“You’re drunk, Vortman. Move along.”
He waved a fist at Gideon. “You can’t tell me what to do, you ugly monster.”
Keira’s temper flared. “Who do you think you are to call my fine husband a monster? Look at you, you pathetic little worm. What have you ever done to better the world? Gideon Ross is worth a dozen of your sorry kind.”
Vortman scowled at her. “Lookee here, the giant has a giant woman protecting him.”
Keira started to shake her finger under the worm’s nose, but Gideon picked her up and set her to the side.
He stepped in front of the man called Vortman. “You’ll not be insulting my wife or I’ll stomp you like the bug you are.”
“You’ll do no such thing. You’ll go down so fast the floor will shake.” He swung at Gideon.
Gideon’s longer arms meant he could hold the top of the man’s head and keep out of range of Vortman’s fists. Which worked until his friend decided to help and jumped on Gideon’s back.
The friend, apparently called Winslow, pummeled Gideon’s back and head.
Darren pulled Winslow off Gideon.
Soon others were taking sides and a brawl broke out.
A gunshot stopped everyone. “Break this up or you’re all going to jail. This is a dance not a boxing ring.” The sheriff nodded to the band.
They quickly struck up a tune.
The sheriff leveled a glance at Gideon and Darren. “What happened that started this.”
Darren nodded at Vortman. “Sheriff Evans, Vortman here insulted then tried to strike Gideon. When Gideon wouldn’t hit him but held him off, Winslow jumped on Gideon’s back.”
People around murmured in agreement.
One said, “And, Simon insulted the blacksmith’s wife.”
“All right, Simon Vortman, I’ve warned you before this. If you can’t hold your liquor you should give it up or drink alone and stay away from town. Don’t you realize that if Ross here wasn’t a law abiding man he could have wiped the floor with you?”
Vortman frowned and muttered, “He’s a big monster.”
Sheriff Evans rolled his eyes. “Buck Winslow, you need to re-evaluate where you place your loyalty.” The sheriff nudged the two miscreants ahead of him. “Both of you can think about it tonight in jail.”
Winslow protested, “But, we’ll miss the rest of the party.”
Gideon stood silently while the band played and others resumed dancing. He made no move to join the partiers.
Keira didn’t have to have known her husband long to realize he was boiling angry. Orla and Darren joined others on the dance floor. For Keira, the party had lost its festive atmosphere.
“Perhaps you’d prefer to go home, husband.”
He sent her a stony scowl. “Aye, wife, I would.”
She gathered her shawl and they left the hotel. The night was lovely, with a slice of moon and a million stars overhead. Though the evening had started out so promising, the discord with Vortman had stolen the evening’s joy. Gideon was silent and she didn’t know what to say, so said nothing.
No sooner were they in their home than he turned to her. “Don’t ever do that again, Keira. I don’t need my wife defending me in front of others.”
He held up a hand. “Darren told me you defended me at the Mercantile, and I appreciate the fact. But, when we’re together, don’t ever think I need you to defend me.”
She hung her shawl on the peg. “You know I have a fierce temper and the man was an idiot. I couldn’t abide him calling you names.”
His jaw muscles clenched. “Learn to as I have. There’s nothing to be gained with a fight.”
She braced her hands on her hips. “I won’t stand by and see you insulted when you’ve done nothing to deserve it.”
“You want me to be known as a man whose wife has to defend him? Do you think it better that you steal my manhood than what some drunk says?”
“I did nothing to diminish your standing in the community. I have a right to defend my husband.”
He took off his waistcoat and hung it over a chair. “Keira, I’m warning you, don’t ever do that again. Do you understand?”
She stomped her foot. “I understand you think you can tell me what to think and do. I’m your wife but I’m not a puppet.”
He held out his hands at his sides. “I wouldn’t want you to be. On this one thing, though, you have to abide me.”
She muttered as she went to the bedroom. “We’ll see, my high and mighty lord.”
“I’m right behind you and I heard that.”
She jumped, recovered, and tilted her head up. “Good.”
Chapter Ten
When she woke she prepared breakfast and baked a pie for their noon dinner. Since she’d arrived, she’d enjoyed their morning meals at which they’d discussed many things. This allowed her to know more about the man she’d married. Today, both she and Gideon ate in silence.
Afterward, she dressed for church. When she was ready, she stopped in front of him. “While you stay here and sulk, I’m going to church with Orla and Darren.”
She left before he could reply. Already she regretted what she’d said.
Orla and Darren chatted on the walk to church.
Orla looked over her shoulder. “I loved dancing. You and my brother made an impressive couple on the dance floor.”
“I was surprised Gideon is such a good dancer. I loved it until that Vortman ruined things.”
Darren half-turned. “Vortman can’t hold his liquor and always causes a problem. People ignore him until he gets violent but then the sheriff arrests Vortman. Happens every party.”
“I would think people would prevent him from attending.”
Orla dropped back and walked with Keira. “For a community party like that, everyone is invited. What they should do is make certain he doesn’t get liquored up and cause a problem.”
