Robin (21 page)

            
 
Take care of Robin
.
Had he actually told this stranger to do what he longed to do himself? Judging by the arm Benson had firmly around Robin’s shoulders, it was obvious the man didn’t need any coaching in that area.

              By the time Ty rode to the end of the street, Sam and Rusty returned with the boy. A shudder coursed through him as he observed Jacob riding in the saddle in front of Sam. There was an uncanny likeness.              

              “You let me down. That was Tripper. Put me down!” Jacob kicked and screamed, but Sam rode up to Ty as though he didn’t notice.

              “We lost him, Mr. Morgan. We saw a man and then he was gone. He plumb disappeared into thin air and the dog with him.”

              Ty dragged the fighting boy onto his own horse. “Jacob, stop and listen to me right now.” He put both arms around the boy to still him. “Do you know that man?”

              Jacob struggled to be put down. “It was my dog. It was Tripper. And he was scared cuz everybody was chasing him.” He sniffed. “Put me down. I want to find Tripper.”

              Ty wiped the boy’s face with his handkerchief. “We’ll find Tripper another time. But listen to me, buddy. Don’t you ever go chasing after him again unless we’re with you. Do you understand me?

              “Why?” Jacob shook his head. “Tripper won’t hurt nobody.”

              How could he explain to the boy that it wasn’t the dog that concerned them? But if Jacob knew the man, he wasn’t telling, and that put doubt in Ty’s own mind. Why wouldn’t the boy say? And if the man intended no harm, why didn’t he reveal himself?

              “Jacob, sometimes people ask you to do things for your own good. I’m telling you, for your own good, if you ever go running off like that again you’re going to be in big trouble. Do you hear me?”

              Jacob crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. “I hear, but I don’t like it one bit. I’m telling Robin I’m mad with you.”

              Ty grinned and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Well, you go right ahead and tattle, little man. You aren’t the only one mad at me today.”

              He rode back to Robin and lifted Jacob into her arms. “He’s okay.”

              “Was there someone with the dog, Ty?”

              William took the boy from Robin. “We can discuss this later, Robin. I imagine this boy is hungry, and I know you packed a lunch, so what say we find us a place to eat. Would you care to join us Reverend Morgan? Perhaps you and Miss Blair know of a nice spot to picnic.”

              Though grateful for Mr. Benson’s intervention, Ty didn’t care to share a picnic lunch as a foursome. Neither did he desire to delve into the whole story with half of the church still waiting to see what caused all the commotion. With Benson’s free arm around Robin’s shoulders, and Anna’s gaze shooting arrows his direction, the only thing that could make the day worse would be Henrietta Harvey inviting them all to her home.

              “Oh, Reverend.” Henrietta bustled toward them, arms flapping like wings, with Albert a few steps behind. “I told Albert, I said, ‘Albert, I think it only right that we ask the newcomer to lunch.’ Oh, I know it will be a houseful but my goodness, what’s a little crowd. John, you’re invited, and of course Anna and Florence.”

              “Why, how nice of you Mrs. . . . Mrs. Harvey is it?” William stood Jacob to his feet then took Henrietta’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m sure another time we’d be more than tempted, but Miss Wenghold got up bright and early and packed a lunch for us to enjoy on the way home. I’m from Chicago, you see, so I’m most interested in observing all I can of your beautiful Kansas prairie in the short time I’ll be here.”

              Henrietta pressed the hand William kissed to her cheek. “Albert, see there. Now you know how a gentleman should behave. Your dear Papa used to kiss my hand like that.” She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her pudgy face. “Of course, Mr. Benson. I understand. Uh—did you say how long you plan to stay?”

              Ty swallowed a chuckle as Henrietta’s face turned as pink as Robin’s dress.

              “No, I don’t believe that was stated. I will be here on an extended visit. How extended will depend on Robin.” He smiled at the older woman. “I’m sure we’ll see you at the celebration at Reverend Morgan’s on Independence Day.”

              “Well, I would certainly hope so.” Anna Blair greeted the small knot of people. “Robin, did you plan to keep this gorgeous specimen a surprise?”

              Robin’s brow furrowed as Anna extended her hand to William

              The expression on Anna’s face was new for Ty—like a cat that had cornered the fattest rat in the barn. Why? She could garner all the attention she needed by being Anna. Was it necessary to roll her eyes and lean a bit too close? Benson didn’t seem overwhelmed by the recognition. Either he was accustomed to having women enthralled with him or Anna didn’t make that much of an impression.

