Bride of the Wild Page 11

  A shocked hush descended, and I reached for Silas’s hand. “Was it our bear?”

  The sheriff, as if overhearing me, said, “This attack occurred after the death of the bear at the Fossett farm. Unfortunately, we are dealing with another feral bear. I’ve sent my deputy to notify those at other establishments, but I felt it pertinent to inform you of what I know. I suggest you be mindful tonight about your surroundings. Don’t linger too long outdoors.”

  “Not again, Tate,” said a female voice behind us. Mrs. Palmer got to her feet, her face ashen. “How many of these creatures are out there? How on earth will we protect ourselves, when these bears come crashing through windows and doors?”

  “Calm yourself, my dear. There’s no reason to start a panic.”

  No sooner had he said those words than people sprang to their feet, hastening for the doors, while Silas stood beside me looking earnest. “We aren’t safe, sir. People on farms are in danger. I suggest everyone stay in town tonight. I’ll offer half price on any room at my hotel. We’ll move the furniture in the dining room, and people can sleep there for free.”

  “That’s generous of you, Mr. Hefferman.” The sheriff glanced at those of us that remained. “Folks are welcome to stay in town. If you don’t feel safe traveling tonight, I suggest you take a room at the hotel.”

  My sister and brother were home alone! This realization hit me physically, my head snapping back. “Amelia! Tom!” I sprang to my feet, meaning to pass Silas, but he grabbed me. “My siblings are home alone! I have to go.”

  “How will you get there?”

  I stared at him, fully expecting he would offer to drive me, but he said nothing. “Pa’s at Mrs. Harris’s house. He’ll have to go home. I have to go home.”

  “That’s a dreadful idea,” said Susan. “I’d stay in town if I were you. You’re more than welcome to a room at the hotel. We’ve private family quarters on the third floor.”

  Pushing my way past Silas, I said, “Thank you, but I have to go.” The theatre had emptied, leaving only a few families, who spoke with the sheriff, while his wife sat stonily, her hands clasped in her lap.

  “She’ll be fine, Silas,” I heard Susan say, as I hurried up the aisle. “You needn’t put yourself in danger. Being on the road tonight is certain death.”

  Several people lingered in the entranceway, talking, and I shoved open the doors, bursting out onto the boardwalk, where I ran across the street to the saloon, which teamed with men and saloon girls in frills and lace. Entering the establishment, several heads turned in my direction.

  “Hello, honey,” said a man in a shirt and vest. “You looking for a good time?”

  I craned my neck to find Micah, seeing him at the bar with a glass of whiskey before him. He sensed my attention, turning to greet me. “Saffron. What in tarnation are you doing here? The show can’t be over yet. It hasn’t even started.”

  “Have you heard?”

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Another bear’s attacked. It killed a family in Fern Valley. They say it’s a different bear. There are more than one!” My voice had risen, and I had been overheard, as a murmur went through the crowd. “There’s been another attack!”

  Micah slid from the stool, reaching for his hat. “Your sister and brother are home alone.” He grasped my arm, propelling me towards the door. “We need to find your father right this minute.”

  Before we exited the saloon, the sheriff arrived, followed by his deputy. I heard him say, “Listen up, folks. I’ve some bad news.”

  Worried over my brother and sister’s welfare, we hurried down the street, past the livery to Mrs. Harris’s house, finding a light on in the front window. Pa’s horse and wagon remained out front; the animal had been nibbling on a pile of hay.

  I pounded on the door. “Pa!” Trying the knob, I found it unlocked. Micah and I entered, standing in a small parlor. “Pa?”

  He appeared at the top of the steps. “Saffron? What’s the matter?”

  “There’s been another bear attack! Amelia and Tom are home alone!”

  “What’s the matter?” asked Maggie. “Who’s attacked?”

  “The sheriff came to the theater to tell us about it. It happened a few days ago, after we killed the bear at our house. There are more out there.”

  “Dear Lord.” Pa raced down the steps. “Lock the doors, Maggie! I have to go.”

