by Webb, Carole
Happy for the day off, she mounted the stallion. “Thank you, Nick. You are always around just when I need you.” He smiled shyly as she turned and rode away bundled in warm clothing to keep out the chill.
Not warmed by the sun hidden behind cloud cover, the air remained cold. This infinite country, a stark contrast from the city she had arrived from, had a way of boring deep into one’s soul. It felt good to ride alone out in the open country with cool air stinging her face and a sense of real freedom from the restraints of society and other’s expectations of how she should conform.
She returned cold from the ride and sunk into a hot tub before curling cross-legged on her bed with a sandwich, draped in a warm dressing gown. She began sketching ideas for wedding dresses she thought might interest the eligible young women and carefully placed them in a folder to add to her burgeoning portfolio.
Twenty-one
When Raeden returned the store the next morning, she glanced at the windows and the new lace curtains she had constructed, thinking them a definite improvement from the bare panes. Their loose weave permitted passersby’s to see inside and still allotted plenty of light.
Glancing in the mirror, face flushed from the ride, she smoothed the folds in her dress. She added a ribbon around her cascading curls then satisfied with her appearance, she walked to the small pot-bellied stove. She lit a fire and made coffee.
Warmed by the stove, the chill began to dwindle. She began on the garment of heavy maroon fabric lined with dark green taffeta she needed to complete this day. She had to admit it looked fit for a queen. She ran her hands over the luxurious cloth and the nacreous abalone shell buttons adorning the bodice and from elbow to wrist along the skintight sleeves
The signal above the door chimed. She rose to greet the son and daughter of the banker, Wayne and Caroline Smith. Caroline’s face flushed with color and her mouth curled into a smile as she bounced with excitement, almost breathless, when she walked toward Raeden. “Oh, Rae, mother’s dress is so beautiful. Would it be possible for you to make one for me? I want to look my best for the ball.”
Raeden pursed her lips thinking. “I still have two to complete. I don’t know if I will have the time.” Caroline’s face scrunched into a frown and her shoulders slumping in disappointment made Raeden reconsider. “I will see what I can do, but I can’t promise.” One of the group of young women Raeden had tea with, she liked Caroline who was sweet and forthright not the least bit pretentious. She had a flawless complexion with big brown eyes and long lashes set off by beautiful auburn hair. Raeden already had a design in mind to emphasize her slim figure.
Also aware of Caroline’s intent toward John, Cash’s deputy, she assumed Caroline wanted to impress him with a stylish new gown.
Caroline grabbed Raeden’s hands and smiled. “That would be wonderful.”
“Why don’t you come in? I will obtain your measurements and we can choose some fabric.”
Looking at Wayne, Raeden said, “Maybe you can come by later to take her home.”
“Don’t bother, Wayne. I can walk to the bank, Daddy will drive me.”
Wayne didn’t leave but instead approached Raeden. Medium height and trim, his suit tailored perfectly he looked distinguished with his neatly trimmed sideburns and solid gold watch fob dangling from his vest. “I noticed your horse in back. Would you like to ride with me later on in the day?”
Tossing aside her first impulse to decline, instead she answered. “I would like that, Wayne. What time?” Always friendly and outgoing she would enjoy getting to know him on a more intimate basis.
“How would two o’clock be for you? I am sure Dad will be back by then.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“I’ll see you then.” He walked away with a spring in his step.
She turned her attention once again to Cynthia. “Let’s get you measured.”
***
Wayne arrived sharply at two dressed in jeans, flannel shirt, and leather jacket, his appearance more rugged than before. She again thought the men in the west different—self-assured and bold, and particularly manly, not as frivolous perhaps, as the men in St. Louis.
They left town side-by-side on their mounts talking, and Raeden noticed Cash along the wood walk heading toward the saloon. When they passed, she could see the muscles in his jaws flex and menace in his stare.
She pretended not to notice. She would show the snake she did not want his advances. Did he think her a whore like the badly dressed trollop in the saloon, his lips latched to her chest?
