A Bride For Gideon

by Caroline Clemmons

  Chapter Eighteen

  On Sunday morning, Keira chose her second best dress for church. Once again she wished redheads could wear pink, but she’d work with what she had. Today she chose her gray silk taffeta trimmed in cream lace. Blue was her favorite color but she’d received many compliments on the gray. She donned her hat, pulled her shawl around her shoulders, and swept into the parlor.

  Gideon stood dressed in clean clothes. He shifted from one foot to the other and held his hat brim in his hands. “Reckoned I’d go with you today, that is, if you want me to.”

  She thought her heart would burst with happiness. “Oh, Gideon, thank you. Thank you so much for going with me.”

  He was solemn. “You’ll see they all stare at me. Some will call me ‘giant’ or ‘monster’ as if I can’t hear.”

  “I’m sure they’ll stare but for only two reasons. One, you are so handsome. Two, they’re not used to seeing you in church.” She laid her hand on his arm.

  They walked to church with Orla and Darren, or rather right behind them. There was only room for two abreast on the road’s verge.

  Gideon asked, “Soon you’ll need a coat. Do you have a warm one?”

  “The one I carried when we met is maybe not warm by Montana needs. I have been making quilted petticoats and bloomers to wear under my dresses as Orla suggested.”

  “Aye, she knows what’s needed. We’ve been here through four winters.”

  As they walked up the church steps, they met Ella and Alf Price.

  Ella’s eyes about popped out of her head. “Why, Mr. Ross, you’ve shorn your hair and trimmed your beard. You… you look completely different.”

  Keira smiled and squeezed her husband’s arm. “Aye, he’s the handsomest man I’ve ever met and I’m lucky to be his wife.”

  Alf’s mouth gaped open. She’d heard he considered himself the most handsome man in town. She didn’t think he appreciated hearing her say otherwise.

  People did stare at Gideon, but no one made a rude comment. Instead, many came to welcome him to church. Gradually, he appeared to lose his apprehension and relax.

  Orla leaned over and whispered, “You’ve accomplished a miracle.”

  Keira shook her head. “We’ll see.”

  She recalled her husband said he had lost his faith. He was here to please her, not to worship. She prayed his faith would be restored.

  Once again, Reverend Wells’ sermon pointed ways to lead a better life by taking inspiration from the Scriptures and applying them to their lives today.

  After the service, Mrs. Thompson hurried toward them. “I’m so happy to see both of you in church.” She stuck her hand out to Gideon. “I’m Abigail Thompson and this is my husband Elijah. I rode on the stage with your lovely wife.”

  At the wide church door, the minister shook Gideon’s hand. “I’ve prayed you would come, Gideon. Bless you.”

  “Thank you, Reverend Wells. Nice sermon.”

  As they went down the steps, she overheard Ella Price, “I can’t get over how different he looks. Who’d have imagined he’d be so nice looking?”

  Alf snapped, “Let it go, will you? I’ve heard more than enough about the blacksmith to last me a lifetime. My head hurts, my stomach hurts, and I’m eager to get home.”

  On the way home, Gideon asked, “Do you think the preacher really prayed I’d come to church?”

  “Why would you doubt him? He didn’t have to say anything.”

  “Made me feel kind of odd is all.”

  She carefully kept censure from her voice. “Odd that someone cares for you and your soul? That is his job, you know.”

  “I suppose it is but I hadn’t really thought about a preacher praying for me.”

  “I care, too, and I admit I’ve prayed you’d go with me to church. I thank you for that gift, Gideon.”

  He glanced at her. “I had no idea going with you would make you this happy. I admit the morning wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.”

  She hugged his arm as they walked. “People acted pleased to see you.”

  “Some did, didn’t they?” He sounded surprised.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Two days later, Orla came to visit with Keira. “I was just in the Mercantile and saw Lorraine Norton, the doctor’s wife. Dr. Norton was called to the Price residence this morning. Alf had an attack of gastric fever again and he’s much worse this time.”

  Keira recalled the conversation she’d heard on Sunday. “Remember after church when he said his head and stomach hurt?”

