by Annie Boone
He nodded as though the conversation were fascinating, his eyes focusing more on Selina than anything else. Wyatt fiddling with his hat in his hand and gave Selina his best smile. “How do you do, ma’am? It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
It really was too perfect. “Thank you, sir.” Selina nodded demurely, keeping her gaze down. “The pleasure is all mine.”
She was much more difficult to read but at least there would be time on the ride home to discuss this moment. Selina was doing a good job of being polite while holding Wyatt’s interest.
The man took a deep breath, putting his hat back on and fiddling with the box with both hands. He shifted his weight three times and opened his mouth to say something before closing it again. It was clear how taken he was with Selina, and he was definitely curious. It seemed as though he didn’t know what to do with himself. Susannah had seen the indecision and doubt time and time again, but knew what to do about it now.
“We’re in a hurry, I’m afraid,” she cut through the silence gently. “But Mr. Thomas, would you be so kind as to join us for supper tomorrow?”
“Oh, I couldn’t be a bother,” he shook his head.
To their surprise, Selina spoke up. “We’d love it if you’d join us.”
Wyatt grinned from ear to ear. “All right, yes. Tomorrow, then. Thank you, ladies.”
Susannah smiled and nodded. “Lovely. We’ll see you then. Have a lovely day, Mr. Thomas.”
He tipped his hat at them and turned to walk back down the street.
Susannah smiled but paused as she looked at Selina. Biting her lip, she tried to think back and decide if the girl knew the main purpose of the boarding house. Had they discussed finding a husband?
Surely she was here to find a husband. But the more she thought about Selina’s first days, she was certain they’d not discussed matchmaking at all. Her heart grew heavy at the thought of another misunderstanding. Susannah bit her lip and furrowed her brow. She would have to have a conversation with Selina, and soon.
Chapter Eleven
It had only been three nights and four days. Selina was gone and Mary began to jump at every sound. Her actions had been rash, she knew, but also her only choice. Just thinking of her battered niece made her shudder all over again. And then she shuddered a second time at the thought of her husband finding out what she’d done to help her escape.
He came home drunk three nights in a row, unable to say anything intelligible enough for Mary to understand. She would bring him food and a mug of coffee and then prayed he would stay asleep. And for four days, James simply wasn’t around. Working and gambling with friends, he often went through phases where Mary had much needed time to herself.
That’s how it had been nearly twenty years ago, the night he beat her so badly she didn’t need to go to a doctor to know she would never have children. James had left for over a week then and came home acting as though nothing had happened. She could walk again by then, and they never spoke of it. Because of that experience, Mary desperately hoped James would let it go about Selina. It would be best if he’d forget she had ever been there, but that wasn’t going to happen.
After all, Ben had been with them longer. And James had merely seen him off on the day he left, and never mentioned him again, as if the young man had never existed. Surely, Mary prayed, the same would happen this time around. He couldn’t have truly meant his crude actions towards the girl, and his being gone was his form of an apology.
She found out on the fourth night she was wrong. Her husband came home earlier than he had all week, whistling a jaunty tune as he came through the door. The man had once been handsome, she reflected, and wondered what had happened. She wasn’t sure if he’d aged so poorly or if she’d learned to see him for the reprobate he was.
“Good evening,” he chuckled, finding her staring at him with soap suds dripping off her hands and onto the floor. “Cleaning up the floor already? I thought you had another month before it was time.” It wasn’t exactly a joke, but he laughed all the same.
Mary glanced down and shrugged, putting her hands back in the sink. “No, you simply caught me by surprise,” she offered a wan smile. “I didn’t know you’d be home so soon. But I’m glad,” she added hurriedly. “Now you can join me for supper.”
He set down his toolbox and glanced at the table. She always set his place in case he was there in time. Mary’s heart hammered, and she prayed today was a good one until finally he nodded his approval and took a seat. “It smells great. Come on over, then.”
She eyed his dirty hands before nodding. Perhaps she’d worry about his filthy hands another time. Rubbing her hands dry on her apron, she crossed over and sat with him at the small round table. “I know how you enjoy a good hearty roast.” And Mary passed him the bread.
