A Constant Love (The Hope of Cheyenne #1)

Chapter 17

17

Lucille was pleasantly surprised when Rich Johnson rode up. She had just finished milking the cow and tending the chickens, so her hands were full.

“I come bearing gifts,” Rich declared. He motioned to a basket he’d hooked over the horn of his saddle. “Fresh raspberries.”

“How wonderful. We all love them, as you know, especially Charlotte.”

He climbed down from the large palomino and tied his reins to the fence before grabbing the basket. “I knew she did, but also that you’re very fond of them.”

“I am.” She smiled at his kindness. “Why don’t you bring them and come with me to the kitchen. Nora made some oatmeal and bacon, as well as biscuits and strong coffee. Are you hungry?”

“I could stand to eat.” He took the bucket of milk from her and motioned to the house. “Lead the way.”

Lucille had to admit that Rich was a kind and handsome man. She knew he was courting her in his own way and found his attention rather appealing. She was lonely, even with Charlotte and Micah around. Even with Nora to sit and work alongside. It wasn’t the same as having a husband to curl up with at the end of the day.

“Nora, look who’s come. Rich has brought us a basketful of raspberries.”

“Wonderful. I wasn’t sure if there would be much of any, what with the way the sun has been bearing down,” Nora said, coming to where Rich held out the basket.

“We had some sunscald, but the boys shaded the plants with a tarp. Took care of that problem.”

“That was kind of them.”

“Oh, Lucille, it was self-servin’.” Rich gave a hearty laugh. “They eat those things like there’s no tomorrow. I was lucky to keep a basketful for you.”

Nora took the basket. “These will be so good on top of the oatmeal, and I’ll still be able to make a pie or two.”

“Charlotte down yet?” Lucille asked.

“Haven’t seen her.” Nora took the berries to the sink and immediately began working with them.

Rich held up the bucket. “Where do you want the milk?”

“Just set it over on the counter. Nora will get to it later after the cream rises.” Lucille followed him over and deposited her basket of eggs. “The hens aren’t laying as well in this heat, Nora. Only got about two dozen.”

“We’ll get by just fine,” Nora said, giving the basket a nod.

Lucille turned to Rich. “Want to join me in the dining room? We can at least start with our coffee.”

“I’ll have the food out to you in a quick minute,” Nora promised.

Rich met her question with a smile. “I haven’t had a woman around to share coffee with in a long time. I’d be glad to share it with you now.”

She took the pot off the stove and made her way into the dining room. The table was set for four since Micah and Nora were used to eating with Lucille and Charlotte. Lucille directed Rich to the chair across from hers and poured him a cup of coffee.

True to her word, Nora was soon there with bowls of oatmeal and berries, as well as a pitcher of cream. “Here you go. This will get you started. I’ll bring the bacon and biscuits in just a minute.”

“Sounds good to me,” Rich said before turning to help Lucille with her chair.

Nora returned with the promised food. “Now, if you don’t mind,” she said, placing the platters on the table, “I will eat a little later. I want to get those berries taken care of.”

“That’s fine, Nora,” Lucille had a feeling she was just giving the couple time to be alone. It was just ten minutes to six, and breakfast usually didn’t start until then. At least they could have a little time to themselves.

Once Nora left the room, Lucille reached out her hand to Rich. “Would you mind offering grace?”

He took hold of her hand and rubbed his thumb across the back of it, but his gaze never left her face. “I’d be honored.”

A little shiver of delight went up Lucille’s spine. It was a feeling she hadn’t known in some time. She couldn’t help but smile as she bowed her head.

I could get used to this, Lord.

Charlotte came down late to breakfast. She had pinned her hair up in a casual bun and dressed in her work clothes—a split skirt and blouse. It was cooler than some of her other attire and more beneficial for riding. She was relieved to see that Micah had already eaten and gone to work. This was as she had planned, and she felt herself relax just a bit. Better to tell Mama what was on the agenda and then let Micah know later.

Mama was reading the newspaper and nursing a cup of creamed coffee when Charlotte took her seat at the table. She had prayed all night, sleeping very little. She imagined Jesus praying in the garden before His death. She felt that marriage to Lewis Bradley was her death. And in truth, her actions were being done to save others. Of course, her sacrifice was nothing compared to the Lord’s, but she found it comforting to know that Jesus understood exactly how she felt.

“Well, here you are at last,” Nora said, coming into the dining room with the coffeepot. “I was just coming to see if your mama needed another cup of coffee.” She moved to pour Charlotte’s mother more coffee, but Mama shook her head.

Charlotte held her cup up. “I’ll take some, please.” As Nora poured, Charlotte apologized. “Sorry to be so late to the table. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Don’t you worry a bit. I’ve made you some oatmeal with fresh raspberries. Mr. Johnson brought the berries over this morning. They might be just the thing to perk you up.”

