by Linda Ford
Linette saw her coming and greeted her with an armload of dry towels. “You get out of those wet things immediately before you get pneumonia.” She hurried Mercy to her bedroom and threatened to personally undress her if she didn’t get it done in what Linette deemed a “reasonable amount of time.”
“Put on your warmest bedclothes,” Linette added.
Mercy slipped out of her clothes and into a warm nightdress and dressing gown. She began to gather up the wet items. With uncanny timing, Linette stepped into the room.
“Leave it. I’ll see to them as soon as I’ve looked after you.”
She drew Mercy back to the kitchen and eased her into a chair close to the stove. She wrapped a warmed woolen blanket about Mercy’s shoulders, then prepared a cup of hot, sweet tea.
With a throat choked by unshed tears, Mercy thanked Linette. It was nice to have someone care that she was cold and wet. And bleeding inside as if a sword had been run through her several times.
Linette made clucking noises. “I can’t believe Abel let you leave in this rain. What was he thinking?”
Mercy shrugged. She pulled the blanket tightly around her shoulders wishing she could likewise tighten a cover for her heart. She should have never opened the steel doors, but she had, and closing them would take some time and a great deal of emotional strength that she lacked at the moment.
Linette edged the cup of tea closer.
Mercy slipped one hand from under the blanket and picked up the cup and sipped slowly. The warm liquid stole down her throat. It began to melt the ice in the pit of her stomach, but did nothing to thaw the ice encasing her heart. That might never happen.
“Eddie brought home the mail. I had a letter from Grady’s father. He sounded more interested in the boy than he has in the past. Oh, I almost forgot. There is a letter from your parents.” Linette found it and handed it to Mercy.
Mercy tucked it into her pocket. She knew what it would say. “We trust you are enjoying your trip. We have had rain. Your father and I are well.”
She didn’t know why they bothered to write. Obligation, she supposed. Just as she replied out of duty.
A newspaper lay on the table and an advertisement caught her eye. The Greatest Little Wild West Show in the West Will Appear. She pulled the paper closer and read the entire piece. The show was coming to a rough frontier town to the north and east.
“The troupe will be heading south for the winter after their final show here.”
She flicked the paper toward Linette. “I’m going there.”
Linette read the news, then lifted worried eyes to Mercy. “I thought…” She shrugged. “What about Abel and the children?”
“His cabin is about ready to move into.” Each word scratched her throat as if it came out sideways. She coughed but it did little to help. She did not attempt to say more.
“I see.” Linette’s quiet study made Mercy think she probably did see without further explanation.
Linette checked the date on the advertisement. “The show might already be gone.”
“No. They were scheduled to do their last show on Saturday. I don’t expect they’d pack up on Sunday. I might catch them before they leave. Or catch up to them. They won’t have gone far. They won’t go fast.”
“I don’t like the idea.”
Mercy shrugged. “Everyone has been clear about that. Nevertheless, I intend to find them and join the show.”
Linette slipped away. She must have informed Jayne and Sybil, for they both appeared within the hour and tried to persuade her to change her mind, but Mercy had already started packing. “I’ll be off at daylight.”
In the end, neither her friends nor Eddie could convince her to change her mind. She had to get away and this was the perfect escape.
When she saddled up the next morning, Slim rode to her side. “I’m to make sure you get there safe and sound.”
“I’ll be fine on my own.”
“I have my orders.”
“Very well.” She would never admit that she welcomed his presence. This way she couldn’t change her mind and ride to Abel’s cabin, instead, demanding he look at her. Really look at her and see her for what she was.
Though she no longer knew for certain who that was.
Chapter Eighteen
Mercy stood in her stirrups and strained to see the town ahead. “They’re still there.” She pointed to the circle of tents and bunkhouses on wheels and horses penned nearby.
