeared equally as unsure.
A wry grin tipped his full mouth. “Well, what do you know?” He wrapped his right arm around her shoulders in a welcoming hug. Valerie was impressed that he stood a good half a head taller than Catherine, quite untypical for most men. Even Benjamin’s height barely topped Catherine’s nearly six-foot frame.
Jacob released her, and a show of pink covered Catherine’s entire face. “Well,” she said with a prudent grin, obviously embarrassed by his affection, “thank you for meeting us.”
“Aw, now, you don’t have to use that formal tone with me. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” He eyed her slim frame. “You look mighty thin and awfully pale. Are you feeling all right?”
“I succumbed to headaches during our journey.” Catherine looked embarrassed. “But I’m here now, and I feel better already.”
“Good. And not to worry. Ma will fatten you up in no time.” He gave her a smile before turning to Valerie and Emily. His dark eyes flitted from one to the other before coming to rest on Emily. “Mrs. Culver, I presume. I believe the last time you and your husband visited Jericho Junction I was riding with General McCulloch.”
Jacob is a Confederate. Valerie had forgotten. Sudden nervous flutters filled her insides as she wondered how staunch of a Confederate he might be—enough to enlist, ride with McCulloch, and risk his life. But she had to believe that Benjamin wouldn’t have sent her to Jericho Junction if it wasn’t safe.
“Yes. I believe that was the last time I was here.” Emily smiled as Jacob took her hand and bowed slightly.
“I’m at your service, ma’am.”
Ah, yes, the McCabe charm. Valerie hid a grin.
At last Jacob’s gaze came around to her. He inclined his head. “So you’re my new sister-in-law.” He reached for her hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
“Likewise.”
“The marriage is in name only. Right, Valerie?”
She looked at Catherine with a measure of disbelief. First the watch. Now the humiliation.
Jacob glanced from one to the other.
Emily took the crook of Valerie’s arm. “My, but it’s awfully cold here on the platform.”
“My apologies, Mrs. Culver. How ’bout we load your trunks into our wagon over yonder?” Jake pointed to where a two-seat flatbed wagon was parked on the unpaved road. “My friend Bear is waitin’ on us. Once the wagon’s loaded, we’ll git-along home.”
Home. Valerie liked the sound of it.
They walked to the wagon and Jake introduced his friend Bear, whose given name was John Bearman. However, the man truly did resemble a grizzly, which was the precise reason he earned his nickname. Bear.
“Pleased ta make yer acquaintances.” The large man stared at his dirt-covered boots while he spoke, and Valerie sensed his shyness.
Then the loading of the trunks commenced. Jake helped Bear the best he could with his war-injured leg. But once the men finished, Valerie’s teeth were chattering. Obviously her woolen wrap wouldn’t get her too far in a Missouri prairie town. Glancing at Em, she noticed the expectant mother didn’t seem too bothered by the freezing temperatures, and Catherine was bundled in a warm but uncomely winter coat. Adalia’s voice practically haunted Valerie. These wraps might be the height of fashion, but they sure can’t keep a girl warm like a thick wool coat with satin lining.
Jake must have
seen her shivering after he helped her up into the wagon. He shrugged out of his coat and slung it around her shoulders.
“Th–that’s not n–necessary. You n–need your c–coat.” Although it did appear he wore at least two shirts.
He grinned. “I think my blood’s thicker ’n yours right now, sis.” He tossed his cane into the front of the wagon and then climbed aboard, sitting next to Catherine in the front. He lifted the horses’ reins. “Besides, I can’t hardly let you freeze to death your first hour in town.”
Emily giggled at the sarcasm, causing Valerie to smile. “You’re most kind. Thank you.”
Sitting in the backseat beside Em, she steadied herself as the wagon lurched forward. Valerie looked about her as they headed down what had to be the middle of Jericho Junction. Storefronts lined the wide dirt road.
“Off to the right here,” Jacob began, “you’ll see the darker side of our little town. Every Tuesday Pa and I stand on the boardwalk and share Christ with anyone who is willing to stop and listen. Many times the women from houses of ill repute will even walk up to hear Pa read from the Bible. They’d never dare step into the church on a Sunday morning, but Pa and I feel like we can reach some of them—and we’ve already made a difference—right there on the street corner.”
“Quite commendable.” Catherine held on to her hat bonnet as a gust of cold wind blew.
Valerie too admitted to feeling impressed, and she could tell by Emily’s expression that she shared the sentiment.
“Now right here you’ll see we have a fine hotel.”
Valerie grinned, mistaking the comment for a quip, but soon she realized he was serious. Fine hotel? Rustic is the way she’d describe the unpainted, wooden structure.
“We pick up our mail in the lobby. Train drops off satchels of letters and the like each day about this time, and Bear’s the one who unloads ’em off the train and transports ’em to Eli, the clerk in the hotel. Eli sorts it all out, and we just go pick it up. There’s also a nice little restaurant inside the hotel called JJs. It’s respectable.” He paused while another wagon rattled by. “What we’re passing by here is Sheriff Nuttleman’s office. If the sheriff’s not in, should you ever need him, he’s probably preoccupied at the other end of town. There’s a saloon down that way, and every now and then a gunfight’ll break out.”
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