Grace for a Drifter Page 8

  After a very hurried search, Bethany found twine and tied her uncle’s hands and feet together behind his back. Liza brought her a knife from the kitchen and she cut the twine after securing the man who had, with his act, gone from family member to murderer. Events this last week had truly changed what she knew to be true about the men in her life!

  Once she had Ralph secured without his hatchet nearby, she turned to her children. “Come upstairs, my sweethearts. We’ll leave him down here to spend time with—”

  She broke off as she realized that she’d nearly mentioned the bodies. Robbie didn’t need any further reminders and so she hurried them up to the kitchen and then out the door. Evergreen’s sheriff would have to deal with the man in the cellar. She did wonder, though, why Uncle Ralph had spared Robbie’s life that night. According to her father-in-law, her son had been there. Thanking the Lord for his mercy, she directed Liza and Robbie to the wagon.

  With difficulty, she climbed into the wagon after lifting Robbie onto the seat. Liza refused help and scampered like a squirrel up the wheel and into the vehicle, causing her brother to fuss. “Down! I climb too.”

  It seemed that he’d broken through whatever trauma kept him from speaking and she loved the sound of his voice. Still, she realized his speech seemed delayed for his age. She would work with him after life settled down for them.

  Telling him to stay put, that he could climb in like his sister next time, she touched the leathers to the horses’ backs. The wagon rolled along with Liza subdued and frowning.

  Bethany pulled the girl to her side and hugged her as she held the reins. Robbie, not wanting to miss out, embraced Liza from the other side. The mother took her eyes away from the team and saw the fatigue in the girl’s face. “Now that we’ve turned you into a sandwich, tell me what has you so quiet.”

  Sobs started from her daughter, shaking the small shoulders. “I looked for you in the rooms and couldn’t find you. I got scared and then heard the voices. He had the hatchet and it made me want to run and hide.” Robbie rubbed his sister’s back, pleasing Bethany. Whatever might be delayed with the boy, he had a well-developed sense of sympathy.

  Urging Liza to lay her head on her lap, Bethany crooned her words to the exhausted girl. “I am so proud of you for thinking fast and finding the board. It was the distraction I needed to grab the crock.” After saying that, she softly began her favorite lullaby to calm her children. Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night.

  Liza raised her head, a confused look on her dear face. “But it’s not night yet.”

  Bethany’s laugh tinkled in the air. “It’s part of the song, sweetheart. Lay back and listen.”

  Settling her head back in her lap, Liza sighed and relaxed. Robbie moved to sit between Bethany’s feet and leaned against her legs while he held onto the fabric of her skirt. As she sang, she felt herself relax as well. She would grieve for her aunt, she knew. Right then, she felt only relief that she’d discovered the truth of the woman’s disappearance and her children were safe.

  Chapter 10

  “What do you mean he blames me?” Bethany’s indignation caused the air around the bed to suddenly come alive with electricity.

  Laying on his side, Errol made a calming motion with one hand. “What that man believes or says doesn’t matter. The sheriff knows he’s guilty and Ralph is angry that you found out about the murders. He says none of it would have happened if we hadn’t created our son.” He shook his head in disbelief. “The man must be a lunatic.”

  He had been both alarmed and relieved when Bethany returned to town just before dusk and filled him in on the events in the cellar. He’d almost lost her for a second time. And his children!

  They’d rushed to the sheriff. When Bethany told her story for a second time, Sheriff Collins looked doubtful. “Why would Ralph have a tunnel in his cellar?”

  Frowning at him, she nonetheless explained the history she remembered. “I’d forgotten the tunnel until my son pulled me to it. The house was built over the cellar of the original settler’s cabin. The tunnel was built to escape during Indian attacks or if bandits came to cause harm.”

  Sheriff Collins nodded. “Well, I’ll saddle my horse and head out there. I’m curious to see what’s in that cellar.”