  “Now that you mention it, I do. He was grumpy, but maybe it was because he was ill.”

  “I wish we didn’t keep running into that couple. I’d like to avoid both of them.”

  “Me, too. I’m so glad you’re my sister-in-law instead of that woman. I break out in a sweat whenever I think of Gideon married to her.”

  “I wouldn’t like it, either. I’m falling in love with him.” She gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth.

  Orla hugged her. “Hooray, I’m so happy to hear you say so. Have you told Gideon?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want him to think he has to say the same thing.”

  “How do you know he doesn’t feel the same way? He went to the barber shop and then to church with you.”

  “That was just because I was so upset when I found out he hadn’t sent for me. He’s trying to make up for my hurt feelings. I know I overreacted but I’ve had so many rejections.”

  “Don’t worry about it again. In the meantime, I think you should consider telling Gideon how you feel about him.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Keira knew she wouldn’t tell him though. She couldn’t stand if he knew she loved him but didn’t return the feeling. That was one rejection she could never face.

  Chapter Twenty

  A couple of afternoons later, Keira was surprised when she answered the door.

  Ella Price stood on the porch holding a cake. “I brought something to welcome you to the community.”

  With misgivings, Keira stepped aside. “Would you like to come in?”

  “Thank you. I thought we got off on the wrong foot and want to set things right. I’d like us to be friends.”

  Uncertain of her guest’s sincerity, Keira gestured toward the parlor. “One can never have too many friends. Would you like a cup of tea and a slice of your cake?”

  Ella’s smile didn’t reach her cold eyes. “Why don’t we go into the kitchen? I think that’s so much friendlier, don’t you?”

  Keira started water heating then assembled the teapot and tea. “I heard you and your husband were ill. I hope you’re all right now.”

  “Alf can’t seem to get over whatever ails him but I’m fine. Dr. Norton diagnosed Alf with gastric fever.” Ella craned her neck to look around the room. “You have a nice home here.”

  “I enjoy it. I’m fortunate Gideon provides for me so well.” She willed the water to heat quickly so she could serve tea and get rid of this woman.

  “This is my first time here.” She ran a finger around the cup Keira sat in front of her. “Lovely china. Did you bring it with you?”

  “No, Orla and Gideon chose it when they arrived here. Darren and Orla’s pattern is similar. I love this design, which reminds me of that of my grandmother who lived near Aberdeen.” She measured tea into the pot and added the water.

  “Did you know Gideon in Scotland?”

  She sliced the cake and served Ella her portion. “We’re from opposite sides of the country. He’s from near Inverness in the west and I’m from near Aberdeen in the east. He emigrated in 1861 but I only arrived a few months ago.”

  Ella took a bite of the cake and swallowed. “My goodness, Orla must be older than she looks.” She forked another bite into her mouth as if she were starving.

  Keira poured the tea. “No, Orla was a child when she and Gideon arrived in America.” She decided to turn the tables on the nosy woman. “Where did you live before coming here?”
/>   “I’m from Missouri, near St. Louis.”

  “You have family still there?”

  “No.” Ella reached for her cup and jostled the handle and the contents spilled.

  Ella scooted back and used her napkin to stop the tea running off the edge of the table. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve made a terrible mess, haven’t I?”

  “Don’t let the tea stain your dress. I’ll take care of clearing it.” Keira rose to get a towel. When she turned back, Ella was brushing sugar from the dry part of the table.

  The woman appeared near tears. “Sorry, I spilled sugar while trying to clean up my mess. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I guess my nerves are bad from Alf being ill.”

  Keira mopped both spills. “Think nothing of it. We all have those moments.”

  Ella took out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “No, this is too humiliating. After the way I’ve embarrassed myself, I simply can’t face you or anyone else the rest of the day. I need to go home and rest. Oh, I do hope you’ll forgive my clumsiness and we can be friends.”

  Keira smiled, still perplexed by Ella. “Please, there’s no need to be embarrassed. You were kind to bring the cake. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

  She walked Ella to the door and closed it behind the woman. What a peculiar visit.

