A Worthy Pursuit (33 page)

He heard her indrawn breath, felt the tremor that ran through her. Or maybe the tremor had been his. Thinking about his folks did that to him, made him weak, vulnerable. The lost little boy with no home, no one to depend on besides himself and the God his mama had told him stories about. That God had proven faithful, though. Had seen him grown into a man—one with his conscience intact. Had provided friends, brothers really, like Dan and Ashe. And now, if Stone didn’t miss his guess, He’d provided the one thing Stone had never been brave enough to ask for but had always craved.

Stone reached between them and urged Charlotte’s face up until her gaze met his. “Over the last couple weeks, I’ve started dreaming of family, Lottie. Dreaming of a wife, children. Dreaming of a honey-haired teacher with blue-green eyes and a smile that makes my heart buck harder than a fit-throwing mule. Dreaming of a daughter with a love of dime novels and a thirst for adventure that rivals my own. Dreaming of a son whose quiet manner explodes into music whenever he touches a piano. Shoot, I even dream of building a school where a boy with a penchant for tearing things apart can come and study so I don’t lose touch with him, because he feels like family, too.

“I dream of you, Charlotte. You
and
the kids. I’ll never let Lily go. Not without a fight. Trust me.”

32

It took a few days longer to organize his plans than Stone had originally calculated. Ashe had been called away to San Antonio to testify against a cattle rustler his Ranger company had brought down with Stone’s help last year, the same rustler who’d nearly cost Ashe his leg.

The bullet he’d taken to the thigh during the shootout had ricocheted off bone and nicked arteries that had bled so fiercely the doc who’d worked on him feared the tissue damage would require amputation. Ashe, stubborn cuss that he was, made Stone swear to shoot the doc if he even reached for his saw. Never one to let a friend down, Stone had made himself a permanent fixture in the doc’s surgery and kept one hand on the handle of his revolver during the entire procedure. Ashe pulled through only to fight a second battle with infection.

The doc’s daughter, Belinda, had seen him through that travail and won his heart in the process. She’d been sweet on him for years, but she’d never been able to get him to stay in one place long enough to snag his interest. After a week of nursing him through fever and a month of exercising his leg until he
could walk successfully without a cane, if not without a limp, Lindy had earned not only Ashe’s gratitude, but his devotion as well. The Ranger with the itchy feet who’d always preferred the saddle to the hearth suddenly found himself requesting administrative duties at the Austin office, not because of his leg, but because he wanted to stay near Lindy. They’d married last December, a mere two months before Stone took the job with Dorchester.

Perhaps viewing their happiness had made it possible for him to imagine his own. With Charlotte.

Stone grinned as he traded in his currycomb for the horse brush, setting one atop the stall’s half-wall and collecting the other before continuing with Goliath’s grooming. The horse’s hide quivered at the stroking, sending a drowsy fly skittering off in search of a more stable resting place.

It was early yet. The sun had been up only for half an hour. The cool of the morning still clung to the air, even in the barn, making it the perfect place to gather his thoughts before things got crazy.

“I’m gonna be gone for a while, boy,” he murmured, patting Goliath’s neck with his free hand. “Takin’ a little trip down to Houston.”

Goliath snorted in answer, as if displeased by the prospect of being left behind.

“I know,” Stone soothed as he brushed the gelding’s side. “I’d rather take you than a train any day, but I’ve got womenfolk to consider. Not to mention the fact that we’re running behind schedule, having to wait on Ashe to get back from San Antonio and all. Dorchester’s bound to be pushin’ the outer edge of antsy by now.”

It’d been over a week since Charlotte had agreed to his plan. Nine days, to be precise. And in all that time she’d never wavered.
Not even when she’d learned that Dan’s responsibilities on the ranch would keep him from joining them. ’Course, knowing Dan would be around to provide protection for John and Stephen took some of the sting out of the revelation, but it had still been a test of Charlotte’s faith to adjust. A test she’d passed admirably. Oh, she’d asked plenty of questions and offered input whether they wanted it or not, but she never fretted openly about what might go wrong nor did she ever let Lily see anything other than confidence on her face when they discussed their scheme.

