To Honor and Cherish (10 page)

Without waiting for breakfast or for Rose to calm down, Meg left. She needed air. She needed to think. A sister. She had another sister. Someone who could lay claim to the ranch. She may soon reach age seventeen and even at that young age, she could marry. Meg had read over the ranch documents many times looking for a loophole, it said, ‘either of my daughters’ it didn’t specify them by name.

Meg wondered how well her father knew Margot. Did he visit her in town? Did he pay her way? Had he made sure she lived somewhere safe after her mother passed? Too many unanswered questions. Her father needed to get back right away. Rose had said that her father had confessed, she wondered how many people knew about this and who she could find out more from.

The trip seemed much faster with so much on her mind. Meg rode all the way into town without realizing that’s where the horse had been headed. She directed her horse to the Post and got the first good news of the day. A money order waited for her for the sale of the cattle. Along with the money she received a short note. It said:
Slow going, injuries, home for Christmas
. She wondered who’d been hurt and how badly, but it did no good to dwell on it. Anyone injured would slow them down and they were already behind schedule.

Meg had hoped to investigate into her half-sister right away, but Rose would want this news as soon as possible. Even if she’d made Rose angry, she owed her that much. Meg took the money order to the bank and then rushed home to tell Rose the news.

Knocking on Rose’s door, she listened, but got no response. She went around to the back of the house to look for Rose in the garden but could not find her. Getting back on her horse, she rode to her own home, hoping to find Rose still there.

She put her horse in the corral with the others and came into the house, expecting to find her friend in the kitchen since she hadn’t been in any of her other usual places. Peeking into the kitchen, she found it vacant and quiet. Worry planted itself and spread its roots rapidly. What if something had happened to Rose after their talk this morning and she’d left, or maybe she merely didn’t answer her door?

Meg looked out her kitchen window, trying to think of other ideas. Next to the stove, she saw a plate covered with a towel. She went over and lifted it up. Her stomach made a low grumble, reminding her she hadn’t eaten a thing that morning. There, on the plate were some thick flapjacks. Even if Rose had been angry, she’d still made sure Meg would eat something. It made her frown and sit back to think for a moment. Rose followed what the preacher had spoken of so many months before. Help others beyond the work you were required to do. Humble yourself and feed His sheep.

Meg had told Rose she didn’t need to come cook and clean with only her in the house. Those were things Meg could easily do herself and with the raise in pay Pete received for going on the drive, Rose would not suffer financially. Meg had tried to be thoughtful, but had fallen flat. She hadn’t done what should’ve been and she had to make it right.

Eating a few flapjacks, she rushed back out to get her horse. She reached the corral when she saw Rose walking up the lane toward her. Meg smiled and went to her friend.

“Rose, I was so worried about you. I have word from the trail.” She waved the tiny note.

“Was there a letter? Did Pete say anything?” It seemed as if Rose had all at once forgotten her anger and Meg smiled, running up to the friend she’d missed.

“Not to me, it’s only a note with the money from the sale of the cattle. It said they were going slow, there were injuries, and they expect to be home by Christmas. Perhaps Pete sent a note just for you while they were in town? This was most likely from Jax or even my father. It wasn’t signed. Would you like to come into town with me to check?”

Rose looked distant. “Injuries.” She focused on Meg with a contempt only a friendship of a lifetime could bear, “I warned you.” She turned on her heel and walked back toward her house.

Meg’s heart ached to make it right, but if Rose wanted space, that was one thing she could give. If the injuries had been severe the note would have said they’d stopped, but it didn’t. At least the men were alive and well enough to keep moving. She couldn’t wait for them to get home. Now, what to do with the time until they get back? Find her sister, of course.

Chapter
Twelve

Meg hitched her small, two-wheeled carriage and made her now daily trip to town. Her pulse raced and her thoughts slammed around in her head about her sister. Wanting to find her as soon as possible, she made a mental list of her stops. The post office had to be her first stop, then the mercantile. Perhaps after, she’d have the information she needed to discover where this would take her next. She wanted so much to have another friend, though the fear of losing her home tempered it.

