Brides of Noelle

by Kit Morgan

  Dorcas nodded and took Daphne’s hand. “Thank you, Elwood, for understanding.”

  His smile was heartfelt as he waved them on their way. She smiled back, her heart melting. She hoped he still looked at her like that after he found out about Vernon. But that revelation would – once again – have to wait.

  Chapter Eight

  Elwood was on his way to the shop with a wheelbarrow full of books when Sheriff Draven called him over. “Mr. Hunter – a word?”

  “Of course,” Elwood said, the wheelbarrow tipping to one side. He righted it and tried to remain calm. Would he finally get his interview with the man? For crying out loud, were his palms sweating? They were, but he wasn’t sure if it was due to his sudden excitement or his labors. “What can I do for you, Sheriff?”

  Draven sauntered up to him, looked at the wheelbarrow and raised a curious eyebrow. “Ya gotta lot of books. How many trips ya made?”

  “About a half dozen so far, and, well, I do have a bookshop,” Elwood said with a grin.

  “Yeah, ya do. Anyway, ‘bout that interview ya been wantin’ …”

  Elwood straightened, his eyes bright. “Yes?”

  “… answer’s still no.”

  Draven’s words were like a punch to the stomach.

  “But I’ll make arrangements for ya to speak with Marshal Charles Gant.”

  “Marshal Gant? Hmmm … Jasper was telling me about him.”

  “Yeah, he mentioned it. If ya wanna talk to somebody who’s had some real adventures, Gant’s yer man. He’s got stories under his saddle that make me look like a fumblin’ schoolboy.”

  “He does?” Elwood said as his heart raced.

  “Yep. I’ll send word, and I figger he’ll be more than happy to make a little trip to Noelle. I hear tell he’s been up north, somewhere near Fort Collins.”

  “Really?” Elwood said excitedly. “I can’t thank you enough, Sheriff.”

  Draven smiled, a rare sight. “Think nothin’ of it. I’ll just mosey back to my office, write a note and have Woody take it to the telegraph office in Junction. I guarantee Marshal Gant will be flattered yer interested in talkin’ with him.”

  Elwood grabbed Draven’s hand and shook it. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear this. But I’d still like to …”

  “Think nothin’ of it, I said,” Draven interrupted, yanking his hand away. “I’ll go take care of that. Ya have a good day.”

  “Oh, I will. I most certainly will!” Elwood said to the sheriff’s retreating back. With a grunt, he picked up the wheelbarrow. What luck! If this Charles Gant was as tough as Draven said, he’d be the perfect man to help him create Polecat Pete. And after he spoke with the marshal, maybe the sheriff would change his mind. But right now, he had to get his books unloaded and go back for another several batches. He whistled the rest of the way to the shop. Just wait until he told Dorcas – wouldn’t she be surprised?

  Speaking of Dorcas, what had she been about to tell him before her friend showed up? She certainly looked worried about it. He’d give her a nudge when he saw her next.

  He reached the shop, unloaded the wheelbarrow and went back for another load. He’d move what books he could today and get the rest tomorrow. Not all the shelves were up, but at least he could start getting his inventory organized. And once he was done with that, he should start working on a list of questions to ask the marshal. Maybe Dorcas could help with that …

  He hoped she didn’t forget what she wanted to talk to him about. Maybe she didn’t like the thought of living in a one-room apartment behind a shop. But he’d told her he planned on adding a second story as soon as his investment in the mine paid sufficient dividends. Though how long would that be? Had Rev. Hammond or his wife said something to her? Come to think of it, did Mayor Hardt mention how long it might take? What about the other investors – were they already drawing a profit?

  He’d ask Rev. Hammond about it at supper. He and his wife were directors for the mine, so they would know.

  Several loads later, Elwood stopped for a break. He sat on the front steps of his shop and watched the street. Several miners walked by, followed by a man with a really large dog. Where did such a beast come from? He’d seen the man before, but always with a woman, probably his wife, rather than a pet.

  “Afternoon, Elwood. Taking a rest?”

