Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) (10 page)

“She’s her mother. I’m sure Bethany is fine. She’s her mother, after all,” Eloise repeated, the words sounding hollow.

Judith brushed her hair back and braided it with swift fingers. “I can’t just sit here. I’m going to borrow the Browns’ buggy and go look myself.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, stay here. If they have news, it will be the first place they’ll return to.”

Moments later, sitting beside Lorna, the women traveled down every inch of the town. They then went to the nearby mining village and made inquiries. No one, it seemed, saw a woman to match Angela’s description with a baby that day.

“If she left in the middle of the night, of course no one saw her,” Judith said scouring the area. “But how could she have gotten far? By foot there is no way she could have gone further than town.”

“Several men were sent to knock on every door. If she’s in town, they’ll find her.” Lorna snapped the reins. “Let’s go look over by the river. There are a couple families there, maybe she went there pretending to be a desperate mother in need.”

As the sun moved higher into the sky, they traveled in silence. With ever mile they covered, Judith grew more despondent. Her heart ached for what Sean went through at the time. It was sure whatever she felt was nothing like what he did. His pain had to be a thousand fold. Sean adored his baby girl and now, because of her idea, the child was gone.

Neither family had seen or heard anything. Both were nice enough to check the barns and stables to ensure Angela didn’t hide there. Soon, Judith and Lorna returned to town. Judith crying so hard, she could barely see.

* * *

Rage like he’d never felt before surged through Sean’s body. His jaw hurt from clenching his teeth so hard, but nothing would calm him until he held his daughter again.

Every tragic scene possible flashed in his mind. If Angela hurt Bethany in any way, he’d kill her with his bare hands in spite of any consequences. The group of three men followed the barks of the dogs as they headed into a thick wood.

“I don’t think she’s there. Nothing but woods and a ravine this way,” one of the men told Sean. “We need to head west to Casper. She could have gotten lucky and got picked up by a traveler.”

He looked to the wooded area. “I don’t know. Something tells me she had a plan. Not sure why, but I think she had an escape set up before even arriving. Angela must have known I’d probably not marry her, so she would take Bethany. Follow through on her threats.” What a fool he’d been to believe the woman was truly grateful for the sacrifice they’d made in allowing her to live with them and care for her in her illness.

At the edge of the woods, they found telltale signs a horse and buggy had been left there. Tracks going west proved Angela had left, probably towards Casper. If she arrived there, it would be almost impossible to find her in the large town.

Sean looked to the men. “I’ll go after her. Get the sheriff and the others. Whoever wants to come help would be welcome.”

“I’ll come with you,” one of the men, Garrett, said.

Not waiting for him to catch up, Sean spurred his horse to a gallop. Angela had several hours’ head start, hopefully not enough so that he could not catch her.

The closer he got to Casper, the more despondent Sean became. They’d lost Angela’s trail, the wagon’s tracks erased by wind and a slight drizzle. However, he continued west. If she was anywhere near the next town, he would find her.

* * *

Judith’s legs and back ached from walking and knocking on every door in town. Although the sheriff’s men had done the same, Judith refused to remain still, not doing anything. When she returned to Eloise’s house, news about the wagon Angela had hidden shook her to tears.

Now Judith paced once again, ignoring the soreness. “It’s almost dark. Bethany must be hungry.” She wiped an errant tear. “I don’t know what else to do, Eloise. I’ve run out of prayers and to be honest, I’m losing hope they’ll catch her.”

“Of course they will,” Eloise said with conviction. “That woman is wily, I’ll give her that, but my brother is as stubborn as they come. He won’t give up until he brings Bethany home.”

Her chest lightened at Eloise’s statement. “I should go home. I can get everything prepared for when they get back.”

* * *

Angela’s hysterical laughter echoed in the quiet of the night. She weaved to and fro bringing the bottle to her lips. “They were gone. Can you believe it?”

