Drina’s Choice

by Agnes Alexander

  After she was settled, Aaron said, “Are you all right?”

  Her voice was hesitant, but she managed to say, “I’m fine.”

  He reached out and touched her good hand. When she jumped, he chuckled. “I’m not going to attack you, Drina. I’m just kind of used to holding your hand when I sleep. I hope you don’t mind.”

  She realized she was being silly about the whole thing. After all, she was married to this man, and she knew that meant she must share his bed. “I’m sorry. I’m just nervous.”

  “I understand, but try to relax. Nothing is going to happen between us tonight. I don’t think either of us is in good enough physical shape for a night of pleasure.”

  She couldn’t help blushing in the dark. “I think you’re right.”

  He changed the subject. “How’s your wrist?”

  “It’s all right. I think it’s only a sprain because I can move my fingers.”

  “Good, but I want to be sure. If the doctor doesn’t show up in the morning, I’m taking you to town to see him.” He squeezed her hand.

  “I don’t think there’s any need of that. I’ll be fine.”

  “I want to be sure.”

  “You’re very kind.”

  “I’m not trying to be kind. I don’t want you to suffer for what some scoundrel did.” He squeezed her hand again. “As soon as he’s found, he’ll pay for his actions.”

  “Do you know why somebody would try to destroy the house?”

  “My guess is they were trying to kill me.”

  She gasped.

  “Don’t worry. The sheriff plans to come out here in the morning with one of the best trackers in town. I feel sure they’ll find out who did it.”

  “I hope so. I certainly don’t want anyone getting hurt or killed if he tries something like this again.”

  “You’re right, but let’s try to put it out of our minds. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day, so we better get some sleep.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “I know I am.” He squeezed her hand a third time. “If you start feeling ill or need me for anything, wake me up.”

  “I will, Aaron. Thank you for caring.” She squeezed his hand back.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Beulah had breakfast ready to put on the table when Drina and Aaron came downstairs.

  “Smells good,” Aaron muttered. “I’m hungry.”

  “I am, too. I guess neither of us ate much last night.” Drina went to her place at the table and reached for his crutches.

  “I was going to hold your chair for you.”

  “I know, but I want you to get seated first. I don’t want you toppling over when you discard your crutches. You know what a hard time you had getting down the stairs.”

  He grinned and handed them to her. “See how well I mind.”

  She shook her head and leaned the crutches against the wall.

  Milly came in with a platter of bacon, eggs and potatoes. Beulah followed with a coffee pot and a basket of biscuits.

  Drina smiled at them and said, “We didn’t have time to eat while we were cooking. If you don’t mind, we’re going to eat with you this morning.”

  “You know we don’t mind, Beulah. You’re part of the family.”

  “Thank you, Miz Drina. I feel like part of the family.”

  “I’ll run back and get the butter and jelly.” Milly headed for the kitchen door.

  “The men have already left to get the lumber to start rebuilding, Aaron. I hope you don’t mind—I told Felix I’d do all the cooking today.”

  “I think that’s a good idea, Beulah.”

  Drina smiled. “I can help, too.”

  “I appreciate it, Miz Drina, but I don’t want you to hurt your wrist.”

  “Actually, it feels better this morning.”

  “Well, maybe you can stir the stew or something.”

  Milly entered with the condiments. “Somebody’s coming up the road. Do you want me to go see who it is?”

  Beulah stood. “No, Milly. Go back in the kitchen. Nobody needs to see you here. I’ll go.”

  Milly obeyed.

  In a matter of minutes, Beulah returned, followed by the sheriff.

  “Good morning, Zane.”

  He removed his hat, nodded and said, “’Morning, Aaron. Ma’am.”

  “You’re getting an early start today.”

  “Wanted to get out here before your men trampled the ground around the destruction sight too much.”

  “I’m afraid you’re too late. They were all over it patching the hole last night.”

