Chapter 7
The following night, she vowed she would let Seth make love to her.
“Belle, remember, I won’t hurt you. If I do something you don’t like, tell me because more than anything I want you to be happy. Everything we do, as long as it brings pleasure, is okay.” He leaned down and kissed her. At the same time, he feathered his fingers down her arm with the lightest of touches.
Belle felt her body respond, to his touch.
He trailed kisses down her neck to the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder. There he stayed for a little while, nibbling on her then soothing with his tongue, even if she didn’t need soothing. Her body hummed under his expert touch.
Finally, Seth covered her, and joy surrounded her.
She lay in Seth’s arms afterward, basking in the soft glow of finally having experienced lovemaking as it was intended to be.
He cuddled her to his side.
She had to admit, she loved this part. Having him hold her like this was almost as pleasurable as making love had been.
“Thank you.”
“For what? Making love to my wife?”
She caressed his chest, running her fingers through the sparse, silky hair that covered him. “For showing me that relations between a husband and wife don’t have to be violent and painful. I never knew it could be like that.”
He lifted her chin, so she looked up at him. “It will get better and better as we learn what the other likes and doesn’t like.” He leaned down and kissed her, his lips firm and soft.
“I can’t imagine making love could get any better than what we just did. That was pretty amazing.”
He grinned. “I’m glad you think so.”
The sun wouldn’t set until around ten-thirty that night, so she saw his grin. “You’re pretty pleased with yourself.”
He folded his arms behind his head. “Who me? I’m the model of decorum.”
She laughed and lifted herself up on one elbow before leaning over him, chest to chest. “You are not. If you were, you’d never have let me cuddle you or lean over you like I am now.”
Seth chuckled. “You’ve got me there. I love that you feel comfortable enough to embrace me. I can’t imagine you did that with Amos. May he rot in Hell.”
Just thinking about Amos was like a bucket of the icy river water being dumped on her head. She rolled away from Seth so their bodies weren’t touching any longer.
He reached over and tugged her back. “I’m sorry. I never should have mentioned him. I won’t again. This time, and for the rest of our lives, is just for us. Terrible memories have no place alongside the new ones we’re making.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Belle laid her left arm over Seth’s chest and tried to relax, but sleep wouldn’t come. She didn’t know if the light kept her awake, though she thought she was used to it by now, or if she was engrossed in contemplating Seth and what she truly desired from him. Was it just safety? Did she want to love him and have him love her in return? Did she trust him enough to believe him if he said the words?
Ezra Fleming listenedto the chirping of the birds in the early morning as he watched his beloved Belinda with her new husband through the binoculars. They had turned out to be a necessary purchase. She shouldn’t have remarried. Now, he’d have to kill another one of her husbands. Good thing claim jumpers existed. Everyone, including the Mounties, thought they had killed Amos. No one was looking for Ezra.
The long hours of sunlight gave him ample opportunity to observe from the forest behind and to the east of their camp, without being seen. He could have taken their claim over while they were gone, but he didn’t want to have to fight Seth. He didn’t know Belle would be so formidable, either. Ezra would have to be very careful to take them by surprise and disarm at least one of them. He wasn’t so egotistical as to believe he could disarm both at once.
Ezra realized he was too far away and needed to get closer without being seen. Doing it after they went to bed was the best idea. He might be able to hide behind the berm where they had dug in for the oven. They hadn’t built a cabin, but the tent was large.
They worked the claim by the big tent, though down river was another small tent that appeared to be abandoned. Perhaps he could stay there. Just at night though. It would be too dangerous to stay during the day. They might decide to come there for something.
Having made his plans, Ezra looked back at their camp with his binoculars. Belle exited the tent and walked over to the oven. She might bake today. How he wished he could have some of her fragrant bread or biscuits.
Soon. Soon he would eliminate her husband, and Belle would be his.
Belle awakenedafter a nearly sleepless night and dressed in her long johns, wool and cotton socks, wool pants, flannel shirt, a sweater and last her miner boots. She had every intention of staying warm today. Then she made coffee and started breakfast.
