Whispers on the Wind

by Brenda Jernigan

  The kitchen staff started bringing in platters of food as if someone had rung a small bell. It had always amazed Carter when he was young just how the servants knew when to bring in the food.

  The first dish, pot roast brimming with roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions covered in rich brown gravy, made his mouth water. The servants set a loaf of light bread and a pan of buttermilk biscuits on either side of the table. Bowls of corn and snap beans that his mother had probably canned last summer were the last items to be placed on the snowy white linen cloth.

  Carter glanced at his mother. Thank you.”

  “For what?” Mary asked before she thought. It really wasn’t any of her business, but she hadn’t been able to stop her curiosity. Maybe they didn’t want her to know what seemed like a private joke between them because Judith was smiling from ear to ear.

  “Mother had the cook make all my favorite dishes,” Carter explained, and he actually smiled for the first time since Mary had known him.

  Maybe it was better if Carter didn’t smile, because he was a real charmer when he did, and she knew it was the reason it made her grow warm all over. Finally, she found her voice and squeaked out, “Oh. The only thing missing is apple pie.”

  “How did you know that was my favorite?” Carter asked.

  Mary gave him a saucy smile. “I didn’t It’s my favorite.”

  “Aha,” Rick said from beside her. “See, you’ve remembered something already. And I think food is something pretty good to remember. I know it’s one of my favorite things.”

  Mary laughed. “You sound like my little brother.” She could have bitten her tongue the minute the words slipped past her lips.

  Rick patted her hand. “You’re doing good. Anything else you want to tell us?”

  Mary’s cheeks must have looked like embers in the fireplace, they felt so hot She knew they were waiting for her to say something more. She’d already glimpsed a sharpness in Carter’s eyes that suggested suspicion. He seemed to pick up on every little slip. “I don’t remember anything else.”

  “It’s a start, dear,” Judith said with an encouraging smile. “And soon, little by little, you’ll be able to tell us everything about yourself.”

  Panic welled in Mary’s throat I doubt that. Then she felt bad because Judith was being so nice without knowing anything about her. Mary longed to tell them everything, but she didn’t think they would believe her, and she couldn’t risk it

  “All right that is enough questions for Mary,” Judith scolded both men. “She’ll remember in her own good time. Now, tell me, how is Hank? I haven’t seen him in over two weeks with the heavy snow.” She shook her head. “That was a nasty bullet hole.”

  Carter shifted his gaze from Mary to his mother, glad to get his attention on something else. “Hank’s still in bed. It seems he was just about ready to start getting around when influenza flattened him again.”

  “Influenza has been terrible this year. I’m hoping the worst of the outbreak is over. I’ve helped all that I could. First with Donna, then Mary Sue, plus I’ve visited a few others with Doc Moore,” Judith told them as she buttered her biscuit She laid her knife down and said, “We’ve had five people die from this dreadful sickness.”

  “So we heard,” Rick commented. “Pass the roast, please. Thanks,” he said as he took the platter. Today folks seemed to be getting out on the streets again for the first time since we’ve been here.”

  “That is good to hear, because two days from now, I’m going to play the piano at the opera house.” Judith smiled at the surprised faces. “After dinner, I want you to listen to the piece I’ve chosen to play.”

  “You play the piano?” Mary asked.

  “She is very good,” Carter praised his mother before she could answer. “She always wanted to perform in a big city. However, we never made it any farther than Windy Bend,” Carter told Mary, then he addressed his mother. “Do you think it’s wise to get out among everyone before the town is fully recovered?”

  “We can’t stay locked up forever. Besides, I’ve already been exposed. As you can see, I’m fine. I think music is just what the town needs after this bout of sickness and dreadful weather.”

  Carter realized that he was fighting a losing battle, so he sat back and listened while they talked about the different songs they liked. It also gave him a chance to study Mary, who’d let a few things slip about herself.