She’d been thinking about what the important things in life were after her argument with Rose, and had come to the conclusion the ranch had to be second. If she put those she loved first she would always be cared for and never be alone. The ranch, while wonderful, didn’t care.

As Meg pulled into town she wondered yet again if Rose had gotten any letter from Pete. If she did, did her letter say more about what had happened to them? She’d been so angry, Meg hadn’t seen her since she walked away two days ago. She made her stop at the post but found no more news from the men. Without the cattle to keep them from towns they should have been able to send a few more letters. Sighing in frustration, she left the post and walked back outside, shading her eyes from the sun. Even with a bonnet, the day was so bright she squinted.

The mercantile was only a few doors further down the street, past the saloon. Thermals radiated off the gravel streets of the small town and Meg fought the urge to fan herself in her stiff black dress. She hadn’t stepped foot inside the small store since Mark Scott had been run off her property. She had avoided the store after the incident in the barn. She certainly didn’t want to go in today, but Rose couldn’t do this and now she was in desperate need to refill portions of the larder. She clasped the door with a firm grip, took a deep breath, and opened it.

The darkness closed in on her after the bright from outside and she blinked rapidly. She felt a moment of fear when she heard footsteps coming near her. Most of the windows let in only bits of light. Blocked by shelves of goods, every spare inch of space seemed to be used to display items for sale. Along the walls were jars of various canned foods, medications, and household essentials like flour and sugar. In the back corner, the frivolous section of the store boasted small toys, pads of white paper, expensive pencils, calling cards, and many other useful but unnecessary items. Groping at the shelf nearby to steady herself, she saw the older Mr. Scott come towards her. Her eyes adjusted just fast enough to see a moment of apprehension on his face. He nodded her direction then went back to his till. She picked up a few essentials and brought them up to him. Noticing younger Mark’s absence, she breathed a sigh of relief. Meg handed her list of larger items to Mr. Scott.

“Good morning, Mrs. Connor.” He took the paper without looking at her. “Is this list for me?”

“Yes, please. I can wait.” She placed the few small things she’d found on the counter. “I have a question for you.”

“Yes, what do you need?” His voice constricted into a squeak.

“I was wondering if you knew anyone named Sophie, who had a daughter named Margot?”

“Meg…I…I think you might be meddling where you shouldn’t. That’s a road to trouble for you and especially for your father. Don’t dishonor him by sticking your nose where it oughtn’t to be.”

“Sir, she’s my sister, and her mother’s dead. We’re all she has left.” Meg tried to soften him a bit.

“Do you think your mother would feel the same way?” he looked into her eyes, the first time he’d done so. His gaze bore into her and made her uncomfortable.

Meg sighed. “My mother has shut many doors. I can’t control who she forgives and doesn’t. I can only try to do what I think is right. I’ll find out who and where she is. This is a small town.”

“You would be surprised how tight-lipped this town can be.” His voice became rough and gravely. A shadow crept over his face. “You may be right, but I’m sorry, miss, you won’t find out from me.” His body became as rigid as his words. She wouldn’t get more help from him. “Can I wrap these for you?” He was all business now.

“I don’t know where else to look. I had really hoped to you’d help me.” Meg looked down at the counter. She’d hoped to find her sister today. Mr. Scott wrapped her packages for travel and carried them out for her. He put them right behind her seat. His hands lingered on the packages and he still didn’t look at her.

“I know you’re trying to do the right thing. That girl didn’t do anything wrong. She didn’t ask to be born in that situation, but think about your father and mother and how difficult it’s been for them. This would rip open old hurt, don’t you think?”

“I think my parents never did what needed to be done for healing in the first place. Shunning someone, simply because it reminds you of a past sin, is wrong. Especially since that past sin, as you said, was no fault of her own. This is a small town and with or without your help, I
will
find her,” she repeated with more resolve than she felt.

