No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Book #1): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  Peace filled Luke’s heart, and he smiled and placed the bridle back on its peg. He realized that his feet were growing numb, and the bitter cold was seeping into his layered clothing. As he stepped out into the cold night air to make his way to the bunkhouse, the solitary cry of a coyote stretched across the countryside, echoing the tranquility he felt in his heart.

  23

  The next morning passed in a hurry, and after lunch Crystal helped Carmen pack for a couple of months to visit her family. Carmen promised to return in the spring. The two hugged good-bye, and Crystal stood in the sharp wind and waved as Carmen drove the wagon across the snow-packed drive. Kurt had volunteered to follow on his horse for part of the way to make sure she had no problem finding the road that led to the valley into Stillwater, where her folks still lived.

  Entering the house, Crystal realized how lonely she would be without her friend. She put on a fresh apron and started measuring out the ingredients for biscuits that would go with the beef stew Carmen had left simmering on the stove. Once Crystal mixed the ingredients, she dumped the lump onto the counter, kneaded it a few times, and formed the biscuits. She placed them on a pan and set them aside until right before supper. Wiping the flour off her hands, she wandered into the living room, at odds on what chore she should attend to next.

  Crystal glanced over to the closed door that used to be her aunt’s bedroom. She had not entered the room since her death, but now she felt drawn to open the door and step inside. Perhaps she could move her things into her aunt’s larger room now.

  Months of dust had collected on the bureau and nightstand. Kate’s once-shiny, black Sunday boots, now dull, sat in front of a comfortable armchair. Across the bed, an everyday housedress lay as if waiting for the moment it would be worn. A lump caught in her throat, and Crystal almost retreated, but instead she willed herself to walk farther and stand before the wardrobe door. Easing the handle, she pulled the door open and peered inside. Tears sprang to her eyes. The scent of cedar and rose water floated into the air and hung there.

  An exquisite sadness enveloped her. Crystal fingered the pale blue gown Kate had worn the night of the party given in Crystal’s honor. Her aunt hadn’t owned too many dresses and had preferred simple things to the extravagant. Weeping, Crystal clung to the dress and slid down to the floor in a heap. She wrapped her arms around her legs, and her sobbing shook her slight frame. The longing for her aunt was strong, but it also brought back memories of her parents, now gone on to heaven, and the thought made her sob all the more, the sorrow coming from deep within her soul.

  “I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, there ye may be also.” The sound of Reverend Alden’s voice reading Scripture next to the grave at Kate’s funeral reverberated in her mind. The verse penetrated her heart and brought her sweet comfort. She knew the Lord cared about all her hurts, big and small.

  Minutes passed, and Crystal wiped her eyes on the edge of her apron. She dragged herself up, thoroughly spent from sobbing, and the toe of her shoe caught on something. She looked down and spied a shoe box tied with an old rag and lying on its side. Carefully she lifted the box and untied the clumsy knot. She felt as though she were looking into someone’s private life. Inside the box were two envelopes, one addressed to her. The other one had the return address of a Denver attorney in the upper left-hand corner.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she unfolded the letter written to her and recognized her aunt’s handwriting.

  My dear Crystal, what a joy it is to have you come live with me. God chose not to bless me with children, but He did bless me with a precious niece, and with Luke, whom I consider like my own son. To that effect, I hope you will understand what I have done in regards to the ranch in the event of my death, which hopefully is years from now.

  I have had my attorney in Denver, whom I have known for years, draw up the necessary papers to document that I am leaving Aspengold to Luke Weber. Any income from the sale of cattle, though it won’t be much, should go to you upon my death. In addition, I would like you to have this columbine pin that your uncle had made for me, because of the flower’s beauty everywhere on the ranch. I hope you will wear it proudly.

  I am asking that Luke allow Rusty to live as long as he likes at Aspengold. Nothing could please me more than to have you and Luke marry and find complete happiness filling this big house with children. He loves you. I know by the talks we’ve had, and how he looks at you when you enter the room.

