Touching the Sky (17 page)

“No doubt he’s anxious to gather any helpful information for his cause,” Brandon said, frowning. “Do you suppose your sister might be of help?”

“Carissa? She hates the affairs of men.” Then Laura remembered something Carissa had told her a while back. “She did mention that Malcolm is using the first floor bedroom as an office. Carissa had no idea why he would need an office.”

“Does he keep it locked?” Brandon asked.

“That would be my guess. Although I really don’t know. I suppose I could go visit Carissa and see for myself.”

“I don’t like the idea of putting you in danger, but that would be useful information.”

Laura nodded. “I’ll see if I can convince Mother that we need to call on Carissa Monday. Would that be too soon?”

“It would be perfect. What time do you think you’ll call?”

“I’ll suggest that we should take Carissa to lunch. We’ll send a note to her tonight.”

“No, don’t. It would be better if Malcolm doesn’t suspect anything. Just show up to see her.”

Laura knew it wouldn’t be hard to convince her mother that they should call on Carissa. Just that morning her mother had been adamant that they needed to discuss the upcoming holidays.

“I imagine supper is ready,” Laura said. She glanced toward the house and remembered something. “I wanted to ask you about your mother and father,” she said, disappointed that they needed to go inside. “Perhaps you could tell me about them after we eat?”

“Perhaps,” Brandon replied. “But I was rather hoping you would play for me tonight. I’ve enjoyed those times when you’ve offered us entertainment.” He gave her arm a squeeze. “I find I enjoy very nearly anything, so long as you’re involved.”

Laura found herself flushing from his sweet comments. Without meaning to be so bold, she looked into his face. “I feel exactly the same where you are concerned. I find myself content to merely sit in your presence.”

“Don’t we sound like ever the boring old couple,” Brandon said with a laugh.

“Comfortable,” she replied. “Not boring and certainly not old. We’re just comfortable with each other. That’s something I’ve not experienced with a man before. Most of the boys who tried to court me were awkward and annoying. They either talked of themselves or tried constantly to steal a kiss.”

Brandon roared with laughter at this. “I’d thought of doing just that, but I suppose now I shall have to refrain. I wouldn’t want it said that I was awkward or annoying.”

Laura felt her heart skip a beat. She would have loved nothing better than having Brandon steal a kiss. She tried to appear ever so casual as she entered the house. “I seriously doubt you are awkward at anything you set to do.” She paused to throw him a smile, and her breath caught in her throat.

Brandon’s eyes seemed to burn in the glow of the window lamps. He leaned close and whispered. “One day . . . perhaps we shall put that thought to the test.”

Laura trembled as he took hold of her hand and drew her fingertips inches from his lips. “Hopefully that day will come sooner . . . than later.”

Laura might have fainted dead away had her father not appeared in the hall. “There you two are. I thought I might have to send someone for you. Brandon, I think you’ll be pleased with the fare tonight. We were lucky enough to be given a roast. Imagine that! It’s been so long since I’ve had a decent piece of beef that I am thrilled at the prospect. I don’t know when I’ve ever longed for anything quite so much.”

Brandon looked at Laura and gave her a wink. “Neither do I.”

L
aura and her mother tried to visit her sister the next day and several days following, but Malcolm always met them at the door, claiming she was indisposed. Then notes began to arrive in her sister’s handwriting, telling the family that she was suffering headaches or fatigue and that she didn’t wish to have any company.

When this continued for nearly two weeks, Laura’s fears began to escalate. Her mother, too, was greatly concerned—enough so that she’d asked Laura’s father to seek out Malcolm at the flour mill to find out what was going on.

“The entire situation is far too secretive,” Mother declared. “My son-in-law barely bids me good-day, then denies me the right to see our daughter.”

Father had initially brushed aside her insistence. However, when Mother refused to let the matter drop, explaining that no one had seen anything of Carissa in half a month’s time, Father finally agreed. Laura felt a sense of relief and dread mingled as one. What if Malcolm refused to tell her father what the problem was? What if he refused to allow them to see Carissa at all?

