Meg

by Clemmons, Caroline

  Melody grabbed her son Nickie as the boy tried to run past. “No running inside the house, remember?”

  Penny took the boy’s hand. “Come on and we’ll play in your room.” She was only a year older but treated him as if she were several years his senior. Penny looked over her shoulder. “Colin, you come with us.”

  Colin Cassidy was Penny’s age and ran after her and Nickie.

  Nora chuckled. “Curtis had better prepare now. That young lady will have a long line of beaus when she’s older.”

  Rebecca, Sarah’s eleven-year-old daughter, smiled at Meg and Melody. “I’ll watch them to be sure no one gets hurt or fusses.”

  Melody nodded. “Thank you, Rebecca.” When the girl had moved away, she turned to Sarah. “She is such a lovely young woman.”

  Sarah’s gaze followed her daughter. “Thank you. I have to agree she is a treasure.”

  Meg rested her hand on her hostess’ shoulder. “You’re a treasure to give this dinner for us.”

  “There are more couples our age, but we thought a few at a time would let you get better acquainted than throwing you in with everyone at once. When you see them all again at the Christmas Eve party, you’ll know everyone.”

  “Thank you. I look forward to getting to know them. The temperature is really cold, but I like everything else about Angel Creek.”

  “I’m glad we live in town, although Nick makes calls all over the area.”

  “I heard about the young Ute girl you found and saved. That must have been scary.”

  Melody laughed. “The most frightening part was the medicine man.” She sobered. “I don’t want to mislead you, we were all terrified.” She patted Sarah’s arm. “Fortunately, Quinn saved the day.”

  Sarah sighed. “He always downplays his role because he knows I worry and because he’s such a nice man. I’m so lucky to have married him.”

  Meg’s heart squeezed with sadness. Would Curtis and she ever have that kind of marriage? Would they even be together at this time next year?

  Paralee asked, “How are you settling in? Paul is secretive about his part in your coming here, but I’ve deduced he had some part.”

  Meg revealed the story of her escape and finding the children.

  Sarah patted Meg’s hand. “How frightening, but I’m so glad you rescued those sweet children. I hope your life will be tranquil now that you’re here.”

  Meg couldn’t help glancing where Curtis talked with the other men. “I’m not sure Curtis is that thrilled with us.” She gasped because she hadn’t meant to reveal that.

  Melody shook her head. “You need to know several things about him that he probably won’t tell you. His family lived next to Nick’s when they were boys. I don’t want either of the men to know I’ve told you, but this will help you tremendously.”

  Meg leaned forward. “I’ll be grateful if you’ll please share what you know.”

  “Curtis’ family members are not affectionate people. Nick said he had never heard the parents say anything encouraging to the children or hug them or even hold a child’s hand. Can you imagine not hugging your child?”

  Sarah placed a hand at her throat. “I can’t, and think of how many times I hug mine and give them a kiss. Imagine how cold and reserved a mother would have to be to act otherwise.”

  Melody grimaced. “Apparently that describes Curtis’ parents. Nick said the only kind things he ever heard them say were about the oldest son, Adam Jr. and that was to others, not to the brother. By the way, Junior lorded it over Curtis because he was the one who’d inherit.”

  Meg was relieved to know about her husband’s childhood. Poor man had never really known love. “No wonder Curtis was willing to travel halfway across the country to found his newspaper. Probably he doesn’t even know how to show affection.” At least she was more hopeful since he’d asked her help with the new women’s articles.

  That thought reminded her to ask, “Perhaps you two can help me with a project Curtis asked me to organize. Do you have a favorite recipe you’re willing to share? He wants to use one each week in The Herald.”

  Paralee clapped her hands. “Oh, and we get to be first?”

  “Why not? One at a time, of course.”

  Sarah nudged Melody. “You go first. You could share the recipe for the cake you served at dinner.”

  “I’ll be pleased to share. Meg, do you think my grandmother’s apple cake will work?”

