Bertie (Pendleton Petticoats Book 6) Read online

  Bertie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at Sadie’s comical, though apt description of the oldest girl at the orphanage.

  Aundy cupped Sadie’s chin in her hand and planted a kiss on the child’s forehead. “Uncle Garrett and I have talked about adopting a child many times, honey, but all of you get along so well…” At Sadie’s raised eyebrow, Aundy winked at her, “even Molly, we didn’t want to separate any of you. One day, the perfect child for us will come along and when she does, I hope she’s exactly like you.”

  Sadie threw her arms around Aundy’s neck and gave her a warm hug. “Good gravy, Aunt Aundy! For your sake, I hope she ain’t like me at all. You got enough to handle with Uncle Garrett and Nik, and everyone over at the ranch. You need a girl more like Aunt Ilsa.”

  The mischievous child slid off the bench and skipped out the door. Bertie heard her yell at the others. “Don’t get your bloomers in a bunch, she’s coming!”

  Bertie smiled at Aundy as she stood to her feet and brushed a tear from her eye. “I agree with Sadie, if you ended up with a girl like her, you’d certainly have your hands full.”

  “Nonsense, Bertie. Girls like Sadie are the very best kind.” Aundy took a handkerchief from her pocket, wiped her eyes and nose then walked through the door Bertie held open for her. “Let’s see if we can set up a battlefield for the general and his troops.”

  A few hours later, Bertie drove the buggy home, amazed by the fun she’d had with the children as Aundy guided them through the Battle of Bennington. Aundy split the children into two groups — one as patriots, the other as British. The oldest boy, a strapping lad named Abe, eagerly played the role of General John Stark.

  Not only was the afternoon fun for the children, they learned important facts about their nation’s past.

  Bertie glanced over at Aundy and grinned. “How do you know so much about history?”

  Aundy shrugged then adjusted her sling. “I’ve always been interested in history. It’s easy for me to remember the details because I enjoy reading about it so much.”

  “But I don’t recall ever studying history in such detail at school.” Bertie took her gaze away from the road and looked at Aundy again. “What was it you said about the battle, it was a turning point?”

  “When the Battle of Bennington took place, morale was low. A victory in this fight was crucial to give the soldiers hope that they could do battle against the British and come out victorious in the war for independence. The battle was a turning point in the war, rallying Americans to support the fight for liberty.”

  Awed by Aundy once again, Bertie shot her a curious look. “Is there anything you don’t know or can’t do?”

  The woman’s carefree expression melted into a look of anguish. “A few very important things.”

  Mindful that her friend’s thoughts were on the babies she didn’t have, Bertie reached out and clasped Aundy’s hand in hers. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”

  “No need for an apology, Bertie. None at all. If my lot in life is to only have Nik to mother, then I’ve still been blessed beyond anything I could have imagined.”

  “Would you consider adopting one of the children from the orphanage?”

  Aundy nodded. “Garrett and I have discussed it at length, with depth, but the children have all settled in so well, we hate to uproot any of them. If they weren’t well cared for or were lacking, it would be something different. Marnie and Lars take such good care of all the children, they’ve created one big family, even if Sadie and Molly butt heads over who is in charge.”

  Bertie smirked. “There does appear to be an ongoing battle between the two, doesn’t there. It seems odd since Molly is what, four or so years older than Sadie?”

  “Three, actually. Sadie is small for her age, but makes up for it in tomfoolery and determination.” Aundy leaned back and laughed. “Did you see the way she tackled Harley John Hobbs during the ball game yesterday? That poor boy didn’t know what hit him.”

  Bertie grinned. “My stars, she hit him hard. I wasn’t sure he would be able to move after she took him down at third base. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that young man was entirely besotted with Sadie.”

  “I’m convinced that attraction goes both directions, but Sadie would rather suffer through almost anything than admit it.” Aundy’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously. “Speaking of attraction, I’m trying to decide if Nik or Riley is leading the race to win your heart.”

