Deadman's Trapper by C M Oslund

Author:C M Oslund [Oslund, C M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798606163557
Published: 2020-02-13T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

Henry was woken by a gentle knocking at the door. It took him a second to remember he was sleeping upstairs in a saloon-bedroom. Grey light was coming through the flowered curtains and he could see it was early morning. He’d been put in a room that overlooked the street, so when he stood, he could glance over and see the Widow Benson’s house. There looked to be a lamp on there already, despite the early hour.

Not wanting to wake any of the girls by carrying on a conversation with whomever was knocking, Henry opened the door – and was surprised to find Emma standing there with a tray loaded with a tea pot, cups, and biscuits. There was also a candle with a glass shade to protect the flame from a breeze.

“Emma!” Henry quickly took the tray from her, noting that it was as heavy as it looked, and set it over on the vanity table that stood in front of a mirror. The candle light reflected in the mirror making a larger, warm glow in the room.

“Come on in and let me get a look at you,” he encouraged, trying to keep his voice down while the door was open.

She walked in, her smile large and happy. With the door closed Henry allowed his voice to rise above a whisper.

“Are you all right then?”

“I am. It was a long, cold day, but I’m fine.”

Henry was so relieved, it showed on his face. Emma saw this and blushed, ducking her head a little to hide her own face. Finally, Henry could contain himself no longer and held his arms wide. She immediately walked into them for a hug.

Holding her a moment Henry said, “I’m so grateful you weren’t harmed.” He felt her arms tighten around him. He gently pulled her back so he could look into her face.

“You would tell me if you were hurt?”

Her look became serious and she said, “I won’t ever lie to you Henry.”

Henry’s smile was gentle. “I appreciate that.”

There was already one chair in the room and Henry stepped out into the hall to borrow another. He placed the chairs near the vanity so they could both sit down for their impromptu morning tea. Emma happily poured them cups, having already put some cream and sugar in Henry’s, which was just how he liked his first cup in the morning. Later in the day he would take just cream in his tea, but he liked his first cup to be a little sweeter.

Emma explained as she handed him a small plate with a biscuit, “I know how you’re used to being up by now getting ready to work and I figured you might be hungry. I thought I’d bring you something to tide you over until Cookie’s up. Unless you want to get right back to the ranch before eating?”

Henry hadn’t really thought that far ahead. He hadn’t been sure if this morning would see him needing to ride Emma down to see Doc in Laramie, or if he would need to ride Prichard into the stockades.

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