Mail Order Clara

by Ginny Sterling

  His faint whispered words were an olive branch between them. He was being candid with her, opening himself up in a way that touched her deep down inside. She glanced at him to see that he was staring up at the moon above with his neck arched. She said nothing at first, seeing him swallow hard.

  “I don’t think you’re a fool,” she admitted gently, feeling her own pulse flutter anxiously. “I want us to get along as well. I’m hoping that we both grow to like each other. I know that each couple will have times that try them. We may disagree, or even argue, because I can be quite headstrong, too.”

  They sat there quietly for several minutes before James spoke again.

  “Maybe we can do this again tomorrow evening after dinner?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “I spend a lot of time checking over the herd, working on the fences, and maintaining the ranch,” he began and smiled softly, “but I’d like there to be time for us too.”

  “Sounds like a perfect way for you to unwind from a long day.”

  “For both of us, I think,” he said, his smile widening as he pointed at the toddler. Clara glanced at Jack and did a double take, smothering a laugh with her hands. Jack was fast asleep, his mouth wide open, and hands splayed outward, reaching for both of them. It was touching to see that not only did he reach for her, but he was also reaching for James, subconsciously.

  “Shall we head inside?”

  “I believe it’s time,” she agreed, smiling.

  James hopped up carefully, circling the blanket and offering his hand to Clara. She easily accepted it. It was a lot easier to get up from a sitting position on the ground with his assistance. She watched as he carefully picked up Jack’s sleeping form, cradling him against his chest like an experienced parent. Jack jumped, but quickly settled against James, whose expression blossomed with unfettered wonder and delight.

  “I think your brother might like me.”

  “He might not be alone,” Clara confessed under her breath, behind him. She picked up the blanket, heading back towards the house. James gingerly lay the toddler on the bedding towards the far side, giving her room to lie down beside her brother, before tiptoeing out.

  “I’ll build him a bed of his own,” James offered. “I can sleep in the barn again so you can take the other bed if there isn’t enough room.”

  “Don’t be silly. We’ll make it work—but thank you. It would be quite a luxury for us to each have our own space.”

  “I’ll build him a bed first and then see about adding onto the house,” he suddenly in a strained voice, pulling at his collar nervously. Clara looked at him in surprise that he’d offered something so generous. His face was quite ruddy with embarrassment and wouldn’t meet her eyes.

  Was he hoping for children of his own someday?

  That was something she’d never even considered due to his ad claiming he would not push her for more. Had changing his mind about wooing his bride also changed that as well? Would it be so bad to have a family with this man if he actually turned out to be kind towards them both?

  “That… I, uh…” she stammered, her mind racing. James just shook his head, as if he was not wanting or expecting a response to the offer right now.

  “Goodnight, Clara,” he interrupted with a nod, stepping back from where she stood in front of the fireplace. Clara mimicked his gesture, stepping towards her own bedroom door. She felt something akin to relief and disappointment wash through her.

  “Goodnight, James.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  Chapter 8

  James hammered at the fencing and wiped his brow as the sun rose in the sky. He’d gotten up early this morning and headed out, hoping to have another pleasant evening at home with his new bride. Seeing her for just a bit each evening made him feel like they could slowly work towards more of a fondness with each other. Every time they spoke, he was in awe of his new wife. Clara seemed to be so kind, so tolerant and giving that he felt hope for the first time in a while.

  It had embarrassed him to send off for a mail-order bride, but truthfully, his family name kept most of the decent women far, far away from him. Only the wilder ones, the ones looking for excitement or danger, came sniffing around. He wasn’t like his brothers.

  He wanted comfort and a home.

  James wanted a friend in his life that didn’t want him racing after the next thrill or the next holdup. He wanted someone kind in his world, and Clara seemed to be a woman that fit the bill.

  He knew his family would have a field day with the fact that she had brought along her kid brother, but James thought it was commendable. She cared for others and had a sense of familial loyalty that he wished some of his own siblings had more of. He’d always stood out growing up but being around Clara and Jack made him feel almost normal.

