Jessica tilted her head toward her aunt. “My life isn’t ruined, Auntie, but he could ruin Hannah’s and I won’t have that. As for myself, he has no power over me.”
“My dear, I’m sorry, but the truth is what it is. His actions forced you to be husbandless.”
Giving a short puff of air, she responded, “He no longer has me as his wife. He ruined it for himself.”
“Yes, I suppose that is also true.” She patted Jessica’s hand. “I will say it again. I am very proud of your strength and courage.”
“Thank you, Auntie.” They exchanged a knowing look.
Then June was up in a flash. “Oh! How could I forget?” She came back from the parlor with a small envelope in her hand. “This came for you this morning.”
As Jessica read its contents, she figured by her aunt’s broad smile, June already knew who it was from—Mr. Cantrell. She pocketed the note. “He’s invited us to visit him on his land today.”
Burt rose. “I’ve got to get to Dunbar’s,” he said as he left the room. “You ladies go without me. I have too much work to do.”
“I can manage the buggy, Uncle,” Jessica said after him. She tempered her excitement at Caleb’s invitation as June continued to smile. “A pie, Auntie?”
“Of course!” June clapped her hands.
Chapter Eight
By the end of September, the mornings began chilly before giving way to the day’s heat. Jessica and her aunt rode to Caleb’s land, which he named Rail River Acres, with a warm rhubarb pie in hand. In her rusty-red-colored day ensemble with the simple, turned-down collar and green-plaid waistcoat, Jessica felt she had dressed appropriately for an outing in the hills. She was glad for her chemise and petticoat, as the chill of the morning had not left the land they climbed. She pulled her thick, brown shawl around her shoulders as she maneuvered the horse and carriage over the rough road.
Shortly after they arrived, June excused herself. Lifting her skirts, she walked through the makings of a path in the wildflower-filled meadow. Jessica was onto June’s plan, and she sensed Caleb was as well. As they conversed in the awkward space between them, she felt as if every word weighed a hundred pounds.
Jessica gazed out onto the field. “Your land is beautiful, Mr. Cantrell.”
“Thank you. Would you mind calling me Caleb?”
“Not at all, Caleb.” Speaking his name gave her a chill. She hoped he didn’t notice her nerves. Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea. The sun was heating up, but she drew her shawl tighter.
“I’m happy you and your aunt ventured over that road to come up here.”
“Yes, it was a challenge. Will you be grading it?”
“All in good time.”
Chiding herself for asking such a silly question, she recovered with, “It’s a lovely road, no less, and your land is beautiful.”
“Yes, so you said.” He chuckled and moved a step closer. “I love it here, and I’m glad you think it’s beautiful.”
She studied his finely chiseled profile as he spoke. A strand of his long hair escaped from the tied-back mane and danced along his cheekbone. His gentle gaze was on her and she became guarded. “You were saying something about a workshop?”
June returned, uncharacteristically silent, and handed each of them a blossom. Jessica placed the delicate, blue larkspur in her hair. Caleb brought his flower next to hers, making sure it would stay. His hand brushed her cheek, sending a tingle up her spine. Her cheeks burned. Praying for a breeze to cool her, she heard Caleb ask if they would like to see the inside.
They walked through the timber frame of his home, and he pointed out the future rooms and their uses. “It will have three bedrooms and a proper outdoor privy,” he boasted.
Although Jessica politely approved, the skeleton frame offered little to the imagination. “I’d love to see how it progresses.” She ran her hand over one of the sanded poles. His work shirt hung from a nail. The smell of newly milled wood mixed with the aroma of a man hard at work was intoxicating. She wanted to inhale the heady mixture and take it with her.
“You may visit any time you like, Miss Messing. You also, Mrs. Stanford.”
“Oh, I would love that,” her aunt replied. “We wouldn’t want to bother you, though.”
He looked around and sheepishly offered each of them a stool. “I’m sorry this is all I have. I made these and that table.” The pie sat on the small, rustic table. “I brought up some cider from the boarding house. Let me get some cups.”
