Levi (Prairie Grooms, Book Five) (13 page)

The cabin was simple, warm and cozy, with a touch of Lena everywhere. “It's lovely,” Fina told her.

Lena blushed with pride. “I can't wait to see where you live. Chase told me about it, but it's never the same as seeing it for yourself.”

“Quite right,” Fina agreed.

“I have to agree,” said Levi. “Wait until you see our kitchen table!”

Fina shook her head. “Don't listen to him; he doesn't know what he's talking about.”

“A shiny, bright, no, wait… make that
very
bright, red
table.” He looked Lena in the eye. “The only one like it in the territory, I'd wager.”

“You mean she’s only painted the table so far? That's it?” Lena asked, surprised.

Levi paled. “
Only
?”

Lena exchanged a conspiratorial wink with her sister. “My dear sir, you haven't seen anything yet.”

Levi’s face twisted up at her. “I certainly hope you make strong coffee, Mrs. Adams,” he remarked flatly. “Because, if you’re saying what I think you’re saying, I'm going to need it, and perhaps something stronger in it.”

Fina smiled at him. “You have no idea, Mr. Stone.” She then winked, looked at her sister, and laughed.

* * *

The two women giggled and chatted for over an hour. Levi listened and watched them closely. They were a lot alike in many ways yet, at the same time, very different from each other. Believe it or not, Lena had the more dramatic personality, and used her hands a lot when she talked. She told them that Edith had informed her of the annual Christmas play, which Levi confirmed was true. Chase’s new bride would make a fine addition to any production Preacher Jo had in mind this year. She obviously had a great love for the stage.

He'd sipped his coffee and sat with them awhile at the kitchen table (one
not
painted bright red), and listened to their chatter. He then moved himself to the small living area, where he took a seat on the settee and became an observer. The women talked about everything and nothing, and he sensed they both had a great need to be anchored, rooted, into their new lives on the prairie. He had to remind himself that Clear Creek was a far cry from England and all they had known before. He would have to get to know Fella better, in order to make her feel comfortable in her new surroundings, and with him.

But something was bothering her; he knew it, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. Yes, she'd opened his trunk, but had she had time to dig through it? Or did she simply peruse the contents, realize there was no room for her own things, and close it? She was sure skittish thing afterwards, but he figured she'd calm down once he had her full trust. Right now, however, there was still a sliver of distrust hanging between them, and it raked on his nerves.

But then, what could he expect? They were newly-married and had only known each other a few days before they’d tied the knot. Were all mail-order brides as unsettled as she was? Probably so, and he was sure he wasn't the first husband to have to wait to bed his new bride. Of course, he was also sure that a more aggressive man, one with his own interests at the forefront, wouldn't care a whit about what his wife thought. He'd bed her anyway, and often. Levi wanted that trust between them for, with it, he'd have the same thing, but with no arguments from her. He smiled at the thought.

“What's so funny over there?” Lena asked with a giggle.

Levi turned and looked at them. “Oh, nothing; just doing a little… wool-gathering. What are you two talking about now?”

“I'm going to paint the barn bright yellow!” stated Fina with a grin.

Levi stood. “Over my dead body, woman!”

Fina and her sister burst into a fit of giggles. “I dare say,” snorted Lena. “But that got him!”

Levi glared to them. “We don't have any yellow paint,” he ground out.

“I bet Mr. Dunnigan could order me some,” laughed Fina.

“Are all English ladies this way? Plotting together every time they’re in the same room?”

“It's a certainty,” Lena informed him with the laugh. “I’m afraid we’ve been in this country long enough to … how should I put it … relax into your culture.”

“In that case, I'm going to warn Chase about you two,” Levi said as he got up and strolled into the kitchen. He looked down at Fina. “He and I will have to make sure the two of you are never left alone, otherwise who knows what dastardly plans you'll come up with?”

“We'll do our best whether you’re with us or not,” Fina told him.

“That sounds like a threat,” Levi said as he raised an eyebrow at her.

“A promise,” she breathed.

He folded his arms across his chest. “If you two don't behave yourselves, I'm not letting you visit each other anymore.”

Lena stood. “Levi Stone, don't even think about such a thing. If we have our way, Fina and I will see each other every day!”

“That's what I'm afraid of!” he exclaimed and unfolded his arms. He turned to his wife. “Are you ready to go home now, beautiful?”

Fina blushed at the use of the endearment in front of her sister. She stood. “If we have to; I know you have chores to do.” She hugged Lena and kissed her on the cheek. “If you have time, come to our house tomorrow.”