  Bertie’s head snapped around so fast, curls whipped her eyes and cheeks. Agitated, she reached up and brushed them out of her face. “What on earth makes you think there’s a race or either of them is competing?”

  Instead of answering Bertie’s question, Aundy adjusted her sling, brushed a few blades of grass left from their game of war from her skirt, then pushed at the pins holding the golden braid encircling the crown of her head.

  Finally, Bertie couldn’t stand it any longer. “Aundy! What do you know that I don’t?”

  Aundy laughed and patted Bertie on the shoulder. “I know that Nik talks about you all the time. I think you make him remember the happy times he had in school. Riley has also mentioned you several times, most often to praise your cooking or comment on how hard you work. I agree with him, Bertie. You’ve been such a blessing to us this summer and Garrett and I both appreciate your hard work. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to get to know you better. You’ve become a dear friend.”

  “Good grief. Now you’re going to make me all teary-eyed and the men will think we’ve gone over the brink.” Bertie sniffled and released an emotional sigh. “I’ve really enjoyed being on the ranch this summer. It’s been good for me to be away from town, from all… from the memories. Out here, I keep too busy to dwell on what happened.”

  “And there are those two handsome young men vying for your attention, too.”

  Bertie scowled at Aundy. “Riley and Nik both see me as a friend. Nothing more.”

  “Mmm, hmm.” Aundy agreed but the humor in her eyes said otherwise. “Remember, Nik will be leaving as soon as the wheat harvest is finished and Riley, well, who knows about Riley. He is a man of few words, that one.”

  “That is true. Although, if you can get him talking, he’s very interesting and has a keen mind.”

  Aundy raised an eyebrow, giving Bertie a look that implied she was correct in her assumptions that there was an interest on her part for Riley Walsh.

  Desperate to change the subject, Bertie latched onto the topic of the fun they’d had the previous day. “Did you see the way Riley held Sophie all during the parade?”

  “He certainly looked like someone with experience caring for a child,” Aundy said. “You don’t suppose… no, surely that can’t be. He would have said something…”

  Confused, Bertie stared at her employer. “What are you saying?”

  Aundy shook her head. “Just thinking aloud. Whatever the reason, he does seem to be wonderful with the children. Noah and Sadie are quite fond of him, too.”

  Bertie had just pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the barn when Riley stepped from inside and tipped his head to the two of them.

  He settled a hand on the rump of the horse. “I can take care of putting this away for you.”

  Aundy stepped out of the buggy and hurried inside the house. Riley took Bertie’s hand in his, helping her down. The fiery current his touch generated seared her palm and rattled her thoughts.

  “Thank you.” Her voice sounded light, breathless, even to her own ears.

  “You’re welcome.” Riley released her hand and stepped back.

  Bertie sensed a moment of hesitation in him, caught a glimpse of regret in his eyes. She wondered if he thought of the kiss that almost happened around the side of the barn in the moonlight last night.

  From the way he set his jaw and led the horse over to the carriage house to put the surrey away, she supposed probably not.

  With a sigh, she turned and walked with a dejected slump
in the set of her shoulders to the house.

  From the corner of his eye, Riley watched Bertie. Coils of springy curls bounced around her face while her skirts swished alluringly as she hurried toward the house.

  He’d called upon every ounce of willpower he possessed to keep from dragging her into the barn and plundering her mouth with kisses.

  Last night had been a stupid mistake. He knew better than to give in to his desire to taste her lips. Knew better than to hold her close. Knew better than to entertain any thoughts of the lovely girl.

  Regardless of what he knew, he couldn’t help himself.

  The moonlight had painted her in the most beautiful silvery hues as he’d swept her into his arms and carried her out of sight of the others. He came so close, so unbelievably close, to kissing her, to claiming her, to loving her.

  But he couldn’t.

  Not today.

  Not ever.

  From now on, Bertie was off limits. It was the only way to keep from doing something he really wouldn’t regret.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Bertie clung to a branch and reached down as far as she could with the pail full of peaches. Aundy stretched up and grasped it in one hand.

