Liberty Belle (27 page)

Annoyed at his indifference, she pushed her foot to set the chair in motion. Stewing over his poor behavior, she summoned her courage and went toward the man. To be independent, she’d have to go after what she wanted and not sit in a rocker waiting for life to come to her.

She waved. “Andrew, I want to go into town. Would you get a buggy ready?”

The man blew out a cloud of smoke and narrowed his eyes.

Libby wondered that he hadn’t responded. “I said would you drive me into town?”

He gazed at the house and then threw the cigarette on the ground. “Heard you the first time.  I’ll pick you up at your cabin.”

Stunned at his outright rudeness, Libby stopped well before reaching the barn. “Fine. I will be waiting.” She followed his gaze to the upper windows and blinked. Did she just see a child’s face dart behind curtains on the second floor? Why was she told the children left with their father? Her confidence drooped. Was Terrence unsure of her?

A barb of fear pierced her as she wondered if her employer was checking on her. What if he found out she’d stayed at the saloon? She took a deep breath of the sweet air. One day and problem at a time. She’d meet the children soon enough.

After grabbing her reticule, she counted the money Terrence had left for her. True to his word, he’d left a nice sum of twenty dollars. With a pleased laugh to herself, she thought how she would finally have blue curtains.

A whip cracked. She turned and sent a disgusted look toward the man. She’d hoped another would take her, but it was the surly Andrew driving the buggy. Thoughts of seeing Wade cast away her disappointment. She’d endure the rude man for a ride into town.

Andrew helped her into the carriage. “Where can I drive you, Miss?”

“To Sweeny’s Livery.”

Soon she’d be with Wade. He would drive her to Flora’s.

Chapter 27

Tobias shook his head and sent the skin under his chin waving. “Wade ain’t here.”

Libby eyed the old man. By the smell of him, she wondered if he’d already drank too much to know who was where. Not sure if she should believe him, she took her handkerchief from her bag and wiped her cheek.

She put on her nicest smile. “Where did he go? And Mark? Did he take the boy with him?”

Tobias shrugged his thin shoulders. “When I woke, they was gone. You can ask Mr. Sweeny.”

She looked past him for any sign of the livery’s owner but saw no one. Why did Wade have to be out today of all days? She turned to the little man. “Where is Mr. Sweeny?”

“I showed up for work, and he left.”

Slumping onto the bench in front of the barn, Libby stared at the mountains hoping they’d calm her. She didn’t want to be cross with the old man. As soon as she’d arrived at the livery, she’d sent the surly Andrew away. She’d been so sure Wade would drive her around and then to Rowen’s, she hadn’t given it a thought.

Don’t be hasty. You’ll get into trouble.
Mother’s voice echoed in Libby’s mind. Words she’d heard as regular as dinner. Groaning, she put a hand to her forehead. “Why is she always right?”

“What’d ya say?”

“Nothing. When do you think Mr. Sweeny will return?”

“I don’t know. Miss Libby, can I help?” His scruffy face crumpled with tenderness.

Tears came to her eyes. Here she was about to rail at the man and he was only trying to help her. She sighed and made a note to remember the lesson the next time she was tempted to lash out with her tongue.

She walked into the barn, dodging the piles of manure Tobias was supposed to shovel. The smell of animals clouded the stables. Mother hated the odor, but the earthy smell reminded Libby of beautiful horses and rides with her father.

Driving a buggy can’t be that hard.
What Providence. God was helping her. She really wasn’t alone. The last night in her cabin, she’d talked to her Lord as if He were her friend.

She smiled at Tobias. “I’d like to rent a carriage for the afternoon.”

The old man rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Ain’t never let a lady drive a rig afore.”

She opened her reticule and pulled out a coin. “I assure you, I am capable, and I have the money.”

“Well, I could let you have the small one and harness old Brownie. He can practically drive himself.”

“Good. When I return, Wade can take me to Terrence Rowen’s.”

A flicker of disgust crossed Tobias’ face. “Me and that fancy-dan don’t get along too well. You sure you know how to drive a buggy?”

No, but with the Lord’s help, I can do this.
“Don’t worry. I’ll return the buggy and Ole Brownie.”

