Katie took in the view of the back of Howard House. She rode past the pet cemetery and Miss Edie’s rose garden slowly making memories to take to prison with her. Seeing the partially constructed wing, her heart broke knowing she’d never live there. The fog still shrouded the house and Katie sighed wishing the sun was shining and Benjamin was working on the wing. Maybe Eli wouldn’t have come for her and she wouldn’t be a murderer. Dropping her head, she let the tears fall for what she did and for what she was about to lose.
Cindy Lou, who had been sitting near the front parlor window trying to entertain Rosie and Ivy with stories, was the first to see Katie ride up. She jumped up and called out to the rest of the house, “Katie’s home.” She rushed out followed closely by Rosie and Ivy.
Hugs and tears and Katie’s insistence that she was all right finally settled the house and the younger girls returned to their studies while Miss Edie and Miss Ethel quietly spoke to Katie. They needed to be sure she wasn’t harmed in any way. Plying her with tea, scones, and loving words finally calmed Katie. Despite her guardian’s insistence that she was not headed to prison, Katie had her doubts and enjoyed each bite and sip as she waited for Alexzander’s arrival with handcuffs or shackles in hand.
Two hours later Alexzander arrived at Howard House with Eli tied to the saddle of the second horse. Eli was very much alive and complaining constantly.
Katie stood on the front porch with Miss Edie and Miss Ethel. Eli nodded toward Katie and said, “I want that woman arrested. She tried to kill me.”
Katie took a step back and felt fear grip her again. Eli wasn’t dead, but she would still spend a long time in prison.
“Shut up, Eli.” Alexzander’s voice was low and intimidating. “Katie acted in self-defense. You, on the other hand, will spend many years in the Oregon State Penitentiary for abduction. Be happy it isn’t a hanging offense.”
Eli began blubbering and threatening Alexzander with every legal challenge he could remember. “Wait until my father hears about this. You’ll lose your job and end up in a cell, but I will walk free.”
Alexzander shook his head and addressed Katie “I’ll send a telegram and Eli will be transferred to Portland or Oregon City for trial. I’ll keep you informed. Don’t worry. Things will turn out well.” He tipped his hat and led the still complaining Eli toward the jail.
Miss Edie slipped her arm around a trembling Katie. “Come along, child. The worst is over. You weren’t hurt, and Eli will be gone for quite some time. It’s time to smile and let your sisters see that you’re doing well. If you find you need to cry, go off to your room and cry until you feel better.”
Katie wrapped her arms around Miss Edie, “I love you, Miss Edie. You and Miss Ethel are the most loving guardians I could have hoped for.”
Miss Ethel smiled. “We try, Katie, and we are blessed by you and all the girls God has brought into our lives. Come along now. You need a bath and hair wash to get all the dust off. You’ll feel better and look better. Once word gets around town, I’m sure Benjamin will be at the door to check on you. I’m surprised Ella Grace hasn’t hurried over already.”
Katie followed her guardians into the house. A hot bath sounded lovely, and the thought of seeing Benjamin warmed her heart.
Chapter Nineteen
Ella Grace looked out her front window to check if the fog was clearing and saw the marshal ride by with Eli tied to a second horse. She knew something terrible must have happened, and her heart ached with worry for Katie. She called out to Clara that she was headed to Howard House, grabbed her shawl, and rushed out of the house.
Arriving at Howard House, she opened the door just a bit and called out to her sisters not wanting to upset them at a time that might be difficult.
Ivy swung the door open wide and threw herself into Ella Grace’s arms. Tears spilled down her small cheeks as she blurted, “That man with the scary eyes took Katie, but she’s home now, and Miss Edie said she’ll be all right. She’s taking a bath, and Miss Ethel made her some tea.”
Ella Grace drew in a deep breath and blew it out. Ivy let her know what she needed to know. Katie was all right, but she still needed to see her. She took Ivy’s hand, and they went into the kitchen to see the other girls. They were all sitting around the kitchen table reading or writing on their tablets.
Anna looked up when Ella Grace entered the kitchen. “Hi, did you come to see Katie? Miss Edie said she’ll be finished with her bath soon, but we should all be quiet so Katie can rest.”
Frantic knocking broke the silence. Ivy and Rosie began to cry. “He came back for Katie.”
Ella Grace answered, “No, I saw the marshal take him away. I think it might be Benjamin. Let me check.”
Opening the front door, Ella Grace was correct in her assumptions and looked into the face of an extremely distraught Benjamin.
“How is she? Did he hurt her? Can I see her?”
Ella Grace patted the air in front of her. “Calm down, she’s all right. She’s with Miss Edie and Miss Ethel. I don’t know anything else. Please come in and sit down. You look like you’re ready to collapse.”
Benjamin dropped into one of the parlor chairs and said, “It’s all my fault. If I’d have been here this morning working on the wing, I would have heard her or seen him take her.
