by Karen Kirst
Chapter Eighteen
The thundering of an approaching rider startled Caroline. About to pass through the stable entrance, she whirled around. Duncan slowed Jet to an abrupt halt a few yards away and dismounted. Sweat and dirt streaked his face. His boots showed signs of treks through mountains creeks.
Striding to her, he whipped off his hat and leaned down to kiss her cheek. She felt his fleeting touch on her elbow.
“I dinnae wanna get too close. I’m sweaty.”
“Where have you been?” Following him into the stable’s cooler interior, she watched as he dunked his handkerchief in the water barrel and wiped his face and neck. She hadn’t seen him since breakfast.
“When I got here this morning, I discovered one of your father’s stallions was missing.”
Bending over the barrel, he cupped handfuls of water to wet his hair. Droplets dripped from the wet strands onto his pale green shirt. The bulging of his biceps beneath the thin material distracted her. She knew the wonder of having those strong arms wrapped around her.
“The signs point to theft.”
Her gaze snapped to his face. “You’re saying someone snuck onto our property and stole a horse?”
“Dusty’s worth a fortune. All anyone has to do is take him out of these mountains and sell him to the highest bidder.”
“This hasn’t happened before,” she said, unnerved at the thought of a thief poking around while they slept. “My father will be furious.”
“I sent him a telegram as soon as I found out.” His blue gaze was grim. Fatigue carved lines in his face. “I spent the day scouring the area, to no avail.”
“Alone?” The thought of him chasing criminals sent alarm cascading through her.
“Ben MacGregor rode along with me.”
Coming closer, his hair plastered to his head, he rubbed his hand down the length of her arm. “Caroline, I cannae leave the rest of these horses unprotected. I’m going to have to spend the nights here.”
“For how long?”
He sighed. “Until I’m confident he’s not coming back.”
“What if there’s more than one?” she demanded. “They’ll be armed. You can’t face them alone. And there’s always the possibility you’ll drift off and won’t hear them...” A shudder overtook her. When had this man’s well-being become vitally important?
“Hey, there’s no need to worry.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”
“You can’t promise that.” She bit her lip. “I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I.” He ruffled his wet hair to try and dislodge the moisture. “It’s unlikely they’ll return. They know we’ll be prepared against further attempts.”
Drifting over to Rain’s stall, she greeted the mare and stroked her sleek face. “I’m thankful they didn’t take more, especially Rain.”
He stood close behind her. “You’ll be alone in the cabin. While I have no reason to believe you’re in danger, I’m going to ask Anthony to bunk outside there.”
For the first time since he told her the news, she smiled. “No, thank you. I’d be the protector in that scenario.”
“Wendell, then.”
She turned around and was stunned by the intensity of the concern in his eyes. “I’m not taking Wendell away from his family. His grandchildren wouldn’t be too happy with me.”
“Then sleep in the main house.”
“I’d feel more secure in the cabin alone. The house has too many entrances and windows, too many places to hide. Besides, you said yourself that it’s unlikely they’ll return. I’ll be fine.”
His brow smoothed and his mouth curved. “I’ll miss your snoring.”
She punched his arm. He rubbed the spot and pretended to be hurt.
“Did everything go okay with your meeting today?”
Not wanting him to see her frown, she turned around again to pet Rain. “We have lots to do to prepare, but Jane offered the entire O’Malley clan’s help if I need it.”
“Good.”
Her mind reeling with the conundrum that was Theo Marsh, she left Duncan with the excuse she had work to do in the main house. Allison was coming tomorrow to help with invitations, and Caroline had supplies to gather. He would not be pleased to learn of Theo’s continued presence. She’d tell him eventually. His head had to be clear if he was going to capture thieves and stay safe doing it.
She stayed busy the rest of the evening. Duncan stopped by the cabin long enough to tend the animals and to eat a bowl of pinto beans she’d prepared. Beans were easy. Her corn bread still tended to have a crusty exterior and gummy interior, but he downed it without blinking an eye. He truly was a patient man, a character trait she appreciated.
Before he left, he instructed her not to open the door for anyone besides him. Then he dropped a kiss on her forehead and left. A prayer for his protection left her lips without conscious thought. Realizing she’d been remiss in this, she vowed to pray for him each and every day.
As night enveloped the cabin and nocturnal creatures stirred, Caroline huddled beneath her thin quilt, her earlier confidence flagging. She hadn’t spent a single night alone. Not one. Every sound, both within and without the walls, became magnified. She missed the reassurance of Duncan’s presence, the occasional creak of his bed and his mumbles in the midst of sleep. How long she lay there, as awake as she’d been midday, she had no idea. When a horse whinnied and a man’s low command reached her, she bolted upright. Had Duncan come back?
Slipping into her housecoat, she lit her bedside lamp and carried it to the windows. A moonless night, she couldn’t distinguish the shadow-draped shapes. She went outside onto the porch and held the lamp aloft.
“Duncan?”
Yards from where she stood, movement in the tree line had her swinging around. An imposing figure emerged from the shadows. Her heart leapt into her throat. Should’ve stayed inside where it was safe.
