by Faye Sonja
That wasn’t the only thing on his mind tonight. Who’d tipped off the outlaws about the stagecoach route and that there’d be gold bullion to steal? That decision had been made by a select few which meant someone either listened in on the conversation and passed it on, or one of those men he trusted was a traitor.
* * *
“Averill, I didn’t know you felt so strongly about alcohol.” Adeline poured water into the bowl in the spare bedroom for Averill to use. The water and soap would feel wonderful on her face with a decent scrub.
“I didn’t ever think about it, not until I saw the money father had wasted on that and gambling. It’s atrocious how he squandered Mama’s money that way.”
“Mama’s?”
“Yes, Adeline, Mama’s. All the money, all the business dealings, all the success, was all her. Father was uneducated, penniless, and taken by the bottle already when he met her.”
“I had no idea. Why wouldn’t Mama tell us this?”
“How could she? He took the credit for everything, and the law was in his favor. A wife cannot speak out against a husband, which is fine if she has a good one.” Averill sat on the bed. “The laws need to change and I’m going to help change them.”
Adeline began to take the pins from Averill’s hair, to brush it. “You’ll be married tomorrow; much of what you imagined will happen with your life may not happen.”
“This will happen, Adeline. It has to. Mama deserves to be recognised for all she did and Papa should be despised.”
“It all makes sense now. Clearly our ambition and drive did not come from him. I never saw him actually do work, come to think of it.”
“No, he never did.”
“I wonder why Mama married him. There must’ve been many more suitable men for her.”
“For love, according to her. She was smitten with him, and he’d put on a very good show of being something he wasn’t long enough to get the wedding to happen.”
“How awful. I mean, as mail order brides we take that chance, as do our husbands, but to be deliberately misled to that degree would be heartbreaking.”
“Indeed it would, and that’s why I needed to hear from Jacob in front of everyone that he would commit to giving up drinking.”
“He must think a lot of you. There’ve been times I never thought the day would come when he would choose anything over a bottle of booze.”
Averill considered that for a moment. “Why do you think he wants to get married?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, think about it logically. Jacob is young, only just nineteen. He’s lived an independent life as a cowboy, and I’m sure has not spent all those nights alone, and he was apparently taken with the drink. I wonder what would change his mind from living the life, by all accounts, most men want to live?”
Adeline gave a chuckle and continued to brush Averill’s hair. “Oh, little sister, you haven’t changed a bit. Still analysing everything.”
“To question things is good.”
“Yes, but with men there are often no answers. Not logical ones anyway. Perhaps he is ready for change, perhaps becoming an old and lonely cowboy is not his ambition in life.”
“I wondered how he came to be in that work; with the education he must’ve been afforded in the top schools in the cities as he’d said he had, it seemed an unusual choice.”
“I’m sure that’s something you need to discuss with him. It wouldn’t be fair of me to cast aspersions or judgments when I haven’t lived his life.” Adeline stopped brushing and touched her hand to Averill’s shoulder. “Time for sleep, dear one. Tomorrow will change your world, and I pray, for the better.”
“I do believe it will, Adeline. I may not love Jacob yet, but I think I will. I’m making this choice, it’s not being dictated by feelings you can’t trust as Mama’s was. With our active minds and thirst for knowledge, I believe that Jacob and I will be a meeting of the minds first; mutual respect, and love, will surely grow from that. It’s only logical that when two similar things come together they will understand each other.”
Adeline smiled as she stood up. “Sleep well, Averill. May all your dreams come true as mine have.” She rubbed her belly.
“I’ve never imagined you, any of us, with a baby.”
“No need to worry over that side of things. Amelia and I are here for you and when the babe is born, you’ll make a wonderful Aunt.”
“I will. I’m so happy we’re all together again. I know Mama will sleep well tonight without worry over what father has done.”
“Tomorrow you must move on from that, Averill. I know it has hurt us but it has also given rise to an opportunity we’d never have thought of otherwise. I cannot imagine my life being any other way now. What’s done is done, and peace can only come from forgiveness.”
“I’ll never forgive him.”
“You must, and eventually you’ll come to see that. Life cannot move forward if we keep looking back.”
“My life would’ve been just fine if I hadn’t been left as a repayment. I mean really, how can anyone be so callous to their own child?”
“Hush now. You are no longer a child and now your life is up to you. Let love in, Averill. Don’t let what Papa did ruin the wonderful life you can have when you love someone who loves you back.”
“I’m scared, Adeline. What if…?”
“Shhhh. All will be well. Have faith.”
“Faith. Yes, I have faith.” Averill took a deep breath and bit her lip to stop the tears from falling. Please, Lord, guide me to happiness.
* * *
6
The Wedding Day
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“I won’t be marrying for that love alone.
I’ll be marrying because we make
sense on an intellectual level.”
