Secrets of the Prairie (2 page)

Chapter Two

Luck was not on my side on the return home. I was taking a shortcut across the plains when the sky broke and torrents barreled down on me like bullets. Still, I was adamant I would make it back home without a drop of rain on me. For the sake of cheese, I could not afford to be wet.

“Hurry on, Spark.” I charged my stallion against the raging storm.

The horse could sense the urgency and crushed its hooves over the puddles. We could make it, I was certain. We were only halfway back to my mansion when suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed right in front of my stallion. Spark panicked.

In slow motion, I saw myself fall off the horse and then in a dramatic tumble, I rolled twice over my head before landing flat on my back. Had the ground not been muddy wet, I would have broken my neck. I grimaced. Now my dress was thoroughly ruined and oh, my poor hair, and the damn cheese.

For a moment, I lay still on the ground and let the rain pummel down on me. The dark ominous clouds moved in such a pattern that mesmerized me. Thunder boomed and in the background, I could hear my horse struggling. It was only when lightning flashed across my face that I jumped to my feet.

Spark was prancing on three legs, with one fore leg raised from the ground. I hurried to the restless horse as best as I could with the rain being collected by the wool in my dress. Finally, I got hold of its reins and tried to calm it.

“It’s okay, Spark. It’s okay. Let me see.” I bent down and examined Spark’s foreleg. There was a splinter in the horse’s shoe. “You poor thing.”

I was in the middle of nowhere, with no shelter, no help in sight, and a pained beast that would not allow me to help it. Any attempt to remove the splinter and the stallion kicked wildly. I held its leg still, though my fingers shook. The cold from the rain had started to freeze my bones especially now that my dress was absorbing most of it. I was drenched.

Lightning flashed and the sky roared. I screamed and the horse pranced some more. It was a chore to do so but finally, I took Spark by the reins again.

“Ok. Let’s go. We can make it.”

The attempt to make it home was an impossibility. My dress was so heavy, it rendered me immobile. And my Stallion was too hurt and stubborn to allow me to lead it. After a full fifteen minutes of pulling and pushing, falling and rising, and cowering after lightning and thunder, my horse and I had only managed to move one meter ahead. Even so, the storm showed no sign of subsiding.

Giving up, I sat on the muddy ground and started to cry. Spark dropped next to me and puts its head over my shoulder as though consoling. I patted it.

“Is this how we die? Lady Lauren, drowned in a storm,” I moaned. Spark understood me perfectly. It neighed. I shifted my position and rested my head on its back. In my melodramatic mind, I was ready to die.

“Oh dear God, do not reject me at heaven’s door,” I cried out loud in histrionic self-pity.

Then suddenly, as though God had answered me, there was no more rain falling on me. It continued to pour in torrents all around but not a drop touched me.

“Angels are never turned away at heaven’s gate,” I heard God say. His masculine voice was deep, soothing, and filled me with new strength. I shut my eyes, ready to feel my spirit being ripped away from my body. It took a minute too long.

When I opened my eyes to confirm my departure to the afterlife, I was rather disappointed to note that God had not appeared before me. Instead there was a man, a man in uniform, sheltered under a huge black umbrella. A soldier. He was tall, masculine, and had an authoritative demeanor. He bore a bold square face, strong jaw, small green eyes, and thin pink lips over a fresh beard and a neat haircut. He may not have been God but I could have sworn he was an angel. We stared at each other for a long moment.

“Are you alright ma’am?” he asked, extending his hand.

“Am I alright, do I seem alright?” I asked sternly.

He may have been the finest specimen to ever walk the Earth but I was not one to be swayed by beauty. Besides, I was a little peeved that my dramatic death had been put off. I shunned his extended hand.

The soldier ignored me and focused on Spark, squatting next to the beast and giving an unrequested inspection. Goodness, I felt insulted. My stallion was a fine creature but I was the one in distress. I was the damsel in distress. He, a fine soldier that he seemed to be, should have been looking at me first.

I was about to speak up when he suddenly got hold of Sparks foreleg and removed the splinter from its shoe. The stallion jumped up, pleased. Despite myself, I smiled. Perhaps the cheese could be saved after all.

Chapter Three

Spark was on all four feet again, though still limping slightly. Since the soldier would not offer me his hand again, I took hold of his leg to pull myself up and then supported myself on the stallion. He shuffled around me so I would be covered under his umbrella.

“What is the point? I am already soaking wet,” I said.

“You have to get rid of your dress, it is too bulky.”

