Bride of the Wild (13 page)

Micah seemed to expect some sort of outburst from me, placing his hand over mine. “I … suppose congratulations are in order.”
Goodness. I’m about to get a stepmother.

“Thank you, Saffron. I appreciate that.”

Micah squeezed my hand, which felt reassuring. “This smells wonderful,” he said. “Everything looks lovely, Mrs. Harris.”

Maggie smiled, setting a wine glass before me. “Thank you, Mr. Blaylock. I hope you like it.”

“Micah. It’s just Micah.”

I could find little fault with Mrs. Harris, and pa had every right to move forward with his life and find happiness. I just wished … I wished the same for myself, but I had little control over the outcome, and I suspected I would have to pray on the issue for some sort of resolution.

Chapter Fourteen

Micah escorted me to the theatre a while later, after I had spent dinner with my father and his new ladylove. The streets had emptied, but a few carriages and wagons ambled by. A group of people had gathered before the theatre, waiting in an orderly line.

“Thank you for dinner,” said Micah.

“I didn’t make it. Pa invited you.”

His chagrinned look spoke volumes. “You enjoyed my company. You enjoyed Mrs. Harris too. Admit it.”

“She’s pleasant.” We stepped onto the boardwalk, our boots clomping on the wood, which stood two feet above the ground. “Pa likes her. I guess she’s going to be my new mother. I wonder if she’ll move to the farm?”

“I imagine so.”

“I really need a home of my own. I can’t imagine living with some strange woman. I wonder what Amelia will think of it? I wonder what Tom will think?”

“Your sister seems like a reasonable woman. I’m sure she’ll adjust. Boys are easy. They just want food. She’s a good cook.”

“I suppose.” I craned my neck, searching for Silas. “I have my doubts about tonight.”

“The elusive beau.”

“He’s here somewhere.”

“If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight. I’d be petrified some man might steal you away right from under my nose. Mr. Hefferman should be more careful.”

“And you think you can do that?” I found that boastful statement amusing. “You think so much of yourself then? You’re a great catch, hum?”

“I’m not rich, but I know how to love and treat a woman.” We had stopped walking, standing before the mercantile, just a few stores away from the theatre. “My girl would know how much she’s loved and cherished. She’d never have cause to frown or look forlorn. She’d never be lonely. She’d never have to wonder where I was, because I’d be with her. Always.”

Perhaps I’d had too much wine, but his words struck me deeply. He had verbalized exactly how I felt. He had said all the things I wanted to hear. Feeling awkward and strangely on the verge of tears, I struggled to find the appropriate words, deciding I had nothing to add, but uttering, “That’s … nice.”

“You deserve so much more.”

I met his gaze, but then I wished I hadn’t. His look told me everything I wanted to know. He had offered himself quite openly, promising the moon and the stars. I didn’t doubt his sincerity for a moment. With effort, I forced my thoughts in another direction. “I should go. Silas is waiting for me.” I glanced towards the theatre. “Thank you for accompanying me this evening. I enjoy talking to you, even though you annoy me at times.”

He leaned against a wood beam, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re rather opinionated yourself. We’re not the enemy, you know. You’ve just not found the right man yet.”

I pursed my lips. “This is how we’ll say goodnight? It’s like poking a hornet’s nest. If you keep talking, I’ll be angry all over again.” It was better to tease him, provoke him, rather than wanting him to hold me. Anger was a far safer emotion than … those other feelings.

“I apologize.” He grinned. “I like you all riled up. You’re rather passionate about things. I find that appealing.”

I had to stop listening to him, stepping from the boardwalk. “Goodbye, Micah.”

“Who’s taking you home?” He pushed himself from the beam.

I hadn’t thought of that. “I … I believe Silas will or I could ask pa for a ride.” I stopped in the street, staring at Micah. How would I get home?

“I’ll be in the saloon, if you need me.”

“I’m sure I won’t have to bother you.”

“That dandy could care less about your welfare. He wouldn’t trouble himself to take you home. I expect to see you in two hours or so.”

“No you won’t.” Now I was properly angry. “We’ll not meet again for … some time. Silas shall take me home. Good evening, sir.”

I stalked away, hearing him say, “I’ll be waiting for you, Saffron.”

