When You Are Near Read online

  Lizzy nodded. “I’m positive it can work. You’ll see. We’ll get you out of here and then figure out how to get you to your sister’s place.”

  “August, could I bother you for a moment?” Lizzy asked as she came upon him tending to Betty’s horse. “Is he better?”

  The wrangler released the gelding’s leg and nodded. “He’s doing just fine. This rest has done the trick. Couldn’t have come at a better time.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. I’ve enjoyed the rest myself.”

  August gave the black a pat. “He’s a good animal.” He pushed back his hat. “Just let me get him back in the field, and you can have my full attention.”

  “I’ll walk with you. I’d rather no one overhear us.”

  August frowned. “Secrets?”

  Lizzy nodded and tried her best to look perfectly at ease. “Yes. A rather delicate one.”

  They said nothing more as they walked Betty’s horse back to the white-fenced field where the rest of the Brookstones’ horses were grazing. Lizzy opened the gate for August and waited for him to release the horse. She didn’t like involving him in the situation, but it couldn’t be helped. She pitied Ella more than any woman she’d ever known, and Lizzy knew she couldn’t stand by and do nothing.

  August joined her, wrapping the lead around his arm and grinning. “What can I do for you?”

  “I need your word that you’ll say nothing about this to anyone. It’s very important—very nearly a matter of life and death.”

  That wiped the smile from his face. “I promise.”

  Lizzy nodded. “Miss Fleming needs our help. She must get away from here, or she’ll be forced to marry that awful Mr. Spiby. I’ve told her that if she can disguise herself enough to get away and join you when you bring our horses back to the train tomorrow night, we’ll hide her and take her with the show.”

  “But won’t her people think of that first thing?” He leaned back against the fence and shook his head. “I can’t help but think they’ll come to us looking for her.”

  “I’ve thought of that as well. That’s why no one but you and me will know anything about it. Ella will get to the woods and then join you in the dark. After that, you’ll come to the train. I’ll be waiting, so just have her hide somewhere if it doesn’t look possible to get her to my family’s train car unseen. After that, I’ll take care of her. She has a sister she can go to in time, but for now we’re her only hope.”

  “All right. I’ll do it, because I’ve got a bad feeling about this place and don’t blame her one bit for wanting to leave. Did you know that Fleming whipped his men for what they did to me?”

  “I heard. I don’t like it any more than you do. It was never my intention that anyone come to harm.”

  “Nor mine. I’m sorry I ever said anything about it.”

  “Don’t be. Whatever the reason for the way the men acted, whatever Fleming’s issues, I won’t have our people treated badly.” She could see her uncle and Mr. Fleming making their way from the stables. Uncle Oliver waved to her. “I think I’m wanted. Please remember: Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone. I’m counting on you.”

  August grinned. “Miss Lizzy, you know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

  She smiled. “I do know that, August, which is exactly why I came to you in the first place.”

  The next day Ella felt as though she were floating on air. She listened patiently as her father finalized plans with the Brookstones, then bid Lizzy good-bye without hesitation. She had arranged for Mara to bring boy’s clothes to her room. Given Ella’s tiny frame and short stature, there was no hope of being able to wear the clothes of a full-grown man. It was a pity Robert’s boys were so young, or she might have snuck into the nursery to borrow some of their things.

  The only problem came when Jefferson made an unannounced appearance in the late afternoon. Ella had been about to take an afternoon ride, and rather than deal with her fiancé, she hurried down the servants’ stairs and slipped out to the stables unnoticed. She hurried one of the stableboys through saddling Pepper and was out and away from the house before anyone could stop her. Hopefully her exit that night would be just as easy.

  Unfortunately, when she returned from her ride, she heard her father’s unmistakable voice in the stable. He was angry, shouting and ranting about something. Her blood chilled as Jefferson replied.

  “I’ll take care of it. That man won’t cause us any trouble, because he won’t be allowed to speak about what he’s seen.”

