Marrying the Preacher's Daughter Read online

  Her directness did surprise him. The females he’d known invariably played coy and solicitous. “I’m not the one who provoked a robber holding a loaded .45.”

  She lifted her chin to say, “I was going to give him the ring. I was ready to take it off and hand it over.”

  “So you say now.”

  Her blue eyes flashed with aggravation. “I’m not a liar, Mr. Taggart.”

  Amused, he set down his fork and reached for the cup of coffee. It was strong and black, the best he’d tasted in a long time.

  She delved into the pocket of her apron, withdrew a timepiece and glanced at it. She stood. “It’s time for your medicine.”

  And then he’d sleep again. He didn’t like the vulnerability of being unconscious for hours at a time. He tested the pain by raising his arm, then glanced at the forested mountainside visible from the windows she’d opened. “This place looks to be set against a foothill,” he said when she approached with the spoon and bottle of medicine. “Is there a main road close by?”

  “No. Just the mountain behind us,” she replied. “And a few homes farther down the hillside. Only one street leads up here.” The Hart home stood silhouetted against the lush green pines and above most of the town, protected by the shadow of the mountain.

  “I’ll pass on the medicine this time.” He reached for his coffee again, wincing at the pain that shot through his ribs. “And I’d be obliged if you’d run an errand on my behalf.”

  Her expression hinted at reluctance. “It’s the least I can do. What’s the task?”

  “I need you to inquire about taxes on my land.”

  She set away the bottle of medicine. “You’ll be settling here then.”

  “Jackson Springs strikes me as a quiet place.”

  “What did you do before?”

  “Traveled.” He set down his cup. “The roast was tasty. Thanks.”

  She picked up his tray. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  “I’m grateful for the care, no matter how begrudgingly it’s given.”

  She ignored that comment. “I’ll visit the real estate office tomorrow. Is there anything else you need?”

  He shook his head.

  She headed for the door. “I’ll check on you later.”

  Gabe reached to move a pillow from behind his back and winced. He lay back as gently as he could. The house was silent, save for a clock ticking somewhere.

  He didn’t like lying around, and neither did he cotton to having the Hart woman waiting on him. Besides the fact that he didn’t like her seeing him this way, he had things to do. He needed to find a place to live before his sister, Irene, got here in another four weeks. That should have been plenty of time, but now…

  He hadn’t counted on this setback.

  As far as anyone knew he was a businessman here to establish himself in a new community and settle into a normal life. So far nothing had gone according to plan, but he could get things back on track.

  Without the pain medicine, he slept fitfully. At the sound of a feminine voice, he again woke with the damp sheets sticking to his skin and his head throbbing.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, but the marshal is here to see you.” It was her. Still looking fresh and irritatingly healthy. Maybe it was the drugging effect of the medicine on his head, but the woman was downright pretty.

  “Is there water in that bowl over there?” He attempted to sit and swing his legs over the side of the bed, but at the pain in his side, lay back against the pillows. “I need to wash up.”

  Elisabeth noted the full bowl and arranged toweling on the washstand, then turned back to him. “Can I help you?”

  “Send one of the lads in.”

  She glanced toward the door and back at him with a look of concern. “The oldest is only six.”

  “He can fetch for me. Unless you want to stick around while I get my pants on.”

  She stared at him without flinching; he had to give her credit for that. But then with a swish of skirts and petticoats, she turned to where his satchel sat against a wall. As she leaned to grab the handles, her braid swung over her shoulder. She hoisted the bag onto the bench at the foot of the bed and opened it. “I’ll get Phillip.” She looked Gabe square in the eye. “And then I will stand right outside that door where I can hear everything.”

  “Suit yourself.” What did she think he was going to do? Give the boy shooting lessons? “Stand right here if you want to.”

  She left the room with her back ramrod-straight and returned a few minutes later to usher in a handsome black-haired little fella with freckles. He surveyed Gabe with curious wide blue eyes.

  “This is my brother, Phillip,” Elisabeth said. “Phillip, Mr. Taggart needs help getting up and dressing. I’ll be right out in the hall.” She glanced from her brother to Gabe and backed out, leaving the door open a full twelve inches.

