Inherited

by Gabrielle Meyer

  He spurred his horse and trampled through the yard, connecting with the alley and then making his way north.

  Ben stood at the opposite end of the alley. He was in a position to help, if needed, but he had stayed back, no doubt to protect Grace’s self-respect—if she had any left.

  It had been so long since Grace had mentioned Hugh, Jude had hoped she’d forgotten about the scoundrel. He hated to think what Elizabeth would feel when she found out.

  Jude joined Ben and mounted his horse. He took the reins and put his spurs to Lady’s flanks.

  Ben didn’t say anything for a time and neither did Jude. They took Broadway until they reached the river and then took a left onto Wood Street.

  Finally, Jude broke the silence. “Did you hear all that?”

  “I did.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Talk some sense into Grace.”

  “Do you think it will help?”

  Ben sighed. “Unfortunately, some people insist on making mistakes before they gain wisdom. I have a feeling Miss Grace is one of those types of people.”

  “I still need to try.”

  “Never give up trying,” Ben said. “And, for what it’s worth, I don’t think Hugh is going to honor your demands.”

  Dread knotted in Jude’s gut. How far would Hugh go to prove his point with Jude?

  “The gang is becoming more desperate,” Ben continued. “With the economy as bleak as it is, many have lost hope of making an honest living. They’re drowning their sorrows in alcohol and making poor choices. I wish I knew how to reach them with the message of Christ’s hope.”

  Jude wished he could look at the situation like Ben—but his fear was so tightly wrapped up in the threat Hugh had just issued and his concern for Grace, he had no desire to offer them hope. He only wanted to see justice served—and his makeshift family protected.

  * * *

  Elizabeth sat behind the front counter with the ledger open before her, but her focus was not on her work. Bright sunshine poured through the lobby windows beckoning her outside, if for no other reason than to be free of her sister’s icy glares. Though it was Grace who had been caught dallying with Hugh Jones, Grace treated Elizabeth like she was the guilty party. No matter how much Elizabeth tried to talk to her sister about the incident two weeks ago, Grace refused to give her any details.

  “There you are, lovey.” Martha entered the lobby, her ever-drooping bun slightly askew and her dress wrinkled.

  “Is Rose asleep?” Martha asked.

  “She’s taking her afternoon nap.”

  “Good, then you can do me a favor.” Martha came behind the counter, tugging Elizabeth to her feet. “I’ll take your spot here and you can bring Jude some refreshments.”

  Jude and Pascal were splitting wood in the barnyard. They had been at it for days, laying in the supply they would need for the coming winter. Whenever Elizabeth passed a window facing the back of the hotel, she would pause and watch Jude work. He had been wearing a pair of denim trousers and a plaid shirt rolled up at the sleeves last time she looked. His hair was tousled and his skin glistened with perspiration. It had taken all her willpower to look away.

  “Why can’t you bring him refreshments?” Elizabeth asked as Martha shooed her out from behind the counter.

  “I’ve been on my feet all day.” Martha took a seat on the stool. “I could use a bit of a break.”

  Martha rarely took breaks, but who was Elizabeth to contradict her?

  “There’s cool water and fresh baked molasses cookies in the kitchen.” Martha crossed her arms, a self-satisfied smile on her face.

  Elizabeth glanced at Martha as she walked down the hallway. The older woman just smiled and waved.

  The refreshments were waiting on a tray in the kitchen, just as Martha promised. Balancing the tray, Elizabeth left the back of the hotel. The sun felt wonderful on her shoulders and the fresh air invigorated her mood.

  Jude had his back to Elizabeth as he set a log on end and then brought the ax down with a mighty swing. Two halves of the log fell away from the blade and he picked up one, leveled it, and swung his ax again. He tossed each piece onto a growing pile to his left.

  Over and over again he swung the ax, his muscles rippling under his shirt. He wiped his brow with the back of his sleeve and kept working.

  She wished she could watch him all day—but she’d be mortified if he caught her staring.

  He swung the ax one more time and she used the slight lull to speak. “Care for a break?”

  Jude lowered the ax to his side and turned to face her, his eyes lighting with pleasure. “I’d love a break,” he said with teasing in his voice. “Are you here to take over?”

  “I could never compete with your skill or speed.” She held up the tray. “So I brought refreshments to give you the strength you need to finish.”

  He swung the ax and it stuck into a log nearby. “Sounds like a good compromise.”

  Since their truce near the river, they had enjoyed a simple camaraderie, even if there was still distance between them. They maintained a professional relationship, never speaking of personal issues. When the situation with Grace arose, he had spoken to her plainly and then let her deal with her sister. He had not overstepped his boundaries, but treated her and Grace with respect for their privacy.

  “Did you make the cookies?” he asked.

  She set the tray on an upturned log. “Martha made them.”

  He was clearly pleased with the news. “I love her molasses cookies, but let me wash up a bit first.”

  He went to a water barrel near the barn and rinsed his hands.

  It was strange seeing him in work clothes. Usually he was in a well-pressed suit with his hair neatly combed. It was harder to think of him in a purely professional manner when he didn’t look the part.

