Chapter Twelve
Rachel felt childish for slamming the door to her room, but she didn’t care. It was either that or throw something. She wanted to strike out at anything that might ease the tight, furious ache in her chest.
She locked the door, her hands trembling as she turned the key, and slumped onto her bed. She could feel the tears building, but she forced them back. She was not going to cry. She wouldn’t let it happen.
Certainly not because of her husband.
How could he speak to her like that? It was one thing to be frustrated coming in after a rough day, but to snap at her as he did was unkind.
Rachel would’ve cleared up the kitchen and made it tidy again.
She’d just gotten wrapped up in making the pie, something Isabelle had told her Nate would love.
She’d been trying to follow the recipe to make it right, and Nate had walked in and seen only the mess.
Why couldn’t he just relax? Every now and then, it seemed as though Nate was beginning to soften, perhaps even open up, but then he pulled back and shut himself off. Rachel didn’t know what to do.
Maybe he had been on his own for too long. Rachel only hoped this would not be the shape of her married life, not knowing when the ground beneath her feet would hold steady, and when it would shift without warning.
A knock at the door made her stiffen, and then she heard Nate’s voice through the door.
“Rachel? Can I talk to you?”
Rachel pressed her lips together and didn’t answer. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of saying anything.
She just wanted to be left alone.
“Rachel, please. Look, Rachel, it was just a misunderstanding. I’m sorry.”
Her hands clenched into the blanket, and she could feel herself shaking. Outside, the light was starting to fade a little as the afternoon moved on. The chill was beginning to seep into her bones.
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Nate spoke again, “ All right. I’m going to change and head back out again. I’ll be back before dark. Just… be safe.”
Then he was gone, his footsteps fading away on the wooden boards.
Rachel didn’t move, her heart pounding as she listened.
She hated arguments, and she didn’t like to be in the center of it.
She was in a state of shock and felt the overwhelming urge to cry.
She despised it, and had hoped it wouldn’t happen again.
Now it seemed that would be the tone of her marriage.
She heard Nate’s footsteps again. They paused outside her door before heading downstairs. She heard the front door open and then close.
It was only then that Rachel relaxed. She fell back onto the mattress and stared at the ceiling. She was exhausted, and she’d barely done a full day of work. Maybe she needed to get out and get some fresh air. She couldn’t explore the woods because of the snow, but she could walk around the town.
Maybe that would be enough time for her to clear her head.
Finding her coat and putting on a thick pair of gloves, Rachel tucked her hair into her hat and left the house. The snow was deeper than she thought, but Rachel kept to the shallower parts. Her boots were leaking, and she didn’t want them ruined any further.
She made a mental note to ask Nate about buying a new pair of boots. It was practical, not frivolous, so surely he could not object to that.
The light was fading as she made her way around the town. The houses made the most of their terrain, looking sturdy and prepared for any weather.
The view of the setting sun was stunning. Rachel watched as the sun crept down toward the horizon. Even in the middle of the snow, it painted a pretty picture.
She headed in the direction of Isabelle’s house. She could probably see if Jack could escort her back. She didn’t want to be around Nate right now, and that was embarrassing to admit.
She needed to get some courage and actually talk to him. Tell him that it was unacceptable to accuse her of something when he didn’t have all the facts.
That reminded her that the kitchen was still a mess. At this point, she didn’t even care.
“Good afternoon, miss.”
Rachel slowed and turned, noticing the man standing in the shadows. He offered her a smile that didn’t seem to reach his eyes.
He was about fifty, tall and thin with iron-gray hair and ice-cold blue eyes set in a rugged face. He had a trimmed goatee and mustache around a thin mouth. His clothes looked like they were made by the best tailors, and he walked with a cane despite looking as if he didn’t need it.
Rachel found herself taking half a step back. She couldn’t be sure why, but there was something about him that set her on edge. Maybe it was because of her current mood, but she felt her instincts telling her she needed to walk away.
But she couldn’t ignore the polite manner he’d greeted her. She shoved her hands into her pockets.
“Good afternoon,” she greeted coolly. “Out for a walk?”
“You could say that.” His smile widened at her, his eyes drifting over her figure as if appraising her. “Is it the same for you? You look like you’re in a hurry.”
“I just… wanted some fresh air.” Rachel took another step back. “I’m just on my way to my sister-in-law’s. She’s expecting me.”
“I can accompany you and make sure that you’re safe.”
But Rachel was already shaking her head.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to be concerned.”
“I insist.”
“And I assure you that I don’t need to be accompanied. Enjoy your walk, sir.”
