Liberty Belle (24 page)

About to wave and call out, he stopped when he saw Harley drive a carriage in front of her. Freely, she accepted the gambler’s hand and stepped into his buggy.

Reining the stallion into a nearby alley, Wade struggled to convince himself it was all for the best. But the fire in his heart called him a fool.

Chapter 24

Libby allowed Harley to help her into the carriage. Perhaps she’d find employment today and secure her release from the gambler’s attentions. Although he had been nothing but helpful caring for Mark, especially since Wade had left to stay at Sweeny’s Livery and abandoned them.

She traced and retraced that day and the kiss. What she could have done to drive the man away eluded her. Thinking of Wade brought an instant ache to her heart. She’d thought he was the one. Prayed for him to be God’s choice for her. Now, her life and bid for independence felt pointless and hollow, as if she’d been jilted again. Except this time by a man she did love.

Harley sat beside her and slapped the reins. “How’s Mark today?”

“Fine.” She should continue in pleasant conversation. With anyone else she would have, but Harley Mason set her nerves on edge. The thought had crossed her mind that perhaps he was the cause of Wade’s distant behavior.

She stole a quick glance at the gambler. The muscle in his jaw flexed in time with the horses’ steps. The man was not happy. He wanted more from her than she was willing to give.
Too bad
. Libby stiffened her spine and scrunched as far from him as possible without tumbling from the buggy.

He reined the horses around a corner and headed for the newspaper office. “I need supplies. I’ll wait and you can go to Baker’s Emporium with me. Pick out some clothes and items for yourself … and Flora and the boy.” The infuriating man gave her one of his sly grins.

“It’s a lovely day. I believe I will walk back to my room.” She faced him and was startled by the anger clouding his face. She met his stare and tried on her best smile. “That is a kind offer, but the weather is so nice—”

“Forget it. Nice day or not, I’m not turning you loose in this city of drunks and woman-starved men.” He gritted his teeth, pushing his twitching jaw muscle to a gallop.

Libby crossed her arms. The man could not be pleased. Not that she wanted to please him, but the sooner he got it out of his head she would marry him the better. If only Wade would come by so she could talk to him.

“Whoa, sons.” Harley stopped the horses, set the brake, and jumped from the buggy.

Libby set her foot on the step to climb down.

The gambler caught her around the waist, picked her up as if she were a feather, and put her on the wooded porch in front of the newspaper office. “Miss Libby, I
will
wait for you.”

Annoyance shuddered through her at his touch. Head up, she faced him. “I have no intention of going to the Emporium so you can make me a kept woman.” She whirled from him, only to have her arm yanked.

He pulled her close. “You’re going with me.”

“No, I am not.” She tugged, but he tightened his hold. “Unhand me this minute!”

Harley sneered. “You, little fool. You don’t know what’s good for you. You don’t know who’s good for you.”

She slapped him. “I know that I will never settle for a two-bit gambler.” Still in his grasp, she balled her hand into a fist.

He caught her arm, squeezing until she winced. “I told you before, no one hits me.” Frustration lined his brow as he released her and shoved her toward the door to the newspaper.

Libby stumbled backward into someone.

“Why, Miss Liberty Longstreet, are you all right?” A southern drawl, sounding so like Georgia, gave her a sense of relief.

She twisted to see Terrence Rowen. He held her gently until she regained her balance and gave her a concerned frown. He stepped beside her and faced Harley.

“I saw the way you manhandled this woman. I demand you apologize.” Rowen pressed his arm against her and pushed her behind him. His open coat revealed a holstered pistol.

Harley glared. “Mind your own business. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Where I come from, sir, you’d be called out for a duel.” Rowen let his hand hover over his gun.

Libby gasped. She didn’t want to marry Harley, but she didn’t want to see him hurt either. She pulled on Rowen’s arm. “I’m all right, really. There is no need for such talk.”

Men.
Why couldn’t they just leave her alone? Except for Wade, and just why was he the only one who was leaving her alone?

The southern gentleman eased her hand from his arm. “I believe the lady asked you to go. If you’re worried about her, I’ll see she arrives home safely. You have my honor to guarantee it.”

