The Engagement Charade

Chapter Five

She was going to be sick. “Please pull over.”

Alexander shot her a dubious look. “The turnoff isn’t far ahead.”

“Please, hurry!”

He must’ve recognized the panicked note in her voice, because he hauled back on the reins and directed the team to the lane’s edge.

“Let me assist you.”

Ignoring him, Ellie scrambled down from the buggy and dashed into the woods. The trees and profuse underbrush hid her wretched state. Many minutes later, when she was somewhat reassured her stomach had settled, she trudged over ferns and fallen leaves, mortification seizing her. Alexander would have questions.

She’d awoken that morning with a vague sense of dread. There was no way of knowing how this confrontation would pan out, but having her boss there as a witness added a layer of anxiety to an already problematic situation.

He was waiting for her when she emerged into the lane. Standing on her side of the buggy, he swept her with his gaze, uncertainty an ill-fitting mantle on the usually unruffled gentleman.

He took a single step forward. “What’s the matter? Are you ill?”

“I’m afraid my nerves got the better of me. It’s quite embarrassing, losing my breakfast within my boss’s hearing. Let’s agree to forget about it, shall we?”

His frown deepened. Turning away, he removed a canteen from beneath the seat and held it out to her. “You looked peaked. Perhaps a couple of sips of water would help.”

After she’d finished, he withdrew a handkerchief from his vest pocket and dampened it. “Here.”

Touched by his patient manner, Ellie wiped her face. The damp cloth felt wonderful. Although mid-September, the days weren’t much cooler than those they’d experienced in the height of summer.

When she made to return it, he said, “Use it for as long as you need. Are you ready to resume our journey or do you require more time?”

She forced a smile. “I’m ready.”

Alexander didn’t immediately move aside. Beneath his bowler hat, his expression was difficult to read. “I could go without you. Spare you the trouble.”

Stunned, she worked to form a reply. “That’s kind of you to offer,” she said at last. “However, this is my battle to fight. While I don’t relish the thought of you having to witness this ugliness, I’m grateful for your presence.”

A peculiar emotion passed over his face. With a dip of his head, he lightly gripped her arm and assisted her into the buggy. The conveyance jerked into motion, and Ellie pressed her hand against her tummy, praying it would quieten. Her body tensed as the twin cabins came into view. Nadine was on her porch churning butter. Spying them, she moved to stand on the steps, arms crossed over her chest and her eyes flashing.

She waited until they’d disembarked to demand, “What do you want, Ellie?”

Tall like her mother, Nadine had flyaway blond hair offset by sunbaked skin stretched over harsh cheekbones. She wore plain, everyday work clothes that accentuated her slenderness. When Ellie had accepted Nolan’s proposal, she’d been thrilled by the prospect of gaining a sister. Unfortunately, Nadine hadn’t returned the sentiment. It was almost as if she’d been jealous of Ellie’s intrusion into their family unit. Prone to grumbling about everything under the sun, she’d found plenty to complain about concerning Ellie.

Drawing strength from Alexander’s watchful presence beside her, she said, “I’ve come to collect my things.”

“My folks aren’t here, but I’ll tell you what they’d say. Get off our property and don’t come back.”

Ellie felt Alexander stiffen beside her. “You know it isn’t fair to prevent me from having them.”

“Consider it payment for room and board.”

“I did pay you, Nadine.”

Ralph walked around the cabin, a box of tools in his hand, the sun shining on his balding head. His initial surprise turned to wariness.

“Ellie.” His gaze slid to Alexander. “Who did you bring with you?”

She made the introductions. Neither man moved to shake hands.

“Ralph, I don’t want her here,” Nadine implored her husband. “Make them leave.”

Alexander stepped forward. “We’ll do as you ask as soon as you grant Ellie’s request.”

“This is none of your business,” she snapped.

“She’s made it my business.” A vein ticked in his temple. He looked even more forbidding than usual. “Now, you can act in a reasonable manner or you can continue this foolishness, in which case I’ll be forced to involve the sheriff.”

Ralph hastened to his wife’s side. “He’s right, you know,” he ventured in a gentle voice. “It’s not right to keep Ellie from taking her belongings. She’s family.”

