The Timeless Love Romance Collection

by Dianne Christner

  Franklin wondered whom he was trying to convince, himself or his mule. Lillian may not be a society girl, but Franklin could tell from the little he’d been around her that she’d been raised with good morals. He’d be willing to guess her parents were God-fearing people who had raised their children to believe likewise.

  If that was the case, then where had Lillian gotten this idea of looking for a rich husband? Didn’t she read the Bible? There were many types of wealth. He believed that truth with his whole heart. Her parents might not have been gifted financially, but what about spiritual gain? Wasn’t that worth more than fine jewels? So how was he to get this point across to Lillian?

  Lord, I could use some of Your wisdom. I don’t want to see Lillian get hurt. I feel like there’s a war going on inside me. I left home to get away from girls like her, yet I’m drawn to Lillian. Show me Your will, Lord. Please let Lillian know how precious she is in Your sight, and show her that You can provide for her.

  As Franklin finished his prayer, he spotted two indistinct figures up ahead. They weren’t walking now but rather were standing very close. He frowned, thinking a shaft of moonlight might have trouble getting between the two of them. This had to be Lillian and McClean. He hadn’t seen any other couples walking in this direction.

  He fought the urge to mosey over and interrupt before McClean did something to offend Lillian. Before he could move, he saw the smaller figure stumble back. He heard a cry as she fell to the ground. Giving Moses’s reins a hard tug, Franklin hurried to offer help.

  “Lillian.” McClean squatted down beside her. Franklin knew the other man had heard the sound of hooves approaching. He stiffened before straightening up and turning to face Franklin. “Mr. Knight. Is that you?”

  To someone like Lillian, McClean’s question might have sounded innocent. Franklin had been schooled in innuendos and nuances people used to convey different messages. His advantage was that McClean didn’t know it. The man wouldn’t expect Franklin to pick up on his subtle message to back off.

  “Mr. McClean. Is someone hurt?” Franklin tried to keep his tone even, an employee asking about a guest. Franklin knelt next to Lillian. “Miss Robinson. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” Her smile looked strained. “Still clumsy, though. I tripped over something and fell.” She didn’t meet his gaze.

  Franklin couldn’t help glancing around at the smooth path. He knew Lillian might wonder why he was so concerned, but he didn’t care. He wanted to know what had happened.

  Chapter 5

  For over a week, Franklin didn’t see Lillian except from a distance. Since he ate with his men, he had no reason to be in the dining room when she was working. Every evening he’d gone walking in the forest near the El Tovar, hoping to see her again. To his disappointment, she didn’t trip and fall into his arms one time. When he recalled the feel of catching her, his arms ached to hold her again.

  This morning, Sunday, Franklin hurried toward the El Tovar for the church service held outside in the fresh air most of the time. Cloudy skies meant they would meet indoors today. Robert Thatcher, a former employee, had become a minister and came to the canyon once or twice a month to lead the services. Many of the guests and workers enjoyed the opportunity to worship together.

  This was the first time in weeks Franklin had been free to come to the services. He always tried to arrange the time off, but the last few times he’d had to lead unexpected mule trips. Today he was hoping to see Lillian at the services.

  Subdued murmuring could be heard in the hallway outside the room that served as a sanctuary on Sundays. Franklin nodded or spoke politely to the several employees he knew. He scanned the room, trying to find Lillian. When he realized she wasn’t there, disappointment made him sink into a seat at the back of the room rather than at the front, where he usually sat. Most of the chairs were filled.

  As the singing started, the few empty spots in the back were taken until the only available seat in the room was in the corner next to Franklin. Closing his eyes, Franklin concentrated on the familiar words of the hymn. Guilt chased through him as he realized he’d come to the service not to seek God and worship Him but to see Lillian. Lord, forgive me. I have my priorities mixed up. Help me focus on You and only You.

  For the rest of the song, Franklin kept his eyes closed, allowing the words to bring him to a place where he could meet with God. The heaviness of his heart lifted. He sighed with relief as he opened his eyes.

