The Oregon Trail Series Short Stories

by Laura Stapleton

  Sam chuckled. “In that case, I’m sure you’ll need every minute. Just don’t change your mind about me.”

  She smiled, feeling hope for their married life. “Oh? So you do want to marry me?”

  “Of course! You’re beautiful, a true Irish rose.” He pulled a long corkscrew tendril that had escaped her bun and let go so it’d bounce back into place. “Right down to the vivid red, plus your eyes are the color of summer leaves. It’s perfect we marry among the June roses.”

  “You have to love me for more than my heritage and beauty.”

  Sam laughed. “Fine. You’re fishing for compliments and I’ve been remiss in giving them.” He knelt, holding her hand. “Apart from your beauty, your solid family and their financial acumen, which you happen to share, your charm and grace, and finally your wonderful fashion sense, I love you for how you make me laugh and needle me for yet more praises.” He brought her chin up. “And I love you for the long history we share. I can’t imagine another woman more flawless than you. The rest of our lives together will be perfect.”

  “You always say the most charming things.” Anne sat with him and smiled while searching his clear blue eyes. She felt as if something was missing between them. “There’s no other girl you’d rather marry?”

  “Certainly not. ” He leaned back on the setee. “Why would you ask? I’m charming to other women, but you’re the one I want. Only you. You do believe me, don’t you?”

  She did, truly, but wanted him to insist on a Christmas wedding next month. She needed him to desire her and so far, he didn’t seem to. “I suppose so.”

  “Oh, I see. I didn’t send enough love letters to you while on my way back, did I? I’ll have to spend this winter convincing you of my love and grand passion.”

  “All right. I’ll let you.” She smoothed an errant lock of black hair from his forehead. “Will you be joining us tonight?”

  “For what, dearest?”

  “The dinner party.” She saw the blank look on his face. “Oh come on, Sam. You must know you’re one of the guests of honor tonight. You and this new business partner of father’s are the main attraction tonight.”

  “New partner, huh?”

  “Yes, he’s some sailor who’s been all over and is a valuable contact for international trade. He and a few of his people will be there. You’re supposed to be as my fiancée and future business owner. Tell me you’ll attend.”

  “I can’t. I’m already spoken for at Nick and Beth’s reception.”

  Anne raised an eyebrow at him, not quite believing he’d pick a delayed party over seeing her. He’d spend most of the year with them. “They’ve been married how long?”

  “I know, but it’s important to mother that she launches them into polite society.”

  She stood, unable to keep the frost from her tone. “Fine. I’ll just inform father of your cancellation.”

  “Come on, now, sweetest, don’t be angry.” He’d also stood up and took her hands, swinging them. “I’ve just arrived and you have to love me.”

  “I do. I’m just very disappointed we’re at cross purposes tonight.”

  “Not cross purposes so much as representing our families. You’ll represent me at your father’s to do and I’ll be you at mother’s reception.”

  “Ha. I can see you in one of my dresses.”

  He laughed. “You’d still be beautiful in my trousers, darling.” Sam hugged her, giving Anne a light kiss on her nose. “Give my regrets to your family and keep Saturday open for me, all right? There’s a dance I want us to attend.”

  “Very well. Saturday is yours.” She followed him to the door. “You’ll be at the next dinner party, promise?”

  “Absolutely. Count on it.”

  Anne watched as he strolled down their walkway before she closed the main door. He’d been back in Oregon City for two weeks and they’d spent an hour of that time together. Only one hour. She shook her head, regretting his absence already. Mother was overseeing the servants in the hotbox of a kitchen. Anne offering to help would be a bother. She sighed, the very idea of listening to a night of economics and business dealings boring her to tears.

  Dmitri Romanov stood at the front step of the Galway home and looked up at the second story. The mansion intimidated him a little before he mentally shrugged away the useless emotion. Mr. Galway had been a shrewd businessman and approachable so far. He’d been the one to come to Dmitri for an alliance, not the other way around. Dmitri ran a hand through his hair to smooth any cowlicks and knocked on the door. He fought impatience for a couple of minutes before knocking again.

