A Pregnant Runaway for the Widowed Rancher (Preview)

Chapter One

Yellow Plains, Virginia, 1899

The knock on the door late afternoon was a surprise. It couldn’t be Roy, he had his key, and he’d said he wouldn’t be back until late evening. Clara Mae smiled in surprise when she saw the person outside. “Why, Elise! I wasn’t expectin’ you.” 

Her friend frowned momentarily in mock offense, and she put her hand to her cheek, “Aw, sorry to disappoint you. It’s just me.”

Clara leaned forward, brushing her lips against Elise’s cheek. “Always pleased to see the sheriff’s wife,” Clara said, pushing her long flame-colored hair behind her ears. She’d let it down deliberately knowing that Roy was due to come home later that day. He loved her waist length hair to be free. She opened the door wide. “Come on in out of the rain, I’ve just made coffee.”

Elise stepped inside the house shaking her rain-soaked bonnet and coat. “Hang it next to mine,” Clara said. “It’s soaked as well. I’ve… I’ve been out this morning.” Her friend nodded then turned around, her usually pink cheeked face seemed a little paler, Clara noticed.

“Are you feelin’ alright, Lis?” she asked as she shepherded her into the kitchen. She picked up the coffee pot from the stove, pouring two cups of the steaming liquid and putting them on the table. She sat opposite Elise who was looking down at her clasped hands, deep in thought. Clara leaned forward, pushing one of the cups toward her friend.

“There’s somethin’ wrong isn’t there? I can tell by the look on your face. Is it the sheriff? Has somethin’ happened to Joshua?” she asked anxiously. She always worried about Elise’s husband. Being the sheriff was a dangerous job.

Elise raised her light blue eyes to meet Clara’s amber gaze. She shook her head, biting her lip at the same time. Her eyes had filled with tears. Clara stood up rushing around the table to sit next to her friend. She put her arm over Elise’s shoulder, her face creasing into concern. “What is it? You look so sad,” she said softly.

Elise turned to face Clara, shifting in the chair and grabbing hold of her hands as she did so. “Please don’t blame me. I had to tell you myself. I’m afraid I have terrible news. It’s Roy,” she said, her voice filled with concern.

Clara’s heart pounded against her chest. What did Elise mean? She sat back examining her friend’s face, fear filling her body. “What’s happened? Has he had an accident on the way back from his business meetin’? I know he was goin’ out of town. He said he had an investor interested in expanding the ranch. Tell me, please.”

Elise shook her head, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on her friend’s face. “No, it’s nothin’ like that. He’s fine as far as I know. It’s… it’s…

Clara sat up straight, pulling her hands away from Elise in a matter-of-fact way. “Look, Lis, just tell me. I’m a big girl, whatever it is, I can deal with it.”

Elise seemed to search Clara’s hazel eyes. She took a deep breath before she spoke. “A wanted poster that was sent to Joshua’s office today from the state marshal, well, it has Roy’s face on it. Roy’s wanted for a bank robbery, among other things.”

Clara laughed instantly, her body relaxing. She leaned forward, taking her friends hand in hers and squeezing it. “Don’t be silly, Lis. I know you’ve a good imagination and I can take a joke but, you’re stretchin’ it now. We’re getting’ married in three days’ time, I think I would know if my husband-to-be is an outlaw.” Clara looked at her friend with a crooked smile, adding, “I’m gonna have to rethink you bein’ my maid of honor if you think that’s funny.” 

The smile on Clara’s face froze as Elise shook her head, a tear falling from her cheek into her lap. Her body stiffened. She’d known her friend long enough to be able to tell when she was truly upset. As the sheriff’s wife she wasn’t one to cry for nothing.

“It’s no joke, Clara, and I’m not mistaken,” Elise replied, tearfully. “Joshua has spoken with the marshal. Roy has a long history. He’s a wanted man in several towns. Not only by the law. The sheriff out at Ridgeway has had a report that there are a group of ruffians lookin’ for Roy. Seems like he’s done the dirty on them and he owes them money.”

