Denver (24 page)

“Thanks, Lyle.” Dan left, striding out into warm sunshine, wondering how much risk he faced. He barely knew the sheriff, steering clear of lawmen if possible.

“Well, I do declare, aren’t you the busy man!”

He looked up to see Louisa seated in an open carriage. “Louisa, Sorry, I didn’t see you.”

“I know,” she said, smiling. “You were about to walk right past me without so much as a good-afternoon.”

“Sorry, my mind was on business. We go to the Gaithers’ dinner party tomorrow night. I won’t be able to be alone with you because your parents are going too.”

“You might,” she said, smiling at him. Although he was usually captivated by her, today Dan couldn’t keep his attention on her. At the moment he was disturbed over the poster and he wished he could confide in her. Somehow he couldn’t imagine Louisa being anything except shocked, because she had led a sheltered, secure life. Even so, he wished he could unburden himself to her.

“Today a new shipment of goods arrived from the East, and Papa bought Mama and me two beautiful new pairs of shoes and material for the most gorgeous dresses. This has been a perfect day so far. Who’s going tomorrow night?”

“I don’t really know, Louisa.”

“I know Annabelle and Emily both will be there. They’ll turn green with envy when they see my new shoes.”

Dan couldn’t keep his attention on ladies’ shoes. He nodded to her. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He winked and strode away, realizing he could tell Dulcie,
but not Louisa. Dulcie understood trouble. Louisa had never known any, and Dan knew he shouldn’t expect her to understand a past like his.

His thoughts shifted to his plans for Ringwood and Corning. Every time he thought of the two entirely different types of houses he was designing, his blood raced in anticipation. If he could build those two houses, his future was secure. He mounted his horse to ride to work.

It was late when he stopped at the O’Malleys’. He washed his hands at the pump outside, and was glad Mary had the luxury of a well and pump at the back door and didn’t always have to rely on the water wagon. Spring was in the air. It was a pleasant time of year as the days grew longer. He had put in a long hard day, and realized for the first time how dusty his clothing was. He knocked and stepped inside the kitchen.

“Mary?”

“I’m here, Dan,” she called. The lilt in her voice gave him renewed energy.

She came into sight, a dish towel in her hand.

“I washed at the pump, but I’m dusty all over,” he said, holding out his arms. “Will you let me in like this? I can eat back here if you like.”

“Come in,” she said, laughing. “You’re no more dusty than some of my customers. And they’re all gone anyway. Go sit in the dining room.”

“Let’s eat here in the kitchen.”

“I have yours and mine ready. Want a glass of milk?”

“Yes.” Hunger attacked him as he smelled the tempting aromas of roast turkey and hot bread. “Brian’s been turkey hunting, I see.”

“Yes. Brian keeps meat on our table and he helps with my garden in the summer. I know I can’t expect him to stay here for too many more years, and I don’t know what I’ll do when he goes. He’s more of a help in many ways than Michael ever was. Michael was the one who did repairs.”

“Does Michael ever come home?” Dan asked. He sat down across from her, relaxing as he watched her
move around the kitchen. She set plates and a platter piled high with slices of turkey on the table.

“He hasn’t in over a year now. He’s like Silas, off chasing dreams.”

“What are your dreams, Mary?” Dan asked, serving her turnips and dressing.

“I don’t have time for dreams. Maybe for a little while, when Silas was here—” Abruptly she bit off her words. “I know what you dream. You want to build the biggest, finest houses in Denver.”

“You’re right. I dream about that and about a family.” His thoughts shifted to the wanted poster and he became quiet, eating in silence.

“Did you get the order of lumber you’ve been waiting for?”

“Yes. It came in late yesterday afternoon,” he said. He couldn’t stop thinking about the poster. He had hoped all traces of the past had been left behind and he wouldn’t have to live his life constantly watching for bounty hunters and lawmen. In a few more minutes he realized how quiet he was, and that Mary had grown quiet also.

“This is the best dinner I’ve ever eaten.”

She laughed, a merry sound that made his spirits lift a notch. “How many times have you told me that!”

“It’s true. Dinner gets better and better. I mean it every time I say it.”