Charlotte nodded and took up her napkin. “That sounds good, Nora. Thank you so much.”

As Nora left the room, Charlotte glanced up to find her mother folding the newspaper. “Did you enjoy your visit with Mr. Johnson?”

Mama met Charlotte’s gaze and smiled. “I did. Rich is always so supportive of us. He brought the new freighting schedule and prices for shipping the steers to market.”

Charlotte could think of nothing to say and so remained silent. She cherished the momentary quiet. The truth would soon be out, and then there would be no peace at all.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better. I am hopeful that you will talk to me about what the problem is and how I can help.”

Charlotte shrugged. “There’s nothing to discuss. I have come to some decisions, and those were weighing heavy on me.”

“And why should that be?” Mama picked up her cup of coffee.

Charlotte poured cream into her cup and then picked up her spoon. “I suppose because I fear you won’t understand the choice I’ve made. However, I’m asking you to please not question me about it. I’ve prayed on it a great deal and feel the decision I’ve made is the right one.”

“All right. I will endeavor to understand and not question you on it, but if it’s the right choice, then little harm can come from defending it.”

Charlotte knew her mother was right, but how could she even begin to explain what she was about to do? Mama knew the truth. Knew that Charlotte loved Micah and would never love another. She would know that Charlotte’s decision to marry Lewis Bradley must have come about from some sort of coercion or threat.

Nora returned with Charlotte’s oatmeal and another little pitcher of cream. She placed the creamer on the table. “I figured you’d need more. Micah was rather generous with it this morning. That boy does love to pour cream all over his oatmeal. This should set you right as rain.” She placed the bowl in front of Charlotte, then picked up the nearly empty pitcher. “I also have a little bacon and biscuits left. Would you like some?”

“No. I’ll be fine.” Charlotte knew the longer she had to delay what she needed to say, the harder it would be to say it.

“Very well, then. I’ll be working outside today to get all those new tomatoes canned. If you need me, just come holler.” She seemed to be in such a good mood. Charlotte wished she could say the same. Wished she’d never gone to church yesterday. Never allowed herself to be alone with Lewis.

“So what is it you need to tell me?”

Mama’s voice brought Charlotte back to the present. She stared down at the oatmeal and berries. “Lewis Bradley is coming to supper tonight.”

“What?”

Charlotte didn’t have to look at her mother to hear the distress in her tone. “I said that Lewis is coming to supper tonight. I know it isn’t pleasant to you, but it’s important.” She sprinkled sugar on her oatmeal doing her best to sound like nothing was amiss.

“Why in the world would you invite him to supper?”

She looked up and met her mother’s surprised expression. “Because ... we’re going to announce our engagement.” She drew a deep steadying breath.

Her mother’s mouth dropped open, but not a word came out. Charlotte knew she was going to have to explain, but what could she say? Perhaps if she came at it from the angle of sympathy for Victoria.

“I gave it a lot of thought. And prayer too, as I mentioned. I know that Lewis has nothing binding from his arrangements with Papa, but I also know there must have been good reasons for what Papa wanted. Something that can ultimately benefit the ranch and you. And perhaps more importantly, Lewis’s daughter needs a mother. Every time I see her or speak with Lewis’s aunt, I pity them all the more.”

“Pity is hardly a reason to marry.”

“I realize that.” Charlotte ignored her mother’s worried look and instead focused on pouring cream on her oatmeal. She had to remain strong in this and not burst into tears. Tears that she felt were very much ready to fall.

“What about Micah?”

Charlotte put the pitcher down. “What about him?”

“You love him, Charlotte. You told me that you would never love another.”

She couldn’t very well lie about that. Mama knew her far too well. “Micah doesn’t need me like Victoria does. Besides, Micah sees me as nothing more than his little sister. I doubt he’ll ever see me as more.” She sampled the oatmeal.

“Charlotte, I really don’t understand any of this. You can’t be serious. I know how you feel about Lewis and Micah. You can’t go marrying a man just to give his child a mother. You hardly even know Victoria. She’s so seldom at church, and when she is, Lewis has his aunt keep her on the back pew and then hurry her out when the service is over.” Mama cocked her head slightly as her eyes narrowed. “This has nothing to do with Victoria, does it?”

“I asked you not to question me on this. I know it seems illogical and that you don’t understand, but this is what is going to happen. I’m of age and fully capable of making my decisions. You have Micah to help with the ranch, and you won’t need me.”

“Nonsense. I’ll always need you. Charlotte, this isn’t something you can venture into lightly. Marriage is sacred. You make a vow to God as well as each other.”

“I realize that.” Charlotte couldn’t hide the sadness in her tone. “I know it is quite serious.”

