Bertie (Pendleton Petticoats Book 6) Read online

  Bertie shook her head. “There was nothing Bobby could do and, as you pointed out, I’m fine. Nothing happened, thanks to your timely arrival and the handy presence of that shovel. However, I believe I’ll return to my rule of not walking around town alone. I may never leave Nash’s Folly if men continue making a habit of attacking me.” Although Bertie tried to keep her tone light, her voice cracked. “At least this time he didn’t have a chance to beat me.”

  Riley’s eyes widened as he turned his entire focus to Bertie. “Beat you? Who beat you?”

  Under the assumption someone had told Riley what had happened to her, the gossips in town still regularly brought up the incident with Richard Kent. Evidently, he hadn’t been around long enough to hear the tales.

  Nervous, Bertie wrung her hands together then cleared her throat. “There was an awful man who used to bother the girls at the telephone office. He, um… he, tried to attack Lacy, Mrs. Hill, twice. That was before she married Grant. The second time he attempted to attack her, she slammed a cup into his face and broke his nose. In retaliation, he kidnapped me and left me on Lacy’s doorstep as a warning.”

  Riley groaned. He would find the man who beat Bertie and return the favor. “Did he… were you…”

  Bertie placed her hand on Riley’s arm again. “He gave me a lot of bruises and a few cracked ribs, but it could have been much worse. That’s why I agreed to work at Nash’s Folly this summer. I’m still trying to adjust to and accept all that happened.”

  “When did he hurt you?” Riley’s voice sounded strained, even to his ears.

  Bertie looked out at a pasture of cattle. “Back in May.”

  No wonder Bertie had acted so frightened and wounded when Riley met her. She had every right to be fearful and cautious. “I’m so sorry, Bertie. So very sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault, and neither was what happened today. At least I know the man who hurt me can’t do it again because he died in a flood not long after the beating.”

  Thoughts of the drunken man Kade hauled off to jail hurting Bertie made Riley’s stomach tie itself in knots. In need of a break from his thoughts and the heat, he guided the team off the road and under the shade of a big cottonwood tree.

  “Why are we stopping?” Bertie asked, glancing around.

  “Mrs. Tooley made lunch for us. I thought it might be nice to sit in the shade while we eat.” Riley jumped down and lifted up his arms for Bertie. She leaned into them and smiled as he swung her to the ground.

  “Like a picnic?” Bertie’s face lit with excitement. “I love picnics!”

  Riley couldn’t help but grin at Bertie’s enthusiasm as he lifted a box of food from the wagon and dug his vest from beneath the seat. He’d discarded it before they pulled away from the mercantile.

  Carefully spreading the vest on a grassy spot beneath the tree, he offered Bertie his hand. She took a seat on it and glanced up at him with a flirtatious grin. “Thank you, kind sir, for your gallantry.”

  “There’s nothing gallant about it.” Riley sat beside her on the grass then handed her a piece of fried chicken. “It would be a pity to ruin a dress that pretty.”

  Bertie glanced over at him from beneath her lashes while warmth curled through her chest. It was the closest he had come to paying her a compliment.

  Daintily biting into the chicken, Bertie took a second bite then smiled at Riley over the drumstick she held between her fingers. “Mmm. This is very good, and so crispy. I’ll have to remember to ask Widow Johns… I mean Mrs. Tooley for her recipe.”

  Riley finished his piece and picked up another. “You enjoy collecting recipes, don’t you?”

  “I do. That’s one thing I’ve enjoyed about working with Aundy. She’s taught me several new recipes.”

  “Like how to make lefse?” Riley offered her a teasing smile. He’d heard all about her sprinkling salt on it instead of sugar. Nik had even gone in the house and brought out one of the flat pancakes for Riley to try. It was good, different, but he thought he preferred regular pancakes or bread.

  Bertie’s gaze narrowed as she stopped eating and turned to look at Riley. He winked at her and took another bite of his chicken.

  The man was impossible for her to understand. One moment he seemed sullen and moody, the next he was playful and full of mischief. Nonetheless, the more time he spent at Nash’s Folly, the more she could see him losing the broken appearance he’d possessed the first day she’d seen him. She’d even caught him playing with little Laila Campanelli when Tony and Ilsa dropped by one evening after supper.

