“You have rose bushes out here on the prairie?”
“We do, but that isn’t Uncle John’s reason for making the announcement.” Heat bathed her face, and it was more than the morning sun.
William nudged her with his shoulder. “I didn’t figure it was. And, by the way, you look beautiful this morning, Robin. Is the color of your dress the same as a wild rose?”
She giggled. “You catch on fast, Mr. Benson.”
“Not fast enough, I’m afraid. But maybe my time here will make up for it. Now, is there anything I should know before we make our entrance into church this morning? Tell me about the good people of Cedar Bluff.”
Glad for the change of subject, Robin did her best to introduce the people she knew through unbiased eyes. William could form his own opinion of the townsfolk when he met them.
A quiet churchyard greeted them, and it made her more than uneasy. Not only would they walk in late, but also the likelihood of finding a seat in the back was very slim.
William helped her out of the buggy, then placed her hand in the crook of his elbow “Are we late? I don’t see John or Jacob.”
Robin nodded toward the array of horses tied along the long rail. “Their horses are here. I’m afraid we meandered a bit slower than we should have.”
When they reached the door, William put his hands on her shoulders and forced her to face him. “The look on your face tells me more than anything you said all the way here. And I can feel you tremble. Is it my being here that has you so upset?”
She shrugged. “It’s not you, William. You know how I hate limping in late to anything. Plus, I’ve only been here once before and that time I left before the service began. It’s another long story I’m afraid.”
“We’ll walk slow. So what if we’re late? You’re a picture to behold, so why not give your friends and neighbors a chance to enjoy it?”
She lowered her eyes. “Don’t tease me. Please.”
William squeezed her hands. “I’m not teasing. I mean every word of it. I’m proud to walk in with you. And I don’t think this is the kind of pride I need to confess as sin.” He winked. “Come on, you can lean on me.”
Robin swallowed. The last time she heard those words she’d been through a twister. Now her insides twisted. William’s hand pressed warm on her back as they stepped inside the church.
“This is the day which the Lord has . . .”
Ty stopped, mid invocation, and in that moment of hesitation Jacob stepped into the aisle.
“Down here, Robin.” His arms waved like signal flags. “We saved you a seat so Ty could see you in your purty new dress with Mr. Benson.”
Heads snapped and smiles split faces as the congregation turned, en masse, to where the boy pointed.
“Keep walking. And smile,” William whispered. He guided her forward, nodding in greeting to those along the aisle as they made their way to the front.
When they reached their pew Jacob slipped between them. “We’re ready now, Ty."
A titter ran through the congregation as Ty cleared his throat and resumed the service.
“What took you so long?” Uncle John whispered out of the side of his mouth as people around them sat down once again. “I said meander, not stop for a picnic.”
Robin shot Uncle John a glance she hoped would silence him for the rest of the service. He should know better than to tell the boy something he didn’t want repeated. And to top it all off, Henrietta Harvey and Albert occupied the same pew.
“I think we should make young Jacob here our official greeter.” Ty smiled at the boy snuggled between her and William. His smile stiffened when his gaze locked onto the man sitting beside her. “We do welcome you, sir. I’m sure you’ll have time after church to mingle and be introduced. For now, would you all please turn in your Bibles to Leviticus chapter nineteen and verse thirty-four. ‘But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God’.”
“Robin?” Jacob was on his knees on the pew, one hand cupped around her ear. If he said he needed to use the necessary she was going to make Uncle John take him out. She put her finger over the boy’s lips so he wouldn’t announce his plight to the entire gathering.
He took her face in both hands and forced her to look at him. “I just want to ask you something,” he whispered. “Are strangers bad?”
###
Ty swallowed before he continued. He’d chosen today’s text with Jacob in mind. Now there was another stranger in their midst, and Jacob’s face beamed at him from his seat between this man and Robin. Mr. Benson, Jacob had called him. So this was the fancy-stationery man from Chicago? He’d expected a city slicker, not someone who appeared so comfortable in his surroundings. He’d need to work very hard to avoid looking at the front pew. And behind the Wengholds sat Anna Blair and her mother. Was there no mercy? “Could we all bow for a moment of silent prayer before I begin?” He took a deep breath to quiet his mind.