After taking a huge bite, he put four thick slices on the plate leaving one for her. She put it on her plate and tried to think of something to say. “How was your day?” She paused, watching him cut into the meat on his plate. She swallowed. Things had been going well, and she dreaded saying the wrong thing.
The man groaned and talked about how annoying his superiors were. James had always believed he was meant to run the factory but had never managed to get further than working on the conveyor belt. She knew he worked hard, but also was aware that many could find his attitude too harsh.
Still, she nodded along and frowned at the right parts of his story. “I’m so sorry, dear. Hopefully they’ll notice your hard efforts soon,” she assured him. “They must.”
But he just grunted and took a large bite of his roast. As he chewed, James looked around, squinting as if he needed to find just the right thing. Mary tried to follow his gaze, but couldn’t.
“What is it, dear?” She attempted to ask in a light tone. “Is everything all right?”
James scowled. “Where’s that girl? Selina? She always joins us for supper.”
Her mouth went dry. All the lies and plans she’d cooked up disappeared from her mind. She couldn’t remember a single part of her story since she’d hoped he’d let it go. What was she supposed to say? What had she been planning to say? “Oh, right. Selina. Our niece. Well, she isn’t here tonight. She just isn’t here. I thought it was nice to just be us. It’s sweet to have supper like we used to.” She thought focusing on something besides Selina might help him forget about her.
“When is she coming back?” His voice was low and almost angry.
The blood drained from her face as she knew he wasn’t about to let this matter go. Not now, and not tomorrow. “I don’t know, James, I’m sorry. Soon, I’m sure.”
Her husband glared and then shot up from his seat. “I’m going to go look for her.”
“What?” She rushed up. “Why would you do such a thing? I’m sure she’s on her way back even now.” But she couldn’t stop him. James left the house and disappeared into the evening. Mary watched him go incredulously, wrapping her arms around her shaking body. What was he going to do when he came back and still couldn’t find her?
Eventually Mary had the answer. It was two nights later when her lies ceased and she couldn’t think of anything else to say. Demanding a better answer, James smacked Mary hard enough for her to fall on the table and she was certain she saw stars.
“Where is that girl?” James gritted his teeth and kicked her shin. Mary wondered if she was the only one who had heard the crack and started to collapse, but he grabbed her by the neck and pinned her against the wall. She gagged, pulling at his hands.
“P-please,” she gasped.
But the man she had married only glared, a darkness in his gaze told her how little he cared for her. Mary’s heart beat frantically as she tried to writhe away, but there was no escaping him now. “I wasn’t finished with her,” he hissed.
Mary coughed, unable to get enough oxygen. She blinked hard, feeling his grip only tighten. She was seeing stars again. “I—I don’t… I can’t breathe.”
He released one hand to pun
ch her in the ribs and Mary could hardly cry out. Tears filled her eyes and she couldn’t see him clearly. Desperately she grabbed for his face and scratched it before he was able to move away. He punched her again and pinned her arms down with one hand, and his other still wrapped around her neck.
“Tell me, or I won’t let go,” he threatened her. “And I’ll know if you’re lying.”
Mary’s face crumpled, her strength fading with every second. After all she’d done for the girl, she wouldn’t be able to save her. She knew that now. She had tried, and she would fail. “Co-Colorado,” she sobbed.
“Where? Where in Colorado?”
“Rocky Ridge. But she—” He didn’t care for anything more and slapped her so hard she blacked out.
Mary woke, gasping for breath. Her stomach heaved and her ribs ached. Rolling to her side, she looked up to see her neighbor’s boy, Daniel, staring down at her. Behind him was his father, Mr. Dillard. He brought over a cold cloth and smiled tightly.
“What happened?” Her throat was as dry as the wastelands and voice cracked.
Her neighbor glanced apprehensively at the front door with a frown before turning back to her. “We heard a ruckus and saw your husband run out. Emily came to check on you and saw you on the floor. We came over and found you here, so she’s gone for the doctor. He’ll be here soon, so don’t move.”
