Author: Sophie Dawson
Category: Western
Go to read content：https://onlinereadfreenovel.com/sophie-dawson/page,9,519326-his_protective_wings.html
Just as they all sat down to lunch, the back door opened and Blanche ran in carrying Mae. Everyone jumped up, squealing and mobbed them.
“Where?” was all Ruth could ask as Blanche set Mae on her feet.
“She hid in the wagon and went to Hawk’s Wing Ranch. They didn’t find her until they all got home. By then it was storming too much to bring her home.”
The back door opened and Hawk Connor stepped into the wash room. His long black hair hung around his shoulders blanketing his black duster.
“Mr. Connor, please come in. Thank you so much for keeping Mae safe and bringing her back to us.” Ruth placed her hand on the man’s arm. “Please, join us for lunch. Blanche, can you stay or do you need to go back to the café?”
“I can stay. Chloe and Almeda were going to make me leave anyway. As they said, I’ve been worthless all morning worrying about this one.” Blanche set Mae down, telling her to go wash up. The owner of Hawk’s Wing Ranch followed her back to the wash room while the other Ladies set three more places at the tables.
Blanche and Ruth fell into each other’s arms, weeping with relief. Mae was home, safe. After lunch they’d send Boone out to let the other Ladies and children know.
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE OCCUPANTS OF the House settled back to normal. Mae and Tadpole both had more chores to do than normal. The worry over their actions needed some consequences. Each made sure to let an adult know before going somewhere.
School ended so all the children were home during the day. Often those who had moved out when their mothers married came to play. Ozzie Basking, Blanche’s oldest, began working more at the livery stable. It wasn’t much work but it brought the boy some money and kept him occupied rather than simply running around town.
Kathryn enjoyed working in the garden and often got up early to weed, hoe, or gather the spring vegetables. Lettuce and radishes graced the tables of the House. Some were sold to the café. There were too many radishes for them to eat.
Ruth sat brushing her hair before she retired when Kathryn came into her room. Climbing up on the bed she studied her mother.
“What, Kathryn?”
“Are you going to marry Mr. Massot?”
Ruth’s hand stopped its downward stroke of the brush. “I… I don’t know.”
“Why not? He wants you to, and I do too.”
“It’s not that simple. You know why I’m shy around men.”
“Mama, that happened a long time ago. Are you going to let it rule your life forever?”
Ruth set the brush down and sat silently looking at the earnest face of her daughter. Hope was written there, as well as disappointment. That tore at Ruth’s heart. She didn’t want to disappoint her daughter, but her fear was real. The past came back in her dreams even after all those years.
“I found a verse in Philippians.” Ruth saw that Kathryn had her Bible in her lap. She opened it and read, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and pressing toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. It says to forget what is in the past and press toward the future. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, Kathryn, it does.”
“I know we can’t really forget everything. I understand that. But should it keep us from winning the prize God has for us? Mama, what if that prize is Mr. Massot?”
Ruth let her daughter’s words of faith wash over her. Was she holding on to the past and keeping herself from blessings God had waiting for her? She didn’t know, but she knew what she did have to do. She needed to turn her fears over to God for fear was not of Him.
Stroking Kathryn’s hair, Ruth gave a small smile. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. Also a lot to pray about.” She leaned forward and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Kathryn went to the room she shared with Mae and Ruth took her Bible, opening it to the place the ribbon bookmarked. As she read Psalm 91 two verses spoke to her heart. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
Had she been dwelling in the Lord’s secret place, resting in His shadow? Was she allowing Him to cover her with His wings? Was she taking refuge in Him? Or was she allowing fear from her past to keep her from His protectiveness? From the blessing of a man who wanted to shelter and protect her. From someone who might grow to love her and her daughter. From her being a blessing to his life.
Turning down the lantern, Ruth lay in the dark releasing her fears and memories to the One who could give her refuge from them.
