What Comes My Way

by Tracie Peterson

  twenty

  Are you sure it’s the right thing for you?” Wes asked as he and Phillip cleaned up for supper.

  “Ella’s the right thing for me, and Ella is going to stay with the show.” Phillip dried his face on a towel and shrugged. Henry Adler had shown up at the ranch to pick up additional stock that he’d arranged to buy. It seemed like a sign from God, as far as Phillip was concerned. He would return with Henry and help with the animals and equipment.

  “And you don’t think it’s too soon?”

  “No.” Phillip turned to Wes and met his concerned gaze. “I’m fine. God has freed me from my desire for liquor. I don’t even want to drink anymore.”

  “But neither have you been around it much, and certainly not without someone there to support you. I worry that once it’s there in front of you—”

  “Stop worrying,” Phillip interrupted. “Like Mrs. B says, worry is a sin. You’re doubting that God can manage things.”

  Wes unrolled his sleeves and secured the cuffs. “I’m not doubting God.”

  “So you’re doubting me, and I guess you have a right to do so. I made a real mess of my life, but I’m lookin’ to God for help now. You have to admit, I’ve done real good so far. I was even in town with the boys last weekend and didn’t have a drop of alcohol. I figure that should prove somethin’.”

  “You’ve done a great job,” Wes said, pulling on his coat. “I just don’t want you to backslide.”

  “I don’t want that either, and I don’t intend to let it happen. You and Lizzy will be prayin’ for me, and I know that with God and Ella’s help, I’ll be able to keep from drinkin’.” He pulled on his own coat and slapped his brother on the back. “Now, come on. They’re waitin’ supper on us.”

  They left the barn and made their way to the house. Phillip knew his brother would continue to worry about him, but hopefully in time he’d see that Phillip was strong enough with God’s help to stand firm.

  Everyone was already taking their place at the dinner table when he and Wes entered the dining room. Wes went straight to Lizzy and kissed her. It made Phillip feel a little envious, but he immediately repented and tried to focus on something else as his brother helped Lizzy with her chair. One day he and Ella would be together, and he’d have the right to kiss his wife.

  “When do you want to head back, Mr. Adler?” he asked, taking a seat opposite the older man.

  “I figure tomorrow. Is that soon enough for you?” Henry Adler grinned. “I know you’re anxious to see your girl.”

  “I am.” Phillip grinned. “And you will be glad to know that I intend to ask for her hand. I’m sure she’ll even be willing for us to have the engagement be a part of the show.”

  “That’s marvelous,” Henry replied, rubbing his hands together. “Everyone has come to expect the engagements and weddings. I heard there is even some wagering taking place as to which shows will feature these events.”

  “People will wager on anything,” Oliver Brookstone said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “A fool is always willing to be parted from his money.”

  Henry laughed. “It serves the show well, so I suppose I don’t mind.”

  “Gentlemen and Lizzy,” Mrs. B stated, coming into the room, “I hope you’re hungry.” She placed a huge platter on the table. A large pork roast accompanied by baked apples covered the dish.

  Phillip couldn’t have been more delighted. There were also potatoes and gravy, as well as a variety of other side dishes. They were feasting quite well tonight.

  Oliver offered grace and then began to slice the roast. The bowls and platters were passed around until everyone’s plate was heaped with food. Phillip smiled. He felt like part of a family—something he hadn’t had since running away from home at sixteen.

  The room was void of conversation for the first few minutes of the meal while everyone sampled Rebecca Brookstone’s cooking. Soon enough, however, the compliments began to flow.

  “Mother, no matter how many times I try to follow your recipe,” Lizzy said, shaking her head, “I never seem to be able to make gravy that tastes like this.”

  “I do have a few years on you. When you were performing and learning new tricks in the saddle, I was cooking and learning new tricks at the stove,” Lizzy’s mother reminded her.

  “Well, I can see I have my work cut out for me if I’m ever going to be anywhere near as good as you.” Lizzy glanced at her husband. “You’ll just have to be patient with me and enjoy Mother’s cooking for the time being.”

