by Annie Boone
Eleanor laughed and greeted him warmly. “It’s good to see you, too! They are wonderful, just wonderful. I’m sorry it took me so long, but there’ve been quite a few orders. I don’t know what it is, but everyone’s been ordering these pies. If Miss Bristol hadn’t come along to help me out, I don’t know what I would have done.”
The two of them started back towards his office and Christina slowly followed, not a part of the conversation and not wanting to intrude. She clutched the pie with both hands and watched her step. Eyes glued to the ground, the young woman listened to the sounds around her as she didn’t want to trip and drop the pie.
Eleanor and the doctor were talking about her children, about Susie and her stomachaches. Then there were children out in the streets, playing sheriffs and outlaws and running all about. One of them burst out crying and she heard two others exclaim their apologies before helping with what sounded like was a skinned knee. It made her smile. On the other street, there were women talking quietly, too hushed to be heard.
Behind her, there were stumbling steps. Two pairs, from the sound of it. Curiously, she slowed down and chanced a glance behind her. It was midafternoon, but it didn’t appear to have stopped two men from drinking enough whiskey she could smell them even from that distance. Neither of them could walk straight and it mattered to them so little that the two of them had decided to bring their drinks with them out into the street.
What were they thinking? It was indecent, out in public like this where there were children and women. Christina thought about telling Lucas, since he was the town sheriff and on duty today, but she wouldn’t know where to find him. But her heart beat quickly at the thought of addressing those two, an intimidating thought. She bit her bottom lip and decided that since they weren’t being loud or hurting anyone, surely all would be well.
“Isn’t that a pretty lady! She’s got a nice bustle, ain’t she? Why, I’d sure like a minute or two alone with her.” His offensive words slurred into a blur from what she could hear. The man’s drunkenness was suddenly loud, and Christina ducked her head, walking faster.
She looked ahead and heard the laughter behind her. Only a few yards off now, and Dr. Fitzgerald was opening his door for Eleanor. Christina swallowed, clenching the pie in her hands.
“What do you think you’re doing, missy? We don’t bite, ma’am.” Muttering to one another, they were saying something she couldn’t hear. On impulse, she glanced back, just out of curiosity. But somehow it was the wrong move. They stopped at the sight of her.
The man on the left laughed and nudged the other one with his elbow. “That ain’t no woman! Look at that face. She’s an Injun. Ted, you got yourself a squaw! Look at that!” He hooted, slapping his knee as he spilled his drink down the front of his shirt.
She hadn’t heard words like those in months, but they still had the same effect as they always had before. Christina stopped in her tracks and she felt like the wind had been knocked right out of her. She clutched the pie, so hard the edge of the crust was crumbling. Deafened by the men’s raucous laughter, she felt sick to her stomach and stumbled over to Eleanor.
She was still talking in the doorway to the doctor, laughing about something. When she reached them, they went inside and never even noticed what had happened to her. Christina shakily handed over the pie and took a seat on the bench as she stared at her boots. As her cheeks burned, she looked at her darker-skinned hands only to suddenly realize what it must have been.
So, that was why Mitchell had changed. Someone must have said something, and he had realized his error. Because she was a half-breed, it made her less of a human. Virginia had plenty of people who wanted to say that to her as well, so why wouldn’t Colorado? There wasn’t really any difference between there and here.
A tear escaped and splattered on her left boot. She hiccupped and hurriedly rubbed her cheeks, trying to hide anymore tears.
Glancing up, Christina was relieved to find that neither of them had noticed her dilemma. She felt light-headed and suddenly wondered how they hadn’t heard the two men. They had been loud enough. Or worse, had they heard and simply not cared? Her throat constricted. Perhaps that was it. They were only pretending, faking their kindness and warm feelings.
Christina had hoped that Rocky Ridge would be different. Her mother had hoped so as well. That was evident by the fact that she’d saved the advertisement for the Jessups.
