Rachel (Bride Brigade Book 5)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Didamia coming?”

  “She is and so are the other wives. Your house is the last one on my route.”

  “You came here last then?” Her brown eyes turned hard and narrowed. “You meant to skip me?”

  “Certainly not, Ruby. I simply planned a route. Zillah Hill was first. Then I started at the other end of this row and worked this way. At the time, I had no idea who lived where.”

  The other woman stared at Rachel with what appeared distrust. “I see.”

  “Now, Ruby, I hope you’ll join the rest of us tomorrow afternoon.”

  The other woman folded her arms across her chest. “You sure nobody will look down their nose at me?”

  “I can promise Lorraine and I won’t. You know the other wives better than I do since I’ve only just met them.”

  “We get along fine out here on our own. I reckon since you’re having this thing at the freight office, I’ll give this tea thing a try.”

  “Wonderful. I’m excited about the event. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

  Feeling triumphant, Rachel’s steps were perky as she approached the café. She hadn’t been in before, but she didn’t let that intimidate her.

  A large woman she thought must be Martha Granger greeted her. “Hello, I can seat you right away.” She started to walk away.

  “Wait. Thank you, but I came to order a cake.”

  Martha took out her sales ticket book and readied to write. “What type do you want?”

  “My name is Rachel Ross and I’m hosting a small tea of nine women tomorrow. What would you suggest?”

  “Lonnie makes a real nice apple cake. Or, you might want a plain pound cake. If you want fancy, he can do that, too.”

  “The apple cake sounds perfect. May I pick it up tomorrow about one?”

  “The cake will be ready.”

  Next, Rachel walked toward the mercantile. Josephine worked there now and greeted her when she entered.

  “Hi, Rachel. Did you come for a visit or can I help you?

  “I need to see an inexpensive teapot large enough to hold seven cups of tea and I also need a cream pitcher and sugar bowl.”

  “We have a lovely tea set that isn’t costly.” Josephine led the way to a display of several sets and picked up a large teapot. “This is the utilitarian group I mentioned. The larger holds twelve cups of tea. The smaller one holds four.”

  She thought the two sizes would come in handy. “It’s quite nice, isn’t it? How much is it, though?”

  Josephine named a price within her budget.

  “All right, I’ll take this set. I’ll also need sugar and milk and a dozen napkins.”

  Josephine set the tea set on the counter and then walked to a shelf and took down a small box of sugar. “We don’t carry sugar cubes, but at least we have a small box of sugar so you don’t have to buy several pounds.”

  “And the milk?”

  “Since you only need a small amount, I suggest you get it from Mrs. Murphy. I’m sure if you ask Lydia, she won’t mind.”

  “I know but I want to do this without imposing on anyone.”

  “Then you’ll have to ask Nona Lanigan. Her house is the next one west from the Hills.”

  Rachel consulted her list. “Now I need tea.”

  “For that many women, you’ll need quite a bit, especially if you intend to have any left for yourself later. We only have one kind in stock.” Josephine set a round canister beside the sugar.

  “Then it will be perfect, won’t it?”

  Josephine looked over her shoulder with a grin. “Definitely.”

  “Now, do you have a dozen napkins that I can afford?”

  “We have several sets from fine damask to plain cotton.”

  Rachel considered each style. She hadn’t checked but she was fairly sure Zane didn’t have napkins at the office. Looking longingly at the beautiful damask, she picked up the plain set which resembled men’s thick handkerchiefs.

  Josephine wrapped each item in paper then set each in a box. “You’re in a good mood. Well, you always are, but this seems a bit extra.”

  “I’m hosting a tea for the wives of Mr. Evans’ employees. Lorraine is also coming because one of the wives is a fervent gardener.”

  “Oh, my, they’ll have a lot to talk about then. And, you’ll have someone there you know.”

  “Three weeks is hardly a long time to know someone, but you’re right. After traveling together and living in the same house, I feel as if I’ve known you and the others for a long time. Having Lorraine there will bolster my confidence. Convincing three of the women to attend was difficult.”

  “I’ll be interested to hear your report tomorrow at supper.”

