Caught Between Love And Duty

by Clarice Mayfield

  “So desperate that you made up a story about Abe blackmailing Daddy so you could make me think I was off the hook and free to go?” she challenged him with an eyebrow raised archly.

  William looked uncomfortable for a moment but answered firmly, “Yep. And I’d do it again if I had to, sis! There was just no way you were gonna marry that man if I could help it. You would have been utterly miserable.”

  “I was utterly miserable already, if you want to know the truth of it. I didn’t even know how unhappy I was at the time – until...”

  “Until you found happiness here in Texas?”

  “Yes. Until I found my ‘cowboy’ and this wonderful way of life.”

  “Mama says she thinks you were born to live this life. And I think she’s right,” he grinned at her.

  “I can’t argue with that,” Georgia agreed. “How about you? How are things going at the Sutton, Mr. Manager?”

  “Good! We had our first general staff meeting the other day. It went well, I think. Got to meet everybody afterward. The head chef sure plays the role, doesn’t he?” William chuckled.

  “Oh? I’ve never met him. He’s an excellent cook, though.”

  “Monsieur Gaston Castonguay, complete with a jaunty red beret and waxed moustache. He took me to task for asking how he ended up in Sonora, said that people in the west don’t pry about such things. I laughed it off, told him that we’ll get to know each other by who we are now – not by who we used to be or where we came from.”

  “Good for you,” she said. “Yes, I’ve noticed that about west Texas. I guess it’s a new start for so many people that the custom is not to ask strangers much about their old life. Some of them get offended if you do.”

  “Oh, he seemed offended, all right. But I think we’ll be able to work together,” William said confidently.

  “That’s good. I know you can handle managing the Sutton, little brother. You’ll do great: you’ve got a gift for that kind of work.”

  “Thanks, sis,” he said gratefully, “I really appreciate that.”

  “Speaking of work, James and I have decided to have the reception here at the ranch instead. I’m sorry for the late change. It will be so much better for the McCloud family if it’s held here instead of where their friend died. With all that’s happened recently we just didn’t think of it sooner.”

  “Yes, of course. I understand, sis, that’s no problem. We’ll cater the event at the ranch instead. You’ve sure had a wild ride since coming to Texas, haven’t you? Comanche darts flying about, kidnappings, and shootings!”

  “I won’t lie to you it’s been a baptism in fire, little brother. It was like I walked into a dime store novel the first day I arrived. The gang had just terrorized the town the day before and abducted David. It was crazy. But you know through it all I’ve seen something of the spirit and character of the people here. They are absolutely remarkable, William. Tough but loving. Kind and so generous but fierce warriors when they need to be.”

  “I can see that some of that has rubbed off on you too, Georgia.”

  “Really?” she said in surprise.

  “Yeah, absolutely. You’re stronger now, more confident as a person. You even walk with more confidence, believe it or not.”

  “Not strutting about, I hope,” she laughed.

  “No, no. Just a firmer step and, I don’t know... a kind of a quiet confidence that some ladies seem to have. I’ve noticed that since we got here. Texas has been good for you, sis.”

  “Thanks, Willy,” she blushed, looking down at the floorboards.

  “I see you still have that habit of blushing sometimes but, hey, nobody’s perfect,” he teased.

  “You should be the one blushing,” she teased back, recovering her poise. “Seventeen years old and managing a five-star hotel. The nerve of you, lad!”

  “I’ll be eighteen next month I remind you, dear sister. A full-grown man.”

  “Yes,” Georgia laughed, “a full-grown man, doing a man’s job of it. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks,” he said appreciatively, “but you’d better cut that out. You’re going to make me blush now and that just wouldn’t be a good habit for the manager of the Sutton County Hotel to get into, now would it?” he winked.

  “Yes, I understand completely. How about a nice hug instead?” Before he could answer she got up from the chair, gave him a warm embrace, and kissed him on the cheek. “See you tomorrow, little brother.”

  “See you tomorrow,” William said as he watched her leave, his face flushing pink as crimson. He placed a hand on one cheek and felt the warmth, then shook his head. “Shoot. That’ll never do.”

  * * *

  The night before the wedding Georgia had difficulty falling asleep. All the preparations were made for the celebration to be held at the ranch. Because of the change of venue, she and James had decided to have the marriage ceremony at the ranch as well, instead of the Sonora church building. As long as it didn’t rain, Reverend Wilkinson would officiate their vows on the veranda under the open sky.

  William and the Sutton staff had worked together successfully to organize and prepare the menu, the musicians had gathered a full band and even rehearsed. This was somewhat of a rarity as everyone already knew the repertoire of wedding standards. Such was Aunt Martha’s enthusiasm that it be the best band Sutton County had ever seen, however, that she had inspired the musicians to hone their arrangements beforehand – for no extra pay.

  Everything was ready and all that was needed was a good night’s rest. But Georgia couldn’t sleep. Late in the evening she went to the kitchen to get a glass of milk and found Aunt Martha sitting at the table enjoying a snack.

