Harlot at the Homestead by Molly Ann Wishlade Page B

Kenan.
    “Matthew!” Kenan reached out to grip his brother’s shoulder. He couldn’t explain it but he was so glad to see him.
    “Kenan.” Matthew leaned close to him. “Can I have a word?”
    “Sure. Excuse me.”
    Edie Montgomery scowled but walked a little way off, feigning interest in the fauna.
    “Rosie just told me that she saw you and Mrs Montgomery approaching. Catherine got jittery so she’s taken her into the house. Seems your lady friend wasn’t too keen to speak to her aunt. Any particular reason why?”
    “It’s a long story, Matthew. I’ll explain another time. Is Catherine okay though?” His stomach churned as he thought of her having to see the woman who’d allowed her to enter a living hell.
    “She didn’t look too good but Rosie’ll take care of her.”
    “Sure.” Catherine was in good hands. He’d deal with old William Montgomery then he’d seek out Catherine and hold her tight, make her feel safe as he longed to do.
    “So why’s she here?” Matthew gestured at Edie.
    “She was on her way here with William earlier this evening when he took sick. She claims he’s not been himself recently and that his mind wanders. Apparently”–Kenan felt a grin twitching at the corners of his mouth at the ridiculousness of the situation—“he tried to romance her on the journey.”
    Matthew shook his head and tutted.
    “So she declined his attentions and he jumped out of the wagon then ran off. She says she was screaming his name for ages but he just ignored her. I don’t know what to make of it.”
    “So you wanna go look for him?” Matthew lifted one dark eyebrow.
    “Better had.” Kenan knew that he had to ask for assistance to find old Montgomery, that it was nigh impossible to think he’d find him alone but really he just wanted to set out unhindered so that he could find the old man and—
    “What is it?” Matthew’s face was etched with concern.
    “I’m just…worried is all, Matthew. Can you see if you can round up a few others? Less drunk ones of course.” He attempted a smile but it felt like a bitter grin.
    “Of course,” Matthew replied.
    “Be discreet!” Kenan muttered. “We don’t wanna ruin the wedding party.”
    He stood and watched as Matthew made his way around the guests, selecting a few of the more sober men. Edie Montgomery appeared at his side.
    “Will they help?” She sounded tired, almost defeated.
    “I guess so,” Kenan responded as his brother headed back toward him followed by four other men. Each one bore the signs of a night spent drinking and dancing—flushed cheeks, sweaty brow, disheveled clothing and wide relaxed smiles.
    When they stood in front of him he gave them a hasty debrief then sent two of them to fetch kerosene lamps from the house.
    “Mrs Montgomery.” Kenan took her arm. “You’d better go over there and wait with the others. No sense in you trailing around in the darkness and getting injured now is there?”
    Her eyes flashed with irritation but she inclined her head. “If that is what you think to be best, Mr Duggan. But please…please find my husband and bring him back safely to me.”
    “I’ll do my best, ma’am.” Kenan tweaked the brim of his hat.
    He would do his best, but not to bring the old man safely back. Anything could happen out there in the darkness. A pistol could go off accidentally. A wild animal could spring from nowhere, disturbed by drunken men staggering around, and that beast could attack the nearest—and most vulnerable—man.
    Hell, who knew? Anything could happen.
    The men returned with lamps and their weapons and Kenan took one of the former then unholstered his own gun.
    “Come on then, fellas! We’re looking for William Montgomery. According to his ol’ lady he’s none too sharp at the moment. Take care not to shoot him for a coyote!”
    Matthew walked at his side and the men followed. He led them away from the celebrations, away from humanity and toward his own private mission for