CHAPTER 8

 

A few days later, after the breakfast dishes were done, Adele stopped by Lissa’s bedroom and knocked on the open door. “Lissa. How would you like to go on a picnic?”

Lissa stared at her dolly. “Why would you want me to go on a picnic with you?” She suddenly looked up. “Is Daddy coming?”

Adele lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t know. I’ve yet to ask him. You see, I thought we’d have a picnic in the living room, it’s much too cold for one outside. We can make sandwiches, and you can help me make cookies to take with us. When your daddy sees that he doesn’t have to leave the ranch, I bet he’ll join us. What do you think?”

The child smiled wide and nodded. “I think he will.”

“Good. Let’s go bake those cookies.” Adele put an index finger on her chin. “What shall we make? Sugar cookies, molasses cookies or maybe gingerbread cookies—no,” she snapped her fingers. “I have it we’ll make shortbread cookies.”

Lissa stayed sitting on the floor, holding her doll. “What are shortbread cookies?”

Adele sat on the edge of Lissa’s bed. “They are kind of like sugar cookies but with more butter. Would you like to try those?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Daddy’s favorite is molasses cookies and gingerbread cake.”

“Ah, he likes the spices. Is the gingerbread with icing, called hard sauce or just plain?”

The girl shrugged. “We never had icing on it.”

“It’s very thick and you don’t spread it on the cake, but serve it on the side. Then you take a bite of gingerbread and a small bite of the hard sauce and eat them together. We’ll make gingerbread but as cookies. Your daddy will love them. I’ll make the hard sauce, too.”

“What do you say?” Adele stood and held out her hand.

Lissa stood and glanced at Adele’s hand. Then she looked up at Adele as she put her hand in hers.

Adele grinned. I’ve never been happier than this moment, with this child taking a chance on me, I won’t let her down.

*****

Adele made the cookie dough and then floured the counter so Lissa could cut out the cookies.

Ruama stood at the counter slicing up the second roast she fixed last night, for sandwiches for lunch today.

Adele gazed at Lissa who, while standing on the chair, was the same height as Adele.  “Would you like to make gingerbread men?”

Lissa looked over and smiled. “Yup, I would. How do we do that?”

“Well, you cut out the cookies like you have been. I’ll cut the arms and legs. They’ll just be straight pieces of dough. Then I need a small circle for the head.” She looked over at Ruama. “Do you have anything small and round we could cut cookie dough with to make a head?”

“I do have a small cookie cutter. I had it special made for shortbread cookies.” She went to her bedroom and returned holding a small round cutter.

Adele picked it up. “This is perfect. Thank you.” She turned and passed the implement to Lissa. “Now for every big cookie you cut, make a little one, too. And be very careful with Mrs. Underhill’s utensil.”

Lissa scrunched her eyebrows together. “What’s a utensil?”

Adele pointed at the small cutter. “In this case it’s that cookie cutter.”

“Why didn’t you just say so?” She shook her head and muttered. “Grownups sure are hard to understand.”

Adele covered her mouth with her fingers and chuckled. But she was so proud of Lissa. She was following instructions perfectly. Edward wasn’t kidding. She was smart as a whip. I never have to explain things twice. She understands immediately. If only she was the same way with her insistence that her mother would come back if I was gone.

By the time the cookies were done, the hard sauce prepared, and the sandwiches made it was nearly lunchtime. Edward would be in soon.

Bless Mrs. Underhill. She’d prepared lunch without any help from Adele. Even though she’d done it dozens of times before without help, Adele still felt a little guilty for not assisting. But she needed the time with Lissa. Time was passing quickly, she’d been there for two months and Thanksgiving was approaching in just three weeks. Adele felt she needed to make definite headway now, before Christmas. She didn’t want Lissa to like her just because of the present Adele got her.

Adele placed all their food and a quart of water to drink in a picnic basket. Then she went into the living room, moved the furniture so the middle of the floor was open. Next, she walked back to her bedroom and pulled a blanket out of the top of the closet. Returning to the living room she spread the blanket on the floor.

“There. Let’s sit, shall we?”

They had just finished unpacking the picnic basket when Edward walked in from the kitchen. “What do we have here?”

Lissa smiled up at him. “We’re having a picnic.”

Adele nodded. “Yes, we are. Won’t you join us?”

He shook his head. “I've work to do.”

Lissa hung her head and her shoulders slumped.

Edward gazed at his daughter. “Well, I do have to eat lunch. If you have enough food, I’d like to join you, after all.”

Adele smiled at her husband. “Oh, we have enough food. We were hoping you’d have lunch with us.”

He sat on the blanket between his wife and daughter.