  Even though she was lovely all dressed up, he sensed there was more to Mary than frills and ruffles. Most women would fall over in a dead faint as soon as something happened. Somehow, he just couldn’t think of Mary being that way. She had grit. He smiled as he remembered Mary had been prepared to take on the devil when she’d first regained consciousness.

  She was like a puzzle to him, one he wanted to figure out even if it was piece by piece. Yep, the woman sitting across from him had backbone, and he had a feeling she gave as good as she got, which made her all the more interesting.

  Just who was Mary No Name? He watched as she licked a pie crumb from her soft pink lips. He bet those lips would taste much better than the pie.

  “The apple pie was wonderful,” Mary complimented, and before he could blink she turned to look at him with those wonderful blue eyes of hers. Just what would you taste like, Mary No Name ?

  She must have read his thoughts because she blushed, which left him wondering if she was thinking the same thing. It might be interesting to find out

  Judith slipped her chair back from the table. “Let’s retire to the parlor.”

  In the large living area, which was much bigger than any parlor that Mary had ever seen, everyone found a place to sit Judith and Carter settled on one of the brown couches and Mary and Rick on another. The decor of the room was in varying shades of brown, from the darkest earth tones of the sofa to the rust-colored chairs. The entire room had a very warm and comfortable feel to it

  The big picture windows gave a good view of the trees and mountains bathed in moonlight, and reminded Mary that it was still cold outside, but beautiful.

  A fire blazed in the hearth, giving a warm glow to the surroundings. It was cozy and perfect, Mary thought Finally, she began to relax and think of the men as other than the enemy.

  “When Carter and Lisa were young,” Judith began, gaining everyone’s attention, “we would tell stories after dinner. I thought that we might like to tell a story while our dinner settles, and then I’ll perform my masterpiece.”

  “What story shall we tell?” Mary asked, warming to the subject. It reminded her of the wonderful stories that Mr. MacTavish told them on the wagon train every night after dinner. It was one of Mary’s fondest memories. Thankfully, she kept her thoughts to herself, this time.

  “We’ll make it up as we go. It will be fun. You’ll see.” Judith’s smile was infectious. “Tell you what, I’ll start Once upon a time in the vast region known as the Colorado Territory, it had been a cold winter and it was snowing so hard that nobody could see a foot in front of them. Oh, how they longed for the warmth of spring.”

  “Mother, you wouldn’t be talking about yourself, would you?” There was a trace of laughter in Carter’s voice.

  Judith smiled. “Don’t interrupt, son, until it’s your turn. Now, as I was saying, they longed for spring but that wasn’t to be.” She nodded to Mary; it was her turn.

  “The five children who had just lost their home didn’t know which way to go. It was dangerous out there. They could freeze to death or be attacked by wild animals, but they couldn’t go back even if they didn’t know what lay ahead of them,” Mary added and pointed to Carter. He frowned, but evidently he decided to be a good sport. She wondered if the man believed in having fun.

  “The oldest, a big, strapping lad, wondered if it would ever stop snowing or if they would die out in the damned cold,” Carter grumbled, clearly not into the game.

  Mary laughed, and Judith frowned at her son. The man lacked imagination.

  Rick was smiling as
he took up the story. He had a completely different attitude. “Sounds a bit like you, Carter,” he said with a chuckle before he started the story. “Now to make up for your shortcoming, Carter. Let’s see ... then out of nowhere a man on horseback appeared on the top of the next hill. He rode a big, strapping black stallion who was stomping his feet and snorting with impatience. Slowly, the rider started toward the children.

  “They gasped as the stranger drew nearer. Who was this man? Would he kill them? They huddled closer to each other in a small group, shivering and waiting.” Rick paused. The two women were staring at him with anticipation. “Shall I go on?”

  They nodded.

  “Suddenly, the rider was on top of them. He pulled on the reins and the horse halted just before the children were trampled under the mighty beast’s hooves. The cowboy shoved back his hat and looked down at the group. ‘What are you children doing out here?’ he asked in a very deep voice.

