“Of course, they have a well out back. Elizabeth brings in fresh water every day. Here, there’s a pitcher right here.” Claire got up from the bed and poured some of the water into a small cup on the night stand. She turned back and handed it to Agatha, sitting down gently.
“What do you think could have caused that, Miss Ainsworth?” Gabe asked in a low voice.
“It’s just Agatha.” The woman attempted to sit up to take the cup from Claire. She let herself fall back on the pillows once before she managed to sit up enough. She took the cup and sipped from it. “I don’t know what happened. I was standing in front of the window and… next thing I know I’m waking up to see your face above me.” She kept her eyes on Gabe as she spoke. “Thank you for helping me.”
Gabe glanced at Claire before answering. “You’re welcome, Agatha. But you should probably rest some more, try to find out what caused this. It might happen again when no one can come and help you.”
“Has it happened to you before?” Claire asked.
Agatha took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, moving her eyes to the end of the bed and staring blankly. “A few times. But I’m going to be all right. I’ve seen a doctor before. I don’t need to see one again.”
“You might be terribly ill. You should see Dr. Campbell,” Claire said, insistently.
“No. I’ll be fine.”
“At least let me get Elizabeth. She will bring you some soup or something to help you feel better.”
“Soup isn’t what I need.” Agatha put one hand to her head, handing the cup back to Claire with her eyes closed. Claire looked at it a moment before taking it from her and setting it on the table behind her.
“What is it you need, Agatha? We’ll get it for you.”
Agatha looked at each of them. Gabe could see she was in agony. Her eyes looked terribly pained.
“What is it, Agatha?” he asked.
“I don’t wanna say,” Agatha mumbled.
Gabe didn’t want to push the point. However, he had a sneaking suspicion he knew what it was Agatha wanted.
“Do you want some liquor? I’ve got a bottle of whiskey in my bag.”
Agatha’s face lit up. “I could use some of that, yes. Thanks so much.”
Gabe got up and went to the door. He looked back at the women on the bed before going out of the room. They were both watching him leave. As he stepped down the hall to the room Elizabeth had put his bags in, he thought about the contrast between the two women. The moment he’d met Claire, he felt a warmth in him he hadn’t felt before. She seemed quiet, strong, and intelligent to him. By contrast, Agatha seemed to be constantly on fire. They were opposites in facial features, as well. The looks on their faces told him everything he needed to know.
Claire looked desperate for him to hurry. Agatha’s face told him she wanted him to hurry, too, but for a different reason. He knew both looks well.
He also knew the look of someone who relied on alcohol to get through each day. Agatha had that look. She was desperate for it. He ruffled through his bag until his hand hit the bottle. He pulled it out and looked at it. The brown liquid inside sloshed from side to side. He looked down at the bag and, setting the bottle on the bed, reached down to zip it back up. There was no need for anyone to see what was inside. There might not be anyone in the room with him, but he was going to be extra cautious.
He stood up straight and picked up the bottle.
He retraced his steps to room number five and opened the door. Both women were in the same places, not a word passing between them. Agatha’s eager eyes settled on the bottle in his hand.
“Let me pour you some in this cup.” Gabe walked to the night stand and picked up the water cup. It still had a bit of water in the bottom, which he poured into the basin. He shook the cup and set it back down. He opened the bottle and filled the cup halfway.
Agatha was reaching for it before he picked it up to give it to her. Her hands were shaking as she took it and she drank half of the whiskey without stopping. Claire’s eyes opened wide. She turned her head and looked up at Gabe, shock on her face.
He shook his head mournfully.
Agatha took the cup from her mouth and breathed out until there was nothing left in her lungs. She closed her eyes for a moment. The color returned to her cheeks and when she opened her eyes, she looked refreshed and clear minded.
“I feel better now. Thank you so much.”
“This is only a temporary fix, Agatha. You should see the doctor. Your body can’t keep suffering like this.”
