Flower of My Heart
1894
Caine and Lilly returned to the farm, only to discover that someone was waiting.
"I will unload the wagon," Caine stated.
Lilly approached the house with caution. She had not expected anyone to be visiting her so soon. Thoughts of the men who were looking for a certain fugitive came to mind, but Lilly breathed a sigh of relief when the person rose from the chair that sat on the porch and she got a good look at their face.
"Matthew, I did not expect to see you here. Is my father all right?"
Matthew didn't say a word, but handed Lilly a letter. The look on his face told her everything she needed to know.
Caine watched the exchange with interest. Something about the man had upset Lilly, but he did not know what it could be. Rather than interfere, he continued to unload the wagon of its contents to prepare to rebuild the roof.
"Oh, damn, I wish this hadn't come. I just got settled and I signed a contract and now, I've got to leave again," Lilly said with dismay.
"What is the problem?" Caine asked coming closer and seeing the concern on Lilly's face.
"My father's taken ill. I need to return to Pinedale. That's at least a three-day ride from here. Caine, I'm sorry. Now, I'm going to have to tell Mr. Peabody I can't fulfill his contract; at least not at this time. I'm going to have to move back home until my father is well."
"Do you wish me to go with you?" Caine asked. "Perhaps I can help."
"No, I'll pack several things and have Matthew take me back."
Caine looked over toward the man, skeptically, remembering the events that happened earlier that day. "Do you trust him?"
"Matthew? Oh, of course. He's an old family friend. He's worked for my father since I can remember." Lilly placed a comforting hand on Caine's arm. "Don't worry. I should be safe. Besides, you have work to do here. The roof needs repairing. I'll be back until you know it. It's only until my father gets better. I'll stop in town and let Mr. Peabody know. I know everyone will be disappointed, but it can't be helped. My father needs me."
Caine watched Lilly enter the house and realized he was going to miss her company. He had grown fond of her in such a short time. He hoped that she would remain safe.
It wasn't long before a trunk was being loaded onto the wagon and Lilly and Matthew were gone. Caine looked around the deserted farm and quickly began assessing his options. He did promise to repair the roof. Looking around, Caine got a glimpse at other repairs that could be done. There was a broken window in the barn. He was certain that was not the only thing that needed fixing as well. A few fences also looked like they needed mending. Caine went inside the house and gathered his belongings. He did not feel right staying in the house while Lilly was not there. Perhaps there was a place in the barn he could use to sleep. He really did not mind. He slept in worse places, and if anyone did come calling, knowing how people viewed his kind, they would simply assume that he was the handyman.
End of part 7
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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