  “You’ll have to act quickly,” Father replied. “If he talks about what he’s witnessed, we’ll be ruined.”

  “Hardly that. Who would believe him?”

  “I can’t take the chance,” Ella’s father answered. “Neither can you.”

  Ella froze in place, afraid to advance farther into the stable. What were they talking about? What man? What had he seen?

  “I said I would handle it, and I will,” Jefferson said. “After today, it will no longer be a concern.”

  six

  The day dragged by for Lizzy. She and Mother handled the shopping with the help of Zeb and Thomas, two of the oldest of their show’s crew. The men had worked a great many years for the Brookstones, having been hired by Lizzy’s grandfather. Now they were nearing the end of their days, and their options for earning a living were extremely limited. What were old cowboys supposed to do when they could no longer handle the physical strain of the job? They had no family to take care of them, no money saved with which to support themselves in their final years. She thought of Jason’s desire to eliminate their positions in order to save money. Where would these old men go then? Who would take care of them? She couldn’t bear the idea of them being turned out.

  But on top of her worries over them and what Jason would suggest or even demand be done, Lizzy couldn’t stop thinking about Ella’s situation. She was glad to be able to help, but the problem would not disappear just because Ella managed to leave her father’s farm. Men like Mr. Fleming and that Mr. Spiby would never give up. They would hunt Ella down, and they had the money to do whatever was necessary to find her.

  Am I just putting my family in danger by helping her?

  Several times Lizzy had thought about telling her mother about Ella, but the time was never right. She worried that someone might overhear and word would get back to the Flemings, and then all would be lost and whatever small effort Lizzy might have managed would be for naught. No. It would be better to wait until Ella was on the train and they were safely on their way to St. Louis.

  “Look, there’s Agnes. She must have finished sooner than she expected,” Mother announced. “I still need to go to the market to pick up some things for our supper tonight. Time’s getting away from us, and if I’m going to have it ready on time, I’ll need to get right to work.”

  Lizzy glanced down the street to the bakery they’d passed earlier. “Why don’t we keep supper simple? I could go to the bakery and buy bread and perhaps a cake. Then we could get some ham and cheese for sandwiches. I’m sure everyone would get their fill, and that way you wouldn’t have to work so hard.”

  “I suppose we could,” Mother said. “Mrs. Fleming sent a wagon full of homemade canned goods as well as jams and jellies. They were made from her own garden and orchards.”

  Lizzy was relieved. “See, we’ll have plenty to eat.”

  Mother smiled. “I suppose that would make it easy on everyone.”

  They finished the shopping and made their way back to the train. Lizzy found a certain comfort in being on board. It wasn’t that she hadn’t enjoyed their time at Fleming Farm, but the train car reminded her of her father. His influence and choices were everywhere, as he had designed the car to be set up just as it was. He had made much of the furniture and found smart ways to secure things in place.

  How she missed him.

  “Would you help me change my clothes?” Mother asked as she pulled the pin from her hat. “I feel too overdressed for pre
paring a meal. Even wearing black.”

  Lizzy felt the same way. “I don’t mind getting dressed up from time to time, but I much prefer my riding clothes and costumes.” She smiled and gave a shrug. “If you were hoping for a frilly and fancy daughter, I’m afraid I must disappoint.”

  Mother reached out and touched Lizzy’s cheek. “I am never disappointed in you, Lizzy. You’ve always been good about just being yourself. No one can fault you for that.”

  “Oh, some can and do.” The words slipped out before she could hold them in check.

  Mother looked at her. “Who would fault you?”

  Lizzy shook her head. “It isn’t important. Frankly, I had no one particular in mind.” Although now that she was contemplating it, she easily recalled more than once when Wesley had chided her for her tomboyish ways.

  Mother touched her cheek again. There were tears in her eyes. “You are a beautiful young woman. Just remember that your love for God would make you that way even if you weren’t otherwise pleasing.” She sniffed. “Your father always said he could see the love of Jesus shining through your eyes.”