“I’m right proud of her, boy,” Stone said as he stroked the brush over the horse’s back.

He’d asked for her trust, and she’d given it to him. And not just for Lily’s protection, either. No. She’d started opening her heart to him as well. Taking sunset strolls with him in the evenings. Seeking him out during the day to bring him a glass of water then lingering to make conversation about inconsequential matters. And last night . . . Stone paused in his grooming and smiled. Last night, she’d played “Moonlight,” the song that had first fractured the wall between them nearly a month ago. The song that started his dreams of family.

The notes had caressed the air so softly, they’d almost disappeared before his ears could capture them. She hadn’t wanted to wake the children. Yet the quiet notes brought their own depth, for he found that if he leaned his head back and closed his eyes, he could feel the music dance over his skin like the lightest brush of a feather. Or a finger. Her finger. Skimming along his arm, his nape, tunneling through his hair until his scalp tingled.

Strange how the song no longer sounded lonely when she played. It had become a love song, one that paired a strong, masculine bass line with a gentle, whispering soprano, weaving them together in a ballad of hope and tenderness and trust.

Placing a hand on Goliath’s flank, Stone moved around to the other side and set to work with the brush once again. His thoughts moved from Charlotte back to Lily and the task set before them. A task that weighed heavily on his spirit.

“Don’t let me fail her, Lord.” Stone stopped brushing and rested both arms on Goliath’s back. He rested his forehead against the horse’s side and prayed the same prayer he’d been lifting up since the day he’d brought Lily back to the ranch. “I know that ‘A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.’ I’ve been meditatin’ on that verse all week. We’ve made the best plans we can, but only you can see where they lead. Help me to trust in
you
, not the plan. Guide our steps. Protect Lily and Charlotte. Bring us all home safely.”

“Amen.”

Stone opened his eyes and lifted his head. “Charlotte?”

Silhouetted against the morning light streaming through the barn door, it was hard to make out her features, but then, he didn’t need to see her face to know it was her. Her voice carried the same lilt as her music.

“Mr. Barrett has the wagon hitched. I’ll be leaving in a few minutes.” She took a handful of steps into the barn, the shadows evening out around her, bringing her into focus.

Stone blinked at the severe black gown she wore, so different from the blue skirt and white shirtwaist he was used to seeing her in. The mourning gown had belonged to Marietta Hawkins from when her mother had passed two years ago. It was made of the finest fabric, but the harsh black left Charlotte’s skin looking pale and wan. Of course, the prospect of what lay ahead during the next two days could have stolen her color as well.

Running his hand along Goliath’s back, Stone exited the stall and met Charlotte halfway. “I didn’t realize Dan intended
to set out so early this morning.” He’d thought he’d have more time with her before she left.

The Houston & Texas Central had a depot in Richland, so they didn’t have to travel all the way to Corsicana. Even in a wagon, the trip should only take about four hours with Dan’s mules at the helm. He bred the heartiest stock in Texas. There’d be plenty of time to make the early-afternoon train if they left after breakfast as they’d originally planned.

“It was my idea.” Charlotte’s hand lifted to touch the brooch at her neck. Only it wasn’t there. Maybe that’s why the black of her dress seemed so overwhelming. He wasn’t used to seeing her without her mother’s cameo.

They’d agreed it would be better to travel without it. Any men Dorchester might have scouting the train station in Houston would know to look for it.

Charlotte pressed her lips together then fisted her fingers and pulled her hand down to press against her stomach. “One never knows what trouble one may encounter on the road. I wanted to ensure we had plenty of time to catch the train even if we should break a wheel or have an animal go lame along the way.”

“I suppose it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Though I had hoped to stroll with you one more time before you left.” He gently took hold of the hand fluttering near her waist and lifted it to his lips. He touched his mouth to the soft skin on the back of her hand, his gaze never leaving hers.

Her lashes lowered, and her breath hitched. “I—I wasn’t able to sleep much last night, so when the first rooster crowed, I dressed, finished packing, and went in search of Mr. Barrett. It didn’t take much effort to convince him to move up our departure.”

