Читать книгу The Cowboy's Surprise Bride - Linda Ford - Страница 11

Chapter Three

Why had God made woman to be subject to a man?

Linette knew the verse he referred to. It had mocked her on many occasions. She would never dispute God’s word, but some of it was hard to swallow. It made marriage most unappealing. She would avoid it altogether except it provided her only hope of escaping her father’s plans.

Eddie waited until she was settled. “I’ll say the blessing.”

She bowed her head. Although Eddie had insisted on Grady’s obedience, he’d at least been gentle with the boy. It wouldn’t be hard to be wife to a man who treated her with such kindness and respected her heart’s yearnings. But she feared she wanted more than she could hope for. More and more it looked as if she would not find freedom here any more than she had in England. Still, anything was better than marrying a lumpy, lecherous old man.

She waited until everyone had taken a biscuit or several. “I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook,” she murmured. “We had a cook at home who refused to let me in the kitchen.”

“This is fine.”

She’d done nothing but put stuff on the table. If she expected to prove her worth she would have to do much better. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” If only someone would explain what to do with the supplies. Surely Cassie knew. She sent the woman an imploring look. They had to learn to enjoy each other’s company. “This is your second winter on the ranch, isn’t it?”

Eddie looked relieved to have something to talk about. “It is.”

“Tell us what it’s like.”

“Unpredictable.”

She laughed at his tone—half regretful, half admiring. “How so?”

“It can snow four feet. The temperature can drop out of sight. Then we get a Chinook that melts the snow and makes us all foolishly think the worst is over.”

Cassie perked up. “A Chinook? What’s that?”

“A warm wind that blasts over the mountains. We can go from shivering under a heavy coat to working in our shirtsleeves all within an hour or less.”

“It’s a legend then?” Cassie said, sarcasm dripping from each word.

Linette silently prayed Eddie wouldn’t be offended. Was she destined to spend her days interceding on Cassie’s behalf?

Thankfully Eddie chuckled. “Part legend in that the Indians have all sorts of stories about what it is, but there’s nothing remotely imaginary about what happens.”

“I can hardly wait,” Linette said. “It’s going to be exciting to experience a wild Canadian winter.”

Eddie’s look challenged her before he pushed his plate away to indicate he was done. Did he think she had undertaken this trip solely for the sake of an adventure? She willingly admitted she enjoyed seeing new and exciting things. But no, the impetus behind her bold venture was twofold—escape the specter of a marriage with a man who made her skin crawl, and hopefully, God willing, find a place where she could obey the dictates of her conscience without regard to foolish social expectations.

The kettle steamed again and Linette prepared to do the washing up with the hot water. Cassie turned her chair and pushed it closer to the stove.

Eddie stood and piled up the dirty dishes. “Everyone does his share here.” He glanced toward Cassie.

Linette’s hands remained suspended over the washbasin. She could manage on her own and didn’t mind doing the work, but Eddie gave her a warning look. She ducked her head. Seems he was intent on establishing his rules and she was helpless to do anything but cooperate. Not that she didn’t think Cassie should help, but she didn’t know how far he meant this rule making to go. She kept her head down as she studied him, measuring him, wondering what would happen if she refused to obey one of his directives. His expression remained patient. On the other hand, how pleasurable to share goals and dreams with such a man.

Slowly it dawned on Cassie that Eddie expected her to help. She pushed her chair back so hard it banged into the table. “Don’t see how much help it will be for me to be stuck under Linette’s elbow. There’s not enough room for one, let alone two.”

Linette pulled the basin closer and handed Cassie a towel. She took it silently and dried the few dishes.

Eddie strode outside.

“He’s lord and master here, that’s for sure,” Cassie grumbled. “I’m sick of men controlling everything. Why don’t we pack up and leave?”

