by Barbara Goss
“Maud in the house?” he asked.
“No, Maud took the noon stage to Texas. Her daughter is seriously ill.”
“No!”
“I’m afraid so. The Sheriff brought her a telegram early this morning.”
“We have to pray for Amy and let the congregation know…darn!” he cried suddenly. “With Maud gone we have no chaperone!”
“Do we need one out here in no-man’s land?”
“Of course we do. I have to leave, and find another arrangement.” Gus jumped up from the chair. “I’ll be back.”
“Wait!" she called to him as he neared his horse. "Don’t go yet. Finding another arrangement means that I'd have to live with someone else? Another stranger? Don’t go yet, Gus,” she pleaded. “No one knows that Maud is gone.”
“I do have one other idea.” Gus returned to the porch and sat again. “We could get married.”
“Oh, no! I’m not ready for that. In fact, I need to tell you—”
“Yes! Let’s do it! I’m ready to take the leap if you are.” Gus looked at her with expectant eyes.
Lily thought this the perfect time to tell him, but she couldn’t get the words out.
“Gus, what about love? I know we’ve written to each other, but seriously, we’ve just met. You could not possibly love me yet, and I won’t settle for anything less.”
“It will happen, I promise you. I know I feel very close to loving you. Your kisses yesterday left me whirling. I thought about you all night. I couldn’t wait to see you again today. It’s not just physical attraction, although that is important, I’m fond of everything about you, you’re perfect.”
“Gus, we need to talk. I—”
“Emma, we are talking. Let’s tie the knot. We can do it today or tomorrow. For some reason, I feel the urgent need to do this now.”
“Let’s take a walk. I need to think,” Lily said, getting up from the chair. She reached over to grab his hand. She knew she was stalling the inevitable, but also thought telling him the truth might be easier as they walked enjoying a lovely day.
“We really shouldn’t be alone together. Your reputation…you’ll be ruined.”
“No one knows Maud isn’t here. Let’s enjoy this one day together, all right?”
He smiled. “All right.”
“You wait right here. I’m going inside to pack us a picnic lunch.” She ran into the house without giving Gus a chance to respond.
Gus shook his head and laughed. She really was something. She was so vibrant and bubbly; he was becoming increasingly fond of her already. Usually a stickler for propriety, she'd talked him into doing something he knew was wrong, yet he couldn't find the strength to resist her.
She skipped down the walk and grabbed his hand in one of hers; the other hand held the handle of a woven, straw basket.
She looked up at him and said, “I’m not sure what area would be a good picnic spot, since I’ve never been here before, but I’m sure anything that isn’t in plain view of the house would be perfect. This is really the best way to get acquainted.”
He smiled at her in agreement.
Emma settled on a nice clearing near a creek and spread out a large, checkered tablecloth. She sat down and motioned for him to sit beside her. She opened the basket and they ate what looked like last night’s supper leftovers, and he ate heartily.
When they were finished, she put the food away and lay on her side with her head propped up with her hand.
“So,” she said, “tell me all about yourself.”
“Not much to tell that you don’t already know from my letters. My folks died young, and my uncle who left me his small ranch raised me. I have no siblings, but always wished I had a few. Needless to say, it was lonely growing up.”
He told her about his dog, Rainbow, who had one eye, and about his boyhood adventures.
When they weren’t laughing and joking they were discussing what each wanted out of life; ironically, they both wanted similar things: a home, a loving marriage, and security. They talked, they laughed, and he had to admit, she'd had a good idea. They’d spent the whole day together and they'd seemed to grow more comfortable with each other in the process. Gus liked the way she talked, her animated hand gestures, and the way her eyes lit up like Chinese lanterns when she was excited about something. She was rapidly weaving her way into his heart.
By the end of the day, Lily felt like she'd known Gus all her life. She felt badly that he had to grow up without siblings, and just a one-eyed dog for company. What she liked best about him was his gentle voice and the sincere way he expressed himself. His laugh was contagious. Lily had truly enjoyed the afternoon. She wished it didn't have to end. Though she had to admit that his wanting to marry so soon had shocked her, and she really didn’t want it to happen so quickly, but without Maud they wouldn't have a chaperone, so he did have a point. Spending this time with him had convinced her that they would be a perfect match. She liked him, and she knew that what she was feeling could very easily grow into something more than like. The only thing leaving her feeling uneasy was that she wasn’t who he thought she was. She wondered if it made a difference if he felt the same way about her as she did about him? Would he be upset when she told him about her ruse? Or would he laugh in his baritone voice and say that it didn’t matter? She’d soon find out, because she had to tell him—today. She hated spoiling their beautiful day, but he had to be told.
“We really should head back now,” Gus said, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. He scooped up the tablecloth and placed it into the basket.
“C’mon, let’s wade in the creek,” Lily said, wanting to prolong the day as much as she could. She was still working up the courage to tell him everything.
Gus smiled and let her pull him along.
Walking hand in hand, they approached the shallow creek that ran through Maud’s land, kicked off their shoes and stockings, and waded into the cold water.
Lily shivered. “Oh, my goodness! That is cold!” she said.
