Distant Thunder by Lisa Bingham

Author:Lisa Bingham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION/Romance/Historical
Publisher: Diversion Books
Published: 2013-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Susan tapped on Daniel’s open door and paused. A day had passed since their embrace outside the convent walls. Immediately she noted the changes. Where before Daniel had settled into the room as if he belonged there, now it had the appearance of being inhabited by a guest. His clothes had been tightly folded and tucked away in his saddlebags. His coat, holster, and saddle gear were stacked neatly by the door. Even the bed was made to perfection, looking strangely out of place with its military corners and taut covers. The cool precision of his room was echoed in his mood. Somehow, in the space of a few hours, Daniel had begun to draw away from her emotionally. He’d become the distant detached Pinkerton agent.

Daniel had pulled the rocker up to the window to catch the last pink rays of sunlight streaming through the lace curtain. On the floor around him lay the disassembled components of his Peacemaker revolver. He had apparently just finished cleaning his rifle as well. Susan watched as he wiped an oiled cloth along the Winchester’s barrel and leaned it against the wall, then reached for the parts of the smaller weapon strewn at his feet.

“Preparing for war?” she teased.

“Maybe.” His reply held no answering humor.

Susan stepped inside and, after a moment’s deliberation, closed the door behind her. For the first time in over ten years, she did not wear the black uniform of a novice. Since she still felt conspicuous, with her bare head and “civilian” clothes, she had borrowed one of Esther’s gray day dresses, but for all of the attention it had garnered from Daniel, she might as well have worn sackcloth.

“You didn’t come to supper,” she said.

“I wasn’t hungry.”

“Esther was worried.”

He shrugged.

“She’s gone back into town. Mr. Gibby has taken a turn for the worse, and Dr. Patterson needs her help. Donovan took her in the sleigh.”

Daniel nodded to show he’d heard, but he still didn’t speak.

“I brought you a tray.” She set it on the dresser. “Chicken and dumplings. Your favorite.”

“Thanks.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No. Why?”

“You seem a little distant.” He’d been so quiet and withdrawn all day, she wondered if she was the cause. Ever since they had returned to the orphanage and explained to the Reeds that Susan had decided to leave the order, Daniel had been especially reserved.

“Are you worried about what people will say now that I’ve left Saint Francis?” She waited, then added, “I don’t want you to think that because I’ve left the convent you need to take care of me. I’ll be fine. I’ve asked Esther and Donovan if I can stay here until I find another teaching position. They didn’t appear to mind.”

“I’m sure they were delighted. They’ve missed you.”

“Perhaps, but I can’t help thinking I’m just another mouth to feed.” That feeling grated her pride, but there was little else she could do for the time being.

Daniel began snapping the pieces of his revolver together. While he was bent over his task, she took a roll of muslin strips and a jar of ointment from the tray.

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