The Escape (6 page)

Lou laughed. “Not so cold, Betty. Not so cold at all.” She swept by her sister and retreated into the house.

Betty’s gaze settled on the now empty road. She squinted slightly against the bright sun. The ground was dry with patches of new grass poking through the dirt in that vibrant green belonging only to spring. The air was crisp and warm. Inside, her baby stirred, and Betty looked down at her growing belly.

“I do like him, little one” she murmured. “I like the man who was supposed to help me raise you. Yet I don’t know why I like him. He’s a barrel of confusion. But there’s something about him. Something I can’t rightly explain.”

And with that, she began sewing again, her fingers moving rhythmically over the fabric, a tender warmth growing in her heart.

Five

Lou erupted through Betty’s bedroom door. “He’s here!” she cried, her face covered with alarm. “Jude’s talking to him right now!”

Betty rubbed her eyes and sat up. “Who? Cole?”

“No!” Lou twisted her hands together. “Garrett!”

Betty’s heart dropped.
“What?”

“He’s outside right now! Jude will bring him in! I know he will! He doesn’t know how horrid he is!”

Betty lurched from the bed. “No! No! No! Why is he here? How did he find me?”

Lou grabbed her arms. “Does it matter how? He’s here, Betty! Here!”

Betty put both hands to her throat and sank back to the bed. “I can’t see him! I won’t see him!”

“What should we do?”

Betty’s eyes darted around the room and settled on the window. “I can climb out the window. I can escape!”

“The window doesn’t open.” Lou moaned. “And don’t be ridiculous. You’re expecting a baby!”

Tears spilled down Betty’s cheeks. “I’m afraid of him, Lou. I can’t see him.” She shook her head. “Can he make me go back?”

“No. He can’t. You don’t belong to him.” Lou put her hand to her mouth. “We’ll think of something. We will.”

Betty heard the front door shut. “He’s in!” Betty hissed. “He’s in the house.”

“I’ll go out there,” Lou said. “I’ll tell them you’re asleep and can’t be disturbed.”

Before Betty could reply, Lou exited the room. Betty hurried to her bedroom door to listen.

“Hello, Garrett,” she heard Lou say.

“Hello, Louellen.” Even the sound of Garrett’s voice made Betty’s skin crawl.

“What brings you to Burrow Creek?” Lou asked sweetly, as if she didn’t know.

“I came to see Betty,” was his answer. “I understand she’s staying with you. Your gracious husband has invited me for dinner, which I have gladly accepted.”

Betty’s breath caught.

“Unfortunately, my sister is sleeping, and she cannot be disturbed.” Lou’s voice was firm.

“Why, Louellen, this is Betty’s brother-in-law. I’m sure she’ll want to see him.”

“I know, but she’s sleeping…”

Betty’s shoulders tensed, and she knew there was no avoiding it. She couldn’t cower in her bedroom forever. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. With steel determination, she walked from her room and entered the main area.

Upon seeing her, Garrett’s face flashed with excitement. “My dear Betty,” he cried, moving swiftly to her side. “How are you?”

Betty stiffened, pulling her arm from his grasp. “I am well, Garrett.” She moved to the side of the stove, putting the rocking chair between them.

Garrett’s brow lowered over his narrowed eyes, but he recovered quickly, smiling and holding out his arm. “I’m so glad to hear it. Of course, mother and I were alarmed by your sudden departure.”

“I wanted to visit my sister,” Betty replied, forcing her voice to be calm. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Under coercion, Johnson told us he delivered you to the station.” Garrett rubbed his chin. “Needless to say, the man is no longer in our employ.”

“Oh no!” Betty cried, her heart sinking. “You have to hire him back. He played no part in my trip.”

Garrett’s face grew hard and then he laughed. “We mustn’t bore your family with tedious servant issues.” He put on a smile and looked at Lou and Jude. “You have taken great care of Betty. I can see that, and I thank you.”

There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice which Betty was sure neither Lou nor Jude detected. But she knew Garrett well. Too well. He was performing now. Not so much for her, but for Lou and Jude.

“And Jude, I must say that you have a fine place here. And again, I truly do thank you for caring for our Betty. Mother and I were quite concerned, but I see now that our worries were unfounded.”