  The door opened with a whoosh and the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen stood there. Her hair reminded him of the last colors in a Siberian sunset, her eyes the deep green of Kiev’s forests. He couldn’t look away. His ship had carried porcelain dolls with skin less perfect than hers. “Hello.”

  “Hello.”

  Her transfixed expression matched his feelings. He grinned. “I’m here to see Ian Galway. He’s hosting a dinner.”

  “Oh! But of course, Mr.?”

  “Pardon me, I’ve been rude.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. “I’m Dmitri Romanov of Igor’s Folly.”

  “Igor’s Folly?” She laughed. “It sounds like something interesting to be of.”

  “It is. Interesting and everything else.”

  “Oh?” She motioned for him to come in. “Do tell, Mr. Romanov, while I take your coat.”

  “Sometimes it’s dangerous, other times it’s calm. Most days, being on Igor’s Folly is exhilarating.” He stopped short of telling her the negatives, knowing no one wanted to hear them. Dmitri followed her into the hallway, seeing a library off to his left. Mr. Galway and a thinner, spectacled man sat there, he noticed, Galway with a drink, the man with none.

  “Romanov!” Ian bellowed. “So glad you could join us. Come in, son, come in. I was just telling Hawthorne about you. Anne, sweetheart, go get Mr. Romanov a glass of brandy.” He gestured to an empty chair. “Sit, sit.”

  Dmitri did as instructed, taking the glass from Anne. He wasn’t careful in keeping their hands from touching, and as he expected, a current passed between them when they connected. Not static, yet, it felt like a connection to him. He smiled. “Spaciba, Miss Galway.”

  “You’re welcome, sir.” She smiled at him but said to Ian, “If you’ll excuse me father, I’ll see how dinner is.”

  He sat back and took a drink to hide a grin. So she was a miss, yet. Galway had mentioned something about a son-in-law and he suspected the lucky groom wasn’t Hawthorne. Dmitri decided to be bold and ask, “Is this everyone?”

  “Yes. I’d wanted to include my future son-in-law, but he’s been detained elsewhere.”

  Dmitri didn’t let his expression change at the hint of the irritation he’d heard. This mythical person set to marry Anne might not be the favored choice after all. “Very well. I’d like to hear your proposal and settle the larger issues before we dine.”

  “Exactly my choice, too, son.”

  This time, Dmitri allowed himself a smile. If Miss Galway’s character proved to be as beautiful as her appearance, he would indeed be Ian Galway’s son.

  During dinner, Anne kept her eyes on her plate. She ate in little but frequent bites. Her father and Mr. Romanov talked, hammering out the details to their trade agreement while she and her mother listened. She snuck little glances at him, enamored of his sky blue eyes and sharp features. He looked as Slavic as his name implied, sun-bleached blond hair, tanned skin, and work toughened body. She glanced again at her food, her cheeks hot at thinking of his muscles. Sam was more slender and refined, not like the tamed beast Dmitri seemed to be. She coughed, choked a little at the unfaithful thought. Anne scolded herself. She was betrothed to Sam, not this stranger, and she needed to remember that.

  “Miss Galway, are you active in your father’s company?” asked Dmitri.

  She smiled, looking past him instead of his piercing gaze. “Not
as much as I could be, I suppose.”

  “I see.”

  “Anne, here, is busy planning a wedding. I’m hoping once she’s married, she and her husband will join the family business. Especially since I’m the only man in the family running it.”

  “We will, father.” She patted his hand. “Sam will settle down, you’ll see.”

  “And you, miss. Are you settled? I ask because I’ve not included you in this.” He gestured to Ian. “Maybe we should have, Galway.”

  “Maybe so. I’d planned on telling her and Sam together when he was available. I guess there’s no sense in waiting.” He set down his fork. “Romanov is here to add his ship to our range of goods. He’s an experienced ship’s captain who’s been to more countries than I knew existed.” Ian addressed Dmitri. “Anne, here, is my pride and joy. She’s a wonderful and intelligent young lady who’s fit to run my company when she’s ready, with or without her Sam. Having a man at her side only offers an endorsement to her leadership.” He nodded to his wife at the end of the table. “I’m right am I not, Julia?”

