“It’s nice out here. After all that rain, I can’t bear to not be in the sun.” It suddenly felt warmer on the porch but not because the clouds had moved. Will’s gaze seemed fixed on her, despite her resistance to looking at him.
“Why Ben Perry?”
The words came from Will quietly, but the force of their meaning was not lost on her.
“I told you. We’re no longer engaged. It’s a misunderstanding, that’s all.” Perhaps, if she stayed away long enough, Ben would set his sights on some other heiress. No, she wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But was it too much to hope that his misdeeds would catch up with him, and he’d be run out of town?
“You were once. Why?”
Though gently spoken, Will couldn’t have asked a harsher question. Oh, she knew what he was about. Trying to persuade her in all kindness and goodness to share things that she could not. Would not.
“My life was different then.” Mary smoothed her skirt, noting the mud caking the bottom. “I should go bathe.”
Will stepped in front of her, gentility lacking in his movement. “Why do you keep avoiding my questions?”
“For the same reason you keep asking them.” Mary met his gaze, refusing to flinch. “You say you can help me, but you have no idea what kind of man he is. What he’s willing to stoop to. There’s too much at stake.”
His eyes set firmly on her. “Don’t you think I know that? It’s the reason I aim to bring him down. But I need your help.”
“Who are you to go after a man like Ben Perry? If the law hasn’t caught up with him by now, surely an ordinary man such as yourself can do no better.”
Not that Mary wanted him to be anything other than an ordinary man.
He looked at her with the same intensity as the sheriff in Ohio who’d questioned her. Oh, why couldn’t she have just admitted to the truth then?
So many things she would have done differently.
Will’s expression had become more solemn and contemplative. Perhaps he, too, was realizing the foolishness of trying to do something best left to the authorities.
She turned to go back into the hotel. “I think I will take Mrs. Lewis’s generous offer now. I’m sure they’ll be needing me soon to help with Emma Jane’s care.”
“How can you be so mule-headed?” Will’s words tore into Mary’s retreating back.
Mary stopped. “I told you, there’s nothing I can do in the matter.” She brought her attention back to Will. “Leave the things of the law to the law. They’re equipped to handle the likes of Ben Perry. Not me.”
This time, she continued her trek to the cabin. She could feel the heaviness of Will’s gaze. But she wasn’t going to let him get to her. Not now, not ever.
Even if she could get someone to believe her side of the story, what good would it do? Speaking up was fruitless. In fact, with Rose’s rage at her secret engagement, it would only further strain family relations. Rose already didn’t believe the facts Mary had shared. There was no way her sister would believe that she’d had nothing to do with the thefts.
“Mary,” Will called.
She stopped but didn’t turn around.
“Despite the fact that Emma Jane was nothing to you, you risked your life and reputation to care for her. Why would you have compassion on a woman with such a prickly personality, but allow a man like Ben Perry to roam free?”
Mary took a deep breath. Saving Emma Jane, mostly from herself, was a penance that gave her soul some comfort for all the torment it suffered because of her actions with Ben. The wind whipped up around her, chilling her through the thin cotton dress Mrs. Haggerty had lent her.
Allowing Ben to roam free? Surely there was nothing she could do, save pray that the next time he crossed the line, the law would catch up to him.
* * *
As Will watched Mary leave, it was tempting to call her back. To finally confess the entire story. But he suspected that might only make things worse. Besides, he wasn’t a lawman. Not anymore. A disgraced lawman held little attraction to anyone looking for safety.
Footsteps crunched behind him, and Will turned. Jasper approached, leaning on a makeshift crutch.
“Should you be up and about?”
Jasper shrugged. “Better than having Mrs. Haggerty and Mrs. Lewis fussing about me. I appreciate Mrs. Lewis’s kindness, but if I have to hear another word about the eligible women here at the resort, not to mention her own daughters, I think I’ll go mad.”
“You’ll have to marry eventually.”