“What has he threatened you with?”

Charlotte felt her breath catch. Leave it to Mama to get right to the heart of the matter. She met her mother’s eyes. Mama knew there was more to this than Charlotte was letting on.

“I won’t talk about this further. I can’t.” Charlotte knew if she told her mother the truth that Mama would go to Lewis and confront him. She would explain what had happened with Micah’s father and why she had chosen to lie, and then the whole of Cheyenne would know what they had done. Their reputation would be ruined. Mama would probably have to sell the ranch and move back to Illinois, because surely no one would do business with her after that. And then there was Micah. Would he be arrested for lying about his father’s death and hiding the truth from the sheriff? Charlotte doubted anyone would understand, and Lewis implied that the law was clearly broken. Micah himself feared that might be the case.

It was unbearable to think of becoming a wife to Lewis Bradley, but even more so to imagine Micah behind bars. Maybe they’d even arrest Mama for hiding the truth about the suicide. The law was funny in what was acceptable and what was punishable.

With this reminder, Charlotte’s strength bolstered. She had to protect Mama and Micah. When she looked at it that way, she knew she couldn’t make any other choice.

“Charlotte, please don’t do this. Please talk to me about what has happened and why you feel you must do this.”

Pushing away from the table, Charlotte got to her feet. “I can’t and I won’t.” She hurried from the room before Mama could ask anything more.

She headed outside not at all sure what she was going to do or where she was going to go. She knew she didn’t want to run into Micah though. She couldn’t bear to tell him just now what she had planned.

Lord, I don’t know how to make this all right. I know that marrying Lewis is wrong in every possible way, but if I don’t, then Mama and Micah will suffer. Please help me!

Micah barely made it to the house in time for supper. He had gotten caught up talking to the boys in the bunkhouse, and when Nora came out with their supper, he knew he’d have to clean up in a hurry. Charlotte and Lucille wouldn’t care that he wasn’t dressed in clean clothes, but Micah felt obliged to at least wash away the dirt and change his shirt.

He came into the house and made his way to the dining room, where he heard a man speaking. Surprised by that, Micah slowed his steps and paused just a moment. The voice sounded familiar, but the face it conjured to mind didn’t make sense. But there stood Lewis Bradley in the flesh when Micah entered the dining room.

“Micah, I’m glad you could join us,” Lucille said, looking pale and upset.

Lewis turned to face Micah. “I didn’t realize you let the hirelings eat with you.”

“Micah is far more than a hireling. We’re running our cattle together for the time,” Lucille explained. “It’s benefiting both ranches. Micah is a partner.”

Still unsure of why Lewis Bradley would dare to show his face in the Aldrich house, Micah walked past the man without a word.

“Evening, Mrs. Aldrich, Charlotte.” He glanced at Charlotte. She wouldn’t even raise her gaze to him. What was going on?

Just then, Nora came from the kitchen with a large platter. Micah quickly went to help her. He smiled at the heaping pieces of fried chicken.

“This looks wonderful, Nora.”

“I know it is your favorite, Micah. I have mashed potatoes and gravy to go along with it, as well as corn, green beans, and sliced tomatoes. Oh, and I made those dinner rolls you like.”

“Sounds great.” He put the platter in the middle of the table.

“It would seem this meal is given in honor of Micah,” Lewis said, not even trying to hide his sarcastic tone.

Nora frowned. “Micah does plenty around here and deserves to have some of his favorites. Besides, they’re enjoyed by Mrs. Aldrich and Charlotte, and I’m rather fond of them as well.”

“Elite society would agree that chicken is better served to the staff and ranch hands. You wouldn’t find it on the governor’s table. It’s a poor man’s food.”

“Then it’s a good thing the governor isn’t eating with us tonight,” Micah said, helping Lucille into her chair.

Lewis hurriedly took Micah’s example and helped Charlotte into her chair. Micah wanted to say something but held his tongue and helped Nora instead.

Once they were all seated, Lucille looked at Micah. It was then that Micah noticed her eyes were red-rimmed. She’d been crying.

“Micah, would you ask the blessing?”

He nodded and prayed, all the while his mind racing with thoughts. Why was Bradley here, and why had Lucille been crying?

After finishing grace, Micah looked down the table at Charlotte. She was still unwilling to look at him and instead kept her gaze on her plate.

Nora took up the serving fork and acquired a chicken thigh for herself. She handed the fork to Micah while Lucille put a small spoonful of mashed potatoes on her plate before passing the bowl to Charlotte.

Micah served himself two pieces of fried chicken but noted that Charlotte gave the potatoes to Lewis without taking any for herself. Something big was going on, and it put him very much on edge. It was enough to have Bradley at the table, but for the women to act as they were made it clear that things were not right.