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Butterflies fluttered in Averill’s tummy and her heart beat faster than it ever had before as she walked down the aisle on the arm of James towards Jacob. No more time for doubt or questions. The morning had been perfect, the weather was perfect, and every small aspect had fallen into place.
In fact, she hadn’t had a smile off her face all day. So much laughter and stories were had with all the ladies, and Millie told her all about the other two weddings she’d helped with for her sisters.
She also told her how her husband, the reverend, had given Jacob the job as sheriff because he believed he just needed someone to believe in him and then he’d believe in himself, and so far that had worked.
Averill was pleased to hear that, and it put her mind at ease. Who knew why a person felt hopeless in life and turned to things such as alcohol for respite? What she knew of Jacob so far pleased her greatly, and she understood the need to have someone believe in you. If it wasn’t for Reginald Fairweather she’d never have fought for her dream to study as a lawyer. But he knew she could do it, and he thought she should.
With each step, she breathed and relaxed. The closer she came to Jacob’s beaming smile, the more she was sure this was the right choice and one she’d make work for the rest of her life. She would be happy.
This commitment was real and as Averill stood beside her husband-to-be now she promised herself that she’d always put this marriage first, because as Adeline said, love really was the most important thing in life. It was worth fighting for.
She looked at her mother and she’d never seen such a smile. What satisfaction to know your daughters were all safely wed and happy. Mama had tears rolling down her cheeks and with a daughter on each side of her, she clapped her hands for a moment in celebration.
Averill gave a small laugh and it was very fitting, she thought, for Mama to have something to clap and smile about at last. All thanks to Adeline and her most excellent solution to their problem. She turned to face Jacob and the reverend began his service.
The church fell to a hush, althou
gh there was only the other five present, and Averill stared into the safe, brown eyes of Jacob. He looked resplendent in his suit, and exactly what Averill expected him to look like from his letters.
So Mama was right, this must be how he looked when he wasn’t being sheriff. She’d worried for nothing. The service was lovely. Some beautiful prayers and then the bible passages read. Averill repeated her vows after Jacob had pledged himself to her in the eyes of God. It was a truly beautiful moment.
Her mother gave her the wedding ring her grandmother had worn. It was tiny and it fitted Averill perfectly. When Jacob slipped it onto her finger and said the words ‘with this ring, I thee wed’ and then lifted her veil, Averill had never felt so satisfied.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Averill held her breath. Her lips had never been touched by a man’s. She tensed a little but relaxed when Jacob briefly and lightly pressed his lips to hers and then picked her up and twirled her around. “Congratulations, Mrs. Blair!”
He let her back down to the floor and her mother and sisters rushed up and hugged her. Millie played a pretty tune on the church organ, and the men all shook hands and slapped backs.
It was done. Averill was a married woman and free to live her life as she pleased, along with her husband. Today she promised herself to give love the best chance she could because Jacob had promised to remain sober for her, and the reverend had faith in him as a good person. As a mail order bride marrying an almost stranger, that was the best anyone could possibly hope for.
Someone to grow with, to look forward to a bright future with. She had that now and she couldn’t wait until the intellectual sparring could start. The chance to speak her mind without fear of reprisal or the other person holding back their opinion because she was a mere woman. Today was a good day indeed.
The festivities had begun with Averill choosing to remain in her simple but elegant satin and chiffon gown and veil. It was a relatively light outfit even with the cage under the skirt and she’d never felt more beautiful. Several people had been invited to an after-party so Averill could get to know some young ladies her own age, and she didn’t miss the glances in the direction of her new husband from one of them.
She hoped that merely meant the young woman found him attractive and not that she’d ever kissed him or thought of being in love with him. Perhaps she was over-imagining things. Her sisters weren’t likely to invite anyone to make things uncomfortable. Two ladies her mother’s age were also accompanying their daughters. Jacob had friends of all ages including, from her calculations, the town judge and lawyer.
They’d paid no mind to the fact there was no alcohol available and sipped it from their hip flasks. She’d also noticed them encouraging Jacob to join them in a sip more than once. He’d refused each time and so Averill struck up a conversation with a young lady named Sarah Hancock. Her pretty blues eyes had a friendly sparkle and she’d smiled more than once to Averill so she’d approached her, said hello, and introduced herself.
“Averill, tell me all about New York. I’d so love to visit a city so large.”
“New York has its good side. It really depends on a lot of things. But there’s always something on in the theatres, and the fashions are very up to date.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’d love to hear all about the fashion trends. I’m training as a dressmaker and some new fashion is just what this town needs.”
“I’ll be sure to get together all my newspapers and magazines for you, there’s a lot of pictures in the advertisements on what to wear to be fashionable.”
“Thank you, Averill. That would be wonderful. I hope we can take tea and discuss things sometime.”
“I’m sure we will.”
The other young lady approached with a small smile. “Congratulations, Mrs. Blair. What a lovely wedding, quite lovely for one so sudden.”