  “Martha? What are you doing up so late?” she said in surprise.

  Georgia had never seen her awake this far into the evening. The older lady habitually rose before dawn and went to bed very early. She grinned at the bride-to-be through a mouthful of sourdough biscuit. “I’m doin’ the same thing you are, gal: gettin’ a snack! Couldn’t sleep.”

  “Me neither,” Georgia said, pouring herself a glass of milk and sitting down across from her. “Nerves, I guess.”

  “Yep. Probably never been a bride since Eve that’s slept like a baby on the night before her weddin’. Not to worry though. The sandman will be along soon and sprinkle his stardust in your eyes.”

  “You’re waxing even more poetic than usual tonight, Auntie,” Georgia smiled as she grabbed a biscuit from Martha’s plate.

  “Yeah...feelin’ a bit wistful tonight, girl. I never did walk down the aisle. Sometimes I wonder what it woulda been like with the right man. You know, to build a life together and have a partner in all the ups and downs.”

  “Any regrets? It’s not too late, you know. Women sometimes do get married in their sixties.”

  Martha chuckled. “Naw, not me. I’m content to be a mother to the boys and help out where I can. Weddins’ get a woman feelin’ all romantic though, don’t they? Next thing you know you’re thinkin’ ‘bout what might of been and who might of been, and such like.”

  “Was there someone special?”

  Martha hesitated for a moment, then said, “Yes. There surely was.”

  Georgia waited patiently as the seconds passed. After a minute she said, “Aren’t you going to tell me about him?”

  Martha looked like she wasn’t sure. To Georgia it was hard to tell if she was simply gathering her thoughts or holding back tears. Finally the older woman said, “His name was John Hawthorne. A very good man. I’d already been mindin’ the boys for a couple years when we met but I hadn’t moved into the McCloud house as their nanny – that’s what Josiah called it. Anyway, John came out from Kaintuck by himself to homestead here and we got to know each other. I liked him a lot.”

  “Did you love him?” Georgia asked.

  “Yes, reckon I did,” Martha said wistfully, “and John felt the same. We courted some and the time came when he asked me to marry him. Josiah had already asked me to
be the boys’ full-time nanny but I hadn’t given an answer yet. Josiah weren’t pushy about it or nothin’ but he could read the writin’ on the wall. John and me...it was obvious we was serious. The thing was that the boys, James and David, were still very young and Josiah couldn’t build the ranch whilst takin’ care of two toddlers. So I had to make a decision.”

  “Mr. McCloud didn’t want to marry again?” Georgia asked.

  “No. He was still grievin’ hard for his first wife, he loved her so much. Josiah was a strong but tender man and when she died it tore his heart right out. Never did recover, I think. And he never looked at another woman that way again.”

  “It must have been a very difficult decision for you to make then, Martha.”

  “Yep...sure was,” her face twisted with emotion and she fell silent. Georgia reached across the table and took her hand.

  “It’s all right, Auntie,” she said gently. “It’s okay to cry.”

  Martha blew her nose softly with a handkerchief and continued. “I had to decide between marryin’ John and takin’ care of the boys. John begged me to go with him but I knew them boys would suffer if I left. Josiah couldn’t burn both ends of the candle and still make a livin’. Money was tight, the ranch wasn’t built yet. He would’ve done his best for ‘em but they’d a-been neglected. I loved them boys so much, I just had to stay on and tell John ‘no.’” Martha’s eyes filled with tears and she began to cry softly, daubing her eyes with the handkerchief. “So you see why weddin’s get me all stirred up, gal? Been that way ever since.”

  “I understand, Martha,” Georgia said, squeezing her hand. “It’s only natural that this would bring it all back to you.”

  “Especially before the marriage day. Happens every time,” she said, trying to smile through her tears. “I guess it’s because I came so close to walkin’ down the aisle with John.”

  “Whatever happened to Mr. Hawthorne?”

  “He died in the war between the states. Fought for the south. I always think that if we’d married, John might not have been called up so quick. Maybe he would’ve lived.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for his death, Auntie. It wasn’t your fault.”

  “I know, girl. But sometimes you just can’t help wonderin’ what might’ve been. Specially on the day before a weddin’. See? It’s all your fault!” she teased with a sniffle and a grin. “But I reckon I made the decision that had to be made, and I’m proud of my boys. Now you and James is gettin’ married tomorrow. It’s gonna be a wonderful life for both of you.”

  “It already is, Auntie, it really is. Every day that goes by I’m realizing that more and more. And I’m so thankful.”

  “That’s the spirit, girl. Be thankful for your blessings right out of the gate. Makes life a whole lot better all around. When we get to complainin’ all the time it’s just like rubbin’ salt in a wound – only makes things worse. You got the right attitude there and it’ll help your marriage too. Life ain’t never easy but it sure is better when we’re thankful. Amen. End of sermon,” she grinned. “Look at me here: the old spinster givin’ a young lady marriage advice!”