The tightness of his jaw coupled with the hammering of his heart made it hard to keep still. Sean tried to make sense of what the inebriated woman said. “Where is Bethany?” Closing the distance between them, he attempted to grab her arm, but she backed away and stumbled, catching herself before falling.

“They offered me a lot of money. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it. Told me they’d give me enough so I can get a good doctor to tend to me. But they’re gone.”

“Where did you leave the baby?” Sean took her by the upper arm and yanked her harder than he meant. “Listen to me, Angela. I’ll give you every cent I’ve got. Please, give me my daughter!”

“You?” Angela let out a harsh bark of laughter. “You don’t have the kind of money I need.” She scanned the street, her yellowed eyes narrowed. “It’s too late. They’re gone. I’m gonna die.” Angela snatched her arm out of his grasp. “I don’t care.”

“Bethany…” Sean took a deep breath to keep from shaking the damn woman. “Where is Bethany?”

Angela shrugged. “I ’spose she’s still in the wagon. At the saloon.”

Both he and Garrett ran to the local saloon. They didn’t need to get too close to know Bethany was there. Pitiful cries filled the air. The child had to be hungry, not having eaten in almost two days. Upon lifting a dirty blanket, the baby reached for him, her face scrunched up as she continued wailing.

Garrett peered down at the baby. “I’ll go inside and see about getting some warm milk or something.”

Sean could only nod, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. He didn’t bother to wipe at the tears that spilled. All he could do was hold his precious daughter against his chest and rock her.

Within minutes, the baby was silent, suckling greedily from the bottle Sean held. As soon as he put the child to sleep, he’d swaddle her against him and head home. No matter how tired he was, it wasn’t fair to keep Judith waiting. Both she and Eloise had to be overwhelmed with worry. Besides, at the moment, he wanted nothing more than to be home.

“Do you want me to look for her?” Garrett came out from having a meal at the hotel and pushed his head back. “Shouldn’t be too hard to find.”

“It’s not worth it,” Sean replied. “I’ll be surprised if she lives much longer.”

“Could be trouble if she shows up again.”

“That’s true. Not sure what I can do about it.” Sean searched the nearly empty street.

They rode off as the sun set on the horizon. It would be late night by the time they arrived at Bent Pass, but he didn’t care. The sooner his family was together the better. One thing he knew for sure, he’d do his best to keep both Bethany and Judith safe from that day forward.

When his home came into view, he waved the other man off and guided his horse to the front of the house. Before he could dismount, Judith ran out, her beautiful hair flying behind her. “Do you have her? Where is the baby?”

His chest tightened at the distress in her eyes followed by the rounding when he lowered Bethany to her. Judith crumpled to the ground holding Bethany tightly against her chest.

Once he dismounted, Sean lifted Judith to her feet and walked with them to the door. “Go on inside. I’ll go see about the horse and be back as soon as I can.” He waited until she was inside and then took the horse’s reins and led the tired animal to where it could get some water and fresh oats.

Once everything was taken care of, Sean could only lean against the stall, every ounce of strength gone from his body. He slumped, allowing his head to fall forward. When the tears streamed down his face, he didn’t bother wiping them away.

“Sean?” Patrick appeared in the dim light. “Come on, I’ll help you get home.”

“I can’t. Not right now.” He stood, but his legs wobbled. “I thought I lost her. Not sure what I would’ve done.” Sean had to gulp to get air into his lungs.

Somehow Patrick guided him to a nearby bench and lowered him onto it. While Sean gained some semblance of control over his emotions, Patrick sat beside him quietly. With his friend’s silence came support and strength and Sean drew from it until he finally was able to breathe evenly and speak without his breath catching.

“Come on, you better get home. I’m sure Judith has things under control. You need to get some rest.” They walked side by side. Sean suspected Patrick kept an eye on him to ensure he didn’t topple over.

Light streamed from the windows, a more welcoming sight, he’d never know. “I’ll be all right now.” He hugged his friend. “Thank you, Patrick.”

