LITMIR.BIZ

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      Gathering her courage Kate locked her knees, forcing the darkness away by the sheer power of her will. Then she fainted.

       Chapter Three

      Kate pulled in a cleansing breath as she stood at the window in Doc’s waiting room. Her nose twitched as she remembered awakening to the acrid scent of smelling salts ten minutes ago. She heard gasps sound behind her. She whirled to find the sheriff and Mrs. Greene staring at her in astonishment. She looked from their faces to Ms. Lettie’s pleased one and groaned. She never should have whispered the truth about Nathan’s identity to the woman after waking up. “Oh, Ms. Lettie, you told them, didn’t you?”

      Ms. Lettie’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you wanted to keep the marriage a secret.”

      Mrs. Greene frowned. “You mean to tell me Kate is really married to that man?”

      “I suppose I shouldn’t have told you anything, but yes, she is.”

      “Goodness,” the other woman breathed, placing a dainty hand over her heart.

      Sheriff Hawkins frowned. “Wait just a minute. He acted like he was just passing through. Why didn’t he tell me you two were married?”

      “He is just passing through,” Kate said, smoothing her green dress calmly. “And we’re not staying married for long. Mr. Rutledge and I are getting an annulment.”

      Ms. Lettie gasped. “You’re getting an annulment? Kate, whatever for?”

      “Surely you didn’t expect me to agree to this crazy scheme?”

      “Why not? The man is nice, he’s a Christian and he’s half in love with you already,” Ms. Lettie stated.

      “He’s a stranger! Even if he was completely in love with me, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t need a husband. We are getting an annulment,” she said with determination as she leaned her shoulder against the window sill.

      “No. She’s right, Lettie,” Mrs. Greene said. “She’s trying protect herself from getting hurt, as well she should. We all know what happened with that Stolvins fellow down at the saloon.”

      Kate glanced out the window hoping to hide the flush spreading across her cheeks. “That was before he sold the hotel to open the saloon.”

      “To think, he tried to convince you to marry him even after you found out he was only after the pittance your parents left. I’m sure he broke your heart straight to pieces.”

      “Hardly,” she breathed in disdain. Perhaps it was a little true, but she’d never let on; especially not to Mrs. Greene. She lifted her chin and met the woman’s prying gaze. “That was a long time ago.”

      The woman arched her brow. “Andrew Stolvins doesn’t seem to think so.”

      “I’m sure I don’t care what he thinks, but that has nothing to do with me getting an annulment.”

      “I was only complimenting you on keeping a level head in the matter.” Mrs. Greene lifted a hand as though to ward off Kate’s anger. “Really, you’re a nice enough girl, I suppose, but your siblings are a handful. Especially Ellie. Why, every time I’m around that girl, she causes trouble. Sometimes I wonder if she does it specifically to annoy me. You can’t really believe the man would stay once he’s met them.” She shook her head. “Why frankly, I don’t think you’ll ever be able to marry.”

      Kate’s breath caught at the woman’s rudeness. Her temper rose with the color in her cheeks but Ms. Lettie came to her defense. “Amelia, that’s a horrible thing to say!”

      “We’ve all thought it, haven’t we?”

      “No, we haven’t,” Sheriff Hawkins said.

      “Certainly, we have. The girl is no great beauty and has a temper hotter than the Fourth of July. To make matters worse, she’s saddled with two young children who aren’t even her own. Why, her chances are slim to say the least. Now that she is married, it’s really no great surprise to me that her husband is eager to leave.”

      Kate lifted her chin defiantly. “I’m the one who wanted the annulment. Not him. He wanted to stay.”

      “But he wouldn’t stay long.”

      She shook her head incredulously. “How can you know that?”

      “I know you and your family,” Mrs. Greene said with a nod.

      Kate felt her temper soar. “Please, don’t talk about my family.”

      “Don’t get angry, child. I’m agreeing with you. You’re doing the wise thing and it’s better now than when an annulment isn’t possible.”

      “Mrs. Greene, I could keep that man as long as I want,” she said with more confidence than she felt. “The problem is I don’t want him.”

      Mrs. Greene stood. “I saw that man and he’s too much for you. Now, my Emily would be a right fine match for him in looks and temperament.”

      “Good. She can have him. Though there might be a small problem in the fact that he’s still married to me.”

      “As you’ve said, that will soon be rectified.”

      “Kate, give the man a chance,” Ms. Lettie insisted.

      “I am not going to discuss this.”

      Doc Williams appeared at the door and cleared his throat loudly. “Kate, I need you to come with me.”

      Grateful for the interruption, she immediately stood to follow him but glanced back at the others with a beseeching look. “Please, don’t tell anyone else about the marriage. He’ll be gone soon and I’d rather not have everyone know.”

      Mrs. Greene nodded staunchly. “I wouldn’t say a word about it. It certainly wouldn’t do Emily any favors for everyone to know.”

      Somewhat comforted by their agreement, she followed Doc to Nathan’s room. She stepped inside and immediately noticed Nathan’s prone body stretching from one end of the bed to the other. He was still pale, though some color was beginning to return to his face.

      “I think he’ll be fine if we can bring him back to consciousness,” Doc Williams said.

      She frowned slightly. “We? But what can I do?”

      “I’m hoping the sound of your voice might bring him back.”

      She looked at him in suspicion. “Why should it?”

      “You’re the only one he knows in town—the only voice that will sound familiar. And even though he’s not awake, you’re probably in his thoughts. He was hurt protecting you.”

      Kate stiffened. “That isn’t my fault. I could have taken care of myself.”

      Doc sighed. “Kate, I didn’t agree with what Lettie was planning at first but she convinced me it was the best thing for you.” He shook his head. “I know you can take care of yourself. We all do. But you shouldn’t always have to. That’s what marriage is for.”

      Kate sent him a knowing look. “Speaking of marriage, when are you going to get around to popping the question to Ms. Lettie? You’ve been courting over a year now. I’d say it’s about time.”

      “I’ve been busy.” Kate knew that was the truth. Doc Williams had devoted himself to their town since his arrival fifteen years before. But now that the man had entered his forties, everyone was ready to see him nicely settled.

      “She could help you with that. She is an expert in natural remedies and would be a good nurse.”

      He frowned at her, though his eyes continued to twinkle. “I doubt even Lettie could find a natural remedy for busyness.”

      “I didn’t mean—”

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