Brides of Arizona, page 21
“Thank you for listening and not lecturing me.”
Blue eyes twinkled as Conlon glanced at him. “Who am I to chide you on your attitude toward God? Lecturing won’t help. Only prayer will work, and you can bet I’m doing plenty of that.”
The door snapped shut behind them. Alicia stood over the stove, dipping water out of a pot, sweat beaded on her round face. She gave Conlon a tired smile as she turned to leave the room.
“Wait, Alicia. How’s Glorianna?” The calm appeared to have left Conlon. Before he could ask more, Alicia disappeared through the doorway. Conlon pulled off his hat and glanced at Quinn. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
Biting back a laugh at the lost little boy look on Conlon’s face, Quinn took his elbow and ushered him over to the table. “Why don’t you sit down while I rustle up some coffee? I’m sure everything is just fine. Alicia was just a bit rushed.”
Continuing his one-sided conversation, Quinn lifted the coffeepot from the stove. The weight told him there was enough of the brew for both of them. After finding the cups, he poured coffee that must have sat on the hot stove all day. It looked strong enough to eat the cups, but that might be just what Conlon needed.
“Here, drink this.” He placed the brew on the table in front of the dazed father-to-be and sank into a chair across from him.
Conlon’s fingers wrapped around the mug. He took a drink, choked, grimaced, and took another swig. A high, thin wail caused Conlon to jerk, sloshing coffee on the table. His eyes widened. He relaxed, then grinned.
Standing, he looked at Quinn as if wondering how he’d gotten there. “I think that might be my baby.”
Setting his cup on the table, Quinn swallowed a mouthful of coffee. “That’s either your baby or a cat that got its tail stepped on.”
Conlon gave a nervous chuckle at Quinn’s attempted humor. “Should I go see if Doc will let me in?”
“I think you’d better wait.” Quinn heard the tap of light footsteps. Kathleen hurried into the kitchen, her dark hair in disarray, her dress rumpled and damp. The ever-present veil hung askew, though it still covered her face. Even so, Quinn had never seen a more charming sight. She grabbed a pile of snowy towels and started to rush out of the kitchen, acting as if she hadn’t seen the men frozen in place, watching her.
“Kathleen,” Quinn said.
She stopped, her back stiffening. Quinn realized then that she’d been so focused on her errand, she hadn’t seen them. “Kathleen, I think Conlon would like to know how Glorianna and the baby are doing.”
Without turning, Kathleen replied. “The doctor will be out soon to talk to you. Glory’s doing great.” Then she disappeared as fast as she’d come.
Time stood still as Quinn tried to imagine the agony his friend felt. Had something gone wrong with the birthing? The baby wasn’t crying. He knew a thousand problems were racing through Conlon’s mind right now, and he didn’t know how to help him. There wasn’t a thing he could do.
Conlon sank into the chair, curled his fingers around the coffee cup, and bowed his head. Quinn knew he must be praying. He’d seen his parents this way many times. The tension in Conlon’s shoulders slowly relaxed. His grip loosened. An air of peace seemed to wrap around him.
A baby’s cry once again echoed through the house. Conlon’s head snapped up. Tears sparkled in his eyes.
A few minutes later, the tap of footsteps, moving at a slower pace, sounded in the hallway. Kathleen, her veil straightened and hair fixed, came into the kitchen. She carried a bundle of blankets in each arm. Halting just inside the doorway, she turned to face Conlon. He rose from the table and stepped toward her.
Lifting the two small bundles, she spoke in an awed voice. “Conlon, this is your son.” Her head dipped as if she were looking from one blanket to the other. “And this is your daughter.” A note of delight crept into her voice. “You have twins.”
Chapter 6
Kathleen hummed a soft melody as she rocked Angelina, Glorianna and Conlon’s baby girl. Andrew lay fast asleep in the cradle, his shock of black hair sticking out from beneath the blanket covering him. She brushed her fingers through Angelina’s deep red curls. They were downy soft and wrapped tightly around Kathleen’s fingers.
Blinking away tears, Kathleen lifted the baby and kissed her soft cheek, breathing in the soapy smell of the infant. She hadn’t realized how much her heart ached to have a child of her own. Knowing that could never be made this a bittersweet experience. These babies were so precious.