  Drinking from his canteen, James began hammering again. He had a plan to surprise his new bride, but it would involve him leaving her alone at the ranch. He hated that idea with a passion. He hadn’t had any more late-night visitors that he was aware of, nor had he counted any missing heads from his herd.

  Clara had taken to her new home wonderfully, from what he could tell. He found she had mended his shirt where he’d torn a seam. She made a meal every evening and talked with him.

  He was even happy that she’d pushed for him to purchase more seeds so they would have a variety in the garden she’d started. It seemed that she was making herself right at home and doing her best to put her imprint on it. He liked that more than he ever realized he would. There were little feminine touched that surprised him. A small cup held several Indian paintbrush wildflowers colorfully in the center of the table.

  It had stunned him to see that she’d taken his pile of mending and also had shredded three of his older shirts. They’d been threadbare anyhow, and he’d contemplated making rags of them at some point, but instead, Clara was busily stitching seams together in a pattern. He’d asked her about his shirts last night, and she hadn’t blinked an eye when she answered.

  “I’m making a quilt with what fabric we have,” she’d said without remorse at the destruction of his clothing. “I had a dress that was ruined and continued to wear with an apron to hide a large stain. You had these worn shirts. I decided that I would make something out of our garments and get more use out of them.”

  “You’re making a quilt?”

  “Do you mind?”

  “No. I’m a little surprised.”

  “I can sew, sir!” she said immediately, straightening up, and he nearly laughed at the defensive tone in her voice.

  “I never thought you couldn’t,” he said honestly, smiling. “I was just touched that you are making something from both of us—for us. I like the idea of combining our things to make something whole, something special.”

  Clara’s cheeks had flushed prettily as she looked away from him.

  He’d taken the fight right out of her by being candid and recognizing the meaning behind her efforts. He’d never thought she would want something to signify their marriage, and it wasn’t uncommon for ladies to make a wedding quilt. Maybe he would gift her with some calico and new needles to support her efforts. Perhaps he would go into town after all and make an outing of it for his new bride.

  Raking the hoe through the dirt, Clara glared at the sun above her head. It was certainly warm out today, miserably so! She’d been working on several projects around the ranch to keep her busy. Thankfully, she’d been surprised at the necessary upkeep needed to keep things running smoothly, but being so busy had enabled her to sleep heavily each night and not think about her new husband.

  James seemed to occupy her thoughts all the time. He seemed like such a good man. Hardworking, dedicated, polite towards her, and trying to be kind to her brother. He’d made them feel welcomed and it was hard not to feel a sense of relief and something a little deeper in her heart.

  Just last evening, after dinner, they opted to stay
inside due to the heavy scent of rain in the air. At first she thought he was crazy to say such things but when he pointed out the musty, wet smell—she realized she’d grown accustomed to life in town and missing out on some simpler things.

  “I have a surprise for you, Clara,” James had said easily, picking up the toddler as he jumped up and down at his feet where he’d taken a seat in the rocking chair. It wasn’t surprising to see this, because Jack had a fondness for being held and rocked, as James quietly told him a story to get him to nap.

  “What sort of surprise?” she asked absently, drying the plates she’d just rinsed. She turned and hesitated, her breath catching as Jack plopped his head on James’ shoulder easily like it was nothing.

  “I thought maybe we’d go into town together for the day and get a few things. Would you like to come with me?”

  “I need a few dry goods,” she admitted, feeling a surge of doubt hit her as she wondered about how they would be treated in town due to his family’s antics. He’d told her about some of their escapades when James had been a boy. Now, those escapades had changed to theft or worse—part of the reason he’d distanced himself from his brothers. She was a Clanton now and had no desire to be treated as a pariah because of her marriage.

  “You seem… upset?”

  “No. Not at all, it’s just…” Clara hesitated, seeing the disappointed on his face. “I worry.”

