Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds) Page 2

CHAPTER TWO

  For a moment, the only noise was the clanging sound of the train’s wheels rolling over the rails. Paul sat up in his seat. Johnny had never mentioned a sister, let alone having any family at all. “He goes by the name of John McCreary.”

  “McCreary is my mother’s maiden name.” Miss Drennan’s rich brown eyes brightened in hope. “You know my brother?”

  Paul was dazed. “Yes. It seems I do. We’re partners in a cattle ranch together. Everyone calls him Johnny Mac for short.”

  “Oh, how wonderful.” She smiled at him and he felt the reaction deep in his gut. “But I thought he was a miner, that he went there to find gold?”

  Paul didn’t want to speak of what they'd found, or hadn’t found. “We decided it wasn’t paying off.” He glanced around the train car. He wasn’t about to talk about private matters in a public place. That could be dangerous. “Maybe we can discuss this more when we get to Sweetwater Springs. It would be my pleasure to buy you dinner, Miss Drennan.”

  She shook her head. “Thank you for the invitation, but I must get to my brother as soon as possible.”

  It had to be important if she’d come all this way alone. “The train won’t arrive in Sweetwater Springs until nearly nightfall,” he said. “And, after two days on a train, you’ll need at least one good night’s sleep before starting out again. Like I said, it’s another two-day trip. Another way is for you to stay in town, and I’ll ride to Morgan’s Crossing and bring Johnny to you.”

  She shook her head. “That would take longer, and my mother is seriously ill.” She blinked back tears. “I’m so worried that she might have already passed away.”

  Paul started to move across to her bench, but stopped himself, then reached for her hand to comfort her somehow. “No, don’t think that way.” He leaned forward as he held her tiny palm, reminding him how long it had been since he’d been around a woman.

  He patted her hand. “I’ll get you to Johnny, and we’ll figure out something.” What the hell? He had no business taking responsibility of this woman. He glanced out the window, and even though it was springtime, there was snow on the mountain. He hoped the trip home was clear and safe to Morgan’s Crossing. “In another hour, we’ll arrive in town. Once you’re in a room at the hotel, have a bath to wash off the grime of travel and have a hearty meal, then you’ll feel better.”

  Letty pulled her hand away, suddenly realizing their closeness. “I apologize, Mr. Slater.” She couldn’t believe how she was acting, and with a perfect stranger. “I don’t know what came over me to break down. Of course, you’re right.”

  She had no business talking like this with a stranger and allowing him to hold her hand. This wouldn’t be acceptable behavior back in Chicago, but surely, she could trust Johnny’s business partner. Until she found Johnny, she didn’t have anyone else to rely on.

  Paul nodded. “Once you see Johnny, you’ll feel better. And you can send a telegram back to your family in Chicago to let them know you made it here safely.”

  “No! No one can know that I’m here. It’s not safe for Johnny, myself or our mother.” She glanced away from his appealing looks. “That’s why I am very anxious to see my brother. We have much to discuss.” Mr. Slater’s smile made her heart flutter, and she had to take a calming breath.

  “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

  “I hope so, because I have nowhere else to go.”

  ***

  The train finally pulled into Sweetwater Springs about five o’clock, just as the sun was fading behind the mountains. Paul helped Letty off the station platform and escorted her down the dirt road of Main Street, past the bank and brick façade building of Cobb Mercantile store.

  He was surprised that his companion’s only luggage had been a valise. He was curious as to why she was traveling halfway across the country with only a few items of clothing.

  She had a sensible wool coat, scarf and gloves. But, her dainty boots and long skirt wouldn’t keep her nearly warm enough, not where they were going, anyway. He had several questions for Miss Drennan, but right now wasn’t the time. If she was in danger, then he needed to stay close.

  They arrived at the two-story clapboard structure, Mrs. Murphy’s Boarding House.

  A gray-haired woman with a sour expression answered the door. “What can I help with?”

  Paul tipped his hat. “Mrs. Murphy, I’m not sure if you remember me. Paul Slater?”