  Errol corrected him. “Not what, Sheriff--who.” He looked at his exhausted family before returning his attention to the sheriff. “How about I come along with this wagon? You’ll need a wagon to haul Bethany’s uncle into town.”

  The man rubbed his jaw and nodded. “Good idea. Drop ‘em off. I’ll meet you over at the boarding house.”

  They’d found Ralph ranting and struggled in the cellar. Errol didn’t think he would ever forget the smell of rotting flesh combined with the musty smell of the earthen walls. Gulping in clean air on the ride back to Evergreen, he still caught whiffs of it each time he breathed through his nose.

  Though the sheriff had asked him for help with the bodies, Errol had refused strongly. “You get someone else to come out with you and get the corpses. I’m done with this mess.”

  Collins had grimaced. “Not something I want to mess with either. Guess I’ll get the undertaker to help with the bodies.”

  Now bathed and in bed with his wife, Errol forced his mind to push away what he’d glimpsed as he held the lantern high and looked into the tunnel. He fixed his mind on the children, instead, who slept in a room next door to them.

  “How did Liza and Robbie seem when you put them to bed?” He asked the question, feeling out whether she’d still been angry that he’d left them to go off with the sheriff. At the time that he’d dropped them off, she’d seethed with displeasure that he was leaving them.

  No sign of animosity colored her voice. Instead, she happily told about Robbie allowing her to rock him while Liza had her bath. “Afterward, the children fell asleep while I read the Mother Goose book to them. They’re beautiful while they sleep, like cherubs from a painting come to life.” She sighed and smiled.

  “We’ve experienced quite a bit in the last few days. Seems to me,” Errol suggested hopefully, “that the drama around us has helped to show who we are. Do you feel like you’ve seen the real me yet?”

  She surprised him by giggling and snuggling into his chest. He’d expected an argument, not this capitulation.

  “I love you, Errol Marsden. Today, I almost died. Tonight, I want to be sure you know that I never stopped loving you. Not even when I believed you’d lied to me.” She pulled his head down and kissed him before he could speak. After that, no words were necessary.

  After the final hymn, Pastor Elkins held up his hands to stop the congregation from leaving. “Please have a seat again. First I want to remind you that the Davis family would appreciate your help next Saturday with their barn raising. Let’s rally round them.” Amens came from the congregation.

  The pastor motioned to Bethany. She rose and all eyes turned toward her. “I promised our schoolteacher a moment to speak with you so stay to hear her announcement.”

  Bethany and Errol walked to the front of Belle’s small church. Murmurs throughout the room followed them down the aisle. Before they turned to face the congregation, Errol gave her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand. That brought a gasp from several ladies.

  Clearing her throat, Bethany assumed a serious expression as she turned to face the community she’d grown to love. “I have more of an explanation and confession rather than an announcement.” More whispers came in response to that.

  “First off, let me introduce my husband, Errol Marsden.” A cheer and clapping from Hope and David Knight stopped her from saying anything else for a moment. Others across the congregation clapped and shouted their congratulations.

  Holding up a hand to stop them, the schoolteacher continued once it was quiet again. “That wasn’t my confession. I came to Belle three years ago to start a new life and I used a false name when I became your teacher. My real name is Bethany Grace Marsden.” She
expected gasps or protests. People listened intently and waited for her explanation. They were a wonderful group to live among.

  When no one protested, her voice gained confidence. “I’d been told a terrible lie about my husband and my aunt convinced me to abandon my baby to her care. Some of you noticed him when we slipped in after the service had started. He’s back with us now and my husband found me again.”

  Hope stood then. “At the dance, right? No wonder you fainted.”

  Bethany smiled at her friend. “Yes, I don’t have the words to describe my shock at seeing him that night. He’d been convinced of my death, so he had his own shock to deal with at seeing me.”

