She looked at him, and her eyes were filled with tears. "I did not come here on vacation," she shared, her gaze lost in some painful memory. "My parents were murdered, and I had to run away from my home so I would not share their fate."
Her revelation changed everything. What in heaven's name happened to this sweet girl?
Beatrice's unexpected confession shook him to the core.
Murdered? Running away from the assassin? His mind spun. Nathan walked back to where he had tied his horse to a tree so he could collect a small blanket. He returned with it and placed it on a tree trunk for her to sit on. He needed something physical to do while his mind tried to calm itself down.
"I do not know why I told you that," she started to retreat.
"You can tell me anything you want," he comforted her. "Please, Miss Beatrice," he gestured and nodding she accepted what he offered.
To his utmost surprise, she continued to speak. "It was our family outing when it happened…" As she revealed more of her story, Nathan could only sit next to her and offer his presence and a listening ear as a solace. When she reached the part about the assassin haunting her, his blood practically boiled.
Deprived, sick monster! He raged inside his head, clenching and unclenching his fists (in a fashion so she was not aware of it), as if dreaming the fiend was at his grasp, so he could end him then and there and save Miss Beatrice from any future woes.
When she finally stopped, Nathan was at a loss of words, so he said as much. "I have no words to offer you that can in any way alleviate your burden and pain, despite the fact that there is nothing in the world I would love more."
She looked at him with big, teary eyes. "Thank you! I really appreciate your saying that."
Nathan wished there was something else he could offer her. That monster's head, perhaps? He thought in dark humor.
"And thank you for bringing me here. It's quite lovely."
"It was my pleasure," Nathan replied instantly. "How do you feel now?"
She dabbed the remaining tears away. "I am quite all right now," she finished speaking, taking a deep breath, and he believed her since her whole posture changed.
Still, he wanted to make sure. "Are you sure? You were rather distraught." Yet nearly not enough, considering what she went through, Nathan realized.
She started to say something, then reconsidered and started again; she couldn't find the proper words. "It was not that, well, I was rather shaken, but only because it reminded me of…" And then she paused.
Instantly, he understood what she couldn't say. "You were troubled because this man called you girlie," he guessed. "Do you believe these two incidents are somehow linked?" He demanded.
"I do not know. The authorities in New York now know where I am…" The Sheriff from Helena inadvertently sent a telegram hinting she was in town vacationing at her relatives once he received a nationwide alert about her being kidnapped. It was not his fault; he did not know she was in danger.
"And possibly the assailant," he finished instead of her and Beatrice simply nodded.
"But what do you mean now they know? How did that occur?" He inquired. So, she explained to him how the Sheriff visited them that same day.
"But I must be exaggerating. Nobody could possibly come all that way in a day."
That is true, but on the other hand, someone could have been hired… Nathan decided to keep an even closer eye on Beatrice from now on. "Yes, I do believe you are correct. It was all a coincidence. A rather misfortunate one," he replied instead, and his words visibly calmed her as he hoped they would.
"Would you like for me to take you home now?" Nathan offered.
Beatrice thought for a moment. "Would it be a grave inconvenience if we stayed a little bit longer? I rather enjoy it here."
"No inconvenience whatsoever," Nathan said with a small smile. He would gladly wait forever in this exact spot if it pleased her.
She offered one in return, and Nathan's heart actually started to beat a little faster. It did that a great deal today while she spoke, yet he feared it was for a completely different reason now.
"If I failed to express my gratitude for what you did for me today, let me do it now," Beatrice said after a short pause. Nathan felt the need to interrupt her, to tell her it wasn’t necessary, but he could see in her eyes that this was something she needed to do for herself, so he remained quiet.
"I could never repay you for your kindness," she stated. "I know we had a rather unconventional introduction."
"That was completely my fault and for which I profusely apologize," Nathan jumped in to say what he had been wanting to for a long time.
Beatrice inclined her head. "I find myself thinking you are more than what meets the eye, Mr. Nathan Walsh." And that was more than he could even hope for.
Eventually, her stomach started to growl, putting a stop to any further discussions. The only thing Nathan had on himself was some dried meat and fruit. Nathan offered the humble spread to her nevertheless, chastising himself for not having something else of more substance.
It's not like you could predict something like this occurring, he reminded himself. Regardless, she accepted it without any reserve. Nathan watched her in silence as she ate. It reminded him of the first day they met.
He was in complete awe of her. All the calamity that occurred to her, the tragedies she endured were severe enough to break any man. And here she was, still alive and presumably stronger than ever. He admired her a great deal.
That is a woman worth having beside you, Nathan found himself thinking. If you are fortunate enough, he concluded. And his heart did that little dance once again.
Nathan probably knew from the start he was infatuated with her, yet now he knew why. At first, he ignored it, considered it nothing more than a passing curiosity. He was drawn to her for a reason, and now that he knew what he wanted, it was just a matter of proving to her that he was worthy of her as well.
Nathan vowed he was going to do everything in his power to do just that. I will keep you safe, and I will be the man you need me to be, he vowed silently. Beatrice chose that moment to look at him and for a split moment, he panicked, thinking he said the words out loud. He could not believe his fortune that this amazing young lady stumbled in his life as she has.