A mile or so from town, ominous gray clouds rolled in suddenly from the north and darkened the sky. “We’d better turn back, Rae. It’s going to rain.”
Within minutes of their retreat, a bolt of lightning flashed and rain burst from the heavens drenching the dry earth. On the first assault, dust rose from each pelting droplet, eventually running in rivulets across the parched terrain.
Soaking up moisture, the thirsty loam soon turned to muck. With each step the horse’s feet sunk to the fetlocks impeding their progress, while slivers of rain blowing in crosswise stung her face, penetrating through clothing down to bare skin.
Wayne removed his coat, riding up close beside Raeden. “Here, Rae, let me put this on you.” He draped the jacket over her shoulders pulling it snuggly around her neck. The odor of wet leather assailed her nostrils along with the warm scent of Wayne.
“Thank you, Wayne.” Through his thick water-matted lashes, she could see the worry and guilt in his soft brown eyes gazing into her own.
“I’m sorry, Rae. I should have known better. I guess the chance to be alone with you made me careless.”
She felt her cheeks redden at his directness. The men out here certainly do not mince words.
At last arriving back at the store after plodding through the mud, drenched and shivering from the cold, Wayne rushed her inside with his arm protectively around her shoulders.
She immediately walked inside, drying her hair with the towel Diane handed her from the stack on a nearby table. Raeden wondered why Wayne did not seem affected by the weather.
“You’d better get out of those wet clothes. We can try this again. I’ll drop by tomorrow so we can arrange a date.”
How could he be so sure she would go riding with him again? “Sure, why not? Next time, just in case, I will dress for wet weather.”
They both chuckled and he slipped his coat from her shoulders while gazing directly into her eyes. “Has anyone ever told you your eyes look like liquid pools of jade?”
Before she could remark, he turned to leave with the smell of leather lingering after he had gone.
***
Cash saddled his horse when the first rain fell, angry he had said nothing to Wayne and Raeden.
He knew it would probably rain and so did that jackass, Wayne. Had he been so anxious to be alone with Raeden, he didn’t give a damn? There might be a word or two spoken when he got him alone—before punching him in the face.
As soon as he rode into the muddy streets, he saw Wayne hustle Raeden into the store with his arm around her shoulders. The muscles in his neck bulged, pulsing with anger. The thought of another man touching her threw him into a jealous rage.
What the hell had happened to him anyway? The feel of silky smooth skin under his caress and the taste of her luscious mouth haunted him every waking hour.
He shook his head to clear his mind then returned Rabbit to the corral and sought out Angie to douse the flames of desire mounting in his loins.
***
After stripping in the washroom, Raeden briskly dried her body with the towel then stepped into the dress she had worn in the morning. She poured a mug of coffee, absorbing the warmth of the dark liquid between her hands and looked toward Diane. “I sure hope this lets up, I will get soaked again riding home.”
Diane sipped her coffee. “Nonsense, we can tie Arte to the buggy. You will ride with us.”
Her suggestion sounded fine to Raeden. She d
id not relish the notion of getting back into the wet clothes and certainly did not want to ride in her dress.
“I think we should leave right away and get you into a hot bath.” Diane’s brow gathered in a frown. “You are going to catch a chill if you don’t get warm soon.”
Mike walked in during the discussion. “You two go ahead, I can ride home later.” He paused for a moment. “On second thought, maybe you should wait a while to see if it clears a bit.”
The water falling from the sky a in a torrential outburst formed a river of mud gushing down the empty streets leaving gullies and potholes in its wake. Rain barrels overflowed. The sky turned pitch black broken only by streaks of lightning, blinding forks of fire spread across miles.
“I’ll just finish up while we wait.” It’s freezing. I sure hope it will not be too long.
Raeden walked into her workroom looking over the completed garment, stepping back to admire her latest creation. How she loved this profession.
