Prudence

by Caroline Clemmons

  He nodded. “Not a bad idea. Have to go to the office to get my spyglass anyway. I’ll stop by and ask Ronnie and Virgil if they’d be interested.”

  Prudence asked, “Are they the ones who climbed down and rescued Zane Evans and Bronco Alvarez after those bandits attacked them?”

  He nodded around a bite of bread. “Good kids and strong. They think that kind of thing is fun. Have all kinds of equipment for it, too.”

  Lydia straightened. “Good, then you can let them have fun on the roof and save you from falling.”

  Adam grinned. “Believe I will. Never liked heights myself.”

  After the meal, Adam left to talk to the Dixon brothers.

  She and Lydia helped Mrs. Murphy set the kitchen to rights.

  Mrs. Murphy left her apron on as she shooed them. “You two go on and I’ll straighten my room.”

  Lydia hugged her housekeeper. “All right, Moira, but let us know if you need help.”

  Prudence and Lydia braved going into the parlor.

  Lydia’s despair was understandable. “How will I ever get this place back in order?”

  Prudence suggested, “Let’s take one room at a time. We should start with our bedrooms so when we’re ready to turn in tonight, we can do so without wading through a mess.”

  They climbed the stairs and came first to Prudence’s room. Her despair turned to anger.

  She picked up the little paintings of her parents and grandparents. “The very nerve of those polecats, scattering my personal belongings as if they were trash. I know these are valuable only to me, but they can’t be replaced.” She dusted them, relieved they weren’t damaged. “Thank goodness I’d taken my herbs to my office.”

  Lydia sat in the chair beside Prudence’s trunk. “I’m not sure I have the energy to look in my room.”

  Prudence held out her hand. “Come on, I’ll go with you and we’ll tidy it together.”

  They found Lydia’s room in as much disorder as the rest of the house but in an hour they had everything back in its place except for dusting and sweeping.

  Lydia gazed around. “I can’t miss much. Isn’t that the oddest thing? They took some costume jewelry, but they didn’t find the safe where my better pieces are kept.”

  “They couldn’t be experienced burglars or surely they would have discovered your safe. Although I wouldn’t have thought to look behind that painting, you’d think burglars would know those sorts of things.”

  Lydia’s earlier despair had turned to anger. “Exactly. Well, let’s go tidy your room.”

  Seeing her few precious possessions treated so carelessly hurt Prudence. She lovingly rolled quilts and replaced them in her trunk. When she came to one, she gasped. “They tore the corner of this quilt Granny made. When those two are caught, I’m going to pound them with something hard.”

  Lydia peered at the rip. “Can that be repaired?”

  Prudence huffed. “Yes, but I’m afraid the mend might show. I’ll have to wait until I’m calm to try.”

  When Prudence’s room was restored, they moved back downstairs. Adam arrived accompanied by two young men. They went upstairs.

  Watching them speed up the stairs, Lydia explained. “There’s an attic and an opening from there onto the roof. Adam once helped with repairs after a storm so he knows the way without my help.”

  “Then let’s set to work on the parlor… unless you’d prefer to tidy your office next.”

  “No, this is the room people see first if my office door is closed. This is from where I thought they might have taken some of my knick-knacks because they would fit in saddle bags.” Lydia picked up a silver candlestick. “Like this, for instance. It’s sterling.”

  “After all that food, there probably wasn’t much room in their saddlebags.”

  Lydia sank onto a chair and broke into giggles. “That’s true. Passing up sterling silver for cheese and crackers and tinned peaches. They must be the dumbest crooks ever.” She put her head in her hands and broke into tears.

  Prudence rushed to her. “Lydia, you’ve had a terrible shock. I think you need to go lie down. I have a calming tea in my rooms that I’ll brew for you.”

  Lydia straightened and dried her eyes. “What would have happened if pioneer women had given up every time they were faced with adversity? I’ll be fine now that I got that out of my system.”

  “You’re a strong woman. I’m trying to be.” Prudence picked up pillows and put them back on the couches. Even though the room was large, it took less time than their bedrooms had.

