Mail Order Victoria

by Caroline Clemmons

  They both stilled at the sound of hoof beats.

  “That sounds like only one horse.” Victoria went toward the parlor to look out the window.

  She was by the front door when it was kicked open.

  Kirk Dorfman stood there with revolver drawn. “Well, hello, if it isn’t the mail-order bride. Where’s Cindy?”

  Using a sultry voice, Cindy called, “I’m in here, Kirk, in the kitchen. Come on in. I have something for you.”

  He laughed. “And I have something for you, you little tease.” He swaggered through the doorway to the kitchen and dropped.

  Victoria pulled the revolver from her pocket as she approached him.

  Cindy stood over his inert form with a cast iron skillet in her hand. She looked up at Victoria. “That probably wasn’t what he expected.”

  “But, a very good choice, Cindy. I commend you on your kitchen skills.” She pointed her revolver at Kirk. “Do you know where there’s any rope?”

  Sid and Frankie came into the kitchen and stopped, startled. They rushed over to look at Kirk.

  Victoria didn’t take her eyes off the young man. “Stay back. Sid, do you know where there’s some rope?”

  “Sure, in the barn.”

  “No, don’t leave the house until we know it’s safe. Is there any inside the house?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You boys go take care of the little girls. Make sure they stay back there playing. Cindy, come here and tear strips from my petticoat. If you make the strips about two inches wide, we can twist them and they won’t break.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I can’t think of anything else. I didn’t bring old clothes.”

  “I have an old nightgown. I’ll get it quickly.”

  Cindy returned tearing strips of cloth as she walked. “I’ll make it long enough and then twist it together. He’s coming around. I’d better hit him again.”

  Kirk tried to rise up and collapsed. “Don’t hit me again. You almost killed me.”

  Victoria made certain he saw the gun. “We haven’t even tried to kill you yet. I’m thinking of ways, though. There ought to be plenty of ways to torture a rapist, don’t you think, Cindy?” She winked at her daughter.

  “Oh, yes, I can think of a few.”

  Kirk rolled to his side. “Hey, I never raped her.”

  Cindy kicked his leg. “You would have if I hadn’t kicked you and ran.”

  “Aw, you females always want it. You were just teasing me to make yourself seem better than you are.”

  Victoria cocked the hammer on the revolver.

  Kirk raised a hand. “Hey, I was just making a joke. You can take a joke, can’t you?”

  “Can we, Cindy? I don’t think I can. Get the meat cleaver.”

  “Sure, Mama. What shall we cut off first?”

  Victoria pretended to laugh. “Guess. What would he hate most to lose?”

  The sound of a galloping horse sent Cindy to the window. “It’s Papa.”

  Greg came in with gun drawn.

  Kirk reached out both hands. “Get me away from these two. They’re crazy. They’re going to torture me. You gotta help me.”

  “Why would I care if they torture you? Do you care that Kansas is hurt badly? Do you care that you cheated and stole because you were too lazy to earn your own ranch?”

  “You got it wrong. You’ve got this real nice ranch and big house. We just took a few of your cows you wouldn’t even miss. Didn’t hurt nothing.”

  “Oh yeah? Do you think I was handed this ranch on a platter? I worked hard and started with nothing but my Army paycheck. I bought the ranch from a man who was leaving for New Mexico but I’ve made a lot of improvements since then. This ranch represents ten years of working six and seven days a week from before sunup to sundown. I didn’t steal it from anyone.”

  Kirk yelled, “He was our grandpa. He shouldn’t have sold. This ranch should have come to us as our inheritance. In New Mexico the land he bought was next to worthless because there wasn’t any water on the place. He went broke in three years.”

  “That’s not my fault. I paid him what we agreed. What he did with the money is his business.”

  He looked at his daughter. “You have that so it’ll work to tie him, Cindy?”

  “Here it is, Papa. Tie it real tight.”

  Greg did. “Victoria, I have to take the wagon where the cattle are held. Kansas is hurt and we have three more rustlers to take to the sheriff.”

