CHAPTER 6

 

A month went by with no change in the relationship between her and Edward. Silence occurred during the day and having relations at night.

She couldn’t stand the situation anymore. That night, she put on her nightgown and didn’t automatically roll into him. He could hold out his arm forever as far as she was concerned. Adele turned over, giving her back to Edward.

“I wondered how long before you refused me.”

She didn’t change positions. “I’m surprised I took this long. Maybe I needed you more than I thought. But I don’t need you anymore.”

He chuckled. “We’ll see.”

*****

The next morning, Adele was surprised to find she’d plastered herself against Edward’s side and his arm was wrapped around her, as usual. She moved his arm, but he tightened it.

“You’re awake. Let me go.”

“Never. I’ll never let you go, Adele.”

She pushed at his arm again, but couldn’t move it. The man was too strong. “I have to get up and meet Lissa in the barn. Please, let me go.”

His hold relaxed, but he didn’t remove his arm. “Here is where you belong…in my arms.” He moved her so she lay atop him and then he wrapped her with both arms. “Is it really so bad?”

She huffed out a breath and closed her eyes. “You don’t talk to me during the day and then you expect to have relations with me at night.” She opened her eyes. “I can’t do that. I’m miserable knowing you have so very little respect for me.”

“Can you blame me? And for your information if I didn’t have some respect for you and understand your circumstances you wouldn’t still be here.”

“But you said—”

“I don’t care what the town said. I’ve already alienated most of them because of Catherine. What’s one more woman I can’t keep happy?”

She crossed her arms on his chest and then rested her chin on them so she was looking at Edward. “You know that’s not the case. All you have to do is treat me like your wife during the day and not as your whore at night, regardless of what you think of me.”

He frowned and closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them. “Have I really been acting that way?”

“Yes, you have. You don’t talk other than to give me instructions. Do this, lay here, and so forth. That’s not the kind of talking I mean. I want to know how your day went. I want you to take interest in my day and maybe even ask how I’m getting on with Lissa.”

“You’re right. We both said we wouldn’t bring our troubles into the bedroom, and I’ve not kept to my word on that rule. Forgive me.” He gently rubbed her back.

She felt so good lying there and talking, she could easily fall asleep. Adele opened her eyes wide and remembered what she’d wanted to ask him. “Edward, I want you to teach me to shoot, please.”

“Why would you need to shoot?”

“Because Richard threatened to kill me.”

His arms tightened around her. “Why didn’t you tell me before now? You’ve known for a month. What if he’d come back? I’ll take care of Richard.”

She tilted her head and huffed out a breath. “We haven’t been talking. Remember? What if you’re not here when he comes next time and there will be a next time. I don’t know why he’s taking so long. Maybe he wants us to forget about him. Which I have for the most part and that’s dangerous.”

He was quiet for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right. You need to be able to protect yourself and Lissa.”

“Yes, I do, because Richard won’t think twice about hurting her to get to me.”

Edward’s hold tightened. “Do you believe he really would hurt her?”

“Yes, I do. He’ll warn me before he does, and I will go with him if it comes to that. I won’t let him injure her when it’s in my power not to. I already know how to shoot a shotgun. Richard taught me so he could take me skeet shooting at his club. They also had a fox hunt on the grounds and I learned to shoot a rifle for that. But I don’t know how to handle a pistol. Now I must go.” She leaned up and ran a hand through his hair. “Think about what I’ve asked. I won’t make you answer now.”

He moved his arm and released her.

“I have to meet Lissa in the barn. I promised and I will keep my promise to her.”

Adele leapt from the bed and removed her nightgown. She pulled yesterday’s dress over her head and then buttoned it from hip to neck. The dress was actually one of her favorites, a dark green calico with black piping around the cuffs and the neckline. A simple design, fitted in the bodice and gathered at the waist it gave her plenty of room to walk and to work.

She thought the shade of green made her eyes seem darker. Sometimes she wished she had emerald eyes, like Ginger’s. The only thing she could think of that described the color of her eyes was lettuce, and that comparison wasn’t very romantic. Oh, well, many people thought her eyes were her best feature, so maybe lettuce was a good description.

Adele hurried toward the door.

Edward was getting dressed, too. “What about a kiss for your husband?”

He hasn’t wanted a kiss when we had relations, why should I give him one now? She turned and lifted a brow. “I don’t have kisses for anyone who doesn’t believe me.” Then she left, leaving him with a frown. But she didn’t care. He didn’t trust her and didn’t believe her, so no way she would voluntarily give him a kiss.

*****

Lissa was already in the barn when Adele entered.

“Good morning, Lissa.”

“Good morning.”

Adele folded her hands in front of her. “How is the milking going?”

Lissa turned toward her and smiled. “It’s fine this morning. I think I’ll do the whole bucket. It’s already half-full and my hands aren’t tired yet.”

Adele smiled back. “That’s wonderful. I’ll gather the eggs while you continue.”

