CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
The room was a welcome joy. How good it feels to be back. What she once thought plain and simple was now luxurious. Belle had only stayed in this room three nights since first arriving in Eden. The cheerful colors were inviting. Mavis, perfect housekeeper that she was, had the place immaculate. Running her hand over the soft quilt, Belle imagined how good the mattress would feel tonight after she had bathed, was filled with a wonderful concoction from Mademoiselle de Sells—and sated from a glass of wine, or maybe even two. Giddy with excitement for the evening to come, she wanted to send a message to Henry right away.
At the window, she glanced across the street to his office. The attorney had been scarce the last week, and she wondered why. Of course, she’d been out at the ranch, but even before that, she’d noticed his demeanor had changed since their first meetings. He seemed preoccupied or worried.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out. The last few days had been exhausting, but other feelings had taken her by surprise. And every single one concerned Blake in one shape or another. He was about the only thing she thought about from dawn until dusk. She could hear his voice right now, as clear as if he were whispering in her ear. Her insides fluttered, and her heart felt light.
What is love?
She still didn’t know for sure, or how it felt. Her conversation with Mavis drifted through her mind. She compared the last few days to what she experienced when she was with Lesley. Confused, she wrapped herself in her arms.
What have I gone and done out at the ranch? A lot more than work.
Going to the tall wardrobe, she opened the door to see what dress would be suitable for tonight. Taking the skirt of her lilac gown, she fluffed out the lengths, having not worn the garment since she’d arrived. She loved the slightly scooped neckline with the delicate ecru frill lace. It was dark, and could pass for mourning if she added her black shawl. The dress fit her figure to a T and made her feel pretty.
Yes, this will be the one—
A horrific buzzing erupted from the bottom of the wooden structure. Gasping, she barely had time to look down before she stumbled back and fell. But not before she’d seen a large rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike.
Belle screamed, scrambling backward, but her britches caught on something, holding her firm. Inside the wardrobe, the snake had the advantage of being a foot off the ground. Its head moved slowly back and forth, as if gauging where to strike.
With another scream, she pushed back with all her force. Her pants ripped. She clambered backward like a crab escaping a seagull. She had to get away before the serpent sank his fangs deep into her throat.
The door flew open, and Mavis rushed in.
“Stay back!” Belle shouted. Her face, drenched in sweat, felt hot and prickly. Her gaze darted around. A snake of that size had to be quick as lightning. “Get out! Get out! There’s a rattler in the wardrobe!”
Sherriff Dawson appeared in the doorway, flanked by Santiago. Both men had their weapons drawn, and their hard eyes said they were ready to kill anyone trying to hurt a Brinkman.
She pointed. “Rattlesnake!”
That was apparent by the racket. She was shaking so hard her teeth clattered almost as loudly as the serpent’s tail. Santiago came to her side at the same time Clint leveled his gun.
Bam! Bam!
Acrid smoke burned and soured the back of Belle’s throat.
Silence.
She collapsed into Santiago’s arms, violently shaking. Mavis rushed forward to take her from Santiago. Katie, along with Lavinia and Emma, watched white-faced from the hallway, the tray of sweets in their hands forgotten.
Sheriff Dawson holstered his gun and closed the distance to Mavis and her. His gaze cut to Santiago, then back at them.
“H-how did that th-thing get in here?” Belle whispered, amazed that she was even able to speak at all. If not for Mavis’s support, she would crumple to the floor.
“That’s a good question, Sheriff.” Karen came through the door. “We’ve never had a snake in any of our rooms before, let alone in a wardrobe.” She glanced to the window, which was open a few inches. “Can they climb up the side of a building?”
The boy delivering the bathing screen glanced inside the wardrobe.
Clint nudged his shoulder. “Get that snake out of here.”
Belle blinked and wanted to look away but was mesmerized. At least four feet long, the menacing creature hung limp in the boy’s hands.
“Can they, Sheriff? Can a snake climb a wall?” Belle squeaked out. “Can it slither up siding and come in our window?”
“No,” he replied flatly. “I’ve never heard of that. A tree, yes, the side of a building, no.”
Mavis’s eyes narrowed. “Then how? How did a rattlesnake get into our room?”
Sheriff Dawson rubbed his chin. “When was the last time you were in your room?” He looked between the two sisters.
“Belle’s been out at the ranch, so I’ve been the only occupant. I left at eight o’clock this morning and have been in Katie’s room since.”
A shocking thought reverberated through Belle. “The doors of the wardrobe were closed, Sheriff! I expressly remember pulling them open. Could this have been deliberate? But who would want to hurt us?”