It was a dream twisted into a nightmare. Daniel had planned to approach his father regarding funding for furthering his education. Though it was foolish, he had spent his life dreaming of becoming a professor. Within the walls of books was the only place he felt at home. Well, his father had given him money—not enough for further education, but enough to start a modest life with. But what was he to do with it?
CHAPTER 2
May 15, 1782
“Do not worry, boy. I know what it is to be a failure,” the dark-haired man seated along the creek bank lamented to the animal beside him as he ruffled its light-brown ears. “But that does not mean you do not deserve a home and love. If nothing else, you can make a person smile.” As the small creature jumped up on his knee, pink tongue lolling, the man’s mouth pulled into a grin. But the gesture did not reach his eyes, and his shoulders remained slumped as he rubbed where the brown fur turned to black across the animal’s back.
Something inside Keturah’s chest clenched, and guilt washed over her that she had been spying. It had been inadvertent, though, with her happening upon the scene as she neared Skaggs’s Station.
As she stepped out from behind the trees which had concealed her approach, Keturah purposefully sent a stone skittering across the rocky bank with the toe of her low-heeled boot. Warm sunshine kissed her cheeks as she sloshed through the shallow creek to where the stranger scrambled to his feet.
“Oh. Hello. I did not realize anyone was there.” He brushed his hands against the front of his black waistcoat.
Was that silk? The cream-colored kerchief at his throat certainly was. Keturah could not recall the last time she had laid eyes on such fanciful clothing. Before they had come west, to be sure.
When the man extended his hand to her in welcome, Keturah slipped hers into his. And though his hand was softer than she would have expected, warmth spread up her arm as his strong grip easily engulfed hers. Her lips parted as her eyes flew up to his. His warm, golden gaze met hers as he grinned down at her, his chin well above the top of her head.
Keturah quickly withdrew her hand and cleared her throat. “I am sorry. I didna mean to surprise ye.”
The man’s smile broadened. “A most pleasant surprise, I am sure. If you do not mind me asking, are you Irish?”
“Scottish,” Keturah corrected. “Me parents immigrated soon after they were married.”
The man gave her a little bow. “Well, it is very nice to meet you, Mrs…?”
“Miss Keturah Elliot.” Pride at both her heritage and the Christian name given by her mother swelled in her chest. This man was like no one she had ever met before. Such genteel manners for a chance meeting in the woods. “An’ ye are…?”
“Daniel. Daniel Scott.”
A yapping sound brought their attention downward, to the white, brown, and black foxhound pup that twirled in a circle before jumping up to settle his front paws against her petticoats.
A low chuckle emanated from the man before her. “And may I introduce you to Scamper? Well, that is the unofficial name I have given him because he likes to scamper about.” Mr. Scott gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Come here, buddy. It is not polite to jump on a lady.” He scooped the animal into his arms without snagging her dress and tickled the white fur along the pup’s cheek.
Keturah stepped closer to pet Scamper as well. “Is he yers?”
“No. He belongs to the Station Master, James Skaggs. But apparently, he is not suited as a hunting prospect, and he has quite taken to me. I have hope he will let me claim the dog when I leave.”
Mr. Scott’s smile dimmed for the quickest of moments. Was it due to Scamper’s situation or his impending departure? Sadness twinged in her chest, though she had only just met the man. A thought struck her. Did he already have a family he planned tosettle with? She took a step back. “Are ye leavin’ soon?”
Another shrug and his smile was gone completely. “I suppose. Though I am not really sure where I will go.”
Keturah tilted her head. “Ye have no plans of where to settle?”
“No. I was traveling with a group, but after I sustained an injury, I was left behind.” His hand went to the back of his head as if to indicate where he had been hurt, but his golden-brown eyes took on a haunted look. It gave Keturah pause even as hope bloomed within her soul.
“So ye are travelin’ alone?” She placed her hands behind her back and moved toward the clear, shimmering water of the creek as she attempted to feign mere curiosity.
Mr. Scott gave a nod as he lowered the pup to the ground. His brows were scrunched when he stepped up beside her. “Are you traveling alone as well?” He glanced behind her.
“Aye.” Keturah paused, suddenly unsure how much she should share. Could it be this simple? Could God have led her to the man that would be the answer to her prayers before she had even reached the station? She could not know quite yet. There were still too many unanswered questions. “Though, by happenstance, me intended destination is James Skaggs’s Station. I have some business there.”
Mr. Scott’s face broke into a beaming smile. “In that case, allow me to escort you the rest of the way.” He turned and extended his arm as a proper gentleman would, causing a blush to creep into her cheeks. She slipped her arm into the crook of his elbow, keeping her touch light so she did not feel off-balance as she navigated the uneven terrain. If God did intend this man as her husband, she had a hunch that life with him would not be dull.
Keturah wrapped her hands around the warm mug of tea before her and took a deep breath, savoring the comforting aroma. As the warm spring day transitioned to a cool night, a low fire crackled in the hearth. And with her bones weary from travel, it was wonderful to be off her feet, seated at the kitchen table across from Mary Skaggs.
“So what exactly is it that brings you to our station?” Mary’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, and her mouth pressed together in a suppressed smile.
Keturah was younger than every one of the other woman’s seven children, all of whom had married and started their own families, and Mary had seemed glad for the female company since the moment she walked through the door. But the matriarch had kept her questions to a minimum until the men had disappeared to settle the animals for thenight. Now, her inquiries could no longer be contained.
