Cowboy's Orders (Brides of Juniper Junction Book 2)

by Celeste Jones

  Myrtle wrenched her neck around to try to see the missing buttons while Aggie examined her back. "Good heavens, Myrtle, can't you feel the breeze blowing through there?" Aggie asked. They didn't even have kind words for each other.

  “Oh shut up!” Myrtle screeched, turning on Aggie and yanking her hair. Hard.

  “Why you…” Aggie crouched down on her haunches and then lunged at her sister like a mountain lion after a lamb.

  Myrtle turned out to be more agile than Posey would have expected and she moved out of the way, leaving her sister to land flat on her belly on the floor of the post office.

  Myrtle fled out the door, leaving it hanging open, her handbag full of letters clutched in her hand. Her sister recovered quickly and took off after her. Posey and Tassie moved so they could watch from the window of the post office as the two Myrth sisters rolled around in the dirt of Main Street, name calling and hair pulling.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Tassie said, gaping at the snarling sisters.

  A small crowd gathered. Too stunned by the scene, they didn’t say much, just watched.

  First Myrtle seemed to be getting the upper hand, she had Aggie down on the ground and straddled her waist with her knees, her long skirts covered with dirt and both their faces smudged with grime.

  In an impressive feat of strength and determination, Aggie bucked her hips while grabbing her sister’s shoulders and threw Myrtle off her. Both girls scrambled to their feet and faced off again, more angry and determined than ever.

  Posey wasn’t sure whether to be shocked or thrilled. Finally, the rest of the town could see what those two were really like.

  The crowd parted and the imposing figure of Mr. Conners walked over to the fighting sisters. They didn’t seem to notice him and lunged for each other once more. This time, Mr. Conners grabbed each of them by the arm and gave them a shake. Finally they looked up at him.

  “Oh, Mr. Conners,” Aggie said, suddenly all sweet and demure.

  “Mr. Conners, how nice to see you,” Myrtle purred.

  Mr. Conners, not one to make a scene, seemed to make an exception in this case. “I’ve had enough of you two. I made a mistake in letting my high regard for your aunt sway me. I could tell you two were trouble from the word go.” Myrtle’s handbag had popped open and a few letters scattered about. He gathered them and her bag, then turned to address the gathering crowd. “My apologies to all of you, my neighbors and friends here in Juniper Junction.” For a moment, his gaze flicked over to the post office where Posey and Tassie watched through the window. “I take responsibility for the problems these two have caused, but no more.” He turned back to Myrtle and Aggie, their faces covered with dirt and shock. “Tomorrow, you two will be on the train back to where you came from.”

  “But, Mr. Conners!” Myrtle whined.

  “It was all her fault,” Aggie wailed.

  Mr. Conners, still holding them by the arms, dragged them over to his wagon. “Stay here and do not move. Do not make a sound.”

  The crowd dispersed and Posey and Tassie turned to each other.

  “Holy cow,” Posey said. “Can you believe that?”

  “I wonder if I should feel bad about this?” Tassie opened her hand to show three buttons in her palm.

  Posey didn't know all the details of Tassie's past, but she'd once been part of a traveling medicine show and circus and had picked up an assortment of skills. She'd managed to tear off three of Myrtle's buttons without anyone seeing. Posey looked at the buttons and laughed.

  "Oh, Tassie, your timing was perfect. Those two were really getting on my nerves and I was this close," she held two fingers together, "to telling them just what I thought of them. It could have been me in the middle of that fight and you know that wouldn’t have gone well for me.”

  “And now they are being sent away.” Tassie looked as happy as Posey felt.

  "I'm glad I got here when I did." Tassie smiled at her. "You're here all by yourself? Mrs. Everett must have a lot of confidence in you."

  "Yes, I'm flattered. I know she was worried about me being tempted to be, well, you know, nosey. I'll admit it can be hard not to pry and wonder what's in all the packages and letters, but I've been good."

  "I'm proud of you," Tassie said, sincerely.

  "Well, don't think too highly of me." Tassie pulled the letter from her pocket and passed it to Tassie.