She grabbed a lantern from the wall of the barn, lit it and then went out to the chicken coop. She set down the lantern, took the basket from where it hung on the fence and then got a scoop of corn before letting herself in. Inside the fence, she poured the corn into her apron then scattered it by handful all over the yard. When the chickens were out of the coop and eating the corn, Adele went inside and quickly grabbed the eggs from the nests. Two dozen hens lived in the coop, and most of them produced an egg every day. The last nest was still occupied by the meanest hen in the yard. Adele called her Hera because she was the meanest of the Greek goddesses.

She pushed Hera up and grabbed the egg.

But the chicken was fast and pecked her arm.

“You witch. I’ll ask Edward if we can cook you. Then you’ll be sorry you pecked me.”

The hen paid her no mind and went back to preening herself.

Adele hurried out of the coop and tried to see her arm with the lantern light, but it was still too dark. She’d have to wait to get to the kitchen to assess the damage from the peck.

She walked back to the barn and found Lissa was done. The bucket was full. “I’ll trade you.” She smiled as she held up the basket of eggs.

Lissa laughed. “Deal.”

Adele retrieved the milk bucket from under Elsie, picked up the lantern and headed back to the kitchen.

Richard stepped out of the shadows gun in hand. “Come with me, Adele or I’ll kill the little girl.” He aimed his gun at Lissa.

Adele stepped in front of her. “Leave her alone. I’ll come with you, just leave her alone.” She put down the milk pail and knelt down to Lissa, kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. “When I’m gone you run to your father and tell him what has happened,” she whispered and let her go. Standing, she turned toward Richard. “I’m ready.”

“Good. I have two horses tied behind the barn. Come with me.” He took her right arm with his left hand, never letting go of his gun. He led her behind the barn.

When they reached the horses, Adele turned, kneed him in the groin and ran for the barn door. She threw it open and ran straight for the other door.

A shot rang out and she felt a burning in her side. She fell to the ground.

Richard came up to her. “Now, see what you made me do? You’ll probably die, but I won’t leave until I’m sure. If you don’t, you’ll see me again. I don’t give up easily and you will return to New York with me…or die.” He turned and ran out the door.

*****

Edward had made coffee and was putting the pot on the stove to boil.

Ruama laid bacon in a couple of skillets. When Edward walked to the table and sat, she put the skillets on the stove and then stoked the fire under all the burners.

Edward heard a shot, looked at Ruama and ran for the back door.

Lissa ran in as he opened the door. “Daddy. A bad man took Adele.” She pulled on his arm. “You have to save her.”

Edward hurried out the door and heard a horse galloping out of the yard toward the road. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, eating up the distance to the barn.

Inside, his stomach lurched when he saw Adele lying face down on the ground. “Adele!” He got on his knees. “Adele! Please wake up.” He turned her over. Her eyes were closed. He felt for a pulse, found one and picked her up in his arms. Edward ran to the house.

Ruama held open the kitchen door.

He rushed past her and laid Adele on the kitchen table. Seeing her bloody hand he moved it and blood rushed from the wound. He ripped open her bodice, sending buttons flying in all directions, but he didn’t care. Finally, he got to her skin and saw the bullet wound.

Ruama held several towels in her hands. “Let me see her, Edward.” She gently pulled him away and placed the towels on the wound.

He saw her put pressure on the towels, changing one bloody one out for a clean one. Soon the bleeding stopped. She retrieved a basin of water and washed the blood away.

“Now we need to check to see if the bullet is still in or went through. Either way she’ll need to go into town and see Doc Walker.”

With Ruama holding her head, Edward turned Adele onto her left side so he could see if there was blood on the right. In addition to the blood, he saw a hole in her dress.

“The bullet went all the way through.”

Ruama whooshed out a breath. “Thank, God. Help me sit her up so I can pull down her bodice and completely remove her camisole and clean this wound.” First she got more towels and stemmed the flow of blood, then cleaned the wound just as she had the front.

“I want to wrap her so you can get her to the doctor’s office.”

With Edward's help she wrapped Adele’s middle with long bandages and towels to provide constant pressure.

He laid her back on the table. “Lissa, I want you to watch Adele so Ruama can get blankets to pad the wagon bed for the trip to Angel Creek.”

“I will, Daddy.” She moved up and sat at the table on a side of Adele’s head.

Ruama shook her head and pointed at Adele. “You’d be better off taking the buggy. I know she’ll have to lean on you or lay across your lap, but you can make the trip a lot quicker than with the wagon.”

“You’re right. I’ll be right back.” He ran out the door headed to the barn.

*****

He arrived in Angel Creek at six-thirty in the morning. The trip took about an hour and fifteen minutes. He’d galloped the horses as much as he dared before injuring them.

He knew the doctor would not be in the clinic yet and stopped at the doctor’s house. After he set the brake, he lifted Adele, who was wrapped in a couple of heavy wool blankets, into his arms and hurried to the door where he kicked it with his boot.

“Coming.”

He continued to kick.

“Hold your horses. I’m coming.” The tall, dark haired doctor threw the door open wide. “Didn’t you hear—” His blue eyes widened when he saw Adele. “Bring her in.” He held open the door and then took them to the kitchen.

Melody, the doctor’s wife was at the sink doing dishes when they entered. She turned her auburn hair shining in the lamp light and her blue eyes wide. “Oh, my gosh. Adele. What happened Edward?”

