“Why wouldn’t we?”
“We didn’t exactly part on good terms, when you left, and I wasn’t sure how you felt now. I almost sent you a telegram, but at the last minute changed my mind.
“Since I didn’t know how you’d react, I guess I thought, if I was here in front of you, there’d be less chance for you to turn me away.”
“I’ve grown up a lot since those days,” Griffin said. “I’m not the same hot-head I used to be.”
“What changed?” Mark inquired. “The love of a good woman?”
“That and going to work for Henry Sealy. He’s turned out to be the father neither one of us had growing up.” Griffin hauled a straight-backed chair over and sat next to Mark. “Did you have any trouble finding the house?”
“None at all. I rode to the livery stable on Main Street, and got directions from Jasper Dunlevey.”
“Good.” Griffin glanced toward Linc, and said, “Mark, how’s the investigation going on with the fire at your mill?”
“Not as good as I’d like. The Rangers are still investigating, but I’m not holding out much hope they’ll find who set the fire.”
Linc listened, and asked, “They still thinking arson and not lightning?”
“The working theory is that both events happened simultaneously.” He laughed but the laughter didn’t reach his eyes. “How lucky is that?”
Griffin clapped his brother on the back. “Well, we’re lucky you’re here. We can use you at Sealy’s.”
“I appreciate that, Brother.”
Emmeline and Laurel came out on the porch carrying two trays, one with a pot, probably coffee, Linc figured, cups and saucers, and one with slices of chocolate cake and forks.
“Gentlemen, may we join you?” Laurel asked.
Griffin jumped up to take her tray and set it onto the table beneath the window.
Linc stood to help distribute the plates for Emmeline. “I didn’t know you brought cake back from Tildie’s.”
“You’re right, I didn’t.” Emmeline said. “I baked another one today.”
“My day just got better.” He smiled, and asked, “Is that why Tildie seemed upset with me last night? I didn’t stay to sample your cake?”
“Yes.” Her cheeks turned a nice shade of pink. “I believe so.”
She knew it was exactly why Tildie’s feathers had been ruffled, but as a lady, she shouldn’t say so. The sweet woman believed in love and felt it her duty to play matchmaker. All last evening, she had tried her best to match Emmeline with either Thatcher or Linc. When the former had called it a night after the play, Tildie had set her sights on Lincoln Bass. Little did she know those wheels were already in motion.
Mark brought two chairs from the dining room for them, and when the coffee was poured, everyone sat to enjoy the dessert.
Emmeline watched Linc out of the corner of her eye, to see his reaction to her baking. A measure of satisfaction filled her when he didn’t gag and took a second bite. She slowly let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Your cake is good, Emmeline,” he said. “Very tasty.”
“Thank you.”
Laurel sipped her coffee, and said, “The night’s lovely. There’s a change in the air, don’t you think?”
“I do,” Griffin agreed. “By the time the picnic rolls around, even the daytime temperatures should be nice.”
“Picnic? What’s this?” Mark finished his coffee and set his dishes on one of the trays.
“Sealy has an annual get together for the employees and the town.” Griffin explained. “There are contests, games, and massive amounts of food. It’s all great fun.”
Mark raised an eyebrow, and glanced toward Emmeline. “Will there be a kissing booth?”
Her neck heated, and she stammered, “I-I don’t think so.”
“Pity.” He grinned.
The scoundrel knew he’d embarrassed her and he was enjoying every moment of her discomfort.
“Mark, shame on you.” Laurel stood and gave her brother-in-law a pointed glare. “It’s time for bed everyone. Linc, since there are two beds in your room, I had Mark put his bags in there earlier.”
“Sure.”
Emmeline gave her sister a hug goodnight. “I’ll be up shortly.”
“Don’t be too long, all right? Come along, Mark, you have to be up early in the morning.”
“Right behind you, Laurel,” he answered. Grabbing one of the trays, he stopped in front of Emmeline, and showing not a second’s worth of remorse, said, “I hope you’ll reconsider that booth, princess.”