Thinking of the day three weeks ago when the twins were born, Kathleen chuckled aloud. She would never forget the look on Conlon’s face when she introduced him to his new son and daughter. Sheets had more color than his face did at that moment. She’d been afraid he would pass out from the shock.
She couldn’t help feeling a flutter of anticipation when she remembered the surprised look on Quinn’s face. He had stopped by every day the last three weeks on one pretext or another. He always waited to see her if she was busy elsewhere. Glorianna did her best to leave the two of them alone despite Kathleen telling her not to. Glory said Quinn was sweet on her, but that didn’t matter. She could never marry and preferred not to be tempted.
Tipping her head back against the rocker, Kathleen closed her eyes. Immediately, the image of blue-gray eyes, twinkling with humor, flashed across her vision. She had to do something to get Quinn interested in someone else. If he kept coming by, she wouldn’t be able to deny the attraction between them.
The soft whisper of footsteps alerted her that company had entered the room. She opened her eyes to find Glory bending over the cradle. She sat up, and Glory straightened.
“Who is the one needing the nap? You told me you were taking the babies to put them down, and here I find you taking a siesta.” Glorianna grinned and reached for Angelina.
“I wasn’t sleeping, just resting my eyes and thinking.” Kathleen tried to sound miffed, then giggled.
“I think we’re all a little tired. Who would believe something so small could make enough noise that would wake the entire household?” Glorianna settled her daughter into the cradle beside her brother, rocking the tiny bed to ease their restlessness. “Conlon’s men have been teasing him about the circles under his eyes, and he isn’t even the one getting up in the night. I’m so glad you’re here to help.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” Kathleen followed Glorianna to the kitchen, where they poured coffee and sat at the table. “You have such a small house. I thought maybe I should plan to leave so you could have the place to yourselves.” At Glorianna’s panicked look, she continued. “I won’t do it right away. In a couple of weeks you’ll have your routine down.”
Glorianna’s fingertips whitened on her coffee cup. “I’m so sorry you have to stay in the parlor. I know it isn’t very private or comfortable. Our quarters at the new fort will be much better, but I don’t know how soon we’ll be able to move in.” Her eyes glittered with tears. “Oh, Kathleen, I’ve enjoyed having you here. I can’t bear the thought of you leaving. The trip east is so long. I thought you would stay through the winter.”
“Glory, I didn’t mean to leave the city. I want to stay. I love it here.” Kathleen reached across the table and twined her fingers with her cousin’s.
“I’ve heard that Mrs. Monroy, down the street, is letting rooms to young ladies. I thought I would talk to her about one. Her house is so close, I could walk over every day to visit and help out with the babies.”
“But how will you afford to stay there?” Glorianna’s shoulders relaxed as she took a sip of her coffee.
Excitement made it hard for Kathleen to sit still. “I’ve been thinking about that. The wives here aren’t able to keep up with the eastern fashions. I’ve just come from there, and I’m an excellent seamstress. I thought I could offer my services to sew the latest in clothing for the ladies and men in Tucson. I brought the latest E. Butterick and Company’s catalog with me. As the fashions change, I can have Mama send me the new catalogs showing the various styles. I can order material through the mercantile.”
Kathleen forced herself to sit still and wait for Glory’s opinion. Now that she was out from under her mother’s oppressive guardianship, she wanted to stay here. The freedom she’d always longed for seemed attainable. Only one question remained unanswered. Could people accept her despite her birthmark? Would they consider her an equal or someone cursed, as her classmates once taunted?
“Would Mrs. Monroy let you run a business like this from her house?”
“I don’t know. I need to ask. It would mean entertaining ladies in the parlor and in my room.” Kathleen tried to control her eagerness, but knew she wasn’t doing a good job. “Once I get started, I could look for a small building to let and have a little shop.”
Glorianna frowned. A lump formed in Kathleen’s throat. Did her cousin disapprove of her idea? Would she have the courage to continue with her venture if Glory didn’t agree?
A smile lit Glorianna’s face. “I think this is a wonderful idea. You’ll have to adjust some of the patterns for the Southwest. The heat in the summer makes the tight dresses unbearable. You’ll have to learn about using lighter fabrics too.”