She had been trying to sit up, but she was too shaky and had to do what he said. They waited and finally Dr. Hathaway arrived.
“You’re the one who brought Miss Carlson to us, aren’t you?” He murmured and gently touched her neck.
Tears filled her eyes before she burst out into pitiful sobs. They shook her body as she curled into a ball, ashamed and terrified of what was to come next. Her neighbor, Emily hugged her, and it took several minutes for Mary to gather herself to finally tell them what happened.
When she was finished with her story, they were quiet until the doctor straightened up. “Mr. Dillard, please find the sheriff immediately. We need to find James Robinson before someone else is hurt—or killed.”
They searched for him for several days, but Mary knew he was gone. The man knew where to look for Selina now. She knew there was no way he was still in town. She only hoped that Selina had found support who would defend her by the time she saw James again.
Chapter Twelve
He stopped on the porch and double checked his appearance. His boots were polished and his trousers were clean. His shirt and vest were both pressed. Pulling off his hat, he ran a hand through his dark blonde hair and hoped it was short enough to look decent. He hadn’t had it cut in some time and it almost brushed his shoulders.
Wyatt Thomas fixed his jacket and took a deep breath. If he could fight two men at once and race another through town all before breakfast, he could survive a supper with friends. And with Miss Carlson.
“Good evening.” The door opened sooner than he’d anticipated. He was enchanted to see Miss Carlson was greeting him.
Snatching his hat off, he tried to smile, and nodded at her. “Evening,” he responded immediately. “I—um, thank you. Yes. I’m not late, am I? Or too early?” She was wearing an apron, and ladies usually only wore them while they were still in the kitchen. That meant she was either still baking or cleaning up.
She tilted her head up in confusion and followed his gaze. “Oh,” she realized, and hurriedly took it off. “No, not at all. My apologies. Do come in. Might I take your hat?”
Wyatt glanced at his hat in confusion, wondering why she would want to take it. For a moment they stood there until his eyes caught sight of the coat rack. “Oh, to put on the… right. Yes, thank you.” He relaxed and handed it over.
As Selina led him into the sitting room, he couldn’t help but watch her. She walked with a sway, a loose movement that reminded him of a willow tree. And tonight she wore her hair down, and it trailed silkily down her back. It was like a soft dark brown waterfall, and Wyatt had to resist the urge to touch it.
“There you are!” Mrs. Jessup turned when they came into the room though her husband was already watching them. “Wonderful. Thank you, Selina. Now, if we’re all ready, let’s eat.”
She beckoned for them to follow her to the table.
“I’m certainly ready to eat.” Lucas smiled and followed his wife.
“Do sit down, please. Lucas, would you bring the pitcher?”
Wyatt and Selina sat as Lucas and Susannah came near. He pulled out his wife’s chair for her, and Wyatt froze, watching the movement. Instantly he regretted not having thought of holding Miss Carlson’s chair. He’d eaten at the Jessup’s home before, but not for a fancy gathering like this and he was nervous. There were several dishes on the table, and everyone was dressed in some of their best clothes. Tonight was different, for he’d never shared a meal with such a pretty woman.
Glancing at the roast chicken, he picked up a fork but wasn’t sure how to best proceed, so he waited to watch Miss Carlson start. But when she didn’t start eating, he realized she was waiting for him. The realization struck her at the same time and the young lady looked up in surprise. A sheepish grin crossed both their faces before they relented and carefully dug in.
“Mr. Thomas, how is your ranch these days?” Mrs. Jessup asked politely.
He paused and wiped his mouth as politely as he knew how. “Good,” he glanced around the room. “I have some fat head of cattle to get me through the winter. And I just purchased two goats. I don’t know what I’ll do with them yet,” he added sheepishly, “but I’ll figure out. I’ve heard they’re right handy.”
Selina didn’t say anything, but Mrs. Jessup beamed. “That’s lovely! Lucas, didn’t Eleanor just purchase one? Didn’t she? Was it for the milk?”