  “Where’s Pascal?” Elizabeth asked. “Martha has two glasses on the tray. I assumed he’d be out here.”

  Jude looked over his shoulder. “Martha sent him off on an errand to the general store.”

  “How long ago?”

  “Maybe five or ten minutes.”

  So Martha had planned for her and Jude to be alone. She would need to tell Martha that there was no use playing matchmaker. Her thoughts about marriage had not changed. She would focus on raising Rose and finding Grace a husband—though her sister was not cooperating.

  Jude came back and took the glass of water. Elizabeth watched him drink it in one fluid motion. He arched his head back until he’d swallowed the last drop, and then he set down the glass, looking up at her as she still watched him. “That hit the spot.”

  “The ball is on Friday,” she said quickly, trying to divert her thoughts.

  He chuckled. “Yes, I know.”

  “Do you think there will be any trouble from Hugh’s gang?”

  The lines deepened around Jude’s mouth and his countenance became grim. “There’s always trouble with them.”

  They were both quiet for a moment. “Grace and I will wash the windows in the ballroom tomorrow and Martha has extra coffee beans stocked up. Is there anything else we need to plan?”

  He took a cookie and examined at it as he spoke. “Do you have an escort to the ball?”

  For some reason, the question made her uncomfortable, even though it shouldn’t. “Ben asked if he could be my escort.”

  “Ben?” He looked at once irritated and surprised.

  Her defenses rose. “Is there something wrong with Ben escorting me?”

  He shook his head. “No. I’m just a little surprised that you said yes, given your stance on marriage.”

  “What does the ball have to do with my stance on marriage? Ben is a good friend. I respect and admire him. Nothing more.”

  He nodded,
though his eyes were still troubled. “And Grace?”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Grace hasn’t accepted anyone’s invitation, though she’s had plenty.” She hated to think that Grace would go unescorted. Yes, they lived and worked at the hotel, but it didn’t seem right for a lady to go to a ball without a proper partner.

  A thought came to her. “Would you escort her?”

  “Me?” Jude shook his head. “I was planning to man the front desk.”

  “But couldn’t Pascal do that?” Elizabeth asked. “It would mean a lot to me if you came.”

  He studied her, his brown eyes full of so many questions. “You’d like me to come?”

  “For Grace,” she said quickly.

  A twinkle returned to his eye. “If I come, would I finally have the honor of a dance with you?”

  The unexpected thought of being in his arms sent pleasure racing through her midsection. Ever since their last dance had been interrupted she’d hoped to get another chance. But how would she manage to keep him at a safe distance if she was in his arms?

  “You did make me a promise,” he said.

  “What promise?”

  “That we could be friends, and friends are known to dance together on occasion.” He crossed his arms triumphantly.

  Friends did dance together and remained friends. Perhaps she and Jude could dance together, after all. “Are you any good at dancing?”

  A slow grin spread across his handsome face. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see—or ask Rose.”

  His happiness pleased her more than it should.

  “I need to get back inside.” Just the thought of dancing with him again was enough to make her cheeks warm.

  Elizabeth picked up the tray and he quickly grabbed another cookie before she turned away.

  She was halfway across the alley when he called to her. “Elizabeth.”

  She turned. “Yes?”

  “I might want two dances.” He winked and picked up his ax, whistling as he went back to work.

  Heat filled her cheeks as she watched him for a moment, enjoying the sweet pleasure of his friendship. She forced herself to return to the hotel and deposit the tray in the kitchen. When she returned to the lobby she found Martha on the stool, her back against the wall and her chin bent toward her chest. Soft snores filled the air around her.

  “Martha.” Elizabeth tapped her shoulder. “I’m back.”

  Martha blinked her eyes open. “What?”

  “I’m back.”

  “You just left.”

  “No.” Elizabeth giggled. “You fell asleep.”

  “I did no such thing.” Martha stood and stretched her neck. A sheepish smile tilted her lips. “That’s why I don’t sit down during the day, lovey. I fall asleep too easily.”

  “You work harder than anyone in this hotel. A break once in a while is a good thing.”

  “We all work hard.” Martha paused and assessed her. “Did you and Jude have a nice time?”

  Elizabeth sighed. “I know what you’re trying to do, but it won’t work.”

  “And why not?”

  “I have no interest in love or marriage.”

  “Oh, don’t you, now? I’ve seen the way your eyes follow Jude. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re falling in love.”

  Love? It couldn’t be love. “I have a deep respect for Jude and all that he does, but I don’t love him. And even if I fancied myself in love, I have no interest in marriage.”

  “And why not? You’re young and pretty. You have a whole life ahead of you to enjoy in the arms of a good husband.”

  “I have a sister to raise and a hotel to buy.” She readjusted the ledger, lining up the book with the edge of the counter. “A husband would complicate matters. And, besides, what man would want me with all the troubles I have?”