Nadine jerked away. “That woman has never been part of this family, and you know it! If not for her, my brother would still be here...” she choked out, tears threatening.

Ralph attempted to console his wife. Alexander angled his body toward Ellie, partially blocking her view of the pair. She hoped her expression didn’t tell the story of her deep dismay and the sense of failure that cropped up in her weakest moments. She hadn’t been good enough for Nolan or his loved ones.

“Let’s go for a walk.” Curving an arm about his wife’s waist, Ralph directed her toward the forest, surreptitiously signaling for them to hurry about their business.

When they were out of earshot, Alexander touched Ellie’s sleeve. “Let’s not delay.”

Upset by Nadine’s outburst, she didn’t speak as she climbed the steps and entered the cabin. The smell of Nadine and Ralph’s breakfast lingered in the close air, bacon and eggs cooked in animal fat, mixed with the strong hint of disintegrating firewood. Breathing through her mouth, Ellie walked to the far corner where her bed and dresser were situated. Alexander remained in the doorway, a silent guardian. She placed her clothes and a handful of books inside a small crate she’d stored beneath the bed. A framed photograph of herself and Nolan was wedged between her keepsake box and a mirror and brush set. Picking it up, she experienced a rush of sorrow at the reminder of the naïve girl she’d once been.

“You should take that.” Alexander’s rumbling voice behind her made her jump. “If you want to.”

She traced her image. “I’m glad that girl didn’t know what lay ahead.”

“Were they always this hostile?”

“Not in the beginning.” She placed the frame with her other things—her baby would wish to see what her father looked like. “Nolan developed a marked mistrust of my loyalty. His doubts spread to the others. While not ideal, life was tolerable in Kentucky. The cross-state move put tremendous pressure on us all. The trip was arduous and the living conditions once we arrived were strained.” Living in canvas tents in the height of spring had been fraught with multiple challenges. “After his death, I believe their grief exacerbated their already poor opinion of me.”

He studied the ring on her finger. “How long were you married?”

“Four years.”

“I’m not sure how you endured it.”

“I wasn’t in any physical danger. They weren’t nice to me, it’s true, but God saw to my needs. I had a roof over my head and clothes to wear. Food to eat. In my lowest points, I reread the account of Job. He lost everything, and still God sustained him.”

His blue eyes went flat. “I commend your fortitude and generosity of spirit.”

His demeanor hinted at his own troublesome trials. His past was a complete mystery, and he preferred to keep it that way. Why? What terrible wrong had he committed or had committed against him?

“Mr. Copeland—”

“I believe we’ve passed the formality stage, don’t you? Call me Alexander.” His gaze quelling any questions she might pose, he inventoried the room’s contents. “Do you have everything?”

“The furniture Nolan and I shared is being stored in the barn, but I don’t have need of it.”

Replacing his bowler hat on his head, he lifted the crate. “Then let us not tarry.”

Outside in the yard, Ellie scanned and rescanned the woods. When he’d secured her things behind the seat, he turned to assist her. She placed her hand in his strong one. To take her mind off his heated skin and the tingle of pleasure the contact wrought, she said, “I’m glad Howard and Gladys aren’t here. The scene would’ve been much uglier.”

He lifted the right panel of his suit jacket. “I came prepared.”

Ellie plopped onto the seat. “I’ve seen you with your hunting rifle, of course, but I had no idea you owned a six-shooter. That’s a nice model. My grandfather owned one, only his had a pearl handle.”

Alexander circumvented the horse and, once in the buggy, took hold of the reins. “I had quite the collection back home. You never know what or who you’ll encounter on the vast range.” He uttered a low command, and they were on their way.

Ellie tried to imagine him in cowboy gear. It was a stretch. His austere business attire fit his personality and role as café proprietor. “Tell me about Texas.”

His features shuttered. “I don’t like to discuss my—”

“Past. I know. I’m not asking you to divulge your secrets, Alexander.” It felt good to voice what she’d been calling him in her head. “I’d simply enjoy hearing about a place I’ve only read about in books and newspapers.”

He sent her a brief, considering glance.

“It’s only fair,” she tacked on. “You’ve had a front-row seat to my sideshow.”