  Elwood looked up. “Sure am, Jack. Have a seat.”

  Jack joined him on the steps. “I see you’ve spotted Bear. I haven’t seen him about much – maybe he has a lady friend. Good. I wouldn’t mind a puppy.”

  “Bear – is that what that behemoth’s name is? I’ve never seen that man out with it before.”

  “Nice fellow, Hank. Blind, you know.”

  “I didn’t know.” Elwood sat straighter to get a better look.

  “Yep. He married Miss Jolie of La Maison des Chats, the brothel that burned down a few months ago.”

  “La Maison – heard about the place.”

  “Miss Jolie was the madam back then. Hank married her, moved his sister here and they own the printing press on the other side of town. They make greeting cards, mostly.”

  “Blind man married a soiled dove?”

  “He wouldn’t be the first around here.”

  “Really?” Elwood asked.

  “Of course not. Sheriff Draven married Pearl, who used to work at La Maison. Kindhearted woman.”

  Elwood could only stare. He knew Sheriff Draven was married, but didn’t know he’d married a prostitute … well, ex-prostitute now. But now that he thought about it, did it matter? Soiled doves had as much right to marry as anyone, though they probably faced more obstacles in doing so. Maybe Dorcas wasn’t the only one who needed to broaden their point of view.

  “How’s your future bride?” Jack asked. “Last time I saw her, she looked a little … I don’t know, worried.” He looked at Elwood. “I know it’s not my business, but if there’s anything Birdie and I can help with …”

  “You saw it too?”

  “It wasn’t hard, Elwood. I was standing three feet away from her.”

  Elwood smiled. “You’re right, something’s troubling her and I don’t know what.”

  “Women become skittish before they get married. Men aren’t any different. I think I was more nervous than my Birdie. There was a lot going on then, what with the railroad giving us deadlines to get married, and then Grandpa Gus. He almost got married too, as you know.”

  “Yes, you told me the story.” Elwood gazed at the buildings across the street. “What a great story too. I wish I’d been here when your brides arrived and seen all those weddings, one after the other.”

  “I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t worry. Mail-order brides come here, or wherever, for different reasons. My guess is Miss Minx has one she’s not ready to talk about yet.”

  Elwood looked at him, then at the Golden Nugget. “Thought hadn’t crossed my mind.”

  Jack ran his fingers through his untamed blond hair. “When you lived in Boston, did you get out much?”

  “Not really. Spent my time either working or reading. No need to go anywhere.”

  Jack laughed. “That’s what I thought.” He slapped him on the back. “Elwood, Noelle’s going to give you an education. The War Between the States taught me a trade hauling freight and then carving wooden legs to replace the one I lost. But in this town, I learned so much more. Just one piece of advice – whatever she might tell you, don’t act too shocked. A woman needs protection, whether you’re married to her or not. My Birdie didn’t feel safe sharing her problems. Your betrothed seems similar. She’s scared, you can see that. And she’s yours to protect. See that you do.”

  Elwood nodded. The man was right. “Thank you. I knew she wanted to tell me something and I’d already made up my mind not to overreact, but it’s good to be reminded.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Jack stood and rubbed his bad leg a few times. “I need to finish my work and get on home to my supper.”

>   Elwood stood as well. “Thanks, Jack. Thanks a lot.”

  “What are neighbors for?” They shook hands and resumed their labors.

  * * *

  “Vernon Fink?!” Daphne cried. “Oh, Dorcas, what were your parents thinking?”

  In the opposite chair in her room at the Golden Nugget, Dorcas put her face in her hands. “I don’t know,” she mumbled through her fingers.

  Daphne got up and put an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry. You tell Elwood, and I’ll let Walker know. If Vermin … Vernon shows up in Noelle, he’ll get a big surprise.”

  Dorcas brought her face out of her hands, smiling despite herself at Daphne’s nickname for Vernon. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”

  “It isn’t?” Daphne said as her eyebrows shot up. “But Vernon was despicable!”

  “Was and is. But besides Elwood and Walker, we have Sheriff Draven to deal with him.”

