Wagonmaster (14 page)

“Addie—”

“It's almost over. You'll be rid of me soon.” She slapped the reins against the oxen. The wagon jerked into motion.

“Wait a minute, damn it.” He hurried to climb onto the seat next to her.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“What the hell is the matter with you?”

She shot him a dark look and turned her attention back to the trail.

“What did I say to make you so angry?”

She didn't answer immediately. After a moment, she shook her head. “Nothing.” Sighing heavily, she tucked a stray lock of hair beneath her bonnet. “Forgive me. I guess I'm just a little grumpy this morning.” She shrugged. “A woman is often grouchy during menstruation.”

He stared at her profile, partially covered by the rim of the velvet bonnet. Grumpy or not, he had the feeling she wasn't being completely honest with him. “Are you sure that's all?”

She nodded. “The usual aches and pains that accompany a woman's time aren't helping my mood. I'm sorry I snapped at you.”

Propping his boots on the front of the wagon, he leaned back and folded his hands behind his head. “How long did you say it's been since you saw your pa?”

“Five years. He came back to Boston for a visit after he built the ranch. He wanted me to finish at school before I joined him. By the time he returned to Baker City, he'd contracted tuberculosis. He really didn't have a choice but to stay here in the mountains. The cool, dry air is the only treatment that seems to help those afflicted with the disease. Many do well in the warmer, dry territories. My father doesn't like the heat. But the humid air in the east made things worse. He couldn't come back for me like he'd planned.”

“Must have been hard for him. I reckon he'll be glad to see you.”

She smiled. “Surprised will be more like it. He doesn't know I'm coming.”

“Couldn't you get word to him?”

“Actually, I'm supposed to be on a ship right now. But sailing from Boston to San Francisco takes almost a year. I've made the trip in less than six months.”

“In other words, your pa will be fit to be tied when he finds out you've risked your life rather than take the longer, safer route.”

She laughed. “I don't doubt it for a minute.” Her voice softened, and her smile disappeared. “But he's been so sick these last two years. According to his symptoms, he may not have much longer. I can make him comfortable. I can't bear the thought of him suffering. And I need to see him again before it's too late. I need to tell him how much I love him.”

Josh pulled his feet down and sat up. “Well, it won't be much longer. It's just another couple of hours. We won't break for lunch until we reach the town.”

Addie turned to him. Her expressive eyes clouded with emotion. “Thank you, Joshua. For everything. I couldn't have made it without you.”

Yes, he saw gratitude in her gaze, but he also found sadness. And something else. Something he couldn't make out. “I should be thankin' you. Half my train would have died if you hadn't been with us, Addie.”

Her lips bent in a small smile. “So you don't regret bringing me along?”

He shook his head. “There's a young woman I know. She's wise beyond her years.” Addie tugged on the reins to slow the wagon when he moved to climb down. Josh grinned and waited for her to look at him. “She says regrets are pointless.” He started to lower himself to the ground but stopped himself. “I could never regret meeting you, Dr. Adelaide Jennings. You're an amazing woman. And I'm one hell of a lucky man to have known you.” Jumping quickly, he didn't give her a chance to respond and he didn't look back. He had to get away from her before he told her the truth. He did have regrets. He'd always wish he'd been the kind of man Addie needed. And he'd bet his last dollar that for the rest of his life he'd regret letting her go.

Untying his horse, he swung into the saddle. But this time he would do the right thing. He wouldn't do to Addie what he'd done to Sarah. He might regret letting her go, but losing her like he'd lost Sarah would kill him.

Just over two hours later, Addie stood on the long wooden walk staring at the sign hanging above her.
Richard Foster, Attorney at Law
. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open to the little office. The man at the desk lifted his gray head and peered over the rim of his spectacles. He stood slowly. “Yes? May I help you?”

