A Truth Revealed (The Heart of Cheyenne #3)

Chapter 14

14

Frigid temperatures settled over Cheyenne on George Washington’s birthday, but it didn’t deter the gathering of the socially elite at Granite Evans’s fine house. Laura had dressed carefully for the occasion, donning a pale-yellow silk gown. The bodice was somewhat lower than she cared for, but with a little lace strategically positioned, Laura felt presentable.

When the party first started, she stood at her father’s side and greeted each new arrival, commenting on how pleased she was to make yet another acquaintance in Cheyenne. She marveled over the ladies’ fashions and gave brief conversation to the gentlemen as her father declared their position or interest in the city.

Names like Whitehead, Kuykendall, Sloan, and Baker were given. Laura tried to memorize each person, but after the first ten or so found it impossible. Her father commented that most of the city council was there, along with the mayor. It was important to him that they attended. Everyone who had even a remote possibility of seeing him put into the governor’s seat was significant.

UlyssesS. Grant had won the presidential election the previous fall and would take office in just a couple of weeks. Andrew Johnson had been unable to appoint a territorial governor for Wyoming, and everyone now knew it would fall into the hands of Grant. The man was a Northerner, and it was anticipated that he would appoint someone who shared his political beliefs. Still, Laura had heard someone say that her father had friends who were of a Northern persuasion—friends who had contacted Grant as soon as he won the election to suggest Granite Evans as a perfect choice for the job of governor.

Her father acknowledged that it probably wouldn’t happen the first time around, but with any luck, he could prove himself in the next few years. It was even possible that Grant’s appointment would hate Wyoming Territory and give up his position. If that happened, Granite Evans intended to be available and well-known to the president.

“You look absolutely beautiful.”

Laura had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t seen Will approach on his crutches. She smiled and gave a nod at the dark navy suit he wore. “As do you.”

“Mrs. Duffy helped me with the trousers. She opened the seam, and once they were on, sewed it shut again. She said she’d help me tonight and cut it open once more.”

“She’s full of ideas.” Laura pointed to the lace at her neckline. “She helped me to be a little more modest tonight.”

Will motioned his head toward the alcove in the front room where a small string quartet was playing. “It’s wonderful that your father was able to find musicians of such quality.”

“I find Father usually gets what he wants. He arranged for them to come from Omaha on the train. Not that there weren’t musicians already in Cheyenne, but he wanted to be able to boast about these men who once played in Canada for the governor-general.”

Will smiled. “Sounds like something to boast about.”

“Are you able to enjoy yourself at all?” she asked. “I know it must be hard to get around on crutches in a room full of people.”

He lost the smile and gazed out across the room. “It is difficult, but you and your father have been so gracious to me. It seemed only right that I honor you both. I hadn’t expected an invitation to the party, but to refuse would have been akin to snubbing those who rescued me.”

Laura shook her head. “I never would have seen it that way. I told Father it wasn’t right to expect you to attend, but I am glad you did. I feel that I have at least one friend here. Father wasn’t interested in inviting my other friends. He said this was to be a party of Cheyenne’s cream of society.”

“Well, that clearly leaves me out. But I’m glad to be that one person you can call friend.”

His reply stirred something within Laura’s heart. It seemed honest and perhaps even heartfelt. She hoped it was.

“You’re also the only single man in attendance who isn’t looking at me as if I’m a slab of beef to be purchased.” She shrugged and gave a laugh. “I’m hopeful that most here are men who prefer chicken or lamb and bypass me quickly.”

Will chuckled and shook his head. “Haven’t you heard? This is beef country. More cattle are being brought in every day.”

“Well, then maybe there will be so many prized animals that they’ll soon forget about me.”

“I doubt any are as charming, witty, smart, or beautiful as you. It would be impossible to forget you.”

Laura was touched by his words as they seemed to come with a deeper sentiment than mere teasing. Every day Will seemed to do or say something that endeared him all the more to her. What would she do when he was gone?

