Wayward Lady

by Nan Ryan

  Shivering, Suzette remained at the door of the newspaper office. She would have to walk past the saloon to get to the livery stables. But it wasn’t getting any warmer, so she raised her chin and started down the street. Before she reached the saloon entrance, the men standing outside saw her coming. There were four of them, soldiers all. They wore the blue uniforms with the bright yellow trim and shiny brass buttons.

  “Evening, miss,” the four said simultaneously. Suzette hurried past, but their loud laughter indicated the kind of remarks they were making about her. Still, she figured they were harmless enough. After all, it was payday and they were in town for fun.

  When the laughter grew louder, Suzette quickened her pace and tried not to give in to fear. Were they following her? She had reached the alley. As she hurried down the steps and turned the corner, she took the opportunity to glance back at the soldiers. Her breath caught. Two of the men were behind her. But there were no other saloons at this end of the street and no other businesses open. There could be no good reason for the two drunken soldiers to be coming this way.

  Suzette debated whether she should return to the sidewalk. Quickly dismissing the idea, she told herself there was no cause for alarm. She would walk the length of the alley to the back of the buildings, then across to the livery stable, just as she did every day. No one was going to hurt her. Soon she’d be on the chestnut mare and on her way home. Even as she tried to reassure herself, she knew without looking back that the two soldiers had turned into the alley and were pursuing her.

  She hated the thought of having to scream to save herself from two drunk soldiers. Every tongue would wag for weeks and Austin would be livid. Nevertheless…

  It was too late. A dirty hand clamped on her mouth. She was whirled about by a tall, grinning, young corporal. His companion, shorter and very stocky, was wiping his mouth on his uniform sleeve as though he intended to kiss her.

  Suzette’s eyes were wide with fright and disgust. The men lifted and pushed her down the alley until they were in back of the buildings. Here there was only the sound of the wind and an occasional horse. No one would hear her if she screamed.

  Suzette felt her head rock on her shoulders as she was slammed up against a building.

  “Don’t try nothin’ foolish, missy,” the tall man said. “We ain’t gonna hurt you.” With that he lowered his head, and his mouth took the place of his hand. He was kissing her, and though she screamed her outrage, it was swallowed up in his plundering, punishing mouth. His hand went to her throat, and as the kiss ended he pulled back and said coldly, “Make one sound and I’ll choke the life out of you. Understand?” Unable to speak, Suzette violently shook her head up and down. “Good.” He smirked wickedly. “Now you just hold still for a minute till we get your coat off.”

  It was not until then that Suzette realized the shorter man’s plump hands were pulling furiously at her heavy coat. He stripped it from her in seconds and was reaching for the buttons going down the middle of her wool dress. She began to kick and fight, but was easily subdued by the tall man. He laughed at her pitiful attempts to free herself, his breath hot and smelling of whiskey. He forced her arms behind her and held them there in one hand. Then his lips came back to hers.

  Feeling she would vomit from the horrible kisses, tears of disgust and fear stung her eyes. His lips were roaming over her face and she felt nausea grow in the pit of her stomach as the private’s groping hands touched bare flesh and cold air rushed into her open dress. Suzette closed her eyes and prayed.

  The stocky man yanked the cotton chemise down over her breasts and Suzette felt his hands squeezing her roughly while the tall corporal continued to wet her face with his sloppy kisses. Longing for the earth to open and swallow her up, Suzette moaned when the tall man said heatedly, “Move, dammit! I’m first.”

  His head was moving down to her breasts and Suzette braced herself. But before his lips could capture a cold, creamy breast, the corporal was lifted off his feet and thrown with such force that he hit the side of the building and crumpled. The short, stocky private followed, landing on top of his companion. It happened so fast Suzette could only blink, dumbstruck.

  A familiar voice said softly, “You’re okay, darlin’,” and Austin Brand smiled as he covered her with her coat.

  Before the two stunned soldiers could stumble to their feet and flee, Austin lifted them both and held them by their lapels, one in each massive hand. They were as helpless as trapped butterflies against the superior strength of the big man.