  Mrs. Murphy shoved through the kitchen door. “I’ll make me a purse from the ears of the pigs what tore through my room.”

  When she was upset, her Irish brogue thickened. “Sure and it’s right enough now with nothing gone I could miss. Did I hear men tromping through?”

  Lydia smiled at the older woman. “Adam has the Dixon boys on the roof looking for cold camps nearby.”

  “I’d better get back in the kitchen. Three men are going to be hungry when they get through with that chore. Good thing we have plenty of the roast left for sandwiches.”

  “Thank you, Moira. I’ll let them know when they return.”

  They moved through the dining room. No dishes had been broken but silverware was scattered and dishes had been removed from the dresser and cupboards.

  Prudence gathered up cutlery. “They must have arrived as soon as we left for them to have moved so much.”

  “At least they didn’t just toss the dishes. I would have cried for sure then. One set of these was a wedding gift from William, although I didn’t receive it until we were in Tarnation.”

  “Getting this fine china here must have been a difficult job. I guess that was before Zane Evans had his freight business.”

  “It was. William hired a freighter from Fort Worth. I’m still amazed at all the things in this house and at the ranch when they had to be hauled in a wagonload at a time.”

  Sounding like twice their number, Adam and the two young men came down the stairs.

  Adam rolled his shoulders. “Nothing in any direction. Of course, they could be on the mountain behind here. Might even be in one of the caves nearby. Getting too near dark to check anyplace today.”

  They all went into the kitchen where Mrs. Murphy had set out enough food for ten people. Looking at the size of the Dixon brothers, Prudence thought she might have gauged correctly.

  During the meal, the boys entertained them with tales of their rock climbing experiences. After they’d eaten, the boys excused themselves to go home.

  Adam speared a look at Lydia. “I reckon I’ll sleep on the couch here tonight.”

  Lydia shrugged. “If you wish, Adam, but they’ve already searched here. I can’t imagine why they’d come back here.”

  “You discover anything missing so far?”

  She waved a hand. “Some costume jewelry, nothing very expensive. I haven’t missed anything else. What kind of burglar leaves silver and takes cheese and crackers and tinned peaches?”

  “A hungry one, that’s clear. Can’t figure what they were after though. Can either of you?”

  Prudence shook her head. “The things I have are family things valuable only to me.” She gasped. “Lydia, I should tell him about the gold.”

  He shouted, “Gold? What gold?”

  Prudence explained. “All I have is the receipt from Mr. Tucker. I didn’t know where to put it so it’s in my room.”

  “Is it still there?”

  “I’ll check. Now that you’ve asked, I don’t remember seeing it.” She hurried up the stairs, then went through the washstand’s bottom drawer. Her heart raced and blood pounded in her ears. She dumped everything from the drawer onto the bed. No bank receipt.

  Her feet dragging, she returned to the parlor. “Gone. I even emptied the drawer onto the bed. Not there.”

  The sheriff glared at Lydia. “You should have told me about the gold, Lydia.”

  She raised her chin. “She only discover
ed it a few days ago. You haven’t been around much lately or I would have confided in you.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. “Lord, help me. Who knew about this besides Bart?”

  Lydia shook her head. “No one except Lorraine. As Prudence explained, even she didn’t know until she showed me the quilt. Before you ask, I’m positive she was genuinely shocked. No one is a good enough actress to fake her reaction.”

  Prudence sent Lydia a grateful smile. “Unless someone at the bank overheard us—and I don’t see how they could have—no one except Lorraine and us knew. Lorraine wouldn’t tell anyone. Mr. Tucker was careful to lock the gold in his private office safe after he gave me the receipt.”

  “Maybe he made a note in his ledger.”

  Prudence shook her head. “I don’t know about that. He saw me on the boardwalk and said he’d sent inquiries to several coin collectors. There was no one near enough to overhear. He wouldn’t have had time to hear back from them, though. I don’t see how any of them could have sent someone here in the short time since then.”

  “I’ll talk to him tomorrow and get his ideas. Could be one of the coin collectors has someone in Fort Worth he could wire to come here.”

