Linda Ford (14 page)

She rested her hand on his arm.

And gave him a ferocious warning look.

* * *

Ward had prayed long into the night for Red to forget her past and accept the future that lay before her. But from her deep scowl he knew she hadn’t yet reached that place. Maybe today would bring a change. He hoped so.

They approached the cookhouse as a Roper, Cassie and their four children stepped inside.

“I don’t—” Red started to protest.

Ward pressed his hand to hers, anchoring her to his side. “Settle down. You’ll find a warm welcome here. In fact, I better warn you that Cookie has a big embrace.”

If he hoped to drive the fear from Red’s eyes, he failed. She didn’t move. Seemed incapable of it as she stared straight ahead, her expression wooden. “Take a deep breath.”

She continued to look toward the cookhouse.

Slim came up behind them. “Morning.”

“Morning, Slim,” Ward said. Although he sensed Red’s anxiety, he couldn’t ignore how Slim stood holding his hat and waiting. “Red.” He touched her arm to bring her attention back from chasing after her fears. “This is Slim Hawkins. Slim, Red Henderson.” He wished he had another name to give, but it was the only one she admitted to.

Red nodded but did not offer her hand. In fact, she shrank back as if afraid Slim might want to touch her.

“Her sister, Belle.”

“Nice meeting you, ma’am and Miss Belle.” Slim adjusted his hat back on his head. “I’ll head inside.” He continued to the cookhouse.

While Belle bounced impatiently, Red appeared frozen. Had he made a mistake urging her to attend? But he couldn’t believe he had. After all, she couldn’t hide forever. Sooner or later, life had to be lived. “Come along.” He ushered them toward the door. Getting Belle to move required no effort, but he gently touched Red’s elbow to get her attention.

She turned toward him, her eyes stark in a face grown too pale.

“Red, are you okay?”

His words and worry seemed to be just the thing she needed. She blinked. Determination replaced the fear he knew he’d seen.

“I’m fine.”

“Not only don’t I believe you, I am getting to hate that word.
Fine.
Every time you say it, you mean quite the opposite.”

Her look was meant to scald him. “Don’t ask if you don’t want the answer.”

His annoyance fled as quickly as it had come and he chuckled. “I might believe you’re fine now because you’re feisty.”

She adjusted her skirt and murmured, “I am not feisty.”

Not freeing her even when she tried to escape his touch, he led her to the door. He paused before he opened the door. “Remember what I said. Cookie is enthusiastic.”

Then he stepped inside, Belle at one side, Red at the other. Several of the men sat at the table.

Cassie sat beside Roper, their four children on either side. She saw them and smiled, but waited for Ward to bring Red and Belle forward.

Bertie and Cookie glanced up and noticed he had visitors with him.

“You’re Red.” Cookie steamed toward them. Belle ducked behind Ward, and Red edged closer to his side. “And this little one must be Belle. So glad to finally meet you.” She reached them and, paying no heed to Ward’s presence, grabbed Red in a bear hug.

He’d wondered if Cookie would overwhelm Red, who fought so hard to remain untouchable. He would step in and rescue her if he thought she needed it.

She looked fearful and stiff in Cookie’s arms, and then she closed her eyes and he could almost believe she sighed. As if finding something in Cookie’s embrace she’d ached after for a long time.

And then Cookie released her. Red stepped back, keeping distance between herself, the bigger woman and Ward. Ward wanted to close the distance, grasp her elbow, but Cookie demanded his attention.

“And where is that little gal? Hiding behind you, I think.” Cookie nudged him aside and grinned down at Belle. “I heard you like my cinnamon rolls. Guess what I made for afternoon tea, just for you.”

“Cinnamon rolls?” Belle sounded intrigued.

“You guessed it. Now how about a hug?” To Cookie’s credit, she let Belle take her time about deciding.

“You won’t squeeze me to death?”

Cookie hooted. “Ain’t never done so yet. Never hear any complaints, either.”