It took a moment to realize that this was indeed Richard Foster, her father's lifelong friend and attorney. The years had not been kind to him; lines and wrinkles marred what once had been a handsome face. Briefly, Addie wondered if her father had aged this drastically too. “Hello, Uncle Rick.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Adelaide?” He hurried around the desk, moving nimbly for one who appeared so old. “Is it really you? I didn't expect you until spring.”

She held out her arms for a hug. “Yes, it's me. Are you glad to see me?”

He folded her into a bear hug. The man was far stronger than he looked. “Oh, my girl. I'm so glad to see you. Let me look at you.” He held her at arm's length. “Good Lord, but you've grown into a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you, Uncle. How's Papa?”

Addie's heart contracted at his stricken expression. Moisture clouded his eyes. “Addie, I'm so sorry.”

She swallowed, trying to clear the lump in her throat. She braced herself for what she knew she was about to hear. “What's happened?”

“Your father passed six weeks ago, Adelaide.” His voice cracked. “I…I sent word to Boston. You must have already left.”

Addie could hardly breathe. She wrapped her arms around herself, tears filling her eyes. “I'm too late.”

Uncle Rick pulled her back into his arms and held her, rubbing her back, speaking tenderly. “He knew you loved him. In fact, I have a message for you.” She pulled away, searching his face. He smiled through his tears. “Your father asked me to tell you this. He said, ‘Tell her that of all the things I've ever done, of all the things I've ever owned or accomplished, I've never been more proud of anything than of being her father.' He meant it, too, Addie. You were the light of his life.”

Addie stumbled to the chair near the desk and sank down. For a moment, she wished the cholera had killed her. It would have been so much easier. She'd lost her father, her only remaining family. And now she would lose Joshua too. But she'd promised. She'd given him her word that she'd file the papers as soon as they arrived in Baker City. She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. “Uncle Rick, you'll still be my solicitor, right?”

“Of course. I promised your father I'd look after you.” He leaned against the desk, bending to grasp her hands in his. “You know I couldn't love you more if you were my very own daughter.”

She sniffed, trying to stifle the tears. Anguish choked her and made it difficult to speak. “I love you, too, Uncle. I need you draw up the papers for a divorce.”

“Divorce?” His voice rose slightly. He crossed him arms, still sitting on the edge of the desk. “You're married?”

Nodding, she explained briefly. “The wagon train wouldn't let an unmarried woman join them.”

“Wagon train?” he cut in, his eyes widening.

“Yes. I traveled by railroad and steamboat as far as I could, then joined the train at Fort Laramie. As I said, they wouldn't let me join them without escort—”

“Wait. You came alone? What were you thinking?” His brows furrowed, anger written in his features. “Your father would turn you over his knee for taking such foolish risks.”

She nodded and wiped away another tear. “I wish he were here to do it.”

Uncle Rick's face softened. “I know, sweetheart. Finish your story. Who did you marry?”

“The wagonmaster, Joshua Reynolds. He agreed to be my temporary husband.”

“Reynolds. Oh, yes. I met him last year. He seemed like a good man.”

“He is. I….” Addie stopped herself. There was no use telling Uncle Rick how she'd fallen in love with Joshua, how she wished she could be with him forever. “He's a very good man, Uncle. I promised him I'd have you file the papers as soon as we arrived and I'd give him five hundred dollars.” Actually, it had only been a hundred, but Addie knew the extra money would help him start a ranch. She could afford it. She had plenty of money. Sadly, that was
all
she had now.

“Perhaps an annulment would be easier.”

She shook her head. “We'll need a divorce.”

“You had marital relations?”

Addie's cheeks warmed. “Yes.”

His eyes narrowed, and he cursed under his breath, “Bastard.”

“No.” She stood, anger filling her. “You mustn't blame Mr. Reynolds. It was my fault. He warned me away and turned me down. But I…I needed him. I needed him to hold me. I was scared and lonely. He never took advantage of me. He's good man, and I'll not have you judge him.”

Shaking his head, he gave her a look of understanding and perhaps even pity. “You love him.”