  Georgia shook her head. “No, please don’t apologize. I count you as one of the wisest women – the wisest persons – I’ve ever met, Martha Gainey.”

  “Well, thank you for that, gal. I can’t agree but it’s mighty kind of you to say. Why don’t we get some sleep now? I’m plumb tuckered out after havin’ a good cry.”

  They both got up from the table and gave each other a hug. “Good night to you, Auntie. I love you,” Georgia said.

  “You too. G’night, girl. Pleasant dreams!”

  28

  The twenty-seventh of September, 1890, dawned bright and clear in the west Texas Hill Country. As was her custom, Martha was up well before dawn and bustling about the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone. James had slept in the bunkhouse with the hands so he and Georgia could have some time apart to reflect and prepare themselves for the day.

  At dawn, David brought his brother breakfast. James was already up and dressed, sitting at a small table with Francisco drinking coffee. “Well, well, room service!” he said as David came in the door carrying a tray of food.

  “Your second-to-last meal as a free man, amigo. Enjoy.”

  “Hah. Spoken as a confirmed bachelor,” James replied.

  “Yes sir, you got that right,” David replied. “How did you sleep?”

  “Terrible, brother. Fran here snores like a bear and I had the misfortune of trying to sleep in the bunk above him. So if I faint during the ceremony, I’m blaming it on you, Fran.”

  “That would be completely unjust, Señor James. I had planned on singing a special wedding serenade for you and your bride, but I will not do it if you embarrass me in front of the world like that,” he said with mock indignation.

  “Not to worry, Fran, I feel fit as a fiddle and hungry as a bear this morning. Waiter! What have you brought for breakfast?”

  David lifted the lid off the plate to reveal a massive stack of pancakes, bacon, three eggs over-easy, and a pile of sourdough biscuits freshly made. “Will this be sufficient to provide you with energy for today’s activities, sir?” he inquired in a stuffy accent.

  “That’ll do for a start,” James replied as he dug into the food.

  “Hey, Señor David, where is my breakfast?”

  “In the kitchen like always, Fran,” he smiled. “Room service at the Golden Lane is only reserved for men having their last meals of freedom before marriage.”

  * * *

  The Warton family came to breakfast early that morning – except for the bride. She was nowhere to be seen when Charles, Emilia, Elias, and William sat down at the table.

  “Where’s Georgia?” Charles asked.

  “Still sleepin’, I reckon,” Martha said as she poured him a coffee. “We was both up late last night havin’ a snack and a little chat.”

  “Is she okay?” Emilia asked.

  “Yep, she’s fine. Just a bit of pre-weddin’ nerves, that’s all. She’ll probably be up and about soon.”

  As the family dug into their breakfast a few minutes later, Georgia appeared. “Good morning, darling!” Emilia called out. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes fine, Mama,” she replied with a yawn and a stretch. “This is certainly an early breakfast for the Warton family.”

  “Your father and I were simply too excited to sleep any longer,” Emilia smiled.

  “How are you, sis?” William said as she sat down beside him.

  “Couldn’t be better. Just another lazy Saturday morning in... hey, wait a minute. Wasn’t there something important I was going to do today? Go shopping in Sonora? Go fishing? It’ll come to me in a minute.”

  “Very funny, Pumpkin,” Charles grinned from across the table. “How could you forget? We’re going to go rope some longhorn calves again.”

  She broke into a giggle. “I’ll never forget the sight of you with a Stetson on your head and that branding iron in your hand, Daddy. You guys should have seen him ‘smoking’ the little steer on the hip. It was amazing.”

  “Maybe after the wedding we can all have a go?” Elias suggested.

  “Speak for yourself, son,” his father chuckled. “My cowboy days lasted precisely one afternoon at the corral, thank you very much. But I’d be glad to watch you two have a try at branding.”

  “That sounds like a great idea,” David said as he walked into the kitchen for breakfast. “One day we’ll get you boys out to the corral and brand some calves. How’s that sound?”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Elias replied, “thanks, David.”

  “No problem, partner. How y’all doing this fine mornin’, folks?” he said, looking around the table and taking a seat.

  “If I was any better I couldn’t stand it,” Georgia deadpanned.

  “You ain’t nervous are you, Georgie?” David asked.

  “No, no. What’s there to be nervous about?” she smiled
.

  “A bride on her wedding day,” Emilia said wistfully to her husband. “I never thought we’d see the day our little girl got married, Charles.”

  “Now, Mother, don’t embarrass the poor girl before she’s even had her breakfast,” he replied.

  “Well folks, I’ve just returned from bringin’ the groom his breakfast in the bunkhouse and I’m happy to report that he’s doin’ well and lookin’ forward to the day’s events,” David announced as he reached for the bacon. “Say, William, can ya pass me them flapjacks? Thanks.” He quickly loaded a half dozen onto his plate and continued the announcement: “James sends his greetings to the Warton family and Aunt Martha, and a special message for the bride. Georgia, he is looking forward to taking your hand in marriage upon this very veranda deck at the Golden Lane at 3:00 p.m this afternoon.”