“Vane.”
Rachel, who had been about to turn away, stopped in confusion.
“I’m sorry?”
“My name is Vane. Isaac Vane.” He gave her a slight bow. “Nice to be acquainted, Miss…?”
“Mrs. Calloway,” Rachel said stiffly. “Good day, Mr. Vane.”
She hurried away, feeling a shiver across the back of her neck.
Rachel felt foolish for giving him her name.
She didn’t need to look around to know that Isaac Vane was watching her go.
She focused on putting one foot in front of the other, her heart pounding.
Who on earth was he? It was like he knew her, and Rachel didn’t like that.
She’d never met him before, and he’d already put her on edge.
Was he one of the townspeople? Maybe she could ask Nate about it when she saw him. He would be able to say if he was harmless or not.
If she could bring herself to talk to him. He’d apologized, but she had been too upset to accept it. The conversation would be awkward, no doubt, but Nate was the town marshal. He knew Mercy Creek and its people. If there was anything she ought to be wary of, he would be the one to tell her.
She reached the end of the street and hesitated, looking over her shoulder. There was no sign of Vane, but she couldn’t help but feel that she was being watched. She shivered.
Now she was being paranoid. She was upset, and it was feeding her insecurities. It could be nothing.
And still she couldn’t shake the feeling off.
It was getting darker, and Rachel knew she needed to hurry. She hadn’t brought a lantern out, and she didn’t know her way around.
The snow crunched under her feet, clinging to her skirt, as she hurried along. According to Isabelle, the snow glowed when the moon was out, but when there was no moon, she would have to rely on lanterns lit around the town.
The woman might’ve gotten her into a situation Rachel didn’t like, but, deep down, her heart was in the right place. It was clear she loved her brother, and Nate loved her in return, even if he did not always show it.
She was almost at the path that led up to Isabelle and Jack’s house when she was aware of someone following her.
She could hear the snow being trodden underfoot behind her.
Her heart racing, Rachel spun around, almost falling over.
She couldn’t see anyone, but that didn’t make her feel any better.
Especially when she heard howling in the distance.
Was she being tracked by a wild animal? Rachel had heard of dangerous mountain lions and wolves stalking towns and attacking people.
She needed to hurry instead of jumping at shadows.
Turning, she began to pick up the pace. She could see a house coming in sight, and Rachel almost sagged in relief. That had to be where she was going. If it wasn’t, maybe the homeowners would allow her to take refuge for a moment to get her bearings.
Anything to get rid of the sense of dread.
The crunching of snow was getting closer. Rachel spun around again, blinking in surprise when she saw Isaac Vane. She pressed a hand to her chest as her heart beat against her ribcage.
“Mr. Vane! What are you doing?”
“I’m just making sure that you’re getting to your destination.” Mr. Vane smiled at her, his teeth seeming to glint in the dim light. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be out on your own.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Rachel said sharply, huddling in her coat. “I’m almost there.”
“Then why don’t I accompany you? I’ll be more comfortable knowing that you’re safe.”
She didn’t say a word, glaring at him.
“I like to think I’m a gentleman. I may be a stranger, but I hope we can become acquainted while I’m here.”
“You’re only here for a short time?” Rachel frowned.
“I’m a merchant. I pass through several towns selling my wares. It’s not the first time I’ve come here.” His smile made Rachel's hair prickle on her arms. “So I wish to accompany you to wherever you’re going.”
Normally, Rachel would be grateful to have someone around her when she was scared. But something in her said she needed to get away from him. She shook her head.
“I appreciate the gesture, but you don’t need to.”
“I insist.”
“And I insist that I can cope on my own. I’m practically where I need to go.” Rachel took a few steps back and turned away. “Good night, Mr. Vane.”
She squeaked when his hand clamped down on her arm and pulled her back. He was closer than she remembered, giving her a smile that didn’t look pleasant.
“I said I insist,” he said, his hand tightening on her arm. “I don’t think you should be turning a man down when he offers to do something kind.”
“And I said I don’t need it.” Rachel tried to pull her arm away. “Let me go!”
“Don’t be petulant, Mrs. Calloway. Surely, you know it’s dangerous to be out here on your own?”
“And you’re proving why I shouldn’t take you up on your offer. Now take your hands off me!”
“What do you think you’re doing?” The bellow made both of them jump. “And get your hands off my wife!”
Rachel’s heart pounded as she turned and saw Nate charging across the snow toward them, his eyes blazing. She had never been more relieved to see anyone in her life.