The Visions of Ransom Lake (9 page)

“
Don’t make it sound like an execution, Vaden.”

“
But he’s not…he’s not…”

“
Him
,” Yvonne finished for her. “Who is he, Vaden? You act as if you’ve already unearthed him. And knowing you, that’s probably literal.”

Vaden wanted to confess to her sister—to shout,
He’s Ransom Lake! Can’t you understand that?
But she knew she dared not, for Yvonne would not understand. Yvonne did not see Ransom Lake as Vaden did. Her eyes were blurred by his shaggy appearance and lack of social graces.

And so she endured supper with Jerome. Rather, she tried to enjoy it. He was forever staring at her, flashing his charming smile in her direction, inquiring about aspects of her life and family back east. Yvonne was delighted, and Vaden knew it was because she had hopes this charming, good-looking young man would have a settling effect on her sister’s wild-hare ways.

But Vaden knew. She knew herself, and she could never settle for Jerome Clayton. And that is what it would be, were she to further encourage his attentions. Settling, settling for far, far less than she wanted, needed, would accept.

“
You’ll have to take Vaden out to Vaughn’s pumpkin patch when he harvests, Jerome. I’m certain she would love to meander through the vines,” Myra suggested. Vaden sighed heavily, though she forced a smile at Jerome.

“
It’s quite a sight to see, Miss Vaden. Wagons and wagons full of pumpkins. Yep, I’ll be sure and take ya ’round when the time comes.” Jerome winked at Vaden and continued with his meal. Vaden found it nearly impossible to stomach eating her own. Myra was a wonderful cook, but the company was affecting Vaden’s appetite.

“
Ol’ Ransom Lake seems to be farin’ well,” Dan stated. “I don’t wonder if havin’ people so close might bother him. He seems to take to Vaden though. I suppose it’s because she’s so honest in what she says to him.”

Every mouth at the table stopped chewing, and every fork or spoon paused in midair as all eyes turned to Vaden. She felt her cheeks begin to heat, and though she loved her Uncle Dan dearly, she could have pinched him hard for bringing up the subject.

“
Just exactly what did you say to him today that was so honest, Vay?’ Yvonne asked, the snap in her voice all too apparent.

“
Nothing. I…I…” Vaden stammered as she looked to her Uncle Dan for salvation.

“
She plumb blurted out why it is that all the townsfolk avoid him so. Ya know…why nobody seems to feel comfortable ’round the man,” Dan answered for her.

“
And, uh, just what reason is that, Vaden, dear?” Myra asked, though it was obvious she was uncomfortable speaking about another man in front of their guest.

“
People are intimidated by him. Frightened at his unconventional ways. That’s all,” Vaden admitted. She looked at Jerome, whose smile had faded and whose eyes were narrow as they studied her intently. Again, the hair at the back of her neck prickled as she looked at this man. Something just didn’t set right in her estimation of his character. However, he grinned at her a moment later.

“
I figure ya got that one square on the head, Miss Vaden,” he said in a low voice. “Looks to me like readin’ people is another one of your many lovely attributes.”

Vaden somewhat resented his syrupy compliment, but she forced a friendly smile and said, “Thank you, Mr. Clayton, but you are far too flattering to me.”

“
No one could ever be too flattering to you, Miss Vaden,” he responded, winking at her. Vaden could not help the blush that rose to her cheeks. It was embarrassing to have himso obviously flirting with her in front of her family. She knew she would never hear the end of it, one way or the other, from any of them.

Later that night, Vaden folded the small square of muslin protecting two tiny apple seeds and placed it under her bed in one of the large, well-worn boots she hid there. As she did this, Vaden further knew she could never love Jerome. At least, she could not naturally fall in love with him. It would be an actual effort to love him as everyone thought she should or might. And though love alone was enough for some women, it was not for Vaden Valmont. She needed to be
in
love. She needed to have someone be in love with her. Still, as she lay in bed, she wondered if she were doomed to be joined forever to a man she merely tolerated. She knew the man she truly wanted was out of reach—too distant from life and wanting it that way.

Then everything, all the thoughts and emotions bursting about in her mind, could stay silent no longer, and as she pulled her quilt up around her neck, she whispered, “Vonnie? Promise you won’t speak of this to anyone?”