~~~~~
Massot dumped the bucket of manure he’d shoveled from Chester’s stall on the pile he was making away from the house. Most of the time it was downwind. Once it went through the winter he’d turn it into the soil he planned to use for his garden. He hoped by next spring Ruth and Kathryn would help put the garden in. As he’d promised, Massot hadn’t pressured her.
They were courting but it seemed extremely slow to him. He’d stop by most days after he finished work. They might only chat for a few minutes since she often was busy with getting supper. He hadn’t figured out the schedule of which days she didn’t have supper duties.
Kathryn was always happy to see him, as was Tadpole, though he’d been a little shy since he’d gone searching for Mae without letting anyone know. Massot was trying to get the boy at ease with him again. He liked Tadpole. The boy was certainly precocious.
Massot returned the bucket to the hook on the wall of the small horse shed, and patted Chester on the nose when he came over to the fence of the small corral attached to the shed. Maybe he’d come home early and take the horse for a ride. With the good weather, Massot was working long hours and didn’t take time to exercise the horse very much. Rising with the sun, he took full advantage of the longer days.
He was nearly ready to head to town. There were just the finishing touches to put on the Steele house. The family should be able to move in by the following week. Four would move into the apartment above the dress shop. Then he’d begin McIlroy’s house.
As he walked across to the house, Massot heard scuffling, then a scream. It was either a woman or child’s voice. Lifting his head, he scanned the woods trying to locate the direction the sounds were coming from.
More scuffling, a male grunt, then the sound of a slap. Now able to identify where the noises were originating, Massot ran in that direction. Not knowing what or who he’d find, he slipped the trigger thong off his gun.
Running up a rise that dropped off on the other side, Massot growled when he saw who was in the hollow. Ira Bragg had a hold of Kathryn who was kicking and swinging with her free arm. The bodice of her dress was torn, making Massot even angrier. That Ira had a bloody nose pleased him, but not enough to restrict his leap from the top of the rise onto the man, knocking him from Kathryn. The men landed sprawled in the debris on the forest floor.
Massot jumped up and grabbed Ira by the shirt front. Hauling him up, Massot swung his fist into Ira’s jaw sending him flying back. The man hit the trunk of a tree and sank in a heap.
Kathryn was crying but grabbed onto Massot when he reached for her.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Massot brushed leaves and twigs from her dress as she cried against his chest. He waited until her sobs subsided then pulled back so he could look at her.
“He… he… I… wa… was weeding the garden, and then he grabbed me, running into the woods. I tried to get away but he was too strong. He said he was going to…” She broke into sobs again.
Massot wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay. I’m here. You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll take you home.”
The sound of Ira getting up made Massot turn. He started to go after the fleeing man but Kathryn held onto him.
“Don�
�t leave me.”
Massot watched as Ira ran through the woods disappearing in the trees. He didn’t like letting him get away, but Kathryn’s needs came first. Her breaths were coming in shallow hiccups.
“Come on, honey. Let’s get you home. Do you want to walk or ride with me on Chester?” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and began guiding her up the rise.
“W…walk. I need to catch my breath before I see Mama. This will scare her so badly.”
“It will, but I got to you in time. He wasn’t able to do more than tear your dress, was he?” If she’d suffered more than that, he’d be on Chester so fast, combing the hills until he found the little… Massot bit off the word. He knew if he found him no one else ever would.
They walked slowly back to town. He stopped her just before they could be seen from the House. He’d given her his handkerchief earlier. Now, he inspected her face. It was obvious she’d been crying and there was a haunted look in her eyes.
Massot wrapped his arms around her again, pressing her head against his chest. “I’m proud of you. You fought him as well as you could. He was bleeding when I got there.”
Kathryn gave a little grin. “I smashed his nose with my fist. Twice. I wasn’t going to let him do anything to me without fighting back. I’ve lived with all those boys my whole life. I know a thing or two about fighting.”
Massot held the chuckle in. “You ready to see your mother? She’s going to be upset that this happened to you.”
