“Gluttony is a sin.”
“And starving someone is a crime.”
“Gentlemen, there isn’t any need to be snide with each other. We all want the same thing.”
“And what’s that, Reeson?” Wyatt asked.
“We want everyone to be happy and to get what they want. All Reverend Thorn wants is his family and you have no right to keep him for getting them.”
“The only family he has here is his pitiful wife.”
“Now, Wyatt, you know that’s not so. He wants his niece to go back to Virginia with him, too.”
“Yes, I do. I have a wonderful plan for her to work for the Lord.”
“The only work she has is to be a wife to me and a mother to our child.”
“Mr. Singleton, I’ve tried to explain to you that I signed divorce papers for Edwina. She’s no longer your wife and the child is promised…”
Wyatt started toward the reverend and he backed up. “Don’t hit me!”
“As much as I want to, I’m not going to hit you.” Wyatt paused. “The only thing I want from you is to see you get on the next stage out of town and out of my wife’s life.”
“Well, if you give me what I want, I’ll gladly leave.”
Before Wyatt could answer the door opened and Juan wheeled Ben out on the porch. “If that weasel is here bothering the family again, I can still take care of him with my gun.”
“Why does he have to be here? I don’t think he likes me.” Hezekiah eyed Ben.
“Nobody in this house likes you,” Ben snapped.
“Now, Mr. Ben, where’s your hospitality. I’ve never known you to—”
“Shut up, Thourgood Reeson. Why aren’t you in there talking with your daughter instead of out here with this poor excuse for a man?”
“My daughter? Is Cora Sue awake?”
“She is in there talking with Jeff Bodger right now,” Ben said.
“Then I’m going in there.” He turned to Hezekiah. “You can handle this on your own.”
“But you said—”
“I don’t care what I said. I want to find out who hurt my daughter.” Without further words, he went through the front door.
Wyatt turned back to Hezekiah. “By the way, I get the feeling that you abuse your wife. What kind of man would do that?”
“I don’t abuse Callie. She knows her place and I see that she stays in it. That’s not abuse. That’s a man’s right. The Bible says so.” His voice took on a whiney sound.
“Boy, Son, I’m sure glad Reverend Lambert doesn’t have the warped notion of the Bible this man does.”
“I agree and I’m thankful his crazy teachings didn’t rub off on Edwina. At least Adam won’t be exposed to such nonsense.”
“The people who are getting him didn’t like the name Adam and are calling him Moses. I’m sure he’ll get a good Christian upbringing from these parents. They’ve assured me—”
“I think I will hit him, Dad.”
“Don’t blame you if you do, Son.”
The door opened. Edwina and her aunt stepped outside.
“I’m ready to go, Hezekiah,” Callie said.
“It’s about time, Mrs. Thorn.” Hezekiah reached for her arm, none too gently. He looked at Edwina. “Get your things. You’re coming with us.”
“I think we’ve settled that. She’s not going anywhere,” Wyatt snapped.
“Why don’t you let her decide?”
“I have decided. I’m not leaving my husband, no matter how you try to discredit our marriage.”
“Then may God have mercy on your soul. Let’s go Callie.” He headed down the steps and she turned to Wyatt.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me.”
“You’re welcome, Ma’am. If you need anything, be sure—”
“She doesn’t need anything from you.”
“Goodbye, Aunt Callie. Remember what I said.”
Callie nodded. “I will, dear.”
They watched as Hezekiah climbed into the buggy and waited for Callie to get herself in.
“I wonder when he’ll remember that Reeson came with him in that buggy,” Wyatt whispered.
Edwina smiled and Ben laughed out loud.
“Shall I tell him, Son?”
Wyatt nodded.
Ben yelled, “By the way, Thorn, shall I tell Thourgood you took his buggy and left him stranded?”
The reverend stiffened. Without looking around, he said, “You may tell him I’ll send the buggy back.”
“Don’t bother,” Wyatt said. “I’ll loan him a horse to get home.”
