Pony Express Courtship (21 page)

Rebecca groaned as he kneeled beside her and lifted her up into his arms. He cradled her hot body against his chest and arms. She was burning up with a fever. Smears of blood covered the front of her dress.

She opened her eyes, and her dimples winked at him. “Seth? You came for me?” Her glazed eyes told him that she was no longer aware of pain or heat from the fever.

“Yes, I came for you. Where are you hurt?” he asked, feeling her arms and torso for gunshot wounds.

She waved a bloody hand in front of his face. “I cut myself.”

Satisfied she hadn't been shot, Seth picked up the bloody rag she'd used to cover the cut. He wrapped her hand and said, “I can see that.”

She closed her eyes and he gently laid her back down on the ground. Gathering Brownie's reins and keeping a close watch out for the road bandits, he tied the little mare to the back of Sam's saddle, then hurried back to Rebecca.

Rebecca opened her eyes and looked at him. Her eyes had turned from their clear exquisiteness to that of a beautiful storm, dark but filled with a haze that only a summer storm could produce, or in this case pain and fever. “Are you taking me home, Seth?” she asked in a drowsy voice.

“No, I'm taking you to the doctor, but first we need to get you up on Sam. Can you stand up?” He leaned over and helped her stand. She closed her eyes and swayed against him. “Stay with me, Rebecca.”

She opened her eyes and reached up and touched his jaw. “Always.” Once more she slumped against him.

With more strength than he knew he possessed, Seth scooped her up against him and walked over to Sam. How was he going to get her on?
Lord, I need Your help here.
He looked up into the clear blue sky and quietly pleaded with God to help him get her on the horse.

Sam snorted and then buckled his front legs, then his back. He turned his big head and stared at Seth as if to say,
Well, what are you waiting for?

Seth put Rebecca into the saddle and while holding her upright climbed on behind her. Sam stood. “Thank You, Lord!” Seth shouted and then grabbed the reins while holding on to Rebecca.

The trip into town felt as if it was taking forever. Seth continued to pray over Rebecca. She'd lost a lot of blood and the fever wasn't helping her. He rode in as fast as Sam could go and still tow her horse behind them.

The doctor stood on the sidewalk in front of his home and office. He hurried to help Seth get Rebecca off the horse. “What happened?”

“Jacob says she cut her hand.”

“With what, a rusty knife? She's burning up with fever.” The doctor allowed Seth to sweep Rebecca into his arms. He held the door to let them inside.

“She's been sick for a couple of days. I had no idea she was running a fever until I found her on the trail and brought her here.” Seth laid her down on the cot that the doctor pointed to.

“You'll have to wait outside, young man.” The doctor was already peeling the cloth from Rebecca's hand.

Seth walked to the door, but before exiting, he turned to look at Rebecca's pale face. Dark brown eyelashes fanned out under her eyes. He wished those eyes were open now, but she seemed to be sleeping. Her cheeks sported two red spots, making the rest of her face look powdery white.

Her hair had fallen down in his hurry to get her to town and now rested around her head on the pillow. His mind went to the silky softness of the strands. He'd only touched them once and that had been while kissing her.

The doctor cleared his throat and pointedly looked at the door. “I can't help her until you leave.”

Seth left. He stepped out onto the porch. A rocker invited him to sit down but he couldn't. Sam and Brownie needed to be taken care of. He called through the door, “I'll be at the livery. If not there, the sheriff's office.”

He heard the doctor grunt and took that as an indication that the man had heard him. Seth walked Sam to the livery, and Brownie followed, still tied to Sam's saddle.

Thank You, Lord for helping me get her here. And, Lord, please make her well. Her sons need her.
He paused, lowered his head and confessed in a quiet voice, “I need her.”

Even as he said the words, Seth knew that he didn't have a future with Rebecca. He really didn't want to confess, even to himself, that he loved her, but deep down he knew he did. Was it wrong to resent the promise he'd made to his grandmother? To Charlotte? Would he be able to live with the fact that he was marrying one woman but in love with another?