  “It was delicious and sounds interesting. If you can write it off for me, I’ll appreciate your help. And I won’t have to tell you not to leave out any ingredients.” At her friends’ quizzical stare, Meg added, “When I was growing up we had a neighbor who was a wonderful cook. But when she shared a recipe, she always either left out an ingredient or wrote the wrong measurement.”

  Nora asked, “Intentionally? Why bother to share if she intended to cheat?”

  “That way, she didn’t look as if she was being selfish by not sharing. When her dish turned out so much better than anyone else’s using the same recipe, she looked like an even better cook.”

  Melody, Paralee, Nora, and Sarah laughed.

  Curtis came up to them, accompanied by the other men.’

  Quinn looked solemnly at Meg. “Curtis told me about the two men you thought followed you yesterday. Can you describe them?”

  “One was only an inch or two over my height and stocky. What I could see of his hair under his cap was light brown. He wore one of those wool hats with ear flaps that so many men here wear. His had been red but was really dirty. His coat was grey, soiled, and not really warm enough for this weather. The other man was a little taller and wore a brown leather hat with ear flaps and a dark olive coat. They both looked on the scruffy side.”

  “You think the teller or Mrs. Weston could identify them?”

  Meg shrugged. “I doubt Mr. Kroffitt noticed them, but maybe Mrs. Weston would remember. They didn’t actually do anything so I don’t know their intentions. I don’t want to cause trouble for anyone who might be innocently minding his own business.”

  Quinn shook his head. “It’s my job to know what’s going on in Angel Creek. If they made you uncomfortable, then you’re right to tell me.”

  Meg breathed a deep sigh. “In that case, I was certain they were following me, but maybe I’m wrong. I’m not easily frightened, but they gave me an eerie feeling. I didn’t see them today.”

  “If you see them again, point them out to Curtis or me. We have a nice town here and I intend to see it stays that way.”

  “Thank you, Quinn. I appreciate you taking me seriously.” She didn’t look at her husband, who had downplayed the men’s presence. But he’d mentioned it to the sheriff, so maybe he’d just wanted to reassure her yesterday.

  When they were home, Meg put the children to bed and then went to see if Curtis was in the parlor or kitchen. He was at the foot of the stairs and stood aside to let her pass.

  “Could I talk to you before you go to bed?”

  He followed her to the parlor. .

  She lit the lamp. “I was worried about what you think and what Quinn might think if he knew I’d had to escape. I’m not a hysterical person who sees danger where none exists.”

  “Hey, I haven’t accused you. Paul explained your family friend thought you were in grave danger. I took him at his word.”

  “I’d like to explain the situation now so you know it was real.”

  He grabbed the poker and stirred the fireplace embers before adding a small piece of wood. “I haven’t pried, but naturally I would like to know the whole story.”

  Meg started with when her parents died and finished with when she got on the train for her trip to Montana Territory. “I’m not easily frightened, but I was afraid of Burt. I fear for my sister and the children.”

  “Have you told them where you are?”

  Curtis sat in his favorite chair near the fire but Meg was too keyed up to be still.

  She straightened the clock on the mantel,
then decided it had been in the right place before she’d moved it. “I intend to, but I still have mixed emotions about my sister’s involvement in the plot to lock me away. I want to believe she’s too afraid of her husband to rebel against him. I don’t know what threat he would have used against her.”

  “Possibly the same thing he’d planned for you. He’d have your sister committed if she didn’t cooperate and she’d never see her children again.”

  She couldn’t suppress the shudder that rocketed through her at the thought of Burt’s threats. “I want to believe it’s something like that. Still, why would she agree without trying to get assistance from Uncle Grady or the law?”

  “I can’t help you there except to say that’s what bullies count on happening.”

  “Growing up, we got along fine. Once she met Burt, she could think of nothing else. My parents and I asked her not to wed him. We saw he wasn’t nice. Papa even threatened to disinherit her. She said it didn’t matter, that he was the only one for her.”

