Shadow of Deceit (Shadow #2) (4 page)

Julia knew that Caleb hadn’t had experience with women.  He was shy and lacked self-confidence.  His kiss started out like a simple friendly peck, so she’d encouraged him, and then knew immediately, that he enjoyed it as much as she had.  In fact, it startled her that his kiss traveled from her head to her toes.  She thought it must be because she knew this was his first, and that may have made it more exciting for her.  What else could it be?

She really liked Caleb and started to feel a prickling of guilt for her manipulation.  Yet, she knew he enjoyed it, and every man had to experience his first romantic episode.  It was high time he had his.

The strangest part of the whole day was, when they walked back to the buggy she didn’t even notice his limp.  It certainly didn’t go away, yet she never even thought about it.

After tossing and turning in his bed, Caleb couldn’t get comfortable.  His leg ached from all the walking.  He’d put some salve on it but it still throbbed.  He finally found a comfortable spot, closed his eyes, and once again, all he could see was Julia’s face.  He could still feel her lips on his.  He wasn’t sure, since he’d never been there, but he thought he might be in love.

He didn’t see Julia for several days, and he missed her, but wasn’t sure if it might be too soon to call on her again.  About mid-week she popped into the mill’s store around lunchtime.  She carried a basket. 

“Hello, Caleb.” She held up the basket.  “I’ve brought us lunch.”

Caleb greeted her warmly.  “Where will we eat it?  This place is full of sawdust.”

“Oh,” she said.  “I hadn’t thought about it.  It’s much too cold for an outdoor picnic.”  She put her finger to her chin.  “There’s always my brother’s house.   He’s at work.”

“That would not be appropriate,” Caleb said.  “I have a better idea.  We could go to my house.  My housekeeper is there to act as a chaperone.”

Caleb could have been wrong, but she seemed a bit disappointed.  Had she really wanted to jeopardize her reputation by being alone with him in her brother’s house?

“All right,” she said.  Then she turned to the window “Oh, dear, it’s snowing again.  Is your place very far?”

Caleb came around the counter and looked out the window.  “It is rather nasty.”

”And I haven’t worn my leather boots, or my scarf,” she said.

“We can eat right here,” he said, clearing a spot for the basket on the counter.  “I can go in the back and grab some chairs.”

“Let’s go to Miles’s, house,” she urged.  “No one will see us, and it will only be for as long as it takes us to eat.”

Caleb knew he should refuse, but when she looked at him with those big green eyes, and that sensual smile, he couldn’t resist.  He sighed.  “Okay.”

The house on the outside was average for that neighborhood, but the inside appeared well kept and furnished in a masculine style.  Julia led him to a homey dining room and opened the basket.

“Sit down, Caleb and relax.  It’s not as if we’re teenagers,” she said.

Caleb sat, but clenched his hands on his lap.  If anyone came in and saw them, he’d be forced to marry her.  On second thought, maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, but an embarrassing thing, and it would hurt her reputation. 

As if she read his mind.  “No one is going to come in.  Miles is working and doesn’t come home until after five.  Stop worrying.”

Julia reached into the basket.  “Now don’t expect too much, I’m a horrible cook.”  She took out bread, cheese, sliced cold ham, and butter.  “Make yourself a sandwich, and I’ll get us something to drink.  Lemonade or coffee?”

“Lemonade,” he answered.

No sooner had she given him his drink than someone started banging on the front door.

Caleb sprang up and looked around for a hiding place.  Julia put her hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down in his chair.

“Don’t worry.  I’ll send whoever it is away,” she said.  She left to answer the door.

Caleb couldn’t have been more nervous.  He’d never been in a situation like this before.  Who could be at the door?  He heard a man’s voice and he heard Julia’s. 

When Julia returned she looked at Caleb and laughed.  “If you could see your face, it’s white as a ghost.  Relax.  It was just a man from the telegraph office.  I received a telegram.”

Caleb let out a breath of relief.  He continued making his sandwich.

“Shall I read it now or wait until you’ve gone back to work?” she asked.

