Chapter Sixteen

The clock in the parlor tolled one in the morning. Tyler hesitated at the top of the stairs and looked over his shoulder at Cory’s door. He half expected her to open it and give him a come-hither look. Nothing. He reluctantly headed outside, stopped at the pump, and opened the barn door to the upper level. Noah was already settled on a bed of straw in the corner away from the smell of the animals below. Tyler threw down the blanket next to him and plopped on top of it.

Noah groaned. “Hey, I thought you were going to sleep in the house.”

“Change of plans.”

“Miss Courtney throw you out?”

“No.”

Noah rolled toward him. “So what happened?”

He ran his fingers through his damp hair. “I had a dream about her. It was so real.” His body reacted to the memory. “I don’t trust myself in the room next to hers.”

Noah studied him in the moonlight streaming through the glassless windows. “Why is your hair wet?”

“I stopped at the pump.”

“One of those dreams,” Noah mumbled.

It was impossible for Tyler to sleep. “What am I going to do?”

“What men have been doing since the beginning of time,” Noah said. “Pay a whore or take a wife.”

“Your advice is a little late. I already sold the Dunking Witch,” Tyler reminded him. “And no woman would marry me.”

“Not every woman is Miss Regina.” He sat up. “Besides, you don’t propose to a woman on her wedding day.”

“It would have been too late the day after,” Tyler defended.

“You weren’t in love with her.”

“She was making a mistake.”

“It was her mistake to make.” He sank into the straw bed.

Tyler considered his words as he struggled to get comfortable. “Why do women want to marry the wrong man?”

“Are we talking about Miss Regina or Miss Courtney?”

“She plans to marry Douglas, and she’s not in love with him. Doesn’t that sound like Reggie? She married Edward for his money.”

“You can tell yourself that if it makes you feel better, but I’ve seen them together in Vandalia while you were away at school. She loves him.”

“How? He’s Cyrus Vandal’s son.”

“And you’re Miss Olivia’s son. Do you want people to judge you by your parents? I spent a lot of time at the Silver Pheasant to be near Tess. I saw Edward struggle with harsh decisions. I don’t think he wants to be like his father, but Cyrus casts a long shadow. He’s a lot like his mother, too. She was always cold and aloof. Miss Regina brings out the best in him. He doesn’t like you because he’s afraid of losing her.”

Tyler was startled. “To me?”

“Miss Regina has always been fond of you, in a big brother way,” he amended. “And Edward likes to have a firm grasp on his possessions.”

“Are you talking about Reggie or Tess?”

Noah leaned forward, his head in his hands. “He’s here to claim his property. Control is an ugly thing when it feeds a man’s power over someone who is helpless. It results in beatings, rapes, and murders.”

“He’s not going to find them,” Tyler vowed.

“Only over my dead body.”

“I have a better way. Reggie signed papers for Tess and Adam. You can travel in the open with them.”

“Legal papers?”

He hesitated. “Only Edward and the Cassell brothers would know they’re fakes.”

“And I thought all the years you spent in school made you smart. We can’t use them.”

“I don’t care if I never practice law again.”

“I am not going to be the reason you stop being a lawyer. I never saw anyone prouder than Miss Olivia when you graduated from Harvard. Then you attended law school, and she reminded everyone you were her son. She died in peace believing you were successful and happy. Don’t you dare disappoint her now.”

“Disappoint her?” Tyler demanded. “How could I disappoint a whore?”

Noah raised his fist. “I ought to hit you for that. She loved the wrong man. Men,” he corrected. “But she didn’t let her mistakes define her. She may have had to sneak around at night to deliver food and medicine to the needy, but no one ever slammed the door in her face or turned down a gift from her. I thought you knew that when you saw all the people at her funeral.”

“I saw them. They loved her better than I did.”

“Edward wouldn’t have a crooked nose if you didn’t love her,” Noah reminded him. “She knew even if you never said the words.”

“She was so beautiful,” Tyler recalled. “She could have had any man.”

“True.” Noah relaxed on the straw. “She could have married for wealth, but she didn’t. She was always true to her feelings. Maybe you should be true to yours.”

“But how is any woman ever going to look beyond my past?”

“The past isn’t the problem.” Noah stabbed his finger in Tyler’s direction. “You need to stop being ashamed of the past and look toward the future. You’re a Harvard lawyer. Start acting like it.”

“Why do you think I’m here? I’m taking care of you.”

“By breaking the law? Burn the documents.”

Tyler wasn’t done arguing. “You might want to keep the one granting your freedom.”

“Another fake document.”

“It’s not like you have a birth certificate proving you weren’t born a slave.”

“I won’t need proof once I reach Canada.”

Tyler turned his back to him. “You were always free, Noah.”

