A Mystery Groom for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Adelaide put the items back in the picnic basket. “Let’s go on. We don’t want to get caught out on the road in the dark. Big Springs is probably another three hours away.”

  As the day wore on, Mary Louise handed the reins to Diane, who quickly learned how to steer Samson in the right direction and keep him going. Finally, they reached Big Springs.

  “It looks bigger than Lone Oak. It’s been years since I’ve been here.” Diane drove down the middle of the busy street.

  Adelaide laid a hand on Mary Louise’s shoulder. “I don’t think we should be separated. We’ll all go and put Samson and the carriage at the livery, and then we can walk to the hotel. And have dinner.”

  Diane laughed. “I guess because you are so tall, it takes more to fill you. You’re so thin, but you eat more than Mary Louise and me together.”

  Adelaide frowned. “Really, Diane. We didn’t have breakfast, and lunch was only a sandwich. A healthy appetite is good for one’s soul.”

  Mary Louise raised an eyebrow at that saying. “I’ve not heard that before.”

  “Well, I think it must be.” Adelaide frowned. “There is nothing wrong with admitting one is hungry.”

  Diane clucked at her. “You’re frowning. Smile, remember. We are in town, and who knows if Mr. Perfect might be here and captured by your beautiful smile.”

  Mary Louise started to groan but then thought how Diane could be right. So, she smiled. “Good idea, Diane. How is everyone doing?”

  “I’m ready to walk some.” Diane laughed. “My sit down is sore from sitting so much.”

  Adelaide popped Diane in the back of the head. “My but you are crude today. But yes, smile. Hopefully, your man is watching.”

  “Ha, that wasn’t very nice.”

  Mary Louise cleared her throat. “Ladies, I am sure men do not want to see a wagonful of ladies quarreling. You both look nice in your new clothes and smiles. I can’t wait to get to the post office and see if we have any responses.”

  Diane pointed to a horse in the stables. “That looks like the sheriff’s horse.”

  “Well, it sure does. Kirk didn’t say anything to me about coming to Big Springs. Maybe he’s here on sheriff business.” Mary Louise stopped the carriage and set the brake.

  Adelaide was the first out of the buggy. “It feels so good to stretch my legs.” She looked at Mary Louise with a suspicious gaze. “Kirk, is it?”

  “Oh, well, it is his name.” After Mary Louise settled with the liveryman, she motioned for the ladies to take their overnight bags. “Let’s get to the hotel and reserve a room.”

  The liveryman shook his head. “Oh, Miss. The hotel is full. Sorry but there’s a convention of sorts for the ranchers around. You won’t find a room near Big Springs tonight.”

  Mary Louise stared at Adelaide. “What are we going to do?”

  The man shrugged. “I can let you stay in here with the horse. Cost you two bits apiece.”

  Diane gasped. “Stay with the horse. On the hay?”

  The liveryman nodded.

  “What are we going to do?”

  Mary Louise stared at her friends. “Of all the days to go, and the hotel is full.”

  Adelaide shrugged. “Let’s eat. We can sort it out over a plate of good food.”

  The liveryman pointed down the street. “Simmer Down has good food. It’s just up the street about a quarter of a mile.”

  “Thank you. May we leave our bags here in the carriage?”

  “Sure. I’ll watch them for you. Want me to save you a stall to sleep in?”

  Mary Louise looked at her friends. “Well, it would be an experience.”

  Adelaide shrugged but dutifully put on a smile. “Might as well. I don’t know what else we can do.”

  “Are there bugs?” Diane rubbed her arms.

  The liveryman didn’t answer. “Better hurry and give me an answer because I see more men coming this way.”

  “Yes, we’ll stay in a stall next to our horse.” How could this be happening? Mary Louise opened her reticule and dished out the money. “I don’t suppose that comes with blankets?”

  With a grin, the liveryman nodded. “I have some, but they’re horse blankets.”

  Mary Louise looked in the carriage. “There’s one in the buggy. We’ll share that one. Let’s go to the diner in case it runs out of food.”

  On the way to the café, Diane pointed out a sign that said post office. “Let’s go and see if there are any mystery groom letters to answer ours.”

