Texas Mail Order Bride (23 page)

“Yes. I'm most grateful I showed aptitude, since it's the only talent I seem to have.”

“Oh, Clara, don't you believe that for a second. Judging from this room, you have a most interesting gift. I've never felt so at home. The colors you chose are outstanding.” She gazed at Clara, trying to guess her age. Dark brown hair with hints of gold. No wrinkles or age spots on her hands. A striking voice that didn't tremble. Putting all that together, the pie maker was probably in her early or mid forties.

“Again, I thank you. We never seem to view ourselves as others see us.”

“About that invitation… Will you take supper with me this evening?”

“I've never eaten away from home. The stares, you know.”

“We won't pay them any mind. Please say yes.”

“You're very convincing.” Clara hesitated a moment, then answered, “Yes, I suppose I will.”

“Wonderful. I'll see you at six o'clock.”

Delta left with hope in her heart. Clara Sharp would be perfect for George Lexington. All Delta had to do was find out the reason for the veil and get Clara to trust her.

It didn't sound so hard when she said it real fast.

Cooper's heart pounded in his chest. He scrambled over a downed tree and made a flying leap at the fleeing figure of Tolbert Early.

The men went down in a flurry of arms and legs.

“I got you now, you rotten piece of filth.” Cooper slammed a fist into Early's jaw and enjoyed the pleasure he felt. This had been a long time coming and he meant to take his time.

He kicked Early's gun into some thick undergrowth. Grabbing his adversary's shirt, he yanked him to a sitting position. “It's time for you to pay the piper.”

“Go to hell,” Tolbert spat.

“Don't have to go. I'm already there.” Cooper looked around for Rebel. No sign of the horse nor Early's either. Where Rand and Brett went, he couldn't say. They'd gotten separated when they rode upon Early and his scraggly group.

They were about fifteen miles from town. Too far to walk. Breathing hard, he sat down, keeping his gun pointed at Early. Any sudden move and he'd blast the man to kingdom come. He'd rest a bit, then see if he could locate the horses.

With a smirk on his face, Early started to reach inside the dirty jacket he wore.

“Keep your hands where I can see them,” Cooper ordered.

“Cain't a man have a smoke?”

“Not until I get you to the jailhouse.” He didn't trust this wily devil as far as he could throw him.

Early laughed. “Like that'll happen.”

“You've always underestimated me. You did when I was fourteen, and nothing's changed.”

“You had no call to shoot me!” Hate glittered in Early's black eyes.

“That so? My memory isn't that fuzzy.”

“I was just trying to teach that boy a lesson. He had it coming. He stole my gold watch.”

“That
boy
is my brother, and he didn't steal a damn thing.” A lad Brett had developed a friendship with had lifted the watch, intending to trade it for food. Brett had taken the boy's beating rather than snitch on him. “You're a sorry piece of scum that's not fit to live. So why did you come back now, anyway?”

“To kill you. All three of you. You put me in a living hell. I got this crazy itch and cain't scratch it. I aim to make you know what it's like 'fore I put a bullet in you.”

“That a fact? Seems things are working out better than I thought. You'd have gotten off too easy, had you died back then.”

“I hope you're keeping an eye on your lady friend,” Early said softly.

Ice filled Cooper's veins. Though it was a struggle, he kept calm. “I don't know where you get your information, but I don't have a lady friend.”

“I watched you climb into her window. Are you right sure pretty Miss Dandridge is safe?”

Cooper jumped to his feet. Towering over Tolbert Early, he held his Colt to the man's forehead. “One hair gets out of place and there won't be a hole deep enough for your men to hide in.”

“You might want to rethink that.”

Early's words echoed in Cooper's brain before pain exploded in the back of his head and everything went black.

***

“What kept you?” Early snapped, jumping to his feet.

“We was busy tryin' to outrun Thorne's brothers. Finally shook 'em,” a man who answered by the name of Too Tall said.

“What happened to the other four of our band?”

“Don't know. Maybe those fellers captured 'em. What are we gonna do with this one?” He waved his gun toward the man on the ground.

