Cutty (Prairie Grooms Book 8) (4 page)

* * *

Cutty ordered tea and biscuits, then turned to Imogene after Mrs. Upton returned to kitchen. “I … I’ve missed ya.”

Imogene smiled. “I rather missed you, too.”

He fidgeted in his chair. “So are ya still mad at me?”

She put a hand to his cheek. “No. I can’t stay mad at you, even if you are an old fool.”

“I ain’t a …” He reached up and put a hand over her own. “… then again, yer right, I am. I don’t know what you see in me.”

“Right now I see a man struggling with what to do.”

Cutty gazed at her. She could read him like a book. Of course, considering how many books she’d read to him while he recuperated from his burns, she should. He could read her too, and noticed the light in her eyes. “What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking,” she said, letting her hand fall away. “You do understand why it’s best we not marry yet?”

“I suppose.”

“You know I have your best interests in mind, along with Newton and Nettie’s. How can I help you?”

Cutty could only stare. “You wanna help?”

“Of course I want to help, you silly man. This is too big for you to face alone. But I’m not sure how.”

His eyes darted to the kitchen door and back. He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “I came up with an idea how to spend more time with Newton, like I did with Nettie. I need to get to know him better before I tell ‘em anything.”

“Why, Cutty, that’s a splendid idea. How are you going to do it?”

“Well, Ryder’s gonna build a house and asked if I’d help. So I’m gonna ask Newton to help too.”

“Maybe that’s why Constance is having the family to dinner,” she mused.

“What do ya think? It is a good idea?”

“I just said so, didn’t I? It’s wonderful – except that I won’t see you as often.”

“I know it has its drawbacks,” he said. “But we both know I gotta see this done.”

Her eyes softened, melting his heart. “I’ll help you any way I can – if it means not seeing you for a time, then so be it. Besides, I think it will do you good to spend time with your son.”

“Ya could come out to Ryder’s place for a few days …”

“I’ll do nothing of the kind. “You know very well there would be no place for me to sleep – I’m too old to bed down in the barn.”

Cutty’s eyes darted to the door again. Mrs. Upton could come back at any moment. “After Ryder builds his house, his old one’s gonna be empty.”

“I would imagine so.”

“He offered it to me.” He gazed into her eyes and smiled. “Right cozy little place it is, too.”

“Cutty, what are you saying?” she said with a smile of her own.

“Ya know perfectly well what I’m sayin’,” he said in a low voice.

Mrs. Upton entered the dining room. “Here you go,” she said as she set their tea tray on the table. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No, thank you,” Imogene said.

“It’s nice to see you,” Mrs. Upton told her. “My, but it’s been a while.” She smiled at Cutty, then turned back to Imogene. “Are you going to be in town long enough to attend the ladies’ sewing circle?”

“Good heavens, is it Thursday already?” Imogene said. “I had no idea. Neither Belle nor Sadie said a word to me about it this morning.”

“They probably figure you plan to attend, then ride home with them,” Mrs. Upton suggested. “You should go. You missed last week’s.”

“I’ll do what I can,” Imogene said.

“Wonderful! I made cookies just for the occasion!” Mrs. Upton bustled back to the kitchen.

“That woman sure loves to cook,” Cutty remarked.

“And I suppose if you have me tucked away in that new little house of yours, you’ll expect me to do the same?”

“Well … it ain’t like we’re gonna hire a cook and a maid now, is it?”

“I said nothing of the kind. Pour the tea.”

“Why should I marry such a bossy woman?” he groused as he reached for the pot.

“Because you can’t help but do as I say,” she said proudly.

“And why is that?” he demanded as he handed her a cup.

She gave him a bright smile. “Because you know you love me, you old coot.”

He poured his own cup, set the teapot down and glared at her. “And you love me, so that makes us even, don’t it?”

“I suppose it does,” she said and took a sip of her tea.

“Women!”

“Oh, be quiet and enjoy your tea, will you?” she said. “Then when we’re done you’d best find Newton.”