The priest smiled. “I know you will. I’ll check on you in a couple days.”

Both the kitchen and living room were empty. He went straight to the bedroom, stopping at seeing Judith fast asleep holding the slumbering Bethany against her. The sight reminded him of the first time he’d caught this scene and, once again, his chest tightened. Too tired to do more than undress, he climbed beside his wife and child.

Chapter Thirteen

“Is something wrong?” Eloise studied Judith, her lips pursed. “You haven’t been yourself since that whole mess with Angela.”

How could she explain to Eloise something she didn’t understand herself? No matter how hard she tried, the feeling of impending doom prickled at her. Each moment that passed, instead of enjoying the time with her husband and child, she kept expecting the next bad thing to happen.

“I am not sure how to explain it. I wish I knew for sure that woman will not return.”

Eloise nodded. “I understand, Judith. That is why I asked Jack to make inquiries, to ask around if anyone’s seen Angela since he’s traveling through Casper. Hopefully, he’ll find out whatever became of her.”

“It’s been over a month. If she were to return…” Judith shook her head. “I’m allowing the what ifs to ruin my life. Why?” She rubbed her hands down her face. “It’s ridiculous.”

Even Sean had been irritable, on edge, as if he, too, was strung tight as a fiddle string. They’d snapped at one another over inconsequential things. It was not like her and she knew from speaking to Eloise, it wasn’t in Sean’s nature either.

Judith looked to Eloise. “What can we do? This tension is taking a toll on our relationship.”

“For starters, acknowledge that you’re both scared. It takes time to get over so many things happening. Let your faith in God and each other in.”

It was hard not to smile at her somber sister-in-law. “I didn’t know you were so sage.”

Eloise laughed. “I can be when it’s not my own problem.”

“Hopefully, I can impart useful advice if you ever need it.” Judith appreciated the light moment.

Bethany crawled to the edge of the blanket and looked up to Judith. The baby blinked and yawned. “Mama.”

“There you see,” Eloise picked Bethany up and handed her to Judith. “How can you not see the wonderful gift of a beautiful child and a handsome husband? After all, Sean does favor his beautiful, older sister.”

It was true. She was allowing the past to cast a shadow on the day. Judith kissed Bethany’s face and the baby giggled. “We should head home. I need to make sure supper is ready for Sean.” The women hugged and Judith walked the short distance to her home.

“She’s crying too much. Do you think she’s sick?” From the kitchen table, Sean looked toward the crib where Bethany slept. “It’s not like her to cry so much.”

Judith smiled and covered his hand with hers. “She’s teething. Babies cry and sometimes run a bit of a fever during this time.”

He nodded, but the crease of worry remained.

“It will take time for us to get over all that’s happened.” Judith sighed and picked up her cup of coffee. “Teething aside, it will not be as bad for Bethany. She won’t remember any of this. For that, I’m so grateful. I don’t want her to ever know the true nature of her mother.”

Sean’s warm gaze met hers. “I agree.” The corners of his lips curved. “And although it’s been a rough few weeks, things will get better.”

“They are already much better. We’re together and everyone is safe. Stop worrying.”

Strange as it was, Judith could not help thinking of Angela. Was the woman still alive? Her life was ending while she was alone, without anyone to help her. It was her choice, of course, but that didn’t stop Judith from feeling sorrow for the ill woman.

No matter what she’d done and the life Angela had lived, no human deserved to die alone without a caring touch.

“You are too tenderhearted,” Sean said, seeming to sense her thoughts. “She should pay for her actions. What kind of mother sells her own flesh and blood?”

“A desperate one.” Judith had to agree. “Admittedly, she cared more for herself than Bethany. If she had any decency, she’d seen how loved and well cared for her daughter is with us. No one can care for her more than we do. Love her more than we will.”

Sean leaned over and kissed her brow. “That you love Bethany as your own makes me love you more.”