  “Do you think he could have sent the two men here?”

  She shook her head slightly. “I don’t see how he could know where I am. Uncle Grady would never share my location. The only other person who could tell is the telegraph agent. Aren’t they sworn to secrecy?”

  “No idea if they’re sworn, but leaking information would be really bad for business. Probably get him fired.” He hesitated a few seconds as if trying to come to a decision. “You`re sure you’re not imagining the intent of those two men from yesterday?”

  The breath left her as if she’d been punched in the stomach. He’d acted as if he believed her yet obviously he was only placating her. “No, I told you I have no proof. They heard the bank teller mention my money had arrived.”

  She paced the small parlor, the scene playing out in her mind. “They stood near the door until I left, then walked behind me. I was alarmed because of the way they’d scrutinized me in the store while whispering to one another. I’ve no way of knowing what they were saying or their intentions.”

  He twirled a spill of paper in his fingers. “You know, there’s a group of houses the way you said they were headed. The homes are not as nice as this one. Some of the residents are mighty fine people but they don’t dress well.”

  She turned her back to him. “Oh, I wish I had never mentioned them.”

  “Meg, I didn’t mean to upset you.” He stood slowly. “Look, here’s the way I see this. Stay alert and if you see these men again, tell me and Quinn. Or, tell me and I’ll tell Quinn. If those two are here for legitimate reasons, they have nothing to fear from a chat with the sheriff.”

  Slightly mollified, she turned to face him. “Even though they were hard to describe, I’ll know them if I see them in town. Right now I’m sure you’re tired and want to go to bed. Thanks for listening to me.” She couldn’t keep a sharp note from her voice.

  Chapter Eleven

  Curtis banked the fireplace embers, then checked those in the kitchen range. When he was certain all was safe, he slowly climbed the stairs to his room.

  His solitary room.

  Some marriage he had. In his opinion, he had all the drawbacks of a family with none of the benefits. But even though she didn’t warm his bed, at least Meg was a good cook and willing to help with the newspaper.

  How could he be certain she had really been in danger before she left Charlotte? He didn’t know anyone there who could check for him. For now, he’d have to trust Paul’s judgment and accept Meg’s side of the story.

  Had those two men actually been following Meg and Penny? Curtis hadn’t intended Meg to know he was skeptical. She was used to a Southern city where he imagined dress and manners were quite different than here in rough, tough Montana Territory. More than likely, she saw a couple of men dressed more for manual labor than appearance and became needlessly suspicious.

  Sometimes men who hadn’t seen their families in a long time simply wanted to look at women and children. They longed for a reminder of what they’d left and what they hoped one day to find again. That could be what happened yesterday—certainly he hoped that was the case.

  Two days later, Curtis watched Meg writing an article for this week’s issue of The Herald. She appeared to enjoy the process. Today she was composing a story on Gabrielle and Otto Schulz. She’d conducted an interview with them the previous evening. They’d endured hardships to reach Montana Territory from Germany and theirs was a fascinating story.

  Penny screamed, then yelled, “Mama!” as she ran into the print shop from the back room.

  Meg rushed to her daughter and wrapped her arms around Penny. “What on earth’s wrong?”

  Penny’s tears streaked her face. “A man with a mean face looked in the window at me.”

  Curtis was beside the child as quickly as Meg and knelt in front of Penny. “Did you know this man?”

  Penny tilted her face so Meg could dab away her tears. “I don’t know his name. He was one of those men who followed us from the store the other day.”

  “Maybe he was just walking by and glanced your way. I’ll bet he was surprised to see a beautiful little girl here.”

  The child shook her head. “Nun uh, he put his face up real close to the glass.” She made motions to mimic his actions of bracing his hands beside his face and leaning forward.

  Curtis jumped up and grabbed his coat. “I’ll see if I can find him.”