Mr. Scott shook his head and turned to go back to the store, then stopped and turned back to look over his shoulder.

“Your father asked me to help you if you came into town needing it. If you think about where else your father spends his time, you’ll figure it out. I don’t expect you to help me now, but if you could, I’d be obliged.” He paused, looking up and down the street. “Mark disappeared the night he came back after leaving your ranch. I don’t suppose he contacted you or you’ve heard anything? His mother and I are worried. He’s never just left without telling us where he was going.”

“Mr. Scott, I had no idea.” It dawned on her why no one had ever mentioned her reputation. Mark had never spread his rumors. It also occurred to her why Mr. Scott and his wife had avoided her at church. She had a lot to gain by Mark’s silence. “I promise you that I had nothing to do with his disappearance and if I find out anything I’ll tell you right away. I’m so sorry.” She picked up the reins and gave him a look of empathy though she doubted he could see it. Mr. Scott nodded once and turned his head back toward his store, leaving Meg to think about what her next course of action would be.

Through the turmoil of her thoughts and the hint she’d been given, it occurred to her. The boarding house. It was the only other business her father owned. It was where her father had rescued Jax, and where he’d first met up with Sophie. She’d never been there before, because that part of town was rough and she’d been told to stay away, but today she put her fear to the side.

She pulled her wagon in front of the boarding house and saw a thin, dirty man leaning on the doorframe by the front door. He leered at her and shifted to the other foot. Meg lost her ounce of bravery and no longer wanted to take another step.

“Howdy, Missus Connor. Right purty day ‘tis. Ain’t it?” commented the thin man.

“I beg your pardon?” Meg huffed, “How do you know my name?”

“You’s housin’ that no ’count Jackson McCartney. We got our eye on you.”

“Who is we, and why are you watching me?” Meg’s unease with the situation was growing and she put her hand on the pistol at her waist.

“Lars Larson, he gave Jackson a bit a warning a few months ago. When he gets back from Dakota, we’ll nab ‘im. Best not be anywhere nearby if you don’t want ta be got too.”

“You leave my ranch and my hired men alone!”

A young lady with raven-black hair and blue eyes that matched Meg’s darted out of the boarding house. Clean and well-dressed, but not fashionable, she looked to be in her mid-teens. She wore the shorter hems of younger girls, as if she didn’t know to drop them yet. Meg took a chance.

“Margot?”

The young woman stopped her quick walk and looked at Meg. She had a look of confusion at being addressed. It was obvious she wasn’t keen on strangers talking to her and Meg wondered if she’d had a tough life with people being cruel about her parentage or even her home.

“Yes?” Margot whispered, her look flitting everywhere, hesitant to answer at all.

Meg thought quickly, it didn’t seem right to come out and tell her she was Margot’s sister. She didn’t seem old enough to be on her own.

“Gus, the owner of the boarding house, asked me to check in on you and make sure you were all right. He’s away for a while.” Meg hated lying, but airing her family’s dirty secrets in the street would have been appalling.

“Gus is still gone? I was so worried. I got his letter but I haven’t seen him in so long.” Margot’s hand was visibly quaking in fear.

“Are you all right?” Meg climbed down and approached the young woman, “Can I take you somewhere?”

Margot looked up to Meg’s eyes and spoke in a whisper, quiet enough that the man a few feet away wouldn’t hear, in a shaking voice.

“Ma’am, if people find out Gus is gone, I’m not safe.” Her gaze dashed behind her to the man in the doorway. Almost so quickly Meg questioned whether she saw it at all. “Do you know of anywhere I can stay until he gets back?” Someone had scared this girl and again Meg thought of her directive
feed my sheep
. This certainly applied.