“Cassie, where would we go?” She’d gladly leave if she could find an alternative that wouldn’t bring her father’s wrath about her head. Except—an errant thought surfaced—this was where she wanted to be. She’d dreamed of it for weeks as she prepared to leave home and as she crossed the ocean and the country. She pictured herself sharing life with a man who honored her heart’s desire, and the dream refused to die in spite of Eddie’s insistence that she go back home. She forced her mind back to Cassie’s question. “It’s not like there are hundreds of homes around here that would welcome us.”

“What about that ranch where those men were going? They seemed like nice gentlemen.”

“They were very polite but no doubt would expect to rule their home as well.”

“I’m sure we could throw ourselves on their mercy.”

Linette grabbed Cassie by the shoulders. “I don’t intend to beg any man to keep me.” She’d prove her worth to Eddie. She’d make him want her to stay. “Wherever I go, whatever happens, I will do my share. In return, I will expect freedom to make a few decisions on my own.”

Cassie shook Linette’s hands off. “Mr. Gardiner told you he expects obedience.”

“Surely a woman can please a man and still be allowed to express her opinion and choices.”

Cassie rocked her head back and forth. “He could make life miserable for us.”

“I pray it won’t be so.”

“You were prepared to marry him.”

“I thought I knew a bit about him from Margaret’s letters.” Now she wasn’t so sure. In fact, nothing seemed so simple anymore.

Cassie plucked at her sleeve. “He could take advantage of us if he wants. Both of us. Look at how small this place is. We have no hope of escaping him.”

Linette smiled. “The closeness is our protection. If you feel threatened, you only have to call out. But I think we have nothing to fear from him. Does he not strike you as a man of strong morals?” He seemed intent on doing things the right way. Just how far that went, they would no doubt see in the following weeks as they shared this tiny cabin.

Eddie strode through the door with a length of lumber and a hammer in hand.

Cassie watched with undisguised wariness as he fastened a shelf across one side of the room.

“This should serve as a pantry for now.”

“Thank you.” Linette truly appreciated his efforts. She hoped it meant he intended to make the best of the situation—a thought that buoyed her heart.

Now that she’d finished the clean-up, Linette called Grady to her and washed him in preparation for the night. “Cassie, do you want to put Grady to bed?”

Cassie jerked her gaze away from studying Eddie, relief filling her eyes. “I’ll lie down with him.” Linette understood she was grateful for escape from the close quarters.

Linette soon had the shelf neatly organized with their kitchen supplies. Cassie and Grady were only a few steps away in the bedroom, but suddenly she was alone with Eddie. Neither of them spoke and the quietness crowded every corner of the room.

“Tell me about Grady.”

His question shattered the stillness and made her nerves twitch. Then she drew in a deep breath, grateful he had initiated conversation. “You mean besides the fact he is an orphan?”

“He has a father, so technically he is not an orphan. No other relatives?”

Was he hoping he could send the child away? “Apparently not.”

“And what if the father changes his mind and wants him back?”

“It would be wonderful if he did. I pray he will.”

“In the meantime, you have his care, but who is his legal guardian?”

“I am.”

“By whose authority?”

“His father signed the papers naming me such.”

Eddie quirked an eyebrow, perhaps in disbelief. “It surprises me he cared enough to do so.”

“He didn’t. I asked him to do it.”

Both his eyebrows rose and Linette allowed herself a little smugness at having surprised him.

“You seem to have thought this through.”

“You might be surprised at how carefully I consider my choices.”

His pause filled the air with quivering tension. “And yet you still do them.”

She ignored the slight sarcasm.

“Cassie has no family she could appeal to?”

“What is this? Trying to find alternate arrangements for your guests?”

He looked at her with annoyance. “No need to be rude. I’m only trying to learn as much as I can.”

For a moment she silently challenged him. But he was right. The man deserved to be treated better. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. To answer your question, Cassie has no family she’s willing to admit to. I know she complains a lot and Grady is still afraid of everything, but I promise I will do my best to—”

“I’m not trying to get rid of you. I said you’re welcome until spring. Rest assured, I won’t withdraw my word.”