  Mary Louise nodded. “One at a time. While one is getting their letters, the other two can be looking around. Diane, you go first.”

  Looking almost terrified, Diane went inside the store first. After a moment, she came back empty-handed and near tears. “I told you. No one will write to me. No one wants me.”

  Adelaide patted her back. “You go ahead Mary Louise. I’ll go last.”

  Mary Louise went into the store and quickly saw the sign to the post office. She went to the clerk and gave her name. They had all used care of post office, so no one knew their names but had put a number. She was number two.

  The clerk looked in the back and came out with a letter. “Just one. Here you go.”

  Mary Louise took it and hoped that Adelaide would get a letter too except that left Diane with none.

  She went outside and showed them the letter. “Your turn, Adelaide.”

  “Oh, I don’t even want to go in. I’m sure I didn’t get one either.” But she smiled and went inside. Within minutes, she came out with a genuine smile and a letter.

  Diane tried to be a good sport and smile, even though she was still crying.

  Adelaide gave her a big hug. “It’s going to be all right. You’ll see.”

  The three of them went to Simmer Down Café and found a table. It was crowded with men.

  Mary Louise unfolded her napkin and saw that a few men were grinning at her with that look. The one that said we-just-want-to-look. “I wonder what kind of conference they’re having?”

  Adelaide shrugged. “I have no idea. We could ask.”

  Mary Louise stared at her. “Yes, not that it will help. It’s too late to drive onto Dry Springs or return home.”

  Diane nodded and dried her eyes. “I would like to know. Are we really sleeping in the hay, in a barn, with horses?”

  Adelaide grinned. “Well, we wanted an adventure. We’ll have to sleep with the shotgun for our protection.”

  With a shudder, Mary Louise thought of the big gun and how it would be to have it so close when they were asleep. “At least we can have a good dinner, I’m famished.”

  Mary Louise took out her letter. She hated that Diane hadn’t received one, but she was curious to see what was in it. She tore open the envelope.

  Diane tapped her knife on the table. “Go ahead and read it. I want to hear who is interested.”

  Mary Louise nodded. “Here goes.”

  Dear Mystery Bride,

  I liked your letter. It was to the point, and you sound like the kind of woman I’d be interested in. But who are you? Maybe we’ll meet at the social in Lone Oak. I plan to be there. I’ll be wearing a red shirt.

  Looking forward to meeting you,

  Mystery Groom

  Adelaide sighed. “My letter says the same thing. It must be from the same man.”

  “Why didn’t he write to me?” Diane frowned.

  “Perhaps, he did, and yours hasn’t come yet, or it was lost. Besides, you might get one at Dry Springs. It’s not like we learned anything. Just that we are to look for a man in a red shirt at the social. That he is interested in both of us doesn’t make it sound like he is serious.” Adelaide shook her head. “That is disappointing to me.”

  Mary Louise nodded. “But I know my letters to the mystery grooms weren’t much better. I didn’t leave my name. And I said I’d be in a blue skirt and yellow blouse.”

  Diane toyed with her roast. “I’m tempted to wear the same colors.”

&nbs
p; Adelaide nodded. “I think we should. Let’s do.”

  Mary Louise grinned. She did feel a bit on the wild side, maybe because they were going to be sleeping in the hay. “I agree. It will be fun.”

  They enjoyed their dinners and sat and talked as long as they could. Just before Mary Louise was going to suggest they go to the livery, Sheriff Taylor walked into the café.

  “I can’t believe it. The sheriff is in town.” Mary Louise stood and waved. “Sheriff, what a surprise to see you here in Big Springs.”

  He saw her and grinned. “What are you ladies doing here?”

  Mary Louise nodded and glanced at her friends. “We decided to take a little trip and see Big Springs. Unfortunately, the hotel is full, and we are going to have to sleep in the barn.”

  Kirk frowned. “I can’t let you ladies do that. This town has a rough element, and with the conference and all the ranchers in town, I wouldn’t feel safe with you here unescorted.”