Lissa, smiling wide, handed her father a roast beef sandwich. “Isn’t this fun, Daddy? Adele thought of it. I never had a picnic in the living room before.” She took a bite of her sandwich. Lissa sat with her legs crossed Indian-style, mimicking her father.

Deciding sitting that way looked much more comfortable, Adele crossed her legs under her skirt. She glanced between her husband and her daughter. Both were smiling. Would Lissa hate her a little less now?

*****

The following week she and Edward left for town and their regular shopping. She would also get some things for Thanksgiving.

He’d never asked her for her money. She would gladly have given it to him if he’d needed it, but after asking about the amount, he’d never mentioned it again. Now, she’d spoil them a little for Christmas. She’d purchased some beautiful blue yarn and knitted Mrs. Underhill a new shawl. For Lissa, the mercantile had a soft doll with a porcelain head and one that was all porcelain and dressed like a Southern belle. This doll was one to collect not play with. She couldn’t make up her mind which to get.

She showed the dolls to Edward. “Should I give her both of them? I feel two would be too much, but I can’t make up my mind. I also need six more pie tins.”

He looked over both dolls. “Give her the soft-bodied one for Christmas. Her birthday is in February, so save the standing doll for then. Add the pie tins to our order.”

She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for helping me. I do like both and know she will, too.”

“Do you think she’ll change her mind about you because of the presents?”

“I am worried about that. I don’t want to bribe her but I don’t know how to reach her.” Or you. “I’ve tried everything I can think of. But I think she might like me a little since the picnic last week. I won her over a bit that day, especially when you joined us. I’ve been teaching her to embroider more complicated patterns, but she hardly speaks to me when we do it.”

“You’ll think of something. I have faith in you.”

She snapped up her head, from looking at the dolls, to stare at him. “You do?”

He simply smiled. “Yes, I do.”

“Bu…but I thought you still resented me for my deception when I came here.”

He let out a breath. “I took a long time to really understand your motives, but once I put myself in your shoes, I realized I would have done the same thing. So I couldn’t blame you for what you did.”

“But you never said—”

“I know I decided to tell you on Christmas Day, but I would have thought you’d know already by the way I treat you.”

Adele remembered back to their times together. Had he become nicer toward her? Did I really miss those clues about the change in his feelings for me?

“Well, if it isn’t the Whartons. I haven't seen you around. Apparently, I’ve been looking on the wrong day.” A man sneered from behind them.

Adele knew that voice. She spun around. “Richard,” she whispered. She hardly recognized him. He’d grown a full beard and mustache and he wore clothes like every other man in town instead of his city clothes. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d gone back to New York after you shot me. You’re very brazen to still be in town. But I see you’ve managed to change how you look. Do you really think that will save you? I’d hoped you realized by now I would never abandon my family for you.”

He persisted. “I thought we were family.”

She chortled for two beats, and her voice rose a little with anger. “Family? You’ve got to be kidding. You rarely came to see me once a month and then it was only to eat. Then you were off to your new mistress.” She looked over at Edward.

He stood next to her with his hands in fists, knuckles white.

Adele looked back toward Richard. “Get out. Leave us alone.”

Richard shook his head. “Not without my property.”

“I’m not your property.” Her voice shook with rage. She didn’t know how long she’d remain civil to him.

“Ah, but you are. I paid your parents for you.”

She closed her eyes for a moment. Disappointment in her parents filled her. But then she remembered how much they needed the money, and she could not be angry.

She stiffened her back. “They told me why and I don’t care who you paid. I was never for sale. My parents didn’t own me, either. No person can be a slave.”

Edward moved between Adele and Richard. “I’d shoot you right now if I wasn’t afraid you might shoot Adele again. I’m sure my friend would swear it was in self-defense. The sheriff is looking for you. ” He nodded toward Jeremiah Weston, who was watching. “I’m sure if I wanted him to, Jeremiah would get the sheriff for me while I hold you here, but again, I’m afraid you’d injure Adele again. So take my advice and leave town. Staying here will be your downfall.”

Richard turned and looked at the owner.

The tall man had his arms crossed over his chest and his brows furrowed.

Richard returned his gaze to Adele and Edward. “I’ll leave quietly this time, but don’t expect me to leave next time without Adele. You can count on it.” He turned and left.

Adele watched until she saw him get on a horse. Then she slumped.

Edward placed his arm around her shoulders. “We’ll be on our guard. It will be all right. He won’t be able to take you or hurt you. I’ll tell Quinn how he looks now. He’s got to be staying someplace. Maybe he found an old miners shack. I can guarantee he’s not at the boarding house anymore.”

She leaned against him. “We’ll have to watch out for Lissa, too.”

His arm around her tightened. “I know.”

