Faltered Beginnings: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Five

by Ball, Kathleen

  Carter smiled. “Seems I heard something about Glory not being happy the last time you went to the saloon.”

  “I went out of need. Oh, that didn’t come out right. I went there on a mission. Glory now knows I’m a good Christian. I could never cheat, but she didn’t know me very well at the time. Max wasn’t married at the time but I’ve never known two people so close. They almost lost each other in the most permanent of ways. I suspect that’s why they seem to have their hearts entwined,” Parker said. His face turned red.

  “Quite poetic,” Sandler murmured with a smile.

  “Georgie seems to think so. Let’s sneak the gowns over to my house and I’ll see about getting… ah, actually I won’t be allowed to get the things Mary Beth may need. Georgie wouldn’t think I’d know what was needed.”

  “We’ll be back if we’re allowed,” Sandler teased.

  Carter wanted to laugh but he couldn’t have Mary Beth hear him laughing. “I appreciate it.”

  “Anytime,” Parker said. “We’ll go out the back door so Mary Beth doesn’t have to see the gowns. I’m sure Georgie will be right over.”

  Parker and Sandler each picked up a pile of clothes and went out the back door. Carter took a deep breath before joining his wife on the settee. Her skin was so white, and she looked exhausted.

  “Lean on me, my love. I’m so sorry this happened. Parker will find out how he got on the ranch. It’s disturbing. I’m just glad you were at Georgie’s.”

  She snuggled against him. “If it was the baby he wanted, he wouldn’t have destroyed the bedroom. Why risk getting me upset?”

  “I doubt he even gave it a thought. He wants what he wants and usually takes what he wants.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I’ll go and make the bed.”

  Carter put his arm around her and shook his head. “Georgie will be here soon to help out. You’ve made fast friends with the women, and I’m glad.”

  “Not Sondra. She said she knows Iris is a traitor and asked me so many questions insinuating that the baby wasn’t yours. How can someone like that be friends with Georgie?”

  “I don’t know anything about Iris being a traitor and as far as the baby goes, it’s ours. Only ours. I want you to keep the doors locked at all times. I know that isn’t the usual way, but I’d feel better knowing he couldn’t get in.”

  “I will. Ross, I—”

  There was a knock on the door.

  “It’s probably Georgie.” He kissed Mary Beth’s cheek before he stood and opened the door.

  Georgie practically pushed him out of the way in her quest to get to Mary Beth. “Ross, go on and help with the plan to squash this bug. I’ll keep sweet Mary Beth company. Go on, I have Sondra looking after the children.”

  “Since you’re in such good hands, Mary Beth, I’ll go. Please rest.”

  She smiled at him and there was a light in her eyes that intrigued him. It shot a thunderbolt to his heart, and it made him feel as though he was a part of her. He stopped in his tracks for a moment before he went out the door.

  Whatever had just happened, he wanted more.

  Chapter Nine

  Mary Beth was still shaken a week later. The only time she felt at ease was with Ross. He had to be the sweetest man on earth. He’d even picked her some wildflowers. It was so different from their rushed wedding. She hoped it meant he cared for her. If she told him she loved him would he think she said it because she was afraid? She’d wait until Leon was gone.

  Leon had done nothing illegal in town or at least hadn’t gotten caught. There wasn’t a thing they could do to make him leave. He’d made friends with everyone, even the Union soldiers. Everyone on the ranch was being vigilant, but for her it grew tiresome. Looking over her shoulder exhausted her and drained her of her happiness.

  Was her father behind any of this? Did he send Leon to take his heir? Enough was enough. She sat and wrote out what she wanted telegraphed to her father. It was brief but there was so much more she wanted to say.

  Lord, I know You say to forgive, and in the Book of Luke it is said, “And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” How do I make my heart forgive such a wrong as my father has done to me? How do I forget? My heart hardens when I think of him. Please bless me, Lord. Please help me learn forgiveness. Do I forgive him because if he hadn’t thrown me out I wouldn’t have Ross now? I want to feel at peace. Please help me.