As soon as he’d disappeared into the house, she glanced at Linc. She was surprised she didn’t see steam coming out of his ears, given his response to Thatcher last evening.
“Linc, will you get the door, while I carry in the last tray?”
He brushed past her and picked it up. “I’ll get it, you hold the door.”
She followed him into the kitchen. When she began stacking the dishes, he took hold of her arm and turned her to face him.
He pulled her close, kissed her temple, and then her ear. His hands roamed over her, touching her breasts through her bodice. Unashamed, she angled herself to give him easier access. When he whispered her name, she shivered.
He reached for the lamp and blew out the flame, picked her up, and set her on the counter top. He wedged his hips between her knees to be closer, and she warmed at the intimacy.
She returned his kiss, opening her mouth to the sweet invasion of his tongue. Breathless from their activities, and aching in places she’d never given much thought to, she pulled away slightly. “Linc, what are we doing?”
“At the moment? I’m taking advantage of your generosity,” he stated. “It’s not my intention to shock you, Emmeline, but I feel I need to say this. I’ve realized over the last twenty-four hours, that I need you, I want you. I don’t want to lose you to another man. I have no idea, if you feel the same about me, but that’s the God’s truth.
“I can’t follow through on my feelings right now, because of something I’m working on, for the mill. But, if you’ll be patient, I will, very soon.”
“Is this something dangerous?”
“Possibly, but not really. There are enough of us working together, we’ll be fine.” After a second or two, he asked, “Will you wait?”
“I will.” She opened to his kiss again.
“You promise?”
“Yes, Linc, I promise.”
After he’d walked her to her room and said goodnight, she replayed what had happened between them. He had surely sounded sincere. His actions had seemed honest and truthful, not like he wanted to impress her to get what he desired. But he hadn’t said he loved her, only that he wanted her.
She was sure she loved him, but hadn’t said so, lest he feel trapped. That was the last thing she wanted. Why were men so delicate? Well, she’d made a promise, so she’d see what happened. They were all going to be busy these next two weeks getting ready for the picnic. Time would tell.
A couple of days later, Linc walked into an empty company office to find a small log had fallen out of the stove. It was burning and nearby papers on the floor had also ignited. He rushed over, picked up the log, threw it outside onto the dirt, and stomped out the flames with his boot. Shortly after, he looked up to see Tolbert come in, followed by Griffin and his brother, Mark.
Tolbert had a head of steam cooking and shouted, “Who the hell threw that burning log outside?”
“I did,” he answered. “I came in here and the log was in the middle of the floor. It had caught a stack of papers on fire. Who the hell lights a fire in the stove, when it’s going to be over ninety degrees today?”
“My old bones was cold this morning, and I just wanted to warm up.” Tolbert waved his hand over the scorched area. “I’m guessing, the log pushed the door to the stove open, and the wind, from me closing the office door, blew those papers off the desk. I’m sorry, Griff.”
Griffin glanced from his
brother to his friend, but only said, “Could have happened to anybody, Tolbert. Just be more careful next time.”
“I will. If you don’t mind, Griff, I’m going to step outside for a few minutes.”
“Sure,” Griffin said. “Take a cup of coffee and come back later.”
“Thanks.”
When they were alone, Linc spoke first, “How do you like that guy? Do either of you believe his story?”
“Not for a minute, it’s too coincidental.” Markus stated.
“It is,” Griffin agreed. “But we still have no proof he did anything deliberately. If he’s our man, he’s too slick.”
Linc rested his hands on his hips. “We’re simply going to have to watch him closer, all of us. Agreed?”
To a man, they all said yes.
9
T wo weeks later, the day had finally arrived for the Sealy Sawmill and Lumber Company picnic. Excitement was thick in the air, and Emmeline found it hard to remain calm. She looked out over the sea of wagons and horses tied to posts and trees. Multiple long tables were already laden with food for the afternoon. People were milling about, with children playing chase, in and amongst them.