  “Goodness, I hope everyone’s all right.” She gripped the banister.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow,” said pa. “Thank you for supper.” He hurried towards me, snatching his rifle from the table before the sofa. “Let’s go.”

  Pa raced to harness Bonnie, while I waited by the wagon, glancing into the darkness and worrying about what might be lurking there.

  “My horse is at the livery. You go on. I’ll catch up in a moment,” said Micah.

  The wagon lurched forward after pa released the brake. “Get in, honey. Let’s go. What else did the sheriff say?” He held the lines, as Bonnie trotted forward.

  “Just that there’s been another attack. I can’t believe it. It’s too dreadful to contemplate. I thought this was over.”

  “More bears are suffering from rabies than we thought. I pray Tom and Amelia are well. If I had any idea things weren’t safe, I never would’ve left them home alone.”

  “Do you think Maggie will be safe?”

  “The animals don’t want to come to town. All the attacks were further out or near the woods. I feel certain she’ll be fine.”

  “Silas is staying in town.” The memory of moments before drifted through my mind, turning my mouth down. His behavior had not pleased me in the least. I felt gravely disappointed in him, and he would have to redeem himself in some manner, or else I had to seriously consider whether or not I wanted to continue to court him. But … those were the least of my concerns at the moment.

  As we neared the outskirts of town, I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Micah thundering towards us. His compassion and concern over my welfare and the welfare of my family had certainly earned my respect and gratitude. If only Silas was as concerned, but it seemed his own well-being mattered more to him than my health and safety.

  Micah’s horse trotted next to the wagon. “I wonder if I shouldn’t go ahead to your farm?”

  “I’d be mighty obliged, if you did,” said pa. “I considered taking Bonnie and leaving Saffron at Maggie’s, but I changed my mind about that.” He glanced at me. “You might’ve been better off in town, honey.”

  “I’m exactly where I want to be.” Movement behind Micah caught my eye, as a rider approached. “Who is that?” We turned to look, and, as the man came into view, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Silas!”

  “Ho!” he cried, waving. “I hope you can forgive me, Saffron. I’ve been entirely remiss. I owe you an apology.”

  Seeing him gladdened me. “I thought you’d stay where it’s safe.”

  “I’d be a heel to do that.” He nodded towards Micah. “We should run up ahead and see to Tom and Amelia’s safety.”

  “We should.” Micah pressed into his horse’s flanks. “Gah!”

  Silas fell in behind him, his coat billowing in the wind. I glanced at pa, who slapped Bonnie with the lines. “Come on, girl. Put your best foot forward.”

  “I feel better now.”

  “You should. How many women can say they have two men at their beck and call, eh?” He grinned, flashing slightly crooked teeth.

  “Pa!” I crossed my arms over my chest, but I wasn’t truly angry. Seeing Silas had relieved me greatly. He knew he had been in the wrong, and he had come to redeem himself.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Light shone from the windows of our house, and before the wagon had come to a halt, I jumped to the ground, running towards the steps. I heard laughter before I reached the door, knowing that one of the voices belonged to my sister.

  “Oh, thank God!” I found her in the kitchen with Micah and Silas, both of whom had taken a seat
at the table. They appeared quite gay, having made some joke or another, because Amelia laughed heartily. “What’s happened?” I asked, slightly breathless. “Is everything all right?”

  “Your sister’s just fine,” said Silas. “As you can see for yourself.”

  “Yes, thank goodness.” I placed my hands on my hips. “But there’s another feral bear. None of us are truly safe.” My brother was absent. “Where’s Tom?”

  “He’s reading in his room,” said Amelia.

  Pa came in behind me. “I’m glad to see you well, Amelia. How’s Tom?”

  “Everything’s just fine, Pa. There’s no cause for worry.”

  Micah got to his feet. “We’ve work to do to secure the house.”

  “Being dark already, we’re at a disadvantage,” said pa. “If we go out now to board the windows, we risk an attack. I don’t have enough wood for the windows on the second floor. The bear came in that way before.”

