Robin (25 page)

TWENTY-EIGHT

              The clank of the stove lid roused Ty from fitful slumber. He braced his elbows on the table and wiped both hands across his face, then rubbed the back of his neck. “You rattled that thing on purpose, didn’t you?” He squinted through tired eyes at Doc Mercer who stood with coffeepot in hand. “Is . . . is Robin still . . . ?”

              Doc frowned and waved the coffeepot in the air. “You think I’d be down here having coffee if she was worse . . . or gone? There hasn’t been much change, but she’s still with us.”

Ty breathed a deep sigh of relief. “Then would you mind pouring me a cup of that coffee?”

              “Would if I could. You didn’t do a very good job of tending to the fire, and there’s nothing but grounds in this pot. Must have boiled dry. What are you doing down here anyway? By your appearance you haven’t changed clothes since yesterday.”

              Ty stirred the coals, threw on a couple of sticks of kindling, then waited for them to blaze. “I took Florence and Anna Blair back to town last night and didn’t get home until late. Planned to drink one last cup of coffee and rest for a minute, but I must have fallen asleep.” He added more wood and dropped the lid back on the stove. “Shouldn’t take too long before we’ll have fresh brew.”

              “You need a wife. Hear tell Mrs. Blair was about to announce your engagement when all the fracas started. You and Anna have been engaged for a while, haven’t you? Reckon that’s one fire you didn’t let go out, huh?” Doc laughed at his own joke.

              “It’s a long story and not one I care to repeat.” Ty patted his shirt pocket. “Nothing left but what’s in here.” He pulled out the ring. “This, a cold stove, and nothing but dregs in the bottom of the pot pretty well sums it up.”

              “That little gal upstairs have something to do with it?”

              Ty shrugged. “It’s not her doing, if that’s what you mean.”

              “Well, none of my business. To tell the truth, I’m kind of glad to catch you here alone. Something’s been weighing on my mind all night.” Doc made circles on the table with his empty cup.

              “Serious? Does it concern Robin?”

              “Tell me, what do you know about that little fella you call Jacob? He doesn’t belong to Robin, does he?”

              “No. We found him on the prairie the day after the twister.” Ty continued the story, surprised Doc hadn’t already heard it from John. The doctor sat quiet for a long time after Ty finished.

              “I didn’t answer your question, did I?”

              Doc shook his head. “There’s still time. I’m not through yet. How attached to the boy is Robin?”

              “Very attached. If his pa were to show up and want to take him, I’m not sure she would let him go without a fight. At the least, it would break her heart.”

              “And this Benson fella? Does he have any connection to the youngster?”

              Ty shook his head. “No, he’s an old friend from Chicago.”

              “You ever see that dog the boy has with him before yesterday?” Doc retrieved the coffeepot from the stove and filled their cups.

              “You know something, don’t you?” Ty handed Doc the spoon holder and pushed the sugar bowl toward him. “You could use a little sweetening.” He grinned.

              Doc spooned two heaping spoons of sugar into his coffee then methodically stirred, tapped the spoon on the side of his cup, licked it, and put it on the table. “If you had a wife, she’d see to it there was at least a saucer to put my spoon on, and maybe a cookie or two.”

              Ty crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Look, Doc, yesterday was a terrible day. I’ve had a long night, and today isn’t starting out too well, either. Say your piece so I can get on with what has to be done around here."

              Doc frowned and peeped over the top of his glasses. “Son, I took an oath, way back when, that I would do everything in my power to protect the privacy of my patients, as well as use all knowledge I had to diagnose and treat the ailments of any and all who came my way. Right now I’m weighing that pretty blamed serious, because to protect one, I very well could be doing harm to the other. Can you understand my dilemma?”

              “I’m trying. Go on.”

              Doc stirred another spoon of sugar into his coffee. “Three or four days after the twister a man came knocking on my door late one night. A man close to my age, clean, well spoken, but plumb tuckered. First thing I noticed was his eyes. You can tell a lot by a man’s eyes, you know. His were the saddest eyes I ever did see, but they never wavered. No matter what questions I shot him. I trusted him right off.”

              “Why did he come to you? Was he sick?” Talking about the man’s eyes brought back Ty’s first meeting with Sam. He’d had the same thought. Not that Sam’s eyes were sad, but that he had a habit of looking at you straight on like he had nothing to hide.

              “He said he had a heart condition. But the longer we talked, and after I examined him, the more I began to think maybe his heart wasn’t sick, but he was heartsick. Does that make sense?”

