by Danni Roan
Agnes raised her spatula in front of her like a weapon as she took in the long black hair of the Indian man.
“You’re an Indian,” she breathed in surprise.
“Don’t worry Mrs. Ratner,” Rock said. “Francis is a good friend and a real help to the Doc. We ain’t had no trouble with tribes in this area in ages.”
“I am not even from here. I’m…” Francis said, stopping mid sentence as Matrice came around the wagon carrying wood.
The young woman turned toward the strangers freezing with one foot poised above the ground as time seemed to stand still.
Rock frowned as he watched the two young people make eye contact then everything seemed to happen at once.
“Let me help!” Francis said jumping from the saddled and rushing to Matrice, but as he grabbed for the fire wood in her arms, she twisted catching her toe on the wagon tongue and falling. In an instant, Francis had dropped the wood, tossing it away from him as he grabbed for the girl pulling her upright and into his strong arms before she could hit the ground.
Matrice looked up into the dark eyes of the man who had caught her, saving her from a nasty bit of bruising. His eyes were dark like coffee and she felt as if she could drown in their warm depths.
“Francis, I believe you were helping with the wood,” Rock’s voice was soft, but it snapped the young man out of his trance. He’d been falling into the soulful eyes of the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“Mr. Rock,” Agnes said her eyes still on her daughter who was straightening her skirt while the brave hurried to collect the fallen fire wood. “We’re doin’ alright. Had some snow in the night but with the canvas tied down tight we’re warm enough. Four bodies crammed into the wagon’ll heat it up just fine.”
“Glad to hear it,” Rock said noting how Francis was taking his time over the fire wood. “We’d best get riding then, but if you need anything just come along to the ranch.”
“Thank you,” Agnes said watching as Francis handed the last stick of fire wood to Matrice his hands lingering on hers where she held it. “I went in to town the other day so we’re good on supplies.”
“Francis,” Rock called leaning down to pick up the young man’s reins. “You riding with me or headed back to town?” He nodded to Agnes feeling that same admiration for her determination and pluck he’d felt before rise in his chest.
Francis swung into the saddle in one smooth motion, his lithe body landing on the cold leather with only a whisper of sound. “Good-bye,” he called as he turned his pony to follow Rock who was already starting down the slope of the hill.
“Who is this Matrice?” Francis asked as he and Rock turned along a well worn trail that ended at a stream. “Her skin is like the walnut tree,” the boy enthused.
“She and her ma and little brother and sister are just passing through,” Rock said. “I guess they come up from Louisiana.”
“This is a far place,” Francis mused. “The Father-brothers, they teach us your maps, but I have never seen a woman with this beauty before.”
Rock turned to study the brave. Francis was the little brother of an important man in his tribe and as such had traveled all the way to Biders Clump to prove his worth.
“Son, I don’t know what it’s like where you come from, but you’d best stay on the right side of Mrs. Ratner if you’ve taken a liking to her girl. That woman don’t seem to be afraid of nothin’. When I come on them here a few days ago she’d just shot a mountain lion that took down one of our calves.”
“She took the kill from the beast?” Francis asked, his dark eyes wide.
“Yep, and I reckon she’d be twice as fierce if she thought a young fella was dallying with her daughter.”
“What is dallying?” Francis asked his ebony brows coming together in a scowl.
“Seein’ her with no good intention.”
“I have only good intention,” Francis said. “The Father-brothers say I am a child of God now, so I will follow these laws.”
Rock reached over slapping the boy on the shoulder with a beefy hand, almost knocking him off of his horse. “Good luck to you then,” he said as Francis sagged under the barrage.
Chapter 6
Evening was falling by the time Francis meandered back into town. Despite the biting cold he felt warm all through as he dreamed of a dark skinned beauty with eyes like the night sky.
“Evening Francis,” George drawled as he leaned against a porch rail. “You’re gettin’ in late.”
“I was riding with Rock,” Francis said his grin still wide.
“Supper will be ready soon, you come on over and bring Doc if he’s about.”
Francis nodded. George and Polly Esther had been the people who had taken him in earlier in the winter when he’d collapsed on their door step exhausted and nearly frozen.
“I will ask Mr. George,” the young man smiled moving on.
“Aruga, aruga!” the harsh cry of a horn made Francis mount rear then plunge into a fit of bucking as Jasper Williams skidded around the far corner of the road, his wheels digging ruts into the frozen ground.
Francis clamped his knees onto the saddle and fought to gain control of his bucking horse as the banker whipped around the corner heading toward his own home only to come to a screeching halt when an old man in all in blue brandished a sword at the horseless carriage.
“Mr. Williams!” a commanding voice echoed down the street as Francis settled his horse and turned it toward the scene. “I have told you sir, many times I have told you about your careless behavior in this monstrosity. You will remove yourself hence and report to Sheriff Pike.”
The major brandished his sword again then lowered it as his aging muscles fought to hold the heavy object aloft.
“Now Major,” Mr. Williams wheedled, “no harm done. I was just delivering Ruthie back to her daughter and needed to get home for supper.” Jasper Williams smiled trying for an ingratiating look.
