Forsaken Falls

by Shirleen Davies

  “And about me,” she breathed out. “It must have been devastating for her.”

  “I wrote about Anna Marie’s death and sending you away to school. There were long passages about my decision to bring you back to New York, then send you here to live with Gabriel when you wanted more. I’m sorry I didn’t confront Florence with the truth at the time. It would’ve been difficult, but you could’ve stayed in New York, been introduced into society.”

  Nora choked on the bile rising in her throat. “As your bastard daughter, Father?”

  “I married your mother.”

  “But it wasn’t legal. You did it as a way to soothe your conscience, nothing more.”

  “That isn’t true, Nora. I married her because it meant a great deal to Anna Marie. She wanted you to have my name, my heritage. I did it for her and for you.”

  “Did she kill herself after reading the journal, Father?” Gabe’s question had them both turning toward him.

  “No. At least I don’t believe her death was intentional and neither do the authorities.”

  “Then how did Mother die?”

  Walter leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on his thighs. “She’d been at the dress shop. Our carriage was parked across the street. According to our driver, she never looked when stepping into the road. He yelled at her, as did others, but she never heard. Horses pulling a wagon spooked, rearing back, catching your mother underneath them. The doctor said she died instantly.”

  Gabe let out a deep breath, mumbling a string of curses.

  Nora jumped up, her hand covering her mouth. “Oh, my God,” she murmured, turning toward Gabe. “I’m so sorry. If it hadn’t been for me…” Her voice trailed off on a sob.

  Standing, he walked to her, wrapping his arms around her. “Her death isn’t your fault, Nora. She didn’t pay attention, stepping into the path of frightened horses. No one is to blame.” He looked at their father.

  “I assure you, Nora, Florence would not have killed herself after learning of your existence. She would’ve confronted me, perhaps made demands about you remaining a secret. What I’m certain of is she never would’ve taken her own life.” Walter shifted in his chair, leaning forward to clasp his hands together. “There’s more you two need to know.”

  Gabe dropped his arms, turning toward Walter. “What is it?”

  “Your brothers know everything.”

  Snorting, Gabe leaned a hip against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms. “I’m certain that must have been a sight to behold.”

  Nora looked at him, tilting her head to the side. “Why would you say that?”

  Shaking his head, Gabe glanced at his father before looking at Nora. “As you already know, I’m the disreputable member of the family. My three younger brothers always did all our parents expected, never dipping their feet in the mud. The thought of their father having a mistress, even though quite common, would’ve been a surprise. Knowing he also had a daughter would’ve shocked them. Am I right, Father?”

  Walter shook his head. “You’ve been gone a long time, Gabriel. Your brothers have changed a great deal since you left to join the Army, then moved out west. They weren’t as stunned as you would’ve imagined.”

  “Tell me what you mean.”

  “Weldon is a banker. He’s had a mistress since a few weeks after his marriage. His house is a block away. He didn’t raise a brow at what he read. Lawrence is an aid for one of the senators in Washington. Not married, no prospects from what I can learn. He didn’t take the information well.”

  “And Chandler?” Gabe asked about his youngest brother.

  “I haven’t heard from him in months. He left college one day and didn’t return. Your mother became frantic when we couldn’t find him and hired a private detective. Seems he’s more like you than any of us imagined. I get a telegram every once in a while. The last one from some hovel in Texas.”

  “What do you mean more like me?”

  “The detective learned Chandler had taken quite an interest in guns. He hired a man to teach him how to shoot. From what we understand, he became very good. Chandler became infatuated with the frontier, reading a good deal about the west.” Walter massaged the back of his neck, shaking his head. “I sent a telegram about your mother, but haven’t heard back from him.”

  Gabe didn’t comment. The last time he saw his youngest brother, Chandler still climbed trees, didn’t seem to have much interest in girls, and did what their parents asked.

  “I should go help Lena with supper.” Nora walked toward the door.

  “I’ll be staying in Splendor two weeks, Nora. When I leave, I expect you to return to New York with me.”