  “Yes, Mr. Slater, of course I do. Please, come inside where it’s warmer.”

  Paul allowed Letty in ahead of him. “Mrs. Murphy, this is Letty Drennan. She’s traveled all the way from Chicago. Would you have a room for her tonight?”

  “Hello, Miss Drennan.”

  “Mrs. Murphy. It’s nice to meet you.”

  They followed the older woman into the parlor with a settee and two chairs with worn black leather.

  “It’s warmer in here. Go sit by the fire.” Once seated, Mrs. Murphy said, “I do have rooms available. Would you be wanting one, too, Mr. Slater?”

  “Only if there is an extra one.”

  “I do have two rooms.”

  Paul smiled. “Then I’m very grateful.” After they paid for the two rooms, he carried Letty’s valise up to hers, then he went back downstairs to his on the main floor, washed up and was off to run a few errands. He would be back to have supper by seven.

  First stop was the general store. He ordered the supplies that he and Johnny needed for the rest of the winter. Most items were cheaper here than in the small mining town. Suddenly, he thought of Miss Drennan’s lack of practical clothing.

  He walked to the Levi section and found a pair of pants that looked like they’d fit her, along with a pair of long underwear. He set them on the counter and a pair of fur-lined boots caught his eye. Okay, they were an extravagance. With the amount of steers lost this past winter, he needed to be more frugal, but he couldn’t let Johnny’s little sister freeze to death.

  He grabbed a few pairs of socks and two Indian blankets to ward off the chill of the ride. He ignored the odd look from the storeowner, Mr. Cobb. The portly, bald-headed man wasn’t the friendliest merchant, and Paul wasn’t about to add any information to the town’s gossip mill. He paid for his purchases and arranged to pick up everything in the morning.

  He then headed to the livery stable and settled his bill for boarding his two horses and wagon. With all the extra expenses, it was a good thing he was paid well for his bull.

  “Hey, Mack, I need you to harness my horses and have them ready by eight in the morning.”

  The stable owner, Mack Taylor, sent a stream of tobacco juice toward the spittoon. “If you’re heading to Morgan’s Crossing, you might want to wait out the storm here in town.”

  He’d hoped they were past this horrible winter. “Another storm?”

  Taylor stroked his white beard. “Got a telegram from my brother in Butte. There’s a big snowstorm headed our way. Not sure you can make it through the pass.”

  Paul looked overhead at the clear sky. This was all he needed. “I have no choice but to leave tomorrow and pray we outrun it.” Johnny was counting on him to bring supplies, and their stock needed tending, especially since they’d lost so many already over the deadly winter. “Have the team ready by six in the morning. Won’t hurt to get an earlier start.”

  Paul headed back through town, looking forward to having supper with a beautiful woman. He slowed his steps suddenly, remembering Letty Drennan was Johnny’s sister. Besides, coming from Chicago, there was no doubt by her manners and clothing, she was privileged.

  He reached the boarding house and hurried through the door, knowing he was late for supper. Once he entered the vestibule, he heard laughter. Inside the dining room, he found Miss Drennan seated at the table, but she wasn’t alone.

  Two gentlemen sat across from her, both strangers.

  An odd feeling came over him, seeing her smile at the gentlemen dressed in business suits.

  Another
memory flashed in his head, but he pushed it away. He walked to her. “Loretta.” He used her first name, hoping to warn off the other men.

  She swung around to him and smiled. “Oh, Mr. Slater.” She turned back to the men. “See, I told you he would be here.

  Paul Slater, I’d like you to meet Mr. William Booker, and this is Mr. Samuel Younger. They are here in town on business.”

  “Gentlemen.” He nodded. “Mr. Booker. Mr. Younger.”

  Both men stood and shook his hand, then sat down and turned their attention back to Letty.

  “Mr. Slater,” Booker began. “I hear from Miss Drennan that you are a rancher. Did you lose many cows this past winter?”

  “Some, but we managed.”

  The meal continued with easy conversation, but Paul didn’t have much to add, since the men wanted to speak only to Letty. Finally, the supper ended, and both men excused themselves and stood.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Drennan,” Booker said. “We wish you safe and speedy travels.”