  Right now, she really wanted to know if he would be at the festivities the following day. For some reason, it would take a measure of joy out of the holiday if he didn’t attend.

  “You never answered my question. Will you please come to the celebration tomorrow? Aundy and I have been making food for days and there’s a parade, games, races, and a dance afterward. It will be oodles of fun. I promise.”

  Riley appeared to consider his response before he released a long sigh and wiped his fingers on his trousers.

  “If you’re gonna pester me to death, I suppose I might as well agree to go.”

  Bertie squealed and gave him a wide smile. “You won’t regret it, Riley. I promise!”

  Chapter Ten

  “Are you sure you want to go today?” Aundy asked as Bertie pinned on the woman’s hat, festooned with blue ribbons and deep red roses.

  Bertie held back a sigh and forced a smile to her face as she looked at the mirror above Aundy’s dressing table. By the time she and Riley returned to Nash’s Folly the previous day, word had gotten around town about the drunk dragging her down the alley. Aundy and Garrett rushed out of the house before Riley even got the wagon stopped to make sure she was unharmed.

  Nik had been helping Doc Reed at the hospital when he received the news. He hurried back to the ranch and roared up the lane on his motorbike, racing inside the house to confirm she was still in one piece.

  Bobby arrived shortly after supper, rattled that she’d been attacked again and angry that she hadn’t let him know what had happened before he heard it from someone on his way home from work.

  With everyone fussing over her, it made her realize she wanted to forget the whole thing happened. The best way to do that was to go to town and join in the patriotic celebration planned at the park.

  “I’m positive. I don’t want to miss all the entertainment. Besides, Nik promised I could have all the ice cream I can eat today.” Bertie leaned closer to Aundy. “I don’t think he is aware of just how much I like ice cream.”

  Aundy laughed and stood from the chair where she’d been sitting. She turned and placed her good hand on Bertie’s shoulder. “Don’t let him talk you out of a single spoonful, then.” After studying her a moment, Aundy tilted her head. “You’re absolutely certain you wouldn’t rather stay here. Garrett and I would stay with you. We can have a nice lunch with…”

  “No. I’m ready for some fun.” Bertie squeezed Aundy’s hand then marched out of the bedroom and into the kitchen where she’d packed baskets with the food they planned to take to the community picnic in the park. “Honestly, Aundy, I’m fine. Maybe I’ll be more upset about what happened tomorrow or next week. For today, I won’t think about that dreadful man or things that happened in the past. I just want to enjoy the festivities.”

  Aundy nodded and picked up a basket. “You did work hard finishing that lovely dress and it would be a shame not to wear it to town.”

  Bertie had labored evenings making a new white lawn gown, dripping with lace and sashed at the waist with a deep blue belt. Aundy had shared many tips as Bertie sewed the gown. She’d learned the woman had worked in a factory sewing ready-made clothes before she arrived in Pendleton. No wonder she had so many helpful ideas for how to create the dress.

  “We wouldn’t want to deprive the good citizenry of Pendleton from admiring our gowns, now would we?” Bertie dropped into a curtsey then took a few waltzing steps aro
und the kitchen.

  A strong arm settled around her waist and a warm hand clasped her fingers, drawing out a surprised gasp. Nik winked and danced her around the table while Aundy laughed.

  Nik stopped and bowed to Bertie, kissing the backs of her fingers before raking a hand through his hair then straightening his shirt collar.

  “Are you two ladies ready to go? Dad said he’ll wait five minutes and then he’s leaving anyway.” Nik pecked Aundy’s cheek and picked up two of the baskets, hurrying outside with them.

  “I’ll take this outside while you pin on your hat and get your gloves.” Aundy nudged Bertie down the hallway. “Finish getting ready and we’ll meet you out front.”

  Bertie rushed to her bedroom and hurriedly poked a few more hairpins into her curls, and settled her newly trimmed white straw hat on her head. The red silk roses Aundy insisted she wear on the hat instead of the yellow that had graced it the previous day made her smile.

  Slipping on a pair of white crocheted gloves, Bertie picked up her reticule and rushed out the front door.