  “Who doesn’t have trouble, I ask? If a man loves you, he’ll want to help shoulder your burden.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I thought a man loved me once.” Her voice was laced with bitterness. “But as soon as I said I’d marry him, he demanded that I leave my sisters behind to follow him. I could never risk giving away my heart again, just to have it pulled from my chest by a man who has far too much power over my emotions.” She met Martha’s gaze. “I won’t sacrifice my sisters for a man I love.”

  “Maybe the man you loved before didn’t have the character qualities you need in a husband, and maybe God was sparing you from future pain by having him leave.”

  Elizabeth had never contemplated that James’s betrayal was really a way to protect her.

  “Before you give away your heart again,” Martha continued, “learn his true intentions and ask him how he feels about your sisters. Find out what he hopes to gain by marriage and what he expects from you. If you know up front, there won’t be any heartache later.”

  Could it be that simple? Was there hope that she could find someone who would love her and accept her just as she was? Had she already met him?

  “Just as important,” Martha cautioned, “is knowing what you expect from him. Don’t walk into marriage expecting to change him after you say ‘I do.’”

  Unease climbed up Elizabeth’s spine when she thought of Jude’s dangerous work with soiled doves. How long did he plan to continue? If she did give her heart to him, and if he did accept her as she was, could she live with the danger inherent in his calling? The thought of waiting up through the night, wondering if he’d return home, and then helping care for a fallen woman if he did was more than she could imagine.

  Before she would even consider letting her heart go, she must know what his future plans included.

  Chapter Sixteen

  For the rest of that day and the next, Jude found little ways to seek out Elizabeth. In the past he had discussed the details of a ball with Martha, but now he went over everything from dance cards to orchestra music with Elizabeth. He even asked her where she thought they should position the ferns in the ballroom. Each time he appeared at her side with another obscure issue, he was rewarded with her patient smile, though he sensed something troubled her every time she looked his way.

  Now, evening had fallen and Elizabeth was putting Rose to bed.

  Jude sat on the front porch of the Northern, needing some time to clear his thoughts and seek God’s wisdom. He longed to speak to Elizabeth about the things stirring in his heart, but fear of rejection held him back. He’d lived for so long with the idea that he was unlovable, it was hard to wrap his mind around the idea that he could be loved—and by a woman as sweet and beautiful as Elizabeth Bell.

  He sensed she liked him and he couldn’t deny the attraction they had for each other, but there was something that made both of them hesitate. He knew what it was for him, but he didn’t know what troubled her, and that was the thing he needed to talk over with God.

  He rocked his chair as he watched the town go to sleep. Abram and Nathan Richardson were on duty this evening and they had already ridden past the Northern once. They had stopped briefly to speak to Jude and give him the latest report on the gang’s activities. Apparently, there had been a fight at Dew’s place the night before and some of the gang had been hurt. The two vigilantes had brought the injured to Dr. Jodan and he had patched them up as well as he could.

  Jude prayed for Abram and Nathan as they patrolled the streets and for Little Falls as a whole. After two years of incredible growth, all construction had come to a halt. Jude wondered if it meant the end for their town—or if it was just a lull until the economy picked up again. It was hard to tell, but he knew one thing: if the gang didn’t break up soon, they would lose more business.

  A rider approached from the south and it was apparent his destination was the Northern. As he drew up to the edge of the porch, Jude rose.

  Ben sat ato
p his horse, his shoulders tight and his back rigid. “There’s been some trouble.” He dismounted and tied his reins to the hitching post.

  “What kind of trouble?”

  Ben walked up the steps and joined Jude on the porch. “One of the women at Dew’s place was hurt bad last night and it took until now to get word to me.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Gretchen. One of the other ladies snuck away and came to me. She said you told Gretchen that if she ever needed help to find me.” He spoke more quietly. “From what I surmise, Gretchen was the impetus behind the fight last night. Two men were arguing over her and then others got involved. She was hurt during the fight, but it wasn’t until after everyone left that Dew took out his anger on her. He blamed her for inciting the men and causing all the damage to his place.”

  “How bad is she?”

  “She’s bad, but according to the lady who came to me, her wounds aren’t life threatening. She wants out and said you could help.”

  “I can help—but it will be hard to get in and out without being spotted. Everyone knows who I am.”

  “And if they link you to her disappearance, it will mean serious repercussions for you and the hotel.” Ben’s voice was grave. “Not to mention everyone who lives here.”

  For the first time in his life, Jude had more people to worry about than himself. Yes, he’d always been concerned for Martha’s safety, but she had willingly worked alongside him to help. She knew the dangers and had said yes. Elizabeth, Grace and especially Rose were innocent in the whole matter and would have the most to lose if something went wrong.

  Jude paced across the porch as a gust of wind whipped around the side of the Northern. The western horizon was dark with impending storm clouds.

  “If we get her out of there,” Jude said, “we’ll have to find somewhere else to take her. She can’t stay at the Northern.”

  “Which means we’ll need the help of a female.”

  Jude paused in his pacing. “Why is that?”

  “Doesn’t Martha usually take care of their needs once you bring them here? We’ll need the expertise of a woman to help Gretchen, too. According to the lady who visited, Mr. Dew won’t let anyone in to see Gretchen. She’ll need help cleaning up when we get her out.”