Without answering, Hezekiah slapped the rear of the horse with the whip and the buggy lunged forward.
“I wonder if that’s the last we’ll see of him.”
“I doubt it, Dad. Men like him don’t give up. It’ll take more than us saying Edwina is going nowhere to keep him away.”
“I don’t care what he says or does, I’m not going anywhere.” She looked up at Wyatt. “I’m happy where I am.”
Wyatt dropped his arm around her shoulder. “You know I’m happy with you here.”
“If a father-in-law can put a word in, I’m happy you’re here, too.”
Edwina leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You can put a word in any time, Ben. You know we love for you to add your wisdom to our conversation.”
For the first time in years, Ben Singleton blushed.
Chapter 40
Callie Thorn made most of the ride back to the Reeson ranch in silence. She answered Hezekiah’s questions with few words. She knew her husband was furious at Wyatt and she didn’t want to make matters worse.
When they reached the ranch, Hezekiah left the buggy for one of the hands to put in the barn and take care of the horse. He followed Callie into the house.
Hilda had dinner on the table and they went into the dinning room. Again, Callie kept her silence. She was hoping Hezekiah would calm down after they ate, but she didn’t get her wish.
He slid his plate back, stood and without a word, pushed her toward the stairs and followed her up. Closing the door to the room they shared, he leaned against it and stared at her.
“Now, tell me what crazy notions those heathens put in your head.”
“They didn’t put anything in my head.”
Hezekiah walked up to her and back-handed her across the mouth. “Don’t you lie to me, woman.”
Callie stumbled backward. “I’m not lying. Nobody said anything out of the way to me.”
He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Do you think I’m a fool? I don’t believe they wouldn’t say something.”
“They didn’t.” She began to cry.
“Don’t think tears will work on me.” He slapped her with his open hand. “Now start telling me the truth of what went on.”
Through sobs, Callie said, “They were nice to me. Edwina even wanted me to get to know the baby.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“She asked me to rock Adam to sleep and sometimes she’d even have me put him to bed.”
“His name is Moses. Don’t call him Adam.” He shook her.
“Yes, I know his name is Moses. I’m sorry I failed to call him by the correct name.”
He nodded. “So she asked you to rock Moses and you did it?”
“How could I say no? I was dependent on Edwina and her husband.”
Hezekiah hit her in the stomach with his fist. “Don’t you sass me, woman.”
Gasping for air, Callie said, “I’m sorry.”
He ignored her apology. “So you know where the baby sleeps?”
“Yes. He has a room that joins his parents’ bedroom.”
He slapped her again. “Don’t call them the baby’s parents. You know he belongs to the Clarks.”
She bit her lip and whispered, “Of course he does.”
For a moment, Hezekiah seemed to be ignoring her. Then he began to twist her arm. “While you were there, you went all over that house, didn’t yo
u?”
“Yes.” She could barely whisper.
“You’re going to draw me a map of that house. I want to know where everyone sleeps. I want to know what time they go to bed and I want to know when they get up.” He twisted her arm harder. “You can do that, can’t you, wife?”
“Oh, please. You’re hurting me, Hezekiah.”
“Then answer me. You can draw the plan, can’t you?”
“Yes. Yes, I can. Just please stop twisting my arm.” Callie’s voice showed the agony she felt.
He shoved her into a chair at the small table under the window and took paper from his satchel. Handing it to her, he ordered, “Get busy.”
It took Callie almost thirty minutes to draw the floor arrangement of the house and list each bedroom she knew was occupied. She wasn’t sure about Dena Black, but she did know her room was on the top floor.
Hezekiah snatched the paper and glared at it. “You foolish woman. You left the Mexican man and woman out. Where do they sleep?”
“They don’t stay at the main house. They go to their home at night.”
He frowned. “So they have a house?”
“Yes.”
“It ain’t fair. I know many of the good white people I’m met have no home and those Mexicans have a place to live. That makes me mad.” Without warning, he balled up his fist and hit Callie in the side of the temple.