  “I figured as much, that’s why I tried to get an idea of which tracks to follow before I left last night. I went by to ask Albert Running Bear to come out here, but his sister said he was in bed with a broken leg.”

  “That’s too bad, because if anybody could pick anything up, he could.”

  “Do you want a cup of coffee, sheriff?” Beulah asked.

  “I sure do.”

  “Well, have a seat here and I’ll pour you one.”

  “Looks like somebody was going to eat here.” Zane eyed the extra place setting.

  Beulah had always been a fast thinker so before anyone else could speak, she said, “We were gonna call Salty in here to eat so he could talk to Aaron about what had to be done this morning, but we just learned he’s already headed for town to get the lumber.” Beulah took the cup and poured coffee for him.

  “Yeah, I met Salty and a couple of your men on the way out here.”

  Aaron nodded. “They were gone by the time Drina and I got up.”

  Setting the coffeepot down, Beulah said, “If you’re hungry, you’re welcome to eat, Zane.”

  “Thank you, Beulah. It does look mighty good.”

  “Then, we’ll start passing the food.”

  “Didn’t happen to see the doctor on your way out, did you?” Aaron asked.

  “No. I think he’s tied up with Mrs. Vance.”

  Aaron lifted an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “That’s the thing. The doc hasn’t figured it out. Seems she and Brit were going into the dining room for supper last night and she fell. She hit her head on the table and passed out. Both Brit and the maid said she didn’t hit it hard, but she still hadn’t come to when I checked this morning. It’s all kind of strange.”

  “You don’t suppose she’d hit her head before going to the dining room, do you?” Drina spoke for the first time.

  “What makes you say that, Miz Wilcox?”

  “I guess it’s because old man Willham back in Georgia passed out after only bumping his head on a rafter over one of his horse stalls. His wife said he barely banged it. Come to find out, he’d argued with one of his neighbors over some land earlier in the day and the neighbor had cracked him over the head with the butt of his rifle. The first hit was the real reason for his unconsciousness.”

  “Did he live?”

  “Unfortunately, he died in eight days without waking up.”

  Zane frowned. “That’s something I’ll check into later, but right now I’ve got to figure out who tried to destroy your house.”

  Beulah picked up the coffee pot. “Pass me your cup and I’ll pour it for you.”

  Aaron said, “As soon as we eat, we’ll go survey the damage outside again. You need to do all your looking around before the men come back with the lumber.”

  “I’d planned to, but do you feel like it this morning?”

  Beulah threw back her head and laughed. “Lord have mercy, sheriff, now that he has those crutches he thinks he’s invincible. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him trying to break one of those wild horses out there in the next day or two.”

  Zane laughed. “He’s always thought he was the strongest man around.”

  Aaron shook his head. “I’m not so strong now. Just ask Drina. She practically had to carry me down the steps this morning.”

  “Now, Aaron, don’t tell me you would put her in such a predicam
ent. She’s not nearly big enough to carry you.”

  “Don’t pay any attention to him, Mr. Mason. He’s stretching it.” Drina smiled at him.

  “He’s always done that ma’am; and please, call me Zane. Everyone around here does most of the time.”

  Beulah frowned at him. “What do you mean most of the time?”

  “Well, you slip up once in a while and call me sheriff.”

  Drina smiled. “I’d be happy to call you Zane if you’ll return the favor and call me Drina.”

  “I’ll do that.” He filled his mouth and winked at Beulah. “This is good.”

  “You’ve always appreciated my cooking, big boy.” She turned to Drina. “He lived on the next ranch and him and Aaron were good friends. He sat at my table at least two or three times a week.”

  “It was because the old woman my uncle married couldn’t cook worth a da—I mean—worth a darn.”

  “Well, at least you moved on and made a good life for yourself.”

  “Does your uncle still live on the next ranch?” Drina looked at him.

  “Nah. He sold out to Aaron’s dad and moved with his woman to California. Haven’t heard a word from him since.”