  “By the way, to whatever charges you make against Kirk, add the cost of Cindy’s nightgown. She used it to make strips so we could tie him. I’d planned to gag him, too.” She smiled at Greg. “I’ll have supper ready when you get home.”

  “In the meantime, can you watch this man while I hitch the wagon?”

  “Oh, I’ll be happy to. We never did get to show him how well the meat cleaver cuts.”

  Kirk scooted on his rear to get away from them but he backed into a wall.

  Cindy held the meat cleaver. “You want to unbutton his britches or shall I?”

  Kirk was wild-eyed. “No, please. I’m sorry I treated you that way. I think you’re pretty and couldn’t help myself. I’m real sorry. Just leave me be, please, I’m begging you.”

  “What should I do, Mama?”

  “Let’s ask your father. If he doesn’t mind, he might like to watch. Especially when we tell him what Kirk tried to do to you. Good fathers like yours are protective of their daughters.”

  Greg shook his head and chuckled as he jogged to the barn. He was soon seated on the wagon and drove it close to the front door.

  Kirk’s hands were trussed but Greg tied his feet when he had him in the wagon.

  Greg also removed the young man’s boots and examined them. He pulled a knife from one boot and showed it to Victoria and Cindy.

  “Most of these guys have a knife in one boot, some in each boot. Don’t want them cutting themselves loose. A few have a second gun in one book or strapped to their leg.”

  He set the boots in the wagon and came to Victoria and Cindy. “Ladies, I’m sure glad you two are uninjured.”

  He kissed Cindy on the cheek then swept Victoria into his arms for a passionate kiss. “Also, I’m sure glad you two didn’t get mad at me. The two of you together are dangerous.”

  Victoria grinned at their daughter then at him. “Keep in mind we are capable of dastardly deeds when pushed.” She stood with her arm around Cindy.

  “I’m not likely to forget it.” He climbed onto the wagon seat and snapped the reins.

  Chapter Ten

  Victoria smiled when Greg helped her into their new buggy. Mrs. Jennings had arrived to care for Regina, Hattie, and Mattie. She hated to leave the three at home but she was confident they would be fine in her absence.

  Miguel and Kansas were riding their horses. Cindy, Sid, and Frankie were accompanying Greg and Victoria into New Braunfels for the rustlers’ trial. The two little boys were acting proud to be included.

  Sid was practically bouncing with excitement and leaned over the front seat. “Papa, are we gonna see Sonny get hanged?”

  Greg shook his head but appeared focused on the horses. “You’re not seeing anyone hanged, young man. This is a trial. The only reason we’re taking you is because you know the men involved and your mother and I thought it would be a good lesson.”

  Victoria glanced over her shoulder. “Sit down, Sid, and don’t squirm.”

  Cindy pulled Sid back beside her. “I’m excited, too, Sid, but if we don’t behave then Mama and Papa won’t take us to New Braunfels again for years.”

  Victoria had mixed emotions about today. She and Greg had talked about whether or not the experience would be good for the children or bad. Cindy had been directly threatened and they decided she definitely needed to see Kirk was punished.

  Victoria was glad the rustlers’ trial was scheduled and that part of their lives would be concluded. The time they waited for today had dragged a
s if the threat still hung over them. Whether for good or bad, they would finish with that unpleasant experience.

  She looked over her shoulder again. “The trial is part of your school lessons. Papa and I thought seeing how the court system works would be better than simply reading about it. There might be time for a treat if everyone behaves.”

  Cindy leaned forward. “Can we get something for Mattie? She was upset we were leaving her home with the babies.”

  Victoria nodded. “Of course, Cindy. That’s thoughtful of you.” She especially wanted Cindy to see that Kirk was punished. Although the youngest of the four rustlers, he was the most vicious. His comments to Cindy had left her feeling there was something wrong with her.

  The courtroom was packed but Miguel and Kansas had saved seats for the family. When the four rustlers were brought in, none of them would look at the Hardy family. The three oldest each stared at his hands. Kirk sat with a smug look on his face.

