Martha

by Kirsten Osbourne

  Robby’s eyes were closed, his face scrunched up in pain. Tom helped his son sit up, and Penny tenderly stroked his face. Robby opened his eyes and seemed to relax once he saw his mother.

  Tom patted his shoulder. “You’ll be all right, son.”

  Robby gulped, and his eyes searched through the crowd that had gathered around them. Martha couldn’t watch any more. She ran away from the crowd and into her cabin. She threw herself down on the bed and allowed the tears to drench her pillow. How could she have been so careless? If she’d kept her eyes on Robby, she would have been able to calm Ginger and prevent Robby from being thrown from the horse.

  Martha prayed that Robby would make a full recovery. His leg had seemed broken. Ever since her childhood, she had vowed that once she was an adult, she would take care of and protect children in her care. She had let Robby down. She didn’t know if she could ever forgive herself.

  After a little while, Martha sat up and took a few deep breaths. She felt terrible about what had happened and even worse about the way she had reacted to it. Instead of helping to take care of Robby, she had run away. She would never be able to have children of her own. She couldn’t even assist a child in need.

  As difficult as it would be to face the others, she knew she had to return so she could start to prepare for dinner. Penny and Tom would likely be preoccupied with helping Robby. Martha wiped the tears from her face and stood. She left the cabin and walked back to where Robby had fallen.

  Tom was dispersing some of the crowd that had gathered around the boy. “Back to work. The day’s not over yet. Robby will be fine.”

  Penny sat next to Robby, patting him on the back and whispering soothing words to him. She smiled at Martha. “Tom sent John to get Dr. Harvey or Dr. Bennett. One of them will make Robby’s leg as good as new!”

  Martha nodded, still too emotional too speak.

  Penny’s expression grew concerned. “You look so upset, Martha. What’s wrong? Did Ginger hurt you, too?”

  Martha shook her head.

  “Please don’t worry, Martha. Robby’s going to be fine. These things happen. Oh, but it’s probably close to dinnertime, and I haven’t even started anything!” Penny fretted.

  Martha found her voice. “I’ll get started on it.”

  Penny’s smile returned. “Thank you, Martha. We’re really lucky to have you!”

  Martha spun around and rushed toward the main house before Penny could say anything else. She felt a terrible sense of guilt over what had happened to Robby. She was glad to hear that Dr. Iris Harvey, the longtime town doctor, or her nephew, Dr. Stephen Bennett, who was married to her sister Hope, was on the way. Both doctors were very knowledgeable and had nursed various members of the Sanders family back to health on many prior occasions.

  Once she arrived in the kitchen, Martha stuck her head into the pantry and surveyed her options. Usually, she and Penny discussed what they wanted to cook for the family that evening during the day. In all the commotion, the thought of what to cook for dinner hadn’t even crossed Martha’s mind until now.

  Martha thought for a moment, then decided to make a beef stew. Martha was still reeling from her horror at seeing Robby fall, and she knew that some of the children would feel emotional as well. A hearty stew would put everyone’s mind at ease, filling them up before bed.

  Martha took a deep breath and reached for a large soup pot. Although it had been an unusual day, she would make sure that dinner was served promptly on time. She had let Robby down earlier, and she promised herself that would never happen again.

  Chapter 5

  “Aunt Martha, read me another, please!” Robby cried.

  Martha hid a smile behind her hand. “I don’t know, Robby. You should get some rest. You’ve had enough excitement for the day.”

  Robby was still confined to bed. His leg was wrapped in a splint Dr. Bennett had made. Martha and Penny took turns staying with him while the other woman cooked and did the daily chores. Because he couldn’t manage the stairs, they had set him up in an empty cabin a few doors down from Martha’s. Martha slept in his room on a cot set up in the corner in case he needed anything during the night.

  Since Robby had to stay very still in order for his leg to heal, Martha had begun reading to him from his favorite books. Robby couldn’t get enough of Martha’s reading.

  Now it was late, nearly time for him to go to bed.

  “One more,” Robby begged.