Stanley Marquardt arrived home around four thirty, and to Laura’s surprise, Brandon was at his side. She hurried to greet the men, giving her father a quick peck on the cheek.

“Did you see Malcolm?”

“No.” Her father looked to Brandon, who seemed just as disturbed.

“What’s wrong?” Laura asked. She stepped closer to her father. “Mother had a headache and is resting, but you must tell me what’s going on.”

Father met her worried gaze. “No one at the flour mill even knew Malcolm. He’s never held a position there.”

Laura felt as if the air were suddenly sucked from the room. “What?” she gasped. “But where is he getting the money to support himself and Carissa?”

“Most likely he’s gambling,” her father replied. “I’ve been told more than once that he has a weakness for cards.”

Laura looked at Brandon. They’d both had suspicions of Malcolm’s underhanded dealings. His financial support was probably aided by those covert activities, as well.

“I’m very worried, Father. I think we should make plans to go over to their house late in the evening. They would have to be there then.”

Her father considered this for a moment. “I might be able to arrange that later. For now, however, we have three men joining us for supper. I’m hoping you can make the necessary arrangements since your mother is incapacitated.”

“Of course,” Laura replied. “I’d be happy to.” She looked to Brandon. “And will you be staying, as well?”

“Indeed. Two of the men are actually guests of mine in a way. I know one from the war.”

Laura nodded. “I’m sure I will be happy to meet them both. When should we plan for supper, Father?”

“I believe six o’clock will give our guests plenty of time, don’t you?” he asked Brandon.

“That should be fine. Will said they were going to check in at the hotel and then ride over. I would imagine they will be here most any time.”

Laura glanced at the grandfather clock. “I’ll speak to Cook right away.” She left the two men and hurried to the kitchen.

The heavyset woman was humming as she stirred a pot at the stove. She glanced up and smiled when Laura entered the room.

“Ya looks happy, Miss Laura. I’m guessin’ that Mr. Brandon be here.”

Laura smiled. “He is and he’s staying for supper. There will be two other guests besides him. Father wanted me to let you know so you could have the table set accordingly.”

The older woman nodded. “I’s gonna have us a mighty fine supper. Got dem cheesy grits Mr. Brandon like and a hot peach pie jes outta the oven. I fixed it jes hopin’ it would bring him along to the house. Be nice and cooled off by the time they be ready for it.” She paused for a moment and tapped her chin. “Believe I’ll open up some tomato preserves an’ slice up some of dat fresh rye bread Miz Clarence’s girl brung over.”

The Clarence family lived at the bottom of the bluff and they were always sharing wonderful recipes or delicacies from the kitchen. Laura looked to the counter where a large fish was laid out, ready to go into the oven. “It all sounds wonderful. Father said we should eat around six.”

Cook nodded. “I see to it, Miss Laura. You can rest assured. I gots Effie help’n me today.” Effie was Cook’s fourteen-year-old granddaughter.

Laura started to go, then remembered her mother. “Could you please send Effie upstairs to see if Mother needs anything? I’d go myself, but I’m afraid she’d detain me.” She turned, but stopped again. “Oh, and please have Effie tell Mother that father has business associates attending dinner, as well.”

“I send her a’right.” She headed for the back door and called out for her granddaughter.

With that, Laura made her way back to her father and Brandon, who were greeting two newly arrived guests. She heard one of the men call Brandon
Captain
, and knew this must be his friend from the war.

The men caught sight of her and paused in their conversation. Laura’s father motioned her to join them. “Gentlemen, this is my daughter Laura.”

“Ma’am,” the two men said in unison, giving a slight bow.

Laura smiled. “Gentlemen.”

Brandon furthered the introductions. “This is William Barnett and his friend Tyler Atherton. Barnett and I met each other during the war.”