  Letty smiled. “Thank you, gentlemen, and good evening.”

  Mr. Younger paused at the doorway. “Please let us know if you need anything during your stay here.”

  “Thank you. That is so nice of you.”

  Both men turned and left.

  Hearing the front door close, Paul asked, “Do you think it’s wise to talk to strangers?”

  Letty blinked. “They are guests here. Besides, aren’t you a stranger?”

  “I know your brother.”

  “I only have your word for that.”

  Paul tried not to feel insulted. “Then please, let me ease your mind.”

  Mrs. Murphy walked in, carrying the coffee pot.

  “Mrs. Murphy, would you please tell Miss Drennan who I am? And my connection to Johnny McCreary.”

  Mrs. Murphy turned to Letty. “Well, Miss Drennan, I’ve known Paul for a few years, when he’s come to stay here. I’ve never heard any bad tales about him, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. And yes, I also know of Johnny McCreary.” The older woman cocked her head. “In fact, I can see a family resemblance to your brother.” She gave her a slight smile. “I hope that helps you.”

  A pretty pink blush covered Letty’s cheeks. “Yes, it does, Mrs. Murphy. Thank you for reassuring me, since Mr. Slater will be escorting me to my brother.”

  “I understand your concern. A woman can’t be too careful.” The older woman looked at Paul. “Paul will get you there safely.” She left the room.

  Letty glanced away. “I apologize, Mr. Slater. I don’t know why I raised such a fit, you have been nothing but kind to me. For many reasons, I have to be cautious.”

  “I understand.” He touched her arm. “Johnny is a good friend. There will no harm come to you when you’re with me.”

  She smiled. “My brother is also fortunate to have you for a friend.”

  Paul had no idea why her approval meant so much to him. He should insist she stay here and he ride to the ranch alone. “Good.” He reached for the plate of apple pie.

  She smiled. “Yes, I’m suddenly hungry.”

  He took a big bite and savored the tart flavor. This would be his last indulgence for a while.

  After finishing their dessert, Paul said, “The wagon will be ready at six am. I’ll have the supplies loaded, then I’ll come by and get you. I know it’s early, but there’s a snowstorm headed through here.”

  Letty didn’t want to hear that. “Oh, no. How big a storm?”

  “Big enough.” He leaned his forearms on the table. “So, I’m still giving you a choice. You can stay here in Sweetwater Springs, but if Johnny and I get snowed in, then you’ll be here for as long as a week, or more.”

  “But this is the middle of March.”

  “And you’re in Montana. These storms are common, especially after the winter we’ve had.”

  Letty wasn’t sure if her money would last that long. She had her mother’s jewelry, but she’d only sell them if she absolutely had to. “I have no other choices, Mr. Slater. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll go with you.”

  He nodded. “Just so you know, it’s a day and a half trip. There’s a way station cabin that we’ll be staying in tomorrow night. It’s not safe to travel the road after dark, and I’ll need to rest the horses.”

  For some reason, she was excited about the trip. Most of her life, she’d done what she’d been told, and what was expected of her. This was like an adventure she’d only read about in books. What would her friends think about her now? She smiled. “I’ll try my best to be a help to you, and not be a burden.”

  “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed your dessert, Miss Drennan, because this will be the last you’ll have for a while.”

  “Just so you know, I’m a good cook. Our housekeeper, Maggie, taught me. So, I hope I can repay all your kindness very soon.”

  He rewarded her with a big grin. “Then as far as I’m concerned, you can stay as long as you want.”

  Another thrill went through her. She hoped that Johnny felt the same way.

  ***

  The next morning was extremely cold and overcast. Paul had no doubt there was a storm brewing. He needed to get them to the cabin by nightfall, and they should be safe from the elements, if the snow held off until then. His thoughts turned to his pretty traveling companion. He had to get Johnny’s sister safely to Morgan’s Crossing.

  After Paul retrieved the wagon from the stables, he picked up the order at the general store and was greeted by Mrs. Cobb. He knew the older woman had numerous questions about his strange purchases, but she remained silent as he paid the bill.