  Sitting down once again, Hope allowed Bethany to continue with her explanation. “You’ve given me a wonderful three years and I hope I’ve nurtured and instructed your children well. Please forgive my deception—”

  Slowly people rose and clapping began across the congregation. Bethany gazed out at her neighbors and friends. Mayor Shepherd looked worried and probably wondered whether the school would be able to open next week. In contrast, Livvy and Hope both beamed with happiness for her.

  Yes, she would miss these folks. A life with her children and Errol would more than make up for leaving Belle.

  Not able to wait any longer, Liza and Robbie skipped hand in hand up the aisle to their parents. Errol picked up Liza and she held Robbie. Cheers from the congregants brought tears to her eyes.

  Errol lifted a hand into the air to quiet the crowd. She looked at him quizzically, but he merely flashed her a mischievous smile. “Does anyone want to buy a cobbler’s wagon?” Hoots of laughter sounded at that and people left their pews to come forward and shake their hands or pat Errol on the back.

  The people of Belle forgave her deception, she knew, and they celebrated her joy. Somehow, she would find a way to express her thanks to them. Maybe she could find a replacement teacher.

  Epilogue

  “Don’t poke her, Robbie.” Eight-year-old Liza fiercely mothered both her brother and the new baby. She pushed his hand away from the infant’s face and tenderly stroked the fussing baby’s cheek. Not liking his sister’s rebuff, Robbie ran across the park to sit on the swing.

  Belle quieted down quickly as her sister crooned to her. Liza had an amazing way with her, and Bethany gloried in watching her girls interact. Belle and Liza were destined to have a lifelong bond, she felt sure.

  She wished her husband could be there. He’d been away in Evergreen for a week now, testifying at Uncle Ralph’s trial. She’d thought perhaps she and the children would need to appear at the trial. Her husband and the sheriff hesitated to involve them, not wanting either child or herself to have to relive the trauma. Since she hadn’t received a hurried summons to come to Evergreen, her testimony hadn’t been needed. That was fine with her!

  Her uncle’s lawyer had arranged for the sale of the farm. That had to happen before the trial so he could afford an attorney. Since the place had been the site of a double murder, it surprised her that anyone had been willing to buy the place. She had refused to go back, even when the lawyer had offered the contents of the house to her. No, she was happy not to return to Evergreen.

  She loved her little house on their quiet street in St. Louis. After ten months of living in the city, she and the children had a routine that she hated to disrupt. Also, Liza needed to stay in school.

  At first, Robert had been disappointed and hurt that her family didn’t share his home. Bethany made sure that they spent at least one afternoon or evening each week with him. This seemed to have healed any rift. He enjoyed the children and had started attending church to be a part of their family. At least that is what he’d said in the beginning. Last Sunday, her father-in-law had actually carried a bible with him to services.

  A former student from Evergreen, Delia Perkins, had assumed the position as schoolteacher in Belle. Just that morning, Bethany had received a disturbing and intriguing letter from the woman. Something about a missing child and a treasure map. Once she and the children returned from the park, she planned to write Delia and ask for specific details. She’d thought that all the drama in Belle had quieted down after the mystery around the Christmas bells had been solved. Evidently, she was wrong.

  Belle fussed again, reminding her it was almost time to nurse her child. Looking down at her daughter’s small, red face the memory of the first time she saw her popped into her head. Exhausted from the delivery she’d collapsed into the mattress without taking a peek at the infant. Dropping the hand he’d been holding, Errol leaned forward to kiss her lips softly and then rose to move closer to the baby.

  Soon, he returned and joined her on the bed. Pulling a blanket away from her face, he kissed her downy head. Then he looked at Bethany with tears in his eyes. “Thank you for believing in me again. She’s living proof that redemption is possible.”

  How she’d loved that man in that moment. Pain and grief were completely pushed out of her heart by the love and contentment he’d brought to her life.