Jude grinned. “We’ve been glad to have her. Quite a treat for me to meet Louellen’s kin. Betty is welcome for as long as she wishes.”

Garrett tipped his head toward Jude in acknowledgment. “Well, Mother and I thank you kindly, but we’re eager to have Betty return to the family home. As you know, my brother was taken from us prematurely, and we still grieve his loss.”

“You have my condolences on that front,” Jude said.

Lou moved to Jude’s side and took his hand in hers. “It’s getting late, Jude. Perhaps Garrett wants to get into town to find lodging.”

Jude gave his wife a questioning glance. “I’ve invited the man for dinner, Louellen. And perhaps we can put him up for the night.”

Betty’s heart went cold. “There’s no room,” she said quickly.

“We’ve got a barn loft if that ain’t too common for a city man,” Jude said, still giving Lou a puzzled stare.

Garrett hesitated for a split second and then grinned. “Why, this city boy will be happy to stay in your barn.” He looked at Betty. “And after dinner, we can talk on the porch.”

“I’m not feeling well,” Betty said, giving Lou a frantic look.

“It’s a bit chilly outside for a woman in my sister’s condition. Your talk will have to wait.” Lou drew herself up to her full height.

Garrett’s lips tightened. “She can wear a cape.”

Jude stepped forward. “Let’s get your things settled in the loft,” he said. “Shall we?”

Garrett nodded and went to the door. “I didn’t bring much as I don’t plan to stay long. I have train tickets for the day after tomorrow.” He stared at Betty. “
Two
train tickets.”

And with that, he walked outside.

Betty nearly crumpled to the floor. She reached out and steadied herself on the back of the rocker.

Jude paused before following Garrett outside. “What’s going on, Louellen? Never seen you act so inhospitable.”

“He’s horrid!” Lou said, an urgency in her voice. “He wants to marry Betty, and she can’t abide him!”

Jude blew out his breath and rolled his eyes. “You could’ve told me afore I asked him to practically live with us! You want me to get rid of him?”

“No,” Betty said clearly. “No. I’ll do that myself.”

Lou looked at her. “You don’t have to. Let Jude help.”

“No.” Betty circled the rocker and sank onto its seat. “I just need a bit of time to gather up my courage. He’s tried to control me long enough.”

She marveled at her own resolve, knowing that if this had happened weeks earlier, she wouldn’t have even tried to face Garrett down in person. But now she knew she had to try. More than try. She had to get rid of him once and for all.

Jude eyed her. “Betty, I can do it for ya.”

“Thank you, Jude, but no.”

He shook his head and, with a reluctant grimace, walked out of the house.

Lou stared at her. “Not two minutes ago, you were cringing like a child. Now, here you are, being completely courageous. What happened?”

Betty shrugged. “I have no idea. I’m as surprised as you are. I don’t know—something came over me. I’m not running scared another day. I’m done with it.” She took a long breath. “Edmund would be proud of me, I think.”

Lou nodded. “Yes, he would be. And so am I.”

****

To say that dinner was awkward would be an understatement. Lou seated Garrett at the end of the table, as far as possible from Betty. But even at that, everyone was within a breath of each other, and only Garrett seemed comfortable enough to keep up a steady stream of conversation. He spoke of Boston, of the latest art display, of the horse auction he’d recently attended. He seemed particularly mindful to call attention to the amazing bids and purchases he’d made that day, looking frequently at Betty as if trying to see how impressed she was.

After the meal finished, Betty helped tidy the kitchen and then excused herself to retire.

“Wait,” Garrett stopped her. “I thought we might talk a while on the porch.”

“In the morning,” Betty replied, smoothing her hands over her stomach. “I’m tired now, and I am going to my room.”

With an impatient glint in his eyes, Garrett opened his mouth to say something. But he must have thought better of it, for he smiled and nodded as if bestowing a gift upon her. “Dearest Betty, that is my thinking. We will discuss our plans in the morning. Go now, and get some rest.”