“No, no sir,” the major said. “I have had to tell you too many times already. You’re carelessness will get someone killed,” he finished sheathing his sword and leaning on his saddle horn as a cough wracked him. “March!” he said feebly as the cough passed, and he pointed back down the street.
Mr. Williams looked about him for support but only saw Francis and George Olson glaring at him.
“What about my automobile?” he asked. “I can’t just leave it sitting here in the street.”
“I’ll haul it to your house,” Francis volunteered as his horse sidled further down the street.
“You’d best move Jasper,” George chimed in. “I think Major Jupiter is getting a little perturbed.”
Jasper Williams hauled his rotund figure from behind the steering handle with a grumble and starting down the street.
“Major, I thought we were friends,” he complained as he took to the board walk headed toward the jail. “It’s been fun having you about, you being a man of reputation and bearing.”
“I appreciate your feelings Jasper,” the ex-army man said, “but I can’t be letting you tear around the town endangering the good folks of Biders Clump.” He coughed softly again as they headed down the street.
“Unfurl that rope Francis,” George called stalking down the stairs. “We’ll get that contraption out of the street.”
Francis pulled the rope from his saddle tossing one end to George as he fell in behind and urged his mount around the horseless carriage which was apparently much less threatening stationary.
A few minutes later with the rope looped through the frame of the auto and tied to his saddle horn and with George turning the steering bar Francis pulled the metal beast to the door of Mr. Williams’s neat home.
“George?” Francis queried as they unhitched and turned back toward the boarding house, “you ever been in love?”
George laughed. “Only once and I haven’t changed my mind on the matter yet.”
Francis shook his head. He had seen how George and Polly Esther were togeth
er while he’d stayed with them and should have known better than to ask, but his brain didn’t seem to be working right.
“I am sorry,” he apologized. “I did not think.”
“It’s all right,” George spoke. “Young folks seem to forget that old people have feelings too. Maybe we don’t run as hot as you upstart, but we still love. I take it you think you’re in love,” he finished.
Francis nodded but didn’t speak, his eyes had a familiar unfocused look and George grinned.
“Well don’t let Polly get wind of it, or you’ll be hitched by spring time,” the older man said. “For now go put that horse up and come eat. It’s too cold out here for man or beast.”
Francis kicked his horse into a trot disappearing along the street that led to the livery. “And tell Byron to come on over to!” George shouted.
“George Olson, who are you shouting at now?” Polly asked opening the door of the boarding house and looking down the darkening street.
“Francis, I told him to come and eat with us and bring Byron along.”
“We’ve got vegetable soup and fresh rolls and plenty of it,” Polly said. “I’d best put on a fresh pot of coffee though.”
“Don’t go makin’ a fuss over Byron now,” George grumbled good-naturedly. “Oh, and the Major up and run Jasper into jail.” He added chuckling when Polly wheeled about in surprise.
“He didn’t,” she gasped. “He shouldn’t even be out in this weather; he’s an old man.”
“He’s no spring chicken that’s for sure,” George agreed, “but I think he gets restless, and at least if he gets confused, that horse always knows to come back to Sheriff Pike.”
Polly nodded filling the coffee pot with water. “He’s a good man is Mr. Jupiter and Ferd did right bringing him and Constance out of those hills.”
“Did alright marrying that girl to I’d say,” George grinned. “Why before you know it the young folks of Biders Clump will be adding to the population and taking over the whole town.”
Polly grinned. “I’m glad; I wish our children lived closer home, so we could visit the grand babies more.”
“We’ll just have to take ourselves on a tour of the tots after the weather clears,” George offered wrapping an arm around Polly’s shoulders and kissing her on the cheek. “We’ll get all caught up.”
A heavy knock fell on the back door and George hurried to the door to let his oldest friend and livery keeper into the warmth of his home.
Chapter 7
“Jasper, what are you doing here?” Sheriff Pike rose from his chair with a sigh. “I would have thought you’d have the sense to be home by now.”
“I was heading home when the Major stopped me,” Mr. Williams groused as Major Jupiter closed the door behind them.
“He was driving like a crazy man,” the major said. “If he’d been handling a team they’d a’ dumped the wagon at his speed.”
“I was not speeding!” Jasper announced. “I was trying to get home for my dinner which will now be cold.”
“What you doin’ out so late anyway?” the Sheriff asked. “Surely you weren’t driving about with that Farrow woman all day.”
“I was taking Ruth home if you must know,” Jasper said. “We had done a bit of shopping and started back later than expected.”
Sheriff Pike pinched the bridge of his nose. He had just been getting ready to head home when the banker had turned up.
“Jasper I’ve told you a dozen times to slow down when you’re in town. I don’t care what the trouble is you just need to remember that there are other people here who don’t tolerate that machine of yours so well.”
Jasper Williams nodded, he felt like a boy who’d been caught shooting spit wads at school. “I’m fining you fifty cents, and if it happens again, I’m impounding your rig.” The sheriff’s dark eyes were sharp.
“You can’t do that?” Mr. Williams blustered. “That’s highway robbery.”