“Yeah, I know,” Cutty agreed. “I just wish I knew where to look.”

Four

“And them there’s rabbit tracks,” Ryder said and pointed.

Newton knelt next to him and studied the ground. “I appreciate you teaching me how to track. Call it a boyhood fancy, but I’ve always wanted to learn. I still can’t get over that you and your brother learned from a woman.”

Ryder chuckled. “In case you ain’t figured it out yet, Mrs. Awahnee ain’t your average woman. I don’t know where she learned to track so well, but she’s the best I’ve ever seen. She and her husband.”

“An odd pair, to be sure,” Newton said and stood. “Have you seen much of them lately?”

Ryder stood as well. “Not much since Amon finished his house. But my guess is they’re still around.”

“I wouldn’t mind spending some time with them.”

“Why’s that?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You don’t meet people like that every day. I find them fascinating.”

“They’re fascinatin’, all right,” Ryder agreed, then changed the subject. “Why don’t we hunt some deer tomorrow? It’d have to be early in the mornin’, though.”

Newton smiled. “Splendid – I look forward to it. But for now, I think I’d best get back to town.”

“I reckon yer kinda lonesome now that yer sister’s married.”

“Yes and no. I don’t have to look after her anymore, so I have time for myself to do things like learn how to hunt and track. But you’re right, I do miss her company.”

Ryder headed for their horses, and Newton followed. “It’s nice to hunt and track, but those things don’t keep ya company, if’n you know what I mean.”

Newton gave him a bemused smile. “You’re talking about women.”

Ryder shrugged. “Well, how can ya not think about ‘em? Yer a healthy man and full-grown. Don’t ya wanna get hitched?”

“One day, but I’m in this country now and I’d like to explore it first.”

“How’s yer sister feel ‘bout that?”

Newton mounted his horse. “What can she say about it? She has a husband. He needs to be her main concern, not me.”

“She’d miss ya if ya left,” Ryder said, mounting up as well.

“Probably, but it’s not like I’m never coming back to Clear Creek.” He gazed at the prairie around them. “This country is beautiful and wide-open. I feel free here.”

“You and a lotta other folks. It’s part of the attraction. When Seth and I first came here, we knew we’d finally found a home. And ya gotta admit, folks in Clear Creek are right friendly.”

“If a little, shall I say, eccentric?”

Ryder laughed and kicked his horse Banjo into a trot. “If that’s a fancy way of sayin’ they’re a little loco, then yeah. But I love ‘em all the same. Even Mrs. Dunnigan.”

“Ah yes, Irene Dunnigan – a fine example. If Napoleon had had her on his side, he’d have won the war!”

They laughed, nudged their horses into a gallop, and soon ended up racing across the prairie. Both were excellent riders, so it came down to who had the better horse. In this case it was Ryder. If he’d had Othello with him, it wouldn’t have been close.

Ryder laughed as they neared their meeting place by a small stream. “Ya gave me a good run!”

“I try, but you’ve the better mount. Banjo is a fine animal. When I get some money I’d like to buy a horse from you one day.”

“One of Othello’s? Sure. But you might wanna talk to the Cookes about that, too – Harrison’s got some beautiful mares, and Othello sure takes to ‘em. A colt or filly from that combo would suit ya mighty fine.”

“I agree, and will keep that in mind when the time comes. First, however, I need to make my way.”

“So ya can do all that exploring ya fancy?”

“So I can afford to, yes.”

“Ya know yer welcome to come help me anytime ya want. I can’t pay ya much, but somethin’s better than nothin’.”

“Thank you, but I was toying with the idea of venturing to Oregon City. I could work there for a time, then start my explorations.”

Ryder watched the horses nibble the grass at the edge of the stream. “I think there’s plenty to explore right here.”

“You’ve already shown me quite a bit of the surrounding countryside. What else is there?”

“Oh, there’s a few spots Seth and I ain’t shown ya yet. For instance, there’s some Injuns nearby.”

