That the woman favored Hannah made it harder for him to resist keeping an eye out for her. He never returned to visit, nor did he ever go near enough to see her face clearly. Instead he watched from a distance, once at night and then again a daybreak. So far other than catching a lone rider once skulking about a few weeks back, he’d not seen anything that raised suspicion.
Once a day would be enough from now on, the last thing he needed was to become attached. They didn’t live on the Cole lands, but on the edge of the neighboring ranch. None of it was his responsibility.
He’d inform his parents of what happened to his charge in the telegram. He’d also mail the letter asking they accept his decision to remain in Alder Gulch for the time being.
On the front stoop of the bunkhouse he looked at the huge expanse of star filled sky and took a deep breath.
Perhaps the decision was an easy one. To remain in Alder Gulch. It was where he belonged. No way could he return to the life of a pampered dandy. To be waited on hand and foot would drive him crazy now.
Of course his mother would demand he visit and deal with the matter of his marriage. He’d not marry if he remained in Montana. His betrothed would not dare venture west. Beatrice Livingston would be horrified at the idea of his renouncement of title. His father would make a decision regarding his family’s fortune. None of it mattered to Josiah, he didn’t need money. What was the use of it? The highest paid doctors were not able to save Hannah’s life.
Chapter Four
Mitch Banks stood in the middle of the mercantile. The doors were locked, the business day over and he’d just finished dusting shelves. The life he’d not planned filled his days and he couldn’t help but chuckle at remembering how often he’d wondered why his father did this day after day. His reason was clear, the mercantile was needed.
Now it was his father’s legacy, what he’d left to him and Nora.
However. There was so much more Mitch wanted out of his life in Alder Gulch. He yearned for something very different. He lifted the bottle of whiskey to his lips and swallowed a generous amount, the fiery liquid trailing down his throat, settling into his gut and relaxing his body.
“You are my friend,” he held up the bottle and waved it, taking in the mercantile interior, “and this is our life.”
He hiccupped and stumbled backwards. “Time for bed, Mitch. May as well sleep here, since your sorry carcass has to be here in the morning.” Very early in the damned morning.
A loud banging on the front door almost made him drop the bottle. “What the hell?” He rushed through the space and yanked the door open to find a frantic man with his hat in hand. The stranger shifted nervously and looked around him. “I’m sorry to bother you, mister, but the wife is quite heavy with child and demanding hard candy. I saw the light on and took a chance you’d be here.”
A few minutes later the relieved man hurried down the wooden walkway toward the hotel and Mitch stood at the door wondering how it felt to care for someone so much. The woman would be happy with the selection he’d given the man. He refused payment stating if he ever found himself in the same predicament, he’d remember this night.
The whiskey bottle waited for him on the counter, but instead of going back inside, Mitch closed the door behind him, locked it and headed toward his house down the street.
He needed to make better friends than a bottle of whiskey. A wife, although nice was hardly likely, as there were few to no single women in Alder Gulch. Maybe he’d settle for a dog.
*****
Josiah and Grayson arrived in town early the next morning. The town’s main street was deserted save for the seamstress sweeping her front entrance and the butcher chasing off a drunk who’d slept on his doorsteps.
A light haze, which the sun would soon chase away, hovered over the buildings. Josiah pulled up his collar to keep the back of his neck warm as he directed his horse and wagon to the mercantile.
They came to a stop and Grayson dismounted. “The front door is closed. I’ll go over to Mitch’s and see about gettin’ him roused up. Not sure the telegram office will be open yet.”
“I’ll see and be back in a few,” Josiah climbed down from the wagon and tied the horse to the post in front of the mercantile overhang.
Thankful his gloves kept his hands warm when a breeze picked up, he continued toward the telegram office. He didn’t foresee his errand taking long, so he took his time walking to the small building. It wasn’t often he came to town, didn’t want to chance being recognized by someone coming through on the stagecoach. It was nice to walk about now when it was too early for most of the townsfolk to be up and about.