  “All right,” Martha sighed.

  As she flipped to the first page of the book, there was a knock on the door. Martha looked up in surprise and a little concern. They weren’t expecting anyone until the following morning, when Penny would relieve Martha and Martha would make breakfast for the McClain family.

  Martha patted Robby’s hand reassuringly. “I need to see who is at the door. I’ll be right back.” She stood up and walked over to the door, then opened it cautiously.

  To her surprise, Andrew Ford stood in front of her. His face was lit by the final rays of sunlight, and he looked even more handsome than the last time she’d seen him.

  “What are you doing here?” Martha asked.

  Andrew held up a book with his right hand. “For some reason, I packed this book when I came here. It was one of my favorites as a child. I thought Robby might be getting bored, cooped up in here all day and night. So I thought I’d read to him.”

  Martha’s heart did a flip. It was so thoughtful and kind of Andrew to think about Robby during his recovery. She had thought he was a good man, and this proved it. But she wasn’t sure about another book so late in the evening. She looked back at Robby. “I don’t know. It’s past his bedtime.”

  Robby overheard their conversation. “One more story, Aunt Martha! Please?”

  Martha sighed and stepped aside to let Andrew in. “Fine, but only one more.”

  Robby cheered, and Andrew walked over to Robby’s bedside. He started to sit down in the chair that was there but then stopped. “I’m sorry. Were you sitting here?”

  Martha waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. You can sit there. I’ll walk around. I need to tidy a few things.”

  “All right.” Andrew eased his tall, muscular frame into the chair. He held up the book for Robby to see. “The Tale of Mother Goose,” Andrew announced the title. He flipped the book open and began to read.

  Martha began to pick up some of the odd belongings that were scattered about the cabin, but she quickly found that she couldn’t focus on cleaning. Andrew’s voice was deep, rich, and melodic. If Martha had been sitting or lying down, she’d have drifted off to sleep. She peeked over at Robby and saw that he was listening with rapt attention.

  She thought it was probably nice for Robby to have a visitor other than his mother and aunt. Two weeks had passed since his fall, and Dr. Bennett had recommended at least four more weeks of rest to allow his leg to mend. He was worried if Robby tried to put too much pressure on it, the bone wouldn’t fully heal, and Robby would walk with a permanent limp. Martha was determined not to allow that to happen. She followed each one of Dr. Bennett’s instructions to the smallest detail and watched Robby like a hawk.

  As Andrew continued to read to Robby, the boy’s eyes grew heavy with sleep. Eventually, he laid his head back against his pillow, and his breath became measured and even. A playful smile danced across Andrew’s lips. “I guess he won’t find out how the story ends.”

  “Sh,” Martha whispered, worried Robby would wake up. He was a light sleeper and sometimes woke up at the slightest of sounds.

  Andrew gestured outside the cabin, and Martha followed him. The night was hot and dry, and Martha watched as the sun descended behind the hills off in the distance.

  “Thank you for coming and reading to him. I could tell he really enjoyed it,” Martha said.

  “It’s no problem at all. I feel bad for the poor little one, not able to go outside and play with his brothers,” Andrew told her. “If I were in his position, I’d be very ups
et.”

  “He’s taking it very well,” Martha explained. “I know what you mean, though. Penny and I are trying to make sure he has everything he needs to make a full recovery.”

  “And you’re clearly doing a tremendous job,” Andrew said. “But I’m sure even you need a break.”

  “A break?” Martha was puzzled. What did he mean by that?

  “From what Tom tells me, you’ve been staying here each night and spending most of your days by Robby’s side. That’s admirable, but are you getting any sleep?” Andrew pointed out.

  “I don’t need sleep as much as Robby needs it. Once he’s recovered, then I’ll go back to my cabin and get a good night’s rest,” Martha said defensively.

  “All I’m trying to say is that no one would fault you if you wanted to take an evening off. Maybe I could stay with Robby some night,” Andrew offered.

  “You would do that?” Martha was shocked. “You’re not even related to him.”