She wondered when the deadline had shifted from improved weather to spring but wasn’t about to question God’s good favor. “It’s good to know I can count on it.” There was so much more she wanted to say. How much she’d enjoyed seeing the vast plains of the Northwest. How she’d felt free for the first time in her life. How she didn’t mind the crowded conditions of the cabin because it felt cozy. How she couldn’t keep from wanting to help those in distress. Instead, she turned the conversation to less controversial topics. “You said you met Kootenai Brown. He sounds like an interesting man. Tell me about him.”

Eddie relaxed, stretching his legs out and angling back in the chair. “Kootenai Brown has been in the western territories for twenty years or more. In that time, he has established quite a reputation, if one were to believe all the stories told about him. Soldier, gold miner, police constable, wolfer, whiskey trader. Tales say that he was captured by Sitting Bull and escaped. Another says he murdered a man in Fort Benton. Still another claims he was shot in the back by a Blackfoot arrow, pulled it out himself and treated the wound with turpentine.”

Linette watched Eddie as he spun tale after tale of a man larger than life. Some of the stories were undoubtedly exaggerated. Eddie’s eyes flashed with humor as he talked. His mouth gentled and his voice carried a rich timbre. And as she listened, she came to a firm conviction. “I can’t go back.”

Eddie blinked and seemed to pull his thoughts toward her words. “Are you really Linette Edwards?”

Her chin came up and her eyes stung with defiant challenge. “Of course I am Linette Edwards. Why would you doubt it? Who do you think I am?”

He took his time answering. “You aren’t dressed like the daughter of wealthy man.”

She laughed. She’d managed to confound him and it pleased her to no end. “I traded my fine dresses for practical ones at Fort Benton.”

He didn’t seem to care that his eyes revealed doubt.

She smiled. “I’m grateful for the few months I’ll be able to enjoy this vast country.”

The door rattled as if a person sought entrance.

She turned. “Is someone there?”

Eddie chuckled. “You might have cause to hate the country before the winter is out. That, Miss Edwards, is the wind knocking at the door.”

He looked a totally different man when he relaxed and smiled. Handsome, kindly and appealing. She caught her thoughts and pushed them into submission. Yet one lingered long enough to be heard. Sharing his company throughout the winter might be pleasant enough.

His smile deepened and his eyes darkened.

She ducked away, pretending to examine an imaginary spot on her skirt.

“Hear the snow against the window?” he asked.

Glad to leave the awkward moment, she turned toward the window. Wet white flakes plopped against the glass with a definite platt sound.

“Come have a look.” Eddie pulled himself into action with the grace of a young kitten.

She followed him to the door. When he slipped a coat over his shoulders, she did the same. As they stepped out into the night air, she was glad she’d traded her gold locket for the heavy coat even though it was too large. She pulled it tight around her neck and waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Large flakes of snow, driven by the wind, stuck to the side of the cabin. She lifted her face and let flakes land on her cheeks. Cold and refreshing. She put out her tongue and laughed at how the snow tasted.

Eddie chuckled.

She closed her mouth and swallowed. “It’s so clean and fresh.”

“If it keeps up all night, it will be deep and dangerous.”

“But we are safe and warm.”

“My cattle aren’t.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be selfish. What will happen to them?”

“The wind will drive them, hopefully, into a place of shelter. Then we’ll have to find them and push them out.”

“Why can’t you leave them there?”

“We can if the snow isn’t deep, but if it is, cattle can’t dig through it. They’ll starve. We’ve been moving them down, but this snow is earlier than expected.”

“Then I will pray you’ll be able to get your cows to a safe place.”

“I will pray the same.”

It made her feel as if he valued her offer. It made her feel as if they were partners in some small way. Linette wished she could see him better and gauge if he felt even a fraction of the same connection.

“It’s cold. We better go inside.”

His words were her answer. He obviously did not wish to prolong the moment.

* * *

Eddie rolled up in his buffalo robe and got comfortable on the floor. He’d slept on the ground many times, often out in the cold. In comparison, this was warm and pleasant. If the temperature dropped too low, he would put more wood on the fire during the night.

