by Chloe Carley
She blushed. No one had ever complimented her to the extent that Mr. Knox did. Everything was always wonderful and it seemed she could do no wrong in his eyes, a fact which always caused her to blush. Aline was all too aware of her own failings, and she couldn’t help but think that Mr. Knox was only being kind to her, rather than genuine in his opinion.
“Oh… well… I try my best,” she replied.
“You succeed, Mrs. Hale,” he said, smiling at her.
“Is all well on the ranch?” she asked, settling herself down opposite him.
“Oh… yes, it is. Clarence and Hector seem to have things under control, and how fortunate we’ve been to see no sign of these outlaws,” he said, raising another forkful of pie to his mouth.
“I hear there have been more rustlings. It’s just terrible. I don’t know how anyone can do such a wicked thing,” she said, shaking her head.
The thought of bandits and outlaws terrified her but she felt reassured by Mr. Knox’s presence and, like she’d said, there’d been no sign of any trouble out at Lampeter Ranch—no sign at all.
“Men do desperate things, Mrs. Hale, desperate things indeed,” Mr. Knox replied, laying down his fork on the empty plate.
“Another slice?” she asked, but he shook his head.
“I couldn’t possibly. Besides, there’s something else I want to talk to you about” Mr. Knox said, looking at Aline with a smile on his face.
“Nothing I’ve done wrong, I hope?” she asked, but Mr. Knox shook his head.
“Not at all. Now, Mrs. Hale—Aline, if I may. You and I have certainly become close these past weeks. I’ve come to rely on you to run this ranch and it’s made me think about settling down. You’ve created such a beautiful home here, one that I’d gladly return to. But to do that”—and here he paused, the smile playing across his face—“to do that, you and I would need to be… respectable.
Aline was somewhat taken aback for a moment. Did he mean… marriage?
“Oh… well, I… I hadn’t thought of it like that,” she said.
“But are you amenable to it? It’s just that… well, if you don’t find yourself able to marry me then I’d have no further reason to keep Lampeter Ranch. We might have a marriage of convenience, if that would suit you better. But you’re a fine and beautiful woman, an excellent housekeeper and I suspect an excellent wife. Though of course your dear departed husband isn’t here to testify to that,” Mr. Knox said.
Aline paused; this was all very unexpected. She’d hardly imagined herself to receive a proposal that morning. Was she ready for another marriage? Mr. Knox was very different from Damon and it was clear that he had substantial means. Aline had nothing except the clothes she stood up in and the good will of the man sat opposite her, the man now proposing marriage.
“I… well… I must think about it,” she said, the words sounding somewhat unsure.
“Of course,” he replied, nodding to her, “but Mrs. Hale, I must confess that the only reason why I haven’t sold this place off yet is you. I’ve fallen head over heels in love and nothing would make me happier than to wed you and for us to settle down together here at Lampeter Ranch,” he said, rising from his place.
“You’re very kind, Mr. Knox. I… I shall think very carefully about your proposal,” she said, smiling at him.
In truth, she was flattered. She had nothing but here was he offering her everything. It would be his money which would support them, his home in which they’d live and all she had to do was say yes to his proposal. After all her bad fortune, this seemed almost too good to be true.
“Don’t think too long,” he said, doffing his hat, “I’ll be waiting.”
Aline watched from the window as Mr. Knox rode out of the ranch yard. She was amazed by his proposal, it was surely an answer to all her prayers. With Mr. Knox, she’d have a lifetime of security and finally return to the dignity she’d lost at the hands of Damon, who’d so cruelly taken all her money away.
Sammy came creeping out of the bedroom, looking around him for any signs of their visitor. He jumped up into Aline’s arms and she held him close, whispering in his ear.
“Shall I marry Mr. Knox, Sammy? You’ll have to be a good boy for him then,” she said, as the cat gave a plaintive meow.
Just then, the sounds of a trap could be heard in the yard outside. She looked out of the window and there was Louis, Mr. Ford’s grocery boy, bringing her supplies. She put Sammy down and stepped out ono the veranda, smiling at the boy who hurried over with her box of goods.
“I’m to tell you there’s no tinned sardines until next Tuesday,” he said, handing her the box.
“That’s all right, I’m sure Sammy can make do with corned beef,” she replied.
“And a letter for you too,” Louis said, rummaging in his pocket and pulling out an envelope, “Widesdale post mark.”
Aline smiled—it must be from her aunt—and she tipped Louis, sending the boy on his way with a smile. Back inside, she unpacked the groceries before settling down in her chair by the stove to open her letter. It was addressed in her aunt’s scrawling script and she opened it to find a long letter, which she happily sat back to read.
But, as she read, her heart twinged with sadness for the letter was somewhat out of date. When she’d last written to her aunt, the letter had been filled with all the excitement which Thomas had brought to her. She’d spoken of her love for him and the shared affections which she believed were there.