  “Listen to me, you bastards. If you ever again so much as look at this woman, I’ll kill you. It won’t be a pretty death, either. I’ll cut off what you’re obviously so proud of and feed it to you!”

  By now Suzette had come to her senses and was at his elbow. “Austin, please, let them go. Don’t kill them, they aren’t worth it. Austin, please.”

  He didn’t look at her. To the men, he said, “You’ve been lucky this time. You’ll never be so fortunate again.” He promptly knocked their heads together and released them. Both slumped to the ground.

  As though he’d done nothing more than ruffle their hair, he turned and gently took Suzette’s arm, his gray eyes immediately soft and warm. “Sweetheart, are you all right?” He swept her up into his arms and carried her back through the alley.

  “Yes, Austin, thanks to you.” She clung to his neck.

  Austin lifted her into his open carriage and got in beside her. When she protested that her horse was at the stables, he said, “Don’t worry about it; don’t worry about anything. Just slide over here close to me and I’ll have you home in no time.”

  She complied, then nodded her thanks when he tucked a lap robe securely about her. They were silent on the ride home. When they arrived at the Foxworth ranch, Austin dismissed her attempts to walk to the house. “Don’t be foolish,” he said and picked her up.

  Inside he lit the lamps and built a fire in the grate after he’d placed Suzette on the long settee, telling her to stay where she was. When the fire was burning to his satisfaction, Austin left her and went into the kitchen to put on the kettle. While the water was heating, he stepped to the door and asked, “Sweetheart, do you have any liquor?”

  “There might still be some brandy on the top shelf of the cabinet. There’s not much in it, but perhaps enough for you to have a drink.” He turned without responding and a moment later came to her carrying the brandy and one glass. “Dear, it’s for you.” He handed her the glass. “Drink up.” She did as she was told, and when he poured another, she drank it. “That’ll help take the chill from your bones,” he said, smiling down at her. He extended his hand and she took it and rose. “Suzette, I’ve heated water. I’ll pour it into a basin and bring it in here by the fire. You can wash yourself while I make coffee.”

  “Austin.” Suzette held her coat together. “My dress is torn.”

  “I’ll go with you to get another,” he said quietly and led her into her bedroom. She picked the first winter dress she saw.

  While she stripped off the torn dress and underclothes and sat on her knees in front of the fire bathing away the kisses of the drunken soldiers from her face, neck, and breasts, she could hear Austin humming in the kitchen. It was a wonderful sound, a safe sound, a welcome sound.

  She rinsed the soapsuds from her gleaming breasts, cleaning herself leisurely. She knew Austin and she trusted him. She didn’t have to hurry to cover herself. Austin would never take advantage of her. She felt no uneasiness about being in a state of undress with him just inside the kitchen, the door wide open. He was a good man, a dependable man. He’d never harm her.

  Dressed and feeling much better, she called to Austin. He quickly joined her, a cup of coffee in his hand. “You know, sweetheart,” he said softly, “maybe I should spend the night here. You’ve had a terrible experience. I know you’re shaky from your ordeal.”

  “No, Austin, thanks. Really, I’m fine.” She smiled and took the coffee.

  Aus
tin didn’t push it. He waited while she drank her coffee, making pleasant conversation, not daring to scold her for being out alone at night, though he longed to turn her over his knee and spank her.

  After an hour, he rose. “It’s getting late, Suzette. I’ll say good-night now.” He started for the door, hoping she’d change her mind. She said nothing. “Sweetheart, you get some rest.”

  “I will, Austin. Thank you. Austin…I…I…”

  “What, darlin’?”

  “Nothing. Nothing at all. Good night.”

  13

  Suzette watched him walk to the door. Soon he would be in his buggy, gone down the hill, and she would be alone. Alone, always alone. Night after night, year after year, alone. Could she stand one more long frightening night by herself?

  Wondering what was wrong with her that she should be behaving this way, Suzette told herself she should be ashamed, that tonight was not the first time she’d lived through a hardship. Nor would it be the last. She would get hold of herself just as she always had.