  “About what?”

  “I guess perceptions and how we’ll be received,” she admitted. “You don’t seem so stubborn to me, yet you’ve been called Mule for ages. It’s almost a stigma they slapped on you because you stood your ground against your brothers… who, might I say, have the worst reputation around by what you’ve told me. I feel selfish at wondering how I will be treated by the other women in town. I want this to be my home and to feel like it.”

  James nodded, and grew quiet as he rocked Jack steadily.

  Clara turned away from him, feeling tears burn in her eyes at his silence. She knew her candid words had to have struck a nerve in him. They were his family, and she knew how she felt about her brother. He would always be a part of her life, and she expected James to welcome him in. Shouldn’t she do the same, even if they got off on a rocky start?

  “I’ll be right back,” James said quietly from across the room, “Jack’s sound asleep already.”

  “I understand. He was busy helping me in the yard all afternoon and probably worn out. We dug out the rows and will plant tomorr… oh, well I guess we’ll plant the day after,” she amended, remembering that he wanted to ride into town together.

  Turning around, she saw that James wasn’t even in the room. He’d already stepped into her room to lay down Jack for the night. She saw him emerge in the doorway with a hesitant look.

  “If you don’t want to go with me, you don’t have to. I thought it might be nice to spend the day together.”

  “I would like that but I can’t help but worry.”

  “Clara,” James said, holding out a hand towards her.

  She put the plate down that she’d been drying and took his hand. He gave a slight tug that startled her, pulling her into his arms unexpectedly.

  “You are my wife and I won’t let anyone be cruel or mean to you. All they have to do is get to know you in order to come to cherish you,” he whispered, touching her cheek.

  “You do?” she breathed, staring up into his eyes.

  “More than I ever realized,” he admitted in a husky voice. “May I kiss you, my pretty Clara?”

  James’ finger tipped her chin upwards as he leaned down towards her.

  A man had never treated her so tenderly!

  This was nothing like when Phineas had tried to coerce her into marrying him. The man was a bully, and this gentle bear of a man was a gift from above. She felt the slightest bit of warm pressure as he tenderly kissed her lips. Her hands slid up the material of his shirt in order to clasp them around his neck, stepping into the embrace for several moments before he pulled his head back.

  “Does this mean you don’t mind my kisses?” he asked thickly with an endearingly sweet crooked smile that made her knees weak.

  “I supposed I could put up with you,” she teased lightly in a soft whisper before laying her head onto his chest in a hug she didn’t realize she needed. “I just want everything to be as perfect as this has been the last two weeks.”

  “I won’t let it be otherwise,” he vowed.

  The next morning, it surprised her to see him bring the wagon out for them to ride into town. It was a well-worn contraption that obviously had seen better days. So long as a wheel didn’t give way, this was probably the best way to travel in for goods other than horseback as she’d originally expected.

  “Do you have your pistol?” James asked quietly, not meeting her eyes.

  “What?” she asked numbly, feeling her head spin as he rushed to her side.

  “Are you okay? You look pale.”

  “Is it dangerous to go into town?”

  “Tombstone is quite wild and they are trying to bring the law into town, but it hasn’t happened yet. I know my family didn’t give you the best greeting when you arrived on the coach, and I’m a little concerned that if we were to get separated for some reason that you would be unarmed. Clara, I don’t plan to let you out of my sight for a moment,” he promised. “I’m just overly cautious with taking care of you both. I don’t think I would find another bride who would put up with me,” he teased, but there was something more in his eyes. An unexpected fondness shone in his gaze.

  “Get your pistol, sweetheart,” he urged softly, pulling Jack from her arms and nodding. “We’ll be waiting right here for you.”

  Clara ran into the house and quickly pocketed the heavy pistol in her gown. She then wrapped her large apron around her waist to hide the bulge to her pocket. Returning, she saw his nod of approval as he set Jack down for a moment beside him.

