by Carré White
He sat next to me, stretching his boots out before him. “Uh-huh.”
“You’re impossibly annoying.”
The hint of a grin lingered around his mouth. “You should go to dinner with your pa. Mrs. Harris sounds like a nice woman.”
“Really? Do you know her?” A brittle edge laced my tone.
“Nope.”
“Then how can you make that assertion? You’ve never met her.”
“If your pa likes her, she must be nice.”
I closed my eyes, rubbing my forehead with the tips of my fingers. “I really don’t know much about her. She’s been widowed for a while. Her husband was a miner or something. I don’t know. Amelia will be shocked when she hears. I can’t believe this has been going on. I wonder how long they’ve been … cavorting?”
“Does it really matter?”
“It’s unseemly, Micah. He should be mourning for my mother, not chasing after women.”
“It’s been more than a year. Most widowed men remarry after a short period of time.”
“And most widowed women remain so indefinitely. What does that say about men? Are they so helpless they can’t get along without a woman?” I added bitterly, “Even the ones with wives still go to the brothel. It’s shameful. Your sex should be ashamed.” I glanced at Micah to assess his reaction, because I had just spoken bluntly, and I knew it.
“Don’t lump us all in together. All men are not cut from the same cloth.”
“The more I see of the world, the more I know I’m right. Perhaps, I won’t marry at all. I’d never wish to share my husband with some toothless prostitute or a lonely widow.”
“You’re angry with Silas. You’re upset with your pa. These emotions shall pass. You shouldn’t judge people you don’t know. Even if you know them, you shouldn’t judge. Mrs. Harris makes your father happy. So let him be happy. Life’s too short to be miserable.”
He had hit on the crux of the matter. I wasn’t happy. I stared glumly into the distance, seeing a vast prairie that stretched towards jagged, desolate mountains. His arm rested on the bench behind me, his hand touching my shoulder.
“Saffron?”
“Just because you saved me from death doesn’t mean you can force your way into my life. What I do and think and feel is my business.”
“That’s true.”
“I owe you a debt of gratitude, but I don’t need to be lectured on issues that have nothing to do with you.” I got to my feet feeling irritated all over again.
“You’re very stubborn.” He grinned slightly.
“You’re nosy.”
“I think you’re beautiful.”
My mouth fell open, and I stared at him.
“Let’s go to dinner.” He got to his feet, holding out a hand. “Don’t be a joykill.”
“Ouf!” I stalked away, but he followed one step behind. “This doesn’t mean I agree with you.” My arms swung at my sides.
“All right.”
“I’ll have supper with this woman, but don’t think I’ll give pa my blessing.”
“I see.”
“I can’t wait to tell Amelia about this. She’ll be so mad. She’ll want to scratch her eyes out.”
“The Fossett women are rather bloodthirsty.”
I stifled a laugh, not wanting to admit he had gotten the better of me. He seemed to understand my moods rather well, and somewhere, deep in my consciousness, I knew he was right about everything. I had only known him for a week, and yet, he had become a fast friend in many regards. Something about him appealed to me, but I would never admit it openly.
“Do you know where she lives?”
“I do.”
“Is that where we’re heading?”
We approached the livery. “Yes.”
“I’m glad you changed your mind.”
“Well, I’ve some time to pass, and this is one way to do it.” Reaching the boardwalk, several people turned to glance our way. The shops had begun to close, the owners pulling down the shades in the windows. “What else is there to do? My beau’s having supper with his family. They have a dining room that seats a hundred, but they can’t spare a chair for me, so…” I shrugged, “it looks like I’ll be dining with you and pa and some woman he’s taken up with.”
“I’m sorry, Saffron.”
“Oh, no you’re not. You’re pleased as punch. You’ve made it rather clear you’d like to court me. You think I’ll change my mind about Silas, don’t you?”
“I … that would be nice.”
“And then court you?”
“That would be even nicer.” A boyish, roguish grin split his face.