But it was all the same. No matter where she went, people were the same. While there were a few folks who were good, like her aunt and uncle and the Jessups, most everyone had their reservations about her because of her heritage. Even Dr. Fitzgerald wasn’t talking to her. And Mr. Powell? Why, Mitchell was probably playing with her, all the while planning to betray her like he’d just done.
In that moment, she came to the realization that she would never find true acceptance in Rocky Ridge. All of this was a mistake. The truth felt heavy on her shoulders as Eleanor finished her errands and they returned to the ranch. It was a quiet ride, and Christina was exhausted by the time they reached the house.
Bouncing her little boy on her hip, Eleanor frowned. “Are you certain you want to go so soon? I know it’s a little late, but you’re more than welcome to join us for supper. Perhaps you should stay the night. The sun is already setting and I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to try to go back alone.”
“No!” Christina winced at how fast it came out. “I mean, I thank you. But I really do need to get back tonight.” Pausing, she glanced down at the little girl hugging Eleanor’s skirts. Susie glanced up and then hurriedly hid her face, trying to hide. There was a bitter taste in her mouth as she shook her head. “The Jessups will be expecting me. But, thank you again for your kind offer.”
The ride home felt long and she invited Lemondrop into a gallop. All she could feel was the drumming of the hooves and she could only hear the wind brushed past her face. It helped her to think as she sorted things out. She would write a note to the Connors, to thank them for everything. And the Jessups she would need to say farewell to in person before finding a way to the train station. If she counted it right, there would be enough for a train ride and a little money left over.
Once Lemondrop was brushed down and she spoke to Mr. Jessup while he fed the cows, Christina sought out Susannah. The blonde was humming as she cleaned the fireplace but her smile faded as she turned around. “Oh dear. What’s wrong, Christina? Are you all right?”
It had been easier to imagine and come up with words when it was just her and her head. But now that she was confronting Mrs. Jessup, she found herself hesitating. Clearing her throat, she shifted her feet and mustered up her strength. “I need to tell you that with a sad heart, I intend to return to my family in Virginia. I miss my aunt and my uncle, and desire to return on the first train ride back once I pack up.”
“What?” Susannah’s voice cracked and she covered her mouth before gathering herself again. “I thought you were happy. What about Eleanor? What about Mitchell?”
Swallowing hard, Christina dropped her gaze. “Mrs. Connor doesn’t really need me anymore and Mitchell doesn’t… he doesn’t want anything further to do with me, I’m afraid.” Susannah put out an arm to her but she moved back, pressed against the wall. “I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done for me. I’ve already spoken to Mr. Jessup and he said I can take Lemondrop into town and leave him with Mr. Jensen since I know there’s one more evening train leaving tonight. I need to pack.”
“I… I see…” Susannah managed faintly.
And Christina hurried out, unable to look at the woman who had been so kind again. She looked so lost with those big blue eyes and it was only hurting the two of them more. Off to her room she went, to pack her few belongings before leaving the boarding house for the last time. Her hands shook as she gathered her things, but she forced herself to keep moving. There were few places where she would be wanted, but she reasoned it was still better to be with those she was certain loved h
er.
15
Susannah
He repeated it again. “I assumed she had spoken with you. How was I to know?” Lucas ruffled his hair and took a deep breath. “But we can’t tell her what to do, Susie darling. It’s her life, her choice. If she wants to return home, then she has that right.”
Shaking her head, Susannah paced the kitchen while rubbing her hands. Her mind was moving faster than a horse at full gallop as she sorted through the options. By the time the shock had worn off, Christina Bristol had already hugged her goodbye and left. Yet her heart was still racing and she couldn’t stand still. “I know, I know. I just, I don’t know what to do. You didn’t see her face. You didn’t see her anguish. I know she was heartbroken to leave.”
“I talked to her, remember?” He pointed out patiently and offered a sympathetic smile. As she passed him again, he reached out and looped an arm around her waist to walk with her. “She made a decision to go and you must respect that.”