  Greg, Kansas, Miguel, and Victoria had to testify. They carefully omitted Cindy’s name. When the trial was over, the jury deliberated only a few minutes. Each man was found guilty and the jury recommended hanging.

  After the jury’s verdict was read, Greg stood. “Your Honor, may I speak to the court?”

  The judge didn’t look pleased. “Go ahead if it’s relevant.”

  “Due to the ages of the four men, my family and Miguel Dominguez and Kansas Kramer ask that the court show leniency in sentencing. While rustling and attempted murder are serious crimes which should not be excused, we ask that the men’s lives be spared.”

  The buzz of comments rippled across the courtroom. Sonny hung his head and wept into his hands. Kirk smirked. Mike and Sam watched the judge.

  The judge banged his gavel. “Silence. Silence or I’ll have the courtroom cleared.”

  He appeared to read notes he’d made. “Mike Dorfman, because you did not fire a shot but did take part in the rustling, I sentence you to five years in Huntsville prison. Sam Dorfman, you receive the same. Lester “Sonny” Dorfman, you cheated the family who fed and housed you. I sentence you to fifteen years. Kirk Dorfman, you shot Mr. Kramer with intent to kill and planned to attack the Hardy family. I sentence you to thirty years.”

  Kirk screamed, “No! You can’t do this to me! He asked you to be lenient and spare our lives. Thirty years isn’t lenient.” He sobbed and refused to stand. Two bailiffs carried him out of the courtroom. His yelling continued until he was too far away for those in the courtroom to hear.

  Sonny stood and looked at Greg. “I’m sorry for what we did. Thank you for speaking up for us and sparing our lives.” He turned and left as directed.

  With gazes downcast, his two brothers followed him.

  Victoria dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. The four on trial had ruined their lives and snuffed out their chances for happiness. They’d almost done more. She thanked God her husband, Miguel, and Kansas were safe. Thanked God that Cindy and she were safe.

  After they left the courthouse, Greg spoke to his ranch hands. “Make a day of it, men. You’re welcome to come with us to have a meal. Then, the ladies want to do a bit of shopping. You remember I mentioned that item of business we’ll conclude here but it won’t take long. Kansas, you know where we left the buggy. If you wish, ride home in the buggy and we’ll tie your horse on the back.”

  Kansas rubbed at his shoulder where he’d been shot. “I’m feeling pretty fit. Thanks for the invite but I’d like to look around town a little while. Don’t get over here very often. I reckon I’ll still be home before you folks.”

  Miguel smoothed his mustache with a finger. “Sí, I will be home before your family. I am not fond of towns. Now that our bunkhouse is repaired, I am happy there when I am not working or eating.”

  Miguel leaned close to Greg to speak quietly, “I will stay with Kansas and make sure he does not have a problem.”

  They bid the two men goodbye and turned toward the restaurant. Victoria held her husband’s arm. Frankie walked between Cindy and Sid. Now that the trial was over, she could enjoy an outing with her family—rather, her husband and half their children.

  Victoria asked, “Have the children been out to eat here before?”

  “Not here. We’ve eaten at the little café in Ordinary. I don’t believe they’ve ever been to New Braunfels before.”

  She understood that it was logical for the children to go to the closer town rather than here. Especially the small ones would be tired from the longer drive.

  “Good, this will be a special treat for them.”

  They went to the same restaurant at which they’d eaten on their wedding day. The same waitress took their orders.

  Victoria scanned the other diners then smiled at Greg. “A lot has happened since we were here.”

  “Hard to believe, isn’t it? Seems like it must have been at least a year ago with all that’s gone on recently.”

  Their food came and they chatted while eating. After they’d each finished, Greg paid the bill and they went to pick out something for Mattie.

  “What do you think?” He nodded toward a board game called The Checkered Game of Life.

  She examined the box. “I’ve played this one and it’s educational. We could all play that or the older ones could play without us.”

  Cindy approached with a book. “This is the second book about Katy. May I have it?”

  Victoria met his gaze and nodded slightly.

  Greg took the book from her. “You may. Did you find something for Mattie?”