  “The children answered, ‘We’re lost’ Slowly the man pulled back his coat He was going for his gun. ‘No!’ the children screamed.

  “But he hadn’t gone for his gun because there upon his chest, shining like the brightest star, was a silver badge. ‘I’m a U.S. Marshal, and I’m here to save you.’

  “The children cheered and they all lived happily ever after.”

  Judith and Mary clapped and cheered. “Bravo!”

  “You’re a born storyteller, Rick,” Mary said, praising him.

  “I always knew you were born for something,” Carter interjected.

  “Ah, you’re just jealous because I outshined you,” Rick shot back with a smile.

  “Boys, boys,” Judith said. “That was a grand story. Now let’s see what you think of the music I’ve picked out for my program.” She rose and went over to the piano situated in front of a large window.

  Judith started playing Stephen Foster songs while Mary stood by the piano listening. The beautiful music soon swept Mary off into the melody. Next Judith played “Beautiful Dreamer.” Mary began to hum softly.

  Judith stopped playing and looked up at Mary. “You know this song?”

  Mary nodded.

  “Let’s start again so that you can sing. Your voice is beautiful, my dear.”

  The music began. Mary shut her eyes and sang. Her crystal clear voice filled the room as she felt herself relax and float with the music. She’d never felt quite like this, so free and light

  Flabbergasted that such a small woman could have a voice like that, Carter could only sit in awe of her. Her voice was magical, and it made him feel things he really didn’t want to feel about the woman. For the moment he just sat back and enjoyed.

  All too soon the music ended, and Judith looked at Mary with a radiant smile. “That was lovely. Where did you get such a voice? You must have sung professionally before.”

  “Thank you. I don’t think so,” Mary replied, shaking her head.

  “I insist you must sing with me at the concert hall,” Judith said, touching Mary’s hand. “Everyone will love you. It will be a special treat for the folks of Windy Bend because this time of year, we don’t see many outside folks.”

  “Do you really think I should?” Mary asked. What if somebody saw her? She bit her lip and then decided she was being paranoid; besides, she didn’t want to insult Judith.

  “I most certainly do.” Judith stood, pulled the lid over the piano keys. “We’ll practice tomorrow.

  But for now, I believe I’ll turn in. I’m feeling a little tired tonight.”

  “Could I borrow a book from the library?” Mary asked. “Maybe it will help me sleep.”

  “Of course you can.” Judith leaned over and kissed Mary on the cheek. “It’s at the other end of the house. Carter will show you and help you get a volume down. Some are quite high.”

  “I—I don’t—” Mary’s bluster was cut off by Carter.

  “It isn’t a bother. Come on.”

  He was already standing, but Mary hesitated. She wasn’t too sure she wanted to be alone with Carter. Something about him scared her. She knew it was silly. She’d been around men all her life. But there was something about this man ... She looked to Rick, but he was already heading toward the stairs with Judith.

  “Are you afraid?” Carter asked in a low voice that sounded more like a challenge.

  Mary stiffened and jutted out her chin. “Of course not,” she told him. She wasn’t afraid of any man.

  Chapter Six

  Staying at least one step behind Carter, Mary followed him down the hallway. She preferred to keep him in view.

  He opened the library door, and to her surprise the lamps had already been lit and the room was bathed in soft light, making the walnut paneling shimmer. The scent of oak burning in the black marble fireplace made for a cozy room. That was, until she glanced around the room. It was anything but cozy—it was huge and richly decorated.

  “Oh my,” Mary breathed as she strolled into the room.

  Carter turned and smiled. “My family likes to read, as you can see.” He raised his arm in a sweeping gesture to show off the surroundings. “There are many books to choose from.”

  “I should say so,” Mary said as she glanced around. Three walls were nothing but bookshelves from floor to ceiling, stuffed with rich leather-bound books. She could remember the bookshelf back home that contained maybe thirty books; Mary had thought that was a lot, but this room must contain thousands.