  Andrew looked at Martha for a long time before responding. When he finally spoke, he looked her straight in the eye. “Robby’s important to you, and you’re important to me.”

  Martha felt uncomfortable. She immediately looked away. What was Andrew saying? Part of her hoped he was trying to tell her that he cared about her in a romantic way, but she knew better than to get her hopes up. She’d seen the way he’d talked to Mary Sibley at church. Compared to Mary, Martha didn’t stand a chance. Mary was pretty and popular and could talk to anyone for hours. Martha didn’t care for small talk and preferred to keep to herself most of the time.

  “It’s fine,” Martha said. “He’s my responsibility. It’s my fault he got hurt in the first place.”

  Andrew put his hand on Martha’s arm, and her heart began to race. “Martha, what do you mean, it’s your fault he got hurt? That’s not true.”

  Tears welled in Martha’s eyes as she thought back to the horrible day when Robby had been injured. “I wasn’t watching him closely enough. I got distracted by a noise I heard, and then before I knew it, the horse had startled and Robby was on the ground. It’s all my fault!”

  Andrew shook his head firmly and tugged Martha closer to him. “Martha, that’s absolutely not true. You’re no more responsible for Robby’s accident than I am.”

  “You? How would it be your fault?” Martha cried, surprised.

  “It’s my responsibility to oversee all the horses. If I’d have done a better job getting to know Ginger, I’d have found out how easily she spooks and made sure none of the children ever got near her. So see, it’s my fault,” Andrew said, an easy grin spreading across his face.

  “But that’s ridiculous!” Martha protested. “You couldn’t have predicted what Ginger was going to do to Robby.”

  “Exactly my point,” Andrew said. “Neither could you.”

  Martha was too flustered to respond immediately. She looked at her shoes.

  Andrew moved his arm so that he was holding Martha’s hand in his. Martha felt a tingling sensation in her stomach. She didn’t know if she had ever been so close to a man before.

  “Martha, it seems to me you blame yourself for things you can’t control. Have you always been this way?” Andrew said softly as the sunlight faded.

  Martha opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come. She shook her head rapidly. “I don’t know.”

  “Maybe it would help to talk about it,” Andrew encouraged.

  Martha wanted to tell Andrew everything she was thinking and feeling, but she knew she couldn’t. There were certain things about her past that she’d sworn she would never reveal to anyone because she knew they’d think less of her. Again, she shook her head.

  Andrew took a deep breath. “I’ll start. I was born into a family where I never fit in. I have two older brothers and one younger brother. My older brothers treated me poorly because we never shared the same values. My younger brother has always been kind to me. He’s my best friend. But the rest of my family is obsessed with making money. That’s all they seem to care about. I moved here to escape the life they’ve always wanted for me. I still miss my younger brother, but I know this is where I’m meant to be. Especially because of the people I’ve met in Nowhere.” He smiled at Martha knowingly. “See? That wasn’t so bad. Now it’s your turn.”

  Martha felt panic rising in her chest. She appreciated that Andrew was telling her about his past, but she wasn’t ready to do the same. “I think . . . it’s getting late. You should leave.”

  Andrew looked stung, as if someone had hit him. “Are you sure? I was having a nice time talking with you.”

  Martha swallowed. “I’m sure.” She looked away so she wouldn’t have to meet his piercing gaze.

  Andrew sighed. “All right. If you want me to leave, I’ll leave.” He walked away from the small cabin, then hesitated. He turned around. “If you change your mind, you know where you can find me.”

  Martha walked back into the cabin, her face flushed from being so close to Andrew. She knew that he was upset with her for withdrawing from him, but she couldn’t tell him the truth. She was too ashamed and embarrassed.

  Martha gently shut the cabin door and went to check on Robby. His chest rose and fell steadily as he slept. Martha wondered what he was dreaming about. She prayed again that Robby would make a complete recovery. He had his whole life ahead of him, and Martha would be devastated if he had a permanent impairment because of her negligence.

