Chase the Moon: A Historical Romance

by Lynn Hubbard

  “What carriage?”

  Samuel led him over to the barn. He motioned to pile of tarps in the corner. Pulling them off he revealed a beautiful two seat carriage in pristine condition. The hand stitched leathered had been carefully polished recently.

  “Sabrina never mentioned a carriage.”

  “It was her mothers. We’ve kept it stored and Warren had me clean it up for the wedding in case we needed it.”

  Brock hesitated he was not sure how Sabrina would react.

  “It’s a mite more comfortable than that clunky wagon. I’ll help you pull it out.” Samuel said grabbing it and pulling it out with ease. The carriage was a beautiful wood and metal structure complete with canopy. It sat on springs above large spindly wheels to help cushion the passengers from rough roads. Brock grabbed the other side and the men pulled it out of the barn.

  Turning to the stable, they led the carriage horses out and harnessed them. Hooking them up to the draft pole Brock climbed into the seat and drove the team to the front of the house.

  Alma and Sabrina were waiting on the porch; their arms laden with baskets of food and quilts. Upon seeing the carriage pull up the quilts dropped from her hands in shock. Alarmed Brock went to her side where she stood covering her mouth with her hands.

  “I thought you said a wagon.”

  “I’m sorry Sabrina; Samuel said the carriage would be more comfortable. We don’t have to…”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ve just forgotten all about it.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “My father bought it for my mother. She was always very delicate.”

  Sabrina was standing still trying to keep her emotions in check. She did not know how she had forgotten the carriage. It held such vibrant memories of her childhood. Good memories. She was starting to realize that in suppressing all the bad memories of her family’s death; she had suppressed all the good ones as well. It just hurt so much to think of them gone, she never thought of them at all.

  She turned to Brock tears once again running down her face. “Thank you Brock, it’s perfect.”

  Brock hugged her tightly before releasing her and helping her climb up into the seat.

  Alma watched them with tears in her own eyes as she handed over the basket laden with food and quilts to load. She grabbed Brocks arm and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Thank you for saving Sabrina.”

  Brock shook his head. “I didn’t do anything. Samuel saved her life.”

  “But you saved her soul.”

  Brock nodded to the woman who was like a mother to Sabrina and climbed into his seat. He clicked his tongue and guided the horses down the long driveway. He felt Sabrina scoot closer to him wrapping her hands around his arm as she laid her head on his shoulder. He looked down happy to see her content.

  “Is this better than the wagon?”

  “Much better.”

  The heat of the day was arriving but there was a nice breeze. They did not speak much during the journey, one of the things she loved about Brock. He could appreciate the silence of nature without spoiling it with idle chatter.

  The carriage lumbered down the worn trail to the pond. Halting the carriage, he lifted Sabrina down and handed her the quilts while he tethered the horses where they could graze.

  Bringing the basket with him, he joined her choosing to sit next to her instead of across. “You know what this reminds me of?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye.

  “What?”

  “When I was showing you that shanty when we first met? And you stripped down naked in front of me to go skinny dipping.”

  Brock raised an eyebrow. “That’s not quite how I remember it.”

  “Oh I’m sure that’s the way it went. I remember that day very vividly.”

  “What I remember is it being hot as Hades and being eaten alive by nats.”

  “Yeah, that too.” Sabrina said smiling as Brock leaned over and kissed her mouth.

  “You tortured me so.”

  “I’m sorry.” Sabrina whispered as she kissed him back; all thoughts of food were forgotten.

  ***

  Amelia was now riding with Jaelyn, and she was grateful for her silence. She had been closely watching Riley in concern as he hunched forward further and further in his saddle. She cried out as he started to slide sideways only to be caught by Chase’s powerful arm grabbing his and holding him upright.

  Chase grabbed the reins stopping both of their horses. Warren rode up and jumped off to assist Riley down from the horse. Amelia slid down and ran to her brother. She was dismayed to see his pant leg gleaming wet with blood.

