A Hope Unseen (Escape to the West Book 2)

by Leigh, Nerys

  His smile of gratitude warmed her heart. “I’d appreciate that. And I think, deep down, Will would too.”

  They reached the Green Hill Creek Emmanuel Church half an hour before the service was due to start, but the area outside the doors was still filled with people. Daniel brought the wagon to a halt at the fringes of the crowd and helped Sara to the ground.

  “Will you be all right while I take the horses round the back?” he said.

  She looked around and almost immediately spotted Lizzy in the throng. “I’ll be fine. Lizzy’s over there.”

  He followed her pointing finger with his eyes. “She draws attention, doesn’t she?”

  Lizzy’s dress was bright yellow and matching flowers adorned her bonnet. Her arm was looped through her husband’s and she was talking animatedly to the group of people they stood with.

  Sara couldn’t help but smile. “She certainly does.”

  As Daniel drove the wagon to the back of the church where River and Rosie would be watered and safe with the other horses, Sara wended her way through the small groups of chatting congregants. She was almost to her destination when she heard something that stopped her dead in her tracks.

  “I’ve never known Mr Emerson to behave in such a way. I wouldn’t suggest anything untoward, but the whole situation is deeply disturbing.”

  Another woman joined the conversation. “I’m given to believe that back east Miss Watts was a...” she lowered her voice, “lady of low morals, if you know what I mean.”

  The first woman gasped. “I hadn’t heard that!”

  “It’s no wonder that young man has been so beguiled. There’s no telling what’s been going on behind those post office doors.”

  Sara had heard enough. Burning with anger, she stepped up to the tight huddle of four women.

  “You are so right. I...” The woman who was speaking saw Sara and stopped abruptly and the other three turned to see what had her attention.

  “Uh... good morning... Mrs Raine, I believe?” The second woman Sara had heard spoke. She was older, possibly in her fifties, wearing a dark green velvet dress that had probably been purchased several pounds ago.

  “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation,” Sara said, praying silently for restraint.

  The other three women glanced at each other, clearly not wanting to meet her gaze.

  “And I was put in mind of my Bible reading from this morning,” she went on. “It was from the thirty-fourth Psalm; I’m sure you good Christian women are familiar with it. It speaks about keeping the tongue from evil and the lips from guile.”

  The woman in the green dress drew herself up. “I’m not sure what you’re implying...”

  “I’m implying that you are talking about my friend and circumstances about which you have no idea and about which you are completely wrong. So perhaps you shouldn’t be talking at all.”

  The woman gasped in indignation. “Well, I never...”

  “Then maybe you should,” Sara snapped.

  One of the other women slapped a hand over her smile.

  Sara turned on her heel and stalked away, seething. It occurred to her she’d probably just made an enemy after only being in town for five minutes, but she never could stand gossip, especially when it was at the expense of a friend.

  Lizzy and Richard had disappeared in the time she’d been berating the gossiping women and after a brief, fruitless search of the crowd Sara assumed they must have gone inside. She altered her direction for the door and spotted Jo’s husband, Gabriel, standing a little way away.

  “Mr Silversmith,” she said, waving to get his attention.

  At first he seemed uncertain who she was, then his face brightened in recognition. “Mrs Raine,” he said, “real nice to see you again.”

  Sara looked around. “Is Jo inside?”

  “Josephine isn’t feeling well,” he replied with a frown. “Said it was something she ate on the train. She’s taken to her bed this morning.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?” Sara was disappointed. She’d so wanted to see the whole group.

  “I’m sure she’ll be just fine. All she needs is a few days to rest, she said. It was a long journey, but I guess you know that.”

  “It certainly was. I slept so late yesterday morning my mother would have been horrified,” she said, smiling.

  “Um... yes. Well, hope you enjoy the service.” With a tip of his hat, Mr Silversmith turned and walked into the church.

  “Hmm,” Sara murmured to herself. She hoped he was more talkative at home. Maybe he was just worried about Jo.