“And allow you sight of my underwear? No, thank you.”

He watched me, highly amused at my futile attempts to mount the stallion with the dress weighing me down. I could hardly stand, let alone pull myself up without his help. He didn’t offer any. I didn’t care. I could do it myself, I was certain.

“You need some soup to warm your bones,” he said.

“I need to get home.”

“This stallion cannot ride far on this shoe. Come, you can trust me.”

“Ha. A person who asks you to trust them on a first encounter is certainly the last person to tru—” Lightning flashed across the sky. I shut my ears and screamed as thunder boomed. He stared at me with a slight scowl etched on his face.

Quickly, I composed myself. I did not like anyone to see me at my lowest point but this handsome stranger did nothing to let me know what he thought of me. Perhaps he did not know me. He clearly did not. That was a good thing, I supposed. I expected that he would at least laugh at my panic when lightning struck but he only kept a straight face, looking at me as though he’d never seen a woman before.

We locked gazes. He was studying my features ever so closely, it made me feel uncomfortable. Of course, I like to garner a man’s attention but not when I appeared as miserable as melting ice.

“You’re strange,” was all he said.

He took hold of the horse by its reins and started to lead it away. For a moment, I imagined he was stealing Spark away from me. I made attempt to run after him and fell on my face instead. The soldier turned quickly. When he saw me struggling like a live fish out of water, he did not hesitate to come to my aid. He helped me up.

“Hop onto my back!” He screamed into the wind.

“What?” Though I could hardly see, I heard him clearly.

“I said hop onto--”

“What am I, a child?”

“You certainly are acting like one. Hop on.” He bent over. I stood my ground so he straightened. At that moment, my stallion came to me and I tried to mount it again. The soldier stopped me. “No. No. The stallion cannot carry your weight right now.”

“Are you insinuating that I am fat?”

I did not wait for his answer and continued in my struggle to climb Spark. He grabbed me ferociously and for the first time I saw impatience flashed across the soldiers face.

“You stubborn woman, I wonder how your husband puts up with you!”

Without another word, he swept me off my feet and propped me over his shoulder like a sack of beans. I was appalled.

“I refuse! I refuse! Put me down. Now!”

He put me down. I struggled on my feet and fell. He didn’t help me up this time. This infuriated me. How dare he not be a gentleman and help me. Of course I had to maintain my dignity by putting up some resistance. Was he going to give up on me? I badly needed help, unlike the cheese I’d bought which I reckoned was beyond saving.

“You know what. I do believe you want to die in this storm. I’ve been the kindest man and offered my help to you but look what it has gotten me. A soiled uniform and a pointless umbrella!” He was livid.

In anger, he tossed the umbrella. I reached out my hands to catch it but it had already been salvaged in the storm. Lightning flashed and thunder roared. I could tell that I had really sapped him of all his strength and this made me guilty.

“Fine, you can carry me but only if you do it decently!” I said.

He scoffed, slightly amused. “It would help if you described all the indecent ways one can carry you.”

“You will not carry me like a sack of beans!”

He laughed. I found nothing funny. He bent over and I hopped onto his back like a child. I was embarrassed by it, but reckoned that no one would be out in this storm to see me. He began to walk steadily even though he carried the heavy weight of me in my drenched dress and simultaneously led the horse.

“My home is that way.” I pointed the opposite direction.

“I know somewhere nearer. A safe shelter.”

“I have a dinner to prepare!”

“Certainly your husband will understand that the storm kept you away from the cooking pot.”

My heart squeezed and I swallowed hard. He turned his head to hear my response. Thankfully, the heavy rain did not allow him to see that his innocent inquiries had made me cry.

“You are not from around here, are you?” I said quietly.

He focused on his next steps so I allowed myself to relax. I rested my head against his nape and closed my eyes. I thought about Duke. What did that French lover of his have that I did not? Duke. Did he ever love me? The cold rain trickled through my hair and soothed my scalp. My mind wandered, my eyes grew heavy, and I slept.

Chapter Four

When I startled awake, I was on a shabby mattress in a dingy room and some old woman was stripping me of my dress. The soldier was there too, staring down at me. I let out a small yelp.

“I wasn’t looking. I wasn’t looking,” he said defensively. “Okay, I was looking, but only to make sure you were alright.”

I quickly scanned the room. It had no windows or any form of ventilation to rid it of its humidity. The sound of drunken chatter filled the air and this frightened me. My trepidation was etched on my face.

“It’s alright. We’re just in the back of a pub,” he said.

“Is this your idea of safe shelter?”