  She sat on the front porch smiling at the sunny day. Others had had to forgive her many times. It must have been hard for Iris and Lexington to forgive her when she claimed Lexington was the father of her baby. Lexington had been furious, and Iris’ heart had probably hurt. She’d have to work at it. Forgiveness didn’t come naturally to her. Reverend Shaw would know.

  “Fletcher!” she shouted. “Are you going into town?”

  He nodded and turned his horse to go in her direction. “What can I do for you?”

  “I have a telegram I’d like to have sent.”

  Fletcher got down off the horse and took the piece of paper she handed him. He tipped his hat to her, mounted the horse and rode away.

  She sat back down realizing she hadn’t given him the money to send the telegram. She’d have to ask Ross to do it. She also needed to do something for the other women. They’d been so good to her.

  A party for Iris! She needed to ask Georgie how one did a baby party. Maybe by that time Mary Beth would know how to cook. Maybe in a small way she could make up for her behavior. Maybe she could make baby clothes for Iris’ baby. Her sewing was coming along just fine. Georgie had insisted on repairing the dresses for her.

  Ross smiled at her as he walked up the two steps to the porch. “You look happy.”

  “I am. I prayed to God and asked him to teach me how to forgive my father. Then I realized how many here forgave me for my accusation of Lexington. I’ve probably had many forgive me throughout my life. They all did it in a way I never knew. I then thought maybe I could plan a small party for Iris in honor of the baby coming. What do you think?”

  “If it makes you happy I’m all for it. It’s hard to forgive, but I’ve found that the person giving the forgiveness feels their hearts grow lighter. God will lead you to your path.” He offered his hand; she took it and followed him inside.

  God had shown her the path to Ross. “Ross, I have something I need to tell you.” She pulled her hand from his and then wrung hers together.

  His brow furrowed. “What is it? Do you want to sit down?”

  “It’s not a bad thing.” She took a deep breath. What if he didn’t say it back? Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, she relied on all of her courage. “Ross, I love you.” She stared at him. He looked confused. Oh, no… She shouldn’t have said anything. She had ruined everything with her boldness.

  He took her into his arms, and she waited for the words, but none came. Her eyes filled with tears, and her heart filled with hurt. She’d thought…

  “Are those tears?” he asked in a tender tone. “Love, don’t cry. I’m glad you told me.”

  She kept her glance away from him. “I just thought you’d say it back is all. I’m just a silly—”

  “I’ve called you my love before, and you never said it back. I kept hoping.”

  Turning her head she stared into his eyes. It had probably been there for some time, the look of love on his face. How had she missed it? She put her hands on the back of his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss. It was the most intimate heart-searing kiss. She could feel his love all the way to her toes. She never wanted the kiss to end. He pulled her close to him and she felt her protruding stomach reach him first.

  Shame filled her, and she stepped back. “I can’t stop feeling like I’ve wronged you. Everyone knows the baby is another’s man, and I never meant to bring shame to your door.”

  Ross put his hands on her shoulders. “Love, there is no shame to be saddled with. You
were attacked. Honey, this baby is our own blessing. You have in no way wronged me. In fact, after that kiss we shared I feel as though I must be the luckiest of men. I am awed by how much I love you, and all my feelings were returned in that one kiss. Come, let’s get you off your feet and lay down. I want to hold you.”

  He led her by the hand to the bed and sat her down. He took off her shoes and dress, leaving the rest on. Then he took off his boots, got in the bed and pulled her close.

  She closed her eyes as he rubbed her back. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for my abundant blessings.

  * * *

  “You’re happy today,” Max remarked.

  “Marriage suits me.” Carter couldn’t stop grinning. “I never thought I’d feel as close to another as I am with Mary Beth. She surprises me at every turn.”

