Читать книгу Texas Cinderella - Winnie Griggs - Страница 14

Chapter Five

Cassie Lynn felt a stab of disappointment at Mr. Walker’s announcement of his intent to leave Turnabout soon. Because he’d taken a job at the livery, she’d just assumed his move here was more or less permanent. Wishful thinking on her part, it seemed.

She hadn’t realized until now just how much she’d been hoping Mr. Walker would be the man who would become her marriage partner. Then again, perhaps it was better this way. She’d already decided it would be best to marry someone she had no emotional ties to.

It was a setback, but not a major one. She’d just have to turn her attention to finding another candidate for her husband.

“Why are you in that wheelchair?”

Noah’s artless question pulled Cassie Lynn back to the present.

“Noah!” Mr. Walker’s sharply uttered reprimand was met with a confused look from the boy.

But Mrs. Flanagan flapped her hand at the boy’s uncle. “Let him be.” Then she turned to Noah. “Because I injured my leg, that’s why.”

He stood and moved closer. “Does it still hurt?”

The widow responded as if it had been a perfectly sensible question. “It aches a bit.”

He tilted his head to study the wheels. “Can you get around in that thing yourself or does someone have to push you?”

She drew herself up. “I’ll have you know, young man, that I manage quite well on my own.”

Cassie Lynn hid a smile as she watched the exchange. Noah didn’t seem at all put off by Mrs. Flanagan’s manner. And for her part, the widow seemed to actually be enjoying the give-and-take.

A moment later Cassie Lynn noticed Pru, who was seated at her uncle’s side, sit up straighter and stare at something across the room. Following the girl’s gaze, she saw Dapple stretched out near the fireplace. The cat was watching them with half-closed eyes while his tail swished lazily back and forth.

While Noah and Mrs. Flanagan continued their spirited but unorthodox conversation, Cassie Lynn leaned toward the little girl. “I see you’ve spotted Dapple. Do you like cats?”

Pru nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m afraid Dapple’s a little wary of strangers, but perhaps if I introduce you, you can make friends with him. Would you like that?”

Pru nodded more enthusiastically this time.

Cassie Lynn caught Mr. Walker’s gaze for a moment. The approval in his expression caught her off guard and she felt warmth climb in her cheeks.

Quickly turning back to Pru, she stood and held out her hand. After only a moment’s hesitation, the girl grasped it and let herself be led across the room.

As Cassie Lynn eased the way for Pru and Dapple to get acquainted, she imagined she could feel Mr. Walker’s gaze on her. But that was foolish. He was no doubt just keeping an eye on his niece.

When she turned to escort Pru, who now held Dapple, back to her seat, Mr. Walker was once more focused on Noah and Mrs. Flanagan.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Cassie Lynn said to the room at large, “I’ll go check on supper. We should be ready to eat in just a few minutes.”

Mr. Walker stood as she made her way across the room. “Is there something I can help you with?”

He sounded almost eager, but she shook her head. “Thank you, but you’re a guest here. I can manage.”

“Nonsense. I hope you won’t stand on ceremony with me. My ma taught me to help out in the kitchen rather than expect to be waited on. And helping is the least I can do to repay you ladies for your generous dinner invitation.” He turned to Mrs. Flanagan. “That is, if you don’t mind me leaving the kids here with you for a few minutes?”

The widow waved her hand. “Go on ahead, we’ll be fine.”

With a smile, Mr. Walker turned back to Cassie Lynn. “Lead the way.”

She wasn’t quite sure what to make of his offer. Her father and brothers had certainly never felt obliged to help her with what they considered women’s work. She’d just assumed all men felt that way.

“Have you worked for Mrs. Flanagan very long?” he asked as they moved toward the kitchen.

His question brought her thoughts back to the present. “Just a little over two weeks. That’s when she hurt her leg.”

He nodded. “She seems like a feisty woman.”

Cassie Lynn gave a smile at that understatement. “She is that. It’s chafing at her not to be able to do for herself.”