A sigh gusted out of him. Once they were on the lane leading to town, he obliged her. “I grew up on a cattle ranch smack in the north central frontier of Texas. My father bought the land several years before he met my mother. He built the barns and workers’ quarters first. He didn’t bother with a proper house until later, when he found his bride and realized he’d need a place to raise a family. I was the first to come along. Next was Thomas, then Margaret.” He fell silent, his brow knitted in deep thought.

“How wonderful to have siblings. I always lamented my lack.”

Remembering her childhood longings, she wondered if her own child would ever have a brother or sister. For that to happen, she’d have to meet a man worth taking a chance on. Her marriage to Nolan had been such a disappointment. A trial, even. Ellie wasn’t sure she could take the risk.

“Yes.” He roused himself from his musings. “It has its advantages.”

“How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”

“Several years.”

“Any plans to make a trip home?”

He cast her a sharp look. “Texas is no longer my home. I will not be returning.”

“I see.”

Only, she didn’t. Whatever trouble he’d endured was linked to his home state. Ellie doubted he’d ever open up to her, but that didn’t stop her from wishing he would.

* * *

Sundays were Alexander’s only days of true solitude. The café was closed for business. Most of Gatlinburg’s residents attended church services in the morning and spent time with family and friends in the afternoon. He relished the quiet and the fact he had the building all to himself. No whining customers. No intrusions upon his time. No doe-eyed waif of a cook who poked and prodded his armor with disturbing regularity.

On his knees in the vegetable garden, pulling weeds and plucking beetles from his cabbage plants, he scolded himself for getting involved in Ellie’s troubles. He couldn’t seem to help himself, however...old habits reasserting themselves. Well, he was done. She had her belongings. She had a place to stay. She didn’t need a reluctant protector.

The knowledge didn’t keep him from getting angry every time he recalled her emerging from the woods after being sick. That awful gray outfit had washed out her complexion. Even her delicately-shaped lips had lost their color. She’d looked miserable. And he’d felt the insane urge to shelter her in his arms until she’d recovered.

And then there were her troublesome in-laws. He’d been tempted to deliver a scathing set-down to that woman, Nadine. Ellie’s goodness, her lack of bitterness, astounded him. Her bravery, too. Sarah would’ve jumped at the chance to let him take control of the situation. Not Ellie. Although anxious, she’d tackled her dilemma with reason and self-control.

“Good afternoon.”

Surprised to see the object of his thoughts at the edge of his garden, Alexander thumbed his old Stetson farther up his forehead and squinted into the late afternoon rays slanting over the mountains. His mouth dried up like the ranch’s creeks after a drought. Ellie looked different today. Gone was the nondescript outfit and perky ponytail. She’d paired a crimson, high-necked blouse with a sturdy navy skirt whose only nod to femininity was a wide ruffle along the hem. Dangly silver and amber earrings adorned her dainty ears. Her brown hair rippled about her shoulders, the top section pulled back and tied with a crimson-and-navy polka-dot ribbon. The hairstyle softened her gamine features, and the rich hue of her blouse made her coffee eyes shine. Bathed in the tawny light of approaching autumn, she was as pretty as a picture.

“How old are you?” he blurted.

Her brows lifted a notch. “Twenty-two. Why?”

“I assumed you were much younger.”

She adjusted the bundle in her arms. “How old are you?”

“How old do you think I am?”

She inspected him openly until he felt his ears burn. Did she realize how expressive her eyes could be? Admiration shone in the sparkling depths. No one had regarded him like that for a long time.

“Thirty.”

“Close.” Dusting his gloves on his pants, he stood and gathered the piles of weeds. “I’m twenty-eight.”

Ellie watched as he dumped the weeds in an old seed bag to be discarded later. As he walked to her side, a gentle breeze teased her loose strands, forcing her to shift her burden in order to dislodge them from where they’d snagged on her mouth.

“What’s this?” he said, indicating the mound of fabric.

“The new cloths and curtains. I thought I’d switch them out if you don’t mind.”

Alexander wasn’t as perturbed by her unannounced visit as he should’ve been. He stuffed his gloves in his back pocket and held out his hands. “Let me carry that inside.”