  “Why is he still bleeding?” She cried in dismay as Warren lowered him to the ground as Thomas moved to assess him once again.

  “His wound keeps opening; we need to elevate his leg. He needs to drink more to replenish the fluid he’s losing.”

  Thomas sat quietly in thought. He was questioning his decision to bring him back home. He hadn’t consider how hard the trip would be on him.

  “How much longer ‘til we reach Montgomery?”

  “At this pace? About five hours.”

  “I could take him on Thor and ride ahead.” Chase offered.

  “With that amount of weight you’d have to stop frequently. It wouldn’t save that much time.” Warren added.

  “Warren’s horse is strong.” Jaelyn spoke up. “What if we tied him to the saddle and Chase led him? He could cut that in half. What do you think Thomas?”

  “Time is of the essence. They would move quicker without us greenhorns. We’re running out of options.”

  Chase took the horses to get water while Riley rested. He reluctantly sipped at the water that Thomas offered. When Chase returned Amelia walked up to him and kissed him unabashedly.

  “Ride swiftly.”

  Chase winked at her, “I always do.”

  Mounting Thor, he double-checked the bindings they used to secure Riley’s hands to the saddle. Chase grasped both reins and they were off. Amelia watched them until even the dust subsided.

  A shadow passed over her and she turned to see Jaelyn next to her. “Riley is strong he will survive.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You are welcome my sister.”

  Turning they went to regroup for the last leg of the journey.

  ***

  Brock and Sabrina returned from lunch. Alma and Anna were on the porch knitting and she joined them as Brock returned the carriage to the barn.

  “How was the picnic?”

  “Wonderful.” Sabrina said with a wide smile.

  “How was the food?”

  “The food? Oh, the food was good too.”

  Alma smiled but Anna was distracted. She squinted as she looked off into the distance. She stood up suddenly. “There’s two horse’s coming in fast.”

  Alarmed Alma stood and rung the bell.

  Samuel and several hands appeared fully armed.

  Sabrina tried to decipher the figures as they came closer. It couldn’t be their family could it? Why were their only two? Cold fear gripped her heart as she recognized the lead horse.

  “It’s Thor.”

  Brock had jumped bareback onto one of the carriage horses and ran out to meet them. Chase pulled the tired horses to a stop as Brock and two other hands on horses greeted them.

  “What happened to Riley?” Brock asked as they arrived.

  “He was bit by a boar.”

  Brock cut Riley’s hands free as they transferred him to a fresh horse. He ordered the hands to take him to the house.

  Brock stayed with Chase who was exhausted and bleak. He slipped off Thor and walked the great horse to help cool him down. Brock walked next to him sending his own horse back to the stables with a pat on its rump.

  “What happened to Riley? Where are the others?”

  “A boar attacked him on the way down. We did not realize it was that bad. We tried to get him back home but he just kept getting sicker and sicker. The others ar
e fine. They are slow so we split up. I rested Thor as much I could.”

  Brock nodded grimly as he patted Thor’s sweaty neck. It was a risk that had to be taken. Warren’s horse seemed to be in worse shape. Its sides heaved and its muzzle was covered in foam. They needed to cool them down and get them back to the stable.

  Chapter 25

  The rest of the house was in frenzy. Sabrina gasped seeing the shape her cousin was in as they carried him up the porch steps. Tom directed them to carry him into his own room so he could access his wounds.

  Before following, she looked back to the horizon hoping for a glimpse of the others. There was nothing. She saw Brock walking with Chase and the horses. Still worried for the rest the bunch, she turned to follow the procession into the house with a heavy heart.

  Riley was laid on the bed and they stripped off his pants as Dr. Reynold moved to access his injuries. Sabrina leaned against the doorway using it for support as she said a prayer for Riley and the others.

  Samuel went to check on Roger as Jonathan joined her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and received a small smile.

  “Do not fret. He’s in good hands.”

