by Addy, Alice
Blake leaned over and whispered in Emily’s ear, “I prefer you without your shift, darling.”
“Blake! Watch your tongue,” she squealed, turning several shades of red. “We’re not married, yet.”
Cassie was sitting in the large chair by the fireplace, petting her pup, and listening to the merriment of her friends. Tippy wasn’t getting very big. He must have been the runt of the litter, she thought to herself.
“I think it’s positively wonderful, Emily. And I would definitely send away to France for my dress, if I were you. The French have a way with a needle and lace. We can’t compare with them,” she sighed, as she stroked the pup’s silky ears. “I so wish I were French,” she sighed.
Patty rolled her eyes. Cassie was too fanciful for her own good, but in this instance, she had to agree. “I concur with Cassie. How much time do we have?”
“Well, Blake and I haven’t actually set a date. This has been so sudden. I don’t believe there is a reason to hurry.”
“Speak for yourself, woman,” Blake growled seductively. “I think Saturday would suit me.”
Everyone laughed. They all knew Blake was eager to start his life with his fiancé. It was quickly becoming a joke around the hotel, seeing Blake walk stiff- legged after having spent private time with his pretty woman. She always looked radiant and well satisfied, while he looked as if he could bite the head off a snake.
Emily felt some compassion for his misery. “Would eight weeks from Saturday be too long, dear?”
Blake smiled, reluctantly. “Eight days would be better, but I guess I’ll make do . . . somehow. I guess I have a few things of my own I could take care of.”
Patty and Cassie exchanged glances and grimaced. “Well, that hardly leaves time to get a proper dress and trus-sow,” complained Cassie.
Emily and Patty both laughed. As usual, dear Cassie had mangled her French. “Maybe there is time to get her trousseau from Kansas City, or even Chicago. But we haven’t a moment to waste,” declared Patty. “Come along, Emily. Cassie and I need to get measurements. This is going to be such fun.”
Blake looked disgruntled at being abandoned so early in the evening. “I’m not expecting much fun. How about you, Whiskey?”
The older man chuckled. “It’s a woman’s world, son. You’ll soon realize that. We, men, do the waitin’ and the courtin’, the fetchin’ and the carryin’, the fightin’ and the dyin’, all in the hopes of havin’ them give us just a smidge of their lovin’. But I’m not complainin’, mind you. A woman is a miraculous thing, son. Hell, I’m plum honored Dora allows my ugly mug in her presence.”
Blake laughed. “You left one thing out, old man. It’s the woman that does the birthin’. I guess that makes everything about even, don’t you think?”
“It sure do. Yep, it sure do.”
“But I still don’t have to like it. I want Emily to spend all her free time with me. I’m selfish and I can’t help it, Whiskey. She’s the first thing on my mind when I open my eyes in the morning, and she’s the last thing I think about before I fall asleep at night. All during the day, I wonder what she’s doing? Is she laughing? Does she think of me while she’s working?”
“You do got it bad for her, Doc. But eight weeks ain’t forever. You’ll see, and then it will be just the two of you ever’day . . . until it’s three!” He laughed, slapping his hand across his knee.
“That’s hilarious, Whiskey. I can see I’m not going to get much sympathy from you. You’re just spoiled because you’re already married. Well, in eight weeks, I’ll be married too, and it can’t come too soon for me.”
Blake turned and left the hotel. He’d have to find something to do that didn’t involve Emily, as she was going to be busy with the womenfolk for hours. Blake decided to start purchasing the stock for his farm—her—farm. The Feed & Grain was a pretty good place to start, he figured.
* * *
The women had had a full day, but with the wedding only two weeks away, they couldn’t dawdle. They’d been all over town making their final purchases and they needed to sit and rest a spell.
Cassie grumbled, “I’m famished.” Then glancing over toward Patty she asked, “How do I say that in French?”
Patty smiled. “You say, Je suis affame. But really, Cassie, what is this interest you have in anything French?”
“I don’t know. I guess I always thought something was better or more important if it was French. You know . . . French perfume, French food, French fashions.”