  The hardwood floors were covered with a burgundy and cream-colored rug. The fragrance of lemon oil floated in the air and gave freshness to the room. There was a long sofa in cream and two overstuffed chairs in the same rich burgundy, matching the rug perfectly.

  “Help yourself to any of the books,” Carter said in that deep rich voice she was becoming accustomed to and liking more each day. “What do you like to read?”

  Mary’s back was to Carter, so he couldn’t see her smile. He was testing her, she decided, trying to trick her into revealing something about herself. She thought deep down Carter was already suspicious that she knew more than she was letting on. Slowly, she turned and looked at him. “I don’t know. What do you suggest?”

  Carter actually smiled, showing Mary how handsome he really was. Masculine strength was carved into his strong chin. Those black eyes of his were piercing and gave no hint what he was thinking. But Mary would have loved to know what Carter thought about her. Did he think she was even a little attractive? Probably not. He didn’t seem to notice she was a woman at all.

  “I’m not good on suggestions unless you want a book on firearms. The other day, Mother said that she’d read a book she liked very much.” Carter shut one eye as he tried to remember the tide. “Let me see”—he leaned against the desk and folded his arms across his chest—“the tide was ... little something.” He thought for another moment “Little Women or something similar.

  “I tell you what.” He shoved away from the desk.

  “You start at that end and I’ll start at this end, and we’ll see if we can spot the tide.”

  “All right,” Mary agreed. She looked at the many books. She still couldn’t comprehend having the time to sit and read them all. Her life up to now had been filled with work, and at the end of the day she had always been too tired to think about reading. Come to think of it, she really hadn’t had much of a life over the last two years. Oh, she’d accomplished her goal of making the mine successful, for all the good it did her now. Other than that, she had nothing but rough hands to show for her hard work. But all that was in the past

  If she could clear her name, she would turn the mine over to someone else to rim. Then she’d try to start a new life, a real life, somewhere. There must be some man out there for her, someone who could hold her interest. However, if she were anything like her mother, she might be destined to live alone. Her mother had always been sure that some man was going to fall in love and rescue her from the whorehouse, but all she’d ever gotten were empty promises.

  Mary
didn’t want to live like that. She didn’t want to ever be dependent on anyone. It was the uncertainty of giving her heart to someone that scared her most of all. She didn’t want empty promises from a man, nor did she want her heart broken.

  “You’re quiet,” Carter said, startling Mary so much that she jumped.

  She blinked a couple of times, then realized she’d been staring at the same book for the last few minutes. “I was just wondering what my life was like. Somehow I don’t think it was very interesting.”

  That isn’t something we’ll know until your memory returns,” Carter said, but he didn’t bother to turn her way as he searched for the book. “You could have a husband desperately searching for you.”

  “I doubt that,” Mary automatically replied. “Unless he is the one who dumped me in the snow.” She couldn’t help laughing aloud.

  Must keep Carter off track, she reminded herself. She looked over her left shoulder and found Carter looking her way. “I think I’d know if I were married.” She held up her left hand. “See, there is no ring, and no sign that one has been there.”

  Carter arched a doubtful eyebrow.

  Mary ignored him and went back to looking, running her fingers across the leather-bound tomes as her gaze traveled over each title in search of Little Women. Was that it up above her head? She took a step backwards to see better and bumped into Carter; she hadn’t realized he was standing right behind her. She felt his hard chest against her back and her pulse leapt with excitement

  He was so tall she felt as though he could swallow her up if he wanted to. “I’m sorry,” she apologized.

  She didn’t dare turn around to look at Carter. He radiated vitality that drew her like a magnet, and if he could do that without her looking at his face, into his eyes ... heaven help her if she faced him.

  “I think I’ve spotted your book. Hold still,” he said in that deep voice that made her breath catch in her throat