by Kari Trumbo
“Fine, you do that. But don’t you dare let Ruby know you’re sticking your nose into her business. I don’t need her even angrier with me.”
“I work with a lawyer; confidentiality is my middle name.”
“That is exactly why I’m worried.”
9
The bitter cold numbed her toes through her boots and wool stockings as Ruby rushed to the Moore house. She was late for work and Maddie would need her more than ever today. Ruby had grown terribly attached to little Malcom and loved sitting on the floor with him and just playing the afternoon away. She’d never been allowed such a luxury growing up. The problem was, the longer she played with little Malcom, the more she ached for a child of her own.
Ruby entered the house and went to the sitting room straight away. “Ruby, I was getting worried. Come on in and have a seat by the fire.” Maddie reclined on a settee and watched longingly as Malcom played on the rug near the raised hearth.
“Tell me, Ruby. What are your plans for Christmas day?”
“I’ll be here. I have no plans for the holiday, so it’s no bother spending the day here.” Ruby hung up her coat and muffler then knelt on the floor with Malcom.
“Come now, you must have somewhere to go. Celebrating Christ’s birth should be done with family. At the very least, you should go to the chapel and enjoy the candle light service and listen to the readings all day.”
“I’m sure I’ll find something, if I’m not here. I don’t have any family. Lily doesn’t either, but I think she’s spending the day with James and his.”
“I’d ask you to come here as a guest, but most of Heath’s family will be here and the house will be full to bursting. All of Malcom’s aunts and uncles will want to hold him so you wouldn’t have anything to keep you busy and probably wouldn’t know anyone anyway.”
Ruby nodded. “What do you need me to do today?” She tickled Malcom behind his chubby knee. Listening to him squeal and squirm in delight filled her with a warmth she cherished.
“I have a few presents yet to wrap and put in the tree, the bread pudding needs to get soaking… I have such a list. Perhaps you could help me when Malcom goes down for his nap, I’d surely like appreciate it. The cook is doing most of the work, but Heath has said I can do a bit.”
Ruby wouldn’t let herself get too close to Maddie, she felt like a governess, just part of the hired help. Spending time with the dear woman away from the safety of Malcom’s nursery made Ruby wary.
“If you’re sure you’ll need me, I can try. I don’t know how to wrap anything.” She wrung her hands.
“Oh, it’s quite easy once you learn how. You don’t have to fret, Ruby. I know you try hard when you’re here and I think you do a wonderful job with my son. We think the world of you.”
If only the one she wanted to think highly of her, actually did…
An unfamiliar woman’s voice in the back of the house drew Ruby and Maddie to the kitchen. A young woman stood just inside the door, talking with the cook, Chef Chen. She was wrapped in a long cloak that covered her completely. Maddie stepped forward and invited her in.
“I’m sorry to bother you. I’m making dinner and I’m short on flour.” The woman stated from the depths of her deep hood.
Ruby cocked her head. Though she was newer to Cutter’s Creek than most anyone, she’d never seen this woman before. Even the servants at the two wealthiest houses came to the mercantile or walked about town.
Ruby stepped forward and peered under the hood of the cape. “I’m Ruby Gresham, don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you.”
The woman pulled her hood back from her face and her glance darted from Ruby to Maddie. “I…” She stopped, then clutched Ruby’s hand. “Ivy, I’m Ivy Masters, pleased to meet you.”
***
Beau hunched over in the cold, flipping his collar against the biting chill. At least most of the ride to Yellow Medicine was through the cover of trees. They’d shelter him from the wind. His horse wouldn’t appreciate the work, but they could make it the whole way in one day if he left now. He tossed the wool saddle blanket on Rex and cinched the saddle tight, waited for Rex to breathe, then finished the job.
Rex blew and shied as Beau rode him out into the cold. He patted the horse’s neck and glanced back into town one last time. When he got back, he’d be ready to ask Ruby about her marriage and what it meant. From the house, his sister waved from the window, then ran out to him in the cold.