They’d arrived at the kitchen and Mr. Walker inhaled appreciatively, his expression blissful. “That sure does smell good.”

“Thank you. It’s a venison roast, one of Mrs. Flanagan’s favorite dishes.”

He rubbed his hands together. “All right now, what can I do to help?”

Cassie Lynn gave him a challenging look. “How are you at setting the table?”

He drew himself up with mock pride. “I’m an expert. It’s a skill my mother insisted I master before I turned ten.”

“Smart lady.” She moved to the counter where the dishes were already stacked and waiting. “Mrs. Flanagan wants to eat in the dining room this evening rather than here in the kitchen, so I need to carry all the place settings down the hall. If you’ll grab the plates and cutlery, I’ll grab the glasses and napkins and you can follow me.”

He gave a short bow. “I’m yours to command.”

Taking him at his word, she led the way toward the dining room. Once there he helped her arrange the plates and flatware around the table, then returned with her to the kitchen and helped her transport all the food to the dining room, as well.

As they worked, they chatted about his horse, which she learned he’d raised from a colt and had a deep affection for. Just from some of the things he let fall in conversation, she could tell he thought of River as much more than a pack animal or means of transportation.

He seemed quite comfortable and at ease working beside her, as if he enjoyed her company. It was a novel feeling, interacting with a man this way. To be honest, she felt flattered and at the same time a little flustered by it all. The more she was around Mr. Walker, the more deeply Cassie Lynn regretted having to scratch his name off her husband-candidate list. She felt that they would have formed a very companionable partnership.

Were there other men who would as readily share her load, share their time and attention with her?

Is this what married life would be like? She was beginning to understand what Mrs. Flanagan had meant by not giving up on the thought of romance. Then she gave her head a mental shake. The man was leaving town in a few days. This was no time to be acting like a schoolgirl.

At last, the table was ready. Cassie Lynn returned to the parlor, with Mr. Walker ambling along at her side.

“Dinner is served,” she announced.

Her companion crossed the room and stepped behind Mrs. Flanagan. “May I?” he asked gallantly as he put his hands on the back of her chair.

The widow sat up straighter, a delighted smile crossing her face before she schooled her expression into its normal disapproving lines. She gave a regal nod and waved a hand.

Cassie Lynn had already removed the chair that normally sat at the head of the table, so it was easy for Mr. Walker to wheel his hostess into position there. Once Mrs. Flanagan was properly situated, Cassie Lynn pointed him to the spot across from the widow, while she took a seat facing Noah and next to Pru.

Once they’d all taken their places, Mrs. Flanagan looked across at Mr. Walker. “Would you offer the blessing, sir?”

“Of course.” He immediately bowed his head.

“Thank you, Jesus, for the meal we have before us and for the effort and skill of the one who prepared it. We newcomers are grateful that You have brought us to this place and for the generosity of the ladies who have welcomed us into their company. Bless this meal to the health and nourishment of we Your servants, and we ask especially that You provide a healing grace to Mrs. Flanagan. Amen.”

Cassie Lynn echoed the amen, pleased to learn that Mr. Walker had what sounded like a familiar relationship with the Lord.

As the plates of food were passed around, Mrs. Flanagan took charge of the conversation. “So might I ask how you make your living, Mr. Walker?”

“I grew up on a ranch, and working with horses is about the only real skill I have.”

“Uncle Riley is the best horse trainer around,” Noah said proudly.

Mr. Walker leaned over and gave his nephew a mock punch in the shoulder. “At least the best you ever met,” he said with a teasing grin.

“And is that where you all are headed, someplace where you can work with horses?”

Mr. Walker hesitated a moment as he shifted in his seat. It might have merely been irritation at the intrusive question, but Cassie Lynn got the distinct impression there was more to it than that.

“I do hope to one day have a horse ranch of my own, but that’s something I’ve put on hold for the time being. In the meantime, I get work where I can.”

She noticed he hadn’t really answered Mrs. Flanagan’s question. But before the widow could press further, he turned to Cassie Lynn. “This roast is mighty fine eating. My compliments to the cook.”