Chapter Twenty-Three

T
he next day, Rebecca woke up at the doctor's office. She knew she'd suffered from fever throughout the night and that her hand burned as if someone had branded her palm. A white bandage covered the cut.

During her fever-induced sleep, she recalled Seth coming over a hill with his gun blazing in the air.

The doctor came into the room. “Oh, good, you're awake.” He smiled kindly at her and touched the back of his hand to her forehead. “And the fever is gone. That's a good sign.”

She pushed up on her elbows. “Where's Seth? Did he make it through the gunfight all right?”

“There was a gunfight?” The doctor grinned at her. “Honey, I think you dreamed that.”

“No, he shot at the road bandits who were trying to rob me.” She fell back against the pillow. Had she dreamed it?

The doctor unwrapped her hand and inspected his handiwork.

The soft sound of the door clicking into place told her someone else had entered the room. “She's right, Doc. I did shoot at the men trying to hold her up.” He came around and grinned at Rebecca. “I'm glad to see you awake. How do you feel?”

The tenderness in his eyes touched her heart. “Well, my hand feels as if someone stuck a branding iron to it, but other than that, I feel better.”

The doctor shook his head. “Someday, when we both have a little time, you'll have to tell me all about that gunfight, Seth.”

Seth laughed. “It really wasn't much of a gunfight, but I'll be happy to tell you all about it.”

“As for you, young lady, if Seth here wants to take you home, you have to promise to keep those stitches clean and let them heal. I'll come out in a few days and see if we can take them out.” He rewrapped her hand and gave her a gentle pat on the arm.

“It would be my pleasure to take her home,” Seth answered. “I'll just leave you to get ready.” He stepped back out the door.

The doctor handed Rebecca a small pouch. “This has some herbs in it. I want you to take a teaspoon a day out, soak them in water and then use the water to wash that hand. They'll speed along the healing.” At her nod, he continued, “Your dress is hanging over there. The missus tried to get the blood out for you, but I'm afraid it might still be stained.”

“Thank you for the herbs. I'd like to thank her before I leave,” Rebecca said, looking at her dress. She didn't see any stains.

“Good. I'm sending her in to help you with those buttons, so you'll have your chance.” The doctor left her alone. Rebecca pushed off the sheet and stood slowly. Her hand throbbed so she held it up.

The door opened again. The doctor's wife, a plump woman with a sweet face, entered the room. “Doc says you are ready to go home. How do you feel?”

Rebecca wondered how often she'd have to answer that question before the day was over. “Better, Mrs. Bridges. We're blessed to have a good doctor in town.”

The other woman walked over and pulled down Rebecca's dress. “You're blessed to have such a handsome young man who worries about you.” She helped her step into the dress. “He stayed all night, sat in that chair.”

Seth had stayed all night with her? She smiled. “That was sweet of him.” Why would he do such a thing? Why hadn't he just had Fay come sit with her? Rebecca didn't want to think too much of the situation. So she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind and focused on getting dressed.

After the dress was buttoned, Mrs. Bridges helped Rebecca with her shoes. “Thank you for getting the stains out of my dress,” Rebecca said. It felt odd to have someone else button her shoes for her.

“It was no trouble at all. I was glad to help.” She stepped back and looked Rebecca over. “Would you like me to brush your hair for you? It's a little wild-looking.”

Rebecca looked down at her hand and nodded. She'd not realized how much help she was going to need over the next few days, but she couldn't even comb her own hair.

Mrs. Bridges chattered about the church bake sale that was coming up while she combed Rebecca's hair out and then pulled it up into a bun on top of her head. “I'll be making my spice cake this year.” She stepped back and looked at her handiwork. “All done.” The doctor's wife smiled at her.

“Thank you.”

Seth called through the door, “About ready?”

Mrs. Bridges opened the door. “She's ready.” She beamed at Rebecca.

Rebecca walked slowly to Seth. Her head still felt a little light, but she didn't say anything because she wanted to go home. “Thank you for everything.” Tears stung her eyes as she realized just how much this woman had done for her.

“It was my pleasure.”