“I will.”

“If you like, I can come get you,” offered Levi.

Both women looked at him. “I'm perfectly capable of walking over by myself, Mr. Stone,” Lena told him.

Levi kicked at the floor with his foot. “I think your husband would feel better if I escorted you. I also think you'd best tell him you took off by yourself to come to our place.”

“What?” asked Fina. “Why?”

“Yes; whatever for?” Lena added.

“It’s one thing to be tucked away in a fine cabin such as this, Mrs. Adams, with a revolver or a rifle at your side. It's another to be walking alone across the prairie and through what woods there are to get to our place.”

“Levi,” Fina said and noticed for the first time he was wearing a gun belt. “Do you think the outlaws who burned down our cousin’s barn are still in the area?”

“One can't be too careful: it happened not too long ago.”

Fina stared at him. “Is that why you came with me to see my sister?”

“Aside from enjoying her lovely company? Yes. I’ll not see any harm come to either one of you. Chase would shoot me.”

“We understand,” said Lena. “I'll let Chase know I want to come visit you tomorrow. Maybe he can escort me in the morning and then you could escort me home later.”

“I’d be comfortable with that,” said Levi.

“With all this talk of outlaws and the trouble they’ve caused,” said Fina. “I certainly do hope that when Apple marries, she’s not living miles from town out on the prairie.”

“You mean like Constance and Ryder?” asked Lena.

“Constance is made of much stronger stuff than our sister,” said Fina.” Just look at what she was able to do when the need called for it.”

“I take it your little sister doesn't have as much gumption as the rest of you?” asked Levi.

“It's not so much that, Mr. Stone,” Lena explained. “Apple is so… well, she's just so innocent. The thought of  anyone intentionally harming another, is a concept she cannot for the life of her fathom.”

“I understand,” he told her. “But I'm sure the Lord will see fit to send her the right man as her husband.”

“I certainly hope so, Mr. Stone,” said Lena. “I really do.”

Thirteen

“I have to go to town today,” Apple announced as she entered the kitchen.

“Again?” asked Colin. “One would think you didn't want to spend time here. You've requested to go to town every day.”

“Colin, it's not as bad as all that,” said Belle as she set his breakfast before him. “Can't you see she's just restless?”

“If I was that restless, I’d never get any work done.”

Apple pouted as she went to the table and sat. “But I like going to town,” she explained. “And besides, Cousin Imogene says Mr. Cutty is well enough to come to the hotel and have tea with us.”

“Is he, now?” said Colin with a smile. “So ol’ Cutty is up and about, eh? Someone should tell Ryder.”

“If Seth knows,” began Belle, “then I'm sure he'll get word to Ryder that Cutty is feeling better.”

“All good news, to be sure,” said Colin. “But the ranch won't run itself. How are we to get any work done when Harrison and I keep using up our time to take you to town, young lady?”

Apple took on an innocent air. “Cousin Imogene is the one who wanted to go to town; I was just going to tag along.”

“I'm curious,” Colin began, his brow furrowed in thought. “How did the words, ‘I have to go to town today,’ suddenly become, ‘I'm just tagging along’?”

“I, ah … er…” Apple stammered. “Well, a girl needs to get out now and then, don’t you think?”

Colin shook his head in resignation. “I'm afraid I can't oblige you. You'll have to ask Jefferson.”

“Really?” Apple asked, her eyes bright.

“He's the only one available to escort you and Imogene today. But if he says no, then you'll have to accept it.”

Apple stood. “I'll ask him and I know he'll say yes!” She hurried through the kitchen and out the back door.

Colin cringed as the door slammed shut. “Has someone lit a fire under that girl recently?”

“She's lonely, Colin,” explained Belle. “That's all. With her sisters and cousins all married now, and Imogene so often in town reading to Cutty, she has no one to talk to.”

“No one? What about you?”

“Now, you know this is the first day I’ve felt halfway decent,” she told him and put a hand on her belly. “But who knows how long it will last? She respects the fact I'm tired and sick because of the baby, and doesn't want to bother me. Give me another month or two and I'll feel much better, but for now…”

“Yes, yes, for now she has no one to talk to except Sadie who, of course, is busy with Honoria and Harrison.”

“And Edith and Jefferson have kept to themselves, after spending so much time helping Chase and Lena get settled,” she added. “So now do you understand why Apple wants to go to town so often?”