  Lizzy’s throat tightened, but she would not allow herself to cry. She patted her mother’s hand. “He said the same of you. I’m so glad we have the Lord to guide us and help us through our sorrows. Now, come on. You undo my back buttons, and I’ll undo yours.” Lizzy forced a smile. “Then I’ll help you with supper.”

  The troupe shared their evening meals in what was called the entertainment car. One train car was set up to be a gathering place for all the performers and crew who weren’t needed in the livestock or tack cars. At one end was the show’s office, and at the other Agnes’s sewing room. When en route, it was here that the crew passed the hours reading, playing cards, writing letters, or even singing. More than once, the ladies had come together as a choir to entertain the others.

  Lizzy usually spent her time on the rails in the family car, however. Especially now that her father was gone. She didn’t feel much like socializing. She was still open and willing to discuss whatever was necessary with her fellow performers, but she preferred the quiet of her own space. She supposed that was another reason she didn’t particularly want to have to treat Jason Adler as family. He seemed to always seek her out and want to talk. Tonight was no exception. Three times now he’d tried to corner her, and all she wanted was to be left alone to keep watch for Ella.

  Finally, as the hour grew late, Uncle Oliver became her savior.

  “Jason, why don’t you come with me and the boys?” Uncle Oliver announced. “The horses will be arriving soon, and I’d like you to see how we handle the loading.”

  “I’d be glad to,” Jason said, casting a glance at Lizzy. “Perhaps we could speak later?”

  Lizzy shook her head. “No, I plan to go to bed early. Maybe tomorrow.”

  She hurried back to the family car before he could speak. She didn’t want him trying to change her mind.

  “I don’t need you courting me, Jason Adler.”

  Ella paced her room frantically, hoping and praying the time would pass quickly. Each time she stopped in front of the fireplace, she glanced at the beautiful ceramic clock. Was it even working? She was certain the hands hadn’t moved in hours.

  She still had to get through supper without giving herself away. That wouldn’t be easy. Her father seemed to note her every mood. Still, she could easily excuse her silence and reflective manner by explaining that she was sorry to see Lizzy go. He’d believe her. He had no reason not to. He was the one, along with Jefferson, who had made her a virtual prisoner at the farm. He was the one who saw to it that she received very few guests. She would perhaps emphasize her sadness and remind him that she had no friends.

  She shook her head. “It would serve no purpose. He doesn’t care, and I’ll soon be gone.”

  Mara appeared to help Ella dress for dinner. The maid knew about her plan to escape and had even offered to go with her. Poor Mara. She had been at the receiving end of Father’s anger more than once.

  “Elijah say he’ll have Pepper waitin’ for you just over the bridge and in the trees,” Mara whispered as she did up the buttons on the back of Ella’s silk dress. The gown was a new creation her mother had ordered from Paris. It was lush and beautiful, exactly the kind of dress any young woman would love. Ella had to admit she would miss the finery her father’s money could buy. But her sister Margaret was by no means poor. She’d married well enough. Her husband, Isaac, was in business with his father and brother, and together they owned Knox Saddlery. Their saddles were sought out far and wide. Margaret and Isaac lived quite well on a beautiful estate outside of Chicago, but they weren’t as rich as Father.

  “I’ll come back after supper—early, if need be,” Ella said in a hushed voice. “Did you get the clothes?”

  “Yes’m. I gots ’em, and I’ll have ’em ready.” The black woman led Ella to the vanity chair in order to arrange her hair. “I also packed you some other things you be needin’. Elijah gonna bring them with your horse.”

  Ella had figured she’d have to go with nothing but the clothes on her back. “Truly? That’s wonderful. Would it include a change of clothes?”

  “Yes’m. It’s all in your small travel bag. He’ll be havin’ it for you, never you fear.”

