“A horrible man.” Valerie’s gaze roamed around the bedroom, the whitewashed walls, the multicolored quilt on the double bed. Simplicity described the décor, but she’d rather be here than in any sort of luxurious suite James might have provided. “I shudder to think how I might have been forced to marry the brute if Benjamin hadn’t intervened.”
Sarah’s blue eyes widened, her mouth fell open.
“It was an arranged marriage, one I heartily opposed.” Valerie recounted the story, purposely leaving off the part about her father being a Yankee spy.
“So you and Ben got married, and he sent you here until he gets home?”
“Yes. He plans to settle in Jericho Junction.”
Sarah shrugged. “He’d do a better business in St. Louis.”
Valerie wondered about that.
“I know Catherine said that your marriage to my brother is in name only, but I still don’t believe Ben would have taken wedding vows unless he meant them.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Would he or wouldn’t he? Valerie realized how little she really knew her husband.
Glancing across the way, she saw Sarah watching her closely.
“Tell me about you.” Valerie decided to shift the attention off herself. “What do you like to do? What exciting things are taking place in your life?”
“Exciting? This is Jericho Junction, Valerie.”
She laughed as she hung up a few more garments.
“But there’s a St. Valentine’s Day party tomorrow night.”
“Sounds like fun.” Valerie found it hard to believe that last year at this time she was at Miss C. J. Hollingsworth’s without a care in the world.
“The whole town’s invited, although there won’t be many men in attendance because of the war. But that doesn’t bother me because I never want to get married anyway.”
Surprised, Valerie arched a brow. “Why not?”
Sarah shrugged and held out another dress. “I want to be independent. I’m going to live in a big city like Chicago or New York and teach music.”
“Hmm—” Valerie couldn’t help a grin. “I think you’re much too pretty to remain unmarried. Some man’s bound to snatch you up.”
“He’ll have to go through my pa, big brothers, and Bear first, and that isn’t likely to happen. Not here in Jericho Junction anyway.”
“Is Bear a family member?”
“No, his parents died when he was my age. He didn’t have anywhere to go, and he was friends with Jake. So he moved in and stayed in this room with Jake and Luke. Ben had already left with Ol’ Ivan.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about Old Ivan.”
Sarah nodded. “Anyway, things got crowded quickly, so Jake and Bear built the lean-to off of the kitchen. There are four bunks in there.” She expelled an audible sigh. “I reckon you can say I have four big brothers. One’s adopted but just as protective as the others.”
Suddenly Valerie saw the dilemma. “Well, if a man truly loves you, he won’t feel intimidated in the least.”
Sarah rolled a shoulder. “I’ll bet you had a lot of suitors.” She fingered a green, beige, and pink striped silk gown.
Valerie realized how useless the dress would be here. “I had a few beaus. Mostly the sons of my father’s acquaintances. None of the relationships developed, though, because of my lack of interest.”
“But Ben got your attention, eh?”
“Immediately.”
The expression on Sarah’s face said she was pleased to hear it. “If you were wearing a dress as pretty as this one—” She held up the gown. “—then you would have captured Ben’s eye, that’s for sure.”
Considering her, Valerie noted their body shapes weren’t dissimilar. An idea struck. “Say would you—?” She came to stand next to Sarah and inspected the dress in the young lady’s hands. “Well, I wonder if you’d be willing to work out a trade.”
“A trade?”
“Yes.” Valerie smiled. “One that might come in handy for you tomorrow night.”
***
Bright and early the next morning, Ben walked Luke over to the local physician’s clinic. The man worked from inside his large home.
“So what do you think, Dr. Birmingham?” Ben folded his arms as he watched the stout man with a full gray beard finish examining Luke’s wound.
“I’d think whoever sewed this boy up didn’t know the needle from the thread.” Moving back, he met Ben’s gaze. “Infection’s set in. Needs to be taken care of.”
“What are you going to do to me?” Luke struggled to sit upright.
