Where the Wind Blows (16 page)

“Chase!”

“You’re fine. Just pull back. Easy now.”

Jessie held up her hand, indicating she was fine. But she didn’t say a word.

“Cat got your tongue?” he asked. A teasing light gleamed in his eyes as he stared at her.

She fidgeted.

“I guess so,” Chase said, urging Cody on. “We best get to town.”

At the mercantile, Mrs. Hollyhock eyed Jessie’s injuries suspiciously, then turned on Chase.

“It’s not what you think,” Chase asserted, raising his hands in defense.

“You better start talkin’,” the old matron barked. Her eyes conveyed the anger within. “And fast.”

“It wasn’t Chase,” Jessie spoke up. “It was that man, Lonnie. The one who was in the store the other day.”

Mrs. Hollyhock sucked in her breath and covered her mouth with her hand. “That no-good trash? I was hoping he’d hightailed it outta here to some other town. Where is he now?”

“He’s tied up outside. Is there a jail in this town?” Chase asked.

At the sound of Jessie’s voice, Sarah raced into the room and leaped into her adoptive mother’s arms. She seemed too intent on playing with the buttons on Jessie’s blouse to pay any attention to what was being said.

“No jail, just Martha Bindle’s icehouse.” Mrs. Hollyhock fussed over Jessie’s face as she talked. “That’ll keep him until someone can take him over ta Clancy. It’s over behind the livery. A blind mole couldn’t miss it. I’m going to steep a nice pot of rose hips to stave off any infection in Jessie’s lip.”

Mrs. Hollyhock bustled away to her stove.

“You’ll be all right, then?” Chase asked. He seemed reluctant to leave her.

“I’ll be fine. My goodness, Chase, I don’t ever remember
being babied so. You best hurry now. Gabe will be back soon and he’ll wonder where you are.”

Mrs. Hollyhock had informed them that Gabe was off with Jake somewhere. They’d left before noontime and were due back any moment. Jessie, knowing Jake, was glad that he and Gabe had struck up a friendship.

Chase backed away slowly. “I won’t be long.”

Jessie missed his presence the moment he walked out the door.

Did all people feel like this when they were in love? No, they couldn’t. No man was as exceptional as Chase. He was so handsome, he stole her breath away. In fact, she’d been so overcome by his presence after they’d almost kissed on the way to town, she couldn’t say a word. It was as though all the love in her heart had moved up and blocked her throat.

“So…?” Mrs. Hollyhock asked as she handed Jessie a cup of tea. Its aroma drifted about, mingling with the other fine smells in the store.

“What?” Jessie asked, knowing exactly what she was getting at.

“How did you and that new husband of yours make out last night?” Anticipation shone in her little eyes.

“Fine.” Jessie didn’t know what else to say.

“Jist fine? Did you consummate your vows?”

“Mrs. Hollyhock!” Jessie exclaimed. “I’d really rather not talk about this.” Putting Sarah down, Jessie showed her the button box Mrs. Hollyhock had on a lower shelf. It was there to satisfy little hands.

“Nonsense, child. How else can younger women learn from the wealth of knowledge of the older ladies if we don’t talk to each other about it? I assure you, everyone does.”

“I’ve been married before. I know all there is to know,” Jessie lied.

“This ain’t quite the same thing. Nathan was an old man.
Mr. Logan is young, healthy, and, might I add, quite the virile buck. If you treat him right, he’ll be sure to know how to please you in every way.” Mrs. Hollyhock was practically beaming. “Now don’t start blushing on me, or I’ll think you ain’t never even had a lick of experience.”

“I’m not blushing. It’s just the hot tea you gave me,” Jessie squeaked out. The thought of Chase pleasuring her in bed, not just one way, but many—if she took what Mrs. Hollyhock said as the truth—was enough to make her lightheaded.

“Now be sure and be ready for him. Takin’ a little time to freshen up before bed is a must. A little bird bath’ll do ya fine. As healthy as Mr. Logan looks, I’m sure he’ll want to consummate every night. At first anyway.”

Every night! Oh, lands. Is that what married couples did? “Mrs. Hollyhock, please, this really isn’t necessary.”

