With her hair pulled into a tight bun, she donned the dress she’d purchased yesterday from one of the street stalls. As soon as she’d seen it hanging on the end of the stall’s cover, she knew that was what she needed. The dress was slightly faded calico with not much shape. The lady who operated the stall said it was “prairie style” and what the wives of farmers and ranchers wore at home. Judith took two dresses for herself and two for Abigail.
The one she’d wear today was gray with tiny white and pink flowers. Abigail’s was faded blue with a pattern of dark blue squiggles. Judith had also purchased a green one for herself and a tan one for Abigail so they’d each have a change of clothes during their trip.
They hadn’t found the kind of bonnet she wanted but this one would do very well. The type she’d found was intended for a child’s nurse. Also, it was similar to those women wore when working in the fields. The long cloth brim extended far enough forward to shade her face and the crown was shirred where it joined the brim then hung down to cover her neck. Not only would it conceal her identity, it would protect her skin.
When she was ready, she pulled the black shawl around her shoulders. Gazing in the cheval glass caused her to laugh. She looked nothing like the real her. No one would give her a second glance.
Finally, they were going to find Josiah. She added her nightgown to the carpetbag and snapped the closures. After setting it near the door, she checked the room for anything she’d overlooked.
When Peyton returned he acted surprised. “You not only have a wonderful disguise, you’re ready. I’m impressed. Shall we go?”
While he closed the bedroom door, she gazed toward the room where Abigail stayed. “You said she’s awake but I haven’t checked to see if Mama is ready.”
“She’s waiting downstairs. She’s keeping watch in case Jeff arrives while I’m up here.”
She twirled for him to see her costume. “Does she look as bad as I do?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “There is no way I will answer that question. What I will say is that her disguise is almost as good as yours.”
When they reached the lobby, Judith spotted Abigail talking to Jeff. Only, neither looked like his or her normal self. Abigail wore the blue dress and a gray shawl pulled up over her head. Jeff wore what looked like the white pants and shirt of a Mexican worker with a serape and wide-brimmed sombrero.
Peyton walked faster. “Guess he’s already loaded the luggage.”
Practically running to keep pace with him, she almost asked him to slow down. “But, I don’t think I dawdled.” She was certain she had dressed in record time.
“You did very well, Red. Abigail was up and dressed when I rapped on her door to wake her. She sure is eager to see your brother.”
“So am I but I did get a little sleep. Peyton?”
He slowed and faced her. “Yes?”
“In case I forget later, thank you for agreeing to this and everything you’ve done so far.”
A wide smile creased his face. “That’s my job, Red.” In spite of downplaying all he’d done, his eyes conveyed gratitude because she’d recognized his efforts.
“Yes, I realize that. To you this may be routine but it isn’t to Abigail and me. I want you to know I’m indebted to you.”
He resumed his earlier pace. “Come now, Red, you’re paying me, not directly but that’s how it works.”
His eyes twinkled when he glanced her way. “Besides, what loving husband wouldn’t help his adoring wife?”
Before she could snap that he wasn’t even a real husband and she was not adoring him, they reached Abigail and Jeff.
Jeff rubbed his hands together. “Found a panaderia stall by the wagon yard. We have lovely large cinnamon rolls—I mean rollos de canela—and Sarge has a pot of horrid, almost undrinkable coffee waiting.”
Judith’s brief flare of temper disappeared. “What a wonderful recommendation. I can hardly wait for a cup.”
Abigail took Judith’s arm. “Let us hurry. Who knows what Josiah is enduring? My poor sweet boy needs us.”
The four of them climbed into the two-seated buggy Jeff had waiting. He hunched over so he appeared an older and subservient driver.
Judith scanned the streets they traveled in case she saw the men who had followed her the previous day. She’d had her revolver in her pocket but she would have hated to use it. The two men had panicked her. Never in her life had she felt so alone.
That was ridiculous because she was with Abigail, who also carried a revolver, and there were people around them. At that moment she’d realized she was the outsider now. If she had to defend herself she might not be treated justly.
Certainly the same would be true when they found Josiah. If the neighbor, Lawson, controlled the marshal, who knew how many others bowed to his will? Peyton had been truthful when he said they would be against a stacked deck.
Few people were on the streets but the wagon yard was busy. Other wagons and occupants ready to leave on their journeys, those camped for indefinite periods, and several empty wagons for sale were spread over the yard. They stopped near the two wagons they’d be using. After moving the luggage, Jeff drove the buggy next door to the livery stable.
Sarge handed Abigail, Peyton, and her each a cup of coffee. “The neighbor let me share their fire.”
Ozzie passed around a basket of cinnamon rolls. “If it’s all right with you, we thought