“Beau! Beau!” She waved. “Wait. I talked to Caruso and he had an idea. While you’re in Yellow Medicine, ask around about her husband. You’re a tracker, go find him. If you find him or his grave, there’ll be no need to go hunting for her paperwork.”
Beau scowled. Meeting Ruby’s husband was the last thing he wanted to do.
May shivered. “Don’t give me that look. If he’s dead as Ruby thought he might be, you could let her know for sure. She may be worried sick about the man.”
“Right.” The horse danced to the side, feeling the tension run through his rider. Beau patted Rex’s neck again and forced himself to relax.
“I’ll find him. Let’s hope Ruby was right,” he grumbled, then immediately regretted it.
May laughed. “Remind me never to wish your kind of charity on anyone.” She dashed back into the house.
May was right, as usual. He had no right to wish the man dead, just because he wanted to get to know Ruby more. If she’d married Mr. Gresham, he couldn’t have been that bad. Beau shoved his hat lower over his ears and hunched his back against the wind, directing Rex into the forest headed for Yellow Medicine. He had to learn more about Ruby’s past, but leaving Cutter’s Creek without talking to Ruby and patching things between them felt like the worst mistake of his life. He’d never both wanted to go, and hated to go, so much all at once.
His sister’s relationship with Mr. Caruso had held him up in town and now he only had a few days before Christmas to learn what he wanted to. There wouldn’t much time to find work and make a little money.
The one good thing about the long ride in the cold was that it gave him time to sort out his thoughts and feelings about Ruby. He loved her quiet presence and how her smile lifted some of the weight off his shoulders. He pulled the reins to halt Rex and sat still for a moment. He couldn’t believe he’d actually thought those words…
He loved her…
His own mother had felt just like Ruby about strong drink and had always quoted Titus; “…teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” While Ruby wasn’t old, in the short time they’d known each other, she’d taught him much about himself. Ruby was a good woman, and if anyone could handle the life he’d set out to live, it was her. She’d already lived on her own for months. But that was putting the cart a mile before the horse, he’d have to find out about her past first.
The Yellow Medicine livery was right on the edge of town. He had to get Rex inside with some oats, a good rub down, and then a blanket. Best take care of that quickly so he could then warm himself up. Hopefully the inn wouldn’t be too full. Once Rex was bedded down, Beau paid for his keeping for the next few days and strode over to the inn. The main room was fairly empty; a good sign.
Beau rang the bell at the front desk. A man in a black suit and a white preachers collar wandered in from the lobby while he waited.
“What are you doing traveling about in this weather, son?” He held his hand out. “They call me Parson Level.”
Beau smiled and gripped the man’s hand. “Beau. I’m on the hunt for a family. Got a girl who went missing a while back and I want to reunite them.”
“Wish I could help. I’m just passing through. I travel to little towns all over that don’t have a preacher and teach as I can.”
“Ah, a circuit preacher. How far d’you go?” Beau rubbed at the stabbing throb in his fingers as the warm blood mingled with the cold in his veins.
�
��This is about as far west as I go. I head east to Deadwood, then south to Abilene and back around again.”
“That’s a lot of miles. Deadwood you say? I’ve always wondered about Dakota.”
“It’s beautiful. Rolling hills like here, but covered in pine, spruce, and birch trees. Right now, it’s a lot of miners and mining towns. Deadwood is an interesting place. In most other towns, you have a bad side of town where the saloons and,” he frowned, “houses of ill repute are. But, Deadwood is mixed; a respectable business will be on the main level and you never quite know what’s going on upstairs. I’m needed more there, but there’s only one of me and all the little towns expect me back.”
“Sounds like an exciting place. Is there only work in the mines there?”
Level laughed. “Don’t know. I don’t go there searching for work.” He patted Beau on the shoulder and walked away just as the inn keeper strode up front.
Beau watched the preacher leave. Deadwood could make a new start for him. A fresh place to stretch his legs.