  Nora and Walter argued about her returning to New York until she tired of hearing the same words about her obligations to him. Excusing herself, she left the study, talking with Wyatt for a few minutes before helping Lena with supper.

  At least their father had arranged to stay at the St. James during his visit. Baron Klaussner, his good friend from New York, had secured a room and offered to give him a tour of Splendor. Gabe and Lena hid their amusement at the thought of Klaussner showing Walter the two blocks making up the small town.

  Not long after the dessert plates were cleared, Gabe announced he’d be escorting his father to town, then riding back. To Nora’s dismay, Wyatt volunteered to ride with them before heading on to the ranch. They’d said a brief goodbye, restraining themselves under the watchful gaze of her father.

  Pacing back and forth in the parlor, she didn’t want to think about the questions her father would be asking Wyatt as they rode along the trail. At least she had a chance to tell him about her father’s demand and her refusal to leave Splendor. He hadn’t shown much reaction, although she’d seen the briefest spark of relief on his face at her decision.

  Lena walked into the parlor, handing her a cup of tea. “Are you all right?”

  Nora took a sip, lowering herself into a chair. “I’m fine. It was all such a shock. Gabe seemed to take it well, though.”

  Shaking her head, Lena sat down near her. “He’s never spoken much about his family. I believe the only person he felt close to was his uncle.”

  “The uncle who left him the hotels?”

  She nodded. “His entire estate went to Gabe. When he made a trip back to New York to review the properties, he spent a little time with his parents, then came home. I don’t know that he ever saw his brothers.” She set down her cup, looking at Nora. “You do know your father is going to make your life miserable, hoping you’ll give in to his demand.” She leaned forward. “Don’t do anything you don’t want to. You’ll always have a place here with us.”

  Relief flooded her at the resolve on Lena’s face. “Thank you. I might need to stay for quite a while if Father follows through on his threat to stop sending money.”

  Lena waved a hand in the air. “We’ve plenty of money for all of us, Nora. Now, tell me how you and Wyatt got along.”

  Wyatt watched the trail ahead, his mind going over all Walter Evans had said on their brief ride to town. His jaw clenched, thinking about the man warning him away from Nora. How he’d disinherit her, stop all means of support if Wyatt continued to pursue her.

  More than once, Gabe tried to stop his father’s threats. Walter wouldn’t be silenced. Twice, Gabe had caught Wyatt’s attention, shaking his head, silently telling him to ignore the older man.

  Wyatt tried to shake most of Walter’s warnings from his mind as he rode back to the ranch. It proved to be more difficult than he thought. The logical part of him kept returning to the essence of Walter’s case—Nora deserved better than a broke cowhand. Wyatt had struggled with the same argument since he’d met her. This time, he forced himself to shove the thoughts aside.

  He and Nora had made a promise to each other. They would give themselves a chance, and he meant to live up to his part of the agreement.

  As for Nora, she had some difficult decisions to make. A life of comfort and security under
her father’s protection in New York, or a cabin in the middle of the Montana wilderness with a man who would never be able to offer her more than enough to eat and a roof over her head. Wyatt couldn’t blame her, and wouldn’t try to stop her, if she chose to leave.

  Piano music and loud singing poured from the doors of Ruby’s Grand Palace. For a Sunday evening, the place overflowed with men drinking, enjoying the show. Sir Bruno Baker stood by the stage, keeping watch on the four dancing girls as they whirled to the music.

  Every few minutes, one of the girls would take a man’s hand, leading him behind the stage to a staircase leading to the second floor.

  At a corner table, JW and Derrick watched. Tossing back whiskey and chuckling at the antics of the girls on stage, they restrained themselves from participating in whatever went on above them. Tonight, they were content to observe.

  “When do we take her, JW?”

  “As soon as we stock the abandoned cabin.”

  Derrick nodded, holding the glass to his lips. “We can get supplies in the morning. It could be days, but I say we make our move the first time she’s left alone in the shop.”

