Texas Hero

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  "I don't usually work under such primitive conditions, Miss Adams,"

  Clan said softly.

  "But Thad was adamant about not getting any chloroform. He claims he still has work to do."

  "I do." Shakily Thad sat up and swung his legs to the floor. For a moment the room spun in dizzying circles and he waited until his vision cleared.

  "While I was in Mexico I was able to coax Don Esteban into selling me his prize mare. She has perfect bloodlines."

  "You can't breed her tonight," Clan said reasonably.

  "No. But we've been on the trail too long. I want her in a corral where she can grow sleek and fat until her time comes."

  "The mare will keep. That shoulder, on the other hand..."

  "I'm fine." Thad slipped from the table and reached for his shirt.

  Caroline had a quick impression of a muscled torso and heavily corded arms as he pulled on his shirt. Though he winced in pain, he managed the buttons before he slapped a wide-brimmed hat on his head.

  Feeling vaguely uncomfortable, Caroline extended her hand to the doctor. "It was nice meeting you. Dr. Con way. And you. Runs With The Wind." She smiled at the boy, "I look forward to seeing you in school."

  The boy nodded shyly.

  Turning to Thad, she said,

  "I'd better get back to the sheriffs office. He was kind enough to give me a horse and rig. He said it goes with my position as schoolteacher. By now he's probably loaded my trunk aboard."

  When she was gone, Thad turned toward his brother and extended his hand.

  "Thanks again, Clan. Tell Morning Light I'll see her later in the week."

  As he clasped his brother's hand, Clan said with a chuckle,

  "You'd better plan on supper tomorrow or she'll have your hide."

  "Tomorrow, then." Thad tousled his nephew's hair before heading out the door.

  Outside, the tinny sounds of a piano filtered from the saloon. Carried on the breeze was the sound of feminine laughter.

  Squinting into the sunlight, Thad glanced toward the swinging doors and paused. It was tempting to think about a bottle of whiskey, a hot bath and a woman to scrub his back. Then, remembering the work that would be waiting

  at the ranch, he strode resolutely down the street until he reached his horses. Pulling himself into the saddle, he caught up the mare's lead rope and headed out of town.

  Caroline held the reins between sweating palms. When the sheriff had told her that the schoolhouse was a mile or more from town, she'd had to struggle to keep from allowing her fear to surface.

  Now, as she crested a hill and stared down at the rough cabin nestled among a stand of trees, she felt a fresh rush of panic.

  What did she know about this strange land? How would she withstand the elements? She'd heard that the heat was intense, and that a cold northern wind could drop the temperature to below freezing within hours. And what about the people? Would they be friendly like the doctor, the sheriff, the mayor? Or would they be savages like the outlaws that had attacked the stage?

  What would she eat? The sheriff had told her that he'd tucked sacks of flour and sugar into the back of her rig. But she couldn't possibly get by on that alone. She halted the rig beside the cabin and swallowed back her apprehension. She would survive. Hadn't she always managed somehow?

  At the sound of horses' hooves pounding the earth she whirled, then released a sigh as she recognized Thad Con- way.

  As he drew close he caught the fear in her eyes and saw the way she tensed before stepping down from the rig.

  "Looks like we just keep crossing each other's paths." He'd had no intention of stopping. He was eager to get home. But, he told himself, there was no harm in helping her. Just this once.

  He slid from the saddle and tied his two horses to a rail that ran the length of the cabin.

  "Need a hand with your things?"

  "Thank you." Caroline lifted a scuffed traveling bag from the back of the rig and strode toward the door. Untying the latch, she shoved the door open and peered inside. Wild creatures had left their tracks in the thick dust that covered the rough floor. A dank, musty smell pervaded the air.

  Lifting her skirt, she stepped inside.

  The cabin consisted of a schoolroom on one side, living quarters on the other, divided by a wall and door. In one corner of the living quarters was a bed made of rough logs and a lumpy mattress stuffed with corn husks, many of which had tumbled to the floor. Standing in front of the small window was a scarred table and two chairs. Along the far wall was a blackened fireplace.