              She turned to Robin. “Miss Wenghold, have you given further thought to my earlier request?”

              Ty shook his head. “This is not the time to discuss it, Anna.”

              “But there’s not much time, dear. And you know the house is nowhere near ready for guests.”

              Florence Blair stepped forward and nodded at Ty. “Anna, I’ve told you repeatedly that I would take care of this.” She turned to Robin. “I appreciate your willingness to help, dear, but with your company, I wouldn’t want to take you away. I’ve already arranged with our cleaning lady to take care of anything that needs to be done at Ty’s.” She smiled and squeezed Robin’s hand then turned back to Anna. “Now, we are keeping these friends from their lunch and ours is waiting at home. May we expect you, Ty?”

              “I think not today, Mrs. Blair. It’s been a busy week, and I feel I need this Sabbath Day of rest.              

              “I don’t know why you can’t rest at our house.” Anna pursed her lips in an exaggerated pout. “You know how I hate to be away from you.”

              “Let me walk you to your buggy, Anna.” Ty took her arm and led her away. “I need to talk with my men to see if we can shed some light on what happened with Jacob. He may be in danger.”

              “Then let Miss Wenghold’s uncle or her new man friend take care of it. Why do you find it your duty to care for the homeless child? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you care more for that boy than you do for me.”

              Ty clenched his fists. Embarrassed and angered by her behavior, he tried to hurry her away. “I’m in no mood to argue. It’s not a matter of how much I care for either of you. I’ll see you in two days.

              “I’m not waiting that long, Ty. I plan to be there tomorrow night if I can convince Mother. You will have accommodations for us, won’t you? Perhaps your mother’s large, cheery yellow room?”

              Ty sighed. After she became bedridden, his mother had requested her bedroom painted a soft yellow to remind her of sunshine. And to him the room was nearly sacred. During the last year of her life she continued to conduct the daily business of the Hawk from her bed. Never complaining. Never failing to think of others first. She’d never known anything but love to emerge from that room. Beside that bed, in his mother’s last hours, he’d made the promise to give her ring to Anna. That thought alone kept him from telling Anna there would be no marriage. If he’d learned one thing from both his parents, it was that you never went back on your word. Your word defined you.

He would keep his promise, but he would prepare a different room for Anna and Mrs. Blair.

TWENTY-TWO

              Robin knelt by the open window and gazed into the first rays of morning as they unrolled themselves on the hilltops. She’d spent yesterday baking bread, molasses cookies, and three pies for today’s Independence Day celebration. What would the day bring? How would they keep Jacob in sight with so many people present? William and Uncle John assured her they would help. And she knew Ty would see that Sam and Rusty remained on watch for any stranger who might mix with the crowd. Was she foolish to worry so?

              She loved this time of morning, as she now loved this ranch. Could she return to Chicago after experiencing this prairie and the hills that cradled it? How she would miss the Feather and Uncle John. What would he do? Of course, there were still Wren and Lark. But the thought of her sisters being here without her caused a twinge of jealousy.

              She stood and slipped her arms through the sleeves of her wrapper. She would check on Jacob, set out the fresh bread and extra cookies she’d made for a quick make-do breakfast, and then have time to get herself ready before their departure at nine o’clock.

              One skinny leg hung over the edge of Jacob’s bed, and his arms extended above his head. Even asleep, he looked ready to run. She planted a kiss on his forehead and turned to leave.

              “I’s foolin’ you, Robin. My eyes have been awake for a long, long time. This is the day we go to Ty’s, isn’t it? Maybe me and you can sleep there all night cuz it’s gonna be really, really late when we’re done. And Ty wouldn’t want us to travel in the dark, would he?”

              Robin scooted his leg back onto the bed and sat beside the boy. “We won’t stay all night. Remember, Mr. Benson is our guest and it wouldn’t be polite for us to leave him here. Ty knows Uncle John and William will keep us safe. I don’t want you even suggesting it. You hear?”

              Jacob sat cross-legged in the bed. “Why don’t you want to stay at Ty’s house? He’s real nice.”

              “Because we aren’t married, Jacob.”

              “Oh.” A small frown wrinkled across his forehead. “But sometimes Liam stayed all night with my—” He clapped his hands over his mouth and his eyes widened. “I gotta go use the necessary.” He scooted off the bed and scampered down the stairs before his words registered with Robin.

              Were those tears she’d seen in his eyes? Uncle John and Ty both needed to know what Jacob said. No. For now, she’d keep quiet.

