Chapter Twenty-Eight: Noah

The only clue that the beautiful woman sitting next to me was anything other than calm was how her knee bounced. At least we were both feeling the same rush of nerves. I wasn't sure how to reassure her.

Maybe I should hold her hand? The horses knew the way to town. I wouldn't need to hold the reins in both hands, and I did enjoy feeling her hand in mine. Did she feel the same way?

"I'm hoping to speak to Miss Burns today," she blurted out while I was still working up the courage to reach over. "Preferably before the sermon begins."

Wait. What? With a start, I glanced over. "Speak to her? Why?"

"I still think she is the source of this whole thing and I want to talk to her."

She was still thinking about that on our wedding day? I wasn't sure if I was disappointed or amused. "Well, I'm not certain you will be allowed near her once people know you're with me," I said honestly.

"Oh, I think they will be willing to overlook that if it meant they could tell me their tale," she responded with a smile. "Isn't that how people usually are? They're eager to share their story of doom and gloom, shock and horror."

That was certainly true, even if it was disheartening to be on the wrong end of it. "I'm not going to argue with you," I told her. "Just...promise you will be careful? Mr. and Mrs. Burns have been...well, they've both threatened violence."

To my surprise, Elizabeth reached over and grabbed my hand. "I hardly think they will threaten to hurt me on Sunday in front of all their neighbors," she said. "They want to be seen as the victims, right?"

Her tone was certain, but I wasn't convinced. I turned my hand to lace my fingers with hers. "I'm ready to put it all behind me. Whatever happens, it doesn't matter anymore. You and I have our whole future ahead of us."

"Yes, but the truth must come out," she said, impatience creeping into her tone, "and I would prefer it to be sooner rather than later. The damage that has been done already is quite enough in my opinion."

What was there I could say to that? She was right that there had been damage done because of this awful rumor. I'd worried about how she would react to this and here she was acting as my champion. Some men might think it cowardly to have a woman come to their aid, but I couldn't think of anything I liked more.

At least we would face things side by side from now on.

When we reached the edge of the town, the back of my neck prickled. When I glanced around, though, I didn't see anyone. At least, no one who was obviously looking at me. Not yet, anyway.

Marshal Westler had left my house before dawn. I'd heard him shut the door on his way out, but hadn't convinced myself I should get up to talk to him. He was a grown man and didn't answer to me about what he was doing. Perhaps he had some plan that I would be appreciative of when I learned about it. Was he in town? Maybe he was watching, hoping Owen Burns would appear?

Or maybe he was just sick of the whole thing and had headed home.

If I hadn't invested all of my future in my homestead, I'd be tempted to pull up and put this all behind me. I couldn't do that, though. Not if I hoped to provide for a family.

"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked. She twisted to look around. "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," I said swiftly. Which was mostly true. I didn't know what I was trying to see.

"Well, I feel like someone is watching me," she informed me bluntly. "But I don't see anyone."

I let out a slight chuckle. "Honestly? I feel the same way, but I don't see anyone."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her narrow her eyes at me. "If you're trying to reassure me, it didn't work," she said, pulling her hand away from mine. "Someone who is watching but is careful of keeping out of sight is a person who is planning some kind of mischief."

"It could also be the marshal," I pointed out. "He might be keeping an eye on things, to keep mischief from happening."

Elizabeth shook her head. "Again, that isn't reassuring."

By this point, we had attracted attention. Men and women were whispering to each other from where they stood in front of their homes. But I knew they were not the reason the hair on my neck stood on end. With relief, I spotted a friendly face.

"There's my neighbor Earnest. He's been on my side through this whole thing."

"I want to meet him, then."

And hopefully, Earnest would remember his manners. I still hadn't quite forgiven him for trying to convince me to tell Elizabeth not to come. She was, without a doubt, the best thing to happen to me, and it was clear she would do all she could to clear my name.

And while I'd had people stand by me, there had been a short list of people who had gone out of their way to find the truth.

By the time I brought the wagon to a halt—something of a hassle as I had never had the need to drive my wagon on a Sunday—most of the town had gathered in the street. No one seemed to have gone into the saloon yet. Too curious about Elizabeth?