  “I’m eager that things go well. I can’t explain why I need to do this. I’m compelled to arrange the tea on my own. I’m like a child playing house.”

  Josephine grinned. “If you need help with furniture, I’m sure Adam and Michael would help.”

  Rachel raised her eyebrows at her friend. “Michael is it? I’m happy to know that, Josephine.”

  Josephine rested her hands on the counter. “Don’t read more into a first name than you should. I called the sheriff by his first name as well.”

  Rachel didn’t want the razor edge of Josephine’s tongue telling her what was what. Although Josephine was kind, she had been known to snap at others—especially anyone she believed was unkind to Ophelia.

  “I confess that when no one else is around, I call my boss Zane because he requested it.”

  Mischief dancing in her blue eyes, Josephine asked, “And how do you feel about your boss?”

  Rachel met her friend’s gaze. “Probably about like you do about yours. Where is he, by the way?”

  “With me working here, he can make deliveries during working hours. Mrs. Eppes needed her things now and he walked her home while he carried her purchases.”

  “He and the sheriff carried all the paintings I bought plus the clock. Mr. Buchanan was kind enough to hang them for me.”

  “He’s considerate and enjoys being around people, which is fortunate since that’s his job.”

  “You enjoy people too, don’t you?”

  Josephine’s expression grew wistful. “I love working here. One or two customers are rude, but most are so nice to chat with.” She grinned. “And, I hear all the gossip in town.”

  Rachel leaned forward and, in a conspiratorial voice, asked, “Did you hear that those women at Lydia’s are called the Bride Brigade?”

  Josephine’s blue eyes twinkled again. “Scandalous, aren’t they? Came here looking for men to marry.”

  “I’m not sure I am. I’d like to marry someone I could come to love, but if I don’t find the right man, I’ll remain a bookkeeper. I’ll rent a small house and work from home.”

  “I had the same idea. I’d have to really trust a man before I could marry. I suspect I’ll remain a spinster.”

  Rachel recalled the way Mr. Buchanan looked at Josephine. His entire body conveyed longing and admiration. He wanted to marry Josephine and she thought that union would be close on the horizon.

  Carrying the box toward the office, she thought about her own future. What if Zane truly was serious and didn’t change his mind? She could keep working for him and also do bookkeeping for others there at the freight office.

  Her stomach coiled in revolt. That would mean she’d have to confess her time in prison. She thought so highly of him and didn’t want his opinion of her to diminish. Would the truth mean he rejected her?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Arriving in Fort Worth about nine on Saturday morning, Zane coughed dust from his lungs when they pulled into the wagon yard. As soon as he had the mules and wagons safely stowed, he intended to head for the bathhouse. Sweat and dirt combined until he could hardly stand to smell himself.

  Two hours later, horses and mules were watered, brushed, feet picked, and fed. The place was busy and crowded. He paid the yard owner extra to hold a
good space for his animals and wagons.

  Zane feigned indifference but he didn’t miss the man staring at the wagons and at his men while they worked. “I’m heading for the bathhouse before I rustle up breakfast.”

  He stopped by Bob Burnett, the boss of the wagon yard. “You see anyone near our wagons, shoot him.” Holding his hand in front of his chest, he motioned with his thumb toward the spying man.

  Bob chuckled. “You know I cain’t do that.” Speaking lower, Bob said, “I seen that man watching you roll in. Cain’t remember where I seen him before but he looks like trouble. I’ll keep my eyes on him and tell my helpers to do the same.”

  Bob made a point of turning his head toward Zane, but his eyes were cut to observe the man in their conversation. “I think you’re in for a fight somewhere ’fore you get home.”

  “Reckon you’re right, Bob. He looks like trouble.” Zane joined his men, who stood off to the side waiting for him.

  Buck patted his stomach. “I’m gettin’ me the biggest steak I can find. Soon as we’re through loading, I’m eating and then heading for a clean, soft bed.”

  Bronco beat his hat against his britches. “You’re getting soft in your old age, Amigo. I also want a good meal but first I head to the bath house. No one would want to serve me food in my condition.”