“I suppose I must continue to circulate and play hostess to our guests.” She smiled and gave a sigh. “Pray for me.”

Will nodded. “I can finally say with confidence that I will.”

Granite Evans was delighted by the number of prominent citizens attending his party, especially given the fact that the weather was cold and snow seemed impending. His only frustrations were the small size of the house and lack of a great room for dancing. The new house would have a third-floor ballroom to rival any home in Cheyenne. But little good that did him now.

Still, the people of Cheyenne knew he was an important figure. His department store was so successful that he was considering adding another floor next year. He had three warehouses full of goods to fill every inch of the new addition. It would be a wonder unlike anything west of the Mississippi. Then, of course, Granite had his investments, and they were doing quite well. It wouldn’t be long before he could forgo the stage and wagon robberies along the routes into Cheyenne. Underhanded dealings and thieving had gotten him to this place of success, but he certainly didn’t mean to continue with it forever. If his illicit activities were ever found out, he’d be taken off the president’s list of men to consider for the position of governor—or worse.

He made the rounds from one gathering of guests to another, pausing here and there to listen to the gossip and comments with keen attention to anything political. Second to that were the comments given about Laura. He hadn’t come right out and said he was seeking a husband for her, but given that many on the list were widowers or single men, no one could have failed to realize his intention.

Throughout the evening, he also watched Laura as she moved among their guests. She was all graciousness and ease. She seemed to have a natural affinity for entertaining and small talk. Nothing seemed to cause her discomfort or distress. Such confidence was uncommon with most of the women Granite had known, with exception to the wife he’d lost.

Laura’s mother had been equally self-assured. She hadn’t had grand parties to host, but with the small responsibilities she faced, Meredith Evans had managed her duties with great skill. She had been the most beautiful and exceptional woman Granite had ever known. And now her daughter took that role.

“I wonder if I might have a word with you about your daughter.” The young man who approached him was one of Granite’s top prospects for Laura.

“Of course, Mr. Aldersgate. What did you have in mind?”

Will tested his walk while the doctor observed. Except for feeling a little off-balance now that the weight of the cast had been removed, he had no pain and felt just fine.

“There’s nothing wrong with me,” Will said, giving an abrupt turn to prove his point. “I do still have the occasional headache, but you said that would pass in time. I believe I’m back in good order for the most part.”

The doctor closed his bag. “I agree. Perhaps you’ll be able to dance a jig at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. I do hope, however, you’ll avoid the streets from now on, or at least the wagons and teams on them.”

“I can assure you I will be more observant. I’ve waited too long to enjoy this freedom. I won’t be eager to put myself back in the position of invalid very soon—if ever.”

“I’m glad it worked out well,” the doctor replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I must be on my way. I have a surgery to tend to at the hospital.”

They shook hands, and Will walked the doctor to the door. Outside, it was as if spring had come to Cheyenne and the world was made new. After a week of rain, the sun shone down from endless blue skies above, and there was a warmth to the air that was deceiving. A person could easily get caught up in the momentary turn of the weather and forget that it was barely the first week of March. There was always the possibility of late snow.

“A glorious day,” the doctor said, raising his free hand to the sky. “Hard to believe we could see an icy rain or snow before nightfall, but that’s the way of things in Cheyenne this time of year.”

“I was just thinking that very thing,” Will agreed. “Good luck with your surgery, and thank you again. I’ll be by tomorrow to pay my bill.”

“No need. It’s already been covered by Mr. Evans. He insisted, so if you have a problem with it, take it up with him.”

The doctor waved and moved off toward the street. The hospital wasn’t all that far away, so he’d come on foot and would return the same way. Laura had offered to take him back by carriage, but the doctor assured her he enjoyed the walk.

“I see you’re on your foot, bare though it might be,” Laura said, coming up behind Will.