The gambler sneered. “Your honor? I hope Miss Libby doesn’t find out just how—”

Rowen drew his gun. “Careful. You’re trying my patience.”

Fight flared in Harley’s eyes. He glared at her, shrugged, and climbed into the buggy. He lashed the horses and drove away at a near gallop.

“Miss, I do hope you were not too upset by his manner?” Rowen smiled and offered her his arm.

She hesitated. The man was a gentleman from Georgia, but she didn’t know anything about him. The raucous laughter of leering men from down the street made up her mind for her. Whatever Terrence Rowen was, he was better than those drunken ruffians.

She took his arm. “Why thank you, Mr. Rowen. But I am fine. Mr. Mason is a nuisance, but I don’t believe he’d hurt me.” Libby gave him her best southern belle smile and hoped Rowen wouldn’t ask what Harley did or where she lived.

“I wouldn’t trust him, Miss.” He walked her to the door. “And what business do you have with the paper and our ink-stained Jonas Myers?”

Why did the men in this place find it their duty to ask her so many prying questions? Relief flooded her when Jonas came from behind the counter.

Thankful for the newspaperman’s appearance, she turned from Rowen. “Mr. Myers, I hope the day finds you well. I came to enquire if you had any advertisements I might be interested in?”

With a curious look at Rowen, Jonas stroked his chin. “Funny you should be standing next to the very man who placed the  ad that made me think of you.”

Myers nodded at the gentleman. “Mr. Rowen, you need someone to teach your children. Meet Miss Libby Longstreet who came all the way out here to answer an ad for schoolteacher.” The newspaperman handed her a note.

Libby took the paper. The fine writing held the words for an advertisement just as Mr. Myers had stated. This must surely be another act of Providence. She turned to Rowen. “I am most interested in just such employment.”

Terrence nodded while his eyes lit with delight. “Why, Miss Libby, this is a most advantageous day. Just last week, the woman who had been caring for my children left to go east. The wild ways of the West drove her away. I will need you to start as soon as possible. Say, today after you have supper with me?”

Libby’s heart raced.
An invitation to dine?
She couldn’t be sure but thought she noted the same wolf-hungry light in his eyes as she witnessed in Harley’s. He’d bear watching.

Setting aside the warning, she acknowledged her good fortune. She had a job and with a southern gentleman. Now she’d have an address to send to her parents. “Thank you, Mr. Rowen. I’d be glad to accept your offer. May I inquire as to the wages?”

“We can work that out after supper. I will pay generously, and it does come with room and board. There’s a small cabin behind the main house. You can eat with us or cook for yourself if you like. But let’s not discuss business here. I’ll be happy to pick you up in my carriage”

Panic swept through her. If he found out she stayed at The Yellow Slipper, he’d certainly not hire her. She’d have to find someone to drive her to Rowen’s. Perhaps she could send word to Wade. “That won’t be necessary. If you’ll give me directions to your home, I will hire a coach to bring me and my things. How many children do you have?”

“Two. A boy seven and a girl of five. They’re fine children and shouldn’t give you any cause for trouble. Their mother died several months ago.” A touch of sadness swept over his face, but after a deep breath, his smile returned. “I will see you later, then. I am afraid I have more business to attend to. Miss Libby.” He tipped his hat and strode out of the newspaper office.

Libby went to the door and watched him go. He walked tall and straight, a fine gentleman. Perhaps she’d been wrong about that look in his eye. A man dressed in dirty buckskin and riding a spirited bay nodded at Rowen, but her new employer ignored the gesture.

She huffed. Why would a ruffian even think a gentleman like Terrence Rowen would respond? This wild city with its unkempt men definitely needed a lesson in manners.

“Can I help you get a ride somewhere?” Jonas Myers’ brow crinkled with fatherly concern.

Reality settled its heavy burden on her shoulders. Dare she even go outside unescorted? Freedom most definitely offered problems of its own. Harley would be by here any time now. But she didn’t want to give him any chance to think he could buy her things. And certainly didn’t want to be seen with him.

“I don’t know. I—” She glanced out the open door and warmth swelled through her. “I think I see someone who can help me. Thank you, Mr. Myers.”

She bolted outside.

