Ben Charles lowered the gate, jumped into the bed and efficiently maneuvered the tarp, then jumped down. His cart came right to the edge and he’d set a brake to keep it from moving. Callie helped him, and he didn’t resist. Violet stood behind Callie and made sure she didn’t lose her balance.
“I’ve got him now,” Ben Charles told her. “I promise I’ll take good care of him. Please let Violet take you into the house, where she’ll make you comfortable.”
The woman stood trembling in the cold.
“Callie,” Violet said gently. “You have to think about your baby. Please come with me.”
At last the other woman conceded and let Violet guide her back inside and into the warm comfortable drawing room. Violet led her to a chair near the fireplace. “Your boots are wet. Let’s take them off and set them near the fire to dry. I’ll get you dry stockings and a pair of slippers.”
Callie obediently let Violet remove her boots and wet stockings, and Violet ran upstairs to her own room and returned to put water on to boil before taking the footwear back and helping Callie into them. “When do you expect your baby to be born?”
“One more month,” Callie replied in a weak voice. “I don’t know what I’ll do now. I can’t take care of the ranch by myself.”
“You don’t have to worry about that today.”
“The animals will need feed and water. Our neighbors can see to that. The Cawleys.”
“I’ll let Mr. Hammond know and he’ll see they’re looked after.” Violet felt completely at a loss. Nothing she said or did could make a difference. This poor woman was suffering, and words were insufficient. Violet didn’t have any encouragement to offer anyway.
Callie rested her head against the back of the chair and wept openly, tears streaming down her cheeks, her heartbreak painful to witness. Violet sat with her, a silent companion as half an hour passed. An hour.
At last Ben Charles joined them, carrying a pad and pencil. Callie sat up.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I don’t know. What will happen next?”
He pulled a chair closer and sat. “I need a little information from you. And whenever you’re ready we’ll talk about a service and decide where you would like your husband buried. You don’t have to decide anything today.”
She brushed a limp hand across her eyes. “I won’t be able to keep the ranch, so I reckon he’ll be buried at the cemetery.”
“The ground has frozen over the past few weeks,” he told her. “So we won’t have a burial until spring.”
“Well, of course,” she said. “I never even thought of that.”
“Joseph’s body will rest in our mausoleum over the winter. It’s aboveground and well sealed. He won’t be disturbed until you’re ready for the burial.”
She nodded. “All right.”
“Now I need his full name and date of birth, things like that.”
Callie told him everything he needed to know.
“I don’t have much to pay you,” she said. “Not until the stock and land are sold.”
“We’ll work something out,” he assured her.
“We had plans,” she told him. “Joseph was going to buy breed stock in the spring. He gave me a cherry tree and planted it because I love cherry pie. He’s been making a—” her voice caught “—a cradle for the baby. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Nothing was supposed to be like this.”
“His life was cut short too soon,” he agreed. He set the paper aside. “Would you like to speak with Reverend Densmore? Or if you’re members of the Mount Zion Church, I’d be glad to send for Reverend Knudson.”
“We always meant to come join up at the church, but we never got around to it.”
“That’s all right. If speaking to a preacher would bring you comfort, it doesn’t matter if you’re a church member or not. All that matters is taking care of you, however that needs to happen.”
Callie seemed to think it over. “Maybe later. Maybe tomorrow.”
“Whatever you like.”
“I didn’t want to leave her alone,” Violet said. “But if you’re going to be here for a few minutes, I’ll make tea and bring her something to eat.”
Ben Charles straightened his right leg to reach into his pocket and take out his watch. “Tessa should be getting home in a few minutes. Would it be inconvenient for you to serve supper in here this evening?”
Violet glanced around the room she liked so well. “Not at all. I can dish up our meals and bring them in on trays.”
Thomas returned Tessa while Violet was steeping tea and arranging trays. Tessa’s animated face showed her pleasure. Violet explained that Ben Charles was occupied and thanked Thomas for taking care of Tessa and bringing her home on time. After he’d left, Tessa ran up to change and returned to help Violet.
“I want to hear all about the party,” Violet told her.
“I’ll tell you both this evening,” Tessa assured her. “After the widow has been attended to. Does she have plans for the night? I usually try to find someone to stay with a person who is alone—or I make arrangements for them to stay with a friend.”
Violet shared what she knew. “I didn’t know what to say, so I just sat there.”
“That was what she needed. Comforting someone doesn’t always take words. Just sharing human concern and touch is a ministry.”
Again Violet looked at Tessa as though she was the older, wiser one.
Tessa introduced herself to Callie and expressed her condolences. Violet helped her move a round table into the center of the chairs before the fireplace, and together they carried trays.
Once everything was adjusted, Ben Charles prayed. “Thank You for Your provision, Lord. Thank You for sending us the people we need to help us through the good times and the difficult times of our lives. I lift up young Mrs. Jefferson to You, Lord. I ask You to be with her every moment of each day while she learns to live without Joseph. Bring her peace and comfort this night, and may Your blessings abound to her. Thank You for this meal, Lord, and it’s in Jesus’s name we pray.”