  A wail from Belle brought her mind back to the present. Needing to take the baby home, she called to Robbie. Liza never strayed far from her tiny sister so Bethany didn’t have to call her. With Liza pushing the carriage, they left the park and walked the short distance to their cozy home.

  Home! Bethany loved the word. Her drifter husband had found her by the grace of God. With a life restored, she was truly home.

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  Coming Soon

  A Bride for BODE

  The Proxy Brides #21

  Chapter 1

  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  September 1871

  Violet Barrigar shivered in the warm office. Her fear didn’t come from the occasional clap of thunder or jagged lightning visible through the window she faced. It didn’t even come from the spider that had dropped from the ceiling to hang by the lawyer’s shoulder. No, the two who sat across from her caused the shakes she struggled to control.

  The attorney, Cyrus Bingham, smirked with his wet, bulbous lips while leaning confidently back in his oak chair. The seat was over-sized, but she understood his need for that since it happened to fit the rotund man just right. His larger than usual height and greater than normal weight didn’t trouble Violet. His smarmy tone and habit of undressing her with his eyes were what led her to avoid the man whenever he’d visited Aunt Tessie’s home.

  Oddly enough Gladys, her cousin by marriage, also had positioned a chair behind the attorney’s desk. This caused Cyrus to pull his chair over to the side rather than to stay behind the desk’s center. Since neither were slender, they each stuck out beyond the desk so that it looked to Violet as if they formed some hideous creature with two different halves to its body.

  Rein in your imagination! Listen to what she has to tell you. Violet’s biggest fault lay with her tendency to daydream. As kind as Aunt Tessie had been, she’d often sighed and exclaimed over Violet’s habit of staring out windows or into the fire while the woman tried to carry on a conversation. “Honestly, my dear. How will you ever entertain a suitor if your mind drifts so easily?”

  Really, what Aunt Tessie had to say usually did interest her. Violet typically didn’t mind the embroidery or knitting she’d be involved with when her imagination took over. Life simply couldn’t compare with whatever novel she’d read recently and her mind would pull her into the storyline as she remembered it.

  Her aunt’s death last week had been unexpected. Violet couldn’t remember a day prior to that when the fifty-year-old woman had even been ill. They had visited friends in the morning and then returned to find Gladys waiting for them. She’d asked to speak privately with her stepmother so the younger woman had left the two of them to share a cup of tea while they talk
ed. Before bedtime that evening, Tessie succumbed to a fit of cramping stomach pain and died.

  Stop remembering and focus on what these two are planning. She could almost hear Aunt Tessie’s voice cautioning her.

  “As you know very well, my dearly departed stepmother only took you in ten years ago out a misguided sense of charity. Though you called her your aunt, she was only a foster sister to your father.” Violet’s back stiffened at Gladys’ summation of her relationship with Tessie. There had been a great deal of love between her parents and the woman, not to mention the closeness she had felt as well.

  Nervously, Violet lifted a hand to check that her honey-brown hair hadn’t escaped the bun she’d fashioned on the back of her neck. Her mother had often stroked her daughter’s hair. Perhaps that was why she found herself touching it when she was upset or anxious.

  Get ahold of your thoughts!

  “…kindly made this offer for you.” The woman stopped speaking and waited for Violet’s response. She’d missed whatever her cousin had said.

  Hesitantly, Violet lifted her brown eyes to her cousin’s snapping gray ones. “I’m sorry Gladys. My mind drifted when you—”

  Rather than address the younger woman directly, Gladys snorted and turned to the lawyer. “Do you see what my poor stepmother had to deal with these last ten years? I’m sure she’s mentally defective.” As she expressed her indignation, the fussy gray-brown curls fixed in front of each ear shook.

  Cyrus put a pudgy hand to one of his chins and hummed while mentally undressing the subject of their conversation. “Won’t matter if she is. Might even make things work out better that way.”

  Violet refused to let them discuss her as if she wasn’t in the room. “What will work out better? Please tell me again what you are proposing?”