  “We might have to spend the night in the cellar,” I said. “It’s dreadful down there, but what other choice do we have?”

  Pa nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.”

  “No,” muttered my sister. “I hate the cellar. It smells, and it’s filled with spiders and dust and things. Why must we go down there? Isn’t there another room in the house we could barricade ourselves into? What about the small bedroom at the end of the hall without a window or what about the attic?”

  “You’ve hit on a workable idea,” said pa, smiling. “We could nail ourselves into that little room for the night. There are no windows. That would do rather well.”

  “That’s better than the cellar,” I said. “We can use mattresses and blankets and things and be reasonably comfortable.”

  “Show me where the hammer and nails are,” said Micah. “Let’s get ourselves secured.”

  Silas seemed to hesitate, glancing at my father and then me. “I should go, my dear. It’ll be crowded, and you’re all safe now.”

  “But you can’t leave, Silas.” I reached for his arm, grasping him firmly. “If you go, you’ll be attacked on the road. You might die there.”

  “My horse can outrun a bear, my dear.” He drew me into his arms, his lips brushing my forehead. “Don’t make yourself uneasy. You’re going to be fine. Your sister and brother are well, and your pa’s got a plan to get you through the night.”

  “I just wish you could stay.”

  “It’s a small room,” said Amelia. “We’ll already be on top of one another, but he’s welcome to join us.”

  “You decide for yourself what you want to do,” said pa. “Micah and I will move the mattresses. If you have to use the privy, do it now, but be mindful.”

  “I’ll bring the rifle,” said Amelia, reaching for the weapon on the wall.

  “Please don’t go,” I begged, glancing into Silas’s pale blue eyes. “I wish you could stay. We’ve had such rotten luck lately. We couldn’t even enjoy our evening tonight.”

  “I’ll make it up to you, my darling.” He smiled warmly. “I needed to know you’re well, and you are. Your father and Mr. Blaylock will take excellent care of you.”

  “But you risk being killed on the road.”

  “I’ll gallop all the way to town. I’m not worried in the least.” He drew away from me, inching towards the doorway. “I’ll see you in the morning. I have a feeling the mayor is going to make an announcement then regarding this pest. It can’t go on.”

  “What sort of announcement?”

  “A hunting party will be arranged. This has to stop once and for all. A small group of people will follow its trail and kill it. It’s no use trying to bait the creature, because that failed rather spectacularly.”

  “I want to be a part of that.”

  “Women won’t be invited, my dear. It’s not safe.”

  I lifted my chin fractionally. “We shall see. I’m as good a shot as any. I’m heartier than I look. They killed Lucy and Deer Runner and Megan. I have my reasons for wanting to seek vengeance.”

  He chuckled, “You wild mountain woman. Listen to you. I’d not want to encounter you in the forest after dark. You’re liable to shoot me.”

  “Only if you look like a bear.”

  “Do as your father says. Keep yourself indoors until dawn. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Fine.” I sounded rather grumpy, but I had wished he would stay with us.

  “I owe you a music review and a dinner or two. I’ll make it up to you.”

  “I hope so.” I tried not to pout, but failed.

  He smiled kindly. “Poor thing. I’m sorry our evening was ruined.”

  “I’ll be glad when this is over, so we can live our lives in peace.”

  “It shall be resolved soon enough. Have a good night, Saffron. Sleep well.”

  “Do be careful on your way home. I fear having you out there, knowing another bear’s on the loose.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  I walked him to the door, watching as he untied his horse, mounting the mare. Pa and Micah scavenged in the barn, emerging with planks of wood in their arms. I cast a nervous glance around the yard, worried the bear might present itself and attack, but nothing happened.

  “Yaw!” shouted Silas, whose horse sprang forward, kicking up crescent shapes of dirt. He disappeared into the night a moment later.

  “He’s not stayin’ then?” asked pa, who approached with an armful of wood.

  “No.”

  “Why don’t you and Amelia get yourselves ready for bed. It’s time to hunker down for the night.”