“Oh, now don’t go making a fuss,” June insisted.
“No fuss,” he said as he sat the cups and jug of cider on the table. “I’m pleased to be able to show you what I’ve done so far. Thank you for coming.”
After the refreshment, they strolled about his land and came to the knoll. Jessica was taken with the river and how much she wanted to sit by it on a hot summer’s day. She let the thought pass. This was not her land, and talk of future visits made her uneasy.
“Auntie, we should get back.”
Walking back to the carriage, Jessica assisted her aunt, whose breathing had become labored. “This is more exercise than I’ve done in ages!” her aunt announced.
Caleb helped Jessica’s aunt into the front of the buggy, then he came around to assist Jessica. His strong hand guided her up and she took the reins confidently, the weight of his touch lingering on her arm. Looking down, she saw in his face a kind and gentle soul, yet something else—something a little dangerous. “Do you ride?” he asked.
“Yes, but I’ve had little opportunity to do so.” She adjusted the reins.
“Would you like to join me sometime? I’ve created a riding path along the river.”
Jessica paused. It was a simple request, and she hadn’t had a good ride in a long time. “That would be nice.” Her heart thudded.
“Good, I’ll look forward to it.” He turned his attention to her aunt. “Good day, Mrs. Stanford, and thank you for the pie.”
Faced in the opposite direction to let them have a moment to themselves, June came around with a wide grin. “Thank you, Mr. Cantrell, for letting us intrude. Jessica practically made the pie all by herself, and I’m sure she won’t need a chaperone for your outing. Good day.”
Jessica rolled her eyes away from her aunt’s notice, and she and Caleb shared a quiet chuckle.
“Be careful on the way down. It’s a bit tricky,” he said.
“Thank you, I will,” Jessica answered.
“Good day, Miss Messing.”
“Good day … Caleb.”
The road leading away from his land took all her attention. The grade made the buggy lopsided. She didn’t remember it being so bad on the way up. Taking charge of the horse, she soon had the buggy straight again. Her heart was beating wildly, yet there was little cause for it. Growing up in Connecticut, she had ridden horses that threatened to buck her off, and she’d driven buggies and carriages in various types of weather and terrain, much to the chagrin of her parents. Why should this flare her nerves?
“My goodness!” June gripped the side of the carriage with one hand and held tight to the lap blanket with the other. “I do hope he does something with this road.”
Jessica concentrated on getting them down the hill. The ground leveled out, and her mind went back up the road. She felt an unsettling pull. Deciding to keep Caleb Cantrell as nothing more than a friendly acquaintance, she shook the reins, and steered the horse to trot along the more civilized street back to town.
Chapter Nine
The open window let in the perfume of eucalyptus, pine, and roses, inviting Jessica to throw caution to the wind. The day would be warm and sunny. No harm in a friendly horseback ride. “Of course there isn’t,” she said aloud. She rose and stood by the window. “Where are you, Jacob?” She wanted the wind to carry her question to him and bring back an answer that would ease her mind. As much as she tried to hold on to the wanting and waiting, it was out of reach today. It concerned her. A ride in the country wa
s exactly what she needed.
Dressed in a cream-colored shirt tucked into a brown, cotton riding skirt, she was ready for the day. Putting on her fitted, tweed jacket, she adjusted the shirt sleeves and buttoned the high, lace collar, arranging Jacob’s beads along the neckline. She pranced down the stairs aware of her mood. Her riding boots were waiting for her near the back door. Grabbing them, she headed to the stables. The smell of the hay and the horses ignited her excitement for the day ahead. Uncle Burt agreed to let her take out his well-mannered chestnut, Morgan. “It’s time we went for a ride, Georgia,” she said and saddled her up.