“If I received a telegraph, which I never have, I’d be anxious to read it.  So, go ahead,” he said.

Julia opened the telegram and her ever-present smile faded.  “Oh, dear,” she said.  She folded the message, and tears rolled from her eyes and ran down her cheeks.

“Julia!  What is it?  Did someone die?” Caleb asked.

Julia sniffed into her handkerchief.  “No.  At least not yet.”

“Is it something you can talk about?” he asked.

“Oh, no!” she exclaimed.  “I’m afraid not.  Just forget about it.”  She wiped her eyes again, and sat down.   She started to make her sandwich.  But the tears continued to roll down her face.  Caleb couldn’t stand it.

He jumped up and put his arm around her.  “Are you sure I can’t help?”

“I’m sorry to spoil your lunch, Caleb,” she sobbed. 

“I don’t like seeing you so unhappy.   Maybe if you told me what the difficulty is, I could help you find a solution to the situation.” Caleb bent down, and turned her face to his.  “Please let me help you, Julia?”

“All right.  But it stays between us, and Miles of course,” she said, wiping her tears again.

“We’re friends, Julia, that’s what friends do, keep confidences and help each other.”

“It’s Billy, my younger brother.  He’s gotten into trouble again and this time it may cost him his life.”

“What’s he done?”

“He’s been gambling again.  That’s why I came here.  I paid off his debts the last time, and when I couldn’t pay the rent, I was evicted.  I had nowhere to live, so I came looking for Miles.  This time Billy owes a large sum, and the men he played cards with are killers.  They’ve threatened his life if he doesn’t pay up.”

“Where is he now?” Caleb asked.

“I hid him at a friend’s house before I left.  She lives in Victoria, which is ten miles away from Hays.  It’s an English settlement.  I thought he’d be safe there, but somehow they found him.  This message says that they are searching for him.  My friend, Lydia, hid him, but it’s only a matter of time before they find him… then he’s a dead man.”  Julia began to sob again. “I came here hoping Miles could help, but he hasn’t got that kind of money either.”

Caleb pulled her out of the chair and hugged her.  “Don’t worry.  We’ll find a way to save him, and then we’ll kick his behind.”

Julia grinned at that remark.  “I don’t know how to get up that much money, I sold everything of value I had.”

“How much does he owe?” Caleb held her close and kissed her cheek.  “I’ll help if I can.  I’ll do anything to see your beautiful smile again.”

“Five thousand dollars!” Julia said between sobs.

“Wow.  He certainly isn’t much of a card player, is he?”

Julia pulled out of his arms and looked at him seriously.  “Caleb, how can you joke at a time like this?”

“Because your problem is solved.  I’ll simply give you the money.  As a single working man, I’ve been able to save a good deal of money.  I can help him.”  He ran his fingers through her hair.  “I’ve been wanting to do this for the longest time,” he said.

“Do what?” she asked as if in a daze. 

“Run my fingers through your beautiful hair.”

She seemed to study his face and then said, “You are the most generous, and kindest man I’ve ever met, Caleb.  Thank you.”  She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, passionately. 

His body reacted immediately, and he pulled her even closer.  After they broke off the kiss he stood hugging her. 

“Caleb?” she said.

“Hmm?”

“I think I owe you,” she kissed him again.  “I want you to make love to me, right now.  I feel the need, and you’ve been so kind.”

Caleb pushed her away, even though he fairly burst with the need to love her totally, but not like this.  “No.  There’s no need.  My help comes without anything in return.  Is that clear?”

Caleb’s firmness shocked Julia.  She’d never seen him so rigid.  She immediately knew she’d said it the wrong way.  She really did need to repay him, and with the urge so strong in her body, she knew it would be good for both of them, as well as, pay him back for at least some of his kindness. 

“I’m sorry, Caleb.  I didn’t mean it to come out the way it did.  I want you, because I really need and desire you. I’ve never had feelings like this before, and I don’t think I can stand being with you like this without—I mean, I feel as though I’ll explode inside.”

“I feel the same way.  It’s not easy for me either.  I’m in love with you, Julia, and I won’t cheapen you with a fast—you know...  That’s not love, that’s lust.  We have to learn to control it until the time is right.” 

