by Leigh, Nerys
His injuries had terrible timing.
Maybe he’d get a chance to kiss her hand later.
~ ~ ~
Sara watched Daniel fearfully for the rest of the day.
Even though he tried to hide it, she could tell he was in pain. She knew he didn’t want to worry her and she was grateful that he cared, but it still scared her.
It didn’t take any special observational skills to tell he was frustrated at not being able to do his usual chores or any of the work on the farm. Daniel wasn’t the type of man to sit idle. It was an admirable quality in a husband, but a terrible quality in a patient. More than once she had to stop him from going outside to help Will. There was no way she was going to lose her husband just because he couldn’t sit still, and she told him so. After that, he stopped his efforts to escape.
True to his word, Will stayed close to the house in case he was needed and Sara knew he was worried for his brother. She was glad to have him around. If anything happened, she didn’t know what she would have done if she’d been alone.
Around midday Mrs Goodwin arrived with enough food to keep them fed for two days or more, along with an entire coffee cake. While Daniel and Will chatted to Mr Goodwin outside, Sara stared, bewildered, at the huge spread laid out on the table. She didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or protest that it was too much.
Mrs Goodwin came to stand beside her, taking her hand briefly. “It’s no more than I know you and those two boys would do for me or anyone else round here if something happened to us. Don’t you worry about a thing, me and Mr Goodwin are pleased to help in any way we can.”
Tears stung the back of Sara’s eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No need for thank yous. It’s my pleasure.”
Embarrassed at her emotional response, Sara wiped at her eyes and smiled. “I milked my first cow today. I was a bit worried I’d have trouble lifting the pans for cooking.”
“Then the good Lord brought me at the perfect time. I remember my first milking. Couldn’t do my chores for a week.” Mrs Goodwin winked. “At least, that’s what I told my pa.”
By evening Daniel’s pain seemed to be easing, for which Sara was profoundly grateful, but there was still no sign of his sight returning. She’d taken to sitting beside him on the settee when she read to him, often holding his hand, and he seemed to appreciate the contact. She couldn’t deny that she did too. At least his forced confinement was giving them extra time to get to know each other. All things considered, the day could have been worse.
But when Sara went to bed that night, her prayers were all for the healing of Daniel’s injuries, the lessening of his pain, and the return of his sight.
Chapter 15
“It’s been two days, Dan, I’ve got to tell them.”
“But...”
“No buts. If they find out, they’ll blame me for not telling them and I’m hardly the favourite son as it is. After we’ve been to see the doc I’m driving you over there and that’s final.”
Daniel took a bite of the cheese omelette Sara had made for breakfast. Will was right, he needed to tell his parents about his eyes. It was just that he didn’t want to worry them. Or maybe it was more that he didn’t want them seeing him so helpless.
“OK, but if Ma tries to persuade me to stay there, you have to get me out. You know what she can be like.”
“You have my word, I’ll mount a rescue mission.”
“Are you sure you won’t come with us, Sara?” For some reason Daniel couldn’t put his finger on, he wasn’t happy leaving her on her own.
“I’m sure. I’ve got things to do. But say hi to your parents for me. And don’t forget to get more laudanum from the doctor for your pain. I know it’s improving, but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
“Exactly how long did our mother visit with you Saturday?” Will said. “Because you seem to be turning into her.”
“I think it’s rather I’m turning into my own,” she said, laughing. “Maybe all mothers are the same.”
“Just make sure you keep the rifle with you,” Daniel said. “And Bess.”
He felt her touch his arm. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”
He placed his hand over hers, for her touch in his darkness as much as anything else. “I know you will.”
~ ~ ~
Sara leaned the spade against the porch railing and straightened, pressing one hand to her aching back.
She was beginning to wonder why she’d chosen to do this, especially with her hands still aching from milking Peapod for the first time the day before. After digging for what felt like hours, but was in actuality less than one, she’d barely made a dent in the packed earth abutting the porch at the back of the house. Peering up into the relentlessly blue sky, she wondered if there was any likelihood of it raining in the next ten minutes and helping to soften the earth. Probably not.
A pickaxe might have been a better idea to break up the solid earth. Going to check if Daniel owned one would give her an excuse to take a break.
Bess lifted her head from where she was stretched out at the top of the porch stairs and looked at her.
“On reflection,” Sara said to her, “I think you have the better deal between the two of us.”
Bess’ tail swished lazily back and forth across the wood a couple of times before she laid her head back onto her paws. Sara was tempted to join her.
The garden had seemed like a good idea, but doing it by herself wasn’t going to be easy. In addition, she had to do it while both Daniel and Will were away from the house, which was why she was making a start now. If she did it while they were there, Daniel would feel bad for not being able to help and Will would insist on doing the digging for her. She couldn’t let him do that. He already had a far bigger workload on the farm as it was while Daniel was convalescing.
She could have waited to start, but she’d woken with a yearning to do it today, to begin something that looked toward the future. A future when flowers would bloom in her new garden and Daniel would be able to see them.
A future when she didn’t have to be scared for her husband.
