Brides of Arizona, page 47
Clouds still draped across the sky in the morning. A light breeze gave a chill to the air, although the rain had ceased for the moment. Josiah loved the fresh-washed scent and breathed deeply. His heart raced faster than his feet as he headed to Lavette’s. Safe at home, under the floor, was the money he’d earned. He wanted to speak with Mrs. Sawyer first and see when she wanted him to pay her. They would need to have some sort of paperwork done up to show that Lavette was free from her obligation to the elderly lady.
Josiah jumped onto the porch and rapped on the door. Before he could lower his hand, the door swung open. Lavette stood there, her eyes shining and wide, her whole countenance glowing. He swept her up and gave her a resounding kiss. Her arms tightened around his neck as she kissed him back.
“I thought you might not be coming back.” She sounded breathless as he set her back on her feet.
“Eduardo had more work for me than I thought. I hurried as fast as I could.” He cupped her soft cheek in his hand, unable to resist the contact. His eyes drank in her beauty. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She caught his hand in hers and kissed his fingers. “I’ve missed you too. Come on in. I’ve got some fresh cinnamon buns.”
Stepping inside, Josiah could smell the heavenly aroma of the sweets. “Mmm.” His stomach growled, and he gave Lavette a sheepish grin. “I didn’t eat breakfast this morning. I wanted to get over here and see you first.”
She laughed and pulled him toward the kitchen. “Come on. I’ll make you something to eat.” She held a finger to her lips. “We’ll have to be quiet. Mrs. Sawyer is still sleeping.”
He sat at the table and watched her break eggs into a skillet. The chunk of bacon she’d thrown in sizzled. Contentment washed over him. He could imagine how wonderful life would be when he and Lavette were married. Every morning he would wake up to her beautiful face, and every night he would go to sleep with her beside him.
Lavette set a plate of food in front of him and dropped into the chair on the other side of the table. “I can’t wait any longer. Tell me about your work for this Eduardo.”
Josiah’s mouth dropped open. Shame washed over him. “I’m sorry. How could I have been so thoughtless?” He reached over and took her hands in his. “I have the money.”
Her face lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy.
“Here? Did you bring it today?”
“No, I have it safe at my place. I wasn’t sure how Mrs. Sawyer wanted to do this. I need to talk to her.”
Tears rolled down Lavette’s cheeks. She pulled her hands free and wiped the drops away with the edge of her apron. “This is so silly of me.” She sniffed. “I didn’t want to believe you could earn enough. I only managed to get three dollars from the work I did for Kathleen. How did you get so much?”
Standing, Josiah pulled Lavette up into his embrace. He stroked her slender back, trying to comfort her. “I had some put by already. Eduardo has a lot of horses, but shoeing doesn’t pay much. I rebuilt a couple of old wagons for him. That’s what paid off.” He tipped Lavette’s head back and gazed into her bright eyes. “You save what you earned and buy something for yourself. Maybe you could use it for material to make a new dress for our wedding.”
“I can’t recall ever having a new dress of my own.” Lavette gave him a fierce hug. A bell tinkled. She jumped. “Mrs. Sawyer is awake.” She pushed Josiah toward the chair. “You sit down and eat that breakfast. The cinnamon buns are on the stove. Help yourself. I’ll let you know when we’re ready for you.”
Josiah watched her rush from the room. He’d never seen Lavette so flustered. She reminded him of a bird trapped in a building, fluttering to and fro, trying to find a way out. He shoveled a bite of eggs and bacon into his mouth. Life with Lavette would be pure joy.
Lavette took most of an hour getting Mrs. Sawyer ready for company. Josiah ate more sweet rolls than he should have while waiting. He was used to working, not sitting patiently. He needed to be doing something.
When Lavette finally escorted him into the parlor, Mrs. Sawyer was sitting in the chair by the window. Her erect posture and stern demeanor told him she wasn’t happy to see him.
“Good morning, Ma’am.” Josiah gave her a polite nod.
She inclined her head but didn’t ask him to sit down. “Lavette said you wish to speak with me again. What is it this time?”
