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Rebecca stepped closer to the rubble. She sighed. It looked as if she would have to dip into her funds to rebuild the barn. Jacob would have to ask for credit from the lumber mill and she’d add the nails to her growing tab at the general store. Once they had the total cost of the barn and all the supplies they’d need, she’d get the money from the bank and pay both men. She’d learned shortly after John’s death that if she didn’t deal with the men in this manner, they’d take advantage of her and she ended up paying more than what she’d actually owed. That wasn’t going to happen again.
As she walked back to the house, Rebecca called to the new Pony Express station keeper and Jacob. “Breakfast will be ready in half an hour. Don’t make me wait.”
The desire to call out to Mr. Armstrong to return to where he came from pulled at her vocal cords. She would like nothing more than to have the peace and quiet of her farm restored. But Rebecca knew that wasn’t possible. If she wanted to keep her family together, then the Pony Express would have to be a big part of it, and that included Seth Armstrong.
* * *
Seth laid his bag on the bed. Jacob had taken him to the small room off to the left-hand side of the bunkhouse. It contained a bed, a side table and a chest with a washbasin on the top. A wooden box hung above the trunk and held a razor and hand mirror. An adjoining door led to the remainder of the bunkhouse, giving him two methods of entry.
“I’ll get my things out of here after breakfast.” Jacob stood with his hand on the doorknob.
Seth hoped his words rang true as he said, “I hate to put you out.”
Jacob shook his head. “The other boys will be more comfortable with me than you in the other room with them.”
“I’m sure they will.” Seth took his Bible out of the bag and laid it down on the table.
Jacob studied the book as if it was a snake. “You read that often?”
“Every night.”
The boy nodded. “I’ll leave you to settle in and go check on the others.” He didn’t wait for an answer, but simply walked out the door.
Seth looked down at the worn brown leather of his Bible. It was the same one that his father had preached from and studied over for many hours. Jacob had acted as if it was poisonous, or might inflict harm, instead of being a balm that offered soothing words to a troubled soul. Had he been placed here to help the boy find his way to God? He doubted Jacob would welcome him in that area of his life any more than he welcomed him now as the new Pony Express station keeper.
He moved to the only window in the bunkhouse and looked out at the burned barn. Smoke still spiraled upward to the sky. Building a new barn would help him get to know the young men who were now his charges. Seth planned on staying just long enough to teach them how to survive the trail they were soon to be riding and then he’d continue on to search for Charlotte, his lost mail-order bride.
His thoughts went to the woman who had promised to be his bride. The last letter he’d received from her said she was taking the first stage out of California and should arrive in a few weeks, only she’d never showed. After his grandmother’s death, Seth had left his home in St. Joseph, Missouri, and begun searching for Charlotte. He was a man of his word and he intended to keep his promise to his grandmother. He’d find Charlotte and marry her. He knew he wouldn’t fall in love. His mother had taught him that to love someone meant getting hurt and he’d never go through what his father had. Never.
He doubted Charlotte had come to any harm. Her letters had indicated she didn’t want to get married any more than he did, but the girl had no other choices at the time. She’d been up-front in her reasons for answering his advertisement—lack of money and nowhere else to turn. He’d been honest, too, telling her he was trying to keep his last promise to his now-deceased grandmother. He’d also told her he didn’t believe in falling in love, as it only led to heartbreak and death. His own mother had deserted him and his father when he was a child. No, he wouldn’t open himself up to that kind of hurt again. He’d keep his promise to get married. He’d assured his grandmother he wouldn’t be alone after she died and he’d keep that promise, one way or another.
Unfortunately, shortly after leaving St. Joseph, a couple of road bandits had relieved him of his money. Thankfully, with some quick thinking and the fact that Sam, his horse, had been faster than the men, he’d gotten away.
Needing money, he’d returned to St. Joseph and signed on with the Pony Express. As the station keeper it was his job to swear in the boys and get them ready for the job ahead of them. But once he earned enough money, Seth planned on continuing his search for Charlotte. Taking a deep breath, he left the confines of his new room and walked outside just as Mrs. Young began to ring the dinner bell.
Its loud clang filled the yard and got the attention of all the boys. She looked to him and nodded. He returned the nod and headed toward the house. Rebecca Young looked as if she was in her early twenties, and from what he’d seen this morning, she seemed to rely on her oldest child to run the farm.