              Ty frowned. “Maybe the reason for the sad eyes? What did you do for him?”

              “Mostly I listened and tried to answer his questions. If I’d known then what I know now I could’ve helped him a whole lot more.” He leaned toward Ty. “He asked whether I had maybe treated a young woman for injuries after the storm. Had I seen any signs of a young boy. You starting to see a puzzle come together here?”

              Ty stood, arms crossed. “Did you ever see him again?”

              Doc nodded. “Comes around a couple of times a week. We talk, play a game of dominoes now and then, usually share a cup of coffee, then he leaves. But here’s the clincher—that dog your young Jacob claims is Tripper—it’s been at my table more than you have.”

              Ty pinched the bridge of his nose. Then there was a connection between the stranger and Jacob. But why, if he didn’t intend harm, wouldn’t the man come to the ranch and identify himself? And why was he so willing to help yesterday then take off like he did? If only he’d had this information before Rusty left. “Do you know where he goes? Where he might be now? Two of my good men are out looking for him, and it’d be a mighty big help if I could ride after them and tell them where to look.”

              Doc cleaned his glasses on the front of his shirt. “I know, but like I said—what goes on between me and my patients is private. Not likely they’ll find him until he’s ready to be found. But there’s more.”

              “Doc?” William Benson entered the kitchen. “Sorry, don’t mean to interrupt, but Emma wants you upstairs right away. Robin opened her eyes then closed them again. But she’s very restless.”

              “We’ll have to finish this later, Ty.” Doc scooted his chair from the table. “You get any sleep, Benson?”

              “Enough for now.” William turned to Ty. “If you don’t need me here, I’m going to ride into town and send that telegram.”

              Ty sighed. Had William been with Robin all night? Shouldn’t he be the one with her? After all, this was his home. Instead, he was downstairs sleeping with his head on the table. “Do what you have to do. I’m sure we can handle things around here.”

              “Oh, I wasn’t concerned about you handling things. But Robin calms when I hold her hand.” He turned without giving Ty a chance to reply.

TWENTY-NINE

              William stepped from the depot, pleased that Mr. Rempel had readily complied with his wish to send the telegram. If everything went according to his calculations, Robin’s sisters should arrive on Sunday
.
Oh, Lord, please get them here in time
.
He hadn’t been in Kansas a week, but it seemed a lifetime. The next three days would be an eternity.

              He spurred John’s horse, and the gelding settled into a smooth lope. Anxiety to return to Robin pushed him. The need to sort through his thoughts restrained him. The anguish on John Wenghold’s face since Robin’s accident confirmed the man’s love for his niece. A fact William hadn’t taken into consideration when he began his quest. Nor had his plans included a small, impish boy.

              To do anything other than follow in his father’s footsteps, and his grandfather’s before him, had never been a question nor an option. Though he enjoyed summers on his uncle’s ranch, he was always anxious to return home. He liked living in the city and the amenities it afforded. Besides, it was family tradition.

              But the Feather was Wenghold family tradition. Robin’s father had intimated as much when they’d visited before his death. He lamented the fact that neither brother took the time to stay close. What right did William have to ask Robin to leave now? And how would he explain to his father should he decide to stay?

              William reined the horse to a walk. Clouds obscured the mid-morning sun, and the breeze, though quite warm, brought the refreshing scent of rain. Maybe if he got caught in a downpour it would wash the cobwebs from his mind. Though he prided himself on his ability to keep long columns of numbers and facts with precision and accuracy, the tangle of emotional events thus far encountered left him weary and unable to decipher.

              William stopped the horse at the crest of a hill and crossed his hands over the saddle horn. A shaft of rain darkened the horizon across the distant hills and swept the prairie as it advanced toward him. He gulped deep drafts of air and welcomed the sting of expanded lungs. Since Robin’s accident his breaths occurred in shallow gasps of fear as he attempted to fit together the prior chain of events.

              He rotated his shoulders, but the questions refused to slide off. Who was the stranger, and what role did he play in Jacob’s life? How would that change Robin’s decisions? William’s spine tingled as the one piece of the puzzle he very much wanted to ignore, niggled its way onto the table of his mind—

              Exactly where did Ty Morgan fit?

###

A gust of wind blew warm rain through the open window beside Robin’s bed, and she jerked when a drop landed on her cheek.

              Ty smiled. “Was that cold?” He wiped the droplet away. “Maybe I should close the window.”