  "Wow, that's a strong scent." Tassie turned the letter over and examined the address. "That looks like a woman's handwriting. Besides, what man would put that much perfume on a letter?"

  "Exactly. And look," Posey's heart hurt but she had to tell someone, "it's addressed to Jake."

  Tassie's brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"

  "Who else is Mr. Foreman at Windy River?"

  Tassie sighed. "Well, that's true. Maybe it's from a secretary who works for someone who would be sending a letter to Jake? Maybe a salesman or a cattle buyer?"

  Posey considered that. It was a reasonable explanation. "But what about the rose perfume?"

  "Maybe it was next to another letter in the mail bag and the scent rubbed off?" Tassie tried.

  Posey shook her head. "No, none of the other letters smelled this strong." She wrung her hands and looked at Tassie. "Oh, Tassie, you don't think there's a woman writing to Jake?"

  "Posey, that is impossible. Or if someone is writing to him, I'm sure it's not because he sought out the attention. Jake loves you. Didn't he punch your uncle just last week? Isn't that love?"

  "I know," Posey moaned. "What you say makes perfect sense, but I know there are people who think I trapped Jake into marrying me. What if he was sweet on someone else? Or what if I've been so busy working here at the post office, maybe he's found someone else to pay attention to him."

  "Posey, those things are all ridiculous and you know it. He proposed to you before you 'trapped' him, and everyone knows you can't trap a man who doesn't want to be caught."

  "I suppose you're right," Posey agreed tentatively. "But I just wish I knew for sure that these letters were just from a secretary who wears too much perfume."

  "There's been more than one?" Tassie asked, surprised.

  "Yes, there was another one and you should have heard the way Myrtle and Aggie went on about it. I should have put this one in the mail for Windy River but when those two came in to collect it, I just couldn't. I couldn't stand the idea of them saying something to me about a woman sending Jake letters."

  Tassie sighed, then went to the door and looked to make sure no one was coming down the street. "All right. I've promised myself not to do this sort of thing any more, but this is an emergency. If I could get the letter open so we can see that it's harmless and then seal it back up, would that put your mind at ease?"

  Posey gasped. "You can do that?"

  "Easy," Tassie said, taking the letter and turning her back. "I can't give away any of my secrets," she said when Posey tried to watch.

  In seconds the envelope was open and she handed the contents to Posey.

  My darling Mr. Foreman,

  All the plans are in place and I shall be on the 12:10 from Monroe City on Thursday the eighteenth. I cannot wait to see your handsome face and place a kiss upon your waiting lips. I shall be wearing my best blue silk dress and matching hat, so you’ll be sure to recognize me.

  Yours with great affection,

  Elizabeth

  Tassie read the letter over Posey's shoulder and then the two of them just stared at each other in silence.

  "Maybe it's a relative. Like a sister or cousin. Maybe an older aunt," Tassie suggested. "Honestly, Posey, Jake cannot be interested in any other woman."

  "Then explain this!" Posey waved the letter in her shaking hand.

  Tassie took it from her and quickly resealed it, good as new, and tossed it into the bin for Windy River. No one would ever know the difference. But Posey knew what it said.

  What if she burned it up and no one ever knew it had existed?

&n
bsp; "Good morning, Tassie. How nice to see you." Mrs. Everett breezed in, full of smiles.

  "Hello, Mrs. Everett," Tassie replied.

  "What's this?" Mrs. Everett picked up the lone letter in the Windy River bin.

  "Oh," Posey said, "it fell on the floor and I didn't find it until after their mail was picked up." It was pretty close to the truth.

  "I just saw Mr. Conners while I was at the general store. That was quite a scene those two girls treated us to, wasn’t it? Between you and me, I’ll be glad to see them go.” She picked up the letter. “I’ll just run this over to him, if you don’t mind being here alone for a few more minutes.”

  Well, she minded a great deal, but there was nothing she could say about it. "Of course, Mrs. Everett."

  And she watched the letter of her doom leave the post office, and with it, all her hopes for the future.

  Chapter 13

  "Got another letter for you, Matt." Jake handed over the smelly envelope. "She seems to like roses."