"I feel like I should do something ridiculous to earn their stares," she muttered just loud enough for me to hear as I helped her down. She brushed her dress once she stood on the ground. "Don't they know it is rude to stare?"

"If you think of something suitably outrageous that wouldn't ruin your reputation forever, let me know," I said, offering her my arm. "I think this town could use a little excitement."

She let out a laugh, and her eyes sparkled. "You know you shouldn't encourage me."

"No, I think I should encourage mischief. It will make life more fun."

Elizabeth leaned over to bump her shoulder against mine. My heart skipped a beat. I'd never seen my parents playful with each other, but I had observed the Harpers doing so.

"Earnest!" I called out to get my friend's attention. A little redundant since everyone had seen my arrival. My right arm was already claimed by Elizabeth, so I raised my left hand to wave at my neighbor. "Come over here. I want you to meet my bride-to-be."

More whispering ensued from everyone in earshot as Earnest walked over. "Morning, Noah. I wondered why I hadn't seen hide nor hair of you the last few days," Earnest said, snatching his hat off. He nodded at Elizabeth. "Ma'am. Welcome to the territory."

"This is Earnest Webster," I said, making the introduction properly. "Earnest, this is the soon to be Mrs. Coleman, Elizabeth Garrison. We are going to be married today if the reverend agrees to it."

But Micahel Rollins wouldn't refuse, would he? My stomach twisted with the unexpected question. No, of course he wouldn't. There was no reason for him to throw a wrench into our plans.

"I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Webster," Elizabeth said, extending her hand. "I've been told you have stood by Noah when far too many have turned their backs on him. Thank you for that."

Color rose up my friend's neck as he accepted her hand. "I have to say you've come at a difficult time," he informed her. "Some might have thought it better to wait for it all to die down."

How dare he? I tensed, opening my mouth to tell him to lay off. "Well, I would disagree with those people." Elizabeth's tone was firm but gracious. She wasn't backing down on this. "I am eager to get to the bottom of the matter as soon as I can."

Earnest dropped her hand. "Are you? I hope you're not going to stir things up."

"I hope you're not going to try to lecture me on what I should or shouldn't do," Elizabeth said, her tone sweet. But her eyes glittered with annoyance.

Oh, dear. I didn't want my best friend and my soon to be wife to be at odds with each other. And Earnest was entirely to blame for it. Why did he have to poke at Elizabeth? Surely he didn't think his point of view was the only correct one.

"Elizabeth and I have discussed what's best to do," I said, putting my hand over Elizabeth's left one that remained on my arm. "Thanks for your concern, Earnest, but we know what we're doing."

My friend raised an eyebrow. "Far be it for me to interfere when my opinion is clearly not welcome."

And now he sounded as though he were the victim. "Did Noah say your opinion was unwelcome or do you simply not like that he disagrees with you?" Elizabeth asked, her tone still dangerously sweet.

The color intensified in Earnest's face. "You're very forthright, ma'am."

"I've had to be, sir. When you reside with someone who makes every discussion about them, who cannot stand when you disagree with their opinion, one must learn to stand your ground on matters."

As of yet, Elizabeth hadn't spoken much of her family, beyond her mother and sister. What had her brother and sister-in-law said or treated her for her to say this with such certainty? My heart ached for her.

Thankfully, my friend seemed to sense the seriousness of her opinion. "I didn't mean to offend, and you're right," he said, his tone becoming humble. "I can only offer my opinion and I shouldn't get riled up if it's not accepted."

Elizabeth inclined her head, accepting the apology even if her smile did not return. "Maybe you could bring over Collins and his wife," I suggested. They, at least, were not hostile towards me.

Well, not to my face. They could be gossiping with everyone else. Abe Collins almost certainly was. He could never keep a story to himself.

"Have the Burns family arrived?" Elizabeth asked, raising herself up on her toes to look around. "I would like to be introduced to them. Mr. Webster, would you do that please? I know it would not be possible for Noah to make the introduction."

It was almost comical the expression of panic that appeared on my friend's face. "Nevermind," Elizabeth said after a moment of letting him squirm. Somehow, her tone was still pleasant. "I'm sure Mrs. Royal will do so since you do not feel comfortable."