“It most certainly is necessary. I can tell by your hemmin’ and hawin’ you two weren’t quite rolling in marital bliss last night, and I mean to correct that before another sun sets.”

“It’s my monthly, remember,” Jessie added hurriedly. “Chase was quite the gentleman when he found out. And I’m sure when it’s over, we’ll be able to works things out on our own.”

Mrs. Hollyhock eyed her disbelievingly as she made a poultice out of horsetail herbs. “Well, that shouldn’t stop everything. At least I wouldn’t suspect it’d put too much of a damper on a man like your husband.”

“Chase was being considerate of my feelings. I can’t fault him for that.”

“I reckon not, Jessie. But if there’s ever anything you’d need to be askin’, don’t be shy.”

Mrs. Hollyhock handed Jessie the mushy mess she’d been working on. “I almost forgot. I have something for ya. I would’ve brought it out the other night, but I didn’t know we was gonna have a weddin’.”

She pulled a small box from under the counter. Handing it to Jessie, she smiled. “A weddin’ present.”

“Oh. Mrs. Hollyhock, I can’t accept this,” Jessie said, trying to hand it back. Emotion welled up within her, threatening to spill out.

“Of course you can. And will. Go on now, open it.”

Jessie carefully unwrapped the gift as if it were made of spun gold. Not a rip or tear did she put in the serviceable brown paper.

As she opened the lid she sucked in her breath. “It’s beautiful.” All she could see was soft golden lace, shimmering like heavenly rays of sun peeking over a clear mountain range.

“Take it out. See if it’ll fit.”

Jessie gently lifted the delicate garment, not wanting to damage it in any way. It was tiny. What exactly was it? She wasn’t sure.

At her confused look Mrs. Hollyhock laughed. “It’s one of them unmentionables they wear down at Sally’s. I thought you and Mr. Logan might enjoy it. He jist looks like the sorta man that would.”

Jessie looked aghast, and when she finally regained her speech, she said, “Mrs. Hollyhock, where did you find such a garment?”

“I order them every now and then from a seamstress over in Clancy. The girls at the saloon swear by them. They go through them like hotcakes.” Mrs. Hollyhock couldn’t keep the grin off her face. “Nothin’ better to make a man feel manly than a little piece of lace on his woman.”

Jessie eyed the soft, glittering apparel doubtfully. She’d never have the nerve to wear something like this.

“I can see ya have some good ideas already for this here gift,” Mrs. Hollyhock said with a knowing smile. “I hope you’ll both enjoy it equally.”

There were loud voices and footsteps outside on the
wooden plank walk, and Jessie gently put the wedding present back into the box. Closing it, she put it with her coat.

Gabe and Jake came banging through the door at the same time, laughing and carrying on.

“Jessie!”

“Hello, Gabe. How are you getting along?”

“Well, thanks. Jake here has been showing me around. You know Jake?”

“Yes, I do. How are you today, Jake?” Jessie tried to keep her face averted from the direction of the boys.

Jake’s face flamed scarlet, and he shuffled nervously. “I’m fine, Mrs. Strong. I mean Mrs. Logan. I’m real sorry to hear about Mr. Strong dying—and congratulations on your weddin’.”

Jake’s awkwardness ironically put them all at ease, and everyone burst out laughing. Jake scratched his head for a moment, then grinned himself.

“Thank you, Jake. That’s very kind of you to say.” Jessie sipped her lukewarm tea and gazed out the window. A flash of blue caught her eye.

Down the boardwalk came Chase, with his long groundeating stride, spurs jingling. Beth Fairington, hanging on his arm, was trying to keep pace.

Chase looked cranky.

Beth chatted on the best she could without tripping. Chase looked far from being interested.

“Oh, my.” Jessie tried to hide her smile. Beth Fairington was one person who tested her patience to the extreme. She was mean-spirited, and heaven only knew why Mrs. Hollyhock put up with her whining and griping all day long.

The two stopped at the door of the store and exchanged words. Jessie would have given ten dollars to be able to hear their conversation. Chase looked as if he was trying to say good-bye, but Beth was having none of it.

