Beauty and the Horseman's Head (Unnatural States of America Book 2)

by Holly Kelly

  Hope breathed a sigh of relief. “You are the best friend a girl could ever have.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Elizabeth turned and left through the door.

  Hope stepped over to the iron cauldron hanging over the fire and peeked in. A lamb’s hindquarter was simmering in liquid surrounded by vegetables. From the looks of it, it had about fifteen minutes to go.

  Curiosity pulled her to the door. It creaked as she cracked it open and peeked through. Elizabeth was speaking with Eli. He looked serious and then nodded his head and said something. If only Hope could hear what they were saying!

  Elizabeth continued to talk. And then Eli said something that upset Elizabeth. She visibly paled. She said a few more words, gave a weak smile, and left the table. When Hope realized she was heading her way, she closed the door and waited.

  Elizabeth rushed in and shut the door. Leaning against the frame, she pressed her hand over her heart.

  “So, what is it? Is he still searching for me?”

  “Oh, yeah. He’s still searching.”

  “Then he is claiming I am his wife.”

  Elizabeth shook her head adamantly. “No, he’s had his marriage with you annulled.”

  “Then why would he be searching for me?”

  Elizabeth’s eyes raised to hers, her expression frantic. “You are to hang for the murder of your father.”

  Chapter 6

  “What?” Hope screeched.

  “Shh!” Elizabeth hissed. “You don’t want him to hear you, do you?”

  “How can he say I killed my father? My father died from a gunshot sustained in battle.”

  “He said there’s three witnesses who saw you pull the trigger. And when he confronted you about it, you attacked him and fled.”

  “He’s lying.”

  “You don’t think I know that?” Elizabeth asked. “You could not shoot your father any more than I could shoot mine. No, this man is vindictive. He looks rich and proud. He probably could not accept the fact that there was a woman who did not bow down at his feet and worship the ground he walked on.”

  “They cannot hang me without a trial,” Hope said. “Maybe I should turn myself in.”

  “Are you crazy? With witnesses, including your husband’s word, it’d be an open and shut case. He’s right, you would hang.”

  “So, what do I do now?”

  “You have to leave.”

  “What? Why can I not just wait until he leaves?”

  “He’s here for you. Someone recognized you here in town and told him where to find you. I told him you did not work here any longer, that you had moved on, but I don’t know if he believed me. You must leave. Now.”

  “But I have nowhere else to go!”

  Elizabeth’s brows pressed together as she took a deep breath. “I have a cousin in Tarrytown. Just tell her you are a friend of mine, and I know she’ll help you.”

  “Tarrytown?”

  “It’s in Westchester county, on the eastern side of the Hudson river.”

  Hope nodded, her heart crumbling away in her chest. Elizabeth gave her all the details, and Hope committed them to memory.

  “Now,” Elizabeth said, “take the back steps and go get your things.”

  “Now?”

  “Of course, now.” Elizabeth nudged her. “Go.”

  Hope turned to leave, but stopped when Elizabeth whispered, “Wait.”

  She turned around and Elizabeth threw her arms around her. “I may not see you again. I am going to miss you. You’ve been such a good friend.”

  Tears streamed down Hope's face. “I will miss you too. You are like the sister I never had.”

  “I feel the same.” Elizabeth blinked back her own tears. “Now go, before someone tells the snake you are here.”

  “Do you think they will?”

  “I don’t think so. Everyone out here knows and loves you. No one in this town would believe you capable of murder. Still, the risk is too high. You must go.”

  Hope nodded and rushed out the door. She packed up all her belongings. Her mind felt numb, and it seemed she had a black hole in her chest where her heart once resided. Who would love and inspire Racheal now? Her parents certainly wouldn't. Who would encourage Kaleb to follow his dream to become a doctor? She was needed here! But she could not help her students if she were dead. She finished packing all her possessions—which weren't much. She’d always told herself she did not need worldly belongings. All she needed was a good heart, strong body, and good friends. Now she must leave her good friends behind.

