He smiled his thanks as he drove on, drinking his coffee and then eating his biscuits.
* * *
He only drove for a few hours when the rain stopped and then a few more until he came upon dry land. He pulled the horses to a halt. They needed to warm up and dry out. He automatically lifted Georgia out of the wagon and built a fire. He headed to a nearby stream and hauled back some water.
She had the coffee ready to go and as soon as he brought her the water, she poured it into the coffee pot and set it on the fire.
He grabbed the three rabbits he’d pulled out of his snares before they left. “I’ll dress these and maybe we can have a hot meal. I’m not sure if we’ll get a soaking rain again today. The clouds are dark, but they just may blow over us.”
“I’ll get the stew ready for the meat. It’ll be the easiest to reheat tonight. And I can make corn bread.”
His eyebrows rose. “Corn bread? I wish I had you on the trip out there. I ate an amazing amount of beans.”
She turned a pretty shade of pink. “I was always in the kitchen bothering everyone, trying to learn how to cook. When my mother found out, she forbade me to go in there but I still did. I had to be very careful. She’d have taken her displeasure out on the women working in the kitchen if I was caught again. One day she did find me and what she did to one of the workers was so disturbing, I never went into the kitchen again. I couldn’t even look at the servers.”
“I’ve seen enough of that type of thing to last me a lifetime too. Things are changing but not fast enough. My mother is a prime example of someone who refuses to put the past away. I’ll apologize in advance. I have no idea what the house will look like when we return. No one wants to work for her. She thinks nothing of lashing out at someone and hurting them. I have taken her crops away and burned them, but she always gets another.”
Georgie put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my, I though you meant that she lashed out with her tongue. She’s sounds a bit dangerous.”
“Georgia, she’ll be happy to see you.”
“I’d much rather you called me Georgie. I prefer it.”
He stared at her for a moment, taken off guard. “Georgie”
“Yes, it’s what my father and sister called me. Georgia seemed too formal, I suppose.”
“I’ll try to remember to call you Georgie.”
“That’s all I can ask. Now let me finish the meal and we’ll be eating in no time.”
He grabbed the wet slickers and hats from inside the wagon and laid them out to dry in the warm sun. It had been nice having her in his arms last night, but he probably wouldn’t have another excuse come evening.
She stared intently at him while he took his first bite. Luckily, he was able to smile and did not have to pretend. “You have a gift for cooking. I haven’t had anything this good in a very long while. You can cook for me anytime.” Then he quickly shook his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to infer you’d have to cook once we got home.”
“Why not?”
“Surely you’ll want to do whatever it is that fine ladies do all day.”
She laughed, and he liked the melodious sound of it. “Seat myself on an uncomfortable chair that makes me sit up straight and tall all day pretending to enjoy doing needle work? Then of course, there is the afternoon tea to look forward to. I’ll assume your mother would consider it her honor to pour. Then I go and change my clothes and wait for you to come home. You’ll change your clothes and escort us to dinner where we talk about nothing really. Your work wouldn’t be appropriate, since you use your hands to do it. Then after dinner, you can escape while I spend more time with your mother. I’ll say I want to take a walk and she’ll say no. I’ll retire for the evening wondering if you’ll come to bed or not.”
She looked out at the horizon for a bit and then gazed at him. “I’d much rather have something to do. If cooking will be of help, I’d gladly do it. I don’t want to live by the strictures of society.” Her eyes filled with worry.
“There isn’t much society where we are, though mother insists we act what she refers to as ‘civilized.’ Don’t worry, you’ll find something you’ll be happy to do. I don’t expect you to sit all day. Do you ride?”
“My father had fine stables at one time,” she answered proudly.
“Side saddle?”
“Well, of course.”
“I’ll teach you how to ride astride. The land is so uneven it’s dangerous using a sidesaddle.”
Her face grew bright red, but she gave a resolute nod. “I’m game.”
