Shadow of Deceit (Shadow #2)

by Barbara Goss

  “Tell me about yourself,” he said as they slowly walked.

  “I’m a minister’s daughter, but you knew that,” Violet said. “I have two sisters, Ivy and Rose. We came here last spring from Leavenworth. Ivy married Jonas Armstrong a few weeks ago, and Jonas is our pianist and director of music at church. Our families get along very well, and we are always doing things together. My father and George Armstrong are now best friends, and Jonas’s mother and my mother are starting a gardening club this spring.” She sighed. “I love little Zoe. Caleb and Jonas are the brothers I never had. Everything seems so right. Like a puzzle when all the pieces fit.”

  “What about you?” Miles asked. He wanted to know more about her, not her family.

  “I just finished school in January, and I’m trying to get my teaching certificate. My family is unhappy about that, because there are no teaching jobs here in Abilene, since the positions are all filled. So I may have to take a job elsewhere. I think it will break my parents’ hearts. But I have to move on with my life.

  “Now,” she said, “How about you?”

  “Ah, my life is boring compared to yours, and not as happy,” he said. She gave him a sympathetic look so he added, “but not terribly sad—just lackluster.

  “I came to Abilene almost six years ago, from Hays. My mother died and I have no idea if my father is alive or dead since he ran off looking for gold in California. I came to Abilene with Michael Green, an old school chum, do you know him?”

  She shook her head.

  “He lives just west of Abilene, has a ranch out towards Solomon. I came with him and didn’t take to the farming job he gave me, so I applied for the job at the bank. I was always good in math. I’ve been there ever since. See, I told you it was boring,” he said.

  “It isn’t,” she said. “Do you have any siblings?”

  “I have a sister, who is staying with me—but right now she’s on her way to Hays to pick up my younger brother, Billy. I think she is going to stay here in Abilene because she just got betrothed to none other than Caleb Armstrong.”

  “No!” she exclaimed. “I hadn’t heard about that! Does anyone know yet?” she asked.

  “Uh oh. Maybe not,” he covered his mouth and then laughed. “Maybe you should wait to tell anyone until I check with Julia. I thought they’d announce it right away.”

  “I didn’t even know he was seeing someone. I’m so happy for him. I love Caleb. He is such a good, honest, and kind man,” she said. “My family thinks the world of him. Like I said, our families are close.”

  Miles’s conscience started nagging him. He was sorry that his sister was using Caleb, and he’d helped her to do it. And this woman, the one he was sure that he loved already, idolized the man. If she ever found out that Julia was just using Caleb, and that he assisted in his downfall. She’d hate him. How could he fix this?

  “Hey,” he said. “We’ve been so busy talking we can’t even hear the music anymore. I think we should head back, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” she said and turned with him to walk in the opposite direction. They were now walking along the road about a quarter mile from the drive that let to the dance.

  “So, Julia and Billy are your whole family?” she asked.

  “Yes. Julia took over caring for us after my mother died, but Billy—he’s always been the black sheep of the family, so to speak, he’s always into some type of trouble. That’s why Julia went to get him. He’s better off here where we can keep our eye on him.”

  “I think your story is anything but boring, and I loved hearing Caleb’s news. I am so happy for him. Do you know what he told me at Jonas and Ivy’s wedding?”

  “No.”

  “He sat next to me and said, ‘do you think any woman would ever marry someone like me, with a limp?’”

  “He said that?”

  “Yes. My heart went out to him,” she said. “I wished I could fall for him myself, because I wouldn’t mind his limp at all, but he is just too much of a brother to me to even think of him in any other way.”

  “He sounds like a good man. I met him, and liked him, but I don’t know him well,” Miles said.

  “He’d give you the roof over his head if you needed it,” she said.

  “He does sound like a good person,” Miles said, feeling the guilt heavy on his shoulders.

  “And I want to thank you for tonight,” she said, smiling at him in the moonlight.

  “Me? Why?”

  “You made my first barn dance a success. It’s just like I told my parents—you don’t have to dance to have fun.”