  Although Doc Reed had allowed her to remove the sling, she still had limited use of her arm for a few more weeks. Nik helped her each evening with a series of exercises meant to strengthen it without causing further injury.

  Until the doctor allowed her to return to fully using the arm, Aundy still relied on Bertie to do the things she couldn’t. Like climb to the top of the peach tree to pick the juicy fruit hiding in the uppermost branches.

  Nik volunteered to help, but he’d been called away to assist Doc Reed with a surgery at the hospital. He had promised to be back in time to take Bertie to the show at the Opera House that evening. A group of entertainers would provide musical selections, a humorous skit, and a magic show.

  Bertie had been looking forward to the evening since Nik asked her to attend with him.

  In the weeks since the Fourth of July, Riley had kept his distance. She rarely saw him, unless she happened to run into him at the barn or at church on Sunday.

  Nik, on the other hand, had made sure she enjoyed every free minute she had to spare. They’d gone on a delightful picnic. He’d taken her for a ride on his motorbike and even let her drive it for a short distance. Several times, he’d taken her horseback riding until she felt comfortable enough to ride Aundy’s old horse, Bell, on her own.

  They’d gone to the drugstore in town for ice cream and attended a concert in the park. Despite all the fun she’d had with Nik, she still missed Riley. She missed talking to him and teasing a smile out of him.

  With no idea what she’d done to drive him away, he’d made it clear he had no interest in spending time around her.

  Bobby had mentioned several times his concern about her getting hurt from both Riley and Nik, but Bertie assured him she had no intention of setting her affections on either man. Thankfully, her brother began courting a new girl who moved to town at the beginning of July. His courtship meant he didn’t have as much time to attempt to direct the affairs of Bertie’s heart.

  “One more bucket full should do it for today,” Aundy said, interrupting Bertie’s musings as she lifted an empty pail within her reach. The woman motioned to a large bucket full of ripe peaches. “If I carry this back to the house, can you get down without my help?”

  “Yes, Aundy. Go ahead, but maybe we should send one of the men back to carry that heavy bucket.”

  Aundy rolled her eyes and easily lifted the bucket in question in her right hand. “I think I can manage.”

  “I forget you are the Viking queen, capable of feats that surpass us mere mortals.” Bertie would have curtsied to Aundy if she’d been on the ground. Instead, she meekly dipped her head in feigned submission.

  “You’ve been listening to Lars and Ilsa go on, haven’t you?” Aundy grinned as she looked up into the tree at Bertie. “Just be careful climbing down. I didn’t move the ladder, so it’s still leaning up against that branch right below you.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

  Bertie watched as Aundy walked over the crest of the hill and disappeared toward the house. “Sitting here won’t get these peaches picked,” she mumbled as she scooted further out on the limb where she sat. Several perfect peaches beckoned to her from overhead. She looped the handle of the pail over her arm and worked herself up to her feet. With one hand braced against the trunk of the tree, she stretched up and filled the pail then made the mistake of glancing down. She’d climbed further up than she intended.

  A sudden dizzy spell made her suck in a gulp of air and press against the trunk of the tree. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

  You’re fine, Roberta Elizabeth Hawkins. You are not going to fall out of this tree. Stop being a ridiculous ninny.

  Bertie forced her eyes open. At least the world had ceased spinning around her. She grabbed the rope she’d dragged up into the tree with her, tied the pail handle to it and lowered it to the ground.

  Now, to get me out of the tree. Bertie turned and maneuvered her way down several branches to the top of the ladder. With the tip of her toe, she connected with the first step and gingerly put her weight on it. When it didn’t tip, she swung her other leg out and started down the ladder.

  Halfway down, her foot caught on her skirt and she nearly fell off. Frantically scrambling for a foothold, the ladder wobbled. Bertie screeched, making a wild grab for the closest limb.

  Desperation drove her to loop one arm and leg around the branch and cling for dear life as the ladder toppled to the ground.

