Prudence

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Why not, Prudence? You’re a beautiful woman and deserve nice things. I’m happy the dress fits you so well.”

  By the time they heard Mrs. Murphy admit Adam, they were ready to go downstairs. Prudence let Lydia precede her to gauge Adam’s reaction. Prudence had to fight to contain her laughter when Adam spotted Lydia descending the stairs.

  Although the night was warm, Lydia had loaned Prudence a light blue mantle trimmed in ecru and darker blue lace. Lydia wore a black lace wrap slightly longer than the one Prudence wore. For the first time, she felt like an elegant lady instead of a folk-healer who’d grown up in a small cabin with a dirt floor.

  Adam had rented a two-seat buggy and drove them to the Gaston home. When they arrived, Prudence was surprised to have Mrs. Greenberg open the door to admit them.

  Adam allowed both women to go in first then he helped Lydia remove her shawl.

  Mrs. Greenberg stepped behind Prudence. “You allow me, ja, meine lieblich?”

  From beneath her eyelashes, Prudence watched Riley when her mantle was gone. His reaction even exceeded her wishes. His mouth opened and closed several times, but no words came forth.

  Sophie rushed forward and grabbed her hands. “Prudence, you look lovely.” She dropped Prudence’s hands and went to Lydia. “So do you, Lydia. A new dress for each of you I see.”

  “We haven’t been to the theater in several weeks and wanted tonight to be special. I see you’re wearing the gown you bought in Richmond.”

  Sophie smoothed her hand along the waist of her bright green silk taffeta trimmed in a darker shade. “An extravagance I’ve been saving for a special occasion. Shall we go in for dinner? Mrs. Greenberg has been busy all afternoon and the aromas have been taunting us.”

  Prudence inhaled. “Mmm, smells delicious, Mrs. Greenberg.”

  Lydia said, “Berta’s a fine cook, although she lets Moira take the lead. When Moira is under the weather or needs time off, Berta does an excellent job.”

  “Tank you, Miss Lydia. I do my best. Now I go to de kitchen and bring in de food. Doctor, you vill pour de vine, ja?”

  Riley opened a bottle of wine and poured some into each of the five glasses. He sent Prudence an amused glance. “Mother approves of your suggestion.”

  She smiled but didn’t know what to say. Now that she was in front of him and had sensed his reaction, she was tongue-tied. So much for being an elegant lady. She was back to being the country girl from a tiny cabin in the backwoods.

  Lydia had her back to the others and mouthed, “Make the most of your opportunity. Say something. And lean forward slightly at the table.”

  Exhaling, Prudence walked to the table. “Where would you like for us to sit?”

  “Umm” He cleared his throat. “You at my right, Lydia’s at the left, Adam by her, and Mother by you.” He set the wine bottle down and held a chair for Prudence.

  She sat down then Riley rushed to seat his mother while Adam did the same for Lydia. Mrs. Greenberg brought in the food and Lydia and Sophie kept conversation going.

  Riley couldn’t believe this woman was the woman who’d helped him deliver twins without batting an eye. She looked as if she were a great lady who had never done anything more serious than ordering tea.

  When she leaned forward, the tops of her breasts were visible. The image burned itself into his brain so vividly he’d probably never sleep again.

  During a brief lull, Riley leaned toward her. “I’m eager to learn what you did to cure Lemuel. I’ve been trying to help relieve his gout for several months without success.”

  Her eyes twinkled with a blue to match her low-cut dress. “I gave him a large bottle of liquid and told him to add ten drops to the glass I gave him and then fill the glass with water and stir. I said he had to do that every two hours the first three days, then every four hours a day for two weeks. If the symptoms were improved, he could cut back to four times a day. Drinking that much water had the added benefit of decreasing his appetite for the foods you suggested he avoid.”

  Drops? “What kind of drops?”

  She appeared to fight a grin then lost. “Nothing but colored water with a little mint in it. I noticed his breath was bad and thought the mint couldn’t hurt.”

  “Sounds like snake oil to me.” But he laughed in spite of himself.

  She nodded. “Does, doesn’t it? I confess I overcharged him as well as a penalty for not following your directions.”