Stone swallowed a chuckle. Dan’s version of arguing with a woman entailed either giving in or getting lost as quickly as
possible. Since he wouldn’t be able to escape Charlotte today, giving in would’ve been the speediest resolution.

“Lily and the boys are awake as well. They’re waiting by the wagon to see me off.” She shifted a few inches away from him and picked at one of the pleats on her skirt. “Marietta is letting Lily borrow her Dead-Eye Dan books for the train ride, so she shouldn’t cause you much trouble. I packed a few snacks as well. Boredom tends to make her hungry.”

Stone fought not to roll his eyes. They’d been through all of this last night. “It’s only a half-day’s ride, Lottie. We’ll survive.”

She met his eyes, and her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. “Of course you will. I just . . .” She shrugged. “I’m not used to letting others take over my responsibilities. I still feel guilty about asking Marietta to watch the boys for me. Stephen can get a little rambunctious at times, and John . . . well, John hasn’t been away from me since I took him from St. Peter’s to study at Dr. Sullivan’s academy. He’s so quiet and withdrawn, it’s hard for people to know what he’s thinking. I—”

“He’ll be fine,” Stone interrupted, breaking off her rambling with a certainty that brooked no argument. “He’s old enough to understand what we’re doing and why. And Stephen will be here to interpret anything Marietta doesn’t understand. Those two boys are as close as any brothers I’ve seen. They’ll help each other when the waiting grows long.”

Stone kept her hand in his and steered her toward the side wall so they’d be safely out of sight of the door. If their time was at an end, he intended to make the most of the few moments he’d been given.

“I know it’s hard to leave them, Lottie, but I’ve been prayin’ about it all week, and my gut is still tellin’ me this is the right thing to do.”

She nodded, her gaze hovering somewhere in the middle of
his chest. “I’ve been praying, too,” she replied. “And while I can’t claim the same level of confidence, I have found a measure of peace.” Slowly, her lashes lifted. Blue-green eyes searched out his. “I trust you to take care of her, Stone. To take care of all of us.”

It wasn’t the declaration of love he’d been longing to hear, but it was a gift all the same. One that deserved a proper response.

So he bent his head, matched his lips to hers, and poured all the words they didn’t have time to say into a kiss guaranteed to linger in both their minds until their paths crossed again.

33

Stone turned his rented horse down the lane that led to Dorchester Hall, Lily in front of him in the saddle.

“I see it!” She bounced in his lap, pointing to the two-story mansion that separated itself from the other homes of the area with a pretentious rolling lawn that spread over the adjoining lots on either side, ensuring that nothing inferior encroached upon its beauty. Not that any other home in the area could possibly compete with its size and ornate architecture.

Dorchester Hall sported Greek Revival columns and double wraparound porches, one on each level. Dark green shutters framed the windows from ceiling to floor in grand style, while the intricately carved oak door left one thinking its purpose was more to keep the undeserving out than to welcome visitors in.

Stone reached across the girl and gently tugged her arm down. “Easy, squirt. You’re not supposed to be all that excited about this reunion.”

“Oh. Right.” She immediately slumped against him and thrust her bottom lip out in a very believable pout.

“Remember what I said. Let me do the talkin’. All you have to do is act as if you don’t like me much. Got it?”

“Got it.” Lily gave a sharp nod, her pout never wavering.

“Good girl.” Stone scanned the area as the horse made its lazy way down the street. Service wagon outside the house on the left. Grocer’s sign on the wagon’s side. A vendor making deliveries, then, not a peddler. Good. A door-to-door salesman could complicate matters. Elderly woman on the right pruning rosebushes. Too far away to hear any indoor commotion at the Hall and too frail to remain outdoors for long. Quiet street. Favorable conditions. So far, so good.

Stone made a point not to look at the trees flanking the east side of the house, knowing Ashe would have hidden himself among them that morning before the sun rose. His leg might pain him a bit every now and then, but the man was still as stealthy as an Indian. He’d commandeer the high ground easily enough.

“If your grandfather sends you to your room, unlatch your window first thing.”

Lily sighed. “I
know.
We went over that a hundred times last night. I unlatch the window so Mr. Ashe can get to me if something goes wrong. And I’m supposed to signal him if I need help by closing half the curtains.”