In her response, her aunt had written of how pleased she was that Aline had left all the sorrow of Widesdale behind. She commended her upon finding love in Lakestone and ended by offering her blessings. Telling Aline to remain strong in her faith and trust in God that all would turn out right in the end.
What a lot has changed since then, Aline told herself, sighing, as she laid aside the letter.
The last few weeks had certainly seen a change in circumstances. Aline couldn’t believe how much different life now was to how it had been when she’d last written to her aunt. There was a lot to set straight, and she took up paper immediately and began to write back.
In her letter, Aline tried to explain as best she could what had happened in the past few weeks. How Thomas had been attacked by outlaws and that when she’d visited him, his attitude toward her had been very different. It caused strange feelings to stir within her, feelings she’d tried her best to rid herself of in the past weeks since Thomas’ strange dismissal of her.
But she couldn’t help but be moved by the thought of him, admitting to herself that she still held a flame for him, as much as she longed not to. A tear welled up in her eye as she thought back to the happy times they’d shared together. Thomas was such a good man, which was why his behavior seemed all the more confusing.
She wished that her aunt was there in person. She’d always been so good at offering advice and knowing just the right thing to do Now, Aline felt torn between her feelings for Thomas and the offer made her by Mr. Knox. How could she refuse, given that he’d promised her everything she’d desired in coming to Lakestone?
As she laid all her thoughts down on paper, Aline’s mind grew clearer. She knew that she must accept Mr. Knox’s proposal. In marrying him, she’d gain everything her heart desired, or so she told herself. Finally, she ended the letter by musing on the fact that Sammy had taken such a vehement dislike to Mr. Knox—a confusing thing, given the cat’s usual affectionate disposition.
I suppose this is merely a trivial thing, she wrote, and thus I find myself with no further reasons to reject Mr. Knox’s offer.
She signed the letter with a kiss, folding it carefully and writing out the address on the envelope. She’d ride into Lakestone now and post it, searching out Mr. Knox and telling him that she was grateful to him for his proposal, a proposal she intended to accept.
But in writing the letter, Aline also knew that there was someone else who needed to know of her intentions to marry Mr. Knox. Thomas deserved to know, even if he didn’t seem to care. She
owed him that much at least, despite the fact that it made her stomach twist in knots just thinking about it.
“All right, Sammy. I’ll be back soon,” she said, putting on her bonnet and stowing the letter safely in her pocket.
Outside, it was a breezy day. The clouds skidded across the sky above, big and white, with no threat of rain. There was a sweet scent on the air, the smell of the prairie grass and, as Aline rode into town, she knew she was doing the right thing.
If Thomas wants to behave in this strange manner, then so be it, she told herself, I’m not sacrificing my happiness waiting around for him.
It felt good to have that closure on the matter. She still wasn’t certain of her feelings for Mr. Knox, but he’d been nothing but good to her, whilst Thomas behaved ever so strangely ever since the incident on the trail. If Aline wanted to remain in Lakestone, and she was certain she did, then accepting Mr. Knox’s offer was her only choice.
***
Several folks greeted her as she dismounted from Scout and tethered the horse to a post near the grocer’s shop. She made her way inside, the bell above the door jangling, as the smell of sawdust and cooked meat hit her.
“Didn’t Louis come? He’s still out on his rounds,” Mr. Ford said, looking up from behind the cash desk.
“He came, he brought me a letter and I’ve just written my reply,” she said, handing it over.
“Did he tell you about the sardines?” Mr. Ford said, as he stamped the envelope.
“I think my cat prefers corned beef, to tell you the truth, Mr. Ford,” Aline replied, laughing.
“Don’t go spoiling him. There now, I’ll see it makes the mail wagon this afternoon” the grocer replied.
Aline thanked him, stepping back out into the sun and looking around her hopefully for any sign of Mr. Knox. But though the street was busy, there was no sign of Mr. Knox, as she glanced over at the Alexandra Hotel, where the veranda was busy with folks enjoying sodas in the sunshine.
Here goes nothing, then, she said to herself, preparing to walk along the boards to the sheriff’s office and speak with Thomas.
She wondered if his attitude would be different now. She’d heard nothing of him, except that he was back on his duties and seemingly still no closer to finding the culprits behind the rustlings. It seemed strange to feel as though his opinion mattered. After the cruel way in which he’d treated her, why did she owe him anything? Yet, she couldn’t rid herself of that sense of guilt which hung over her at the prospect of rejecting him.
She was about to turn tail and flee, but, just as she was walking along the boards to where Scout was tethered, she heard a call from behind and a familiar voice calling her name.
“Aline, are you all right?” Thomas said, tipping his hat to her.
His earlier coldness seemed less, and she smiled weakly at him and nodded.
“Quite well, thank you,” she replied, in a far more formal tone than she had ever used with him.
“Good, I’m glad. Won’t you step inside for a moment?” he said, pointing towards the sheriff’s office.
She hesitated, though realized it would be churlish not to go through with her explanation. She nodded and he led the way inside.