  “Wait right there, mister, while I help Clara up, okay?”

  “Ride da’ horsey?”

  “You can help me, I promise,” James said smiling. “Ready?”

  Tucking her foot onto the spoke of the wheel, she felt James' hands around her waist as she pulled herself forward onto the bench of the wagon. Taking a seat, she turned and gratefully accepted Jack, setting him on the bench between where they would sit.

  Jack instantly picked up the reins and Clara had to take them away before they took off unexpectedly. James smoothly climbed up and sat down beside them both. Slapping his hat on his head, he turned to Clara and hesitated.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Just this,” he said, leaning towards her. His lips quickly met hers, capturing an unexpected moment of tenderness between them. It wasn’t until Jack began angrily squirming between them that they parted. He smiled softly at her and quickly kissed her again.

  “I needed that,” he admitted, grinning.

  “Settle yourself, Mr. Clanton,” she said starchily, but the mischievous grin that she slid towards him, as their eyes met, undid any hostile tone her voice might have had.

  “Yes, Mrs. Clanton,” he said, clearing his throat before clicking his teeth. “Let’s go, right, Jack? Huh-ya!” The reins gave a light snap in his hands as the wagon lumbered forward.

  Chapter 9

  Tombstone was sheer insanity!

  As they got close to town, Clara could hear a ruckus in the distance that was a little overwhelming. Stunned, she glanced at James and wrapped her arm around Jack protectively as she heard gunfire and a multitude of whooping and hollering. Pulling onto the large road that split the town, she saw a large row of buildings lined each side. Massive wooden walkways made with planks lined the front of several establishments, while others had an open door that anyone could walk into… or stumble out of. Bars, blacksmiths, mercantiles, and… houses of ill repute.

  “Oh, my!”

  “It’s a bit rough, isn’t it?”

  “You could say that,” she strang
led out, unable to look away from the bawdy women waving from the open windows. “Mercy. I have seen nothing like this before.”

  “You don’t like it, do you?”

  “I prefer our ranch over any of this,” she said honestly, drawing a happy, affectionate peck right on the cheek from James, as he pulled the wagon in front of the mercantile. Several men wearing long black suits caught her attention as she looked around. They had a cold look to their faces as they surveyed the area. One pulled out a cigar, lighting the match with his thumb and cupping his hand over the flame. Whoever they were, they were surveying everything and taking it in.

  James hesitated before jumping down from his seat. She watched his face as he wore a different expression from how he looked at home. Here, he looked indifferent, calculating. At home, he was alive, loving, and laughing. James moved to her side of the wagon, watching them intently.

  “Who is that over there watching everyone?”

  “I’m not sure, but I don’t like it either.”

  “Let’s get our things and head home,” Clara breathed as she accepted James’ help to get out of the wagon. He nodded and tucked a red curl back under her bonnet.

  “I won’t let anyone hurt you or Jack.”

  “I know, but there is something wrong here. I can feel it.”

  “I can too. Let’s go inside and get this done quickly,” he agreed. “I wanted to treat you for the day taking you out and to show you off on my arm, but it's not worth your safety.”

  “You are too kind.”

  “It’s the truth,” he admitted quietly as he held open the door for Clara to walk inside. As she passed him, she almost came to a stop as she heard his words spoken loud enough for her to hear alone. “I’m quite fond of my new bride and want you with me for a long time.”

  The mercantile was crammed full of goods all the way from floor to ceiling. Chairs hung from hooks on the rafters on display. They lined shelves with bags of flour, sugar, coffee, and other items. Clara turned to James to question what he’d said, but he was already at the counter speaking with the clerk. Her curiosity would have to wait until they were alone. As she browsed, she felt unsure of what to pick up for purchase. They hadn’t talked about money—ever. She didn’t know what they could afford and knew what little she had left would be enough to purchase a few things, but not enough to last. Picking up a small bag of brown sugar, she hefted the treat in her free hand before handing it to Jack.