“That was awfully kind of him,” Isabella said as Hale closed the door.
“He’s a good man. We’re lucky to have someone like him looking out for all of us.” Hale paused. They were alone in the front hallway since Tansy had returned to the kitchen. Isabella twisted her hands together, and despite her words, she still seemed uncertain.
“Is everything all right?” he asked in a low voice.
She nodded quickly before her eyes darted toward the door behind him. “Yes, of course.”
Hale had the distinct feeling that she wasn’t being honest about her feelings. But she was also probably embarrassed about being frightened.
“Come on, let’s go finish our supper.” He reached out a hand, and she took it. The feel of her hand in his made him want to take away anything that scared her, anything that threatened her. While he couldn’t change what must have frightened her in the past, he could ensure she felt safe right now.
And dinner with the sheriff and his wife was an excellent way to do just that.
Chapter Eight
AS MUCH AS IZZY WISHEDfor the days to slow down, Tuesday arrived anyway.
She tamped down the ever-present fear that Sheriff Wright would somehow know she was really the missing Sutcliffe “son” and kept her hands as busy as she could. Tansy was grateful when Izzy offered to wash all the linens. Being outside and working hard was better than sitting at the front desk, waiting for guests to ask her a question or hoping a particularly chatty new arrival might occupy her time.
But as hard as she worked, the hour crept closer.
“You’ll like Mrs. Wright,” Hale said as he waited for her to smooth down her hair.
Izzy stared at herself in the glass and wished it was appropriate to arrive for supper with a kerchief to hide the red. Or better yet, for her hair to suddenly change to a less noticeable blonde or a humble shade of brown.
“You look lovely,” Hale said after a moment.
His compliment warmed her from the inside out. And when she looked at him, it made her forget her fears. He watched her with a sort of yearning admiration that melted her heart. It almost made her wish he’d toss away the promise they’d made to get to know one another and pull her into his arms right now.Thatwould certainly make her forget about being Izzy Sutcliffe for a while.
Her face warmed at the thought, and she looked down, hoping he couldn’t read her mind. “Thank you. You look very nice too.”
“Shall we?” He held out his arm.
Izzy swallowed hard and took it. There was no getting out of this dinner. Even if she feigned illness, she’d have to go at some point.
They were far enough away from Roebuck, Wyoming Territory, she reminded herself as they headed toward the front door. There was no chance the search for her would extend this far south. After all, how far could a boy on horseback possibly go?
“The sheriff and the marshal keep this town very safe.” Hale was saying the same thing he’d said to her at least three times already over the past few days. He likely mistook her nervousness for fear of outlaws.
If only he knew.
Izzy dug the fingers of her free hand into her skirts as they passed homes and businesses. He was going to have to know at some point, if she was asking him for money. She refused to lie to him about the purpose for the funds she needed. But the asking—and the confession—weren’t going to be easy. If she were honest with herself, she’d admit she was afraid he’d either reject her or tell the sheriff. Or both.
Of course, the longer she waited, the longer Papa and the boys had to wait in prison. And what if Carter wasn’t doing well? Prison was no place to recover from an injury as bad as the one he’d received. What if she waited too long and—