He longed to retreat to the small cloakroom. But John would sure enough follow him.Lord, You’re going to have to take over my words, my thoughts, and my actions. Right now, Father, I would give my ranch to know what it is You’re teaching me, or what You want me to do. I’m engaged to Anna, but I can barely breathe with that other man next to Robin. The way he touched her, Lord . . . I know You have a purpose in all of this, but could You please let me know what it is?
“Ahem.”
Ty glanced up and John motioned for him to get on with it. He cleared his throat. “Amen. Now, once again we will turn our attention to the Word of God.”
Somehow he managed to get through the service. He forced his gaze to stay behind the first two rows of worshipers. There was one more thing to attend to, and how he dreaded it. But even without looking, he couldfeelAnna’s glare. He fought to keep his voice steady. “Before we close, I do have one more announcement.” He stepped away from the pulpit. “I’m sure you’re all aware we celebrate Independence Day this week. Anna and myself, along with Mrs. Blair, would like to invite you all to the Hawk for a picnic. I’ll be pleased to provide the beef and drinks. And, ladies, this is a perfect opportunity for you to display your prize culinary efforts. We hope to see you all bright and early, and do plan to stay and enjoy the fireworks.” Now, he needed only to get through the final hymn; then perhaps he could relax.
As soon as he pronounced the benediction Anna slipped her arm through his. “I thought sure you were going to forget our invitation. You stumbled around all morning, though I can’t say I blame you the way that little boy seemed to want all the attention.” She pulled a small piece of lint from the sleeve of his suit coat. “The least we can do is greet people as they leave. I’m sure they have more questions than your announcement made clear.”
“Wait, Ty.” Jacob’s voice rang above the voices of the departing crowd. “Did you think Robin looked purty this morning? ‘Scuse me. ‘Scuse me, please.” The boy tunneled through people around him, then tugged on Ty’s hands. “Come tell—”
A dog barked and Jacob stopped and cocked his head. “Hear that, Ty? That’s Tripper again.” Before Ty could grab him, Jacob ran and shoved his way through the throng gathered at the back of the church.
“Jacob, wait! Don’t go out there.”
The boy dashed out the door.
“Wait here.” Ty pulled away from Anna and shouldered his way through the remaining visitors.
“Sam! Rusty!” With luck, they would still be jawing with other ranch hands in the churchyard. “Get the boy!”
Jacob’s little legs pumped down the street, and the dog ran and yelped in front of him as though it was a familiar game of catch-me-if-you-can.
Sam and Rusty mounted their horses and raced after the boy before Ty could get Tag untied from the hitching post. He turned to wait for John and met Robin’s fear-etched face, her eyes wide.
“Who is it, Ty? Did you see anyone
with the dog?”
“Can I help?” The Benson fella stepped forward. “I’m not sure if there’s a connection with the dog, but someone came sneaking around John’s barn last night. Tell me what to do.”
“Take care of Robin for now, Mr. Benson. I’m going to try to get the boy and let my ranch hands search the area.”
Take care of Robin. Had he actually told this stranger to do what he longed to do himself? Judging by the arm Benson had firmly around Robin’s shoulders, it was obvious the man didn’t need any coaching in that area.
By the time Ty rode to the end of the street, Sam and Rusty returned with the boy. A shudder coursed through him as he observed Jacob riding in the saddle in front of Sam. There was an uncanny likeness.
“You let me down. That was Tripper. Put me down!” Jacob kicked and screamed, but Sam rode up to Ty as though he didn’t notice.
“We lost him, Mr. Morgan. We saw a man and then he was gone. He plumb disappeared into thin air and the dog with him.”
Ty dragged the fighting boy onto his own horse. “Jacob, stop and listen to me right now.” He put both arms around the boy to still him. “Do you know that man?”