              She met Jacob as he came back into the kitchen. He wouldn’t look her in the eye, and she determined to let the incident pass without questioning him. “Would you like a cookie and some milk or some bread and jam for breakfast?” She pulled out a chair.

              “Can I have two cookies and bread and jam, too? I’m awful hungry.” He tried to wink.

              “Where did you learn to do that? Do you think that will make me let you have your way?” She grinned as she set the cookies in front of him and reached for the bread.

              Jacob shrugged. “I seed Ty and Uncle John do it when you isn’t lookin’.” He stuffed half a cookie into his mouth.

              So those two sneaks winked behind her back? That little bit of information she’d let pass, too. She finished putting the jam on Jacob’s slice of bread and set it on the table. “You go gather the eggs when you’re done eating, then wash your hands and come back upstairs. I’ll lay your clothes out on the bed. Don’t dawdle. We have a big day ahead of us.”

              “What’s dawdle?” He wiped jam from his mouth with his fingers. “Does dawdle mean naughty?” He took a swig of milk.

              “Dawdle is when you don’t do your chores as quickly as possible. It means to move slow and not pay attention to what you’re doing.”

              “What’s pay attention?” He tried to wink again and used his other hand to make his eye stay shut.

              She put her hands on her hips. “No more questions. Eat your breakfast, do your chores, then come back upstairs.”

“Just one more question
?
Pleeeas
e
?” He stood beside the table a mustache of milk still covering his upper lip.

              Robin wiped his face with the dish towel. “One more, but only one.”

              “If I don’t do my chores fast, will Uncle John hit me?”

              Robin sat and took the boy on her lap. She wrapped both arms around him and held him tight. “Jacob, your Uncle John would never hit you.”

              “He hit you.” He turned and buried his head against her.

              “No, he didn’t, Jacob. He threatened to take me over his knee, but he never hit me. And he would never hit either of us.”

              “Would Ty or William hit me?” His voice muffled in the folds of her wrapper.

              “Jacob, no
wI
have a question.” She held him away from her and forced him to look into her face. “Did your pa hit you? Did anyone hit you? Ever?”

              Tears puddled in the boy’s eyes, and he wiped at them with a vengeance. His mouth opened, as though he was going to say something, then he shook his head and scooted out of her embrace. With one hand he pulled his eye down into a wink, then scooted away from her. “I won’t dawdle. Promise.”

              “Oh, sweet boy. I would . . .”

              The door slammed behind Jacob as he raced outside.

              “. . . Give my life for you.” She leaned her head on the hard back of the chair. Perhaps that’s what his mama had done. Ty and Uncle John needed to know. Remaining quiet could do more harm than good.

              She was halfway up the stairs when the door opened again. “Jacob, is that you so soon?”

              “No, it’s me.” Uncle John stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Jacob done passed me like a little windstorm. Is they problems?”

              She went down to join her uncle. “We’ll have to talk fast.”

              “Well, don’t reckon you’re waitin’ on me. Talk.”

              Robin set more cookies and bread on the table and told him what she’d learned. “You want coffee this morning, or a glass of milk?”

              “Coffee. So, are you a thinkin’ this fella what the men saw yesterday might be somebody what hit the boy? Who do ya reckon this Liam might be?”

              “I don’t know.” She poured his coffee then sat down across from him. “But I think we’d better keep a close eye on the little man today. I’d insist we stay home, but that would disappoint him so much. By the way—did you know you and Ty taught him to wink by your shenanigans behind my back? Now he thinks if he winks it’ll make everything okay.” She laughed. “I promised his mama we’d take good care of him and see to it that he grew into a man she would be proud of. I don’t know what I’d do if something were to happen to him.”

              John reached across the table and patted her hands. “First place, ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to the boy without a fight from me and Ty and his men. And me and your Chicago friend done got it planned how we’re not gonna let him out of our sight today.”

              “Do you think William likes him?”

              John shook his head. “I can’t never figger out why it is you young’uns always ask me the questions you oughta be a askin’ each other. If you’s wantin’ to know how William feels about the lad, then you’re a gonna have to ask him yourself. I ain’t talkin for nobody ‘cept me.”

              “Have you seen William this morning? I know he’s been getting up early to ride out into the hills every morning.”

              “He was out helpin’ me but then stopped to go along with Jacob. They’ll be in shortly, I reckon.

              “Then I’m going to go get ready. You can put the dishes in the sink. It won’t hurt to leave them this morning.” She kissed John on the cheek. “I’m not sure why I cry so easily. I don’t suppose my grandmother Wenghold shed many tears, did she?”