“Jacob and I have been corresponding for months, so, not so sudden for us.”
“That’s romantic. You must be very special considering he had two beautiful choices here, right under his nose.”
Averill smiled. So, her assumption was right. This person had some jealousy toward her. “We’re very happy.”
Sarah looked wholly uncomfortable. “This is Meagan Turner. Her father is the judge here.”
So now Averill understood that Jacob would’ve spent some time in her presence. “Nice to meet you, Meagan. Thank you for coming to celebrate our marriage.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. A chance to make a new friend. I hope you’ll be very happy. Jacob has stayed over many a night when Papa deemed him too drunk to ride.”
“Meagan, really. I don’t think we need to speak of such things.” Sarah had gone a little pink and she frowned at Meagan.
“No need. Of course. Mrs. Blair will be finding out for herself soon enough that Jacob can’t be trusted, especially on the subject of love and commitment.”
“Thank you for your concern, Meagan. I’d hoped you and I could take tea as well, at some time in the future, but I fear I’ll be too busy seeing to my husband’s needs.” Averill felt wicked for letting jealousy get the better of her, and for wanting to put Meagan Turner in her place. But no one was ruining this day for her.
Sarah covered her mouth and coughed a little and Meagan walked away from them.
“I’m sorry. She can be so awful. I think she’s held a soft spot for Jacob for a long time now, and he’d never paid her any attention.”
“I’m a bit sleepy as well and so perhaps I didn’t hold my tongue as I should.”
“I think you did remarkably well. I wish I could think as quickly and have such an answer ready.”
Averill couldn’t stifle her yawn. “We really will catch up soon. Thank you, Sarah, for coming. I must go and tell Jacob that I’m tired. I could do with a long night’s sleep.”
“Of course. It’s been a pleasure.”
Averill smiled at her sisters who were deep in conversation with Mama and the other ladies as she walked past. It was nice to see Mama so relaxed and happy for once. Jacob saw her approaching and held his arm out as she went over to him. He placed his arm around her, and she smiled up at him.
“I think I’ll need to retire soon. It’s been a long day.”
The man she assumed was Judge Turner smirked and gave an appreciative grunt.
“Is there something funny, Sir?” Averill looked up at him.
“What? Oh, no. Not at all, Mrs. Blair. Of course you would want to get an early night on your wedding night.”
“I resent the implication. Judge Turner, isn’t it? I’d think such frivolity at my needing to rest would be reserved for the teenage boys to whisper over, not a man of presumed importance in the town.”
The judge stood up straight and the way he eyed her reminded her a lot of his daughter, Meagan. She could certainly see the resemblance now. Jacob’s arm had tightened around her.
“Judge was only making some fun, Averill. He meant nothin’ by it.”
“I see. What is it that’s funny about my being tired? Does he find your tiredness amusing?” Averill knew exactly why the judge had been smirking but she wasn’t going to let him get the best of her.
“I’m not sure but I am tired, so let’s go.”
“Lucky you, Jacob. A woman who speaks her mind.”
The sarcasm was not missed by Averill and the room had lost its buzz of conversation.
“Indeed he does, Judge Turner. One who is also standing up for women’s rights and is undergoing studies to practice law. So perhaps I’ll be seeing you in the courtroom...”
A collective gasp went through the room.
Judge Turner gave a loud guffaw and drank from his flask. “A woman lawyer, what next?”
“Perhaps our right to vote and to practice politics.”
“Ridiculous. A woman’s place is in the home taking care of her husband.”
“I’ll be sure to let them know when they cast their vote for me to enter parliament.”<
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“Let’s go, Averill.” Jacob guided her away from the Judge.
His daughter Meagan was glaring at her across the room. How sad for her to not want more for herself and her future daughters. Sarah’s eyes were sparkling and she gave Averill a wink. Her mother looked a little exasperated but Adeline and Amelia both had small smiles and shining eyes.
“I’m ready to leave now, Jacob. Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful day and for joining me and my husband and me in some celebration time. I hope to see you all soon.” She strode off in front of Jacob, who looked after her with a frown. It seemed he wasn’t pleased with her.
Averill spotted her flowers on the side table and picked them up. “Oh. Before I leave…I need to throw my bouquet. Gather around ladies. We don’t have a lot of unmarried ladies here so let’s throw for you all to catch for a wish come true instead, if you’re already married.”
All the women bunched up, smiling. Meagan stood to the side. Averill paid her no mind, and turned her back and tossed the three flowers bound in silk she’d carried down the aisle. She threw the flowers back over her head and as she turned she saw the flowers land right in her mother’s hands.
“I couldn’t possibly; throw again, Averill.”
“No, Mama. You must keep them. You may be the next wedding for Goldrush.”
Mama blushed somewhat and smiled.
Averill left to go be with her husband for their very first night of married life.
* * *
7
Love Blossoms
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“I won’t be marrying for that love alone.