He lay on his back listening to the women murmur. He could make out enough to follow their conversation.

“Where did you go?” Cassie’s voice carried its perennial sharpness.

“Just outside the door.”

“What for? You two got secrets?”

Eddie groaned. Cassie seemed bent on seeing evil and inconvenience at every turn. He wondered if Linette would scold her.

But Linette laughed softly. “I wanted to see the snow.”

“You’re twenty years old. Surely you’ve seen snow before.”

“Not like this. It was so quiet you could hear each flake hit the ground. And the wind sighed as if carrying the snow had become too much of an effort.”

Eddie clasped his hands under his head and listened unashamedly. Linette made it sound magical. Perhaps it was. He hadn’t put it into words, but there was something about the country. Maybe its newness. How many times did he wonder if he was the first white man to set foot on a certain spot?

“I told Eddie I would pray his cows are safe.”

Eddie. She said his name as if it was as special as the new-falling snow. Yet face-to-face, he was Mr. Gardiner, all formal and stiff. But then, that was proper.

Somehow proper didn’t sound as pleasant as Eddie.

“Who cares about cows?” Cassie obviously didn’t. “I don’t know how I’m going to endure this for an entire winter.”

Linette chuckled again.

Eddie smiled just hearing her.

“Cassie, my friend, you don’t have to endure. You can enjoy.”

Cassie snorted so loud Grady whimpered. When she spoke again, Eddie couldn’t catch her whispered words. He strained to hear Linette’s response.

“God gives us each day to enjoy.”

Cassie made a sound so full of doubt that Eddie choked back a chuckle.

Linette spoke into the darkness. “I had a nurse who taught me many scripture verses. One in Psalm 118 says, ‘This is the day the Lord hath made... Let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ She said it’s a choice. An act of our will to rejoice. And she would sing the verse.” Linette softly sang a song putting the words of the verse to music, repeating it several times.

She’d had a privileged upbringing. Despite Mr. Edwards’s dubious background, he’d expect his daughter to be treated as aristocracy. Eddie would have to be careful. He wouldn’t give her father a chance to ruin the Gardiner good name.

Cassie didn’t say anything. Perhaps she’d fallen asleep, comforted by the lullaby of the song.

Eddie turned to his side and listened to Linette sing. Even after the voices in the other room had grown quiet, the lyrics played over and over in his head. He fell asleep to the tune.

He woke next morning, started a fire and put the coffee to boil. It had settled in to snow seriously. He wanted to head out and look for his cows, but doing so would be foolhardy in this weather. He had good men, experienced cowboys. They knew enough to circle the cows and keep them from drifting. He didn’t need to be there helping them. Yet it was his responsibility—and his alone—to insure the herd was safe. The future of the ranch depended on it. But he was stuck here, away from the action, doing nothing to protect his investment. Or more accurately, his father’s investment.

Noises from the next room informed him the others were up. He slowly turned from the window and poured a cup of coffee. He’d make sure the guests were safe. Later, he’d head out to the barn. At least he could check on the stock that was there.

The three other occupants of the storm-wrapped cabin stepped into view. Cassie’s expression was enough to stop a train and send the occupants dashing for safety. Grady fussed for no reason. But Linette smiled and hummed. He immediately recognized the tune. It was the same one playing over and over in his head. “‘This is the day that the Lord hath made... Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”’ She seemed intent on enjoying the day. She went immediately to the window. “It’s beautiful. Snow covers everything like piles of whipped cream.”

She turned, and her smile flattened and she frowned. “I’m sorry. This is not what you need, is it?”

“I would have preferred to have the cows closer before this hit.”

She nodded, looked thoughtful a moment longer then turned to the others with a beaming smile. “Cassie, Grady, look. There’s snow everywhere.” She lifted Grady to the window to look out.

He laughed. “I play in it?”

Eddie stared at the boy. It was the first time he’d heard anything but a cry from his lips.

“I don’t think—” Linette looked at Eddie. “It doesn’t look safe out there.”

