man to be giving advice to me. At least I’m man enough to be sure my wife stays where she’s meant to be.”
No longer able to control his fury, Colt lunged at the other man, knocking him to the ground. Dust flew up all around them, and from what seemed like miles away, he could hear people hollering as his fist made contact with Brown’s jaw.
But before he could take another swing, Caleb grabbed hold of his arm and stopped him. “He’s not worth dirtying your boots or getting blood on your hands over.”
Colt stayed sitting on top of the man who was bringing his hands up to cover his face. “So, it seems like you’re sure quick to hand out insults and vile talk when it comes to a woman, but you’re not up to facing off with another man.”
“You jumped me! I didn’t even have time to defend myself.”
A crowd had gathered, and Colt lifted his eyes in time to see Mrs. Brown come rushing out of the store. Her horrified expression cut through his anger enough to allow him to stand, letting the other man get to his feet. Brown pulled his arm out of Caleb’s grip and bent down to pick up his hat that had fallen off in the scuffle.
“No wonder your wife couldn’t stand to be around you. You’re a heathen. From now on, mind your own business and don’t be stickin’ your nose in where it don’t belong.” He hastily brushed the dust from his pants, then grabbed his wife’s arm and dragged her to their wagon, forcibly pushing her up onto the seat. He hopped up beside her and grabbed the reins. “You’re lucky you had your friend here to back you up. Might not be so lucky the next time we meet up.”
Mrs. Brown gave Colt a sorrowful look before turning away as the wagon bounced away in a cloud of dust.
Colt wasn’t in the mood to stand around and talk to Caleb or any of the others who had gathered around, so he went over to his own wagon and climbed into the seat.
Everything had gone wrong from the moment he pulled into town this morning, and while he had his own troubles to deal with, now Colt had a sickening feeling he’d just made things even worse for poor Mercy Brown.
Chapter 14
“All right, children. We’re all finished for the morning, so you can get your lunch pails and go outside.” Kathryn leaned against her desk and watched as the students jumped to their feet and ran out the door. She wiped her forehead with her hand, pushing the strands of hair back that had become matted to her skin.
It was a hot day and even with the windows open there was no relief. There was no breeze at all, leaving the room inside stuffy and warm, making it difficult for the children to concentrate. She was considering moving the class outside under the big tree for the afternoon where it might be a bit cooler, otherwise she was sure there wouldn’t be much learning happening today.
She remembered from the few times she’d visited her aunt as a child how hot the summer days could get on the wide-open prairies. Even when there was a breeze, quite often the moving air was still warm and heavy, offering no relief until the sun was set for the day.
Grabbing the strawberry jam sandwich she’d made herself this morning, Kathryn made her way outside.
“Miss Reeves! Come sit with us!”
She smiled over at the group of young girls, including Delia and her friend Hazel, who’d called to her. They were sitting nicely beneath the big tree while the boys from the class were busy running around playing tag already. She would let them play for a few minutes more before telling them to sit down and eat their lunches too.
“It’s not much cooler outside, is it? I was hoping there might be a breeze by now.” She sat down and smiled at the girls who were all moving to make room for her. Already, she’d grown so attached to these children, and seeing the kindness they always showed to others, made her proud to have a hand in helping them grow.
Her legs were out to the side, so she spread her skirt out to make sure everything stayed covered. She was sure both her mother and sister would be completely mortified if they saw her right now, sitting on the dusty ground without any