  “I don’t mind at all,” Wes said with a forkful of pork halfway to his mouth.

  “Lizzy, I wish you and Wes would change your minds and return with me to the new farm,” Henry said without warning. “We could make arrangements for the baby, and you two—well, three—wouldn’t have to travel with the show.”

  “Now, Henry, that is hardly very nice of you,” Oliver declared. “My sister-in-law gives you this wonderful supper, and you want to take her granddaughter away.”

  “I don’t appreciate that at all, Henry,” Mrs. B said, waggling her index finger in admonishment. “Now, eat your supper, and no more talk of trying to steal my family away. You’re already getting Phillip, and he’ll be sorely missed.” She gave Phillip a loving smile. “Hopefully you and Ella will return here soon.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. B. I hope so too.”

  The dinner continued, filled with pleasant conversation. Phillip ate until he was stuffed and still found room for some of Mrs. B’s applesauce cake. As far as he was concerned, it was the perfect meal to end his time at the ranch. Tomorrow he and Henry would head out early for the East Coast. It would take at least a week to reach the Virginia farm, and then hopefully Ella would be waiting for him.

  The next morning, Wes drove Henry to the train station in Miles City with Phillip following behind, leading a row of horses. Phillip knew his big brother was worried, but there was little he could do to convince Wes that things would be all right except to stick to his word and convictions and remain sober. Once a few months passed and Wes got word that Phillip was doing well, he was bound to relax. Until then, however, Phillip would no doubt be a constant cause of worry.

  Wes and Phillip unloaded the wagon onto the platform baggage area, then waited for Henry to return with the train tickets. Wes was clearly uncomfortable, and Phillip tried his best to make the situation a little more lighthearted.

  “Well, big brother, when I return to the ranch, I fully intend to challenge you to a bronc-bustin’ contest. Of course, you’ll probably be too worn out and old for such things.”

  “Oh yeah? You really think I’d let my baby brother beat me?” Wes countered. He smiled and seemed to know exactly what Phillip was trying to do.

  “I don’t figure you’ll have much of a chance. You’re an old married man now, with a baby to boot. Who knows—by then another one may be on the way.”

  “Whoa!” Wes said, holding up his hands. “Let me enjoy Cora first.”

  They saw Henry returning with tickets in hand. “The train is due in twenty minutes. If you like, I’ll treat us all to coffee and whatever else you’d like at the nearest café.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Wes said. “It’s a bit too cold to be standing out here on the platform that long.” He motioned for Henry to follow him. “Right this way.”

  Henry handed Phillip his ticket, then started after Wes. Phillip glanced down and noted the destination wasn’t Virginia at all, but rather Kentucky.

  “Hey, wait a minute, Mr. Adler. I think there’s been a mistake.” He easily caught up to his brother and the older man. “This ticket only takes me as far as Kentucky.”

  Henry nodded. “That’s right. That’s where Ella is. She’s been there all month, recovering from a bad case of bronchitis.” He frowned. “I thought you knew that.”

  Phillip shook his head. “No. No one said a word to me. Is she all right?”

  “She was pretty sick for a while, but I’ve been assured that she’s
on the mend and plans to be in Virginia on the first of February. I thought you’d like to stop there first and travel with her. But she has Abe and Mara with her if you’d rather just stick with me.”

  Phillip shook his head. “No, sir. This suits me just fine.”

  Henry and Wes both chuckled.

  Ella stretched in bed and put her book aside. She was feeling much better, and Mother and Mara had both declared her past any point of concern. They insisted she still spend a good part of the day in bed, however, which was more than a little frustrating. Ella was soon expected in Virginia with the wild west show, and she needed to strengthen her muscles.

  “I can’t tell them, but I’m still weak as a kitten and hardly able to perform,” she muttered.

  “Are you grumblin’ in here?” Mara asked as she entered the room with a steaming cup. “I made this here cocoa for you, but maybe I should just take it back.”

  Ella smiled. “I’m just anxious to be up and about.”

