A Headstrong Woman(43)

“I think I will be glad for the end of this day,” Alexandria predicted as she eased into a chair. She was feeling rather stiff at the moment.

“I’ll get you coffee,” Anna jumped up to see after her sister.

“Thanks, Anna,” Alexandria offered her sister a smile.

“I sent Sparky for the sheriff. I’m more concerned that these thieves shot at you than I am the missing cattle.” Jonathon looked grim as he took a drink of his own coffee.

“I want my cattle back,” Alexandria grumbled.

“Well, right now, you are all to eat,” Millie said firmly as she placed the last dish on the table.

“Thanks, Millie; join us and don’t bother arguing. I think it’s clear that we don’t stand on formality around here,” Alexandria insisted.

“Thank you,” the woman seated herself.

Conversation remained fairly light over dinner despite, or perhaps because of, the day’s traumatic events. None of them were anxious to dwell on their issues.

“I want another cookie,” Lilly announced after dinner as the table was being cleared.

“Two is enough,” Alexandria argued.

“I want another!” Lilly’s lower lip thrust out.

“Lillian Marie, when I say no, it means no,” Alexandria countered. Lilly looked ready to argue further, but stopped short and cut her eyes in Jonathon’s direction; she seemed to think better of it at the last moment. She scooted from her seat and went to climb into Jonathon lap instead.

“She’s a spitfire isn’t she?” Jonathon eyes lit with mischief.

“She is,” Alexandria acknowledged.

“Are you sure she isn’t yours?”

Alexandria, her hands on her hips, turned to glare at Jonathon.

“I think it’s time for me to go; the sheriff should be here soon,” he announced as he stood and placed Lilly on her feet.

“Good night ladies; see you in the morning, Alexandria,” Jonathon claimed his hat and let himself out.

“You know, don’t you, that he wouldn’t aggravate you if it didn’t get a response from you?” Millie asked.

Alexandria shook her head and turned back to the dishes. “He is so frustrating! Helpful and nice one minute and aggravating the next,” she said as she plunged her hands into the soapy water.

“Most men are, dear, most men are,” Millie chuckled.

***



Alexandria moaned in misery as she rolled from the bed the next morning. Her shoulder hurt so bad that she wanted nothing more than to remain in bed. Her body over all was rather stiff, she realized as she began dressing. It was with slow steps and movements that she entered Lilly’s room to dress the child for the day. She stopped only to rush forward a moment later. Her daughter was not in her bed. Alexandria turned and moved to her sister’s room. If her sister was up then she had likely dressed her for the day, but Anna would have made the bed; it wasn’t made.

“Anna,” Alexandria opened the door and peered into the room.

“Hmm?” Anna sat up and blinked at her sister groggily.

“I can’t find Lilly,” Alexandria was starting to panic now. She turned from her sister’s room and checked the bathroom before hurrying down the steps; she was wincing as she went.

“Good morning,” Millie greeted from where she was just setting the coffee pot onto the stove; it was further evidence to how early Alexandria was up.

“Have you seen Lilly?” Alexandria demanded.

“No,” Millie instantly looked concerned. Alexandria searched the house, her panic rising with each empty room. Anna and Millie were now in on the search as well. Alexandria thought her heart would leap from her chest when she noted that the back door was not pulled completely to. She rushed through the door and slammed into Jonathon.

“Whoa, what’s wrong?” Jonathon steadied her by her arms.

“Lilly’s missing. I’ve searched the whole house and the back door was cracked,” she explained.

“Are you sure she isn’t inside?” Jonathon was frowning now.

“She’s nowhere inside.”

“Double check while I look out here,” he instructed.

Alexandria nodded and returned to the house. Jonathon scanned the area, where could the child have gone? He noted a small foot print at the base of the porch steps and felt his heart leap. At least she had left the house of her own volition; that was good. Considering all that had happened as of late, his fears ran rampant. Another print and another, they were going in the general direction of the barn, though they had obviously been obscured by some of the men coming and going on their horses.