              “Not a Wenghold borned what was ever ashamed of tears. She told us boys––me and your papa––it would be a sad day if we was ever to marry a dry-eyed woman. A little salt water runnin’ down your cheeks don’t mean you’re weak. Nope, the way I understand it, the Lord even bottles up them tears they’s so precious to Him. You run on now and get yourself all purtied up.”

###

By the time they arrived, the Hawk was bustling with buggies, wagons, and men and children on horseback. Sam and Rusty seemed in their element as they directed the varying conveyances to positions out of the way of the activity. Long tables stood under the shade of the trees, already laden with food as women proudly unpacked their baskets and unwrapped their prized offerings.

              “Look, Jacob. You won’t have any trouble finding someone to play with.” She slipped her arm around his shoulders. “But you must let us know where you are if you leave this front yard.”

              Jacob leaned his head against her arm. “Do I have to play with them?”

              “Don’t you want to meet some new friends? You’d have fun.”

              “Can I stay with Ty or Uncle John?”

              William tousled the boy’s hair. “Hey, fella. Mr. Morgan is going to be pretty busy with all the guests here today. I don’t know very many people here either, so what you say you and me stick together?”

              Jacob’s brow furrowed. “Are you scared cuz nobody knows you?”

              “Not scared. But I would feel better if I knew you’d be my friend today.”

              Jacob shrugged then smiled. “I’d rather be with Ty, but I reckon you’ll do.” He turned to Robin. “Who’s gonna be your friend? Will you be sad all alone?”

              “I won’t be alone. I see Dolly over there under the trees, so Emma is here. And you and Uncle John and William are here. Maybe I’ll decide to stick with you, too.”

              “Aww, mens don’t need no ladies followin’ ‘em around, do we, Mr. Benson?”

              William laughed. “Hey, speak for yourself. We men think it quite nice if a pretty woman like Robin wants to stick around with us. What say we let her?” He winked at the boy.

              “Well, while you two decide if I can be your friend, I’ll put my food on the table and find Emma. We’ll meet back here at the wagon when they’re ready to eat. Will that give you enough time to be alone with your friend, Mr. Jacob?” Robin reached for the basket of food.

              Jacob made circles in the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Can we eat with Ty?”

              William shook his head at Robin before she could answer. “Guess what? I just happen to have a ball in the wagon. Would you like to play catch? You think you can throw it to me hard enough?”

              Jacob’s eyes lit up. “I can throw it harder than anybody.”

              “Well, that settles it. We’ll be over there in the grassy area by the wagons if you want us Robin.”

              She raised her eyebrows. “Where in the world did you find a ball? You surely didn’t bring it with you, did you?”

              “Shh.” He leaned to her ear. “I have a secret supplier. I can’t tell.”

              John harrumphed. “They’s gonna be callin’ for dinner before the likes of you decide what to do. Don’t know why that’s such a big decision.”

              Robin giggled. “I’m going to set my food on the table, then find Emma. Want to come along?”

              “Now what makes you think I’m gonna spend my day sittin’ with you petticoats? I’ll find Emma by myself when I’m good and ready.” He raised one eyebrow. “Or Emma will find me if she’s a lookin’.”

              Laughing, Robin crossed the lawn to join the other ladies. She recognized a few of them from church, but it helped to know Emma would be by her side. She tried to concentrate on the new dress her sisters had included in her trunk—white lawn fabric, with clusters of red roses embroidered on the skirt. A white dress out here on the dusty prairie wasn’t practical, but she’d worn it anyway. And William’s reaction when she’d come down the stairs this morning made it all worthwhile. His eyes had widened as he gazed from her shoulders to the hem and then into her eyes. Not knowing what else to do, she’d turned away.

              “You’re beautiful,” he’d whispered. “Why has it taken me so long, Robin?”

              She fiddled with her hands. You didn’t tell a man he was beautiful, but she did find him quite handsome. Still amazed that he appeared so much at home here on the Feather, she admired his blue-striped shirt, open at the neck and sleeves rolled to reveal tanned, muscular arms. Today he wore dungarees, like most of the men, and his black boots were polished to a satiny finish. No one would guess he was a Chicago banker.

              Emma smiled as Robin approached. “You look like one of them white prairie flowers, Robin. I declare. Is this a new dress?” She helped Robin unload her basket.

              “Shh. I don’t want the other women to think I’m trying to show off. My sisters packed it in my trunk as a surprise. Isn’t it perfect for Independence Day?” She made a small curtsey and hoped no one besides Emma observed.