“Well, don't just stand there, shoot him.”

Too Tall backed away. “I don't mind shootin' a man in a fair fight. But in cold blood goes against my principles. You can't pay me enough to hang for you.”

“You little coward. Hand me your gun and
I'll
kill him.”

“Use your own. You ain't gettin' mine.”

Livid, Tolbert knelt in the brush where Thorne had kicked his weapon and began pawing the ground.

Pounding horses' hooves interrupted the search. He stood as Thorne's two brothers galloped into the clearing. Leaping onto the back of Too Tall's horse, Early and his cohort lit out.

***

Six o'clock found Delta sitting across the table from Clara Sharp. She'd half expected the widow to have second thoughts. But she hadn't, and that thrilled Delta.

“Thank you for coming, Clara. This is wonderful.”

Clara placed her napkin in her lap. Her fingers were long and elegant. “I confess, I almost changed my mind. But you're a very intriguing woman, and I wanted to get to know you.”

“There's nothing unusual about me. I'm boring.”

“I beg to differ. You're very lovely and you've managed to light a fire under this town. How you did it I'll never know.”

The waiter came and took their orders.

“I simply fell in love with Battle Creek, and it broke my heart to see the disrepair of the buildings.” Delta thought she glimpsed a smile through the widow's black veil.

“But you won the citizens over and made them see your vision. That's quite a feat. You've made a difference in so many lives, my dear.”

“It makes me happy to help.” Delta's gaze swept the small café. She smiled and nodded to George Lexington, sulking at a corner table. If anyone could get the unhappy man smiling, it would be Clara Sharp. “Do you by chance know Mr. Lexington?”

“We've met. He complimented me on my baking skills. What a lonely, lonely man. I feel sorry for him.”

“Me too. But he frustrates me to no end with his refusal to do anything to the hotel. I simply don't know what to do next. I've tried everything.”

“Don't be too impatient. Sometimes it takes a while for men to come around.” Clara had a beautiful, melodious voice.

“I sure hope so.” But Delta was no longer thinking about George Lexington. As usual she found herself wondering where Cooper was and what he was doing. She yearned to see him. Maybe he'd climb up to her bedroom tonight. Her breath quickened. “How long has it been, Clara?”

“Been?”

“Since you've been widowed. Isn't that why you wear the veil?”

“My husband has been gone for a good many years, but that's not why I'm dressing this way. This veil shields me from pitiful stares. You see, I have a hideous scar and can't bear to see the shock on people's faces.”

“I'm so sorry. I apologize for prying. Maybe one day you'll have enough confidence to lay it aside.”

“I doubt that.”

“The people here are very accepting. It wouldn't make any difference to them.” They'd certainly accepted Delta.

“Perhaps I might try it one day. You inspire me.”

Their food came and Clara satisfied Delta's curiosity about how she would eat. The woman simply slipped her fork under the veil and into her mouth. Same with the glass of milk. Much to Delta's dismay, she didn't get as much as a glimpse of Clara's features. Scar or no scar, something told her Widow Sharp was a beautiful lady.

They finished their meal and stood outside the café. The brilliant sunset cast a purple glow. On impulse, Delta hugged her new friend. “Thank you for spending this time with me.”

“It was my pleasure. We'll have to do it again.”

Rand rode into town just then, leading another horse with a bound man in the saddle.

“Oh my goodness.” Fear wound around Delta's heart. There had evidently been a fight. Where was Cooper?

Clara grasped her arm tightly. “What on earth happened?”

“I don't know, but I'm going to find out.”

Both women hurried after Rand, almost beating him to the jail. They pounced on him when he dismounted.

“Where's Cooper?” Delta demanded. “Is he hurt?”

“Are you all right, Mr. Sinclair?” Clara's voice trembled.

“Ladies, let me get this prisoner inside first, and then I'll answer your questions.”

Delta gently took Clara's arm and they moved to the side to watch Rand hustle his man into the stone jail. Why the widow trembled so seemed a bit odd, but given how closely she worked with Rand it made sense. After all, Clara made hand pies for the saloon and even did Rand's laundry, Delta had heard. They stood there silently waiting.