He wasn’t positive if she really was. “We have different riding clothes in Texas. It’s a split skirt for women to wear while riding. And with leather boots, you won’t have your ankles showing.”
She sighed in relief. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’ll help you clean up so we can get going. I have been gone from my ranch a long time it seems. Anything could’ve happened.”
She gathered the plates. “Like what?”
“Men stealing my land, my cattle, and the union soldiers can be spiteful. And of course there are the outlaws and the Comanche. I trust my men except if someone tried to claim that the land was originally theirs they wouldn’t be able to take care of it. There have been many such claims made, but I was there before the war. That land is mine, and I plan to keep it for us.”
“Sounds like a dangerous place. What about renegade bands of Confederate Soldiers? They’ve caused a lot of destruction in Tennessee. I’m trying to understand it all, but nothing about the war ever made sense to me. We lost so much. Too much that we can never get back.” She turned away from him but he saw the slight shaking of her shoulders.
Parker put the pot he carried onto the wagon’s back gate. He then walked toward Georgie and gently laid his hands on her shoulders. When he turned her around, his heart hurt for her many tears, and he pulled her close, hoping to offer some sort of comfort. A hug could never make up for everything she’d been through, but sometimes it was nice to know that someone understood and cared. He stroked her back as his shirt became damp from tears.
She slowly relaxed but she held on to him. When she finally let go she gave him a sheepish look and went about cleaning up. She was one strong woman, and he found himself admiring her.
He’d ridden up to many charred and burned out houses with his men, and the destruction he had seen was both devastating and uncalled for. There were usually a few dead, mutilated bodies lying about, and the sheer grief the survivors displayed was unimaginable. They had never had the time to stay and offer comfort. They hadn’t had food or any other supplies to give them. He had always felt like a failure as he rode away.
* * *
He must think her a ninny. She was always crying. She’d had to be the strong one for so long that it was nice to have someone comfort her for a change. As each disaster befell her family and friends, she had been the one they’d turned to. She had grown tired of saying that everything would work out somehow. Even when she didn’t believe it to be true. She’d planned to go north as soon as the house burned but she had been needed. It was just as well or she would never have seen the ad to marry Parker.
She sat on the wagon bench watching the scenery of massive trees go by. “Are you sure you don’t have a woman waiting for you at your home? You didn’t know about me, and a man like you must have plenty of women wanting you for a husband.”
He glanced away and she could see the back of his neck turn red. He looked forward and was silent for a bit. “I suppose there are women interested, but I am not. My mother was always inviting people to the house for dinner. She’d get all her fancy dinnerware out and act better than her guests. I was surprised by the amount of people who fed into her act. But like I said, I didn’t have time. I was always working. Though I suppose if someone had really caught my eye I could have made time for her. Many were the same age as you but not mature in any manner. They were still pampered girls despite the war.”
“If they still had dresses to wear to a dinner then I don’t think they knew the war as intimately as some of us did,” Georgie suggested. “I bet they aren’t afraid to close their eyes at night or see the back of someone in a crowd and think it’s their father or brother. I’ve been known to run after men a time or two. Hope filled me as I ran but the disappointment when I realized they weren’t either of the men I sought was almost too much to bear. I’m hoping we can have a fresh start together.” She bit her bottom lip. Maybe she was being too forward.
Parker leaned a bit and bumped his shoulder to hers and grinned. “I’d like that.”
For the rest of the day his words repeated in her head. It filled her with optimism.
He found another fine spot for them to stop that night. There were plenty of trees for privacy and a stream close by.
Once again, she went to gather wood, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw a blur of gray moving ahead of her. She walked as silently as she could until she was well hidden behind a tree. If there was one there was bound to be more, many more. Her limbs trembled as she hid but she needed to warn Parker. Taking a deep breath, she started toward camp.