“You and I know that, but a man isn’t free when the world thinks of him as a slave.”

“The world is changing.”

“But not fast enough. I don’t want my son to be a slave,” Noah confessed. “Promise me, you’ll guarantee Adam never wears shackles.”

Tyler didn’t hesitate. “I promise.”

****

Tyler was dreaming about Cory when someone started to shake him. It was dark, and he felt disorientated by his strange surroundings.

“Wake up!” Noah nudged him.

Tyler bolted upright. “What is it?”

“Someone is in the barn.”

Tyler heard a match struck and focused on a flash of light as someone lit a lantern.

“Why are you sleeping out here?” It was Adelaide.

“We had a lot of catching up to do.” Noah stood. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s nearly dawn, and I didn’t want you to hide in the woods before we talk about the plan to move your wife and son out of the church tower and here to the farm.” She stared at the two men who towered over her. “Edward and his chasers have been checking wagons and carriages passing through town.”

“How are you going to get them out?”

“A distraction.” Adelaide pointed to the big wagon in the middle of the barn. “Tyler will drive the wagon to Akron with enough hay on it to make it appear he’s hiding someone. I’ve arranged for Orva Miller to drive it back tomorrow with beer and supplies for the Fourth.”

“How is that going to help?” Tyler asked.

“We’re hoping Edward or a chaser follows you out of town. We’re hoping one of them follows Cory as well.”

Tyler shook his head. “I don’t want Cory in any danger.”

“She’ll be safe riding the train into Akron,” Adelaide said. “She’s going to run errands. Her grandfather is in town and can bring you back by boat.”

“There are three of them. What if one stays behind?”

“The Reverend Davis will take care of him,” Adelaide said.

“What do I do?” Noah asked.

“Stay hid. That flier about you is still circulating, and the Reverend said he saw a new one with Tess on it. I want to review some maps so you’ll know which route to take to Sandusky.”

“Sandusky?”

“Too many chasers in Cleveland. A boat will take you to an island where a fisherman will take you to Canada.”

“When will we leave?” Noah asked.

“Tonight if Tess is ready to travel,” Adelaide said. “Edward is too suspicious for you to remain here at the farm.”

Tyler glanced at Noah and back to Adelaide. “When do I leave for Akron?”

“You can milk the cows and eat breakfast first. Then you can hitch up the buggy for Cory and the draft horses for your trip.”

****

Breakfast was awkward. Cory wouldn’t even look in his direction. Tyler was worse. He couldn’t think of the right words to change her opinion about him. Douglas was a saint contrasted against the sordid picture he’d painted about Gaylord and Olivia. How was he going to convince her she should marry him instead?

If only he hadn’t talked about his parents. What did it matter if they had been less than stellar citizens? Noah was right. They were dead. She should judge him on his own merits. But what were those? He was an unemployed lawyer. And if anyone found out he had created and witnessed illegal documents, he wouldn’t even be a lawyer. But he hadn’t destroyed them. Noah might change his mind about needing them.

Adelaide broke the silence. “If either one of you is having apprehensions about doing this, there’s no shame in backing out. You know the penalty.”

“I’m not afraid,” Cory replied.

Tyler didn’t answer. He’d heard ugly rumors about Buck and Clyde. If one of them caught Cory alone, her reputation wouldn’t be the only thing in jeopardy. “Maybe we should leave Cory out of this.” Tyler studied her innocent countenance. He didn’t want it scarred because of him. “This isn’t her fight.”

“Tess is a woman. I’m a woman. This is my fight.”

“I can distract Edward and his men alone.”

“There are three of them. You’ll be lucky to have one of them follow you.”

“I’m wearing Reggie’s vest. That should make Edward mad.”

Cory hadn’t missed the fact he wore the embroidered vest Reggie had made him. Was he still in love with her? Was that why he flirted outrageously with every woman he met? Would no woman measure up to his first love?

Cory was still mortified by her behavior last night. She had been jealous of another woman. Never in all her years of being courted had she fought over a man. In fact, she had stepped aside several times when another girl made it known she was interested in one of her beaus. There had always been another man to take his place. Only, she didn’t want another man. She wanted Tyler.

“Well, you ought to attract at least one man in that dress,” Adelaide remarked.

Cory hadn’t been paying attention. Was there something wrong with her dress? Tyler was studying the gown of red, white, and black plaid. She hoped others noticed the bright colors in the pattern, and the lightweight material floated over her tightly cinched figure. It was practical on a hot day. She smoothed the white lace collar that outlined the square cut neckline and hinted at her curves. “I’ve worn this dress to town before. What’s wrong with it?”

“You look beautiful.”

Cory studied Tyler. Why was he complimenting her? Was he practicing for Beth or some other girl?