The sheriff’s office was deserted, piles of paper and wanted posters spread all over the floor.
“I see you’ve got your work cut out,” she said, and Thomas nodded, taking a seat behind his desk and pointing her to one in front.
“We’re still looking for the culprits, if that’s what you mean. There’s no point quitting though, is there?” he said, fixing her with an intense gaze.
“Well, I’ve not come here to discuss outlaws,” she said, turning away from his stare.
“Then what have you come here for?” he asked.
“Well… I thought it only right to tell you,” she began, before pausing.
Her heart was stirring with emotion. She couldn’t just dismiss her feelings for him so readily. He’d hurt her, but that hurt had come from love, the love she’d felt so strongly for him, the love which had grown day by day. Blossoming like a spring orchard, and growing stronger and stronger.
“I’m listening,” he said, leaning forward on the desk.
“I’m getting married, Thomas,” she said, “Mr. Knox and I have become close. He’s been very kind to me and this morning he asked me to be his wife. I’ve decided to accept, but… I wanted you to know first. I realize it seems sudden, but his proposal is one I can’t possibly turn down and…”
The look on Thomas’ face said it all. He stared at her in stunned silence, making her feel most uncomfortable. Why was he so shocked? Surely he knew that Mr. Knox had been kind to her and that she had every intention of remaining at Lampeter Ranch. Marriage was the natural next step and she needed no one’s permission to go through with it.
“Well, I…” he began, sitting back in his chair, as though dumbfounded.
“I… I didn’t come here to be persuaded otherwise. I still don’t understand why you pushed me away as you did after the incident on the trail. It upset me deeply, but it’s in the past now and we should leave it there. I’m sure we can still be friends,” she said, rising from her chair and straightening her bonnet.
“But… but you can’t,” Thomas said, and Aline shook her head.
“I’m a free woman, Sheriff Redmond, and I shall choose whom I wish to marry. Now, good day to you,” Aline said.
She could feel a tear rising in her eye and she turned away, blinking and dabbing her handkerchief to her face.
“You don’t have to go,” Thomas said, but Aline shook her head.
“I’ll see you around,” she said, and rushed from the sheriff’s office, leaving a dumbfounded Thomas behind her.
Out in the sunshine, Aline fought back her tears. She hadn’t wished to hurt Thomas but what else could she do? Mr. Knox had made her a very generous offer, one which would allow her to stay on the ranch she loved and lead the life she’d always dreamed of. Thomas had no right to stand in the way of that and she rushed back to Scout, wishing only to ride home and leave all this sorry mess behind.
She was just about to climb onto Scout’s back when she saw Mr. Knox hurrying over to her, the usual broad smile upon his face.
“Hey there, wait up a moment, Mrs. Hale,” he said, catching hold of Scout’s reins.
Aline blushed, smiling at him, as she reined in the horse.
“I… I was looking for you earlier,” she said.
“Oh… really? Have you made a decision?” he asked, and Aline nodded.
“I have, and I’ll gladly marry you, Mr. Knox. It’s such a kind and generous offer and I’m sure we’ll be very happy together,” she said.
He smiled an even broader smile and reached up to take her hand.
“I’m sure we will be, Mrs. Hale, I’m very sure we will be,” he replied.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Thomas watched the scene sorrowfully from the window of the sheriff’s office. Aline was making a big mistake in marrying Harrison. His half-brother was nothing but a liar and a cheat, a man who’d threatened to kill Aline. A man who could never be trusted.
Thomas cursed, shaking his head. He knew he’d never be able to live with himself if Aline married Harrison.
He slumped down at his desk, putting his head in hands as the door opened. Looking up, he came face to face with the surprised expression of John Hoskins, who did a double take at the sight of Thomas sat behind his old desk.
“So much for a resignation, huh, Sheriff,” the deputy said, smiling.
“I’d have been long gone if it weren’t for you sticking your nose in,” Thomas replied.
“You mean Pastor Warren? Well, I’m glad I did. Go ahead and discipline me if you want,” John replied.
But Thomas shook his head.
“John, I need all the friends I can find right now, and you’re amongst the best of them,” Thomas replied, causing the deputy to blush.
“Well, I’m mighty pleas
ed you’re still here. There’s no telling what this town would end up like without her sheriff,” the deputy said.
“And her loyal deputy, too,” Thomas replied.
He knew his hands were tied, but the sight of Harrison at Aline’s side had put a new resolve into his heart. Danger or not, threats or not, he couldn’t just stand idly by and let this happen. He knew he had to tell Aline the truth, whatever the cost might be.
I’ll wait until it’s dark, he thought to himself. She needs to know the whole truth, then she can make her mind up about Harrison.
It was a resolve which lay heavily upon him as the day passed. Harrison only wanted her as a trophy, a show of his own false respectability. He’d be kind enough to her at first, but that would soon change and she’d find herself subject to a man whose cruelty knew no bounds. Thomas knew his half-brother well enough to know that.