She felt her cheeks warm as she smiled at his compliment. “Thank you.”

“If you think this is good, just wait until we get to dessert,” Mrs. Flanagan declared. “Baking is where Cassie Lynn really shines.”

Cassie was surprised by the compliment. She didn’t often get praise from her employer.

Mr. Walker pointed a fork at her. “I look forward to it.”

The conversation moved on to safe, mundane topics for a few minutes, then Mrs. Flanagan circled back around to her probing questions. “Seems to me, if raising horses is something you aim to work at, that there’s lots of good places around here just perfect for a horse ranch.”

Cassie Lynn cringed at the woman’s continued probing. Was this her fault? Was Mrs. Flanagan trying to convince the man to stay in town because she’d shown an interest in him?

She saw a small tic at the corner of Mr. Walker’s jaw, but when he spoke his tone was controlled. “Thank you, but as I said, I’ve put those plans on hold for now.”

Then he turned the tables on her. “Mind if I ask how you hurt your leg?”

Cassie Lynn paused midbite. Mrs. Flanagan hated when anyone pointed out her infirmity. And Cassie Lynn had a feeling Mr. Walker knew that.

There was a tense moment of silence as the two at either end of the table stared each other down.

Then Mrs. Flanagan gave a nod, acknowledging Mr. Walker’s point, and answered his question. “I fell off a ladder when I was trying to prune a tree out back.” Then she turned to Noah. “Tell me, young man, are you as fond of horses as your uncle?”

Cassie saw the self-satisfied glint in Mr. Walker’s eye. Apparently he’d figured out something she’d learned, as well. The best way to deal with Mrs. Flanagan’s pushy manner was to meet it head-on.

When he turned her way, he seemed abashed to find her watching him. Her nod of approval a heartbeat later also seemed to momentarily startle him. Then he returned her smile with a conspiratorial one of his own, and her breath caught as she once more felt that connection with him, as if they were longtime friends. His smile deepened as he apparently noted her reaction and she felt the warmth rise in her cheeks. She quickly turned away, busying herself with passing another piece of bread to Noah.

As the conversation flowed around the table, Cassie Lynn suddenly realized Pru wasn’t participating. Hoping to find a way to draw the girl in, she turned to her and only then noticed that Pru was picking at her food without really eating much of anything. Was there something more than shyness at work here?

Concerned, she leaned closer and asked quietly, “Are you all right, Pru?”

Pru gave her an embarrassed look and nodded. “I’m just not very hungry,” she said softly.

Cassie Lynn patted the child’s leg. “That’s fine. You don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.”

The girl nodded and broke off a small piece of bread to nibble on, as if to prove she was all right.

But apparently Mr. Walker had noticed. His expression concerned, he leaned toward his niece. “What’s the matter, Pru?”

“I’m just not very hungry,” she said again.

Cassie Lynn frowned. There seemed to be more than a lack of appetite going on with the girl. She was pale and her eyes had a slightly glazed look.

Placing her hand on Pru’s forehead, Cassie Lynn shot Mr. Walker a worried glance. “She’s running a fever.”

He immediately pushed away from the table. “If you ladies will excuse our early departure, I should take her back to the hotel, where she can lay down.”

Cassie Lynn moved her hand to the girl’s shoulder and stood. “Perhaps it would be better to have Doc Pratt take a look at her first.”

“Absolutely.” Mrs. Flanagan’s tone brooked no argument. “Let her rest on the bed in the spare room while Cassie Lynn fetches the doctor.”

Mr. Walker’s brows drew down. “I don’t want to put Miss Vickers out—”

She gave him a smile. “Doc Pratt lives right next door, so it’s no trouble at all. It won’t take me but a few minutes to fetch him.” She stood and pointed to the doorway. “The spare room is down that hall, third door on the left. Why don’t you help Pru get comfortable and lie down, and I’ll be back faster than a squirrel can climb a tree.”