  Setting down her bag, she crossed the room and opened the door that led to the schoolroom. Inside was another blackened fireplace, along with a table and chair and a row of rough-hewn chairs in various sizes to accommodate the children.

  Thad paused just inside the door and watched as she moved slowly around the room. She touched each chair, then ran a hand almost reverently over the table that would serve as her desk.

  "Where would you like this?"

  Caroline looked up, and for a moment he could read her confusion as she studied him, the huge sack of flour balanced on his good shoulder as effortlessly as if it weighed nothing at all.

  "Anywhere." She walked toward him, wrinkling her nose at the dust that swirled with every step.

  "How long has it been since the town has had a teacher?"

  "Two or three years, I guess." He set the sack in a corner , and Caroline watched as he made a second trip to the rig for the sugar, and then a third trip for her trunk. When he returned he found her struggling to remove the mattress from the bed.

  "Here," he said, "let me help you."

  Together they hauled it outside and dropped it. Instantly several mice darted away into the tall grass. Seeing them, Caroline shuddered.

  "I

  believe I'll burn the corn husks." " Good idea." With the blade of his knife Thad slit open the muslin and began shaking it until it was empty. Stepping over the pile of dried husks, he hung the cloth on a tree branch and followed her inside.

  Caroline had found a broom and was busy sweeping. For a moment he watched her from the doorway, unexpectedly enjoying the way she looked, the silly hat still perched atop her head and her spectacles slipping down her nose.

  Then his practical nature took over.

  ' "What are you planning to fix for supper?"

  She stopped her sweeping but avoided his eyes. The same question had occurred to her. Her stomach was already growling.

  "I don't know. Something simple, I expect."

  ' "Did you buy any salt pork in town?"

  She shook her head, too proud to admit that she couldn't afford such luxuries.

  He glanced toward the sacks of flour and sugar.

  "That's all you have?"

  She nodded, feeling her cheeks begin to flush. When he saw her reaction, he turned away.

  "I'll see what I can do."

  Caroline watched as he walked to his horse and removed the rifle. A short time later, while she struggled with an armload of logs for the fireplace, she heard the sound o gunshots. By the time she had coaxed a fire and filled several empty buckets with water from a nearby stream, Thac had returned with a deer slung over his saddle.

  He was pleased to note that Caroline had a batch of biscuits on the fire.

  Oblivious to his presence, she was on her knees in the corner of the room, scrubbing at the layers of dirt and grime. He watched her for several minutes, amazed that she could continue at such a pace.

  From his saddlebags Thad produced coffee and a blackened pot. Soon the wonderful aroma of coffee, freshly baked biscuits and sizzling meat filled the air.

  While they waited for dinner to be ready, Caroline took her broom outside and swatted the length of muslin that hung from the tree, filling the air with dust. When she had finished, she stuffed the muslin sack with dried grasses and sprigs of evergreen.

  Thad helped her carry it inside, where they placed the fresh mattress over the bed frame. Th
e fragrance of evergreen mingled with the scents of food.

  From her trunk Caroline removed a thin blanket and down pillow. The pillowcase was embroidered with tiny pink morning glories. Unfolding the blanket, she shook it gently over the bed and tucked it in at the edges.

  Then she walked to the fireplace and added another log. Kneeling, she wiped her hands along her dirty skirt and stared at the flames. The thought of how far she had come and how many twists and turns her life had taken had her smiling dreamily.

  She was finally here, in Hope, Texas, where she would be known as Miss Caroline Adams, schoolteacher. A proper lady. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the heat of the fire on her cheeks.

  This cabin was hers. Hers, she thought fiercely. For as long as the townspeople wanted her.

  Her head nodded and she leaned back against the pile of logs she had stacked beside the fireplace. The people of Hope would like her, she vowed. They would approve of her. And she would never, never do anything to earn their disapproval.

