Chapter Eight
After a week in Sterling, Prudence had settled into her new home. She loved the friendly townspeople and the serene atmosphere of the quaint town. Yet she couldn’t shake off the growing sense of unease within her.
As she entered the peaceful courtyard of the church, she took solace in prayer.
If this feeling continued, she would discuss it with Hubert on their evening stroll.
Their walks had become a daily thing, even when it was snowing.
They hadn’t progressed far from handholding, but he kissed her every night before bed, and there were little touches here and there throughout the days.
Today was a busy day for him. He was going to spend the morning at the Landry farm, helping Silas with a new project.
As he left, he invited her to join him, but she declined, deciding to spend the day being available and helping in town.
She first went to the church, where she cleaned and began working on a runner for the altar.
For her, it felt like a way to make her presence known, as she was still somewhat of an outsider in this small town.
She’d also started blankets for each of the children in town and the coming babies as well. Sewing let her mind work through its thoughts and had been something she’d always enjoyed. She used it as reflection time.
Lately, it seemed all her reflections were on her husband and the growing desire to consummate their marriage.
What would it be like to get that evening kiss at the door and not go in separate directions?
She shouldn’t have such desires. The thoughts that were going through her mind, such as kissing Hubert, or coveting time with her husband, shamed her.
The shame was so great, she couldn’t even think of a Bible verse to recite to direct her thoughts away from marital things.
A little giggle pulled her out of her thoughts, and she looked up to find Emily and Alexander Easton coming through the front gate.
The almost three-year-old tugged at his mother’s hand in earnest.
“Oh, we weren’t expecting anyone to be here.”
“I can leave if you would like.” Prudence rose, but Emily shook her head.
“We can leave.”
“We both could also stay.”
Both women burst out into giggles at the silliness of the whole situation. Emily released the boy’s hand, and he dashed enthusiastically towards the fenced-in area, drawn to the growing pile of rocks that had become a makeshift climbing spot.
“He is so happy with those rocks,” his mother shook her head, perching on the other bench where between the two of them the women could now see the whole yard.
“I wish I could remember having that much energy.”
“If we could still take a midday nap and someone carried us to bed at night, we might.” Emily glanced around. “Is it just me, or is it quiet in town today?”
“It’s not just you. I assumed everyone had gone out to the Landry’s today. Hubert said the men were helping to finish the springhouse. Mrs. Holstead is with Amanda, who has been feeling poorly as of late. Chloe just went for a nap.”
“Ah. We are just getting over the croup. I could have sent supplies out, though. Perhaps on Sunday we will take a wagon out if they don’t make it to town for services.”
“Mama, look!” Alexander came running towards them, something cupped in his hands.
Prudence and Emily both leaned forward to see what he had. The little boy opened his palms, and the head of the tiniest rabbit she’d ever seen popped out.
“Oh, a bunny,” Prudence crooned over Emily’s yelp.
“Bun-bun,” Alex nodded.
“You should put him back so he can find his mama,” Prudence encouraged, watching as the boy raced back across the yard to deposit the rabbit in the bush near his rock mountain.
“That little boy is going to be the death of me,” Emily murmured beside her.
“It was only a rabbit.”
“And last year, it was only a snake. He loves his animals. I just wish he could love them without his hands.”
Prudence laughed. That was the silliest thing she’d ever heard, though she could imagine her mama feeling the same way.
“Perhaps he will be an animal caretaker as he gets older.”
“Perhaps. But right now, Joel has high hopes he’ll take over the store one day.”
The sound of horses coming into town at a quick clip had both women glancing at one another. That was a lot of noise, even if everyone came back at the same time.
Alex ran to his mother, ducking behind her skirt, but not before showing her that his hands were empty.
A stagecoach was coming. Which was odd, considering a stage had already passed through earlier in the day.
“Take him inside.” Prudence pushed against Emily.
“I’m sure it’s fine.” The other woman gave her a curious look.
“Emily, please. Take him inside. Something is wrong. I know it in my bones.” Prudence straightened to her full height and started toward the front gate.
She prayed Emily would comply with her request, and there wasn’t any further argument. When the stage came to a stop, the driver gave her a sharp look. It was not the man who had brought them into town, and that seemed to ruffle her even more.