Clara’s blood turned to ice in her veins. She shivered. She needed to move. She stood up, pacing quickly to the other side of the kitchen, then whirled around to face Elise. She stared at her stricken face. Her friend would never say anything unless she knew—or believed—it to be true. The sheriff must be mistaken. 

“Roy’s a respected rancher, he’s got business contacts all over the county,” Clara said sternly. “He’s always away meetin’ up with important folk. It must be wrong… the sheriff… the marshal… they must be wrong. It must be a case of mistaken identity. Those posters are always…” Her voice was filled with disbelief. She started to shake, grabbing hold of the edge of the kitchen counter, digging her fingernails into the wood. Elise, her face now awash with tears, shook her head. 

“It can’t be true,” Clara whispered, her eyes clouding over with tears. “The      marshal must be mistaken. Roy’s not… Roy can’t be a criminal.”

Elise moved quickly to be by her friend’s side. She encircled her arms around Clara’s shoulders, resting her head next to hers. “I’m so sorry. I know what Roy means to you and how much you’ve suffered to be with him, but your folks were right. He’s no good.”

Clara’s mind filled instantly with the last time she’d seen her parents, their faces wracked with pain as they watched her walk away. They’d warned her against a relationship with Roy many times. When she told them they were engaged and were getting married, they’d begged her to think again.

“Roy Mathers is not a good choice. There’s somethin’ about him,” her ma had said gently, as she tried to stop her daughter from leaving the house. “We don’t trust him.” Clara had pulled away, picking up her packed carpetbag and opening the front door.

“He’s the man I want to be with. The man I want as my husband and if you and pa can’t trust him, then you can’t trust me.”

The words had come back to haunt her only a few months later when Doctor Trewin called with the news that her parents had both died from the scarlet fever outbreak. “I was with ‘em until the end. Kept askin’ for you, Clara Mae, especially your ma.” The doctor who had attended at her own birth gazed into her eyes sorrowfully. “You were their world. No one could’ve loved you more.” 

Clara stared at Elise, sobs shaking her body uncontrollably as she realized the truth of her friend’s and her parents’ words. Roy’s many business trips must have been a cover for what he was really doing. How could she have been so stupid? Why didn’t she listen to her parents? They had only ever wanted the best for her. They’d given her the most wonderful childhood, filled with love. 

She thought that Roy loved her too. He had swept her off her feet. Courting her with flowers and the promise of a new life with him as his wife. “We’ll have as many children as you want, my beautiful Clara,” he had said, as he held her close the night that they became engaged. Anger welled in her body. He’d been deceiving her all along, leading a double life. It was too awful to understand.

Elise held her friend’s slight body tightly until the heaving of Clara’s chest subsided. She gently guided her to a kitchen chair wrapping her fingers around the warm cup. “You’ve had a shock. You need a drink. If you have some whisky in the house, I think you should have a drop.”

“No! No.” Clara looked up at her friend. “I… I don’t… shouldn’t have whisky. I need to think.”

Elise sat down next to her saying softly, “I know this is not the best time to say anything more, you’ve had a terrible fright, but I wouldn’t be your friend if I didn’t tell you all I know.”

Clara’s hazel eyes grew wide, her heart sinking. She’d already had the worse news she could ever hear. “There’s more! Please, there couldn’t be anythin’ more terrible than the news that the man I love is a wanted criminal and has been lying to me from the beginning,” Clara whimpered.

Elise whispered her words slowly, “I’m so sorry but there is more, and you need to listen and then do what Joshua has suggested, straightaway.”

Clara held her breath as her friend stared into her eyes, disbelief running through her body like a bolt of red-hot lightening. 

“Like I said, the marshal knows that there are men lookin’ for Roy,” Elise said gently. “They’re mad and they’re ruthless. Joshua and the marshal have information that they are on their way here, to Yellow Plains. They think that they plan to get to Roy through you.” Elise squeezed Clara’s arm, adding earnestly, “You’re not safe here. You need to leave. Now.”

“Leave! This is my home. I have nowhere to go, not now.” Clara’s fearful voice rang through the kitchen. She stared wildly at Elise. “Ma and Pa are both gone and their house was sold. I have no other family. Where will I go?” 