The boys were older than he’d thought they’d be. But from the looks of them, they would all make good riders. Mr. Bromley had told him they were just a bunch of farm boys and would need a lot of training. That was why Seth had arrived at the farm in early February instead of closer to his scheduled date of April third. He was happy to see the Pony Express horses had arrived safely. One of the boys closed the corral gate and headed up to the house.
Was he ready for all this responsibility? His gaze moved to the young men as they hurried to the house for breakfast. Mrs. Young stood on the porch hugging each of them before they went inside. She was a pretty little thing with a lot on her slender shoulders. He silently reminded himself not to get attached to any of the Young family, especially Rebecca Young.
He had to find Charlotte. Even though he had never met her, he still felt responsible for her and he wouldn’t break his promise to his grandmother.
* * *
Rebecca wasn’t sure she was up to the changes about to take place on her farm and in her home. Already things were different. Breakfast proved to be a quiet affair. Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or afraid to speak lest something worse occurred. Seth Armstrong made several attempts at polite conversation, but finally lapsed into an awkward silence when no one seemed inclined to answer with more than one word. Finally they each took their plates to the kitchen and then left single file. Rebecca cleared the rest of the table and washed the dishes. She wiped up the countertops and table, then poured the dishwater into the hog slop bucket.
Wagon wheels crunched near the front porch, reminding her that they were going to town for supplies. “Joy!” she called up the stairs. “Time to go!”
A smile parted Rebecca’s lips as she watched her five-year-old daughter cross the room. Joy had changed from her nightgown into a simple brown dress and had pulled her fine blond hair into a blue ribbon. “I got myself ready,” she said, twirling in a circle.
“I can see that. You look very pretty.” Rebecca grabbed her pale blue cloak and bonnet from the peg by the front door, then helped Joy into hers.
They stepped out onto the porch and Clayton jumped down from the driver’s seat to help them up. Benjamin, Philip and Thomas ran from the bunkhouse and landed in the back of the wagon with loud thuds.
“Where are Andrew, Noah and Jacob?” Rebecca asked, looking back at her sons.
“Mr. Armstrong says Andrew and Noah need to stay here and take care of the place,” Thomas answered, giving Philip a shove.
That accounted for Andrew and Noah, but not for Jacob and Seth. Rebecca looked toward the bunkhouse. “Where are Mr. Armstrong and Jacob?”
“Mr. Armstrong said we can call him Seth,” Benjamin answered with a grin.
“That doesn’t answer her question, Beni,” Philip said. He turned to look at Rebecca. “They are inside talking about why Jacob thinks we should all go to town.”
Thomas snickered. “If you call that talking.”
Rebecca lowered herself from the wagon. It was bad enough that Seth Armstrong had announced he was their new boss, but to cause strife this soon...well that was unacceptable.
“Ma, I wouldn’t interfere if I was you,” Clayton warned from his seat. “Jacob is in kind of a foul mood.”
“I can imagine.” Rebecca turned to the bunkhouse. “You boys stay put. We’ll be ready to go in a minute.”
She heard raised voices before she got to the door. Rebecca pushed the heavy wooden door open and walked inside. Her sons turned expectantly. “What’s the ruckus?” she asked, placing both hands on her hips and giving her children the “mother” look.
Jacob and Andrew each clamped their lips together. Noah studied the end of his muddy boot. It was obvious her boys had no intention of answering her.
Seth crossed his arms and met her gaze full-on. “We men are having a discussion.”
“From what I heard—” she didn’t bother telling him she heard it from Philip and Thomas “—you expect Andrew and Noah to stay here while the rest of us head to town.” Rebecca held up a hand to stop him from answering. “And if I know Jacob, he’s not happy with the arrangement and intends to stay with Andrew himself.” Her gaze moved from her oldest son to Seth. “Do I have it right so far?” Her eyes locked with the station keeper’s.
“I’d say that about sums it up,” Seth responded.
“Mr. Armstrong, may I ask why you want the two boys to stay behind? We’ve always gone to town as a family before.” His eyes were the prettiest shade of blue-green that she’d ever saw. Did they turn that color when he was angry? She mentally shook the thought away and focused on the problem at hand.
Seth sighed. “With the horses loose, Indians or bandits could come and steal them while we are gone.”
“That’s why I should stay,” Jacob growled between clenched teeth.
Seth turned to Jacob. “I need you to help me bargain for supplies. The men in town don’t know or trust me just yet. And since I don’t know them, either, I need you to make sure the Pony Express doesn’t get cheated.”
Rebecca realized that what he said was true. She knew that even though the men in town knew her, they didn’t want to bargain with a woman. They’d made that very clear shortly after John’s death. Jacob had a wonderful working relationship with them and the chances of them accepting Seth Armstrong from the get-go were slim to none.