Seth must’ve had as rough a night as she did because he didn’t wake even through her dressing and starting the coffee. Finally, when she began frying the potatoes with canned pork, he sat up.
She looked over at him. “About time, sleepyhead. I was thinking you would sleep all day.”
He yawned and stretched, then stood and dressed.
She couldn’t help but admire him. His body was powerful. His arms were well-muscled, with forearms that did something to her insides when just looking at them. His legs were long, and his thighs were thick with muscle.
He bent over to put his long johns on,
She decided she had to look away or ask him to make love to her again. She stirred the potatoes and poured him a cup of coffee.
When he finished dressing, he sat at the table.
Breakfast was almost ready.
She handed him the cup of coffee. “I plan on baking today. We need bread and biscuits and I want to bake a cobbler. Do you want apple or cherry?”
“Cherry, but why don’t you make pies?”
“Cobblers use less fruit, so we can have the treat more often.”
He sipped his coffee. “I like that idea. Having desserts now, in this place,” he waved his arm, taking in their surroundings. “Is like a dream come true.”
“Where were you before you came here? Did you go straight to California from Ohio?”
He took a sip of coffee. “I went directly to the California gold fields after I left Ohio. That’s where I’d planned on going when Laura died. I had to sell the house and everything in it to get my grub stake, but I managed. I met Barnaby Drake there. His claim was next to the one I got. We became good friends and then, when Barnaby left California, I went along and filed for my claim next to his. That was over two years ago. My claim is the next one down river and never did pay out that well . I never would have become wealthy if Barnaby and Sadie hadn’t gifted me their claim when they left.”
“You were lucky they were such good friends. You were also smart enough to look for another vein when the one they worked was petering out. When do you plan on leaving for home and where is home now?”
“I want to leave before the snow flies, so no later than the first of September. It’s not unusual for the first snow to be around September fifteenth. I don’t want to spend another winter here. As to where is or will be home, I haven’t given it much thought. I decided the first thing we’ll do is head to St. Louis and visit with Barnaby, Sadie, and their baby. Although he or she will probably be walking by the time we get there.” He stood and got the coffeepot, refilling his and Belle’s cups, then he placed the coffeepot on the floor next to the stove and returned to the table. “Do you like children, Belle? Do you want some of your own and how many? I know you think you can’t get pregnant, but I wouldn’t say never. And if we don’t have children, it still doesn’t mean it’s you who has the problem. And we can adopt. Lots of children out there need parents.”
Belle found Seth’s support to be amazing. He refused to blame her if they didn’t have children, even though she knew it to be true. “But it’s the most likely scenario. In any case, I’m not worrying about it. Whatever God decides is what’ll happen, though after these last ten years, I thought He’d abandoned me. Then we came here and good things have happened to me since. I mean, I met Kitty, Amos was murdered, and I married you. Those are all good things.”
Seth reached across the table and cupped her left cheek. “I’m glad I’m one of those good things. And I’m sure He hadn’t left you, even though it seemed that way. But now you have me to protect you, or maybe I have you to protect me. You were pretty spectacular yesterday.”
She started to shake again and wrapped her arms around herself. “That was a fluke. I’ve never shot someone before and, to be honest, I hope I never have to again.”
He stood and took her hands in his, pulling her up into his embrace. “I hope neither one of us does. But if it comes down to that, I hope we’ll take the shot.”
She stepped away, the shaking stopped. “Me, too. Now, breakfast is ready. Let’s eat.” She stood and dished up their plates, scraping clean the skillet she’d used. She split the food about two-thirds for Seth and one-third for her, which was more than enough. She didn’t like feeling heavy after a meal. It made her sluggish, and she had too many things to do today. In between baking, she planned on cleaning the tent. It had become cluttered since she arrived, and she was tired of living that way.
She cleaned the dishes and waved Seth off when he offered to help. “You’re working in the river today and I’m staying dry. I can do the dishes without your help.”
He kissed her rather thoroughly before he left.
Touching her lips, she was sure they were swollen, and she smiled. Maybe he cared for her...a little.