“Well maybe you should just get at and marry that woman, so’s you won’t be running her every which direction at supper time from now on,” the Sheriff shot back.
“You think she’d say yes?” Jasper leaned over the desk toward the sheriff, hope shining in his eyes.
Major Jupiter gave a cough then blew his nose on a large handkerchief. “I’d say she’d marry you right quick if you’d ask her. Maybe give Lucinda and Willem a bit of peace as well.”
Mr. Williams stuck his fingers into the pocket of his brocade vest and pulled out two shiny coins plunking them on the sheriff’s desk. “I think I will,” he said absently.“I’ll ask Ruthie to marry me. Instead of having her own room at her daughter’s place she can have a whole new home.” The man smiled turning and heading out the door whistling happily.
“Major, we’d best get you home before Constance comes looking for me. Your granddaughter is no one to be trifled with, and besides that Grandma Wooster’s making cake tonight.”
The Major smiled, but a cough cut it short. “Grandma does make a good cake,” he said looking tired. “My little Connie is a good girl, she worries about me you know.”
Grabbing a heavy buffalo coat from the hook by the door the sheriff helped the old man into it and together they mounted up and headed out of town.
***
Agnes Ratner bundled her children into the wagon and tied her canvas down tight. They’d put on all the clothes they owned but the wind was howling and blowing so hard that it crept through the cover no matter how they tried to keep it out.
“I’m cold mama,” Atrum said huddling next to his little sister.
“Me too,” Beatrix said.
“I know children,” Agnes said. “Help me shift some of these sacks, so they’ll block the wind.”
Together the three children moved and shifted items building up the walls of the wagon, so that the wind couldn’t get through then together they climbed under their quilts snuggled close to their mother.
“Tell us a story mama?” Beatrix asked, at nine she still enjoyed the world of make believe her mother painted in her tales.
As Agnes spun her yarn, of bears, rabbits and foxes, the children began to drift off to sleep, the howl of the wind becoming music to accompany her words. When Beatrix was finally a sleep Agnes let her voice drop and looked at her oldest child.
“What you thinkin’ about Matrice?” she asked seeing the signs that her daughter’s mind was worrying something the way a dog worries a bone.
“Didn’t you say that man at the store mentioned a house for rent?”
“Yes, but we can’t afford that,” Agnes said.
“How do you know mama if you didn’t ask? What good will it do us to come west to start a new life if we all freeze to death?”
The girl’s serious eyes held hers.
“We don’t got much money left honey,” Agnes said reaching out and touching her daughter’s face.
“What if I get a job?” Matrice asked.
“I don’t know that you’d find one,” Agnes said seriously.
“That Indian man got a job,” Matrice said not meeting her mother’s eyes.
“We’ll see how things go this week,” Agnes said pulling the quilt tighter. “The mules are alright in the lean to you and Atrum built. There’s still enough grazing, and we have food. Long as we stay warm we’ll be alright.”
“If the weather gets much worse mama, I’m not sure we’ll be alright,” the girl piped. At seventeen Matrice was far too serious.
Growing up in the Deep South had been harsh, and the girl was old enough to understand the recent history and feel the sharp bite of bigotry from some.
Agnes believed in caution when it came to strangers and would rather keep to themselves at least for now.
Her mind went back to the big man who had stopped in to check on them that day. He didn’t seem to be trying to rush them off, or make trouble, but she would still err on the side of caution.
Men were often not what they seemed once you came to know them. Noah had
seemed a hard man when she’d first met him but his heart was pure gold. Appearances could be deceiving.
Chapter 8
“Maudlie are you sure you want to go out today? I know you mean well, but we got six inches of snow last night,” Harlan Dixon said as he hurried after his wife.
“Harlan those people might need something,” Maud Adams-Dixon chided. “If we’re feeling the effects of this weather here at home how much worse is it out there in nothing but a wagon?”
“Well we’re taking the sleigh no matter what the situation,” Harlan said shoving his hat onto his head of graying hair.
“That’s fine dear,” Maud said smiling at him as she tucked her hair into a woolen cap. “I’ll get some supplies together and then we’ll go.”
Maud laughed as they whizzed over the fresh snow a half hour later. She felt like a kid again and Harlan didn’t spare the horses.
It had been too many years with no laughter between them, but between their children’s declaration of love, and Harlan’s confession some time ago, they had a new lease on life, and the old feud had been put to rest.
They’d nearly reached the location that Rock had given them the night before when a lone rider came trotting toward them.
“Ho,” Bruno called swinging his horse, Smoke, toward them as Harlan slowed his pace.
“Bruno what are you doing out here?” Harlan asked as he matched the other man’s pace.
“Mr. Bentley told me there was a family camped out here and I thought they might be interested in the other house for a spell.” Bruno offered, tipping his hat to Maud.
“Rock dropped by last night to let us know about their situation. He said they probably don’t have much.”
“That’s why I brought supplies,” Maud said waving a gloved hand at the box in the back of the sleigh.
Bruno nodded. Folks around Biders Clump could be generous, when others were in need. They’d come together over a various number of situations.
“How’s Janine doing Bruno?” Maud continued as the men sat quietly looking at each other.
