Page 212 of Conveniently Wed
“She usually keeps her distance from strangers.” She pulled a chair to the sofa, easing Blossom to the side, putting her closer to Bruce’s knees.
Blossom looked up at him, her blue eyes as calm and still as a deep mountain lake.
“Mrs. Kinsley is occupied at the moment. She’ll come as soon as she can to make sure the leg is properly set, but she has told me how to tend this burn.” She paused. “Perhaps you’d like to step outside while I do so.”
Bruce was on his feet immediately. Of course, he didn’t want to be there while his aunt’s leg was exposed. Not that he hadn’talready seen it when he put out the fire but still, she would be embarrassed. Though likely not any more than he. He hoped his face was tanned enough to hide the heat rushing to his cheeks.
“Come on, kids. Let’s wait in the hall.”
Blossom took his hand, making him feel like he’d been offered a special prize. Donny skipped ahead of them, waited for them to reach the hall, then he pulled the door closed.
“Ma will fix your aunt,” Donny said with complete certainty.
Bruce knew the burns couldn’t be fixed with the application of ointment. They required time and care to heal. Her leg would take time to heal as well.
He thought this journey would solve most of his problems. Instead, it had added to them. Or at least, given him a new set.
For his aunt’s safety, he’d ripped her from the home she’d lived in most of her life. Her predicament was entirely his fault. All that mattered now was getting her to a safe place, away from the malicious gossip and threats they had faced back home. Her sister in Washington Territory offered his aunt a home with her. Bruce had promised to take her there. But how was he to provide the care his aunt needed as they crossed the mountains?
How was he to keep his promise to his aunt to get her to a home like the one she’d had to abandon because of him?
Stella stared at the closed door. “Strange,” she murmured.
“What’s strange?” Miss Rivers asked.
Stella hadn’t expected to be heard, but good manners demanded she now provide an answer. “Blossom is usually guarded around strangers.” She gave the woman laudanum. “That will ease your pain.”
“Thank you. Your daughter is very sweet.”
Stella smiled. Nothing pleased her more than having her children acknowledged as the treasures they were. She gently cleaned the edges of the burn and applied some healing ointment to them. “Mrs. Kinsley says the burn itself should be dressed and left to heal. She says her experience has proven to be the best way.”
“Whatever you think.”
As she worked, Miss Rivers relaxed, the laudanum taking affect. “Your daughter is special.” The words were low and slow. “She sees with her heart.”
“How do you know that?” Surprise caused Stella to pause in the task of putting bandages on Miss River’s leg. Not that she didn’t think it was true. From the time she could walk, Blossom had a way about her that defied explanation. She was so keenly aware of how others felt. She realized Miss River’s words said it perfectly. Blossom saw things with her heart.
“I felt it.”
Stella finished dressing the burn. It pleased her to hear this assessment of her daughter, but life had taught her that feelings were impractical. And with two children to raise as a widowed mother and a homestead to save, she couldn’t afford to be anything but practical.
“You rest. Mrs. Kinsley will be in shortly.”
“Thank you.” The woman had grown drowsy. She’d be comfortable for now. As far as Stella could tell, the bones were in alignment, but her leg would have to be splinted until it healed.
She slipped from the room and followed the sound of voices to the kitchen. She paused at the doorway to observe.
Their visitor sat at the table. Blossom leaned close, facing him and talking.
Stella strained to hear her daughter’s words.
“How long you staying?” Blossom asked.
“Not long. I’m on my way west.”
“Why you not stay?” Blossom’s voice trembled.
“I can’t. I have to go.”
