but questioned the attack. “Why did you do that?” he asked.
I held up a blood-speckled palm, saying, “If we don’t want to be a picnic lunch for these hungry mosquitoes, I think we better put on our clothes and go home.”
“Good idea,” he said. “I would hate to end such a perfect day itching with mosquito bites, especially in the more delicate areas.” His eyes twinkled as he patted my naked bottom. After I had put on my bloomers, petticoats, skirt, and blouse we climbed into the wagon. The corset, cold and empty, huddled dejectedly under the buckboard seat as Sheba trotted home.
Chapter 10
D ays later, Patrick and I sat at the kitchen table having breakfast. “I am so excited about today,” I said as Patrick finished his breakfast and picked up the Winchester.
“Me too. When Willie from the railroad came by to tell us that the bull had arrived, I couldn’t believe that he was here a week early,” Patrick replied.
“Good timing, though. Frank said he could go to town with me today. His wagon has a strong hitch and Frank’s horse Champ has worked with bulls before, so he won’t be as spooked as Sheba would.”
Patrick eyed our patient horse as she stood dozing in the morning sun. “Sheba needs a good day off anyway. Keep her in the corral and give her a bucket of those oats with a little molasses. She will be very happy.”
“Be quick,” I warned. “Frank needs to take Grace into town today, and I know she was planning to leave this afternoon. The baby still has not turned, and the doctor wants her close to his office, just in case something goes wrong.”
“You worry too much,” Patrick shot back with a boyish smile. “Anyway, I’m in a big hurry to get that bull in with the heifers, so we won’t be gone very long. I’m taking the rifle. You’ve got the shotgun if you need it. I pity the poor creature, man or beast, who crosses your path!” He knew I wouldn’t have any difficulty using the shotgun. “I don’t like leaving you alone, but I feel much better knowing you can handle a firearm.” He kissed me as he stepped onto the porch.
“Now git!” I told him as I shooed him off the porch. “I’ve got work to do. Today is laundry day and I have lots of chores to finish before you get home.” He disappeared on the path to the Tellers’ ranch. “Cold brisket and fresh asparagus will be waiting for you for supper when you’re back.”
I eagerly got started doing my chores. After cleaning the house for several hours, I set up the laundry tub and got a fire started to heat the water. The water had just started boiling, dissolving the white cakes of lye soap into a milky film, when I heard the first shot.
That’s funny, I thought as I looked toward the Tellers’ ranch. Frank is with Patrick, and Grace doesn’t like to shoot. I wiped my forehead as the second shot brought my attention to the grassy hill that separated our ranch from the Tellers’. Nothing seemed amiss, but I was now on alert waiting for the distress signal. The third shot rang through the warm day. Three shots. I knew something wasn’t right. I gathered the skirts of my housedress together, and rushed to the porch.
Oh dear God! Frank and Patrick have been gone long enough that they won’t hear those shots. I hope it’s a mistake, but if Grace is in trouble she will be alone with the kids .
I ran into the house and stood, disoriented for a moment. How will I get to her fast enough? I can’t wear this damned skirt or I will be tangled up in sagebrush before I get halfway there. I wish ...
An idea swept over me. Pulling off my skirt and petticoats, I ran into my bedroom. I jerked the bottom dresser drawer open, searching for my precious dungarees. Swiftly I slid into them and tightened the waist ties. Now I could move!
Three more blasts from the Tellers’ rifle confirmed the urgency of the distress signal. My thoughts were racing on how to get there the quickest way. It was no mistake! I had to get
I held up a blood-speckled palm, saying, “If we don’t want to be a picnic lunch for these hungry mosquitoes, I think we better put on our clothes and go home.”
“Good idea,” he said. “I would hate to end such a perfect day itching with mosquito bites, especially in the more delicate areas.” His eyes twinkled as he patted my naked bottom. After I had put on my bloomers, petticoats, skirt, and blouse we climbed into the wagon. The corset, cold and empty, huddled dejectedly under the buckboard seat as Sheba trotted home.
Chapter 10
D ays later, Patrick and I sat at the kitchen table having breakfast. “I am so excited about today,” I said as Patrick finished his breakfast and picked up the Winchester.
“Me too. When Willie from the railroad came by to tell us that the bull had arrived, I couldn’t believe that he was here a week early,” Patrick replied.
“Good timing, though. Frank said he could go to town with me today. His wagon has a strong hitch and Frank’s horse Champ has worked with bulls before, so he won’t be as spooked as Sheba would.”
Patrick eyed our patient horse as she stood dozing in the morning sun. “Sheba needs a good day off anyway. Keep her in the corral and give her a bucket of those oats with a little molasses. She will be very happy.”
“Be quick,” I warned. “Frank needs to take Grace into town today, and I know she was planning to leave this afternoon. The baby still has not turned, and the doctor wants her close to his office, just in case something goes wrong.”
“You worry too much,” Patrick shot back with a boyish smile. “Anyway, I’m in a big hurry to get that bull in with the heifers, so we won’t be gone very long. I’m taking the rifle. You’ve got the shotgun if you need it. I pity the poor creature, man or beast, who crosses your path!” He knew I wouldn’t have any difficulty using the shotgun. “I don’t like leaving you alone, but I feel much better knowing you can handle a firearm.” He kissed me as he stepped onto the porch.
“Now git!” I told him as I shooed him off the porch. “I’ve got work to do. Today is laundry day and I have lots of chores to finish before you get home.” He disappeared on the path to the Tellers’ ranch. “Cold brisket and fresh asparagus will be waiting for you for supper when you’re back.”
I eagerly got started doing my chores. After cleaning the house for several hours, I set up the laundry tub and got a fire started to heat the water. The water had just started boiling, dissolving the white cakes of lye soap into a milky film, when I heard the first shot.
That’s funny, I thought as I looked toward the Tellers’ ranch. Frank is with Patrick, and Grace doesn’t like to shoot. I wiped my forehead as the second shot brought my attention to the grassy hill that separated our ranch from the Tellers’. Nothing seemed amiss, but I was now on alert waiting for the distress signal. The third shot rang through the warm day. Three shots. I knew something wasn’t right. I gathered the skirts of my housedress together, and rushed to the porch.
Oh dear God! Frank and Patrick have been gone long enough that they won’t hear those shots. I hope it’s a mistake, but if Grace is in trouble she will be alone with the kids .
I ran into the house and stood, disoriented for a moment. How will I get to her fast enough? I can’t wear this damned skirt or I will be tangled up in sagebrush before I get halfway there. I wish ...
An idea swept over me. Pulling off my skirt and petticoats, I ran into my bedroom. I jerked the bottom dresser drawer open, searching for my precious dungarees. Swiftly I slid into them and tightened the waist ties. Now I could move!
Three more blasts from the Tellers’ rifle confirmed the urgency of the distress signal. My thoughts were racing on how to get there the quickest way. It was no mistake! I had to get
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