“Oh!” He looked down. He hadn’t even realized or thought about the inappropriateness of parading around his host’s house without shoes. “I’m sorry for my thoughtlessness.”

Laura giggled. “It’s really not a problem.” She followed him as he made his way back to his room.

He went to the trunk where he kept his clothes. He rummaged around, looking for a matching sock. “I’ve been so used to only needing one sock and shoe, I’m not even sure where the other shoe has gotten off to.”

“It’s over here by the door. And the mate to the sock you’re wearing should be right there on top of your clothes.”

Will slowed down and realized he’d knocked it aside in his hurry to locate it. He pulled it from the trunk just as Laura returned with his shoe. He sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s going to feel so good to walk about once again.”

“I suppose this means you’ll be leaving us.” Laura handed him the shoe. She looked rather sad. “I will miss being able to just come here and talk to you about things.”

“Speaking of which, the doctor told me that your father paid my bill to him.” Will placed the shoe on the floor beside him.

“Yes. We discussed it, and Father felt that since I helped to cause the accident, he would cover the charges. Given the situation, I feel it’s only right.”

“As I’ve stated on many occasions, it was my own distraction that caused the accident. You could hardly know that I was going to step out into traffic.”

“Well, it’s done now, and you’re on the mend. I’m so grateful it wasn’t worse than it was. So what will you do next?” she asked.

“For now, I’d like to hear what was accomplished in regard to proper suitors for your hand.”

Laura went to the chair she’d so often occupied when visiting with Will during the early days of his injuries and sat down. She was dressed quite simply in a high-necked white blouse and navy skirt. Her hair had been plaited down the back and tied with a dark ribbon. She looked so much younger that way, and Will had a hard time believing she was nearly twenty-three.

“There was plenty of interest, unfortunately. Many people believe my father will one day be governor, and they’re impressed with the power he might wield. Marrying his daughter would be a feather in their cap.”

“I suppose so.” Will hurried to pull on his sock. Once this was done, he grabbed his shoe. “And what of you? Did any man there catch your attention?”

Laura shook her head. “Not really. I would just as soon have spent my evening talking to you.”

Will didn’t tell her that he would have preferred things that way as well. He hadn’t stayed long in the company of the partygoers. After about an hour of explaining who he was, Will grabbed a plate of refreshments and hid himself away in his library oasis.

“Did you father make arrangements for you to see any of them?”

Laura sighed. “He decided he would have them over individually for dinner. It would be us three, and we’d talk about the expectations each young man might have toward the future. Thankfully, Father is too busy to start this until after the first of May. He’s hoping President Grant will decide on who is to be governor by then. He’s doing all he can to keep his name and good works ever on the president’s mind. However, the other person at the top of the list is a good friend of Grant’s—or so the newspapers proclaimed.”

“John Campell is the man in question, and I know him personally. We lived next door to his family in Salem, Ohio. He’s a good man and would definitely make a great governor.”

“Well, until the matter is settled, Father will be focused on the appointment. I’m hopeful he’ll get the position and then not have any time to worry about anything other than the territory.”

“I doubt a father can just forget about his daughter, even if he does have an entire territory to worry about.”

She leaned back in dejection. “I honestly wish Father would just give up on the idea. I had my heart broken once, and I don’t care to risk that again. If God wants me to marry someone, then He’ll have to make that very clear to me. Reveal the truth in such a manner that I cannot doubt it is from Him.”

“I’m sure He can do that,” Will said, uncertain what else he could say. He got to his feet and walked around the bed and back. “I seem to be fit as a fiddle. The doctor cautioned me when I first stood and said I might want a cane, but I feel just fine.”

“What of the ribs. Do they hurt you anymore?”

“Not a lick. I am completely recovered.”

She gave a slow nod. “I believe most all of your things are ready for you to pack up. Etta said she finished with your laundry earlier today.”

“That’s wonderful.” Will went to the trunk. “There’s really very little left to worry about. Most of my clothes are in here, and everything else belongs to you and your father. Speaking of your father, is he here?”