“Have you forgotten your manners?” Adelaide asked. “He gave you a compliment.”

“Thank you,” Cory muttered.

Tyler stood. “I’ll take some breakfast to Noah.”

“Take it in the milk bucket in case someone is watching the farm,” Adelaide said.

Cory realized the meaning of their words. “Why is Noah still in the barn?” She fought her hysteria. “Isn’t he supposed to hide in the woods?”

“I need to talk with him.” Adelaide placed some food in the milk bucket.

“But if someone finds him in the barn,” Cory warned.

“You’re not helping a runaway,” Tyler reminded her. “And Edward and his men will be following us.”

“I forgot.” Cory placed her hand over her pounding heart. “I’m guess I’m a little scared.”

Tyler took the bucket but paused by the door.

Cory waited for him to speak. She needed a word of reassurance. He grinned. It was lopsided and marred his perfect features, but it vanquished her anxieties.

“Better hurry,” Adelaide said. “You’ll have to leave soon.”

****

The draft horses were hitched to the wagon, and Tyler was securing Nell to the buggy when Cory and Adelaide came out into the yard. Cory tied her bonnet while Adelaide gave her final instructions.

Adelaide looked at the two vehicles. “It didn’t take you long to ready them.”

“Noah helped.”

Cory looked toward the barn but saw no one.

“He stayed out of sight,” Tyler explained. “He found something that might be useful.” He led her to the back of the wagon. Tyler pointed to an old boot sticking out from the straw.

“That ought to attract a chaser,” Adelaide said.

“How am I going to attract a chaser?” Cory asked.

“You don’t need any help attracting a man.”

Another compliment. He was oozing with charm. What was Tyler up to?

“When you’re done shopping, can you meet me at the law office of Sam Morris?”

Sam was the Akron attorney who had helped Noah. “Where is it?”

“On Main Street next to the Town Hall above the dry goods store. An outdoor staircase leads to his door.”

“I can find it.” Cory opened her purse and checked the contents. She didn’t know what to say to Tyler.

Adelaide headed for the barn. “I need to talk to Noah.”

“Are you still mad at me?” Tyler asked.

Cory closed her purse. “I’m not mad. I’m embarrassed. It seems every time I’m around you, I make a fool of myself.”

Tyler furrowed his brow. “When?”

“Acting like a schoolgirl about Beth. It’s none of my business if you want to talk with her.”

“Too bad. I was hoping to make you jealous.”

Had he been manipulating her or… “Why?”

“I didn’t like Douglas pawing all over you.”

“Douglas pawing all over me?” She stomped her foot. “Who was clinging to your arm because she might trip?” Cory batted her eyes and imitated Beth. “You’re so strong, Tyler.”

“I was being a gentleman. You didn’t expect me to let her fall, did you?”

“She’s as sure footed as a mountain goat,” Cory argued. “She risked no injury.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You have a bit of a temper.”

“It’s one of my faults,” she snapped. “One you won’t have to put up with much longer.”

“That’s reassuring.”

She pouted. “You don’t have to be so happy about it.”

“I thought you’d be glad to be rid of me.”

Cory feared she would cry into her pillow the way she had last night. She squared her shoulders. “Why wouldn’t I be? In fact, I’ll be quite busy being courted by Mr. Raymond with summer term ending next week.”

Tyler snarled. “Won’t that be wonderful!”

Why was Tyler so angry? He had no intention of courting her. “Delightful.”

“So he didn’t propose last night?”

“No.” Cory tried not to think about his kiss, but trembled involuntarily.

“What happened?”

Why did he need to know every intimate detail of her life? Why did he care? And why should she? She stuck out her chin. “He kissed me.”

Tyler kicked the buggy wheel, startling Nell and Cory. He grabbed Nell’s bridle to calm her. “Well, here you are accusing me of kissing Beth, and you’re smooching Douglas.”

He had no right to be angry, but she didn’t want to mislead him. “It wasn’t a very good kiss.” Cory made a face.

Tyler clenched his fist. “I’m sure he’ll improve with a little practice.”

“Time to go,” Adelaide called out.

Cory wondered how much she had overheard. They had nearly been shouting at each other. “I plan to leave the buggy at the livery.” Cory raised her skirt to board, but Tyler lifted her in his arms and swung her up into the seat.

“Tell the blacksmith to put a couple of nails in the mare’s back right shoe. Noah said it’s loose.” He handed Cory the reins. “I’ll see you at noon. Try not to kiss any more men before then.” Tyler smacked Nell’s hindquarters.

Cory glanced back and saw Tyler climbing into the wagon. Who was he to tell her not to kiss anyone? But the more she thought about it, the more she smiled.