She shook her head, thinking of the young woman. “No, I can’t. There was something wrong. I could see it in her face. She was sad, Lucas, terribly distraught.” Waving a finger in the air, she didn’t let him make an excuse. “And it wasn’t a normal sad, like when there are no more strawberries on the bushes. That’s disappointing. But she was distraught, she was hurt, like something has happened. Something happened.” Susannah stopped.
Beside her Lucas stopped as well, setting his other hand over hers. He had such a way of reaching her and helping her calm down, like a cool towel in the heat. As her husband had showed her several times, Susannah closed her eyes and took a long breath in before slowly releasing it. Something must have happened, she decided, something that had made her want to leave. Some other force had convinced her that she couldn’t be there for some reason. But what could it be?
Why would she go back to Virginia? She was happy here, or at least, she had been. She couldn’t have been acting a part all this time. Susannah could see it, the way she brightened up at church and loved going to the Connor’s ranch. And the girl’s face clearly displayed joy when she was riding Lemondrop. She’d taken to riding most evenings as though she were making up for lost time.
“I don’t accept this,” she said finally.
Lucas started to sigh. “Now, Susie, please…”
Shaking her head, she pulled her hand free of his. “No. Lucas, she talked little of her life in Virginia. All she said was that she needed a better life out here, meaning it had not been very good back there. The girl lost her mother and now wants to return after everything she has been doing here? I don’t believe a word she said. Something else is going on.”
“Fine,” he said simply, and went to a window to look out. “The next train leaves in two hours, Susannah. She’ll already be at the station by now. But from the sound of it, she didn’t want to be bothered by anyone—not even you.”
“I won’t,” Susannah said defensively, and brushed her hair back over her shoulders. “I’ll just convince her.” That was it, just what she needed to do. Nodding affirmatively, she straightened and went to the door. Then it hit her.
When Christina had been explaining why she was leaving, she had dropped her gaze when she said Mr. Powell’s name. Her heart thudded. Whatever the concern was, it had to be about him. The gentleman hadn’t been over since that Sunday he’d declined Christina’s offer of cake. And it had just been the day before that Christina had confided in her, telling her how much she truly cared for Mitchell Powell. She was expecting an engagement, not this. How had this happened? Susannah had seen the way they looked at each other and there was no way things were just over this abruptly.
Lucas was saying something. She turned, opening her mouth sheepishly. “The cart,” he repeated, and came over to give her hand a comforting squeeze. “Would you like me to put together the cart? I’m sure my horse would like an evening ride.”
It hadn’t come to mind that she would need to travel. Susannah was so focused on thinking it all through she didn’t think about the effort and now her mouth went dry. “That will take too long,” she groaned, and shook her head as she came to a resolve. “Coriander will do. Is he still saddled?”
“Yes, but I can do whatever you need me to do,” Lucas offered as she started putting on her coat.
Shaking her head, she braced herself for it. “No, I can ride him myself.”
“Susannah. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
But she didn’t hear his protest. She was already out the door and down the stairs by the time his words were out.
The evening was growing late and there wouldn’t be light out for more than an hour or two. Hopefully the sun wouldn’t set before Susannah completed her mission. She was breathless as she went to the barn and found Coriander there. While Lucas wasn’t a fan of naming the horses, Susannah found it helpful and thought it made them appear more friendly.
Her heart hammered. She’d ridden him a few times, but only once on her own and that was only because Lucas wanted them familiar enough with each other in case of an emergency. Well this was an emergency, she told herself, and untethered him from the post. “Hello, Coriander. Y-you like me, don’t you?”
He shook his head, but she couldn’t tell if it was more up and down or side to side. For a minute, she struggled with the saddle but he obeyed her. Coriander was much larger than Lemondrop, and even more uncomfortable for her. Susannah’s breath was shaky as she tugged on his reins, wondering how anyone enjoyed being on these animals. Shutting down her fear as best she could, she reminded herself that horses were necessary, and they should be respected.
