Mail Order Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  "I'm sure that would be real nice," Aaron said.

  "Call me Hettie, my dear. We're all friends around here."

  Aaron stiffened. If he didn't know any better he was sure the two women had been listening to the conversation.

  With the return of Hettie and Martha the conversation became more formal and polite. Aaron struggled to maintain an attitude of propriety. He certainly didn't want to do anything that would ruin the moment, now that he'd seen just how wonderful Rachel was.

  Soon it was time to leave. Everyone stood and farewells were spoken.

  Aaron glanced at Rachel. She had a huge smile on her face which she immediately brought under control when she saw him look at her. "Rachel. It has been a privilege to meet with you. I hope we meet again, very soon," he said, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips. Aaron heard a slight intake of breath from Rachel, but he didn't care. He had to do this.

  He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed the back of her gloved hand. It was a delicate touch and he breathed in the scent of her perfume. For a moment he felt intoxicated.

  When he raised his head and looked at Rachel he saw that she had been similarly affected by his gesture. Her lower lip had dropped open ever so slightly and he felt pleased.

  "I look forward to our meeting again, Aaron," she said quietly.

  "I'm so glad you could come today," said Hettie, leading Aaron by the arm.

  "Thank you for the invitation Hettie. It has been a most enjoyable occasion," Aaron said.

  Aaron said his farewells and Hettie led him to the front door. With a smile and a nod Hettie bid him goodbye and before he knew what had happened Aaron was back outside aware only of the spinning sensation inside his head.

  What had just happened? He didn't know what to make of it. Had he just met his future wife? Could it possibly be that simple?

  With a deep breath he drew himself up straight and he started back toward town.

  CHAPTER NINE

  "Well. What are your impressions of Mr Aaron Caldigate?" Martha asked Rachel, with barely disguised eagerness.

  It was a while later after the meeting and they were in town, casually making their way along the shaded side of the boardwalk. Martha had her arm hooked inside Rachel's as they passed the townsfolk, most of whom nodded at the sisters in polite greeting. Rachel held the rose which Aaron had presented her with.

  Rachel sighed and tried to contain the smile that threatened to spread out across her face. She really wanted to tell Martha all the wonderful things Aaron had said to her; the amazing feelings she'd experienced being in his presence.

  It was proving almost impossible to contain her excitement at what had just taken place. But, as in all things with her sister, they liked to tease each other. Rachel supposed it was the habits of childhood which hadn't yet faded away.

  In response to Rachel's silence Martha dug a teasing elbow into her sister's side. "Tell me! What did you think of him?"

  Rachel's bright, happy eyes flashed at Martha. "Surely you can tell," she said.

  Martha frowned. "Of course I can tell. I just want to hear it in your own words."

  Rachel rolled her eyes. "Well..."

  Martha stopped in her tracks and fixed Rachel with an impatient look. "Stop teasing me."

  Rachel grasped her sister's arm and peered into Martha's eyes. "He... is... amazing!"

  Martha screamed out loud, and some passing townsfolk gave her an enquiring look. "I knew it! I could tell from the moment he set eyes on you. What did he say to you?"

  Rachel looked at the people passing by and gave them a courteous nod. "He said the most wonderful things. He was kind and gentle and warm hearted," Rachel said.

  She was speaking so fast she had to force herself to slow down. She took a breath and continued. "After you and Hettie left the room he did appear to take some encouragement from the fact that we were alone. He is reserved, but I think that was just nerves."

  "Of course he was nervous. He was meeting his future bride!" Martha stated firmly.

  "He was, wasn't he," Rachel agreed. It all seemed like a dream.

  Rachel felt her face color and it suddenly became very hot standing in front of the mercantile. The statement sounded so direct when Martha put it like that.

  Rachel fanned her face with a hand.

  "Are you feeling well?" Martha asked.

  Rachel nodded. "I'm fine. It has just been a very emotional past few hours."