  Nik’s motorcycle rumbled as he rode it past the surrey. Garrett stood at the horse’s head, looking like he wished he could ride the bike to town. Once Nik disappeared down the lane, Garrett swung Aundy into the surrey then offered his hand to Bertie.

  “I’m a lucky man to be able to escort two such beautiful women to town today.” Garrett winked at Aundy then smiled over his shoulder to where Bertie sat on the backseat. “Most men as lucky as me just wouldn’t know what to do with themselves. To be in the company of women of such grace, such elegance, such…”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake! Open that tin of cinnamon cookies, Bertie, and give him one or we’ll have to listen to this prattle all the way to town.” Aundy playfully swatted her husband’s arm. “Why don’t you just ask for a cookie, Garrett?”

  “Because it’s such fun to tease one out of you, honey.” Garrett kissed Aundy’s cheek then accepted the cookie Bertie handed to him. “Mmm. These are mighty fine cookies. Mighty fine. I hope you saved me a few at home.”

  “Of course we did,” Aundy said, glancing back at Bertie.

  It took Bertie no time at all after arriving at Nash’s Folly to comprehend Garrett’s love of cinnamon sweets.

  “For that, you can have anything you want at the park today.” Garrett took the second cookie Bertie handed to him before she replaced the lid and returned the tin to a basket.

  “Anything?” Aundy asked, wrapping her hand around Garrett’s arm and leaning against him.

  “Absolutely anything, within reason.”

  Bertie learned forward and poked Garrett’s shoulder. “That takes the joy right out of it, doesn’t it?”

  “It certainly does.” Aundy feigned a pout then glanced back at Bertie again. “Did you read the article in the newspaper about the festivities today?”

  “No, I didn’t have time. What do they have planned?”

  “There’s supposed to be a parade through town at ten this morning then there will be a literary program in the park.”

  Bertie laughed. “How can they call those boring speeches a literary program? Bobby and I usually wait until after that portion of the program is over before we venture to the park.”

  “Those speeches are rather dry, and some of the speakers could talk a dead mule to death.” Garrett grinned and gave Bertie a thoughtful look. “Speaking of mules, have you met Riley’s mule yet?”

  Bertie shook her head. “No, I haven’t. What’s so special about his mule?”

  “Apparently, Steve, that’s the mule’s name, doesn’t like to be confined. If he wants out, he lets himself out. He can also let himself in. Riley said he’s tried to figure out how the mule does it, but hasn’t been able to.” Garrett chuckled. “One evening, he went home and found the mule in the kitchen.”

  “The kitchen?”

  “Yep. I sure would have liked to have seen that, and Riley getting him out of the house.”

  Bertie smiled. Riley hadn’t mentioned the mule’s antics to her, but then they seemed to find plenty of other things to talk about. “What is on the agenda today?”

  “The picnic lunch, of course, followed by an afternoon of sporting events,” Aundy said, trying to adjust her glove without moving her injured arm. Bertie scooted to the edge of her seat and reached over the front seat, giving it a tug. Aundy offered her an appreciative smile. “I don’t want to miss the balloon ascension with a parachute jump.”

  “My word! You mean someone will ride one of those hot air balloon things up and jump out of it? Are they crazy?” Bertie couldn’t imagine doing such a thing.

  “Maybe, but it should be exciting to watch. There’s also going to be bronc riding and an evening parade. For some reason, though, the dance was canceled.”

  Bertie was sorely disappointed by that tidbit of news. She’d been looking forward to dancing, especially with Riley and Nik. She turned her thoughts to the bronc riding. “Are you going to compete in the bronc bustin’ contest?”

  Garrett looked back at Bertie. “Are you asking me or my wife?”

  Aundy released an exasperated sigh and Bertie laughed again. “I wouldn’t have to ask if Aundy’s arm wasn’t in that sling. I know she’d be the first one to compete.”

  “I would not and you two better stop implying otherwise. I’m a refined lady who would never do such a thing.” Aundy gave her nose a haughty tilt in the air before breaking into a broad grin. “But it would be fun. To answer your question, Bertie, Garrett and a few of our hands are competing. In fact, didn’t Riley mention wanting to ride?”