  Everyone at the table joined in laughter.

  After supper, they drove to the theater.

  Lydia fanned herself with a program. “We certainly don’t need our wraps.”

  Adam ran a finger around his collar. “Even with the upper windows open, it’s sweltering. Glad there’s a little breeze.”

  Riley leaned toward her. “You all right?”

  “Quite fine. The comedian was funny wasn’t he?”

  He grinned, glad she was enjoying the evening. “Yes, but corny.”

  “I’m from a tiny village. We didn’t get theater troupes there. I’ve enjoyed attending shows here at the opera house.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Even the acrobats?”

  She tilted her head, letting one long curl fall across her white shoulders he was certain would feel like silk. “Yes, and the jugglers, although they were my least favorite.”

  How he’d like to caress those shoulders, and her elegant neck, and her… stop, he couldn’t go there. He was fantasizing things he should never consider.

  He glanced at his mother, hoping she’d distract him. She merely smiled and returned her gaze to the stage. What’s a guy to do when he can’t even count on his mother to rescue him?

  The next act consisted of two female dancers. Their costumes were even more provocative than Prudence’s dress, but they paled in comparison to her. They were risqué and she was elegance.

  She leaned toward him. “Don’t you think their clothes are very suggestive? Are dancers always so bold?”

  He coughed to hide his laugh. “I’m not an expert, of course, but those who’ve entertained here have been. Since this is a variety show, I suppose they include an act for every taste.”

  “I see. I suppose the comedians were more to my taste, although they were slightly… um, earthy a couple of times.”

  “You’ll like the singers. They’re always the most popular so they’ll be last on the bill.”

  Her blue eyes widened with interest. “Oh, I enjoyed Geraldine Chitwood very much.”

  He shook his head. “These singers won’t be as talented as Miss Chitwood, but still entertaining.”

  Riley enjoyed watching Prudence watch the acts. How nice to be with someone to whom everything was interesting. She might be as nice as his mother insisted.

  All this time, he hadn’t believed her herbal remedies could help, yet his mother was proof something worked. She was more like her old self—happy, cheerful, and full of energy. And Lemuel was walking without a limp.

  Prudence had proven her midwifery and nursing skills with Nancy and Ola Mae. Zillah Hill raved about her, too. He had some hard decisions to make, and soon.

  After the show, they all five climbed into the buggy and Adam drove to Lydia’s. Adam and he walked Lydia and Prudence to the door of the Harrison home. Inside, Adam lit a lamp then the two of them insisted they make certain the place hadn’t been burglarized again.

  Adam and he checked the house for intruders but found every room undisturbed.

  Adam nodded toward the corner of the first floor where Mrs. Murphy lived. “Reckon we should check in there?”

  Lydia shook her head. “No point in alarming her by waking her at this hour. She turns in early since she’s up at the crack of dawn. You checked the doors and they were all locked.”

  “All right, your call. Thanks for treating us to the theater.” He and Lydia walked slowly toward the front door.

  Riley boldly kissed Prudence on the cheek. “I enjoyed the evening.”

  Surprise settled
on her face, but she smiled. “So did I. Thank you for seeing me into the house.”

  He hated to leave her but there was only so long he could delay with his mother waiting in the buggy. “Guess we’ll see you in church tomorrow.”

  “I promised Granny I’d go every Sunday and I will unless I’m ailing and contagious.”

  “Goodnight.”

  She stood at the door with Lydia until the two were in the buggy and Adam had turned the rig around. They closed the door.

  “You can quit staring now, Son.”

  He scowled, but it was wasted on her in the dark. The buggy’s front lamps didn’t cast light on the interior. “I was only making certain they were inside before we drove home.”

  Adam let out with what sounded like a snort. “Good story there, Riley. I almost believe you.”

  ***

  Prudence heard Lydia lock the front door. The two turned to go upstairs to their rooms when two men came from the kitchen.

  Prudence stared, unable to reconcile who she saw with reality. “Otto? Maynard? What on earth are you two doing here?”

  “Thought you could fool us, didn’t you? Well, we knowed you had gold. I found the receipt in that room you sleep in.”