###

Wade pulled Fire to a halt and turned. His heart soared while his stomach lurched.
Libby
. He briefly thought of spurring the stallion into a gallop, but she was calling to him. He wanted nothing more than to be with her but being with him could put her in danger. With an inward groan, he stepped from the horse and walked toward the woman.

She ran to him, one hand holding her hat in place. “Thank you for stopping. I need your help.”

Her pleading eyes tore at his heart. What else could he do but help her? “Libby?”

“I found employment, but I need someone to drive me tonight. Would you get a buggy and take me?”

“A job? Where?”

“Terrence Rowen, a nice gentleman from Georgia needs someone to watch and teach his children. And it comes with room and board.”

He couldn’t help but notice the joy in her voice, especially when she mentioned the southern gentleman part. “I’m sure Sweeny will loan me a buggy. What time?”

“I need to be there by supper … and I also need to go to The Yellow Slipper. It’s a beautiful day for a walk, care to escort me?” Her dimples, sparkling eyes, and beauty secured the answer he’d give.

He pointed at her shoes. “You sure you can walk a couple of miles in those things?”

She looked down and sighed. “They’ll just have to do. If I hadn’t washed my riding skirt, I could’ve ridden your horse.” As if the word brought it to her attention, she patted Fire. “Is this the wild horse?”

Wade grinned. She reminded him of a child delighted by a new find, and he fell in love all over again. “Sure is. He’s almost tame enough for you to ride.” Pride broadened his shoulders until he saw the smolder in her eyes.

“I told you, I am an accomplished horsewoman. My father and I rode nearly every day. And I trained several horses, thoroughbreds too.” She huffed and set out at a fast pace.

If I’d just learn to keep my mouth shut.
Wade caught up to her and considered how gentling the horse had been easier than calming Libby.

Instead, she half-stepped on a rock and stumbled.

Wade kept her from falling. “I’m sorry. I forgot you know about horses.”

She leaned on him. “Please excuse my outburst.” Suddenly she stopped and turned so abruptly he nearly ran into her. “Wade, what happened? I thought … I am sorry if I’ve offended you in any way.”

Filled with love, hurt, and tears, her eyes pried into his heart. Drowning in her attention, he pulled in a deep breath. Wade scanned the surroundings, and nodded at a lot between two buildings. After they made their way off the busy road, he faced her. “I, uh, it’s not you. There’s—”

Harley pulled his buggy beside them. “Wade, Libby. I think the lady would be more comfortable in my carriage. You’re still some distance from the saloon. I’d hate to see what the dirt does to those dainty little shoes.” Harley’s grin didn’t reach his eyes.

She gripped Wade’s arm and stiffened. “I told you I wanted to walk, and Wade agreed to accompany me. You do not own me.”

Gently, he removed her hand. Wade wanted to hit the man, but Harley had come at the right time. Wade wasn’t ready to tell Libby why he couldn’t be around her. He wasn’t sure he understood himself, but the feeling that God had it in for him wouldn’t let go. He wouldn’t endanger her.

Even though everything in him said no, he had to turn her over to the gambler. “I think you’re right, Harley. I know you’ll see she gets to her room safely.” He gave the man a warning glare. He turned to Libby and cringed at the pained look on her face. “I’ll be by later.”

He tipped his hat and led Fire away from her before she could say anything to stop him. And it wouldn’t have taken much.

Chapter 25

How could he have agreed to drive her to yet another man’s home? Wade jammed his fist into the side of the buggy. If only he had a place, if only he was able to care for her, if only God wasn’t determined to punish him and take away those he loved.

All the same and after all the arguments, here he was at The Yellow Slipper. He stopped at the stairs to Libby’s room. He could’ve sent Tobias to drive her, but the small taste of walking by her side earlier had sent his mind whirling. He wanted to be with her. If for no other reason than to make sure Harley didn’t take advantage of her.

Wearing his best shirt, Wade brushed off a piece of straw. He wondered what kind of man she’d be working for and if this employer was any safer than the gambler. Wade gritted his teeth, tied the horse, and bounded up the stairs.

Two quick knocks and Mark threw open the door. The boy grinned wider than the entrance. “Mr. Wade, Miss Libby and Flora said I was well enough to stay at the livery. Partners ought to stay together, don’t you think?” The kid stared at him, his eyes begging.