  “Thanks for comin’ to my rescue,” Gabe told him. “Think you could help me stand without pullin’ on my left arm?”

  “Sure!” Phillip hopped right up on the bed and got behind Gabe to push him upward.

  Gabe did his best not to grunt or groan. He’d eat dirt before he’d show weakness in front of the boy—or the woman listening outside the door. He wrapped the sheet around his waist and stood, making his way over to the bowl of water. His reflection in the mirror revealed several days’ worth of whiskers on his cheeks and chin. He scratched at it and poured water into the basin. “Can you find the roll of toiletries in my bag there? I need my razor.”

  Phillip found the roll and carried the supplies to the stand, where a shaving brush and mug sat at the ready. Gabe used water and powder to make lather and dabbed it on his face.

  “My papa gots a black beard, too.”

  Gabe gave an unintelligible reply as he drew the razor up his neck and chin.

  “I’m getting one, too.”

  Gabe eyeballed him in the mirror. “Might be a year or two before you need to shave.”

  “I’m gonna grow stubble like you.”

  “Ladies like a stubble,” he replied.

  “Mr. Taggart,” Elisabeth cautioned from the hallway.

  “Tickles when you kiss ’em,” he added.

  Phillip pulled a face. “I’m not gonna kiss girls.”

  “Mr. Taggart!” she warned more loudly.

  He washed, wet his hair and used his brush and comb. “Can you find me a clean shirt and trousers?”

  Phillip set himself to the task. Then the boy leaped up to stand on the bench and held out the shirt so Gabe could ease into it. “Is it true you shot all those robbers who tried to steal ever’body’s jewelry?”

  Gabe paused in guiding his arm through the sleeve and looked at the child. “Sometimes takin’ another man’s life is the only choice. But it’s never an easy choice and never something to be proud of.”

  “Did you ever shoot anyone before that?”

  Gabe buttoned his shirt without reply. Phillip helped him don a clean pair of trousers. “Can you pick that up for me?” he asked, and the lad grabbed his holster from the floor and handed it to him. Gabe showed him how to hold it up so he could get it over one shoulder and around his ribs without touching the side that pained him. He took his Colt from under the pillow and slid it into the holster.

  Phillip’s eyes widened. “Is that the gun you used?”

  “Yep. Has your pa taught you about guns?”

  The boy nodded. “Yes, sir. I ain’t apposed to touch one until I’m bigger. Not Papa’s gun, either.”

  Gabe absorbed the information.

  “You’re a top-notch valet.” He flipped him a coin.

  Phillip caught it. “What’s a valet?”

  “A fellow who helps a gentleman get dressed. Can’t say as I ever had the need before, but I’m fortunate you were here. I wouldn’t have wanted to endanger your sister’s sensibilities.” Gabe leaned close and whispered, “She’s a good cook, but she’s prickly.”

  Phillip grinned.

&
nbsp; “Are you decent?” Elisabeth called from the other side of the door. She didn’t like the sound of that man whispering to her brother.

  The door whisked open and he stood in the opening in a clean, albeit wrinkled shirt, his dark hair combed into sleek waves. He wore the leather holster with his loaded gun tucked against his good side.

  She’d never faced him standing before. He was a good foot taller than she was and filled the doorway with his imposing presence. One side of his mouth quirked up and her traitorous thoughts raced to his remarks about kissing ladies.

  “I’ll get the marshal,” she said.

  “No. I’ll come down.”

  He was a stubborn one, that was for sure. “Phillip,” she instructed. “Walk on Mr. Taggart’s other side.”

  “I’d crush the boy if I fell on him,” he scoffed. “Thanks for your help, Phil. Run along and come back tonight, all right?”

  “All right!” The lad tossed a coin in the air and shot toward his room.

  She accompanied their antagonistic guest to the parlor, where Roy Dalton waited. He shook Gabe’s hand. “Taggart?” he asked.

  Gabe turned to Elisabeth. “Thank you.”