That was the second time she’d noticed Tobias grimace at the mention of her employer. Then again most gentlemen had little compassion for an old man who’d swallowed too many bottles of spirits. Mr. Rowen had shown her nothing but kindness and manners.

Soon, Tobias led out a well-fed but older horse and rig. He helped her into the seat and handed her the reins. “Just get his head goin’ the direction you want, and he’ll take you where you want to go.”

Rubbing the leather straps between her fingers, Libby wished she’d brought her riding gloves.

Tobias stared at her. Doubt about her capability to drive the rig written all over his whiskered face.

Determined to show him she knew what she was doing, she gathered the reins the way she’d seen Wade and Mark hold them. “Thank you, I’ll be back later.”

Bracing herself, she slapped the leather. Instead of a burst of speed, Brownie turned his head toward her and yawned, or maybe it was a horse laugh. Heat flushed her cheeks as she heard Tobias chuckle.

He pointed at the whip on the side of the buggy. “You might have to encourage him a little. I think he was expectin’ a day off.” Tobias had a grin as big as Old Brownie’s.

She grasped the leather rod and slung it at the animal. The lash danced on the horse’s back, and Brownie took a step.

Tobias doubled over, guffawing so forcefully she feared he’d pass out. A few humiliating minutes later, he straightened. “Miss Libby, you figure on tickling him all the way through town? Make Brownie understand you’re the boss.”

With her pride in peril, she drew the whip back and snapped it forward, hoping it would crack and tell Brownie he better step lively. Instead, the leather rod flew out of her hand and hit the animal on the head.

The horse’s ears went up, and he took a step, then another, and was soon trotting. Libby almost had him out of the stable yard when the stubborn animal turned left. She tugged to straighten him, but he’d grabbed the bit in his mouth and headed for the barn.

Tobias rolled on the ground, holding his side.

A hot surge of anger shot strength through her. With a hard yank, Libby reined him away from the barn and toward the road. “There. Showed you who is boss. You go on now, and we’ll manage just fine.”

Brownie tested her twice more, but Libby finally arrived at The Yellow Slipper. Tying the horse to the rail, she regretted not retrieving the whip. Not for the horse, but for the rude varmints that loitered outside Harley’s place. How could she have allowed herself to live in a saloon? Poor Flora.

Ignoring the whistles and lewd remarks, she ran up the stairs and knocked on the door. “Flora?” Libby peeked through the window. Heart sinking, she let out a sigh. The lamp was out. Her aunt’s sewing rested on the table. She wasn’t there.

The emptiness Libby had fought since leaving home swallowed her. Was freedom always accompanied by such loneliness? If only she had Wade with her, everything would be all right.

She trudged down the stairs. Tears blurred her vision. Some for not finding Flora, some for stumbling in her new found trust in God, most for not finding Wade. Wiping her eyes, she asked the Lord to forgive her and help her grow stronger.

The old brown horse nickered. She smiled. She had one friend with her. She rubbed Brownie’s soft ears and patted the old horse’s neck.

Images of Wade rode through her mind. The thought of him sparked life and excitement in her. Until she admitted that he’d rejected her. Thomas had rejected her. She could have Harley, but she’d rejected him.
What is wrong with me
? Clearly, her nights were going to be filled with some long talks with the Lord.

She climbed into the buggy and hoped Brownie would move in the direction she wanted. Grasping the reins, she winced as a blister on her right palm complained of abuse. After a quick glance to see that no one was watching, she wrapped her lace handkerchief around the tender area.

A slap of the reins and Brownie obeyed. Libby drove to the Emporium and tried to ignore the leather’s bite into her soft skin. Her mother would be appalled at the idea of a Longstreet woman with hardened hands. A smile played on her lips as a sense of satisfaction and mischief filled her. She may not have a man, but she did have her freedom.

The clip-clop sound of the hooves calmed her. Mind wandering, she pictured her little cabin with blue curtains. Perhaps she’d buy flower seeds and make a small garden.

“Oh my. Libby!”

Startled out of her daydreams, she glanced about her. Flora rode next to Harley in his wagon. The parcels in the back gave evidence her aunt had come from the store. Happy to see her, Libby pulled the horse to a stop which was a much easier task than getting him going.