  He hadn’t heard or felt anyone sit in the seat next to him, but sometime during the music Lillian had come in and taken the only chair left. He took in her porcelain profile, the rigidness of her back, and the way her hands clenched together in her lap. Something was wrong. Franklin couldn’t recall anything that would have caused her to be upset with him, anything he’d said or done wrong. Instead, his thoughts kept returning to the night she was with McClean and fell. Had something else happened?

  For the rest of the service, Lillian didn’t look at Franklin. He tried his best to pay attention to the message, but no matter how many times he dragged his thoughts back, they kept wandering away. By the end of the service, Franklin had to admit he couldn’t tell anyone what the visiting preacher had said.

  “Lillian.” Franklin put his hand on her arm to stop her from leaving. She halted but didn’t turn. “Could we take a walk?”

  “I have to be ready to serve lunch.” Lillian still faced the door.

  “You won’t need to be there for another hour.” Franklin kept his grip on her elbow, ignoring her gentle tugging. “It’s a beautiful day. I won’t keep you long.”

  She was silent as the congestion in the room eased. When the way was clear, she glanced over her shoulder. He caught a glimpse of something in her eyes. Fear? Uncertainty? “A short walk would be nice.”

  The temperature was almost perfect. The cool air held a scent of moisture. The clouds amassing overhead suggested the possibility of rain before too much time passed. Franklin led Lillian to the privacy of the forest path where they’d met before.

  “Are you all right?” He thought she looked too pale.

  “I’m fine.” Lillian pasted on a smile so forced Franklin knew no one would be fooled into thinking it was sincere.

  “Has something been bothering you?”

  She hesitated, glancing back at the hotel. “Why do you ask?”

  He guided her around a fallen tree. “You aren’t your usual cheery self. I thought maybe you’d had more trouble in the dining room.”

  Relief softened her features. “No. I’ve been very careful not to throw pie at anyone.” This time her smile was genuine.

  Franklin chuckled. “Let me know if they get any of that mint ice cream in again. That stuff was so good, I’d let you throw it at me any day.”

  Lillian gave a little laugh. “I heard we’re supposed to get a new shipment the day after tomorrow. I’ll let you know if any mint comes in.”

  Now that her mood had lightened, Franklin drew in a deep breath and broached the subject he’d wanted to bring up. “You know, Lillian, I can’t tell you what to do, but I’m concerned about you and Andrew McClean.”

  She stiffened but didn’t say anything.

  “He’s very well-to-do, but I don’t believe he has the best intentions toward you.”

  She halted and faced him, her eyes sparking with anger. “You’re right. You can’t tell me what to do. I have a reason for agreeing to accompany him next week. He is a gentleman.” At the last statement, she looked away again.

  “Is he?” Franklin asked quietly. “Why did you fall down that night, Lillian? Did he do something that startled you?”

  She jerked her arm free. “What happened is none of your business. I have to go.”

  He started to reach out and stop her then dropped his hand to his side. As she hurried down the path to the El Tovar, Franklin watched her shoulders droop. She looked as if she were swiping away tears. He had to force himself not to run after her.

 
Entering the dormitory the back way, Lillian breathed a sigh of relief that the hall was empty. Even her room was deserted, for which she was grateful. Right now she couldn’t face anyone, not even Dinah.

  She hadn’t meant to yell at Franklin. He’d only been concerned for her. She knew that, but she also knew what God wanted for her. Hadn’t she prayed about this often enough?

  Flinging herself on her narrow bed, she allowed the tears to come. That night along the canyon rim, she’d been afraid. Who was she, a girl from a small farm in Nebraska, to know how to be with a suave, smooth gentleman of Andrew’s caliber? He was used to society women, not some country maid. He’d expected her to be willing to kiss him. He hadn’t meant anything by it, had he?

  Lillian remembered shoving back from him and losing her balance. She needed time to adjust to his touch. That was all. In time, Andrew would evoke the same emotions she felt when she was around Franklin. Andrew was the right man for her. She had to have a man of means. She just had to.