“I know. I’m ready. I need to see her.” Tears filled Kathryn’s eyes again and Massot knew she’d break down as soon as she saw Ruth.
~~~~~
“You head on up to the school room, Tadpole. I want to see you copy those pages again.” Ruth shooed the boy up the stairs, his slate rubbing against his trousers transferring the chalk onto them. She ignored his grumbling. Seems he thought that what he’d done the day before was good enough. Ruth disagreed.
A knock sounded and she turned to answer the door. Massot stood there with Kathryn who burst into tears and grabbed her around the waist, holding on for dear life.
“What?” Ruth looked from her daughter to Massot.
“Let’s go into the parlor. Kathryn’s had a fright.” Massot’s gravelly voice was more pronounced than usual. He closed the door when they went in. Ruth and Kathryn sat on the settee. Massot stood.
“I was outside my house and heard a scream. I followed it and found Ira Bragg dragging Kathryn. She was fighting for all she was worth. He was bleeding. I got him away from her. Once we calmed down, we walked to town. She’s…”
Ruth didn’t let him finish. “Oh Lord, no, Kathryn, are you all right?” She’d cupped Kathryn’s cheeks in her hands. There were small scrapes on her face. When Kathryn wiped her tears she saw more on her hands. There was blood on the cuff of her sleeve.
“He tried, but he didn’t hurt me. He’s the one who’s been watching me. He said so. I kicked and smashed him in the face.” She stopped. “I was scared.”
Ruth hugged her again. “I’m sure you were.” Kathryn snuggled into her arms. She looked at Massot.
“Ruth, he got away. I knocked him down and I thought he was out. I was comforting Kathryn and he got up and ran away. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, Massot. Don’t be. You saved her. He’ll be found. We’ll get the sheriff to get a posse together. He shouldn’t be that hard to find.”
A knock on the door was followed by Tadpole sticking his head in the room. “I got the sentences.” He stopped when he saw Kathryn. “What happened?” He pushed the door open and came in.
Ruth glanced at Massot who merely twitched a smile.
“Kathryn had a scare. Set your slate down. I’ll look at it in a little while. Would you do a favor for me? Please go find the sheriff and ask him to come here.”
Tadpole’s eyes got rounder. “Gotta be serious if you want the sheriff.” He looked from Kathryn to Ruth then Massot. He ran out of the room. The front door slammed and he was running across the yard to the street.
“Do I have to talk to the sheriff?” Kathryn lifted her head. Her eyes were red and puffy. There were dark smudges under them.
Ruth looked at Massot. He gave a small shake of his head. “No, honey. At least not today. He may want to ask you some questions but not today. I’ll take you upstairs and help you change out of this.” They stood and Ruth nodded her head at Massot then at the settee, indicating that he should stay. He nodded. She could feel his eyes on her back as she and Kathryn left the parlor.
~~~~~
Ruth’s hands were shaking as she helped Kathryn into her nightgown and tucked her into bed. Libby wasn’t working at the store today and what had happened shocked her when Ruth explained.
Mae came in and sat on the bed, patting her friend on the back. Mae knew all too well what could have happened to Kathryn if Massot hadn’t found her.
“Will you stay with her, Mae? I need to go downstairs and meet with Sheriff Riverby.”
Mae nodded, bent over and took off her shoes. Then she crawled under the blankets. Kathryn snuggled against Mae, who smiled up at Ruth. She was so pleased to be able to help.
Ruth closed the door as she left, giving both girls kisses. Libby met her in the hall and descended the stairs with her.
“Is she all right? She was so white.”
“I hope so. I hope they can catch that…” Ruth bit her lip. Calling the man a bad name wouldn’t help.
“Me too. I don’t think any of us will feel at ease until he is.” Libby put a hand on Ruth’s arm as they reached the first floor. “Most of the boys are out playing. They were going to the school yard to play some ball. I’ll keep the twins and Nina out of the parlor. I’ll fix lunch also. Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you. We’ll need to tell all the children but not until I speak with the sheriff.”