  Mary Louise stared at him, hoping he would want to help them. “Well, there is nothing we can do. I talked to the manager at the hotel, and he told me that the rooms were all sold out.”

  Kirk took off his hat and rubbed his hair. “Tell you what, the sheriff is a friend of mine, and he lives up the road. We can see if he has a room in his house. Just for the night.”

  “That’s all we need.”

  “Are you ready to go?” He looked at them one at a time.

  Mary Louise nodded. “We have to go to the livery and get the horse and carriage. Are you sure he won’t mind and has the room?”

  “I don’t think he will, but it would be worth asking him.” Kirk stood and waited for them to follow him. “It’s a good thing I came in here. I almost didn’t. You ladies really need to be more careful. There are men on the prairie and camped around towns, even Lone Oak, that I wouldn’t want you to meet up with.”

  Adelaide took his arm. “You rescued us. I will never forget it. However, we can repay you, let us know.”

  “Nonsense, I’m doing what any other decent man would do.” He held out his arm to escort them out the door.

  Mary Louise made a point to walk beside him. He could be the one for her. Yes, it was a disappointment that he was a sheriff and open to such danger, but he was handsome, and her heart was racing as she walked with him.

  Chapter 8

  Kirk tied his horse to the back of the carriage and drove the ladies to Sheriff Buckner’s cabin. Mary Louise sat beside him, and the other two ladies were in the back. The women looked tired but relieved to not have to sleep in the barn.

  Kirk stopped the carriage in front of the sheriff’s house. “You ladies stay here and let me see if he has room.” He walked up the stone path and knocked on the door.

  Sheriff Buckner opened up. “Kirk, is something wrong?”

  He pointed behind him. “I’ve got three ladies who came to Big Springs and planned on sleeping in the hotel. Of course, with the conference about tick fever, there’s not a room available. Would you have a place for them to sleep? Even on the floor would be better than in the barn at the livery.”

  “For goodness sake, yes. Bring them all in. We have one extra room that they can share. What about you?”

  “I can sleep in the barn.”

  “No, I have a couch.” Bill grinned. “I’ve slept on it before, and it’s not too uncomfortable. Suzy will be happy to have company.”

  “It’s just for the night.” Kirk thanked him and went to the carriage. “Good news, ladies. Go on inside, and I’ll take care of the carriage and horse.”

  Bill had followed him and welcomed the women and then pointed to the door. “You can go on in the house. My wife, Suzy, will show you to your room.”

  After the women left, Bill helped Kirk with the horse and carriage. “I’m glad you brought them here. I’d hate to know what would have happened to them in the livery.” He gazed at the house. “What are they doing out here by themselves?”

  “That I don’t know. They didn’t say, and I haven’t asked yet. All they told me was they wanted to go to Dry Springs tomorrow. It’s not a long trip, but once that conference is over, there’ll be cowboys traveling the roads.”

  Bill folded his arms. “I think you ought to ride with them. Make an excuse, but don’t let them alone by themselves.”

  “I agree. I don’t think the ladies will like it, but it’s what I’m going to do. Women. I can see that they are going to become more and more trouble.”

  Bill laughed. “You have no idea. But you know what, it’s the greatest trouble I’ve ever had and wouldn’t trade it for the world. By the way, are any of those ladies the one you might be interested in?”

  Kirk nodded. “The blonde one. Mary Louise. I think she’s the leader of the group. She’s smart. Confident. And pretty.”

  Bill nodded. “Yes, I can see that. Can she cook?”

  “It doesn’t really matter, Bill. I like her.”

  “You tell her, yet?”

  “No, I’m not sure. We have a social coming up. I’ll dance with her and see what that tells me.”

  “Well, don’t put it off too long. She’s a pretty one and just might be picked by another before you get around to asking her.”

  “I hear you, Bill. I’m just not sure.”

  “It’s the decision of your life. I’ll be praying for you.”

  “Thanks, Bill. I have a feeling I’ll be needing it.” Kirk followed his friend to the house where Suzy met them at the door.

  She smiled. “I let them have the guest bedroom.” She handed Kirk some blankets. “That means you get the couch.

