A Matter of Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  Her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Oh dear, you don’t know. I was afraid that might be the case.” He gave the look of one who truly felt bad. However, Jessica knew it was a lie. “I’ve heard folks talking all over town about Mr. Todd leaving on the morning train tomorrow. He’s going to Colorado, they’re saying. I really don’t know why he is heading there in particular, but I feared for you, since he didn’t seem to have plans to return. He didn’t buy a round-trip ticket. I knew you two had just become engaged, and I feared this would leave you in great shame.”

  “Colorado?” she murmured. Why hadn’t Austin told her about this?

  “I thought perhaps with his leaving, and it being uncertain that he would return, you might need the comfort of a good friend.” He reached out to touch her hand. “I know you have no desire to marry me, but my offer does remain on the table. Truly I am only here as a friend.”

  Jessica felt momentarily sickened at the thought that Austin had skipped out on her. Surely this was a mistake. Even if it weren’t, however, she didn’t want to give Harrison the upper hand. She had to have faith in Austin—in their love.

  “Austin will be back. He loves me and I love him. That’s something I couldn’t share with you. Austin no doubt has to go to Colorado on business.”

  But rather than appear surprised or even angry at her declaration, Gable seemed even sadder. Shaking his head, he gave her a look of pity. “Poor woman. No doubt he lied to you, especially since he hasn’t bothered to let you know of his plans. What a savage thing to do to one so innocent.”

  Jessica squirmed in her chair and hoped Harrison Gable wouldn’t notice how uncomfortable he’d made her. “Really, Mr. Gable, I hardly see why any of this is your business.”

  He threw her an apologetic look. “Of course you are right. You are the one he’s made a fool of, but this isn’t my business. I shouldn’t be causing you more pain with the telling of that cad’s actions. After all, you are my friend, and I don’t wish to hurt you.”

  “He’s not a cad!” Jessica jumped up from the chair. “He’s a good man, and I intend to marry him. Now, if you’ll excuse me . . .” She started to leave the room, but Gable crossed the room in a flash and took hold of her.

  He dropped the façade. “I can give you a better life than he can. I would care greatly for your comfort and happiness.” He pulled her closer, and though Jessica tried to push him away, he held her in an ironclad grip. “I know ways,” he whispered against her ear, “to make a woman happy—and keep her that way.”

  She put the heel of her boot down on his foot. Yelping, Gable dropped his hold, and Jessica flew from the room, passing Mother on the way. She knew her mother would question her about what had happened, but at this point Jessica only longed to put some distance between herself and the vulgar Mr. Gable.

  Seeking the sanctuary of her bedroom, she slammed the door shut behind her and locked it. The memory of Harrison’s declaration gave her a tight feeling in her chest. Why hadn’t Austin mentioned that he was leaving for Colorado? She didn’t want to give doubt room to grow, but what was he doing? Was he truly not planning to return?

  Jessica paced the room and tried to make sense of it all. She calmed a little as she remembered something she’d said to Harrison about Austin’s trip. It might very well be that the Rangers needed him to travel to Colorado. Perhaps they’d asked him to bring back cattle rustlers for trial. Or maybe he was helping another Ranger. She frowned, running out of reasons for Austin to abruptly leave town without telling her. Suddenly, nothing made sense.

  Having spread the word that he was headed to Colorado Springs on important business for the Secret Service, Austin felt certain word would get around to Mr. Morgan and his cohort. Robert, too, had helped spread the news, and it seemed to be all that folks were talking about.

  Austin smiled to himself as he made his way to the Atherton ranch. “Let ’em talk,” he said to the twilight. He would leave on the morning train, and he wanted to make sure that Jessica knew about his plans.

  It was nearly suppertime when Austin arrived. He knew Mrs. Atherton would invite him to join them for the meal—at least he was counting on that. He gave a firm knock on the door, then dusted the tops of his boots off on the back of his Levi’s.

  Mr. Atherton answered the door with a smile. “Austin. Good to see you, son. Come on in. We were just sittin’ down to supper. Can you stay?”