  “Have a safe trip, Mr. Slater,” she called as he walked toward the door.

  He touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  He drove the wagon down the street just as dawn was breaking. Parking the wagon in front of the boarding house, he grabbed the package and boots and hurried inside. With a quick greeting to Mrs. Murphy, he went up the stairs to the second floor. He knocked, and Letty answered the door, dressed in the same skirt and fitted jacket from yesterday. She even had on that silly feathered hat. Yet, she took his breath away.

  No, he couldn’t let that happen. “Good morning.” He touched his hat in greeting. “You look lovely, but your dress is impractical for where we’re going.”

  Her brown eyes grew wide. “But I have no other type of clothing…”

  “That’s why I got you these.” He handed her the package. “You need to keep warm during this long trip. Here, put them on, and hurry. I’ll be outside with the wagon.”

  She started to speak, but quickly closed her mouth and shut the door.

  Good, no argument. He went downstairs and was surprised when Mrs. Murphy handed him a small box with egg sandwiches inside. “Thank you, Mrs. Murphy.”

  She waved him off. “The meal comes with the cost of the room.”

  “And I appreciate that you did this special thing for us. We’re trying to outrun this storm.”

  “Then you better get going.” She gave him a nudge to the door. “I’ll hurry Miss Drennan along.”

  He thanked her again and returned outside, secured the supplies in the back and covered them with a canvas tarp. Then he took the new blankets and spread one along the bench seat, then put the other close by.

  About ten minutes later, he heard his name and turned to see Letty walking out the front door. He paused and examined her attire as she raised her skirt to take a step down, and he saw the pants. Good. She had on the Levis and he hoped the long johns, too. She wore both her jacket and her long coat, with the scarf tucked around her neck. On her feet were the fur-lined boots and on her head was the black stocking cap, and her honey yellow hair peeking out below. Even in all her layers, she looked very appealing.

  He swallowed hard. “Did I get the fit right? If not, we can stop by the general store and exchange them.”

  “No, everything seems fine. It’s just odd to wear pants and this style of
undergarment.”

  “They’re called long johns. And they might just save you from freezing to death. Your skirt will help, too.” He took her valise. “Now, we have to be on our way.”

  “Of course. And, Mr. Slater, thank you for getting me these clothes. I will pay you back.”

  “You’re Johnny’s sister. I only want to make sure you get to him safely and quickly.” He looked away from her sweet face and placed the bag under the seat, next to the sandwiches, then helped her up on the bench. He hurried around and climbed onto the seat beside her.

  “Okay, let’s go, Duke and Simon.” He let go a sharp whistle, and the horses began to move.

  Letty gripped the seat when the wagon jerked forward. He glanced at her. “Once we’re out of town, I’m picking up a little speed. We’re going to try and outrun this storm.” He sent up a silent prayer through the heavy clouds to the heavens.

  CHAPTER THREE

  For nearly three hours, Letty had been holding onto the side of the bench for dear life. She had never ridden in a buckboard, but quickly realized the wagon had been named appropriately.

  The icy winds bit her cheeks, and although the blankets helped ward off most of the cold, she wasn’t going to complain about the bumpy road or the speed. The faster they got to their destination, the better.

  “Whoa! Whoa!” Paul called to the team.

  The horses obeyed and stopped at the side of the dirt road.

  “I thought we needed to take a break.”

  “Thank you. I could use a few minutes,” she told him as he went around to her side and helped her down from the wagon.

  “Walk around. If you need some privacy…don’t wander off too far.”

  She nodded and made her way across the frozen earth, careful of the ruts in the road. Getting used to her new boots was easier than she thought. They definitely kept her feet toasty.

  Montana was cold, but so was Chicago, with the freezing winds blowing off the lake. Of course, she never went out in a storm nor rode in an open carriage.

  Oh, my, she sounded spoiled. Not really. She had been employed at the Catholic school. Her wages were diminutive since she also received a room with her meals. The small amount helped her pay for her college classes.