Finally, she got into position on Coriander and they went on their way. Her hair blew past her in the wind and she squinted, trying to stay focused on the road. Focused on anything but the animal she rode. Coriander shook his mane again as she urged him even faster once they reached the main road. Eyes glued to the road ahead, Susannah gritted her teeth and tried not to think about the jarring run of the horse.
Lucas’s horse was well-trained and fast, so she arrived quickly in the front yard of the Connor house. She moved to climb off and suddenly realized how far she was from the ground. It instantly made the world spin. Susannah gripped the pommel with wide eyes, hesitant to jump.
“Susannah?” Matthew stepped outside, putting his daughter down. “Whatever are you doing here? Did you need a cup of sugar?” He teased before hastening over. “Let me help you.” He put a hand up to help her jump down.
Nodding, she swallowed and accepted it. “Yes, thank you. Not the sugar, no… Oh, here we go,” she mumbled when she landed with two feet. Grabbing his arm, Susannah took a deep breath of fresh air. “I’m terribly sorry to inconvenience you, Matthew, but I need to find Mr. Powell. Is he around?”
“Mitch?” He shrugged. “I’m sure he is. The man hardly leaves the grounds. He’s probably out in the pasture right now. Why? Is something wrong?”
She moved around Coriander to look over the pasture. There were several horses, and a few men nearby. But which one would he be? Frowning, she shook her head impatiently, but then realized that Matthew had asked her a question.
“No. Yes. I think so, I… I believe so, yes. Something is wrong, but I don’t know what it is. I just think Mr. Powell might have an interest in the happenings. Christina, m, Miss Bristol, is leaving,” Susannah stumbled over her words as she followed him onto the porch to pick up Susie again. “Hey, sweetie,” she managed a quick smile and a tickle under the little girl’s chin. “I think something happened, and I thought Mitchell would know what it was. Unless you would? Or maybe she said something to Eleanor?”
Matthew’s forehead creased but he only shrugged. “Here, hold Susie and I’ll find Eleanor for you. We were just preparing supper.” He handed over the girl and returned inside.
Little Susie’s hair was growing darker like her parents’ and was still curly. Susannah caught her breath as she bounced the little girl who was babbling innocently about her day.
“Yes? And did you see Christina today, as well?”
“Tina?” Susie clapped her hands loudly. “Princess Tina!”
“Princess?” Susannah shifted the girl onto her other hip. She was growing up too fast, this precious little child. “Is Christina a princess?”
Nodding jerkily, Susie mumbled something and laughed. It made Susannah’s heart ache at the sound, though there was so much joy in it. She was just letting the girl down to run inside as Eleanor arrived in her apron and covered in what looked like cranberry sauce.
“Susannah!” Eleanor gave her a hug without using her hands. “Whatever are you doing here? Matthew said that something happened to Christina?”
She swallowed and nodded. The moment sobered up as she glanced about and rubbed her chilled hands together. “She’s leaving town, tonight. To return home to Virginia. She said she didn’t want to stay. But I don’t understand, and I think… well, did she say anything to you?”
The woman looked surprised as she shook her head. Eleanor wiped her hands on the apron as she leaned against the doorway. “No, she didn’t say a word about going back, Susannah. Why, I was still expecting her to come tomorrow. I haven’t paid her since last week. Oh my word. I didn’t do anything to hurt her, did I? Matthew’s never around so he never would and Susie’s very quiet.” Shaking her head again, Eleanor looked as worried as Susannah felt. “Why, I don’t have a single idea what it could be. I don’t know.”
Susannah sighed and turned back to face the pasture. “I’m sure it wasn’t you, dear, I’m sure it’s fine. I’m going to make sure of that,” Susannah added, and kissed her friend’s cheek. “Thank you. Have a lovely evening!” And lifting her skirts the woman hastened down the steps, past Coriander, and into the pasture.
Once she was off the path, the ground grew uneven and she stumbled on her way to the fence. Without a second thought Susannah slipped between two posts though her dress snagged. It tore on the hem, but she paid it no mind as she started towards the first figure she saw, a man carrying a rope.