He was angry and she didn’t blame him. Should she have gone with Richard, saved Edward grief and assure Lissa’s safety?

“I know what you’re thinking and no, I won’t let you go back to him. Regardless of how you came here, you’re now my wife. He can accept that or not, but I will protect those who are mine. Before you say anything, I’m not saying I own you. I’m saying you’re my family, and I will do whatever I have to, including killing him, if he comes near you or Lissa or anyone else under my protection.”

Adele smiled, reached up and cupped his jaw. “I wouldn’t have minded, even if you meant you owned me. But thank you for taking my feelings into account.”

“Of course,” he said gruffly.

“Quinn definitely needs to know about Richard’s change in appearance.” She picked up the dolls and took them up to the counter by the entrance.

“Hi Jeremiah, I’ll take both of the dolls. Would you wrap them up, please?”

He took the dolls from her. “Sure thing, Adele. Lissa will love these.”

“She’s only getting one for Christmas. The other will be for her birthday in February.” I’m prattling because I’m nervous. Jeremiah didn’t need to know about Lissa’s birthday.

He grinned. “Well, she’ll be happy both times then.” Suddenly he sobered. “That man didn’t bother you did he? I’ll keep him out of here from now on.”

Adele smiled, placed a hand on his arm and gave him a little squeeze. “Oh, thank you, Jeremiah, that’s sweet. Edward took care of the problem. That man won’t be giving us any more trouble.” He doesn’t need to know more than he does. I won’t do anything that will reflect badly on Edward.

“Well, if he does, you just let me know.”

“Thank you, I will.”

Edward approached them. He looked at the counter, shook his head and chuckled. “Did you get my order done, Jeremiah? I don’t think I can afford to have her shopping for Christmas any longer.”

Jeremiah pointed at boxes stacked by the curtain covering back door. “Your order is all boxed and my new stock boy, Bobby, will put it in your wagon. Thanks for bringing back the boxes. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t. I’ve gotten to the point I don’t box their groceries if they haven’t brought back the boxes.”

“I don’t blame you. If they are repeat offenders, they need to be made aware of the problem they are causing. Then he looked over at Bobby. “Our wagon is the one in front with the matching blacks.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Wharton. I’ll get everything in there, lickety-split.”

“Thanks, Bobby.”

The storekeeper nodded. “My thoughts, exactly.”

“Thanks for getting our order ready,” said Adele, glad for a normal conversation.

Edward looked at Adele. “Did you find everything you need?”

She gazed over her purchases including the wrapped ones and nodded. “I have everything.” Some of the wrapped goods were Edward’s presents. She’d gotten those when Edward went to look at the tools.

In addition to the dolls, she’d picked up material for a pretty Christmas dress for her and Lissa in addition she placed some candy on the counter.

Ready to pay for her purchases, she noticed several oranges behind the counter. Adele pointed at them. “Jeremiah, are those for sale?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He picked up one of the oranges and handed it to her. “They came in on the stage yesterday. They’re pretty expensive though. Came all the way from Florida.”

Adele sniffed the fruit and sighed. “I used to have oranges all the time in New York. I hadn’t realized how much I miss them. I’ll take them all,” she stopped speaking to count, “All six.”

Jeremiah’s eyebrows rose and his eyes widened. “Are you sure? That’ll be twelve dollars. Lissa’s dolls aren’t that much.”

“I’m sure. My family deserves a little spoiling. They’ll be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Are you having turkey?”

“Yes,” said Edward. “I ordered one especially for Thanksgiving.”

Jeremiah chuckled. “Seems to me you usually do. I don’t think Horst has ever gone a year, since he arrived in town, that you didn’t buy a turkey from him.”

“Good for Horst,” said Adele. “We rarely visit the butcher, usually only for pork. I didn’t realize we purchased turkey, too.”

“We better pay you for our purchases.” Edward eyed her items, but his gaze didn’t linger.

The storekeeper added up everything for Edward and the separate items for Adele.

“You want this total on your bill, Edward.”

“Yes, I’ll pay you on the first as usual.”

“How about you, Adele? Do you want me to start a separate bill for you?”

“No, thank you. I’ll pay for mine now.”

“With the oranges, the total comes to twenty-five dollars and fifty cents.”

She opened her reticule and paid him. She didn’t carry a lot of cash, leaving most of her money in the carpetbag she’d sewed it into. Adele still wondered why Edward had never asked her for it, or even to see it. As far as she knew, he didn’t even know where she kept the cash.

Jeremiah wrapped the rest of her purchases. He’d already wrapped the pipe and tobacco she was giving Edward for Christmas. He wanted the items, but wouldn’t buy them because of the cost.

