“Push the memories of that life and that so-called man, behind you and start anew. He will never lay another hand on you and live to tell about it. I am possessive of my valuables and he will learn quickly what happens if he threatens something ofmine!”
I resume wrapping her ribs. Once done, I slip my shirt over her head before putting my much too large socks on her tiny feet. Looking up, I realize her hair is dripping on the ends. “Forgive me, I have not spent much time caring for others, and I am seriously fumbling along with you. Sit still for a minute.”
I grab the only other towel I found in the room, then gather her long hair in my hands, gently squeezing the water out until most of it is dry. “Your hair is as thick as a horse’s tail, so we need to sit you in front of the fire or it’s going to be wet for days.” Remembering the blood on her thighs, I know she will want a moment alone. “I found some undergarments and some rags for your courses. Do you need my assistance putting them on?”
She vigorously shakes her head no, her cheeks blushing a bright red.
“Lauren, you have no reason to be embarrassed. As far as I know, every female in existence goes through this discomfort. The rest of the world acts like it’s a big damn curse or secret, but the truth is it’s a part of life just like urinating or relieving yourself. So, no need to get all flustered. I’ll give you a few minutes to yourself.”
Once again, I close the door and rub a hand over my face as I listen to make sure she has not fallen. “God, what have I done?” I whisper out into the silence around me. Lord knows I’ve got enough to take care of already.
“Ready.”
When I open the door, I can’t stop the laugh that leaves my lips when I see my clothing practically swallowing her whole.
“If it weren’t for your head sticking out, we would never find you in all that fabric. Here, let’s get something in our bellies. Hopefully, while we are eating your hair will dry enough so that we can get a comb or brush through it. That is, if I’m lucky enough to find one. Just to let you know, once you are settled into bed, I need to check on the animals, then head back into town. I forgot a few things in the middle of all that excitement, but I should return before dark if not right after.”
It takes us a few minutes to make the few tiny steps to the table as I watch her fight through the pain of simply trying to breathe before she practically plops down in the chair. I throw a few more logs on the fire, then pick her up, chair and all, placing her closer to the heat. Once settled, I realize I don’t even have two clean bowls to put the food in, so I walk outside, grab a water bucket from the rain barrel, then come back and wash them. I’m highly embarrassed as I look around at the pigsty I am living in.
“I apologize for the mess. I will start working on it in the morning after I tend to the animals.”
She still doesn’t say anything, simply keeps her head down, her hands grasped tightly in her lap. Filling the bowls, I place them on the table in front of her before sitting down, my nose curling at the greasy, unappetizing mess in front of us.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch her pick up her spoon and take a bite; unlike me, she never lets on how unappetizing this is. She simply takes one bite after another, but does push her bowl away before I do.
She is so drained, I can see her swaying back and forth in her chair. Lauren jerks when I stand up quickly, ducking, and I see red when I realize this has become an instant reflex for her. Slowing my movements, I slide my arms under her very insignificant weight and lift her up. She doesn’t put her arm around my neck, but instead, it’s like she folds in on herself.
Walking to the bedroom only a few steps away, I hesitate to put her in my dirty bed. Instead, I turn toward Eliza’s room and even though it’s dusty, it’s still the cleanest place in here. Holding her with one arm, as I lean down and pull the covers back, a pained gasp leaves her lips when I lay her down. It’s the first noise or sound she has made since I wrapped her ribs. She doesn’t look up, simply keeps her head down, and I am not sure how to deal with that. Most of the women in my life up to this point were larger-than-life, with strong opinions and personalities that matched. This one acts like a scared little mouse.
Lifting her neck gently, I pull her long hair out from behind her, laying it over the side so it will continue drying as I fluff up the pillow. “When I go to town, I’ll see what I can do about getting you a proper brush or comb. If we don’t tend to that soon, you will never get all those tangles out, and I don’t think Rebel will share his curry comb. I may have some willow bark tea in one of the cupboards that will help with the pain and allow you to sleep. Would you like some?”
It takes a moment, but she finally nods her head. “Alright then, I’ll bring it to you once the water heats up. The outhouse is just beyond the back door, but other than seeing to your needs, I’d prefer you stay in bed.”
She turns her head away and a heavy silence settles around us. Not knowing what else to do, I walk out and head toward the cabinet where I keep tea and coffee. Once I have the tea steepingin the pot, I walk over to the front door and step out of the house, not only to cool off since the cabin is warmer than usual but needing just a moment to myself.
Looking out at the valley, I can see the snow already receding on the mountains in the distance. Spring has arrived, which means nothing other than the workload will double. Now that I have Lauren, I am not sure what to prioritize. The whistle of the teapot has me turning back. Finding a clean cup in the back of the cupboard, I fill it with the tea and head back into Eliza’s room. Lauren looks so small lying there and I act like I don’t notice the tears when I set the tea on the stand next to the bed.
“‘Little Mouse’, this will help but be careful not to burn yourself. I will be gone for a few hours and I’ll lock the doors before heading out. There is no one around for miles, however if you get scared, there is a pistol in the top drawer of the chest in the other bedroom. Just don’t shoot me by mistake.” I try to say the last part jokingly, but all I get is a blank stare.
Nodding, I walk out of the room and grab my great coat as the evening ride back will be cool. Locking the front door, I head out back, double-checking the door is closed before turning toward the corral and Rebel.
My tall, cinnamon-colored quarter horse has been with me for years, and thankfully, he is used to my brooding, as the banked rage I have been holding back all this time is finally at the forefront of my mind.
“Come Rebel, we have someone to visit.”
CHAPTER 3
GRANT
It seems like it only takes moments to get to town once I let Rebel have his head, but I know it was closer to an hour. Throwing my leg over the saddle, I grab his reins, hooking them on the hitching post in front of the general store. I look up, only to find Old Man Harvey in the process of locking up for the evening. When he notices me standing behind him through the window of the door, he jumps.
“Lord Grant, you startled me. What brings you back to town this late in the evening? Did the little lady not make it?”
“She is well considering the circumstances, but she needs things that I do not have available at the cabin.”
“Yeah, Oren is a bastard sending her off like that. The child surely had more than the rags that were on her body. Beatrice may have a pre-made dress available next door but let me go with you. She is not the easiest to deal with, especially this late in the evening.”
I nod, thankful for his help. Following him down the walkway, we stop at a small shop, the door so narrow my shoulders barelyclear it. Standing awkwardly, I look around at the many bolts of fabric and the dainty hats lining the shelves while half-finished dresses hang on mannequins toward the back of the room.