  Nodding, JW grabbed the bottle, filling his glass. “We’ll take her out the back, behind the clinic, and into the woods. The horses will be ready. We’ll be secure in the cabin before anyone knows she’s missing.”

  “Then we get word to Jackson. After watching them behind the sheriff’s house today, I’m thinking he won’t waste any time meeting us.” Derrick snickered, recalling what they’d seen. “Those two are pretty cozy.”

  “I wonder who the old man was who joined them?”

  “Does it matter, JW? The only people we need to worry about are the sheriff and his deputies. This is a town of shopkeepers, not a group of armed militia. Same as most places, they won’t lift a finger to help.”

  JW’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Derrick. “I think you’re wrong. You’ve heard the men and women at the saloons talk. It’s not the same as in the cities where people don’t know each other and are too scared to get involved. They take care of their own here. We’ve got to watch ourselves from the time we take the woman until we ride out of here.”

  “I’ve been watching you boys a while. Is there anything I can get you?”

  They looked up to see Ruby standing with her hands on her hips, a broad smile on her face.

  JW shook his head. “No, ma’am. We’re doing real good right here.”

  “More whiskey?” She nodded toward the almost empty bottle.

  “Not tonight. We’ll be finishing what we have and leaving.” Derrick gestured toward the stage. “Nice place you have here. You been in Splendor long?”

  “A few weeks. I brought my girls out from Chicago when I heard there were a lot of men out this way and not much to entertain them.”

  “Seems you picked the right place.” JW finished downing the liquid in his glass, then filled it again.

  “What brings you gents to town?” Her smile faded, replaced by a watchful gaze as she studied each man. “Do you have kin here?”

  Derrick glanced at JW, then back at Ruby, grinning. “Just passing through on our way west.”

  “Seems I’ve seen you two around here longer than you’d expect for men just passing through.”

  The grin on Derrick’s face faded. “Our horses had been ridden pretty hard, and we were due for a rest. Nothing more to it than that.”

  Ruby seemed to consider his words, then nodded. “Well, the next time you’re in, save yourself time to enjoy my girls. They’re here to make sure you have a real good time at the Grand Palace.” She let her gaze linger another moment before turning, her hips swaying as she moved to another table.

  “I’ll be glad when we’ve finished what we came here for, JW. The sooner we get out of here, the better I’ll sleep at night.”

  JW kept his gaze on Ruby, seeing her cast another glance over her shoulder at them. “Seems we’ve worn out our welcome before we were ever introduced.” Emptying the bottle into their glasses, JW picked his up, swallowing every drop, seeing Derrick do the same. “Let’s get out of here. We have a killing to take care of.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “Are you certain you’re up for a hunt, Walter? We can postpone it if you’d like.” Baron Klaussner finished the last of his breakfast in the Eagle’s Nest dining room.

  “I am definitely ready for a hunt, Ernst. It will do me good to get out of this hotel and into the country. Besides, the weather is perfect right now.”

  “It should also help get your mind off Florence.”

  Walter nodded. After the baron arrived in Splendor and met Nora, Walter knew Klaussner had most certainly figured out her illegitimate birth. To his credit, the man had mentioned nothing of her status to him.

  “Gabriel told me the elk and deer are plentiful this time of year.”

  Klaussner nodded, picking up his cup of coffee. “I’ve heard the same and am anxious to test my skills.” Lowering his voice, he leaned forward. “The chef and I have already made arrangements for the meat we bring back.”

  Walter glanced out the window, seeing Nora walk up the boardwalk and enter the millinery. He hadn’t spoken to her in two days, not since returning to town on Sunday evening. They’d be leaving for the hunt later in the morning. When the group returned in a week, he’d make it a point to take Nora to supper, start warming her to the idea of leaving Splendor and her unsuitable beau behind.

  “How many will be going?”

  “You and I will be the only hunters, Walter. I’ve secured a guide, and two servants will be coming along. They’re preparing the wagon now. We’ll not be without our comforts during the trip.” Smiling, he finished his coffee, setting the cup aside. “I understand the best hunting is north of here, beyond the boundary of Redemption’s Edge. Of course, I’ve sent word to the Pelletiers of our plans. Have you met them?”