Gus put his arm around her. “I’ll keep you warm,” he said in a low, sensual voice.
Lily smiled up at him.
He put his index finger under her chin and raised it high enough to plant a quick kiss on her lips, but as he began to pull away, she returned his kiss, causing him to moan and pull her closer. He kissed her with so much passion that it seemed a kaleidoscope of butterflies awoke in her belly, and she began to tingle all over. Lily, enraptured in Gus's spell, resolved to tell him of her identity.
Lily looked up at him, feeling her eyes tear and cheeks flush. “Yes, I’ll marry you, but I need—”
“You felt it too?” Gus smiled. “That kiss was exhilarating. Let’s get out of this darned cold water.” He pulled her to the bank, grabbed their shoes, and dragged her to a nearby tree where he sat down, and pulled her down with him.
She landed on his lap, and tried to get immediately up, but he pulled her back toward him.
“You agreed to marry me and that makes us betrothed, and sitting on a fiancé’s lap is allowed.” He kissed her then, so hard he took her breath away. Somehow they ended up rolling in the tall grass, first her on top and then him. They laughed as they rolled down the hill together, to land with her on top of him. She scurried to get off of him, but he pulled her close and kissed her again.
Lily finally managed to pull away. “Stop!” she said, shaking her head. “This is too much for me.” She stood and said, “I’m sure this isn’t allowed, even for a fiancé.”
“Oh, Emma…I love you already.” Gus reached for her arm, presumably to try to pull her down again, but Lily stood firm. Hearing him professing his love for Emma like that sounded so wrong. It had the same effect as if cold water had been thrown on her, putting out the fire she'd felt only moments before with a nearly audible sizzle.
“Let’s ride into town and see Judge Sanders,” he urged. “I love you Emma, I’m sure of it now.”
Lily shook her head, frowning.
Frightened at the thought of losing him when she told him the truth, Lily couldn’t hold back any longer. She knew revealing her true identity had to be done, no matter how difficult.
“Emma! You’re crying! What did I do now?” Gus hugged her and rubbed her back tenderly. “Whatever I did, I apologize. Please don’t cry; you're breaking my heart.”
Thoughts boggled Lily’s mind. How could she tell him? Could she stand marrying him and being called Emma the rest of her life? If she told him the truth, she’d risk losing him, yet if he found out on his own, the consequences would be much worse.
“It’s just happening so fast, Gus, I need a bit more time to let it all sink in. How about you come back tonight and we’ll talk some more?” If she was going to tell him, she needed to do it in a way that wouldn’t turn him against her. She needed time to plan her exact words. She couldn’t risk losing him.
“I can live with that. ” He smiled at her. “I know I’m rushing you, but with Maud gone…”
“I know, but I just need to sort things out in my mind. Agreeing to marry you was a big step for me, but to do it right away? I need some time to adjust to the idea, is all.”
He smiled, took her hand, and led her back to the house. “I’ll pick you up at six and take you to the only restaurant in Hunter’s Grove for dinner.” He dove for her lips, found them, and gave her another passionate kiss. “Until tonight.”
As she watched Gus ride away she felt disappointed in herself for letting the ruse go so far. He already felt like a part of her. Why hadn’t she just told him?
She knew why; deep down, she didn’t want those marvelous kisses to end.
Back at Maud's house, Lily lay down on the sofa to think. She had to rehearse her story. She would confess everything to Gus over dinner. She hoped, if she explained her dilemma regarding Owen Matthews, he’d sympathize with her and she decided to begin with that story. Then she’d mention the forgotten letter and her temptation to deceive. Maybe, just maybe, he would find it in his heart to overlook her deception and marry her anyway.
Just then, Lily heard horses approaching, but who could be calling? Had Maud forgotten something or been delayed? She sped back to the bedroom to smooth her hair for whoever had arrived. She went back to the sitting room intending to open the front door, but before she could get to it, she heard a key turn in the lock and the door came crashing open and two men wearing black strode in, guns drawn. “Do as you’re told and you won’t get hurt,” the tall one with the mustache, warned.
Lily screamed and cringed in fright.
The shorter one appeared older, and he approached her with a rope.
Lily screamed again and tried to run, but the tall one pulled her back, whipped out his bandana, and tied it around her head to cover her mouth. Lily discovered she could still scream despite the bandana, and she did, loudly, but stopped when she realized there was no one within miles to hear her.
Despite her frantic struggling, the short one managed to tie her hands and her feet. Lily felt her heart beat so fast and furiously she thought it might pop out from her chest. She’d never been so scared before in her life. Who were these men and what did they want with her? And, how had they gotten a key to the cottage?
The tall one picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, while the shorter one opened the door.
“Now don’t hurt her, Alf. Auntie wants her in good condition,” the short one said. “She said to be sure and lock the door when we leave.”
Lily felt herself grow dizzy from the terror she felt. She’d never been much of a praying person, but she felt sure now would be a good time to start.
Alf threw her over his horse and mounted it behind her to make sure she didn’t fall off as they sped away.
All Lily could see was the dust from the trail as they raced. The saddle horn pressed tightly against her stomach, and she felt ill.