  She blinked in surprise. She’d been promptly dismissed in her own home. She turned and left to find Josie and Abigail in the kitchen.

  “Goodness, you fixed an entire meal while I napped,” Josie said. “I had so much energy when I woke that I’m making pies. Abigail is helping me.”

  Elisabeth’s younger sister had learned to bake and cook at Josie’s side, and her desserts rivaled any that the ladies of the church produced.

  “Did you remember that the Jacksons will be here for supper?” Abigail asked.

  “I forgot.” Elisabeth glanced at her stepmother. “Will there be enough food?”

  “We’ll serve your roast, and we can add more potatoes and carrots and maybe a slaw,” Josie answered.

  “Mr. Jackson likes roast beef,” Abigail remarked. At seventeen, she thought Rhys Jackson’s presence at dinner was exceedingly romantic. Elisabeth was far too practical to be caught up in such silly imaginings.

  As the preacher, her father invited members from the congregation for dinner at least once a week. It had been Josie’s desire to make a home where they could entertain and where their neighbors would feel welcome. The Jacksons ate with them more often than most other families. Beatrice was a widow, but a well-to-do widow, and her son Rhys worked at the bank. Elisabeth suspected that their recurring invitations had something to do with the fact that Rhys was an eligible, well-mannered bachelor.

  Her father and Josie had never said they were impatient for her to marry and leave their home, so perhaps the new concern she’d been feeling was only her imagination. The house certainly wasn’t too crowded for her to remain. In fact, bringing Kalli into their midst had added yet another person to the household and the dinner table. She wasn’t a burden on her parents.

  “Do you suppose Mr. Taggart and the marshal would care for a glass of lemonade?” Josie asked.

  Elisabeth glanced at Josie’s flour-covered hands as she shaped the piecrust and then gave her sister a hopeful look. Abigail sprinkled cinnamon on her sliced apples without looking up. “I’ll pour them lemonade,” she finally offered.

  She set out two glasses. “Josie? Do you feel I contribute to the family?”

  “Contribute?” Josie looked up. “You are an important part of this family, Elisabeth. Why would you ask such a question?”

  She shrugged off her insecurity. “No reason. Forget I asked.”

  Sometime later, she carried a tray into the parlor and set it on the serving cart. The men’s conversation ground to a halt. She set a frosty glass in front of each of them on a low table before the settee. Gabe looked decidedly out of place on the dainty piece of furniture.

  “Miss Hart, will you join us, please?” Roy Dalton asked.

  Surprised, she recovered her composure and seated herself on a chair opposite the marshal.

  “Mr. Taggart isn’t willing to accept the entire sum of the reward money.”

  Startled, she glanced at Gabe and back. “There is a reward?”

  “Three of those fellas were wanted in several states for train robberies,” he replied. “And two of them for murder.”

  “Oh, my.” Clasping her hands together, she silently thanked God. They’d all come dangerously close to losing their lives. She remembered the verse in the Psalms that talked about God giving His angels charge over her, and knew it was so.

  “Mr. Taggart claims he can’t take all the credit for catching those men.”

  “Meaning that God had a hand in what happened?” She looked to Gabe, but he didn’t reply.

  The marshal was still holding his hat, and he turned it around by the brim. “Seems he’s of the mind that you were the one responsible for insisting he do something about their apprehension.”

  “Oh, he is.” She bored her gaze into Gabe’s and then couldn’t resist a glance at the gun he wore.

  “Claims he would’ve handed over his valuables and let those good-for-nothin’s go on their merry way if you hadn’t started the ruckus.”

  Anger burned a fiery path to Elisabeth’s cheeks, but she didn’t look away.

  “Mr. Taggart’s a real generous and honest fella. Half the reward money is yours.” The marshal took a fat envelope made from folded parchment from the settee cushion beside him and shoved it toward her. “This here’s your share.”

  She held the packet in both hands before she realized what had just happened. “What is this?”

  “Half the reward money, like I said,” Roy replied.