  She smiled at her husband. “As always, darling.”

  Anne found her jaw hanging open at her father’s admiration. She’d always known he loved her, his doting knew no bounds. But his high opinion of her intellect? She smiled, modest at the praise. “I’m sure my father exaggerates Mr. Romanov, my mother, too. I’ve learned a few things just by listening to him at the end of the day, that’s all.”

  Dmitri nodded at her. “Since you’re obviously a part of this deal, Miss Anne, do you have an opinion of this merger?”

  She wondered if anyone else felt the vibrations between them, or if it were music only they could hear. “Well, after listening in, even when not meaning to be so rude, I know the wide market father has is appealing to you. I’m also sure the percentages for each of us both compensate you for your voyages and us for providing a storefront for your goods. If we could establish a reliable route from the east, we’d be a truly international company, thanks in part to you.”

  Dmitri set down his fork. “Your father didn’t exaggerate. You will make the best possible partner in this venture.” He lifted a glass. “Salute to a profitable future together.”

  Her cheeks burned from his compliment. “Thank you.” She lifted her water glass, as did her parents and they all clinked together in the toast.

  Julia motioned to their servant. “We’re ready for dessert.” The woman nodded and left the room. “So, Mr. Romanov, facts and figures are all fine during dinner, but now? Tell us more about the exciting life you lead on the open sea.”

  Ian pushed his plate away. “Ah yes, Dmitri. I’m sure Igor’s Folly has seen some harrowing days.”

  “Some, yes,” the younger man nodded. “One year, our former captain miscalculated winter’s arrival trapped us in northern ice for a few months.”

  Anne wanted to hear more. She could only imagine such adventure. “Former? Did your captain freeze or starve to death?”

  Dmitri laughed and nodded a thank you when dessert was set before him. “No, and neither was possible. He was very well insulated.”

  “But, I thought sea captains were like you,” she said before thinking of how it might sound to him.

  “How so?”

  “Um.” She bit her lip, stuck in a verbal corner of her own making. “Don’t captains work hard physically and become bulky in muscle more than fat?”

  “He liked his food and drink.” Dmitri shrugged. “I do, too, but not to his level.”

  She smiled, watching him take a bite of apple pie. “Ah. That helped save his life I suppose.”

  “He thinks so. Oleg is still sailing, but closer to his home in St. Petersburg with his wife and children.” He smiled at her. “I plan on doing the same when I find my wife.”

  Ian chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’ve lost her?”

  The younger man laughed. “Not yet. I’ll have to meet her, first.”

  “Sounds romantic.” Mrs. Galway set down her spoon. “Are you looking for a lady in particular? Or are you just waiting until the right girl comes along?”

  Anne looked down at her empty dessert dish, unhappy at whatever his answer might be. She’d never felt such jealousy over the women Sam charmed, yet now? Any answer Dmitri might make already bothered her. Unless…. She glanced up at him to see the captain staring at her and she returned his smile.

  “There’s no need for me to search or wait, Mrs. Galway. I’ve already found the woman I want to marry.”

  Her heart fluttered. Did he mean her? He couldn’t. Dmitri knew about Sam and must mean someone else. Still, the intensity of his eyes unnerved her.

  Standing, Ian gestured toward the library. “Shall we adjourn, gentlemen? A final libation before parting?”

  Hawthorne also stood and Dmitri followed, asking, “Will Miss or Mrs. Galway come with us?”

  Anne scooted back her chair, wanting to go with them even if she had a more innocent drink than they. Before she could speak, her mother interjected, “No, we have things to attend to here. You boys go ahead and have your fun.”

  “Very well, dear.”

  The men filed out and Anne looked at her mother. “Don’t I need to learn business, too?”

  Julia frowned and began gathering dessert plates before Martha began helping. “You do, but not when Mr. Romanov is in there, too. He’s far too dangerous.”