  “I know you wanna be out there ridin’, but it’ll come soon enough. Now, here’s some cocoa, and when you’re done with it, your mama and Abe and I are going to town for supplies. We’re also gonna check the schedule for the train to Virginia.”

  “That’s wonderful. Thank you.”

  Mara handed her the cup. “But you need to rest and take a little nap while we’re gone. Do I need to stay behind and make sure you do that?”

  Ella sipped the cocoa, then shook her head. “I’ll be as good as gold. I promise.” No need to mention that she intended to do a few of her strengthening exercises prior to napping.

  “See that you are,” Mother said, coming into the room. “We won’t be long. Is there anything in particular you would like us to bring back?”

  “Phillip.” Ella sighed. “I know he’ll be at the farm when we all get together in Virginia. At least I pray he’ll be there. But I wish I could see him now. I just want to know that he’s all right.”

  “Well, if there was a way,” Mara said, straightening the thick down comforter over Ella, “I’d see he was here.”

  “As would I,” Mother replied. “But for now, you’ll just have to wait.”

  Ella nodded and sampled the cocoa again. It was rich and creamy, just the way she liked it. She looked across the room at the window. “Did it snow last night? Everything seems awfully bright. In Montana, when it snows and the sun comes out the next day, it can be blinding.”

  “No snow, it’s just a clear, cold day,” Mother replied. “Now, you be a good girl. We need to be on our way, Mara. Let’s leave Ella to rest.” She kissed Ella’s forehead. It was an unusually affectionate action for her, but Ella didn’t say a word. She smiled and wondered if her sickness had given Mother a reason to feel more maternal, or if all the family troubles had caused her to revisit her feelings. Whatever the reason, Ella found it comforting.

  “Now, promise me you’ll stay in bed.”

  “I give you my word, Mother.”

  “Very well. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

  She headed out the door, and Mara paused only long enough to give Ella a little smile before pulling the door closed.

  Ella finished the cocoa and set the cup aside on the nightstand. She considered getting up to do her strengthening exercises, then thought better of it. She was awfully tired. Snuggling down under the comforter, she closed her eyes.

  It wasn’t long before she was asleep, and with sleep came dreams that soon turned dark and nightmarish. Ella found herself lost, wandering in a forest. She had no idea where she was or why she was there. She turned down one path and then another, but no matter where she turned, nothing seemed familiar. She called for Phillip, but no answer came. Never had she felt so alone.

  When she woke with a start, Ella had to fight the desire to scream. Instead, she drew in a deep breath and blew it out.

  “You seem rather startled. Did something frighten you, Ella darling?”

  Her blood seemed to freeze in her veins. Ella prayed that she was still dreaming.

  “Have I surprised you?”

  She turned to find Jefferson Spiby sitting in the far corner, watching her. Ella blinked hard, then glanced toward the door to her room. It was closed, just as it had been when Mara left to go to town.

  “How did you get in here?” she asked. Surely this was just a nightmare.

  “I’ve been watching this place since learning you were here. I knew I’d get an opportunity to see you.” He grinned in his leering fashion and got to his feet. “You see, I have never given up on my plans for you, my dear, and now that I am dealing with some rather peculiar difficulties thanks to your father, I figure you are my salvation.”

  Ella didn’t know what to say. There were only a few people working at the house, and no doubt Mother, Mara, and Abe were still gone. Otherwise Jefferson would never have risked entering.

  “I thought you were arrested . . . in jail.”

  He chuckled and took a seat on her bed. Ella tried to scoot away, but Jefferson put his hand down and kept her from moving.

  “Now, now, my dear. You really shouldn’t play so coy with me. After all, I still intend for you to be my wife.”

  “I will never consent to such a thing. No minister would ever marry us.”

  He shrugged. “Then we won’t use a minister. I think true love is a matter of the heart, anyway. Wouldn’t you agree?” His dark eyes seemed to bore right through her defenses.

  “I’ve been sick,” she blurted, not knowing what else to say. Jefferson had never tolerated sickness very well. He was something of a worrier when it came to illness.