  Aaron figured Zane didn’t want to talk about his childhood since it wasn’t so great so he changed the subject. “Do you think the last remaining Keller could have been involved with setting the dynamite to my house?”

  “I wouldn’t put it past him, but most folks think he’s moved on. He hasn’t been seen since the shoot-out here.”

  “I’m not sure he’d leave until he tried to avenge his pa’s death, if not his brother’s.”

  Zane picked up his coffee. “Sounds logical.”

  They finished eating and stood. Beulah got up and took her plate. “Don’t you want something else?”

  “No, thanks, Beulah. It was great.” Zane started toward the kitchen door behind Beulah.

  It was then Aaron remembered Milly. He didn’t know what to say, but Drina spoke up. “Aaron, since that man Zane mentioned can’t come to track the culprit, do you think Win might be able to help?”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  “Isn’t that the man who the Kellers tried to kill?”

  “Yes. He’s lived by himself in the mountains for a long time. He’s used to tracking for skins and I don’t know what else.”

  Zane nodded. “Sounds good. How do we find him?”

  “He’s probably in the bunkhouse. He’s been staying here.”

  Zane turned to Drina. “I appreciate you having me for breakfast, Drina.”

  “I hope you’ll visit again. Next time, maybe there won’t be somebody you have to hunt down.” She stood and reached for Aaron’s crutches.

  “I hope you’re right. I’ll thank Beulah on the way out.”

  Aaron took the crutches. “Thank you, honey.” Turning to Zane, he said, “Shall we go?”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  * * * *

  Drina followed them to the kitchen and glanced around. Beulah was busy pouring water into a pan. When the men put on their coats and went out the back door Drina turned to her. “Where’s Milly?”

  “She was afraid to stay in here, so she hid in my room.”

  “I’ll tell her to go upstairs until the sheriff leaves.” Drina move to the door in the back of the kitchen near the pantry and knocked.

  It opened slowly and Milly peeped around. “Is he gone?”

  “Not yet. He and Aaron are checking out the damage. I think you should go upstairs and stay until I let you know it’s safe.”

  Milly nodded and stepped out the door.

  “Did you get something to eat, Milly?” Beulah asked.

  “No.”

  Beulah dried her hands. “Then I’ll make you a plate and you can take it upstairs with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll start clearing the table.” Drina went back into the dining room.

  In a minute, Milly came through the room carrying a filled plate. “Thank you for all you and Beulah have done for me, Miz…I mean…Drina.”

  “You’re welcome, Milly.” She smiled at the woman. “I’ll come check on you soon.”

  Milly nodded. “I’ll be fine. I’ve been working on my new dress and this will give me some sewing time.”

  Drina finished clearing the table then carried the used dishes to the kitchen. “Here you go. I’ll go back and get the food that wasn’t eaten.”

  “You know you don’t have to do that, Miz Drina.”

  Drina chuckled. “We’ve been through this before, Beulah. You know I want to help you. I don’t have to be waited on.”

  Beulah didn’t say anything. She merely shook her head and dipped her hands into the soapy water.

  * * * *

  Brit came into Adeline’s room and found Fanny sitting beside the bed. Her eyes were closed and her head lolled back against the pink and purple upholstery of the overstuffed chair. He couldn’t help remembering the time he told Adeline her bedroom looked more like it belonged to a whore than one belonging to a refined lady. She’d been furious and informed him no soiled dove could ever afford the money that went into decorating her room in her special colors. He’d sneered at her tears and walked out with the parting words “Well, I guess it’ll be a pretty room to die in.”

  His lip curled. Now, here she lay on the big feather bed, not dead, but not alive either. She was just there. It wasn’t that Brit cared if she died, in fact he planned for her to die someday soon, but he didn’t want her to meet her maker until all the finances had been worked out.