He pulled her close, but not too close, and said, “God gave men and women that strong desire to mate for a good reason.  He wanted to populate the earth.  However, he did have a stipulation, he wants this beautiful act to be between a husband and a wife.”

Julia laid her head on his chest.  “I’ve never been in love, Caleb, but I’ve never felt this way before either.” 

Caleb breathed a sigh of relief.  He rubbed her back.  “Would you consider marrying a clumsy oaf like me?”

Julia pulled back and studied him.  “Do you mean it?”

He nodded. “I do.”

Caleb seemed to study her, he looked straight into her eyes, and her heart began to beat faster.  “Can I give you the answer when I return from fetching Billy?”

“You can’t make me wait
that
long.  I really need an answer, or at least some hint as to what you’re thinking right now about it.”

“I’m thinking yes.  But it’s a big decision and we haven’t known each other long—”

“I’ll make a deal with you then.  You say yes and then we’ll have a long betrothal, long enough for you to be sure.”

“All right,” she said.  “First of all you are not a clumsy oaf,” she said.  “You have an injury.  Your leg is bad, but your heart is good—it’s golden, and the rest of you isn’t bad either,” she said with a smile.  “I’ll give you a yes and a promise for a long betrothal, as long as I need.”

He smiled and nodded.

“I’ll have to travel to Victoria to give Billy the money.  I’m thinking I should bring him back here where I can keep an eye on him,” Julia said.

“I’ll pay for the train tickets—if you promise to come back as soon as you can.  I’ll miss you terribly,” Caleb pushed her gently from his chest so he could kiss her again.

She returned his kiss with so much passion, that Caleb had to break it off, breathing heavily.  “Enough, you Jezebel!  Here we are alone in a house, and you kiss me like that?  You’re just lookin’ for trouble woman.”  He pushed her away, kissed her forehead, and said,  “I’m going back to work before I do something I shouldn’t.”

Miles was amazed at his first sight of the barn dance.  Lanterns were hung all around the inside of the barn as well as the yard in front of the barn. He stood off to the side and watched the dancers.  The men twirled their female partners around and around.  The sound of laughter along with the toe-tapping music was contagious. 

And then he saw her—Violet Jeffries.  She stood by the refreshment table talking to another woman.  She had her hair pulled back with a bright blue ribbon and her dress was a blue ruffled thing that looked mighty good to Miles.  He admired her small waist and long slim neck.  He couldn’t decide who was prettier, Violet or her sister Ivy. 

He had to get up the nerve to ask her to dance or something. He just had to get to know her, but what if she refused?  He walked casually up to the tables that were laden with snack foods, and two punch bowls.  Violet smiled at him as he approached.  His heart pounded so hard he almost forgot to return the smile. 

“Have we met?” she asked.

“Not officially,” he said, trying to act cool and relaxed.  “I’ve seen you come into the bank, I work there.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Now I remember where it was I’ve seen you.  This is my friend, Peggy Iverson.”

Miles nodded at Peggy.  “My name is Miles Croft.  I’ve met your brother, Quinn.  Nice fellow, I like him.”

“And, I’m Violet Jeffries,” she smiled again.  “Is this your first barn dance?”

“I’ve lived here almost six years and I am ashamed to admit, that it is.” He picked up the ladle and filled his cup with punch.

“Oh,” Peggy said, “You should have taken the red punch.”

Miles stopped drinking and examined the cup.  “Why?”

“It’s made with strawberries and seltzer water, it’s the best,” she said.

“I’ll tell you what, Peggy,” he said.  “I’ll try that one next, and let you know if it’s best.”

“I also have a confession to make,” Violet said.  “This is my first barn dance as well.”

“Really?” he asked.

“I’ve been to so many I’ve lost count,” Peggy said. 

Just then, a young man tapped Peggy’s shoulder and asked her to dance.  She went off and left him pleasantly alone with Violet.  What luck.