“Sorry to make you wait.” The front desk man turned his book toward Beau to have him sign in.
Beau paid for a few days and went to his room to warm up and make a plan. He’d met the Arnsbys outside of town when he’d been asking around before. That’d be his first stop. They’d hopefully tell him more about Ruby and what had happened to her. After that, he should know enough to be able to find Mr. Gresham. May he, with a bit of luck, rest in peace.
Beau sat in front of the fireplace in his room and let the heat pour out over him. The ride had taken longer than he’d wanted, with drifts of snow along the stage line. It wouldn’t be any better in a week when he went back. He certainly didn’t want to think about bringing Ruby right back on that trail all the way here, but if her family wanted her, she should go. His gut clenched and he shook his head at his selfishness. She wouldn’t be too far away in Yellow Medicine, but Cutter’s Creek had always been where he’d gone when he wanted to go home. Ruby leaving didn’t sit well.
He went down to the saloon attached to the inn and watched a some men play a few hands as he ate dinner. He had to be careful where he sat. Some men didn’t take kindly to other men watching too closely. They’d probably think he was helping one of the other men cheat. The preacher wandered in and sat down on the other side of the small table.
“You sounded awful interested in Deadwood earlier. I’ll be heading out that way again in the spring. Got to hole up here over the colder months because of my rheumatism.”
Beau nodded. “I might just take you up on that. If the timing is right, I might be thinking of making a new place home, at least for a while.”
“I’ll be staying at the inn until April, then I’ll light out. If you’re here when I leave, you can follow me. I don’t usually travel slow, but if you have a heavy wagon, we’ll make it work.”
“I’m much obliged, sir.” Beau massaged the bridge of his nose. Maybe the old preacher could help him figure out what Ruby meant. It was possible May had been right and Ruby wasn’t married, though it made not a whit of sense. “I’ve a question for you. How do you know for sure if a marriage is legal?”
The preacher scratched his jaw. “Now that’s a question.” He leaned forward and wove his hands together on the table. “We live under both the laws of God and the laws of man. Under man’s laws, a man and woman stand before someone who has taken an oath. They sign a contract and that contract is recorded, then they’re married. Under God’s law, you’re married when you consummate a union, which is why a marriage can be annulled if it can be proven there was never a marriage bed. Though, that’s a pretty shaky determination. We don’t do such things anymore; we must take people at their word.” The preacher eyed him. “You got marriage on the mind? That trip won’t be easy for a bride.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never wanted to get married. My lady friend, Ruby, she didn’t seem to know if her husband was dead, but now I’m wondering if maybe she’s unsure she’s married at all. It’d make more sense. That’s why I asked.”
“Are you sure you aren’t just hopeful she isn’t? Are you looking for a loophole, or permission?”
“Truth. That’s what I want.” That and understanding…why did all this matter to him? He’d been fine on his own, so why did Ruby make him want things he’d never thought of having. A home, a wife, children…
“Well, in that case, I pray you’ll find it.” He stood and left the table. The men were still playing cards at the next table over. One player showed a full house. Was that a sign? Maybe he could hope.
10
Maddie stepped in front of Ruby and pulled Ivy into the house, closing the door. “Land sakes, it’s winter out there!” She held out her hand. “I’m Maddie Moore and you’re welcome here anytime you need anything. Where’re you from?” Maddie turned and whispered something to Chef Chen, then turned back to Ivy.
“I came in on the train during the blizzard and I’m working…” her glance shifted all over the room and if it was possible, she grew even more pale.
Ruby put her arm around Ivy and pulled her in closer to the stove. “You don’t have to say a thing.”
Chef Chen handed Ivy a tin cup full of flour.
“Oh, thank you. I know I won’t need more than this and I’ll return with a full cup soon.” She grabbed the cup and rushed back out into the cold.
Ruby stared at the door. After a long moment, she finally realized Maddie was speaking to her.
