by Norah Hess
Clara had not missed the soft light that had come over Darcey's face as she talked of Mike, and a chill of dread came over her now. Why hadn't she thought of those two together before. Darcey's loveliness would draw Mike like honey draws bears.
But Mike would break her heart, she thought sadly. He would only use her. He would never give her marriage and children.
She must discourage Darcey about him every chance she got.
And what about Jarvis? He would never willingly give Darcey up. He would fight Mike for her. Not necessarily out in the open, but slipping around until he could put a knife or bullet in his back. A premonition of disaster swept over her, and for a moment she wished that Darcey had never come to the hills.
It was Darcey who first became aware of the steady drip, drip of water. She looked up and realized that the snow on the roof was melting. "Look, Clara, the snow is melting. It won't be long now."
She looked at the clock. "My goodness, it's late. I must get home and give Cindy a hand." A rustle of activity pervaded the room as Darcey prepared to leave. Clara held her a little tighter when she said good-bye.
She watched her departing figure fade out of sight and shook her head. "Darcey, Darcey, what will you cause between my brothers?"
One evening a month later, Simon announced at the supper table, "There's a smell of rain in the air."
And later, when Darcey went to the spring for a pail of water, she walked in a warm slashing rain. Her heart leaped, and she raised her face to its fresh wetness. "He'll be coming home any day now," she whispered to herself.
She sent Jarvis home early, pleading a headache. He pouted and acted like a little boy, but his boorish leave-taking did not bother her. Her only concern was to get away from him. To go to bed and hug tightly the fact that spring was on the way and that Mike would be home soon.
It rained all that night and all the next day. When it finally stopped, only small patches of snow remained.
Cindy threw open the cabin door and the rush of sweet, clean air circulating the room smelled fresh and piney wet. Breathing deep, Cindy remarked, "It makes me feel alive again."
Darcey was quick to agree.
A week later, with the feeling of new life and the promise of spring in the air, Simon was inspired to start planning ahead to the planting season. The three of them were gathered around the table, and as Cindy and Darcey sorted seeds, Simon carefully checked a tub of potatoes. He picked out and laid aside all of those with eyes.
Darcey picked up an envelope marked lettuce and sighed. It would be so good to have something green to eat.
She spoke her thoughts out loud and Cindy agreed. "I think maybe in the meantime, though, me and you will go looking for a mess of fiddleheads. I'll cook them with salt pork and a lot of black pepper to cut the bitterness. After goin' so long without greens, I figure even they will taste good."
"Yeah, and while you're lookin," Simon injected, "see if you can find some sassafrass roots. I sure would enjoy some tea."
They became silent, each in his own reverie. Yeller lay in the open doorway soaking up the sun. The heat felt good to his old bones, and he dreamed of past hunting trips with his beloved master, Josh. Then suddenly a foreign sound interrupted his journey into the past, and he raised his big head. After a moment of intense listening, his tail stirred and then began to wag. Someone he knew and liked was coming their way.
It was Charlie who stepped upon the small porch. His face was wreathed in smiles, and he was breathing fast. "I just stopped by to tell you that your neighbor will be home before long. I'm on my way over there now to sweep up and chase the squirrels out."
"You mean your Uncle Mike?" Simon asked.
"Yeah. Uncle Mike."
Darcey's heart jumped to her throat, and her body trembled. "How do you know he's coming?"
"Jim Buck the Indian was at our place awhile ago, and he told Paw he saw Uncle Mike goin' in Molly's. Maw expects him home anytime now."
Simon laughed. "I don't know, Charlie, your uncle has been gone a long time. He may decide to stay a little while."
Everyone laughed but Darcey. She jumped to her feet, scattering seeds all over the floor and glaring at him with snapping eyes. "What a way to talk," she flared out at him.
Simon stared at her, amazement on his thin face. He was hurt to the quick by her tone, and his eyes followed her as she scampered up to her room.
He turned to Cindy. "What did I say to upset her? She's heard me talk like that all her life. It never bothered her before."