In church, Keira was so restless she had trouble paying attention to the sermon. She changed positions several times. Thinking about what she’d said to Gideon, she believed she was right. Except, maybe she shouldn’t have accused him of sulking.
By the time the service was over, she was a bundle of misgivings. Instead of waiting for Orla and Darren to finish visiting with the other churchgoers, she waved to them and hurried home. Gideon was not in the house when she arrived.
While she changed clothes, Keira mulled over the things she and Gideon had said to one another. Basically, she had embarrassed him. Would he prefer she was a quiet, shy woman who hovered in the background? If so, they were in trouble. Still, she vowed to be patient when they discussed the problem.
When dinner was ready to serve, Gideon came in through the back door. She was at a loss for words, unusual for her.
Gideon took his place at the table. “After we’ve eaten, we need to have a long talk.”
She dished up a thick stew. “Aye, we do.”
With the bread she’d baked yesterday and the pie from this morning, they had plenty to eat. He liked coffee for breakfast and dinner and milk for supper. With neither of them talking, the meal was finished quickly.
She prepared the dishwater and began washing dishes. To her surprise, Gideon picked up a towel and dried what she’d cleaned. When the kitchen was tidy, she took off her apron and hung it on its hook.
Gideon took her hand. “Come into the parlor where we’ll be comfortable.”
She sat in the armchair near his. After folding her hands in her lap, she waited for him to have his say first.
He moved his chair so they faced one another then sat. “We’re both strong personalities so I’m not surprised we clashed. I expect we’ll have more disagreements in the future but you trying to defend me in public as you did last night is one thing I won’t allow.”
Her patience disappeared and her temper flared. “Allow? You won’t allow? What are you, the feudal lord and I’m one of your serfs?”
He held up a hand. “I see I chose a word that raised your hack
les. I am the head of this marriage and I’m willing to compromise on most things. Keira, this is the exception. You’ll not weaken my standing in the community by interfering between me and another man. Do you understand?”
“I understand that you are making me less than your partner. I’m too tall to be called ‘the little woman’ and too easily riled to act the same.”
“You’re wrong. You are my partner in life. We each have our own responsibilities. One of mine is to defend the family. If we were in feudal times, I’d be the warrior and you’d be the keeper of the hearth and home. Times have changed but basic responsibilities have not.”
She couldn’t speak without crying and she wouldn’t allow herself to cry in front of him.
“Have I been a bad husband so far? Have I disappointed you? Talk to me.”
She took a deep breath and swallowed her tears. “You’re a good man, Gideon. Each of us is used to being in charge. I don’t know how to be a timid woman.”
“That’s not what I ask of you. I’ve upset you, but that’s not my intention. You’ve been all I could hope for and more except for this one thing that’s very important to me.”
He leaned forward. “Say you understand and will give me this one thing.”
Recalling her parents, who appeared to have a glorious marriage, she recognized that Mam deferred to Da. Perhaps that was the secret to a happy life.
“Aye, I’ll give over on this.” She resigned herself to reining in her temper. Hadn’t she tried all her life?
Relief spread across his features—those that were visible above the beard. He reached out to clasp her hands in his. “You won’t be sorry, Keira Ross.” He leaned forward to kiss each of her hands.
She wondered. Being married was more complicated than she’d imagined. Even if they’d known one another for years, being wed would be a big change. Wed to a stranger meant they each had a greater challenge.
Chapter Eleven
After supper a few evenings later, Gideon asked Keira to go visit Orla until he came for her. While she was gone, he and Darren brought in the new bed frame.
Gideon had brought some of his tools with him. When the frame was assembled, he stood back and admired the job he’d done.
Darren scratched his jaw. “Suppose we can get the mattress settled without messing up the neat arrangement of the bedding? “
“I hope so, at least without tearing anything. Keira spent a lot of time sewing those sheets and pillow cases, even the pillows. I’ll be sleeping in the smithy if I botch something.”
Darren rolled his eyes. “I doubt that.”
They heaved and wiggled the mattress until it slid into place.
Darren chortled, “Looks at that, went together perfectly. Say, you think the floor will support you plus that heavy bed frame?”
“I’m ahead of you there. I crawled under the house and braced the floor. Don’t know if the extra effort was worthwhile, but I’d hate to fall and don’t want to chance ruining the hardwood.”
“I say we have the ladies come check our work. I’ll go get them.”
Gideon used the time to straighten the cover a little more. Keira liked things just so. When he’d done that, he went to wait by the front door.
She came in by herself. “Orla said she’ll see it tomorrow. She thought I should get a private showing tonight.”
Grinning, he held out his hand. “I’m that glad she did. Come on then. But, if you don’t like it, I don’t know what to do.”
She let out a squeal. “I love it. I didn’t know you were painting the frame white. Thank you.” She trailed her fingers over the footboard’s surface. “Isn’t it grand? I’ve never seen such a large bed in my life.”
“They had them in olden times for kings and nobles in Europe. I’ll wager this is the first of its kind in Montana Territory.”
“I won’t take that bet.”
“Time we tested it, wife.”
Chapter Twelve
The following morning, Orla came to visit. “I can’t wait to see the bed all set up. Did I give you time to spread it up this morning?”