  Prudence fought for time and an idea. “You were the ones who broke in here? Why on earth did you make such a mess? And you hurt Mrs. Ramirez with those ropes. Shame on you.”

  Otto pointed a gun at her. “Don’t be usin’ that high ’n mighty tone with us, Prudence. We aim to get that gold. Reckon we’ll take both of you so we can be sure you don’t hold out on us.”

  Lydia’s tone sounded angry, but Prudence recognized her friend was frightened. “What have you done to my housekeeper?”

  Maynard shrugged as if Mrs. Murphy’s fate were unimportant. “Aw, we didn’t hurt her none. She’s tied in a nice comfy chair.” He peered around the room. “Never saw such fancy furniture as in this here house.”

  Prudence gazed from one Jensen brother to the other. “What do you want with us?”

  “We’re gonna send you to the bank to get that there gold out and give it to us. Reckon if we keep your friend you won’t cross us.”

  “The bank won’t be open until Monday. You should have waited until then.”

  “Naw, we thought we’d git you now so’s you’d have time to be scared. You’re comin’ with us now.”

  Lydia gestured toward Mrs. Murphy’s room. “You can’t leave my housekeeper tied up all that time. She’s older and will need water and food and a chamber pot.”

  Maynard glared at Lydia. “She’ll manage. Somebody’ll find her in a day or two. I told you she’s in a nice soft chair.”

  Prudence pointed to her dress. “We have on our best dresses. At least let us change clothes.”

  Otto glared at her. “Nope. I know you ’n you’d try to trick us and get away. You come on now peaceful like or we’ll have to tie a rope ’round your neck and drag you.”

  Lydia opened her mouth as if to protest.

  Prudence grabbed Lydia’s hand. “They’re mean enough to do that to us.”

  Otto motioned toward the back door with the gun. “You know we will. You just go on with Maynard through that fancy door to that garden. Never seen so many flowers in one place.”

  Prudence dragged her mantle from the chair where she’d laid it when they came inside. She let it trail from her fingers and fall as they neared the door. Maybe then someone would know which direction they’d gone.

  Otto poked her with the gun. “I seen what you did. You trying to do somethin’ tricky?”

  She glared at him. “No, I started to take that but I won’t need a wrap in this weather, will I?”

  “Reckon not. Just keep walkin’ and be real quiet. If either of you tries to get away or makes noise, I’ll shoot the other one. Unnerstand?”

  “Yes. How did you find where I’d gone?”

  “You’ll see. Keep walkin’ and stop talkin’.”

  They left the house and went out the back gate. Walking along the edge of town, Prudence thought they must have walked a long time.

  Otto poked her again. “Hurry up.”

  “We have on evening slippers and they have almost no sole. We feel every stone, Otto. We can’t go any faster. Can’t we sit down and rest?”

  “Got to keep movin’ so you’re hid good before daylight.”

  A long time later, she saw moonlight glisten on what must be the Brazos River snaking through the landscape. On the side they were on, only a small area allowed them to walk before a cliff rose at their side. Soon a dark shape appeared.

  “This here’s a cave what makes a good place to camp. Can’t have a fire what might let anyone know we’re here. You get on inside.”

  When they were a few steps into the darkened interior, Otto prodded Prudence with the gun. “You get on back there with Tillie.”

  A pale light gleamed from deep in the interior to reveal Tillie Marks tied to a boulder. Prudence hardly recognized the girl from Richmond. Her face was smudged and tear-streaked. She appeared frightened yet relieved.

  Otto uncoiled a rope and wrapped it around Prudence’s neck, then tied her to another rock and shoved her to the floor. Maynard did the same with Lydia. Then, the two brothers went to a couple of bedrolls and lay down. Their snores let the women know the two brothers were asleep.

  Tillie cried, “I’m sorry I told them where you’d gone. I had no idea what they were like.”

  Prudence couldn’t imagine them finding Tillie. “How did they find you and what did they tell you?”

  “They came to the boarding house. Said you’d stolen something of theirs and they’d give me a nice reward if I helped them find you.”