  They’d all eaten the same meals on the train and the rest of them, as far as she knew, weren’t sick. Maybe she’d ask Daniel or Will to take her to visit Jo during the week, just to check on her.

  She made her way to the door where she found Mr and Mrs Goodwin greeting those entering.

  “Oh, Mrs Goodwin,” Sara said, “your beef stew and dumplings were the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten. Would you mind giving me the recipe? Although I can’t imagine I’ll come anywhere near making it as good as yours.”

  She could still remember the way the succulent dumplings had practically melted in her mouth. No wonder Daniel and Will had been so excited when Mrs Goodwin had arrived on Friday.

  The older woman’s face lit up in delight. “Why thank you so much, I’m real pleased you liked it. It was my pleasure to welcome you to the town. And of course you can have the recipe.”

  “Thank you. I don’t think Daniel and Will would forgive me if I didn’t try it. They both raved to me about your cooking and I can’t blame them one bit.”

  “You’re such a dear for saying so.” Mrs Goodwin patted her arm, smiling. “By the way, someone was asking after you. Tall, thin fellow. Didn’t say his name.”

  Sara tried to think of any tall thin men amongst the few people she’d met since arriving in Green Hill Creek and came up empty. “I can’t imagine who it might be. Is he still here?”

  Mrs Goodwin looked at the people outside. “I can’t see him. Can you, dear?”

  Mr Goodwin craned his head, scanned the crowd and murmured, “Nope,” around the stem of his pipe.

  Sara shrugged. “Never mind, I’m sure whoever it was will find me eventually.”

  Mr Goodwin handed her a hymnal and removed his pipe just long enough to say, “Ma’am.”

  Inside the building was much the same as outside with groups of men and women standing and talking and children playing together. It seemed church was a much more social occasion here than Sara was used to, but she supposed when a scattered community came together everyone wanted to catch up with their friends and neighbours.

  She stood up as tall as she could and searched the room for Amy’s blonde hair or Lizzy’s floral bonnet, but couldn’t see either of them. She did, however, spot Louisa sitting at the front and so headed in her direction.

  “So how is Miss Woods today?” she said as she took the empty chair beside her. “Or is it Mrs Johnson yet?”

  Louisa laughed and reached out to give her a hug. “Not yet. How is Mrs Raine?”

  “Mrs Raine is very well.” She couldn’t help smiling. “And very happy with Mr Raine. Daniel is wonderful.”

  Louisa was studying her face. “I can see that. You’re practically glowing.”

  “I am not.” She touched her fingers to her face. “Am I?”

  Her friend grinned. “I’m afraid so.”

  “Well, what about you and Jesse? Is he here?”

  “Yes, he’s here.” She nodded across the room. “I believe he’s talking to your husband.”

  Sara twisted in her seat to see Daniel on the other side of the church. He looked over at her and smiled and her heartbeat speeded up a little, as usual.

  “Um... has Daniel told you about Jesse?”

  She dragged her attention from her husband back to Louisa. “Yes, he has.”

  “He asked me to give him two weeks and I said yes.
I was shocked, I won’t deny it, but I understand why he didn’t tell me.” A smile stole onto her face. “And we spent the most wonderful day together yesterday. He is an amazing man. And, well, very handsome.”

  “So you think you might be staying permanently?” she said, willing Louisa to say yes.

  A small frown creased her forehead. “I don’t know. I mean, Jesse’s wonderful, but... did you know how small this place is?”

  Sara looked around, confused.

  “I don’t mean the church,” Louisa said, “the town. Green Hill Creek. I thought it would be... bigger. More... well, bigger.”

  “Daniel told me it was small in his letters. I guess coming from a big city we’re used to more,” she waved her hands outwards, “everything. But I like it. It’s so clean! And don’t you think it’s beautiful? I could look at those mountains all day.”

  “Oh yes, it is lovely. Jesse took me for a drive to show me around. It’s just, with the railroad here we thought, I mean I thought there would be more to it. But it’s nice here, it really is.” She gave a small shrug and smiled.