This was turning out to be nothing like the picnics she’d grown up attending. Her memories were of lazy days spent lounging in the green grasses of manicured parks. There were blankets, of course, spread out beneath trees, but also hammocks and swings, and bands playing popular music in the bandshell.
This, so far, was rowdy and eclectic. Everywhere she looked something different was happening. The loggers were setting up activities she’d never thought of as competition. Later, she planned to check them all out.
One thing that never changed was the way people dressed for the affair. The ladies were in their finest frocks. Tildie had even worn her new hat. The men all looked so handsome in their suits, starched, white shirts, and with most of them wearing a string tie. She wished there was a photographer around, for she would love to have a picture to commemorate her first Loggers Picnic.
“Here you are.”
A male voice came up behind her, and whispered in her ear. She smiled. “I wondered where you’d gotten off to,” she said, expecting to see Linc, but she was caught off guard by turning around and finding a grinning Markus. “Oh, don’t you have something else to do, besides sneaking up on defenseless women?”
He laughed out loud. “Defenseless? Why do I not believe that?”
“All right, unsuspecting, then.”
“I’ll give you that one.” He glanced in the direction of a clump of trees. “I’ve been sent to retrieve you by your sister. May I escort you, madam?”
About that time, Linc caught her eye, from a short distance away, and she noticed he was frowning. She waved at him. “No thank you, Markus, I can make my way to her, on my own.”
He walked with her anyway, and a couple of times, she was grateful for his steadying arm. When she reached Laurel, Henry, and Gwenda Sealy, had arrived.
“Mark,” Laurel said, “Griffin is going into town to meet my family on the noon train. He’d like you to go with him to handle the extra wagon and their baggage.”
“Anything for you, dear sister-in-law.” And he was off.
“Honestly, Laurel, how do you stand him?”
“Well, up until now, we haven’t seen him all that often.” She smiled sadly, and said, “Actually, he’s sort of like a lost puppy. I think he’s lonely and awkward around girls.”
“Awkward? It’s almost like he’s trying to make Linc jealous or something.”
Ignoring the last statement, Laurel said, “Gwenda, you remember my sister, Emmeline, don’t you?”
“Of course, how are you my dear?”
“Very well, thank you. You look lovely today.”
She managed a shy smile. “Decked out in my finest, just like all the other women trying to impress each other.”
Emmeline stood there thinking of the proper response, when Laurel giggled.
“Now, Gwenda, we said last year we’d work on being nice.”
“I know, but it’s so ridiculous out here in the tall grass, weeds, and the mud, ruining our clothes.”
Laurel nodded her agreement. ‘Luckily, it isn’t raining today.”
“The weather’s perfect,” Emmeline agreed. “I can hardly wait for Papa, Mama, and Adeline to get here.”
“It won’t be long, now.” Laurel took hold of her hand and squeezed.
Emmeline wanted her parents to see her in this new environment, to see how well she was adapting to her new life. She’d had an uncomfortable feeling they were going to try and take her back to Philadelphia, ever since Papa’s telegram arrived saying they were coming and bringing a surprise.
She felt this was her new home, now, and she wanted to stay here, forever.
Linc saw Henry coming toward him and the group of loggers, and waved. The owner of the mill made his way over to join him where the double-bucking contest would be held.
He shook hands with the man, and said, “It’s great to see you, sir, how are you?”
“Fine, just fine.” He looked to his right. “You picked some good trees this year for the climbing competition. Are those new harnesses?”
“Yes, sir, Griffin thought it a good safety measure to replace the old ones.”
“I agree.” Shading his eyes from the sun, Henry asked, “What’s that man’s name?”
Linc followed Henry’s line of sight, but there were too many men. “Which one?”
“The one in the red shirt and suspenders, at the base of the tree, on the right.”
“That’s Jimmerson Tolbert, he works in the office. Do you know him?”