  "Thanks, Jake." Matt took the letter from his hand and tore it open, reading it quickly. A huge smile spreading across his face. "Holy cow! She'll be here tomorrow. That's the eighteenth, isn't it?"

  "I believe so," Jake said, enjoying his friend's excitement. "I guess you'll be a married man very soon."

  "I can't believe it."

  Jake put his hand out and shook Matt's. "Congratulations. I'm happy for you and looking forward to meeting your bride."

  "Oh, that reminds me. I need a best man. Jake, would you do me the honor? I'm going to meet her at the train tomorrow at 12:10 and then we'll go straight to the parsonage to get married. I’ve already talked to Pastor Ellis and Mr. Conners about a bit of time off as soon as I knew when she’d get here. I'd really appreciate it if you could be there and stand up for me when I get married."

  Jake paused and looked at Matt. A happy feeling built inside him. "Why, I'm flattered. I'd be honored to stand up for you."

  "Elizabeth doesn't know anyone around here. Do you suppose Posey would be her bridesmaid? I know they don't know each other, but it would mean a lot."

  Jake chuckled. "I can't imagine that Posey wouldn't be thrilled to pieces over that. I'll tell her about it as soon as I get home."

  "Thank you, so much.” Matt paused. “And one more thing, do you think you could go with me to the train station too? I’d like to have a big welcome for Elizabeth when she arrives. Now that I know it’s happening, I can’t wait to tell everyone.”

  "Of course. Sounds like a big celebration at the train station. Why don't you take the rest of the day off. You've got a wedding to get ready for."

  Later that day when Jake made the trip home on Sadie, he couldn't help but be excited for his friend. What an adventure, marrying a mail order bride. He'd found marriage to be quite an adventure already and he already knew a lot about Posey. Imagine marrying someone you only knew through letters.

  When he entered the house he was a bit surprised that Posey didn't run to meet him, but maybe she was busy or tired. She'd worked at the post office that day. He couldn't be prouder of her.

  He checked the kitchen and called out for her, but no Posey. He peeked out the window. Not in the garden. Maybe she'd stopped at the general store or was visiting Tassie. He went upstairs and sorted through his clothes. He ought to wear something nicer than his usual work clothes to meet the train the next day.

  Taking off his shirt, he pulled out his Sunday shirt and jacket, put them on and looked at himself in the mirror. He still couldn't believe Matt would be getting married the next day.

  The bedroom door opened and he caught Posey's reflection in the mirror then turned, smiling at her. "How do I look? I've got an important person to meet on the train tomorrow."

  “What?” Posey gaped at him. “You’re not even going to pretend it’s not happening?”

  “Oh, I know it’s supposed to be a secret, but I’m just excited about the whole thing.” He stared at Posey for a moment. “Wait a minute. How do you know about it?”

  Anger, unlike anything he'd ever seen his sweet bride display before, clouded her face. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw hardened. His sweet little Posey turned into an angry she-wolf.

  "Oh, I know all about it. Every awful detail. How could you?"

  "Wha—" He gaped at his wife. It was as though she'd been possessed by a demon.

  She waved her arms in the air and paced the room, hurling hurtful words at him. "I know all about it. All about Elizabeth and her blue silk suit and matching hat." Posey stopped her pacing and stared at him, angry tears glistened in her eyes. "I suppose she never does anything wrong. Never snoops or eavesdrops or burns dinner. Well, I hope the two of you will be very happy together. I knew I shouldn't have agreed to marry you. You only did it because you felt obligated. You never loved me, Mr. Foreman." She spat out the last two words like they were vinegar on her tongue.

  Jake reared back as though he'd been punched in the gut. Her words cut him deep and he had no idea where they'd come from. He thought she'd be excited about meeting the train and being part of Matt and Elizabeth's wedding.

  He took a deep breath then grasped Posey by the upper arms and peered down into her tearful eyes. Beyond the anger he recognized something else. Hurt. He shook his head. He'd never understand women, that was for sure. He blew out his breath then sat on the bed, positioning Posey between his knees. He cupped her chin, making her look at him.