  “I’m glad for you. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but it turned out for the best. Listen, we can’t figure out how Leon got onto the ranch so keep your eyes open. Parker wants you to work close to home so no fence riding for you.” Max grew serious. “That Leon sounds like a mean one. Willis is afraid for Iris too.”

  “I wish he’d just show his hand already. Mary Beth is on edge about him. He’s capable of nasty violence, especially toward women. By all rights Mary Beth should have at least seen a doctor, but her father refused to believe her. How you tell your bruised and bleeding daughter you don’t believe her is beyond me.”

  Willis came in leading one of the feistier horses. “This one will be ready to train tomorrow. Sounds like we need to be close to home, Carter. It’s worse since they’re both expecting, and even if I wanted to send Iris away, she wouldn’t go. Between all of us, I know we can keep them safe. Though Iris is angry, she can’t go to town to look at baby things.”

  “That’ll be solved soon. Mary Beth has decided she needs to do something in gratitude to all the wives. She admits she was a snob with a plan when she got here. She’s going to organize a party for Iris and the baby soon. Iris might not need as much as she thinks. Mum’s the word to the women.”

  Willis smiled. “It’ll be good for all of them. I guess we should know as soon as you know which day so we can arrange to watch the children. It took a bit to warm up to Mary Beth but we have a special group of women here. Everyone has been through so much in the War Between the States and many have learned the little things don’t matter as much. With Leon he wouldn’t have had to come here to do damage to Iris. If he whispers in the right ear, people would want her strung up. Sometimes I watch her sleep and can only hope for the best.”

  “One step at a time. I’ve been married for a while now and I know,” Max said.

  Willis laughed. “The extra months you have on me must have given you insight on how to be a good husband.”

  Max grinned. “Some men are more sensitive toward women.”

  Willis threw a lead rope at Max. “Whatever you say.”

  They were all laughing until Sandler walked into the barn with a grim face. “No one seems to know where Leon went. I don’t like this disappearing act. We’ll all need to get into soldier mode.” He shook his head. “I have a bad feeling.”

  Lead seemed to fill Carter’s stomach, and his jaw dropped. “We know where your feelings lead.”

  His companions appeared just as worried.

  Willis nodded. “We’re in for a bad time of it.”

  “Just keep your eyes open, and keep yourselves armed,” Sandler advised.

  “We might as well get to work. We can see both houses from here,” Carter said.

  Parker poked his head in. “Carter, can I see you for a minute?”

  “Sure thing.” He went out the front of the barn. “What’s up?”

  “Georgie wants to host a party for both Iris and Mary Beth. One of those baby parties. Georgie asked me to ask you if Mary Beth would like one or not.”

  Carter laughed. “I’ll go talk to Georgie. Mary Beth has her heart on planning a party for Iris.”

  “Better you than me. I’m kidding. She’ll probably rush over to help Mary Beth organize it.”

  A shrill scream interrupted their laughter.

  “That’s Mary Beth!” Carter shouted, already racing toward his house.

  Parker was on his heels as he ran up the steps and through the front door.

  “What is it?” Carter asked.

  “Look behind the door.” Mary Beth shook violently, and he took her into his arms.

  Parker closed the door. A piece of paper fluttered, hung up with a knife going into the wood. Parker ripped the note down.

  Come with me or your friend Iris pays the price. Ask her how much she wants to live.

  “He was here!” Mary Beth wailed. “He was in the house. He was here inside with me! How?”

  Carter met Parker’s stare. It seemed they didn’t have any ideas.

  “I’ll take you over to my house,” Parker said.

  “No, I’m not up to seeing anyone. I can stay here. I guess I didn’t lock the door.” Her body sagged against Carter’s.

  “I’ll have the rest of the men look around. Carter, stay and be with your wife and I’ll have Willis do the same. I’ll talk with you in a few hours.” Parker turned on his heel and left, pulling the door behind him.

  Carter reached out and bolted the door. “Do you think you could take a nap?”