  Thad leaned a hip against the doorway and rolled a cigarette. Crossing to the fireplace, he lifted a flaming stick to the tip and inhaled deeply.

  Turning, he studied Caroline while she slept. Her glasses had dropped to her lap. A wayward strand of dark hair dipped seductively over one eye.

  The flickering flames of the fire cast her face in light and shadow.

  Her lips were pursed in a little pout and he found himself tempted once again to taste them.

  Dropping to one knee, he leaned his hands on his thigh and chanced a closer look. She was stunning, with flawless skin and perfect, even features.

  Who are you, Caroline Adams? he asked silently. And what the hell are you doing out here?

  He suddenly stood and walked to the open door, absently rubbing his aching shoulder. Why was he lingering here when there was so much to be done?

  He'd been so impatient to be on his way. He still had a long ride before he reached his ranch. But there was something about this woman.

  Though she hadn't asked for his help, he had some inexplicable need to give it.

  He heaved a sigh of disgust. He would wait only long enough to finish his cigarette. Then, he vowed, he'd be on his way.

  Caroline awoke with a start. For a moment she was completely disoriented, then, as she made out the tall figure leaning against the doorway, she gave a little gasp.

  Thad drew smoke into his lungs and tossed the cigarette away. He seemed momentarily caught off guard before he composed his features.

  "I'm glad you're awake. I was just leaving."

  "But the dinner..." She scrambled to her feet and looked down when she heard her glasses drop to the floor. Bending to retrieve them, she put them on before walking toward him.

  "Sorry. But I have to get to my ranch."

  "Is it far from here?"

  He thought about pulling that silly hat from her head. And those spectacles.

  Instead he clenched his hands at his sides.

  "The start of my land lies just beyond that ridge." He pointed and she followed his direction.

  "But the ranch house is at least an hour's ride."

  "An hour." She shivered, though from the cold or the thought of being so far from her nearest neighbor, she wasn't sure.

  "You must be hungry.

  You've been on the trail all day. At least you could take the time to eat. " He was so hungry his ribs were nearly stuck together. But the thought of staying on, with the darkness hovering just beyond, was a little too tempting. Besides, it wasn't food he was hungry for.

  He prided himself on being smart enough to know when to advance and when to retreat.

  "I unhitched your horse and turned him into the enclosure out back. Saw to his food and water, too. He'll be fine until morning."

  "Thank you."

  He noticed that she kept a proper distance between them. That only made her all the more tempting. He itched to reach out and drag her into his arms, and found himself wondering what her reaction would be.

  "Well then." He touched a hand to his hat.

  "I'll say goodnight."

  "Good night."

  As he strode toward his horses, he saw her outlined in the doorway.

  Though she smiled bravely, he saw the way she kept her hands folded together.

  "Be sure and latch the door," he called.

  "In case some critters want to warm themselves at your fire."

  She nodded.

  When the men in Hope got a look at the new school- mann, there'd be more than just critters looking to break down her door.

  He caught up the lead rope for the mare and flicked the reins of his mount.

  Both horses started up at a fast pace.

  Turning in the saddle, Thad saw her still standing in the doorway, her figure clearly etched by the firelight behind her.

  As he crested the ridge he turned again. She was still standing where he'd left her.

  She looked so alone, so vulnerable. She was afraid. Though she tried to put on a brave face, he could sense her fear even from so great a distance.

  With a savage oath he urged the horses into a run. Damn the woman.

  There was something about her that tugged at his heart. And though he was a man who preferred his life uncomplicated, he knew he'd have to find out more about this mysterious Caroline Adams.

  Chapter Five

  Caroline opened her trunk and removed the linen towels wrapped around several chipped cups and plates. For a moment her eyes filled with tears at the delicate morning glories that rimmed the fragile china.

  Mama's china.

  The only thing of value she'd had to give her daughter.

  Mama had been so proud.

  "It was your grandmother's. Real china," she had said to ten-year-old Caroline.

  "It's what proper ladies use."