  But she couldn’t summon the strength on this cold winter night to square her shoulders and press on as she had always done. Tears stung her eyes, and although she swallowed several times, the lump refused to go away. She was tired, so tired of fighting, so tired of being afraid, of being alone.

  Suddenly she wanted to shout at Austin to stay, to come back to her, to never, ever leave her. She needed his warmth, his strength. Why couldn’t he see it? Why did he continue to walk away from her when she needed him so badly? Please, Austin. Please don’t leave me.

  Austin turned. He looked at her for what seemed an eternity. His hand was on the doorknob, and the front door was open. Still he stood looking at her. She could hold back no longer; she opened her mouth to beg him to stay, but she couldn’t speak. A muffled sob was all she managed.

  Austin quietly closed the door. He walked over to her and put a gentle hand to her face. That’s all it took. All the loneliness, all the pain, all the fears, so long bottled up inside the proud girl, surfaced. Suzette began to cry with the sort of release she’d never allowed herself.

  Very calmly Austin lifted the distraught girl in his arms and walked into the sitting room. He took a seat on the worn sofa, carefully balancing her on his lap. Lightly resting his left hand across her knees, with his other he firmly gripped the worn fabric of the couch. Suzette covered her eyes and sobbed. Finally, her shoulders heaving, she lowered her hands from her face and looked at him, her vision blurring. “I…I’m sorry…I—”

  “My dear, don’t be sorry. Never be sorry. I’m here, my precious girl. Will you let me hold you close and take away the pain? That’s why I’m here, Suzette. Let me comfort you, darling.”

  “I…I…can’t, I’ll get you all…all wet,” she protested, but even as she spoke, she looked at him and thought how wonderful it would be to feel those strong arms around her. She longed to snuggle close to him, to bury her face in his expensive shirt, to cling to him until she was no longer shaking.

  As tenderly as one would handle an infant, Austin’s big hand moved up to the nape of her neck. Gently he pulled her down on him. Suzette felt unbelievable warmth radiate from him. Her wet cheek was pressed to his massive chest; his white silk shirt felt wonderful, and the clean masculine smell of him was pleasing, intoxicating. His hand had remained at the back of her neck under her hair and he was gently kneading the knotted muscles. His other hand was under the swell of her breasts, tightly holding her to him. She felt safe for the first time in years. She shyly slipped her arms around him, letting her cold hands run up and down the warm wool fabric of his jacket.

  And she talked. His kindness at long last opened the door to her heart and she couldn’t wait to confide in him. “Austin, Austin,” she sobbed, her lips pressing his chest, her tears wetting the white silk shirt, “I’ve been so unhappy, so miserable. I don’t think I can stand any more.”

  “My sweet baby,” he soothed and slid his hand comfortingly over her trembling back.

  “I loved Luke and he was killed. I loved my mother and daddy and they’re dead. I’m alone, so alone. I have no one.”

  “You have me, darlin’, I’m here.”

  “Oh, Austin.” She hugged him tighter. “You won’t leave me, will you? Please don’t leave me, I’m so frightened.”

  “I’ll never leave you, sweetheart. Never.”

  “I…I’ve tried so hard, but I can’t make it. I’m a coward, Austin, a terrible coward. You’ve been through terrible tragedies and here I am crying to you. I’m not—”

  “Listen to me, Suzette.” His voice was soft and kind. “You are not a coward. You’re one of the bravest women I’ve ever known, but you’ve been through too much. Let me make it up to you. Let me take care of you.” He drew a snowy-white handkerchief from his breast pocket and gave it to her.

  She took it, then slowly raised her head. “I did get you wet, Austin. I ruined your fine shirt.” She began to dab at her eyes.

  He smiled. “Forget the shirt, I have dozens. Listen to me. I never want you to spend another night alone. I’m going to stay here with you tonight. From this day forward, I’m taking care of you. I’m a wealthy man, Suzette, and nothing would make me happier than giving you anything you might want. You’re to quit your job at the newspaper. You are tired and too thin. I want you to take care of yourself, get plenty of rest and eat good foods. Sweetheart, you like me, don’t you?” He smoothed a damp lock of blond hair from her cheek.