“I have funds that we can use to rebuild the barn,” Seth said. “I’m sure Mr. Russell and Mr. Bromley will approve, considering they need the barn to house the Pony Express horses.”
Rebecca looked to Noah. The boy hadn’t looked up from his boots. He was so young. She didn’t like the idea of leaving him and Andrew alone on the ranch any more than Jacob. “Why leave Noah? He’s only twelve years old.”
“Because Jacob says that Noah is the best at using a rifle.” Seth’s gaze never left Jacob’s face, daring him to deny it.
That was true, too. Over the past few weeks, Noah had proven he could shoot the antennae off a grasshopper, if he had to. Rebecca walked between the men and looked her oldest son in the eyes. “Jacob, what he’s asking isn’t unreasonable. I’m sure that Andrew will see that Noah is kept safe.”
Jacob’s eyes held warmth and sadness in their depths. He nodded. “I’m sure he can, but it is my job to take care of this farm and my family.”
Unaware of the sorrow and weight of the promise Jacob had made to John, Seth interrupted, “Not anymore—it’s mine. Be in the wagon in five minutes.” He turned on his boot heels and left them standing looking at each other.
Rebecca concealed her anger toward Seth. Who did he think he was, coming in here and demanding that these boys follow him blindly? He didn’t know them. Or what they’d been through since John’s death.
She thought about staying home with Andrew and Noah, but she needed to get supplies for the house, and if she stayed behind, who would keep Seth and Jacob from coming to blows? She sighed. “Come along, Jacob. We’ll do as he asks today.” But as soon as they returned from town, she thought to herself, she’d be having a word with Seth Armstrong.
Chapter Two (#ulink_95a9eaba-1b94-5458-8efe-53c3957ca554)
The trip into town was frosty to say the least. Seth could feel the anger boiling over from both Rebecca and Jacob. He’d known coming into this job that it would be difficult. But he’d also thought that Rebecca and her boys knew what they were getting into.
As Dove Creek came into view, Seth stopped the wagon. After coming off the farm, the landscape had become flat and dusty. There were a few trees scattered about the town, but it didn’t offer the peace and greenery of the Young farm.
“Is this the first time you’ve been to town?” Rebecca’s soft voice drew him like bees to honey.
He nodded. “Yes. It’s not quite what I expected. Dove Creek sounds so pretty.”
A soft chuckle came from deep in her throat.
“Ma says that all the time,” Benjamin said from the back of the wagon.
Seth glanced over his shoulder at the little boy. He was sitting beside Joy and they’d been looking at a picture book most of the way to town. “She’s right.”
Benjamin nodded as if they’d come to a profound agreement and then turned his attention back to his sister and the book. Of all the siblings, those two looked most like brother and sister.
Bromley hadn’t told him anything about the family, other than their pa had died and that Mr. Russell and Mr. Young had made an agreement before the Pony Express had even been constructed. Seth’s orders were to swear in the boys by having them say the Pony Express rider’s oath and teach them what would be expected from them as Pony Express riders.
He flipped the reins over the horse’s backs and continued down the hill. The sooner they got to town, the sooner they could get home. He didn’t like leaving the other two boys at the house any more than Jacob did, but without a bar, the animals were out in the open and needed protection from not only Indians and bandits, but also other wild animals.
Seth felt the restrained movement as Rebecca shifted on the seat beside him. His gaze moved in her direction and caught the profile of Jacob, who sat beside his mother. The boy’s jaw was clenched and his eyes directed straight ahead. Rebecca had rested a slender hand on her son’s leg in silent comfort.
Returning his attention back to driving, Seth inwardly sighed. He and Jacob would have to sit down and talk about the boy’s attitude. Seth was sure there was more to it than just not wanting to leave his brothers behind.
“Would you drop Joy and me off at the general store?” Rebecca asked.
His gaze moved over the town. There was just a dirt road, and plain wooden-faced stores lined the streets. Smoke billowed from the top of each one and the smell of pine teased the air around them. At least they could warm up a bit before they started the long trek back. The church sat on the hill to the right side of them and he could tell by the children playing in the yard that it also served as the town school. Why weren’t the smaller Young children in attendance?
Since it really wasn’t any of his business, Seth chose to answer Rebecca’s question instead of asking one of his own. “We can do that.” He directed the horses down Main Street and continued to study the dusty town.