  An instant thrill slid down her spine when she read those words. Her aunt and Carmen were right. Luke did love her. She let that thought sink in for a moment and savored the sweetness of its possibilities. She remembered how he had kissed her, and his tenderness to her the night they had buried Curly. Her trembling lips formed a half smile as she continued reading the letter.

  May God be your guide for the best future possible. I love you.

  Aunt Kate

  Crystal bit her lip, stifled the tears that threatened again, and held the beautiful flower pin close to her heart. Oh, how she wished Kate were here. The letter had been dated just two days before her death.

  What a shock—Luke owned the ranch! Crystal just assumed the ranch was hers to inherit, because Kate had no other living relatives. Why wasn’t she told? Maybe no one knew . . .

  She must collect her thoughts. What a hot-tempered little fool she had been, accusing Luke of wanting to marry her to get the ranch. This was one of her bad habits that she needed to overcome, jumping to conclusions before she had all the facts. This changed things. She would have to tell Luke.

  Crystal opened the other envelope, which revealed pretty much what Kate had stated in her letter, but in legal terms, with the Colorado seal affixed at the bottom. But where was the deed? It seemed the attorney should have sent it by now. Maybe the snow had delayed the mail in Steamboat. No matter. Her next step would be to see if she could straighten things out with Luke.

  But where could she go? Back to Georgia? And see Drew with his new wife? Hardly. But she couldn’t stay here now that the ranch wasn’t hers. Maybe she could find some kind of work in Steamboat at the general store. The Franklins seemed to like her. And she would have to let Carmen go . . . Crystal could feel her neck muscles becoming tight and her head throbbing.

  It was almost suppertime. She must hurry to set the table and stick the biscuits in the oven. But how was she going to face Luke? Crystal’s appetite suddenly vanished and was replaced with a knot in her stomach.

  All through supper, Crystal watched Luke for a sign that there could be a truce. By the look on his face, that was the farthest thing from his mind. He avoided Crystal’s eyes and ate his dinner in silence. She barely picked at her food and kept quiet for most of the meal. Rusty was in the middle of one of his yarns in an effort to entertain them, but neither of them were paying attention.

  Rusty dipped himself another bowl of stew and said, “I can’t let Carmen’s portion go to waste, now can I? Can I refill yours, Luke?”

  “I think I’ve had all I can handle.” Luke pushed his chair back to leave when there was a loud pounding on the front door.

  Rusty dropped the soup ladle. “Who can that be?”

  “I’ll get it.” Luke left the dining room and opened the front door, Crystal on his heels.

  No sooner than he’d swung the door open, Jube burst in, exclaiming, “Crystal—you’ve got to come quick. It’s Em . . . she’s in a bad way.” He paused to catch his breath.

  “Jube, what is it?”

  “She’s been having terrible pains all afternoon, and I think the baby’s coming too early. She’s just five months. Please, can you come, and can someone send for the doc over in Stillwater?” Jube’s eyes were wide and pleading.

  “Of course I will. Now, get yourself some water to drink while I gather a few things. Luke, would you saddle a horse for me while I fetch Aunt Kate’s medicine bag and some warm clothes?” Crystal made her way to the pantry and pictured how competently her aunt would hav
e handled all this. The letter was still fresh in her mind, and Crystal knew that Kate believed she would be able to do whatever she put her mind to. Crystal wanted to show Luke that she could handle whatever crisis came her way.

  “I’ll do that, but I’m coming with you. You might need some help.” Luke sprang into action and in two strides hurried out to saddle the horses.

  “What’s all the commotion?” Rusty scratched his red beard and met Crystal at the pantry.

  “It’s Emily. She may be in labor. Could you go for the doc in Stillwater—I think he’s closer—and then send word over to Sara to come as quickly as she can? It’s a long way out to their place.” Crystal headed to the door and struggled into her warm coat and gloves.

  “You can count on me. You know that.”

  By the time Crystal stepped outside, Luke was waiting for her. He was leading Bess and had readied a fresh mount for Jube. The three of them quickly left for the line cabin, heedless of the new snow that had begun to fall.