~
The going was easier with Georgia than it had been with the horse and buggy. She was able to watch the road for potholes and rocks. Taking an inhale of the fresh air, she was drawn to her surroundings. Caleb was on his horse when she arrived, and he led them to the path he told her about. They found a gentle pace along the edge of the winding Rail River. Tall grasses swayed naturally, and the variety of trees in the distant forest radiated earthy, cool scents. Jessica couldn’t remember the last time she felt so calm and content, her mind unburdened and her heart free. Caleb looked back and smiled. The sun played hide-and-seek between the trees. The river flowed tranquilly, and the smells of clean water, grass, and wildflowers of poppies, lavender, and iris were heavenly to her senses. What magic was in this place?
Caleb led them to an opening up from the river’s edge. The exposed clearing was green and warm. He stopped his horse and dismounted, but Jessica remained on Georgia. Caleb came around. “I thought we could have a picnic here.” That beautiful face, those soulful, blue eyes. Her mind fought to stay out of reach, but she was getting hungry and the place he had chosen was so pretty. Though she needed no assistance, she let him help her dismount.
From his pack, he brought out a blanket and a burlap sack. After he laid the blanket down, he revealed the contents of the sack. He had packed a hearty lunch of cheese, crusty bread, apples, and cured meat. She couldn’t help but clap her hands in delight. “Caleb, this is a feast!” A laugh burst from deep within.
“I hope it’s not too rough,” he said as he laid out the food on a piece of linen cloth.
“No, this is wonderful. I’m ravenous.” Her hand went to Jacob’s beads, a nervous habit. Yet today, she felt as calm and as natural as the forest around her.
Caleb took out a knife from the small pocket on the side of his boot. He unsheathed it and sliced the cheese, hard meat, and apples. He arranged the meal. It made a lovely still life. She would keep the picture in her mind and sketch it when she returned home. They said very little as they ate but agreed on how delicious a simple meal could taste. Taking another slice of cheese, she swallowed the sharp, salty bite and drank from her canteen. The sun warmed her and she removed her riding coat and laid it to one side.
When she looked at Caleb, she saw he was examining her necklace with a furrowed brow.
“Those beads must have a story behind them.”
“They do, but the short of it is, my cousin Jacob gave them to me.” Her hand went to the smoothness of the blue stones. “We’re very close, and it pains me every day not knowing where he and my brother are.” He leaned in for a closer inspection.
“Caleb?”
Crossing his legs, Caleb sat back, eating a piece of apple off his knife. “Your cousin must think you’re very special. These are finely made. They mean strength and protection from illness.”
“He didn’t tell me what they represented. Thank you.” Her thoughts went to the personal meaning of the beads. She had never thought they meant anything more than a token of his love. Caleb’s clear, smooth voice took her out of her thoughts.
“I’m sorry your family causes you such worry. Knowing something about men, I would guess your cousin and brother are caught up in their own lives, but I’m sure they think of you often.”
“Yes, you could be right. I know I can’t be in the forefront of their minds. Still, it would be nice to hear they are safe.”
“There’s no guarantee of that, I’m afraid.”
Dumbstruck by his honesty, her emotions were stirred and she couldn’t respond.
“I’m sorry, Miss Messing. I’ve upset you. Please, don’t take my cynicism to heart.”
She changed her position on the blanket. Her legs were beginning to go numb. “You might know better than the rest of us what life is truly about. Away from society, that is.”
“I’m sure they’re well, and as I said, caught up in their lives.” He reached for the burlap sack. “It’s too pleasant a day for worry or pain.” This time, he presented an item wrapped in paper. The parchment crackled as he revealed the chocolate inside and offered it to her.
Recovering her lighter mood, she picked up a piece of the dark confection. “You thought of everything.” It had slightly melted, and she licked her fingers once it was consumed. “Oh dear.” Laughing, she wiped her chin.
“Let me.” Caleb swiped a finger over the corner of her mouth. Their eyes locked and he moved in closer. She turned her head away and brushed her chin.
“We should be going.” She reached for her coat and put it on, then swept a hand over her bun.
He patted her arm. “Help me clean up lunch, and we’ll get you back to safety, my lady.”
His humor broke the tension, and she was glad for it.