"I don't know what comes over that child. Sometimes I think she's cursed the way she acts."
Only Bill and Clara Wilson would understand her actions when Charlie returned home and reported them.
In the privacy of the loft, Darcey threw herself across the bed. Scalding tears burned down her cheeks, and racking sobs shook her slender shoulders. She buried her head in the pillow. "Damn him. He's detestable."
After a while, between her fury and hurt, she lay spent, an occasional sob shaking her body.
But although she lay so quiet, her mind was busy. It raced like a machine, searching and finding excuses for him. Finally she convinced herself that going to a house of pleasure meant nothing. "It's just like going to the store for food when you're hungry."
She remembered her outburst at Simon and felt deeply ashamed. She rose from the bed and bathed her face and then went downstairs to make her peace with him.
Simon accepted her overtures, happy to be on good terms with her again. But not Cindy. She was still angry and let Darcey know it in no uncertain terms.
"You behaved shamefully today, young lady," she scolded, "and Cindy ain't gonna forget it as fast as that old lame-brain over there. You deserve a whack on your backside, and if you act that way again, you're gonna get it."
A secret smile passed between Darcey and Simon. Then Darcey turned to help Cindy prepare supper.
But as she bustled back and forth between table and fire, her eyes strayed often to the window and the trail that led to the spring. Maybe Mike would walk along it tonight.
After supper she helped with the dishes, trying to get Cindy to talk to her. But Cindy only answered in monosyllables, and when the kitchen area was cleaned to the black woman's satisfaction, she hung up the dish towel and with a short, "Good night," climbed again to the loft.
She undressed and crawled into the chilly bed. Downstairs she could hear Simon angrily berating Cindy for being a stubborn mule. Cradling her head on her crossed arms, she stared up at the smoke-stained rafters. When would she see him, she wondered. For an hour or more she wavered between a warm anticipation of seeing him and a cold dread that she wouldn't.
In desperation, she even allowed Jarvis to enter her mind. She had heard his knock on the door right after she had gone to bed. From his grumpy voice she had known that he didn't like it a little bit when Simon refused to call her. She could visualize him standing uncertainly at the bottom of the stairs, wondering if he dare ignore the silent warning in Simon's eyes. When he had finally left, slamming the door spitefully, she had snuggled deeper into the covers and muttered, "Good riddance."
Jarvis didn't help her relax at all. She couldn't keep her mind on him. She decided that sleep was an impossibility, and she slid out of bed and stuck her feet into her slippers. Then she drew a warm cape over her thin gown and quietly climbed down the pole stairs. She stopped for a moment and listened to the even breathing of the couple in bed, then silently lifted the latch and left the cabin.
The cold moon shone a pale light, and she could dimly see the river rushing past the cabin. She shivered, watching its strong waves lap hungrily at the bank. She had often thought how unfriendly, even angry, this river seemed. There was always the distinct feeling that it waited patiently to pluck unwary victims from its shores.
Darcey turned away from the river and, with her steps muffled in the wet pine needles, took the path to the spring. Before she knew it she was within arm's reach of the dark
figure standing beside a tree.
But even as she stopped and caught her breath, she knew that it was Mike.
CHAPTER 12
Darcey stared at him, hearing his breath short and harsh in the night silence. Moments passed and he made no motion toward her. Then impulsively she stepped forward and laid a hand on his arm.
"Is it really you?" she murmured softly. "I wasn't sure but what I had dreamed you up."
But even as the words left her mouth, she could have bitten them back. They were the last words in the world she wanted to say. Quickly she dropped her hand and stepped back.
His eyes fastened on her, and he looked at her searchingly. Had he imagined in the clear night light that there had been a misty welcome in her eyes?
He determined to find out. Slowly he reached out and drew her unresisting into his arms.
She saw his eyes darken in the way she loved as his lips came down, searching. Gently at first they claimed her, but as they clung desperately to each other, she sensed the heat rising from him and his kiss becoming more demanding. His lips were pressing hers apart, his tongue thrusting deep, and she was pressing into him with a clinging urgency.