He opened his mouth to ask, then decided to bide his time. He glanced at Nora who seemed just as oblivious as he was. Bradley, however, was more than a little smug.

“You really should have more staff here at the house, Mrs. Aldrich. It’s hardly fitting to pass the food around the table like a country picnic. It should be served.”

“We prefer it this way, Mr. Bradley. If you don’t like it, you needn’t share our meal.” Lucille’s words were uncharacteristically harsh.

“Oh, that’s quite all right. I can manage for myself. However, I do appreciate a good household staff.”

Micah noted that Lucille put a piece of chicken on Charlotte’s plate, as well as a roll. Charlotte raised her head and gave her a nod. “Thank you, Mama.”

“You haven’t eaten since breakfast. I’m worried about you.”

“I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.”

Micah was starting to fear what she might say next. Charlotte was never this quiet, and she hadn’t come out to work with the animals or check up on the boys even once. He busied himself with eating but felt on guard every single moment. It was as if the entire room was holding its breath.

“I got the tomatoes canned today,” Nora said, seeing that no one else was speaking. “We’re going to need to go to town for more jars. I have pickles to make next, and the tomatoes took up far more jars than I’d anticipated.”

Lucille nodded. “I have a list of things we need, so perhaps Micah can take us in tomorrow.” She glanced at him, then looked quickly away.

Enough was enough. Micah put his fork down. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but it would be nice to know. I feel like I ought to have my gun cocked and ready. Why is Bradley here when I know he’s caused you both nothing but grief?”

Lucille looked at Charlotte, as did Bradley. Charlotte squared her shoulders as Micah had seen her do on numerous occasions just before going into battle.

“Well ... you see,” Charlotte began, then paused to take a sip of water. She cleared her throat and began again. “Lewis has come because ... we’re ... that is to say ... ” She looked at Micah and then back at her plate. “We’re announcing our engagement.”

If a gun had gone off and hit him square in the chest, Micah couldn’t have been more shocked. He looked at Lucille, who was biting her lower lip as if to keep herself from speaking.

Nora, on the other hand, gave a gasp and turned to look at Lewis Bradley. “I thought that was behind us. What in the world is going on?”

Micah nodded. “I’d like to know that as well.”

“The fact is, Charlotte has reconsidered my proposal of marriage,” Lewis said. His smug, self-assured attitude was enough to make Micah want to get up from his chair and put a fist in the man’s face.

“Is that true, Charlotte?” Nora asked.

“Are you questioning my honesty?” Bradley turned a scowl on Nora. “I won’t sit here and be insulted by the household help, even if I do have to endure her eating at the same table.”

“That’s hardly any of your business, Bradley,” Micah countered. “Nora is a part of this family and has more right to be here than you.”

His expression changed back to a haughty sneer. “Ah yes, but soon I am to be family. Very soon, in fact. Charlotte and I are to be married right away.”

“I can’t allow for that.” Lucille met Bradley’s gaze. “I need Charlotte’s help at least until after the steers go to market. She’s much too vital to me. We have my cousins coming sooner than I expected to help us with figuring out where we’ll be planting crops. Charlotte has all the bookwork to keep and will be an important part of the arrangements.” She barely paused for breath. “I don’t know why this has happened nor what has changed Charlotte’s mind, but she has obligations here first and foremost, and you must respect that.”

“I can respect that you have come to depend on her, Mrs. Aldrich,” Lewis replied. “I’ve no desire to rob you of her company, but it is important that we marry soon. My dear Victoria is most desperate for a mother, and I for a wife. Besides, I have already submitted the engagement announcement to the newspaper.”

“You had no right to do that.” Charlotte shook her head. “You should have talked to me about it.”

Bradley chuckled. “I am sorry, my dear. I was much too excited to wait. I’ve been anticipating this marriage for nearly two years. You must understand.” He looked at Lucille. “When is it that you will have your steers to market?”

“Not before the end of October. That’s barely two months away. Surely you can wait that long and allow Charlotte a proper wedding.”

Micah didn’t know what to do or say. He had no part in this. Not really. Even if Charlotte loved him as Rich had said, she had clearly made the decision to wed another. Whatever the reason was.

“I suppose I could delay until then ... if ... well, let’s say you were willing to give me Charlotte’s dowry now. I could use the money to make changes to the house and ready it for her coming, as well as make other purchases that will benefit your daughter.”

“Dowry?” Lucille looked confused.

“Your husband promised me a five-thousand-dollar dowry upon our engagement.” He offered no further explanation.

Lucille quickly agreed. “I can get the money tomorrow at the bank and bring it to your office.”

“Wonderful.” He smiled at Lucille. “Then shall we set the wedding date for the first of November?”