Chapter 38
Cora Sue awakened again and Jeff arrived to question her. Knowing she needed strength for the meeting, Rosalinda was crossing the entryway with another bowl of broth when there was a knock on the door. She sat the bowl on a side table and moved to open the door.
“I’ve come for my wife.” Hezekiah’s voice was sharp.
Rosalinda stiffened her back and snapped, “Wait on the porch and I’ll tell her you’re here.”
“Do I have to wait out here, too, my good woman?” Thourgood eyed her.
“You might as well.” Rosalinda slammed the door in their faces, picked up the broth and headed to the kitchen. “Those infuriating men can pick the worst times to pop up. I wish they’d both get lost.”
“What are you muttering about, Rosalinda?” Juan asked.
“I was taking Cora Sue something to eat when Mr. Reeson and that no good preacher knocked on the door. He said he came to get his wife.”
“Who? The preacher or Reeson?”
“The preacher said it, but I bet both of them are here for the same reason.”
“Don’t be snide, wife. I’d come for you if you’d been shut up in someone else’s house for days.”
“That’s different and you know it.”
“Of course it is, my love.” He patted her behind.
“Juan, behave yourself. Mr. Wyatt and Miz Edwina are in the room with Cora Sue. Will you go tell him those men are here?”
“Yes, Rosalinda. I’ll do it.” He reached out and pinched her cheek. “Only because I love you.”
She swatted at his hand. “I love you, too, you old goat. Now scoot.”
Juan chuckled and left without answering.
* * * *
Jeff took a drink of the coffee Rosalinda had served when he arrived. “So, the last thing you remember is leaving the preacher’s house with Dusty?”
“That’s right. I went to meet…” she hesitated then said, “a friend. Afterward, Rusty was going to drive me home.”
“Who was the friend?”
“Does that matter?”
“Yes, Cora Sue. Anything about that evening is important.”
Mildred reached for her hand. “Go ahead and tell them who it was, Honey. He’s already told me.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Cora Sue.”
“Do you mind, Mama?”
“Of course not, darling, and I want you to know I approve wholeheartedly.”
Jeff broke into the mother and daughter conversation. “I think we’re getting away from the issue.”
“I went into town to meet Asia Walker. Though I knew Daddy wouldn’t approve, I’ve been seeing him for a while.”
Edwina and Wyatt had been sitting by quietly, but she couldn’t help it. She blurted, “Why would your father object to Asia Walker? He’s a fine man.”
“I think he still had the crazy notion that Cora Sue would marry Wyatt.” Mildred shook her head. “He won’t accept the fact that she loves Asia or anyone else.”
Wyatt shook his head. “I’ve told him over and over Edwina is my wife and there’s not another woman on earth I’d have in place of her.”
“Did Daddy do this to me because I refused to try to come between Edwina and Wyatt?”
“Of course not, dear.” Mildred frowned. “At least I don’t think… No. Thourgood might go to lengths to make you do what he wanted, but he’d never hurt you, Cora Sue. In spite of everything, he loves you dearly.”
“Please, folks, let’s get back to the attack.” Jeff looked back at Cora Sue. “If you came to town to meet Asia, why was Rusty driving you home?”
“I didn’t want Daddy to know I wasn’t at the preacher’s house and Rusty happened to come by when I was arguing with Asia about going home alone. Rusty volunteered to take me. Asia finally agreed and we headed for the house.” Cora Sue shook her head. “That’s all I remember.”
“That means I have to talk to Asia right away.”
Jeff sat his cup down on the bedside table.
“When I sent for you, I sent Sid to get the doctor. Both of them were out of the office, but he left a message. I’m sure Dr. Walker will come as soon as he learns Cora Sue’s awake.”
Edwina reached for Wyatt’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m sure you’re right. He’ll be here soon.”
There was a tap on the bedroom door and it opened a crack. “I’m sorry to disturb you folks, but I need to see Mr. Wyatt and Miz Edwina,” Juan said.