  Reward. For killing those men? Elisabeth dropped the envelope as though it was a poisonous snake. The seams of the envelope burst open and a stack of currency spread across the rug.

  Blood money.

  Chapter Four

  “I don’t want that!” Elisabeth sized up the marshal and then Gabe. “I’m not accepting money for those men’s deaths.”

  “That’s what reward money is,” Roy replied. He knelt and scooped up the scattered bills and tucked them back in order and closed the paper over them. He extended the package. “It’s your half.”

  “But I didn’t do anything,” she objected. “I didn’t hold a gun.”

  “They’d have gotten clean away with everyone’s purses and watches if you hadn’t caused a ruckus,” Gabe disagreed. “I gave the bandit mine.” His gaze fell to the chain at her neck, though the ring was beneath her bodice like always. “Your kinship with your jewelry set the whole episode in motion. So half is yours.”

  “Well, I won’t take it.”

  Gabe raised a brow and looked at Roy. “What happens to the money if she won’t take it?”

  The marshal pursed his lips and scratched his chin with a thumb. “Don’t reckon I know. It’s never happened before. Goes back in the city coffers, I guess.”

  “Shame all that cash goin’ to waste,” Gabe remarked. “Could’ve bought your brothers shoes or hired your father a hand or…” Gabe appeared thoughtful, then pleased with himself. “You could have taken a trip somewhere.”

  “My brothers have all the shoes they need, thank you, and I am my father’s assistant.” She paused, however, considering that a trip might have been nice. But that was vain and selfish thinking. She could have given the money to the church to provide help to those in need.

  Could have? She still could. Elisabeth extended her palm. “I’ll take it.”

  Seeming pleased not to have to deal with the money, Roy handed over the packet.

  “I’ll give it to the church,” she decided.

  “It’s yours to do with as you see fit,” Gabe said with a shrug.

  “Well, that takes care of the business I came to do.” Roy finished his lemonade and excused himself. She showed the sheriff to the door, then returned to the sitting room.

  Elisabeth held the envelope to her chest. The Taggart fellow’s face looked paler than it had been, a
nd he’d set his mouth in a grim line. He was quite obviously in pain and too stubborn to say so. “You should’ve let me bring the marshal upstairs so you didn’t have to dress and come down.”

  “I needed to move a bit.” He stood, but swayed on his feet.

  She tucked the money in her apron pocket and hurried to his side. “Lean on me.”

  “I can manage.”

  “I said lean on me, Mr. Taggart. If you fall flat on your face, I’ll never get you up by myself.”

  He seemed to consider that as a distinct possibility and wrapped one solid arm across her shoulders.

  With him butted up against her side, his imposing height and hard muscle were glaringly obvious. Now the possibility of him falling and crushing her became the issue. “Phillip!” she called.

  A minute later, her brother skidded to a stop in front of them.

  “Get on the other side of Mr. Taggart and do your best to help me get him to the banister where he can hold on.”

  Phillip eyed the holster, but ducked obediently under Gabe’s other arm, and they managed their way to the front hall, where Gabe grabbed the banister and helped support his weight.

  “Don’t get behind us,” Elisabeth warned. “Run ahead.”

  Phillip scampered up the stairs.

  The farther they climbed, the more Gabe leaned his weight against her, until, at the top, she feared they’d both topple down the stairs. With Herculean effort, she used every ounce of her strength to keep him upright. “Come back and get his other side!” she called to Phillip.

  The boy was a minimal help, though his face turned red from his efforts.

  “Mr. Taggart, you’re going to have to help or we’re going to drop you in a heap right here,” she huffed.

  Lifting his head, he rose to the occasion with a grunt and they made it through the correct doorway and to the bed, where they dropped him unceremoniously.

  He lay atop the blankets, his face white, his eyelashes lying against his cheeks.

  “This is ridiculous,” she said, straightening her skirts and her disheveled hair, while catching her breath. “You’re taking your medicine and sleeping and not getting back out of bed until you’re better able.”

  She poured a dose of the liquid painkiller, and with Phillip’s help got it down Gabe’s throat, then got him situated on the bed and closed the curtains.