  Every time he came into her room and saw her lying there with her pink satin bed jacket, her huge mass of auburn hair spread out on the pillow and those delicate hands on top of the violet crocheted coverlet he realized she was a beauty most men would be proud to be married to. But it only irritated him. Not because he didn’t realize how beautiful she was. Not because cared about her. Not because she never wanted him to visit her bed. But because he could’ve loved this woman if she’d once returned his interest. But she hadn’t. He knew she married him because her father insisted on it. He wanted a son-in-law who would bend to his every wish and do the dirty jobs required to make a success in the railroad business. Of course, obedient daughter that she was, she did what Barnabas Chesterfield wanted her to do. Feelings had never had a part in the couple’s life.

  Brit hadn’t loved her either, though he was intrigued by her beauty. But that ended as soon as he found out she only submitted to his love making on their honeymoon because her father told her it was her duty to do so. He later found the notes her father has written telling her she had to be his wife until the railroad was scheduled to go through Hatchet Springs. Daddy promised when he got the Wilcox ranch he’d move there to make it easier for his baby girl to stay married to the man. One note he’d read was the reason Brit had stuck out the marriage. It had said that as soon as the railroad was a reality, he was going to retire and turn the business over to her and her husband if Brit Vance turned out to be the kind of man Barnabas thought he was. He assured her she could then have anything money could buy, including the trips to Europe she wanted. He also vowed she would be rich because she and Brit would own everything.

  As he looked at his unconscious wife, Brit knew he wouldn’t own anything unless she lived. So the bulk of his irritation was from the fear she’d die before he could claim the money he’d suffered this marriage to get.

  Shaking himself to the reality of the morning, he said in a sharp voice. “Wake up, Fanny.”

  The maid jerked up and looked at him. “I must have…”

  “What would have happened if Mrs. Vance had awakened and wanted something? You were asleep. What good would you have done her?”

  “I’m sorry, sir.” She stood. “I’ll wash my face and—”

  “You’ll do no such thing. Get yourself downstairs and cook breakfast for me. I’ll sit with Mrs. Vance so I’ll know someone is here who’ll be alert
enough to take care of her.”

  Fanny scooted out of the room and Brit heard her choke back a sob as she rushed down the hall. He grinned. The plan he’d decided on last night was now beginning to take place. At least if asked, Fanny would tell everyone he was being overly attentive to his wife. His next step was to wire her father today. It would never do for her to die without her father knowing about the accident. And knowing her father, he’d start asking questions as soon as he arrived. He’d see the doctor first. Of course, Doc couldn’t tell him anything except what Brit had related to him. It was a good thing the doctor didn’t take the fact there was a minor injury on her head as anything to cause her to fall into a coma. Fanny would be the next person he’d talk to. So the seed was planted and he had no doubt it would grow rapidly. He’d soon be looked at as the grieving husband. Maybe this would impress Barnabas. At least, he hoped it would keep him his job and eventually let him find a way to get control of the railroad and Chesterfield’s millions… even when Adeline died.

  Chapter 23

  Aaron and Drina sat by the fire content in the silence, except for the constant hammering in the background. She was finishing up the dress she’d sewed and he lay the paper he’d read aside and opened the letter Salty brought back from town. Before he could start reading it, Milly came into the room.

  She twirled around and asked, “How do I look?”

  Drina looked up at her and Aaron glanced over his letter.

  “Oh, Milly, it’s lovely. You don’t look like—I mean…”

  Milly laughed. “You’re right, Miz … I mean… Drina. I don’t look like a whore wearing this dress.”

  Drina turned pink and Aaron said, “You look nice, Milly. I’m sure Gus will be pleased.”

  “Oh, thank you, Mr. Wilcox. I can’t wait to show it to him, but now I’m going in the kitchen and show Beulah.”

  “Show Beulah what?” Beulah asked as she came into the sitting room.

  “My dress. See?” Milly twirled again.

  “Well, well, I must say you look plum pretty. Just like a happy ranch wife.”

  “Oh, Beulah, thank you.” She ran over and hugged the startled woman. “That’s just what I’m going to be. Gus and I will be very happy. I’m sure of it.”