Surprised, Josiah stayed silent for a moment. “I’ve earned the money needed to purchase Lavette’s contract. I came to see how you would like to do this.”
“Isn’t the time I extended to you already up?” Her cold gaze sent a chill through him.
“I believe you gave me two weeks, Ma’am. Tomorrow would be the last day.” Josiah forced himself to stand quietly. He refused to let this woman know how she rattled him with her obvious wish to sell Lavette to Mead.
She nodded. “Mr. Mead and I both believed you would not be able to come up with the money. He plans to be here today with the papers for me to look over. Then, tomorrow the transaction will be final.”
“But you gave your word.” Lavette’s voice shook as she spoke. Josiah could hear the hopelessness in her undertone.
Mrs. Sawyer gave Lavette a hard look. “I’m doing this for your good, Lavette. I have come to care for you over the years.”
“If you care for me at all, you’ll let Josiah, not Mr. Mead, have me.” Lavette twisted her fingers together. Josiah longed to comfort her.
“I’m not at all sure that would be to your benefit. I have heard some rather disparaging things about Mr. Washington’s character and background. Until I’m positive he will care for you properly, I can’t let you go with him.”
“What things have you heard?” Lavette and Josiah spoke at the same time. Josiah glanced at her and could see the disbelief and anger that matched his own.
Mrs. Sawyer studied them both for several minutes. “I have heard that Mr. Washington left the East to join the cavalry because of some trouble he got into. Trouble with the law, I might add.”
“That can’t be true.” Lavette’s eyes were wide as she stared at him. Josiah was too stunned to speak.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself, young man?”
“Ma’am, the closest thing I’ve ever done to a crime was when I was five. I stole a pie my mother had cooling on the windowsill. I ate the whole thing and got sick. My mama said the sickness was a punishment for stealing. I never did that again.”
“And how am I supposed to believe that?” Mrs. Sawyer’s tone could freeze the sun in the sky.
“I don’t know how I can prove myself, Ma’am. All I can say is that I’m a Christian, and I try to live a godly life according to the Bible. I don’t know where you heard these stories, but they aren’t true.”
“Are you saying my very reliable sources are lying?”
“No, Ma’am, I’m saying they are mistaken. They must have gotten the wrong information or the wrong person.”
“Mrs. Sawyer, I’ve never met such a kind, caring man as Josiah. I know he couldn’t have done those things.” Lavette stepped closer and put her hand on Josiah’s arm, as if to add her word to his.
“Can you bring me someone who can vouch for you—someone upstanding in the community?” From her tone, Josiah knew Mrs. Sawyer doubted he could do that.
“Yes, Ma’am, I have a lot of friends here.”
“Then you may return tomorrow with your money and your friend.” She paused and Josiah turned to leave. “Oh, and Mr. Washington.”
He turned back. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Your friend should be someone I’ll have no doubts about.”
His boots clumped out a rhythm of doom as Josiah crossed to the door. Where had Mrs. Sawyer heard those rumors? His lips thinned to an angry line. Mead. Who else would bother to tarnish his reputation? Lavette trudged behind him in forlorn silence. She held the door as he stepped out. When she looked at him, he could see the despair in her eyes that matched the feelings in him. He held her close and kissed her forehead, wondering if this were one of the last times he would be allowed such a privilege.
“Remember Joseph, Josiah? God always saw him through the times when there didn’t seem to be any hope.”
“I know, Honey. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gave her a quick kiss and stalked down the path. He had some errands to run, then he would work. When he was angry, only talking to God and hard work seemed to bring release.
Lavette knelt beside her bed, her Bible on her lap, open to the book of Genesis. The lamp on the floor beside her cast a circle of light around her. She rested her forehead against the blanket.
“Lord Jesus, help me. I feel like Joseph in the pit, waiting for his brothers to sell him into slavery. You know what will happen if Mr. Mead gets my contract. You know the things I’ll be required to do—things that don’t honor You. Jesus, I want to run away, but I’m trusting You to work everything out instead. I know Josiah is a good man. He loves You. He loves me too. Please help us. Make Mrs. Sawyer see the truth tomorrow.”
