Whispered Love

by Kathleen Ball

  “I think that was the whole plan. I’d better go make sure she doesn’t start any trouble.”

  “I thought it was the men who would be the troublemakers?”

  Samuel frowned. “Linda could give them a run for their money. There is no way she’s going to like living up here.” He nodded at Leon and turned to walk down the dirt road. Why would she be so reckless? Didn’t he have enough going on with Pat? Damn! Pat. He hurried down toward camp. Linda would eat Pat alive if she found out.

  The rustling sound of a woman’s skirts startled Pat. She quickly turned from the cook stove and tensed when she saw a very pretty woman with golden-red hair. Her dress was a beautiful shade of blue, and Pat had never seen so much lace before.

  “You there, I would like some coffee.”

  Pat nodded. “Sure thing. Have a seat and I’ll bring it. I have some bread if you’re hungry.”

  “Coffee is fine.”

  She looked as though she glided across the floor instead of walked like everyone else. Pat watched, amazed, for a moment before she poured the coffee.

  She set the cup down on the table. “Here ya go. I’m Pat, the cook.”

  “I’m Miss George, call me Linda. You wouldn’t happen to know where my fiancé is, would you?”

  Linda’s flawless skin mesmerized Pat. It was so white, as though she never stepped into the sun. “What’s his name?”

  Linda smiled. “Samuel. I’ve been waiting forever for him to come down off this mountain. I’m tired of waiting, so here I am. I bet he’ll be surprised.”

  “I think that’s a safe bet.” Pat smiled and turned away. Samuel had never mentioned a woman before, but they weren’t confidants. She could only hope that the wagon had enough supplies to finish the cabin. She had work to do, so she’d have to check later. Maybe Fred could move her things back into the tent.

  “Darling, there you are!”

  Pat turned and watched as Linda hurried to the door and flung herself into Samuel’s arms. She felt gut kicked and didn’t know why. Linda was a lucky girl. Pat hid a smile behind her hand when she realized Samuel wasn’t returning the embrace, and he wore a big frown. His gaze met hers, and her mirth knew no bounds.

  Coughing to cover her laughter, she flew by them and went out the door. Things were going to be interesting around here. No wonder he never mentioned his lady. He didn’t seem to know he had a fiancée. The men would have their eyes on Linda now. So much for the no women in the camp rule. She’d have no one to tell her she stank. Linda had brought her freedom.

  Whistling, she went back into the cookhouse and promptly returned to the cook stove. She had pounds and pounds of pork chops to fry. Her heart tugged. Pork chops had been her Da’s favorite. Now, if you asked her, they were more like shoe leather than actual meat, but the men liked them.

  The back of her neck tingled, and she knew someone was watching her. She turned slowly and discovered it was Samuel. He was standing just on the other side of the serving table. “Did you need something, boss?”

  “I’ll pack your things. You and I are moving into your cabin. Fred and Hank are putting up the cots, and Big Hans is installing the stove your father bought.”

  “What about a roof?”

  “I thought we could stretch the wagon canvas over part of it for now. It shouldn’t take a few of the men long to get it done.”

  So much for living by herself but she couldn’t complain. Her cabin was being built. “You’ll be staying until the wedding?”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed and he appeared decidedly uncomfortable. “I know we don’t know each other very well, but people telling me what to do chaps my… I don’t like it.”

  “I’m sorry. I never meant—”

  “It’s not you, Pat. My parents, her parents, and Linda have all decided my fate for me. I refuse to cow down to their dictates. I’m my own man, and I make my own decisions.” He shrugged. “I just need to make sure never to be alone with her. I don’t trust her, and I don’t want to be leg shackled to her. I’ve given it some thought, and I think it best that you stick with me when you’re not working. A type of chaperone. We’ll get you cleaned up again so she can’t object.”

  “No one will give me a second look while she’s around.”

  “Exactly.” Samuel smiled. “I’ll let you get back to work. Smells great. Linda will be sitting at my table.”

