Only the small pinkish scar on the bridge of his nose gave any clue to the injury.
What did the leather patch hide? Did he have any hope ofregaining his sight? Even she had been around society long enough to know not to ask such questions.
She scrunched up her nose at the murky water trickling along in the shallow ditch as they headed into the scruffy clapboard town. A dog trotted alongside of them. Soldiers, too many of them, meandered along the street. Men in suits walked amongst them. A handful of them gathered at a cotton factor’s office and another group by the saloon. A boy laughed as he splashed himself in the horse trough before a lady hurried over to scold him.
After asking at a couple of places, Devon led them down a narrow side street of split-log cabins shoved together like cattle huddling for warmth. He stopped in front of one with a worn shingle. The worddoctorwas etched across its grain. Trimmed, weathered grass lined the path to the door, and a white flower box, its contents withered for the season, sat below the paned window, the only building with a feminine touch on the whole street.
“We’ll find a place for you to wait inside.” Devon swung down from the saddle and walked over to her horse.
His palm brushed her back as he helped her dismount. Only a second, but the warmth spread all the way to her cheeks.
He smacked his gauntlets against his hand. “The only question is if I need to tie you up or not.”
“Tie me up?” She huffed. Was he teasing or serious?
“I’d take your shoes and the saddle, but I figure that wouldn’t stop you if you had a mind to run off.” He held the gate open. Maybe there was a trace of a twinkle in his eye, but the firm set of his mouth said otherwise.
She pressed her hat to her head as the breeze ruffled it. “And why would I take off when I have a dinner guest coming Saturday evening?” No need to plot an escape until she’d sorted out the whole land-for-marriage scheme.
The odor of pig drifted her way as they walked down the path. Of course, these hovels would have animals in the back.
He scoffed under his breath and knocked on the door. “The expectation of Moyer’s company would be enough to make anyone flee.”
“You’re free to eat in your room, Mr. Reynolds,” she whispered.
The door opened before he could answer.
A brown-haired young woman, with a long braid coiled at the back of her head, stepped into view. “May I help you?” Dimples graced her smooth cheeks as her lips rose in a tentative smile.
Suddenly the pinnacle of manners, Devon swept his hat from his head. “Good afternoon, miss. I’m looking for Dr. Schramm.”
“My father’s in the back. Please come in vhile I alert him to your presence.” A foreign accent clipped her words.
“Much obliged.” He motioned for Morning Fawn to go first. “Please tell him Mr. Carson sent me. About my eye.”
Their petite hostess startled, then regained her composure. “Yes, of course, sir. Is the lady?—”
“My employer’s niece. Not here to see the doctor.”
Employer’s niece? Just one of his work duties? Morning Fawn frowned as he watched the brown-eyed beauty retreat down the hall. Obviously, Miss Schramm didn’t need a land scheme to gain his attention. “I hope you’re being paid well.”
“Excuse me?” Devon crinkled his brow.
“Nothing.” Morning Fawn rolled her eyes and picked up a leather-bound book from the doily-covered table. It looked like a Bible, but the letters were strung together in words that didn’t make any sense.
Steps in the hallway. A stout man with a gray beard and spectacles entered the room. Crinkles ringed his eyes. Tuffs ofgrayish hair, not quite tamed, protruded from his head. His daughter trailed behind him.
“I’m Dr. Schramm, and you must be?—”
“Lieutenant Devon Reynolds, sir.” Devon shook the man’s hand heartily.
The doctor smiled. “And the young lady?”
“Miss Beth Logan. I’m in her uncle’s employ. I was hoping she could wait in the parlor here with your daughter.”
So that the doctor’s daughter could keep an eye on her?
“Certainly.” Dr. Schramm warmly pressed Morning Fawn’s hand. “You’re velcome here, Miss Logan. Frieda vill be happy to keep you company as I examine your friend.”