The doctor held his shoulder down. “I’m going to incise that wound and clean it out before the infection kills you.” He turned to Ben. “This’ll take some doin’.”
Luke managed to crunch himself halfway up. He pointed at Ben. “You’re stayin’ close by, I hope.”
“I’ll be here the whole time.” He looked back at the doctor. “What about the amnesia?”
“Can’t say for sure. Only time will tell. The fact that he recognized you last night is a good sign his memory’s coming back.”
The physician gathered his instruments. A bottle of chloroform stood on a nearby tabletop. “Now, be still, son.”
Luke wetted his lips. “Well, I guess it’s the way it has to be then.” He lay back down on the examination table. “Hey, Ben?”
“Yep?”
“Just don’t let him take out my brains, OK?”
Ben chuckled. “What brains?” After seeing his brother’s grin, he watched as Dr. Birmingham worked.
When it was all done and Luke was still sleeping off the effects of the chloroform, he slipped into the small parlor where Clint waited.
He looked up from the book he’d been reading. “Is Luke going to be all right?”
“Some minor surgery to clean out that wound, and he should be fine—physically.” Ben lowered himself into the adjacent armchair. “No telling when his memory will return, but there are hopeful signs.” Please, God, heal his mind and body.
An older woman wearing spectacles entered the room. She carried a tray containing cups of coffee and a plate of heart-shaped cookies.
Ben and Clint stood to their feet.
“I’m Mrs. Birmingham, the doctor’s wife. Please be seated. I brought you refreshments. You’ll do me a favor by tasting my cookies. They’re for a St. Valentine’s Day bazaar at church tonight to raise money for our soldiers.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ben helped himself, and Clint did the same.
“Cookies are delicious.” Clint took a second bite.
“My compliments.” The sweet taste of the frosting lingered on Ben’s palate.
Looking pleased, Mrs. Birmingham left the room.
“I forgot it was St. Valentine’s Day.”
“Me too.” Ben sat back and took a drink of his coffee.
“In Boston there were enough reminders, the flower shops, the parties. A fella couldn’t forget this day in that city.”
“And heaven help the man who did.”
They shared a chuckle.
Silence fell between them, and thoughts of Valerie consumed Ben. He missed her—missed her pretty smile. The way she looked up at him with adoring blue eyes. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he pulled out the photograph he’d kept close to his heart. Valerie. Smiling. Laughing at Emily’s wisecracks that day she’d ridden out to the army camp with him. Maybe he’d add a line just for her on the telegram he planed to send his family, informing them that Luke was alive, and hopefully well, soon.
“You know what I think?”
Ben gazed over at Clint. “What’s that?”
“I think it’s time we start making the trek home. I’m going to be a father soon, you know.”
“I know. I know.” Ben sent a glance toward the ceiling before pocketing the photograph. “I’d like nothing better, especially after that massacre at Fort Donelson.” He shook his head. “I seem to be growing disillusioned with our undertaking of photographing this
war.”
“And here I thought it was only me.”
“Naw. Home sounds awfully good, especially with a new bride waiting for me. Even so, I can’t leave Luke. He has to be in agreement, and he seems determined to return to his regiment.”
“What are you going to do if he refuses to head home with us?”
“I’m praying that won’t happen.”
“Well, we’ve got a few extra months to spare. Just as long as I’m home when my baby’s born in July.”
Ben rested his head against the parlor’s blue papered wall and prayed Luke will have recovered by then. As much as he’d like to head home right now, he knew he couldn’t leave. He just couldn’t lose track of his brother again.
Nineteen
Now, why don’t I believe that you purchased that outfit at a New Orleans’s boutique?”
Valerie raised up the steaming pot she held. “Did you want your coffee in your cup?”
Jake’s brown eyes twinkled with amusement. “As opposed to in my lap?” He laughed. “Yes, ma’am.” He slid the thick white porcelain cup her way.
After filling it, Valerie moved to where Bear sat on the other side of the dining room table. He smiled until their gazes met. Then all traces of humor fled.
“More coffee?”
