“But you won’t continue to improve if you overwork your body. You aren’t young anymore, and you need to give yourself time to recover.”
“And I say I can do that better at home. If you won’t arrange it, I’ll fix it myself.”
“And just how would you propose to do that?” Emily pulled up a chair and sat down. She was exhausted from arguing with her father. “Look, it’s nearly Christmas. Why don’t we just stay here at least that long? We can enjoy each other’s company. After that we can see about arranging for you to travel back to Yogo City.”
Her father seemed to mull this over for a moment. “I suppose I can agree to that if you can promise to get me home afterwards.”
“I’ll go speak with the doctor right now and see what I can arrange.”
Emily had rejoiced to hear that her father was making great progress. It was nothing short of miraculous, the doctor had declared, and that too made Emily glad. She had prayed long and hard for her father’s recovery, and it seemed God had gone far beyond her expectations. She wouldn’t admit it to her father, but she felt almost certain that if Pa thought he could once again work the mines, that was exactly what he would do.
Life had never been worse for Kirk Davies. He knew he was close to death—and he feared it. When Taber suggested they return to Utica and see the doctor again, Davies didn’t protest, but neither did he believe there was anything to be done. Something told him he wouldn’t recover, and the very thought left him terrified. What happened to a person once they passed from this world? Were those religious ninnies right in thinking there really was a heaven and a hell?
“I’m scared, Taber. Never . . . never felt so bad.”
“You’ve got me scared too.” The sound of his brother’s voice was one of resignation. “We’ll be to the doctor in just a little bit.” He held fast to Kirk while the two rode double on Kirk’s sturdy gelding. Having had no wagon or even a cart to use, this was their only option.
It was seven o’clock and pitch black when they entered Utica. Kirk found himself barely conscious, and every thought was of his impending death. Life had never been fair to him, so he had no reason to believe death would be either. He thought about all the stories he’d heard about heaven and hell. Heaven was for good folks and hell was for bad. He knew he wouldn’t have qualified as good, even on his best day. That left him only one possibility, and that was hell.
He’d heard a great many stories about the torment and pain of hell but had never believed them. He hadn’t bothered to believe in God either. Seemed to him a man was supposed to be able to tend to himself without some imagined deity watching out for him.
Maybe death was just the end of things. A blank void—a nothingness. If it was, then Kirk didn’t figure he had much to fear. After all, if death was the end of it all, then he’d be out of pain and know nothing more. But even this failed to offer him much in the way of comfort.
Maybe, just maybe, the doctor was wrong and there was something he could do to help. Could be he’d learned something more about wounds like Kirk’s. It was possible.
Taber pulled him from the horse and carried him to the door of the doctor’s house. “It’ll just be a few more minutes,” he told Kirk. “Just hang on.” He kicked at the door and called for the man until the door finally opened.
“What’s the . . .”
Kirk raised his head and saw the doctor’s face at the door.
“Oh, it’s you,” the doctor said. “Lasted longer than I figured.”
Taber pushed past the doctor. “Where do you want him?”
“I can’t do anything for him,” the doctor said, shaking his head. “I told him that when I first saw him. If I’d have amputated the leg, he might have had a chance.”
Taber placed Kirk on a chair. “I don’t want your excuses. I want you to save his life.”
The doctor crossed his arms. “This man is going to die. I cannot stop that—it is inevitable.”
Hearing the doctor’s words was like the pounding of nails into the lid of his coffin. Kirk shuddered and let the words sink in with the finality intended. This really was the end, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
He closed his eyes. It was almost as if hearing the words had given him permission to let go. “Tab . . . Taber.”
His brother knelt beside him. “What is it, Kirk?”
“The doc can’t . . . can’t help.” He strained to draw breath. “Take . . . care . . . of business. You . . . know . . . what to do.”
“I still don’t see why you have to leave tomorrow,” Caeden’s sister Deborah declared. All around them a bevy of children squealed and shouted their pleasures at the wondrous new Christmas toys they’d received. The house hadn’t been quiet since Caeden set foot in it that morning, and he didn’t believe it would be for some time to come.
“Yes, you should at least wait until after New Year’s,” Mary, his younger sister, added. “We’re to have a very large party and dance. You would be quite welcome. I know there are a great many people who would like to see you again.”
Caeden shook his head. “Emily is waiting for me. I’ve been gone long enough.”
“So we don’t even get to be a part of your wedding?” Deborah asked, pressing her lips to a pout. “That seems most unfair. I love weddings.”
Laughing, Caeden got to his feet. “I’m sorry to be such a disappointment, but you know that I am quite unconventional.”
Uncle Jasper laughed. “That he is.”
“You’re lucky I stayed in town for Christmas. I only did it for you two. Well, and to finalize the sale of the estate.”
Mary’s husband stepped forward with Deborah’s husband close behind. “You were most generous to share the sale with us,” he declared. “I know it was quite touching to Mary.”
Caeden saw his sister nod. “It was my pleasure.”
“It will help me expand my business,” Deborah’s husband added. “I am most grateful.”