Ward, Slim and Bertie all laughed derisively.

“Pay them no attention.” Cookie held out her arms and Belle went into them, getting the gentlest hug Ward had ever seen Cookie give. She released Belle. “Didn’t hurt a bit, did it?”

“It was kind of nice.”

His nose tingled and Ward didn’t dare look at Red for fear of seeing a matching emotion in her eyes that would make him reveal a weakness he didn’t care to admit. Men didn’t cry over little girls being hugged.

Cookie waved for Bertie to join her. “This here is Bertie, my husband and a fine man, if I do say so myself.”

“So pleased to have you join us. Why don’t you find a place and make yourself comfortable? As soon as everyone is here, Ward can make the introductions.”

Ward headed toward the benches beside the tables. Red caught his sleeve. Surprised at her touch, he turned, saw again the fear that made her eyes too wide. He moved closer to her side and whispered, “What’s wrong? And don’t even bother with ‘I’m fine.’”

She narrowed her gaze. “I just want to ask if we can sit at the back.”

He studied her as she allowed him the faintest glimpse of truth in her. She didn’t want to sit where she would be more visible than necessary. But she’d trusted him enough to ask. The knowledge dove straight to his heart and made him feel good all over. “Of course.” He led them to the back corner and sat between Red and the rest of the room. Belle cuddled close to Red but perhaps as much because she sensed her sister’s feelings as anything, as her gaze darted eagerly about the room and she smiled widely at Cookie. Belle appeared to be ready to enjoy the day.

The door opened and Eddie and Linette entered with Grady at their heels.

Belle sat up straight and drew in a quick breath.

Linette and Eddie hurried to them. Linette spoke first. “It’s so good to see you again, Red. Are you quite recovered from your wound?”

Ward wanted to smack himself on the forehead. He’d plumb forgot her injury. And she certainly never mentioned it.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

“You’re certain? No sign of infection?”

“It’s almost better.”

“No recurring headaches?”

Red slanted a glance to Ward as if informing him he was her only headache. He almost choked with amusement and knew his eyes brimmed with his silent laugh.

“I’m fine. I never thanked you for caring for me. Thank you. And thank you for the lend of the clothes.”

Linette squeezed Red’s hands. “Why, it was my pleasure and the clothes are yours to keep.”

Red faced Eddie. “I apologize for borrowing your horse without permission.”

Ward swallowed hard to contain a burst of laughter. Borrowed without permission, was it? Seemed like another term for stealing.

“In the future, remember you have only to ask if you need something.”

“Yes, sir. I appreciate your kindness.”

Ward’s amusement faded. Why did she sound so sweet and grateful for them, but acted like Ward was an intrusion when all he wanted was to help?

Linette and Eddie greeted Belle, and then introduced Grady.

He hung back.

“He’s a little shy but he’ll soon get over it,” Linette assured Belle when she saw her disappointment at Grady’s lack of response.

“Did you see my dolly?” Belle held it out for Grady’s inspection. “It’s not finished yet. Ward is carving her another leg and some arms. Did he carve you something?”

Grady nodded.

“Can I see it?”

Linette smiled. “Grady, would you like to show her your animals after church?”

Grady nodded.

“Then it’s settled. You’ll join us for dinner.”

Red opened her mouth. Ward saw a refusal coming and forestalled it by turning to the others. “Everyone, this is Red Henderson and her sister, Belle.” He went around the gathering. “Roper, the foreman, and his wife, Cassie. Their children. Daisy, thirteen, Neil, twelve, Billy, who is six, and little Pansy.”

“I’se two.” The blue-eyed, golden-haired girl held up two fingers.

Roper and Cassie and the three older children all smiled at the little one.

Ward had told Red about how Cassie had come West with Linette and decided to start her own business in Edendale feeding travelers and providing the store with bread and biscuits. Laughing, he’d explained how Roper had found the four orphaned children needing a home and struck a deal with Cassie to help her establish her business in exchange for help caring for the children.