  He smiled at her. “Thanks, Bill told me it was comfortable.”

  Suzy grinned. “He should know. Breakfast is at six tomorrow morning. I have to get my man off early.”

  “That’s fine with me. I’m not sure how the women will do.”

  Suzy laughed. “They looked a little shocked about the six o’clock time, so I told them they could sleep in a bit.”

  “Good. I’m going to escort them to Dry Springs. What they want there, I can’t imagine. Not much more than a saloon, general store, and dry road in that town.”

  Suzy nodded. “They just wanted to get out and have a good time. It’s too bad all the ranchers had that conference. And that was probably just an excuse for them to drink without their wives around.”

  “No, no, the fever has been costing the ranchers plenty. Even though the Texas cattle appear healthy, once they mix with cattle up north, the northern cattle get sick and die. If they don’t figure out a cause and stop it, the cattle industry in Texas will be ruined.”

  “Oh, that sounds awful.” Suzy fixed her husband a cup of coffee. “Kirk, do you want a cup?”

  “No, thanks. I better get to sleep if I have to round up those women tomorrow.”

  Suzy grinned. “Oh, you men. You fuss, but I can see that you’ll enjoy every minute of it.”

  Kirk nodded. “Probably so.” Although he wasn’t entirely convinced. He’d wanted to check the men in the woods. He’d heard a few problems had arisen in the area. He stretched out on the couch and settled into a somewhat crunched sleep. But it was better than sleeping in the barn.

  ***

  Mary Louise awoke just as the sun was peeking in through the curtains. While it had been crowded, they weren’t sleeping in straw with who knows what vermin. And that was just the bug kind. Men would have been staying in the barn, too.

  It was clear that Kirk had truly saved them from terrible harm. Next time they went out on an adventure, she’d make sure to telegraph the hotel and reserve a room. She stretched and inadvertently shoved Diane.

  “What? Is it time to get up?” Diane yawned and stretched kicking Adelaide.

  A deep groan from Adelaide was all they heard from her.

  “It’s early. We don’t have to get up, Diane. Although, since I am awake, I might just ready myself for the day and see what the others are doing.”

  Diane yawned. “If you don’t mi
nd, I’m going back to sleep.”

  After getting dressed and washing up, Mary Louise brushed her hair and then went out in the other room. She’d hoped Kirk would be up, and she was delighted to see him sitting at the table.

  Mary Louise joined them and welcomed the cup of coffee that Suzy handed her.

  Looking fresh and ready for the day, Suzy smiled, filled Kirk’s cup, and looked at Mary Louise. “Would you like a plate of eggs and biscuits?”

  Mary Louise shook her head. “No, please sit down. I’m fine. I can say that my stomach doesn’t even think of food this early.” She took a sip of coffee. “This is wonderful.”

  “Thank you. Bill taught me how to make it. I was a terrible cook when we got married.”

  Mary Louise perked up at that information. She had thought that she was probably the only woman who didn’t know how to cook. “Who taught you?”

  Suzy laughed. “Bill did. My mother had a cook and maids. After the war, that was all gone. Mother died soon after the conflict, and Papa followed her.” Suzy smiled at Bill. “Then, I was rescued by my sheriff. I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t come around.”

  Mary Louise could see that they loved one another, and now Mary Louise had hope that a man might be interested in her despite the fact she’d never even tried to make a biscuit.

  Bill stood. “I better get to work. Good to see you, Kirk, and to meet you, Mary Louise. Stay and visit as long as you like.”

  Mary Louise was full of questions for Suzy, but nothing she’d ask as long as Kirk was in the room. She gave Kirk a glance.

  He nodded. “Tell you what. You and Suzy have a nice long talk and let the other two women get their rest, and I’ll go and chop wood. I owe Bill, and that will make me feel better about staying here overnight.” Kirk didn’t wait for an answer and walked out of the cabin.

  “You have a lovely home, Suzy.”

  “It is nice. Bill takes good care of me. I know he worries about leaving me alone. If Bill isn’t here to provide, I will trust in the Lord.” She patted her stomach. “The baby will be here long before we’re ready. The doctor said sometime in August.”