Rebecca followed Seth out onto the porch. She expected to see Brownie and Sam standing in the road, but instead she saw that both of them were hooked up to a wagon. “You didn't have to get a wagon, Seth. I could have ridden Brownie home.”

“Um, no, you couldn't. I want to make sure I get you back to the farm in one piece. Those boys of yours would skin me alive if you fell off and broke your neck.” He held his hand out to help her up.

As soon as she was seated, Seth pulled himself up onto the wagon and took the reins in his hands. Rebecca didn't know what to say. She clutched the herb pouch in her hands and enjoyed the cool breeze on her face.

“You look pretty,” Seth said once they'd passed the town's border.

Rebecca rubbed her lips together. “Thank you. I'm sure I look like death warmed over.” She studied her hands.

“No, that's how you looked yesterday when I brought you to town. Now with a little color in your cheeks you are as pretty as those pink evening primroses over there.” He pointed off to his right and grinned at her.

She felt heat fill her face and ducked her chin. Was that sweet talk? Or was he just trying to be kind? Rebecca turned her head to look at the field of flowers. They were pretty.

Unsure what to say but knowing that she wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, Rebecca decided not to say anything at all. He had a mail-order bride that he'd soon be going to see and possibly wed. Sorrow filled her at the thought, but she decided to ignore it and enjoy the beautiful flowers that were blooming all around her. Her telling Seth that she was in love with him wouldn't change anything.

* * *

Seth pulled into the yard just as the sun was setting. Everyone had been watching for them and within minutes the wagon was surrounded.

Jacob reached up and helped his mother down. He hugged her close and growled, “If you ever do that again, I will...”

Whatever he was going to threaten was lost among the others pushing him away and taking their turn hugging her. Each boy greeted Rebecca with hugs and pats. Little Benjamin hugged her about the waist and Joy clung to one leg.

Fay called from the door, “Come on, everyone. Let's get her inside.”

Andrew scooped up Joy, and Benjamin released her waist. Seth gently took Rebecca's elbow and walked with her to the house.

Fay and Emma met her at the door. The two women hugged her and fussed over her injured hand. Seth guided her to the sofa.

Benjamin rushed to her side. “Tell us about the bad men, Ma.”

She pulled him closer to her side with her good hand. “Well, Benjamin, I learned a lesson from those bad men.” Rebecca looked down into his brandy-colored eyes.

Awe filled his voice and he said, “You did?”

“Uh-huh.”

“What did you learn?” he asked, never breaking eye contact.

Rebecca looked to Seth. “Well, first off, I learned never disobey Seth. If I hadn't taken off by myself, I might never have had to face those two men.”

“Yeah, Jacob said that was foolish of you.” Benjamin looked to his older brother.

“Oh, he did, did he?” Rebecca also looked to her oldest son.

Happy to be the center of attention, Benjamin continued, “Yep, he said even mas can do foolish things sometimes.”

Rebecca smiled at Jacob. “He's right, Benjamin. It was foolish of me to take off on my own. I put myself in danger, and Seth. He could have been shot.”

Joy wasn't going to be left out. She pushed out of Andrew's arms and crawled into Rebecca's lap. Her thumb went into her mouth and she laid her head on her mother's chest.

“I'm sorry I worried everyone. I promise from now on I won't leave the farm without a companion. Those men were mean and could have done a lot of harm to me. I should have listened to Seth and Jacob.” She looked around the room at each person.

They were her family, even Emma and Fay. And the care she saw in their eyes touched her heart. Rebecca recognized that the boys would eventually leave the farm, but knowing they loved her so much made the realization a little more bearable.

Clayton drew everyone's attention off his mother. “What did the sheriff say, Seth?”

Seth leaned against the fireplace. “He said they'd keep a lookout for the road bandits.”

“That's it?” Thomas demanded. “After what they tried to do to Ma, that's all he's going to do about it?”

The rest of the boys began to grumble, too.

Fay broke in to their complaining. “Now, see here, boys. The sheriff will do what he can to find them. That's all we can ask.”

Philip grunted. “No, he could round up some men and go find those low-down...”