“That won’t be hard at all. I know a lot about different materials already. You can help me, and I’m sure the other ladies here will help out as well. Do you think …?” Kathleen stopped, afraid to voice the question that scared her the most.
“Do I think what?” Glorianna’s smile vanished.
Kathleen’s hands twisted in her lap. She couldn’t look at her cousin. The question burned inside, yet she feared to say anything.
“Kathleen, what is it?” Glorianna retrieved the coffeepot and filled their cups, giving Kathleen a few moments to compose her question.
Waiting for Glory to sit down again, Kathleen took a quick sip, scalding her tongue. She drew in a deep breath and faced her impatient cousin. Glorianna’s foot tapped a rapid rhythm on the floor.
“I wondered if you thought people would be able to accept me.”
“Accept you? What do you mean?” Glorianna leaned forward, eyes narrowed, looking as if sparks would soon fly. “Are you referring to the way you were treated in school?”
Kathleen nodded.
“I can’t believe you even considered people out here might reject you because of a little birthmark. I don’t know why you insist on wearing that ugly veil. The only reason I can think of is your mother’s negative influence.”
Glorianna moved to a chair beside Kathleen. She pulled Kathleen’s hands into her lap and held them. “Listen to me. You are a beautiful person. You are not cursed. You know God loves you.” Her grip tightened, becoming almost painful. “Trust me in this. No one will reject you because of your birthmark. God made you special. Don’t be ashamed.”
Kathleen glanced up, blinking rapidly. Glorianna caught Kathleen’s gaze. She grinned. “Besides, you know you have one admirer in town, and he’s seen you at least twice without your veil. You haven’t scared him off yet.”
A sharp knock rattled the kitchen door. Kathleen tugged at her hands, but Glorianna wouldn’t let go.
“Come on in, Quinn.” Hidden laughter gave Glorianna’s voice a musical lilt. The door opened. Kathleen heard the deputy sheriff’s heavy footsteps. She tried to focus on her coffee cup on the table, but the pull of his gaze drew her eyes upward. When their eyes met, the connection was instant and powerful. Kathleen could feel the flush staining her cheeks.
“Good morning, Kathleen.” Quinn smiled, twisting his hat in his hands. For some reason, she knew he wasn’t at all uncomfortable seeing her without her veil. Even so, she would have covered her cheek with a hand if Glorianna hadn’t held them both tight.
“Good morning, Deputy. Could I get you a cup of coffee?” Kathleen knew if he said yes, Glorianna would have to let her go. She could pour a quick cup, then dash to the parlor and retrieve her veil.
Still holding Kathleen’s hands, Glorianna stood and offered her chair. “Here, Quinn, have a seat. I’ll pour your coffee, then check the babies.”
Kathleen gritted her teeth in anger. Glory knew exactly what she’d planned and had managed to keep her from escaping. Quinn settled in next to her.
“Did you know Kathleen is thinking of leaving us?” The sweetness in Glorianna’s tone let Kathleen know her cousin was up to something. Quinn’s eyes widened as he looked from Glorianna to Kathleen.
“Are you going back East so soon? Traveling so far in the winter months can be hazardous.” A note of panic matched the look on his face.
“Oh, she’s not leaving Tucson; she’s only leaving our house.” Glorianna handed Quinn his coffee. “She wants to rent a room from Mrs. Monroy and open a dressmaking shop. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could escort her to see about it.”
Taking a long swig of coffee, Quinn studied her. Kathleen wanted to squirm.
“I have nothing pressing to do right now. If you’re ready, I’ll walk down the street with you. I’m sure the ladies in town would welcome a seamstress who is familiar with eastern fashions.” He downed the rest of his coffee. “Shall we go?”
Standing, Quinn slapped his hat on his head and offered Kathleen his hand. She felt trapped. Part of her wanted to place her hand in his and walk out the door without a care; the other part feared the reaction of others on the street and wanted to hide.
“I have to get my hat and veil before I can go.”
“The hat, I can understand. Ladies always want to wear a hat when they go out.” Quinn frowned. “The veil you don’t need.” He started to touch her cheek, and she jerked away. “You have nothing to hide.” His eyes were warm and compassionate.