  “He did.” Garrett nodded his head. “He said something about being able to put the prize money to good use.”

  Bertie would make sure she watched the bronc riding. She worried about Riley competing. What if he got tossed off and stomped on like the day Nik arrived home at Nash’s Folly?

  She refused to consider the possibilities and instead glanced around at the red, white and blue bunting draped across storefronts and hanging from windows all around town.

  Crowds milled through the streets and Bertie recalled Millie saying something about special trains running from nearby communities to bring people to Pendleton for the festivities.

  Garrett left Aundy and Bertie at Ilsa’s shop then went to find a place for the buggy near the park.

  Inside the store, Laila chased Caterina’s twin boys around glass display cases.

  Aundy swept the little girl up with her uninjured arm and covered her chubby cheeks with kisses. She bent down and set Laila on her feet then hugged both boys.

  Bertie thought they all looked adorable, but especially the boys in their dark blue knee britches with white shirts and red bow ties. The twins looked alike, except for their eye color. Ben’s brown eyes snapped with Caterina’s lively enthusiasm while Brett’s bright green gaze resembled Kade’s.

  “Are you gonna watch the parade with us, Aunt Aundy?” Ben asked, hopping off one foot to the other.

  “I sure am. Where’s your mama?”

  “She’s bringing us lemonade. Uncle Tony went to get ice and Daddy is working.” Brett turned to Bertie “My daddy is a deputy. He has to work lots and lots.”

  “I’ve met your daddy and he does work very hard. He’s a very good deputy.” Bertie smiled at the twins as they glowed with pride.

  Brett tugged on her hand. “Have you seen my Uncle Tony’s ice hole, where he makes ice?”

  “No, I have not.”

  Ben grabbed her other hand and pulled to get her attention. “You gotta see it, Bertie. It’s so cool and dark and feels so good when it’s hot outside.”

  “I imagine it does feel good on a day like today.” Bertie smiled at the boys and let them swing back and forth while holding onto her hands.

  “Wanna go see? Uncle Tony won’t mind.”

  Ilsa shook her head. “No, boys. Your uncle will be back shortly and so will your mother. Now, why don’t the three of you go find those flags we bought for all
the youngsters to wave? You better hurry and get ready to share them with Uncle Lars and Aunt Marnie’s children because here they come.”

  Brett and Ben whooped and raced into Ilsa’s workroom with Laila trailing along behind them. The two-year-old had trouble keeping up with her older cousins, but didn’t let that stop her from trying.

  The women laughed at their antics as the boys returned with a handful of miniature flags, wildly waving them in the air. Lars opened the shop door and Marnie walked inside.

  “Hello! Happy Fourth of July!” Marnie picked up Laila as she ran to her and demanded attention from her aunt.

  Brett and Ben rushed outside to share the flags with the children from the orphanage.

  Bertie couldn’t hold back a laugh when she heard Sadie tell the twins they were “wound tighter than an eight-day clock runnin’ backwards.”

  “Sadie is quite a little character,” Bertie commented to Marnie.

  The woman looked over her shoulder at the children outside and smiled fondly. “That she is. I don’t know what we’d do without her around to keep us all on our toes.”

  Lars walked in and set Sophie down, giving her a gentle nudge toward Laila. “You stay in here, sweetheart. I don’t want you running outside without one of us. You and Laila go play with your dolly.” When Sophie and Laila ran into the workroom where Ilsa kept a basket of toys, Lars stepped next to Bertie and lowered his voice. “Does this day find you well, Bertie?”

  “I’m exceptionally well, Lars. Thank you for inquiring and for your help yesterday.” Bertie often felt intimidated by Lars and Kade’s height and size. They towered over most people, but especially women. “How is it you got the day off and Kade has to work?”

  Lars sighed and glanced outside at the swelling crowds. “I go on duty when Kade comes off his shift, although I’m supposed to ride in the parade. I have a feeling we’ll both end up working most of the night. Between the heat, the excitement of the day, and all the saloons being open, there will be more than enough trouble to keep us all busy.” At Bertie’s concerned look, he smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry about that fella who bothered you yesterday. We ran him out of town and he won’t be back.”