              It seemed foolish to talk to her when she didn’t seem to be aware that anyone was in the room. But he’d follow Doc’s orders. He glanced at the small bed they’d set up for Emma. Doc had finally convinced her to rest in another room while someone stayed with Robin. He envied Emma. His body longed for the stretch-out sleep he’d missed since Robin’s injury. Though grateful Benson had not yet returned to challenge his position at her bedside, the lengthening shadows in the room confirmed that another long day had failed to produce any change in her condition.

              Robin moaned and turned her head to one side.

              Ty brushed his hand across her forehead and smoothed away a strand of hair. “Are you in pain? Of course you are. I wish you could tell us where it hurts. Would a cool cloth feel good?” A small frown crinkled between her eyebrows then vanished. “I’ll take that as a no.”

              Robin moaned again, and Ty clasped her hands in his and knelt by her bed. There was a time, not so many days ago, when his heart ached to pursue his feelings for this girl. But Anna and the promises he’d made stood in the way. Now Anna had released him from those promises, but Robin couldn’t hear what he wanted to say.

              Wha
t
di
d
he feel for her? It was no longer pity. He reserved that emotion for Anna now. It was as though he had watched a long-ago-dream come true then disintegrate before his very eyes. But did he love Robin? Anna seemed to think he did. He’d never doubted his love for Anna before she left for Pennsylvania. Had he not loved her? Had it only been a physical attraction?

              He could at least console himself with the fact that what feelings he had for Robin were never based on physical appearance. She was lovely, but it was more than that. She was feisty, opinionated, determined, and stubborn to be sure. She was also strong, caring, loving, and brave. But then, the same things could be said for John Wenghold.

              Ty laid his head on the bed beside Robin’s hand and welcomed the veil that slowly dulled his eyes.

###

The sun punched an occasional hole through the gauze-like curtain of clouds scudding low across the hills as William approached Morgan’s ranch the next morning. The rain had prompted him to stop at the Feather for the night, but now he regretted that decision. A hush pervaded the surroundings. Though men and horses moved around the yard, it lacked the usual bantering that accompanied the morning’s push of activity. He entered the kitchen, and a knot settled in his gut, and then grew larger when he observed Doc slumped over the table.

              William laid a hand on his shoulder.

              Doc jerked.

              “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you, Doc. Didn’t you go to bed last night? Is she still with us?”

              Doc rubbed his eyes with his palms. “As far as I know, she is. I sent Emma to another room to rest, but Ty’s with her. I gave him orders to come get me if there was any change.”

              “Morgan’s with her?” William smoothed his mustache. “Is that a good idea?”

              “Why wouldn’t it be? Left you with her, didn’t I?”

              “Yes. But Robin knows me.”

              Doc hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and leaned back in the chair. “She knows Ty Morgan, too. I reckon she’s seen more of him than she has of you lately. Ty won’t do anything to upset her. He’s a preacher, don’t forget.”

              William stopped at the stairs. “Yeah, but he’s also a man. Doesn’t seem right he’s there all alone. At least Emma was in the room when I stayed with her.”

              “Look, son, this isn’t Chicago. I don’t carry a nurse around with me to mollycoddle all the gossipers. Sure as I had a woman traveling along they’d have something to say about that, too. That little gal is hurt bad. Somebody needs to be with her, and blamed if I’m gonna start splitting hairs over who she knows best and which one of you should or shouldn’t be left alone with her.” He stood and peered into his cup. “One thing’s for sure—if Ty don’t get him a wife one of these days I aim to quit coming out here. Haven’t had a decent cup of coffee since Florence Blair left.”

              William took the steps two at a time. Regardless of Doc’s tirade, he didn’t like the idea of the preacher, or rancher, or whatever he might call himself today being alone with Robin. He liked it even less when he opened the door and found Morgan on his knees, his head on the bed beside her, and her small hand encased in both of his resting against his cheek

              He crossed the room in one stride, and tapped Ty’s shoulder, motioning for him to get to his feet.

              Ty stood, and Robin’s hand dropped lifelessly to the mattress.

              William leaned to whisper. “I’m back. You may leave now.” He motioned to the door.

              A frown furrowed Ty’s forehead. “Did Doc give orders for me to leave, or is this your idea?"

              William moved between Ty and the bed. “What difference does it make whose idea it is?”

              “Do you mind telling me what your problem is?” He nodded toward Robin. “This is no place to discuss whatever burr you have under your saddle. The least we can do is step out into the hallway.” The floor creaked as Ty moved for the door.