  Micah approached carrying wood. “Mr. Hefferman left?” This seemed to surprise him.

  “He did.” I scowled. “All right, I’ll get ready for bed.” Once this bear business was over, I wanted to resume my courtship with Silas, because I had already forgiven him for what had happened earlier.

  An hour later, after we had gone to the privy together, brandishing weapons and several lanterns, we settled into the bedroom, barricading ourselves by hammering planks of wood over the door. The five of us were trapped within the room until morning, sleeping on several mattresses. I wore a long-sleeved nightdress that ended nearly at my chin. I shared a mattress with Amelia, while pa and Micah took the other and Tom slept alone on his own.

  Little was spoken after we had made ourselves comfortable, and I found myself across from Micah, with a foot or so of separation. I turned to look at him, finding his eyes on me, while Amelia lay on my other side. It would have been far too crowded with Silas here, but we could have made it work. The conversation Micah and I had earlier drifted through my mind. He had made his intentions known, all but asking to court me, and I had been flattered, but I had firmly set my cap on Silas. He had atoned for treating me poorly earlier, and I had forgiven him.

  We spent the night in this manner, and I slept on and off, thinking at one point I might have heard something, but all remained calm. Pa snored annoyingly, and Amelia tossed and turned. I struggled to sleep, as did Micah, who lay on his side facing me most of the night. At some point, our fingers met, and he grasped my hand gently. In the morning, I stirred, finding us still joined.

  A little after dawn, pa pried the wood from the doorway, leaving holes where the nails had been. We would have to putty the blemishes and order new wallpaper as soon as we were able to go to town and visit the mercantile.

  I sat up, yawning, while Amelia scrambled to her feet. “I’ll make coffee.”

  “Thank you.” I glanced at Micah, finding him asleep. I admired the softness of his face and the way his hair fell upon his forehead. I did not linger long, wanting to change my clothes and help with breakfast. Joining Amelia in the kitchen, we set about making eggs and bacon and griddlecakes. A knock on the door startled me. “I wonder if that’s Silas?” I tossed a cloth on the table, hurrying from the room. Opening the door, Butch Cashman stood before me. Pa knew him from town. “Hello.”

  “Is Eli here? I gotta talk to him.”

  Micah came
up behind me, with bleary eyes and messy hair. “Good morning. What’s the news?”

  “It’s best if I talk to Eli first.”

  Mr. Cashman failed to smile, which worried me. “Something happened, didn’t it?”

  “Is that you, Butch?” asked pa, coming up behind him. He had been in the barn, because wayward strands of hay clung to his trousers. “I was gettin’ ready to go to town. Is Silas all right? He left here last night.”

  Goodness, I hadn’t even thought about that. “Did anything happen?”

  “Mr. Hefferman’s fine. His family is fine, but a miner by the name of John Nash is missing. Parts of him were discovered near Gordon Ridge. Whatever got him, dragged him for a good while.”

  Amelia had heard that, having come to the door. “Gracious be!”

  “The reason I’ve come is to tell you of a meeting at noon at the hotel. Everyone in town should be there. They’re planning on hunting this thing.”

  I glanced at Micah, noting his stony expression. “It’s about time,” he muttered.

  “So, I told you.” Butch nodded at pa. “I’ll be seeing you then?”

  “Certainly. I’d be happy to help in any way I can. You know we were attacked. Lucy and Deer Runner were killed in this very house. Something needs to be done.”

  I could not agree more. “I hope they let women come along, because I’d like to go.”

  “You’ll get all the information you need at the meeting.”

  “We’re about to have breakfast,” said Amelia. “Would you like some griddlecakes and coffee?”

  He grinned. “Well, that sounds mighty nice. Perhaps I’ll stay a while and eat with you fine folks.”

  “Excellent.” Pa grinned. “Bring in another chair, Saffron.”

  “Yes, Pa.”

  A short while later, after Butch Cashman had left, I helped Amelia with the dishes, drying as she washed. “I’m glad someone’s going to do something about the bears.”

  “How many more do you think are infected?” She handed me another plate.