  Minutes later, there was another knock.

  When she opened the door, Orla stood on the porch. “I saw Ella Price leave and couldn’t stand my curiosity any longer. What did she want?”

  Still speculating, Keira shook her head slowly and gestured her friend inside. “I’m not sure. She brought an apple cake. There’s nothing I can put my finger on, but I don’t think I can take her at face value.”

  Orla followed her into the kitchen. “Tell me exactly what happened and what she said and did.”

  Keira replied with details of what had occurred. “I think she made too much of her spills. Even though she was clumsy there’s nothing suspicious or threatening about the visit. I just keep seeing that cold—almost calculating—look in her eyes even when she smiled.”

  Orla shuddered. “She gives me the shivers. Maybe the cake is poisoned.”

  “I thought of that but she ate some so I don’t think so. In fact, she wolfed it down in a way that would have had my mam sending me to my room. Would you like to try a slice?”

  Orla hesitated then shrugged. “Since she ate some, maybe a tiny one.”

  Keira touched the teapot. “The tea is still hot.”

  She got another cup and poured Orla’s tea and served her cake before Keira poured another cup for herself.

  Orla added several spoons of sugar into her drink. “I can’t get over you not using sugar in your tea.”

  “We Aberdeen Scots are hardy types taught not to sweeten anything. Maybe that’s why you’re so much sweeter than I am.”

  “Ha ha. Flattery always works on me. What is it you want?”

  They laughed at their silly prattle while they had a second cup of tea.

  Keira waited until her friend had eaten her slice of the cake. “What do you think?”

  “Not as good as ours, of course. Dry but not bad. Maybe she does want to be friends.”

  Keira shook her head again. “Then why didn’t she make friends with you? Why wait until now?”

  She gave a dismissive wave. “Oh, maybe I’m overanalyzing her visit. I admit she surprised me.”

  “How’s the sewing and embroidery coming?”

  Keira hopped up. “I’ll bring it to show you.” She scanned the table to see if she’d missed clearing away any tea.

  Orla must have noticed because she pushed away from the table. “I’ll come in there.”

  Chapter Twenty One

  The next morning, Keira was cleaning the kitchen when she heard a knock. “Darren, come in. You look upset. Is something wrong?”

  “Orla’s sick but I have to go open the shop. Could you check on her today?”

  “Of course. Let me tell Gideon then I’ll go over.”

  “I’ll go tell him on my way to the shop. Thank you.”

  Keira hurried next door to help her friend. She rapped but opened the door without waiting for an answer. “Orla, it’s just me.”

  Her weak reply called, “In the bedroom.”

  She headed toward her friend’s voice. “What can I do to help you?”

  Orla lay against pillows. “Shoot me and put me out of my misery.”

  Keira was shocked at her friend’s gray appearance. “You poor dear, you look a corpse already. What caused this?”

  “No idea. Started before supper and I was sick all night. I doubt Darren got much sleep.”

  “When did you last have anything to eat or drink?”

  “At your house.” She grabbed the pan beside her but only had dry heaves.

  “You have to have liquid. I’ll make tea.” Keira hurried to the kitchen and assembled items she needed.

  She rushed to Orla’s door. “I can’t find the sugar.”

  Orla’s voice was weak, “We’re out but that doesn’t matter. I don’t want anything that will give me more to throw up.”

  “Never mind, I’ll rush home and get ours. I know you must sweeten your tea and you need the sugar in it to help you soothe your throat from throwing up.” Keira practically ran to her kitchen where she grabbed the sugar bowl from the counter and returned to the McVie house.

  She put the items with several soda crackers on a tray and carried them to Orla. “You may not want to drink the tea and eat the crackers, but you especially need the liquid.”

  Keira added several spoons of sugar to a cup then added milk and tea. She handed the cup to Orla. “Here, drink this.”

  Her sister-in-law complied but within minutes lost the liquid into the pan. She gasped and fell back against the pillows. “No more, please.”

  “I’m going for the doctor.”