“I thought I recognized him, but the man I knew had a different name. It was a number of years ago, too. My old eyes don’t see like they used to.”
Linc’s interest was piqued. “Who did you think he was?”
“An old friend from maybe thirty years ago. Name was James Bertram, but we called him Jimmy.” The older man stared off into the distance for a few seconds, and then he was back. “He ran into a bit of bad luck, and we lost touch.”
What Henry didn’t know was the name of James Bertram had turned up on an old list of logging accidents from some now defunct mills. While doing their investigation, Henry’s name had showed up, as well. He, Griffin, Mark, and Thatcher had read over the names, but Henry’s was the only one they’d recognized. He remembered there’d been a deadly accident involving several loggers, and James Bertram had been found guilty of negligence. He’d ended up spending ten years in prison.
As soon as Griffin returned from the train station with Laurel’s family, he, Linc, and Markus pulled Henry aside to let him in on their investigation.
“And you’re sure this man I knew is the same as your Jimmerson Tolbert?”
“Has to be, the names are so similar,” Linc said. “When you identified him, I made the connection. This man has to be stopped before our worst fears are realized.”
“He still hasn’t given us a reason to call him out on, and the sheriff can’t arrest him.” Griffin’s cooler head took the lead. “I say we get through lunch and the games, and then confront him with the sheriff present.”
Linc didn’t like it, but he knew Griffin was right. If they did this wrong, Tolbert would vanish and they’d never know if he was waiting for them somewhere. “All right, that’s what we’ll do.”
After they loaded their plates, Linc and the others joined Emmeline, Laurel, and the families. A man he didn’t recognize sat beside Emmeline. Correction, this was no man, this was a genuine milquetoast. If he didn’t know better, he would almost think this was Malcolm, the deserter. Seated on her other side was a woman who had to be her twin sister, Adeline. She was a beautiful replica, but not his Emmeline.
“Linc?” She called his name and began the introductions. “Lincoln Bass, this is my mother and father, Adelaide and Peter Weidner, my sister, Adeline. And, this is Malcolm Trasker. He made the trip to surp
rise me.” She paled slightly, and said, “Surprise .”
Suddenly, he wasn’t hungry, and he didn’t want to be polite. There was only one reason this dandy made the trip with the Weidners. He was here to reclaim Emmeline and take her back to Philadelphia. Linc shook hands with her father, but only nodded in the dandy’s direction. Perhaps, if he avoided him, the guy would disappear.
Unfortunately, wishful thinking didn’t make it so, and Emmeline talked all through lunch with the dandy. The more he thought about Emmeline and this sorry excuse for a man seeming so cozy together, the more irritated he became. Well, he could take a hint, and if she preferred that fancy pants to a real man, she could have him. He’d decided to tell her that very thing, when the bell was rung for the first competition.
Linc made his way over to the first competition, Tree Climbing. He buckled on the spiked braces, and slipped on the harness, just as Emmeline and the dandy walked up behind him.
“Hey, Malcolm, want to take my place?” Linc sneered.
“No, I—”
“Lincoln!” Emmeline hissed. Pulling him aside, she asked, “What’s the matter with you? Why are you acting like a horse’s patoot?”
“I don’t like you talking to him,” he admitted, the words sour on his tongue. “You know there’s only one reason he’s here.”
“And I’ve already given him my answer.”
“You have?”
“Yes, Lincoln, you asked me to be patient and wait. I’m not going anywhere.”
“No?” He couldn’t believe it. He wanted to believe she would choose him over money and position, but he couldn’t.
She smiled, and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m staying right here.”
A while ago, he’d wondered if his leg would allow him to participate in the tree climbing event, and now, after her reassurances, he knew he couldn’t lose.
He went over to line up beside the other three loggers, each in front of a tree that had been stripped free of its branches. They waited as Griffin prepared to call the start.
“Gentlemen!” Griffin shouted so they could all hear. “Ready, GO!”
Emmeline, Bride of Arkansas Page 8
