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“Emily,” he said, offering his hand as she stepped over a muddy rut. Then his attention came to Eden. “Jesse wants to speak with you.”

“I know.”

Bass removed his hat. “I spoke to him.”

“I’m sure you did.”

“Didn’t do much good at first.”

“That sounds like Jesse.”

His mouth shifted. “He knows he was wrong.”

Eden appreciated the concern in Bass’s face. She had no desire to make him answer for his brother’s mistake.

“Then I’ll hear what Jesse has to say.”

Inside, Izzy sat at the table with Carolina. The girl had a hymnal open before her, though her hands remained folded in her lap.

“I brought another,” Eden said, setting it beside Izzy.

Izzy touched the cover. “Thank you.”

Nate came from the sickroom. “He’s awake. Would you like a few minutes alone with him?”

“Yes, please.”

“He asked me not to come back until he calls.” Nate hesitated. “I told him that depends on whether he behaves.”

“Then you may be waiting awhile.”

Nate gave a tired chuckle and stepped aside.

Jesse was propped against his pillows. Someone had combed his hair, though an unruly lock had already fallen across his forehead. His swollen eye was still closed, and his good eye followed Eden from the doorway to the chair beside his bed.

She stopped there. “Nate said you wished to see me.”

“Did he tell you I was sorry?”

“He said you wanted to speak for yourself.”

“Good.” Jesse cleared his throat. “I owe you more than I can say in one breath.”

“Then take your time.”

He gave a strained laugh. “That’s generous, considering what I said.”

Eden waited. This belonged to him now.

“I was afraid you’d go back to Missouri,” he said. “Thought if I asked you to marry me, you’d stay. I made it sound like I wanted someone to tend me.” His hand gripped the edge of the blanket. “You were right to walk out.”

“Yes.”

He met her eyes. “I’m sorry, Eden. I hurt you.”

The apology came without excuses. She had expected it to be harder to hear.

“Thank you.”