  She got up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, again.” She grabbed his hand and they ran down the lane to the barn. Although, Miles thought his feet never touched the ground. He seemed to float on clouds. Could she really feel the same about him as he did about her? Could he be that lucky?

  Then he thought about the mess when it came out eventually that Julia used the man she thought of as a brother. Violet would hate him. What could he do? He wanted to beat the daylights out of Billy for causing all this trouble.

  “Where did you go?” Peggy asked.

  Violet still watched Miles ride out to the road. He’d said good-bye, and that he looked forward to seeing her again. She suddenly became aware that Peggy had spoken to her. “What?” Julia asked.

  “Where did you disappear to?” Peggy asked again.

  “Miles Croft and I went for a walk,” she said. She rolled her eyes and whispered, “I think I’m in love, Peggy. He is so handsome and so personable. I’ve always noticed him at the bank, but pretended I hadn’t. I didn’t want him to think I’d been watching him for some time.”

  “I’ve noticed him at the bank too,” Peggy said. “Well, he really stands out because all the rest of the tellers are over fifty, I think.” They both giggled.

  “I know. How could you not notice him?” Violet said. “I hope I see him again. I so enjoyed our chat and he seems to like me—in a shy way. I like shy men. Most of the young men in our group are so bold and think they are God’s gift to women.”

  “I agree,” Peggy said. “I’ve gone for carriage rides with a young man named Jeremiah Walker. His father owns the hardware store. He didn’t come tonight though. I’m hoping he asks me to ride with him again.”

  “I actually kissed him on the cheek, Peggy,” she said. “I can’t imagine where that idea came from, but because he is so shy, I had to give him encouragement.”

  “Did he say anything before he left about seeing you again?” Peggy asked.

  “Yes! I think my kiss did the trick. He has invited me to ride with him in his buggy on Saturday. I can’t wait. Oh, what should I wear?”

  Caleb visited the jeweler and didn’t look at prices. He bought the ring he thought would be good enough for his betrothed. The jeweler was pleased, naturally, with the expensive purchase.

  He left the jewelers with the ring in his pocket. He missed Julia. She’d been gone for two weeks now. It was time to tell his family about her. He’d put off telling them because he knew they’d want to meet her as soon as he told them. But, he craved to tell someone, so he would tell his family. Julia would be back soon; he was sure of it. He remembered the look in her eyes when they’d parted at the train station. Yes, she’d be back soon.

  He’d been invited to the Jeffries’ for dinner to celebrate Violet’s eighteenth birthday. Everyone would be there, so it would be the perfect time to announce his betrothal. He couldn’t wait to see the looks on their faces.

  He sat through the dinner patiently, and waited for the time when they all moved into the sitting room for coffee and tea. When they were all seated, and after Violet opened all her gifts, and thanked everyone, he stood.

  “You aren’t leaving us already?” Lavinia Jeffries asked.

  “No, I’d like to make an announcement. Is everyone ready?” He studied every face. They all looked puzzled except Violet. She smiled. It was as if she somehow knew, but of course she cou
ldn’t.

  Jonas tapped his foot impatiently. “Well?”

  “I’ve asked the most beautiful woman in the world, present company excluded, to be my wife, and she accepted. She loves me, limp and all,” he said.

  Caleb enjoyed watching their mouths hang open. It was several seconds before anyone spoke.

  Then they all said in unison, “Who?” Except, Violet. He thought that strange.

  “She’s new to Abilene, she came to visit her brother and has decided to stay here. Her name is Julia Croft. You will all love her,” Caleb said proudly. “I can’t wait for you to meet her. I feel so fortunate.”

  “I’ve met her,” Hiram Jeffries said, “She seems like a very nice young woman.”

  “She’s the fortunate one,” Violet said.

  Caleb smiled at her. “Thank you, Violet.”

  “So when do we meet her?” Jonas asked.

  “Yes, we’d love to meet her Caleb,” Ivy said.