“Indians?” Newton said, intrigued. “Really? Are they friendly?”

“They are toward Seth and me. I could introduce ya. So long as yer with us ya’d be safe.”

Newton urged his horse into the stream to let him drink. “I’d like that. When could I meet them?”

“Let me visit ‘em first – as long as they say it’s all right, then we’ll go together.”

“Wonderful. How close are they?”

Ryder rode Banjo into the stream next to Newton’s horse. “Half day’s ride from here, maybe a little longer. Far enough that we’d need to spend the night.”

Newton smiled. “Sounds like the sort of adventure I could use. Until tomorrow, then.”

“Until tomorrow,” Ryder said.

They parted ways, Ryder heading back to his place and Newton back to Clear Creek. They’d been meeting at the stream regularly over the last few weeks, and Newton had learned a lot. When Seth was able, he joined them in their little hunting expeditions, catching mostly birds, rabbits and squirrels. Hunting a deer would be exciting indeed for Newton. The thought made him smile all the way back to town.

* * *

Cutty set down his teacup. “Look, Imogene – there he is.” They’d been sipping tea in the hotel’s dining parlor for the last two hours. Some man was standing in the lobby speaking with Seth. Cutty and Imogene couldn’t see who from their vantage point, but who else could it be?

Sure enough, it was Newton – he looked right at them, nodded to Seth and headed their way. “Don’t be nervous,” Imogene said as he approached. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

“If’n I’m nervous it’s ‘cause yer makin’ me!”

“I’m doing no such thing. Now quiet – here he comes.” They straightened at the same time.

Newton stopped short. “Is something the matter?”

“No, nothin’,” Cutty said with a quick shake of his head. “Have a seat.”

Newton sat and noticed the tea set. “Looks like I’ve missed out.”

“Nonsense,” said Imogene. “Mrs. Upton will make another pot for us.”

“I’ll call her then, shall I?” Newton asked.

“I’ll do it,” Cutty said. “Ya wait right here.” He got up and headed to the kitchen.

Imogene watched him go, then turned to Newton. “I daresay, but you’ve been making yourself scarce lately.”

“I’ve been spending time with Seth and his brother out on the prairie and the surrounding woods. The land here is fascinating. They’ve been kind enough to teach me how to survive in it.”

“You’re bloody joking,” she said flatly. “Why would you want to learn such a thing?”

“So I can explore it on my own.”

“Explore it? My dear boy, whatever for?”

“Because I enjoy it,” he said amused. “What more reason do I need?”

She sighed. “None. You’re perfectly suited to adventure, just as I am. In fact. I’m half-tempted to go with you one day.”

“Come with me tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? What are you doing?”

“Ryder and I are going to hunt deer.”

“A hunt? How lovely.”

Cutty returned to the table with Mrs. Upton in tow. “Why, hello, Mr. Whitman. I’ll make a fresh pot of tea and I just took some cookies out of the oven. Molasses, your favorite.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Upton,” he said with a smile. “I can’t wait.”

Cutty took his seat. “None for me, thanks. I had too many from the last batch.”

“Fine – I’ll just bring enough for the boy here.” Mrs. Upton picked up the tea tray and returned to the kitchen.

“Newton was just telling me that he’s been out on the prairie with Ryder,” Imogene said, turning back to Cutty.

“Is that so? Speaking of Ryder …” Cutty glanced at Imogene, who gave him a barely perceptible nod. “He’s plannin’ on buildin’ himself a new house.”

“He is?” Newton said in surprise. “Why, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“It is?” Cutty said, just as shocked. “’Course, I just found out about it myself.”

“He never mentioned it,” said Newton. “He’s been teaching me how to track and hunt some of the local wildlife. Maybe he didn’t think it was important.”

“Well, I’m gonna lend him a hand with it,” Cutty said with a nervous glance at Imogene. “Ya wouldn’t want to help, would ya?”

