by Rebel Carter
Mary bit her lip, fingers twitching against the paper beneath her hands. Summer sweet. The words conjured thoughts of Alex’s full lips. The woman’s lips were plump, pink, and ripe for the taking. She would no doubt taste of summer sweet, of sunshine and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Of course she loved strawberries when she was as ripe for the picking as any fresh picked berry.
Mary’s fingers tightened on the pencil she held, and she took out another piece of paper. She would tell Mary what her perfect day was. That it would be all gentle mornings with a cup of warm tea and all the biscuits and cake they both could eat, and books, there would, of course be books. What little solace Mary had found in the last few months had been in the pages of a good book.
Mary’s perfect day would be the one that she chose. It didn’t matter what she did, or what she ate. It mattered not where she was, so long as she chose it. She touched her pencil to paper and began to write.
Chapter 8
“It needs to be nipped in at the waist more. I look far too matronly for my liking.” Sarah James turned this way and that in the dress shop mirror with a frown. “And for god sake do something about the lace at the back. It looks bedraggled and cheaply done.”
Mary raised her eyes from the letter she was reading from Alex to see that her mother had sent the modiste scampering about with her assistant once more. They had been in the shop for nearly three hours and Sarah James had yet to exhaust her seemingly never-ending list of complaints and criticisms concerning her wedding attire.
Mary’s own dress had been sorted out. The simple dress was easily made and already wrapped in paper and ready for Mary’s big day. It was a day that had yet to be decided on, or at least formally, even though she told her mother differently. It had taken a few letters over so many days for Sarah James to tire of reading over their correspondence. It had been two days since her mother had taken any interest in Mary’s letters--her daughters’ words of assurance more than enough to accord with Sarah James’s plans.
The distraction of her mother’s wedding was a blessing in disguise as it wholly kept Sarah James’s attention. Mary winced when her mother began berating the staff once more, and before she could stop herself, she stood and quickly tucked the letter away in her glove.
“Mama, I think the staff here,” she gave both women a kind smile, “have done an exceptional job and that perhaps a kind word of acknowledgement would encourage them to continue in their efforts.”
Sarah James’s mouth fell open at her daughter’s rebuff. She drew herself up to her full height and gave her a frosty glare. “Isn’t there something you need to see to, dear?”
“No, there’s nothing at all and in fact--”
“I believe there is. You have your dress in hand, do you not? Take it and leave on your errands.”
Mary glanced at the two women who were watching them with interest. It was evident her mother wanted her out of the shop and seeing as she was right on all accounts there was no reason for Mary to stay. She sighed and gave her mother a curt nod.
“All right, mama. I will see you when you are done with your fitting.” She gave both women an apologetic smile. “Thank you for your work. It is lovely, and I am so happy to wear this on my wedding day.” She held up her dress and wished she could say more but her mother would surely make her pay for even one more word.
“Ah, good day, ladies… mama.” She nodded at them all and, under the heavy weight of her mother’s glare, Mary made a quick exit from the shop, dress tucked close to her.
She let out a sigh once the door was shut behind her. She wished she could do more than a gentle rebuff, but she knew any more would draw her mother’s attention back to her plans and she could not have that. Mary set off down the boardwalk, but her steps faltered when she realized she hadn’t the first clue where she was meant to go. She had never previously been allowed any more than two hours’ free time without her mother keeping watch over her and now she was presented with a seemingly free day.
She could do anything.
However, that much freedom was daunting. What ever would she do with all of it? Mary bit her lip and began to walk once more, her body swinging into motion. Perhaps a treat to celebrate?
Her stomach growled and Mary sighed, patting a hand to her belly and then letting it rest there. Her mother had been keeping a close eye on every morsel she ate on account of “keeping her figure in hand” and Mary was starved. She was often starving, and she hated it. Once she was free of her mother, she would never allow herself or her baby to be in such a predicament again.
