The sheriff thumbed his hat out of his eyes, and sighed. “There really isn’t any good way to say this, Nate. I have a warrant here for her arrest.”
“Her arrest!” Angel gasped, holding Julia-Rose as she came down the steps to join Nate and the Sheriff.
“Yes, ma’am, I’m afraid the Police Department in New York City has been looking for her for quite some time.”
“My stepmother? There must be a mistake, Sheriff. My stepmother never did anything criminal in her life.”
“Well, ma’am, that may be, but I still need to take her to the jail.”
Nate rested his fists at his waist. “Now, wait a minute, Sheriff. Take her to the jail? Is that really necessary?”
“I know this is difficult for you, ma’am,” he nodded in Angel’s direction, “but I have no choice. With this here warrant, I have to take her into custody.”
“Then, what?” Nate put his arm around Angel’s shoulders.
“Well once she’s at the jail, I’ll notify New York City, and follow whatever orders they give
me.”
“This is unbelievable.” Angel glanced at Nate.
“Mrs. Hale, I understand your distress, but I must ask you to please get Mrs. Hardwick.”
“Nate?” Angel’s voice trembled.
“Honey, go get Sylvia, but don’t tell her anything yet. I’d rather be there when we tell her.”
Turning to the sheriff, Nate said, “Won’t you come inside, Sheriff? Sylvia may be some time.”
The sheriff took his hat off, ran his fingers through his hair and tugged it back on. “Actually, Nate, I hoped you would be willing to bring her in. All I have is my horse, and I think the lady would be much more comfortable in your buggy.”
“I agree. I don’t think Mrs. Hardwick would appreciate being slung over the back of your horse like an outlaw.” As the sheriff turned to go, Nate added, “Incidentally, she recently became engaged to Eli Benson, so I’ll need to notify him.”
The sheriff sighed, and hung his head. “This is getting complicated, Nate. I’d rather not deal with Eli right now. Please bring Mrs. Hardwick to the jail, and then you can get whomever you want. Since I know she’s here, I really shouldn’t even leave without her.”
“I understand,” Nate said. “I’ll get her there right away.”
“Sheriff,” Nate stopped him once more as he turned his horse. “What’s the arrest warrant for?”
“Grand larceny.”
Sylvia had not stopped sniffling into her handkerchief since Nate told her about the sheriff’s visit. She was thoroughly confused. Jail! How did one conduct oneself in jail? Would she have a roommate? How long would she have to stay? How much clothing should she pack? And her job!
“I still don’t understand,” Sylvia wailed once more as they stopped in front of the sheriff’s office.
“I don’t either, Sylvia, but let’s get you inside, and then I’ll fetch Eli. With his connections, he can surely find out what’s going on.” Nate gave her a brief hug.
“Where did you say Angel was?” She twisted her handkerchief, almost tearing it to shreds on the ride in.
“Angel’s home with the children, but I sent Matt to Mrs. Darby to see if she could come over to watch them. As soon as I get back home, Angel and I will go see Eli.”
“Please hurry.” She grabbed his hand with a grip that threatened the bones. “I’m scared.”
Angel also twisted her handkerchief as their buggy approached Eli’s house. The pristine snow signified the residents had not yet left the house. Nate guided the buggy up the long driveway, and setting the brake, jumped down and helped Angel out.
“Honey, it’s better to let me do the talking, okay?” She clung to his arm and nodded, still confused and upset. Sylvia could be silly and self-centered at times, but Angel would bet everything she owned—all right, that wasn’t much, but still—that Sylvia would never steal anything.
The doorman ushered them in, and at Nate’s request proceeded to the library to get Eli. He had directed them to the parlor to wait, leaving them with the sound of his shoes echoing on the polished marble floor as he made his way down the hall.