“…so odd. We don’t normally get strangers in Cutter’s Creek. Don’t you think it’s strange, Ruby?”
Ruby shrugged then flinched at the unladylike response. “Why, no. Just a few months ago, I was new to Cutter’s Creek and it was a mostly welcoming place.”
“You’ve been here so much that I’d forgotten you haven’t always been here. Why, you don’t even sound the way you did when you started working here.” Maddie smiled at Ruby, and Ruby felt a warmth spread through her. It was strange…feeling at home somewhere that wasn’t actually hers to call home.
“I’ve been reading a lot of Lily’s books, and working with you has helped me talk like other folks. I don’t want to teach Malcom to talk like I used to.”
Maddie nodded. “He spends so much time with you, that’s a good idea. If I’m not careful, he’ll call you mama first.” She laughed humorlessly.
Ruby laid her hand on Maddie’s arm. “Maddie, you don’t really need me. Why don’t you play with him and teach him?” As much as she wanted the job with Maddie, if her being there hurt Maddie or Malcom, she’d leave.
“I can’t do it on my own because the doctor said I mustn’t, so Heath required I hire someone to do the job. Though it’s one I wanted more than anything in the world.” Maddie turned away and her voice softened to a whisper. “If it weren’t you raising my son, it’d be someone else. At least I can get along with you, Ruby.” Her shoulders fell and she left the room.
Ruby didn’t know what to say to her. Maddie’s pain made her uncomfortable, she’d rather not see it at all. She followed Maddie to her settee. “I’ll go back in with Malcom, he should be up any minute.” She turned to leave Maddie to herself.
“You don’t have to leave, Ruby. I’m sorry. It’s just…when I married, this wasn’t what I pictured at all. I had visions of meeting Heath at the door with his favorite meal. Playing with our children in the wildflowers at the edge of town, like I used to do as a girl.” She shook her head. “Heath makes a good living, but not near enough to afford what he feels he must to support me. I’ve become a burden to the family.”
Maddie dabbed at her nose. “Malcom won’t be awake for another half hour yet. Why don’t you help me prepare these pine cones for the fire so we can have the wonderful smell and pop during our Christmas get-together. This my husband will let me do, but I don’t want to do it alone.”
Ruby glanced at the door, wishing Maddie would let her go, but then sat down in the seat Maddie indicated. “Your husband does all of this be
cause he loves you.”
“Oh, I know. I just wish there was another opinion. Everyone has trusted Dr. Peirce for so long, but I feel like I could do so much more than I do. It’s so very frustrating.”
“Could you take up something to keep you busy, that maybe wouldn’t be too taxing?” Ruby sprinkled cinnamon on the pine cone she held, the sap stuck to her fingers as she turned it.
“I asked Heath if I could write letters as I used to and he didn’t even want me to do that. What is less strenuous than writing letters?” She sighed. “You see? It’s hopeless.”
Ruby set down the cone and regarded the woman who she was beginning to think of as her friend. “I think you should talk to him, and I’m not much for talking, but there are times that words need to be said. If you grow weak, then you could stop.”
Maddie shook her head. “I don’t want to push him. He’s already taken the time to talk to me about writing the letters. I don’t want to make him cross with me by bringing it up again.” She sprinkled clove on her own pine cone, the warm scent mingled with the pine, filling the room.
“Perhaps we should pray for a new doctor in Cutter’s Creek, with a new opinion.” Ruby smiled. “In fact, I think that prayer might be answered already. There’s a doctor from Boston in Cutter’s Creek right now. Carol told me he came to help her father. Perhaps he’d be willing to give you an examination?”
“Do you think he would?” Maddie’s chin lifted ever so slightly and she squared her shoulders just a bit.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t. They only live a few houses away. After Christmas, we should go down to the Williams’s and ask the doctor if he’d be willing to take a look at you. That’s the only way you’ll ever find out. Though, I hate to start a disagreement between him and Dr. Peirce.”