“I know.” Jasper kicked at a rock with his bum foot. “But is it so much to ask for a man to be allowed to have a little adventure first? My father wants me to learn the ins and outs of the business. My mother is so busy trying to keep me safe that I could suffocate from her efforts. Maybe if I help you bring down Perry, I’ll finally feel like I can settle down.”
Or it would give his friend enough of a taste of the life he craved that he couldn’t give it up. But Will would be stupid to not accept Jasper’s help.
“Could be,” Will said slowly. “You know I can always use an extra man. So long as the doctor says your leg is up to it.”
“Nothing a few days’ rest won’t fix. He’s leaving now. You can go ask him.”
Will turned and watched as the doctor left the house. “I hope Emma Jane is going to be all right.”
The air stilled around them. “I don’t know what I’ll do if she’s not. I owe Emma Jane my life,” Jasper said quietly. “I mean, sure, she was the one who got herself trapped in an old mine going out in the dark by herself. She was fortunate I happened to be outside and heard her cry out. But I didn’t do any better, falling in while trying to save her. Still, when the mine caved in, she risked herself to push me out of the way. If she hadn’t...”
Jasper’s voice trailed off, and he turned toward the lake. Will recognized the speech of a man who’d faced death and was looking for redemption. A far better calling than having to apprehend an outlaw.
Then Jasper looked back at Will, his face contorted with pain.
“Emma Jane’s not as bad as everyone thinks she is. She even apologized for throwing herself at me. Said talking to Mary made her realize that she’d pursued me for the wrong reasons. I think Mary needs to have that same talk with all the ladies in town.”
With that last sentence, Jasper’s voice lost its solemnity and returned to the old Jasper Will had known. The accompanying wink told Will Jasper was going to be all right.
That Mary had played such a role didn’t surprise Will. In fact, it served to grow his admiration for her. If only she would trust him enough to be an ally against Ben. Surely Mary had more sense than what he’d witnessed Daisy possessing. Despite his vows not to compare the women, he was beginning to wonder if perhaps he should. Mary wasn’t the same woman as Daisy. She was a stronger, much more rational woman. If only Will understood her connection to Ben. That was the only area in which he could accuse Mary of being completely clueless.
“Speaking of Mary...” Jasper’s voice almost matched that of the silly girls he’d so recently put down. “You two seem awfully close for her only to be part of a case you’re working on.”
Trust Jasper to know the leaning of his thoughts. He’d make a good investigator, and if he weren’t the sole heir to a large banking fortune, Will could see Jasper having a promising career in law enforcement.
“We’re—” Could he venture so far as to call Mary his friend? In other company, he’d do no such thing. He wouldn’t dare risk a stain on her reputation. But this was Jasper.
“I don’t know,” Will said instead. Probably the closest to the truth if he knew what that truth was. “I need her help, but she won’t talk to me about Ben Perry. I find that the more time I spend with her...”
He glanced in the direction of the hotel. If h
e had to be honest, he’d say that he enjoyed her company, and not just because he hoped to get information from her. Mary Stone was a good woman. He admired her. He respected her.
“You’re falling in love with her, aren’t you?”
Will’s head whipped around at Jasper’s question. “I can’t afford to fall in love with anyone.”
He knew he was wrong to keep bouncing back and forth in his opinion about comparing the two women. But he’d tried love once, and all it had done was leave him gut-shot and badgeless.
“Didn’t you just tell me that I was going to have to marry sometime?”
Before Will could answer, Jasper nodded slowly. “You’re like my father, then. You don’t think love and marriage have anything to do with one another.” He let out a long sigh. “Perhaps it’s just as well. My mother’s old school friend has a daughter of marriageable age coming to visit next week. She’s been hoping for a match between the two of us. I suppose it’s time I resigned myself to my fate.”
Jasper turned and started toward the house. Will wanted to call out to him and tell him that Jasper had misinterpreted his words. True, he did not believe in the power of love, but neither was Will willing to accept a marriage based on someone else’s wishes. Which was why Will had determined never to marry.