  As he rushed from the shop, he scanned ahead. Curtis spotted a stranger ambling along and quickened his pace to reach him. Confirmation of Meg’s story made him regret ever doubting her.

  As he drew closer, the fellow glanced over his shoulder and sped his steps. Curtis increased his speed until he was jogging to narrow the distance between them. Patches of recent snow provided ice and slick spots to send him skidding unless he was cautious. In spite of that, he caught up to the man.

  “Mister, I want to talk to you.”

  The fellow whirled, showing his fists in a threatening manner. “Hey, who are you and why are you follerin’ me?” He was barely taller than Meg. His clothes were filthy and looked too lightweight for a Montana Territory winter. He matched her description of one of the men she said had followed her a few days ago.

  “I want to know why you looked in the newspaper office’s back window at my girl.”

  The fellow scowled but lowered his fists. “All I did is walk by on my way home. No law agin’ that.”

  “There’re laws against peeping in windows.”

  “I tell you I was just walking home. You can’t accuse me of nothing. And you got no authority to tell me where I can and can’t walk.”

  “I can if you put your face up against the window to look inside at my family. I’m warning you, I won’t put up with you bothering my wife or children. Do you understand?”

  “You oughta mind your own business. You don’t own Angel Creek. I can walk all over town whether you like it or not.” He turned and stomped down the street.

  Furious at his inability to resolve the confrontation, Curtis watched him for a few minutes. Then, he turned and strode back to the printing office. He walked to the window and saw handprints where someone had leaned against the glass.

  Penny sat on the cot playing with her doll but looked up in alarm that quickly changed to a smile and a wave.

  He returned her wave before he unlocked the back door and went inside.

  Looking frightened, Meg came to the doorway separating the two rooms. “Oh, Curtis, thank goodness it’s you. I was afraid we had an uninvited visitor.”

  After locking the door behind him, he knelt by Penny. “Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you.”

  She hugged his neck. “That man scared me, but I knew you’d make him leave me alone. You’re a good papa and take good care of us, just like Mama says.”

  Her faith shook him. He hadn’t done much to be a father, hadn’t even invited the children to call him Papa. That he felt like one today surprised him. Her little arms aroun
d his neck made him want to deserve her praise.

  He rose and took Meg’s arm and guided her into the front. “There are handprints where that polecat leaned on the window to look inside. He denied it, of course. When Quinn comes by, I’ll tell him.”

  A frown marred her brow. “We still don’t know who those two are or what they’re doing in Angel Creek.”

  “I’m kicking myself for confronting him.” He brushed his hair from his forehead. “I was so angry I didn’t stop to think. I should have followed him and learned where he lives. Knowing that would help Quinn discover who they are and why they’re in town.”

  She laid her hand on his arm. “You reassured Penny by dealing with him right away. I feel better, too. He’s been warned away and knows we’ll be watching.”

  “Watching is all we can do. We’ll leave it to Quinn to figure out who they are.” The depth of his anger at the man surprised Curtis. He’d wanted to punch the man in the face, and that was before he knew about the hand prints on the window.

  “Penny seems over her scare. She and Tom have been through a lot in their short lives. It’s no wonder you make her feel secure.”

  “Me? No, she’s definitely attached to you. You have a good relationship with both children.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Do… Do they still mention their parents?”

  “Occasionally, especially at bedtime. Their parents were good to them and deserve to be remembered with love.” For a few seconds she gazed out the front window as if lost in thought. “I wish I had a photo of their father. I don’t suppose an orphanage has photos of the children who lived there.”

  “Wouldn’t hurt to write and ask. Having a photograph with their mother will mean a lot to them. Thinking of that shows how compassionate and kind you are.” He realized he meant every word.

  A blush flashed across her cheeks. “Thank you, Curtis. I only did what I would want if I were in their situation. I believe Ida was relieved she wouldn’t be forgotten. What a horrible situation for her. She’d done nothing to cause her misfortunes yet knew she was dying and alone except for Penny and Tom.”