  "I'll treasure it," Caroline had whispered.

  "No, darling'. Keep it if you can. But sell it if you have to. Do whatever is necessary to become a fine lady."

  Caroline hadn't sold it. She'd come close many times. But she always managed to get by without selling Mama's china.

  Filling a plate with venison and lifting a hot roll from the pan, Caroline placed the food on the scarred table, then filled a cup with steaming coffee.

  Alone at her table she ate her supper and watched the darkness steal across the land.

  Sipping coffee, she listened to the sounds of the night. At first she was aware of only the terrible, empty silence. Then, as she began to truly listen, she heard the buzz and chirp of insects. A night bird cried as it soared high overhead. Somewhere in the distance a coyote howled.

  She'd never heard such strange, peaceful sounds before. All her life, on the teeming streets of a big city, she'd been assaulted by the harsh strains of men's voices, cursing, shouting, the gentler tones of women laughing, weeping, the cries of children fighting and the ceaseless creaking of wagon wheels. Even late into the night, the sounds of saloon brawls had assailed her.

  And if it wasn't the noises, it was the smell. Of garbage rotting, of sewage spilling along the sides of the streets.

  She drained her cup and sat back, her ears attuned to the new and different voices of a Texas night. Then she looked around at the sparse, dusty cabin.

  Her cabin. All hers. For as long as the people of Hope wanted her here.

  With a little laugh of delight she ladled water from a bucket hanging over the fire and washed her dishes. Then, stripping off her filthy gown, she washed herself and then her clothes. When she had draped the dripping garments over the two chairs, she pulled on a shapeless cotton shift.

  Carefully banking the fire, she crawled beneath the blanket. Within minutes she was fast asleep, a smile of contentment on her lips.

  At the rumble of wagon wheels, Caroline looked up from the clothesline she was stringing between two trees. She was grateful that she'd taken the time to pull her hair back into a prim, tidy knot. Quickly withdrawing the spectacles from her apron poc
ket, she put them on.

  No sooner had the first wagon pulled up when a second and then a third followed, sending clouds of dust billowing across the open expanse of yard around the cabin.

  A small blond woman climbed down from the first wagon, followed by three giggling children.

  "Hello. I'm Jessie Matthews. And these are my children, Jack, Lisbeth and Frank."

  There was something familiar about this open, friendly woman, but Caroline couldn't quite place it.

  "It's nice to meet you. I'm Caroline Adams."

  As the two women clasped hands, Jessie nodded toward the wagon and said to her children,

  "Fetch those dishes. But be careful. Some of them are heavy."

  A beautiful, dark-haired woman climbed from a carriage and moved toward them, followed by a boy and girl. The woman's walk was so graceful she seemed almost to float. She wore a pale, doeskin dress with a fringed hem.

  A beautifully beaded belt encircled her slim waist.

  As Caroline watched, the two women embraced, then separated.

  "Miss Adams, this is my sister-in-law. Morning Light, and her son, Danny, and daughter, Kate," Jessie said.

  Caroline smiled at the children before turning to their mother.

  "Morning Light. Are you also the mother of Runs With The Wind?"

  At the mention of the boy, the Indian woman beamed. "He told me he met you.

  He was my brother's son. I am the wife of Dr. Con way. "

  At the woman's bright smile, Caroline turned to Jessie. "But how is it she's your sister-in-law?"

  "I'm Dr. Con way's sister."

  Caroline was suddenly able to place the smile.

  "Then you must also be Thad Con way's sister."

  Jessie nodded.

  "I understand you've already met Thad."

  "Yes. He rescued me from a band of gunmen."

  The children, having returned with linen-wrapped dishes still steaming from the oven, overheard and began to giggle. The oldest. Jack, said with a trace of pride,

  "If there are gunmen around, my Uncle Thad will find them."

  Caroline arched a brow.

  "And why is that?"

  "My pa says it's because Uncle Thad was just born to fight. He says Uncle Thad must have come into this world scrapping, because he's been scrapping ever since."