Matthew Wheeler watched his daughter with concern. In the weeks following Jasper’s angry departure from the house, the girl had lost her spark. She responded when addressed but Matthew and Miss Trask both found her sitting, staring into space with needlepoint forgotten, more often than not. Sometimes she retreated to her room, where she simply lay on the bed, staring at the wall.
The boy had solved Matthew’s quandary of allowing him to formally court her, Matthew knew, but the cost of his daughter’s broken heart made him wonder. He’d rather deal with his wife’s fury than watch his only child suffer this sort of heartbreak. He didn’t want Madeleine forced into a marriage she didn’t want, or one of rebellion, like her mother had done.
Grace Hart hadn’t married Matthew for love, but to anger her parents. Despite the fortune he and his father had made in the early days of the California gold rush and then built their empire, her parents had been aghast when Madeleine flirted with Matthew at a social party. Willing to play along with her scheme, Matthew agreed in jest to the marriage, and before he knew it, it was done. He had tried to make the best of their marriage, but Grace quickly realized her mistake. It was too late to undo and her family had turned their backs on her. It took the birth of Madeleine for them to soften towards their daughter and somehow, they ended up blaming Matthew for the marriage. Matthew didn’t know what his wife was up to in New York, and he didn’t really care anymore. Madeleine was here with him and that was all he cared about.
Which made this situation all the more worse. He didn’t know how to bring the life back to his daughter.
Winter didn’t help. The days it didn’t snow, travel was difficult. Trixie came to visit when she could but it wasn’t often. Regan couldn’t exercise the horses for long. He couldn’t get to town to conduct business and when he did, sometimes he was stuck there for several days.
Spring couldn’t come fast enough, Matthew thought. Spring always brought new people to town, perhaps there’d be a viable new suitor for Madeleine, if she didn’t want to return to New York by then. But Matthew knew in his heart who his daughter wanted.
***
Dan looked out the window and sighed. He was almost mended enough to return to work full time. He was going stir crazy in the house. Too many people; he was used to being on his own. His mother’s fussing all winter. Unable to help with the care of the ranch, he longed to just being able to go outside and ride Spartan. And missing Trixie. His beautiful, spunky Trixie. Weather made it hard for her to get over to the ranch often, but they were able to sneak a few kisses in when she did. He wanted to go dancing with her; he loved the way her cheeks would flush, especially when he murmured something inappropriate in her ear as they whirled around the room. He hated the fact that he wasn’t up to dancing last week at the social. Brian had been adamant about Dan simply sitting and watching. He kept reminding the Marshal just how closely the bullet came to his heart.
By the time the snow started to melt, Dan figured he should be able to go back to work. Which also meant the cottage could be finished and he and Trixie could get married.
Married. Not a word he had ever thought about until he met her. He’d never forget the first time he saw her, leaving the schoolhouse with the stunning raven haired Diana, and she was shuddering over the thought she might have to teach school. There was something about the way she tossed her curls, and mimicked the teacher that made him smile. And of course he remembered the first time he kissed her, when she was accusing him of being a cattle thief.
Dan couldn’t help but smile. Soon enough, he thought, reaching for his book.
***
The town councils fears came true. Ben Riker was more than willing to lease them an empty store for a second schoolhouse. At a price that made Peter Belden turn white with rage.
“That’s highway robbery!” he gasped. “There’s only a couple of months left in the term!”
Ben smiled vilely. “Why, Mr. Belden, are the children’s education not important to raise the money? As I understand it, there are a few very wealthy citizens willing to fund the lease until the new schoolhouse can be built.”
Peter counted to fifteen before he spoke. “The children’s education is of the utmost priority,” he answered coolly. “However, it will take some time to gather that much money.”
“The offer is good until next week,” Ben said casually. “Then we’ll have to renegotiate.”
He swaggered out of the empty schoolhouse, whistling.
***
Hallie Belden tossed her dress on the bed with a frustrated sigh. The novelty of scandal had worn off weeks ago. No one seemed to care any more that the mayor’s niece lived in sin with Ben Riker. Most people simply ignored her on the street.
