Oregon Discovery (Trails of the Heart Book 4) by Rachel Wesson

Author:Rachel Wesson [Wesson, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-07-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

“What of the other women and the children?” Tilly whispered.

“No other women. A couple of small children survived,” the sheriff said looking troubled. “But they haven't said a word to us.”

“The poor things they must be terrified. No offense to you or your town, Sheriff but they don’t know you,” Tilly hastily apologized. She didn’t want to offend anyone. “They will speak to Fiona. She has a real gift with children.”

“Could you come and see them now Miss Murphy? I hate to ask you but we have been very concerned. We also believe the children may know something but they seem terrified of Richard and his friends.”

“Can’t imagine why?” Becky said, sarcasm dripping from every word. Tilly looked up and caught her speculative glance. Had Becky come to the same conclusion she had? Should she say something?

“Yes, Sheriff I will come with you. Tilly, do you want to come too?” Fiona asked.

“Yes although I would like to find the preacher. Has he said a service for my father and the other victims?”

“They have been buried. I can assure you the service was respectable. Our new preacher is a fine man. A bit young but…” the sheriff was cut off by Mrs. Newland.

“The Reverend and his wife are a lovely young couple,” Mrs. Newland spoke firmly. “They have been doing an admirable job looking after the poor little mites who were left all alone. I am sure it would help you to speak with him, Miss Masterson.”

“Call me Tilly, please. Thank you so much for everything Mrs. Newland.”

“Sheriff, these ladies are staying with me for the next few days. I have the room and they need privacy.” Mrs. Newland smiled over at Tilly and Fiona but her kind eyes were full of concern. “There are people in this town who have nothing to do but gossip. Such unkind speculation will do nobody any good at all.”

“Quite right,” the sheriff responded but it was obvious he was uncomfortable with the notion of female gossip. Tilly guessed he couldn’t wait to be back outside in the company of men.

“Mrs. Newland is a very kind woman. She helped save our lives on the trip to Oregon. She will look after you very well,” Eva said putting her hand on the older woman’s arm.

There was clearly a warm friendship between these women. Tilly wondered if the rest of the townsfolk would be so accepting of her and Fiona. Somehow she doubted it.

“Ah Eva, don’t be flattering me. I just did what I had to. Now, Tilly and Fiona, you don’t mind if I call you by your first names, do you? It's less formal here in the West.”

The two women didn’t get a chance to say anything as Mrs. Newland continued talking. “I will have your beds ready by the time you get back. Don’t stay too long, you both look like you could do with a good night’s sleep.”

Tilly thanked the lady. She wasn’t sure how she was ever going to sleep again. How was she going to survive? One thing was sure, she wasn’t going to marry Richard.

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