  Hope slung her heavy bag over her shoulder and slipped out the door.

  Nightfall had settled over the town, and there were few about. Hope avoided the main road. She did not want to provide Eli a trail to follow. She just needed a ride. Hope knew a number of men who would be willing to take her wherever she asked. Most of them wanted to court her. This was a small town, with few prospects for a wife.

  But only one man had a heart of gold and no false hopes of pursuing her.

  She walked over a mile out of town. The full moon guided her to a little farmhouse. She knocked on the door. A skinny old man opened it and smiled widely.

  “Hello, Mr. Henry.”

  “Blimy, young lass,” he said, his accent coming through strongly. “What are you doing sneaking about in the dark alone?” He curiously eyed the bulging bag in her arms.

  Hope’s smile faded away. “I am in need of a ride to the next town.”

  He frowned at the request, then turned and grabbed his musket. “Who do I need to kill to keep you here?”

  Hope shook her head. She was almost certain he was not serious. “I don’t want you to kill anybody. I am afraid my past has come to take retribution out on me. And it’s in mine and everyone’s best interest for me to leave.”

  He opened his mouth to argue, but she quickly said, “There is no other way. And don’t ask me specifics. The less you know, the better off you are.”

  Mr. Henry scowled and then sighed. “I always knew there was somein’ you were hiding. But I also know a good soul when I see one.” He shook his head. “May your tormentors die with worms in their guts.”

  Hope chuckled. “I am really going to miss you, Mr. Henry.”

  “We don’t have to say our goodbyes yet, Mrs. Jones. So, where ya headin’?”

  “I need to get to Tarrytown.”

  “Hmm. That is a full day’s journey. We’ll be needin' ample supplies.”

  “I cannot ask you to take me the whole way.”

  “You don’t have to ask me, I am volunteering. You think I would drop a young innocent off in a strange town to fend for herself? What kind of man do ya take me for?”

  “I didn't mean anything by it. I just didn't want to inconvenience you.”

  “It’s no inconvenience. Mable could do with the exercise, and I could do with the company.”

  Tears welled in Hope's eyes as her heart filled her chest.

  Mr. Henry turned a scowling face at her. “Now, you know I cannot abide tears.“She blinked them back. “I wasn’t crying.”

  “I certainly hope not,” he said, turning back to gather salted meat, cheese, and apples from his cupboards.

  Hope helped him load the wagon, and Mr. Henry got Mable from her stall. She was a stout, older horse and Mr. Henry’s best friend. Hope held the lantern while he attached the harness. When they were ready, Mr. Henry assisted her into the carriage and then followed. Lifting the lamp, he opened the glass and blew the flame out.

  “Why did you do that?” Hope asked.

  “We don’t want anyone to see us in our travels, do we?”

  “We might if it means not colliding with another carriage.”

  “Mable has her bells on, we will be fine, Missy. Besides, look at that full moon. Providence is with us.”

  “I sure hope so,” she said.

  Hours into their journey, Hope was jostled awake. She lifted her head from Mr. Henry’s shoulder and straightened up. “I am sorry,” s
he mumbled when she realized she’d been sleeping against the old man.

  He chuckled. “No need to apologize. Do you know how long it’s been since I held a beautiful woman while she slept?”

  “How long is that?” she asked, holding back a smile.

  “Never you mind.” He scowled at her with a twinkle in his eye.

  Hope brushed her hair back from her face and straightened her skirts. “How long have we been traveling?”

  “Sun’s been up for close to an hour. You are welcome to some meat and cheese.”

  Hope’s stomach growled in response to the mention of food. “Thank you. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help.”

  “Oh, now. I will hear none of that. I was feeling a touch of cabin fever anyway. You are doing me a favor.”

  Hope pulled out the food sack, broke off a piece of cheese, and began to nibble. “How much farther is Tarrytown?”

  “I would say we are nearly there. I was hopin’ you would stay asleep until we got into town.”

  “You dreaded my conversation that much?”