The lights were on inside the telegram office. He was in luck.
When Josiah returned the store was open and another wagon pulled up beside the one he drove. Through the window he caught a glimpse of red hair. Laura Foster was inside. It looked like she was alone. Where the heck were Mitch and Grayson?
After a deep breath he went inside. The room smelled of oiled leather, spices, and wax. He inhaled the fragrant air and headed straight for the counter, not looking around, his eyes straight on the back wall.
“Josiah?” Laura neared and he braced to face the woman with a strong resemblance to Hannah. She stepped from his side to stand in front of him, her hand on his forearm. “I was hoping to run into you again. I need to thank you for looking out for me. I am reassured.”
Not wanting to appear rude, he met her eyes. In that instant all oxygen left his body. Not that she looked so much like Hannah as he’d first thought, but for some reason the kindness in her eyes pulled at him. “I--I don’t mind.” The huskiness in his voice made him want to curse. “You seemed so afraid.”
She lowered her eyes and her brows drew together. “It’s not something I can afford to be. It’s been better. I’ve gotten much braver.” Her lips curved into a shy smile. “I come to town alone, twice a week now. To work for the Watts. Mr. Watts is the new banker. I’m helping with their daughter, who is ill. Mrs. Watts needs a break, some time for herself and she hired me to spend time with their daughter, assist in her care.”
Her cheeks reddened and she bit her lip, the action taking all of Josiah’s attention. “Oh dear, I am going on aren’t I?”
“Are you sure it’s safe for you to travel unaccompanied?” The thought of such a pretty and frightened woman traveling alone for almost two hours from where she lived to town made his gut clench. “It’s a long stretch of road for a woman to be unaccompanied.”
“Yes well, I stay the night and return after two days. I am grateful for the money and my sister is willing to watch little Gabe for me. Are you in town for the day?”
Her shy smile made his stomach pitch and Josiah cleared his throat. “I’m looking for Grayson and Mitch, we’re loading up some grain and heading back to the ranch after.”
“They went out back right before you walked in. I told Mitch I’d keep an eye out until he came back.”
At a loss for words Josiah picked up the nearest object and examined it. Laura lifted a brow. “It’s perfumed soap. Lavender I believe.”
“I may need it.” He carried it to the counter and placed it atop. “I better head out back and help.” Josiah touched the tip of his hat, and realized the soap was meant for women. He snatched it from the counter and placed it back into the bin. He tipped his hat once again. “Nice to see you again, Laura.”
“Look. They are out front,” she told him pointing through the window. “You should probably go out the front door.”
He rushed out and thankful for the brisk air took a deep breath.
Grayson looked down from the back of the wagon. “I left the list on the counter. Go inside and get the items on there will ya?”
“I’ll be in there in a few minutes if you need help finding something,” Mitch added and threw a sack of grain into the back of the wagon. “We�
�ve only got a few left.”
Josiah studied the front door for a few moments and waited for Grayson to jump down. “How about if I get the rest of the grain. You take a break and collect the items.”
He let out a breath of relief when Grayson shrugged and went toward the front door.
Chapter Five
Laura wasn’t sure why Josiah McClintock, who acted so awkward around her, would at the same time take it upon himself to be her protector. The same man who acted as if he couldn’t get away from her fast enough watched over her from afar.
Her mind went over the events of the day when she’d been so shaken from the news of the fire that she’d asked him to remain until her sister returned. Had she said something that made him feel responsible? She didn’t recall such a comment that would elicit such a reaction. And now like a ninny, she’d admitted to him riding alone to town twice a week.
He was right of course. She knew traveling back and fourth from her sister’s home could be dangerous. But the distance was not great, and the route well traveled. It was not unusual to see several wagons or horsemen on the road. There was the small seed of doubt in the back of her mind that Frank Foster could still be alive. But then she figured if he was the one who’d burned their house and wished to hurt her in anyway, he’d done it by now.
