Mary paced the empty observation car. With all the windows, it should have been pleasant and full of excursionists. Instead, the snow and the sun hiding behind clouds made for a dreary view. “How much longer do you think we will be stranded?” She stood next to the glass, but her breath fogged it, concealing her view.
“The engineer told some of the reporters the new track should be finished by tomorrow. We might be able to pull out in the morning.”
Mary turned to Wyatt. “Another day?” Her voice rose in a pitch that hurt her own ears. “You knew this. And yet you closed your eyes. And went to sleep? We don’t have enough food for another day.”
“Let’s not panic everyone. Remember, God said you can’t add a day to your life by worrying.” Wyatt moved closer to her.
“That’s your answer? Don’t cause trouble? Don’t worry? It’s going to be pandemonium once it’s discovered. We have to do something. I’m going to gather some men to help find more game. I’m sure I can borrow the rifle from the stationmaster again.”
Wyatt grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close. “We aren’t going to starve, and you aren’t going hunting again.”
She pushed against his chest. But he didn’t let go. “You have no right to tell me what I can do. You aren’t my father or my husband. I won’t sit here waiting for provisions to be brought. I have my own gun. If I have to, I’ll use it.”
“You brought a rifle?”
“No, this.” She pulled her small pistol from her pocket. “And if you don’t let go of me, I’ll use it on you.”
“Miss Owen. I’ve been looking for you.” George bent over and gasped for air.
Wyatt released her, and she hid her gun in the folds of her skirt. Her heart fluttered. “What’s wrong, George?”
“Your aunt fell, and we can’t wake her up.”
Mary rushed through the cars. A man played a violin, and the bow reached into the aisle, poking her in the side as she passed. “Sorry, please excuse.” She took no time to look back. Please, God, I have to get to Aunt Cora. Please let her be awake. Had she broken the man’s bow? No matter. She would find out later and make amends.
She made it to their car and stopped. Men stood in their seats. Miss Periwinkle hovered over Aunt Cora, who lay in the aisle still as death.
Wyatt bumped into her.
She bobbled on her feet.
He steadied her.
Grateful, she took strength from his strong hands on her waist. Please, God, let her wake up. This isn’t the kind of adventure I wanted, Father. Pulling away from Wyatt’s strength, she clung to God’s. She knelt at her aunt’s side and stroked her cheek. “How long has she been like this?”
Miss Periwinkle, white-faced and breathing shallow, gripped the seat next to her. “Miss Owen, she decided to come with you and Mr. Cross. When she stood, she dropped like a rock. Her head cracked against the edge of the bench.”
“Does anyone have any honey or preserves, even sugar?” Mary, frantic for an answer, surveyed the passengers. Blank faces returned her stares. “She needs something to eat.”
“We all do.” Miss Periwinkle sighed. “If I’d known she was this hungry, I wouldn’t have eaten the other piece of cake she offered.”
Mary stiffened with fury. She wanted to yank Miss Periwinkle’s ankles so she’d fall and hit her own head.
“Think, do you have a sugar cube you slipped in your pocket, a piece of candy?” Wyatt’s voice boomed above her. “You there, sir. You had butterscotch this morning. There is no time to lose here.”
The man came to life. “Yes, I have a piece.”
“I have a bit of preserves.”
Passengers sent items to Mary. She’d never had to do this before, but Father explained what needed to be done. The preserves would work fast, but she needed water or tea. “Wyatt, I need to make this thinner.”
“George, bring some water, please.”
Mary patted her aunt’s cheek. “Please, wake up.”
Wyatt took the glass from George and handed it to Mary. She spooned it into the preserves and stirred. “Lift her head please, Wyatt.”
He knelt and did as she asked.
With great care, Mary dribbled bits of the thinned mixture into her aunt’s mouth. “Come on, Aunt Cora. Open your eyes.”
Mary’s aunt moved, and Wyatt breathed a sigh of relief.
“What’s the meaning of this? Why are you all looking at me?” She coughed and then groaned. “My head.”
“Be still, Aunt Cora. I’ll help you back into your seat. You fainted, and now you have a nasty bump on your head.”
Wyatt slid his arms under Miss Owen’s. “Sorry, ma’am, but this is the easiest way since you’re stuck between the seats.”
“No harm, Mr. Cross. It’s nice to have such a strong young man to help Mary through this.” She staggered on her feet. “I think I’m fine now.”
“You are not fine. I need to find you something else to eat before you have another accident. Mr. Cross, do you suppose you can rally the men for another hunting party?”
“Mary, you are not going out there again. I will not have my niece acting like an outlaw. Those men can hunt just as well as you. Besides, I’d like to have you by my side as I feel a bit weak, and Miss Periwinkle isn’t much use.”
“I’m sorry. If you’d have said you needed the cake—”
“You should have asked.” Mary thundered. “What were you thinking? That you are the only person who is hungry?”
Wyatt backed away. This outlaw was a bit more than he could handle. She didn’t need a husband. She was ready for adventure. Maybe a little too much.