Maybe there is such a thing as Irish luck.
Chapter Fifteen
Beatrice could not believe she had shared all that with Nathan, yet at the same time, she felt almost compelled to do so. Now she was more confused than ever regarding this man.
On one hand, she was beyond grateful Nathan was there to aid her and stop that drunken idiot from hurting her even further. On the other hand, she could not fully forget their first encounter. It was as if Nathan Walsh was two different men at the same time, one that was highly empathetic and kind, and the other that had no regard for propriety and concerned only about his own amusement.
Beatrice realized none of that was true anymore. I must be missing something, she insisted. But what?
It occurred to her at that moment how she was more concerned and troubled with her thoughts about what kind of man Nathan Walsh truly was, than about the man that attacked her. Rather peculiar…
"Was that enough for you?" Mr. Walsh inquired, gesturing to the remnant of her dining, snapping her from her musings instantly.
"Quite enough," she replied honestly. "I thank you for the meal. It was quite satisfying."
"I am glad," he replied offering a small smile. "It was quite satisfying watching you eat with such honest pleasure."
That remark made her blush. Contain yourself, Beatrice, you are not a child, she chastised herself. She must have forgotten her manners. "I..." she started to speak yet Nathan interjected.
"Please do not dare to apologize," he insisted, guessing her thoughts. "I meant what I said, it was a compliment." His remark confused her even more. "Shall we?" He added as if he was changing the subject for her sake. A part of her was grateful. Beatrice nodded.
>
Without further delay, they mounted the horse in silence. Once they reached the ranch, and the house came into view, Beatrice could spot her aunt and uncle waiting for her in front of it, looking a bit alarmed.
Oh my… Beatrice started to worry.
"There she is," Uncle Tom said with obvious relief they arrived.
"I almost fainted twice from worry," Aunt Claudia complained and Beatrice stiffened. She was afraid of that and felt guilty for troubling her in any way.
"I am sorry Auntie, Uncle, but my horse ran away," Beatrice tried to explain herself without revealing too much. She did not want to tell them everything that had taken place, and what she just said was not technically a lie. She also hoped Nathan Walsh would follow her lead.
Luckily, he did.
"Beatrice," her aunt started with a highly disappointed tone in her voice.
"It was not her fault." Nathan came to her defense once again. "Bored kids released all the tied horses for amusement, but do not worry, as I already reassured Miss Beatrice, I will return Bailey first thing in the morning," he delivered with such ease, Beatrice was rather impressed.
"Well, that settles it then," Uncle Tom said, clearly satisfied with that explanation, yet her aunt was not so easily placated.
"I told you not to go alone," she chastised.
"I'm sorry, Auntie," Beatrice replied meekly.
Nathan Walsh chose that moment to dismount, helping her get down next. For a moment he had a strange expression on his face, as if there was something he wanted to say to her yet reconsidered it, sobering a little.
Did he notice the change between us as well? Came a sudden thought. "Luckily, Mr. Walsh was there to assist me." The words of praise were out of her mouth before she could stop them.
"You must stay for dinner," Aunt Claudia insisted.
He hesitated for a moment, looking at Beatrice underneath his eyelashes. He was waiting to hear what she had to say about that. She was rather harsh with him in the past, so it was quite understandable he behaved in such fashion.
"Oh yes, please do," Beatrice continued with her oratory surprises.
Mr. Walsh smiled, inclining his head. "If you are the one asking, Miss Beatrice, who am I to decline," he replied softly.
Oh my…
Weeks passed and Beatrice fell more and more in love with her life on the Thunderbolt Ranch. The frequent visits from one certain gentleman had nothing to do with that notion, or so she kept telling herself, yet her heart told a different story.
At times she felt guilty about all of it. Was she in some way disappointing her parents who had such high hopes for her?
Letting their murderer roam freely in the world in search of her did not sit well with her as well. One would think Beatrice lived in constant fear, yet that was not the case, far from it. Beatrice was too busy to spend too much time thinking about her emotions or her previous life in New York, as she grew accustomed to referring to it.
Sometimes all that happened before felt like a distant dream, or a daze, something that almost happened to someone else, and this was her true life. It was rather strange, yet at the same time, it helped her move on and find happiness.
Life on the farm was anything but easy yet, as she stated before, she loved every second of it. She helped her uncle with the cattle, was learning to cook, and then there were the riding lessons with Nathan. Beatrice lived her life every day to the fullest, and wouldn't change a second of it, despite the tragedies that led her to it.
"Great job, Beatrice!" her uncle complimented when she managed to jump over an obstacle they created for her and Bailey. It was no grandiose affair, but it further honed her riding skills.
Uncle Tom was riding out with the rest of the men to bring the cattle back from the mountain to the ranch, first thing tomorrow, and she wanted to persuade him, show him, she was ready to go with him.
The biggest town fair was approaching, and her uncle was planning on selling some of his animals there.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Alas her efforts were in vain. "That is no task for a city girl! " Uncle Tom was adamant.
"But I practiced a great deal, " she argued back, and he gave her the look as if she was acting childish.