  “I’d like that, sir. I was hoping to speak to Jessica after the meal.”

  “Of course. I think that’s more than acceptable. Maybe I’ll find an excuse to help her ma with the dishes. ’Course, I don’t want her thinkin’ it might become a regular thing.” He chuckled and put his arm around Austin’s shoulders. “Come on, son. I think the ladies will be pleased to see you.”

  When Austin entered the dining room, he found Mrs. Atherton and Jessica sitting before their empty china settings at a table laden with delicious-smelling food. He remembered just then that he still had his hat on and quickly remedied the situation.

  “Look who I found at the door. I told him he needed to join us for supper.”

  “Of course,” Mrs. Atherton said, getting to her feet. “Let me get another place setting. Austin, why don’t you sit there beside Jess.”

  “Here, I’ll take your hat,” Mr. Atherton said. “It’ll be on the coat-tree by the front door.”

  Austin moved to where Jessica sat and pulled the chair out. She didn’t look at him, and it bothered Austin greatly. Why this sudden cold shoulder?

  Mrs. Atherton placed the dishes and silver in front of him and asked if he wanted coffee or tea. “I’ve made both, so you have your choice. Either one will warm you up.”

  “Coffee’s good for me,” Austin replied, still concerned about Jessica’s silence.

  With the coffee poured, Mrs. Atherton retook her seat, and Mr. Atherton offered a short prayer. As the meal progressed, Austin’s curiosity mounted. Jessica hadn’t turned once to look at him, and it was starting to be quite annoying.

  “So what brings you out this way?” Atherton asked. “Were you just hopin’ to spend some time with Jess, or did you have other pressin’ business?”

  “Actually, I came to let you all know that I’m going to be gone for a while.” This brought Jessica to attention.

  “And where are you headed?” the older man asked.

  “Colorado Springs. I’m helping the Barnetts and the Wythes with a matter.” Jessica’s tight shoulders seemed to relax just a bit. “It shouldn’t take long,” Austin added. “Probably no longer than a week or two. Either the item I seek will be there and be what we expect, or it won’t.”

  “Does this have somethin’ to do with the man who’s been pesterin’ Jake and Alice?”

  “Yes,” Austin replied, relieved that Atherton had been apprised of the situation.

  The rancher nodded and cut into his meat. “I hope it will put the past to rest and give them the peace of mind they seek. William told me it was quite the conspiracy.”

  “It would appear that way,” Austin said.

  “And why are you going in particular?” Mrs. Atherton asked, a forkful of food midway to her lips. “Why not Robert?”

  Austin had figured on this question. “I used to work with the Secret Service. As a part of the Treasury Department they deal with counterfeiting and fraud. I presume you know that this is part of the problem at hand.”

  “We know all about it,” Atherton replied. “A big mess, if you ask me.”

  “It is indeed, but I’m hoping to put an end to it. My old boss asked me to come in on the investigation because I’ve had experience with this type of crime, and I am friends with the folks involved.”

  “I’m sure that put William’s mind at rest,” Jessica’s father declared. “I know it would mine. We’ll certainly be praying for you.”

  “Is it dangerous?” This came from Jess’s mother, and Austin couldn’t help but sense Jessica’s tensing once agai
n.

  “No more so than anything else,” he said with a smile. “I don’t expect problems. And if there are any, I’ll have the support of two other agents, who are even now taking a fast train to Denver and then to Colorado Springs. They’re good men—men I know and have worked with before.”

  The conversation continued, but Jessica only spoke when her parents asked her something directly. Austin remained puzzled at her attitude. She almost seemed angry with him. Once supper concluded, Mrs. Atherton shooed the couple from the dining room, and Mr. Atherton made good on his suggestion to help wash dishes when Jessica protested.

  “I’ll help your mother. You two go on and enjoy the fire I started just before we sat down. That front parlor ought to be nice and warm for you now.”

  Jessica didn’t so much as look at Austin but nodded and headed from the room. Austin followed after her like a puppy after his master. He figured it would be an uncomfortable evening of silence, since something had clearly disturbed Jessica. He was wrong. The moment they were in the parlor, Jessica turned on him to demand answers.