“Your horse is resting, you will be given dry clothes and soon have something warm in your belly. You will be safe.”

I did not like his idea of safety and yet I had no choice. The old woman extended to me a white linen dress and some inner wear. I considered them for a moment before sniffing the clothes. The soldier shook his head in disapproval.

“Did someone wear these before?” I asked.

“They are dry,” the woman said.

“Please, get me some fresh clothes.”

“This is a tavern, not the tailors.”

The soldier cackled. I glared at him and he looked away. He shuffled uneasily then made up his mind.

“I’ll be at the bar,” he said. “Thank you so much for your kindness, Mona.”

“Anything for you, Jack,” the old woman, Mona, said. Jack the soldier nodded at me then left the room.

“Such a kind man,” she said.

“You know him?” I asked.

“Only just met him.” Mona helped me take off my soaked garments.

“Isn’t there a ladies room around here, somewhere I could change in
private
?”

“Your demands are unbearable…wait. I know you. You are that Lady…the one who throws the famous parties? The one whose husband--”

“I know who I am and I do not need reminder of it,” I said testily.

Mona grinned. With my soaking wet dress free, I changed into the dry ugly white dress. Though it was itchy, it was also surprisingly warm. The woman’s quick hands helped me fit into them.

“You are lucky he found you when he did. If he hadn’t saved you in time, you’d have been sick with hypothermia by now or dead in that dress,” she said.

I scoffed. “He exaggerated completely. I was hardly helpless but yes, I suppose he did help me. Ever so slightly, but he did.”

“And how will you repay him for his kindness?”

I swallowed hard. My grace and manners must have been washed away by the rain. Thankfully, Mona had reminded me my manners just in time. I nodded.

“I suppose I should also repay you for your generosity with this used dress. I must.” Mona eyed my fine dress which lay in a heap on the floor. It may have been soiled but it was still of exquisite quality. “Alright. A dress for a dress.”

“You’d give up that dress?”

“It’s all yours now.”

Mona’s eyes glowed. I could tell she was gratified. The quality was worth a fortune. I hated to part with my dress and I worried its fate in the hands of this old woman but it was the only price I was willing to pay. Mona had other things in mind, though.

“Invite me to one of your famous parties my Lady, will you?”

I gave her a tight smile. Ah, perfect. My grace was finally returning to me. I made for the door and then halted.

“Do you have anything I can cover my face with?” I asked.

“No one will recognize you here. They are all drunk. Besides, you have neither husband nor lover to report to.”

“How can my stories still be told in places such as these?”

“You are a famous woman.”

I smiled at Mona then left the room. Immediately, a stench of sweat, rain, and alcohol hit me. For a moment, I thought I would be winded but I braved the smell. The storm had drawn a lot of people into the tavern and every square inch of it was filled with men. Some drunk, others not. They all stared at me intently as I searched each face. Without warning, someone pulled me back. I turned abruptly.

“It’s me,” Jack said.

“I can see that.”

He led me to an unpolished table at the corner. Jack had saved a space for me even though there were other men around it. They smiled at me. I made sure to ignore their gaze. The soldier sat down next to me.

“A pint?” He offered me his. I shook my head no.

“I must thank you, Jack. That’s your name, right?” I noticed his clothes were damp.

“Jack Rowers. Former colonel in the British army.”

“Former…” I started to say then held my peace. I was not really interested in his tale. “I ask that you forgive my terrible manners out there. It’s just that I was so sure that I was going to die that I was a bit disappointed when you showed up.”

“Why would a fair lady as you want such a terrible thing?”

“Please, tell me how to repay your kindness. A horse, silver, or--”

“I need somewhere to rest. Somewhere to spend the night for maybe a week,” Jack said.

I studied his features. I could tell he was sincere. His skin was spotless so I knew he was clean. I did not understand how he had no place to rest his head and dared not ask only for the reason I feared. Stories had a way of entangling the listener. I did not want to be entangled in any way, especially not with someone as good looking and kind as he.

“That can be arranged,” I said.

“You are gracious.”

“You could have asked for more.” I stood up and went to peep outside. I returned promptly. “Good, the storm has passed.”

Jack was as eager as me to leave the smelly tavern, however he hesitated when we got outside.

“It is still raining,” he said.

“Yes, so?”

“We don’t have an umbrella.”

“We won’t need it. We’re going by carriage.”

A magnificent four horse carriage was already rounding up to the pub. The horses were well bred and the carriage was made of gold and silver, befitting a prince.

“You hired a carriage?”