When they had drunk their fill, she lay limp against him, listening to his heart racing beneath her cheek. Running his fingers through her tousled hair, he murmured, "Ah, Darcey, it's still the old wonder of you."
Her answer was low laughter, full of happiness as she held him closer.
Slowly and gently his hands sought the bareness of her body beneath the gown. As his hand roamed eagerly over the swells and valleys, the ecstasy this man could give her brought her to the point of swooning.
There was a vibrant appeal in his voice when he whispered, "Come with me to my cabin."
She answered huskily, "I've waited all winter to be there with you again."
The cabin was warm and cozy as she lay in Mike's bed, watching the flames in the fireplace. She stretched lazily, like a happy and contented cat. She felt so good, relaxed and at peace.
She watched Mike kneeling beside the fire and thought that only he could bring her this complete fulfillment. As she watched the rippling muscles of his naked body while he poured a cup of coffee, she felt her blood begin to beat faster, and she wanted him. When he brought the cup to his mouth and looked over its rim at her, naked desire shone out of her eyes and was answered by his own.
Lying down beside her and gathering her in his arms, he teased, "You little witch, you're a shameless hussy."
The sun had been up for hours when Darcey awoke. Her neck was stiff from sleeping on Mike's broad shoulder.
Carefully, she raised on an elbow and studied the face of the man she loved with all her being. His rough, dark face betrayed the havoc of the wild life he had lived, and she was jealous of those years. With a forefinger, she lightly traced the thin white scar running down his cheek and smiled, remembering when and why she had put it there.
Her finger moved down and followed the shape of his lips. She jumped and gave a little cry when his mouth snapped open and caught the offender between his teeth.
"You devil," she laughed, as he turned over, pinning her on her back, "you were awake all the time."
He nodded, smiling down at her. "Awake and starved. I've been trying to decide whether to get up and make us something to eat or make love to you."
Her eyes smiled an invitation as she drew his head down.
Much later she watched him busy himself at the fire, expertly frying ham and eggs. She glowed with her love and thought how wonderful it was going to be, living with this man.
He turned his face away from the spattering grease, and the angle of his jaw reminded her of Jarvis. Her high spirits plummeted. "Good Lord in heaven, I forgot about him."
Fear and near-panic gripped her. How was she to tell him about Mike. He would make a terrible scene. He would tell Mike all about the uninhibited acts between them. What would Mike think of her then? Would he turn away from her in contempt?
Should she try to explain Jarvis to him now? Explain how she had given up the hope of ever having his love? How she had been so lonesome and bored?
At that moment Mike gave her a slow loving smile, and her courage melted. She couldn't chance that look turning to hatred. She would wait and get the counseling of Cindy and Simon.
"Cindy and Simon," she exclaimed out loud. "Mike, they'll be out of their minds with worry." She sat up and reached for her clothes. "As soon as we eat, I've got to let them know I'm all right."
"Well, get your little butt over here and eat."
While they ate, they made their plans for the rest of the day. It was decided that they would go to Clara's as soon as possible and tell her their news.
"Won't she be surprised," Mike asked, his happiness running through his laughter.
Darcey nodded, but her heart cried, "Dearest Mike, I'm afraid that Jarvis will spoil it for you."
They walked in the direction of Darcey's cabin. She talked and he listened, an amused and adoring look on his face.
When they came to the main trail, Darcey stopped and suggested, "Why don't you wait for me here? It would take the rest of the afternoon to explain everything to Cindy if she meets you now."
He agreed and she hurried on. She would get her tongue-lashing over and then explain her dilemma to Simon and Cindy.
She arrived and found Cindy in one of her worst possible moods. She had a toothache. It was driving her crazy. And furthermore, what did Darcey mean by going off with that no account Jarvis Delaney?