Agatha looked up at Gabe. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I mean you are using alcohol to mask something that’s causing you pain. I’ve seen a lot of women drink whiskey, but none of them the way you just did.”
A look of guilt covered Agatha’s face and suddenly Gabe felt bad for her. He went around to the other side of the bed and sat down. She followed him with her eyes. When he sat down on the edge of the bed, he took her hand and patted it on top. “My dear, you need some rest. We’ll bring you some dinner.”
Agatha shook her head. “What I need is fresh air. Will you take me outside, Gabe?”
Gabe glanced at Claire. “What do you think?”
Claire had been silent for a long time, watching the way Agatha played the helpless victim. She didn’t care for her and hadn’t from the moment they met. She began to suspect Agatha hadn’t really fainted. She wanted attention. The sound they’d heard was one of the loudest thumps Claire had ever heard. When they entered the room, Agatha was also lying on the floor in a reasonably comfortable position, like she’d been posed.
“I think Agatha should do whatever she thinks will make her feel better. But you and I, we need to get back downstairs until Elizabeth comes back. She left us both in charge, you know.”
“He doesn’t have to stay with you. Didn’t he just check in today? He isn’t obligated to these people.” It sounded like Agatha might continue with her tirade, so Gabe decided to chime in, directing his words to Agatha.
“I made a promise to Elizabeth to see that the hotel is protected while she’s gone. Claire can’t do that herself. That’s what I’m here for.”
“I’m sure she can handle it for a few minutes.”
Claire lifted both her hands. “I’ll tell you what. We can all step out onto the porch. It’s pleasant out there right now. She can have some fresh air and we won’t be leaving the hotel unprotected.”
Gabe nodded. “That sounds like the best plan. Come along, Agatha. Let me help you.”
He stood up and held out his hand, which she took. She scooted across the bed and swung her legs over. When she stood up, she wobbled on her feet and fell against Gabe. He righted her quickly and took a step back, glancing at Claire. The other woman looked disgusted. When her eyes moved up to Gabe’s, the look on her face changed dramatically.
He took three long strides to reach the door and held it open for them. After they went through, he closed it behind him.
None of them spoke as they went down the stairs. Gabe thought Claire looked like she wanted to say something but couldn’t. He let Agatha take the lead, choosing to walk next to Claire as they went down, through the lobby and to the front door. Then he reached in front of Agatha and pulled the door open so she could go through.
The day had heated up considerably. It was late afternoon and a dry breeze blew past them as soon as they stepped out on the porch.
Gabe looked down the street one way, then the other. There were people outside, walking and talking, children in the street, women giggling as they passed a good-looking cowboy who tipped his hat to them. It was a good mix of men, women and children. Kentucky had more women, but not by much.
Agatha took his arm but he wiggled out of her grasp and went to the other side of the porch, taking a pipe from his pocket. He hated smoking the thing, but it had gotten him out of sticky situations like this before. Women rarely wanted to be around a man who smoked.
As he took the
pipe from his pocket, he thought twice about it. He was trying to keep Agatha from becoming attached to him but he didn’t want to repel Claire. If Agatha was disgusted by his smoking, she might be, too. He didn’t want that.
He glanced over his shoulder at Claire. She was watching him. Their eyes met.
He wondered what she was thinking. She didn’t look disgusted. She looked curious. She had taken a seat. When he caught her looking at him, she didn’t look away. Her eyes dropped to the pipe and then lifted back to his face.
He didn’t know what to do. If he didn’t smoke the pipe, Agatha would be by his side in moments. If he did, he might damage any chance of being with Claire at some point in the future. He sighed, putting the pipe back in his pocket.
As he predicted, Agatha noticed when he did so and moved to stand directly next to him. She stared down the street as if fascinated by something but he was sure she was only standing there to be next to him. It made him uncomfortable. He tried to lean away from her only slightly, so that she wouldn’t notice.
“Gabe! Gabriel Stapleton!” He heard his name being called and turned to see his cousin Mark and Adam Collins walking toward them. Their smiles were big and their eyes excited. Mark lifted one hand in the air to wave.