She didn't refute the statement. “He doesn't want a wife, Uncle. And I have no desire to be an unwanted wife. Please understand. I owe him my life. The least I can do is give him his freedom.”

“Your life?”

“Yes, my very life. A wagon train is far more dangerous and difficult than I ever imagined.”

“Good Lord. Why didn't you travel to California first like we'd planned? The ship would have been so much safer. And easier.”

“It would have taken too long. I knew he didn't have much time. I wanted to get here before….”

He cleared his throat. “It must have been a difficult journey.” He squeezed her hand. “But it's over now. I'll take you to the ranch. You can have a hot bath, and Mrs. Simmons will fix you a wonderful meal.”

Addie nodded, thankful for his presence. “A hot bath would be nice.”

She stepped out of Uncle Rick's office, and the icy wind tugged at her coat, but she hardly felt the cold. She'd turned to stone inside. She was too late. Addie tried to move toward the livery, but wooden legs rebelled. “I'll follow you in my wagon.”

“Why don't we send someone back for it? You'll be more comfortable in my buggy.”

“But I'll need my clothes.” She didn't want to argue, but she needed some time alone.

“We'll send Jack. He'll have the wagon at the ranch and your things unpacked in no time.”

Addie sighed and closed her eyes. “I….”

“Addie?”

Her breath caught.
Joshua
. She turned to him, wanting to walk into his arms and lay her head on his chest. She met his gaze.

He stepped toward her. “What's wrong?”

She tried to speak, but tears filled her eyes. She shook her head and stared at his boots. He wasn't her protector anymore. He'd delivered her safe and sound to Baker City. It was time to let him go.

His hand grasped her chin and lifted her face. His demand remained unspoken, but it was clear nevertheless.

“He's gone, Joshua. I'm too late.”

His jaw clenched. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms and held her.

She deplored her weakness, but she couldn't help herself. Her arms slipped beneath his coat and wrapped around his waist. Solid muscle offered strength and warmth. Temporarily. The knowledge that Joshua would be leaving her soon was more than she could bear. Hot tears spilled forth without warning, and a strangled sob tore from her throat.

One hand cradled the back of her head; the other rubbed her back. “I'm so sorry, darlin'.”

Uncle Rick cleared his throat. “I need to take her home.”

Desperately trying to stop the tears, she sucked in a deep breath and loosened her grip.

Joshua's arms tightened around her. “I'll take her.”

She let out the breath and sagged against him. “Joshua….”

“Foster, isn't it?” he questioned her uncle.

“Yes. Adelaide told me how you've taken care of her. Thank you.” Addie heard the sincerity in Uncle Rick's voice. She should thank him, but she couldn't lift her head from Joshua's chest. Not that she was truly trying. She'd stay right here forever if she could. Uncle Rick had other plans. “I'll take care of her now. Come, Adelaide. Let's get you home.”

“I'll drive her.” Blessedly, Joshua refused to release her. “Lead the way. We'll follow in her wagon. She'll need her things.”

Her uncle didn't answer immediately. Addie didn't want him to argue. Joshua's chest muffled her voice. “It's all right, Uncle Rick. This way we won't have to send anyone back for the wagon.”

His heavy sigh emphasized his reluctance, but he acquiesced. “Very well. Come now. You shouldn't be out in this cold weather.”

Joshua turned her, tucking her into his side and steering her down the wooden walk toward the livery. “Thank you, Joshua.”

“Hush. Just let us take care of you.”

* * * *

Josh looked down at Addie. She hadn't said a word since she'd climbed into the wagon. He'd joined her and taken up the reins. Addie leaned against him and laid her head on his shoulder but remained silent. He wanted to say something, comfort her somehow. But he knew from experience, nothing anyone could say would ease her heartache.

