Chapter 4

4

C urled up in the loft in a bed of hay, the barn gave her the privacy she needed. She stroked her old cat Tabby, who rubbed up against her. A thick darkness coiled around her soul.

She had grandparents in Richmond. Maybe she could find her way there. But her parents never talked about their life in the city, nor did they have anything to do with her grandparents.

Nothing fit. Every idea she had for escape filtered in, then out. A getaway plan was about as likely as grabbing a handful of mist.

She scooped her cat into her lap. Tabby circled and plopped down. Her purr deepened as Katie smoothed her hand over the soft fur.

The deepest part of her heart spoke the truth. She had no choice because she cared about her family. Mr. Richardson's generous offer was nearly impossible to turn down. Her parents would once again have a home, their independence, and a renewed sense of hope.

She had it within her grasp to give Pa the gift of doing what he loved most—working the rich Shenandoah soil. The thought of him walking proudly out his door able to supply the needs for his family pulled on her heart strings. She could put a smile back on Pa's face, give much-needed room for her sisters to grow, and win Ma's love. What else was there to decide?

Mr. Richardson had offered Pa a house in trade for the small chunk of land her father had owned and farmed. What did he want with Pa's farmland back in Dayton, miles from his ranch in Lacey Spring? She aimed to ask him tonight. If they gave up that land, it would leave her parents nowhere to rebuild if the whole arrangement fell apart.

And why would Mr. Richardson want her? There were other attractive women far more suited to his lifestyle. He was a successful rancher with a large spread who had a solid reputation in the Shenandoah Valley. He could have his choice of any woman. She often overheard talk of the mysterious Josiah, the handsome and wealthy loner who needed love. The other wistful ladies would do anything to get his attention. She was too inexperienced and unsophisticated for the likes of him, and her humble roots were far beneath his station. It made no sense other than that he was out for what every man wanted.

Her stomach flip-flopped. The mere thought of his presence set her nerves on edge. She bit down hard on her lip. The memories of his timely appearance in the woods and then again in the saloon burned vividly in her mind. Instantly, heat rose from her neck to her hairline. She had to hand it to him, though. He'd kept his promise and hadn't spilled the beans to Pa. For that she was grateful.

Her stomach twisted like a washrag. With deep breaths, she worked to calm the knots. She was about to marry a stranger—someone she knew little about. The first time she'd laid eyes on him and his wife had been in Lacey Spring. They'd made a handsome couple. And now she was supposed to be that lady of elegance at his side? Fat chance. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, and he would be sorry. It would serve him right, after pressuring the situation. She was no Georgina.

But as she left the barn, Katie squared her shoulders and lifted her head. She could do this. She had to.

Josiah took the steps two at a time and rapped on the screen door of the small cabin. It had been one of the longest weeks of his life, since Jeb had told him Katherine wanted a week to think. The invitation could only mean one thing—she had decided. Worry had him on edge, especially after her cold reception in town.

Jeb answered the door and slipped out onto the porch. "Have a seat." He pointed to the nearby chair.

Josiah slid onto a wooden seat too small for his large frame, which creaked under his weight.

"You need to understand one thing," Jeb said. "I will not force her. Katie has a mind of her own. She hasn't told anyone what she's decided, just said she wants to talk to you."

A bead of sweat formed on Josiah's brow, and he swiped it away. Jeb's words could mean only one thing—she was letting him down gently.

"I'll go get her." Jeb opened the door and called for Katherine before coming back to sit across from him.

A moment later, Katherine's regal beauty caught his breath as she glided across the porch with her head held high. Her dress accented the iridescent hue of her eyes, turning them a deep vibrant blue. She settled on a chair, her back as stiff as an over-starched collar. A quick smile came and went but never reached those beautiful eyes.

The clip-clop of his heart beat hope into his soul. He was confident he could win her love if only she would agree to marry him.

She turned to him. "Mr. Richardson, I will accept your arrangement, but I would like to go for a walk so we can talk privately."

His mind spun in crazy circles. Chaotic. Confused. Had she just agreed to marry him?

She waited for his response, but his tongue felt stuck to the roof of his mouth. He swallowed. "Of course." His heart kicked into a gallop, and finally, a wide smile split free. Not what he expected.

She offered a slight curve of her mouth in return.

"Katie girl, are you sure?" Her pa's brows arched.

"It's a sensible plan for our family, but I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask Mr. Richardson privately." Her eyes flicked to the door.