“It is beautiful, Rae, but mine is the best you have done so far.” Diane clutched Raeden’s arm when a lull in the storm passed over, giving relief from the ear splitting thunder and the hammering rain.
“Let’s get you out of here, Rae. We need to get you into a hot bath.”
Mike had lowered the isinglass to keep rain out of the carriage and soon after they departed, the clouds burst open in a repeat performance. With Arte tethered behind, they rode to the house hindered by the deep mud obstructing the wheels. Even clad in her warm clothing, Raeden shivered the entire way.
Nick put up the horses and buggy then helped carry hot water upstairs for Raeden’s bath. The fire blazing near the tub made the room cozy and warm.
Her cold limbs slid into the hot water, she sighed when the temperature in her body rose. This is more like it.
When the water cooled, she dried and slipped into a nightgown then cuddled under her down quilt. Puzzled by the sudden overwhelming feeling of fatigue, she nestled into bed and fell asleep almost the instant her head touched the pillow.
Twenty-two
After pouring over journals in the study, Diane sought out Sadie, learning Raeden refused supper when brought to her room. Sadie mentioned her eyes seem listless and she sought to nap for a while. “I think maybe she has caught a chill.”
“I’ll go speak with her. Thank you, Sadie.” She walked up the steps and knocked on her door, hoping Sadie’s observation would be incorrect.
“Rae, may I come in?” Receiving no answer, she entered to find a cape of chestnut curls fanned over her pillow, Raeden sleeping soundly. She appeared a bit reddened however, her skin did not feel hot to the touch. Just let her sleep. She must be flushed from the hot bath after being so wet and cold.
***
Early in the morning, Diane woke from the sounds of Raeden coughing and entered the bedroom to find her burning with fever and rambling. Oh, God don’t let this happen.
She summoned Mike immediately to get the physician, filled a basin with cold water, placing a cool cloth on her forehead then sat by her side, pulling a chair from the corner.
Tossing off blankets, she sponged her limbs with water attempting to cool her fiery skin. She started trembling as she tried to get her temperature down, worried beyond measure when she did not respond.
In a short while, Dr. Hathaway, a man of near fifty entered with Mike. His dark hair twined with gray, he stood barely taller than Diane did. With case in hand, he sat by Raeden’s bed while Diane replaced the cloth on her forehead.
A thorough exam completed, he diagnosed possible pneumonia and suggested cold baths to bring down the fever. Steam would help with the cough as well as whiskey with honey spooned into her mouth. He stood snapping the black bag closed and turned to leave the room.
“Thank you, doctor we will do all you suggested.” It can’t be pneumonia; she could possibly die.
“You’re welcome. I’ll drop by this evening. If her fever breaks before then keep her warm and dry.”
After he’d gone, Diane called Sadie to help fill the tub with cold water. They removed her nightgown then immersed her in the bathtub, holding down her hands while she shivered and quaked. When her skin cooled, they placed her on the bed beneath a clean sheet. She looks so small and helpless and the wretched coughing. Oh, I must get the kettles for steam and the whiskey.
Raeden thrashed and rambled in her delirious state as they continued to bathe her. Is that Cash’s name she is calling?
Late in the evening when the fever finally broke, the profusion of sweat soaked the linens on her bed. Thank God, she’s better. She quit resisting and the two women washed her, put on a fresh gown and replaced the bed sheets. Tucked back into bed, she opened her eyes and spoke to Diane.
“What happened? Is something wrong? I have a terrible headache and I’m so thirsty.” Diane saw the essence reappear to the face of girl she knew and loved so well.
She held a glass of water to her lips and watched her drink. “You had a fever, but it’s gone now.”
A knock below signaled the doctor and he entered the room a few moments later. He sat beside her bed smiling. “You certainly look better than you did this afternoon, young lady.” He patted her hand. “I want you to stay in bed for a few days. These things can come back with a vengeance. You don’t want a relapse.”