Immediately, Yvonne was alert and sitting up in bed. She knew all too well whenever Vaden spoke that particular phrase, the information she was about to divulge was worth listening to. Furthermore, as she swore, “I promise,” she knew Vaden was confident in her sister’s loyalties. Yvonne Valmont would never repeat whatever it was her sister was about to confide in her.

“
Today,” Vaden began in a whisper, “today when Uncle Dan and I went out to deliver those things to Ransom Lake…”

“
Yes? What?” Yvonne anxiously prodded.

Suddenly Vaden sat up and blurted out, “Oh, my goodness, Vonnie! He came out of the house in nothing but his boots and trousers!”

“
Do you mean to tell me he appeared before you with only his undershirt covering his torso?” Yvonne was indeed stunned.

“
No, Vonnie! He wore only his boots and trousers. There was nothing covering his…his…chest!” Vaden confessed. Yvonne gasped in horror. Vaden continued, trying to lessen the shock. “Well, he did have his suspenders on, but they were hanging about his hips and legs, so I don’t suppose you could actually count them as being worn…because, of course, they weren’t being worn. They were just hanging there.”

“
Vaden! Do you mean to tell me that you’ve…that you’ve witnessed…”

“
Yes, Vonnie. I have. I’ve seen a man bare from the waist up. And let me tell you this. It is very unsettling—very unsettling, indeed!”

“
Well, do you mean good unsettling or bad unsettling? Really, Vaden, try to be more specific.” Yvonne’s eyes were as large as supper plates, and Vaden had a moment of delight in the fact she had a knowledge her sister did not.

“
Oh, good unsettling, definitely. But…I do think that it would depend on whose bare torso one was viewing. The torso of Ransom Lake was rather…sculpted, I suppose. So obviously solid and defined. I never quite imagined one to look as it did. I’m certain if you were to push at it with your index finger, it would be as solid as stone.”

“
Vaden!” Yvonne exclaimed in a whisper, dramatically covering her ears with her hands. “Don’t speak of such things!”

“
And I’m quite certain that were Jerome Clayton to parade around in such a state…well, I’m quite certain…quite certain the view would not be nearly as…nearly as favorable,” Vaden added.

Yvonne sighed and lay back down in her bed, her hand to her forehead. “I’m sure you’re completely and utterly corrupted now, Vay. I’m just glad it wasn’t me who was forced to witness such an indecent display.”

“
You, my dear sister, are lying.” Vaden blew out her candle, snuggling down into her warm bed.



“
One too many sacks of flour, Dan,” Ransom Lake announced in his provocative, deep, mumbling voice as he entered the mercantile early the next morning. Vaden’s heart immediately began to pound as he carried the sack of flour into the mercantile and set it on the floor against the counter. This time it was Vaden’s elbow jabbing Yvonne’s ribs as she noticed her sister curiously staring at Ransom Lake, as if trying to imagine what he would look like bare from the waist up.

“
Well, honesty is a lost virtue these days, Ransom,” Dan said, taking Ransom’s hand and shaking it firmly. “I thank ya, boy.”

Ransom glanced quickly to Vaden, but then his eyes went to Yvonne, lingering on her face for a moment before he leaned on the counter and spoke to Dan. “I hear ya got young Jerome Clayton payin’ worship over here near to five times a day.”

“
It’s them nieces of mine,” Dan chuckled.

Vaden went crimson, knowing full well both men were aware of the discomfort caused her.

“
Ain’t never seen a man so gone on a filly before as that boy is on my Vaden.”

“
Well, it may be ya oughta remind the boy of the bean story ya mentioned yesterday before he’s too far gone.” Ransom turned to Vaden, an unfamiliar smile taking form on his mouth. “So what is the whole bean thing about anyhow, Dan?”

“
Oh! Uncle Dan,” Vaden sighed, her cheeks blushing cranberry. She turned and began frantically dusting the shelves behind the counter.

“
You told him about the lima beans, Vay?” Yvonne whispered softly.

“
I did no such thing!” Vaden whispered in return, grateful that the men’s conversation had turned to other subjects. “Uncle Dan mentioned it.”