  Dangling from the branch, she debated if she’d break anything if she let go and dropped the rest of the way. A scream burst from her when something grabbed her foot.

  A teasing grin spread across Riley’s face when she glanced down at him and scowled.

  “Are you practicing to join the circus?” He released her foot but his grin broadened into a smile.

  “My stars, Riley! You scared me half-witless and I haven’t any extra to spare, as you can see.” She started to slip and tightened her hold on the branch. “And no, I’m not practicing to join the circus. Would you please help me down from here?”

  “Sure, Bertie. Hang on a minute.”

  Instead of setting the ladder upright, he tugged off his gloves and tossed them along with his hat down near the bucket of peaches then lifted his arms. “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll catch you.”

  Shocked by the endearment Riley had used, Bertie gaped at him. A hat ring encircled his head and dirt smudged one cheek, but the sight of him sent her pulse skittering at an accelerated pace.

  Riley waved his hands at her, motioning her to let go of the branch. “I promise I won’t drop you, Bertie. Let go of the branch and I’ll do the rest.”

  Arms quivering from the strain of holding onto the branch and legs going numb from their uncomfortable positions, she didn’t have too many options. The notion of falling into Riley’s arms held a great deal of appeal.

  “I’m letting go now.” Bertie sucked in a breath, squeezed her eyes shut, and released the branch.

  The next thing she knew, Riley held her against his chest, chuckling as he tried to work her petticoat off his head.

  “Good gracious!” She reached down and flipped the material off Riley. Her calves and ankles remained uncovered with her skirts up around her knees.

  Although she squirmed against him, Riley tightened his hold. A slow perusal started at her head and worked its way down to the tips of her shoes then back up again.

  The way his gaze lingered on her lips made her insides heat in an unfamiliar, yet not unpleasant manner.

  Bertie licked her suddenly dry lips and looked into his face. Blue fire burned in Riley’s eyes. Drawn to the warm flame, she bracketed his face with her hands and ran her fingers over his stubble-covered jaw.

  “Riley, I…” Bertie forgot what she w
anted to say, forgot everything except how much she wanted him to kiss her, to love her.

  Mesmerized by his eyes, by the wanting in them, she tipped her face up, anticipating his kiss.

  A breath of space separated their lips when Riley unexpectedly turned his head and buried his face against her neck. He took a deep, shuddering breath then another before he kissed her forehead, set her on her feet, and stepped away.

  “Are you okay, Bertie? You aren’t hurt anywhere, are you?” Concern colored his voice although his eyes still held heat.

  She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

  Liar!

  Bertie was hurt, extremely hurt, by Riley’s failure to deliver the kiss she so badly wanted. Was the man completely daft? Could he really be unaware of how much she wanted, needed, his kiss?

  Frustrated, she turned to pick up her pail of peaches, but Riley already had it in his hand.

  “I’ll carry these to the house for you.” He settled his hat on his head and tucked his gloves into his pocket.

  “That won’t be necessary.” Bertie reached out for the pail. When Riley didn’t immediately relinquish it, she almost wrestled it out of his hand. Hesitant, he let go. “I do appreciate you helping me out of the tree.”

  “Are you sure you…” He snapped his mouth shut at the venomous glare Bertie shot him over her shoulder. Fury punctuated each step as she marched to the house.

  He’d been repairing the fence in the pasture on the other side of the hill when he heard what sounded like a woman’s scream. It wasn’t Aundy because he’d seen her walk to the house earlier. The only other female on the place was Bertie.

  Dropping the fencing tools in his hands, he raced over the crest of the hill and saw a flutter of blue in the peach tree. He rushed to the tree and had to chew the inside of his lip to keep the laughter percolating in his chest from spilling out.

  Bertie hung by her arms and one leg from a sturdy branch of the tree. Leaves poked out of her spilling curls and smashed peaches marred her skirt.

  As one leg dangled in the air, an eyeful of petticoats and stockings filled his vision. He so badly wanted to run his hand up that silky stocking, but he hadn’t.