“I am sorry, little one,” she murmured with a wince. Her hand at her stomach still, she rubbed the very slight curve, though she could scarcely feel the tender touch through the barriers of her corset and day dress. She frowned, wondering if her baby knew she was doing her utmost to offer comfort. Most likely not. Though she hadn’t a clue what a baby did and did not know at this stage of her pregnancy.
Mary would get something to eat, for the both of them, and enjoy it in the fresh summer air. She did have a bit of pocket money saved away. She turned the corner already knowing that she wanted to make a stop at Lily’s Cafe for one of the freshly baked treats the woman served there. Her steps quickened, the thought of baked sweets on her tongue working as adequate motivation for her trip. So distracted Mary was that she didn’t see Alex until the pair were practically colliding.
“I’m so sorry!” Mary held out her hands and apologized with a worried frown. “My mind was elsewhere, and I wasn’t, ah, I was just not looking where I was going.”
“It’s no trouble,” Alex replied, reaching out to steady Mary where she swayed. “I’m sturdy. It’ll take more than a run in with you to knock me down, Minnie.”
Mary’s heart warmed at the term of endearment. Every time she heard it slip from Alex’s mouth she was heartened. She could be Minnie with the other woman, a precious gift indeed. She gave Alex a warm smile.
“I reckon you are right on that account. I was just on my way to Mrs. Lily’s Cafe for a treat. Would you care to join me?”
“I would love nothing more.” Alex gestured towards the cafe with a grin and a wink. “Lead the way, fair lady.”
“I told you. I’m no lady.”
“And I told you,” Alex fell in step beside her, hands clasped behind her back as she walked with Mary, “that I have a nose for ladies, and you are indeed, one of the first order. A high-class lady.”
Mary scoffed but she would be lying if she did not admit to preening a bit at the words. Alex had a way of making her want to simper and blush. It should have made her sigh at herself but instead, Mary quite enjoyed the feeling of careless frivolity.
Alex bounded up the steps ahead of Mary and opened the cafe door with a flourish. “After you, my lady.”
Mary’s cheeks warmed but she stepped inside all the same. The pair made their way to the pastry counter and Mary surveyed the items it held. There were pies, and cookies, muffins and even small cakes that looked heavenly. She hesitated looking at the cakes, remembering Alex’s letter on the perfect breakfast.
“Strawberry shortcake,” Mary said, tapping a finger against the glass.
“What was that?” Alex gave her a quizzical look and stepped closer. The step brought them into close proximity, elbows brushing against the other, the smell of soap and leather filling Mary’s nose. She sniffed again and smiled when she realized it was Alex. Of course, the other woman would smell enticing in addition to looking as much.
“Your favorite dessert,” Mary said gesturing towards the cakes once her brain had cleared enough for her to speak. She licked her lips and fixed her eyes on the dessert rather than meet Alex’s eyes. All it would take was one glance into the pair of warm brown eyes for her to do something truly rash.
Although, once a woman agreed to marry another, Mary wasn’t sure what other rash decision was left for her to make.
Alex beamed at her. “You remembered!”
/> “Of course, your letters are my favorite indulgence.”
This time it was Alex who blushed. “And yours mine, Minnie. They brighten my day with each and every line.”
Mary’s heart skipped a beat. Her pulse hammered in her throat and she let out a nervous titter. “That's kind of you to say,” she murmured.
“Not a kindness when it is the truth, Minnie.”
Mary ducked her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She might have said more but Mrs. Lily was there and smiling at them with a notepad in hand.
“What would you like today, ladies?”
“Oh, well I’m not sure on that account.” Alex gave Mary a sidelong look. “Unless you have made your mind up?”
“I have,” Mary said with a nod. “The shortcakes. I would like all the shortcakes.”
“All of them? How splendid. I’ll just box these up for you. That will be two dollars.”
“Thank you!” Mary was already fishing in her small reticule for her spending money when Alex put a hand on her arm.