“Good evening, Caroline,” a silken voice greeted. “I heard you were looking for me.”
Theo stepped onto the far porch end, a hulking figure of the night.
She edged toward the open doorway. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Your husband doesn’t have to know I paid you a late-night visit. I saw him carrying bedding into the tack room. Seems he plans to camp out there.”
A frisson of unease skittered along her spine. She hadn’t feared the Charleston businessman until this moment. His intentions weren’t at all clear.
He strolled toward her, the light playing over the sharp angles of his face. “While I regret the circumstances that led to the change in you, I’m glad I got the opportunity to see you like this.” His gleaming gaze swept over her, and he sighed deeply. “Are you even aware of the changes, Caroline? Your whole face has been transformed. Your eyes are soft with promise, your mouth invites a man closer. You carry yourself with newfound confidence. Irresistible, really.”
He lifted a hand to stroke her hair, and she flinched. “Don’t touch me.”
Surprise knit his brows. “I’m not going to hurt you, my dear.”
“Why did you lie to Duncan about us?”
“I made a mistake the night of the party. I worded things wrong and drove you into that man’s arms. Lying about what happened was my pathetic attempt to stir up trouble. I thought if I could make him leave you, I’d be here to console you.”
Caroline gaped at him. “You had plenty of opportunity to court me, Theo.”
“It wasn’t until you were no longer available that I realized my error.”
She pictured him with Vivian in the alley. He was up to something. But what? “I don’t believe you.”
Suddenly he was crowding her space, his cold-as-marble hands framing her cheeks. Fear froze the breath in her lungs. “Don’t.”
“Leave him,” he implored. “Come away with me tonight. We can have this farce of a marriage annulled. Where would you like to go? Name it, and I’ll make it happen. You don’t have to live like this anymore.”
She used her free hand to try and tug his wrist away. He was too strong.
“I am not leaving Duncan.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. Please, God, make him leave me alone. Their isolation gave him the advantage. No one would hear her if she screamed.
Theo’s head dipped, and she thought for a sick moment that he was going to kiss her. “You’re saying that out of loyalty or fear of scandal or both. But you have nothing to compare him to. Trust me, I can make you happier than that bumbling Scotsman ever could.”
Anger and fear twining higher inside, she pushed out, “Duncan is not who you think he is. The McKenna family is far wealthier than yours or mine. He’s an educated, respected man. If you hurt me, he won’t rest until you pay and pay dearly.”
Her husband may not love her, and he may not be interested in pursuing an intimate relationship with her, but he wouldn’t let an offense of this nature slide. He was too proud for that.
Theo stilled. “What am I doing?” Slowly, his hands slid from her face and he stepped back. “I don’t know what came over me. I’m having trouble accepting that you may never be mine.”
“I’m taken. I won’t ever be yours.”
He nodded gravely. “I apologize for overstepping the bounds. I didn’t intend to frighten you.”
Her legs threatened to buckle. “Just go, Theo.”
Bolting inside, she slammed the door and lowered the slat. Her scalp prickled with unease. She stood there, huddled behind the door, for what seemed an hour. Waiting for him to return. To bust through a window. Shove down the door.
Finally, she extinguished the light and went to bed. Not her bed. Duncan’s.
Cocooned in his bedding, his pillow beneath her cheek, she inhaled his telltale scent. She drew a modicum of comfort from being among his things. She fell asleep praying.
* * *
Caroline was in his bed again.
Exhaustion riding him, Duncan sank onto the mattress edge and studied her in the early morning light, struck anew by her fair, tousled beauty. He’d worried about her during the long night, and here was proof she hadn’t felt comfortable alone. The desire to stretch out beside her and sink into the oblivion of sleep was strong. Chores awaited him, however. The livestock wanted their breakfast, and so did he.
He smoothed a lock of moon-kissed hair off her forehead. She stirred beneath the covers, her face turning toward his hand, seeking his touch. Tenderness that was at once fierce and gentle invaded him. He was treading on dangerous ground. He could feel it in his bones.
Shifting, he was about to get up when her lids fluttered. He remained where he was, watching as she shed the remnants of sleep. Stretching, she blinked several times, her focus on the rafters above. Then her gaze lowered and widened. In an instant, she was in his arms, her own locked around his neck.
His smile hidden by her hair, he rubbed her lower back, glorying in her enthusiastic welcome. More and more each day, Caroline was becoming home to him. The need to make this a true marriage was becoming more and more insistent. Not only was she lovelier than the most flawless painting, her nearness awakened longing that was ever present these days. But something held him back, something he couldn’t identify.
As Duncan registered her warmth and softness, he also noticed the desperate quality of her hold. “I’m here now, lass,” he murmured into her shoulder. “Were you so very frightened, then?”
“I have to tell you something.”
Her voice was pitched lower than usual. Gently pulling away, he tried to get a glimpse of her face. “What’s the matter? Did you have a nightmare?”
“Theo was here.”