Relief surged through her and she sank back into her saddle. With no doubt but that she’d be accepted into the show, she could now face a future full of adventure and excitement, though her heart did not leap with anticipation. It sat heavy and unresponsive in her chest.
“You can still change your mind,” Slim said as they turned in the direction of the gathering.
Only one thing would cause her to change her mind—Abel seeing her as someone he could trust. But he’d made it clear that wasn’t going to happen. “My heart is set on this.” She said the words as much for her benefit as his.
“I’ll see that you’re settled before I leave.”
She started to protest but he cut her off. “Linette will demand to know all the details.”
“Fine.”
When they reached the area, Mercy reined in to listen and watch. A man worked with a pen of horses, waving a whip to direct them to do all sorts of tricks. Another man brushed a huge Clydesdale horse. Was he used to pull the wagons and movable bunkhouses, she wondered, or did he perform, as well? She watched for a few minutes, but the man simply kept brushing the animal.
The sharp scent of horse droppings mingled with the smell of canvas tents and wood smoke. And excitement.
This was what she’d wanted since she’d set foot in the West.
A woman in fringed leather strolled by.
“Hello,” Mercy called, getting her attention. “Can you tell me who’s in charge?”
“That would be Gus. Why? Who’s asking?”
Mercy smiled at the woman’s soft drawl and at her outfit and simply because she had arrived at her dreams. She quietly and firmly ignored the truth that she did this only to escape the pain of Abel’s disapproval.
“I’d like to talk to him. Can you tell me where he is?”
The woman eyed her up and down, then shifted her gaze to Slim and studied him with such bold eyes that Slim shifted in his saddle.
“I suppose you want to join the show.”
“I can ride and rope and do all sorts of Wild West tricks.”
The woman gave a little laugh. “No doubt you can. And Gus is always on the lookout for performers to add to the show. You’ll find him at that bunkhouse.” She pointed toward one on the right. Then she held out her hand. “They call me Angel.”
Before Mercy could ask if that was her real name or a stage name, the girl left.
Mercy turned toward the bunkhouse Angel had indicated. Slim followed, muttering about how unsuitable the place was. She ignored him and climbed the steps to knock on the door.
“Enter,” a deep voice called.
Mercy hesitated.
“I’ll wait right here,” Slim said.
She opened the door and stepped inside. The room she entered held a desk covered with papers, two wooden chairs, a stove and cupboard and, at the back, a rumpled bed.
Her cheeks heated at the sight, but she drew herself tall. People must forgo certain rules of conduct living in such tight quarters. Not that it mattered to her. Rules were only made by fearful people and she wasn’t afraid.
“How can I help you?”
She introduced herself. “I’d like to join your show.”
His head jerked up, and she noticed his bold black eyes, an overlarge nose and a heavy mustache. He smiled, revealing a gold tooth. “I see. And what can you offer me?”
“Why don’t I show you?”
He pushed to his full impressive height. “Show me.”
She stepped aside and let him lead the way. Slim
, still on horseback, followed.
Gus tipped a head Slim’s direction. “Your husband?”
“No, he only escorted me here at a friend’s insistence.”
“So he’ll be leaving?”
She nodded, her thoughts on the tricks she and Nugget would do. “You have to bear in mind that my horse has been on the road since morning.”
“Let’s see what you can do.” He opened the corral gate for her to enter, then leaned against the fence to watch.
She did rope tricks, gun-handling tricks and had Nugget do a number of the tricks she’d taught him. Then she halted in front of Gus and waited for his verdict.
He seemed in deep thought, his fingers stroking his mustache. Finally he nodded. “I do believe there is room in the program for you. You’re hired. Can you be ready to join us today? We pull out tomorrow.”
“I’m here to stay.”
“Good to know. I’m Gus Seymor, the boss of this outfit.”
She leaned over to shake the hand he offered. He held on a moment too long, forcing her to withdraw.
“Angel,” he bellowed, causing several horses to neigh.
Angel trotted over.