“Not while it’s coming down so hard.” He lowered his gaze to Grady. “You’ll have to wait for a little while.”

In his excitement over the snow, Grady had forgotten Eddie. Now he clung to Linette’s neck. His lips quivered.

Eddie sighed inwardly. He couldn’t bear the idea of more fussing and crying. “If you don’t cry I’ll take you to see the horses as soon as it’s safe. But only big boys can come.”

Grady swallowed hard and blinked half a dozen times. “I not cry.”

“Good boy. Now climb up to the table and let’s see what Linette can find to feed us.”

Grady edged around Eddie and sat as far away as the small space would allow.

Linette hadn’t moved from the window. She stared at Eddie, her eyes wide.

Had he done something wrong? Did she think he was out of place telling Grady to stop crying? Or—he stifled a groan—had he offended her by calling her by her Christian name? “I’m sorry. I meant Miss Edwards.”

“No, Linette is fine. Much more comfortable.”

Were her words rushed and airy? He jerked his gaze away in self-disgust. Less than twenty-four hours with two women and a child in his little cabin and he was already getting fanciful. He needed the company of some cows and cowboys.

But first, breakfast.

Linette again pulled the bowl of potatoes toward her and turned the slab of bacon over and over.

Eddie grabbed the butcher knife. “I’ll slice us off some pieces. You can fry them up.”

“Thank you.” She avoided meeting his eyes.

“I take it you’ve never seen bacon before.”

“I’m unfamiliar with the term and the format.”

He chuckled. She had a unique way of admitting she didn’t have a clue. “It’s the same as rashers in England.”

Understanding lightened her eyes. “You mean—” She pointed to the chunk of meat and watched with keen interest as he carved off thin slices. “That’s what rashers look like before they’re all crispy?”

He dropped the pieces into the hot fry pan. “They’ll soon be something you recognize.”

She stared at the sizzling pan. A heavy sigh left her lungs. “I told you I wasn’t a good cook, but I assure you I won’t have to be shown twice. In no time at all I’ll be creating culinary delights to warm your heart.”

A man needed a good feed, especially after working out in the cold. “I could continue to take my meals over at the cookhouse.”

Linette’s brow furrowed. “Are you suggesting I can’t manage? I’ll learn. You’ll see. Just give me a chance.” She sucked in air and opened her mouth to start again.

“Okay. Okay.” He held up his palm toward her to stop any further argument. “I’ll see how things go.” Besides, he could well imagine Cookie’s protests if he left the ladies alone and sought his meals with the rest of the crew. No, sir, he didn’t need to get a tongue-lashing from that direction. “Maybe Cookie will help you.”

Her shoulders sank several inches in relief and she let out a noisy gust. “Thank you. You won’t be sorry.”

He kept any contrary opinion to himself, but he’d been nothing but sorry since she’d landed on his ranch. He expected he’d be sorry until the day she left.

As he waited for her to prepare breakfast he went to the window and scratched a peephole in the frost. Slim and Roper hustled toward the cookhouse. They slid their attention toward the cabin, saw him peeking through the foggy glass and nodded as if they only wanted to say good-morning when he knew they burned up with curiosity.

“Um.” Linette sounded mildly worried. “Is it supposed to smoke like this?”

He spun around. The fry pan smoked like a smoldering fire. “It’s too hot. Pull it to the side.”

She reached for it without any protection on her hands.

“Wait. Don’t touch it.”

But her palm touched the hot handle and she jerked back with a gasp.

At that moment the pan caught fire.

Cassie jerked to her feet and pulled Grady after her as she retreated to the far corner, casting desperate looks at the door—their only escape route.

Linette danced about. “What do I do?” She grabbed a towel and flapped it.

“Stop. You’re only making it worse. Get out of the way.” He crossed the room in three strides, grabbed a nearby lid and clamped it over the pan. He snatched the towel from her hands, clutched the hot fry pan and dashed for the door. He jerked it open and tossed the sizzling pan into the snowbank. It melted down a good eight inches.