“Yes’am.” As big as the man was, he looked scared to death.
Valerie hid her grin. Jake’s ribbing didn’t bother her a whit. However, she did admit to feeling humbled as she slipped Sarah’s A-line calico over her head before donning the beige muslin pinafore. In New Orleans calico was referred to as “slave cloth,” and Valerie would have never imagined herself wearing it. But Sarah had recently sewn this dress and another one just like it, and they’d make good work dresses. Sarah eagerly traded both of them for Valerie’s striped silk gown, which she planned to wear to the party this evening.
Reentering the kitchen, Valerie replaced the coffeepot onto the stove. Becca and Catherine stood at the counter, finishing breakfast preparations. An interesting-smelling mix sizzled in an iron frying pan.
“Can I do anything else to help?”
“We’ve taken care of everything.” Catherine flicked a glance in her direction. “Besides, you’re a guest.”
Valerie flinched at the backhanded dig.
“Now, Catherine, she’s a McCabe and part of this family.” After the soft reprimand, Becca sent Valerie a smile. “I had just thought I’d go easy on you for a few days. But I must say, your eagerness to help around here is commendable.”
“Surprising too, since you’ve never worked a day in your life.” Catherine turned and carried a bowl of food to the dining room.
Valerie bit down hard.
Becca glanced her way. “I sense discord between the two of you.”
Not trusting herself to say more than necessary, Valerie nodded.
“Let’s you and I talk more about it later.”
“All right.”
Reverend McCabe strolled in, dressed in a mushroom-colored shirt and brown trousers. “Good morning. It’s shaping up to be a lovely one indeed.” He placed his hands on Becca’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Happy St. Valentine’s Day, my love.” Next he whispered something close to her ear that made her smile.
Valerie looked away, embarrassed to have witnessed the display of affection, and yet the sight warmed her heart. Her parents had rarely touched, and certainly never in front of anyone else. Out of the two, Valerie hoped her marriage would resemble the McCabes’.
“I made your favorite breakfast this morning,” Becca said. “A good ol’ fry-up and biscuits and gravy. It’s just about ready.”
“Ahh . . . ” He looked pleased and placed a hand on his midsection. “You’re a woman whose worth is far above rubies.”
“Oh, you are a darling man.” She turned and hugged him. “Have a seat in the dining room, and Valerie will bring you a cup of coffee.”
“Thank you.” He looked over and gave Valerie a smile.
The back door banged closed and Sarah appeared through the mudroom. She carried a pail of white liquid.
“Lilac and Tulip aren’t cooperating today. The milking took a lot longer, and Jake refused to do it for me.” An aggravated frown creased her brow. “I hope I’m not late for school now.” Handing off the pail to her mother, she trotted across the kitchen, but not without a sunny smile for everyone she passed.
“Did our youngest wake up a bit late today?” Reverend McCabe folded his arms.
“Yes.” Becca poured the milk into a glass container. “But if she hurries, she can enjoy some breakfast before leaving for school.”
Valerie collected another cup and saucer and then lifted the coffeepot and poured out the strong-smelling brew. She carried the cup of coffee into the dining room and set it before Reverend McCabe, then noticed Catherine talking to Jake, although she snapped her mouth shut when Valerie entered the room. But too late. Valerie caught snippets and heard the words “jail” and “traitor,” and it didn’t take a genius to figure out what Catherine was up to. Jake, of course, had ridden with a Confederate brigadier general in the army.
Fear nibbled at her soul, but she reminded herself that Benjamin wouldn’t have sent her here if she’d face danger from his family.
Back in the kitchen Becca handed her a large bowl of fry-up that Valerie carried into the dining room while Becca brought in the biscuits.
“Well, I think we’re all set.”
A glimpse at Catherine’s cavalier expression made her nerves fray. Just days ago, she cajoled this woman into taking some nourishment so she wouldn’t grow even more ill from those awful headaches she suffered, and now Catherine backstabbed her.