“So, this is your first dance too, we have something in common, already.”  After he’d said that he could feel himself blush, why had he said that?  Will she think him ingratiating himself on her?  Well—actually he was.    

“My parents disapprove of the dances.  My father is the minister of Grace Church, and he thinks dancing is a disgraceful display of human bodies.” She giggled. “And my mother goes along with whatever my father says.”

Miles looked over at the people dancing and began to laugh.  “You know, he may be right.”

They both laughed, and when they did their eyes met, and his heart skipped a beat.

“So,” she said, “I promised them I wouldn’t dance.  I just wanted to see a barn dance, and you don’t really have to dance to enjoy it.  The music, the laughter, watching disgracefully displayed bodies—” and they both laughed together again.

“The music is great.  I love banjo music and that man sure strums it good.”  Miles poured another cup of punch, this time the red one.  “Would you like some punch?” Miles asked.  He was relieved that her family didn’t believe in dancing.  Now he wouldn’t be forced to dance—something he wasn’t very good at.

“No, thank you,” she said.  “I just finished one.”

“Hm,” he said as he drank.  “Peggy was right, the red is better.”

The music, while good, was loud and they were practically shouting to be heard over it.  So Miles made his move.  Her smiles encouraged him.  “Would you like to take a walk around and look at the dance from different angles?”

“That’s a brilliant idea.” She put her arm through his without his having to prompt her and they walked out of the barn.  There were couples dancing in the yard outside the barn too.  They wove around them, and walked down the lane that led to the road.

“Tell me about yourself,” he said as they slowly walked.

“I’m a minister’s daughter, but you knew that,” Violet said. “I have two sisters, Ivy and Rose.  We came here last spring from Leavenworth.  Ivy married Jonas Armstrong a few weeks ago, and Jonas is our pianist and director of music at church.  Our families get along very well, and we are always doing things together.  My father and George Armstrong are now best friends, and Jonas’s mother and my mother are starting a gardening club this spring.”  She sighed.  “I love little Zoe. Caleb and Jonas are the brothers I never had. Everything seems so right.  Like a puzzle when all the pieces fit.”

“What about you?” Miles asked. He wanted to know more about her, not her family.

“I just finished school in January, and I’m trying to get my teaching certificate.  My family is unhappy about that, because there are no teaching jobs here in Abilene, since the positions are all filled.  So I may have to take a job elsewhere.  I think it will break my parents’ hearts.  But I have to move on with my life.

“Now,” she said, “How about you?”

“Ah, my life is boring compared to yours, and not as happy,” he said.  She gave him a sympathetic look so he added, “but not terribly sad—just lackluster.

“I came to Abilene almost six years ago, from Hays.  My mother died and I have no idea if my father is alive or dead since he ran off looking for gold in California.  I came to Abilene with Michael Green, an old school chum, do you know him?”

She shook her head. 

“He lives just west of Abilene, has a ranch out towards Solomon.  I came with him and didn’t take to the farming job he gave me, so I applied for the job at the bank.  I was always good in math.  I’ve been there ever since.  See, I told you it was boring,” he said.

“It isn’t,” she said.  “Do you have any siblings?”

“I have a sister, who is staying with me—but right now she’s on her way to Hays to pick up my younger brother, Billy.  I think she is going to stay here in Abilene because she just got betrothed to none other than Caleb Armstrong.”

“No!” she exclaimed.  “I hadn’t heard about that!  Does anyone know yet?” she asked.

“Uh oh.  Maybe not,” he covered his mouth and then laughed.  “Maybe you should wait to tell anyone until I check with Julia.  I thought they’d announce it right away.”

“I didn’t even know he was seeing someone.  I’m so happy for him.  I love Caleb. He is such a good, honest, and kind man,” she said.  “My family thinks the world of him.  Like I said, our families are close.”

Miles’s conscience started nagging him.  He was sorry that his sister was using Caleb, and he’d helped her to do it.  And this woman, the one he was sure that he loved already, idolized the man.  If she ever found out that Julia was just using Caleb, and that he assisted in his downfall. She’d hate him.  How could he fix this?