  Yes, her parents had put on a show of being content and happy, but she knew they couldn’t have been. How could anyone be content with the same food day after day or clothes that were threadbare?

  She closed her eyes. Thoughts of this morning’s message swirled in her head. The scripture passage from First Timothy had seemed to be directed right at her. She could still hear the preacher’s low, sonorous tones. “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content … rich fall into temptation … love of money is the root of all evil … that they be rich in good works …” What was it he’d said about God providing for His people? As exhaustion claimed her, Lillian remembered that even though they’d been poor on the farm, they always had food to eat and clothes to wear. Had that been God’s provision? Not an abundance, but enough. Were her parents truly happy?

  “Lillian, what are you doing?” Dinah was shaking her shoulder, concern evident in her plain features.

  Lillian sat up. Rubbing her eyes, she stared at her roommate in confusion. “What is it?”

  “You’ve got about fifteen minutes until the lunch crowd starts. Your station isn’t ready. Hurry up; I’ll help you.” Dinah raced from the room.

  Lillian leaped off the bed, rinsed her face in the washbasin to clear away the cobwebs from her brain, and headed out the door. As she hurried down the hall, she checked the pins in her hair.

  By the time she reached her station, Dinah was already setting things out. Lillian began to help. “Thanks, Dinah. I don’t know why I fell asleep like that in the middle of the day.”

  “I do.” Dinah gave her an odd look. “You haven’t been sleeping at night. You toss and turn as if one of those cougars you asked about is after you.”

  Lillian’s face warmed. “I’m sorry to keep you awake.”

  Dinah’s touch on her arm was comforting. “Don’t worry about it. I only said something because I’m worried about you. You aren’t your usual self, Lillian. If you want to talk, I’m here.” With that she hastened to her station as they heard the noon bell sounding.

  For the whole lunch hour, Lillian worked in a daze. She kept hearing Dinah’s words echoed in Franklin’s voice. Hadn’t he said almost the same thing to her? She refused to dwell on their concern. She’d been under great stress not to make any more mistakes on the job. That was what kept her awake. It had nothing to do with Andrew. He was an answer to prayer. She would have to relax and not allow her job concerns to keep her, or her roommate, awake at night.

  That afternoon, Lillian sat on the porch and watched the rain. Thunder boomed in the distance. She breathed in the fresh scent. Everything would be fine. All her worries would wash away like the earth was washed by the rain. After lunch today Miss Gibson had complimented her on doing well with her serving. Lillian knew things were looking brighter.

  In a few days, Andrew and his party would be arriving. Hiking down into the canyon would be great fun. Mr. Niles had already told her he’d approved her day off to accompany the party.

  She ignored the twinge of uncertainty that spiked through her at the thought of spending the day with Andrew. She wouldn’t learn to have wifely feelings for him unless they spent time together. He was right for her; he would be her future husband. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and tried to picture Andrew’s face. But instead of Andrew’s sharp features, all she could see was wavy hair, a strong jaw, and humor-filled gray-blue eyes staring back at her.

  Chapter 6

  You goin’ along today, boss?” One of the mule skinners slapped Franklin on the back as he passed by. Franklin tugged the cinch of Moses’s saddle as he glanced over his shoulder to see Perry Davis grinning at him.

  “Yep, I’m going.” Franklin gave Moses a pat before turning around. “I’m not riding lead, though. You are. I’ll be on the tail end.”

  “Eatin’ dust.” Perry grinned.

  None of the mule skinners liked that position. They ended up with enough grit between their teeth to dam up the Colorado. Franklin had chosen to bring up the rear in the hope that he would see more of Lillian as she hiked. As a rule, the mules outdistanced the walkers, but if he didn’t have the responsibility of the lead mule skinner today, he might be able to lag back and watch her longer. He’d made sure to tell McClean that the hikers should start off first so they could all meet up at the designated spot for lunch.

  “Let’s move out, boys.” Perry took the reins of three mules, leading them from the stable area.