She walked back into the kitchen, thought things over, and decided to skip breakfast and seek refuge over at Leah’s for a while. In the mudroom, she found her woolen wrap and threw it around her shoulders. Then she left.
Outside the temperature felt well below the freezing mark, and Valerie shivered as she walked the narrow pathway through the snow. The parsonage was a whitewashed, clapboard structure, as was the attached church building. Reaching the door, she rapped on it loudly.
Leah pulled it open with a laugh. “Nobody knocks around here. C’mon in.”
“Thank you.” She gave Leah a smile. A faint smell of corn bread lingered in the air.
“You probably ate already, huh?” Leah took her cloak and hung it on a wooden peg behind the door.
“I’m not hungry. But if you’ve got some tea, I’d love a cup.”
“Of course.” Leah frowned a little as her gaze fell on Valerie’s attire.
Valerie smiled. “I traded Sarah one of my silk gowns for two of her work dresses.”
“Well, that explains it.” Leah gave a short laugh. “I was wondering . . . I mean, a woman like you who comes from such finery—”
Valerie shrugged. “But I have a new life here in Jericho Junction now.”
Leah seemed to think about that reply a moment before a smile curved her lips. “Well, in that case, would you be interested in more trading?”
“I would indeed.”
“Let me get that teakettle boiling first. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable? Emily’s in the dining room.”
Valerie strode through the doorway and found the dining room around the corner. She discovered Emily sipping a cup of coffee. When her friend saw her, her face lit up.
“Good morning. Are you missing your husband as much as I’m missing Clint on this St. Valentine’s Day?”
Valerie nodded and took a seat. “But it’s more than that. I’m also dismayed by Catherine’s behavior.” She lowered her voice until it was but a whisper. “I think she told Jake that I’m wanted for conspiracy.” Valerie wetted her lower lip. “You don’t think he’ll turn me in to Confederate authorities, do you?”
“No. Of course not.” Her words belied the troubled look in her hazel eyes. “Ben said you were safe here. He knew Jake was home when he said it.”
&nb
sp; “Oh, Em—” Valerie put her face in her hands.
“That Catherine Elliot—” Emily ground out. “After all you’ve done for her, how can she turn around and be so cruel!”
“Who’s cruel?” Leah walked in, set a cup and saucer in front of Valerie, and reclaimed her seat.
Valerie and Emily exchanged glances.
“You’re referring to Catherine, aren’t you?” Leah guessed. “I noticed there was something going on at dinner last night. What it is?”
Figuring she’d find out in time anyway, Valerie disclosed the facts as she knew them, adding one bit of speculation. “And I think she took the pocket watch Benjamin gave me as a wedding gift.”
“Ben’s pocket watch? The one Grandpa gave him?”
Valerie looked across the table at Leah and nodded. “I’ve been sick about it.”
The kettle screeched, and Leah went in to take it off the burner.
“Where’s that precious baby?” Valerie had enjoyed holding Josiah last night.
“Sleeping. Isn’t he a love?”
Leah returned and set the teapot on the table. Valerie would let it steep a few minutes.
“You know,” Leah began, “I have a couple of dresses that are too small for me now that I’ve given birth to Josiah. I would be happy to give them to you if you’d like two more work dresses.”
“I’d be happy to have them. Thank you. I have a green satin gown that would probably fit you.”
“Wouldn’t Jonathan like it if I dressed up for him his first day back home?”
“Why, he’d fall in love with you all over again.”
“Then you’ve got yourself a deal, sister.” She left to get the garments, and Valerie poured her tea.
“Leah’s got a few dresses I can borrow when I start showing.” Emily sipped from her cup. “She loves to sew and practically made a whole new maternity wardrobe.”
“Anybody home?” Jake’s voice suddenly boomed from the kitchen. The sound of the door closing followed.
Valerie brought herself up straighter in her chair.
Leah reentered the room. “In here, Jake.” She set the dresses over the back of a chair. “Don’t be afraid of him, Valerie. My brother’s a good man.”
Unwilling Warrior Page 21