While he ate, his thoughts shifted to work, but visions of the wanted poster still plagued him. The milk was cold, the turkey tender and succulent. It was so delicious, Dan wanted a second helping.

Mary cast surreptitious glances at him, finally watching him openly because he was so preoccupied he didn’t notice. Something was worrying him. He always talked to her, either idle chatter or talk relating to his day at work and his plans for houses. He never sat in brooding silence, oblivious of her presence, his blue eyes full of worry. His hair was tangled, and the shoulder of his shirt was ripped. He was as dusty as he claimed, but he looked wonderful. She worried
about him, though, because it was obvious that something had disturbed him badly.

“How’s the cut on your hand?”

“It’s fine. I had to get rid of the bandage.” He lapsed back into silence.

“Have you had a bad day?” She sat quietly leaning back in her chair. Her helpings were always tiny and she was finished, her plate clean.

He shrugged. “No, just a lot of hard work.”

“Something’s worrying you, and I’m sorry,” she said.

Startled, Dan lowered his glass of milk and stared at her. “What in sweet hell makes you think something is worrying me? I guess I’ve been quiet,” he added, as if answering his own question.

“Whatever it is, I’m sorry,” she said gently. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No, there’s nothing,” he said, smiling at her. “I’m tired and we had problems crop up at work.” He studied her, shocked that she could tell so easily that something was wrong, while Louisa hadn’t had an inkling. “No. I had a long day at work,” he lied.

Her gaze slid away and she flushed. “I’m sorry. Once again, I wasn’t prying,” she replied, realizing it was none of her concern, and she shouldn’t have quizzed him. Perhaps he had had cross words with Louisa or had difficulties in his business. She had gone beyond the bounds of her slight friendship with him by asking personal questions, and she felt hot with embarrassment.

Dan drew a sharp breath, realizing she had taken his answer as a rebuff.

“Mary,” he asked quietly, and she met his gaze. “How did you know something was bothering me?”

“I’m sorry I asked. It wasn’t my place.”

“I’ve had bad news and I’m worried about it.”

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do? Do you need funds?”

“Now I answered your question. You answer mine, because I want to know. How did you know I was worried?”

“There are several reasons,” she answered forth-rightly, realizing it was important to him, but unable to fathom why it would be. “You’re acting differently tonight. You’re eating in silence, your thoughts seem to be elsewhere. You look worried.”

“Ahh, so that’s how,” he said, leaning back to look at her.

“Yes, and I didn’t mean to pry. Would you like some cobbler?”

“Do you need to ask?” he answered.

She stood up to take their dishes. He stood and took them from her hands. “I’ll wait on you tonight,” he said.

“We’ll both do it, and it’ll be faster,” she said. She dished up two bowls of steaming golden apple cobbler and turned around. “Would you like cream on yours?”

He came to her and braced his hands on both sides of her on the counter, standing close and hemming her in. Mary gazed into his eyes as he leaned down slightly toward her. Her heart pounded because he stood so close to her. She pressed back against the counter until she was unable to retreat any farther.

“I want you to understand something.”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly, wanting to tell him to move away, yet embarrassed to say so because she didn’t want him to realize how his presence disturbed her. He did disturb her, though, and she was fully aware of it.

“I’m glad we’re friends and that I had a chance to get to know you,” he said softly, studying her.

“It’s been nice for me too,” she replied. Her nerves were stretched raw by his proximity. As she gazed at him, she wondered if any woman could ever become accustomed to his handsome features or if the women in his life stayed permanently awed by them. A faint blond stubble was beginning to show on his jaw.

“You work too hard, Mary. I want you to take Silas’ money and use it.”

“I’ve been thinking about that,” she said carefully. “I’ll take enough to pay you for your work, because—”

“No,” he said with a lopsided grin. “You’re not paying me, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

“And I won’t take Silas’ money, and not another word about that,” she retorted, raising her chin defiantly. They both laughed at the same time, and she relaxed a little.

His smile vanished and he gave her a searching look that made her heart thud. She was afraid to move, because she would bump him if she didn’t stand completely still. Her hands were at her waist, holding a spoon.

“I’m going to miss coming here every evening.”

“You can come when you like. Paddy and Brian and I will always be glad to see you,” she said, knowing it was only herself, not Paddy or Brian she was thinking about.