  The others fell in behind him. Franklin brought up the rear on Moses, leading the two pack mules carrying supplies for lunch. A total of nine riders were coming today. Since they were also meeting the hikers below, there were three mule skinners besides Franklin. The extras would help corral the people and make sure no one fell off the point in their eagerness to see down into the canyon. Franklin was always amazed at the nerviness of tourists. They didn’t understand danger until it bit them on the nose as they fell.

  After tying the mules to the hitching posts, the men did a last check of the cinches and equipment. The guests would be coming anytime. Franklin walked to the head of the trail and looked down. Far enough down that they resembled miniature people, he caught a glimpse of the hikers. Lillian’s blond head was easy to pick out. There were five other hikers besides her. Of the five, only one was a woman. Even from this distance, Franklin could tell she came from money by the way she carried herself.

  The guests arrived then—seven men, two with their wives. Franklin listened as Perry gave the instructions on riding mules into the canyon. Even though most people were used to riding horses, taking a mule into the canyon could be unnerving. The animals were surefooted, but they tended to walk close to the edge. When a guest saw the depth of the drop-off, the natural inclination was to rein the beast toward the inside of the trail. Mules didn’t take well to orders contrary to what they wanted to do.

  Since they had extra hands, Franklin held back to let the dust settle a little before he followed. They wouldn’t need him to keep an eye on the guests anyway. The scenery passed by all but unnoticed. Every chance he got, he watched down the trail to see if he could get a glimpse of Lillian and the other hikers. Although she walked every day along the rim, Franklin wasn’t at all sure she was ready for the strenuous hike planned for the day. As images of rescuing her and carrying her back up to the top on his mule flitted through his mind, Franklin assured himself he was only thinking of her well-being.

  He had to admit Lillian’s party had made good time. They were closer to the meeting place than he would have thought by the time he caught up to them. Franklin wasn’t far behind the other mules, but he guessed the hikers weren’t expecting him at the exclamations of surprise he heard. They all moved to the edge of the path to allow him and the pack animals room to pass. On this road, mules had the right-of-way.

  Most of the men called a greeting or at least nodded as Franklin passed with his mules. The society woman held a kerchief to her nose. Franklin bit back a smile. From the sour expression on her fac
e, he could tell this jaunt wasn’t what she’d thought it would be.

  McClean stood next to Lillian, his hand on her elbow. Something in his gaze told Franklin the man was aware of all the reasons why Franklin had come down the canyon with the mules. As Franklin tipped his hat to Lillian, McClean jerked her arm. Lillian stumbled on the loose rock, almost falling against McClean’s chest. Looking smug, the man put his arm around Lillian as if steadying a clumsy girl.

  Tugging the reins, Franklin pulled Moses to a stop. “You all right, Miss Robinson?” She didn’t meet his gaze. Her cheeks had reddened. She nodded.

  “I’m fine, Mr. Knight. Thank you for asking.” She hesitated. “Just a bit clumsy on this trail.”

  “I’ll see you up ahead, then.” Franklin slapped the reins on Moses’s neck to set him in motion. His jaw ached from being clenched so tight. Why had she done that? Why did she always stick up for that man? Had he been wrong, thinking she wanted to help her family? Was money that important to her? Was pride?

  Shaking out a wrinkle in the split-skirted walking dress Dinah had loaned her, Lillian tried to calm the burning in her stomach. Andrew and his party had arrived two days ago. He’d made it very clear that he wanted to spend time with Lillian. She’d made excuses about working and having cleanup to do. He’s rushing things. Once I spend more time with him, I’ll be fine—so she told herself over and over, yet still she kept putting off walking with him or even sitting with him on the porch in the evening.

  Mrs. Carver, the only other woman hiking, had turned up her nose at Lillian from the first. Lillian had overheard her say something to Andrew about waitresses and their reputation. She’d even implied that Andrew had other motives for seeing Lillian than to seek her hand in marriage. Lillian had been horrified at the intimation.