  “No, I’ll be all right in a day or so.”

  “You don’t know how you look. Stay right where you are. I’ll hurry.”

  Keira ran to the smithy. “How do I get to the doctor’s office?”

  Gideon looked at her and frowned. “Orla’s worse?”

  She nodded.

  He gave her directions. “Should I go so you can stay with Orla?”

  “I’ll hurry.” Keira ran the three blocks to the office of Dr. Reed Norton.

  Inside, she leaned on the wall, out of breath. “Dr. Norton, Orla McVie needs you. She’s throwing up and can’t stop.”

  He reached for his medical bag. “You’d better take my arm before you collapse and I have another patient.”

  His support was welcome as they walked rapidly. At the McVie home, she rushed inside. Dr. Norton followed her toward the bedroom. There, they found Orla stretched out on the floor.

  They got her back into bed and the doctor examined her. He gave her something which he said would let her sleep. Tears pooled in Keira’s eyes. Orla looked as much dead as asleep.

  He met Keira’s gaze. “When did this start?”

  She brushed away tears. “Orla had tea and cake at my house about five and then came home. She said the retching began as soon as she was home.”

  “What kinds of tea and cake?”

  “Ordinary English tea from the Mercantile. The cake was apple that Ella Price brought a little earlier.”

  His eyebrows rose at that. “Did you have any of the cake?”

  “I did and the tea but I feel fine.”

  “Think carefully. What did Mrs. McVie have that you didn’t?”

  Keira shook her head. “We both had tea and cake. Orla adds several spoons of sugar to her tea and I don’t, but otherwise we had exactly the same things.”

  “And did she add sugar today?”

  “Yes, she was out so I hurried home and retrieved our sugar bowl.” A strange sensation sent goose bumps over her flesh. “Th-The sugar.”

  He leaned forward. “Yes?”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing. When
Mrs. Price was there she spilled her tea. I rose to fetch a towel and mop up. When I turned back toward the table, she’d spilled sugar and was trying to clear it away.”

  “Is the sugar bowl still here?”

  “Yes, over there on the washstand.”

  “See if you can find a clean jar so I can take the sugar with me for testing. It’s important you don’t say anything to anyone, understand?”

  Keira’s hands were shaking as she searched through Orla’s cupboards. She found several clean jars with lids and brought one to the doctor. She could think of only one reason he’d want to test the sugar.

  He carefully transferred the substance to the jar and handed her the bowl. “Wash this thoroughly.”

  “What shall I do to help Orla?”

  “See if you can find some honey. When she wakes, use that to sweeten her tea until you buy fresh sugar from the store. Give her tea and crackers, as you had intended. Remember, not a word to anyone.”

  Keira stayed until Darren arrived home.

  “How’s Orla?”

  She gave him Dr. Norton’s instructions. “Why don’t you go sleep in our guest room and I’ll stay with Orla. She said you didn’t get any sleep last night.”

  “I couldn’t sleep elsewhere. I’ll make a pallet on the floor and sleep where I can hear her if she needs me.”

  Gideon arrived. “How’s my sister?”

  “Now that you’re both here, I have to tell you something that no one is supposed to know. Promise me you won’t say anything to anyone.”

  Darren peered close to her face. “Tell me whatever it is.”

  She went over Ella’s visit yesterday and then Dr. Norton taking the sugar with him to be analyzed.

  Darren slumped in his chair. “So, he thinks Orla’s been poisoned, doesn’t he? If any more harm comes to her I swear I’ll kill whoever did this—and that must mean Ella Price.”

  Keira laid a hand on his shoulder. “That’s why I wasn’t supposed to tell you. If it were Gideon, though, I’d want to know.”

  Darren shook his head. “Why would Ella poison Orla? I can’t figure it out.”

  Gideon’s face was red with anger. “Are you daft, Darren? It was Keira she meant to poison but my wife doesn’t use sugar in her tea. When Ella brought in a gun to be repaired she learned that I don’t use sugar in my tea or coffee.” He explained about Ella’s strange visit.