Chapter 41

The ride from the Singleton ranch was tiring on Cora Sue. As soon as her mother and Asia Walker had her settled in bed, she fell asleep.

“It’s the best thing for her, Mildred,” Asia said as they walked into the hall. “She needs all the rest she can get.”

Thourgood came down the hall. He was agitated. “If you’d left her at Singleton’s she’d not be so tired.”

“We would still be at Singleton’s if you hadn’t come in raising such a ruckus, Thourgood.” Mildred glared at him.

“I was only trying to get you to see the truth of Wyatt’s marriage.”

“The truth of Wyatt’s marriage is that he has a wife and a child he loves. You’re just too stubborn and blind to see it.”

“But the preacher—”

“As far as the preacher’s concerned, I want him out of my house. I don’t want him spewing his venom at Cora Sue. She doesn’t need that.”

“But he might convince her that Wyatt’s marriage—”

Asia spoke up. “Nothing about Wyatt’s marriage is important to Cora Sue. She and I are going to marry as soon as she is able.”

Thourgood looked stunned. “I won’t allow it.”

“I hoped you’d give your blessing, Mr. Reeson, but frankly, we don’t need it. Cora Sue is twenty-three years old. She’s way past the age of consent.” He smiled at Mildred. “Besides her mother thinks our marriage is a good idea.”

“Damn, Mildred. Don’t be a fool. She can’t marry this man. She has to marry—”

“Get used to the idea, Thourgood. She’s marrying Asia.” Mildred took a deep breath. “Now go do as I asked. Get rid of the Thorns.”

“I’ll go sit with Cora Sue if you’ll permit me, Mildred.”

“Of course, Asia.”

“I only have one question.” Thourgood looked directly at Asia. “Why do you want a woman whose face is all scarred and disfigured? How long do you think your love will last with a woman like that?”

“For your information, Mr. Reeson, the cuts on Cora Sue’s face are mostly superficial and will fade with time. The only two which might scar are one under her chin and a short one over the left eye.” He glared back at his future father-in-law and opened the door to the bedroom. “But it wouldn’t matter. I’d marry Cora Sue if her face was covered in scars. I love the woman, not her beauty.” He disappeared through the door.

Thourgood shook his head. “I don’t understand people any more, Mildred. I guess that’s going to be my downfall.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Never mind.” He turned. “I’m going into town.”

“But I want you to take care of the Thorns.”

“I think he went to town earlier. She was sick and I guess she’s in her room.” He walked away, muttering, “I’ll take care of them later.”

Mildred decided she’d take things in her own hands. At least she’d been on friendly terms with Callie Thorn at the Singleton’s. She didn’t think the woman would be hard to deal with. Besides, if she was sick, maybe she needed something.

Mildred went to the guest room door and knocked. There was no answer. She knocked again and thought she heard groans from inside. She frowned and opened the door.

Mildred gasped and hurried into the room. She saw the toppled table and Callie lying on the bed in a fetal position. The woman’s face was bloody and she looked as if she had bruises all over her body.

“My Lord, Callie. What in the world happened to you?”

Callie opened her eyes. “I need help.”

“You certainly do. I’ll try to get you cleaned up.”

Mildred went to the dresser and poured water into a bowl. Grabbing a rag, she began cleaning the blood from Callie’s face.

“Oh, that hurts.”

Mildred put the cloth down. She patted Callie’s shoulder. “The doctor is here with Cora Sue. I’m going to get him to look at you.”

“No. Hezekiah will be mad.”

For the first time in her life Mildred Reeson cursed. “The hell with Hezekiah.”

* * * *

After Asia treated Callie, he motioned for Mildred to come into the hall. “I didn’t want to talk in front of her, but whoever did this to her should be in jail.”

“It was that husband of hers.”

“The one who is going around town acting so sanctimonious?”

“He’s the one.”

“You don’t think he’s the one who hurt Cora Sue, do you?”

Mildred thought a minute. “No. It couldn’t have been him because he was here the evening Cora Sue was hurt.”

“I see.”

“Besides, I think his wife is the only one he hurts.”

“Well, he sure did a good job of messing her up. She has bruises on most of her body. There’s a cut on her side and her shoulder was out of place. I treated the wounds, set the shoulder and I gave her something for the pain.”

“My heavens, we need to get in touch with Jeff Bodger. That man needs to be put in jail.”

“I agree, but unfortunately most people look the other way when a wife is beaten. It seems they think the husband has a right to whip his wife.”

“I think it’s barbaric.” Mildred look disgusted. “Did she say anything?”

“She kept mumbling something about she had to get to Edwina. I assume she meant Mrs. Singleton.”

Mildred nodded. “Why don’t you go tell Cora Sue what’s going on? I’ll sit with Callie. Maybe I can figure out what she wants to tell Edwina.”

“Good. She was getting agitated about it. I gave her something to make her relax and sleep.”

“I’m sure rest will be good for her.”

“Yes, it will.” He started down the hall. “By the way, Mildred, we also need to make sure her husband doesn’t get near her. If he were to hit her again it could kill her.”

“I’ll lock the doors and warn Hilda not to let anyone except Thourgood in the house.”

“What if the preacher comes with him?”

“Then I’ll tell her to come get you and me before opening the door.”

* * * *

Callie seemed to be sleeping peacefully when Mildred came into the guest room after warning Hilda.

“How could a man do this to his wife?” she muttered as she straightened the covers. “How could you put up with this, Mrs. Thorn? I’d never take such from Thourgood.”

Mildred moved to the window and looked outside. The sun was going down and the sky was a mixture of reds and oranges. Everything looked peaceful and serene.

“Why can’t life be peaceful and calm like this?”

Shaking her head, she righted the overturned table, then began picking up the items on the floor. Callie’s sampler was in the corner, as was her reticule. Mildred moved with them to the table and pulled at the drawer.

It didn’t open. Frowning, she tugged at it again.

When it still didn’t open, she wondered why a guest would lock the drawer. Of course, she felt the preacher was capable of anything.

She gave it one more tug and the drawer slid open. She started to put the items inside when she saw the papers. She laid the items on the table and reached for them. At that moment Callie began to mumble.

Mildred shut the drawer and rushed to the bed. “What are you saying, Callie?” she whispered.

Though the words were slurred, Mildred heard her say, “Get Edwina.”

“What?”

“Edwina.”

“Mrs. Thorn, Edwina isn’t here. I can help you. What do you need?”

“Need…Ed…win…” Her voice trailed off as she fell back to sleep.

Mildred shook her head. “I guess we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to figure out why you want your niece.”