“Barely, for we overslept.” Recalling why they’d needed extra sleep this morning created Keira’s blush.
Orla acted unaware of Keira’s embarrassment. “Oh, how nice that looks. I’m so glad my brother has a comfortable place to sleep with the perfect wife for him.”
“You are a flatterer, aren’t you?”
Orla’s laughter filled the room. “Go on with you. I meant what I said. This is the first time in his life someone has gone to so much trouble to make him comfortable. I’m surprised he turned out to be so kind and compassionate after the way we were raised.”
“You make me feel guilty because I had a lovely childhood.”
“That’s what Darren and I want for our children. His boyhood wasn’t great. We’re determined that any children we have will be loved and encouraged.”
“Are you close to having children?”
Orla’s face clouded. “I thought we’d have one by now. Do you suppose I can’t get pregnant?”
“I suppose you’re worrying about it too much and that decreases the chances. Relax and enjoy your husband’s attention. A babe will come when the time is right.”
“That’s what Dr. Norton said. Do you and Gideon want children?”
“Didn’t you know? He has one bedroom saved for our daughters and one saved for our sons. I don’t know what happens if we get three of one and one of the other. He seems convinced he can place an order and have it filled.”
They laughed together.
Orla sobered. “I would like to have several children. I’m already twenty-five.”
Keira took her friend’s arm and guided her to the parlor. “Poor elderly woman, shall I help you to a rocking chair?”
Orla laughed again, her giggle contagious. “You’d better be more respectful of your elders, young lady. How old are you?”
“I’m twenty-three. Mam was thirty when I was born, so we both have a few years to coast.”
“Was she?”
“Yes, she’d decided she was destined to be a spinster until Da swept into the area and found work on my uncle’s farm—that’s Alec’s father. Alec’s mam and mine were sisters. Da and Mam wanted more children but none came.”
“I’ll try to quit dwelling on the possibility of pregnancy then. I do hope, though.”
“And I’ll hope for you and keep you in my prayers.”
Chapter Thirteen
Gideon stared but hid his feelings when Ella Price came to the smithy carrying a large bag. She had nerve coming here again. He didn’t smile or welcome her but stood silently.
She posed in what she probably thought was coquettish. “Now don’t be upset with me, Gideon. I came for a business reason.”
She delved into her tote and pulled out a Remington Army revolver that she laid on the shelf that passed for a counter. “Your sign says you’re also a gunsmith. Is that true?”
“I am. What’s wrong with your revolver?”
“I don’t know. This belonged to my father and I’d like it repaired so I can give it to Alf.”
Gideon picked up the firearm and examined it. “A fine example of the Remington New Model 1858 used in the war.”
“My father fought in the war. This is all I have left of his. Can you repair it?”
“Aye, I can repair this and have it ready Friday.”
“Friday? Somehow I knew I could count on you.” She searched the tote again and pulled out something bundled in towels. She unwrapped the item to reveal a jar of what looked like tea. “Your work must make you thirsty so I brought you a jar of tea. It’s still hot. I’ve brought milk and sugar too.”
Gideon was flummoxed. “That’s… nice. Actually, I don’t use sugar or milk in my tea or coffee but thanks just the same.”
She returned the unwanted items to her carryall. “I hope you enjoy the tea. I’ll see you on Friday.” With a delicate wave of her fingers, she left
.
Gideon wondered what she was up to. He couldn’t figure out what, but he suspected she had trouble on her mind. Aw, maybe he was too distrusting, but he wasn’t going to drink the tea.
Chapter Fourteen
Gideon looked forward to having Mark Walker come in and work with him again. On his two trial days, Walker had proved himself to be exactly what was needed. Gideon had needed help before Keira arrived. Now that she was here and they were wed, he looked forward to spending more time with her each evening and on Sundays.
He congratulated himself on his good fortune. Didn’t he owe Orla and Darren a huge debt of gratitude for arranging the marriage to Keira? Not only was she the prettiest woman he’d ever seen but she apparently had a practical side to her. Aye, and he was lucky she was passionate, for being married to a cold woman would be a misery.
His friend came round to see him that evening while Gideon worked on a rifle.
Darren poked around in the pile of iron at the side of the smithy. “Did you hear Alf Price is pretty sick?”
Not that Gideon particularly cared, but he asked, “What’s wrong?”
“He was at the saloon after supper last night when he started throwing up. Doc Reed was there and had him carried to his office. Kept him overnight.”
“Probably has bad digestion from too much liquor.”
Darren shook his head. “Doc seemed to think it’s something more serious.”
Gideon had a chill, what as children they’d called a goose walking over your grave. “His wife sick too?”
“Says she is but not nearly as bad as Alf.”
“You’re out late. Orla mad at you or something?”
Darren sat on an upended crate. “Naw, she likes for me to keep tabs on you. Said you need a good long gossip with me every few days since we’re good friends.”
“Didn’t you tell her that men don’t gossip?”
His friend laughed. “I did, but she only rolled her eyes and grinned. I guess she’d call what I told you about Price passing rumors.”
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