She started the sourdough bread in the tent, using the table to work the dough. After kneading the dough, she covered it with a towel. Then she cleaned the tent and gathered the rest of her supplies in a large bowl before heading out to the oven. Once she reached there, she lit the pre-set fire under the oven and let it get hot. After that, she prepared the cobbler.
Putting her right hand in the middle of the oven, she determined it was ready and slid the cobbler in and shut the door. She looked at her pin watch, remembering the last one had only taken about fifteen minutes to bake.
In the meantime, she mixed the biscuit dough, rolled the mass and cut them out. She placed the biscuits in a second Dutch oven, smeared lard over the tops and put the lid on to wait for the oven to bake the cobbler.
The day was gorgeous. The sky was a deep blue and the clouds were like fluffy white cotton. She couldn’t help but smile.
After fifteen minutes, she took the cobbler from the oven. Belle sniffed the dessert and smiled. “That is perfect. Seth will love it.”
While she let it cool, she cleaned up the prep area, so it didn’t attract animals, and then took the cobbler inside.
The sourdough would need to be baked tomorrow. She should have prepared it last night and then she could have baked it this morning. She’d have to remember next time.
She placed the biscuits into the oven and headed back to the tent for a cup of tea while she waited.
Just as she exited the work area, a hand covered her mouth. She dropped the baked goods and pulled at the hand.
“Don’t make a fuss, Belle. Just come with me easy like, and your new husband won’t end up like the last one.”
Belle pulled his hand away enough to let out a scream. When he tried to cover her mouth again, she bit him.
He hollered and pushed her hard.
She lost her balance and hit the ground on her side.
The man examined the bloody bite. “You’re gonna regret that.” He hauled her up by the arm and dragged her toward the high berm with the oven dug into it.
Belle remembered the tall, thin man, with his missing teeth, scraggly hair and beard, from the hotel. “I know you. You’re Ezra Fleming. You bothered me when I worked at the hotel. Did you follow me here?”
He continued to pull her. “Yes, now just come quietly and all will be fine.”
She shouted. “Seth! Seth!”
Ezra kept pulling her toward the high berm, and she knew that if he got her on the other side, she was done for.
Belle kept shouting and dragging her feet. “Leave me alone! Seth!”
She and Ezra had reached the horse when Seth appeared from the creek.
“Get your filthy hands off her.”
Ezra turned, then pushed Belle to the ground and swung up on the horse. He galloped away toward the forest.
Belle hit her head and pain shot through her brain. She placed her right hand on her forehead and moaned.
Seth ignored Ezra and ran to Belle, who was still lying on the ground. “Belle!”
She tried to get up, but her head throbbed. Bracing herself on her right arm, she reached up with her other hand, felt a knot, then looked at her hand. Blood covered it.
“Let me help you get up.” Seth placed his hands on her waist and lifted her to her feet.
“Thank you. I’m not feeling so good.” She collapsed into his arms and the world went black..
Seth knewhe couldn’t panic. He would take care of her, and then he’d kill Ezra Fleming for hurting her. As gently as he could, he settled her into his arms and carried her to the tent, where he laid her on the bed. He kneeled beside her. “Belle? Belle, honey? Can you hear me?”
Her eyelids fluttered, and she opened her eyes.
Seth smiled. “That’s a good girl. Now, stay there. I’ll get something to clean your wound and see how bad it is.” He stood and hurried to get their medical supplies, a basin of water and a cloth.
“I couldn’t go anywhere if I wanted to.” She laid on the mattress with her arms folded over her eyes. “Why does Ezra Fleming want me? He insinuated he’s the one who killed Amos, not claim jumpers and that if I went with him, he wouldn’t kill you. But I wasn’t going anywhere with him. I didn’t believe he could kill you.”
Seth returned to her and kneeled by her, setting the basin of warm water on the floor beside him. “I’m very glad you didn’t go with him. As to why he wants you, you’re a beautiful woman and he wants you for himself and he’s eliminating any obstacles, namely husbands.”