Ignoring that, I continued to walk towards the theatre, where Silas waited by the door with his sister and her two friends. They looked like a tight group, leaning in and chatting, while laughing. Feeling like an outsider, I approached, hopeful he would see me.

“There you are,” said Silas, grinning. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“I had supper with my pa and his lady friend.”

“Mrs. Harris?”

I sucked in a breath. “Y-yes. How did you know that?”

“Everyone knows they’re courting. It’s not a secret.”

I hadn’t known, and it irritated me that I had been left in the dark. “Oh.”

He smiled contritely. “I didn’t want to mention it, because it wasn’t my place. I assumed he would tell you when he felt it necessary. It is his prerogative to do as he wishes, my dear. A man hardly needs permission to live his life.”

Having already been in a foul mood, I chose to ignore that comment, but it bothered me immensely. The doors to the theatre opened at that moment, and a rush of excitement filtered through the crowd.

“You’ll not find anything as diverting as provincial music reviews,” commented Susan. “This shall be a treat for your ears.”

“I’m prepared for anything,” laughed Clarissa. “It’s all been one big adventure so far.”

“Indeed.” Jane Philips nodded, although I sensed they made fun of our small town, finding it wanting in every respect.

Silas escorted me into the building, which had been constructed of wood, with wooden floors and walls, the lobby decorated in red draped velvet and a reception area, which wasn’t large. The theatre itself sat at the back of the building, with rows of seats and a stage with lengthy velvet draperies, which opened and closed. I had seen the Variety Music Cavalcade before, knowing what to expect. I assumed Clarissa and Jane would judge it rather harshly, having come from bigger cities with extravagant entertainments.

“Here we are, my dear,” said Silas, pointing to a row of seats near the stage.

“Thank you.” Before I sat, I glanced over my shoulder, spying several people I knew, including the sheriff’s wife and Doctor Walker and his wife, Grace.

Clarissa and Jane hadn’t sat yet when someone strode across the stage, and I recognized him at once. Sheriff Palmer stood before us, looking concerned, and I sensed he was about to impart some news.

“Ladies and gentleman. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening’s pleasure, but I have an announcement to make. An hour ago, I was informed of an incident at a farmhouse in Fern Valley. The attack occurred several days ago, but due to the isolation of the family, the bodies were not discovered until today.”

A shocked hush descended, and I reached for Silas’s hand. “Was it our bear?”

The sheriff, as if overhearing me, said, “This attack occurred after the death of the bear at the Fossett farm. Unfortunately, we are dealing with
another
feral bear. I’ve sent my deputy to notify those at other establishments, but I felt it pertinent to inform you of what I know. I suggest you be mindful tonight about your surroundings. Don’t linger too long outdoors.”

“Not again, Tate,” said a female voice behind us. Mrs. Palmer got to her feet, her face ashen. “How many of these creatures are out there? How on earth will we protect ourselves, when these bears come crashing through windows and doors?”

“Calm yourself, my dear. There’s no reason to start a panic.”

No sooner had he said those words than people sprang to their feet, hastening for the doors, while Silas stood beside me looking earnest. “We aren’t safe, sir. People on farms are in danger. I suggest everyone stay in town tonight. I’ll offer half price on any room at my hotel. We’ll move the furniture in the dining room, and people can sleep there for free.”

“That’s generous of you, Mr. Hefferman.” The sheriff glanced at those of us that remained. “Folks are welcome to stay in town. If you don’t feel safe traveling tonight, I suggest you take a room at the hotel.”

My sister and brother were home alone! This realization hit me physically, my head snapping back. “Amelia! Tom!” I sprang to my feet, meaning to pass Silas, but he grabbed me. “My siblings are home alone! I have to go.”

“How will you get there?”

I stared at him, fully expecting he would offer to drive me, but he said nothing. “Pa’s at Mrs. Harris’s house. He’ll have to go home. I have to go home.”

“That’s a dreadful idea,” said Susan. “I’d stay in town if I were you. You’re more than welcome to a room at the hotel. We’ve private family quarters on the third floor.”

Pushing my way past Silas, I said, “Thank you, but I have to go.” The theatre had emptied, leaving only a few families, who spoke with the sheriff, while his wife sat stonily, her hands clasped in her lap.