  “There’s a nice story book with pictures she would enjoy if we read it to her.” She showed it to Greg and Victoria.

  “All right. Boys, you may choose something.” He set an amount for them.

  Sid chose a bag of marbles and Frankie chose a toy horse.

  Victoria chose a stuffed lamb for Hattie and a stuffed dog for Regina.

  He carried the items. “Is there anything you need?”

  “No, nothing but thank you for asking. I’m eager to get our other task completed.”

  Victoria stood aside while her husband paid for their purchases. The trial had caused her heart to ache for the four young men. The men’s greed had ruined their lives and almost cost Kansas his. She hoped when they were released from prison they’d be law abiding. Two with lesser sentences would still be young men when released.

  She noticed Frankie was lagging. This was his rest time. “I know you’re tired, Frankie. Only one more stop and then we can go home.” She ruffled his hair.

  The three children and she and her husband strolled a few doors down to a lawyer’s office.

  Sid tugged on Greg’s sleeve. “Why are we going here?”

  “You’ll see. Remember to behave.”

  The attorney, Mr. Madison, expected them. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Hardy. I have the papers ready for you as you instructed.”

  He gestured to two chairs. “I’ll arrange for more chairs.”

  Greg shook his head. “Unless this will take a long time, the children will be fine where they are.”

  “A few minutes is all that’s required.” Mr. Madison pushed a set of papers across the desk. “You’ll see the first papers are for you to adopt Regina Bailey as your daughter and change her name to Regina Hardy.”

  He tapped those he’d pushed toward Victoria. “Those are for you to adopt your husband’s children as yours.”

  Cindy leaned near Victoria’s ear. “Why do you need to adopt us? You’re married to our Papa. I thought that made you our mama.”

  Greg heard his daughter. “For instance if Kirk had killed me as he intended, then anyone from my family could have claimed you children and Mama couldn’t do much to stop them because she’s not a blood relative. I don’t think any of my kin would do that, but now it won’t matter.”

  Mr. Madison looked at Cindy. “You see, young lady, your father’s ranch is quite prosperous and might tempt someone to claim you children in order to secure the ranch.”
>
  Mr. Madison presented another sheaf of papers. “Here is the will as you specified. I’ll keep one copy on file here and you have two copies for your records.”

  The girl’s eyes widened. She clutched her father’s sleeve. “Papa, please don’t die.”

  He laughed and put his arm around her waist. “I hope to live for a long time but no one can guarantee how long he’ll live. Being prepared is the best plan.”

  They signed the papers, thanked the attorney, and walked to where they’d left the buggy.

  Back at home after Mrs. Jennings had gone and the children were tucked into their beds, Victoria and Greg went to their room. Her emotions remained in turmoil over their eventful day.

  He pulled off his shirt. “You still sad about the rustlers?”

  “I can’t help myself, especially about Sonny. I thought he was a nice young man. That awful Kirk was so young. Going to prison seems such a waste yet they had to be punished. At the same time, I’m excited that Regina is now safe from the Baileys.”

  “After what your friend wrote about your in-laws hiring the private investigator, I thought we should do something quickly. If he’s good, he could show up anytime.”

  “Thank you, Greg. You probably know how much it means to me, but I want to tell you. I had no idea when I came that I would find such a fine man. I wasn’t certain a man as good as you actually existed. I’m so proud to be your wife.”

  He pulled her against him. “I’m the luckiest man in Texas. I know we haven’t been married long but I admit I’ve fallen totally in love with you.”

  She put her arms around his neck. “That makes my world complete because I love you, I love our children. I’m sure you’re the best man I’ve ever met. I’m fortunate you sent for a mail-order wife.”

  “I had no idea I would be so lucky when I wrote Mrs. McCormick. When you stepped off the train I was shocked you were so beautiful. In spite of the fact we disagreed on a few things, I started falling for you that first day.”

  Grinning, she leaned back far enough to meet his gaze. “Even if you didn’t figure on me having a baby?”

  He hugged her to him. “I swear, Victoria, are you ever going to let me forget that?”