Reckless Rogue

by Davis, Mary

  Who was David, and how would he know about her?

  “This is my parents’ house. Won’t you come in for tea?”

  ❧

  Pete hadn’t found Lizzie’s aeroplane anywhere along the train tracks, and Spokane was just ahead. He circled town, looking for the places he knew an aeroplane could land. His tank had to be nearly empty. He headed north to his regular landing field, the one he’d bought with his military pay.

  He came around over a clump of trees. There sat Lizzie’s Bleriot. She’d made it. All the way. Thank You, Lord.

  He set down and drove Jenny over, parking directly in front of Lizzie’s aeroplane. She didn’t appear to be here, and he didn’t want her taking off before he found her. Her aeroplane looked fine. He bent down and pulled a pine branch from her wheel riggings. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

  A black Tin Lizzie motored across the field, and David got out. “I saw you flying overhead back and forth. I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

  Pete swung out of the cockpit and leapt to the ground. “She’s here.”

  David glanced at the other aeroplane. “Is that hers?”

  Pete nodded.

  “She’s some doll.”

  Pete smiled. “That she is. Where do you think she’d go?”

  “Why would I know? You stay here. She’ll have to come back here eventually. I’ll drive around.”

  “How will you recognize her?”

  David shrugged. “She’ll look out of place.”

  “I’ve parked so she can’t leave. Drop me at the edge of town, and I’ll walk the near streets.”

  David drove him to the first street.

  “I’ll take this street and stay south and head west. You stay to the north side and head east. We’ll meet back at the aeroplanes at dusk.” Which wasn’t more than a couple of hours from now. “She has Fred with her.”

  David nodded and drove off.

  ❧

  Lizzie sat alone in the ornate parlor, one knee bouncing violently. She slapped one hand over the other on it to stop the jitters. Fred raised his head from where he lay on the couch beside her. No one would notice if she slipped out the door.

  But Agatha swept into the room like a floating angel. “She’s down for her nap.” Agatha and a servant had gone upstairs to the nursery.

  Lizzie could hear the child crying. What it must be like to have servants and a house big enough to have a nursery.

  Agatha sat in one of the chairs opposite her and widened her eyes. “The dog’s not to be on the settee.” She rose with her arms out as though she was going to take Fred.

  Fred growled.

  “Fine. He can stay since we have company.” Agatha sat back down.

  A different servant entered with a silver tray and set it on the coffee table. Lizzie took the cold glass of lemonade the woman offered. She handed a second glass to Agatha.

  “Mrs. Porter, you’ve made us fresh lemonade.” Agatha took the glass. “How thoughtful of you.”

  Mrs. Porter gave Agatha a quick look, nodded, and left the room, never saying a word.

  “Pete flew all the way down to California last week to get these lemons for me. He’s so thoughtful, always thinking of me.”

  Lizzie took a nervous sip of her drink. Lizzie had thought Pete was in jail. He’d said so in his letter. Just one more lie. “It’s very good.”

  Agatha took a dainty sip and cradled her glass in her lap. “Pete is always doing the sweetest things for me. I think he feels guilty about being away so much. He loves being in the air. I’d never take that away from him. I think he would shrivel up and die if he couldn’t fly.” She gave a little twitter of a giggle.

  Lizzie gave a nervous laugh in response. Pete did seem to be at home up in the sky.

  Agatha laid a delicate hand on her chest. “It does scare me so when he does those stunts.” She lowered her hand to her swollen belly. “I do so want my children to grow up with their father. He’s such a good daddy.”

  Lizzie put her glass to her lips and drank half the liquid in two large gulps. She didn’t know what to say. Did she tell this sweet woman that her husband had kissed Lizzie, that he wasn’t everything she thought he was? Could she shatter this poor woman’s illusion? Her knee started bouncing again.

  Agatha went on to tell her how she and Pete had fallen in love and married before he’d gone off to war. She’d been pregnant and had little Ruth while her daddy was fighting the evil Germans.