Without warning, she was grabbed from behind and a filthy hand covered her mouth. The man pushed her to walk ahead of him. It was apparent he knew where they were camped. She kicked his shin with her heel, but all that accomplished was the man pulling a knife and holding it to her throat. Burning pain began in her neck and her breath caught. He’d nicked her. From the trickling wet sensation, she knew she was bleeding.
She walked into sight of the wagon and was relieved that Parker wasn’t there.
“Where’s your man?” The soldier pushed her and she stumbled, forward.
She landed hard on her side and winced as she studied her captor. The soldier wasn’t as dirty as his hands were. His hair looked washed, and his uniform wasn’t stained or frayed. “My husband died. I’m all alone.” She lifted her chin and stared him down. “Where’s the rest of your merry band of men?”
His brows furrowed. “My what?”
She shook her head. “Where are the rest of the men you’re with?”
“Probably watching me. They’d probably prefer it if you took your clothes off.” His grin sickened her.
“They’ll be disappointed. I have no plans to disrobe for anyone.” She gave him her best glare.
“You’re Southern.”
“Of course I am. I haven’t come across too many Northern women lately.”
“Unfortunately, I have. They’ve been coming with their husbands to steal our land. Heck, what am I supposed to do with you now?”
“Excuse me? Do with me?”
“Well I can’t very well take advantage of one of our own. It wouldn’t be right. You shouldn’t be traveling alone. There are too many who’d use you and kill ya. Do you have any food?” He walked to the wagon and looked inside. “Come on in boys, there’s food!”
She watched as five more soldiers emerged from the forest. They were polite enough except for one who had his eyes full of lust. He smiled, revealing his bottom teeth were black.
“Taggart, leave her be.”
“Maxwell, I don’t have to do what you say. The war is over.”
“Taggart, if you look at my wife like that again, I’ll put a bullet in your skull.”
Georgie’s jaw dropped. Parker knew these men? She closed her eyes as she sagged back against a wagon wheel.
“Sorry, Captain. I didn’t know yous was married.”
“I’m a newlywed. This is my wife Georgie O’Rourke Eastman from the great state of Tennessee.” Parker knelt at her side and put his arms around her. “Are you all right?”
“I am now that you’re here. I need a pistol of my own to carry.”
“Yes, you do. Maxwell, grab a crate out of the back for my wife, will ya?” Parker helped her to stand then led her to the crate and seated her. “So, what’s the meaning of you scaring my bride?”
“We didn’t know she was a Southern lady, Captain,” a short man said.
“Hard to tell by looking isn’t it, Stookey?” Parker asked.
“Yes sir. She isn’t finely dressed. It wasn’t until we heard her accent that we realized…”
“You men looking for work? Honest work?”
“What did you have in mind, Captain?” Maxwell asked.
“I need guards at my ranch. But for now, I’d like a few of you to escort us there and the rest of you to get there as quickly as you can. My foreman is William Cabot. He’ll get you clothed in other garments. I don’t want you used for target practice. Tell him to introduce you to my mother so she doesn’t shoot you either.” His lips twitched as the men’s eyes widened at the last part. “I’ll write a letter of introduction for you. Wait here a second.” He turned and caught Georgie’s gaze. “I’d like to talk to you if that’s all right?”
She nodded and took his offered hand. It felt reassuring as he lifted her up into the wagon. As soon as he climbed in behind her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Her body felt warm all over and as the kiss deepened, it seemed to have a hint of urgency to it. He pulled her close and kissed her temple.
“It startled me when I saw you surrounded by soldiers until I realized that they once served under me. I never should have let you go off on your own, and yes, I’ll give you a pistol. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would explode. But all is well now.” He took a step back and lifted her chin until their eyes met. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?”
“No, I was frightened for a bit, but I planned to fight them if they tried to touch me. The whole time I kept thinking I would no longer be pure for my husband. I wouldn’t have won if I fought them, but I hoped it would buy me some time until you got back.” She shook her head. “And at the same time, I didn’t want you walking into the whole mess.”
He grabbed a cloth and wiped the blood from her neck. “You’re still shaking.”
