The Scarlet Wedding by Lorana Hoopes

Author:Lorana Hoopes [Hoopes, Lorana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lorana Hoopes

William heard the wagon approach before he actually saw it. He looked up at Jesse who returned the same questioning gaze. Who in the world could be approaching in such a hurry?

The two men walked to the front door, and William glanced at the rifle in the corner. Should he grab it? Before he could decide, the voice of Carrie, Emma’s younger sister, carried into the house.

“William?” Her voice was shrill and filled with worry. “William, are you here?”

His heart plummeted. If Carrie was calling, did that mean something had happened to Emma? Forgetting the gun, he threw open the front door to see Samuel helping Benjamin and Carrie down from the wagon. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Carrie flew into his arms, burying her head against his chest.

“Oh, William, she’s sick.”

“Emma? But I just saw her yesterday.” William blinked in disbelief. What could have happened to Emma so quickly?

“No, not Emma.” Carrie stepped back and wiped tears from her cheek. “Jennie. Pa says it’s Scarlet Fever.”

Scarlet Fever? William had been in enough towns to have seen an outbreak of Scarlet Fever. It was one of the deadliest diseases, mainly because there appeared to be no cure. Doctors would often let blood out of the patients to try to get rid of the infection that way, but for the most part, it meant quarantine and hoping that the child was strong enough to fight it off.

“I should go check on Kate.” Fear danced in Jesse’s eyes as he stepped into the conversation.

“That’s a good idea. In fact, why don’t you stay with her until we know none of the others have it?” William suggested. Though he appreciated Jesse’s help, he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the health of his baby.

“Are you sure?” Jesse asked, but William could hear a tiny thread of relief in his voice.

“Yes, of course. Samuel and Benjamin can help me with the final touches around here.”

Jesse nodded and hurried over to the tree where his horse stood tied up. In mere seconds, he had the horse untied and was up in the saddle. He flashed a wave and then rode off toward the outskirts of town where he and Kate lived.

“Carrie, it will be okay.” William turned his attention back to the girl. “Where is Emma?”

“She had to do some errands for Pa.” Samuel approached carrying two burlap bags. Benjamin trailed slightly behind him, carrying a sack of his own. “Pa made us gather some clothes before he sent us to get Emma.” He held up the bags. “Where do you want us to put them?”

“Let’s take them inside,” William said. Though he didn’t have all the furniture yet, he had the space for everyone. With his money, he had opted to build a three-bedroom house.

Samuel nodded and led the way into the house followed by Benjamin. Carrie and William rounded out the end. Before closing the door, William took one last look around for Emma but the air was still. He hoped she was okay.

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