"Of course, you did, yet you are still too far away from being a cowgirl. " Beatrice wanted to negotiate the issue further, but in the end, she knew her uncle was right. She was not ready despite her desire to be of use and her hard work.
I will stay, and I will continue to learn, work hard until I am ready, she promised to herself.
Aunt Claudia had an episode when Beatrice informed her about her wish regarding future trips. Something else was revealed to her thanks to their long discussion. Beatrice had her suspicions in the past and they were unfortunately proven true. Beatrice firmly believed she was faking her illness. Maybe not in its entirety but in a large part certainly. She still loved her aunt dearly and thought she was a gentle, kind soul …
From the beginning, Beatrice found her Auntie's condition peculiar, to say the least. It was Elaine who helped Beatrice fortify her suspicions on the matter. Aunt Claudia was bored, plain and simple. Uncle Tom labored all day on the ranch, and she had all the help she needed around the house which left her with nothing. The only way she could get her husband's attention was to faint, and he was always so attentive with her, of course, that she grew accustomed to it. Alas, as of late she tried to use the same strategy on Beatrice so she could try and sway her to do her bidding, which Beatrice could not allow. Her father taught her to think for herself.
Beatrice had a long heart to heart with her old governess the eve before Uncle Tom departed.
"Are you quite sure?" Beatrice insisted while speaking with Elaine about her aunt. Even though deep inside herself she already knew the truth, she needed to be completely sure.
"I would not bring it up, if I wasn't," Elaine replied in her usual calm manner. "I've seen wives behave in a similar way before, some husbands as well." There was no reprimand in her voice, simply facts.
"That is unfortunate," Beatrice replied mostly to herself. "What are we to do?" She wanted to know. "Tell Uncle?" Even while asking that, Beatrice did not actually want to do such a thing. The truth would certainly devastate him, seeing how much he cared about his wife; it would ruin his bond with Auntie.
"I do not think we should," Elaine said eventually, and Beatrice was relieved her governess was of the same mind.
"All right then, we keep her secret. But then what? We cannot simply turn a blind eye. That would not be fair to Uncle Tom," Beatrice argued.
Elaine simply nodded in return. "Leave everything in my hands, my child. I have a plan to remedy your aunt," Elaine said with utmost confidence.
"What plan?" Beatrice could not help but prompt.
"Simply put, your aunt is bored in her life, having all the help she needs around the house, especially since we came to stay, so she feels a bit restless. So, I am to teach her how to be of use again," Elaine explained with a shrug.
That sounds simple enough, Beatrice seemed convinced. "And you believe that will do the trick?"
"Yes," Elaine replied instantly.
Beatrice liked her plan a great deal. "All right then, I leave everything to you since I am quite confident you will succeed in your endeavor," Beatrice complimented.
"Of course, I will. I managed to turn you into a lady, didn't I," Elaine said trying really hard to remain stern.
On the other hand, Beatrice chuckled. "I am not quite sure you succeeded, my dear Nan," she replied while pointing at herself. Beatrice looked quite different from when she first arrived at the ranch. She wore her hair in a more practical manner, her dresses were far simpler, and she even got a slight tan from spending so much time in the outdoors.
If only Mother could see me now … Beatrice hoped she would be proud despite the fact she was now everything her mother frowned upon. I am happy, Mother, she sent a silent prayer, hoping that would make all the difference.
Elaine lost her composure at that. "I can see your point," and the two women laughed wholeheartedly, then embraced.
That evening, Beatrice was rather excited, since there was still a slither of hope Uncle would let her ride with him. Maybe even too excited to easily fall asleep, yet at the same time, her heart felt lighter knowing her aunt was in good hands. Right before she fell asleep, she started to wonder about a completely different matter.
Nathan Walsh promised he would come at the break of dawn to see the men off, even though she suspected that was simply an excuse he used to come visit the ranch, and her heart started beating just a bit faster whilst thinking of him, which confused her to no end.
Once the men left, sadly without her, Beatrice spent all her days on the ranch, riding, practicing, patiently waiting for their return with each twilight.
Roaming about with Bailey, Beatrice found herself lost in her thoughts. Yes, this life was rather hard and tiring at times, but the rewards were plenty, which was the notion that was shared with all the workers on the ranch. For the first time in her life, Beatrice felt like she actually mattered beyond entertaining a crowd of people she did not completely like. Here, on the ranch, she was of use, and she thanked God for that every single day.
She still loved to sing and play the piano, yet people in Helena were different, they regarded her in a different way as well. Here, she was not some prime possession many coveted, but rather someone that was appreciated. There were good people in New York as well, people like her Uncle John Leaton. The townspeople here were more honest, genuine, despite leading a rather simple life, so she loved making them happy in any way possible.
Beatrice started yawning at some point. She was that bone tired, although Bailey practically did everything, and she just sat on top of him like a figurine. Forcing herself to keep her eyes open, making sure she spotted her uncle the moment he appeared on the horizon, Beatrice completely missed the fact that they actually arrived at the ranch, which was rather ironic.
Finding the Broken Cowboy Page 12