“I am glad that it is beneficial to all of you. I’m also glad to be on my own course now, following my own dreams rather than burdened by our father’s.” He could see a look of agreement in the eyes of his sisters. “Now, let us focus on something happier. I’m quite interested, in fact, to try that Christmas punch you’ve both been boasting about.”
Deborah smiled and came to take hold of his arm. “Then let us satisfy your interest.” She led him away from the others to the refreshment table. “I do want you to know that I’m happy. Mary too. We have good lives, and despite having our marriages arranged by Father, we have come to know love. Our husbands are good men.”
“I am thankful to know that,” Caeden said, turning to touch his sister’s cheek. “I was so afraid you would both end up like Mother.”
She patted his hand. “Then fear no more. Go instead, and make a wonderful life full of love for yourself. I do hope that in time we will have a chance to meet Emily.”
Caeden nodded. “I hope so too, but for now I think we’ll make our home in Montana. I rather like the wide-open spaces. And you could always come and visit.”
Deborah looked at him in what could only be described as disgust. “I hate travel and I hate the country. No, I do not plan to make my way to the wilds of Montana. You will just have to return here.” She rose on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Now, let me get you some punch.”
Later that night as Caeden and Uncle Jasper made their way home, his uncle turned the conversation to the future.
“I want you to know that I intend to leave my estate to you. I’ve watched you handle your own affairs wisely. I’ve known you to listen to counsel and make good choices. And I’ve seen you be quite generous with your sisters. I feel my estate could not be in better hands.”
“I’m honored, Uncle Jasper, but I would prefer that my inheritance not come for a very long time.”
His uncle chuckled. “Well, I have no plans to leave this world, but when I do, I know that everything will be in your capable hands. You�
�ve done your mother proud, Caeden. I know she must be smiling down from heaven.”
“I like to think that she would be pleased,” Caeden replied, folding back the carriage blanket as they came to a stop in front of Jasper’s home.
“I’m certain she is. I’m certain she was always pleased with you.” Jasper waited until they were out of the carriage to add, “Your father was a difficult man, Caeden. However, I know he was pleased the day my sister gave him a son. Alcohol poisoned his mind, but I believe there was a time when he too was quite proud of you. Think on that, rather than on the man he became and the pain he caused.”
Caeden looked up at the lighted windows of Jasper’s home. There was something very warm and welcoming about this place. Something he’d never felt for his parents’ home, but something he hoped and prayed he would feel in the home he made with Emily.
“I’m done thinking about anything to do with the miseries of the past. I’m leaving that in God’s hands . . . where I should have put it long, long ago.”
23
Now, don’t forget your promise, Pa.” Emily shook her finger. “You told the doctor you would do as I said so long as he let you come back to the cabin. Now we’re here, and you’re already starting to be ornery. You’re only supposed to be on your feet to get out of bed and into the chair and then again when you return to bed. Next week you can do a little more walking, but you have to take this slow.”
Her father chuckled and smoothed out the blanket on his lap. “I can’t say as this chair is very comfortable.”
“Caeden was very thoughtful to have that wheelchair shipped to Lewistown just for you. If you’re all that uncomfortable, I can cushion it with a blanket.”
“Not just yet. Maybe later.” Her father frowned. “I’m not gonna stay long in this chair. I don’t have it in me to sit idle.”
Emily kissed the top of his head. “I know, Pa. But I know also what the doctor said. You need to give yourself time. It’s barely been a month. If you try to rush things, you’ll only cause the healing to delay or stop altogether.”
Her father gave a defeated sigh. “I suppose I have no choice.”
“Well, it’s not like we have to worry overmuch about it. Caeden has provided quite nicely for us.” She glanced around the one-room cabin, pleased with how she’d been able to make the place quite cozy with Caeden’s gifts.
“I don’t like that he’s spent so much on us. You know how I feel about charity.”
Emily smiled. She knew her father didn’t know the half of it when it came to the money Caeden had put out for their care.
“Caeden said it wasn’t charity; it was gratitude for what we’d done for him. It gave Caeden great pleasure, and I think that we have to allow that God provided for our needs through him. We can hardly fault God or Caeden for their loving-kindness. Besides, you know what I told you—he asked me to wait for him.”
Her father seemed to consider this, then gave a nod. “Have you heard anything from him?”
“Not after that one letter that told me he’d arrived in Washington, DC. I’m sure he’s been very busy.” Emily tried to sound encouraged and hopeful. “We’ll probably hear something soon.”
Her father nodded. “Well, I can’t imagine he’ll stay away any longer than necessary, and when he comes back I’m bettin’ he asks you to be his bride.”
“Well, that may have to wait.” She walked to the stove to check on the bread pudding she’d put into the oven half an hour earlier. Sticking a knife in the middle of the dessert, she pulled it out. “It’s done.” She took the pan from the oven and set it atop the stove.
“What did you mean?”
Emily looked at her father and shook her head. “I don’t understand. I said the bread pudding is done.”
“No, when I talked about you bein’ Caeden’s bride, you said it may have to wait. Why would you say that?”
“Well, there’s a lot to consider. After all, you have quite a recovery ahead of you. I’m just glad there’s a foot of snow outside. Otherwise, I know you’d be wheeling yourself down to the river to pan.” She smiled but could see her father’s expression was one of concern.