These thoughts, however, seemed more appropriate for the giggling young women Will and Jasper so disdained. Love and marriage. Subjects they were ill-suited to manage. Jasper had the family business to carry on, and of course he’d need sons. But Will had no legacy to pass on, other than that of a disgraced lawman.
Yes, it was best for Will to never marry. To not examine any positive feelings toward Mary. He’d do what he could to foster a cooperative relationship with her so that he could put this case with Ben Perry to bed, and then he’d move on.
Chapter Twelve
From the moment Mary left the bathhouse to return to the main hotel, she knew that she wasn’t going home soon. It wasn’t just the tiny snowflakes that had seemed to appear out of nowhere, but also the way the wind had suddenly picked up and begun whipping down the mountain. Colorado weather. She still hadn’t yet gotten used to the fact that it could go from sunny and warm to ice-cold in minutes.
She entered the house just in time to see Mrs. Haggerty bundling up. “Have to get back to the ranch before the weather gets too miserable. There’s stock to feed, and Lord knows what else will be coming our way. By the way Josiah’s knee is paining him, it’s a bad storm coming.”
Not comforting words. As much as Mary would like the other woman to stay, she understood the obligations of home and family. Obligations Mary would be shirking for a while longer.
“Safe journey home.” Mary hugged Mrs. Haggerty. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
Mrs. Haggerty gave a short nod. “It was nothing. Where would we be if we didn’t offer hospitality to our fellow man?”
Her words sounded something like what Polly’s ma, Gertie, would say. For the first time since they’d begun their adventure on what was supposed to be a simple trip to the Soda Springs, Mary missed home. Though her siblings’ squabbles often got the best of Mary’s nerves, they were nothing compared to being stuck in a barn with a bunch of cranky overindulged misses. And though she liked Emma Jane well enough, she didn’t have the same jolly constitution Polly usually did. Plus, she’d gotten used to Nugget snuggled tight against her as she slept every night.
Perhaps having this time away was exactly what Mary had needed to appreciate her family. These feelings would bolster her courage when it waned due to the children’s misbehavior. She’d need it for the lonely nights when she might have been tempted to question her penance.
Mary gave Mrs. Haggerty another hug. “Promise you’ll call on us when you come to town?”
Mrs. Haggerty returned the embrace, smiling. “I’d be honored. I’ve heard Pastor Lassiter preaches the best sermons around. You’re so fortunate to be living under his roof.”
She’d always known that being under the Lassiters’ roof was good fortune indeed, especially after the abuses she and her siblings had suffered at Aunt Ina’s. But now, hearing it emphasized by a good woman such as Mrs. Haggerty, and hearing Emma Jane’s tale, Mary considered herself doubly blessed.
Mary walked Mrs. Haggerty to the door, barely able to open it against the force of the wind.
“Stay inside where it’s safe, dearie. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
With a bang, the door closed behind Mrs. Haggerty. Mary turned to find Mrs. Lewis to see if there was any chance she, too, could return home today.
Instead, she was met in the hall by Will. “With the storm moving in, we’re staying here. The doctor says Emma Jane shouldn’t be moved yet, and even if she could, I don’t think we can outrun the snow.”
Glancing out the window, Mary sighed. The snow was coming down harder now. One would think they’d be safe from the danger of a blizzard in September, but Mary had heard enough stories from the old-timers that Will’s worries were not unfounded.
“How is Emma Jane? Any change?”
Mary looked in the direction of the guest room where Mrs. Lewis had installed the injured woman, but the door was closed.
“She’s awake, but weak.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” She pushed past Will and darted into the room.
Emma Jane lay on the bed, her eyes open, Mrs. Lewis sitting beside her.
Mrs. Lewis rose. “Oh, good. I was hoping you’d get here soon. I need to see to my other guests, but I don’t want to leave poor Emma Jane alone.”
“I can take over for you. Emma Jane can fill me in on what the doctor said.”