  How could Pete gypsy around when he had such a sweet, trusting wife and cute little daughter? How could he have told Lizzie that he loved her when he had a home here? He deserved to have his little world torn apart like he’d torn her heart apart. But could she hurt this angel sitting across from her? Her lungs tightened, and air refused to move in or out of them. “I should be going.” Lizzie stood, and Fred jumped from the couch.

  Agatha stood as well. “I’ll see you to the door.” At the door, Agatha picked up Fred. Fred wiggled in her arms as he growled.

  Lizzie stepped out onto the porch. “It was nice meeting you.”

  “The pleasure was all mine. Do come back. I so enjoyed your visit.”

  There was no way Lizzie would be able to return, but she nodded anyway and turned to leave. She headed down the street with tears building in her eyes. Then she heard barking. Fred was at her side, so she picked him up.

  Agatha flowed out to meet her. “I’m sorry about that.” She took the dog even though it growled at her. “It’s Pete’s dog.” Agatha flounced back into the house.

  An automobile motored up and slid to a stop. “Lizzie?”

  She stared at the brown-haired man. How did he know her name?

  He jumped out and came around his Ford.

  She backed away from him. “Do I know you?”

  He took off his hat and bowed. “David Powers. I’m a friend of Pete’s.”

  She wiped a tear off of each cheek. “Tell Pete good-bye for me.” She didn’t need to see him face-to-face anymore. “I left Fred with his wife.” She pointed back toward the house.

  “Wife? You mean Agatha? Poor dog. Let’s go get him, as well as the truth.” He took her arm and led her back to the house.

  She stopped at the bottom step. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Agatha’s not Pete’s wife.”

  “But she told me how they fell in love and everything.”

  “Agatha didn’t quite tell you the truth. And I think she should be the one to tell you that herself.” He guided her up the steps and used the knocker.

  Agatha opened the door with a smile, but it quickly faded. “David.”

  He stepped inside, pulling Lizzie with him.

  “I’m really not up for company at the moment,” Agatha stammered.

  “Agatha, you look tired. Do have a seat.” He helped the pregnant woman to a chair, then offered the couch to Lizzie, who sat. Fred jumped up next to her.

  “Now, Agatha, this young lady is under the impression that you’re married to Pete Garfield.” He spoke softly as though to an errant child. “I’m quite surprised by this news as I’m your fiancé!”

  Agatha’s sweet demeanor turned hard and mean. “Very well. I’m not married to Pete.”

  Pete wasn’t married. Lizzie’s heart leapt for joy at the news.

  “And?”

  “What? I told her the truth.”

  “Your children? Who’s the father?”

  “I’m not admitting that.”

  “Is Pete the father?”

  She narrowed a wicked gaze at David. “No. Are you happy?”

  “Not really.” He stood and offered a hand to Lizzie. “Shall we go now?”

  Lizzie stood, stunned. Pete not only wasn’t married, but he wasn’t the father of this cruel woman’s children.

  David picked up Fred. “We’re taking Fred.”

  “Good. I can’t stand that motley beast.” Agatha glared at Lizzie. “Pete can have the little tramp. See if I care.”

  Dav
id shook his head at Agatha. “I don’t know what I ever saw in you. I’m not going to marry you after all.” He turned and walked out the door with Lizzie.

  When they were halfway to David’s Ford, Agatha screamed from the porch, “David, you can’t do this to me.”

  David turned and gave her a bow. “Give my regards to my brother when you tell his wife he has an illegitimate child and another on the way.” He held open the door for Lizzie.

  She stared ahead as David motored down the street. “Pete really isn’t married?”

  “Nope.”

  “He doesn’t have a wife, and Ruth’s not his daughter?”

  “Nope. He’s out looking for you right now. It’s nearly dusk. He’ll be heading back to the aeroplanes soon. We’ll meet him there.”

  Lizzie couldn’t believe it. Those weren’t Pete’s pregnant wife and child. She’d come to say good-bye, but now she didn’t have to. She threw her hands into the air. “He’s not married!”