Gus rode to Maud’s place to pick Emma up for dinner. He jumped down from his horse and knocked loudly on the front door. When no one answered, he peered into the sitting room window from where he stood on the porch, but saw no sign of life inside.
He became baffled. Emma hadn’t mentioned she had other plans. He pounded on the door again. Then, he moved to the back door, the one that opened into the kitchen, and pounded.
When there was no answer, he got back onto his horse and rode into town. Emma had to be there. Where else could she be?
After what seemed like hours, but was probably much less, the horses stopped, and Lily was handed down and carried into a two-story house. Alf dropped her onto a sofa and removed the handkerchief from her mouth. The two men left her there, sitting alone in a strange house, her hands and feet tightly bound.
Footsteps approached from the next room. She looked up to see a familiar figure standing in front of her, with arms on her narrow hips.
“Maud!” Lily cried.
“Yes, it’s me. Don’t worry. No one will harm you. We need you in one piece. Your father won’t pay us much if you're injured,” Maud said.
“M-my father?”
“Yes. The senator. We're betting he’ll pay a pretty price to get his daughter back.” Maud crossed the room to stand over her.
Lily closed her eyes and sighed. “No. I'm afraid he won’t.”
“Why would you say that?” Maud demanded.
Lily thought quickly. If she told Maud she wasn’t Emma, they might harm her. No, she had to continue to be Emma. Keeping silent, at least for now, might be the safest thing to do. She so regretted ever starting this deception.
“He and I are not on the best terms right now,” Lily said.
“Well, we’ll see.” Maud left the room and came back with a kitchen knife in her hand, which she used to slice the rope around Lily’s ankles. “In case you have to use the commode.”
“How did you get Gus to agree to my staying with you? Does he know what you’re up to?” Suddenly, Lily wondered if Gus was in on the scheme with Maud. The thought made her feel ill.
“No, he hasn’t a clue. As the Morton’s cleaning woman I overheard Gus telling someone that he corresponded with a senator’s daughter in Missouri. He also mentioned that marriage was the probable outcome. I didn’t waste any time going to services each Sunday in order to make friends with him, an easy task, seeing as he's such a trusting soul.”
“So you aren’t really a Christian from his congregation? You faked the prayer?” Lily asked.
"Yes. I don’t believe in God. It was a great performance, don't you think? Worthy of the theatre. Not to mention having to sit through all those boring church services; I was thrilled when Gus finally announced that your arrival was imminent.”
“Who were the men who kidnapped me?”
“So many questions!” Maud shrugged, “Alf and Manny are relatives. Alf's my nephew and Manny's my brother. I promised them a generous cut in exchange for their help. I don’t mind telling you all this because once we get the money, we plan to disappear into Mexico. We’ll never be found there; Manny has quite a few connections.”
“You're out of your mind,” Lily said. “You’ll never get away with this.”
Maud sat down and picked up her knitting project. “I’m sick of cleaning on my hands and knees for a living. I’m getting too old for it. Your relationship with Gus provided the perfect opportunity. I’ve been waiting for something like this my whole life.”
Lily wondered what Gus would do when he discovered her missing. What could he do? He'd probably think she had abandoned him. Poor Gus.
“So, when are you going to contact m-my father?”
Over the clicking of her knitting needles, Maud replied, “I already sent a message by special delivery. My other nephew is, as we speak, on his way to Misso
uri with the note. Your father will be given one week to bring one hundred thousand dollars to my house. He is to leave it on the porch. Since I’m renting the home, it has to be done quickly, as my rent is due on the first of the month and I don’t plan on paying for another month.”
“Am I to stay tied up until you get your money?”
“No. I have a special room for you upstairs. I’m waiting for Alf to return with the padlock I sent him to fetch from the hardware store.”
When Alf returned with the padlock, he carried Lily upstairs to a room at the end of the hall. The room looked more like an unfinished attic than anything else, with unfinished slat walls, slanted ceiling, and exposed wooden rafters. The single window appeared to be more of a vent than a window. Someone had moved a mattress into the room and laid it on the floor. Except for a chamber pot, the mattress, and a blanket, the small, stuffy room was empty.
“Make yourself at home, dear," Maud said. "I suspect you’ll be here for a while.” She turned and left.
She heard Maud place and lock the padlock. Lily sighed, plopped herself down on the mattress, and cried. Her wrists were still tied together and her arms were beginning to ache. Why, oh why did she ever try to be someone other than herself?
Chapter 4
Gus rode to the train station first. He scoured the station and asked the clerk countless questions before heading to the sheriff’s office.
“Howdy, Gus,” Sheriff Howard Bannister greeted.
Gus nodded. “Howard. Say, have you seen a pretty young woman, a stranger, around town?”
“No, but then I’ve been stuck here all day since I have a prisoner in the cell. Old Fred Jenkins got into a fight in the saloon again last night.”
Gus scratched his head. “You didn’t ride out to the Widow Barkley’s with a message from her daughter this morning?”
“Nope. Haven’t left the office, and no message has been brought to me to deliver.” Howard sipped his coffee. “You look troubled. Is there anything I can do to help?”