I stopped walking. “I want to be clear about this, Mr. Blaylock. I’m not interested in wasting my time with someone who only wants to seduce me. That’s the last thing I want. I’m looking for a husband. I want a home and children and some sense of security. What exactly do you have to offer a woman?”
That had taken him by surprise. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”
“Like you said, life’s too short.”
“I want what you want. I may not have the means to buy a town, but I can provide for a woman or die trying. Our house might be on the small side for a while, until I can build something bigger, but I can give you a house. I can give you children.” He grinned. “As many as you want.”
Although we stood in a public place and people strode by, some casting interested glances our way, it seemed like we were entirely alone. I stared into his eyes, drowning in the warmth of his smile. It felt like I had swallowed warm honey, laced with whiskey, my insides tingling pleasurably. Someone’s shouting drew me out of the trance, and I lowered my head guiltily.
“We should go.”
He fell into step beside me. “Lead the way.”
Mrs. Harris lived in a small house on the end of Main Street, where a series of square-shaped lots had been strung together, connected by wooden fences and tiny yards. Pa sat on the front porch, waving to us, as we approached. He seemed utterly at ease here, and I sensed he had spent a great deal of time with Mrs. Harris, although I had only just discovered the truth. This explained why he went to town so often and why he occasionally skipped having meals with us.
“You came,” he said.
“Yes, Micah convinced me. I’m still shocked by it all, and it certainly explains a few things.”
He got to his feet, sliding his hands into his pockets. “You would’ve found out sooner or later. I’m sorry about the surprise. I’ve been meaning to tell you and your sister. I just didn’t know how to broach the subject.”
Mrs. Harris appeared then, wearing a gray calico dress and a white apron. “Hello, Saffron,” she said with a smile. “Eli said you might come to supper. I’ve plenty of food. It’s such a pleasure to cook again.” She glanced at Micah. “And you too, sir. I’ve extra chairs for everyone.”
I had never spoken with Mrs. Harris before, but I had seen her at church and social functions often enough. She had always been a friendly, pleasing type of woman, but I had never given her more thought than that. Even mother hadn’t known her well, when she had been alive. Paying close attention for the first time, I had to admit she was handsome, with a slightly wrinkled, yet appealing face and shining, warm eyes. I could see why pa would find her attractive. Tall and slender, she carried herself with grace.
I felt Micah’s hand touch my back, propelling me forward gently. “She won’t bite,” he whispered near my ear.
“No, of course not.” Now I felt badly for thinking ill of her and for my sour mood in general, but Micah had guessed the source of my unhappiness. My beau had cast me aside this evening, and his relations had found me lacking. It had been a bitter pill to swallow, and I had done it tactlessly. “I’m sorry for being so rude to you.”
“It’s already forgotten.”
I took to the steps, facing pa and Mrs. Harris. “Thank you for inviting us on such short notice.”
“I’m glad Eli finally said
something. I’ve been wanting to speak to you for a while now. And your sister and brother.”
“I didn’t know.”
She held open the door, and the aroma of something savory lingered in the air. “Come on in. I’ve pot roast with potatoes and greens. It’s far too much for me to eat alone.”
A simply furnished parlor greeted us with an upholstered sofa and chair. A small dining table in the kitchen held four place settings. Tidy and clean, she had set the table with matching dishes and a small arrangement of wildflowers in a metal canister in the center. Never having been in this house before, I glanced around, noting a sampler on the wall and a framed piece of art, which depicted a pastoral scene.
Micah held out a chair for me. “Thank you.”
“Would you care for something to drink? I’ve ice tea and whiskey and wine.” She placed several glasses on the table. “Or coffee, but I was going to make it with dessert.”
Pa grinned, sitting across from me. “Poor Saffron looks flummoxed. I’ve shocked her rather profoundly today. I hadn’t meant to tell you my secret just yet. Now you’re gonna have supper with your pa and his woman, eh?”
