"The shootout with a gang of outlaws. Brogan was on death's door and Lucas saved his life. Shot several times himself, he managed to get Brogan on a horse to bring him here."
Camille slid a look to the doorway. It was time to change the conversation. Why had she brought it up anyway? "Yes, well, that's true. Both have brought safety to our town. I better get these bundles finished up. Mrs. Blakely is coming to pick up the herbs for her tea party."
"I am invited. Are you?"
She nodded. "Yes, but I'm not sure I'm going. I don't do well around large groups of people."
Thankfully, her friend didn't argue the point. They'd come to an understanding. Camille never attended local festivities nor did she accept invitations to dinners and such. Although she was taking a big chance by owning a business, she always managed to keep people at arm’s length. Other than Sarah, she didn't reveal more than necessary about herself to the other women in Silver City.
From the window, she watched as two women walked past the deputy who'd begun a conversation with another man. Both ladies turned to study him, doing their best not to seem interested. He didn't notice their slowed pace until they were almost upon him. At that time, both he and the other gentleman touched the brims of their hats. Interesting that he did not exploit his attractiveness. At least, not that she could see.
"I wonder if I shouldn't insist you take a sedative and lay down right away." Once again, Sarah brought her out of her musings. "This is most unlike you to constantly lose track of a conversation."
Camille rushed away from the window. Even outside, Lucas McKade affected her too much. She pulled Sarah's hands. "I apologize. Please have tea with me. I need something to settle my nerves. I am most unsettled from the rumors about the upcoming train station. I am not sure how I feel about the possibility of Silver City growing." She took a breath and met Sarah's gaze. "You know how much I dislike large groups of people. Can you imagine if the town doubles in size?"
"Very well," her friend replied seeming more at ease. "But I insist you get rest. Close the shop early today."
"I will I promise."
When Sarah left moments later, Camille went behind the counter and watched Sarah walk across the street to where Lucas McKade was sitting. She envied the easiness her friend displayed when approaching the men. Both men greeted her with ease and began some sort of conversation, probably about the weather and such since they all looked up to the sky.
On her short forays to the mercantile or wherever she needed to go, Camille kept her head down hoping not to attract anyone's attention.
There were too many risks involved in making friendships. The closer people became, the easier it would be for her to slip and allow the truth of her past to come to light. The truth of her past was one thing she could never afford to reveal.
As she'd heard it said, the past was best left there.
When Sarah left the apothecary, Lucas was caught off guard when she made a beeline toward him. With a basket hanging from her arm, she gave him a wane smile. Jacob Smalley, the butcher, who Lucas was conversing with stopped midsentence and greeted the pretty woman.
"Hello, gentlemen. It’s a beautiful day, is it not?"
Fluffy clouds floated in the bright, blue sky. The breeze was just enough to allow for a light chill in the air.
"Will you walk with me a bit?" Sarah asked Lucas. Once they said goodbye to Jacob, they made their way down the walkway.
"I'm a bit worried about Camille." She slid a look toward the apothecary.
"What happened?"
"She seemed confused... a bit distracted or something. I don't believe I've ever seen her in such a state." Sarah walked toward the mercantile and he fell in step.
"Do you think she is affected from the fall?" Lucas tipped his hat at two women walking by.
Sarah didn't say anything for a few moments and then placed her hand on his forearm. "Can you speak with her? I really think something is bothering her. Camille is not the kind of person who will share much. As a matter of fact, although I've known her for years, it's not until the last few months that I've finally gotten her to open up to me some."
His heart thudded at the opportunity to speak to Camille alone. Although he'd been checking on her daily, it was usually during her workshop hours. During the evenings, she retired to her small apartment above the shop, locked away from prying eyes, keeping to herself.
"What makes you think she'll say anything to me?" Even after rescuing her and speaking on a daily basis, if anything, Camille seemed more distant each time.