  “Austin, what a foolish question. You’re my best friend. Of course I like you.” Suzette blew her nose and tried to smile.

  “Honey, I want to marry you. It’s really the only way I can look after you properly. I can’t have you living with me if we aren’t man and wife; this town would never accept it. Marriage is the only answer. I hope you see that.”

  Her swollen eyes grew wide and she stared down at him. “Austin, you want to marry me?”

  “If you’ll have me. We’ll be married right away. You can move into the hotel with me until I can get a home built for you. We’ll travel. I’ll take you to New York or New Orleans or anywhere you’d like to go. It might be a good idea to go to the seashore, let the sun put some color back into your cheeks. I’m going to pamper you, Suzette. You won’t be sorry you married me, I assure you.”

  “Austin, I don’t know. I never thought about the two of us…”

  “Suzette, I know you think of me as an old man because I’m twenty years older than you, but, my darling, I’ll indulge you as only a man my age can. You’ll have a good life—I’ll see to it. No demands will be made of you, none of any kind. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  She looked into the warm gray eyes. It wasn’t hard to say yes to Austin. He was handsome, kind, knowing. He was exactly the man she needed and wanted. “Austin,” she said softly and with her fingers touched the gray streaks at his temples, “I will be your wife if you want me. I’ll do my best to make you happy, but I’m afraid you’re getting the short end of the bargain. I have nothing to offer you.”

  Austin Brand smiled and pulled her back down onto his chest. Kissing her soft blond hair, he said happily, “You’ve everything to give me, and in time you will. There’s no rush; we’ve the rest of our lives.”

  She snuggled closer and relaxed completely. His big arms were wrapped around her, shutting out the cold and the fear. Within minutes Suzette was sleeping peacefully, trusting completely the big, kind man who held her close against him and tenderly kissed her parted lips so lightly she didn’t wake up.

  Suzette awoke to find herself stretched out on the long couch in her clothes, a warm coverlet over her. Her slippers had been removed and were peeping out from under the couch. The smell of coffee permeated the air, and from the kitchen a deep baritone voice sang a mellow love song.

  Suzette was confused for only a second. The memory of the preceding evening flooded over her and she knew that Austin was with her. Austin would be with her forever. He was going to
marry her on this very day. She smiled and fingered the delicate gold chain at her throat. She touched the tiny heart with the sapphire in the center and thought of her mother and father. Silently she told them she was going to be all right, that their trusted friend was going to take her for his wife, to provide for and protect her until death.

  She was smiling sleepily when Austin came into the room carrying a tray with coffee and orange juice. His jacket was off, his white shirtsleeves were rolled up over muscular forearms, his thick sun-tipped hair was slightly disheveled, and a faint stubble covered his cheeks. Other than that, he looked fresh and rested. And handsome.

  “Do you always wake up smiling?” he teased and placed the tray on a square table in front of the settee. Suzette, suddenly embarrassed and afraid he would ask why she was smiling, sat up and tucked her feet under her.

  “Not always,” she admitted, then tried vainly to rake the tangles from her long, loose hair with her fingers.

  Austin took a seat beside her after lifting the coverlet from her, folding it, and draping it across a chair. He made a big show of pouring coffee from a silver pot, lifting the heavy container high into the air away from the cups and miraculously hitting the tiny china cup with the scalding stream. When both cups were filled, he looked around at her for approval.

  “Very impressive.” She laughed.

  “That’s why I did it,” he said. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to impress you.” With that he leaned close and kissed the tip of her pert nose. Immediately he turned back to pick up a cup of coffee and handed it to her.

  “That isn’t necessary, Austin. I’ve always been impressed with you.” She took a sip of the hot coffee and felt it warm her throat.

  “You’re flattering me, but I like it. Now drink up, love. Then I’ll cook you a nice hot breakfast. After we’ve eaten, you’ll pack your things and we’ll go into town. This afternoon we’ll step over to the courthouse and become man and wife. Perhaps tomorrow we’ll go on down to Fort Worth and hop on the private railroad car and take ourselves a honeymoon.” He took a sip of coffee and set his cup aside, then leaned back beside her and waited for her to speak.