Read Online A Promise to Believe in by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

with tears. She looked at Hank in such an expression of disbelief that he immediately knew he’d misjudged her. No one was that good of an actress.
    “I loved your brother,” she began.
    “If he really was your brother,” Beth muttered. Gwen looked at Beth as if to silence her. “Well, he has no proof.”
    “That doesn’t matter now.” Gwen returned her tear-filled gaze to Hank. “I loved Harvey with all of my heart. He knew that. I really don’t care whether you believe it.”
    Hank found himself regretting his strong words. He watched Gwen hurry from the room, caught the angry stares of her sisters and knew that he might very well be asked to leave.
    “Perhaps,” he said, trying hard to mask his own frustration, “I was a bit overbearing.”
    “Perhaps?” Lacy replied.
    “And you were rude. You certainly are no gentleman,” Beth stated rather dramatically.
    Though Hank would like to have finished his breakfast, he thought perhaps it would be best if he left. “I am sorry, ladies. I do have a tendency to . . .”
    “Put your foot in your mouth?” Lacy questioned.
    He met her eyes and nodded. “I suppose that suffices as well as anything. I do apologize.”
    “Talk’s cheap, mister.” Lacy got to her feet and shoved her chair under the table. “You’ve hurt our sister’s feelings. Gwen never did anything to harm you or cause you grief, and the sooner you realize that, the better. I never once saw your brother with more than a nickel to his name, but if you intend to learn anything more from Gwen, you’re going to have to change your methods.”
    “And your manners,” Beth said, getting to her feet, as well. “If you intend to remain here at Gallatin House, you will definitely learn to keep your very rude comments to yourself.”

    That evening with a house full of stage travelers, all male, Beth and Lacy did their best to handle the work load. Gwen wasn’t herself, and after pouring hot coffee on herself and nearly dumping a full pie on one of the men, Beth suggested she go lie down for a brief rest. To her surprise, Gwen did exactly that. Beth had never seen her sister so upset or frazzled. Mr. Bishop’s accusations had completely unhinged Gwen’s usually competent nature and easygoing spirit.
    Beth couldn’t help but watch Mr. Bishop as he partook of the evening meal. He didn’t seem in the leastwise upset with himself or what had happened. He ate as much as ever, complimented their ability in the kitchen, and shared general conversation with the men from the stage. He appeared a carefree individual, enjoying a leisure trip.
    After most of the men had taken themselves from supper to Rafe’s Saloon, Beth began clearing the table. She had fretted and stewed over what should be done with Mr. Bishop throughout the evening. Standing in the kitchen watching him, she could see him focus on the coffee cup in his hand. He had his back to her so she couldn’t see his face, but she imagined the stern expression and fixed thoughts. No doubt he was plotting against her sister.
    “Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be a man sometimes,” she muttered.
    Lacy had just returned with hot water for the dishes. “What did you say?”
    Beth reached out to help her with the buckets. “I just wish sometimes I were a man. I would challenge that Mr. Bishop to a fight. I’d knock him out cold and then he’d be out of the way—at least for a few hours.”
    “So knock him out in another way,” Lacy said with a wicked grin.
    “What are you talking about?”
    Lacy put down her bucket and went to the far pantry cupboard. She moved a wooden box in place and stepped atop it to reach the highest shelf. Rummaging around the canned goods there, she finally pulled out a couple of bottles. “Remember these?”
    “That case of laudanum Pa bought,” Beth said in a hushed whisper. She gave a hurried, sidelong glance to see if Mr. Bishop had heard her, but he appeared lost in his own thoughts.
    Lacy grinned and stepped