Mud Creek by Cheryl Holt Page A

inquired.
    He handed over his plate. “Help yourself.”
    “I believe I will.”
    She flashed another saucy smile and gobbled down the tasty meal. He observed her, silent and brooding in a manner she liked.
    “Thank you,” she said when she’d finished. “That was delicious.”
    “You’re welcome.” He took the plate from her, rinsed it in the creek, then stowed it in a bag. “Has Albert warned you that it’s not safe to wander off?”
    “Yes, but I ignored him. What do you think of that?”
    “I think it’s very dangerous.”
    “You sound as fussy as he is.”
    “Miss Pendleton—“
    “You can call me Violet.”
    He snorted with what might have been disdain. “I’ll stick to Miss Pendleton.”
    “Why are you such a grouch?”
    She feigned a pout, but garnered no reaction, and she couldn’t abide his derisive gaze. She jumped to her feet.
    “Would you like to come over to our camp? You could meet my sister.”
    “I’ve met your sister.”
    “When?”
    “In Prairie City.”
    “She didn’t mention you.”
    “We were briefly introduced. I’m sure she barely recollects.”
    Still though, he was brushing the dirt off his trousers, gesturing up the hill.
    “Lead on, Miss Pendleton. I’m happy to renew my acquaintance with her. And I should make my hellos to Albert.”
    Violet turned away, simpering with triumph. She marched off, and she didn’t wait to see if he followed. He wouldn’t be able to resist.
    As she moved up out of the riverbed, the wind riffled her hair, blowing it off her shoulders so she’d appear very fetching. She slowed, preening, wanting him to notice.
    Off in the distance, Helen was huddled by the fire, Albert’s wagon behind her. Albert was nowhere to be found, for which Violet was grateful.
    Helen waved, and Violet waved back. She rushed over, beaming like a child with a new toy.
    “Look who I stumbled on down by the creek.” She motioned to Mr. Blaylock.
    “Well, I’ll be,” Helen murmured. She started to rise, but Blaylock said, “Don’t get up on my account.”
    He came over to her and took her outstretched hand, giving it a squeeze.
    “Are you on your way home?” Helen asked.
    “Yes.” Frowning, he glanced around. “Where is Albert? He didn’t leave you here alone, did he?”
    “No, he went down to the river to wash. I expect him any moment.”
    Violet wrinkled her nose with distaste. “Maybe he’ll fall in and drown.”
    “Violet,” Helen scolded, “don’t be rude in front of our guest.” She grinned at Blaylock and patted the ground beside her. “It’s wonderful to see you again. Won’t you sit?”
    “I’d be delighted.” He eased down, his interest in Helen clear, and Violet was enormously annoyed.
    “He’s going to be our neighbor,” Violet told Helen.
    “I know,” Helen replied, spoiling Violet’s announcement.
    “He’ll probably be riding over to visit all the time.”
    “I hope he will.” Helen smiled at Blaylock. “Have you eaten? We have a few biscuits left.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “We had supper at his camp,” Violet boasted. “He cooked fish and potatoes.”
    But Helen wasn’t impressed, and she scowled. “You barged in on his supper?”
    “He invited me.”
    Helen gave Blaylock an exasperated look, a familiar one that greatly aggravated Violet. It was a mix of regret and vexation over the fact that Violet refused to act as Helen thought she should.
    “I apologize for my sister,” Helen said. “She can be an impossible pest.”
    “It’s all right,” he politely claimed. “It was nice to have company.”
    They bent their heads together and began to chat like old friends. They carried on as if Violet wasn’t present, as if she was invisible, and her fury soared.
    She loved Helen, but hated her, too. Helen was the competent, capable, happy sister, while Violet was the misfit and troublemaker. Helen had been their parents’ favorite, the girl who was always perfect and was constantly adored because of