  “I’m sure you’ll get used to it,” Sara said, hoping she would.

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Her eyes focused beyond Sara. “Isn’t that Adam?”

  Sara turned to see Amy’s... well, she wasn’t sure what to call him. Friend would probably be the best moniker, for now. “That must mean Amy’s here. I wanted to speak to her about... well, you know. To tell her we support her.”

  “You go ahead,” Louisa said, a soft smile on her face as she watched Jesse approaching. “I’ll see you all afterwards.”

  Sara squeezed her hand. “Have fun.”

  She greeted Jesse as they passed each other, continuing to where she could now see Amy, sitting near the back and looking forlorn and alone.

  Well, that was going to change. No gossiping busybodies were going to make any friend of hers sad, not if Sara had anything to say about it.

  ~ ~ ~

  At the close of the service Sara expected everyone to go home quickly, but instead the churchgoers lingered, greeting each other and chatting in groups as they had been when she and Daniel arrived.

  She enjoyed spending the extra time with Amy, Lizzy and Louisa. Even though it had only been two days since they’d last seen each other, she’d missed them. The train journey and the shared experience of travelling so far from their homes to find new lives had created a bond between them she’d rarely felt with other friends. She almost felt, as Lizzy had said to them earlier, that they were conquering the west, blazing a trail for women everywhere, and following their dreams. Albeit in a very small way.

  She also spoke to Adam and Jesse, both of whom were sweethearts and almost as handsome as Daniel. Sara was relieved. She didn’t want either Amy or Louisa to leave and if anyone could persuade them to stay it was those two men. Lizzy’s husband was a little hard to read. Richard Shand was polite and friendly, but he seemed almost standoffish towards his new wife. Lizzy didn’t say much about it, but it was obvious she was having a hard time getting to know him. Sara prayed they would find a way to become close and fall in love. She couldn’t help wanting every one of her friends to be as happy as she was.

  Eventually Daniel brought the wagon around and they left the thinning crowd in front of the church. Sara waved to Amy as they passed her and Adam on their way home to his post office.

  “Don’t tell Amy I said so, but Adam’s crazy about her,” Daniel said as he guided River and Rosie along the main road towards home.

  Sara gasped in delight. “He is?”

  “He really wants her to stay. She’s your friend; do you think there’s any chance she will?”

  “I was just as surprised as anyone that she didn’t intend to marry him when she got here. To be honest, I think she’s not sure what she wants. She thinks she knows, but she doesn’t.”

  Daniel glanced at her with a smile. “You sound very sure of that.”

  “It could just be wishful thinking because I don’t want her to leave, but I’ve been known to have insight into emotional matters like this.”

  “Oh, you have, have you?”

  “I’m extremely insightful. Ask anyone.”

  His dimple deepened as he chuckled. “I’m sure you are. And I hope you’re right. Adam needs someone. I’d like him to be as happy as I am.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “You’re happy?”

  He nudged her shoulder with his. “You’re the insightful one. You tell me.”

  Sara’s smile didn’t leave her face the entire way home.

  Chapter 7

  When they arrived back at the farm, Ginger was in the paddock with Peapod. Sara left Daniel unhitching Rosie and River and went inside to check on the chicken she’d set roasting in the oven.

  She found Will laying the table.

  “I thought I’d get a head start on this,” he said. “I found the potatoes and carrots you left so I put them in about half an hour ago. I hope that’s what you meant to do.”

  “It was, thank you.” She went to the oven to check on the food gently sizzling inside. “Shouldn’t be too long now.”

  “Good. I didn’t want to wait to eat once you got home. This delicious smell is driving me crazy.”

  She closed the oven and straightened, taking a surreptitious look at Will. After what Daniel had told her about him before church she was expecting... well, she didn’t know what she was expecting. That he would have transformed into some kind of depraved wastrel? But he was the same Will who had made her feel so welcome on the day she arrived and whose company, even in the short time she’d known him, she’d come to enjoy. It was hard to imagine anyone like him would do the things Daniel described.