  She shook her head. “I want to sit so I can see out the front window.”

  He moved a few pieces of furniture, maneuvering the settee in front of the window. He sat down and when she sat next to him, he coaxed her head down to his lap. “Relax.” He stroked her soft hair.

  “I wish I could. He means to harm Iris. He is such an evil man. Does he intend to take her baby if he can’t have mine?”

  “Iris has a different problem. Her family lived in Virginia and spied for the Union. She was too young to know what they were doing. They were found out and soldiers came for them. Her mother hid her in a secret cellar where Iris spent a year before she escaped. But she was the lucky one. They killed her family. Leon means to tell the Confederates about her and possibly the Pale Faces.”

  “The KKK?” She tried to sit, but he encouraged her to lay back. “They’ll kill her for sure and probably will torture her. I can’t let that happen to her. Leon knows a way to get onto the ranch. I need to hide somewhere, Ross. And so does Iris. Is there anywhere we can go?”

  “If we left, it would just be us against him. Here we have practically a whole regiment willing to protect you both.”

  “How many people know about Iris?”

  “Quite a few,” he admitted softly. “Most on the ranch, and then there was the almost hanging. I heard she was ready to walk up the stairs to the gallows before a telegram came. They accused her of spying for the Confederates. She doesn’t go to town often. Both sides don’t seem to trust her. It’s a shame.”

  “She came that close to dying? How did she survive a year in a cellar?”

  “She’s a woman full of courage.”

  Mary Beth nodded. “I need courage.”

  Carter stroked her arm. “You are perfect just the way you are.”

  She was quiet for a while, and by her even breathing he knew she had fallen asleep. He still needed to go talk to Georgie, but it could wait. Iris still had months to go before the baby was expected. The party plans could be made as soon as they thwarted Leon’s plans. Slowly he eased out from under Mary Beth’s head and eased it onto a pillow. Then he went outside.

  The ranch was supposed to be the safest place around. And yet, Leon was a threat. He smiled when he saw Letty approaching.

  “How’s the little mama today?”

  “Napping.” He indicated the rocking chairs he’d built sitting on the wooden porch. “Have a seat, I’d like to get to know you.”

  Letty sat down. “Did you want to know about me or my life as a slave?”

  “I’d like to know you as a person.”

  Letty smiled brightly. “I have three beautiful children with m
y husband Darrius. Hanna, my oldest, is nine, Daryl is eight, and Betsy is six. We haven’t decided on a last name yet. My Darrius is looked up to, and people ask for his opinion all the time. That led to many women looking to me for answers. I’m blessed that my children go to school and I can read, write, and do some figuring too. Glory taught any adult that was interested. The first time she taught me a letter I almost sobbed. She helped to find James and Manor Harkins.” A warm smile crept over her face. “Glory is one of the good ones.”

  “Were the boys lost?”

  Letty shook her head. “You never owned slaves, did you?”

  “No, we barely got by.”

  “I had me three other children. The master, he was a cruel man. He ripped the babies from me and sold them. They each had a different father. Master liked to try different men with different women to see who could produce strong health boys. My first three were beautiful girls. They probably have no idea who their real mother is.” Her smile faded into a look of complete sadness. “I wanted to find them, but I didn’t know the names of the men who bought them. All I knew was it was three different men.”

  Carter reached out and took Letty’s hand. “It must have been extremely hard.”

  “It was, but one day Darrius appeared and he got me to smile. Master died and the young master took his place. He didn’t care what we did as long as we did the work. I married my Darrius, and the good Lord blessed me with three more children who I got to keep.”

  “You don’t mind teaching Mary Beth how to cook?”

  She laughed. “I have to tell you she makes me smile. I never seen a woman try so hard, but I swear you could still use her biscuits for rocks. She’ll get there, she’s determined to learn and that’s what matters. She wants to be a good wife to you, and I can see in her eyes she doesn’t think she is. I see the way you look at her. A little reassurance could go a long way.”