His woman … “I didn’t suspect a thing. You men are crafty. Have you always lived a double life?” I heard Micah sigh beside me, and I refused to look at him.
“I met Maggie a few months ago. I’ve nothing to hide.” There was an edge to his tone, his humor having vanished.
“I can understand your suspicion,” said Mrs. Harris, placing a bowl of mashed potatoes in the center of the table. “I’m sorry you lost your mother, Saffron. I attended her funeral. I’d always admired her from afar. I never had the pleasure of knowing her. I certainly don’t want to replace her. I could never do that, but your father and I are … happy together. It was time to let people know.”
“It’s just a shock,” I muttered. “It was the last thing I was expecting today.”
“Ice tea? Wine? Would you care for something to drink?”
“Whiskey sounds nice,” said Micah. “I’d love a splash of it, if you please.”
“Certainly.”
“I’ll have the ice tea,” said pa. He watched her move to and fro, his eyes glowing in a contented light. It was odd, but I felt a twinge of jealously at that moment. I glanced at Micah, who had been observing me.
“Well, I … is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”
Maggie gave pa his ice tea, while pouring whisky into a glass for Micah. “You, dear? What would you like?”
“I’ll have wine, thank you.”
“Certainly.”
Pa sat back, his smile resolute. “I’ve asked Maggie to marry me. So, yes, there’s more you need to know. Might as well put all my cards on the table.”
Micah seemed to expect some sort of outburst from me, placing his hand over mine. “I … suppose congratulations are in order.” Goodness. I’m about to get a stepmother.
“Thank you, Saffron. I appreciate that.”
Micah squeezed my hand, which felt reassuring. “This smells wonderful,” he said. “Everything looks lovely, Mrs. Harris.”
Maggie smiled, setting a wine glass before me. “Thank you, Mr. Blaylock. I hope you like it.”
“Micah. It’s just Micah.”
I could find little fault with Mrs. Harris, and pa had every right to move forward with his life and find happiness. I just wished … I wished the same for myself, but I had little control over the outcome, and I suspected I would have to pray on the issue for some sort of resolution.
Chapter Fourteen
Micah escorted me to the theatre a while later, after I had spent dinner with my father and his new ladylove. The streets had emptied, but a few carriages and wagons ambled by. A group of people had gathered before the theatre, waiting in an orderly line.
“Thank you for dinner,” said Micah.
“I didn’t make it. Pa invited you.”
His chagrinned look spoke volumes. “You enjoyed my company. You enjoyed Mrs. Harris too. Admit it.”
“She’s pleasant.” We stepped onto the boardwalk, our boots clomping on the wood, which stood two feet above the ground. “Pa likes her. I guess she’s going to be my new mother. I wonder if she’ll move to the farm?”
“I imagine so.”
“I really need a home of my own. I can’t imagine living with some strange woman. I wonder what Amelia will think of it? I wonder what Tom will think?”
“Your sister seems like a reasonable woman. I’m sure she’ll adjust. Boys are easy. They just want food. She’s a good cook.”
“I suppose.” I craned my neck, searching for Silas. “I have my doubts about tonight.”
“The elusive beau.”
“He’s here somewhere.”
“If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight. I’d be petrified some man might steal you away right from under my nose. Mr. Hefferman should be more careful.”
“And you think you can do that?” I found that boastful statement amusing. “You think so much of yourself then? You’re a great catch, hum?”
“I’m not rich, but I know how to love and treat a woman.” We had stopped walking, standing before the mercantile, just a few stores away from the theatre. “My girl would know how much she’s loved and cherished. She’d never have cause to frown or look forlorn. She’d never be lonely. She’d never have to wonder where I was, because I’d be with her. Always.”
Perhaps I’d had too much wine, but his words struck me deeply. He had verbalized exactly how I felt. He had said all the things I wanted to hear. Feeling awkward and strangely on the verge of tears, I struggled to find the appropriate words, deciding I had nothing to add, but uttering, “That’s … nice.”