Amens chorused around the table. Callie’s hands shook, so Violet reached to help her with her napkin and spoon.
Violet had prepared a rich dark veal stew, with winter squash, potatoes, cabbage and turnips. With it she served fresh bread with butter, preserves she’d purchased and applesauce.
Callie ate more than Violet thought she would, and she remembered the young woman had told them she’d gone looking for her husband when he didn’t come to the house for the noon meal, so she probably hadn’t eaten since morning.
She couldn’t help thinking about the determination and fortitude it had taken for Callie to get her husband into the wagon and bring him here. She was a slight thing—and with child—so the act amazed her.
Violet studied the frail-looking woman in a new light.
Strong people did what they had to do.
Chapter Eleven
Violet hadn’t wanted to leave the safety and blissful comfort of the house to assist Ben Charles today, but she’d done it. Henry hadn’t been here. Tessa had been gone. She’d been the only person who could sit with Callie Jefferson. She’d felt inadequate and unprepared to comfort the woman, but there hadn’t really been a choice.
Did that make her a strong person, too?
Not really. She wasn’t the one left widowed and carrying a baby and not knowing what was to become of her life. But thinking back over the past months, she realized she’d been in a similar position after her father’s death, after Wade had threatened she’d go to jail and chased her off. Maybe she was stronger than she thought.
“I’d like for you to stay with us tonight,” Ben Charles said to Callie. “Tomorrow I’ll go talk with your neighbors and see if they can put you up for few days, so you won’t be alone.”
A pang of appreciation and deep admiration cut into Violet’s chest with a sensation akin to pain. Tessa didn’t appear at all surprised at his u
nplanned invitation, and Violet suspected they had offered shelter to grieving family members more than once.
He glanced at Violet. “Will you light a fire in the bedroom beside yours, please?”
“Yes, of course.” Tessa gathered the dishes, so Violet stood beside Callie. “Let’s go get you settled for the night.”
Upstairs in the bedroom Ben Charles had indicated, she started a fire in the fireplace and turned down the sheets. “The water closet is just down the hall. There’s a stove to heat water, and if you’d like a bath, I’ll start it for you.”
“Right inside the house? I’ve heard about necessaries indoors, but I’ve never seen one.”
“Why don’t I get water ready. A nice warm bath might relax you.”
“You’re very kind, Miss Violet.”
Violet heated water and poured it into the tub, then laid out toweling, one of her own nightdresses and stockings before leading Callie to the bathing room.
She stood outside the door, feeling helpless as soft sounds of weeping echoed in the tiled room beyond. Tears formed in her own eyes at Callie’s misery. She understood what it felt like to be alone and faced with an uncertain future. She knew exactly how devastating the loss of a loved one was. She blotted her eyes on her sleeve.
“Are you all right?” Tessa asked from several feet away.
Violet moved away from the door. “It’s not me,” she whispered.
“Mrs. Jefferson?”
Violet nodded.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here when she arrived.”
“Don’t be silly. You deserve to have a good time. I’m excited to hear all about the party.”
“Come to the library after Mrs. Jefferson has gone to bed.”
An hour later Violet sat in one of the comfortable chairs at the front end of the hall while the girl jumped up and down from her chair, animatedly sharing the events of the afternoon.
Ben Charles had joined them and now listened to his sister with a relaxed expression.
“Thomas’s family was so kind to me.” Her lovely face glowed. “It wasn’t at all like it was in school. No one mentioned where I live or what the family does. No one was standoffish. I participated in the games. Thomas brought me so much punch, my teeth were having boat races.”
Violet laughed softly. “It sounds perfect.”
“It was. He’s such a gentleman. He’s handsome, too, don’t you think?”
“I do.” The contrast in atmosphere between Callie’s room and being out here was like night and day. While the other woman mourned her beloved husband, Tessa was discovering a budding first attraction, with all the innocence and anticipation that came with it. Tessa deserved this happiness.
“I’m pleased you enjoyed yourself.” Ben Charles stood and gave his sister a peck on the cheek. “I’ll leave the two of you to discuss Thomas’s finer points.”
He left quietly, heading for the back stairs. Violet turned her attention back to Tessa.
Later she heated water and washed dishes in the kitchen, glad to perform a mundane chore and step away from the high emotions of the day. She used the peaceful time to pray for Callie, and while she was at it, she prayed for Tessa and Ben Charles.
“Was there any coffee left?” Ben Charles descended the rear stairs.
“I’ll make some more,” she offered.
“I would appreciate it. I’ll be working late, and I wouldn’t mind a fresh pot.” He stoked the stove, then took a seat at the table while she filled the pot and measured grounds. “Thank you for taking care of Mrs. Jefferson today, Violet. It’s hard when there’s no family.”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“It’s not part of your job.”
It may not be part of her job, but it had been the right thing to do. Human kindness was always the right thing to do. “She’s a remarkable woman.”
“No more remarkable than you.”
“I don’t have the strength to do what she did.”