Elise closed her eyes then opened them and reached for her friend’s hand. “You have to leave Yellow Plains. It’s the only way to make sure that you are safe. The gang knows that Roy lives here. If they turn up and you are on your own… who knows what they might do.”

Clara could see the deep concern in Elise’s eyes. She squeezed her hand tightly.

“I know you wouldn’t say that if it weren’t necessary. You’ve been a good friend. I trust you, but what can I do? Where can I go?” Clara bit her lip as she stared back at Elise, fear written across her face.

“Joshua says that there’s a train heading west, arrivin’ in town at four,” Elise replied, speaking quickly. “You need to be on it. The gang might get here at any time. I’ve got the carriage. I can take you to the railroad depot, but we must leave now.” Elise stood up pulling Clara with her. “Go upstairs, pack just what you need for a few days. You don’t want to be carrying anything more than you can manage.”

Clara stared at her friend helplessly. How could this be happening? An hour ago, she was as excited as a dog with a new bone. She was looking forward to seeing Roy and now… now her life was collapsing around her.

Elise led Clara by the hand to the staircase, saying tearfully, “Please, Clara, please. Just get your things together. You’ll need money. I have a few dollars that you can have…”

Clara grasped hold of her friend’s arm. She’d been brave and kind to give Clara the awful news. She knew that it wouldn’t have been easy for her. Clara needed to let her know that she was in control. “No. Elise. Thank you. I have money. I will be as quick as I can.”

She picked up her skirts, mounting the stairs swiftly and walking purposefully to her bedroom. She reached for her carpetbag that was on the top shelf of the dresser then looked around the room. What did she want? What did she need? She picked out a few items of clothing then glanced to her nightstand where her Ma’s jewelry box and two of her Pa’s books sat. 

Clara opened the jewelry box lifting the top shelf. She’d put the white envelope containing the money she’d received from her parent’s house there, vowing never to touch it. She would have to now. She closed the box, then placed it at the bottom of her bag with the books, covering them with her clothing. 

Clara caught sight of herself in the mirror as she left the room. Her face was deathly white, her eyes looked huge. She had a slight body—petite, Roy called it. She shivered as she remembered his words then shook her head. She may be slight, almost fragile-looking, but Clara needed to be strong. She had no idea where she was going or what she was going to do. She looked down at her stomach, running her hand across it as she remembered the joy she had felt just a few hours ago.

Chapter Two

Natchez, Mississippi 1899

“Why, it’s good to see you, fella. Been sometime.” Levi Coulter turned as he heard the familiar voice of his friend.

“Adam! It’s good to see you too,” Levi replied, taking hold of the man’s hand and shaking it heartedly. It had been many months since he’d been back to Mississippi.

“You’re lookin’ better than you did last time I saw you. When was it? A year or so ago?” Adam smiled; the sympathy clear in his green eyes.

“About that. Just after Louise had passed.” Levi replied, remembering how he had struggled in the months after his wife’s death. Losing weight and his very reason for living, he had become a shadow of himself.

The hurricane had been so unexpected, taking not only their home but Louise’s life. The high winds had loosened the beams in the old house bringing one crashing down, crushing Louise. She’d died a few days’ later, along with their unborn child. He was heartbroken.

The decision to move west to Texas was driven by the need to distance himself from the memories of his happy life with Louise and his devastation at the loss of her and the baby. His uncle Zebediah had let him know at her funeral that he would welcome Levi joining him at his ranch in Canyon Springs. With nothing to keep him in Natchez, Levi had made the journey with a heavy heart.

Adam took a long look at Levi as he sipped his beer. Levi knew he’d changed a bit. His face was tanned to a deep brown by the Texas sun. His dark brown hair glinted in places where it had been bleached, from spending days in the saddle. His tall figure now more muscular too. 

“Looks like the life of a Texan is suitin’ you, old friend,” Adam said, smiling.

Levi nodded, swallowing the liquid in his mouth. “Yep, was a good move. My uncle is a hard task master, but I like working. It stops me thinkin’.”