The passing of time assured her Frank was dead. The fire had been some sort of accident. Her fear was unfounded and it was certainly not necessary for the man outside the mercantile to put himself out over her. It was best to tell him now before he left as she rarely saw him except for at a distance.
“Josiah?” Laura stood outside the threshold and waited for him to look her way. He stood atop the wagon and lifted the heavy burlap bag and placed it down. When he looked to her, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was. With dark brown hair that went past his collar and eyes the color of fall leaves, he could have remained reasonably attractive. However those eyes were rimmed with full lashes, his nose straight and aristocratic while his mouth, lips even and full, all made him breathtaking. Not wanting to gawk, she scanned the street before meeting his gaze. “May I have a word?”
Instead of a reply he nodded and turned to Mitch Banks who handed up the last bag. “Please tell Grayson I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
He climbed down and walked to her. The closer he got the larger he seemed. Laura stepped from the doorway to the side of the building away from the wagon.
“What can I do for you?”
“That’s just it. I am not sure what I said the time you came to tell me about the fire. But I want to make sure you don’t feel obligated to continue to patrol the area surrounding where I live. My baby and I are fine. Safe.”
It was then she noticed his eyes on her fingers working the hem of her shawl. “You are no longer afraid then?”
“Well, of course I am. I’m a bit nervous at times. But Frank is dead, he has to be.”
Josiah did not ask who Frank was so she figured he’d discussed it with Bronson Cole, and knew the entire story of how Grayson’s twin found out the cavalry had found his horse.
He looked away and past her towards the edge of town. “I will keep an eye out, but won’t continue to ride out. If that’s what you wish.”
She placed her hand on his forearm, her fingers gripping him. “It’s an additional burden you don’t need to have. After all, you have your responsibilities to the Coles.”
“I don’t do anything I don’t wish to do. I saw something in your eyes, Laura.” He covered her hand with his and she felt her eyes widen at the unexpected gesture.
Somehow she managed to speak in spite of the dryness of her throat. “What did you see?”
“Desperation.”
Chapter Six
“You can hold it, Meredith,” Laura explained to the young woman who refused to pick up the cup and instead pointed at it. “We’ve done this plenty of times. I know you can pick it up and bring it to your mouth. Now try, please.”
At fourteen Meredith Watts had the mentality of a five year old and some days her stubborn reluctance to improve tried Laura’s patience. It was no fault of the girl’s of course and Laura could not blame her for sometimes being reluctant to try things that scared her, but at the same time she wondered if by pampering her, the Watts had done more damage than good.
Laura stood and went to the window. Another hour and Mrs. Watts would return from bible study. As soon as the lady returned, Laura would head home for a few days. Spend time with Gabe. A chill traveled through her, skimming over the length of her arms leaving an icy trail. Rubbing her hands up her arms she went to the fireplace and added another log. It was a sunny day outside, actually pleasant and she considered taking Meredith for a walk.
“Meredith do you want to go outside?”
“No! No! No!” Meredith made her point by swiping the cup off the table with her arm. It crashed to the floor breaking into pieces and Laura took a deep breath.
“All right, we will stay inside. We can sit by the fire and I will tell you a story.” She ensured Meredith did not step near the shards as the girl rushed to the chair by the fireplace. “Wait right there, I’ll be but a minute. Have to clean up.”
Ignoring Meredith’s wails of protest she swept up the broken pieces of cup and put them outside. Just as she turned to go inside a rider came into view.
Whoever it was remained too far for her to see him clearly and with his hat pulled down, impossible to see any features. Yet the size of the man gave Laura pause, he was slight of build with a strange way of sitting on the horse. One shoulder lower than the other, the rider leaned to the side.
Laura rushed into the house and went to the window. Meredith was no longer wailing, but laying on her side on the rug staring into the flames. Thankful for the reprieve Laura peered once again toward the road. The rider was nowhere in sight.