Beth reached up and straightened his collar.

Chase glared.

The door opened, and in stepped Beth. Chase followed.

“Violet, look who I ran into at the livery. It’s Mr. Logan,”

Beth twittered.

The chilly air had turned her pale cheeks to large splotches of red.

“He’s been escorting me all over town.”

Chase looked pained but said nothing.

He scanned the room. Was he looking for her? A warm delicious feeling spread through Jessie’s body.

Just when he was about to look in her direction, Sarah scampered up and shyly tugged on his pant leg. Jessie knew it must have taken every ounce of the little girl’s courage to approach Chase with a strange lady in the room.

“Well, look at you, sunshine.” The look on Chase’s face changed from pain to pleasure. Bending down to eye level, he tickled Sarah under the chin. She smiled back timidly, twisting from side to side.

Beth looked unhappy about having to share Chase’s attention with anyone. Even a child.

The happiness shining from Chase’s eyes was proof enough for Jessie that he loved Sarah as much as she did.

The boys had remained conspicuously quiet since Beth’s arrival.

Beth edged closer to Chase and whispered loud enough for Jessie and everyone else in the room to hear. “Mr. Logan, you should be more careful who your family associates with.” She gestured toward Jake. “They’re liable to pick up bad habits and who knows what else.” She covered her nose and mouth with her hankie.

Jessie closed her eyes and breathed deeply, all the while counting to ten. She had known Jake since arriving in Valley Springs. He was always polite, helpful, and hardworking.
Her heart bled for him now. She wanted to run forward and scratch Beth’s eyes out for her cruel and untrue comment. But she knew she couldn’t.

Setting her cup on the cracker barrel, she approached the little group.

“Oh, hello, Jessie.” Beth looked taken aback to see her.

“Good afternoon, Beth. I see you’ve met my husband and new family.” It would be so easy to goad Beth now. Rub it in her face that she was a spinster and most likely would always be. Instead she warmly embraced her. “It’s nice to see you.”

Beth sputtered at Jessie’s kindness. “Why, yes,” Beth responded slowly, studying Jessie’s face. Her neck.

A deliciously mean expression crossed the woman’s face.

“Oh, my, Jessie. What happened to your face?” She reached out as if to touch Jessie’s cheek. “Mr. Logan has a temper, does he?” the woman cooed sweetly from behind her hankie.

The boys stepped forward for a closer look. Instantly, both looked upset. Confused.

“Beth!” A squawk of outrage came from Mrs. Hollyhock.

Chase stepped over and put his arm around Jessie. He pulled her close. “No, Miss Fairington, my new wife pleases me in every way. Now you…are another matter.”

“Why…” She sputtered a moment. “I never!” Aghast, her mouth gaped wide open.

“Well, from the orneriness of you, I can see why.” Chase’s voice was even, cool.

“She’d better close that big ol’ mouth of hers, or she’s liable to be catchin’ some flies.”

Gabe jabbed Jake sharply in the ribs. Both boys laughed.

Mrs. Hollyhock looked between the two as if she didn’t know whose side to take. “Jake, you apologize to your elder. Right now.”

He scuffed his foot. “Sorry.”

Outnumbered, Beth turned. Ignoring everyone in the room, she spoke over her shoulder to Mrs. Hollyhock.

“I won’t be working today, Violet. I have a headache. Have Virgil bring me some tea and toast. Immediately.”

“Yes, dear. Try to get some rest,” Mrs. Hollyhock answered.

The moment the door banged behind Miss Fairington,
Gabe rushed over to Jessie and studied her face. “What happened, Jessie?”

“A man came out to the cabin and assaulted Jessie this morning,” Chase whispered. Jessie figured his low tone was on account of Sarah. “Lonnie.”

“Lonnie,” Jake echoed. “That’s him. The man you was lookin’ for the other day in the saloon.”

“Where is he now? He didn’t get away did he?” Gabe asked.

“Because if he did…” Jake added.

“No, boys, Chase took care of him, praise God. He’s locked up in the old icehouse where he can’t hurt anyone else,” Jessie said forcing a smile. “And he looks a whole lot worse than I do.”