Ben was distracted these days as well, and Hallie was jealous. She had expected their arrangement would evolve, turn into something more. Sure, he came to her bed willingly enough but he rarely discussed business with her, unless it was to rant. Hallie wanted to be involved. She was smart, she could help him, she thought. She was also as good a schemer as he was, if not better.
She saw Regan on occasion, but he didn’t acknowledge her. Jim came to town as frequently as possible, and it didn’t take much asking to find out he was visiting the new schoolteacher, presumably in courtship. Hallie wanted to scream. The girl was dirt poor, of plain face, her clothes horribly shabby, and yet Jim Frayne was entranced by her.
No, things weren’t working out at all the way Hallie had planned.
***
A cold spring morning found Matthew Wheeler at the breakfast table, worried as he watched his daughter pick at her breakfast. The multiple feet of snow had begun to melt, the icicles on the edges of the house were dripping slowly.
“Madeleine,” he said quietly.
“Yes, Father?” she looked up.
“I have some news for you.”
She just nodded.
“Mrs. Malley has accepted my offer to buy her land. However, she’s not staying. She and Jasper are going back East to return to the circus. I’m sorry,” he said gently.
Her hazel eyes were wide as she stared at him.
Regan, paused in the doorway felt his heart stop. Ayla was leaving after all.
“She said it’s too much work for her and the boy,” Matthew said soberly. “They’ll be leaving once the snow melts and they can safely travel.”
Madeleine felt her stomach heave. “Excuse me,” she whispered, bolting from the table.
Regan stepped out of her way, as Miss Trask followed.
“They’re really leaving?” he asked.
Matthew nodded. “I’m sorry, Bill. I tried to dissuade her, offered her help of any sorts but she refused very politely. She said she’s not cut out for this life out here.”
Regan swallowed. Glancing out the window, he saw the snow dripping as it melted. They had maybe two weeks left.
***
Dan walked with Trixie, bundled warmly, towards their cottage. It would be finished in the next few weeks, along with the barn, and Dan was pushing for a wedding shortly after.
“It’s beautiful,” Trixie murmured.
The little white house stood nestled under a thick grove of trees that would shade it come summer. The creek ran by at a good distance from the house, and she could see the well around the side. She knew it contained several rooms, and everything would be bright and fresh, and theirs.
Theirs. Such a scary thought. He had ordered a stove and commissioned locals to make other furniture. Of course she had been making curtains and sheets for months.
“You all right?” Dan asked, his dark eyes on her.
She nodded and smiled at him. “Of course. I’m with you.”
His finger traced her chin and she thought again how close he had come to dying, not once, but twice, because of her. The thought of never having his arms around her again could paralyze her with fear.
“I do love you, Trix,” he said softly. “Don’t doubt that.”
“I don’t,” she whispered. “I love you too.”
He drew her to him gently, and for the first time in a couple months, really held her to him, pressing his lips against hers. Heat shot through Trixie to her toes as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands buried in her sandy curls as their fire ignited and Dan toyed with the idea of taking her inside the cottage and showing her how much he loved her.
Trixie gasped when his lips moved to her neck. She didn’t want to stop him when his hands moved down her back, over her shirt.
The galloping of an approaching horse made Dan reluctantly pull away from her, growling in displeasure as he held her close. “Every damn time,” he growled.
“Soon,” she promised in a whisper.
He smiled, tracing the line of her nose with his finger and kissing it lightly.
Seconds later, they saw Regan on Deltan, tearing towards them.
Dan was able to compose himself by the time his uncle reached them, though Trixie stood securely in his embrace.
“Jim said you’d be out here,” Regan said by way of greeting.
Dan nodded, noting his uncle’s agitation and wild green eyes. “What’s happened?”
“Jasper and Ayla are leaving. Next week most likely. Trixie, I need you to go to Madeleine. She’s distraught and locked herself in her room.”
“Of course,” Trixie answered, glancing at Dan.
“Go,” he smiled at her.
