Free The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt

door.
    “May I help you?”
    A tall, dirty man stood there. His eyes registered surprise when he looked at her. He held a battered hat and he tousled his sun-bleached hair with his free hand. The state of his dust-covered clothes and face suggested he’d come a long way. A straight nose and square jaw made his eyes stand out despite the grime on his face. She had the strangest feeling she’d seen the blue of his eyes somewhere before.
    “Hello miss, I was expecting old Martha. I always knew if Jonah had any sense he’d give her walking papers.”
    Bridgit glanced over her shoulder before she answered. “I’m afraid Mrs. Jackson is still with us. I’m the housekeeper.”
    He cracked a grin. “Ah. Well, if you don’t mind, I’ve come to see Miss Charlotte.”
    Bridgit arched an eyebrow. “Might I inquire your name, sir?”
    His smile didn’t reach his eyes. He looked past her, like he expected Charlotte to round the corner at any moment. “Robert Langnecker. You can call me Rob, if you like.”
    The man Farjana and Rupert had mentioned. Curious and unnerving. He fit the image of a bushranger. “Wait here, sir.”
    His smile faded. “She’s going to refuse to see me again, isn’t she?”
    Nervous, Bridgit tried to smile, but failed. “Please, just a moment.”
    She shut the door with force and lifted her skirt. She all but ran for the kitchen, nearly colliding with Martha.
    “Who is it?”
    She didn’t see how she could send him away. Perhaps Martha would do it instead. “A Mr. Robert Langnecker, ma’am. He wants–”
    “To see Charlotte. Tell him he can’t. She isn’t receiving visitors, especially the likes of him,” Martha snapped.
    “Has no one told him that she passed?” She couldn’t imagine why not.
    “It’s none of his concern. Tell him she’s ill, you fool.” Martha rolled her eyes. “Praise the lord that you didn’t let him in. He’s like a stray dog–feed him once and he’ll never leave.”
    “But, ma’am, it isn’t right to withhold information. He’ll only come back,” Bridgit said, worried Mr. Langnecker would see through her lie.
    Without warning, Martha raised her hand and slapped Bridgit across the face. Shocked, Bridgit lifted her hand to the stinging skin.
    Martha pointed at the doorway. “Go. Do not question me.”
    Tears of pain burned Bridgit’s eyes. What had she done wrong? No one had said she’d need to lie to strangers. Gritting her teeth, she stomped out of Martha’s kitchen. She wouldn’t set foot inside it again until the woman left. At least until Olivia’s stomach demanded feeding.
    “Old biddy,” she muttered as she opened the door once more.
    Mr. Langnecker and Rupert argued in the yard, waving their hands and talking over one another. Farjana watched from a short distance away. Worry flashed in her dark eyes.
    “There, she’ll tell you. Isn’t Charlotte waiting for me, miss?” With a look both hopeful and worried, he settled his gaze on her.
    Bridgit shook her head. “I’m afraid that she is not receiving visitors. She’s rather ill.”
    Concern filled his eyes. “Has someone sent for the doctor, at least?”
    “Yes, sir. And Mrs. Payne has been helping. She may be recovering, but she’s still not well enough to see anyone.” She lowered her gaze to the smooth wood of the porch.
    “Come on, mate. Jonah will have a fit if he sees you hangin’ ’round here. You’re not his best chum, you know.” Rupert settled a firm hand on Langnecker’s shoulder.
    Bridgit shut the door and leaned against the wall. What was going on at Laurie Lark?
    The door opened and Farjana slipped through it. She pressed her fingers against Bridgit’s cheek. She frowned, shaking her head. “That old woman is a menace. Why did she hit you?”
    Bridgit brushed off the concern. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you for caring, but I can take a licking as well as anyone.” The spot was only a little tender. She supposed it was an angry red against her light skin,