“You have to take the money. Silas is liable to tear me to pieces when he gets back and finds out I failed him.”

Dan saw the flash of fire in her eyes and knew he was battling a hopeless cause. “Silas Eustice will hear from me about just exactly why I wouldn’t take his money! Money isn’t the only thing in the world that brings happiness.”

When it got right down to it, he had to admit there were times when it was easier to talk to Mary than Louisa. There were even occasions when it was easier to talk to Mary than Dulcie. He shared many interests with Mary, like their books and the work on the house.

“Why are you so easy to talk to? You’re easier than Louisa sometimes.”

Mary wasn’t sure she wanted to hear that he enjoyed talking to her sometimes more than Louisa. On the one hand it frightened her, yet at the same time she felt a rush of pleasure.

“Louisa will be easy to talk to. You’ve spent more time with me lately, that’s all. You’ll enjoy talking to Louisa.”

“If I can ever get the chance. Her parents won’t leave us alone.” As he stared into Mary’s wide green
eyes, he lowered his gaze to her mouth. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have sworn she was so innocent she hadn’t even been kissed. There was a naïveté to her that made her seem untouched by a man. Right now she stared back at him like a trusting child; yet as he studied her, he knew she was no child. She was a warm, intelligent woman. His gaze lowered to her mouth again. Her pink lips looked soft and inviting. He felt a pull. “Mary, you’re the best friend I have.”

“Thank you,” she answered solemnly. Her eyes were wide, holding his gaze. He looked at her mouth again and his curiosity stirred. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her. His gaze met hers, and as he realized the direction his thoughts were moving in, he turned away from her abruptly. “I’ll get the cobbler,” he said, picking up both bowls to place them on the table.

They ate cobbler and Dan went to work installing one of the windows. His concentration centered on the task at hand and he forgot about all the women in his life. Late that night, before he left, he sat and talked with Mary.

They spoke softly, sitting in the kitchen where wood still burned in the cooking stove. She had a shawl around her shoulders, and in the soft light of a single lamp, dark shadows filled the corners. Paddy had gone to bed, Brian was out, and they were alone.

Dan talked about the plans he was drawing for Corning and Ringwood. He leaned forward to rest his arm on the table while he talked.

“That’s exciting, Dan. The Shumachers should be pleased.”

“I suppose they are.”

“I’m sorry that working here has cut into your time to be with Louisa.”

He shrugged. “If I go calling in the evening, I spend the whole time with Louisa’s parents, and Mrs. Shumacher’s cold stares aren’t conducive to an enthralling evening.”

“You’ll be with them a long time once you’re married.”

“We won’t live with them. I should take Paddy with me the next time I visit them. With his tales of Ireland, he would liven up the conversation a bit. He might even stir Mrs. Shumacher to a few words.”

They both laughed, and impulsively he reached out to touch her cheek. “You’re so damned easy to talk to.”

She shrugged. “So are you. I don’t have time to see my friends much. Sometimes Bessie comes over, but not often now.”

“I’ll bet you told Silas everything, and he told you everything.”

“He told me a lot about himself that I don’t think he shared with others.”

“I don’t think I can share some things in my life with Louisa. I suppose it doesn’t matter. I love her and want to be with her.”

“I imagine you can share everything with her,” she said gently. She hated to think about Dan marrying Louisa Shumacher.

“No, I can’t,” he said somberly, studying Mary. He knew that what he really wanted was to have one trusted friend in town. And he was sure he could trust Mary with anything. “I can tell you what I can never tell Louisa,” he said, voicing his thoughts aloud. “As far as my life is concerned, my secrets, Silas knows them, and someday he’ll tell you anyway.”

“Dan, if it’s because I asked earlier, I apologize again. When I’m with you, I say whatever pops to mind.”

“And that’s the way I want you to be. That’s what friends are for. They can say whatever they want to each other without stopping to consider consequences.” He caught her hand in both of his and held it. He watched her, debating for another few seconds about whether or not he should share his problems with someone or keep them to himself as he usually did. Impulsively he decided to tell her. “Mary, I saw a poster in the store today. It had just come in with the mail. It’s a wanted poster.”