“Good,” Jake and Gabe said in unison.

Chase turned to Jessie. “Have you told Mrs. Hollyhock yet?”

Mrs. Hollyhock perked up right away at the obvious mention of something she didn’t know.

“No. I was waiting on you.”

“What’s this? Spit it out.” The woman looked like a cat watching a nest.

“We’re leaving, Mrs. Hollyhock. Chase has a place about two weeks’ ride west.”

Mrs. Hollyhock stood in stunned silence. Jessie could see this was not what she’d been expecting. “A place? What kind of place?” she managed to get out.

“The house is small and old, but it’s on some nice land. I figure it’d be a bit easier there with the young’uns than all of us crammed into that little cabin of Jessie’s. And besides, Lonnie has a brother out there somewhere. I don’t want him hurting Jessie or the young’uns in revenge.”

“How’s it you never mentioned it before?” the woman
asked suspiciously. She’d walked over to Jessie, taking a hold of her arm as if she could keep her from going.

“You never asked.”

Jessie feared that the two would fall back into their old pattern of quibbling.

“Well, I jist don’t think that’s such a good idea. I was a hopin’ you’d settle here.” By the look on the woman’s face, she was just coming to the realization that as Jessie’s husband, Chase had full authority to take her anywhere he wanted.

“It’s all right, Mrs. Hollyhock,” Jessie said to quiet the shopkeeper’s fears. “We’ll be fine. And I’ll write you every month.”

“Ain’t the same. You need someone ta look after ya, you and the young’uns.”

Jessie gulped. This was harder than she’d figured. “We have Chase now—and Gabe,” she added quickly. “Maybe you could come to visit sometime. This spring would be a beautiful time for a trip.”

“When are ya going?”

“As soon as I can round up everything we need. Two days, maybe three.”

“Humph,” Mrs. Hollyhock answered. “Never figured on this. Come on,” she said, reaching her hand out. “You must have a list of things you need. I might as well start gathering.”

The next three days were a whirlwind. Gathering things needed on the trail and at the new homestead were a priority in everyone’s mind. Chase was lucky to find a covered wagon—not as large as a prairie schooner, but just the right size for a two-horse team. Chase thought it a good find, in good condition and big enough to sleep four. Not that he had any intention of sleeping inside. As long as there wasn’t snow on the ground, he’d sleep underneath.

Privacy. With the four of them in the cabin, it was nonexistent. Chase threw his bedroll by the fire with Gabe. The youth was smart enough not to ask questions about the sleeping arrangements.

Finally the day came when they were heading out.

“Does it make you sad, leaving this place?” Chase asked Jessie as they pulled out of the yard for the last time. Sarah was playing in back on one of the bedrolls, and Gabe was riding Cody. Chase wanted to drive the team first to make sure that they were dependable.

“Yes. And no,” Jessie said somberly. “I’m excited to be going someplace new. Starting a new chapter in my life. This cabin has no ties on me, but…” She turned to get one more glimpse of the place before they rounded the bend. “I’m sorry that Nathan died. He did his best for me, and like you said, maybe if I’d been a better wife to him, he might still be alive today.”

Chase hadn’t realized his words spoken in anger had had such an impact on her.

“I’m real sorry about saying that. I’m sure if Nathan had wanted to be here, he would have been. Sometimes men have reasons for doing what they do none of us would understand.”

“I reckon.”

They’d reached an impasse. As long as he did his best not to be alone with Jessie, he was able to hide his attraction to her. In the evenings, lying on his bedroll next to the fire, he relived the closeness they’d shared the day she’d told him about her past. No matter what he did to distract his thoughts, they just kept coming back to her.

“I wonder who’ll settle there next?”

Jessie’s question brought Chase out of his musings.

“Mr. Blackmon, the landlord, up and died last year, so we just stayed on not knowing who to pay. He’d said the cabin
was one of the first buildings in the settlement here. Maybe a family will move in, and they’ll have to add on another room. But then, it really wasn’t all that tiny.”

“Yes, it was.” Chase worked the brake with his foot as they descended a small hill. It squeaked loudly.