“Now they’re married and the children have a permanent home.”

Red tried to hide the tears that came to her eyes, but he’d seen.

“Sometimes life has a happy ending.” He wanted her to believe in it.

“I’ve seen the children out playing. I’m glad things worked out for them.”

He knew by the hard overtone in her words that she didn’t expect the same for herself.

Realizing he’d been sidetracked from his intention to introduce Red to everyone, he turned back to the cowboys and introduced them. There was Slim, Blue and Cal, who were regulars at the ranch, and also a half a dozen other cowboys who would work for the season, then move on. Each one greeted Red and Belle kindly, though he saw a knowing gleam in young Stone. He’d be speaking to the man in private about respecting Red.

Bertie cleared his throat to signal they should all be seated. He waited as they sorted themselves out, then asked them to bow their heads while he prayed. Bertie was simple in his approach to God, but sincere. He’d never come right out and told about his past other than to compare himself to the prodigal son. Following his “amen,” Cookie led them in some hymns, her enthusiasm making up for any lack in musical ability.

Ward was used to the plain service but wondered how Red would react.

She sat facing straight ahead, not joining in the singing. Not giving any indication she was even aware of her surroundings. Perhaps she remembered earlier times. Better times. From the things she said, Ward knew she’d been raised in a Christian family.

Which might serve to intensify her guilt over the life she’d been forced to live.

Cookie sat down and Bertie took the floor again. He welcomed Red and Belle and the others. Then he opened his well-worn Bible. It was obvious from the way he handled it that he loved God’s word.

“Today, I feel led to talk about the passage in Matthew, chapter eighteen, that tells the story of a man who had a hundred sheep but one was missing. He searched high and low until he found that one sheep and brought it safely back to the fold. He was happier about that one lost sheep than the ninety and nine who were safe and sound. That’s how valued each of us is to God.”

They were words that reiterated Ward’s thoughts. He didn’t look at Red, but under the cover of the table he reached over and squeezed her hands, not surprised to discover them clenched tightly in her lap. She didn’t give any indication that she was aware of his action, but he reasoned she had to be and chose to allow it. He could only hope and pray she felt the tug of God’s love in the search for one lost sheep.

Bertie finished with a reminder that God saw all his little sheep with the same love.

One of the men spoke up. “I heard a song about that. I’d be pleased to sing it, if you’d like.”

Bertie waved the man up. “By all means.”

The man cleared his throat and began to sing. He had a wonderfully strong voice that carried Ward into the beauty of the song.

“There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold. But one was out on the hills away...”

By the time the song finished, the room was still and silent except for a sniff from Cookie. Linette dabbed at her eyes with a hanky. Ward didn’t dare look about for fear others would see the tears stinging his eyes. Maybe the others felt the same.

Bertie went to the man’s side. “That was wonderful. Just wonderful. Thank you so much.”

Cookie rose and plowed toward the man and patted his back vigorously enough to cause him to cough. “I’ll never forget that song. If you’re around for a bit, be sure to favor us with another solo.”

The man hurried to his seat.

Finally, Ward allowed himself to look at Red expecting to see a glisten of tears. She faced him, her eyes glittering. But not with tears.

With a fearsome look of disbelief.

He opened his mouth to protest. Had she not heard the words from Bertie’s mouth? The song sung by the visitor? The words of God Himself in the scripture?

How could she not believe?

At the look in her eyes he closed his mouth. Now was not the time or place to ask his questions. But he would demand answers at the first opportunity.

Chapter Ten

O
nly by blocking the words from her mind could Red sit through the service. Yes, the man in the story had gone looking for his one lost sheep. Because it was innocent and pure. Not likely would he have gone looking for a wolf. Or a pig. She knew by Ward’s behavior he thought she should see herself as the lost sheep. If it made him feel better to see her as an innocent lamb, well, let him have his pretense.

The man singing the solo had a lovely voice. But she sighed with relief when he finished and sat down.