She fell from the chair, knocked over the table by the window and landed on the hard wood floor.
He waited a minute, but when she didn’t move, he folded the paper she’d drawn, put it in his pocket and left the room.
* * * *
Edwina came into Cora Sue’s room with a tray in her hands. “I’ve brought supper for Cora Sue, Mildred.”
“Thank you. I’ll feed her and bring it back.”
“If you’ll permit me, I want to feed her. Cora Sue and I agreed to be friends a few weeks ago and I want to do something for her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Now you go on to the dining room and have some supper. You need to get out of this room for a little while.”
“I would like to try to get my mind off the scene Thourgood created.”
“Go on, then. Ben and Wyatt are eating now.”
“What about that wonderful little boy of yours? I’d like to see him.”
“After you eat, why don’t you go up and tell Dena you want to rock him to sleep? You can tell her I sent you.”
“I’d like that, Edwina. It’s been a long time since I rocked a baby.” Mildred kissed Cora Sue’s cheek and left the room.
When they were alone, Edwina reached down and touched Cora Sue’s arm. “Cora Sue,” she whispered, “can you wake up?”
Cora Sue’s eyes opened. “Hello, Edwina.” Her voice was raspy and barely audible.
“I’ve brought you some chicken soup Rosalinda made especially for you. Do you think you could eat a little?”
“I think so. I’m hungry.”
Edwina lifted Cora Sue’s head and put two more feather pillows under it.
“I don’t want you to choke when you eat.”
Cora Sue grinned. “I appreciate it, but if you did I wouldn’t blame you. Not after the way Daddy has acted.”
Edwina sat back and picked up the tray. Putting it across her knees, she lifted a spoonful of soup to Cora Sue’s mouth. “Why does your father still believe you will marry Wyatt?”
“I don’t know, but he has always been the type of man who couldn’t take no for an answer.” Cora Sue opened her mouth for more soup. After swallowing, she added, “I kept telling him I was in love with another man, but he doesn’t care.”
“I wonder why it’s so important to your father that you marry Wyatt.”
“I guess he thinks if we marry, he’ll be able to get his hands on some of Wyatt’s money. I can’t think of any other reason.” She sipped some more soup. “In fact, I don’t think he actually likes Wyatt very much.”
Edwina smiled, but didn’t tell Cora Sue she thought the feeling might be mutual between Wyatt and Thourgood Reeson.
After a few more sips of soup, Edwina spoke. “You said you were in love, Cora Sue. Would you tell me who the lucky man is?”
Because of the bandages it was hard for Cora Sue to smile, but she managed a little. “Asia Walker. We’re going to get married. Daddy had a fit when I told him today, but I don’t care. We love each other and we want to be together.”
“I think that’s wonderful. Doctor Walker’s a good man. He’ll make a fantastic husband.”
“I think so, too.” Cora Sue dropped her head. “I don’t know what kind of wedding we’ll have, but I want to ask you something.”
“Of course.”
“I don’t have a lot of friends. Most of the women in town are jealous of me.” She sighed. “And it’s my fault.”
“Why is it your fault, Cora Sue?”
“I was lucky because I was born with better than average looks. I used my looks to attract men and many of them fell for me. It made the other women mad, but at the time I didn’t care. I loved the attention.”
“You’re a young beautiful woman, Cora Sue. Most any of us would’ve done the same thing.”
“I don’t think so. You didn’t and you’re beautiful.”
“I certainly didn’t think so. Nobody ever told me I was even pretty until I met Wyatt.”
“He loves you, Edwina, and not just because you’re beautiful. He loves the person you are inside as well as outside.”
“I love him as much. We’re happy together.”
“I know. Mama and I kept trying to convince Daddy of that, but he kept saying the preacher said you weren’t married. Daddy believes him.”
“Well, we are married and we have the certificate to prove it.”