“I think you do. You sell yourself short.”
The coffee boiled, and a few drops hissed on the surface of the stove. She dried and put away the remaining dishes, then poured his coffee.
“Tessa had a nice time at the party. She seems happy.”
“That’s all I want for her.”
“You’ve done a good job raising her. As well as any parent and better than most.”
“I wasn’t always sure I was doing the right thing. A girl needs a woman’s guidance, and Mrs. Gable filled in a lot, bless her heart. When she left I wasn’t sure how we’d get by, but then God sent you.”
“I’m glad to be here for her.”
“I hope it’s not too much pressure for me to say that. I’m only assuming you’ll want to stay.”
Violet read his hesitancy. “I want to stay.”
“Good. Because I want you here.”
She didn’t know what to say to that. Her cheeks burned.
He set down his cup and stood. She thought he was finished and heading next door, but instead of turning away, he crossed the distance between them. “I don’t want to make any mistakes with you, Violet.”
This close, he was so tall and his eyes intense, but she didn’t step back. “What do you mean?”
“You came here to work, and you do an excellent job. I asked you to look after Tessa, and you’ve done more than that. You’ve become her friend. I won’t do anything to spoil that. Tessa is everything to me.”
“I understand. I’m content here. Truly.”
“Do you...?” His hesitancy was out of character. She waited. “Do you sense something between the two of us?”
She was too surprised to answer.
“I’m saying this wrong. And maybe the timing is bad.” He ran a hand through his hair, and it stood out in charming tufts. “I feel something for you. It’s unexpected and it’s uncomfortable—but it’s good. I wasn’t open to these feelings, because I know your aversion to my work, and I’ve been down that road in the past. But the feelings are there, and I can’t look away from them. Denial would be cowardly.”
“The last thing you are is cowardly, Ben Charles.”
“My concern is that after I share this with you, it will change everything. I don’t want to do something to change how comfortable you are here. If our working relationship is spoiled, you might want to leave. So I’m conflicted. I want to see if there is a hope of something between the two of us, but I don’t want me asking to change everything that’s good if it’s all wrong.”
“I understand what you’re saying.”
He let his arms fall slack at his sides. “All right.”
She collected her thoughts. It had been an emotionally exhausting day. “This job is important to me. Tessa is important to me. But the rest of it—what you do—frightens me. I’m sorry I fall into that category of small-minded people who—”
“You don’t.”
“Maybe I do. Just going out there to that wagon today took every bit of fortitude I possess. And even then I couldn’t look. I can’t look, Ben Charles. You said you can’t become cowardly, but I am.”
He rested a hand along her upper arm. “You’re not a coward.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I do understand, Violet.”
She shook her head. “Tessa has more maturity and acceptance in her little finger than I do in my whole body.”
“She’s been around this her whole life.”
“I am not like you. I can’t deny I have feelings for you, though. I just don’t know what to do with them.”
“Here’s the thing, Violet. If I kiss you and you don’t like it—if it’s the worst thing you could imagine—you say so and we go back to where we were before. But promise you won’t leave.”
Her heartbeat skittered, and she forgot to breathe for a moment. Kiss her! “I won’t leave.”
He raised his other hand to cup her jaw, and his palm was warm against her skin. His eyes held a promise she intended to make him keep
. And in that moment she was impatient to know everything there was to know about him—and to feel his lips against hers.
She raised on tiptoe to meet him as he lowered his face and kissed her. Her head felt light and her heart pounded erratically, but she wouldn’t have missed this moment for anything. He threaded his fingers into her hair, and her scalp tingled.
He cupped her face in both hands and drew away long enough to whisper in a gruff tone, “Say again you won’t leave.”
“I won’t leave,” she promised. “And that kiss definitely wasn’t the worst thing I could imagine.” She let her lips curve into a smile. “In fact, I wouldn’t mind if you did it again.”
She didn’t have to ask twice. The second kiss was less tentative, yet every bit as tender. Ben Charles’s kisses were definitely worth repeating.
When he ended the kiss and took half a step back, she felt bereft without his warmth. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he said.
“How long?”
“Probably since that first day when you showed up without proper boots and leaned across the snow to touch Clarence’s neck.”
“The horse.”
“Yes. The look on your face was as though you’d found a friend in a strange land. You’ve still never looked at me the way you looked at him.”
She had to laugh then. “And you wanted to kiss me.”
“Well, I noticed how pretty you are, and if I noticed that I must have thought of kissing you.”
She wanted to belong here. She wanted to belong with this man, but she had no idea how to overcome their differences. How to overcome her fear. Because no matter what he said, she was a coward.
Chapter Twelve
“No one will come,” Callie said for the third time since Violet had helped her dress. She’d spent another night with them, and Ben Charles had taken her home to get clothing and to speak with the neighbors, who were looking after the stock.
The scheduled service, which would be held at the funeral home, was only minutes away. “Mr. Hammond said some of the men from Carson Springs will be here,” Violet assured her.
Colorado Courtship Page 9