  On the ride to the cabin, Crystal went over in her mind everything she knew about babies, which wasn’t very much. But she did know that it was too soon for Emily’s child to enter the world. She shuddered. Please, God, take care of that little baby and Emily. Calm her heart and fears, and help me too!

  In short order they made it to the cabin, even though the snow was thicker now. They threw the reins over the hitching post, and Jube opened the cabin door. Moans escaped the closed bedroom door, and Crystal saw the fear in Jube’s wide eyes.

  “I’ll just go take care of the horses. Let me know if I’m needed.” Luke backed out, looking uncomfortable.

  Jube opened the door, and they entered the bedroom. Crystal tried to put on a bright face for Emily, who was writhing in pain, her hair damp against the pillow. She stepped close to the bed, took Emily’s hand in hers, and patted it. “Em . . . I’m here. I want to help you. How close are the pains?”

  “About . . . four minutes. I’m not sure,” she managed between gritted teeth. “Crystal, it’s too soon. But I can’t stop it . . . ooh, it hurts!” She tried to sit up with each contraction.

  “Now, just lie back down, Emily, and take some deep breaths. Maybe we can halt the labor. I’ll check you out.” Crystal made her voice as steady as possible, but in truth she was scared to death. She couldn’t help but see the cradle that Jube had set up near the fire, and her heart jerked.

  “Jube, why don’t you go sit in the kitchen, and I’ll call you when I need you.” She guided him to the door and patted him on the shoulder. “Try not to worry.”

  She didn’t have to tell him twice, and he sat stiffly next to Luke, who had returned after getting the horses settled.

  Closing the door behind her, Crystal squared her shoulders, determined to do whatever she could to help her friend. She wished Carmen hadn’t left today. She would have known what to do.

  “Emily, I’m going to pull back the blankets and check you now.” Crystal was surprised at her own voice. She sounded so in control, but her hands were shaking. Emily nodded and closed her eyes. Pain coursed through her pale face.

  Lifting the cover, Crystal drew in a sharp breath. There was blood on the sheets.

  Oh, dear God, what do I do now? she pleaded. There would be no stopping this baby, she was sure of that. And there was no hope of its survival. What had Jube told her—that Emily was barely five months?

  She replaced the cover, watching the clock tick the minutes between Emily’s contractions. Two minutes now. Emily grabbed her hand in a nightmare grip.

  “That’s right, squeeze as hard as you like, Em.”

  When Emily’s pain subsided, Crystal opened the door and asked Luke to rustle up a pan of hot, soapy water and some clean cloths. “Do you want to help me, Jube?”

  Jube stood. “I just can’t go back in there, Crystal. Is the baby coming?”

  “I’m afraid so, Jube. There’s nothing I can do to stop it. Emily’s bleeding quite a bit.”

  Jube turned so white that Luke had to reach out to steady him. Luke pushed him back into his chair. “Take it easy, buddy.” Luke’s face was masked in concern.

  “Luke, after you get the clean cloths, please step into the bedroom. I may need you.”

  Jube rallied. “I’ll get the cloths and water. I’m not helpless.” But Luke hurried to heat up the water. “You stay put,” he directed Jube.

  A piercing wail came from the direction of the bedroom, and Crystal hurried back in.

  “I can’t do this, Crystal! We wanted this baby,” Emily cried.

  “Shh . . . calm down. We have to let nature take its course, sweetie.” Crystal removed her coat and rolled up the sleeves of her dress. She took Emily’s hand again and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

  Before long Luke knocked softly on the door, and Crystal called out for him to come in. He carried a couple of worn towels along with hot water in a huge enamel pan and set them on the bureau, then stood next to the bed.

  Crystal peeled Emily’s fingers from her hand and placed them inside Luke’s larger one. “Hold on to Luke’s hand, Em.” Crystal was in control now, and she stole a glance at Luke, whose eyes peered back at hers.

  “Where . . . is Jube? I need him,” Emily panted.

  “Jube is just fine, Emily. He is getting things that you need. Luke can hold your hand,” Crystal said above the rising of Emily’s voice.