  "Now," he said, forcing himself to keep his voice steady, "you are going to explain yourself to me right now. I don't know what kind of bee you've got in your bonnet, but you're going around half-cocked. I don't go around making accusations against you. I expect the same from you. Now, start talking."

  She clenched her jaw and despite his firm grip on her chin, she managed to jut it out defiantly. "I saw the letters. Smelled the letters. I didn't know you were such a fan of roses, Mr. Foreman, but apparently there are a lot of things about you that I don't know."

  Smelled the letters? Mr. Foreman?

  It all came together in Jake's mind and he fought back a smile. If he wasn't so disappointed in his wife's lack of confidence in him, he'd have found this all very funny. But right now, they had a couple things to get straight between them and he meant to find out exactly what kind of fantastical thoughts were spinning around in his little wife's brain.

  He blew out his breath. "So you saw a letter addressed to Mr. Foreman, is that right?"

  "Yes," she whispered. "Two of them, actually." He could see she was fighting to maintain her composure. He'd feel sorry for her if this wasn't her own fault.

  "And one reeked of rose perfume," she added accusingly.

  "What else do you know about those letters, Posey?" He held her chin steady so she couldn't look away from him. "I want to know everything and you'd better start talking."

  She licked her lips and paused for a moment, thinking. "Tassie opened the one that came today. She knows how to do a lot of things. You know, from her time with the circus."

  "Oh no, you'll not blame Tassie for this. I'm sure she didn't just decide to open a letter addressed to someone else, did she?"

  Posey blew out a breath. "No," she said.

  "And what did you and Tassie find out while you were breaking the rules of the post office? I assume Mrs. Everett left you alone for a few minutes, is that right? And you repaid her trust by opening mail." He shook his head. He knew she needed a keeper but had no idea it was this serious.

  Posey swallowed hard. "The letter said sh-she'd be here tomorrow on the train and she'd be wearing her bl-blue silk dress and matching hat. I-I don't have a silk dress." She sniffled.

  "You think this is about silk dresses?" he asked, dumbfounded.

  "She said she was looking forward to k-kissing you," Posey managed to say on a wail of sadness. The tears flowed freely and she gazed up at him, her large brown eyes filled with despair.

  Her eyes always got to him. He was tempted to prolong her anguish just to teach her a
lesson, but there were plenty of other methods for doing that.

  "Posey," he said, his voice serious. "Look at me right now." She complied, though tears streaked her cheeks. He brushed them away with his thumbs and his heart softened toward her a bit. But, she needed to learn this lesson once and for all.

  "Those letters were addressed to Mr. Foreman, right?"

  "Yes," she said, "Mr. Foreman at Windy River Ranch. That's you."

  "I can understand the confusion. As a matter of fact, the letters kept getting put on my desk. But that was a mistake."

  She gasped. "Mistake?"

  "Yes, because we have a man named Matt Foreman, Mr. Foreman, who works at Windy River."

  "OH!" Her eyes got big and her mouth hung open.

  "He has a mail order bride arriving on the train tomorrow. He's asked me to meet the train with him and to be best man when they get married tomorrow afternoon. He even asked if you'd be a bridesmaid since his new bride, Elizabeth, doesn't know anyone here."

  "Oh, oh." Posey's face went pale.

  "Is that all you have to say for yourself?"

  "I messed up."

  Messed up was hardly the way to describe it.

  Of all of Posey's messes over the years, usually caused by her snooping and gossiping, this was the worst ever. Ever, ever. A colossal mess. The messiest of messes. And she'd done it all herself.

  Her stomach knotted and she twisted her fingers together.

  "You keep your nose to the corner, young lady."

  "Yes, sir," she said, her breath bouncing back to her from the corner where her nose was pressed. She was naked, her hands behind her back.

  Her stomach roiled with anxiety and she sniffed back a tear. Oh, if only she could go back and not ever open that letter or pay any attention.

  "Now, while you're in the corner thinking about why you're there, I have a few questions for you, naughty Posey."

  His voice was stern, but she also remembered the hurt look in his eyes when he realized she'd thought he was being unfaithful to her. How could she be so stupid? This was the worst day of her life.