“You can’t be puttin’ off marrying just because I’m healing. I won’t have you wastin’ another minute of your life on my account.”
Emily came and knelt beside her father. “Pa, I can’t cast you aside in order to marry Caeden. We have to focus on getting you well first.”
“I won’t have it,” her father countered, pounding his hands against his thighs. “Your ma would have my hide if she thought I’d stood in the way of you having happiness with a man who truly loves you.”
“But you aren’t standing in my way.” Emily gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “We’re family and we take care of each other. That’s what Mama taught me. It won’t be forever.” At least she hoped it wouldn’t. She wanted to be as positive as her father that his recovery would soon be complete. Even so, she wasn’t at all sure what she’d do once he was well.
“Well, God’s made it clear to me that you’ve sacrificed enough, Emmy. I’m gonna see you married, and soon.”
She laughed and got back to her feet. “Well, first we have to have a groom.”
Just then a knock sounded on the cabin door. For a moment she dared to hope it might be Caeden. The knock sounded again as if the visitor was impatient. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as she went to answer the insistent knocking.
Emily opened the door and found the Utica marshal on the other side. “Well, come in before you freeze to death.” She hid her disappointment and gave the man a smile.
He took off his hat and kicked his boots against the doorjamb before entering the cabin. “I heard you folks came back while I was away. How are you feeling, Henry?”
“Better every day. I’ve just been trying to convince Emmy to stop fussin’ over me. I’ll soon be fit as a fiddle.”
“Pa makes a terrible patient.” Emily headed back to the stove. “I’ve got some bread pudding just out of the oven and coffee if you’d care to have some.”
The marshal smiled. “I’d like that a whole lot.”
“Have a seat at the table. Maybe you and Pa can even get up a game of checkers or chess.” Emily hurried to collect bowls for the bread pudding.
“Can’t stay that long. Fact is, I came here with a bit of unpleasant news.” The marshal took a seat at the table.
Emily turned and could see the look on his face was rather grave. “What’s happened?” She feared his news might relate to Caeden and tried to steel herself for the blow.
“Kirk Davies is dead.”
Emily’s father rolled up to where the marshal sat. “Dead, you say?”
“Yup. He died from an infection.” The marshal met Emily’s gaze. “An infection from that bite you gave him.”
“So you finally believe me.” Emily felt slightly vindicated. She let out a heavy sigh. “You almost had me thinking I was crazy.” She turned back to the dessert and started dishing bread pudding into the bowls.
“I do apologize for that. The situation is a rather strange one, but I finally have some answers. Davies has a brother who could be his twin. His name is Taber Davies. He was the one who brought Kirk into Doc’s place, and that’s where Kirk died. Sometime in the night Taber snuck back there and took the body and left. I have no idea where he buried Kirk or where he went after that, but I’m kind of fearful that he may still be around to cause you problems. I wanted to warn you.”
Emily put the bowls aside and came to sit at the table. Her knees felt like jelly at the thought of another Davies coming to try to kill them. Her father had been responsible for the death of one Davies brother, and now she was to blame for another. No doubt this Taber Davies would want revenge.
“That’s why I wasn’t in town when you folks came through. I was out looking for Taber. I even wired the marshal over in Lewistown to be on the lookout.”
“Do you suppose he might just give it all up and leave the area?�
� Emily’s father asked.
The marshal shrugged. “I have no way of knowing. Folks suggested he and Kirk had been living in an old shack to the west of town. I checked it out several times since you two were attacked. However, while it did look like someone had been living there, there wasn’t anybody there when I arrived. I tried following some tracks to see if I could pick up the direction Taber might have gone, but then that big snow blew in and covered up any sign of direction.”
“Well, we will have to arm ourselves.”
Emily looked at her father. “We armed ourselves last time and it didn’t turn out so good.”
“Kirk caught us by surprise. We don’t have to let that happen again.”
Forcing herself to return to the stove, Emily finished putting a vanilla sauce atop the bread pudding before serving it to her father and the marshal. She didn’t want to worry Pa, but she felt almost certain Taber Davies would pay them a visit. With her father an invalid and Emily responsible for the animals and everything else, she couldn’t help but wonder how they would ever be safe. Perhaps she could talk her father into moving into Millie’s place temporarily.
“Pa, I think it would be wise if we went to stay with Millie. Just until the marshal can locate Kirk’s brother.”
“I wouldn’t let Kirk run us off, and I won’t let his brother do it either.” Her father’s tone left her no doubt the matter was settled.
She returned to retrieve mugs of coffee for the two men. “I hope this is strong enough. You’ll find sugar on the table if you’d like.” She placed the cups in front of each man.
The marshal looked up, and his expression only served to feed Emily’s fears. “I think your daughter has a good idea. You two ought to stay with Millie, or better yet come on up to Utica. We’ve got a decent boardinghouse and—”
“The answer is no,” Emily’s father interrupted. “I ain’t runnin’ away from this. We’re forewarned, so we’ll be ready for trouble.”
Emily could only pray he was right.
A Treasure Concealed Page 25