  “Why is it that I’m the last to know of your plans? Harrison Gable said you were leaving me high and dry.”

  “And you believed him?” Austin frowned. “Besides that, what were you doing with him?”

  “Oh, don’t try to avoid the question.” Jessica put her hands on her hips. “He told me that it was all over town about you heading off. Harrison said you were most likely not coming back, and since he’d heard that we were engaged, he thought he’d come and comfort me.”

  “He heard about our engagement, eh?” This made Austin smile. “I’ll bet that was a sucker punch to his pride.”

  Jessica shook her head. “He pitied me. He told me in a most sympathetic way that I’d been a fool.”

  Austin’s voice softened. “Jess, why would you believe him over me?”

  “Because you weren’t here. You hadn’t told me before telling the entire town that you planned to leave. I don’t want you to go—especially now. I want Harrison Gable to eat his words.”

  Stepping forward, Austin reached out to take Jessica’s hands, but she refused. With a shrug, he continued. “I can’t go back on my word, Jess. Not for you or for anyone else. I gave the Barnetts and Wythes my promise to see this through.”

  “But it’s dangerous, and don’t tell me it’s not. If it weren’t, there wouldn’t be a need for additional Secret Service men.”

  “All right, it’s dangerous, but I’ve been trained to handle situations like this.”

  “You’re making me the laughingstock of town.”

  “Hardly that, Jess. Be reasonable.” Austin decided it might calm her if they sat. “Come sit with me, and I’ll explain.”

  She sat but folded her arms across her chest and fixed Austin with such a stare that he knew this wouldn’t be easily resolved.

  “No doubt Harrison will spread the news of my situation all over town, and everyone will laugh about how I’ve been duped.”

  Austin shook his head. “You haven’t been duped.”

  Jessica’s eyes widened. “But that’s what everyone will think. If you leave me now, people will think that you are running away from our engagement. Especially if Harrison Gable has his say.”

  “Since when have you cared about what other people thought? Since we first met you’ve been unconcerned about others and what their opinion of you might be.”

  “That isn’t true. I didn’t use to care, but now I do. I don’t want to shame my parents, and I don’t want . . .” She let the words trail and fell silent.

  “Jessica, I’m not leaving you. I’m simply doing a job. You have to understand that my job requires me to travel. Eventually, I’ll be marshal of Terryton and stick close to home, but right now I have an important mission, and I’d like to go to it knowing I have your blessing.”

  “Well, you don’t,” she declared, getting back to her feet. “I don’t want you to go. I won’t come in second to your job. If I can’t come first as your wife and friend, then maybe you should leave and not come back.”

  Austin realized that in her anger, they weren’t going to accomplish anything. He rose and headed for the door. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “Don’t bother!” Jessica turned away from him and fixed her gaze on the fire.

  Austin knew she didn’t mean it. Grief, but that girl could work up a rage. He smiled to himself as he collected his hat and left the house. I like a gal with spit and spirit. Grace was always so sweet and quiet. Like sitting in a beautiful garden. Austin chuckled to himself. Life with Jess is gonna be like riding in a runaway wagon.

  He rode back to the cabin and settled in for the night. He had already determined he would pen Jessica a letter. He wanted to make sure she knew his intentions were to return and bring a wedding ring when he did. That ought to give her something to think about.

  Jessica couldn’t sleep and tossed and turned most of the night. She regretted her anger and the words she’d hurled at Austin. She knew she’d acted inappropriately, but she had been so enraged that Harrison was right about Austin leaving that she hadn’t been able to control her temper.

  It was just the thought of being pitied by people who thought she’d been deserted. Jessica couldn’t stand to be in that position. It was even better when folks didn’t like her, but to pity her was more than she could bear.

  You’re being foolish. Even if they pity you, they’ll see when Austin returns that they were wrong. It was little comfort, but she knew in her heart that Austin had spoken the truth. He would return.