Taking the dolls, Jeremiah carefully wrapped them double. “This should help protect them, too. He placed them in a box between the bolts of cloth she bought for her and for Lissa’s Christmas dresses. Red velvet for Lissa and dark green velvet for her.

He placed the bolts upright in a wooden box. Between the bolts he placed the oranges, pipe and tobacco, then the dolls. On the very top was the thread for the dresses, needles and two thimbles. She was sure that Ruama had needles and a thimble, but she wanted her and Lissa to have their own.

Adele would gather some of the sawdust when Edward next cut logs for the fireplace and make her and Lissa both pin cushions.

She smiled, pleased with her purchases. “Thank you so much. I’m thrilled you had everything I needed.”

Jeremiah puffed up his chest. “We do aim to please. You all have a great week.”

Adele waved as they went out the door. “’Bye, see you next week.”

“Bye, Jeremiah,” said Edward. He carried the box with Adele’s purchases out to their wagon and put the box under the seat.

“That should give it some protection. I’d hate for Lissa’s dolls to break before she even gets a chance to play with them.”

“So would I. Thanks for taking extra care with them.”

Looks like Bobby loaded our regular order.

Edward gave her his hand and helped her into the wagon.

She straightened her skirt and sat on the bench. Adele smiled when she remembered how sore she’d been and the kindness Edward showed by giving her a blanket to sit on.

She looked over toward Angel Palace and saw Richard standing outside the bathhouse directly across the street from the mercantile. He had one leg bent with his booted foot flat against the wall of the building. He tipped his hat to her.

He’d been waiting. What if he follows us or worse, since he’s faster on a horse, what if he ambushes us?

“Edward, I think we better go see Quinn now.”

He looked over toward the saloon. “My thoughts exactly.” He drove the wagon down the street and back around until he was into the vacant lot between the church and the mercantile. The church and the mercantile used it for parking.

The sheriff’s office was on the corner of the street across from the mercantile.

Edward jumped down from the wagon and went around and helped Adele out. They walked to the sheriff’s office and jail. When Adele stepped into the office, the first thing that hit her was the smell of hot coffee. The room was warm, almost too warm for her in her sheepskin coat. Next to the door was a large coat rack holding a Stetson and heavy canvas coat.

The man sitting behind the desk jumped up. He was clean shaven and tall with dark hair and warm golden eyes. He was very handsome. Quinn Cassidy also had a jagged scar on his left jawbone which did nothing to detract from his dark good looks. Sarah Cassidy was a very lucky woman.

Adele looked up at Edward and thought she was an even luckier woman if he’d ever forgive her for her lie.

Quinn came around the desk. “Adele. Edward. What can I do for you?”

Edward walked forward with his arm outstretched.

They shook hands.

“Richard Cavanaugh accosted us in the mercantile. He’s grown a full beard and is wearing regular clothes. He doesn’t look anything like he did when he shot Adele. You know he’s not staying in the boardinghouse. Maybe he’s in one of the rooms Lewis has above the bar in the saloon.”

“I checked with Lewis. He hasn’t rented any of the rooms to anyone. He might have found an abandoned cabin or homestead to stay in, but I haven't found that yet either. Seems very brazen for him to accost you after shooting Adele.”

“I agree,” said Edward.

“I warn you now he’s very rich,” said Adele. “He may try to bribe you into looking the other way.”

Quinn chuckled. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve arrested someone for trying to bribe me.”

“I will kill him if I cross him again. I’m taking no chances.” Edward slammed his fist against the wall. “I will protect my family.”

The sheriff’s mouth flattened into a straight line. “Understood. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“I hope it doesn’t either, but if I catch him on my land again, anywhere near Adele or Lissa, I won’t hesitate.”

Quinn nodded. “You do what you have to do and so will I.”

“Thank you, my friend.” Edward held out his hand.”

Sheriff Cassidy clasped his hand and shook it. “Anytime. It’s what I do and I must admit, I’ve been getting rather bored.”

Edward laughed. “I bet you are. We haven’t had any fugitives loose in a long time.”

“No we haven't. Don’t you become the first. If anything happens, you come to me straightaway.”

“If I can, I will.”

Adele dipped her chin. “Thank you and tell Sarah and the kids hello for us.”

“Will do.”

As Edward closed the door behind them and they began to return to the wagon, Adele looked down by the bathhouse and was relieved Richard wasn’t there. Perhaps he got cold and decided to hold up somewhere…probably the saloon.

She turned to Edward. “Maybe he left town.”

Edward looked down at her one eyebrow raised. “Do you believe that?”

Adele sighed. “No, I don’t. He’s just biding his time waiting until we get complacent again.”

“I know but we won’t get complacent. We will remain vigilant until he leaves town.”

“Do you really think he’ll leave?”

He didn’t answer.