He hated even thinking of Louise married to Gordie. But there was no denying she’d had special feelings for Nate’s best friend. As much as it hurt, Nate had never let his romantic feelings toward Louise stand in the way of his two friends. Good thing he’d left when he did.
“What about Vic?” he asked her.
“He’s...well, he’s getting bothersome.”
“In what way?” Surely now that Gordie was dead, the man had sought out another partner to do his bidding.
She wobbled her hands in a gesture that told him nothing. “Your mother says the lady at Eden Valley Ranch welcomes people who are in need of a place to stay. All I’m asking is you accompany us there, then I promise we won’t bother you again.”
“Louise, it’s a weeklong trip. We have to stay overnight in some very tight quarters.” He waited for her to realize what he meant and knew she did when pink stained her cheeks. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to travel together that far, that long.” He studied her heightened color. Even heavy with child and looking weary, she was a beautiful woman.
He’d like to help her, but her plan put both Louise’s and Missy’s reputation at stake. Something he wouldn’t do. “You need to think of something better than this.”
* * *
Louise should have known better than to expect Nate to help. Years ago he’d ridden from her life just when she’d needed someone.
Turning away, she did her best to hasten off, even though her bulk turned her hurry into an awkward waddle. He’d encouraged her to come up with a better plan? She’d do exactly that. He’d suggested she buy stagecoach tickets for herself and Missy, and she would. She’d find her way to Eden Valley Ranch with or without his help.
She returned to Aunt Bea’s house where she’d taken Missy once Vic had revealed his plan to move into the Porter home. When they arrived, her aunt had inquired as to the duration of their visit.
“We won’t stay long,” Louise had soothed.
Aunt Bea’s handkerchief had fluttered vigorously, a sure sign of her displeasure. “I thought when you married that young Porter you’d moved out. Into your own home,” she’d added, as if realizing how unwelcoming she sounded.
Louise had thought so, too. In fact, about all she’d ever wanted in life was a home where she could belong. But things had changed. Vic had seen to that. Now she didn’t know what she wanted. There was only one thing she was certain of. Whatever she hoped to achieve, she would have to do it on her own. No point in thinking she could count on anyone to help.
“Can I get you some tea?” Louise asked her aunt. “Or would you like me to prepare supper?”
“You’ll be staying?” Aunt Bea’s hands fell to her lap.
“We won’t be any bother.” In fact, she’d clean the house thoroughly and bake up some goodies. Aunt Bea never seemed to get around to either anymore. Not that she ever had, preferring to spend her time reading dusty old books or knitting an endless supply of blankets, scarves and thick mittens. At least Louise had never suffered from cold hands in the winter.
Aunt Bea waved toward the kitchen. “Tea would be nice.”
Louise crossed to the door. “Missy, you can help me.”
Missy rose to her feet quickly and almost plowed over Louise in her haste to escape Aunt Bea.
Louise chuckled. “She won’t bite.”
Missy leaned forward to whisper, “She scares me half to death.”
“She isn’t half as scary as Vic.”
Missy shuddered. “What are we going to do? We can’t hide here very long. Vic knows where we are.”
“I have a plan. In the meantime, let’s make Aunt Bea some tea and then we’re going to clean this mess.” How did her aunt survive amidst all the dirty dishes and the sticky floor?
Missy hustled about, filling the kettle with water, finding the teapot and tea leaves. Perhaps she was eager to put her mind to something besides where they were going to live. “So what’s your plan?” she asked.
Louise considered what to say to her sister-in-law. If she revealed too much and Vic got hold of Missy, the girl might inadvertently say more than she should. “I need to work out a few details and then I’ll tell you.”