“I’ll get your hat.” Glorianna hummed a light melody as she swept from the kitchen, returning momentarily with Kathleen’s hat minus the veil. “Here you are. You tell Mrs. Monroy hello for me.”
Before she knew what happened, the kitchen door banged shut behind them, and Kathleen was standing barefaced beside Quinn in the bright fall sunlight. She stepped away, ready to turn and rush into the house. As if he sensed her fear, Quinn placed her trembling hand on his arm and smiled at her as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“I can’t do this.” Kathleen backed against the door. “I’m sorry. It has nothing to do with you. I’m just not ready yet.” With a sad smile, Quinn opened the door and waited while she retrieved her veil.
On the short walk down the street, Quinn waved to the occasional rider or wagon passing by on the road. He kept her close to his side as if trying to reassure her that she would be fine. Kathleen began to relax.
“I’m guessing the kids you grew up around used to tease you about your birthmark.”
Kathleen jerked at Quinn’s blunt statement. No one had ever dared speak so openly to her.
“I used to know someone with a mark similar to yours. She got called names, accused of being cursed or of the devil. She was the sweetest girl. None of those accusations were true for her, and they aren’t true for you.” His serious gaze held hers.
“Maybe the person you knew didn’t deserve the accusations, but I’m not that person. Please don’t judge me by the same standard.” Kathleen pulled her hand free. “Here is Mrs. Monroy’s house. I believe you have other duties, Deputy Kirby. I can see myself home.” She turned up the walkway to the large adobe house, hoping he couldn’t see the regret eating a hole in her heart. No matter how painful she found it, she had to discourage him. This couldn’t continue. She’d heard Conlon talking to Glorianna about Quinn’s lack of faith. Even if she were free to marry, she could never wed someone who didn’t share her love of the Father.
“You won’t get rid of me that easily, Miss O’Connor.”
She held her stance rigid as she knocked on the door, waiting for Mrs. Monroy to let her in. She refused to give Quinn the satisfaction of knowing how much she wanted to see if he was still there.
Lydia Monroy, a large woman with plump cheeks and kind eyes, exuded a warmth Kathleen found comforting. Chattering away, Lydia told of being a widow for three months and how she decided to take in boarders because her large home was lonely. She and her husband had never had children. All her family lived in the East. She wanted company to talk to during the long evenings.
“Breakfast and supper will be provided. When you move in, I’ll let you know the schedule. We’ll all sit down and eat at the same time.” Lydia smoothed her hair and frowned. “I have two boarders arriving next week. Both new schoolteachers will be staying here. With three unattached young ladies in the house, I’ll have to make rules about gentlemen callers. I’ll expect you to abide by them.”
“That won’t be a problem. I don’t expect to have any callers.” Kathleen looked around the airy room they’d entered.
“These will be your sleeping quarters.” Lydia gestured around. “Now, you mentioned being a seamstress.” She stepped to a door and opened it. “This room hasn’t been used for years. If you’re willing to help clean it up, you can use it for a shop. There is an outside door, so patrons can come and go without disturbing the rest of the house.”
Kathleen peered into the dusty room. Cobwebs and layers of dust covered various items piled in the room. This would be perfect. She clasped her hands together to still the shaking.
“I’m sure we’ll be able to come to terms.” Lydia smiled at her. “I can’t wait to be your first customer.”
Kathleen was almost singing as she said good-bye to Lydia Monroy. They agreed she would come by every day to work on the room and could move in at the end of two weeks. She wanted to wait at least that long to continue helping Glorianna.
“You’re looking pretty cheerful.”
Kathleen clapped a hand to her mouth to stifle a shriek. Quinn lounged against a tree at the edge of the road.
“What are you doing here?”
“I told you, I’m not easy to get rid of.” His lazy smile warmed her in a way she’d never felt before. He took hold of her hand and wrapped it around his arm, starting down the street toward Glorianna’s house. “I’m afraid you may as well plan on seeing me around a lot. I’ve decided someone needs to introduce you to everyone in town so you can get used to us all. As a deputy, I know just about everyone.” He grinned, and she couldn’t remember why she hadn’t wanted to be with him.