  “Oh, now shush! You know I did not mean it that way.”

  Hope chuckled. “I know. I was just teasing.”

  “It’s not right to tease an old man.”

  “You are no old man,” she said.

  “I have got boots older than you, Missy.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.”

  “It’s true. The boots we got in the king’s army were sturdy pieces of work.”

  “You fought in the king’s army?” Hope’s eyes widened in surprise. Images of her dying father filled her mind.

  “I was a red coat, but that was before the Revolution.” He turned his narrowed eyes on her. “Don’t think me a loyalist. I saw the way the colonists were treated. I retired from the king’s army decades before and stayed to make my home here with my Abitha, God rest her soul. When the war broke out, I was an old man, but I did my part to help my fellow colonists.”

  “I never doubted you did.”

  “Oh, now, lying’s a sin.” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe I was surprised to hear you were a redcoat, but I never doubted your kindness and integrity.”

  “Now don’t be going overboard. I ain’t kind. I am a crotchety old man.”

  “Who is willing to drive a young lady a full day’s journey to assist her.” Hope patted his hand.

  He shook his head. “Like I told you. Mable and I needed the exercise.”

  Hope smiled and glanced around at the deeply wooded area, with wildflowers sprouting in abundance. “Well, this is beautiful country. What better place to get your exercise?”

  “It is lovely country, though it looks like the folks here are wasteful people.”

  “How do you know?”

  He gestured toward the road. The remnants of a rotting, smashed pumpkin were strewn across the dirt path.

  “That is very large,” Hope said, shaking her head. “That could have made several fine pies.” Seconds later, the squash was further destroyed under the wagon wheels.

  Unease settled in Hope’s chest as they continued. Trees towered over them like a canopy, and a covered bridge came into view. The disquieting feeling increased as they neared. Nailed to the bridge entrance was a weathered, wooden sign with the name Sleepy Hollow painted in white.

  Chapter 7

  The darkness inside the cavern of the bridge seemed especially thick, and Henry moved a hair’s width closer to her, as if sensing her unease. Hope caught movement from the right, and her heart took a leap. A lanky, shadowy figure disappeared into the trees at their approach. Perhaps they’d startled the man.

  Neither she nor Henry spoke. It was as if they did not want to awaken the spirits who resided there. Hope pressed her lips together. Her imagination ran rampant. She knew better than to entertain such thoughts. Ghosts did not exist. When one died, they went to their Maker or to the fiery pits of Satan. They did not inhabit glens and covered bridges.

  It was several minutes before her spirits lightened once again. As they continued, they passed a small church and several small houses, smoke billowing from their chimneys.

  “So where does this friend of yours live?” Mr. Henry asked.

  “It’s actually Elizabeth’s cousin. She said she lives in the center of town, in the largest house on the main road.”

  “Doesn’t sound too hard to find.”

  In minutes, they pulled up to a very large, extravagant home. The clapboards were painted bright white, the shutters the color of bluebells around wide windows.

  Hope straightened her gown and patted down her hair. Mr. Henry accompanied her to the front door, and she knocked. A woman opened the door. She looked to be close to thirty years of age, with dark brown hair and a rounded belly heavy with child.

  “Rebekah?”

  The woman nodded. “Yes? Do I know you?”

  “I am a friend of Elizabeth. My name is Hope, and this is Mr. Henry.”

  “Oh, Elizabeth, my favorite cousin!” Her countenance brightened. “Is she coming?”

  “No, I am sorry. She’s not. She told me you could help me.”

  Rebekah’s brows pressed together. “Are you in trouble?”

  “Something like that. I need a place to stay while I get settled.”

  “Here, come on in. You and your friend make yourselves at home.”

  “Thank you.” She sat down on a sofa, and Henry took a seat in a sturdy wooden chair.

  “You are planning to remain here in Tarrytown?” Rebekah asked.

  “Yes, I am,” Hope answered.

  “Is your husband following?”