He must be joking. I can’t stay in bed. “I have gowns to complete before the party. Really I’m fine.” Trying to stand, she fell back on the bed. Unaccustomed to weakness, she inwardly cursed her lack of energy, feeling like a rag doll with no skeleton for support.
Diane turned to the doctor. “Don’t worry. We will keep her in bed if we have to tie her down.”
A sigh escaped Raeden when they left her room. Well maybe I am a bit tired, but I will be okay in the morning.” She relaxed, settled into her blankets, closed her eyes and slept.
It seemed only an instant since she had closed her eyes when Diane entered with a tray. “Here, Rae, you need plenty of fluids. I brought tea and some toast.” Diane helped her sit up and fluffed pillows behind her back then sat beside her while she finished the tea.
Raeden lay back down and Diane left with the tray. Perhaps she should rest for a few days. She had been very busy of late. She could catch up on some reading. Raeden fell asleep, not waking until morning.
Twenty-three
Bundled comfortably on the sitting room sofa, Raeden looked through the picture window at the freshly cleansed garden reaching toward the sun in the front of the house. She had been napping and reading the previously purchased War & Peace translated into French, a long drawn out volume demanding concentration.
Through the glass, she saw Wayne riding to the house jumping off his horse, a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. She heard Sadie let him inside, directing him to the room where she sat wrapped in a quilt, legs folded beneath her on the divan.
Wayne almost stumbled into the room, removing his hat. “Rae, I heard what happened. I’m so sorry I asked you to go riding. This is my fault.” Red-faced with remorse, he handed her the multi-colored flowers. She lifted them to inhale their subtle fragrance.
She found him endearing and placed them across her lap. “The flowers are lovely. Thank you, Wayne.” The look on his face told Raeden he was full of remorse. “Don’t be silly. You did nothing wrong.” She patted the seat next to her. “Why don’t you sit down?”
He sat near holding his hat, twisting it between partly spread knees. Raeden took his hat, placing it next to her book on the end table, glad she had worn the lilac-colored velvet bed jacket when he gave an approving gaze.
“Looks like pretty heavy stuff you reading.”
“Yes, but it helps pass the time. How are things at the bank?”
“The bank is doing fine. Business is booming since the railroad arrived. We just got another large account.” His tone became serious when he placed a hand over hers, peering into her eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
***
It did not take long for Cash to hear of Raeden’s illness. Rumor had it she laid on her deathbed. He raced to the paddock to saddle his Appaloosa then broke into a run to see if she truly lay dying, near panic seizing his raw nerves. His old nightmares revisited to haunt him and he felt a twinge in his chest under the left side of his rib cage. Raeden can’t die. She is much too healthy and strong. He tried to convince himself without much success.
Lather flew off Rabbit when he neared the rear of the house, he jumped from the saddle and ran inside. Barging in, Sadie lurched back looking terrified. “Where is she? People in town are saying she is dying.”
Sadie held her hand open on her chest and let out a long breath and shaking her head. “She’s fine, just a chill riding in the rain.”
She must think I’m a madman. Well maybe I am.
At her reassuring words, relief ran through him. “She’s in the sitting room with company. Wayne dropped by to see her, also.” His teeth clenched when his jaw muscles tensed. I should beat the bastard for taking her out in bad weather. He should have more sense.
Hearing laughter, he strode toward the sitting room to find Wayne holding her hand, admiration obvious while he looked into her fiery green eyes. She placed a kiss on his cheek and murmured in a low voice. “I’m fine Wayne, really. Thanks for your concern.”
His unease instantly vanished. Anger took over while standing there watching the two of them touch. Perhaps I should drag him outside and discuss this matter further. Better yet, maybe I should throttle her. How could she act so nice to a man that almost killed her? She must be batty. On the other hand, maybe she is out to trap him. Well what did it matter. He didn’t want her anyway. Maybe he did, at least in one way. He rode away in a state of confusion and rage, attempting to lock his feelings away somewhere, anywhere. He had enough of this silly nonsense, making a fool of himself, as if he really cared.