For at least the twentieth time that day, she offered up a prayer for Daniel’s healing. The verse in the book of Matthew about not using vain repetitions when praying came into her mind and she took it as God’s assurance that He had heard her.
“But if you don’t mind, Lord,” she murmured, “I’ll keep on praying. It makes me feel like I’m doing something.” Somehow, she knew He understood.
As she was about to head to the barn to look for that pickaxe, Sara saw Bess lift her head and sniff the air. She turned to scan the yard but saw nothing.
“What is it, Bess?”
The dog rose to her feet, her head down and a low rumble emitting from her chest.
Sara looked round again, a shiver running down her spine despite the warmth of the day. Without really thinking about it, she picked up the spade and lifted it in both hands, ready to use as a weapon if needed.
A man appeared from around the barn. He strolled towards her, a smile that looked more like a leer plastered across his face.
“Good morning, Miss.”
Bess’ low rumble became a full on growl as she stalked down the stairs to Sara’s side.
The man stopped and held up his hands, his eyes fixed on the wary dog. “Whoa, easy there. I ain’t here to hurt your mistress.” He moved his gaze to Sara. “Would you mind callin’ off your mutt?”
Mutt? Sara felt like growling at him herself. She tightened her grip on the spade. “Who are you?”
He took a step forward, stopping abruptly when Bess barked a warning. He pulled his hat from his scraggly brown hair. “Name’s Ely. I was just passin’ and noticed you have a fine horse in your paddock. Wondered if you’d be lookin’ to sell ‘er.”
He rubbed one hand over the rough stubble shadowing his jaw and leered again as his eyes flicked down Sara’s body. A shudder
ran through her and she was suddenly very glad of Bess’ presence.
“I’m sorry, Mr Ely, but none of my husband or brother-in-law’s horses are for sale.”
“Well, maybe I can speak to them. Are they home?”
She thought about the rifle in the kitchen. Despite Daniel’s warning at breakfast, she’d forgotten to bring it out with her. This was the second time she’d wished she had it nearer. The first time it turned out to just be Mr Pulaski, but she really did need to start keeping it closer. She couldn’t help wishing she’d thought of that earlier.
“You don’t need to speak to them. None of the horses are for sale. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
His eyes went to the beginnings of the flowerbeds behind her. “That’s mighty tough work for a lady. Maybe I could help you, darlin’.”
In spite of her fear, anger flashed through her. “It’s Mrs Raine. And I don’t need any help. Now I’ll thank you to leave my property.” She’d read that in a cowboy novel once. She never imagined she’d be using it.
“Well now, you’re a spunky one, ain’t ya?” The leer returned as he stepped towards her. “I like some fight in a woman.”
She stepped back, hefting the spade. Bess’ growl morphed into a warning bark.
Sara was truly frightened now. Would she be better running for the rifle and hoping Bess could keep Ely busy long enough for her to get it? Or should she just stand her ground with the spade? He didn’t appear to be armed, but she hadn’t seen his back.
“Mrs Raine asked you to leave the property, Sir. I suggest you do so.” Mr Pulaski strode around the side of the house, his angry gaze fixed on Mr Ely and his chest puffed out.
She breathed a sigh of relief. Life was full of surprises. She’d never thought there would be a time when she was grateful to see Mr Pulaski. Bess pressed her side against Sara’s skirt, looking between the two men as if unsure which to turn her ire on.
Ely took a step back, raising his hands. “Me and the lady were just havin’ a pleasant conversation. I didn’t mean no harm.”
“I don’t care what you were doing. She clearly doesn’t want you here. Now leave or I will have to get rough.” Mr Pulaski took a step towards him, glaring.
Ely took another step back. “All right, all right, no need to get all riled. I’m goin’.” He placed his hat back onto his head and nodded at Sara. “Pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.”
No one moved until he was out of the yard and striding away up the road.
Bess stared at Mr Pulaski. She wasn’t growling anymore, but suspicion radiated from her in waves.
Sara lowered the spade to rest on its blade on the ground. “Thank you, Mr Pulaski. I have no idea who that man was, but he made me nervous.”
His chest, such as it was, puffed out even further. “I’m just glad I arrived when I did. No telling what could have happened if I hadn’t been here.” He glanced around the yard. “I’m surprised Mr Raine allows you to stay here alone.”
“Daniel and Will went into town to the doctor,” Sara said, tamping down her annoyance at his condescending tone. He had, after all, just saved her from what could have been a dangerous situation. “They asked me to go with them, but I had things to do. Bess and I could have dealt with that man.”
She reached down and stroked the top of Bess’ head. Bess didn’t move her eyes from Mr Pulaski.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he watched the dog. “I have no doubt.”
“So what can I do for you, Mr Pulaski?”
His attention flicked back to her. “Hmm?”
“What’s the reason for your visit?”
“Oh, my visit, yes, of course.” His face took on an expression of sympathy. It looked fake. “I simply heard about Mr Raine’s accident and wanted to see if there was anything I can do to help you.”
Ah, so that was it. “You thought, as he’s unable to work at the moment, that he might be hiring.”
He jerked back as if struck. “What? No! Certainly not.”