The coach door opened and out stepped the last person on earth she wanted to see.
Her father stood before her with anger in his spirit.
Prudence wished desperately that she had fled instead of Emily.
“Welcome to Sterling. How can I help you?” Joel Easton’s voice boomed in the silence as he exited the store without a look at Prudence.
“You can’t. I’ve already found what I was looking for.” Her father waved an angry hand in her direction.
“The reverend isn’t in his office today. I’m sure there’s something I can help you with.”
Prudence watched as Mr. Easton put his body between them, and she wondered with childish fear if her father would strike him too.
“My daughter and I are going to have a word, and then we’re leaving this den of iniquity,” her father growled, stepping forward.
“Den of iniquity?” Mr. Little’s voice called as he too appeared in the street. Prudence thought he’d gone with Hubert this morning.
“Prudence!” her father shouted, and she thought for a moment of running away, but let herself out of the gate, feeling emboldened by the men who had come forth. She was truly shocked that her father had found her.
Wiping her hands on her skirt, she moved forward, but not too close. “Papa, I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I came to fetch you home. Get in the coach!” His face was nearly purple, and she was careful to stay back. Mr. Easton and Mr. Little were exchanging looks. They finally turned to catch her eye, and all she could do was shake her head.
“Papa, I live here now. With my husband. I won’t be going back to Boston with you. Had I known that this was your intention, I would have sent you a letter.”
“You do not have a husband! I refuse to acknowledge whatever farce of a marriage you have created.” Spittle flung from his mouth, and he took a menacing step forward, only to run into the arm Mr. Easton extended.
“Step back. She says that she does not want to go.”
Her papa pushed the arm aside. “She has no choice! My daughter will leave with me today.”
“Papa, I have a husband now. The Bible says—”
“Do not dare quote the Bible to me! You married under false pretenses, and I’m declaring it annulled.” He reached for something in his pocket as the sound of a cocking pistol echoed through the air.
“Sir, we are a peaceful town. The reverend’s wife has said she has no intention of leaving with you, and I don’t know what you’re reaching for right now, but I’m going to ask you to show me your hands!”
Prudence’s eyes jumped to Mr. Little, who until now had been a softly spoken man she would not expect this kind of reaction from.
“You heard the man. Either get back on the stage or I can have someone sit you in the sheriff’s office until this can be resolved,” Mr. Easton said.
Prudence felt paralyzed with fear. Her father ordering her around, and blameless men standing between them. Prudence knew someone was going to get hurt.
Her father’s hand came out, a pistol clearly visible and aimed at her. The sound of shots rang in her ears, and Prudence screamed as she watched her tormentor fall to the ground.
Prudence dropped to her knees, the hot tears blurring her vision as she reached out to touch his still form.
The world seemed to fall away as she collapsed onto the grass, a gut-wrenching sob escaping from her chest. She didn’t need anyone to tell her he was gone; she already felt it in the emptiness of her soul.
As she tried to catch her breath, the two men silently lifted his lifeless body and carried it away.
Amid her anguish, a small, warm weight pressed against her chest. She snapped back to reality, hugged tightly by Emily’s son.
“No cry. I hug you.”
Laughter bubbled up inside her, cutting her tears off as she wrapped her arms around Alex and held him close.
“It’s all over now,” Emily settled on the ground beside her, offering a handkerchief.
“I’m sorry.”
The words were repeating in her head. Not sorry that her papa was dead. Sorry to have caused more trouble.
She was certain Hubert would make her leave now. Prudence wouldn’t even blame him. Alex just kept hugging her, and she slowly started running her fingers through his hair, soothing them both with that movement.
“Let’s get you inside.”
Prudence shook her head. She didn’t think she could move right now.
The sudden sound of a horse jolted her out of her thoughts.
She looked up and saw someone quickly riding away from the town, probably to alert the others about what had happened.
The street was now devoid of people, and she noticed that the stagecoach driver was climbing back onto his seat.
He didn’t make eye contact with them, which she thought was for the best.
“Wait!” she yelled suddenly, the child in her lap jerking away. The driver stilled, and she scrambled to her feet, putting Alex in Emily’s lap. “Did he have anything with him?” She rushed toward the coach.