“Yes, child.” Meg put her hand on Margot’s arm. “Let me help you get a few things and you can stay with me until Gus comes back.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Meg gave the man at the door the most evil eye she could muster, but kept her hand on her gun just in case, following Margot to her room which was upstairs and at the end of the hall. Margot opened the door with her key and led Meg in to her cozy home.

“We need to avoid that room across the hall. If the door is open or anyone is in the hall, we should wait until they leave.” Margot got a small carpet bag out of an armoire.

Meg couldn’t hide the shock that crossed her face. “Let’s get you out of here.”

The room was big enough for one person with a bed in the corner, a bureau, and a cabinet to hang her dresses in. A small table stood by the door with a bowl and pitcher for washing. Meg had assumed Margot would’ve had some way to cook for herself to remain separate from the other questionable people here, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“Margot, do you work here?” Meg made herself useful helping put dresses in a small bag trying to look nonchalant but a little scared of the answer.

“No, not really. I think Gus pays my way, but I don’t know why. I help the house lady if she seems to need it, but mostly I like to stay out of the way. This house only has six rooms and she uses the one, I’m always in another, so that leaves four rooms open. Lately, scary people have been staying. I don’t remember being afraid here growing up, but it’s been different the older I get.” She didn’t seem to want to put her real fears in words with someone she didn’t know.

Meg stopped helping and stood by waiting for Margot to pack the remainder of her dresses and necessities. When she was done, she’d only filled a small carpet bag and a tiny trunk, small enough for Meg to carry. Margot closed the door behind them and locked it then led the way back downstairs. The house lady lumbered up to Margot. She was dirty from head to toe. Though it was turning cold she was bare foot and her feet were black with filth and grime.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Her hands planted on her ample hips gave her an imposing look.

“Gus is away for a while. I’m only going away until he gets back.”

“Your room cleaned out so’s I can rent it?”

“Yes ma’am.” Margot’s voice was tiny and hollow as she handed the woman the key.

“No refunds.” She grabbed the key, shoved it down the front of her dress, and turned away.

Meg tried to be as unwavering as she was capable of and help her out to the carriage. She placed the small bag and trunk in the back with her grocery parcels. They climbed into the carriage without speaking, and Meg directed the horses toward Whitte Ranch, though they probably would’ve driven there of their own accord. Meg felt sure she was supposed to find her sister. Keeping Margot safe had to be something the Lord would want her to do.

“My name is Meg, by the way.” Meg smiled at her.

Margot wrinkled her face a little bit. “I know this sounds silly, but, my mother told me about my half-sister Meg once. It’s because of a Meg, a Charlotte, and a baby Lizzy that I couldn’t have a daddy.” She spoke like she was making an observation about the weather. “I don’t know exactly how they kept my father from me, but I sure wish he’d been around, especially after I lost mama.”

Meg’s heart dropped to her stomach. It must have been unbearable for Sophie to raise Margot alone. It was quite likely Sophie hadn’t known Gus was married before they had their relationship. It didn’t make it right, but she could understand the pain the situation had precipitated.

“I’m sorry. I’m sure it was really hard for you.” Her voice stuck at the lump in her throat.

“It was, Gus has been the closest thing to a father I’ve ever had. I am sure it was him that made sure I was protected, housed, clothed, and fed after mama died. The lady at the boarding house never told me where the money came from. She just always came up to my room and left me whatever I needed. She doesn’t make enough to do it herself…and she doesn’t like me enough either.” Margot sniffled and wiped her nose with a dainty hanky.

“I hadn’t seen Gus in so long, I was worried. I thought he was never coming back and I didn’t know what I was going to do. Those men that stay across from my room, they looked at me in ways that made me uncomfortable to even come out of my room. I don’t like them.” She paused for a moment to catch her breath. Meg assumed that Margot hadn’t talked to anyone in a long time and she was just catching up. “You know, this will be the first time anyone else will stay in that room since before I was born. It has been my refuge. I don’t know what I’ll do if I can’t rent it back.”