While Darcey gaped at her, she continued to rant. "I knowed that devil would sneak back in here and wake you up. It's a good thing Simon didn't catch him. He'd have filled his ass full of buckshot."
Darcey smiled inwardly. "I'll let her think that. It's as good an excuse as any." She glanced around the room.
"Where is Simon?"
"Gone off to the woods."
Darcey sighed. Simon would wisely stay away until dark. What should she do now? She couldn't talk to Cindy in her condition. She concluded that she would have to handle her problem without them.
She carried a pan of warm water to her bedroom.
In a short time she was back downstairs, bathed and brushed and wearing clean clothes. Interrupting Cindy's steady flow of complaints, she said, "Cindy, please do something for that tooth while I'm at Clara's. I won't be gone long."
She joined Mike and clung to his arm as they walked toward Clara's. Several times she brought herself to the point of telling him about Jarvis. But when she would say, "Mike," and he would look down at her, she would falter and lose her nerve.
The thought of losing him made her shiver. Mike looked at her in concern. "Are you cold?" He put his arm around her shoulders. She pressed close. She would tell him everything tonight in the privacy of the dark. She wouldn't have to see his eyes and what they might say.
Darcey pushed Clara's door open and then drew back. Jarvis sat before the fire. She hadn't expected him to be home at this hour.
Her mouth grew dry and her knees weak. All was lost. Why hadn't she spoken to Mike when she had the chance?
Clara let out a welcoming cry and threw her arms around Mike's neck. "It's so good to have you home again," she exclaimed out loud. But inside she wailed silently, "They have found each other already."
Mike gave Darcey a warm look. "It's good to be back."
Jarvis caught the loving look and jealousy rolled over him in a black wave. Did that bastard think he could take Darcey away from him?
He bottled his anger and waited for the opportunity to wipe the contented look off his brother's face.
The chattering reunion continued between brother and sister with Mike's eyes straying constantly to Darcey.
Jarvis smiled grimly.
Other than speaking to him when she first entered, Darcey hadn't talked to Jarvis. So far he hadn't made any remarks regarding themselves, and she began to breathe a little easier.
But suddenly he appeared at her
side and began stroking her hair. She started to jerk away but his fingers had caught and held the long strands at the back of her neck.
Not daring to cry out and maybe start a fight, she remained still.
Jarvis looked down at her possessively, then turned to Mike. "Where did you run into my Darcey?"
Darcey's heart thudded and stopped; she closed her eyes tightly. She tried to speak and her throat squeezed shut. She sat there wishing she were dead.
The hostility between the brothers became thick and smothering. Finally, stiffly, Mike questioned, "What difference does it make?"
Darcey held her breath and prayed silently, "Please, don't let Jarvis say any more. I want to tell Mike myself."
But even as she prayed, Jarvis was drawling, "It don't make much difference. I just don't want you gettin' any ideas. Me and Darcey have been keepin' company all winter, and we'll be tyin' the knot pretty soon."
As his lie came striking through the air, Darcey gasped in disbelief. She jerked erect, tearing her hair free. But she saw Mike's face and stood speechless and helpless in the face of his agony.
Clara's heart bled for her brother as exquisite pain glazed over his eyes. In pity she watched him battle to overcome the shock. Then he was squaring his shoulders and saying in a voice that was thinly veiled in sarcasm, "Congratulations, little brother. You two deserve each other, and I'm sure you'll be happy together."
Darcey made a small denying sound and stretched out a pleading hand. Mike gave her a withering look and brushed past her.
He was out of the door when she regained her speech and ran after him. "Mike, please listen to me. Jarvis didn't tell the whole truth. Please let me explain."
He didn't look back but only walked faster.
In a short time he was out of sight, and she leaned against a tree. Hard, racking sobs shook her body.
Mike tramped the forest, his mind a conflict of emotions. He swung between love and hate. How could she promise herself to his brother and then go to bed with him? In pain and confusion he cried aloud, "She's just a whore like all the rest." He struck savagely at a tree. "Just a beautiful whore."