  “She had to travel to the Hays area to bring her brother back here. When she returns, you’ll meet her,” He said. “Don’t start planning a wedding yet though, because since we haven’t known each other long, we’ve agreed on a longer than usual betrothal.”

  “I’ll have another dinner,” Lavinia said.

  “No, no,” Phoebe Armstrong, Jonas and Caleb’s stepmother, said. “It’s my turn.”

  “When will she return to Abilene?” George Armstrong asked.

  “As soon as she can tie up a few ends, collect Billy, and get on a fast train back to Abilene. I hope soon. I miss her.”

  After everyone had left the room except Violet, Caleb cornered her. “Happy Birthday, little sister,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she replied. “And thank you for the beautiful bracelet.”

  He nodded and then asked, “How did you know what my announcement would be?”

  She looked surprised. “Me? What makes you think I knew?”

  “I could tell that you were the only one who wasn’t surprised.”

  “All right. I did know, but I was sworn to secrecy.”

  “By whom, pray tell?”

  “I can’t say. I don’t want to get him into trouble.”

  “He? Oh, let me guess, and then you won’t be revealing his identity. Could he possibly be Miles Croft?” He asked.

  She nodded. “He and I are friends. He wasn’t aware that you hadn’t announced it yet.”

  Caleb smiled and ruffled her hair. “That’s fine. He seems nice.”

  Chapter 6

  Miles took Violet for a ride along the outskirts of town. When they came to a small stream, he pulled over.

  “Would you like to walk for a while?” he asked.

  “I’d love to.”

  They disembarked from the buggy, and Miles took her hand. She smiled up at him when he did, and Miles breathed again. He sensed her vibes, and was fairly sure she’d let him hold her hand, but there was always that chance that he would offend her. He was glad he took the chance.

  “Caleb came to dinner the other night and made the announcement,” Violet said.

  “He did?”

  “Every one was surprised and happy for him,” she said. “Look,” she held out her other arm, “he gave me this bracelet.”

  Miles glanced down at it, then brought her arm up for a closer look. “That’s a jewelry store bracelet. It must have cost a fortune. It’s lovely.” He was afraid to ask the next question. “Is there something more to this gift?”

  “There is,” she said.

  Miles stopped walking and he dropped her hand. “What?”

  “It was my eighteenth birthday.”

  “Oh!” he said and grabbed her hand again. “Happy birthday!”

  She smiled and squeezed his hand.

  Miles spotted a log that looked dry, on the side of the path where they walked. “Would you like to sit for a while?”

  “Sure.” She sat down and he sat beside her.

  “I think I owe you a birthday kiss.” he said, and then held his breath. He made sure he made the question sound a bit like humor, just in case she was offended.

  “Maybe, just a little one,” she said, blushing.

  He leaned down slowly and pecked her lips. He pulled away quickly, and saw that her eyes were closed. That encouraged him to move in for a better kiss, which she returned, much to his delight. He had to concentrate on acting like he’d done this a million times.

  Although, he and his friend Michael had a few romps with saloon women, this was the first decent young lady he’d ever kissed. One behaved differently with a decent young lady.

  As they kissed, she touched his shoulder, and then she touched the back of his neck. Her touch made him increase the passion in his kiss. Before he knew it he had both arms around her and she had her arms around his neck.

  When their lips finally parted, Miles wanted to dive back in for more, but she stood. “Maybe we should walk some more,” she said.

  He stood. “Are we still all right? I mean, have I gone too far, too soon?”

  “Probably, but I enjoyed it.” She smiled at him.

  He searched her face. She seemed truly okay with it. “Boy,” he said. “Your eyes are really blue. They’re beautiful. I bet you hear that all the time.”

  “Only from family,” she said. She grabbed his hand. “I want to see if there are any frogs in the creek.”

  “It’s still winter, at least for a few more weeks. I think you’ll only find pollywogs,” he said.

  “Oh.” She looked at him with disappointment.

  “I’ll bring you back here when the frogs are out,” he said.