Colin sighed. “I suppose if I were a pretty young girl like Apple, and I was going to town… to…” His tone suddenly went flat. “You don’t think she's going to town because of a man, do you?”

“A man? Colin Cooke, whatever gave you that idea?”

“It could happen,” he said. “One never knows with my cousins, especially this batch.”

“You worry too much,” Belle said and poured him a cup of coffee.

“I'm afraid I'll have to agree with you on that score. But I can't help it; it's in my nature, you see. By the way, shouldn’t you be resting?”

“If I did, you wouldn't get your breakfast,” Belle pointed out as she poured herself a cup. She then joined him at the table and began to eat.

“How long do you think you'll keep that down?” Colin asked with a grimace.

“As long as I can. I don't know how Sadie survived this.”

“Women have babies every day, my dear. I'm sure you'll survive it admirably.” He kissed her on the cheek, and then went back to eating his breakfast.

Just then, Apple came running into the kitchen through the back door. “Jefferson said he'd take us!” She hurried past them and disappeared around the corner into the hall.

Colin and Bell listened to her light footsteps as they ascended the stairs; two at a time, from the sounds of it. “I do hope the man she marries is good with a rope,” said Colin.

“Why?” asked Belle.

“Because the only way he's going to slow that girl down is if he can lasso her and tie her to something.”

Belle gawked at him, snorted, and then laughed. She knew as well as Colin that he was right.

* * *

Apple paced before her window as she waited for Jefferson to hitch up the horses. She’d spent hours going over every possible reason why Levi Stone would have in his possession such a huge amount of cash, and why he kept it in a trunk in his bedroom. She had the good list, and the bad list, of what might've put the money in Levi's hands. The only problem, (at least in her mind) was that she may have thought of things Fina hadn't which, of course, (again in her mind) would leave Fina at a disadvantage. After all, wouldn’t it be better if Fina knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was safe to ask Levi about it? If Levi was guilty of doing something bad, and Fina inquired, he might hurt her. Granted, Fina didn't live as far out of town as Constance and Ryder did, but she was still far enough away that, if something should happen, no one would hear her call for help.

Apple stilled at the thought, then spun to the window. “I wish he would hurry,” she whispered as she watched Jefferson stroll into the barn. Apple turned and looked at the door. Thank heavens Imogene wanted to go to town and read to Mr. Cutty again. Who would have ever thought her staunch cousin’s compassion would help Apple solve a mystery of this magnitude! Why, it was better than an adventure novel!

Except for one thing…

Apple swallowed hard and gazed out the window again. She feared the sort of adventure this could turn into, and prayed her sister would be kept safe.

The minutes dragged by until Imogene knocked on her bedroom door. “Are you ready?” she asked as she opened the door. “Jefferson has prepared the wagon.”

“Yes, let's go,” Apple said as she pushed past her.

“Good heavens, child; slow down. There's nothing in town that you need that badly!”

Apple turned to her. “Perhaps not the way you see it. But I do have an urgent need to get to town!”

Imogene shook her head in resignation. “How your mother put up with you and your sisters for as long as she did, I’ll never know. If you had been my daughter, I’d have raised you much differently. By the way, what
is
this urgent need of yours?”

Apple slowed as she descended the stairs, lest Imogene become more suspicious of her behavior. She didn't want her cousin asking questions, and had to remind herself to be wary, or she might put Fina in danger.

She stopped on the stairs and turned to her cousin. “Thread! I must have some red thread! Sadie and Belle are both teaching me to sew, and Fina painted her kitchen table the most wondrous red you’ve ever seen!”

Imogene stared at her. “Oh dear, I do hope her husband was able to take it like a gentleman.”

“He, well … he did look a little upset when Harrison and I left the other day, but I'm sure he's over it by now.”

“How much red paint did Fina have left?” asked Imogene.

Apple smiled. “Enough to paint the cupboard and the sideboard, would be my guess.”

Imogene chuckled. “Whatever is that man going to do when she gets her hands on more paint?”

Apple laughed. “I can only imagine, dear cousin; but I want to be there when she does. In the meantime, I’m making her a red tablecloth and napkins to go with her table.”

“Why would you give her red napkins when the table’s already red?”

“Hmmm, you’re quite right. Then I shall get blue thread and cloth to make my napkins.”

Imogene chuckled again. “Dear child, between you and your sisters, you’re going to drive that poor man… what is the term the Americans use…
plum loco
?”