At last Rand came out. “Delta, Coop is all right. Early's man bashed him on the head with the butt of his gun and made him see stars. But last I saw, he was his old stubborn self. It'll take more than that to do him in.”

“Thank you for the report, Rand. I worry about him out there.”

Clara touched his shoulder. “You look tired. Are you all right? They didn't hurt you?”

Rand shook his head. “No, Mrs. Sharp, they didn't hurt me. Wasn't for lack of trying, though. This time we almost had 'em. Next time we will for sure and end this mess. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to grab a bite of supper and get back out there.”

“Be safe and don't take any chances,” Clara said softly.

They stood a second watching him head to the café, then hugged and parted ways, with Delta returning to the boardinghouse.

Though she knew most likely Cooper wouldn't visit her room after dark, hope persisted. If only she could see those gray eyes and feel his body next to hers. She'd like to talk to him about Clara Sharp. The mysterious widow had captured her curiosity. And what was the connection with Rand?

She stared out over the town. Her heart sang. Change was already apparent. And no one had killed her over it. Truly a miracle.

Slowly she undressed and slipped into her soft cotton gown with a row of lace around the neck and bottom of the sleeves. Smoothing the folds, she marveled at such luxury. She'd spied it in the mercantile and snatched it up. That she could afford such things now had begun to sink in, though she suspected she'd always be frugal. Fear that her fortune would all go away in a heartbeat made it impossible to get too comfortable.

She'd just turned down the bedcovers when someone frantically pounded on her door. Her blood froze.

“Delta, help me!” The woman's desperate voice sent chills up Delta's spine.

Jerking the door open, Delta gasped. Jenny clutched her stomach. Blood had soaked her clothes and the floor. So much blood. “Oh, dear Lord!”

“The baby.” Tears streamed down Jenny's face, almost healed from the beating. “Hogue…”

“Let's get you to bed. It's going to be all right.” Delta helped Jenny to her room and noticed the overturned chair and the quilts on the floor. It appeared a fight of some kind had taken place. But who? Hogue was still in jail. Or was he?

Evidently hearing the door slam back against the wall in her attempt to get Jenny through it, Mabel came running. They tucked her sister, Delta's best friend, into bed. There was no need for words. Words couldn't help now. So they silently went about the business of doing what they could.

“I'll find the doc,” Delta said, praying it wasn't too late.

Mabel nodded. “I'll stay with her.”

Throwing on the dress and shoes she'd just pulled off, Delta hurried down the street as fast as she could. Luckily Doc Yates was in. She quickly explained the situation and they lost no time returning to the boardinghouse.

After gathering more clean cloths and towels to help stanch the blood flow, the two women waited outside Jenny's door, anxious for the results of the doctor's examination.

Jenny's ashen face and the image of her lying so still and quiet dug into Delta's mind and refused to leave. Her chest ached for the woman who'd been through so much. It wasn't fair. Life had kicked Jenny in the teeth and now it sought to steal her baby also. When would her friend receive peace and live her life free from violence?

At last the door opened. Doc Yates removed his stethoscope and sadly shook his head. “There's no saving it.”

“And Jenny?” asked Mabel, wringing her hands.

“I'll do my best. She's hemorrhaging badly and is unconscious.” He rifled around in his black bag and took out a jar. “Will you make some tea with this goldenseal? It might help. Then come back inside. Jenny needs both of you.”

Mabel took the jar of herbs and disappeared down the stairs. Upon her return, Delta followed her into Jenny's room.

“What else can we do?” A thick lump formed in Delta's throat. She stood by the bed, gripping the iron bedstead tightly. If he told her jumping over the moon would help, that's what she'd try to do.

Doc Yates gathered a small bundle wrapped in a towel. “This little thing needs burying. Jenny would want that. It was a girl.”

Tears welled up. This wasn't right. Nothing about this was right. Jenny would never hold her daughter in her arms. Never kiss her cheek. Never sing the child a lullaby.