“She’ll be fine, Silas,” I heard Susan say, as I hurried up the aisle. “You needn’t put yourself in danger. Being on the road tonight is certain death.”

Several people lingered in the entranceway, talking, and I shoved open the doors, bursting out onto the boardwalk, where I ran across the street to the saloon, which teamed with men and saloon girls in frills and lace. Entering the establishment, several heads turned in my direction.

“Hello, honey,” said a man in a shirt and vest. “You looking for a good time?”

I craned my neck to find Micah, seeing him at the bar with a glass of whiskey before him. He sensed my attention, turning to greet me. “Saffron. What in tarnation are you doing here? The show can’t be over yet. It hasn’t even started.”

“Have you heard?”

“What’s the matter?”

“Another bear’s attacked. It killed a family in Fern Valley. They say it’s a different bear. There are more than one!” My voice had risen, and I had been overheard, as a murmur went through the crowd. “There’s been another attack!”

Micah slid from the stool, reaching for his hat. “Your sister and brother are home alone.” He grasped my arm, propelling me towards the door. “We need to find your father right this minute.”

Before we exited the saloon, the sheriff arrived, followed by his deputy. I heard him say, “Listen up, folks. I’ve some bad news.”

Worried over my brother and sister’s welfare, we hurried down the street, past the livery to Mrs. Harris’s house, finding a light on in the front window. Pa’s horse and wagon remained out front; the animal had been nibbling on a pile of hay.

I pounded on the door. “Pa!” Trying the knob, I found it unlocked. Micah and I entered, standing in a small parlor. “Pa?”

He appeared at the top of the steps. “Saffron? What’s the matter?”

“There’s been another bear attack! Amelia and Tom are home alone!”

“What’s the matter?” asked Maggie. “Who’s attacked?”

“The sheriff came to the theater to tell us about it. It happened a few days ago, after we killed the bear at our house. There are more out there.”

“Dear Lord.” Pa raced down the steps. “Lock the doors, Maggie! I have to go.”

“Goodness, I hope everyone’s all right.” She gripped the banister.

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” said pa. “Thank you for supper.” He hurried towards me, snatching his rifle from the table before the sofa. “Let’s go.”

Pa raced to harness Bonnie, while I waited by the wagon, glancing into the darkness and worrying about what might be lurking there.

“My horse is at the livery. You go on. I’ll catch up in a moment,” said Micah.

The wagon lurched forward after pa released the brake. “Get in, honey. Let’s go. What else did the sheriff say?” He held the lines, as Bonnie trotted forward.

“Just that there’s been another attack. I can’t believe it. It’s too dreadful to contemplate. I thought this was over.”

“More bears are suffering from rabies than we thought. I pray Tom and Amelia are well. If I had any idea things weren’t safe, I never would’ve left them home alone.”

“Do you think Maggie will be safe?”

“The animals don’t want to come to town. All the attacks were further out or near the woods. I feel certain she’ll be fine.”

“Silas is staying in town.” The memory of moments before drifted through my mind, turning my mouth down. His behavior had not pleased me in the least. I felt gravely disappointed in him, and he would have to redeem himself in some manner, or else I had to seriously consider whether or not I wanted to continue to court him. But … those were the least of my concerns at the moment.

As we neared the outskirts of town, I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Micah thundering towards us. His compassion and concern over my welfare and the welfare of my family had certainly earned my respect and gratitude. If only Silas was as concerned, but it seemed his own well-being mattered more to him than my health and safety.

Micah’s horse trotted next to the wagon. “I wonder if I shouldn’t go ahead to your farm?”

“I’d be mighty obliged, if you did,” said pa. “I considered taking Bonnie and leaving Saffron at Maggie’s, but I changed my mind about that.” He glanced at me. “You might’ve been better off in town, honey.”

“I’m exactly where I want to be.” Movement behind Micah caught my eye, as a rider approached. “Who is that?” We turned to look, and, as the man came into view, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Silas!”

“Ho!” he cried, waving. “I hope you can forgive me, Saffron. I’ve been entirely remiss. I owe you an apology.”

Seeing him gladdened me. “I thought you’d stay where it’s safe.”

“I’d be a heel to do that.” He nodded towards Micah. “We should run up ahead and see to Tom and Amelia’s safety.”