“No, I believe he’s at the store. Why?”

Will shrugged. “I wanted to say good-bye. I’m not sure when I’ll see him again. I’ll probably go right back to work for Mr. Bradley, and I promised Edward and Charlie that I would make cradles for their babies. I’m supposed to go over to the Vogels’ in the evenings. They have a woodshop behind the house.”

“I suppose you shall be very busy,” Laura said.

Her tone left Will convinced she was unhappy. No doubt she was worried about what was to come from her father’s plans. He turned toward her. “Try not to be overly worried about your father’s plans. It isn’t the Middle Ages, and a woman still has to agree to be married. No decent pastor would allow for a union between a man and woman who didn’t both want it.”

“I suppose you’re right. It’s just that I’d rather Father not bother with it at all. I’d like to have more time to focus on getting to know him. Or spend time talking to you. I mean ... well ... I know you may or may not have plans to remain in Cheyenne, but I feel that we’ve become good friends. I enjoy hearing your thoughts on a variety of topics.”

“And I enjoy hearing yours as well,” Will replied. “In fact, I doubt there’s anyone I enjoy talking to as much as I do ... you.”

Laura straightened. “That’s about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Will. Do you suppose you might stop by from time to time? Or do you think it would be all right if I came by the house to see how you’re doing? Faith Cooper is a good friend, and I know she would welcome me, but I don’t want to if ... you would be offended or think me too forward.”

She wanted to come by. She wanted him to return to see her. Will found this information delightful. He hadn’t been able to figure out how they might stay in touch except for church.

“I believe that would be perfectly fine. I am not at all offended at the idea.” He grinned. “Good friends should keep in touch.”

She got to her feet. “Exactly. That is precisely what I think.”

Laura continued to think about all that Will had said as the days went by. She wondered how long she should wait before going to see him. She didn’t want to seem too eager or pushy. She had rather hoped that he would stop by to see her first. But it had been over a week, and Will Porter had not graced her doorstep.

She’d seen him at church, but there had been a lot of other people who wanted to talk to him, so she had held back and kept to sharing news with Marybeth and Melody. Both were nearing their final weeks of pregnancy and were quite excited about the babies to come, so the conversation was mostly about that. A subject Laura found interesting, but not overly helpful. After all, who knew if she’d ever have children of her own.

With Will gone from the house, Laura found her days were empty. She still read her Bible and spent time praying. And of course, once a week she gathered with her friends to sew, but it wasn’t the same. Will had been around all the time. If she was feeling frustrated or upset about something, she could discuss it with him. If it was evening and her father was out playing politics, she and Will could share supper together and talk about the events of the day. Sometimes they had read each other articles from the newspaper. It was almost as if they were an old married couple.

That comparison caused all sorts of concerning thoughts to race through Laura’s head. Had she grown too attached to Will? He was easy to care about, and she had to admit he was constantly on her mind. She told herself that was only because she’d nearly killed him and owed it to him to take care of his every need. But now ... it was frightening her to find other ideas surfacing.

Was she falling in love with Will? And if so, whatever was there to be done about it? He wasn’t interested in taking a wife. He’d made that abundantly clear. And if he managed to get himself back on track with his goals and ambitions of preaching to the Indians, a wife would only complicate the matter. Mr. Blevins had given up on him as an agent of the government. How much worse would it make things if Will convinced Blevins to give him another chance, and then he had to go back to the man and explain that he’d taken a wife?

She tried to push all such thoughts aside and busy herself with reading or sewing. Once she’d even attempted baking. Mrs. Murphy nearly had a fit of apoplexy when she discovered that Laura had come into her kitchen the night before and made numerous batches of cookies. Laura had done her best to clean up the mess and leave things as they had been, but apparently there were enough misplaced items that Mrs. Murphy demanded it not happen again.

How could the absence of one man make a house seem so big and time pass so slowly?