  Ella sighed. “I’m going to miss you, Mara.” She looked up at the dark-skinned woman. She and Mara had been raised together. Mara’s mother, Lucille, had cared for Ella throughout her childhood. Lucille had taught Ella not only to embroider, but to actually sew. Mother would have had a fit had she seen her daughter on the floor with the servants, cutting apart clothes and making patterns from each piece. Of course, Mother and Father both would have had a fit if they’d known Ella had learned to Roman ride and do other stunts on horseback. Her brother and one of the servant boys had taught her when she’d been barely old enough to ride alone. It was just one more reason she felt a close bond with Lizzy Brookstone. She longed for the same freedom Lizzy enjoyed.

  “I’ll be missin’ you too, Miss Ella.” Mara’s eyes were damp with tears, but she held on to her emotions and continued to arrange Ella’s blond hair into an acceptable fashion. When she was done, Mara stepped back. “I be finished.”

  Ella stood and nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I can without arousing suspicion.”

  She made her way downstairs and found her brother and sister-in-law in the family parlor. Virginia smiled as Ella came into the room, but it was Robert who spoke.

  “My, but don’t you look pretty. Jefferson is sure to press for an earlier wedding day.”

  “That’s hardly my goal.” Ella looked around. “Is he here again?”

  “Of course, little sister. He’s not going to let you get far from sight. Frankly, I’m surprised he hasn’t taken a room here.” Her brother chuckled.

  “Don’t say as much to Father, or he’ll no doubt extend the invitation.” Ella went to the window and pulled back the sheers to look outside.

  Robert joined her at the window. “You could do much worse than Jefferson Spiby. You’ll always have a life of comfort and ease married to him.”

  “Especially if he spends more time in town visiting his mistresses than with me at home.”

  Her brother frowned. “He isn’t the man I would have chosen for you, but you’ll have a good life. Jefferson would never allow his wife to lift a finger. And not only that, but you’ll always be close to home—no fear of him taking you off away from the family.”

  “But what if I want to lift a finger? What if I want to move far away?” Ella looked up at him. “You know as well as anyone that I’m kept here against my will. I’m never allowed to go to town unless Mother and Father are at my side, and usually Jefferson as well.”

  “They’re only looking out for your well-being. You know there have been difficulties in town. Some of the women have complained about not feeling safe,” Virginia said, joining them. “I, for one, am always glad to have Robert along.”

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bsp; He nodded and put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “It’s far better to be overprotected than abused.”

  Ella sighed. “I have no desire to marry Jefferson. You both know his reputation.”

  “You’re nearly twenty-one,” Virginia protested. “People would already be talking about you if not for your engagement.”

  “Jefferson is more than double my age. I don’t want to marry an old man.”

  Virginia took her hand. “If you feel so adamant about it, perhaps you should speak to your father again.”

  “He won’t hear me on the matter. He’s told me quite firmly that I am never to bring it up. He doesn’t care that Jefferson is a bully, nor about his reputation as a womanizer. He only tells me to keep my thoughts to myself and be a good girl who allows the men in her life to speak for her.”

  Virginia frowned and looked up at Robert. “Well . . . I have heard that Mr. Spiby doesn’t always conduct himself in a good Christian manner.”

  “As have I, but Father is right. Ella just needs to be silent and let him direct her. Father would never want anything bad for you, Ella.” He smiled down at her. “Just trust him. He’ll see that Jefferson does right by you.”

  Nothing more was said, because her mother stepped into the room. “Goodness, why are you all gathered at the window? Is there something interesting to see?”

  Robert laughed and led Virginia across the room. He bent to kiss Beatrix Fleming’s cheek. “Good evening, Mother. How lovely you look.”

  Their mother smiled. “Thank you, Robert. You’re quite dashing yourself.” She smiled at Virginia. “And you are lovely, my dear. I told you that butternut color was perfect for your complexion.”

  “You did, and I’m very pleased with the results,” Virginia said, running her hand down the side of her pigeon-breasted, lace-embellished gown.

  Father chose that moment to enter. Jefferson was at his side, as usual, and the two had their heads close together in low conversation. They looked up and separated quickly, however, at the sight of the others. Both looked quite grim.