“You deserve so much more.”
I met his gaze, but then I wished I hadn’t. His look told me everything I wanted to know. He had offered himself quite openly, promising the moon and the stars. I didn’t doubt his sincerity for a moment. With effort, I forced my thoughts in another direction. “I should go. Silas is waiting for me.” I glanced towards the theatre. “Thank you for accompanying me this evening. I enjoy talking to you, even though you annoy me at times.”
He leaned against a wood beam, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re rather opinionated yourself. We’re not the enemy, you know. You’ve just not found the right man yet.”
I pursed my lips. “This is how we’ll say goodnight? It’s like poking a hornet’s nest. If you keep talking, I’ll be angry all over again.” It was better to tease him, provoke him, rather than wanting him to hold me. Anger was a far safer emotion than … those other feelings.
“I apologize.” He grinned. “I like you all riled up. You’re rather passionate about things. I find that appealing.”
I had to stop listening to him, stepping from the boardwalk. “Goodbye, Micah.”
“Who’s taking you home?” He pushed himself from the beam.
I hadn’t thought of that. “I … I believe Silas will or I could ask pa for a ride.” I stopped in the street, staring at Micah. How would I get home?
“I’ll be in the saloon, if you need me.”
“I’m sure I won’t have to bother you.”
“That dandy could care less about your welfare. He wouldn’t trouble himself to take you home. I expect to see you in two hours or so.”
“No you won’t.” Now I was properly angry. “We’ll not meet again for … some time. Silas shall take me home. Good evening, sir.”
I stalked away, hearing him say, “I’ll be waiting for you, Saffron.”
Ignoring that, I continued to walk towards the theatre, where Silas waited by the door with his sister and her two friends. They looked like a tight group, leaning in and chatting, while laughing. Feeling like an outsider, I approached, hopeful he would see me.
“There you are,” said Silas, grinning. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“I had supper with my pa and his lady friend.”
“Mrs. Harris?”
I sucked in a breath. “Y-yes. How did you know that?”
“Everyone knows they’re courting. It’s not a secret.”
I hadn’t known, and it irritated me that I had been left in the dark. “Oh.”
He smiled contritely. “I didn’t want to mention it, because it wasn’t my place. I assumed he would tell you when he felt it necessary. It is his prerogative to do as he wishes, my dear. A man hardly needs permission to live his life.”
Having already been in a foul mood, I chose to ignore that comment, but it bothered me immensely. The doors to the theatre opened at that moment, and a rush of excitement filtered through the crowd.
“You’ll not find anything as diverting as provincial music reviews,” commented Susan. “This shall be a treat for your ears.”
“I’m prepared for anything,” laughed Clarissa. “It’s all been one big adventure so far.”
“Indeed.” Jane Philips nodded, although I sensed they made fun of our small town, finding it wanting in every respect.
Silas escorted me into the building, which had been constructed of wood, with wooden floors and walls, the lobby decorated in red draped velvet and a reception area, which wasn’t large. The theatre itself sat at the back of the building, with rows of seats and a stage with lengthy velvet draperies, which opened and closed. I had seen the Variety Music Cavalcade before, knowing what to expect. I assumed Clarissa and Jane would judge it rather harshly, having come from bigger cities with extravagant entertainments.
“Here we are, my dear,” said Silas, pointing to a row of seats near the stage.
“Thank you.” Before I sat, I glanced over my shoulder, spying several people I knew, including the sheriff’s wife and Doctor Walker and his wife, Grace.
Clarissa and Jane hadn’t sat yet when someone strode across the stage, and I recognized him at once. Sheriff Palmer stood before us, looking concerned, and I sensed he was about to impart some news.
“Ladies and gentleman. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening’s pleasure, but I have an announcement to make. An hour ago, I was informed of an incident at a farmhouse in Fern Valley. The attack occurred several days ago, but due to the isolation of the family, the bodies were not discovered until today.”