She smiled back, wanting to kiss him, but didn’t in front of Regan. She hurried to Susie and mounted, taking off towards the Wheeler estate.
“What about you?” Dan asked.
Regan just shook his head. “I don’t even know. I can’t think about it. Dan, I lost her for ten years. If she leaves again, I may never find her.”
“What are you going to do?” Dan asked.
“What can I do?” Regan replied desparingly. “She made it clear I was to leave her alone. Dan, William is my son. I’ve lost the first ten years of his life, if they leave, I’ll never get to know him.”
Dan swallowed. “I didn’t even have ten years with my father, Regan, or my mother. And I’d give just about anything to have them back. And I’d never rest until I found Trixie if she left. This might be your last chance. If you want my advice, stop her. Find a way to make her hear you. ”
***
“Madeleine, it’s Trixie and Diana, let us in!”
“Go away!” came the loud sob.
“I’ll break this door in, Madeleine Wheeler!” Trixie called.
Diana tried not to laugh.
“Now, now, I finally found the key,” Miss Trask appeared.
Trixie slid the old skeleton key into the lock and turned it, opening the door. Miss Trask shooed them in and stayed in the hallway, lingering in concern for her charge.
Diana and Trixie hurried to the bed, where Madeleine had flung herself.
“He’s leaving,” she sobbed. “Jasper’s leaving!”
“Are you sure?” Diana asked.
“Yes. His aunt accepted Father’s offer to by the land and they’re leaving Sleepyside!” she wailed.
Diana glanced at Trixie and made a face to encourage her to say something.
“Maybe she misspoke.”
“No. Father said they’re leaving as soon as the soon melts. Regan says that’s likely next week!”
“Well, Di’s wedding is next week, maybe you won’t notice, since you haven’t seen him in weeks.” Trixie tried to be helpful.
Diana shot Trixie a horrified look as Madeleine burst into a fresh round of tears. Trixie winced. That certainly hadn’t come out right.
“But I’ve known he was there! Once he’s gone, once he leaves—” she started to hiccup.
Di rubbed her back soothingly. “Have you thought about talking to him?” she asked.
“He doesn’t want to see me. He made that abundantly clear.”
“Time heals all wounds,” Di said gently. “It’s been awhile since you’ve seen him, why don’t you think about it?”
“What if I go and he shuts the door in my face?” she asked with another hiccup. “Or Mrs. Malley tells me to leave, instead?”
“Then you’ll know he’s not who you thought he was,” Diana said. “But Madeleine, maybe it’s time to go talk to him.”
Madeleine sat up, her honey colored hair in disarray, eyes red, face blotchy.
“What if it doesn’t work? Mother says he’s not good enough, not high enough of a social standing but I don’t care about that! I love his stories about the circus and the way he adapts to every situation—why he wasn’t intimidated at all by Father! He’s strong and sensitive, and funny and smart—”
“There you go then,” Di said encouragingly. “See, the idea has merit. Go talk to him.”
“I’ve been rejected before though,” Honey said sadly. “Three times and I would know I’m destined to be a spinster!”
“Well, you wouldn’t have to worry about your mother not approving of his heritage in that case,” Trixie said brightly.
Diana reached over and smacked Trixie on the arm as Madeleine’s face fell.
“You’re not helping!” Diana hissed.
“Sorry,” Trixie muttered. “I was trying to look for the silver lining.”
Madeleine burst into a fresh round of tears.
***
Jim stood outside Adelia’s hotel room door with the sisters. He had taken them for an early buggy ride, now that the snow was beginning to thaw. Through the winter he had taken them for numerous cutter rides, Jupiter happily pulling cutter behind him in the brisk air. He would have preferred to not have Clara along every time but it was unavoidable. Generally he didn’t mind, but he was hoping to get a kiss from Adelia soon. He couldn’t do that with the young chaperone present.
“Thanks for the ride, Jim!” Clara beamed at him.
“You’re welcome,” he smiled and gave her an exaggerated bow.
Clara giggled and glanced slyly at her sister as she unlocked the room door. “I’m going to get ready for bed,” she told her older sister.