Jacob struggled to be put down. “It was my dog. It was Tripper. And he was scared cuz everybody was chasing him.” He sniffed. “Put me down. I want to find Tripper.”
Ty wiped the boy’s face with his handkerchief. “We’ll find Tripper another time. But listen to me, buddy. Don’t you ever go chasing after him again unless we’re with you. Do you understand me?
“Why?” Jacob shook his head. “Tripper won’t hurt nobody.”
How could he explain to the boy that it wasn’t the dog that concerned them? But if Jacob knew the man, he wasn’t telling, and that put doubt in Ty’s own mind. Why wouldn’t the boy say? And if the man intended no harm, why didn’t he reveal himself?
“Jacob, sometimes people ask you to do things for your own good. I’m telling you, for your own good, if you ever go running off like that again you’re going to be in big trouble. Do you hear me?”
Jacob crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. “I hear, but I don’t like it one bit. I’m telling Robin I’m mad with you.”
Ty grinned and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Well, you go right ahead and tattle, little man. You aren’t the only one mad at me today.”
He rode back to Robin and lifted Jacob into her arms. “He’s okay.”
“Was there someone with the dog, Ty?”
William took the boy from Robin. “We can discuss this later, Robin. I imagine this boy is hungry, and I know you packed a lunch, so what say we find us a place to eat. Would you care to join us Reverend Morgan? Perhaps you and Miss Blair know of a nice spot to picnic.”
Though grateful for Mr. Benson’s intervention, Ty didn’t care to share a picnic lunch as a foursome. Neither did he desire to delve into the whole story with half of the church still waiting to see what caused all the commotion. With Benson’s free arm around Robin’s shoulders, and Anna’s gaze shooting arrows his direction, the only thing that could make the day worse would be Henrietta Harvey inviting them all to her home.
“Oh, Reverend.” Henrietta bustled toward them, arms flapping like wings, with Albert a few steps behind. “I told Albert, I said, ‘Albert, I think it only right that we ask the newcomer to lunch.’ Oh, I know it will be a houseful but my goodness, what’s a little crowd. John, you’re invited, and of course Anna and Florence.”
“Why, how nice of you Mrs. . . . Mrs. Harvey is it?” William stood Jacob to his feet then took Henrietta’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m sure another time we’d be more than tempted, but Miss Wenghold got up bright and early and packed a lunch for us to enjoy on the way home. I’m from Chicago, you see, so I’m most interested in observing all I can of your beautiful Kansas prairie in the short time I’ll be here.”
Henrietta pressed the hand William kissed to her cheek. “Albert, see there. Now you know how a gentleman should behave. Your dear Papa used to kiss my hand like that.” She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her pudgy face. “Of course, Mr. Benson. I understand. Uh—did you say how long you plan to stay?”
Ty swallowed a chuckle as Henrietta’s face turned as pink as Robin’s dress.
“No, I don’t believe that was stated. I will be here on an extended visit. How extended will depend on Robin.” He smiled at the older woman. “I’m sure we’ll see you at the celebration at Reverend Morgan’s on Independence Day.”
“Well, I would certainly hope so.” Anna Blair greeted the small knot of people. “Robin, did you plan to keep this gorgeous specimen a surprise?”
Robin’s brow furrowed as Anna extended her hand to William
The expression on Anna’s face was new for Ty—like a cat that had cornered the fattest rat in the barn. Why? She could garner all the attention she needed by being Anna. Was it necessary to roll her eyes and lean a bit too close? Benson didn’t seem overwhelmed by the recognition. Either he was accustomed to having women enthralled with him or Anna didn’t make that much of an impression.
She turned to Robin. “Miss Wenghold, have you given further thought to my earlier request?”
Ty shook his head. “This is not the time to discuss it, Anna.”
“But there’s not much time, dear. And you know the house is nowhere near ready for guests.”