  “Yes, I know. It’s the only reason I haven’t kissed you. I don’t want to expose myself to whatever has laid you low.”

  “The doctor said I’m quite contagious. I’ve been near death for a good part of the month.”

  He smiled. “But doing so much better, as I hear it. I spoke to the doctor just the other day. He’s new to the area and doesn’t know who I am. We happened to cross paths, and I asked after you.”

  Ella frowned. She had no idea how she was going to get out of this predicament. Her chest tightened, and she began to cough, causing Jefferson to jump to his feet. Good. He was still leery enough of whatever disease she might have to back away. Coughing would serve her well.

  “I apologize, but I can’t help it. My lungs are full, and the doctor said I must cough it out.” For good measure she held her handkerchief to her mouth and coughed again.

  “Well, be that as it may, you will have to leave your sickbed and come with me.”

  She looked at him, her eyes widening against her will. “I can’t go anywhere. I’m much too weak.”

  “Then I’ll have to carry you.”

  “You might catch my disease.” She gripped the handkerchief so tightly that her fingernails dug into her palm.

  Jefferson ignored her and yanked back her covers, letting them fall to the floor. He eyed her bare legs with a disgusting grin. Ella quickly pushed down her nightgown, but that only delighted him.

  “Oh, my dear Ella. You are such a child in so many ways. I look forward to growing you up in my own leisurely fashion once we’re well away from here. Now, get up and get dressed. We’re going to be long gone before your mother returns.”

  Ella refused to move. “I can’t, Jefferson. I haven’t been out of bed in weeks.” It was a lie, but she figured God would understand.

  He considered this for only a moment before stalking over to her wardrobe. He opened the wooden doors and began rummaging through her outfits. Finally he pulled out a pink woolen gown and threw it on the bed. “Put it on, or I’ll dress you myself.”

  Ella wasn’t about to let him have that privilege. She slowly moved to the edge of the bed. “Go outside, and I will dress.”

  He laughed. “I’m not going anywhere. Put it on, or I’ll put it on for you. Now!”

  The tone of his voice left no doubt that he meant business. She nodded and glanced down at her nightgown. She w
asn’t about to shed it in front of him, so she used it for her undergarment. She thought for a moment about asking for her corset, then decided against it. This dress had been a bit large on her anyway. She would forgo the corset and hopefully have plenty of maneuverability. It might very well mean the difference between being able to escape successfully or having Jefferson catch her.

  She slipped the dress on over her nightgown while Jefferson watched. He shook his head and rolled his eyes as if to mock her childish shyness.

  “My boots are at the back of the wardrobe, and my stockings are in the drawer. May I get them?”

  “Of course. The quicker the better,” he said, giving her a sweeping bow.

  Rather than let Jefferson watch her intimately tie her stockings high on her thigh, she secured them just below her knee and laced up her boots to keep them somewhat in place. She hoped a moment might present itself later to fix them properly.

  Once this was done, she went to her vanity table, where her hairbrush and pins lay, and started to fix her hair, but Jefferson was having none of that.

  “We haven’t the time. Where’s your outer coat?”

  “I’m not certain. If it’s not in the wardrobe, then perhaps it’s downstairs.”

  “Check the wardrobe,” he ordered.

  Ella found her gray wool coat freshly brushed. She took it from the hanger and held it up to offer proof of its existence.

  “Put it on. If you have gloves and a warm hat, get them.”

  She went back to the drawers of the wardrobe and selected gloves and a woolen scarf. “Why are you doing this, Jefferson? You can’t hope to get away with it. Even if you force yourself on me, you’re still a wanted man. This will only add to your charges.”

  “Not if I work it right. You see, my dear, none of this would be happening but for your father opening his big mouth. Once he realizes I have his precious daughter, he’ll whistle a different tune. I intend to send him a letter and instruct him as to what he will do. If he cooperates with me, then you will live. Without his testimony, they have no evidence of me committing murder, and I’m confident the charges will be dropped. And if he doesn’t cooperate . . . then he’ll pay. First with your life and then your mother’s and then his own.”