  Lydia hugged her arms. “I don’t know how they’d know so much about our routine. Why come here instead of the bank where the money is locked away?”

  “Good question but I’m afraid I don’t have the answer. All I know is that where there’s a burglary and gold, they’re bound to be involved.”

  Lydia asked, “Are you determined to stay here tonight?”

  He crossed his arms. “I am.”

  “The couches are too short for you. Why don’t you take one of the vacant rooms upstairs?”

  “I need to be where I can hear anyone who enters. Give me a blanket and a pillow”

  He pointed to a corner. “I’ll sleep right over there. If anyone is looking through a window, I’ll be hidden but I can hear the doors. Ask Mrs. Murphy to sleep upstairs tonight.”

  “All right. I think you’re wasting your time, but I admit I probably wouldn’t be able to sleep if you weren’t staying.”

  Prudence leaped to her feet. “I’ll get Adam some bedding, Lydia.”

  “Then I’ll talk to Moira. She may already be putting on her bedclothes. She retires early unless we’re entertaining guests.”

  “I don’t rate as a guest?” Adam stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle.

  “Not to her.” Lydia left the room.

  Prudence climbed the stairs. She wanted to knock Adam up side of the head. How could he resist Lydia? There wasn’t a finer woman anywhere unless it had been her Granny. Prudence’s sense of betrayal by her grandmother regarding the gold had elevated Lydia another notch.

  ***

  Riley’s stomach hit his knees when JoJo Greenberg summoned him to treat a woman injured in the break in at the Harrison home. He’d practically run. As guilty as he was about his reaction, he’d been relieved when directed to the Ramirez cottage.

  He’d raced out before explaining to his mother. He’d known Prudence affected his pulse rate, but he hadn’t realized how much he cared about her until then. Now he was shaken to the core.

  His hands shook as he walked home. It’s a wonder he could treat Señora Ramirez. He’d looked at Prudence, searching to see if she was all right. She’d turned and left without a word, but then he hadn’t spoken to her either.

  How had this snuck up on him? If he weren’t careful, he’d make a dang fool of himself. She’d never agree to give up her foolish business, although he didn’t mind if she wanted to continue as a midwife.

  Maybe he’d have an opportunity to talk to her soon. Didn’t all women want to marry? Wasn’t that why she’d come to Tarnation?

  When he arrived home, his mother met him at the door. “Where do you run off to, Son? I would have asked JoJo but he took off after you.”

  “While we were at church, someone burglarized the Harrison house and tied up the Ramirez couple to keep them from alerting anyone. Señora Ramirez had bad rope burns on her arms and wrists, but no one was hurt.”

  She frowned. “They usually go to mass when Father Brendan is in town.”

  “Burglars caught them as they were leaving. Good thing Mrs. Murphy was with Prudence and Lydia.”

  Mother clasped her hands. “Oh, poor Lydia. I’ll bet she’s so upset.”

  “Apparently the house was ransacked. Papers everywhere and things topsy turvy. Don’t know what was taken though.”

  His mother gasped. “I should go right over there and offer my help.” She reached for her hat and purse.

  Riley reached out to stop her. “Mother, they’re better off on their own today. And you know how you are when you’re upset.”

  She gave in. “I prefer being alone, but I don’t want Lydia to think I’m abandoning her. She’s such a dear friend.”

  “She has Prudence and Mrs. Murphy. Unless I miss my guess, Adam will stay on Lydia’s couch tonight. Frankly, I doubt she would welcome even you this evening. Prudence will go to her place across the road tomorrow and Adam will be looking for the burglars. The shock will have Lydia wary of every sound.”

  “Have you reconsidered your opinion of Prudence?”

  Dang, he hated to admit she’d been right. “I might have.”

  Before she could comment, he raised his hand. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow and see if we can reconcile our differences.”

  “I’m so glad. Prudence is a lovely person and so talented. Hearing you’re going to talk to her makes me happy and relieved. Son, I don’t want you to be alone.”

  “I’m not alone, I have you here.”