A saloon stood tall at the far end of the settlement. Not that he’d ever go there, but he knew the boys were of an age that they might be tempted. Seth mentally made a note to talk to the boys about such places, after they repeated the oath. As their boss he didn’t want them coming to town and getting drunk. Best to nip that sort of behavior in the bud. It would not be allowed.
He pulled the wagon up in front of the general store and hopped down. Seth turned to help Rebecca down but Jacob assisted her, his gentleness evident in the way he held her hand until she got her balance. Clayton had climbed out of the wagon and helped Joy down, as well. Benjamin scrambled over the side.
“Whoa! Where do you think you’re going?” Seth asked, moving to block the boy’s descent.
Benjamin jerked away from him. “To help Ma.”
“Not today. I need every man’s help to load lumber and nails.”
Benjamin’s little chest puffed out. “I get to help?”
“You’re one of the men,” Seth said, walking back to the front of the wagon.
He grinned as Benjamin whispered, “Did ya hear that, Ma? I’m one of the men.”
At least he’d made good points with one of the Young men.
* * *
Rebecca took Joy’s small hand within hers and entered the general store. A bell rang out announcing their arrival. She inhaled the onslaught of scents that greeted her. Spices and leather fought the strongest for her attention. Colorful burlap flour bags lined the middle shelf, right at eye level, and she ran a hand over them, her mind zipping along with plans for Joy’s next dress. The material proved soft to the touch and Joy loved to spin around, showing off the big flower design.
Joy’s hand tightened on hers as if giving a warning and she looked up. The owner of the general store, a mountain of a man, approached them. She glanced down at her daughter, wondering if Joy felt the same sense of unease she herself did around him.
“Hello, Mrs. Young. What can I help you find today?” He kneeled down in front of Joy. “How are you today, Miss Joy.”
As was her custom, Joy hid her face in Rebecca’s skirt. She mumbled, “Good.”
He held out his large hand. On top of his palm rested a lemon drop. “I’m glad to hear that.” His big brown eyes looked up at Rebecca. “Cat got your tongue today?”
Rebecca felt her ire rising. The man never did or said anything out of place; but he constantly made her feel uneasy. She handed him her list. “Hello, Mr. Edwards.” She patted Joy’s back. “Go ahead and take the candy, Joy.”
Joy tentatively took the candy and popped it into her mouth. Around the sweet she said, “Thank you.”
Mr. Edwards laughed loudly and stood. “See, that wasn’t so hard.” His gaze moved to the list and he whistled. “I see the men running the Pony Express pay you well.”
The list was longer than usual but Rebecca didn’t really understand why he assumed that Mr. Russell gave her the money for the items. Still, she didn’t correct him. She’d let him think what he wanted.
John had left his family in good financial stability. Thanks to his wisdom with money matters and his inheritance, she and Joy would never have to work a day of their lives. But it wasn’t enough to give the boys money to start their lives. John had said the Pony Express would give them the money they needed and open doors for each of them. She prayed it would be so.
Once more Rebecca felt the store owner’s brown eyes focused on her. “The church picnic is this Sunday. Would you like me to come out to the farm and escort you and the children to it?”
He’d never been so bold before. Rebecca’s hand fluttered to her chest. What would her older boys think of Mr. Edwards calling them children? She focused on the best way to reject him. “Thank you, Mr. Edwards, but that won’t be necessary.”
Something flashed in his eyes before he turned away from her. “You might reconsider—I hear the road bandits are becoming bolder. I’m sure they wouldn’t have a problem taking a single woman’s wagon and any cash she carried from her and a passel of kids.”
Did he think she and the boys were helpless? Heat filled her face and boiled through her blood. If so, was he threatening her?
She took a deep breath to calm herself. Experience had taught her to carefully consider her words before speaking. Her father-in-law, on the other hand, had often said plain talk was easily understood and that was just what the man in front of her would get.
“I don’t need a man to take care of me, Mr. Edwards. The good Lord has protected us through many dangerous situations and I have no doubt He will continue to do so. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my boys are no longer little boys, but men.” As an afterthought she added, “But thanks so very much for your concern and for the invite.”
Joy poked her head out. Her sweet young voice broke the awkward silence between the adults. Worry lined her words. “Mr. Armstrong and Jacob will be with us, won’t they, Ma?”
She stroked her daughter’s silky hair, wishing Joy hadn’t broken her silence. “Yes, sweetie. There is nothing to fear.”
The bell over the door jingled again. Rebecca turned to see Mrs. Little and her eldest daughter enter the store. She wondered if all the women in the area brought someone with them when they came to visit the general store.