He tossed the towel to the table and grabbed her wrist. “Let me see that.” He turned her palm upward. The base of her fingers was red and already forming blisters. “Put snow on it.”

She seemed incapable of moving, so he pulled her to the door, grabbed a handful of snow and plastered the burnt area.

“Oh, that feels good.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Are you trying to burn the place down?”

She glowered back. “You could have told me this might happen.”

“Told you?” He sputtered and slowed his breathing. “You said you were prepared to be a pioneer housewife. But you can’t even fry bacon.”

“I most certainly can and will.” She marched past him and back to the house, grabbed the hunk of bacon and whacked off pieces, unmindful of the pain the burns surely gave.

Grady whimpered. Cassie pulled him close. “Shush, child.”

Linette gave the boy a tight smile. “Everything is fine, Grady. Don’t worry.”

Eddie watched her butcher the meat. “You’ll have a great time trying to fry those.”

“I’ll fry them.” Whack. Whack.

“Three days from now perhaps.”

She paused. “Why do you say that?”

“Because you’re cutting them too thick.”

“Fine.” She slowed down and methodically sliced narrow strips.

He went to retrieve the fry pan, scrubbing as much of the charcoal from it as he could with snow. “Practically ruined a perfectly good pot,” he muttered.

“What did you say?” she asked.

“Not a blame thing.” He took the burnt pot inside and poured boiling water into it then set to scrubbing it clean.

“I can do that,” she protested.

Somehow he doubted she was a fraction as capable as she tried to make him believe.

“I will make a great pioneer wife.” She spit the words out like hot pebbles.

“I’ve yet to see any evidence supporting that claim.” He held up his hand to silence her arguments. “It’s a moot point. I don’t need or want a pioneer wife.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“And yet I don’t seem to mind.” He again returned to the window and stared out. Spring was a distant promise. If the sun came out and stayed. If a Chinook took away the snow. If the stagecoach headed back to Fort Benton or even Edendale, Miss Edwards and her entourage would be on it.

But the snow continued to fall, shutting him in the tiny cabin with Miss Edwards and her entourage.

A few minutes later, she announced breakfast was ready.

Acrid smoke still clung to the air, drowning out any enticing aroma, but still she served up a passable meal. He’d had worse. A lot worse. Some from his own hands.

Afterward, Cassie favored him with a defiant look as she helped Linette clean up.

Life had gone from simple to challenging since Linette thrust herself into his home. He shifted his chair toward the stove and pulled out a newspaper that had come in yesterday’s package of mail. Linette and Cassie worked in silence and Grady huddled at the corner of the table, darting regular glances toward Eddie. The skin on the back of Eddie’s neck itched. He refused to scratch it, but like the presence of the others in the room, it would not go away. The walls of the cabin pushed at his thoughts. “I’m going to check on the stock.”

Grady nudged Linette and indicated he wanted to whisper in her ear.

She bent to hear his words. Her gaze slipped toward Eddie as she answered the boy. “Not yet.”

She straightened and returned her attention to the dishes.

Whatever Grady said had something to do with him. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” Linette replied.

He waited. He would not be ignored or dismissed in his own house.

Linette lifted one shoulder. “He wanted to know if you were taking him to see the horses.” She smiled down at Grady. “It’s still snowing heavily.”

Eddie studied the boy. The air around him vibrated with expectation—whether in anticipation of seeing the horses or fear of being told no, Eddie couldn’t be sure. Seemed the boy had every reason to expect rejection. “Grady, as soon as it’s decent out I’ll take you to the barn and you can visit the horses. It’s a deal.” He held out his hand. Perhaps the boy would trust him enough to shake, but Grady shrank back against Linette.

Eddie lowered his hand. “Well, then.” He grabbed his coat and ventured out into the cold. It would take time. Trust didn’t happen all at once.

The heavy wet snow reached his ankles. It would be even deeper farther up the mountains. If the men hadn’t been able to hold the herd... He refused to think of a disaster. Yet how many stories had he heard of cows driven by the wind, trapped in a box canyon, found dead in the spring?