“Minnie, that’s entirely too much to spend on desserts. Allow me to--”
“No, no, this is my treat. You love them so.” She handed the money to Mrs. Lily who was now looking at the women with a curious smile.
“Thank you, I’ll just be a moment getting your change there, dear.” She turned to leave the couple, who in Mrs. Lily’s estimation, seemed to be in need of just the right amount of alone time. Who knew what wondrous things might happen in a moment of silence?
“But what are we to do with all these cakes?” Alex wanted to know.
Mary gave a little shrug. “Eat them? Give them away? Whatever you choose, I suppose.”
“Oh, anything?”
“Yes, anything. But why are you giving me such a funny look?”
“Because, I have had the most splendid idea, Minnie. One worthy of the amount of cakes you just purchased.”
“And what would that be?” Minnie asked, her heart pounding. She had no clue what Alex was about to propose but she did know one thing with certainty. Whatever it was, Mary would agree, and wholeheartedly so.
“Why, a wedding, of course.”
“A wedding but for whom?” Mary looked around the cafe wondering if the bride and groom were in the establishment.
“Yes, a wedding. What else is a wealth of shortcake best used for, other than weddings? And only the most special of weddings, my dear, Minnie.”
“And what wedding would that be?” Minnie asked, half distracted as she accepted the money Mrs. Lily was handing back to her.
“Why ours, of course.”
Mary dropped the coins, but not the cakes, and for that she would always be grateful.
The past half hour of Mary’s life had been nothing short of a frenzy.
No, a flurry of activity.
Was a flurry more disorienting than a frenzy? Mary pursed her lips and thought it over for a moment before she gave herself a mental shake. She couldn’t dither now, not when she had to get to the chapel. She smoothed her hands over the plain dress she wore.
When Alex had sprung her plan on her, Mary had balked at the idea of them marrying on such short notice.
“We can’t,” she whispered, trying to keep her voice low, but Mrs. Lily was grinning ear-to-ear as she had already heard Alex’s words. The older woman merely tipped her head at them before she busied herself wiping down a nonexistent spot at the far end of the pristine counter. Mary was thankful for the bit of privacy.
“Why not?”
“Because, well, because marriages are not so hastily done!”
“But we have already planned to wed, what was it?” Alex tilted her head back and began to count on her fingers, “two, no three days prior. I would say that we have planned as much as any frontier arranged marriage.”
Mary’s throat tightened. Arranged marriage. She did not like to think of it as such, but Alex was right. She paused and cleared away the lump growing there.
“We would require more than cakes to marry, Alex.”
“Yes, there is a dress to think of but what you are wearing currently is fine as anything, so long as you are in it.” She winked at Mary, making her flush, and continued on merrily. “There is the matter of a pastor, but I have first-hand knowledge that Pastor Bruce is hard at work cleaning the pews today and wouldn’t mind the break.”
“And what about a witness?” Mary asked, she looked down at the package still tucked under her arm and realized she had her wedding dress with her. Perhaps they did not lack as much as she thought to marry so suddenly.
Alex waved a hand. “That is easily done. I have friends all over town. Any one of them would be more than happy to stand in for us if I ask. There is nothing holding us from marrying.”
Mary held up her package. “I have my dress here. I was just at a fitting. My mother is there now.”
Alex raised an eyebrow at her and leaned an elbow against the counter. “Then we are free to make your escape, are we not?”
“We are,” Mary said and chewed on her bottom lip with a furrowed brow. “But then what will we do?”
“Why, move your things to my home. Begin your new life in Gold Sky! But we can wait if you are unsure...or if you prefer to tell your mother?”
Mary shook her head and laughed. “No, no. The plan was never to tell her. She wouldn’t allow us to go through with it. I, ah, I just hadn’t thought the opportunity would present itself so quickly or easily. It’s been such a trying time. It seemed the days leading up to our marriage would be more of the same.”