  “Sure thing, boss.” Pat nodded and her heart dropped when he left. She’d never cared what men thought of her before. It was true Linda was as pretty as the tallest pines, and the men would only have eyes for her. Somehow, though, hearing Samuel say it stung.

  It was going to be a long fall and an even longer winter. She had more than enough to keep her busy. There was canning that needed to be done, sooner rather than later. Her and her da had spent all summer canning fruit and early vegetables. With the arrival of the supply wagon had come more vegetables to can.

  Sighing, she went back to cooking. She had a heap of work to do, and it looked like a bath was in her future. What would it be like to not have to rub dirt on her face? As long as it didn’t give away her secret, she was all for it.

  Good Lord, but Linda could prattle on about the most mundane things. He’d tuned her out halfway through dinner. She was talking about his family and he really didn’t care. They had their agenda, and he wanted no part of it. But he was stuck with Linda, and he’d have to find her a job to do. There was no living for free at the company camp, no exceptions.

  He dreaded the squawking that was bound to happen when he brought up the subject. Maybe she could knit socks for the men or something. He’d talk to her about it after supper. His gaze returned again and again to Pat. For a tiny woman she sure did a lot of work. Maybe it was too much for her. He had never thought to ask her.

  With her father living, there had been two cooks, and now she shouldered the burden alone. For now, there would be no help for it. He couldn’t risk the men finding out she was female. He’d talk to her later when they were alone. His eagerness to be alone with her to talk took him by surprise. But then again she didn’t prattle on.

  “Right, Samuel?” Linda narrowed her eyes at him.

  Damn, she knew he wasn’t listening. “What was that? I’m sorry I was thinking about where we would cut next.”

  “I was saying that the men needed to clean up a bit. These awful beards must go. It’s so uncivilized.”

  Leon, Fred, and Hank all smiled.

  “We don’t tell a man how to dress or groom up here. The work is extremely hard. Besides, up here we don’t have to be part of society. This is what being a lumberjack is all about. Heck, if we asked them to shave we’d have a riot.” Samuel saw her scowl, but he ignored it.

  “After dinner I want to take a look at your arm. You must be suffering,” she said as she gave him a doting smile.

  “Not necessary. Pat takes care of it.” He stared at his meal. He didn’t want to see her scowl again.

  “Oh?”

  Leon nodded. “Pat and his pa knew a lot about healing with herbs and all.”

  “Herbs? You mean plants? Samuel, we are going to town in the morning. You need to see a proper doctor with proper medicine.”

  “Linda, I don’t like being fussed over. Pat is doing a fine job, so let’s just leave it at that. Besides, it’s almost all healed. I’m just glad I didn’t lose the hand.” He felt a twinge of guilt at the satisfaction he got from how pale she became.

  “Well, yes. Thank God for that. Really Samuel, this is the very reason you should be home where you belong.” She daintily dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “I’m ready; you can escort me home now.”

  “Fred, will you go and make sure the fire is lit as well as a lamp. I’ll have Pat save you a piece of pie.”

  Fred immediately stood. “I’m holding you to that.” He smiled and then left.

  “Linda, my day extends well into the night. Paperwork needs to be done among other things. I have a feeling this visit will disappoint
you. I don’t have a lot of free time.”

  “Well, of course you work hard. Once we’re married you can eat in our cabin.”

  He cocked his left brow. “You learned how to cook? That’s a fine achievement.”

  Her face turned red. “I was thinking we could have Pat deliver our food to us.”

  Hank laughed. “I’ve never known a company cook to deliver before. I’m surprised Pat can keep up with feeding all the men.”

  “There are hours between each meal. I doubt it’s a big problem.” Linda patted her hair and looked around. “It’s very efficient and I’m sure he has a lot of free time.”

  “I wouldn’t know about that, Miss Linda,” Leon said. “The dishes need to be washed and he’s cooking for over twenty-five men. That’s at least one hundred biscuits every morning. Plus at least seventy-five eggs and more than seven pounds of bacon. So, it’s no easy job. He really could use some help if you ask me.”

  Her eyes widened. “Don’t look at me. I’m a guest.” She gave Samuel a sweet smile.