Mr. Walker hesitated and she saw the worry in his expression. The poor man likely had very little experience with childhood illnesses. She impulsively touched his arm. “Children seem to get these fevers with vexing regularity. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to get a doctor to check it out if you can.”

He nodded. “Very well. Thank you.”

* * *

Riley picked Pru up and carried her down the hall to the room Miss Vickers had indicated. The little girl snuggled up against his chest with touching trust. Why hadn’t he realized sooner that she was sick? Some guardian he was.

He gave her a squeeze that he hoped was comforting. Comforting the way Miss Vickers’s touch on his arm had been.

Shaking off that stray thought, he looked down at his niece. “Don’t worry, kitten, the doctor is going to come and fix you right up.”

At least he sincerely hoped so.

Riley set Pru on one of the two narrow beds in the room and helped her remove her shoes.

His thoughts turned back to that fleeting touch Miss Vickers had given him. For just a moment there in the dining room, as she’d taken a moment to try to reassure him, he’d had a sense of what it would be like not to have to face all this on his own, to have someone at his side willing to support him in difficult times, willing to shoulder some of the responsibility.

It had felt good.

But it wasn’t real. That kind of relationship didn’t really exist, at least not for him.

As promised, Miss Vickers was ushering the doctor into the room in a matter of minutes. The introductions were made quickly, then the white-haired physician turned to Pru with an avuncular smile.

“Well now, young lady, I understand you’re not feeling well.”

“No, sir.”

“Let me just have a look at you and see if we can do something to make you feel better.” He turned to Riley. “Why don’t you wait in the parlor? Miss Vickers here will assist me.”

Riley started to protest, but Miss Vickers took his arm and gently led him to the door. “Don’t worry, Doc Pratt knows what he’s doing. He’s been looking out for kids in this town since before I was born.”

A moment later Riley found himself on the other side of a closed bedroom door. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he headed back down the hall.

He found Noah and Mrs. Flanagan in the parlor.

His nephew immediately popped up and rushed to him. “What did the doctor say? Is Pru gonna be okay?”

Realizing Noah was remembering his mother’s illness and death, Riley placed a comforting hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Of course she is. You heard Miss Vickers—kids get sick all the time.”

Noah seemed only partially reassured.

Mrs. Flanagan spoke up then. “Your uncle is correct. I remember when my own two boys were little, they would get fevers and chills so often I near wore a path to Dr. Pratt’s place. And my John has grown up to be a fine soldier in the army.”

“Your son’s a soldier?” Noah crossed back to Mrs. Flanagan.

She nodded. “A lieutenant, actually.”

“I have some tin soldiers.”

“Do you now. John had a set, as well.”

As Mrs. Flanagan began to regale Noah with stories of some of her sons’ exploits, Riley caught her eye and mouthed a heartfelt thank-you. The woman’s expression softened for a moment as she nodded, then she resumed her conversation with his nephew.

While the two talked, Riley moved to the window and stared out into the shadowy dusk, trying to fight off panic. He should have been paying closer attention, should have noticed sooner that something was wrong. He’d promised the children’s mother he’d look after them and keep them safe. What if there was something seriously wrong with Pru?

Father above, please keep Pru safe. She’s just a little girl and she’s already been through so much. I know dragging them from town to town is not good for them and it might even be what caused this illness she has. But I’m doing the best that I can to keep ’em safe. If there’s another way, please show it to me. But please, don’t take her from us.

It occurred to him it was providence that he’d been here tonight. He would have managed on his own, of course—got the hotel clerk to send for the doctor. But the way the two women had immediately taken charge—seeing that Pru was made comfortable, fetching the doctor, keeping Noah entertained and distracted—had been a true blessing.

Miss Vickers, especially, had a comforting presence, a way of calming the children and setting them at ease.

Dr. Pratt finally stepped into the room, with Miss Vickers at his side, and Riley immediately came to attention, moving toward them. “How is she?”

He spied Miss Vickers’s sympathetic expression, but something in her eyes communicated that it would all be okay.

A heartbeat later, the doctor gave him the diagnosis. “She has chicken pox.”