  "Perhaps we best take a seat in the shade for a while. Maybe we should take some refreshments in the hotel," Martha suggested.

  Rachel followed Martha to the hotel. The restaurant was half full and they took their place at a table away from the window. Most of the other diners were ladies, some of whom Rachel recognized.

  Rachel loosened her collar slightly and after tea was brought and she'd taken a sip, she began to feel more settled.

  Rachel was pleased to see the look of concern on Martha's face disappear. She didn't want her sister to be unduly concerned, especially on such a special day as this.

  "So tell me. What are your impressions of his character, such as you can judge after so brief a meeting?"

  Rachel thought about the answer to that. What did she really think of Aaron Caldigate? First impressions were always so important when it came to matters of the heart. On this occasion, she had to admit those impressions had been most favorable.

  She looked at the single rose which he had presented her with. It was such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes about the sensitivity of Aaron. And it was that which had made the biggest impact upon her. He seemed a very sensitive, warm and sympathetic man, unlike so many of the rather harsh and blunt men who worked on the ranch.

  Rachel described some of the conversation she'd had with Aaron. She could tell that Martha was pleased, even excited at what Rachel was telling her. However Rachel kept back some of the more personal feelings she'd experienced while in his company. It wouldn't do to tell Martha just how intensely she'd felt while with Aaron. It would be unseemly.

  The truth was, he'd made a huge impact upon her. He was handsome, sensitive, well mannered, gentle and considerate. Rachel wondered just how much she could trust such a brief meeting. But, it had gone better than she could ever have hoped. She couldn't get the image of Aaron's handsome features out of her mind.

  Rachel suddenly became aware that someone was paying very close attention to her conversation with Martha. At first she had only been vaguely aware that the young woman at the next table had taken an unusually strong interest in what she and Martha were saying to each other.

  Every time she glanced at the elegantly dressed, dark haired woman, it prompted a sudden turn of the head and pretense of disinterest. But, Rachel felt that her every word was being listened to. And she didn't like it.

  Martha frowned at Rachel. "What's wrong?"

  Rachel leaned in closer and whispered. "I do believe that woman at the next table is eavesdropping on our conversation."

  Martha's mouth dropped open and her eyes narrowed. "How dare she. This is a private conversation." Martha's voice rose in volume. "What we are saying is none of that woman's concern!"

  Rachel stiffened. "Keep your voice down."

  Suddenly the woman at the next table spoke up. "I don't think that will be necessary. I heard what was said."

  "You have no right to listen in to what we are saying," Martha stated firmly. "It is most improper."

  The young woman turned away from the other elegantly dressed woman at her own table. Rachel noticed that the eavesdropper had bright eyes that shone with barely hidden emotion.

  "Whether it is proper or not I do believe I have an interest in what you are both talking about," the woman said.

  Rachel heard the tightness in the woman's voice. As the woman looked at Rachel there seemed to an accusing aspect to her gaze. Rachel had never met the woman before.

  "I don't believe we've been introduced," said Rachel extending a hand.

  The
woman seemed to be taken aback by Rachel's forward gesture. After a moment she extended her own hand. "My name is Beatrice Wilson."

  Rachel saw the wedding band on the woman's finger. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Mrs Wilson," said Rachel, shaking the other's hand and adopting a tone of forced politeness. "And can I ask you just what gives you the right to take an interest in the private conversation my sister and I were engaged in?"

  Beatrice glanced over at her companion and gave her a questioning look. The other nodded imperceptibly, which seemed to encourage Beatrice.

  "I couldn't help overhearing the name of the person you seem to be considering as a husband," Beatrice said slowly.

  "Mr Aaron Caldigate. That's right."

  Beatrice glanced around the restaurant as if concerned that her words would be overheard. Emboldened by the general noise of the background conversation, she continued: "Would that be the son of Gabriel Caldigate?"

  "Indeed it is," answered Rachel.

  Beatrice frowned slightly. "I believed he was back East studying law these past few years," she said.