  Sabrina only nodded not trusting herself to speak. She would not be continent until all of them returned home. Once again, basins of clean water were ordered and the curtains were thrown open wide to let in light.

  Tom stooped as he cut away the cloth sopping with blood. His face was stoic as he reached for a clean cloth and cleansed the wound. He felt a hand on his shoulder and nodded to Sabrina who had taken hesitant steps forward to see to her cousin’s well being.

  “What happened?” She asked horrified by the mangled flesh.

  “Boar attack ma’am, on the way down.” One of the hands that carried him in responded.

  Sabrina closed her eyes in disbelief, this so soon after the other tragedy. It was too awful to comprehend. Sitting at the head of the bed, she smoothed away Riley’s windblown hair from his face. His eyes opened at her touch and he winked at her.

  “Biloxi was amazing.” He whispered.

  She smacked his chest. “You stubborn fool! Why didn’t you all come straight back after you were hurt?”

  “Wanted to see the sunrise.”

  “The sunrises here too!”

  His handsome face grimaced in pain as Tom examined the mottled flesh surrounding the bite. Sabrina grabbed his hand and held it tight.

  “There’s a good bit of dead tissue. It will need to be removed so it can mend properly. It will heal if you can keep him in bed for a few days.”

  “Whatever needs to be done do it.”

  Tom motioned for everyone out of the room except for Sabrina and Anna. He picked up his black bag and opened it on the washstand as he took out his equipment. Alma arrived with fresh towels and sheets to place under him and left quietly as she mumbled prayers for his safety.

  Sabrina moved back as Dr. Reynold applied the chloroform soaked rag to his face. Taking a deep breath, she stilled her will toward what needed to be done.

  Sabrina sat at Riley’s head holding onto his now limp hand. She watched as the gleaming silver blade was placed to his skin. Piece by piece he cut away the edges of the wound, clearing away the infected tissue. She felt bile well up in her throat and turned her head as she concentrated on Riley’s breathing to calm herself. Closing her eyes tightly she clinched his hand hoping for a full recovery. She was not sure Riley would be as optimistic as Jonathan had been after he lost his leg.

  ***

  Brock and Chase arrived at the stables. Thankfully, both of the horses seemed to be fairing well after their hard journey. The brothers removed the horses saddles and stripped off their sweat-covered saddle blankets hanging them on the fence to dry.

  Using their hands they started to wick away the sweat from the horses not wanting them to catch a chill. As they worked, Brock filled Chase in on the deaths at the ranch. Both of their hearts were heavy as they finished with their duties and headed up to the house.

  ***

  Watching the never-ending march of trees pass them by, Amelia sat behind Warren. It seemed like such a long time ago that Chase had left with her brother. She feared for his safety, she could think of nothing else.

  “How much longer?”

  “Not much further now.” Warren replied.

  “That’s what you’ve been saying for the last four hours!”

  “It has not been four hours and we are close, don’t you recognize the trail we’re on? We’re on Montgomery land now.”

  Amelia perked up as her eyes searching the horizon for the majestic yellow house. She was so excited when they started down the long driveway she could barely sit her seat. The horses sensing they were close to home as well picked up speed. She almost toppled off the horse and was scolded by Warren for not paying attention.

  Ignoring her cousin, Amelia was off even before the horse stopped completely. Discounting Warren’s curses, she ran up the stairs and into the parlor.

  A scream of sheer terror rent the air and Amelia collapsed on the floor in shock and disbelief as she starred up at the closed casket. Chase was by her side in an instant. He scooped her up and carried outside. Sitting on the steps, he grabbed her face in his hands forcing her to look at him as she cried.

  “Amelia! It’s not Riley. It’s not Riley.”

  He repeated the mantra as Warren and the others joined in the confusion. Brock took Warren aside and explained the grim details of the corral incident as Chase tried to calm Amelia.

  “It’s not Riley?” Amelia asked hesitantly as her blues eyes filled with tears as she looked hopefully into his dark ones.