Once Mary was comfortably seated and the door closed firmly behind Mrs. Lewis, Mary took Emma Jane’s hand. “So tell me really. How are you? What did the doctor say? We were so worried.”
“You’d be the only ones,” Emma Jane said, her voice weak and thready.
“Stop that.” Mary squeezed Emma Jane’s hand. “When we get back to town, I’m showing you off as my dear friend, and once the other girls get to know you, they’ll say the same thing.”
She didn’t mention the part about how Mary herself had alienated many of the girls upon their departure. But with Polly’s help, they’d figure out a way to bring acceptance to Emma Jane.
“They said some horrible things to me last night.”
Was it only last night? It felt as though they’d gone through a lifetime. Years, at least.
“They’re just jealous cats. All they care about is impressing Jasper Jackson, and if making fun of you or some other unfortunate girl will get a laugh out of him, then they’ll do it.”
Emma Jane sighed. “That’s what Jasper said. He apologized for being unkind. He is rather nice to talk to. But I found that you were right. Our interests would never suit.”
This time, Emma Jane squeezed her hand. “Thank you for being such a wise counsel. I told Jasper about our conversation, and I think he appreciated that I will only see him as a friend, not the source of my family’s redemption.”
“You sound much stronger.”
“Physically and mentally.” Emma Jane smiled. “I’m still not looking forward to facing my family, or the other girls in town, but you’ve shown me true friendship I’ll not forget.”
Mary supposed it was wrong to puff up with pride, but Emma Jane’s words had that effect. She’d made a difference in this woman’s life, all for the price of friendship. Another benefit of living in the Lassiter household. She’d learned that all most people needed was to have someone care about them.
“Does that mean the doctor thinks you’ll have a full recovery?”
Emma Jane nodded. “He wants me to rest for several days, but he said that he sees no reason why I won’t recover.”
Mary leaned down
and gave her friend a gentle hug. “I’m so glad my prayers were answered.”
“Mine, too.” A soft smile filled Emma Jane’s face. “I still don’t know what will happen with my family, but I’m choosing to trust what you told me and that the Lord will work it all out somehow.”
Though Emma Jane’s words were intended to encourage, they created a stirring in Mary’s heart. She’d been keeping her secret about Ben so tight because she wasn’t willing to trust that things would work out. Perhaps she needed to heed her own advice. Mary sighed. When she got back to town, she’d figure things out. There had to be a way for her to settle things with Ben without getting the authorities involved.
But for now...Mary turned her attention back to her friend. “Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
A soft smile crossed Emma Jane’s face. “The doctor said I could have some broth. I don’t think anyone’s taken as good care of me as you, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Haggerty. Even Jasper’s been so kind. I...”
Emma Jane looked away, toward the window, where Mary could see the snow starting to blow harder. Fortunately the Haggerty ranch wasn’t too far away. Hopefully, the Haggertys would be home safe soon.
“I don’t deserve such kindness,” Emma Jane finally finished, her voice muffled.
“Of course you do,” Mary said, rising. “Jesus died for the worst of sinners, forgiving even the thief on the cross next to him. When we get home, you should talk to Pastor Lassiter. He’ll help you understand.”
Getting broth for Emma Jane was a fine excuse for leaving the room before Mary’s heart combusted and the tears prickling the back of her eyes escaped. There was no question that Mary had been a good friend to Emma Jane. And she was glad to be able to share Christ’s love with the lonely girl.
But Mary Stone was the world’s biggest hypocrite. Who had she taken into her confidence about Ben? She hadn’t even taken the time to inquire of the Lord. Nor had she talked to Frank. While she’d assured everyone else that he’d give a sympathetic ear, she hadn’t allowed herself that same grace. Mary was so good at telling others what was right, or what the right thing to do might be, but she didn’t have such wisdom for her own life. She wanted to be deserving of forgiveness, but she hadn’t yet accomplished nearly enough to be worthy.
The Lawman's Redemption (Leadville, Co. Book 2) Page 12