  Rachel looked at Martha, wondering where this line of questions was leading. "He has just returned and...intends to marry. At least that is the suggestion at the moment. Things haven't been completely finalized as yet," Rachel said.

  Rachel didn't like the expression on the woman's face. Beatrice looked as if the last words Rachel had spoken had caused her physical pain. However the other woman did her best to disguise the effect of Rachel's declaration of possible matrimony.

  Beatrice leaned closer. "And he intends to marry...you?" At this, Beatrice ran her eyes from the top of Rachel's bonnet, down across her face and to the dress bunched around her legs. The manner in which Beatrice looked at her gave Rachel a chill up her spine.

  Martha reached across and laid a hand over Rachel's. "Perhaps it would be best if we headed back to the ranch, Rachel."

  "You both live up at the Bar T don't you?" Beatrice asked.

  Martha sat bolt upright. Rachel knew that her sister wouldn't let any stranger intimidate her. "I am Mrs Martha Crawford. And this is my sister Rachel, who is...probably...soon to be married to Mr Aaron Caldigate, as you obviously seemed to have learned by listening in to our private conversation. I would hope that makes it all very clear to you, Madam,"

  Beatrice nodded. "It certainly makes things clear, Mrs. Crawford. Very clear indeed."

  Beatrice leaned in even closer. Rachel felt a chill just looking at the woman's features. There seemed to be so much anger consuming her. It was positively upsetting just to be so close to someone who seemed so disturbed.

  "May I say something in confidence to you both?"

  Martha stood up. "Rachel. I think it is time for us to leave."

  Rachel stood and Beatrice rose up in front of her, barring the way out of the corner. Rachel hadn't felt such intimidation from someone since she and Martha had suffered at the hands of their vile aunt and uncle. However, Rachel had learned the hard way that if you back down from those who wish to harm you, that only encourages them to do you more harm.

  In addition to that, there was Martha's condition to consider. Martha shouldn't be made upset by anyone, especially a complete stranger.

  Rachel felt a strong protective duty towards Martha in that moment. How dare this perfect stranger intrude on her private affairs!

  Rachel stepped forward and stared at the woman. "I have no wish to speak with you any further, Madam. I do not know you, nor do I wish to know you. I would be grateful if you step to the side and allow my sister and I to leave the restaurant with some dignity."

  Rachel looked at Martha and saw the approval on her sister's face. A slight smile creased Martha's face and Rachel felt a flush of self confidence.

  "I merely wanted to inform you that Mr Aaron Caldigate may not be all that you believe him to be," Beatrice said slowly. "I feel it my duty as someone who has lived here in Sweetheart Falls since I was a child, and who knew Aaron before he left."

  Rachel froze to the spot. She felt her throat tighten. All she could see were the narrow eyes and tight lips on the face of the woman in front of her.

  She had known Aaron?

  "I suppose he has portrayed himself and his father as being beyond reproach," Beatrice said with deep sarcasm.

  Rachel suddenly knew she had to get away from this woman. And fast. She made to move past Beatrice but the woman stood in her way.

  "I know the truth, and it is different from what you have no doubt been told about the Caldigate family."

  Rachel gasped, and Martha stepped between her and Beatrice. "We've heard enough from you. I'd be obliged if you would stand aside," Martha demanded with a firmness of tone that Rachel hadn't often heard.

  For a moment Beatrice looked at Martha and then to Rachel. She lowered her head slowly and stepped to the side. The other guests in the restaurant looked on at the slightly scandalous scene that had just played out.

  Martha took Rachel by the hand, pushed Beatrice to the side and led Rachel out of the restaurant.

  Once outside the two sisters started to make their way further down the boardwalk. They paused outside the mercantile and Rachel took a moment to compose herself.

  "Who is that awful young woman?" Rachel asked.

  "I have no idea. It seems she believes she has some knowledge of Aaron, although how reliable that could be, I have no idea," said Martha.

  "What did she mean about Aaron and his family not being what they seem?"