  Martha pulled Robby’s blanket snugly around him so it wouldn’t fall off during the night. She went over to her cot and prepared for bed. As she drifted off to sleep, her mind replayed her conversation with Andrew Ford over and over again. Did she actually have a chance with him?

  Andrew heaved a bulky box of feed into the loft of the stable. “Seems they get heavier each month,” he joked.

  Tom flashed Andrew a smile. “Maybe you’re just getting weaker each month.”

  “How could you say that? You’ve hurt my feelings!” Andrew teased. He and Tom had developed an easy relationship over the past few months. He was always happy when his work involved pairing up with Tom.

  “I know you’re only joking, but is there anything going on with you right now? You’ve seemed a bit down lately.” Tom’s kind face wore a concerned expression.

  Andrew grimaced. He felt embarrassed talking about it. Tom handed him another box. “I don’t want to trouble you with my petty problems.”

  “Please. Maybe I can help,” Tom coaxed.

  Andrew hefted the box into the loft and turned to look at Tom. “Honestly? Woman troubles.”

  Tom chuckled. “I’ve been there.”

  “You have? You and Penny seem like you have the perfect relationship,” Andrew commented.

  “It wasn’t always that way.” Tom wiped his brow. “I’ve told you that it took me some time to convince her to be my wife, right?”

  Andrew nodded.

  “She was afraid of how committed I was to her. I knew so early on and had such strong convictions about our relationship and future together, and she simply wasn’t there yet. It takes time. What seems to be your issue?” Tom raised an eyebrow. “And more importantly, who’s the lucky woman?”

  “I think you know who the woman is,” Andrew said, feeling self-conscious.

  Tom let out a cheer that echoed through the barn. “I’m glad to hear it. I was worried you may have changed your mind, since I understand she can be a bit . . . closed off.”

  Andrew nodded. “That’s exactly it. I’m not sure what to do. She hasn’t told me anything about her past. Don’t you think that’s odd?”

  Tom shrugged. “Hard to say. Penny doesn’t like to talk about the time she spent in the orphanage in New York either. Says she’d prefer to look forward rather than backward. Maybe it’s the same for Martha.”

  “I’m not sure about that.” Andrew shook his head. “It really seems like there’s something she just can’t or doesn’t want to tell me. How can you have a relationship if two people aren
’t willing to talk to each other?”

  Tom pondered this. “There must be a way to get her to talk to you.”

  “That’s what I thought, but I’ve tried everything,” Andrew explained. “I even told her about my family is like and some of the challenges we have with one another. But then she asked me to leave.”

  Tom’s expression shifted. “Andrew, I hope you haven’t been sneaking around and bothering Martha in her cabin. It’s fine that you have feelings for her, but you need to keep it appropriate.”

  “I visited her last night in Robby’s cabin. I wanted to give her a break, so I read him a story,” Andrew told Tom.

  “Ah.” Tom brightened. “I’m glad the two of you weren’t alone. I like you, but there are certain things that can’t happen on my watch.” Tom rubbed his chin. “Hm. I’m not sure why she wouldn’t want to open up to you. I know she is on the quieter side, but I can’t think of what she could be hiding.”

  “Me, either.” Andrew agreed with Tom, relaxing his shoulders to take a break between loads. “But I sure hope I can find out.”

  Chapter 6

  Martha hugged Robby goodbye and made sure he was comfortable before she left the cabin to go to church. It was one of the weeks the McClains were going into Nowhere to attend the service, and Penny was staying back with Robby while Martha went with the rest of the group.

  “He’ll be fine,” Penny reassured Martha. “He’s lucky to have such an attentive aunt. We’re all lucky to have you around, Martha!”

  Martha smiled at her sister. She appreciated Penny’s grace, but she still blamed herself for Robby’s fall. “I’ll see you both when I get back.”

  Martha exited the cabin and joined the group of boys, orphans, and men as they prepared to leave the ranch. Andrew waved to her from one of the wagons, and Martha saw there was still room inside of it. Before he could say anything, she turned away and climbed into one of the other wagons. Martha avoided Andrew’s gaze, hoping he wouldn’t try to call out to her.