She clutched the Bible to her breast, thinking how far she’d come. The thought of slavery didn’t scare her so much anymore. She knew Jesus wanted the best for her, and anything that happened would be to His glory. The long talks she’d had with Kathleen over the last two weeks had helped her understand so much about the Bible and the way Christians were to believe. As long as she had Jesus in her heart, she would have the freedom she desired, and the Bible said no one could take Him away from her.
A light tapping at the front door snapped her head up. Josiah? Would he come by this late to see her? Jumping up, she reached for her wrapper. Her bare feet made little noise on the hallway floor. She lifted the latch, her heart thundering in anticipation of seeing the very man she’d been thinking about.
“Good evening, my sweet.” Bertrand Mead sagged against the doorjamb, his breath laden with alcohol. Lavette swung the door to slam it shut, but he put his foot in the way.
“Now is that any way to treat your prospective owner?” He grabbed her, his fingers digging into her shoulder. “In the good days before the war, when a man bought slaves, he got to examine them thoroughly. I think I should get the same privilege, don’t you?”
“Let me go. You’re drunk.” Lavette jerked back, but she couldn’t break his hold.
“Now, now, my sweet, don’t fight me.” Mead tugged at the sash on her wrapper.
“Stop that, or I’ll scream.”
“And who would care about a slave girl screaming?” He chuckled, a malevolent sound that sent chills racing down Lavette’s spine.
“I am not a slave. Let me go.”
“I’m buying you, aren’t I? When I pay my money tomorrow, you’ll be mine.”
“You won’t get to do that.” She spat the words at him. “Josiah earned enough. He’ll be here in the morning to purchase my contract. You don’t have a chance.”
His lip lifted in a sneer. He yanked her tight against him. “Your Josiah doesn’t stand a chance. A man of his ilk wouldn’t be good for a girl like you. You need a man of sterling character like me.” He lowered his mouth. Lavette turned her head, and he gave her a slobbery kiss on the cheek. She stomped on his boot, but her bare foot made no impression. He chuckled.
A sob welled up inside her. Jesus, help me. She pushed again. Mead stumbled back. He let go. His arms flailed as he teetered on the edge of the porch. Lavette darted into the house, shut the door, and slid the bolt home. Her whole body trembled as she strained to hear if he was gone. What if he tried to force the door or get in a window? Her heart thundered.
Uneven steps clumped to the door. Mead’s voice came clearly through the cracks. “I know you’re in there, my sweet. The wait will make our time tomorrow night more delightful. Think about that.”
She listened to his uneven tread. Silence hung heavy like a shroud. She covered her mouth to hold back the sobs. What would tomorrow bring? Could she trust Jesus with this? Lord, help me. She cried the words from the depth of her soul. A comforting warmth settled about her. She basked in the feeling of contentment. This must be the peace Kathleen told her about, the peace that passed all understanding. She moved down the hall with lighter steps. With Jesus watching over her, she would sleep well tonight.
Chapter 20
Cavelike darkness surrounded Josiah as he stepped from his smithy. Glancing back, he could see the faint glow from the banked coals. Although he’d spent hours working, he still didn’t have the tranquillity he longed for. He was in turmoil over what would happen with Lavette. His body couldn’t continue. Exhausted after this day and the long days he’d put in for nearly two weeks, he shuffled around the side of the building.
Heavy clouds blocked the moon and stars, so nothing lit the night. He hadn’t bothered with a lantern. The path to his door was as familiar as the back of his hand. The dark didn’t trouble him. He fumbled in the pitch black for the latch to his door.
Josiah paused. The door wasn’t latched. With a slight creak, it swung open. He couldn’t hear anything. Had he left the door open by accident? When he’d returned from speaking with Mrs. Sawyer, he’d been so distraught, he might have done anything. He stepped inside.
Pain exploded in his head. Josiah fell back against the wall. Something whooshed past him and thudded on the side of the door close to his ear. He pushed against the wood. The world was spinning. Bile rose in his throat. He fell. Something hard struck him in the back of the head. He pitched forward. Darkness closed around him. All sound faded.