"It might have to wait until afterwards," I told her, seeing everyone who had been staring at us now moving to the front of the saloon. "We don't want to miss the sermon."

"Oh, very well. But I won't put it off a moment longer than I need to. Besides, you still have to speak to the reverend about marrying us today."

That was true and I mentally kicked myself. I ought to have found Michael Rollins first thing and made sure the ceremony could happen. But, there really wasn't a reason for him to refuse, was there?

A small niggle of doubt took place in the back of my mind. What would we do if he refused? I'd learned the value of having a back-up plan just in case. How long would it take us to get to the closest town with a reverend in it?

The only seats left when we stepped inside were in the back. I was both grateful and disappointed. If we had been closer to the front, I would have been able to get Rollins' attention easier. But being in the back meant fewer people staring at us, though there were a few determined members of town trying to watch us over their shoulders.

I certainly hoped I would be forgiven for my inattention to the sermon. It may have been about the good Samaritan? A good reminder to treat other's well, but I found it difficult to think with Elizabeth next to me.

All too soon, the sermon was over and the final hymn sung. As soon as 'amen' rang out, glances and stares were directed our way. My first instinct was to rush out the door, but what would that prove?

"You should speak to the reverend," Elizabeth said as we stood up. "And I am going to find Mrs. Royal. She will make the introduction for me. Excuse me, gentlemen."

I saw her take a deep breath before she strode towards the front of the saloon. Part of me wanted to hurry to be by her side, but I restrained myself. I would only interfere with what she had to do. At least now I knew that she was a little uncertain about her decision.

"Are you sure about this?" Earnest asked, leaning close to speak in a low tone. He somehow managed to push me to the door and out of the building.

Startled, I gave up trying to watch where Elizabeth was to stare at him. Of all the things I had expected him to say, this was not it. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well, she's certainly not afraid to speak her mind."

"And there's something wrong with that?" I demanded.

Earnest raised his hands up. "Whoa, Noah. I'm not trying to offend you or speak ill of the lady. I'm just wondering if she was what you expected and if you think she'll be the kind of woman who makes a good wife."

As if that made his words any better! "Yes, I'm sure she will make me a good wife. If I had wanted a wife who would simply be quiet and agree with everything I say, I would have just chosen Annie Burns," I snapped, keeping my voice quiet. "Elizabeth and I are going to be partners in life."

My friend shook his head. "I just thought she would be—" He broke off before he finished his thought.

"What?" I interrupted. "What did you think she would be?"

"Well, it's commonly known that the kind of women who respond to advertisements are ones who have not been able to find a husband in their own neighborhood. I assumed she would be someone who was grateful for a marraige and a little more...humble."

His self-righteous tone made me want to punch him. "If you know what is good for you, you'll think about what you just said and apologize. Elizabeth is the woman I love and who I am about to marry," I informed him. "I won't tolerate any speaking negatively about—"

"Coleman!"

The shout that interrupted me sent a shiver down my spine. I knew that voice: Owen Burns. And the tone was one I'd heard many times before. Not always directed at me but when I'd had the misfortune to overhear when a man was called out by someone else. Lawmen, bounty hunters, or criminals all had that note of determination that they were going to get what they wanted.

The man wanted to call me out into the open to kill me. On a Sunday? In front of the whole town? The day I was to be married?

"Earnest, make sure that Elizabeth stays inside," I said immediately. I waved a hand to get my friend away from me as I took a step back. If worst came to worst, I didn't want him or anyone else to get caught in the crossfire.

"I see you, Coleman," Burns continued, his tone practically a snarl. "Don't try to run like a coward. We're going to settle our dispute like men. You hear me? Right here. Right now."

Those who had been walking towards the saloon for the morning service—men, women, and children—bolted for cover. A gunfight in the middle of town was something we'd all heard about in the larger towns. Bystanders knew the best thing to do was get out of the way until it had all blown over.

"Noah, what's happening?" I heard Elizabeth call out. A quick glance showed that Earnest was pulling on her arm to keep her in the saloon.