“I probably will be for a while,” she admitted. “But you don’t need to worry about me. I’m going to be just fine. Write your letter and then let some of them be on their way.” She gave him a small smile.
He leaned down again and kissed her nice and slow. This time he put his tongue in her mouth, surprising her. People really kissed that way? It was actually nice, she decided after her initial shock wore off. He lifted his head and smiled into her eyes.
Climbing back out of the wagon, she tried not to smile but she couldn’t help it. He made her feel special, and she couldn’t remember a time when she’d been made to feel that way. She noticed that the firewood had been gathered and water had been hauled. She’d make hoe cakes as soon as Parker was done. She’d need to get back into the wagon to grab all the ingredients.
* * *
Parker watched as the ever-changing colors of the firelight played upon Georgie’s face and hair. She was radiant, and he couldn’t keep his gaze from her. He’d relived their kiss in his mind many times that evening. It had been the best kiss he’d ever experienced, and he was trying to puzzle out why.
When he held her close, she seemed to fit perfectly with him. It hadn’t been a chore to hold her; it was an exciting pleasure. He’d felt young and unjaded for a time. A smile spread across his face. She wasn’t schooled in the art of kissing, and it thrilled him to know he was the one teaching her. The sweet sounds she made when he deepened the kiss had him feeling ten feet tall. Then she kissed him back with passion, real passion. He’d kissed plenty of women but most of them pretended their eagerness. Then again, he’d also paid those women.
His wife was certainly a surprise in more ways than one. Besides him not knowing he was to be married, Georgia was so unlike any other woman he’d come across. She had grit and courage. She’d seen the worst, and she still had hope for the future. He’d gotten lucky considering his mother had picked her because of her pedigree.
His smile grew wider.
“What’s so funny?” she whispered after she
made her way around the fire and sat next to him.
“I was thinking my mother probably thought she ordered a proper Southern lady for me.”
Frowning, she crossed her arms in front of her. “I’m not a proper lady? I do try my best, you know but it isn’t always easy. I do try to be gracious and have good manners.” With a restless hand, she smoothed a hand over her ragged skirt. “I don’t have the clothes to look the part.” She stared into the fire.
He stood and offered her his hand. He’d insulted her. “Let’s go to bed and let the men rest.”
Georgie stood. “Good night, gentlemen.” She gave them a slight regal nod and walked to the wagon with her small hand in his. She didn’t wait for him to lift her into the wagon but scurried into it on her own.
Parker sighed. He had some quick explaining to do. She had her back to him pulling her nightgown on when he climbed in. She didn’t say a word, but she didn’t glare at him either.
“Good night.” She lay down with her back to him.
He took his shirt off and lay right behind her, putting his arm around her waist. He then pulled her close so their bodies were touching. “I’m sorry.”
She remained silent.
He kissed her neck. “Let me explain what I meant out there. You’re not a pampered girl who needs constant instruction. You’ve been more of a partner to me than I ever expected a woman to be. I was brought up same as you, where the man made all decisions and the wife just smiled. I don’t want a wife like that. I want you. You have a good head on your shoulders, and you are just what is needed to help rebuild Texas. I didn’t mean you weren’t proper. I’m glad I wasn’t sitting around the fire with someone with hoop skirts and white gloves on. I’m proud of the woman you are and I’m proud you’re mine.”
She pushed back against him, getting closer. “Thank you for explaining. I was never very good at the whole pampered thing. My mother often bemoaned that no man would ever want me. My sister Amy was beautiful, and I didn’t come close to her perfection. Even my father preferred to gaze upon her, and all he gave me were disapproving glares. I tried. I tried harder than anyone could have tried to be beautiful and graceful and simpering. I spent hours in front of the mirror, but all I saw reflected back was a failure. I never got new dresses. I wore hand-me-downs from Amy. We had more than enough money for me to have new dresses, but it was meant as a slight to me.”
Tattered Hearts: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book One Page 3