Libby hugged Ruth. “I wish this hadn’t happened. I know she wasn’t hurt physically but emotionally it had to be terrible.”
“She was glad she was able to bloody his nose. That she could will hopefully give her some satisfaction.”
The front door flew open, nearly hitting the Ladies. Tadpole ran in, stopping suddenly when he noticed them.
“I brung Sheriff Riverby. He’s hopping mad. Said some bad words. I told him he’ll get in trouble if he uses them. Can I go tell the others what happened?”
“No,” both Ruth and Libby said at the same time.
“I need you to help with the little ones. We’ll tell them later. No sense ruining their morning.” Libby placed a hand on his shoulder and guided Tadpole into the dining room.
Sheriff Riverby stood just inside the door, his hat in his hands. “I’m real sorry this happened to your daughter, Miss Naylor. Is she all right?”
“Thank you. I hope so. She’s resting. Mae is with her. Come, Massot is in the parlor. We’ll talk there.”
It didn’t take long for Massot to relate what happened. The grim faces of the men showed Ruth how seriously they took the incident.
“I’m going to put a posse together and search. I’m not real confident we’ll find him. We’ve not been able to locate the King Gang. Ira knows the area too. Knows places to hide. I’ll search his room at the rail station too. He lives there so he can get telegrams in the night. Looks like we’ll be needing a new station master and telegraph operator.”
“I’ll be on that posse, Sheriff.” Massot stood and turned to Ruth who was sitting on the settee next to him. “I’ll come around later and let you know what’s happening. I want to see Kathryn too. Let her know she’s safe.”
Ruth nodded. She was exhausted from her emotions. Worry about the safety of Kathryn, Mae, as well as the other children and Ladies weighed heavily on her.
“I’m going to suggest that none of the children go out alone. Especially Kathryn and Mae. We don’t want a repeat of this morning,” Sheriff Riverby said. “It might be best if Boone, Ozzie or one of the other boys is with the girls until we catch Ira. Jus
t to be on the safe side.”
Massot nodded, spearing Ruth with a somber look. Again, all Ruth could do was nod.
~~~~~
Mae came downstairs a couple of hours after Massot and Sheriff Riverby left. She pulled on Ruth’s arm indicating that Kathryn was awake and wanting to see her.
Climbing the stairs slowly, Ruth prayed her daughter wouldn’t be too traumatized by Ira’s attempted kidnapping. She sent up prayers of thanks that Massot was near enough to hear the struggle and come to the rescue. There was no doubt he cared deeply for Kathryn as she did for him. He’d make a good father.
Was that enough for Ruth to set aside her misgivings and marry him? There was a conflict within her. One moment she was positive she should accept Massot’s suit. The next, anxiety would flood through, tearing the concept apart. She set the matter aside as she entered Kathryn’s bedroom.
Kathryn was dressing, which surprised Ruth. She thought the girl would stay in bed the rest of the day.
“How are you, honey?” Ruth searched her daughter’s face.
“I’m good. The nap helped. Having Mae here did too. I knew you had to talk with the sheriff and I wasn’t alone.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
Kathryn gave a wan smile. “I was scared, but I fought really hard. I was so glad when Massot knocked him away from me. He wanted to chase after Mr. Bragg but I didn’t want him to leave me.” Kathryn finished buttoning her bodice and looked at Ruth. “Have they found him?”
Ruth left out a soft breath. “No, honey, they haven’t. At least not yet.” She went on to explain the posse and the suggestions Sheriff Riverby had made about the children staying together and watching out for the girls.
Kathryn nodded, then grinned. “I bet the boys hate that.”
Ruth chuckled. “They did complain some, but once they understood what happened and how scared you were they decided they could do that.”
“I’m hungry. I missed lunch, didn’t I? Mae too.”