“Remind me to rub some grease on that tonight.” He couldn’t make this trip with that thing squeaking every moment, putting him on edge. One thing for sure, he was glad to be out of the tight quarters of the cabin. Wide-open space is what he preferred.

He looked over at Jessie in her new coat and fur-lined gloves. He’d taken time to be sure everyone had warm clothing and a new pair of boots. The ones he’d forced Jessie to throw out were worn clear through. She looked pretty as a picture sitting there.

“Mrs. Hollyhock is taking this pretty hard,” she said. “I hate to see her get so worked up at her age. I hope she’ll be fine after we’re gone.” Jessie nestled deeper into her lap robe. The wind was cold, and each time she spoke a little puff of frost came out of her mouth.

“You warm enough?”

“Ummm. With my new coat and gloves, I hardly feel the cold.” Jessie watched the team’s heads as they bobbed up and down. “The horses must have cost you a fortune.”

“What’s money, if a man can’t spend a little when he wants to?” His guilt over losing Jessie’s money made him look away. Just as soon as he could, he’d get it back to her, and then some. But the locket was irreplaceable. He took a deep breath. “It’s good to finally be back on the trail. Feels mighty nice.”

“It was just so generous of you to buy us these new things. I can’t help feeling overwhelmed.”

A few moments of silence made him look over to see her studying him intently.

“Are you cold, Chase?”

He slapped the reins across the horses’ backs, urging them forward. “Course not.”

Jessie scooted toward him a few inches and pulled the blanket over so he could put some on his own lap. “But when we get to town, what will the people think?”

“They’ll think we’re husband and wife. Plain and simple.” Hardly plain and never simple.

This charade was taking on a life of its own. Mrs. Hollyhock was looking for any reason to keep Jessie in town and was watching them like a frog eyeing a fly on a lily pad. They’d had to act like love-struck newlyweds to keep her from catching on. Jessie seemed to be playing her part quite well. She was solicitous of his every need. Waiting on him hand and foot. And it seemed she truly enjoyed his closeness.

They rounded the bend into Valley Springs. As they passed the blacksmith shop, Garth bounded out, waving his arms.

“Whoa, now,” Chase called to the team, pulling on the long reins. Garth didn’t look pleased to see him.

“Logan. Jessie.” Garth tipped his hat to Jessie. Chase didn’t miss the fact that he’d refused to call her Mrs. Logan.

“Mr. Shepard.”

“I don’t know how you did it, Logan, but marrying Jessie before we even knew Nathan was dead was underhanded. Makes a man wonder if maybe you had something to do with his death.”

“What’s done is done. Now step away. Wouldn’t want to catch your foot under my wheel.” Chase would welcome a confrontation. It still stuck in his craw how Garth had pushed his unwanted advances on Jessie the other day, friendly or not.

Garth grabbed one of the reins. “Just want you to know I
plan to look into what happened to Nathan. If anything even hints at suspicious, I’ll be on your trail.”

Chase slapped the reins against the horse’s backs, making the wagon lurch forward. Garth had to jump out of the way or else get run over.

“Will you miss him?” Chase asked angrily. “Maybe he’d be a better candidate for you and your brood.”

“What makes you say that?” Jessie countered, her voice taking on a puzzled tone.

“We both know he’s sweet on you.” She knew. Women always knew when a man was sweet on them. They just liked to pretend they didn’t.

Jessie laughed suddenly, the sound reminding him of bells.

“Why, Chase Logan,” she said with amusement.

He glanced her way to see the reason for her delight.

“You’re jealous.”

“Jealous!” Chase barked. “Hardly.”

“There’s no other explanation for your statement,” Jessie said in an overly innocent tone. “It’s as plain as the nose on my face there’s no love lost between you and Garth. Doesn’t make any other sense.”

“He accuses me of murder, and I’m not supposed to take offense.” Chase pulled the wagon to a halt in front of Hollyhock’s Mercantile. Wrapping the reins around the brake handle, he turned to face her. “That man has designs on you. You know it. Quit saying otherwise.”

“Whatever you say,” she replied sweetly as she turned for Sarah. “You going to brood there all day, or help us down?”