Betty noted how he had twisted her words making it sound as if her retiring for the night had been his idea. She swallowed a tart retort and left the room. But she didn’t go to bed. She was tired to her very bones, but she couldn’t think of sleeping. She needed to plan her words carefully. She needed to steel herself for the impending encounter. She needed to pray for strength and wisdom.

She lowered herself to her knees and implored God for his help and guidance. She implored him for grace and dignity. After some time, feeling sure she’d covered everything she so desperately needed, she changed into her nightgown and dropped into bed—asleep within minutes.

****

The next morning, Betty felt a strange calm as she helped cook and serve breakfast. She, Lou, and Jude ate quietly—each set of eyes looking frequently at the empty chair where Garrett had sat the night before and then at the front door.

“Should I check on him, you reckon?” Jude asked.

“No,” Lou said, scooping another helping of fried potatoes onto her husband’s plate.

“We used to dine for breakfast at nine o’clock. He’s probably still sleeping.”

“Nine o’clock?” Jude’s voice was incredulous.

Lou laughed. “I can hardly recall those days.”

“They’re becoming a blur in my mind, too,” Betty said.

“You nervous?” Lou asked.

Betty fiddled with the piece of bread on her place. “A bit,” she admitted.

“Say the word, and he’s gone,” Jude said, standing and crossing the room to grab his hat from the peg by the door.

“He’ll be gone, all right,” said Betty. “But by my word.”

The front door opened, and Garrett entered, dressed in his familiar daily dress suit, complete with string tie. “Saw the light. I had no idea you arose so early.”

Lou went to the counter for another plate. “Please sit, Garrett. I’ll dish you up some breakfast.”

Garrett grinned and moved to the table.

“I need to check on the south fence and then pasture the cow. It won’t take but a spell. Then, I’ll be in the barn,” Jude said, turning to go.

“The barn?” Lou questioned him. “Not back to the fields?”

Jude gave her a pointed look. “I’ll be in the barn,” he repeated. “Close by if you need me.”

Lou nodded then, her face clearing with understanding. “The barn, then. Thank you, Jude.”

Betty shot Jude a grateful glance.

“Good morning, Betty,” Garrett said, apparently oblivious to the undertones of the conversation. He touched the back of her neck before seating himself.

Betty cringed. Despite her confident words, she shrank inside at his touch.

“Thank you for breakfast, Louellen. Smells mighty good.”

Lou placed a full plate of eggs, potatoes, a slice of ham, and a piece of bread before him. She poured coffee into a waiting mug. “You’re welcome. I imagine you’ll be moving into town today. Mrs. Simms is taking boarders. You can inquire at the mercantile.”

Garrett laid down his fork and finished chewing his mouthful of eggs. “Are you trying to get rid of me? I’ve barely arrived.” He gave her an amused look and took a gulp of coffee. “Whoa! That’s hot!”

Betty covered a nervous titter with the back of her hand.

“Besides, I’m soon to be your brother-in-law, so we should take advantage of our time together.” His gaze darted to Betty.

Betty met his look and wiped all expression from her face—he was testing her.

“We can have that talk you wanted when you’re finished eating,” she announced. “I’ll be outside waiting.”

“No, Betty,” Lou said. “The mornings are chilly. You stay here, and I’ll go out. I have chores to do anyway.”

“Nonsense,” Betty said, rising. “I’ll grab my cape.”

She went to the door and took her cape from its peg. She fastened it snugly around her neck, pulling her long curls from beneath it and letting them fall loosely down her back. She opened the door and stepped out into the fresh morning air.

She inhaled deeply and let the cold air fill her lungs. She stood at the edge of the porch, feeling the earth awaken around her. She loved the mornings in Burrow Creek—the way the dark sky slowly opened to daylight; the way the dew clung to the thin blades of grass; the way the insects began their circular patterns of flight.

The vast space filled her with more companionship than she had ever felt amidst the bustle of the big city back home. It made no sense, but this untamed expanse of country was planting itself firmly in her soul.

She smiled.

“What’s funny?” Garrett said, coming outside to join her.

“Nothing,” she answered, looking at him. “You’re finished eating already?”

“More interested in being out here. Would you like me to bring out a chair?” he asked, suddenly solicitous. “It will be more comfortable than that very crude bench.”