  Prudence started to shake her head but the rope burned into her skin. “They’ve never had anything worth stealing unless you wanted a still. They’re the two worst men I’ve ever met.”

  Tillie choked back a sob. “You’re so right. I hadn’t been with them half a day before I knew I’d made a terrible mistake, but they wouldn’t let me go. I’ve been their prisoner ever since.”

  “Since I left Richmond?”

  Tillie sobbed a couple of minutes before she regained composure enough to answer, “No, they didn’t show up for weeks and weeks. Said a boy where they came from had told them where you’d gone. I still had that piece of newspaper in my coat pocket and showed them.”

  She sniffled. “I had just been fired from a job and wondered how I was going to pay Mrs. Purvis her rent. Their offer seemed like it would save me. It’s done anything but that.”

  Lydia’s gaze scanned around the dark cave. “How long have you been stuck here?”

  “Two weeks. I swear I’d of run if I could, but they never gave me a chance. They’re dumb but real sly. Only time they let me loose is to serve their meals and then they keep a rope around my throat.”

  Lydia looked at the woman she’d turned down as one of her prospective brides. “That’s terrible. I’m so sorry this has happened to you.”

  “Every time they left I was afraid they’d come back but I was also afraid they’d leave me here to starve.”

  Prudence didn’t know what feeling was winning—anger or fright. She gazed down at her precious dress. The hem was dirty, but perhaps it could be cleaned. Lydia’s dress hadn’t fared any better.

  She listened to the two sleeping men, sounding like hogs at the trough. “They could have at least let us sit more comfortably. After all that hiking, I’m tired.”

  Lydia wiggled. “I would like a chamber pot.” She looked at Tillie. “I suppose any consideration for bodily functions is out of the question?”

  “Just about. They let me go back a ways in the cave a couple of times a day. I’m just glad they haven’t wanted to go with me. They’re so sure when they get your gold they’ll go to Denver and find them a couple of willing women and live it up in a fine hotel. They apparently think the money will last forever.”

  Prudence wanted to kick or hit something or som
eone. “They never have been able to think things through. It’s not a lifetime’s fortune. I mean, it’s a fortune to me because I never knew I had it until recently. If they were to live prudently but responsibly, the money would last them maybe ten years.”

  Lydia said, “Living it up they way they plan, it will be gone in a year.”

  Prudence agreed, “That’s only if they don’t gamble it away first.”

  The women fell silent. Each tried working her ropes loose. Near dawn, Prudence felt the knot slip a little. Her wrists and fingers were raw from trying, but she kept it up.

  She nodded to Lydia, who appeared to understand. Tillie slumped in what passed for slumber. Poor woman was probably too exhausted and beaten down from her ill treatment to fight.

  ***

  Riley and his mother went to church and sat in their customary place. Adam arrived and stood by the empty pew where Lydia and Prudence usually sat.

  He leaned over to speak to Riley. “Either of you heard from Lydia this morning?”

  Puzzled, Riley shook his head. “Prudence said for certain she’d be here this morning. Said she promised her Granny she’d attend church every Sunday. Can’t imagine her not showing up.”

  Adam stewed a few seconds. “Reckon I’ll go check the house and make sure no one’s sick.”

  Riley stood. “I’ll go with you. This doesn’t feel right. Mother you make our excuses to Grady.”

  He and Adam strode swiftly through the town. They knocked at the Harrison front door.

  Adam knocked again. “I’ll go around back.”

  Soon, Riley heard the lock turning and the door swung open to reveal a very worried Adam.

  “No one’s here.”

  “What about Mrs. Murphy?” Riley ran toward her quarters. “That’s the only room we didn’t check last night.”

  They opened her door to find her gagged and tied to a cushioned armchair. Adam removed the gag and Riley knelt to untie her.

  Adam practically shouted, “Mrs. Murphy, who did this?”

  “Two men forced their way in while you were at the theater. I was so afraid no one would come until tomorrow.” She tried to rise, but fell back onto the chair.

  Riley grasped her by the arm and waist. “Let me help you. You need water and then food and real rest.” He helped her to her bed.