  “You’re on the money there. I don’t want what I’m gonna eat close to anything as dirty as I am.” Mick followed Bronco, Ken, and Zane.

  Vic punched Buck’s shoulder. “Come on, Buck. You’ll feel better—and smell a hell of a lot better—after a bath and clean clothes.”

  “Aw, all right, but I’m not lingering in the water. I’m powerful hungry.”

  Ken matched steps with Zane and laughed at the big redhead. “When aren’t you hungry, Buck?”

  Zane’s mood turned serious. “I don’t have to warn you that Dalton Cole is on the loose. We only have is his description from the wanted poster, which could fit a hundred men.”

  Vic said, “We’ll be on the lookout, Zane. Can’t be too careful if what I’ve heard of that man is true.”

  “You can believe the tales are real. Adam isn’t easily spooked but before we left he stopped by to give a warning.”

  At the bathhouse, Zane’s bones welcomed the hot water. At least this place provided clean water for each bather, thanks to the availability of the Trinity River nearby. Not all places did. Bathing in who knew how many other men’s dirty water didn’t appeal to him—but he’d done it before in order to get the trail dust and sweat off his body.

  He dunked his head and lathered everywhere then submerged his head again. Being clean revived his spirit as well as his body. He dried off and dressed in clean clothes. Danged if he didn’t feel a hundred percent better.

  He couldn’t keep Rachel from his mind. Now that he was presentable, he wished he could see her. Hell, several times every day since they’d left he’d longed for the same thing. He planned to make quick work of the time in Fort Worth, find a rug and glass for the frame, load up the wagons, sleep for a while, and head home.

  ***

  The next day at work, Rachel tried hard to focus on the office and push the tea from her mind. After entering the employees’ pay in the ledger, she’d completed all her work. No more bookkeeping chores would crop up until Zane returned.

  Grabbing the broom, she gave the floor another cleaning. Then, she dusted again. Really, the place looked scrubbed clean.

  Lorraine opened the door carrying a small vase of flowers, no doubt from Lydia’s garden. “I came early to help you.”

  “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. Yes, I do. These women are wives to Zane’s other employees. I want each of them to like me and say as much to her husband who’ll tell Zane.”

  “I’m sure they will.”

  Searching for calm, Rachel remembered that most of the women coming had never attended a tea for comparison. She giggled. In this case, that was fortunate.

  Rachel couldn’t suppress her excitement. Her first event in her new home. Of course, she’d attended the reception at Lydia’s, but that didn’t count. This was her event. Well, hers and Lorraine’s—and Zane’s.

  At two o’clock, the women arrived. She invited them inside as graciously as if this were a luxurious parlor. “Ladies, this is my friend Lorraine Stuart, who loves gardening. She’s brought seeds to trade.” She turned to Lorraine and made introductions to the other women.

  Lorraine smiled at each woman. “I’m happy to meet each of you. Rachel and I feel fortunate to be in Tarnation.”

  Rachel gestured to the chairs and the bed from Zane’s office. “Please, find a seat on our fashionable couch or the luxurious chairs.”

  The women laughed and each found a seat. Lupe and Ruby still appeared wary.

  Rachel took sat in a chair. “Let’s each go around the circle and tell something you enjoy. I’ll start. I love keeping books. Numbers are reassuring because there’s a certainty in them.”

  Lorraine said, “I enjoy gardening and reading. Gardening beautifies the earth and reading expands my mind.”

  Didamia said, “I love gardening and my house and my husband, Vic. I like reading if I have a new book.”

  Lupe looked around at each of them. “I enjoy my home and my cactus. And, of course, Bronco.”

  “I love my home.” Ruby looked at Lupe’s skirt. “And I enjoy bright colors like Lupe’s skirt.”

  Rachel said, “I remember your orange door, which is like a burst of sunshine.”

  Ruby offered her a smile.

  Mary Margaret was pensive. “Well, I also love my home and Buck. I like crocheting and having pretty flowers in front of my house. I haven’t had a book in a long time but I used to enjoy reading.”