The soft coo of a mourning dove awakened Josiah. The sound echoed in his head like a gunshot. He tried to open his eyes. The gray light of dawn pierced like a needle. He groaned. As he pushed up from the floor, the world began to tilt. His stomach roiled. Blackness surrounded him, and he sank into oblivion.
“Josiah.” Someone’s hand lifted his shoulder, rattling his brains. “Josiah, can you hear me?”
He groaned. Bright light sent a pain to the base of his skull. He closed his eyes.
“Josiah, I’m going for help. You stay still.” The voice that sounded like Conlon quieted, and Josiah drifted off once more.
He awoke again to someone prodding the sore spot on his temple. He squinted and could see Doc Meyer, Conlon, and Quinn hovering over him.
“Good thing he has a hard head.” Doc grunted. “I don’t feel anything cracked. He’ll need a little rest, then he’ll be fine.” Pulling out some cloth, he began to bandage Josiah’s wounds. He stood, dusted off his pants, and picked up his bag from the floor next to Josiah.
“Thanks, Doc.” Josiah barely got the words out. He licked his dry lips with a tongue that felt like a rolled-up sock.
“Let me get you some water.” Conlon patted Josiah’s leg. Josiah did his best to stifle a groan.
“What happened?” He spoke to Quinn, who still knelt beside him.
“I think you were robbed. I’m guessing you came home and surprised the thief. He hit you with this.” Quinn held up a poker.
“I always did say you were thick headed for a reason.” Conlon knelt beside him and gave him a sip of cool water. Josiah took a second drink and eased up to a sitting position. The room swam in sickening circles. He closed his eyes until the dizziness passed, then opened them slowly.
“My money.” He tried to stand, but Quinn pushed him back.
“Oh, no, you don’t. You sit right there until you get your bearings.” Quinn glanced at Conlon, then met Josiah’s gaze. “Did you keep the money you earned in a box under a floorboard?” Josiah nodded and winced. Quinn frowned. “The board’s been pulled up, and the hole is empty. Did you get a look at who hit you?”
“No.” Josiah’s fingers probed the knot on the back of his skull. “It was pitch black last night. I didn’t have a lantern. He was in the house when I came in. I didn’t even see him coming.”
Quinn blew out a breath. “I think we all know who’s responsible, but proving that will be difficult.” Josiah saw Conlon nod.
“You need to rest, Josiah. We’ll help you into bed, then Quinn and I will ask around town to see what we can find out. We’ll come by right after lunch and go with you to Mrs. Sawyer’s, like we planned.”
Josiah had talked to Quinn and Conlon yesterday about being his character witnesses before Mrs. Sawyer. They both agreed and made arrangements to meet at her house this afternoon. Now, he wondered if they should bother.
“I can’t go there. If I haven’t got any money to buy the contract, how will I face Lavette?”
“She deserves to know what happened.” Conlon squeezed Josiah’s shoulder. “She’s quite a girl. Give her a chance.”
After Conlon and Quinn left, Josiah couldn’t stop the tears that seeped from his eyes. “Jesus, I’ve made a mess of things. All along, I assumed my being with Lavette was Your will. I didn’t stop to ask what You wanted me to do. I barged ahead on my own. Please, Lord, don’t let Lavette suffer for my willfulness. Work this out according to Your plan and Your will. Thank You, Jesus.” Josiah drifted into a restful sleep, marveling at the peace he felt inside, when all around him things were in turmoil.
Lavette swung the door open before Josiah finished knocking. She’d heard a wagon draw up outside. Looking out the window, she’d seen a strange sight. Conlon was helping Josiah down as Quinn tied the horses. Why had they come in a wagon? What was wrong with Josiah? Her heart pounded as she raced to greet them.
“Josiah, what’s wrong?” She gripped the door, fear clutching at her as she took in the sight of the white bandage on Josiah’s temple. He didn’t give her his usual smile.
“Someone robbed me last night.” He touched the bandage. “They tried to dent my skull but failed.” His lips trembled as he tried to smile. “I need to talk with Mrs. Sawyer. I don’t have the money we need.”