“Cousin Mark! Adam! You recognized me after all!”
“I reckon it would be the same for you to recognize us. You look almost exactly the same, hardly aged a bit!”
Gabe felt immediate relief when he had a great excuse to move away from Agatha. He stepped closer to his cousin, his hand held out. They shook with enthusiasm.
“I am so glad to see you, Gabe!” Adam exclaimed. “This guy has been talking about you nonstop for weeks.”
“I’m glad to be here, Adam. It’s a nice change from Kentucky.”
“I imagine it is. You find it to be drier out here?”
Gabe nodded. “I do.”
“Hello, Mr. Collins, Mr. Anderson. How are you today?” Elizabeth came up behind the men, who all turned to look at her, tipping their hats to her.
“Good, thank you, Beth.”
It seemed like all the men were talking at once as Elizabeth passed between them, smiling up at Gabe as she went. She greeted Claire and Agatha. The women talked while Gabe chatted with Mark and Adam.
Gabe turned around to speak to Elizabeth. “I’ll be back later to take care of business. Thank you for your hospitality. It’s been grand meeting both of you.”
They replied with the same and Gabe walked away with his cousin and Adam, knowing they were already going to tease him before they even started.
CHAPTER FIVE
REUNITING WITH FAMILY
REUNITING WITH FAMILY
Mark and Adam walked on either side of Gabe. They were quiet for a moment. Gabe waited. He knew they were going to say something. He was happy to see them. He felt the same about them as he had the day he left. It was as if he hadn’t been gone for two decades.
“So tell me, Gabe, what have you done with yourself all these years?” Adam said. “You look like you’re in fine shape. You’ve been working that ranch of yours? Not by yourself, I hope.”
Gabe shook his head. “Not by myself. I had ranch hands.”
“Did you abandon it?”
Gabe looked at Adam like he might have lost his mind. “Mark didn’t tell you I sold it?” He turned his eyes to his cousin. “You didn’t tell him? I thought you told him everything.”
“What?” Mark laughed. “Actually, I think I did tell him.” He looked around Gabe to Adam. “I told you in the Horse N Saddle. When I told you he was coming. Remember?”
Adam shrugged. “I reckon it doesn’t matter. I’m glad you sold it and that you’re here. I hope you’re happy to be back. I know we’re all going to enjoy having you here.”
“Well, thanks, Adam.” Gabe gave Mark a wide smile. “I guess you have been talking me up all these years, haven’t you?”
“Only relating the information you gave me in your letters. I didn’t think what you told me was anything to hide. Especially because you have had mostly good things to say.”
“And we’re glad to hear it. You deserve all the happiness you can find, my friend,” Adam said, smiling up at the taller man.
“Thanks, Adam. Things don’t look like they’ve changed a whole lot. I mean, it’s been almost twenty years, but I still see the old Wickenburg under the new varnish.”
Adam looked down the street at the buildings and the people. “I reckon not too much has changed, to be honest with you. But there are new faces and people have gotten married and had children… I don’t know how much Mark has told you about all that’s happened here.”
Gabe nodded. “He has. I’m pretty sure he’s kept me up on all the town gossip.”
“You lookin’ for a woman to settle down with?” Adam asked casually, not looking at Gabe. He narrowed his eyes at Adam.
“Why do you ask?”
“Oh sorry, Gabe. Was that personal? You don’t want to talk about it? That’s fine. I was just askin’, my friend. No need to get hostile.”
“I’m not hostile,” Gabe laughed. “I’m just a private person. I’ve got… a lot of things I want to keep to myself.”
“Well, I was just curious, because I know a couple of eligible women…”
Gabe laughed again. “And that right there is why I don’t tell people I’m looking for a woman. They want to set me up.”
“Surely you don’t think I’d set you up with someone not compatible with you?”
Gabe lifted one eyebrow, giving Adam an amused look. “I get back in town after twenty years and you think you know who I might be compatible with?”
