Robin Read Free Page B

ear and the terrible noise stopped. The lady turned to Robin. “Crazy mule. The old dear thinks she’s human.”
                  Robin gazed from Ty to the woman. Mr. Morgan’s eyes watered with restrained laughter. The older lady covered her mouth with the hem of her apron.
                  Her legs shook, but Robin managed to push herself to her feet. She was neither impressed nor amused. Hands on hips, she opened her mouth to inform them of such when soft arms enfolded her
                  “I’m Emma Ledbetter, dear. And this obnoxious critter is my mule, Dolly.” Emma wiped tears from her eyes. “You must’ve been so frightened. Were you, by chance, trying to chase your fears away with a song? Dolly here thinks she can sing. You ought to hear her on Sunday mornings when it’s warm enough to have the church windows open.”
                   That was singing ? The scraggly ears of Emma’s mule, flashed back and forth like signal flags. Then Dolly curled her lip, gave a toothy grin, and backed away from the window.
                  “Sorry we took so long, Miss Wenghold.” Ty stepped toward her. “It took a while to get through town and make sure everyone was okay. Then when Emma couldn’t find Dolly I couldn’t leave without helping her. As soon as we heard that silly animal singing we knew we’d better get here and rescue you. Again.”
                  “Were people injured?” She managed to squeak.
                  “Only a few cuts and scratches.” Emma led Robin back to the bench. “Doc Mercer was able to patch ‘em up fine. And don’t you fret none about your Uncle John, dearie.”
                  “How did you know I’m worried?” Robin welcomed Emma’s arm around her shoulders and scooted closer.
                  Emma laughed. “My late husband, George, always said I was the knowingest woman he ever did see—said I knew everybody’s business, and a lot of business I shouldn’t. I think it comes from listening to my customers. After a bit you learn to look at their faces when they’re talking, and you begin to understand that sometimes what’s coming from their mouth and what’s showing on their face is two different conversations.” She leaned toward Robin. “You have a great big frown between those pretty eyes. A furrow that deep says worry to me.”
                  Ty knelt by the bench. “I know this day has been long and hard for you, Miss Wenghold. If you can hang on a few hours more, I think it will be best for us to wait until morning to head for John’s ranch.”
                  “Won’t he be anxious if I don’t come tonight?”
                  “John seldom gets anxious about anything. He’ll figure I had sense enough not to head out onto the prairie with the storm still brewing.” Ty smiled.
                  “But what will I do tonight? I only have my valise. The train left, and it took my trunk with it. They didn’t unload it. I don’t want to stay here alone.” Heat bathed her face. She didn’t want Ty Morgan to think she issued an invitation for him to linger.
                  “Oh, I have plenty of room at my place, Miss Wenghold.” Emma patted Robin’s hand. “And as far as your trunk—you have to do the unloading yourself, dear. But don’t worry. My store is full of ready-made clothing, and you can have your choice. That is, if you don’t mind.”
                  “No, I don’t mind at all. But I don’t—”
                  “You needn’t fret about paying me. We’ll take care of all that later. In fact, after I have a talk with John Wenghold, I would imagine you won’t owe me a penny.”
                  “He must be a very generous man.”
                  Ty and Emma chuckled in unison.
                  Emma shook her