“Don’t forget French men,” Emily laughed.
“Oh, no,” Patty blurted out. “Not the men. Definitely, not the men. I like cowboys,” Patty said, winking at Cassie.
Cassie smiled brightly. “I want an éclair. That’s French, right?”
“Yes, darling, it is French and they are divine. Let’s order four.”
After their tea and éclairs, the women decided it was time to return to the hotel. They needed to be there when the train pulled in, as they had guests arriving. Chattering like magpies, the ladies hurried down the sidewalk, not giving any notice of the dark man staying in the shadows and watching their every move.
“I don’t believe it!” exclaimed Emily. “Forgive me, ladies, but I have to go back to the Sweets Shoppe. I left my reticule on the seat. Don’t worry about it. I know you’re in a hurry. Go on home and I’ll be there in no time.” She didn’t wait for an answer, but hurried back the way they had come.
“Should I go with her, Patty?” Cassie asked. “Blake doesn’t want her to be out alone.”
“Well . . . there are plenty of people on the sidewalk and it is still daylight. I think she’s safe enough. There have been no incidents, recently.”
“Yeah,” Cassie muttered. “Maybe her old man’s dead.”
“Cassie! You shouldn’t say things like that . . . but I agree with you. Come on. Let’s hurry. We have much to do.”
By the time Emily arrived at the shop, she was exhausted. “Phew! That was quite a walk and it’s getting really cold. I left my reticule in my seat. Do you have it, Mrs. Swenson?”
“Certainly, dear. It is a pretty one. Is it French?”
Emily giggled. “No. Cassie would be quite disappointed to know I bought it right here, in Hays City. Well, I must be off again. I want to return home before dark. Good bye, Mrs. Swenson.”
“Good bye, dear. Come again.”
Emily was startled to see how the shadows had grown longer in just the few minutes she had spent retrieving her bag. The possible unseen dangers hidden within the dark recesses filled her with apprehension. She hurried her steps, feeling a sense of unease while walking alone in the twilight hours. Lately, she had become comfortable always being in the company of others. The streets were deserted and looked less friendly than only minutes earlier. Surely, it was her overactive imagination. After all, she hadn’t been alone since she’d fled to her farm. Her farm. She still couldn’t believe her good fortune or Blake’s generosity. Sweetwater was really hers to keep.
Still thinking about Sweetwater, Emily wasn’t prepared for the sudden encounter with the stumbling drunk. The man came out of nowhere and grabbed her by her elbow. With his hat pulled low, she could not see his face clearly, but she knew the voice.
“Soon, gal, soon.” Then the drunk disappeared once again, back into the shadows.
Emily stood frozen stiff, and although she was incapable of moving her feet, she was completely capable of screaming, and that’s exactly what she did. She screamed until a crowd had gathered to see what had made the pretty young lady fall to pieces. She didn’t stop screaming until she felt familiar hands around her shoulders and a loving voice whisper in her ear.
“Emmie, darling. Shhh. Everything’s all right, now. I’ve got you, sweetheart.”
“Blake?” Emily looked around and finally found his face.
“Yes, angel. It’s me and I’m going to take you home. Come with me, sweetheart.”
Placing one arm beneath her legs and t
he other behind her back, Blake swooped Emily up into his embrace and quickly carried her back to the hotel. She offered no explanation for her terrified condition and he asked her no questions. There would be plenty of time for his inquiry after she was delivered safely to her bed.
Patty was startled to see Blake kick open the doors and hustle Emily up the stairs, straightaway. “Blake! Oh, my God. What’s happened? Cassie! Dora! Come quick. Something has happened to Emily,” she shouted. Patty threw down her ledger and hurried after Blake.
She managed to pass the couple on the landing, and ran to open the door for them. Blake gently placed a clearly traumatized Emily down on top of her soft coverlet.
“Glory be! Is she hurt?” Dora and Cassie were trying to catch their breath while running to Emily’s bedside. “Oh dear, I knew things were goin’ too good,” fretted Dora. Placing her well-worn hand upon the young woman’s forehead, she sighed. “She don’t appear to be sick. Did she meet with an accident?”