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  They then headed back to the buggy. After they were seated, Miles put his arm around her and drew her closer to him.

  “When will I get to meet your sister?” she asked. “I’m excited to meet her.”

  “She won’t be back for at least another week.”

  “I’m anxious to see the woman that put the joy back into Caleb’s life. You should have seen him the other night, he was elated,” she said. “You know, he’s always been pleasant and polite, yet, you could always see the loneliness and sadness in his face. That’s gone. I really can’t wait to see the woman who changed his life.”

  Miles, kept silent. He fought with his conscience again. He had to find a way to fix this. He couldn’t lose Violet. Sweet Violet with the bluest eyes he’d every seen. She was gentle, intelligent, pretty, and he liked being with her. He couldn’t risk losing it all when Julia either didn’t return, or she returned, and let Caleb down.

  On the ride home, Violet said, “My father told me that before Caleb met Julia, he wrote to three women, from the newspaper. You know, mail-order brides. I guess men still do that. But I suppose now he won’t bother answering any of the women he wrote to.”

  After a few days of fighting his conscience, Miles decided he had to take action. He couldn’t deal with this any longer. His first impulse was to go to the minister and ask him how to fix his problem, but since the reverend was Violet’s father—that would never do. He decided the only thing to do was tell Caleb himself. He’d promise to pay every penny back with a few dollars every week. This poor man had a chance to maybe meet someone more worthy with the mail-order women. He’d lose that chance if he kept waiting for Julia.

  Six weeks had passed and still Julia hadn’t returned. Miles knew someone had to tell Caleb the truth. Would Caleb tell everyone what he’d done? Of course Mr. Lebold would fire him. Miles didn’t know how to get himself out of this situation. How he wished he’d never gotten involved. He supposed he deserved whatever he got. His relationship with Violet was becoming serious. He had to tell Caleb.

  Miles rode out to Caleb’s place, after getting directions from Quinn Iverson. It was Sunday afternoon, and he hoped he’d be home as most people relaxed on Sunday. He tied his horse to the post on the side of the house, mounted the steps and knocked on the side door. When no one ans
wered right away, he turned to leave thinking it was just as well, since he had now lost his courage. But then, a voice called to him from the barn.

  “Hello? Is that you, Miles?”

  He turned to see Caleb in the doorway of a room at the back of the barn. Miles walked slowly to where Caleb stood.

  “Caleb,” Miles nodded. “I need to have a word with you.”

  “Julia? Did something happen to her?” Caleb asked with a frantic look.

  “Can we sit somewhere?” Miles asked.

  “Come into the house,” Caleb said and Miles followed him into his home, where they sat in the sitting room.

  “What’s happened?” Caleb asked. His face looked pale and he had worry lines on his forehead. “What’s wrong?”

  Caleb stared at Julia’s brother. Why doesn’t he speak? What could have happened? Julia’s been gone too long. Something happened.

  “Miles,” he said tensely. “Tell me what happened, please.”

  “I don’t think Julia’s coming back,” Miles said. “I’m sorry, Caleb.”

  “What?”

  “It’s a long story—”

  Caleb grabbed Miles’s shirt collar. “You better tell me right now. What is it?” Then Caleb realized he was scaring the lad. He let go of him. “I want the story, now.”

  “Julia came to Abilene to find me. She knew I worked at a bank. She asked me to find her a rich man—”

  “What?” Caleb stood. “Don’t tell me—I think I know the rest,” he said through his teeth. “You gave her my name and she used her feminine charms on me to get the money to bail out Billy.”

  Miles looked down at his feet and seemed to be sincerely sorry. “Pretty much,” Miles said.

  “She isn’t bringing Billy home, is she?” Caleb asked.

  “I seriously doubt it. She’d have been back by now.”

  “So you told her I was wealthy?” Caleb asked pointedly.

  “I refused at first, because I knew it would cost me my job, but when she told me all the trouble Billy was in. The men were going to kill him! She needed the money or my brother would die. She didn’t like the idea of leading you on, but she had no choice.”