  “I brought books I’ll be happy to loan you.” Lorraine rose. “I’ll get the tea while you talk.”

  Rachel clasped her hands in her lap. “We have many things in common but two things are different. If I had a home and a man, I would love the man and the house and Lorraine feels the same way. We hope we’ll have them in the near future.”

  Zillah reached over and patted Rachel’s hand. “You will, I’m sure of that. There are many bachelors in town who want to marry. I’ve been giving lessons to those who don’t know how to dance or who need to practice. They’re determined to wed one of the Bride Brigade. Too bad there aren’t enough women to go around.”

  Rachel poured the tea. “I have friends who may come here and so does our friend Cassandra.”

  Lorraine passed the tea around. “I have a cousin who’s interested. I’m sure each of the Bride Brigade… ” she giggled. “Sorry, but that title makes me laugh. I’m sure each of us in the Bride Brigade can entice others to come here. Perhaps eventually there’ll be enough women for each bachelor who wishes to wed.”

  The four riders’ wives appeared uneasy with their cup and saucer.

  Lorraine cut the cake and passed it around. “Lonnie Granger made this apple cake. My first time to taste it, but the cake goes perfectly with tea, don’t you agree?”

  Rachel focused on Lupe. “Where did you find so many kinds of cacti?”

  Lupe shrugged. “On the hills. Some Bronco brought me from his trips.”

  Rachel took a sip of tea. “I’m impressed with them. Do you think I could do something like that at the front of the office?”

  Lupe’s dark eyes sparked with interest. “Of course. I have many in pots in back that you can have.”

  Lorraine leaned forward, obviously interested. “Do you know their names?”

  Lupe considered the question a few seconds. “Some, like yucca and prickly pear, but others I just like.”

  Ruby glanced at her neighbor. “Most have flowers at some time durin’ the year. I enjoy seein’ them.”

  Didamia nodded. “Maybe you’d let me help you with this cactus garden.”

  “I’d love your help, but please don’t feel obligated. I thought it would be inviting without adding a lot of care. I don’t beli
eve Zane would want to devote time and water taking care of a garden, do you?”

  Mary Margaret looked at Didamia then smiled at Rachel. “I don’t imagine he’d object to whatever you wanted to do.”

  Rachel chuckled and pretended she didn’t understand what Mary Margaret meant. “When Mr. Buchanan and the sheriff delivered the paintings and the clock, they were being sarcastic and asked if I intended to put up frilly curtains. You should have seen their expressions when I said ‘Yes with lots of ruffles and lace’. I thought they’d faint right there. Then I admitted all I wanted to do to the windows was clean them.”

  All the ladies laughed. Didamia walked to the wagon painting. “This is amazing. I can make out Vic and the others clear as day.”

  Ruby rose from the pretend couch and turned to examine the warehouse painting hanging over the bed. “This is real good too. You can tell who ever’ one of them is. That’s probably hard to paint.”

  Rachel studied the detail. “I imagine painting this well is a gift. Plus, Mr. Boyd said once he sees anything, he can paint it from memory.”

  Mary Margaret shook her head. “Isn’t that marvelous?”

  “This must be Zane Evans.” Lorraine stared up at the lone rider against the sunset. “I’ve only met him once but this has to be him.”

  Mary Margaret stood and surveyed the room. “You’ve made real improvements here, Rachel. Looks like an office now where business goes on instead of being a makeshift box.”

  Ruby nodded. “Sure ‘nuff does. Appears somebody important works here. Bless you for this. Makes our husbands look good being included. You done a grand thing.”

  “Thank you. Your approval means a great deal to me. There’s another painting in the back office where Zane can look at it. On the trip, he’s getting glass for a frame Mr. Gallagher made.” She felt the heat of a blush at the memory of Mr. Gallagher playing for her and Zane to dance and the bone melting kisses that followed.

  The women filed into Zane’s office and inspected the mountain painting, exclaiming at the scene.

  “There’s a hand-colored map of Texas to go in the frame Zane took with him to get a pane of glass cut to fit. That’s for over Zane’s desk—or wherever he wants it. I thought he might prefer having one of these paintings in his office.”