Now everyone could say goodbye and leave. Except she’d been railroaded into having dinner with Linette and Eddie. Perhaps she could say she had a headache and needed to rest. Linette would doubtless be sympathetic, thinking her recent injury bothered her. It wouldn’t be a complete fabrication. She’d clenched her jaw so tight throughout the service that it hurt to the top of her head.

Cookie clapped her hands. “Tea and coffee will be ready in a few minutes. Everyone make yourselves at home.” She winked at Belle. “There’ll be cinnamon rolls and other goodies, too.”

Belle jumped to her feet. “Can I go talk to Grady?”

Red pulled herself away from her thoughts. “Give him time to get used to you.” But before Belle got two steps away, Linette and Eddie, with Grady between them, made their way toward Red and sat across the table from them.

Grady shyly went toward Belle and within moments they moved away to play. Leaving Red with no one to cling to. Though she realized the irony of a big sister, who was supposed to be taking care of her younger sister, seeking protection from her.

Her dread knew no bounds. Now Linette and Eddie would quiz her on her family and desire other details about who she was and from whence she’d come. How much had Ward told them? No doubt he’d said he’d rescued her from a saloon. She stiffened her spine and prepared herself for the inquisition.

However, they didn’t ask a single question. Instead they talked about the little things Grady had done that pleased them. “He’s learning his numbers and letters,” Linette said. “I do my best to teach him, but what we really need is a teacher. And a real church.” They gave Red the details of their plans for a church in Edendale.

Linette leaned forward. “Forgive us. I’m sure you’re not interested in all this talk. Now that you’re feeling better—”

It took Red a moment to realize Linette referred to her injured leg and head.

“You can come for tea.”

Wonderful how these people were so determined to take care of her, include her, even though she didn’t need it and certainly didn’t welcome it.

Linette waved Cassie over. Once the other woman joined them, Linette sighed expansively. “The three of us should get together for a nice visit. The children would enjoy it.”

Red watched Belle showing her doll to Daisy and Pansy. Then she turned to Grady and said something that brought a smile to the boy’s mouth. Yes, Belle appeared ready to form friendships.

Red wanted only to run back to the cabin and pull the door closed.

Linette continued speaking. “Perhaps we could join forces in teaching the children.”

Cassie nodded. “I’d like that.”

Red rocked her head back and forth.

“You don’t approve of the idea?” Linette said.

Ward had moved away to talk to Eddie. She suddenly wished he was at her side and would intervene. Though what could he say? That a saloon girl shouldn’t be allowed to associate with innocent children? Where did that leave Belle? More innocent and undamaged than many people would believe. And not nearly as guarded around others as Red.

But Red was no longer an innocent child. She’d seen the seedy side of life. She’d experienced far too much. Like the day Thorton had convinced everyone he was taking Red and Belle to his sister. Instead he’d taken her to a small house, saying they had to rest for the journey. In the middle of the night, he’d jerked her from her sleep and dragged her from her bed where she’d slept next to Belle. Her concern for Belle had made her choke back her screams,though she fought like a tiger.

“You’re mine,” he’d said. “You little redhead.”

She’d never hated her red hair more than at that moment, and she’d glowered at him, tried to scratch his face.

“Now it’s time you learned to obey me.” He’d taken his belt and laid it across her back. Again and again. She tried to fight him off, but he’d grown more violent until she’d finally sunk to the ground in outward defeat, overcome by pain. Inwardly, she’d seethed and vowed she would never be his slave.

Except she was.

Over the months, he’d used the belt time and again if she exhibited any independence. And sometimes out of sheer meanness. She would have fought him tooth and nail, but all he had to do was threaten to do the same to Belle and she would dance, indecently clad, for any man. Anything to protect her little sister.

She pushed the past to the farthest corner of her brain and refused to acknowledge it. But the dirt and degradation would never go away. Even if no one else knew, she could not associate with innocent children.