  ❧

  It was too dark to see anything anymore. Pete finally resigned himself to not finding Lizzie tonight and pointed his feet toward the field. When he broke into the opening, he could see the distant glow of a fire. That would be David. As he strode closer, he could hear voices. A man and a woman.

  Had David found Lizzie? His stomach did a double loop and a roll.

  He stopped a few feet away around the end of the tail of his aeroplane in the shadows and out of sight. Please let her understand.

  He wasn’t sure how to announce himself so he gave a short whistle out of the side of his mouth. Fred came running and jumped up into his arms. The dog thoroughly licked his face.

  Pete stepped around the end of the aeroplane and saw a figure charging at him. He set Fred down so the dog wouldn’t get hurt. Was she going to hit him or something? Instead, she threw her arms around his neck, nearly knocking him off his feet.

  “Pete!”

  He held her and kissed her while he had the chance, then said, “Lizzie, I’m so sorry for all this trouble. I can explain.”

  “No need. I already know everything. She’s not your wife, and you’re not the father of her children.”

  “Then you forgive me?”

  “For what? You didn’t do anything.”

  He held her close again and nestled his face into her hair. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  “I never want to lose you again. Marry me, Lizzie.”

  She pushed him away. “Pete Garfield, don’t toy with me.”

  Pete clasped her hands and got down on his knees. “I’m not. I love you and want more than anything for you to be my wife.” He didn’t want to risk losing her again.

  Fred sat up on his haunches and waved his paws.

  “See, even Fred’s begging.”

  Fifteen

  Lizzie stared down at Pete on his knees. Was he serious? Or was this a flight of fancy? She’d come with the intent of saying good-bye. This was such a turnabout. Everything was happening so fast. How did she feel? Were her own feelings deep enough and strong enough to support a marriage?

  “I’m just not sure.” She was worried that he would be put off by her doubt.

  Pete jumped to his feet, held her hands together, and kissed each one. “I’ll prove myself worthy of your love. No matter how long it takes.”

  She was glad her uncertainty hadn’t dampened his enthusiasm. She wanted to say yes but should wait until her jumble of emotions settled down.

  David cleared his throat, and they both turned to him. “It’s getting real cold out here. Can I interest either of you in a lift?”

  “Lizzie, this is my best friend—wait, you two have already met.” He put his hand on David’s shoulder. “You mind taking us to my aunt’s?”

  “The fire’s already put out, and Fred’s in the Tin Lizzie. I just need you two to hop in.”

  “Let me grab my bag.” Lizzie climbed up and retrieved it, and Pete threw it in the front passenger seat, then offered her the backseat and climbed in next to her. Fred and David occupied the front.

  Pete turned to her. “I can’t believe you got that thing to fly.”

  She gasped. “You doubted my abilities? I followed the instructions.”

  “I still can’t believe you flew all the way here. You’re amazing, simply amazing.” Pete patted David’s shoulder. “You see why I love her. She isn’t afraid of anything.”

  She basked in Pete’s praise. She wanted to snuggle in his arms and never come out but sat properly in her seat.

  Pete leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I like your hair.”

  She touched the shorter style. She’d hoped he would. After she’d whacked it off, she’d gone the following day to a beauty salon to have it evened up.

  David pulled up to an apartment building, and Pete helped her out and took her bag. “David, you’re coming in, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t want to impose.”

  “Nonsense. Aunt Ethel will be glad to see you.”

  The four went inside and up to the top floor. A woman with bleached blond hair greeted them. “Pete, you’re back so soon. David, it’s good to have you back. And this must be Lizzie.” The woman grabbed her and nearly squeezed the breath out of her.

  “Lizzie, this is my aunt Ethel, and this is Uncle Merle.” Pete pointed to a distinguished-looking man standing behind Aunt Ethel.

  “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Come in and sit down.” Aunt Ethel waved them all into the living room.

  David held up a hand. “I can’t stay. It’s getting late. I just wanted to pop in and say hello.”

  Pete turned to David. “Can you give Lizzie a ride to the O’Toole Hotel?”

  “I’m not staying at a hotel. I’m sleeping under my aeroplane.”