  Anne gathered utensils and drinking glasses. A maid took them as well. “He seems safe enough.”

  Mrs. Galway laughed. “I’m sure he is, to most women. But not to you, not while you’re engaged to Sam.”

  Her face grew hot at her meaning. She wanted to protest but knew her mother was right. Dmitri commanded every bit of her attention while they were in the same room. Her palms sweated a little. Even now, she could almost feel his presence in the house.

  A hard closing door woke her from a trance and she looked around at the servants wiping the table. She’d not noticed her mother leaving the room. Anne took the back stairs to her room, hoping to avoid Mr. Romanov and her attraction to him.

  Dmitri strolled out into the cold night air. He grinned at how balmy the weather was compared to his home. A man could get used to such luxury with a woman like Anne by his side. He glanced back at the home before starting back to his hotel room. Her wealth and gentility mattered little when he considered her beauty, intelligence, and business acumen. He smiled to himself, wishing they’d had more contact that the briefest of touch.

  Her father had been unconventional in adding her as a business resource. Maybe he’d meant more like this Sam was the true expert, made official by his marriage to Anne. Dmitri shook his head. He’d never wanted to take another man’s place until now. Even then, he didn’t envy Sam’s place in the company. He glanced up at the star filled sky. Just his place at Anne’s side.

  With his mind on her, the walk back didn’t seem like far. Igor’s Folly and other ships stayed anchored out in the deepest part of the bay. He’d been proactive and bought a room for the night. Rowing in a boat out to the Folly in the dark was possible, but not something he’d ever want to do. He nodded at the night clerk and went to his room.

  He stared at his journal, tapping the cover. A part of him wanted to write down everything tonight, all about Anne, what he felt with her, and to describe her beauty. Dmitri sat, reluctant to log about meeting a woman he’d soon lose to another. His romantic side won out over his practical and he began writing.

  An hour and several pages letter, he grinned at his own lack of resolve. Dmitri wondered if he’d ever have answers to the questions he’d scribbled about her. He let the page fall once certain the ink was dry. Putting the words on paper convinced him. Tomorrow, he’d begin doing whatever it took to win her heart from Samuel Granville.

  Anne held on to the bannister as she went downstairs. She paused to yawn before resuming her way to breakfast. “Good morning, ma.”

  “Good morning, dearest. Your father and I have alread
y eaten and I had cook save a plate back for you.” She went to the kitchen door. “Anne’s awake.”

  She sat, taking the dish from her mother. “This is lovely, thank you.” A maid set a cup of tea down for her and she nodded. Anne ate a little too fast, hungry.

  “Dear, no one is going to steal your food.” Mrs. Galway took a sip of coffee and looked at her child. “Mr. Romanov is an interesting young man, isn’t he? Although he didn’t seem young in demeanor, just in appearance. I’d guess he’s a little older than our Sam.”

  Anne put down her fork. “Maybe so. I hadn’t thought to compare the two.”

  Her mother laughed. “Really? Because I have and couldn’t help myself.” She brushed aside Anne’s glare. “They’re very different and yet two things make them similar.”

  “Do tell.” She resumed eating.

  “They’re both explorers at the end of their wanderlust. Ian told me last night after Mr. Romanov left that the young man was in the process of interviewing a captain for his Folly.”

  She crossed her arms. “I don’t know if Sam’s conducting interviews for his trail guide hands.”

  Julia patted her shoulder. “He’s a good man who cares about people. I’m sure he is. Which leads me to the second item. They’re both interested in you.”

  Anne coughed before taking a drink of coffee. “Me? Sam, yes of course, but Dmitri?”

  “Whom did you say?” asked her mother before chuckling at her daughter’s face. “That’s what I thought. He’s a handsome man and obviously finds you appealing.” She stood, smoothing Anne’s hair back from her face. “At least his eyesight is perfect. Now if his heart is perfect too, you’ll have a dilemma.”

  “Ma’am? There’s a gentleman here to see Miss Galway. He’s in the foyer.”

  “Very well, Martha.” Julia smiled at her daughter. “I’m sure he’s exactly who she wants to see.”