Soon Casey and Morgan eased across the dirt road to Kahlerville.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan said. “I had no right to say those things to you. What I said would make anyone ill.” He fixed his gaze on the dirt road. Clouds rolled across a gray sky. It reminded her of the day she left Jenkins.
She took a deep breath. Thoughts of the outlaw trail floated by with all the horrible crimes that Jenkins and his gang had committed. God had forgiven her. “I forgive you.”
“Thank you.” He raised the reins and urged the horses a little faster. “We’re going to get caught in a storm if we don’t hurry.”
“We’ve been in a storm since the day you walked into my campsite.” She avoided his stare. The only sounds were the moans and groans of the wagon. Suddenly a gust of wind cooled her face.
“I do love you,” he said. “I want to make things right between us.”
“It’s impossible,” she said. “Once, you said that I was afraid to trust and you were afraid to love. Now you tell me you love me, but you act like you don’t trust me. From the way I look at it, you don’t know what you want.”
His face hardened. “Yes, I do. I’m just going about it wrong.”
“Are you a bounty hunter?”
Crimson rose from his neck. “How many times do I have to tell you that I’m a lawyer?”
“Now you know how I feel when you ask me if I miss the outlaw life. I didn’t mean to sound unfeeling. I simply want to know what Jenkins did to you.”
A huge droplet of rain landed on her riding skirt.
“I can’t, Casey. Not yet.”
Exasperation caused her to shudder. “Then how can you expect me to believe you love me?”
The rain started, pelting her body like tiny bits of hail. Let it rain, for now Morgan wouldn’t see her tears.
*****
“Shawne, didn’t John bring a newspaper from Houston?” Sarah said one mid-September morning. She’d insisted Casey prop her up in bed, declaring how much better she felt.
“Yes, he did.” Casey looked down to the left of her. “I have it right here under my mending basket.”
“Would you mind reading it to me?”
“I’d be delighted.” Casey pulled out the folded newspaper. “Is there anything in particular you want to hear?”
Sarah paused thoughtfully, then smiled. “Not really, dear. Just read the articles you know I’ll enjoy.” Her voice sounded stronger than usual, and for that Casey praised God. She moved the rocker closer to Sarah’s bed.
Casey scanned through the Post, quoting the latest prices on French shoes, millinery wear for women and children, and a new opera opening soon. She avoided the various advertisements for doctors and medicines guaranteed to cure every disease imaginable.
“Oh Sarah, here is a picture of the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen. Listen to how it’s described: ‘This gown is composed of Venetian cloth and velvet. The plain underskirt is of golden green velvet as is also the greater part of the bodice. The cloth drapery is a medium shade of fawn and is open the whole length upon the left side to show a velvet petticoat. It is elaborately braided with green and gold mixed braid and has a border across the front and right side of stone marten. The high, flaring collar is edged with a narrow roll of the fur, below which is a braided design. The close sleeves are of cloth, braided to match above the velvet cuffs.’”
“It sounds magnificent.” Sarah’s eyes met Casey’s gaze. “That gown would look lovely with your auburn hair. Someday you must find a rich husband to dress you in fine things.”
She laughed. “I’d settle for much less, believe me.” An image of Morgan drifted across her mind. They’d talked some, but she’d held him at a distance, fearful of his next outburst.
“Do read on. What about social gatherings?” Sarah entwined her fingers gracefully and waited.
Casey reported on activities and events pertinent to the fall days. Some of the names Sarah recognized, and she expressed delight in hearing about traditional get-togethers. The last few days had been good ones for the older woman, and Casey wanted desperately for the gaiety to last. She continued to read the news from the latest CATTLEMEN’S REPORT. Her eyes swept over the FARM NEWS, and then an article caught her attention. Her senses paralyzed.
A man and his son had been murdered on their ranch west of Houston. The report concluded that Davis Jenkins and his outlaws were responsible