“Take Mercy to your quarters. She’ll be joining the show.”
Something flickered through Angel’s eyes. Mercy wondered if she resented Gus hiring another woman. But then Angel smiled and indicated Mercy should follow her. “Leave your horse here.”
Mercy paused beside Slim. “You can leave now. Tell Linette that I’m okay.”
Slim nodded but, rather than head for the trail, he dismounted. “Don’t mind if I look around, do you?” he asked Gus. “Never been to one of these shows. It looks mighty interesting.”
Gus gave him a hard look then waved his hand. “Go ahead. Have yourself a look.”
Mercy followed Angel to one of the wooden structures on wheels and entered. Bunks for four took up most of the interior, crowded in with a wood heater, wash table and a wardrobe.
“Hang your things in there.” Angel watched as Mercy did. “You got some mighty fancy clothes.” Mercy had only brought two dresses. “You sure you’re gonna fit in here?”
“I mean to.”
“Even if you’re asked to do things you don’t want?”
Mercy stared at the other woman. “Like what?”
Angel shrugged. “Gus has certain expectations.”
The skin on Mercy’s spine did a snakelike crawl. She hoped Angel didn’t mean anything other than shoveling manure.
“Never mind,” Angel said. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”
They went from tent to tent meeting the others. Some were friendly. Others not so much. Several men leered at her and ran their hands along Angel as they passed.
Mercy couldn’t tell if Angel liked it or not, but she vowed she’d make it clear she wouldn’t tolerate such inappropriate behavior. At one tent two men made lewd suggestions.
Angel dragged her away. “Best you keep your distance from them.”
Mercy glanced around for Slim. “Looking for your friend?” Gus asked, startling her with his sudden appearance. “He left a while ago. Said to tell you goodbye.”
A little later the performers gathered round a table in a big tent and ate a meal. A man who’d been introduced as Bull squeezed in between herself and Angel. The four other women giggled as he patted Mercy’s leg.
“Nice to have a new face in our midst.”
A red-haired woman laughed raucously. “Bull, since when have you been interested in faces?” She winked at Mercy. “He’s more interested in your body, if you know what I mean.”
Mercy feared she did and her skin felt two sizes too small. “But I’m not that kind of woman.”
Everyone except Angel laughed. Later, Angel pulled her aside. “Look, kid. You really aren’t going to fit in here.”
“Why? Just because I’m not interested in what Bull wants?”
“He’s not your only concern.” She looked about as if afraid someone would overhear her. “Mercy, you better think hard about this, because we pull out tomorrow and then there’ll be no turning back.”
“I’ll be fine.” But she vowed she would carry a loaded pistol with her day and night.
Gus invited her to his place later in the afternoon. “We need to discuss your performance.”
Mercy glanced about. Angel had disappeared. She had no choice but to follow Gus up the steps. He closed the door behind him and ran his finger along her jaw. Funny how when Abel did the same thing, her insides got sweet like honey but when Gus did it, she felt like glass shattering on hard ground.
She shrugged away from his touch. “I’m not interested in that sort of thing.”
Gus laughed. “All the girls say that to start with.” He waggled his eyebrows and grinned as if she should appreciate his behavior.
“Did you want to discuss my act?”
He waved her question away. “Time enough for that. Why don’t you sit down and tell me about yourself.”
She reluctantly perched on a chair. He pulled the other one close enough to press his knees to hers.
“Tell me about your family.”
She considered what she should say. Certainly not that she had no family in Canada. Nor that her parents wouldn’t likely miss her if she disappeared. “Eddie Gardiner of Eden Valley Ranch is my guardian.” Close enough.
“Never heard of the man. Is he rich?”
Again Mercy considered her answer carefully. “I couldn’t say. I’ve never felt the need to ask regarding his financial status. He’s a very important, powerful man though.”
Gus laughed. And if the increased pressure from his knees was intentional or not, it made Mercy draw back. She slipped from the chair. “I better check on my horse. He’s a valuable part of my act.”
