CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Excited to see Katie, but nervous too, Belle stopped in front of her sister’s door and gave a light rap rap rap. Karen had been in the hotel entrance when they’d arrived and told them Mavis was with Katie in her room. Lavinia and Emma stayed back, waiting for some slices of the chocolate cake Karen had just iced to bring up to the room in celebration of their return.
“Katie? Mavis? It’s Belle.”
The door flew open. “Belle!” Katie vaulted into her arms. “Is the work finished?”
Mavis stood behind, looking relieved to see her. For most issues, they worked best together in a group, but Mavis had had to deal with Katie’s frightened state by herself for the last five days. They exchanged glances as she and Katie embraced.
Belle moved into the room but stayed off the inviting bed. She didn’t want to mar the pretty yellow quilt with her dusty clothes. “Not yet, but Blake—the kind soul that he is—sent us back to town to rest. I didn’t argue. I can’t believe Mother lasted there for as long as she did. Just warming water to wash with is a task. I didn’t know how easy I had it in Philadelphia with our cast-iron pipes. Such an indulgence.” She held up her arm and flexed her bicep. “I’ve developed muscles, albeit I’m sore. I think Lesley will be surprised when we meet again.”
“I don’t think he would recognize you at the moment.” Mavis winked and squeezed in for her own hug. “It’s good to see you, sister. Where’s Lavinia and Emma? They returned as well, didn’t they?”
“Yes. Down in the café, waiting to bring up a dessert to share in celebration of our returning alive. They should be here any moment.”
Katie’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to see them. Mavis and I have done some exploring and have much to share. And we’ve become friends with the new woman, Elizabeth Smith, and her darling little boy. They came into the café, and we invited her to join us. We talked for so long, Johnny actually fell asleep in my lap.” Katie turned and smiled at Mavis, as if not wanting to leave her out of the conversation. “She’s remarkable, Belle. She does needlework like Lavinia. We have a lot in common. And Johnny is just the cutest little boy . . .”
Mavis’s expression said they hadn’t been out of the room as much as Katie would like for her to believe. Her little sister still suffered from the effects of those outlaws. That reminded her of the sheriff’s message.
“That sounds wonderful, Katie. And I’ll be all ears after I soak in the tub. But I better get back to my room now, because Karen is sending the boys up with the water. Before I forget, Sheriff Dawson sent a message.”
Mavis perked up. Belle wondered about mentioning it in front of Katie, but her sister needed to face her demons to vanquish them. A wound not cleaned out often festered and became worse. She’d not let Katie become a victim of her own fear.
Katie tipped her head. “Oh?”
“Yes. He met our wagon as we came into town just now. He wanted both of you to know he procured a place for his prisoners in the small town of Dove Creek. They’re no longer in Eden. You can rest assured you will not be seeing them until the trial—and maybe not even then.”
Katie stepped back as if she’d just noticed Belle’s condition. “Look at you. Your poor face. Your nose is peeling. Peeling!” she said again, emphasizing the words. “Velma would be scandalized.”
Did she really just notice, or is she changing the subject so she won’t have to acknowledge what transpired?
Katie cocked a chastising brow. “You know how Velma hated the sun. Never allowed us to get any at all, and was horrified if we came home with the slightest color on our faces. And if our freckles appeared . . .” She shook her head. “She’d be shocked to see you now.”
“Yes, I remember well the many lectures from that woman. I don’t give a whit about her.” Katie’s eyes widened. She must have forgotten or put aside their guardians’ traitorous sins.
Katie’s gaze dropped to the rug. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to mention Velma. Believing what they did is difficult for me.”
Reaching forward, Belle ran her hand down Katie’s arm. Katie was the youngest, so she had no recollections of the ranch, their father, or their mother. It was no wonder she’d bonded with their caretakers. “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. But I do think you should try to reconcile the facts in your mind. The sooner you do, the better you’ll feel. We all have a lot to work through.” She went over to the gold-leaf oval mirror above the washstand. “Oh! I do look a fright. The light here is much brighter than in the dark kitchen at the ranch house.” She fingered the bridge of her nose, dismayed. “Lots of freckles. Who would have thought they could appear so quickly? I’ll need to send for a milk plaster too.” She touched her chapped lips. “I hardly recognize myself so bronzed. I must go.” Kissing them both on the cheeks, she headed for the door. “I feel like going out tonight. Maybe let’s ask Henry and go to Mademoiselle de Sells again.”
Mavis’s eyes brightened.
“But we don’t have any money yet—at least not much,” Katie responded. “Besides, I like staying here in the hotel. I like this restaurant best.”
Why? Because you’re afraid to go anywhere else?
“You forget, little sister, we have accounts all around town. Henry said we’re welcome to use them. I’ve put in five days of hard labor. I’d like a night out.” And to get you out and show you danger isn’t everywhere just waiting to pounce. Belle grasped the doorknob. “Has the doctor been by lately?”
Mavis nodded. “A couple times a day. He’s been particularly attentive.” She picked up a bottle from the nightstand. “He gave Katie this to help her sleep.”
“I’ve only used it twice.”
Fondness welled up. “Good. I’m glad he’s been a help.” She winked. “As soon as I’m behind the soaking screen, come in and visit. I’ve missed you both, and we have lots to catch up on.” Katie didn’t meet her gaze. As a matter of fact, she’d backed away and was facing the window. Is she locking herself into a prison of her own making? Had that happened to Mother? Like Blake alluded to? Belle wouldn’t let that happen—not his day, week, or year. She was back now, and could help Mavis strengthen Katie. They’d figure out a way. They had to.