              William followed and shut the door behind him then turned to face the preacher. “I’ll only say it one time, Morgan. Did you—?”

              Ty scowled. “Believe it or not the last thing I remember is praying. I must’ve fallen asleep.”

              William scoffed. “Prayer is always a good excuse, isn’t it?”

              Ty shrugged. “Look, Benson—I talked to her, like Doc told me to do.”

              “And what did you talk about? Did you tell her you loved her? And did you expect her to believe you if you did? Do you love her, Morgan? Yesterday you were all set to marry Miss Blair. What happened? Is it your nature to divert your love every time the Kansas wind changes direction? If you can change your heart so quickly, how do I know you aren’t just wanting Robin so you can keep the boy?”

              Ty shook his hand in William’s face. “Whatever has happened between me and Miss Blair is strictly our business, Benson, and I don’t intend to discuss it with anyone. Why’re you here?”

              “I’m here to take Robin back to Chicago.” He pushed Ty’s hand away.

              Ty gave a shove and William’s head hit the wall. “Because you love her, Benson? Or because you feel sorry for her? What if she doesn’t want to go?” Ty moved to the door of Robin’s room.

              William pushed away from the wall and stepped in front of him. No way was he going to let Ty Morgan back in that room with her. “I promised Robin’s pa I’d take care of her. The best way I know to do that is to marry her. I respect her, I admire her . . .
”
And I’ll learn to love her
.
But he didn’t dare voice that to Ty Morgan. He straightened and jutted his chin. “She’ll go with me. What’s to keep her here? You?”

              “She deserves better than that, Mr. Big City Man.” Ty poked William’s chest with each word. “You think she won’t know the difference between me loving her because of who she is, or you marrying her because you promised her pa? I’ll keep her here or bust your face trying.”

              William grabbed Ty’s hand. “You have a woman, Morgan. What difference does it make to you why I ask Robin to marry me? I don’t think you’re man enough to bust my face.”

              Ty pulled his hand out of William’s grip and gave him a shove.

              William’s shoulders hit the wall. So he wanted a fight? Good! He’d give him one. He’d fought more than one fella in order to protect Robin.

              Their boots hit the floor like hammers, and their elbows knocked against the wall while they pushed and shoved at one another.

              “Stop it.” John Wenghold stood at the top of the stairs, eyes blazing. “You two itchin’ for somethin’ to do, are ya? Well, I’ll tell you one thing, you done come lookin’ in the wrong place. Both of you get your sorry behinds down them stairs and out of this house.”

              Ty pointed at Benson. “He accused me of––”

              “I don’t care a feather in granny’s gray bonnet who said what or why. You two hotheads act worser than a couple of bull calves out rompin’ on them hills, buttin’ heads and bawlin’ like you was important.”

              “John, I never—”

              “I told ya I don’t wanna hear it, Ty Morgan. I oughta take a horsewhip to your backsides.”

              “We’re not children, Mr. Wenghold.” William wiped a hand through his hair.

              “Oh? Well, you sure nuff coulda fooled me. Now git!” He followed them down the stairs. “Good thing Doc isn’t in here or he’d skin you both.”

              “I talked to him a while ago,” William said. “I told him no good could come of leaving Morgan alone with her.”

              “Hush your yammerin’.” John shoved William ahead of him when they reached the barn.

              William squinted to adjust to the dark interior, and his nostrils quivered. Was it the barn, or this whole situation that smelled so bad?

              John leaned against the nearest stall and crossed his legs at the ankles. “Look, you two. Ever’ day that little gal don’t wake up is gonna heft another load of worry on all our shoulders. Robin can’t help what’s happenin’ to her right now. She hurt her head. But we gotta keep ours with some sense in ‘em. You buttin’ them hard knots on top of your shoulders ever time you see one another don’t do nothin’ to help her get well.”

William took a deep breath, and wished he could breathe fresh air. He’d not apologize for defending Robin, but his behavior had been less than that of a gentleman. He smoothed his mustache then reached for Ty’s hand. “I’m sorry. I allowed my concern for Robin to outweigh good manners.”

Ty shook his hand. “Apology accepted. And I’m sorry I gave you concern.”

John nodded. “Well, now you done shook like gentlemen, suppose you find a wall to lean on and cool off for a bit, or balance yourselves on one of them milk stools hangin’ on the wall.”

“You figure to keep us out here all day?” Ty stuck his hands in his pockets.