  But now he’ll go away, and his last memories of me will be of anger and worry. She chewed on her lower lip. I have to apologize. I have to see him before he goes. I have to tell him that I believe him and that what other people think doesn’t matter.

  But how was she supposed to do that?

  When light streaked the horizon, Jessica gave up on sleeping and dressed for the day. She had only one thought. She would ride into town and meet up with Austin before he caught the train. She would apologize for her actions, and then she would let him go.

  “I have to trust that God will take care of him,” she murmured.

  She waited until she saw a light in the bunkhouse and then slipped out the back door and went in search of Osage. The old man was already putting a pot of coffee on to boil when Jessica found him.

  “Osage, I don’t mean to be a problem to you, but I need to ride into town.”

  The old man got slowly to his feet. “That’s no problem, little gal. How soon do you want to head out?”

  “Right away, if we can. I’ll let Lupe know, and she can tell Mother and Father. I know they’ll understand. I wasn’t very kind to Austin last night, and I can’t send him away without apologizing.”

  “Startin’ to care for the fella?”

  “More than that,” she replied. “I’ve agreed to be his wife.”

  Osage chuckled. “Well, I’ll be a three-legged cat.” He motioned to one of the other cowboys. “You see to this coffee. Miss Atherton and I have to ride to town.” He turned back to Jessica. “I’ll have Peg saddled and ready to go in ten minutes.”

  “Thank you, Osage,” Jessica said, surprising the old man with a kiss on the cheek. She could hear him whooping it up as she exited the bunkhouse. His enthusiasm made her smile.

  The ride didn’t take long. For an old man, Osage was still amazingly limber and able to sit a horse as well as he could when Jess had been a little girl. They didn’t run the horses all the way but covered the distance in walks, trots, and gallops. By the time Jessica and Osage entered the city limits, the sun was up and the cool air was warming. Jessica went immediately to the train, only to learn she was too late.

  “What do you mean he’s already gone?” Jessica asked. “The passenger train doesn’t even arrive for another forty minutes.”

  “Now, Miss Jessica, don’t go gettin’ all put out,” the stationmaster admonished. “The schedule changed
for the winter. But don’t worry; he left you a letter. I was supposed to get it out to you today.”

  He rummaged around the papers on his desk and handed a folded piece of paper to Jessica. “I didn’t snoop in it. I figured it was private.” He grinned. “But I wanted to look. I heard you two were gettin’ married.”

  Jessica nodded and took the letter. She thanked the stationmaster and hurried back to where Osage stood holding the two horses. “He’s already gone,” she said, opening the letter.

  Jess,

  I’m sorry for the way things went last night. You had a right to be upset. I didn’t handle this well. For that I apologize, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I never meant to make you the last person to know about my plans. The only reason the word was sent around to the entire town was because we’re hoping it will aid the case. I can’t really explain in this letter, but will tell you everything when I come back. And I will come back.

  I love you, Jessica, and I know that you love me. I don’t plan to be gone any longer than I have to, and when I come home, I plan to bring you a wedding ring.

  Love, Austin

  She looked up at Osage and gave a heavy sigh. The old man cocked his head to one side. “That letter resolve everything?”

  She smiled and tucked the letter into her jacket and let her worries fade away. “Yes. I suppose it does.”

  Chapter 23

  Austin remained on guard throughout the trip to Colorado. He had established on the first day out of Cedar Springs that both Morgan and a man he presumed to be Mr. Smith were aboard the train. Neither man had made himself visible during the day until around five o’clock, when the elusive Mr. Smith joined Austin’s car. Of course, he hadn’t known for sure that it was Smith, but the man acted suspicious and seemed to be watching Austin closely.

  Later that night Morgan and Smith had apparently thought him to be asleep when they met toward the back of his car. Austin happened to be facing the same direction, and though his hat was pulled low, he could still see from just under the rim. Morgan had appeared, now with his beard shaved off, only for a brief moment to notify his partner to follow him. Austin supposed they might be headed for the smoking car. Austin didn’t know if Morgan’s change of appearance was for the purpose of throwing Austin off Morgan’s movements, but if so, it didn’t work.