  It wasn’t until Will spoke that she realised she’d been staring at him.

  “Dan told you, didn’t he?”

  She nodded, embarrassed, not knowing what to say.

  Sighing, he pulled a chair out from the table and dropped onto it. “It’s not something I’m proud of, if you’re wondering. It’s just...” He shrugged and picked up a fork, his eyes fixed on it as it slid through his fingers.

  “What you do is your business.” It was true. All she could do was pray, like Daniel.

  He put the fork down and stared at his plate. “I just don’t want you to think... I mean, I wouldn’t ever do anything to hurt you or Dan. I don’t want you to think badly of me. You can trust me. If ever you need me, I’ll be here.”

  Somehow, Sara knew it was true. What a person did wasn’t necessarily who they were. Not so long ago she had almost agreed to marry a man she didn’t love and become someone she wasn’t.

  “I believe you. And I’m not here to judge you. I’m your sister-in-law and your friend and nothing is going to change that.”

  He looked up from the plate and for a moment she saw the uncertain boy inside the man. Then he flashed her a roguish smile and the glimpse was gone.

  “Dan had his head screwed on right when he asked you to marry him, that’s for sure.” He shook his head and chuckled. “That was an interesting night when he wrote that letter.”

  Curiosity grabbed her. She looked out the window and, seeing Daniel was still dealing with the wagon, sat down opposite Will. “What happened?”

  He leaned back, a smile tugging at his eyes. “I’m not sure I should tell you. Dan might not want you to know.”

  She reached out and gave his arm a light smack. “Oh stop it. You wouldn’t have mentioned it if you didn’t want me to know.”

  He laughed and sat forward, shooting a glance at the door as he lowered his voice. “Well, he’d just gotten your latest letter earlier that day and spent about an hour reading and rereading and rereading and... you get the picture. Like he always did. Anyway...”

  Sara’s heart leapt. “He read my letters more than once?”

  “Are you kidding? I’m surprised they’re still in one piece with all the handling they got. The number of times I walked in on him reading one of y
our letters. Each time a new one arrived he’d be grinning for the rest of the week. If I ever did anything wrong, which was hardly ever I hasten to add, I’d wait until one of your letters arrived so he’d be in a good mood when I told him.”

  She found herself blinking back tears. So Daniel had treasured her letters the same way she treasured his. One day she would ask him if he’d kept them.

  “Anyway,” Will said again, “that night during supper he suddenly said, ‘I’m going to ask Sara to marry me.’ That wasn’t exactly a surprise to me; I’d seen it coming for months. But then he asked me for my help with what to say, which was a surprise because while I know I got the lion’s share of the charm amongst the Raine brothers, marriage isn’t exactly my area of expertise.”

  On the heels of her tears, Sara was now trying not to laugh. “So I really got a proposal from both of you?”

  “Ha! I guess you did. Although the actual part asking you to marry him, that was all Dan.” A faraway look drifted over him as he stared at nothing in particular. “Hours we spent on that letter. Must have gone through fifty sheets of paper, at least that’s what it looked like when they were screwed up all over the floor. At one point we almost came to blows over one thing Dan wanted to include. Can you believe he was going to use Pea as a selling point? ‘Please marry me, I have a cow.’ Usually he has more sense than that, but he always did get all addlebrained when it came to you. Anyway, we finally had a version Dan was happy with and I thought was reasonably sure to get you to say yes, and then,” he laughed, shaking his head, “a gust of wind came in through the window we had stupidly left open and blew the thing onto the fire. Dan threw himself after it and he would have plunged his bare hands in to get it if I hadn’t grabbed him. By that time I don’t think either of us were thinking that straight.”

  Sara’s giggles were escaping into the hand she’d clamped over her mouth. “Was it burned?”

  Twinkling eyes belied his sombre nod. “Every word. We had to do the whole thing over from memory and I’m pretty sure we didn’t get it quite the same the second time round. Still, you’re here so it must have worked.”