“I can't,” Mabel sobbed. “I just can't.”

“I'll take her and arrange for burial.” Delta held out her hands and accepted the tiny life that would never be. “I'll make sure everything is proper. May I borrow your kitchen, Mabel?”

Mabel wiped her eyes. “Yes, whatever you need.”

Downstairs, Delta unwrapped the babe. Her chest heaved with unshed sobs as she tore off a clean piece of cotton sheet and tenderly folded it around the fragile body. Thank goodness Ben was still at Cooper's ranch and wouldn't have to see this.

After laying the infant in a wicker basket that she lined with soft downy cloth, she put it out of sight should anyone enter while she was gone. Then she hurried to the mercantile to find a box of some sort.

A spring storm blew in, bringing thunder and lightning. Rain soaked her before she reached the darkened store. She pounded on the door until John came to unlock it.

Quickly explaining the situation, she added, “Preferably a box that has a pretty design on it.”

“I have just the thing. My heart breaks for Jenny.” John went to the back and emerged with a small box that had gold ornate lettering that read God's Child on the top. “I think this will do.”

“It's perfect.” Delta hugged him tightly. “Thank you. But wherever did you get this?”

“I made the tiny casket for Granny Ketchum, only the baby lived. When yellow fever claimed the boy five years later, the box no longer fit.”

“How tragic. The poor dear. She's seen a lot of heartache in her years on earth.” Delta glanced at the box. “Will you come to the burial?”

“Absolutely.”

Midmorning on the following day, she cradled the box that held the baby inside, standing in the pouring rain over a small hole someone had dug. Seemed the entire town had turned out, even Clara Sharp. Rand and Brett stood stone-faced with heads bowed. Like the rest of the citizens, the two waited quietly until someone started an old hymn.

The biggest surprise of all was seeing Cooper striding toward her, his leather chaps slapping against his long legs. Of course, she knew he'd come if at all possible. Wild horses couldn't have kept him away.

As Delta wept, she felt his arm slide around her waist. Leaning into him, she found the strength she needed.

“Give baby girl to the parson, darlin',” Cooper said.

His words barely registered. Silently she handed the small box to the circuit-riding parson who had ridden into Battle Creek only that morning. The God-fearing man offered up a prayer for the baby girl and for her mother who was so gravely ill. Then he lowered the ornate box into the ground.

“We commit this babe to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her.”

One by one all the mourners drifted away, leaving only Delta and Cooper.

“Are you all right?” Cooper's rough voice cut through her grief.

She met his steady gray eyes. “It'll take time. Why, Cooper? Why did this happen? Before Jenny lost consciousness, she murmured Hogue's name. Did he cause it? Isn't he still in jail?”

“Should be. I'll definitely find out. Darlin', I have no answers. I just know that justice will be done.” His rumble was as cold and brittle as the stormy day. “Come on, let me get you back to Mabel's. We need to check on Jenny.”

“Just a moment.” She took some pretty spring flowers from a basket at her feet. Squatting, she placed them on the tiny soggy grave.

***

Cooper helped her to her feet. He'd never been very good at knowing what to say at a time like this, and it was even worse now. Clearly, Delta's heart was breaking. She didn't need him spewing the fury that bubbled inside his chest like a poisonous gas eating away at all that was decent and good.

He ignored the rain dripping off the brim of his hat and drew her close to him. He paused to collect his horse where he'd left the animal at the cemetery gate, then arm in arm they walked to the boardinghouse.

Mabel had stayed behind with Jenny instead of attending the hasty service. Delta bustled about the kitchen, helping to prepare a quick meal. Cooper was glad she had something to occupy her. He climbed the stairs to Jenny's room.

She lay motionless, the rise and fall of her chest barely registering. He sat down and took her hand in his. Somehow, someway, he had to make this up to her.

There was only one way he knew.

He should've done this a long time ago.

Clenching his jaw, he smoothed her hair. “I can't bring back the life you lost, but I swear on all that's holy, I'll exact retribution. I'll make someone pay.”