Newton sat and thought a moment. “Build a house? I suppose I can say that I have some experience after helping build Amon’s …”

“He could use all the help he can get,” Cutty said. “It’s the least ya could do since him and his brother are teaching ya how to track and hunt. Consider it a trade.”

“Yes. And I do need to start earning my keep around here. It will give me something to do while I decide where to go.”

“G-go?” Cutty sputtered. “Go where?”

Newton smiled at them. “Exploring.”

“Explorin’? What do ya wanna do that for?” Cutty asked.

“Because I can. All I need is a little money, and I don’t mind working to acquire some.”

“Ya cain’t go explorin’ now!” Cutty said in protest.

“Why not?” Newton asked, confused.

“Well … ‘cause of Ryder’s house, that’s why!”

“I’ll help him build his house, then I’ll go.” Newton watched Mrs. Upton come out of the kitchen with the cookies and a fresh pot of tea and set them on their table. “Thank you,” he said with a smile.

“Anything for you, honey! Now I better go see about lunch for Mr. Van Cleet. He’s in town today.” Before anyone could comment, she turned and left.

Newton watched her disappear, then reached for a cookie. “I was thinking of going to Oregon City,” he announced.

“Why?” Cutty almost spilled the tea he’d started to pour.

“Good heavens, man!” Imogene cried. “Be careful with that, it’s hot.”

Cutty ignored her and set the pot down. “Ya cain’t go to Oregon City!”

“Why are you suddenly concerned about where I go?” Newton asked.

Inspiration struck. “Nettie needs you here.”

“Nettie doesn’t need me – she has Amon.”

Cutty opened his mouth to speak.
I need you …
was on the tip of his tongue, but he held it.

“What Cutty means is,” said Imogene, “that after you help Ryder with his house, the weather will start to turn. Nettie has never spent a winter here – she’d need all the aid she can get. Besides, it would be bad weather for traveling – to Oregon City or anywhere. It’s mid-September already. Waiting until spring would be far safer.”

“Yeah!” Cutty put in. “That’s what I meant!”

“I see. You do have a point. I suppose I could wait until spring, but … I just hate being idle. I need to be doing something.”

“Ain’t buildin’ a house enough to do?” Cutty asked.

“Yes, until it’s done,” Newton pointed out.

“Well, what if Ryder needs help with them horses of his?” Cutty asked.

“All two of them?” Newton asked with a smile and took a sip of tea.

Cutty rolled his eyes. “He’s always got those mares comin’ by to be with Othello. And you know all ‘bout horses, just like he does.”

“He did offer me some work along those lines, with pay, though it wouldn’t be much.”

“There, ya see?” Cutty said. “Ya got yourself a job. Work for Ryder, then come spring ya’ll have six month’s worth of money to go explorin’ with.”

“I could at that,” Newton mused. “Nettie might not mind as much then.”

“Mind what?” Cutty asked.

“My leaving – what else?”

* * *

“He can’t leave,” Cutty insisted as he walked.

“Calm yourself, will you?” Imogene said as she strode next to him. They’d left the hotel after tea with Newton and were heading for the mercantile. “Besides, I think we convinced him not to leave until spring anyway.”

“I know. But I still don’t like it!”

“I don’t see why you’re so upset,” she told him. “He’s going to help with Ryder’s house, which means that the two of you will have plenty of time to get to know each other. That was your plan, wasn’t it? So what
is
the problem?”

“I … well, I …”

“For heaven’s sake, this is what you wanted!”

“Yeah, but now that I got it, I’m gonna have to do somethin’ with it. I just ain’t sure what.”

Imogene sighed as she shook her head. “You’re going to worry yourself to death.”

“If’n I tell Newton who I am and he gets mad, death’s likely what I’ll get.”

“He’ll do nothing so drastic,” she assured him. “He’s hardly the type.”

“How do ya know? Ya don’t know no more about him than I do.”

She stopped them both. “I don’t, do I? Even if I know very little, I still know more than you.”