She released them into his hold, and he caught a whiff of her light verbena perfume.

“You finished these in record time.”

She fell into step beside him, her rosebud mouth curving in a bright smile. “June insisted on helping me. I tried to share my earnings with her, but she refused. Said I had to save up money for the—”

He shot her a side glance. “For the what?”

Moistening her lips, she said, “For the future.”

“You’re a widow like her. Makes sense she’d be sensitive to your position.”

“Yes,” she softly agreed.

They entered the unusually quiet café. Passing through the kitchen and hallway and into the dining area, he was very aware of her proximity, the differences in their heights, the way she walked and gestured and carried herself. Being alone with Ellie was becoming a habit, one he was growing too comfortable with and must take efforts to curtail.

When she started to drag a chair over to the first window, he intercepted her.

“You take care of the tables. I’ll see to the curtains.”

Finger to her chin, she studied the room. “How about we work together? You remove the old curtains, and I’ll hand you the replacements.”

“All right.”

While they worked, she gave him a commentary on that morning’s services. Apparently a bird had gotten inside and had interrupted the sermon, swooping toward women’s hats and causing mayhem as a few of the men attempted to capture it. She described the scene in such detail, Alexander couldn’t help smiling.

“I’ve never seen you there,” she mused. “Why don’t you attend?”

His smile faded. Rolling the ratty curtains into a bundle, he twisted to hand it to her. Why must she persist in stirring up painful issues? First she’d questioned him about Texas. Now this.

He stepped down from the chair, bringing him close enough to notice her thick, curling eyelashes and a tiny scar edging her lower lip. Once again, he became distracted by her loveliness.

The change in her wasn’t that dramatic, he reprimanded himself. Ellie was simply the first woman he’d spent any significant amount of time with since arriving in Tennessee several years ago.

“I haven’t gone to church in ages,” he said. “I have no desire to sit and listen about God’s goodness and love.”

Compassion softened her eyes. “I’ve suspected for some time that you suffered a horrible hurt, something you haven’t shared with anyone. But God sees your private struggle. He’ll give you the grace to work through it, if you let Him.”

Alexander couldn’t deny he craved freedom from the burdens coiled around him like heavy chains. Her gentle understanding and the conviction of her words tempted him to let go of the hatred he carried for his enemy, the disillusion directed toward his Creator, the guilt and anger he felt over his own actions.

Her small, soft hand curved around his forearm. “You don’t have to shoulder your burdens alone, you know. You could talk to me. Or Duncan. Reverend Munroe. No one will judge you.”

“Please, Ellie, don’t press me on this.”

Her countenance pensive, she gave a reluctant nod. “I can still pray for you, can’t I?”

Startled, he was trying to form a response when there came a rap on the door. Moving blindly to release the latch, he stared at the couple on the boardwalk wearing matching grins.

“Alexander.” Duncan McKenna clapped him on the shoulder. “We were passing by and saw you through the window. Mind if we come in for a minute?”

He absently moved aside as the auburn-haired Scotsman escorted his wife, Caroline, into the midst of their redecoration project. The pair was partly responsible for hiring Ellie. While he hadn’t been happy about their meddling, and he’d been pulled into his new cook’s affairs, he no longer resented their actions. The Plum was better because of it.

“How are you getting along, Ellie?” Caroline inquired, her blue eyes softening with fondness. “We’ve come in to eat several times, and we’ve yet to be disappointed.”

A blush tinted her cheeks. “Satisfying customers is my top priority. It’s nice to hear I’m succeeding.”

“I’m still learning my way around the kitchen. Eating here is a treat for both of us, trust me.”

Laughter rumbled deep in Duncan’s chest. Taking hold of his wife’s hand, he placed a gallant kiss on her knuckles. “You’re improving every day, my love.”

The affection passing between them made Alexander uncomfortable. He glanced at Ellie but was unable to gauge her reaction. She’d only recently lost her husband. Did it pain her to see a couple so deeply in love with each other?

He ran his finger along the empty spot where his wedding band once rested. The hole Sarah’s death had created was complete. He made it a point not to dwell on how much he missed having a connection to another person.