“Well, any friend of Mr. Reid’s is certainly welcome here. Can I offer you gentlemen something to drink? Supper will be ready shortly, but I could have Cook prepare some coffee or tea.”

“No, thank you,” William Barnett replied. “We don’t want to cause any inconvenience.”

“It wouldn’t be any trouble,” Laura assured him.

Barnett shook his head. “We’re fine.”

Laura looked to Mr. Atherton, who nodded in agreement. “Just fine, ma’am.”

Brandon turned to Laura. “Will and Tyler have come from the Dallas area to purchase some breeding stock for their ranches up north. Your father has agreed to write them letters of introduction on my behalf since I’ve known Will for many years.”

“In fact,” her father said, “I will see to that just now. Laura, why don’t you entertain our guests?” He smiled at the men. “My daughter is an accomplished pianist and singer.”

“Indeed she is,” Brandon agreed.

“I’m sure we would enjoy such entertainment,” Tyler Atherton said, smiling.

Laura felt her cheeks flush a bit, but nevertheless led the way to the music room. She was disappointed that she couldn’t learn more from her father about Malcolm and Carissa. Hearing that Malcolm didn’t have a job at the flour mill meant Malcolm had lied to them—lied about a simple job. Carissa was certain he worked at the mill; how would she react when she learned the truth?

More than ever, Laura felt the urgent need to see Carissa and know if she was well.

Laura frowned and pulled out the piano bench. She picked up several pieces of sheet music and positioned them in a pleasing order. Brandon came to her side as the other men took their seats.

“Shall I turn the pages for you?”

She looked up and nodded. “Thank you.”

Laura began to play a popular tune that had come out during the war. The men listened in appreciation, keeping time by tapping their feet. She picked up the pace a bit and thought the melody quite gay. So much better than the sad songs of war and lost love.

After that she played several classical pieces that she’d long ago memorized, and by the time she was ready to return to the sheet music, her father had joined them. Seeing it was nearly six, Laura got to her feet. Just then Effie popped into the room and gave a deep curtsy.

“Supper be ready, Mr. Marquardt.”

“Thank you, Effie.” He motioned for Laura to come to his side. He took hold of his daughter almost possessively. “If you’ll follow me, gentlemen.”

Over supper they discussed life in Texas both before the war and during it. Laura learned that Mr. Barnett was a married man with children, while Mr. Atherton was working to reestablish his family’s ranch.

“We struggled—not so much from the war, but rather the Comanche,” Tyler explained while helping himself to a basket of bread.

“We often hear of the Comanche and Kiowa problems up north,” Laura’s father said.

“And when you combine the war and the torn allegiances,” Tyler continued, “it’s been a very dark time indeed. It was as if Texas had its own separate war of aggression.”

“And do I understand correctly that you both served in the war, but on opposite sides?” Father asked.

Mr. Barnett nodded. “My father was a strong Union supporter.”

“And what of you, Mr. Barnett?” Laura asked.

The man shrugged. “I was a strong supporter of my father.” He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I never wanted war and would probably have gone on happily running the family ranch had he not insisted my brother and I join him to defend the Union. They gave their lives and I took a bullet, so the price was high.”

Laura heard the sadness in his voice. “We saw many families at odds with one another. I pray now we will find a spirit of unity—that God can somehow knit us back together.”

“That is my prayer, as well,” Mr. Barnett admitted.

“What are your thoughts, Mr. Atherton?” Brandon asked. “Are you ready to put the war behind you, or do you desire, like some, to continue the fight?”

Atherton frowned. “I want to forget it ever took place. I saw a lot of death and suffering. I don’t reckon I want to see that go on. I don’t like other people tellin’ our state what they can and can’t do, but I reckon I wouldn’t go to war over it again.”

The conversation turned again with talk about the year’s ranching in the north. Barnett was anxious to acquire a good bull or two for breeding. He hoped to continue building his herd.