Vaden tried to look busy as she eavesdropped on her uncle’s conversation with Ransom Lake. They talked about men-type things, like the new brand Ransom had registered that morning and the horses old man Tilits used to raise before he died—things men liked to discuss—but Vaden found it interesting if for no other reason than to her senses. The sound of Ransom Lake’s voice was like a soothing breeze across the brook.

“
Well, hey there, Mr. Valmont,” Jerome greeted as he entered the mercantile. Vaden sighed heavily and rolled her eyes when she heard Jerome’s voice and felt Yvonne tug at her sleeve. Slowly she turned around, forcing a smile as Jerome’s face immediately lit up at the sight of her. “And to you too, Ransom. But especially to you two ladies, Miss Yvonne, Miss Vaden.”

“
Hello, Mr. Clayton,” Yvonne gleefully greeted. “And what brings you in so early this morning?”

Vaden wanted to turn and run as Ransom Lake’s attention turned to her, his eyebrows raised in obvious mirth at the situation.

“
Oh, just thought I’d stop in and thank ya all again for the wonderful supper and company last evenin’,” he answered.

Vaden battled the guilt that welled up within her. After all, Jerome was a handsome, charming, polite, and perfectly proper young man. But standing there in the same room with the bearded, rather unkempt-looking Ransom Lake, she still preferred the unobtainable to the majority choice.

“
You’re welcome, Mr. Clayton,” Vaden blurted out when Yvonne’s elbow met mercilessly with her rib.

“
Well, I’ll be headin’ back and let ya all visit,” Ransom Lake said as he shook Dan’s hand. “Thanks again, Dan.” He turned to leave but paused. Turning back to the girls and reaching into his shirt, he withdrew a large, golden, perfectly ripened apple. Striding to the counter, he held it out to Yvonne. “I brought this in for ya, Miss Valmont. Your sister got the best one for herself yesterday. I thought ya might enjoy one as well, since I’m sure your Aunt Myra has the rest set aside for what she will.”

Vaden watched, hot with jealousy, as Yvonne tentatively reached out and took the piece of fruit. Vaden also knew Yvonne was most likely dumbfounded Ransom Lake had produced it from within his sleeveless shirt.

“
Why…thank you, Mr. Lake,” Yvonne said, and the smile on her face was nothing but sincere delight. Vaden tried to breathe calmly, tried to force into silence the jealous screech rising in her throat.

Ransom Lake tipped his hat to Yvonne and then turned to leave. “Oh,”he said and stopped as if he had remembered something. Vaden’s heart beat wildly as his attention turned to her. He said, “And look here what I found for you, Miss Vaden.” He reached into his shirt again and withdrew a golden, perfectly formed pear. “I thought ya might like this, bein’ as how ya like to have the best piece of fruit from the highest branch in the tree. I had to climb a ways up to get it, but,” he lowered his voice, and Vaden fancied the gray storm in his eyes almost softened as he looked at her, “I’m sure my petticoats weren’t nearly as well ironed as yours when I dropped off that pear tree limb.” Turning from her, he patted the countertop in front of Dan and said, “Thanks again, Dan. We’ll be seein’ you, Jerome.” He strode out of the store, leaving Vaden’s heart pounding madly and Yvonne’s eyes as wide as platters as she looked at her sister.

“
Petticoats?” Yvonne whispered.

Vaden had no desire to explain the remark to her sister, and although she was jittery inside to near exploding at the attention from Ransom Lake, she dove headlong into a conversation with Jerome in order to deter her sister’s inquisitiveness.

“
We were glad to have you last night, Mr. Clayton,” Vaden said, cupping the pear tightly between her hands.

“
I-I hope ya all will have me over again sometime,” Jerome stammered. He seemed uncertain what to think as he stood staring at Vaden.

“
Certainly! Auntie loves to show off her good cooking.” Vaden was walking on air. Not even the ever-present question of what to do about Jerome Clayton could dampen her mood.

Jerome soon left the store, and Dan went into the back to check some stock. Vaden sighed heavily and bit into the sweet, juicy pear.

“
Vaden Valmont!” Yvonne exclaimed. “Aren’t you going to wash that piece of fruit first? After all, think of where it has been!”

“
I know,” Vaden sighed. “Isn’t it just too delightful?”