The doctor shook his head. “I don’t rightly know at this point. She said my name and then hasn’t said a thing, since. I found her standing alone on the sidewalk, screaming her head off and clearly in a state of shock. She heard or saw something that has frightened her a great deal. Would you mind telling me why the hell was she out there by herself?” He glared at Patty.
“I’m sorry, Doc. Cassie asked me if she should accompany Emily back to the Sweets Shoppe to retrieve her reticule. It was broad daylight and many people were crowding the sidewalks. I told her I didn’t think it was necessary.” Patty’s eyes lowered to the floor. This was entirely her fault. Tears threatened to overflow her eyes. “I am solely to blame.”
Paying no heed to the conversation between the doctor and Patty, Cassie approached Emily and asked quietly, “Em, did you see your pa?”
Immediately, Emily reacted. She sucked in her breath and appeared to be silently screaming, her eyes glued to something hovering just above her; something no one else in the room could see. Then slowly, she turned her blue gaze directly at Cassie and nodded.
“Damn it! I’m going to kill that bastard!” roared Blake. “You women keep an eye on Emmie. Don’t let her out of your sight for a single minute. I’m gonna hunt me down a no good coyote and put a bullet between his eyes.”
“No, Blake. Stop,” Emily pleaded, weakly. “I didn’t see him. I only heard what I thought was his voice. Maybe I imagined it all? Perhaps it was just another drunk.”
Blake swung back and grasped Emily’s soft hand. “I hope it was, darling, but until I see his dead and lifeless body, I can’t rest. Lucas is evil and capable of doing anything. You can’t be his prisoner any longer. I won’t allow it.”
Emily held tightly to both his arms, desperately trying to keep him with her. “Please, Blake. I beg you to stay with me. Please.”
How could he deny her? Blake nodded, reluctantly. “You win, Emmie. But know this. I do intend to kill him.”
Cassie’s eyes were red with unshed tears, but her chin was stubborn and resolute. “Good!” she stated, and then she left the room to go in search of her pup. She needed the comfort that Tippy provided.
Emily drifted off into a troubled sleep. She dreamed of strong, cruel hands grasping at her from the shadows, tearing at her clothing and searing her flesh. She could smell his putrid breath, as the faceless monster licked her face and made terrifying threats. Several times, she jerked herself awake, only to return to the ghoulish dreams.
“Shush, sweetie. It’s not real. Nothing can hurt you here,” Blake whispered, reassuringly. “You’re safe, Emmie. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Dinnertime had come and gone, and the sounds erupting from Blake’s empty stomach disturbed Emily’s sleep. She wondered what that growl was and opened her eyes to see a slightly embarrassed man, smiling back at her.
“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to wake you,” Blake said.
“What time is it?” Emily noticed it was dark. She had slept the day away.
“It’s seven-thirty. Dora’s fixed a mighty fine beef stew. Cassie says it’s French.” He laughed. “Do you feel like getting up and having some dinner?”
Emily started to shake her head no, but then she noticed the hopeful look in his warm eyes. She knew he would not leave her side to eat, so she nodded affirmatively. “Yes, darling. I’m famished.”
As the twosome entered the kitchen, everyone smiled with relief. Emily was on her feet and joining them for dinner, albeit a little late.
“Oh, Emily! You look so much better. We’re having French beef . . . oh, what is it called, Patty?” Cassie blew out an exasperated breath and rolled her eyes in frustration.
Patty sighed. “It’s called boeuf borgeniong—and it’s delicious.”
Emily giggled, forgetting her fears for a few moments. “Of course it’s delicious. It’s French!” Everyone laughed at her joke. It was comforting to be back among her friends.
Cassie laughed too, but then she added, “You can all make fun of me now, but someday, I’ll show you. I’ll go to France . . . or something, and all my French will come in handy. You’ll see.”
“Yes, darling, I’m sure you’ll show us all up, one day. But in the meantime, be happy with our prairie ways,” Emily said, sweetly, “and take your time. You are so precious. Life here wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“Or you,” added Dora. Changing the subject, Dora asked, “You gonna go off and live on that farm, Em?”