“I understand, but life need not always be difficult. There are moments of joy, peace, and ease. We can have that now, but only if you are ready. I don't mean to rush you. The thought of all those shortcakes excited me.” Alex reached out and touched her arm and Mary was undone by that gentle brush of fingers.
Alex was strong and wild, but the woman was also gentle, soft and sweet.
Mary wanted more sweet in her life.
The pair had left the cafe arm-in-arm, heads bent close as they worked out the particulars of conveying Mary’s meager belongings to Alex’s home, a respectable homestead on plenty of acreage containing everything a family would need to thrive. There was a barn, stables, a paddock, and chicken coops to occupy Mary, though she hadn’t the first clue of what to do with the livestock that lived within each. Never the matter, she would figure it all out in the days to come. What mattered now was the wedding, the wedding her mother must not know about until it was far too late.
She moved to the window and peeked out nervously. She stood in the boarding house she had once been thrown out of. Ms. Alice Hill had taken her back with little fuss and a bemused smile when she opened the door at Alex’s knock.
“Well, look what the cat drug in,” she mused, giving Mary a once over before turning to Alex. “You always did have a weakness for a damsel-in-distress.”
Mary bit her tongue while Alex rolled her eyes. “I like what I like. She needs a place to ready for the wedding. Will you help us, Alice?”
The other woman turned her shrewd eyes on Mary then and considered her. The once-over did nothing to calm Mary’s already buzzing nerves. She knew what Ms. Alice Hill was remembering. Her abhorrent behavior the last time Mary had been a guest of hers and she stepped forward from Alex then with an apologetic nod.
“I would not blame you if you chose not to help us now. When I was last a guest, I was...weak. I allowed my mother to say what she wanted without correction. I did not conduct myself in a manner befitting anyone decent, and I am deeply sorry for it. I apologize to you, and I will apologize to Ms. Violet when I see her again. The last time I saw her was very brief, you see.”
Ms. Alice Hill hummed. “It was. You were in and out of here so fast I scarcely realized it, though I do know why.”
“Oh, yes, that.”
“That was a big deal indeed. You helped those two lovesick idiots see the truth even as your mother pushed you towards Julian. Why
did you help them?”
“Because they were in love at first sight, I expect. Perfect for the other. I had to act,” Mary said. It was true. She had not missed the lingering looks between Violet and Julian. It had been tender to see, even with her mother’s meddling.
“Yes, you did. I am glad you did. It showed me you are not your mother’s daughter.” Ms. Hill opened the door wider and gestured for Mary to enter. “Come on inside then. I suspect you won’t have much in the way of motherly support on such a big day.”
“No,” Mary shook her head, stepping inside and following behind Ms. Hill. “I won’t.”
Ms. Hill had whisked her away then with a tut and a warm smile. She’d helped Mary dress for the wedding and had even done her hair up real nice with a sprig of flowers she had plucked from the vase in the room. It was a spray of wildflowers, their pretty yellow color making Mary think of sunshine and, of course, Alex. The woman was in her every thought as of late, making her feel excited and out of sorts, but in the very best way.
At least Mary had managed to find a partner that made her feel thus, even if their marriage was an arranged affair. She sighed and let the curtains go, stepping back from the window. She had been keeping a careful vigil for her mother’s familiar form but so far the elder James had not been spotted.
That was either a blessing or a curse. She uttered a silent prayer to the modiste working with her mother. The woman would need a good bit of relaxation that evening to recover from the ordeal. Her nerves must be shot by now, but Mary was glad for the distraction, without it their plan would not be possible. She turned at a knock at the door.
“Yes?” she called, hurrying over.
“Are you ready?” Ms. Hill asked, opening the door and sailing in without so much as a step of hesitation. She nodded in approval at Mary’s appearance. “Oh, you are a lovely bride indeed. Alex is a very lucky woman.”
Mary shook her head. “No, it is I who is lucky.”
“Well, then let’s call it even and declare the pair of you lucky, hmm?”