Adam nodded. “I was surprised to get your letter sayin’ you were visiting your old town. What brings you back?” he asked.

“I’m here to finalize a deal with a new batch of horses. Gonna have them delivered to the ranch in a few weeks’ time. It saves me having to worry about getting them back there myself,” Levi replied, taking another mouthful of his drink. “I’m gonna head back on the trail tomorrow, followin’ the southern stagecoach route. Shouldn’t take more ‘n a few days to get back dependin’ on the weather.”

Adam frowned, “Well, I don’t know if you’ve been in town long enough to hear, but there’s talk of trouble out on the prairie with the natives. Seems like they’ve been unhappy with a few settlers out there. I’d watch yourself, don’t wanna get mixed up in any skirmishes.”

Levi smiled, his sharp cheekbones rippling as his lips moved. “Thanks for the warnin’. I’ll keep my head down.”

Adam laughed, “I didn’t mean to teach my grandpappy to suck eggs.”

“Not so much of the grandpappy, if you don’t mind.” Levi replied, ruefully, “I’m younger ‘un you by a few years if you remember.”

“That’s true, but you’re not getting’ any younger. None of us are.” Adam retorted, raising his glass then putting it down, looking at his friend thoughtfully. “Speaking about getting’ older, have you given any thought to your domestic situation… have you met anyone? Any plans for a wedding or such? Cause I’d wanna know about that.”

His friend’s eyes twinkled as he looked at Levi. 

“As a matter of fact, I have,” Levi said smugly. “I heard about those advertisements that people put in the papers saying they’re lookin’ for a wife. Widowers like me. Seems it works for some people. I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve had a couple of replies. Looks promisin’ but I wouldn’t be hangin’ out the buntin’ yet.”

Adam’s eyes widened and he wiped his brow with his neckerchief. “Well, I wasn’t expectin’ to hear that, but good on you! Make sure you get a look at their pictures before you meet ‘em though.”

Levi slapped his friend on the back just as he picked up his glass spilling beer onto the floor. “Always the careful one, aren’t you Adam? At least I’ve been married before, you’ve not even put a ring on anyone’s finger as far as I can recall. Bit like the pot callin’ the kettle black, eh?” He said, laughing.

Adam scowled playfully, saying, “I’ve just not met the right one… well, I’ve just not… I’m still workin’ on it,” he said, decisively.

Levi smiled. “So, there is someone?” he asked. 

“Maybe.” Adam replied, leaning his elbow on the bar. “Not sure how she feels about me, that’s all.”

“Well, don’t wait too long—like you said, we’re not gettin’ any younger!”

 

***

Charlotte, North Carolina – 1899

Clara had been sleeping fitfully for several hours when the train pulled into the station.

“All change! End of the line! All Change! Charlotte! North Carolina!” The guard’s loud announcement shook her violently from the nightmare that replayed the events of the day, again and again in Clara’s head. 

The door to the carriage flew open and the wizened, suntanned face of the railway worker peered at her over his round spectacles. “You’d better get off ma’am. This train ends here. It’s the end of the line.”

Clara stood up too quickly, grasping at the air as she swooned. She was not fully awake, and her legs were weak. The guard stepped forward, hurriedly catching her. “You don’t look well ma’am, if I can say that. You’s awfully pale.” The man’s smoke-filled breath washed over her face as he looked down at her. 

She struggled to stand, steadying her feet. She had been sitting down for a long time. She straightened her coat, pushing her hair back into the clips. She must look a sight. She’d travelled for hours, scrambling into her seat just as the train was about to leave the station in Virginia. Elise had stood staring through the window of the carriage, her hand raised in a wave, her face awash with tears until she disappeared. 

Clara had cried non-stop, watching the passing, unfamiliar landscapes blur like the pages of a book being turned too quickly. This part of her life was moving too fast into areas that she had no knowledge of.  What had happened in the short space of time from receiving the wonderful news from the doctor to Elise arriving at the ranch? How could her life suddenly be turned upside down and inside out like this? She’d closed her eyes, biting her lip, trying to bring back the excitement and happiness that had soared through her body just hours earlier.