Jim sent a mental thank you to Clara. He was left standing in the hallway with Clara and the awkwardness settled in.
“Adelia,” he said hesitantly.
“Yes, Jim?” she asked politely.
“Would you allow me to escort you to Mart Belden’s wedding next weekend?”
Adelia looked surprised, then smiled, a tinge of red touching her cheeks. “I don’t know that I’m invited. I only know Mr. Belden, his father.”
“Well, I am invited,” he smiled. “And I’d love for you to accompany me.”
Her blush deepened. “I’d love to.”
“Wonderful,” Jim beamed. He reached for her hand, marveling at the delicateness of them. “Also, there’s something else I wanted to ask.”
“Of course,” she murmured.
“Are you pleased with my courting of you?” he asked.
For a second she looked stunned, then nodded. “Yes, Jim, I’m quite fond of you.”
He hoped it was more than fondness but that she had chosen the correct public answer.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he smiled at her.
There was a moment of tension and Jim bent his head to kiss her. He brushed his lips against hers, just barely, and then straightened with a smile. Her face flamed red.
“I apologize if that was too forward,” he said quietly.
She shook her head, but her hand was fumbling with the door lock.
“Good night, Miss Cornwall.” His green eyes twinkled at her.
She gave him a shy smile before disappearing into her room. “Good night, Jim.”
He waited until he heard the lock turn before heading downstairs, smiling widely.
***
Dan, back on duty, stared at the tintype photo with a lazy demeanor.
“Haven’t seen her,” he drawled. “I’d remember a pretty thing like that.”
“That damn girl done run off,” the filthy man in front him growled. He was chomping on a foul cigar that had Dan’s stomach rolling. “I wouldn’t even be chasin’ her down but I borrowed money against her dowry and the fella’s wantin’ payin’.”
“That’s a shame,” Dan answered. “Where you headed next? If I hear anything, I’ll wire ahead.”
“Mighty kind of you, Marshal,” the man grinned, exposing his missing and rotted teeth. “Mighty kind indeed. We’re headed toward Tulsa next. Gonna check their saloons too.”
“You do that,” Dan said, then forced out the next words. “Hope you find her.”
After they left, Deputy Marshal Hardy stepped over to him.
“Fenton, see if there’s a boy hanging around outside that will deliver a message,” Dan said calmly.
Fenton did so, and returned with a young boy around Bobby’s age. The smaller boys often hung around the jail, hoping they could run a message for the Marshal, and hang out with him.
“Trevor, I got a job for you and there’s a shiny nickel in it for you.”
The boy’s dark eyes lit up. Dan scribbled a few words on a sheet of paper and folded it several times.
“Take this to Doc Belden,” he said firmly. “Don’t open it, and go straight there, but Deputy Hardy will let you out the back. I’m paying you in advance so I expect you to honor our deal. Think you can do it?”
“Yes sir!” The boys’ eyes were shining at the thought of his reward.
“All right, you go on, now,” Dan handed the boy the folded paper and a nickel.
Trevor stared at the nickel in wonder for a minute, then pocketed it and followed Fenton to the back door.
Dan leaned back in his chair as Fenton returned.
“I’ll go by later,” Dan said. “I want to make sure Lillian’s kinfolk leave town.”
***
Brian Belden stared at the note. Keep your wife hidden until I tell you otherwise. I’ll come by after dark. Dan.
He swallowed hard. This was not good. Not good at all.
***
Regan sat across from Madeleine in the parlor. The usually calm heiress paced the room.
“How are we to stop them, Regan?” she asked. “We can’t just go bursting into their home and order them not to leave.”
“Why not?” Regan asked crossly. “I’ve tried reasoning with her, I’ve tried being polite, I’ve tried giving her space. The only option left is to be direct.”
“You’re too much of a gentleman,” Madeleine replied.
Regan snorted.
“We need a plan. Father thinks they’re leaving Sunday.”
“Diana and Mart are getting married Saturday,” Regan said.
Madeleine nodded. “I’ll be helping with the wedding festivities this week. Which means we need to take action soon.”