  “We’ll figure out something for you to do,” Samuel said. “Leon, would you mind escorting Miss Linda to the cabin?”

  “Aren’t you going to take me?”

  “I just don’t have the time right now. Plus I have a no-women rule, and I can’t be seen at the cabin. It would look like I was breaking the rule. Happy workers are the best workers. I will see you in the morning.” He stood and pulled her chair back for her well aware every eye was upon him. “Have a good night.”

  “But what if I need something? Where will you be?”

  “In a half built cabin down the hill from you. Listen, Hank and Leon’s cabin is right next door. Just shout out and they’ll be there. They can come get me if needed.”

  “You are pawning me off to the help?” She crossed her arms in front of her and stared at him. “Well?”

  “I didn’t know you were coming. I can’t just drop everything and be at your beck and call. I’ll stop by and get you for breakfast. Breakfast is before sun up.”

  Her mouth made a grim line. Giving him a curt nod, she lifted her head high and walked out of the cookhouse.

  Every man had stopped eating and stared at him. It was always best to head off trouble. “Men, I suppose you’ve noticed Miss Linda George.” There was laughter. “I still abide by my no women rule but I don’t have much of a choice. It’s too risky to send her down the mountain this time of year. I had no idea she was coming. I expect you all to show her the proper respect.”

  “You gettin’ married?” one of the men shouted out.

  “I never plan to tie myself to a woman, but if I do it’ll be my choice. I think every man here agrees that they don’t like to be told what to do in their private lives. My father thinks we should wed.”

  “She sure is pretty.”

  “Nope, you can’t allow anyone to tell you what to do!”

  “Stand up to your old man!”

  “I’ll take her!”

  The last shout turned his blood cold. Damn, he’d have to assign her protection. “Like I said, she is to be respected by everyone.” He hardened his voice. “I don’t want any trouble, and I certainly don’t want to have to fire anyone and send him down the mountain.” He panned the crowd trying to make eye contact with as many as possible. An uneasy feeling gripped him.

  “Pies are ready!” Pat called out as she dished out pieces as fast as possible. The men seemed to forget about Linda and focused on their mixed berry pie.

  Sitting back down, Samuel sought out Pat’s gaze and gave her a quick nod of thanks. If her secret came out, the men just might lynch him. How two women could be so different he didn’t know. One wanted to work hard and keep to herself while the other craved attention and expected to be waited on. The image of Pat naked in his tub had played over and over in his head ever since he found her. It was hard to think of her as just a roommate. That was the very reason for his rule.

  Chapter Five

  Pat finished the dishes, but she wasn’t in any hurry to go to the cabin. Feelings she didn’t recognize plagued her, and she wasn’t sure what to think. For the first time, she wished she had a pretty dress to wear. She wanted to take her bindings off and be a real woman. Linda was now in camp. Certainly, another woman wouldn’t make a difference. She didn’t have anything to wear anyway. Besides, it would be considered scandalous that she’d been living with Samuel. It was a bit disheartening, but she needed to protect him from gossip. She pushed her wishes aside and dried her hands.

  Taking a lantern, she walked down the path to her cabin. She opened the door and there was Samuel sitting by the woodstove.

  He looked up when she entered and gave her a heart-stopping smile. “Good you’re home. I know you hate it, but I have water heating for you.”

  His use of the word home warmed her beyond measure. “I don’t hate it. It’s just a disguise I need to keep hiding behind. I like being clean as much as the next person.” She nodded and walked past him to the cot with her things on top. “I have some clean clothes to wear.”

  Samuel pulled the tub in front of the stove with one arm and added hot water to it and then splashed in some cold water. “There’s a towel and soap on the chair.”

  “Thank you.” She grabbed her clothes and laid them across the chair back. “Knock before coming in?”