Apple laughed. “I've no doubt we will, cousin. Now, let's hurry to town. The sooner I get what I need, the sooner I can make something to dress Mr. Stone's table.”

The women went downstairs. Once outside, Jefferson helped them climbed onto the wagon seat. Apple sighed in relief, scooting over to make room for him as he climbed up next to her. Fina’s secret was still safe.

* * *

When they got to town, Apple did her best to act nonchalant and keep an eye out for Cyrus Van Cleet. She knew he had to have some type of information she could wheedle out of him. After all, Levi worked for the man.

“One hour, ladies,” Jefferson announced. “Then we’re heading back to the ranch. If you need me, I’ll be in the hotel, visiting with Edith’s sister, Sally.”

“Why didn’t Edith come with us today?” asked Apple.

Jefferson pressed his lips together and smiled. “’Cause she’s tired of coming to town so much.”

Apple swallowed hard and turned toward the mercantile. “Oh.”

“I’m heading to the Wallers’,” announced Imogene. “Here, you’ll need some money to purchase your fabric and thread.” She tucked the book she’d brought under her arm then reached into her reticule. She pulled out some coins and handed them to Apple. “When you’re done, come to the hotel. If we hurry, we’ll have time for tea before we have to go home.”

Apple nodded, took the money, and the two of them headed down the street. When they reached the bank, Apple stopped. “I think I’ll run back to the hotel and see if Mrs. Upton has made some of her wonderful apple tarts. If not, and I ask nicely, perhaps she’ll make some and have them ready by the time we have our tea.”

“You can ask, but I doubt she’ll be able to do it. Run along now, dear. And take care of your business.”

Apple smiled, turned, and began to head back the other way. She glanced around, noted no one was about, and picked up her pace. If she hurried, she could speak with Mrs. Upton, then stop by the bank and speak with Mr. Van Cleet, (if he was there, that is) then go to the mercantile and get what she needed to make napkins for Fina and Levi’s table.

She entered the hotel, to find Seth behind the desk. “Hello,” she greeted.

“Well, hello, Apple. What brings you to town?”

“Cousin Imogene is reading to your friend, and he’s joining us for tea today. That is, if we hurry. We only have an hour.”

“Cutty’s coming to the hotel, to have
tea
with you?”

“Yes, sir; I’m going to ask Mrs. Upton to make apple tarts.”

“You won’t have to; she already did.” He studied her, his face screwed up in disbelief. “
Cutty
?”

“Yes, and as she’s already made what I was going to request, I’ll be on my way. See you in a bit!” She turned and headed back out the door.

“Cutty?!” Seth called after her, his voice still laced with disbelief. Apparently, Cutty had never gone to tea before.

She hurried back the way she came and stopped when she reached the bank. She glanced this way and that to make sure no one saw her, and slipped inside. Mr. Van Cleet stood behind a tall counter, looked up, and smiled at her. “Hello there. What can I do for you?”

“Mr. Van Cleet, how are you?”

“Fine, just fine. You ah … want to make a deposit?”

“No, no, nothing like that. But if I did … how would I go about it?”

He came out from behind the counter and smiled. “It’s really quite simple. You fill out a paper, giving me some information, then hand me your gold or silver.”

“Oh, but I don’t have any gold or silver.”

“Well, there are other forms of currency.”

“Like what?” Fina didn’t say if the money she found was gold, silver, or otherwise. But didn’t “cash” mean paper tender?

“Bank notes work, if issued by a bank in good standing.”

“Do you issue bank notes?”

“Yes; why do you ask?”

“I’m not familiar with how things work in your country, that’s all.”

“Ah, I see. Well then, let me educate you, my dear.” He motioned her to follow him behind the counter.

Apple couldn’t believe her luck! He looked like he was going to give her a tour of the bank! She could ask all sorts of questions now! “Er, doesn’t my sister’s new husband work for you?”

“You mean Levi? Yes, he does. But I gave him a few days off as a wedding present,” he told her with a wink.

“Of course, how nice,” she agreed. “Mr. Van Cleet, where do people keep their money if they don’t keep it in a bank?”

“All sorts of places. Under a mattress, buried out in the barn, in a box …”

“What about a trunk?”

He stared at her. “That would work, too, I suppose. But a bank is much safer than any of those.”

“Then why do people keep all their money in, say, a trunk?”

“Because they’re uneducated, that’s why. Let me show you.” He went to the back of the room, and motioned to a huge safe. “Colossal, isn’t it?”

Apple gasped. “It’s huge! You could fit a person inside!”

“You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”