Page 41 of Redeeming the Outlaw
“You don’t have to explain anything. Alice was kidnapped before she married my brother Chat,” Annamae offered softly, giving her a sympathetic smile and nodding her head in understanding. “She’s terrified of the dark, so he lets her sleep with a lantern now. I understand not wanting to be scared.”
As they spoke, they could hear approaching hooves outside. Annamae turned her head toward the window. “I think Doc is coming up the road,” she said. “Let me show you to your room before I get some fresh water.”
Before leaving, Esther leaned over and pressed a kiss to Whit’s swollen forehead, whispering words of reassurance and love. Then she picked up her boots and followed Annamae out of the room, grateful for the kindness and compassion she showedher in a time of need.
Annamae led Esther into a cramped room, barely larger than a closet. The smell of musty wood greeted them, signifying the room hadn’t seen an occupant for a while. A narrow bed, with a thin quilt neatly folded at its foot, stood against the far wall. On the opposite side sat a sturdy wooden desk, illuminated by an oil lamp and adorned with a well-worn Bible. In the corner, a small washstand held a basin and pitcher. Pegs hung on one wall with worn and clean overalls and several shirts.
In the middle of the floor was a large, galvanized washtub filled with steaming water. Several buckets sat next to it with additional water for rinsing.
“This was Frank’s room,” Annamae explained. “He was our brother, but he died.”
“I’m sorry,” Esther murmured.
“Ma still hasn’t gotten over it. I placed a clean sheet and soap on the bed. There is the dress from Tilly, along with a few other items. When you are done, just come back to the kitchen. I have biscuits and fried ham if you are hungry.”
Esther’s stomach growled in anticipation of the meal, and she blushed, putting a hand to her stomach. “Thank you, I am. I’ll be right out.” She closed the door behind Annamae. Saying a quick prayer of thanks before getting undressed, she grabbed the bar of soap and stepped into the hot water.
Esther slid into the steaming tub, letting the hot water envelop her aching body. When the water had cooled down, she dunked her head and wet the soap. She took the bar of lye soap and began scrubbing away the dirt and grime from her skin, wincing as the coarse soap irritated the cuts and scrapes left when the outlaws tied her up. Then she washed her hair, rinsing it with one of the clean buckets of water.
As she washed, her mind wandered back to the long days and nights spent at the mercy of the Richards gang. She thought back to the terror she felt when the men dragged her into their camp, leering at her with cruel intentions.
If not for Whit’s daring intervention, posing as her husband to protect her virtue, she shuddered to think about what would have become of her. A wave of gratitude washed over her for this man who had risked his life for her. She recalled the feeling of security she had as she slept nestled against him through the nights, his steady breathing her only comfort.
If not for Whit’s protection, she knew her fate would have been far worse. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she realized how much she owed the man who had risked his life for her without hesitation.
Esther quickly finished her bath, eager to return to Whit’s bedside. She stepped out of the tub and dried off with a frayed towel, then slipped on a simple calico dress and a knitted shawl, wrapping it tightly around her shoulders.
Her stockings were ruined, so she discarded them and pulled on her worn leather boots. Moving over to the wash basin, she noticed a silver comb resting underneath. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she patiently worked out the knots in her long hair with her fingers before running the comb through it. With nothing to tie her hair back, she resigned herself to letting it dry hanging down her back and shoulders.
As Esther made her way back toward Whit’s room, she could hear the murmur of voices.
She stood in the doorway, peeking around the corner at Whit, lying shirtless in bed. Even though his skin was swollen and a checkerboard of red and purple, she felt a blush rise in her cheeks at the sight of his muscular, bare chest and arms. Though improper, she couldn’t tear her gaze away, taking in the definedridges of his stomach and the light smattering of hair across his skin.
Her initial thought was she was witnessing the results from Brodies’ brutal beating. As Doc rolled him over, she gasped at the sight of several severe burns in the shape of the outlaw’s knife blade on Whit’s torso, neck, and even on his swollen face.
Rex’s eyes snapped around when he heard her, and he closed the door, leaving Esther alone in the hallway.
Esther stepped back from the door, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Whit’s injuries were far worse than she realized. The sight of the vicious burns covering his body made her stomach churn.
She lowered herself to the floor, sitting with her back against the wall. A wave of anguish washed over her. Whit had suffered immensely to protect her virtue, and she felt responsible for his pain. Esther closed her eyes, clasping her hands together.
“Dear Lord,” she prayed under her breath. “Please give Whit the strength to heal from these wounds. Take away his pain and bring him comfort.”
She stayed there praying until the door opened and Doc stepped out. Esther scrambled to her feet.
“How is he?” she asked anxiously.
Doc gave her a grim smile. “He’s resting now. I cleaned and dressed the wounds as best I could. He’s strong and healthy otherwise, which will help him heal.”
One by one, the Hartmans filed out of the room.
“May I see him?” Esther asked, trying to look over their shoulders. Annamae shook her head as she closed the door behind her and walked toward the kitchen.
“I gave him some morphine. He’ll sleep for a bit. His body needs to heal,” Doc explained. “Why don’t you come have a cupof coffee with me and then we’ll head back to town?”
Esther looked at him and then at the two brothers standing in the hallway. “Town? I’m not going back to town. My place is here, with Whit, and you can’t make me leave.”
Esther stayed by Whit’s side during the day. She tended to his wounds or read the Bible to him while holding his hand. She remained by his side until the doctor came to check on him or when she needed to take a break for meals, to use the privy, or to rest in Frank’s bedroom.