Arrangement. Sensible plan. These were not quite the words he longed to hear, but what did he expect? He'd hardly taken the time to court her. She was right. His decision to secure the marriage was indeed a wise arrangement and a sensible plan.

"I'll tell the women folk to hold the tea. We can visit after you talk."

She stood. "We'll be back shortly. Tell Ma to keep the kettle on." She headed down the porch steps and started up the dusty drive.

Jeb opened the screen door and nodded in Katherine's direction. "You'd better go. One thing you'll learn about Katie is that she's as headstrong as she is kind."

Josiah took the steps two at a time. With the stride of his long legs, he didn't take long to catch up with her. He slowed to match her gait. "What did you want to talk about?"

She shook her head. "Not yet."

One glance back told him why they walked in silence. Her family now congregated on the porch. She wasn't about to have them within hearing range.

"I love the outdoors," he said. "How about you?"

Her eyes lifted to his, and, for the first time, he witnessed a genuine smile.

"Mr. Richardson, it looks like we may have one thing in common after all."

"My name is Josiah."

The smile vanished, and she looked ahead. "I have three questions."

"Only three?"

"Only three that matter right now." The way she said it, she sounded hopeless.

"This is not a death sentence, Katherine. You do have a choice in the matter. If you don't want to marry me?—"

"Why do you want that farmland Pa owns in Dayton? What will you do with a piece of land so far from your home?"

He pulled off his hat and raked his hands through his hair. He had to be careful how he answered. The last thing he wanted was to insult her pa. He twirled his hat in his hands before plopping it back on his head.

"I need to know." She stopped walking and grabbed his arm. Even the touch of her fingertips on his shirt set his heart to bucking.

He looked down, and she jerked her hand away. The wind kicked up and tugged at tiny sprigs of hair, working them free of the tight bun. The urge to brush a curl from her face itched beneath his fingertips.

He swallowed hard against the knot forming in his throat. "Most every man wants, more than the air he breathes, to provide for his family. And when that ability is taken from him, it's demoralizing. Your pa had the worst of the war thrust upon him. I can't imagine losing two sons, my home, and my livelihood.

"I traded that property with him so this arrangement"—he tripped over the word she'd used—"wouldn't feel like a handout. Thought maybe, if one of your sisters gets married in the future and needs a head start, we could make it a nice wedding gift. And keep it in your family."

Katherine's chin quivered, and she looked away.

"Does that make sense?"

She nodded. One tear snaked down her cheek.

"Why does it make you sad?" He longed to gather her in his arms and comfort her, but that would only frighten her.

"I'm…surprised. That was most thoughtful of you." She brushed the tear from her cheek with a quick swipe and started walking again. He fell in beside her, waiting for the next two questions.

"Why me? You could have any woman in the valley you want."

He'd been expecting this question. "Why not you?"

"I'll tell you why not me. I'm not cultured or poised. I know nothing about being rich, having servants, or dressing up for dances and dinner parties. I'm a plain, hard-working farm girl."

"And I'm a rancher, and I hate entertaining. We'll make a good team. Besides, I would not call you plain." The compliment set her eyes blazing.

"You're just like the rest. I knew it."

"What does that mean?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course, it matters. I can see I've upset you."

Like a mask pulled over her face, all emotion vanished. "I'm fine, Mr. Richardson. Let's turn around now. Ma will have tea and biscuits ready, and I know she's hoping you'll stay for supper."

Josiah wasn't fooled. He'd said something to offend her.

Katherine spun back toward the house, lifted her head high, and picked up speed.

He matched her quick gait. "And the third question?" He was afraid to ask, but more afraid not to.

She laughed as if she didn't have a care in the world. "Do you like cats?"

"Cats?'

"Yes, cats. I have an old cat named Tabby who miraculously survived the Yankee burning, and I'd like to bring her with me."

"I love cats." He didn't even have to feign his enthusiasm.

"Really?" She threw him a sideways glance. For the second time that day, he caught a glimpse of a real smile.

He nodded. "The one pet my mother allowed while growing up was a cat. They bring back fond memories. My barn is home to a number of strays."

"I'll introduce her to you after tea. She lives in the barn."

She hurried them back, and the grim set of her jaw sent doubt nibbling at the edges of his mind. Could he really win her love? Or would she pretend for the sake of her family, much like she was doing at the moment?