The morning rain had been falling heavily as she’d stepped out of the doctor’s house.  She’d stood under the shelter of the porch for a few seconds looking up at the grey sky. Her cheeks were flushed but her eyes were shining with happiness. She’d felt hot and shivery at the same time. 

She’d looked down the unfamiliar street with its tall hedges that hid the grand properties typical of the area. She’d deliberately traveled out of town to have her consultation. Doctor Trewin was too close, and she’d always suspected he’d agreed with her parents about Roy. She didn’t want anything to ruin what might be the most wonderful of days.

She’d smoothed the sides of her thick red hair, ensuring the stray ends that had come loose during the examination were secured in the jeweled clips underneath her bonnet. She should have spent a few minutes in the cloakroom before leaving the doctor’s surgery to settle her nerves, but she’d been too flustered. Having stepped outside she couldn’t go back. Her heart thudded against her chest. She was excited, scared and breathless at the same time.

The carriage that she’d taken was waiting at the end of the pathway as she’d asked. She smoothed the front of her velvet coat, letting her hands rest just below her waist. Her lips formed a soft smile as she’d raised her hand to the waiting driver.

As the carriage clattered over the stony road on the way home, Clara had looked out at the familiar passing landscape. Yellow Plains had been her hometown where she had lived with her parents until she met Roy. The old church steeple came into view with its tidy hedges and pretty flower beds. The carriage slowed down as it passed the cemetery. 

Clara stared across the headstones. One stood out in particular: the white stone marking her parent’s grave. Her heart had jumped, and her eyes had filled with tears. Her mother and father would have been so happy to hear that they were expecting their first grandchild.

“I said, you’s awful pale, ma’am.” The guard’s words floated into her head, wiping the memory of that morning from her mind. Clara stared into the man’s gray eyes. 

“I’m… fine… thank you, you’re very kind. I’m… I’m just hungry. The train was hot. I’m not used to traveling.” She replied, moving away from him and picking up her coat and carpetbag. “If you could kindly direct me to a hotel?”

The guard led her through the busy station out to the street. She was surprised to see the darkness. Her day had slipped into evening.

“The Railway Inn is just on your left. If you’re traveling on it’s the best place to stay, especially for a lady like yourself. If you’re goin’ further west, it’s only the stagecoach from here. Just down the road to Main Street. You can’t miss it. The next one comes at 8 tomorrow.” The guard tipped his hat then ambled back into the bustle of the station.

Clara shivered, walking quickly toward the sign of the Inn, bumping into people as she tried to avoid them in the crowded street. Nobody seemed to be bothered by her or even look at her as she apologized. In her small town if anyone new appeared everyone noticed. 

She’d never been to Charlotte before, never expected to be there… until Elise told her where the train was headed and that she must, must stay on it, until it reaches the end of the line. “You need to get as far away as you can. Joshua says that you can travel further west by stagecoach from there. It might take you a few days but it’s worth it to be safe,” she’d said squeezing her friend’s hand tightly. “Let me know where you are, when you can.”

Clara had never been out of Virginia in her life. Yellow Springs and the surrounding towns were the only places she knew. This town, Charlotte, seemed to be teeming with all kinds of people moving quickly, seeming to know where they were going.

The hotel concierge stared at her for a few seconds before confirming he had a single room at the back of the hotel and telling her the price. She passed him one of the notes she’d taken from the white envelope.

“That’s fine, ma’am,” he said, his face creasing into a smile and placing the key in her hand. “I’ve given you the best room in the house. I hope it suits.”

“Thank you. That’s kind. Is there anywhere I can get a meal?” she asked.

“Restaurant’s second on your right,” he replied, pointing to a brightly lit room further down the corridor. 

Clara nodded then scaled the two flights of stairs wearily, following the elderly porter who carried her bag. By the time he opened one of the doors and led her inside, she was exhausted. 

The room was what she would call adequate. Nothing like the ones in Virginia. The small space had a single bed against one wall covered with a multicolored quilt that had seen better days. A wooden bedside table with a lamp stood alongside it with a washstand in the corner. The window and curtains looked dusty.

The porter placed her bag on the bed then lit the lamp, nodded and headed for the door.

