Sean relaxed, and Charlie searched for something to say. She spotted her aunt’s paper.
“You didn’t get to finish the newspaper. Why don’t you sit down and read Sadie’s?”
Sean took up the offer and settled back down on the sofa. There was probably more they should have said to each other regarding Tansy’s behavior, but Sean watched Charlie reach for a catalog on a nearby table, so he began to read the paper.
There was no conversation. The only noise was the gentle rattle of paper as Sean turned from page to page. He glanced over a few times to see that Charlie seemed to be stuck on one page in the catalog. It was a listing of blacksmith supplies.
“Can’t decide which one you like?”
“No, I guess I can’t. I hate it when they don’t show pictures of all of them.”
“Doesn’t it describe the difference next to the prices?”
Charlie hesitated for only a second. “I think it probably does, but I can’t read.”
Thankful her gaze was on the catalog for a few seconds longer, Sean was given time to school his features.
“Want me to read it to you?”
“You don’t mind?”
“Not at all.” His voice was gentle.
Charlie scooted closer and handed the catalog to her husband. The front brim of her hat was flipped back and she looked up expectantly as Sean began to read. After starting to read he glanced down to see if she was listening, and for the first time noticed the beautiful color of her eyes—a deep hazel.
He read the whole page with an occasional question from Charlie, and then asked if she wanted him to go on.
“No, you read everything I need to know. I’ll just look at the pictures for a while.”
Sean returned the catalog and picked up the newspaper, but he couldn’t concentrate. On every page of print he saw her eyes and the intent way she held her head as she listened to him read from the catalog. Sean glanced repeatedly out the corner of his eyes to look at her. He noticed at one point that she was falling asleep.
He shifted and pulled the small pillow from his far side and put it against his opposite hip.
“Charlotte,” his voice was soft. “Lay your head here and rest a bit.”
Charlie turned and blinked owlishly at him, but then did as he bade. Once her head was settled on the pillow, she picked her feet up off the floor and curled her legs on the seat.
Sean gently tugged her hat off and smoothed her hair as she fell into slumber. He sat looking down at her for a long time.
“Sleep well, Charlotte, because tomorrow I’m going to start teaching you to read.”
The words were whispered, but Sadie, who had finally finished her dinnertime cleanup, heard every syllable. She didn’t enter the room as planned, but turned and went to her sewing room where she pulled a hankie from her sleeve and wiped her suddenly wet eyes.
twenty
Cooper’s Livery had opened before 7:00 every morning for as long as anyone could remember, but this was the second day since Charlie Cooper had become Charlie Donovan that the doors remained shut.
Sean and Charlie made a point of being on time to the sheriff’s office, and they found both Duncan and Witt waiting.
Witt seemed to be good at his word and did not do anything to put Sean under pressure. Witt was silent as the four adults were seated, but then Sean remembered Charlie’s comment about Witt using people, and decided to keep his guard up.
Duncan opened. “Thanks for coming in, Sean and Charlie. Though this discussion was not my idea, I’m not against it. I think I’ll just stay quiet while Witt here asks his questions.”
Witt’s manner was very sedate as he began to question Sean. His voice seemed almost gentle to Sean, and then he realized the older man was in deep thought.
“Are you certain you don’t know where Hartley’s cabin is?”
“Very certain. I spent some time last night thinking on the terrain, and I know we were in the hills to the east, but beyond that, I haven’t a clue.”
“Has Hartley contacted you?”
Sean look so surprised that Witt nearly told him to forget the question.
“No, not once. If he did though, I would come to Duncan immediately.”
They talked for a while longer, and then Witt surprised Sean by standing and offering his hand. Sean stood also, and they shook hands. Witt thanked everyone in the room and left quietly.
“Well,” Charlie breathed after the door shut, thinking maybe she had misjudged the man. He hadn’t been at all the tyrant she’d expected, and she said as much to Duncan.
“I’ve been telling him that Sean is not the man he believes him to be. Maybe he’s starting to see that for himself.”
“I really wish I could have been more help,” Sean admitted.
“You did fine. I know you need to get to the livery, but I need to talk with both of you.” Duncan hesitated, praying as he had been for days, about what needed to be said.
“It’s time, Sean, that you establish yourself as a law-abiding citizen in this town. Now I don’t want to completely upset your life, Charlie, although you did that to some extent when you married Sean. What I’m trying to say is—get involved. Start attending a church, our social events, anything this town has to offer. The townspeople will be watching the way you treat each other. I’ve already heard about the tongue-lashing you gave Pete the other day. He was stunned that you defended Sean, but also fascinated since your relationship is a curiosity.
“Sean, you need to be in touch with your family and ask them to write you. It would go a long way toward the good for you to get mail. I’m sure most people think you have no previous home or family. They seem to think criminals crawl out from under rocks.”
Duncan stopped talking and stared at the thunderstruck couple who both craved privacy in the new and uncomfortable marriage in which they found themselves.
“Why?” Charlie finally asked in a small voice.