Thankfully, her troubled thoughts were interrupted as Cookie and Bertie handed out mugs, poured tea and coffee and served a variety of tasty baked goods. Conversation turned to general things such as the beautiful summer weather.

She focused on enjoying tea and cake.

Belle sat beside Grady and kept up a steady one-sided conversation. Even though Grady’s shyness kept him quiet, Red suspected he’d have trouble getting in a comment even if he wanted to. His eyes flashed with interest and he seemed enthralled by Belle’s attention. Pansy sat on Belle’s other side, equally taken with Belle’s chatter. Billy tried to pretend disinterest but didn’t get far from the conversation, though it would more correctly be called a monologue. Red smiled at Belle’s eagerness.

Neil hung about the men, interested in what they had to say.

Daisy, she noticed, never got far from Cassie.

Red rose. “We should be going back.”

“Oh, no,” Linette said. “Have you forgotten you promised to come for dinner?”

Red hadn’t forgotten but hoped Linette had.

Linette continued. “It will allow the children to play together longer.” She turned to Cassie. “You and Roper and the children are invited, too, of course.”

Cassie shook her head. “Thank you, but I think we better get Pansy home for a nap.” She spoke to the other children. “If you want to play with Grady and Belle until mealtime, you may.”

But the three elected to leave with Cassie and Roper.

Linette watched them depart. “I don’t think the children are ready to be parted from their new parents yet. Ah, well. In time they’ll grow secure.” She gave her attention back to Red, which made Red want to twitch. “Bring Belle to the house so Grady can show her his things. You’re welcome, too, Ward.”

Trapped. Unable to say no without appearing rude and denying two children the pleasure of a playmate, Red murmured thanks and followed Linette and Eddie up the hill. Ward tagged along at her side. Her thoughts churned. This would provide an opportunity to speak to Linette. She must ask about a possible position.

A little later as the children played, the four adults sat in the room overlooking the ranch buildings with the mountains rising in the background. On the walls hung spectacular paintings.

“These are beautiful.” Red rose and circled the room, admiring the pictures of the mountains, the ranch, bright flowers and serene wooded scenes.

Eddie came to her side. “Linette’s handiwork.” No doubting his pride at his wife’s accomplishments.

Linette joined them.

Red smiled at her. “You’re very talented.”

Linette thanked her. “Would you like to see the rest of the house?”

“I’d love to. Especially if there is more of your artwork on display.” And especially if it would get her away from Ward, hovering at her side as if he feared she couldn’t manage without his help.

Linette laughed merrily. “When I look out my window and see such lovely views, it’s hard to stop drawing or painting.” She led the way through the house. “It is fashioned after Eddie’s family estate back in England. Of course he and his father expected it would be used for fancy entertaining, but they didn’t take me into account. When Eddie and I fell in love I made it clear I would use the extra rooms to help others.”

“Like me?”

“You and others. Whoever the Lord brings to my door, I will welcome. No judgment, no turning my back on people regardless of race or position in society. At first, his father balked at the idea but soon realized things are different in the New World. People are judged differently...by who they are, not where they’ve come from.”

Red didn’t say anything, wondering if Linette spoke of her background and if she meant the words for Red or spoke generically.

They stepped into Grady’s room. A pencil sketch of him hung over his bed. “Oh, it’s sweet.” She’d love to have a similar drawing of Belle but didn’t dare ask.

“I sent a smaller version to Grady’s father in the hopes it would melt his heart toward his son.”

“What do you mean?”

Linette told of meeting Grady’s mother on a ship crossing the Atlantic and how, when she lay dying, the woman begged her to take Grady to his father in Montreal. Linette readily agreed. “But he took one look at Grady and said he had no use for a little boy. He signed over guardianship to me. But I am determined to see them reunited.”

Red had heard a condensed version of the story from Ward but hearing it from Linette gave it power and emotion that seemed to thicken the blood in her veins.

Linette’s expression grew fierce. “Every child needs and deserves approval and acceptance from their father.”