That was Emily’s favorite subject and immediately her face glowed with happiness. “Yes, ma’am. I plan to do just that thing. My husband and I will live on the farm and raise chickens and vegetables and all the flowers you can imagine. Then, three or four times a week, I’ll come into the hotel and visit with all of you, toting baskets of flowers and vegetables and fresh eggs. I might even do the pruning around here. Can’t let these beds go to seed, not after all the hard work I’ve invested. You’ll never even notice I’m gone.” She laughed.
Blake shook his head in disbelief. It had only been a few minutes earlier when his Emmie was still in a mild state of shock, but to look at her now, you’d never know it. She was an amazing woman. His love for her grew deeper with each passing day. Blake couldn’t help but smile like a big dope, just watching his love take center stage and talk about her farm and their future life together. Could it really be two more weeks before they said their vows? How could he wait that long to make her his wife?
Soon they were all happily eating the delicious French beef stew, savoring every last drop. It was indeed, magnifique. The hot buttered rolls and custard pie complimented it perfectly.
“I know I need not ask, but is there anymore, honey?” Whiskey held out his clean plate to his wife. “I done sopped up the gravy with them rolls, and it sure was tasty.”
“Now you know better than to ask, old man! I always fix enough for you and everyone else to have thirds. Gimme your plate. Anyone else want thirds?”
Groans were heard all around the table. “If I eat one more spoonful, I can forget wearing my new wedding dress,” Emily lamented.
“Since Cassie and I are bridesmaids, we must refuse as well,” Patty chimed. “However, I am very reluctant to pass on it. It was the best boeuf borgeniong I’ve ever tasted, Dora,” Patty exclaimed. “I believe you’ve become a master French chef.”
Dora’s face glowed with the praise. “Aw, heck. I was born to cook. I’m just glad I’ve got people that knows good food when they taste it.”
Blake sat back rubbing his distended stomach. “Another piece of pie sounds good to me, but I doubt if I could walk away from the table. Maybe I’ll come down, after everyone is asleep, and help myself,” he chuckled.
“Now that’s a good idea, Doc. Just help yourself.” Dora giggled, pleased as punch that everyone liked her food so much. She had worked very hard to make it tasty and she appreciated their comments.
As Whiskey was finishing up his third plateful, Blake decided to make an announcement.
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br /> “I’m worried about Emily staying here, in town. It’s impossible to keep an eye on her every second of the day, and I know she finds it uncomfortable to never have any privacy.
“I’ve been thinking that I could take her away for a week or so, at least until time for the wedding. No one will know where she is, and she’ll be safe. What do you all think?”
Their heads nodded in agreement.
Emily looked questioningly at Blake. “When were you going to tell me about this?”
“I’m telling you now. I’ve been thinking hard on it, all day . . . while you were sleeping. My work keeps me away from you, darling. I’ve got to know that no harm will come to you. I’ll whisper the location in your ear, if you’d like?”
She nodded and leaned in to his mouth. As his lips moved silently, her heart leapt in her chest and she smiled ecstatically. Looking up at Blake, she nodded enthusiastically. “When do we leave?”
* * *
It seemed to Emily, she had packed everything she owned into the two trunks she was taking with her to her undisclosed destination. Going from room to room, while completing one task after another, she flitted about, humming merrily. No one would ever guess she was soon to go into hiding. The one thing that was curious, Dora noticed, was the fact that Emily was spending a lot of time in her gardens, digging up existing plants and carefully wrapping them in burlap, for planting later. That could mean only one thing, but she’d not speak a word of her suspicions.
Blake decided they would leave under the protective cloak of night. The darkness would offer them a bit of assurance that the old man would not be able to follow them. He may not even be aware for some time that she had left town.
The goodbyes were said quietly, during the daylight hours. Everyone carried on as usual, attending to the guests and preparing for the next day. Blake went as far as scheduling doctor appointments for the next morning, which he intended to keep. It was very important that everything appear normal.