“Because,” Duncan said gently, “if Hartley hits the bank again, and Sean has stayed aloof and separated from the community, no one will believe he wasn’t involved in some way. Your testimony would be of no value, Charlie, because the talk in town is that you’re falling for your new husband.”
Duncan watched her face heat up like a flame. He knew his words were blunt, but he didn’t see any help for it at this point. “Talk it over and don’t forget, if you need anything, I’m available day or night.”
It was a quiet young couple who exited the sheriff’s office and then stood outside on the boardwalk. Sean knew that any move they made would have to be initiated by Charlie. He wasn’t going to ask or suggest anything. He had turned Charlie’s life upside down, and even though the end result could be his being blamed for a crime he did not commit, he was not going to pressure her into an action she couldn’t abide.
“He’s right, you know.”
Sean stared down at the woman next to him, not really believing she’d spoken. But then she continued.
“We do need to get involved, and I think you should pick up some writing supplies today so you can get in touch with your family.”
Sean stepped off the walk to lessen the difference in their heights, but still had to dip his head to see his wife’s face. She had spoken with her head down, and the rim on her hat completely hid her features from his view.
Not until Sean had dipped his head did Charlie look at him. Her look was such a mixture of fear and determination that he wanted to hold her.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly.
“I’m sure,” she said, meeting his gaze for the space of a few heartbeats. When Charlie moved in the direction of the general store, Sean followed her.
Sean had been standing next to Charlie for five minutes while she inspected the writing supplies. He wasn’t sure why she was taking so long, but she seemed in no hurry. He put his hands behind his back, rocked back on his heels, and told himself to bide his time.
“I didn’t realize how many differ
ent things you could buy.” Sean heard her soft comment and finally understood. She was fascinated with the paper and ink. She had never even looked at it before. Sean watched her turn, tip her head back, and look up at him.
“Maybe you’d better pick something out. I never buy anything more than the cheapest paper and a pencil to do my accounts.”
Sean leaned forward and spoke softly. “Anything you pick out will be fine.”
Charlie looked up into his sable brown eyes. Is this the way you feel about life when you’ve had such a close brush with death? You don’t ask for much and expect even less?
“Are you always so agreeable?”
Sean’s brows rose on what he believed to be a cryptic question, and Charlie looked embarrassed.
“I don’t think Murphy thinks I’m agreeable.” A sparkle entered Sean’s eyes. Charlie almost smiled. Sean realized in that instant how little he had seen her smile, and silently begged her to grin at him. But it was not to be. She turned back to the paper, quills, and ink and made a quick selection.
Just as they were walking away from the supplies Sean spotted an elementary school primer. “Get this too.” Sean’s voice brought Charlie back around, and after one glance at the book in his hand, her startled gaze shot to his face.
Sean remained expressionless as she frowned at him, and when she didn’t immediately reach for the book his eyes once again lit with laughter and he spoke.
“Still think I’m agreeable?”
Charlie’s eyes narrowed. He was teasing her! The thought so startled her she almost laughed. But that wouldn’t do at all, she told herself, and snatched the book from his hand, throwing a comment over her shoulder about the horses shoeing themselves.
Sean stood for an instant watching her stalk away to the counter where Pete was waiting. After a brief moment of thought, he followed very slowly.
twenty-one
Dear Kaitlin,
I know you’re going to be surprised to hear from me, and all I can do is humbly ask your forgiveness for the way I left and the length of time I’ve been out of touch.
So much has happened, it’s hard to know where to begin. Aunt Maureen probably told you I’d been to see her, but I didn’t stay long. The way I spent my time from that point to the present is not near so important as where I am today.
Almost two weeks ago I was sentenced to hang for a bank robbery I’d been a part of in Visalia. I was on the gallows, the rope around my neck, when a woman came forward and offered to marry me. (It’s a law in this county that you can be pardoned under certain circumstances and by such an action.)
I was married immediately to Charlotte Cooper. She owns and runs the livery and needed me to smith for her. I am thankful to be alive and to finally see that God has been with me all along, but it’s a tremendous burden on my heart to be married to an unbeliever. Please pray with me that Charlotte will come to know Christ.
There was no easy way to tell you this; I just hope it’s not too direct. Please write me soon. If I could come to you, I would. But in many ways, my life is no longer my own.
There is so much more to share, but knowing that your worry has been long, I feel an urgency to get this mailed. How is Marcail? Please tell her I love her. Have you heard from Father? Apologize to Rigg for me and thank him for the brotherly love he’s always shown. Please kiss the girls and give them my love.
Sean
Sitting at the kitchen table, Sean broke down at this point. He asked himself repeatedly how he could have left his loving family, and why he’d been so blind to how much they cared. What if something had happened to Katie or Marcail and he would never see them again?
The questions tormented him, causing his tears to come harder. He prayed and tried to give his hurt to God, but it was some minutes before he was able to contain himself. Even then his heart felt bruised over all he’d left behind.