Now she was confused. “I’m sorry, I thought...”
He stepped forward and took her free hand. “Miss Worthing, I assure you that your wellbeing and happiness are my only concern.”
A warning growl emanated from Sara’s furry protector.
“It’s Mrs Raine.” She extracted her hand from his slightly sweaty grip, resisting the urge to wipe it on her dress.
He smiled and stepped away from Bess. “Of course. My apologies.”
The sound of hoof beats interrupted the conversation. Sara didn’t think she’d ever been as relieved as she was when she saw River and Ginger precede the wagon around the house.
Mr Pulaski took another step away from her.
“Sara, is everything all right?” Will said as they came to a halt. He jumped from the wagon’s seat, waited for Daniel to climb down, and led him over to them.
“Sara?” Daniel said.
She moved to his side and slipped her arm around his. “This is Mr Pulaski, I told you about him? Mr Pulaski, may I introduce my husband and brother-in-law?”
“Mr Pulaski, my wife told me you were looking for work on Monday.”
Daniel held out his hand. Mr Pulaski hesitated before taking it. He winced slightly as Daniel’s hand engulfed his.
“Uh, yes, I was, but that’s not the reason for my visit. I merely came to see if there was anything I could do after your accident. It was a good thing I arrived when I did too.”
“What do you mean?” Will said.
Sara told them all about Ely, feeling Daniel tense as she spoke.
“I’m just glad I was here,” Mr Pulaski said. “It can be so dangerous out here for a woman on her own. Quite frankly, I’m surprised you would allow her to stay here by herself.”
Daniel drew himself up to his full height which was a good two inches, maybe three, taller than the other man. “Mr Pulaski, I’m grateful for what you did, but I’m not given to allowing or disallowing my wife to do anything. She is able to make her own decisions.”
Sara wanted to hug him.
Mr Pulaski pressed his lips together for a moment before seeming to realise that although Daniel couldn’t see him, she and Will could. “Yes, of course,” he said, his face rearranging itself into a vague smile. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment elsewhere.” He nodded to them. “Mrs Raine. Gentlemen.”
“Is it me,” Will said as they watched him get into his buggy and drive away, “or does he come across as a mite creepy?”
“It’s not you,” Sara said.
Daniel turned to her and took hold of her shoulders. “Are you all right?”
It felt good to have him close. She rested both hands on his chest. “I’m fine. Mr Pulaski’s harmless. The man he chased away though, Ely he said his name was, he scared me. Bess didn’t like him either.” She looked down, embarrassed. “I forgot to bring the rifle outside with me.”
Daniel rubbed his hands down her arms. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
“No, he didn’t actually really threaten me at all, and Bess made sure he couldn’t get near me. Still, something about him bothered me.”
“I think I’ll go and have a look around,” Will said, “make sure he’s not hanging about anywhere. Mind if I take Rosie? Can you manage with unhitching the wagon?”
“I can do it,” Sara said quickly. “Daniel can tell me what to do. It’s about time I learned anyway.”
Will looked from Daniel to her and gave her a knowing wink. “Good idea. I’ll be back soon.”
~ ~ ~
“What did Doctor Wilson say?” Sara said as she worked on separating River and Ginger from the wagon.
The familiar sounds of metal against leather set Daniel’s teeth on edge. He should have been the one unhitching the horses.
He should have been the one here when a man frightened his wife, instead of off finding out if he’d ever be any use in protecting her again.
He deliberate
ly uncurled his fists which he couldn’t remember clenching. “The burns are healing normally and the bump’s gone down. He said it’s good I don’t have a headache anymore.”
“And your eyes?”
He shrugged one shoulder, attempting to appear unconcerned. “He doesn’t know why I can’t see, could be the burns, could be hitting my head. He said it’s just a matter of waiting.”
“But your sight will return, won’t it?”
He didn’t need to see her to tell she was worried. It filled her voice.
“He doesn’t know.”
The sound of her movements stilled. “It’s only been two days. You just need time to heal, that’s all.”
He didn’t answer. It sounded like such a short amount of time and yet the past two days had dragged on for what seemed like forever. He wanted to get out to his fields and work. He wanted to not have to feel his way whenever he walked anywhere. He wanted to not have to ask if he’d finished everything on his plate at the end of a meal. He wanted to know he could protect his wife when someone scared her.
He wanted to stop feeling useless.
“I’m sure you’re right.”
Except he wasn’t sure, not at all.
Chapter 16
“I’m going to start on the cherries today,” Will said the next morning as he finished off his breakfast of fried eggs, ham, gravy and biscuits. “If I don’t get started, it’s going to get ahead of me.”
Daniel pushed his ham around the plate. “I was hoping you’d be able to help with the hives today. I need to check if any of the combs are capped enough for harvesting. What with not going to market this week, I’m going to need everything I can get for next Wednesday.”
“I can do it,” Sara said. “I mean, if you tell me what to do, I’m sure I’ll be able to pick it up.”
Daniel stopped fidgeting with his food. “I... don’t know. The bees can be dangerous. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”
Will finished his last bite of ham. “You’ll notice how he doesn’t care if I get hurt.”