“Now that the war is over, the rest of the country is desperate for Texas beef,” he said, looking at Tyler.

The man nodded. “He’s right. We’ve already been contacted by several investors looking to get our cattle to the yards in Kansas City and Chicago.”

“During the war you couldn’t give the cattle away, especially since the North wouldn’t allow for it. Now everyone’s clamoring for it. Prices are going through the roof. If the railroad investors will pick up laying track,” Barnett declared, “we could haul them all the way up instead of having to drive them. That would keep them a lot fatter.”

“I thought there were issues with driving Texas cattle north,” Laura’s father commented. “Some problem with tick fever, as I recall.”

“There’s always some issue to contend with,” Tyler said. “But desperation makes folks forget their issues. We’ve even heard tell of a man who’s trying to build a stockyard city in the middle of Kansas. Guess time will tell if that comes about.”

“I’m interested in ranching myself,” Brandon said, surprising Laura. “As I was telling you, I grew up raising horses, but of late I’ve found more and more interest in beef. I suppose I would do well to talk to you more on the details of such a life.”

“You’d be welcome to come up and learn the ropes, so to speak,” William Barnett told him. “Cattle ranching is sure to be a lucrative business for as long as there are people. Even though we had lean times during the war, it wasn’t for a lack of interest or need from the general population. Had the North not put embargoes on the South and refused to allow the sales, we could have easily continued selling cattle. I’m sure between the two of us,” he said, motioning to Tyler, “we could teach you just about everything you’d need to know for ranching in Texas.”

Laura was eager to hear Brandon’s response, but just then Effie brought in the fish platter and the talk moved back to the food. By the time the dessert was set before them, Laura found the men far more interested in talking about the growth of Corpus Christi.

The men retired for a time after the meal and it was nearly an hour later before Laura saw anything of Brandon again. He threw her an apologetic smile as he walked into the front parlor where she was reading.

“Would you care for some company?”

“Of course. I was nearly ready to take up smoking cigars so that I could join you.”

Brandon laughed. “There was very little smoking going on, so that might have been quite a shock.” He took a seat beside her on the settee. “You look lovely tonight.”

“I could be wearing a flour sack and you’d say that,” Laura said, closing her book. “But thank you.”

“I would pay good money to see you wear a flour sack,” he said in a hushed whisper.

Laura looked at him in shock. “Mr. Reid, how positively scandalous you’ve become.”

He gave her a look that suggested she’d started the scandal, then grinned. “Nevertheless, I speak the truth.”

“Sometimes,” Laura said, growing thoughtful, “I still marvel at how you came into my life. Who would have thought that such an ugly ordeal in the back alleys of Corpus Christi could have led to such a beautiful acquaintance? It was as if God Himself had a hand in putting us together—as if there were a purpose in it all. I suppose I believe there was.”

Brandon’s face took on a pained expression before he looked away. Laura wasn’t sure what caused his discomfort but figured it might well be embarrassment at how he had acted that day so long ago. Then again, maybe she’d been too forward. Embarrassed, she decided to bring up her brother-in-law.

“I know you said there were men watching Malcolm. Is he still in town? I haven’t been able to see Carissa in weeks, and we’re sick with worry.”

“As I told your father, Malcolm is still in town and returns to the house each evening. Those watching him have seen a woman fitting Carissa’s description and believe her to be safe. Other than that, I have very little information about her well-being.”

“If she’s there, then I’m going to see her,” Laura said, looking at the clock. It was nearly nine and she knew that Brandon and the others would soon be leaving. “Perhaps you can drive me over there now?”

He shook his head. “Your father said you would ask, but he didn’t want me to take you. He wants a chance to speak to Malcolm first. I think you should allow him that.”

“But Carissa might need me.”

“If she does, your father will hopefully be able to learn that, as well. He would probably rather I not tell you this, but he plans to go there quite early in the morning. Give him that, Laura. Afterward, if Malcolm still keeps you from seeing Carissa, I will help you.”