~
In the days and nights that followed, Jessica struggled with her unsettling euphoria. She admonished herself for having such feelings. Or had she forgotten how to be happy? Moving her art studio into her uncle’s shed helped to keep her mind off Caleb. It was a good ten feet by sixteen feet, and the windows allowed the light to pour through in magical and inspiring ways. It felt like a palace compared to the tiny, concrete back room at Talbot’s Gallery. The walls could hold her larger paintings, and the shelves provided more space than she needed for all her supplies. The windows were tall, and the exposed wood beam ceiling added to its airiness.
On this evening, shafts of amber and gold reached into her space, and the shadows changed as the sun slid behind the hills. She threw herself into her latest painting, letting the light guide the last touches on another landscape of Clermont City. She stood back and huffed. The hues of the sky weren’t right, and the bell tower was leaning. What was happening to her? This new distraction had to end.
After dinner, she retired to her room to write another letter to Jacob. It would join the growing stack of letters she knew not where to send. Her small writing table by the window comforted her, and it encouraged her to write of her life to him. However, tonight was different. She couldn’t tell Jacob about her afternoon with Caleb. Or that he’d tried to kiss her. She held her pen away from the precious paper she had purchased with her own money. Caleb had no place in her letters—or in her life.
Setting aside their brief flirtation, she decided to write in her journal about her own feelings and worries. Yes, that would help her figure out what to do about Caleb Cantrell. As she loaded her pen, a sense of unease rose up inside her. What was she doing expending such energy on this man? She laid her pen aside and capped her ink well, her heart beating faster.
Chapter Ten
The saloon in Clermont City was more civilized than any Caleb had been in. It doubled as a meeting place for folks to discuss the town’s concerns before bringing their agendas to City Hall. On entering, the smell of tobacco and alcohol filled his nose revealing, after all, that this was a tavern. Taking a seat at the table already occupied by Levi and Cork, he waved for the barmaid. Although busy with his land, he still found time to socialize with his former gang members. In minutes a pitcher of ale and a tall mug sat in front of him. Caleb poured the dark amber and took a sip. Then he told them about Will and Jacob being related to his new friends, the Stanfords. It brought a spray of beer out from Levi’s nose and a laugh heard throughout the saloon. Cork sat wide-eyed. “How in hell did fate come up with this?” Caleb didn’t have any answers and was as astonished as
they were. Jessica may be the reason, yet he didn’t dare to think of her joining his life. He tucked any further thoughts of her away for tonight. Levi’s invitation held more than a friendly round of beer.
Licking the froth from his lip, Caleb bent his head and spoke in a low voice. “Where did you get your information?”
Levi followed Caleb’s lead and kept his voice hushed. “I was in Lamont a few days back and read this.” He handed Caleb an article ripped out of a newspaper.
Marshal Jason Lewis reopens investigation into gunrunners caught and killed in Colorado Springs in April of 1886.
Suspected outlaw Harper Davis, said to be the only surviving member of the group, confessed earlier this week that he knew of five more members of the illegal traders who had escaped the raid. In a plea deal to exchange information for a shortened sentence, Mr. Davis gave Marshal Lewis enough to go on. The marshal has enlisted several deputies to track down the outlaws within his jurisdiction, but he fears they have long since left Colorado. A scout has been hired to take the search beyond the Colorado borders. Surrounding states have been given a description of the remaining group members. Extradition to Colorado is strongly advised.
Folding the piece of paper, Caleb handed it back to Levi. Lost in thought, he sat back in his chair. “Christ.”
“I knew that damn Harper was a bad penny when he ran from me that night with nothing but a ‘See ya.’ He owed me more than that, and now to betray us all like this? Damn. It ain’t right,” Cork lamented.
“What do you make of it, Caleb?” Levi asked their former boss.
Placing his elbows on the table, Caleb clasped his hands to his mouth. “We live our lives as we have been, but from now on, we keep our eyes and ears open for anyone new coming into town and questioning folks. They’d likely come in here first. As far as posters with our likeness, let’s just hope Harper’s memories are as confused as his ability to tell one place of trade from another.”
Sacred Terrain (Traveled Hearts Series Book 2) Page 4