  “Riley is resting. They did surgery to help him heal faster.”

  “Well then who is that?”

  “They suffered two losses while we were away. The funeral is tomorrow.”

  Amelia was torn between the joy that Riley was alive and the sorrow that two men she knew had passed. Emotionally spent she buried her face in Chase’s shoulder and cried. He held her until her body stopped shaking.

  The wind blew softly almost caressing her as she sat on the porch in Chase’s arms. She felt content. It was an odd awareness, as if she would not be able to support herself if he was not there. It was as if he was a part of her now. She felt a hand on her shoulder and reluctantly pulled away. She found Sabrina at her side.

  “Riley is doing well he is sleeping.”

  “Thanks to Chase.” Amelia said returning her attention to the large man still holding her quite close.

  “If you thank him anymore you might wanna go to the barn.”

  Amelia blushed but stood up and wiped her face off on her sleeve. She grabbed Chase’s hand and they went inside.

  Sabrina joined the grim looking group outside. They were going thru the pile of bags the hands unloaded before taking their horses for care.

  “How was your trip?” Sabrina asked her brother as he located his carpetbag.

  “It was reprehensible.”

  They both heard a soft gasp as Sally grabbed her bag and ran up the steps. Sabrina would have dismissed her dramatics if it was not for the way that Warren followed her every move and stared even after she was out of sight.

  “Am I missing something? First Amelia and Chase and now you and Sally?”

  Warren grunted, “I need to check on Roger and Samuel.”

  She watched as a weary looking Thomas led Jaelyn into the house as well. Sabrina frowned as she was left standing alone. Well, they were all back safe and that was enough for her. Lifting up her skirt, she climbed the stairs and headed to the kitchen. Peeling potatoes seemed as good a way as any to clear her mind.

  ***

  Dinner was a somber affair. Tom was the only one with a hearty appetite. Amelia and Chase chose to eat in Riley’s room, he had awoken enough earlier to sip some chicken broth and drink some water. The others were exhausted from the trip or lost in their own thoughts as they picked at their food.

  After d
inner, Thomas and Jaelyn went to spell Jonathan and Anna who were tending to Roger. Sabrina and Brock went to watch Riley. The others returned to their rooms to rest. The funerals were tomorrow. It would be another long day.

  Kissing Riley’s forehead Amelia followed Chase outside. Darkness was falling and she marveled at the colors of the sky.

  “How are you feeling?” Chase asked as they sat and rocked on the porch.

  “Sad, happy, horrified, and relieved all at the same time. Why do such bad things have to happen?”

  “It’s a part of life. If there was no sorrow how would you know what joy felt like?”

  “I feel joy when I’m around you.” Amelia whispered leaning over to kiss him. Their lips touched briefly, before Chase pulled away.

  “We can’t.”

  “Why not?” Amelia pouted.

  “Because you need your sleep and the windows are open. I’m sure Sabrina is hanging on every word.”

  Brock’s rich laughter floated out to them and Amelia was glad it was dark outside to hide her red face.

  “Good night Amelia.”

  “Night Chase.”

  Chapter 26

  The next morning seemed to reflect everyone’s mood. The clouds were thick and heavy with rain. Sabrina pulled her shawl closer as she oversaw the digging of the graves. All of the able-bodied men lent a hand making the work less tedious, physically anyway. Emotionally, all were a little more aware, remembering how fragile life is.

  Warren shoveled the rocky soil ‘til he practically collapsed. Sabrina wondered what thoughts he was trying to put to rest. He had been avoiding most everyone since his return, especially Sally.

  A trip to Amelia’s room last night brought her up to date on the goings on in Biloxi. However, Amelia was more reserved about sharing her own story than Sally’s indiscretion. Sabrina was not so surprised to hear about Warren’s poor judgment. After all, look at what turmoil he had caused in her life previously. Of course if Warren was not such an arrogant bastard she would never have run away and met Brock.