  Hope shook her head. “I am widowed. I will be looking for lodging and work.”

  “Work? Well, we find ourselves in need of a school teacher. I don’t suppose you have experience teaching.”

  “I just left a teaching job in—” She stopped herself before giving out too much information. She should have thought up an acceptable story.

  “She’s a fine teacher,” Mr. Henry said, rescuing her from her blunder. “The whole town was heartbroken when she had to leave.”

  “Did you like instructing children?”

  “I adore it.”

  “Perfect. And with this kind gentleman’s recommendations, I am sure you’ll be an answer to many a prayer.”

  Hope felt a great measure of relief. Perhaps there was a silver lining on this dark storm cloud after all.

  “Normally you would lodge with your students, moving from home to home. But I have a feeling you’ll need more privacy than that affords.”

  “I would prefer it.”

  Rebekah scrunched her eyebrows together. “I do know of a place. My husband owns property out in Sleepy Hollow. There is a cabin there. It’s neglected, but it’s a fine, sturdy building.”

  “Would your husband object to me lodging there?”

  She shook her head. “He hasn’t visited the place in years. I am sure he won’t care. It will need a good washing, and some attending to, but I am confident it will fit your needs.”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  “Will Mr. Henry be needing a place to stay?” Rebekah asked.

  “Just for tonight,” he said. “Mable needs her rest, but we head back tomorrow.”

  “Mable?” Rebekah asked.

  “His horse,” Hope said.

  “Ah,” Rebekah answered.

  “Well, let’s get you fed. And you both can stay with me for the night.”

  “Missus?” a voice called out from somewhere inside the house.

  “Agnes?” Rebekah called back. “I have some folks I would like you to meet.”

  A white-haired woman with a rounded body and sparkling eyes stepped into the room. She looked to be nearly the same age as Mr. Henry. Her eyes inspected them as she said, “Why, hello. Are you friends of Rebekah?”

  Hope stood and took her weathered hand in hers. “I am Hope, and this is Mr. Henry. We are actually friends of Rebekah’s cousin.”r />
  “This is Agnes,” Rebekah said. “My dearest friend.”

  “Your housemaid, dearie.”

  “You are so much more than a housemaid.”

  “And you are so much more charitable than any other employers I have ever had.”

  Rebekah shook her head. “Agnes’s been with me since my mother died when I was five.” She turned to Agnes. “Hope will be renting the cabin in Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Henry will be leaving tomorrow.”

  Mr. Henry took Agnes’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet such a fine woman.”

  Agnes giggled. Hope could not help but smile at the woman. She may be an old woman, but from the looks of it, she hadn’t forgotten what it was like to be a school girl.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Henry,” Agnes said. “The meal is nothing fancy,” she snuck a quick glance at Mr. Henry, “but, there’s plenty for everyone.”

  “We don’t want to inconvenience you,” Hope said.

  “Nonsense,” Agnes said. “It’s not an inconvenience at all.”

  Mr. Henry offered Agnes his arm. “It would be my pleasure to accompany a woman as fine as you to dinner.”

  Hope held back a laugh. Mr. Henry was sure laying on the charm. If only he could stay. He could use some happiness in his life. He’d been alone for a terribly long time.

  * * * * *

  The cabin was tucked between two towering hills lush with trees. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in a decade. Limbs were scattered across the rooftop. Leaves and debris had blown inside the open door. Foliage grew all around, including right in front of the door. But Rebekah was right, it was a sturdy home with logs the width of dinner plates. There were no cracks between them, either. Someone had gone to a lot of work to build this cabin properly. Hope wondered why no one lived there now. Cabins of this quality were never forgotten, but somehow this one had been.

  “It’s not much to look at,” Rebekah began.

  “It’s perfect,” Hope said.

  Rebekah smiled. “I am glad you like it. I would like to help you clean it out, but my midwife has me doing minimal labor.”

  “Oh, not to worry,” Hope said. “I will be fine on my own. You’ve already done so much. Though we haven’t discussed the price.”