It couldn’t be him. Frank was dead, yet the rider kept so still as if watching her. Even at a distance, she felt his eyes on her. She let out a breath. It was probably her imagination brought on by speaking with Josiah earlier.
Upon leaving the mercantile she’d thought about Frank and the fact that if he were alive he’d not keep a distance but would have come directly to where she lived and demand she return. Of course she’d explain her reason for leaving. Tell him about the strange men and how she and Gabe were out of food and other necessities. Surely he’d understand and not dare beat her in front of her sister and brother-in-law.
One thing she knew for sure. No matter what Frank said or did, she would not return to live with him. If Frank Foster was by some miracle alive, she’d find a way to get away, would never take her child back to live with him. They were not married and although she had a child by the cruel man, she owed him nothing.
Footsteps sounded and Laura jumped. When it was followed by knocks she looked to Meredith who’d fallen asleep. What could she do? Laura crept to the front door just as it was opening. Mrs. Watts stepped in and let out a startled gasp. “Goodness Laura, you surprised me. Why did you lock the door?”
Laura swallowed. “I went outside to put a broken cup in the bin and didn’t realize I had.” She hated lying, but if she told the woman about Frank Foster, it was possible she’d be fired. Mrs. Watts was an understanding employer, but she’d not put her daughter in any type of danger, whether real or perceived.
Mrs. Watts stopped mid-stride and took in her slumbering daughter. “How was she today?”
“Fine, Mrs. Watts. A bit stubborn when we practiced drinking from a cup, but she did everything else without complaint.”
Her employer removed her shawl and placed the bible on a side table. “You know, Laura. A mother will do anything for her child. I know you understand this.” Her kind eyes met Laura’s. “But there are times I wonder what will become of Meredith if something happens to Mr. Watts or me. It’s my constant prayer that we
live long lives just for her. She will never marry nor have a husband to care for her. We are all she has.” Mrs. Watts sat at the kitchen table and Laura fetched some tea for her and then sat opposite her.
“I understand how you feel.” Laura said. “It is no different than having an infant that counts on you to survive. You don’t want to fail your child, Mrs. Watts, and you worry.”
“Yes I do. Enough about that, I’m sure you’re anxious to see your son? You should go on home, Laura. Thank you.”
Riding to her sister’s house Laura kept an apprehensive eye on the road constantly looking over her shoulder and into the trees for any sign of the mysterious rider. Thankfully several others traveled from town and soon she rode behind a family who went almost as far before veering north.
Laura burst through the door and went directly to Gabe picking him up and covering his plump face with kisses. The baby reached for her hair, his chubby fingers attempting to grasp the strands.
“He’s happy to see his mama,” Amelia smiled and continued kneading the dough on the tabletop. “I’m glad you’re home, Laura. He’s been a bit sickly, not eating as much as he normally would. Probably just something minor, but it’s good that you can keep an eye on him.”
Gabe gurgled happily as Laura lay him on a blanket and began to check him for any sign of illness. When she gave him a hardened piece of bread he suckled it and rubbed it across his gums.
“I should have known,” Amelia peered down at the baby. “He’s teething. That’s why he’s been so fussy.”
“I’m so sorry,” Laura told her sister as she picked Gabe up and held him against her. “That you have to do so much while I’m away.”
Amelia shook her head. “It’s only two days a week. I can manage. Now tell me, how is Meredith Watts doing? Anything new in town?”
Chapter Seven
“Get those two behind you,” Grayson Cole called out to Josiah who tugged his reins turning his horse in a new direction and then galloped after the two cows who’d decided to run back to the pasture they’d just left. Apparently the duo was not inclined to leave yet. He caught up easily and with the help of one of the dogs turned the beasts around. Suddenly one of them turned sideways and Josiah almost fell off his horse when it came to an abrupt stop to avoid being hit by the bovine. With gritted teeth he threw the rope at the cow who avoided it easily, then upon reaching a patch of green grass began to graze.
Blue Horizon (Shades of Blue, Book 4) Page 3