“Flora, Mr. Mason. I stopped by, but you weren’t there. That is, I stopped by to see you, Flora.” She didn’t want Harley to get the wrong idea, but by the pleased expression on his face, she’d recovered too late.

“Oh my. I can’t believe you are driving the buggy by yourself. Where is Wade?”

Libby forced a smile but kept her gaze away from the gambler. “I’m not sure, but I needed to buy supplies for my cabin and thought you might come along. I so wanted to show you my new home. Perhaps next weekend?”

With a scowl, Harley snapped his whip and drove off.

Rude man.

Flora turned in her seat and waved. “I would love too ...” Her aunt’s fading voice seized what little confidence Libby had left.

She grasped the reins and whimpered. The blister now had company. Her resolve melting, she turned the corner to the Emporium.
At least, I can buy my blue curtains.

Shopping in the large store, she put her thoughts to the future. She found the material and wondered which cloth worked best for curtains. Not knowing, she picked the bluest. Now to stock her cabin.

She stood in front of the food items and wondered what she should buy. At home, Mother had taken care of all the supplies, and their cook had made the meals for as long as Libby could remember.

Tears threatened. Through a blur, a large form shadowed the goods in front of her.

Samuel Samuels took off his hat and bowed before her. “Miss Libby. What a pleasant surprise to find you here this fine day.”

Not willing to admit her ignorance, she picked up a frying pan. “Likewise, Mr. Samuels. I need items to start my new home.” Now she almost cried for joy to meet someone she knew.

The big man smiled. “Perhaps I can help. I know what a lady needs.”

Her breath caught in a half-sob, half-sigh. “Would you? I fear I am not sure what to buy.” She was surprised she confessed her shortcomings to the man and even more amazed at the relief that flooded her.

“Sure. Won’t take but a minute. What a lovely color of material. Is it for a dress?”

“No, curtains.”

He grinned. “Excellent choice.” After filling her basket with necessities, he looked over her shoulder and nodded at someone. “I’d stay and chat, but the manager is ready to place his order. Good day. ”He paused and winked. “And what has become of that
brother
of yours?”

Her heart stumbled. What had become of him? “He … I’m meeting him later today.”

“Good. Stay away from that gambler.” Samuels tipped his hat and sauntered to the rear of the store.

Libby glanced at her items and hoped she’d be able to cook something edible. Remembering Mr. Rowen said she could take meals in the main house gave her assurance that she wouldn’t starve.

Her confidence bolstered, she made her purchases. With the Lord’s help, she’d create a life for herself in this land. A life that included Wade.

Libby wrestled the packages outside and into the buggy. After an intense disagreement with Brownie, she finally got the animal to move. Her blisters cried. Mercifully, the horse picked up the pace as soon as she turned him toward the stables.

When the she finally stopped outside of Sweeny’s Livery, Libby wasn’t sure if she or Brownie sighed the loudest.

Jacob rushed to help her. “Miss Libby. I worried about you.”

“Thank you. Is Wade here?”

Mr. Sweeny unhitched Brownie. “No, he and Mark went to check out their gold claim. Probably won’t return for a few days.”

Her heart tumbled. Wade hadn’t said a thing about leaving. She swallowed her disappointment.
Now what?
Her gaze darted around the yard, and she spotted Tobias. She forced a weak smile. “Can I hire Tobias to drive me home?”

With narrowed brows, the livery owner shook his head. “Definitely not.”

She hoped her shock didn’t show. Now what should she do?

With a grin, he took off his hat and wiped his forehead. “Hire him that is. I’ll have him take you. Are you ready to go now?”

Relief scuttled her irritation at the man’s ill-timed joke while her aching muscles begged for rest. “Yes. I don’t know how I can thank you, Mr. Sweeny.”

“Any friend of Wade’s is a friend of mine, especially one as pretty as you.” He grinned and disappeared into the barn.

In minutes, Tobias harnessed a big gray to her buggy and was driving her through town. He rattled on about things she understood and some she had no idea what he was even talking about. Fine with her. She was too tired to talk.

Tobias drove the buggy to front of her cabin, set the brake, and helped her down. She opened the door, and he brought in her packages. Libby pulled a coin from her reticule to tip the older man.