They had driven through the entrance of the Jennings Ranch some time ago. Icy wind made the distance seem longer, but Addie's father owned a big spread, one of the largest ranches in the Oregon Territory. The house stood on the next hill. Josh hadn't expected anything modest, but neither had he anticipated this massive, two-story expanse. The building must be at least three hundred feet wide with a covered porch gracing its entire front. Four chimneys rose from its sides and center. Dozens of paned-glass windows, an obvious extravagance, covered the front walls at regular intervals. Dim lights glowed through a few of them on this gloomy, overcast day, but most hung shrouded by curtains. Though regal in its size and bearing, the huge home fit the surrounding area. Made of logs and wood shingles, the only difference in this and most other structures here in the west was its size and superior craftsmanship. The warm, earthy building had no doubt been a source of pride for Addie's father.

Josh scanned the homestead. A small barn, likely a sort of carriage house stood off to one side. Down the hill, a large barn vied for dominance over another structure. A holding pen with several horses grazing in its confines confirmed his suspicions. The second building served as the stable. Addie had told him that her father raised cattle and horses, experimenting with crossbreeding to produce the stronger, hardier livestock needed to survive the extreme conditions here in the Northwest. Further out in the open valley, cattle dotted the countryside.

Following Foster's buggy, Josh pulled the wagon to a halt near the front of the house. He wrapped his arm around Addie and gave her a little squeeze. “You're home now, darlin'.”

Her silence sent an aching jolt through his heart. This should have been a happy homecoming for her. Arrival in Baker City should have meant a joyous reunion after her long journey. But she'd crossed the entire country, endured a grueling trip, and almost died from cholera, only to learn that it had all been for nothing. Her father was dead. What would she do now?

Two men arrived from the smaller stable to help with the buggy and wagon. At Foster's approach, Josh climbed down and raised his arms to help Addie. Her slow and stiff movements concerned him. For the first time since he'd met her, she seemed helpless, defeated. Even when the Adams boy had died, her inner strength had shown through. It was missing now. She appeared empty, almost lifeless. Josh couldn't leave her like this. He'd ride out this afternoon and inform the train they'd be resting here for a couple of days. Maybe longer.

Foster opened one of the double doors and ushered them inside. Addie didn't even look around. Josh helped her remove her coat, handing it off to Foster to hang on the nearby rack. He tugged on the strings of her bonnet.

She lifted her gaze, her heartache written in her features. “Are you leaving?”

Her stubborn pride would never allow her to ask for his help, but her plea couldn't have been clearer. “I was hopin' you'd offer a cup of coffee first.”

The corners of her mouth curved. Relief chased some of the darkness from her eyes. “Of course.” She turned to Foster. “Where's the kitchen? I'll make us some coffee.”

“Tell the young lady the kitchen is my….” A mature woman, likely in her mid-forties, gasped and held a hand over her heart. “Glory be. You're even purttier than your photograph.”

Foster smiled, “That she is. Mrs. Simmons, I'd like you to meet your new employer. This is Miss Adelaide Jennings.”

The woman nodded, her rosy cheeks made full by her broad smile. “That would be
Dr.
Jennings.” She grasped Addie's hand. “Your pa was mighty proud of you. The day he received your letter announcing your graduation was one of his happiest.”

Addie's eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.” Her voice cracked.

“There, there.” Mrs. Simmons patted Addie's hand. “Your pa knew how much you loved him.”

Addie sniffed. “I hope so.”

“Of course he knew. He loved you too. He never stopped talking about you. I feel like I've known you for years.”

Foster motioned toward Josh. “This is Joshua Reynolds. We have him to thank for Dr. Jennings' safe arrival.”

The older woman nodded. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Reynolds. Did I hear someone mention coffee?”

“Yes,” Addie answered in a clear but quiet voice. “If you don't mind, Mrs. Simmons.”

“Not at all. Have you eaten?”

“I'm not—”

“No, we've not had lunch,” Josh interrupted. He touched Addie's shoulder. “You should eat something.”

Rebellion flickered in her eyes, but she sighed. “As long as you'll join me.”