  “You know I mean something else entirely. I want you to marry the right woman and have children to care for you as you have for me.”

  “I’d like that myself. I promise I’ll try to work things out with Prudence tomorrow.”

  She raised both hands to the ceiling. “Hallelujah.” When she faced him, the twinkle was back in her eyes. “I’ll go to Lydia’s about ten in the morning.”

  “She’ll no doubt welcome consolation and companionship then. You’re good at that, Mother.”

  “I’ll make them a pie. I know Mrs. Murphy’s the best cook in town, but carrying in food is what we do in a crisis, isn’t it?”

  He decided a white lie was called for. “Always, and your pies are as good as those of anyone in Texas. I know Lydia and Mrs. Murphy will appreciate your effort.”

  He gave his mother a brief hug. “Losing Dad was hard. I appreciate you giving up your home to move in and take care of me.”

  Beaming from his praise, she went into the kitchen.

  He’d made peace with his mother. If only his Prudence dilemma were solved so easily.

  Chapter Ten

  Prudence rose after a restless night. When she went downstairs to the kitchen, Adam sat at the table finishing breakfast. He already wore his gun and holster and his western hat rested set on the chair nearest him.

  He set his cup on the table and stood. “Posse is gathering right now. We’re going to comb the county looking for those men. I’ve asked Didamia Marshall to stay here today in case those men return. She’s as good as shot as any man in town.”

  Lydia twisted her napkin. “Are you certain that’s necessary? Surely since they didn’t find whatever they were looking for, they won’t try again.”

  “You never know. I’ll feel better with Didamia here. She won’t let anyone in here who doesn’t belong.”

  Adam turned to Prudence as he donned his hat. “Lupe Alvarez will meet you at your shop today. She’s small and wiry, but she can defend both of you if necessary.”

  When he’d gone, Prudence sat down for her breakfast even though she was too upset to be hungry. This was usually her main meal. She’d learned long ago to start the day with good food because she never knew what the day would bring.

  “Lydia, I feel just awful about this. I don’t know how, but I’m sur
e I’ve brought all this to your door.”

  Lydia waved away her words. “Nonsense. Bad men did that. I hope Adam and the posse catch whoever’s responsible so we can relax.”

  After she’d eaten and Didamia had arrived, Prudence set out for her shop. Who could know about the gold? Mr. Tucker wouldn’t tell, Lydia wouldn’t, Lorraine wouldn’t, and she certainly hadn’t.

  In front of her office, Lupe Alvarez waited for her. The tiny woman wore a gun belt across her shoulder and chest. She held her hand to mask her lower face. “I am to be a bandito today. To worry you, there is nothing.”

  Unlocking the door, Prudence laughed for the first time since she’d learned of the burglary. “You do look fierce, Lupe. No wonder Bronco is afraid of you.” She gestured for Lupe to go inside.

  “You think you are joking, but he knows I have a fiery temper that he doesn’t want to set off like dynamite.”

  “Pfft. You’ve always been kind and friendly when I’ve seen you. Are you sure you aren’t two women?”

  Lupe laughed as she patted her hip. “Sí, I am many women rolled up tight into this little body. I can use a knife or a gun to protect you.”

  “I’m impressed but hopefully that won’t be necessary. Adam and the posse are out looking for the men now.”

  “Sí, Bronco rides with them. All of the freighters have gone. Only a few men are left to guard the town.”

  A shiver snaked across Prudence’s shoulders. “That’s kind of frightening, isn’t it?”

  “No, no, no, you must not to worry. Guards, they are placed so they can see who comes or goes. No one can come here without being seen. If those bad men, they are still in Tarnation and are hiding, they will be caught. Already men have searched many buildings—even under the freight warehouse.”

  “At least that’s reassuring.”

  Prudence thought there were dozens of places two men could hide. She prayed the men had left Tarnation and that the sheriff and his posse would capture them. Not knowing where or who they men were had kept her awake most of the night.

  At a few minutes past ten, Riley came into the shop. “I see you have fierce protection.” He nodded to Lupe.