“No. I own every single one in this city. At least, my husband did.”

“He no longer owns them?”

“He still does.”

“Oh.” He did not understand. I did not divulge.

The ride home was a quiet one. Though I was eager to return and continue the dinner preparations, I was also quite tired. The day had gone quickly and the sun was already setting. It meant much had to be done. I did the calculations in my head and hoped Tom had taken over affairs. Lost in my thoughts, the soldier watched me closely. When I realized this, I stared out the window if only to avoid his searching gaze. He was curious, I knew.

“At least tell me your name,” he said.

“Lauren.” I did not look at him.

“Nice meeting you Lauren.” I nodded subtly. He added light heartedly, “Now you can return to prepare dinner for your husband.” I blanched. He noticed. “Do I insult you?” I said nothing. He made amends. “I am sorry, it’s just that you have the flair of a rich woman. A married one.”

“My husband left me.”

“You’re divorced?” He was shocked.

“No.”

“Did he die, then?”

“No.”

Silence descended on us like a heavy blanket. Jack had been nothing but kind to me and it was not fair I was allowing him to swim in his ignorance. A thing that was hurting me as well every time he made mention of my husband.

“He ran away from me…my husband. He ran away from me to be with his lover in France. It’s been five years.”

“I am sorry.”

I looked at him sideways. I could see that he was truly sorry and red from embarrassment.

“It’s not your doing,” I said.

“Then I apologize for the cruelty that man bestowed upon you.”

I smiled faintly and blinked back the tears. How could it still hurt, five years later? Jack was gracious enough not to press on the subject. The silence was much more bearable the rest of the way.

When the carriage finally pulled up outside my mansion, Tom was there to receive me with an umbrella. The rain had subsided and a shower had taken its place. I stepped into Tom’s cover.

“Why did you not look for me? Now look at the hideous clothes I am wearing.” I ripped off the arm of the cheap dress I wore.

“I was certain you had taken shelter elsewhere,” Tom said.

“In a dingy bar!”

“I sent the carriage out to find you. I was worried.”

Jack descended from the carriage. “Hello,” he said to Tom.

“Who is this man?” she asked.

“Oh him, he is leaving soon. Poor man, stranded in the rain. What would have happened to him if I hadn’t shown up?”

Jack laughed and I noticed he had such deep dimples. I held my breath. His beauty was truly impeccable.

“That’s not how I remember it,” he was saying.

Tom laughed with him. “Don’t mind Madam. She is grateful.”

I made my way into the mansion. “Spark is hurt. Poor beast, he will have to spend a night in a stable next to drunkards. I’ll fetch him on Sunday after the party.”

“Have Dennis fetch him tomorrow.”

“Hopeless Dennis. I told him to change the horses’ shoes. Perhaps he should stick with gardening…”

“But what about the horses?”

“I’ll take care of them,” I said and entered the house.

“Who is Dennis?” Jack asked.

“He’s our gardener and he’s a mess with horses.”

Jack studied Tom. “You fancy him, this Dennis?”

Instantly, I peeked out of the house. “I forbid you Tom, I forbid you to fancy that dirty lad.”

They giggled. I sighed and returned into the house. There was so much to do. Suddenly, I yelled at nothing. Tom and Jack came rushing in.

“What is it Madam Lauren?” Tom asked.

I pulled my unkempt hair as though the worst tragedy had befallen me. “The cheese. I left all the cheese in the knapsack on the horse!”

Jack appeared incredulous. Tom whispered to him, “Madam has a strange obsession with the nitty-gritty.”

He made a face I couldn’t decipher then said, “I could fetch it for you.”

“It’s late,” Tom said. I knew it was late yet I really cared for the cheese. Jack understood.

“It’s the least I can do,” he said.

“You’ve done a lot. I am grateful,” I said honestly.

Jack bowed then left the house. As soon as he was gone, Tom jumped up and down like a happy toddler. I glanced at her.

“He is
so
handsome!” she exclaimed.

I grimaced. “When he returns, give him the furthest room from me.”

“But the music?”

“It’s only one night. He won’t suspect anything.”

“Very well.” Then Tom continued giggling. “Admit it. He is so very handsome.”

“Yes, and charming too. Happy now? On with the dinner preparations.”

When Tom was out of sight, I grinned widely. Somehow, Jack had made me smile. He was the first man in five years to genuinely make me smile. I felt guilty for allowing the warm emotions to wash over me but decided that there was no harm in feeling emotions I would never act on. Yes, Jack was very handsome.