After a moment, the other man nodded. “Yes, dear, for the milk. Goats are good to have around, Wyatt. But you’ll need to be careful. They can be right ornery.”
For some reason, Mrs. Jessup suddenly gasped. Turning to her husband, she patted his arm. “Dear, you should tell your story. The one about the escaped goat? He was ornery, that one. Why, that was nearly seven years ago! Neither of you were here for it, you see, but Dr. Fitzgerald thought goat milk might be healthy. He had just arrived in town and hardly a soul knew him. After this happened, of course, everyone knew him. Lucas, tell them.”
He grinned. “Are you certain you don’t want to share it? I believe the story’s just about told.” She gave him a stern look, and Lucas chuckled. “As she said, Dr. Fitzgerald had just bought himself a goat. The problem here was they work better in sets, and it’s easier to purchase them younger than older. He didn’t know this, so he bought a single older goat. His first mistake was taking the goat to his office, and the second was not knowing how to milk her.”
He felt the eyes on him, and Wyatt glanced at Selina who held his gaze curiously for a moment before dropping her eyes. Hiding a grin, he listened to Lucas telling about how the goat escaped through the back door and terrorized the pastor’s wife by ripping half her skirts off.
Susannah covered her mouth. “I remember it like it was yesterday. Oh, the poor woman. No one saw her for nearly half a year. She couldn’t bear to face people who’d seen her petticoats. But no one blamed her. She’s the sweetest thing.”
Chuckling, Lucas leaned back. “From the chaos, I thought we were in the middle of a shootout.” He met Wyatt’s gaze before turning away. Wyatt shrugged it off and pretended nothing happened though Susannah noticed the glance between them and started watching.
“I found all the boys around town tired from racing after the goat. She was grazing with the chickens as if nothing had happened by the time I found him!” Lucas chuckled.
Susannah clapped cheerfully. “Yes, that’s true! Like nothing had happened! Everyone talked about it for months.”
“What happened to the goat? After you caught him?” Selina asked, propping her chin up on her hand.
Scratching his head, Lucas shrugged. “When Dr. Fitzgerald came for
her, he realized he had no idea what he was doing so he gave her away. I don’t remember who. Susie darling?”
Everyone turned to Susannah. Chuckling, she bit her lip with a thoughtful nod. “You won’t believe this, but he gave it to the pastor and his wife!”
There were several more stories shared, and Wyatt had a few that would have matched Lucas’s. But he knew his old ways weren’t favorable and kept quiet, letting the Jessups do the talking. But then Lucas mentioned Luis the Sixer, and Wyatt started.
“Did you know about him?” Lucas noticed the movement.
Wyatt nodded, running a hand through his hair. “I sure did. Why do you ask?” He swallowed. “I mean, a little. Worked with him a bit.”
“What did you do?” Selina asked him.
His throat went dry, and he tried to figure out how to best respond. To his surprise, Lucas saved him.
“He worked with the law. Honorable man here, Mr. Thomas. Basically, he was a traveling deputy. I’m sure you’re quite skilled, to have worked with Luis.”
“Thanks,” Wyatt muttered dryly.
Susannah smiled uncertainly, not understanding what had just happened but definitely feeling the building tension. Sniffing, she stood up. “This has been splendid. How about we go for a walk, shall we? Let’s go together since it’s a lovely night.”
Wyatt struggled to stay beside Selina once they started out. He wasn’t used to being careful to think of a woman at his side. They walked slowly side by side. He looked ahead to Lucas taking Susannah in his arm and then glanced down at Selina and opened his mouth. He wanted to offer his arm but couldn’t find the words. When he turned, the moonlight reflected on her pale face, emphasizing her features as well as the marks on her face.
He knew they were there. The scratches dripping down her chin and a faded black eye. Wyatt was a man who had given plenty of hurts as well having been on the receiving end before. He knew what a bruise looked like in all it’s colorful phases. Dropping his gaze, he walked with her and wondered what had happened.