Around the corner in the living room, Charlie was crying with him. She was beginning to care deeply for him and this made her pain nearly as great as his.
Charlie listened as Sean tried to gain control of himself. She wanted to join him in the kitchen but was sure she would be intruding. As it was, she didn’t have long to wait before he joined her in the living room.
Sean entered the room and glanced at Charlie as she worked over her books. He sat on the sofa and picked up the paper. He’d read just a few sentences of one article when he felt her eyes on him. He looked over and forced his eyes to lock with hers.
“Are you all right?”
“I think so,” he answered honestly. “Thank you for getting the supplies so I could write.”
“You’re welcome,” Charlie answered and then hesitated. “Do you think they’ll write back?”
“I’m sure they will.”
“Then you didn’t tell them about the bank robbery?”
Sean understood instantly. She was talking about conditional love, probably the only kind she had ever known. He chose his words carefully.
“I did tell them about the robbery and the hanging. They will be upset that I was almost hanged, but it’s been so long since I’ve been in touch I think they’ll be glad I’m alive and that I wrote to them.”
“So you’re not afraid they’ll never want to see you again?”
“No, that thought never entered my mind.”
Charlie was quiet for a long time, and Sean just stared at her. “Your family must be a very understanding one.” Sean watched as she went back to her accounts, a sign that the conversation was over.
What type of family life had she known? The question moved through Sean’s mind for some minutes before he went back to his paper. As he did, he spotted the school primer sitting on the living room table. His eyes swung once again to Charlie, and he wondered how she even handled her account books. Sean sighed mentally. He knew he couldn’t possibly bring it up tonight, but at some point he had to offer to teach his wife to read.
twenty-two
At breakfast the following morning, Sean’s attempt to bring up the school primer failed. Charlie became very brisk and said she wanted to open early since they had been late the day before. Sean headed to the post office to post his letter and then to the livery, praying for a chance to talk with her.
There were several opportunities during the day, but each time Charlie avoided Sean neatly. As the day wore on, Sean became more determined to discover if Charlie was upset with him or just did not want to learn to read. He decided to wait until evening, when she had no place to go, and ask her outright.
“Who does the cooking for the hotel?” Sean asked as they sat down to their evening meal
“Ruth’s mom,” Charlie replied.
“She’s a great cook.”
“Most of the town thinks so, and of course her husband does too.”
“I haven’t met him, have I?”
“You must not have, because you would remember. His size alone will tell you that he’s his wife’s biggest fan.”
“I could fatten up on your cooking too,” Sean commented. “Fortunately I work it all off during the day.”
“Do you think the work is too hard?” Charlie was instantly concerned, and then embarrassed.
“No,” Sean said, ignoring her heated cheeks. “The work is fine. You have some of the best equipment I’ve ever seen.”
They ate in silence for a time and then Sean nonchalantly brought up the primer.
“Charlotte, I wanted to talk to you about the book I had you buy yesterday.”
“I think I want to go see Sadie tonight.”
Sean knew he shouldn’t have been surprised by this, but he was. How long was she going to avoid him? It was a question that went unanswered because Sean decided once again to let the matter drop. Charlie was good at her word, and as soon as the dishes were done, they headed to Sadie’s.
“What’s this for?” Sadie held out the coins that Charlie had just placed in her lap. Sean was having a piece of pie in the kitchen, and Charlie had gone in sear
ch of her aunt. She had found her in the small room Sadie called her private parlor.
“I’m not good with picking out fabrics.”
“Fabric for what?”
Charlie frowned, not really wanting to tell, but not seeing that she had any choice.
“A dress.”
“For you?”
Charlie nodded without looking at her aunt. Sadie’s fingers went under her niece’s chin so she would have to look at her.
“What’s going on?”
Charlie shrugged and then softly explained what Duncan had said to them. “I think he’s right, and I don’t have a thing to wear to church.”
“So you think you would actually care if Sean had to go back to the gallows?”
Charlie frowned at her aunt. “Of course I would; he’s the only blacksmith I’ve got.”
Sadie chuckled. “I guess he is at that. How silly of me to think you might be feeling something for him.”
Tears filled Charlie’s eyes, and Sadie was instantly contrite. “I’m sorry honey. I shouldn’t tease you. I’ll go first thing tomorrow and get the fabric. In fact, let me measure you right now, and I’ll have a dress ready for you to try on tomorrow night.”
“Really?”
“Really,” Sadie said with a smile, thinking that Charlie looked young again for the first time in years.
“Sadie?”
“Yes?”
“Can we please not tell Sean?”
Sadie looked surprised, and then her eyes grew round with feigned ignorance. “Tell Sean what?”
Charlie gave her aunt a hug. Sadie went out to check on her niece’s husband and give him another piece of pie. Then the two women slipped quietly into Sadie’s sewing room so Charlie could be measured.
“There isn’t much to you under all these baggy clothes, is there?”
Charlie looked down at her small figure under a nearly worn-out camisole. “You think I’ll look all right in the dress?”