“She was shot by the man she’s trying to escape. When you finish with her here, I’d appreciate it if you’d watch her while I go tell Quinn about the shooting.”

Melody nodded, her arms clasped at her waist. “Of course, we will. Whatever you need. Nick what do you need?”

Nick unwrapped the blankets and then the bandages. He looked up at Edward and nodded toward Adele. “Your work?”

Edward shook his head. “Ruama’s…she knew exactly what to do.”

“She did very well. I’ll still have to clean it and thank goodness she’s unconscious because it will hurt.” He went to a cabinet and retrieved cloths. Then he got a basin of water and lye soap. He washed the wounds and the area around them well with the lye soap and rinsed. Then he took carbolic acid and dunked some bandages in it. Dr. Walker wrapped Adele’s middle with the treated bandages and then wrapped her with dry ones.

“You can take her home now. Give her half a teaspoon of laudanum in half a glass of water every four hours. If she’s in great pain, you can dose her every three hours. The first dose needs to be a full teaspoon. Do you need a bottle of laudanum?”

Edward nodded. “I guess so. I’m not aware of having any but Ruama would know better than me.”

The doctor walked to the same cabinet and brought back a small clear bottle with a yellow liquid in it. “You better take this just in case. Remember no more than every three hours. The medicine is addictive so be careful with it.”

“I will, Doc. What do I owe you?”

“Three dollars will cover it including the laudanum.”

Edward dug in his pocket and came up with a five-dollar bill. “Here you go. Keep the rest on account for when we return to have the stitches out.”

“No need. The removal is already included.” He gave Edward back two dollars.”

“Thanks, Doc. I’ll go see Quinn now.”

Edward took the buggy and galloped to the sheriff’s office. Quinn Cassidy was removing his coat when Edward entered.

“Edward. This is a surprise and from the look on your face, not a pleasant one. Have a seat.” He gestured toward the wooden, slat-backed chair in front of the desk. “Now, what’s happened?”

“A man by the name of Richard Cavanaugh just shot Adele. He’s her former, uh, employer and wants her back. It’s a long, sordid story that I don’t have time to tell you. Adele is at the doctors and I need to get her back home.”

“All right. Where will I find this man?”

“I don’t know for sure. He probably was staying at the boarding house. But now I don’t know where he’ll be because I doubt very seriously he’ll go back there after shooting Adele.”

“I’ll check and see. Thanks for letting me know. I’m sorry about Adele. I’ll need a statement from her when she awakens.”

“Why don’t you come out to the ranch in a couple of days? Come for dinner or lunch. Ruama is a great cook. If Adele was better we’d have dessert, too. She’s a fantastic baker.”

“Thanks. I won’t come for a meal, probably mid-morning in two days.”

“That’s fine. See you then.” He stood and extended his hand.

The sheriff shook his hand.

“I have to get back but I’ll expect you in two days.”

Edward hurried back to the doctor’s house as fast at the buggy would go. When he arrived he set the brake and ran inside.

The doctor greeted him. “She’s awake but won’t be for long when the laudanum takes effect.”

Edward removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Doc. The trip home would be more comfortable if she was still unconscious.”

The doctor led Edward back to the kitchen.

Melody sat next to Adele, who still lay on the table, but with a couple of pillows under her head.

“Edward,” she lifted her hand toward him.

Melody stood.

Edward took her place. “I’m here.”

“Richard?”

“He got away, but I’ve let Quinn know and he’ll be looking for him. Now, let’s get you home and into bed. You need rest.”

Doctor Walker handed Edward a half-full glass of water. “I’ve put her first dose of laudanum in the water.”

Edward took the glass. “Here, you are. Let me help you sit up.” He leaned her up until she was sitting.

Adele drank the water and made a face at its bitter taste. “Couldn’t they flavor that with chocolate or something? It’s disgusting.”

Edward smiled. “Yes, but it will help with your pain and you’ll be very glad of that. Are you ready to go home?”

She nodded. “Oh, yes…more than ready.” She tried to swing her legs over the table.

“Hey, I’ll carry you. Save your strength for the ride home. Let me wrap you up in the blankets again. You’ll be happy of their warmth.”

“All right.” She looked over at the doctor. “Thanks, Nick.” And then to Melody. “Sorry for ruining your table.”

The woman took her hand. “That’s not a problem. You’re not the first person he’s treated here nor will you be the last.”

Once she was wrapped snuggly into the blankets, Edward picked her up and carried her to the buggy. He set her gently on the seat and then went around the back and stepped into the buggy on his side. “Would you be more comfortable leaning on me or lying in my lap?”

“I would like to lie down. I just don’t feel like I have the strength to hang on.”

“That’s okay. Lean over here and rest your head in my lap. I’ll be sure not to let you fall.”

“What if Richard—”

“Don’t think about him. He won’t try anything more today. We’ll just get you home and settled.” I hope I’m telling her the truth and that Richard doesn’t ambush us on the way home. We have a lot of open country to cross before we arrive at the house. Let me just get her home safely. I’ll deal with Richard later.