Page 30 of Scarlett

After shrugging, Evan stepped out blocking his way into the house. “How is your marriage going?”

“Why do you ask? Is something wrong with Scarlett?” He attempted to peer around his brother.

Evan shook his head. “No, nothing. She seems to be well. A bit quiet when I’m around, but she and Aurora seem to be catching up.”

Laughter floated from the interior of the house. He couldn’t tell who it was as he’d never heard his wife laugh. It struck him as interesting when accepting the fact.

“Let’s go to the clinic, I want to talk to you about something.” Emmett stepped away only to stop at Evan’s hand on his arm.

“Aren’t you going to tell Scarlett you’ve returned?”

Upon entering, he found both women on the floor playing with his nephew. Scarlett clapped and sang a short song as the boy danced in a circle. Her voice was lovely and her cheeks were flushed.

Upon seeing him, she instantly stopped singing and stood. Smoothing her skirts, she assumed a blank expression. “Hello Emmett. I didn’t know you’d arrived.”

He ignored the look between Evan and Aurora and went to where Scarlett stood and kissed her cheek. “I’ve only just gotten here. Evan and I are going to the clinic for a bit.” Emmett looked to Aurora. “How are you?”

“I’m well. Glad to see you,” his sister-in-law lifted a brow, as if disapproving of something.

Once outside the house, his brother remained quiet and Emmett didn’t care to hear whatever it was the man mulled about.

“The others are coming early tomorrow. The women are giddy about the festival.”

Emmett looked toward the center of town. “Is that what all the goings on are about? I saw they put up a stage in front of the hotel.”

“Booths and banners are going to be set up too,” Evan commented. “You and Scarlett going?”

“She hasn’t mentioned it. I suppose she is.”

Evan frowned, but did not say anything else on the topic.

Once inside the clinic, Emmett told Evan all about the shooting and about Josiah. “Do you think it was the Wilson’s?”

“Who else could it be? They’ve been trouble since arriving. Not sure why they have to attack everyone who happens upon their land. It’s not like anything is clearly marked. It’s almost as if they are always looking for a fight.”

“That’s what Blake said. Make sure everyone coming and going from your land doesn’t cross over,” Emmett said.

They spent the rest of the afternoon discussing patients and the like. Emmett had always been thankful that Evan had discovered the love of medicine. He didn’t always agree with Evan’s more personable manner, especially treating the women in the saloon, but he supposed good people like his brother made up for the ones like him.

The conversation at dinner flowed easily. He noticed more than once that Scarlett looked to him before speaking, as if afraid he’d not like her saying something. Aurora, however, did not allow for much silence, asking questions and commenting on whatever Scarlett said.

“How many dresses have you made?” Aurora asked.

A smile lingered on Scarlett’s lips. “So far, only four. I don’t sew fast, but I am enjoying spending time with Gemina, Fern and Isabel. They’ve all made more than I have. I’m going to learn to make shirts next.”

He wasn’t aware of what she’d been meeting with the women about, but it was probably normal for women to seek one another’s company.

“...Isabel said the family was grateful for the clothes to the point of tears. The little girls of course were ecstatic.” Emmett enjoyed the throaty sound of Scarlett’s voice and looked to her as she continued explaining whatever it was she and Aurora spoke of.

She stopped mid-sentence. “Do you require anything?”

Emmett cleared his throat. “No, thank you.”

His sister-in-law spoke when the silence stretched out. “Scarlett are you planning to help out at the festival tomorrow? Lucille and I are going to work with Esther. She’s selling her beautiful skirts. I’m hoping to buy a couple before they all sell out.”

“I haven’t decided if I’m attending or not.” His wife assumed the pleasant expression he now recognized as a way to keep people from knowing how she truly felt.

“Are you going Emmett? You have to accompany Scarlett. It will be her first,” Aurora said leaning forward.