He didn’t look happy but allowed her to leave. She found Nugget in a tiny corral, his hooves buried in wet manure. She poured some feed into a food bag for him but stopped when she saw the poor quality oats. It was the last straw.
She’d made a mistake. She didn’t belong here. It was nothing like she’d imagined. The crowded conditions, the poor food…all of that she could tolerate. The advances by Gus and Bull she would not accept. She headed for the bunkhouse she shared with Angel and threw her things into her bag, then trotted back to Nugget. Several people watched her but no one said anything. She saddled Nugget and went to open the gate. Bull stood there, holding it closed.
“No one comes or goes without Gus’s permission.” His voice made it clear he would not let her by.
“I’ve changed my mind. I’m leaving.”
He chuckled—a mean sound. “Like I said. You need Gus’s permission.”
“Then I shall get it.” She stomped across to Gus’s quarters and knocked. No one answered though she suspected the man was inside. She knocked for several minutes and called his name.
Angel found her there. “He’s not going to answer. If he doesn’t want you to leave, you won’t.”
She followed Angel back to their place. “He can’t keep me here against my will.”
“You came freely.”
“Did you?”
Angel shrugged. “I guess I did. I had a cruel stepfather and joining a Wild West show got me away from him. You could do worse, you know. Gus won’t beat you.”
“I’m not staying.” She opened the door. Bull sat nearby, watching. He touched the gun on his hip as if to warn her and she had a feeling he’d use it if necessary. She closed the door again. She would wait until after dark and slip away.
She pretended to be very busy coiling and uncoiling her rope. All the while, her mind raced. She had her guns. She could shoot at Bull but how far would she get? Likely all of the men were of the same mind. A shiver snaked up her arms. What had she gotten herself into?
*
Abel had to wait a full day for the rain to go from a downpour to a drizzle to nothing. He dressed the children warmly and then the three of them headed for Eden Valley Ranch.
“Are you gonna tell her you’re sorry?” Allie asked, for the umpteenth time.
“When I get there, you two can stay with Mrs. Gardiner while I talk privately to Mercy.” He’d about had it with their dark accusing looks and the way they shifted away from him every time he drew near. Even more daunting were his own thoughts, accusing and berating him. Why had he been so quick to judge her?
He did not like the answer.
Because he couldn’t forgive himself for the mistake he’d made in marrying Ruby and his guilt made him see every woman as too much like her. Mercy wasn’t. Even if she thrived on adventure. That was another thing. In his reaction to where his choices had taken him, he’d denied himself the things he enjoyed. He could afford to enjoy life a bit more, have some fun times with the children and Mercy. The picnic that had never occurred would just be the beginning once he’d apologized and told her how he felt about her.
Would she return his feelings?
They rode up to the big house and Linette came out to greet them. After the usual greetings he looked past her. “Can I speak to Mercy? Is she about?”
“I wish she was, but she’s gone.”
“Gone?” He’d never considered the possibility.
“Do the children want to come in and play with Grady?”
He recognized her subtle hint that she’d like to speak to him privately and lowered the twins to the ground, then dismounted.
She waited for them to go indoors and pulled the door shut behind them. “Mercy left to join a Wild West show.” She told him where the Mercy intended to catch up to the show. “We tried to stop her, but the best we could do was send Slim as an escort. I don’t mind telling you I’m worried about her.”
Abel reeled back on his heels. So this was her answer. She’d always wanted to do this. Nothing had changed.
Except it had. He couldn’t let her go without telling her what was in his heart.
He loved her.
He wanted a chance to prove it to her. To win her heart in return.
“When did they leave? Is Slim back yet?”
They’d left yesterday, Linette told him, and Slim wasn’t back.
“I don’t know what happened between the two of you,” she added, “but whatever it is, surely it’s not so bad it can’t be mended.”