There was another pause and Cora Sue finished the soup. She closed her eyes. “That was good. Thank Rosalinda for me.”
“I will.” Edwina sat the tray on the table and sat down. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, but I did say I wanted to ask you something. As I said, I have no friends who will be honest with me. Neither will Mama. Daddy would even lie to me.”
“What is it, Cora Sue?”
“I know there are bandages on my face. How bad are the injuries there?”
“I’m not sure. I saw blood on your face when they brought you in. I helped Rosalinda clean some of it away while we waited for the doctor. You had some cuts on your face, but that’s all I know.”
“Will I have scars?”
“I don’t know how deep the cuts were so I have no idea about scars. Maybe the doctor will tell you.”
She shook her head. “Does Asia know?”
“I’m sure he does. He’s been here several times.”
Cora Sue smiled. “Really? Did he say anything?”
“Not to me. Ask your mother.”
“I’m afraid he won’t love me if I have a scarred face.” Cora Sue looked worried.
“I’m sure that’s not so.”
As if on cue, there was a tap on the door. It opened and Asia Walker came in. “I hear there’s a talking patient in here.”
Edwina stood and picked up the tray. “Come in, Dr. Walker. Our patient has finished her supper and I’m sure she’s anxious to see you.”
Chapter 41
The ride from the Singleton ranch was tiring on Cora Sue. As soon as her mother and Asia Walker had her settled in bed, she fell asleep.
“It’s the best thing for her, Mildred,” Asia said as they walked into the hall. “She needs all the rest she can get.”
Thourgood came down the hall. He was agitated. “If you’d left her at Singleton’s she’d not be so tired.”
“We would still be at Singleton’s if you hadn’t come in raising such a ruckus, Thourgood.” Mildred glared at him.
“I was only trying to get you to see the truth of Wyatt’s marriage.”
“The truth of Wyatt’s marriage is that he has a w
ife and a child he loves. You’re just too stubborn and blind to see it.”
“But the preacher—”
“As far as the preacher’s concerned, I want him out of my house. I don’t want him spewing his venom at Cora Sue. She doesn’t need that.”
“But he might convince her that Wyatt’s marriage—”
Asia spoke up. “Nothing about Wyatt’s marriage is important to Cora Sue. She and I are going to marry as soon as she is able.”
Thourgood looked stunned. “I won’t allow it.”
“I hoped you’d give your blessing, Mr. Reeson, but frankly, we don’t need it. Cora Sue is twenty-three years old. She’s way past the age of consent.” He smiled at Mildred. “Besides her mother thinks our marriage is a good idea.”
“Damn, Mildred. Don’t be a fool. She can’t marry this man. She has to marry—”
“Get used to the idea, Thourgood. She’s marrying Asia.” Mildred took a deep breath. “Now go do as I asked. Get rid of the Thorns.”
“I’ll go sit with Cora Sue if you’ll permit me, Mildred.”
“Of course, Asia.”
“I only have one question.” Thourgood looked directly at Asia. “Why do you want a woman whose face is all scarred and disfigured? How long do you think your love will last with a woman like that?”
“For your information, Mr. Reeson, the cuts on Cora Sue’s face are mostly superficial and will fade with time. The only two which might scar are one under her chin and a short one over the left eye.” He glared back at his future father-in-law and opened the door to the bedroom. “But it wouldn’t matter. I’d marry Cora Sue if her face was covered in scars. I love the woman, not her beauty.” He disappeared through the door.
Thourgood shook his head. “I don’t understand people any more, Mildred. I guess that’s going to be my downfall.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Never mind.” He turned. “I’m going into town.”
“But I want you to take care of the Thorns.”
“I think he went to town earlier. She was sick and I guess she’s in her room.” He walked away, muttering, “I’ll take care of them later.”
Mildred decided she’d take things in her own hands. At least she’d been on friendly terms with Callie Thorn at the Singleton’s. She didn’t think the woman would be hard to deal with. Besides, if she was sick, maybe she needed something.
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