Good. My friend would make sure Elizabeth stayed out of harm's way

Slowly, I raised my hands up and out so that all would see that I had no weapon. I never carried a pistol and my rifle was in my wagon. My mind raced to find some way out of this.

"I didn't know we had any dispute," I called out as I turned slowly. No sudden moves. No action that might, somehow, suggest I was reaching for a gun. "I think you are mistaken."

Owen Burns stood in the middle of the street. His coat was swept back, showing his gun in its holster. He pointed at me with his right hand. "You know good and well what dispute we have, Coleman," he snarled, his voice carrying in the quiet town. "Did you think you could get away with ruining my niece's good name?"

Wait. What? Annie Burns was the one with a ruined reputation now? When had that happened?

"I have said this a hundred times," I answered, raising my voice. "I have not, nor have I ever, trifled with Miss Burns' feelings. I have never spoken a word against the girl."

"Liar!" The man spat out. "Reach for your gun."

"No."

He gave a start as though my answer was one he'd never heard before. Then, Burns grinned. "I knew it. You're worse than a Rebel. You're a yellow bellied Rebel, who just runs from trouble."

His tone had become one of delight. Why was he so pleased? Did he think he could taunt me into a gunfight? "You and my sister are in agreement then," I informed him, keeping my tone even. "She's been calling me a coward for over ten years now."

Even with the distance between us, I could see his eyes narrow. He didn't like that I wasn't rising to the bait. "You're a lily-livered gray back," he snapped. "You can't even call yourself a man!"

Where was the marshal? He had spent all week looking for this man, and here he was. Out in the open. Threatening to kill me. Well, challenging me to solve our difference with a shootout with who could draw the fastest. But given that I refused to do that was as good as him threatening to kill me.

We really needed to get a sheriff in town to handle these kinds of things.

"Your fancy eastern woman would do better to pick herself a real man," Burns continued. "Unless she's a strumpet who has no choice."

His words made my heart skip a beat. Bad enough to hear him insult me, but now he was dragging Elizabeth into it? My gaze flicked to where I had last seen her. Blast! She wasn't much farther away than before. Why hadn't Earnest taken her inside?

"If you want to kill me, Burns, do it already," I said, hoping to draw his attention back to me. "Insulting a woman you haven't met doesn't make you better than me or anyone else."

"If you don't like me insulting her, make me stop," Burns challenged. He held his hand ready over his pistol. "Grab your gun."

"I don't have a gun." There. I can't use what I didn't have, and I couldn't summon one out of thin air.

Burns let out a curse. "Fine. You there." He gestured to his right. I didn't dare to follow the gesture. "You have a gun? Good. Let this yellow-bellied snake use it for a moment. You'll get it back."

Would someone... I hadn't finished the thought in my mind before a gun landed at my feet. I looked down at it, weighing my options. If I reached for it, Burns could fire on me and call it self defense.

"I won't," I declared. I'd once sworn not to have blood on my hands. Hadn't my family brought enough of that with their involvement in slaves? "I told you Burns. You're going to have to kill me in cold blood. I am innocent."

"Can't someone do something?" I heard Elizabeth demand. Let her stay out of it! "Where is the reverend? He must stop this! How can all of you just stand there?"

"No one will be able to blame me!" Burns shouted. His hand was closer to his gun, but he was still hesitating. "We all know the kind of man you are! Shameless! Coward!"

I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry you think so. I'm going to go in for the Sunday sermon now."

"Draw!"

Did he realize how ridiculous that sounded? How could I draw a gun that was on the ground? "No." I slowly started to turn. My heart was pounding in my ears. If I was going to get shot no matter what I did, I may as well get shot in the back.

It would be obvious to everyone that I had been unarmed. Right?

"This is ridiculous!" Elizabeth again. She didn't sound frightened anymore: she sounded downright furious. "If no one will do something, I will!"

An angry woman was a force to be reckoned with and now I was terrified for her. "Elizabeth, don't—"

Before I could finish what I was about to say, a gunshot rang out.

~*~

To whom it may concern,

I, Noah Coleman, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave all my material possessions to Elizabeth Garrison....