  Daphne nodded. “That’s a good point. So what is it you’re worried about?”

  “That Elwood won’t want to marry me.”

  “Dorcas Minx!” Daphne put her other arm around her. “How could you think such a thing?”

  Dorcas threw her hands in the air, breaking Daphne’s hold. “I don’t know. And that’s just it – I don’t know him. I don’t know how he’ll react.” She jumped up, crossed the room and flopped onto the bed.

  Daphne followed and sat beside her. “Look, we’ve been friends for a long time, haven’t we?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then trust me. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since leaving Denver, it’s how protective a man can be. I haven’t told you everything.”

  Dorcas’ brow knit. “You haven’t?”

  Daphne shook her head. “Walker married me to protect me – from myself.”

  “He did?” Dorcas sat up. “Why didn’t you tell me this before? What did you do?” If she had to think about it, she could probably come up with quite a few things Daphne would do. Her friend was a firebrand.

  “Something foolish. And that’s all you need to know for now. It’s almost suppertime.”

  Dorcas looked confused. “I’m not sure I understand.”

  “When I explain it, you will. But for now, you need to tell Elwood about Vernon. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “Yes, I know,” Dorcas sighed.

  “Dorcas, you’re going to be his wife. Any man worth his salt protects his wife.”

  Dorcas frowned. “But I’m not his wife yet.”

  “You know what I mean. Why would he not want to marry you just because you ran away from another man? Especially a blackguard like Vernon Fink?”

  “Because I don’t know what Vernon will do if he finds me. Or what he might do to Elwood.”

  “No, you don’t,” Daphne said. “No one does. But in order to protect you, Elwood needs to know.”

  Dorcas closed her eyes a moment. She didn’t want to speak the unthinkable, but she had to. “What if I tell Elwood and he thinks I’m too much trouble?”

  “What?” Daphne said in shock. “Why would he think that?”

  “My father thought I was something to barter with.”

  Daphne looked at her in shock. Dorcas knew her friend had always liked Father, and wondered if she shouldn’t have told her this before now. But the closer her marriage to Vernon got, the more Dorcas felt as if she meant nothing to her parents. She was just another possession to do with as they pleased.

  “Dorcas?” Daphne prompted. “Are you sure?”

  Dorcas sighed. “As sure am I am about anything, Daph. I’m still in shock over how they treated me. My mother was always a social climber and my father … well, he’d do anything to improve his business. I just never thought that would include marrying me off to Vernon Fink.” She wrung her hands and walked over to the window.

  Daphne followed, putting a hand on hers to still them. “It’s going to be fine, trust me. And trust Elwood too.”

  She nodded, her heart in her throat. She knew she had to, and that if their positions were reversed she’d be telling Daphne the same thing. It was the not knowing that was hard. What if Elwood didn’t want the trouble? He obviously had an imagination – otherwise, why was he writing novels? What if he came up with the notion that Vernon Fink was some murderous fiend that would come kill everyone in town because of her? Who’d want any part of that? “Daphne …”

  “What is it?” she put a hand on her shoulder.

  “If he says he no longer wishes to marry me …”

  “Then you can stay with Walker and me. I’ll speak to him. But you’re worried about nothing.”

  Dorcas forced a smile. “I hope so. I like Elwood – he’s kind and smart and loves to read. Besides, I’ll have access to all those wonderful books.”

  Daphne laughed. “You and me both, I hope. Do you think he’d give me a discount?”

  “I can ask.”

  “You’d better ask soon. I can think of several friends of mine that also love books – Jasper, for instance. Have you met him?”

  “Met him? We’re helping him with the Fourth of July fireworks.”

  “Merciful heavens.” Daphne rolled her eyes. “Just make sure he hasn’t been drinking that day, or he might burn the whole town down.”

  Dorcas laughed. “I’ll do my best, as will Elwood …” She suddenly sobered.

  “Stop worrying!” Daphne took her hand. “Now let’s talk about your wedding. Do you have a dress?”