Florence Blair stepped forward and nodded at Ty. “Anna, I’ve told you repeatedly that I would take care of this.” She turned to Robin. “I appreciate your willingness to help, dear, but with your company, I wouldn’t want to take you away. I’ve already arranged with our cleaning lady to take care of anything that needs to be done at Ty’s.” She smiled and squeezed Robin’s hand then turned back to Anna. “Now, we are keeping these friends from their lunch and ours is waiting at home. May we expect you, Ty?”
“I think not today, Mrs. Blair. It’s been a busy week, and I feel I need this Sabbath Day of rest.
“I don’t know why you can’t rest at our house.” Anna pursed her lips in an exaggerated pout. “You know how I hate to be away from you.”
“Let me walk you to your buggy, Anna.” Ty took her arm and led her away. “I need to talk with my men to see if we can shed some light on what happened with Jacob. He may be in danger.”
“Then let Miss Wenghold’s uncle or her new man friend take care of it. Why do you find it your duty to care for the homeless child? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you care more for that boy than you do for me.”
Ty clenched his fists. Embarrassed and angered by her behavior, he tried to hurry her away. “I’m in no mood to argue. It’s not a matter of how much I care for either of you. I’ll see you in two days.
“I’m not waiting that long, Ty. I plan to be there tomorrow night if I can convince Mother. You will have accommodations for us, won’t you? Perhaps your mother’s large, cheery yellow room?”
Ty sighed. After she became bedridden, his mother had requested her bedroom painted a soft yellow to remind her of sunshine. And to him the room was nearly sacred. During the last year of her life she continued to conduct the daily business of the Hawk from her bed. Never complaining. Never failing to think of others first. She’d never known anything but love to emerge from that room. Beside that bed, in his mother’s last hours, he’d made the promise to give her ring to Anna. That thought alone kept him from telling Anna there would be no marriage. If he’d learned one thing from both his parents, it was that you never went back on your word. Your word defined you.
He would keep his promise, but he would prepare a different room for Anna and Mrs. Blair.
TWENTY-TWO
Robin knelt by the open window and gazed into the first rays of morning as they unrolled themselves on the hilltops. She’d spent yesterday baking bread, molasses cookies, and three pies for today’s Independence Day celebration. What would the day bring? How would they keep Jacob in sight with so many people present? William and Uncle John assured her they
would help. And she knew Ty would see that Sam and Rusty remained on watch for any stranger who might mix with the crowd. Was she foolish to worry so?
She loved this time of morning, as she now loved this ranch. Could she return to Chicago after experiencing this prairie and the hills that cradled it? How she would miss the Feather and Uncle John. What would he do? Of course, there were still Wren and Lark. But the thought of her sisters being here without her caused a twinge of jealousy.
She stood and slipped her arms through the sleeves of her wrapper. She would check on Jacob, set out the fresh bread and extra cookies she’d made for a quick make-do breakfast, and then have time to get herself ready before their departure at nine o’clock.
One skinny leg hung over the edge of Jacob’s bed, and his arms extended above his head. Even asleep, he looked ready to run. She planted a kiss on his forehead and turned to leave.
“I’s foolin’ you, Robin. My eyes have been awake for a long, long time. This is the day we go to Ty’s, isn’t it? Maybe me and you can sleep there all night cuz it’s gonna be really, really late when we’re done. And Ty wouldn’t want us to travel in the dark, would he?”
Robin scooted his leg back onto the bed and sat beside the boy. “We won’t stay all night. Remember, Mr. Benson is our guest and it wouldn’t be polite for us to leave him here. Ty knows Uncle John and William will keep us safe. I don’t want you even suggesting it. You hear?”
Jacob sat cross-legged in the bed. “Why don’t you want to stay at Ty’s house? He’s real nice.”
“Because we aren’t married, Jacob.”
“Oh.” A small frown wrinkled across his forehead. “But sometimes Liam stayed all night with my—” He clapped his hands over his mouth and his eyes widened. “I gotta go use the necessary.” He scooted off the bed and scampered down the stairs before his words registered with Robin.
Were those tears she’d seen in his eyes? Uncle John and Ty both needed to know what Jacob said. No. For now, she’d keep quiet.
Robin Page 19
