Can't say for certain yet. Next few hours will tell. She's young and looks strong despite being half starved and dehydrated. What I want to know is what happened to her. Those bruises on her arms didn't come from falling in the dust.
A surge of protective anger rose in Yates at Martha's words. Bruises like someone grabbed her hard. And there's an old scar on her temple, not fresh, but concerning all the same. Yates's jaw tightened. I'll ride into town tomorrow.
See if anyone's reported a missing woman or knows anything about stage a coach passengers. Good idea. Meanwhile, I'll sit with her through the night. No need, Martha. You get some rest.
I'll take first watch. Martha raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue. Very well. Call me if there's any change. After she left, Yates pulled a chair next to the bed and settled in to watch over the mysterious woman.
In the lamplight, with the dust washed from her face, he could see she was indeed beautiful honeycoled hair spread across the pillow. Delicate features now relaxed in unconsciousness. A strange protective feeling washed over him, surprising in its intensity. You're safe now, he murmured. Whatever you're running from, you're safe here.
As the night deepened around the ranch house, Yates maintained his vigil, occasionally replacing the cool cloth on her forehead, wondering about the story behind the woman who had literally fallen at his feet. Dawn was breaking when she first stirred, a soft moan escaping her lips as her eyelids fluttered. Yates leaned forward, setting aside the book he'd been pretending to read. "Easy now," he said softly. "You're safe."
Her eyes opened fully, startlingly blue against her pale skin, and immediately widened with fear as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings and the man beside her bed. She tried to sit up, panic evident in her movements. "Where am I? Who are you?" Her voice was horsearo but cultured with a slight eastern accent.
You're at the lazy K ranch. I'm Yates King Cade, the owner. I found you collapsed on the trail yesterday afternoon. You've been unconscious with heat exhaustion. She sank back against the pillows, clearly exhausted by even that small exertion.
The stage coach, they took everything. Robbery? Yates asked gently. She nodded weakly. 3 days ago they took all the valuables the horses to the driver was shot.
Her voice broke. I've been walking since. You're safe now. Yates repeated. What's your name?
She hesitated as if debating whether to trust him. Bethany, she finally said, Bethany Rose. Miss Rose, you need rest and recovery. Martha, my housekeeper, will look after you. You're welcome to stay as long as necessary.