“Hey,” he said.  “We’ve been so busy talking we can’t even hear the music anymore.  I think we should head back, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she said and turned with him to walk in the opposite direction.  They were now walking along the road about a quarter mile from the drive that let to the dance. 

“So, Julia and Billy are your whole family?” she asked.

“Yes.  Julia took over caring for us after my mother died, but Billy—he’s always been the black sheep of the family, so to speak, he’s always into some type of trouble.  That’s why Julia went to get him. He’s better off here where we can keep our eye on him.”

“I think your story is anything but boring, and I loved hearing Caleb’s news.  I am so happy for him.  Do you know what he told me at Jonas and Ivy’s wedding?”

“No.”

“He sat next to me and said, ‘do you think any woman would ever marry someone like me, with a limp?’”

“He said that?”

“Yes.  My heart went out to him,” she said.  “I wished I could fall for him myself, because I wouldn’t mind his limp at all, but he is just too much of a brother to me to even think of him in any other way.” 

“He sounds like a good man.  I met him, and liked him, but I don’t know him well,” Miles said.

“He’d give you the roof over his head if you needed it,” she said.

“He does sound like a good person,” Miles said, feeling the guilt heavy on his shoulders. 

“And I want to thank you for tonight,” she said, smiling at him in the moonlight.

“Me?  Why?”

“You made my first barn dance a success.  It’s just like I told my parents—you don’t have to dance to have fun.”

She got up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.  “Thank you, again.”  She grabbed his hand and they ran down the lane to the barn. Although, Miles thought his feet never touched the ground.  He seemed to float on clouds.  Could she really feel the same about him as he did about her?  Could he be that lucky?

Then he thought about the mess when it came out eventually that Julia used the man she thought of as a brother.  Violet would hate him.  What could he do?  He wanted to beat the daylights out of Billy for causing all this trouble.

“Where did you go?” Peggy asked. 

Violet still watched Miles ride out to the road.  He’d said good-bye, and that he looked forward to seeing her again. She suddenly became aware that Peggy had spoken to her. “What?” Julia asked.

“Where did you disappear to?” Peggy asked again.

“Miles Croft and I went for a walk,” she said.  She rolled her eyes and whispered, “I think I’m in love, Peggy.  He is so handsome and so personable.  I’ve always noticed him at the bank, but pretended I hadn’t.  I didn’t want him to think I’d been watching him for some time.”

“I’ve noticed him at the bank too,” Peggy said.  “Well, he really stands out because all the rest of the tellers are over fifty, I think.”  They both giggled.

“I know.  How could you not notice him?” Violet said.  “I hope I see him again.  I so enjoyed our chat and he seems to like me—in a shy way.  I like shy men.  Most of the young men in our group are so bold and think they are God’s gift to women.”

“I agree,” Peggy said.  “I’ve gone for carriage rides with a young man named Jeremiah Walker.  His father owns the hardware store.  He didn’t come tonight though.   I’m hoping he asks me to ride with him again.”

“I actually kissed him on the cheek, Peggy,” she said.  “I can’t imagine where that idea came from, but because he is so shy, I had to give him encouragement.”

“Did he say anything before he left about seeing you again?” Peggy asked.

“Yes!  I think my kiss did the trick.  He has invited me to ride with him in his buggy on Saturday. I can’t wait.  Oh, what should I wear?”

Caleb visited the jeweler and didn’t look at prices.  He bought the ring he thought would be good enough for his betrothed.  The jeweler was pleased, naturally, with the expensive purchase.

He left the jewelers with the ring in his pocket.  He missed Julia.  She’d been gone for two weeks now.  It was time to tell his family about her.  He’d put off telling them because he knew they’d want to meet her as soon as he told them.  But, he craved to tell someone, so he would tell his family.  Julia would be back soon; he was sure of it.  He remembered the look in her eyes when they’d parted at the train station.  Yes, she’d be back soon.

He’d been invited to the Jeffries’ for dinner to celebrate Violet’s eighteenth birthday.  Everyone would be there, so it would be the perfect time to announce his betrothal.  He couldn’t wait to see the looks on their faces.