“Philip!” Rebecca wasn't sure what her son was going to call them, but she felt sure it wasn't nice or appropriate in a room full of children and women.

Jacob spoke up. “Listen, we stick to the rules. Don't go anywhere without someone with you. Don't leave the farm unless you have to. And let the sheriff do his job the way he sees fit.” He eyed each of his younger brothers. “We are not the law or above the law.”

Seth nodded. “Jacob is right. We have a job to do for the Pony Express. What is that job?”

“The mail must go through!” seven young voices boomed all at once.

The room burst into laughter. Rebecca smiled at her family. They began visiting and playing around. It felt good to be home. She yawned.

Fay leaned down over the back of the couch and asked, “Are you ready to retire?”

“Not yet.” Rebecca patted the hand that rested on her shoulder. “I want to enjoy my family for a little longer.”

Emma sat on the arm of the chair. “Are you hungry, Rebecca? I made corned beef and cabbage for dinner. I'll be happy to dish you up a plate.” She stood, waiting for Rebecca's consent.

“That sounds wonderful, Emma. Thank you.”

The young girl beamed and hurried off to the kitchen.

Fay called after her, “Grab her a hot biscuit, too.”

As soon as Emma left the room, Fay complimented her. “That girl can cook. Just wait until you taste her biscuits.”

Rebecca watched her boys. Thomas and Philip were obvious in their admiration for Emma, but it was Andrew who caught her attention. He watched the young woman prance from the room and a small smile teased his lips before Andrew pulled his facial features back into serious lines. Was he interested in Emma? Or did she simply amuse him?

The next day, Rebecca felt useless as Fay and Emma prepared for the incoming stagecoach. Her hand felt stiff, but other than that Rebecca didn't feel any different. She wanted to make cookies, wipe down the tables and do her job. But Fay was having no part of it.

“You work too hard. Just relax and let us take care of you for a change.” The older woman fussed as she pulled out the tray of sweetbreads she'd made.

“All right, I'm going to the sitting room.” Rebecca used her good hand and pushed through the door that joined the two rooms.

Joy sat by the fireplace playing with her doll. She looked up when her mother came in and smiled. “Look, Ma, Emma fixed my doll's hair like mine.”

Rebecca grinned. “She sure did. It is very pretty.”

The little girl nodded and went back to changing the doll's dress. Rebecca moved to the window and watched as several of the boys applied whitewash to the corral fence. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but their laughter drifted on the breeze toward the house.

Noah was standing in front of the barn with his horse. He seemed to be examining one of the horse's front hooves. His pant legs looked a little short on his boots. Had the boy had a growth spurt? When he stood up and flexed his shoulders she saw that the material appeared tight across his back. Yes, it was time to take him shopping again.

The stagecoach pulled in and all the boys looked toward it. Seth came out of the barn. He saw her standing in the window and waved before going into the bunkhouse. Rebecca turned her attention to the stage.

A beautiful young woman came out first. Her auburn hair shone in the sunlight. She was dressed in a simple green traveling dress and black shoes showed under her skirt. Next came a man. He wore a black business suit and his hat was smaller than the hats her boys and Seth wore.

Rebecca tried to remember what it was called but the name escaped her mind.

Fay and Emma hurried into the room. Each had a plate and were carrying them to the sideboard. Coffee and tea were ready, along with cups and saucers for serving. Emma took Joy's hand and returned to the kitchen.

Rebecca moved to the door and opened it just as the pair stepped onto the front porch. “Welcome. I hope you've had a safe trip so far.”

The woman smiled sweetly at her. Rebecca was taken aback by the pure beauty of her emerald-green eyes. “Thank you. We've been blessed with no mishaps,” she said as she passed.

The gentleman smiled at her, too, as he walked past. “This is the Dove Creek Pony Express station. Is that correct?” he asked.

Rebecca shut the door. “Yes, it is. Would either of you like a refreshment before you continue on your journey?”

“That would be lovely,” the woman said as she walked toward Fay and the table. The light scent of rose water traveled with her.