She grabbed his shirt with her right hand and pulled him closer to her. “That means he’ll be coming back to kill you. Seth, you need to be extra vigilant. I didn’t see a rifle on his horse, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have one. I don’t want to be alone here. He’s got to be watching or was watching. Maybe he was scared away for good. Do you think so?” She stared up into his face. Her eyes were wide with fear.
Seth sought to calm her. “I doubt it. I wouldn’t be. You’re a gorgeous woman in a place where women like you don’t belong. But I won’t let him hurt you again. I’ll do my best to protect you.”
“I’d rather be someplace else right now, too.”
“You’ll have to sit up for me to clean your wound. Let me help you.”
He pulled her to a sitting position with her arms braced behind her on the mattress.
Taking the washcloth, he gently cleaned the injury. Her head struck a rock, causing blood to ooze out. “It doesn’t look so bad. I’ll clean it well, and then place a bandage around your head. Not the prettiest hat, but a functional one.”
Her mouth turned down, and the light went out of her eyes. “Okay. If you think I need one.”
“It will keep the injury clean, and that’s what counts.”
“True. I don’t need to get an infection.” She pressed the heel of a palm to her forehead. “I’ve got one God-awful headache.”
“I have some willow bark. I’ll make you a cup.” He stood and went about preparing the tea.
After the water heated, he brought her a steaming cup.
“Let it steep for a couple of minutes before you drink it. And I want you to drink it all.”
“Yes, Mr. Kirby.” She jolted upright, then grabbed her head. A little of the tea spilled onto the blankets. “Ow. The biscuits! They’re ruined. I had just put them in the oven when Ezra grabbed me from behind. At least, the cobbler will be all right. It’s on the table over there.”
He caressed her with a single knuckle. “Shh, calm down. I’ll go check. They aren’t that much over, and if they are burned, well, it ain’t no hangin’ offense. In the meantime, you lay back, relax and let the willow bark do its job.”
She cocked her head. “Did I just hear you say it ain’t no hangin’ offense?”
“You did.” He grinned. “Now, I’ll be right back.”
She chuckled, despite her pain. What manner of man had she married?
Seth returned with the pot holder around the wire handle for the Dutch oven. “I didn’t look, so I don’t know what we’ll find.” He set the pot on the table and removed the lid. He gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. “Oh, my.”
“Well? What do you see?”
“Very, very brown biscuits. They might yet be salvageable. Let me get one out and see how far down it goes.” He got his knife from the cot.
Seth broke out a biscuit. The biscuits were very dark brown but not yet burned black. He used a knife from the utensils and cut about a quarter of an inch off the top and the bottom. Underneath those ends was a soft biscuit. “See, they’ll still be good. Did you get any jam when we were at the mercantile?”
She lay back. “I’m glad they’re edible. I got two jars of blackberry jam and one of huckleberry. Those will keep us for a week or two, don’t you think?”
He grinned. “Only if you can keep me from eating them with a spoon.”
“If you eat it like that, I’ll beat you with that spoon.”
He laughed.
She laid on her side and sipped the tea. “The jam goes on bread or biscuits, maybe even cornbread. I can make that too, if you’re of a mind for beans.”
Seth shrugged. “I like them well enough and you can’t have beans without cornbread. Probably need some salt pork or bacon to flavor the beans, though.”
She started to nod and then thought better of it, keeping her head steady. “We do, so I propose we get some salt pork the next time we go to town. It will give a better flavor than bacon.”
“Sounds good. We’ll do that. Now you need to lie back and just rest. You’ve got a severe head injury. If I ever see Ezra Fleming, he’ll answer to me for what he did.”
Belle turned to her back. “I never meant to cause any trouble, but you’ll have to get behind me when it comes to making Ezra pay for this.” She rested her left arm over her eyes.
Seth kneeled beside her. “This is not your fault in any way, shape, or form. You are the victim of this. Remember that.”
“I’ll try.” Her eyes were slowly closing...though she tried to fight it.
She was tired. Sleep was the best thing now. He’d wake her when he’d finished preparing lunch in an hour or so. The willow bark tea should help with her pain by that time.
He went outside and looked all around for Ezra. Seth knew the man wouldn’t give up. He’d be back, and Seth needed to be ready.