“Wait, please,” she said, reaching into her purse for a coin which she placed in the man’s hand. 

He looked surprised and delighted. “Why thank you, ma’am, that’s very civil.”

“I wondered if you could reserve me a table in the restaurant. I would like to eat within the hour?”

“And which name shall I give?” The porter looked at her, shuffling his feet when she didn’t answer.

“Um…Miss…Mrs. Trewin.” She replied, turning away from the man so that he couldn’t see her blush. She had to remember quickly that she had given the concierge the same name. The doctor’s surname was the only one she could think of when he’d asked her the question. Elise had told her not to use her own name and especially not Roy’s. A thought ran through her mind: how quickly she had fallen into deceiving people.

“Alright, ma’am. I’ll wish you a good evenin’.” The porter closed the door behind him, leaving Clara staring at it. In the next moment she was overwhelmed with emotion.  Her shoulders shook and her legs were suddenly weak. She moved toward the bed letting her head hang as she sat on the edge, waiting for the tears to stop. It was all so upsetting. She had never traveled further than the next town and now… now she was hundreds of miles from Virginia with no idea where she should go or what to do.

Elise had told her to stay on the train until it reached the end of the line. “It only goes as far as North Carolina. You’ll have to change to the stagecoach if you want to go any further,” she’d said as she squeezed her friend’s hand for the last time.

Did she want to go any further? She had no idea. Would this be a good place to start a new life? Was it far enough away from Roy and the gang that was chasing him? Clara’s mind whirled around the questions without finding an answer. 

She stood up and walked over to the window that looked down on the street at the back of the hotel. It was dark, but there were still several people walking around. It was all so unfamiliar. She shivered, she really needed to eat.  

She poured a glass of water from the jug on the washstand, sipping it slowly. The way she was feeling reminded her suddenly of reading her best friend Jeannie’s letter a few years’ earlier. They had been close friends at school with their parents often visiting each other’s homes regularly. Jeannie had shocked everyone by disappearing one day when she’d just turned eighteen. Her letter arrived a month or so later. It had made Clara shiver.

‘Dearest Clara Mae, I know you must be wondering where I am. I want to let you know that I am safe, my friend. I am living out west having answered an advertisement for a man who was looking for a wife. I know you will be shocked that I have done this, but I needed to find my own way in life. I am very settled. Leon is a good man. I have written to my ma and pa to let them know this too. Please be happy for me and if you are ever in Nevada, look me up. I would love to see you, Clara Mae. With all best wishes, your friend for forever, Jeannie Collins.’

Clara thought about the letter as she ate the chicken and beans dish that was placed in front of her in the restaurant. She was ravenous. It wasn’t like her. Her small appetite had been the joke of the family with her ma and pa calling her a little sparrow for the amount that she ate. Today, however, she finished the supper and had apple pie with cream for dessert. 

Her mind was full of the sudden inspiration that the memory of Jeannie had given her.  With a baby on the way, she needed to be with someone. Someone who wanted a wife and hopefully a child. Maybe she could do the same as Jeannie. Clara breathed out slowly. It was an answer. It would solve all her problems. It would give her a direction of travel and a purpose. She placed her hands on her dress looking down. The most important thing was to find a safe place to be for her and the baby. 

“Will there be anything else, Mrs. Trewin?” The waiter smiled at her as he hovered by her side. She frowned then opened her eyes wide realizing he was speaking to her. 

“No… no… thank you. That was extremely delicious.” 

When the concierge said good night using her assumed name as she passed him, she managed to smile and nod without seeming surprised. Once in her room she undressed swiftly and climbed into bed. She was tired, exhausted. She closed her eyes running through her new plan. 

Tomorrow she would buy the newspaper and find someone in or near Nevada that was looking for a wife. That way, she would at least be in the same area as someone that she knew. She would write to Jeannie as well. She couldn’t tell her about the baby, best she didn’t know then when she revealed it after marrying someone, it would seem natural.

Clara opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. When had she become this person that was happy to make up a name and not tell the truth? She bit her lip realizing that her life of deceit was only just beginning.