The words churned through Red like a sudden storm. She’d once known her father’s approval. She closed her eyes, not allowing herself to think how disappointed he would be with her now.

“Well, never mind. I know God will answer in His time and His way. In the meantime, Grady is loved here. In fact, I almost fear having my prayers being answered. I would miss him terribly. It’s a good thing there will be another child in the New Year.” She fairly glowed as she patted her stomach.

Red had guessed she was in the family way and congratulated her. They moved on to tour the kitchen. Soon they would rejoin the men.

“Linette, maybe you can help me.”

“If I can, I most certainly shall.”

“I need a position or job of some sort so I can provide for Belle and myself. Would you know of anything? Perhaps you have a friend that needs a maid. Or someone who needs a housekeeper.”

Linette brushed her hands along Red’s arm. “You’re welcome to stay here.”

“I need to establish a life for Belle and myself.”

Linette considered Red’s request a moment, then shook her head. “I wish I knew of something. I’ll ask around.” She lifted a finger. “But you might send an advertisement to the
Macleod Gazette
offering your services as a maid or housekeeper or whatever you’ve a mind to do.”

“I’ll do that. Do you have an address?”

“Better than that. I have some old copies of the paper. You might even find something in one that is what you desire.” She gathered a handful of papers from a shelf in Eddie’s office. “Here you go.”

“You’re sure Eddie won’t mind?”

“He’s done with them. We always pass them on to whoever comes by. This time it’s you.”

Red took them. “Thank you.” She hesitated. Hated to ask for anything more, but she couldn’t write a letter without paper. “Would you mind lending me paper and an envelope?” There was pen and ink at the cabin.

Linette pulled open a drawer and removed an envelope, affixed a stamp and handed it over along with several sheets of paper. “Consider it a gift. My contribution to your future. And I will certainly pray for you.”

Red nodded. “Thank you.” Too bad someone hadn’t prayed months ago. Or offered to help. But with the possibility of finding a job filling her mind, she didn’t dwell on what might have been.

Later, as Ward escorted them back to the cabin, he commented on the newspapers. “Trying to catch up on the news?”

“It’s a start.” Not wanting to get into an argument about whether or not he could take care of her, she did not tell him the real reason for wanting the papers.

But that night she pored over the pages, searching the advertisements. She found one that made her laugh.

Wanted: Hardworking young woman who is capable of caring for six motherless children and doing farm chores. Must be pure of heart and sweet of spirit. Willing to marry suitable candidate.

The requirements certainly eliminated her. Not that she had any desire to take over a farm home with six motherless children.

What did she want?

Or more to the point, what job was she suitable for? She doubted anyone would let her be around children or proper ladies once they discovered her past. She could try hiding it. Change her name. But her hair would give away her true identity to anyone who had ever seen her. So that left chambermaid in a hotel, a cook, or perhaps a hired girl on a ranch like Eddie’s. She truly didn’t care, so long as she was left alone and could care for Belle.

But there were no such ads in the paper. Discouraged, she set them aside.

* * *

The next morning, Red’s determination returned, renewed and strengthened. She would find a job somehow, and silently worded an advertisement.

A knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.” Ward didn’t usually come until later, when he’d attended to his chores.

The door opened and Eddie stood in the opening with Grady at his side. Eddie nudged the little boy.

“Can Belle come out to play?” Grady asked.

Belle sprang up from the corner where she sat surrounded by her playthings. “Can I, Red? Please?”

Red wanted to slam the door, keep the world away from them. She knew it was only a matter of time before her past would confront them in a cruel fashion. But she couldn’t deny Belle. “I don’t want you wandering away.”

“We’ll stay close to the cabin.”

“Very well.”

Eddie squeezed Grady’s shoulder. “Have fun. I’ll return for you later or if you want to go home, you go up the hill.” He shifted his attention to Red. “If he chooses to go home, could you watch and make sure he gets back safely?”