  There was a knock at the door before Dorcas could answer. She crossed the room and opened it. “Felicity, hello.”

  “Hello. I just came to speak with Daphne.”

  Daphne came over and gave her a hug. “It’s so good to be back. I hear a lot has been going on since we’ve been away.”

  “Yes, there’s been lots of progress. You know that the women’s mission is completed?”

  “I saw that. It’s wonderful!”

  “Isn’t it? And now that you’re back, would you like to help out with the Fourth of July celebration?”

  “We’d love to.” Daphne hugged her again.

  Dorcas stepped back and listened as the two women worked out details. She’d never seen Daphne this happy and settled. She’d married a good man – neither rich nor highly educated nor any sort of businessman, just good. And from what she’d heard, a very good shot and a fast one. She wondered – could Elwood shoot a gun? What if Vernon showed up and challenged Elwood to a duel? Oh heavens, she didn’t want to think about that …

  Felicity and Daphne finished their business and Dorcas found herself volunteered to help with the decorations. “You don’t mind, do you?” Daphne asked after showing Felicity out.

  “No, especially since you’re on the same committee.”

  “It will be just like old times,” Daphne said. “You and Elwood will have to join Walker and me for supper. We can talk out a few ideas.”

  Dorcas glanced around the room. “Here?”

  “Oh no. While we’ve been away, Jasper oversaw the building of our cabin.”

  “Jasper?” Dorcas said in shock. She couldn’t imagine Jasper overseeing the building of anything except maybe a double whiskey.

  “Jasper may be old, and he may act like he doesn’t know a lot, but he’ll surprise you. He was once a master carpenter.”

  “He was? I’ll have to tell Elwood.”

  “Building a house is a lot like building a relationship,” Daphne added.

  Dorcas cocked her head to one side. “You’re going to lecture me, aren’t you?”

  “Not at all.” Daphne headed for the door. “But remember, a well-built house has to have a strong foundation. Start that foundation by telling Elwood about Vernon.”

  Dorcas sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter Nine

  Supper was a quiet affair for Dorcas. Elwood, on the other hand, told everyone about Sheriff Draven’s brilliant idea to introduce him to Marshal Charles Gant. He wasn’t that excited when he first met her. Was
she playing second fiddle to this marshal now? But there wasn’t time to think about that – she had other things on her mind, like telling Elwood about Vernon.

  Really, what was the worst that could happen? Elwood refusing to marry her – would she really want to wed a man who thought she’d bring him too much trouble? No.

  “Seamus, pass the potatoes, please,” Rev. Hammond said. “So, Miss Minx …”

  Dorcas’ head came up. “Reverend?”

  “You look as if you’re deep in thought.”

  She poked at her pot roast. “Yes, I am.”

  “Wedding jitters?” Norah asked.

  “You could say that.”

  “Nothing to be nervous about,” Elwood said as he buttered a biscuit. “Tuesday’s just around the corner and everything will be fine. Jack told me Birdie started on your veil.”

  Dorcas stared at him a moment. He looked so happy, so excited. “She did?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want a proper dress?” Norah asked.

  Dorcas shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter.”

  “Nonsense,” Elwood said. “If you’d like a wedding dress, by all means we can have one made.”

  The word we stuck in her brain. “We can?”

  “Of course. I can afford it. Have to delay our wedding until it’s done, but what’s wrong with that?”

  She exchanged a quick look with Felicity and Norah. “By all means,” Felicity said. “Have a dress made if you want. There are a number of women in town who would help, and Birdie is very fast.”

  Dorcas stared at her plate. “I don’t know …”

  “Dorcas,” Elwood leaned toward her. “No rush. We don’t have to get married on Tuesday.”

  “We don’t?” she said, thinking that perhaps they should for safety’s sake.

  “Of course not,” he said before taking a bite of pot roast.

  “He’s right,” Rev. Hammond added. “Don’t let the day I picked influence anything.”

  Dorcas’ eyes flicked around the table. “Why don’t we discuss it after supper?” she told Elwood.