He wanted to deny what she was saying, what he was seeing in her eyes. His gut burned with sudden, horrible possibilities. “Did he harm you? If he laid a finger on you—”
“I’m fine, Duncan.” She shook her head. “A little rattled, but otherwise okay. He talked about foolish things and then he left.”
“Did he threaten you?”
“No.”
“That’s why you slept in my bed. You were frightened. No’ of sleeping alone, but of him.” Pushing to his feet, he snatched the gun belt he’d taken off minutes ago and affixed it about his waist again. “I’m going to rip this town apart until I find him. When I’m through with him, he won’t dare allow your name to cross his lips, let alone come around harassing you.”
“Duncan, no.” Hurrying over, she latched onto his arm. “Don’t do this.”
“If I dinnae warn him away, he’ll think it’s okay to do as he pleases. He’ll come back.”
“I’m not convinced he will. Something’s not adding up. Theo said he wants to be with me, but I sense he and Vivian are more than friends.”
“Of course he wants to be with you. What man wouldn’t?”
She looked astonished. “You remember what I told you? It’s not like the men of this town were knocking down my door begging to court me.”
“They didnae know the real you. You dinnae make it easy for people to get close.”
“I learned early what image to project and what to keep hidden.”
Witnessing the grief on her face, Duncan wanted to throttle her parents. Not only had they withheld their love and acceptance, they’d made her feel inadequate.
“Caroline, I want you to feel secure with me. I want you to be free to be yourself.”
Something akin to remorse flashed over her features. “I appreciate that, Duncan. Lifelong habits are difficult to break, but I promise I’ll try.”
Duncan wasn’t completely satisfied. He was a patient man, however, and a positive one. Before long, his wife would be so convinced of his regard that she’d come to him with any problem.
He headed for the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To speak to Theo.” At the protest brewing on her face, he held up a hand. “Caroline, he approached you in the middle of the night, fully aware you were alone. I cannae let that slide. Don’t worry, I willnae do anythin’ that would land me in jail.”
“You don’t think he had anything to do with the stolen horse, do you? Perhaps his interest in me is a ruse.”
“I dinnae ken the answer to that.” He settled his hat on his head, “but I plan to find out.”
Chapter Nineteen
Duncan’s temper was on a very short fuse. At the sight of his target chatting with a pair of local farmers on the boardwalk, it lit up and went boom. His surroundings faded. The sounds of passing conveyances and conversational chatter became muted. He strode up to the trio, seized fistfuls of Theo’s lapels and shoved him against the barbershop wall.
“McKenna!” Theo grunted. “What’s the meaning of this?”
Duncan used his greater strength to pin him in place. “I should shoot you where you stand,” he growled, the impudence of this man begging for revenge. “You’ve done nothing but disrespect me and Caroline since I set eyes on you. I let that sorry display at the wedding slide. I chose not to confront you about your lies. But visiting my wife in the dead of night goes beyond the pale, sir, even for a snake like you.”
Unease gripping his features, Theo glanced to his right and left. “Perhaps we should take this discussion somewhere less public.”
“Having witnesses is a good thing. ’Twill prevent me from unleashing the full extent of my fury.”
In his peripheral vision, Duncan registered Theo’s companions leaving and other passersby giving them a wide berth.
Theo tried to shift his stance and was prevented. Sweat dotted his brow. “You can release me. I promise no
t to flee.”
He eased off the pressure. Theo sucked in a deep breath and straightened his tie. Duncan kept only spare inches between them, his hands fisted at his sides.
“Look, I apologize for my error in judgment. I shouldn’t have approached her.”
“You knew I’d be in the stables.” He recalled her immense disquiet, hours after the event, and struggled with the desire to land the man a facer. “You frightened her.”
Theo’s gray eyes reflected first surprise, then remorse. “She knows me well enough to know I’d never hurt her.”
“Dinnae put this on her,” he snapped. “You’re the one in the wrong here. What’s your game, Marsh? You had your chance. Caroline’s a married woman, and she’s loyal to me.”
Whatever else was going on in their marriage, he was convinced she’d never betray him in that manner.
His brows tugged together. “I know.”
“You dinnae act like you know.” Again, memories taunted him. The memory of this man kissing his bride minutes after their vows had been said. The rift he’d intentionally caused between them.
“Trust me, I do.”
“Then why put her through that?” Duncan demanded. “Are you involved with Vivian?”
“What? No! Of course not.”
“Caroline believes you are.”
He shook his head vigorously. “She’s mistaken.”
Theo’s sincerity in this matter, at least, was undeniable.
“Did you have anything to do with the theft of Albert’s horse?”
Lips thinning, he again shook his head. “Albert’s a trusted friend of my father’s. Besides, what need do I have of an extra horse?”
His denial was less forceful, and Duncan’s suspicions were stirred.
“If you’re lyin’, I’ll find out.” Splaying his hand against Theo’s chest, he got in his face. “You stay away from my wife, do ya hear me? I dinnae care what’s gone on in the past between you. Consider your friendship with her over.”