  He appeared very uncomfortable. “You see, the thing is I made a big deal about paperwork. I can’t leave here. I bet Linda is watching the cabin right now.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Sit at the table with your back to me. If I catch you peeking, I will poke your eye out.” She waited for him to oblige before she turned her back and undressed. Her body tingled knowing he was but feet from her. Stepping into the tub, she yelped. The water was too hot. She grabbed the bucket of cold water and added more. She didn’t need or want to turn around. She could feel the heat of his gaze upon her. It excited her to a point she felt wicked.

  He didn’t make a sound but she knew he still watched. With her back to him, there wasn’t much for him to see as she sank into the clean water. In delight, she grabbed the soap and scrubbed every speck of dirt off her body. Being clean had been a luxury, and now she’d be able to keep clean. She still didn’t know how she was going to keep up her disguise as a boy with a clean face.

  Her breasts ached, both from being bound and because when she thought about Samuel, her nipples hardened. What was happening to her? She’d never known yearning for a man before, and she didn’t like it. She shook her head as she shampooed her hair. No, that wasn’t true. She liked it too much, and she sure didn’t know what to do about it. He claimed he didn’t like Linda but she was probably the type of woman he liked. Feminine, with big breasts and a pretty face.

  Rinsing her hair, Pat bemoaned the fact that it was short. Maybe it was time to let it grow out a bit. Many of the men had long hair. She shrugged. It wouldn’t matter. He’d shown no interest in her except he didn’t want to get caught having a female in camp. She could easily tell the men the truth, but she knew there’d be nothing but trouble after that. They’d look at her as a woman who could warm their beds.

  Her Da had been right. The only way to stay safe was to be a man.

  “Did you fall asleep again?”

  Jarred out of her musings, she grabbed her towel. “I was just getting out.” She stood and glanced over her shoulder. He had his back to her. Good, she could get dressed in peace. After she quickly dressed, she stood in front of the stove to warm up.

  “Thank you for being a gentleman.”

  He turned and stared at her. “I still can’t believe I thought you a boy. Your blonde hair is lovely.” Shaking his head, he smiled. Then he dragged the tub out of the cabin to empty it. When he came back in, he wasn’t alone. Linda hung onto his arm.

  “Hi, Pat. I hope you don’t mind leaving for a while. I have something I need to talk to Samuel about.” She stared as though expecting Pat to skedaddle.

  “I was just about t
o get some shut-eye. I need to be up a few hours before the sun.”

  Linda squeezed Samuel’s arm. “You don’t mind a late breakfast, do you?”

  Samuel skillfully disentangled himself from Linda’s hold. “Do you want a mob of hungry loggers wanting to lynch Pat? Sorry, but if you need something we can step out onto the porch and let Pat get his sleep.”

  Linda gave Pat a cold stare, shrugged her shoulders, and proceeded to walk outside. She looked back as though to be sure that Samuel was following.

  Maybe they were really engaged after all. Linda seemed to think she had every right to just show up at his cabin. Thank God, she hadn’t come any earlier or she’d have been shocked. It was a serious matter, but Pat couldn’t help but chuckle. Lying down on her cot, she tried to sleep but she couldn’t stop wondering what they were doing out on the porch.

  “If we got married, we could share your cabin,” Linda purred as she pressed her breasts against his good arm. “You wouldn’t have to share with that boy.”

  “Pat’s a good fella. I don’t mind. Besides, I never asked you to marry me.”

  Linda gasped. “Our fathers agreed to the marriage. I consider that binding, as should you. I grew tired of waiting for you to come down off this mountain. Do you really think living in these primitive conditions suits me? No, I came because of you.”

  Samuel furrowed his brow as he took his arm back again. “Just where do you think we’d live if we married? This is it, this is as good as it gets. This is my home.”

  “Grow up, Samuel. It’s time for you to live in town and take your place in the company. Being the owner has benefits, and we should enjoy them. Just think of the big house we can build. We’d be able to lord it over the ruffians down there.”

  The excitement in her voice nauseated him. Lord it over the ruffians? He hadn’t realized just how selfish she was. “My cabin must have been a big letdown for you. Didn’t you realize that you’re here for the whole winter?”

  Her eyes grew wide. “No, I’m not. I’m here to bring you back with me so we can be married.”