  Walter shook his head, his gaze still on the shop across the street. “I’ve not had the pleasure.”

  “Then we must remedy that. They’re formidable men and greatly respected. As is your son.”

  Walter ignored the comment about Gabe. He’d long ago ceased trying to understand his oldest son. “I’ve heard they are the largest landowners in the Montana Territory.”

  “The entire territory is my guess. I’ll arrange a supper party with the Pelletiers and their wives when we return. We’ll include your family, as well. I expect it will be quite an enjoyable and enlightening evening.”

  Walter stifled a groan. He saw himself as a hard man, one who found little enjoyment in social events offering no tangible results. His outlook on such gatherings worsened with the passing of Anna Marie. She’d been the one bright light in his life, the only woman who’d been able to soften his unyielding heart and shattered soul.

  His deep love for her made him feel desire unlike anything he could’ve imagined. The forced marriage to Florence had strengthened his love for Anna Marie, not lessened it. Her death had almost been his undoing. He’d deteriorated to the worst form of himself, pushing love from his heart, even for his cherished Nora. The exact image of the woman he lost, he’d been unable to be around his daughter without missing Anna Marie. And it wasn’t just her appearance causing him distress. Her heart and quick mind were her mother’s equal.

  Sending her away to school had given him a brief respite. Bringing her back to New York was a serious lapse of judgment. Forcing her to move west, a grave mistake. He had to rectify the blunder by convincing her to return east. She didn’t belong in such a savage land. And she deserved much better than Wyatt Jackson.

  “Walter, are you all right?”

  Blinking, he feigned a cough, embarrassed by his momentary lapse in concentration. “I’m fine, Ernst.”

  “Glad to hear it. I asked if you were agreeable to supper with the Pelletiers and your family.”

  “A supper party is fine. I’ll look forward to meeting them.”

  “As am I in getting to know your da
ughter. Compared to Gabriel and Lena, Nora seems a more reserved individual. I do hear quite a few good things about her work at the millinery.” Dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin, he pushed his chair away from the table, unaware of the scowl on his friend’s face. “It’s time we prepare to leave.” Picking up his cane, he looked at Walter. “I understand a young man from the Pelletier ranch is courting Nora. I’ll be sure to extend the invitation to him, as well.”

  Before Walter could form a response, Klaussner strode from the dining room and out the front door. He knew there would be plenty of time during the hunt to provide his opinion on Wyatt Jackson.

  No matter what others thought of the man, Walter believed him to be no more than a ranch hand with few skills and no prospects for the future. In his opinion, tending horses didn’t account for much. Such men always looked for the easy way in life. He believed Jackson didn’t care about his daughter at all. Instead, the man saw an older, unmarried woman with a wealthy father who could provide a way out of his bleak life. Walter would stay as long as it took to convince Nora to return home, leaving the ex-Confederate soldier to consider his loss in pursuing a romantic relationship for financial gain rather than love.

  JW and Derrick sat at a window table at the Dixie in the late afternoon, nursing their whiskeys, watching the millinery shop down the street. Gabe and Lena Evans were having an early supper with their son at the boardinghouse restaurant. Cash Coulter and fellow deputy, Beau Davis, had ridden out of town an hour earlier, and the man they’d heard was Nora’s father left town with a hunting party shortly after noon.

  “Look.” Derrick nodded toward the shop. “The owner is leaving. This is our chance, JW.”

  JW watched Allie walk down the boardwalk on the other side of the street, then disappear around the corner. “We don’t know how long she’ll be gone.”

  “No, but we do know Nora Evans is alone. We may not have another chance as good as this one.”

  JW’s jaw muscles flexed, his gaze still fixed on where he’d last seen Allie. “We have to make it quick. I’ll go in the front and lock the door. You get the horses and take them to the spot we discussed. When you’re done, wait for us out back.”