  Crystal stood near the foot of the bed, washed her arms and hands in the hot soapy water, and dried them quickly. It wouldn’t be long before the baby would be expelled. Lord, help me. When she glanced down and saw how much blood Emily had lost, she mouthed “pray” to Luke, and he nodded his agreement.

  Crystal pulled back the covers as far as was decent, ready to receive the tiny form within all the bloody mess. “Push, Emily, push!” Emily cried out one last time and then fell back into her pillows.

  Crystal’s hands were now covered with blood. She lifted the tiny baby, a little bigger than her palm, and wiped away the dark, sticky matter. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she looked up at Luke, who was stone-faced, and swallowed hard. Thankfully Emily had passed out. Crystal took a sharp knife that Jube had sterilized earlier and swiftly cut the umbilical cord, then tied it with string.

  Tears streamed down Crystal’s face. She watched as Luke took the bloody infant from her with care and wrapped it tenderly in a flannel blanket that he’d found in the cradle.

  “It was a little girl . . .” Crystal’s voice croaked. She wiped her bloodied hands on a fresh towel and looked into Luke’s eyes, which mirrored her own pain. He stared back at her, the muscles in his jaw flexing with emotion, and Crystal reached out and touched his forearm.

  Whimpering from the bed brought Crystal back to Emily, who had wakened. Kneeling, she took Emily’s hand in her own and pressed it to her chest. “Oh, Em . . . I’m so sorry.” Crystal chewed her bottom lip to keep from trembling, but Emily just continued to weep softly.

  “I’ve sent for your mother and the doctor. They should be here soon.”

  “I want . . . to see Jube, Crystal. Does he know?”

  “Not yet. Look, I need to clean you up a bit.” Crystal wiped Emily’s face. “So you just lie still now. Luke will bring Jube in a bit.” As Crystal turned to go, Emily’s hand on her arm stopped her. “What was it?”

  Emily’s sad face was hard for Crystal to look at. “A little girl . . . I’m about to clean her up for you, Em.”

  Crystal stuffed the lump back down in her throat and reached for the warm soapy water in the enamel pan to reverently wash the tiny bundle that Luke held. She thought she detected a tear at the corner of his eye.

  She continued with her ministrations and wrapped a soft blanket around the baby. How delicate and precious. Inside her heart was breaking. “Be strong for Emily and Jube,” she could almost hear Kate say.

  Crystal brought the baby to Emily, who seemed to be trying hard not to lose control. She pressed the baby to her wet face.

  Crystal stepped
back to the foot of the bed and was horrified at the blood beginning to pool. She hurriedly tried to staunch the flow and felt so incompetent. Crystal wished she knew what to do next. Hurry, Doc, please hurry, her mind screamed.

  Luke washed his hands, then handed Crystal fresh towels and averted his eyes as he stepped outside to talk with Jube. She folded the towels and, with a little help from Emily, placed them underneath her hips. Emily’s face was so pale. She just has to make it, Lord. Please stop the bleeding, if it be Your will. Jube needs her, Crystal prayed.

  The sound of voices outside the door interrupted her praying. Thank God the doctor was here now. He could take over.

  Crystal was only too happy to relinquish her patient into the kind and capable hands of Dr. Gibbons, who remarked at what a good job Crystal had done thus far for Emily. Most important now was that the bleeding be stopped before they lost Emily too.

  Luke took Crystal’s arm and led her to a nearby chair in the other room of the cabin. She waited with Luke and Jube and prayed. It seemed like hours, but in truth, it was a short time before the doctor stuck his head out and declared that the bleeding had stopped. The three of them jumped to their feet at the sound of the door.

  “She’s mighty weak, losing all that blood, but I think with adequate rest, she’ll make it,” the doctor said, looking over his spectacles at Jube. “You go on in now. She’s asking for you, son.”

  Relief flooded their faces, and Crystal sank into her chair, exhausted.

  24

  Crystal and Luke stayed with Emily and Jube the rest of the evening. Crystal offered what comfort she could and fixed them a light supper, although no one had an appetite. Emily sipped a little broth, but after the gentle urging of Jube, who refused to leave her side, she managed to drink it.