  Pete shook his head. “It’s too cold for that.”

  “But—”

  “You covered it. It will be safe from deer. I promise. Stay at the hotel.”

  “Nonsense,” Aunt Ethel piped up. “You’ll stay in Pete’s room.”

  “Aunt Ethel! She can’t stay in my room.”

  Lizzie could tell that Pete was flabbergasted at his aunt’s proposal. She was taken aback, as well.

  Aunt Ethel twisted her hands onto her hips. “Well, you’re not going to be in there.”

  Pete stared at his aunt. “Where am I going to be?”

  “I don’t know. Somewhere else.” Aunt Ethel waved a hand toward him. “You can’t stay here. You two aren’t married yet.”

  “Aunt Ethel, don’t.”

  “Don’t what? You are going to marry her? She flew all this way.”

  Lizzie’s heart did a little dance at the mention of marriage to Pete again. She wanted to marry him; she just wasn’t sure if he was really serious.

  Pete leaned closer to his aunt. “We haven’t really discussed marriage.”

  Lizzie suspected he was trying to spare her feelings of embarrassment.

  “Well, get a move on. You don’t want someone else to steal her away from you.” Aunt Ethel patted Pete on the arm. “Now you go. Stay at David’s.”

  David piped up then. “That’s kind of a long story, but I don’t think I’ll be welcome at home. My brother’s a bit sore at me, and I don’t really want to stay there right now.”

  “I’ll stay at a hotel, and Pete and David can stay here.” Lizzie didn’t want to put anyone out.

  “I won’t hear of it.” Aunt Ethel turned to Pete. “You two go. I want to get to know Lizzie.”

  Merle held out a key. “You boys can stay at my house.”

  “Hot dog.” David snatched the key. “I’ll meet you down at the Tin Lizzie.”

  Pete took Lizzie’s hand and led her to the door. “Please don’t be put off by Aunt Ethel. She’s definitely a modern woman with very progressive ideals.”

  “She seems very nice and agreeable. I like your aunt.”

  “Just don’t let her scare you off. I need a chance to prove myself to you.”


  Lizzie smiled at him. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

  “She can come on a little strong.”

  “And you don’t?”

  He gave her a smart-alecky face. “But you love me. Remember, you said that.”

  She remembered, but she wasn’t going to tell him. She just gave him an impish smile to keep him wondering.

  He kissed her hand, then held it to his chest. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She was looking forward to it.

  ❧

  After Lizzie dressed the following morning, she sat at the kitchen table with a cup of hot coffee, waiting for Pete to show up. Pete’s aunt walked in robed in a feathery housecoat that made her look as though she was floating.

  “Good morning, Mrs. . . . I’m sorry. I forgot your last name.” Lizzie stood and poured the older woman a cup of coffee.

  “Call me Aunt Ethel.” Aunt Ethel smoothed the feathers away from her face and accepted the cup. “You’ll be part of the family soon.”

  Lizzie could feel her cheeks warm. “I don’t know about that.”

  Aunt Ethel pinched her eyebrows together. “He has proposed, hasn’t he?”

  He had, but she didn’t think that really counted.

  “He did say you hadn’t talked about it, but I just thought that was his polite way of telling me to shut my mouth.” Aunt Ethel patted her hand. “Don’t you fret none over it. I’ll speak to Pete about marrying you.”

  “Oh no, please don’t.” She didn’t want Pete proposing because someone was pressuring him to do so. She wanted it to come from his heart.

  “Aunt Ethel will take care of everything.” The older woman took a sip of her coffee.

  Lizzie wanted to sink into the chair and disappear. Better yet, run outside and catch Pete before he could come inside and have his aunt coerce him. She startled at the knock on the door, nearly spilling her coffee.

  Aunt Ethel opened the door, and David walked in.

  Alone.

  Lizzie jumped to her feet. “Where’s Pete?” If he was right behind David, she wanted to intercept him before his aunt could get to him.

  “I don’t exactly know. He said he had something he had to do. He told me to tell you not to worry and he’d see you this afternoon.”