“Might I carry that for you, Mrs. Wright?” Cade asked, his brow furrowing at the sight of Edie balancing the weight in her hands.
“Oh, thank you, but I’ll be fine, Mr. Harris. Jolie, would you mind giving that lavender to Caroline? I imagine she’ll return in a moment.”
Jolie nodded, and they said their goodbyes. “Did you find a wagon?” she asked Cade.
“I did. Carlisle, the fellow who owns the livery, agreed to monthly payments. And I’ve fetched your trunk. Do you have the goods ready to load?” He glanced past her toward the counter, which was empty save for Edie’s dried lavender.
“Oh!” She’d completely forgotten. “I’m sorry. I was talking with Edie, and I never spoke with Mrs. Drexel.”
Impatience darted across Cade’s face, but he nodded, and Jolie turned back toward the counter, where Caroline had reappeared. Jolie quickly gave her order and the lavender to Caroline, and as they waited, she relayed what she’d learned about local plants to Cade. “Edie said she would bring me some starter plants, hardy ones I could grow inside until spring,” she finished.
Cade nodded as he paid and gathered one of the crates Caroline had brought out. “I suppose some greens and vegetables would be good to have on hand.”
Jolie didn’t correct him, even though Edie had specifically mentioned herbs. Cade hadn’t looked too interested in her newfound knowledge. It was somewhat disappointing, she thought as she gathered up the sack of flour and followed her new husband outside.
Don’t be silly, she told herself. She could hardly expect him to share her every interest. As he took the flour from her, she remembered what Edie had said about Lucas.
“I forgot to tell you about what Edie’s husband and the sheriff learned when they investigated your brother’s death,” she started.
“I’m certain it’s nothing that concerns me.”
Jolie frowned. Had she misheard him? She let him help her into the wagon, and as he drove them out of town, she relayed all she’d learned from Edie.
“A white horse,” Cade repeated when she finished. “That’s all?”
“Well, yes. And no one has seen such a horse around here.”
Cade adjusted his hat, his eyes on the road before them. “I shouldn’t be surprised. The murderers likely hightailed it out of the valley afterward.”
His voice sounded hollow, and Jolie’s heart ached for him. If only he could see those murderers behind bars. Perhaps that would help ease the ache of losing his only brother.
She reached over, resting a hand on his arm. “Perhaps they’ll still be found.”
He glanced down at her hand and smiled for a second. “It’s unlikely.”
“Edie said the sheriff would be happy to meet with you about it.”
Cade shook his head. “It’s best just to forget about it. Besides, I’ve got too much to do if I want these buildings finished before winter.”
Jolie watched him, puzzled. But she didn’t press the issue, and after a minute passed, Cade began talking about hiring men to help with the building.
How odd, she thought, that he wasn’t more interested in seeking out justice for his brother.
Chapter Eight
Cadegavethenailone last smack with the hammer before looking up. The sun was lower in the sky, and the two men Sam Mahoney had sent down from town looked as if they were working on their last reserves.
“I suppose we ought to call it done for the day,” Cade said. “You’re both more than welcome to stay for supper.”
“Why, that would suit me just fine,” the older of the two said. “Neil?”
The younger man, Neil, nodded. “I ain’t had a good homecooked meal since I left home.”
“Sit down for a bit. I’ll see how much longer it’ll be.” Cade set the hammer down and went to find Jolie.
They’d been working the entire day on the house. The canvas tent he’d purchased at the hardware store was fine for now, but the night chill would only continue to grow, and they couldn’t go on much longer sleeping outside. If Neil Smith and Horace England continued coming to help, he estimated they could have the place done enough to provide shelter within the week. It would need a lot more work, of course, but at least he and Jolie wouldn’t freeze overnight.
He stopped by the campfire, which was cold with the pan and the pot he’d purchased waiting empty nearby. Cade held up a hand against the lowering sun and scanned the landscape around him. Jolie was nowhere in sight.