Adam chuckled. “I reckon you might be a little different than you used to be, Gabe. But I doubt you’ve become an evil monster.”
“I haven’t, don’t worry about that. I’m just… I’m gonna let it take its course and we’ll see what happens, you know?” Claire’s face ran through his mind and a feeling of attraction he’d only experienced a few times before slid through him. “I… I can find a woman on my own. If I need help, I’ll let you know, okay?”
“You got it, friend,” Adam nodded. “I’ll be waiting for that message.”
The three of them laughed.
“So I suppose you want to come in the Horse N Saddle with us? Have a beer or a drink?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Haven't been in there but have heard about Sam. Seems like a great guy.”
“Yeah, he is.”
“I like the new doc, too. He seems like a real capable man.”
“He’s a good doctor. He knows what he’s doing. Real gentle with the little ones.”
“There’s a lot of those little ones running around these days,” Gabe said with a smile. “I like kids. Hope to have some of my own, maybe three or four. I want a large family. If she’ll have ten, I’ll go for that.”
“You would? Really?” Mark laughed, sounding surprised. “Not me. I’m gonna have one soon, well, Molly is anyway, and then we hope to have just one or two more. It’s really all up to what God wants to provide though, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it sure is.”
The three men turned into the saloon, lifting their hands in greeting to Sam, who acknowledged them with a nod of his head. He threw his towel over his shoulder and made to walk around the bar. The men sat at a square table, each one pulling a chair out and sitting roughly, as if they’d just walked from Louisville.
“Exhausted? You men working hard today?”
Adam shook his head. “I’ve done so little work today; I think it made me tired.”
Sam laughed. “I wish I could say I didn’t know how that felt but I do. Can I get you a drink?”
“I think we’ll all take a round, Sam, if you don’t mind.”
Sam nodded. “Of course not.” He looked at Gabe. “Good to see you. You must be Gabe. You getting settled in?”
“Sure am. Good to see ya. You usually have people in here at all hours of the day?”
“Yep. I serve food, too, you know, and…”
“And he’s an excellent cook. When he’s not doing it, he’s got Allan Samuels doing it. That boy has learned from the best. It’s only been six months and he’s cooking just as good as our old man here.”
“Old man, huh?” Sam narrowed his eyes and tried to give Mark an angry look but his big Irish face only looked adorable. “Do I really look old to you?” He turned his head to look at Gabe. “Do you think I look like an old man?”
Gabe tried hard to keep in his laughter but it burst out without his control. He barked his laughter, shaking his head. “Right now, Sam, you look like a tall, red-headed boy of 12. The only reason I can say that is because I’ve heard of some of your exploits and heard how courageous and strong you are. Mark has sung your praises, my friend.”
Sam’s round cheeks reddened. He turned his eyes to Mark. “Well, thank you for that, Mark. That means a lot, it really does.”
Mark shrugged. “I relay the facts as I see ‘em, Sam, and you’ve helped a lot of us out of some pretty tough predicaments. You’re a good friend.”
Sam nodded, trying to keep his composure. He hadn’t been complimented like that before. His took a few steps back, smiling at them. “Well, let me get your drinks. You gotta be parched.”
“You got time to sit and talk, Sam?” Adam asked, gesturing to the fourth empty chair. Sam looked at it and shook his head.
“Nah, I got work to do. Allan ain’t here right now. I’m sure we’ll have some time to get to know each other. Unless you plan on leaving again.”
Gabe shook his head. “Not this time. This time Wickenburg is where I will stay.”
“Well, let me get those drinks.” Sam nodded at the three of them and turned away.
“Good fellow,” Gabe said. “You say he’s been here almost as long as I’ve been gone?”
Adam and Mark looked at each other, nodding. “Yeah, I believe he got here maybe two or three years after you left? He’s got a sister, Rachel, very nice lady who just got married last year. They come from a good family.”
An Obsessive Bride Page 4