  Martha tidied some loose hair away from Rachel's forehead. "I cannot guess. Perhaps there is a simple explanation."

  "I do hope so Martha. It was turning out to be such a beautiful day. Until that darned woman tried to spoil it," Rachel said, feeling the emotion well up in her.

  Martha stroked her sister's cheek. "There now, Rachel. Don't go fretting yourself. I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for her ramblings," Martha said.

  Rachel smiled at Martha. "I hope so."

  "Let's get back to the ranch. I think we could both do with a rest. It has been a very busy morning," Martha said.

  Rachel nodded and followed her sister. She couldn't wait to get onto the buckboard. All of a sudden the only place she wanted to be was in the safety of the ranch. She wondered just how she was going to figure out what had just happened.

  One thing was for sure. If she was going to consider Aaron as a suitable husband there were some questions to be answered.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Aaron needed the walk. His head was filled with so many thoughts and images that he had to go somewhere to clear his mind. About all he could think of was Rachel. The image of her face wouldn't budge from his mind. Not that he wanted it to.

  She was amazing. It was as simple as that. It had taken him completely by surprise. But, he wasn't entirely unhappy about that.

  If he was honest with himself, he could never have imagined meeting someone so wonderful as Rachel here in Sweetheart Falls. Wasn't it just a backwater? Ho could someone so beautiful live in a place like Sweetheart Falls?

  But that was the thing. With someone like Rachel by your side even a place like Sweetheart Falls might just become a decent place to live.

  Was he really thinking that? He couldn't believe he was seriously considering this ridiculous proposal. But the truth was, that he only had to think about Rachel for a moment and the whole thing seemed suddenly possible.

  He was so pleased with how their first meeting had gone, but it had left him with so many unanswerable questions.

  Could he really consider marriage to her? Was it possible to marry someone so soon after meeting them for the first time? Could he trust these overwhelming feelings?

  So many questions filled his head. He decided he needed some time to try and get things straight in his mind.

  The early afternoon sun was warm and the air was dry. The town was busy, the boardwalks on both sides of the main street thronged with townsfolk going about their daily bu
siness.

  Aaron was amazed at how much the town had changed in the last four years. He'd received many letters from his parents since leaving, but he'd never imagined that so many things would be different. He hardly recognized any of the well dressed inhabitants of the town.

  There were more businesses now than before. That could only have been good news for his father. Maybe good news for himself. If he stayed. But he pushed that thought out of his mind.

  He walked past the livery, the bank, the busy mercantile, the hotel. When he came to the saloon he paused. The saloon was one of the few things that hadn't changed. It still smelled as awful from the outside as he remembered. The noise from inside told him that, even at this early hour, it was busy.

  Best not to go in, he thought. It was no place for him.

  "Aaron! Aaron Caldigate. Well I'll be darned," came a deep, familiar voice from behind him.

  Aaron turned and was stunned to, at last, see a familiar face.

  "Ryan Patterson. What in tarnation are you doing here?"

  "I'd ask you the same question old buddy," the tall, dark haired, wide shouldered young man answered.

  Aaron could hardly believe his eyes. It was Ryan his old friend from his younger years in Sweetheart Falls. Ryan and Aaron had been inseparable friends, almost joined at the hip. They'd spent time together at school, fished in the local rivers, hunted in the surrounding forests and been all round tearaways, tormenting the good folks of the town. But those years seemed like an eternity away.

  Ryan came up to Aaron and extended a hand. Aaron shook his old friend's hand and felt the tightness of a decisive grip.

  "Let me take a look at you," Ryan said with a wide grin. "I never knew you were coming back to Sweetheart Falls," he said.

  Aaron cocked his head to one side. "Well it's strictly speaking just a visit," he said, knowing inside himself that he wasn't telling the whole story.

  Ryan frowned. "I heard your pa was poorly. I suppose you're here to see him."

  "I am. That's true. Also had to bring my niece too. Her grandparents were desperate to see her."