Mail Order Penelope (Widows, Brides & Secret Babies Book 23)

by Zina Abbott

  Marcus’s voice broke through her thoughts. “If I recall correctly, they keep the livestock in a large dugout cut into the bank of the river. It’s blocked off by a high wall to allow in some light, but it protects the animals from being captured. My guess is, there’s a gate to allow the stock tenders access to water.

  They entered a large cavern cut into the ground.

  Marcus lowered the lantern to his side.

  Overcome with a sense of wonder and curiosity, Penelope and studied the cavern. When she inhaled more deeply, a familiar pungent odor filled her nostrils. To her left, a stone wall that opened to the outside allowed in the last remnants of the coming dusk. By looking over the slightly shorter wall to her right, she saw several mules and a few horses. Ahead of them, the glow of a lantern revealed several men crouched in a circle. In spite of the scent of the animals, she breathed more easily.

  Marcus pointed to the corral wall. “They use native stone since wood is in such short supply out here.”

  From the far side of the corral, a figure stood and faced them. Penelope recognized him as the cavalry private who had been promoted to corporal.

  Cpl. Belton turned and spoke to the men behind him. “Pick up the dice game, gents, and prepare to stand at attention. Captain and his lady have come visiting.”

  Penelope felt the heat rise on her face. Captain and his lady? She wondered if he said that only because she was walking with Marcus, or if he thought that, because she assisted with the surgeries and took care of the patients afterwards, she and Marcus developed a romantic relationship. If only…

  Marcus picked up the lantern once more and slowly walked her around the corral.

  The four men from their cavalry patrol stood and saluted.

  His right arm engaged, Marcus nodded. “Good evening, men.”

  Cpl. Belton stepped forward. “Evening, Captain Garrett.” He turned to Penelope and tipped his kepi. “Ma’am.” He returned his gaze to the captain. “Any orders for us, sir? We had us a good hunt the other day, brought in three fine animals.” He clicked his tongue. “Good eating, sir, but, with all the soldiers stationed here, the meat won’t last long.”

  “I do have orders for you, Corporal. The men I came to treat are well enough I plan to leave in the morning. Sgt. Mulroney will ride in the ambulance with me, as will Mrs. Humphry and her son.”

  “So I heard, sir.” Cpl. Belton turned his gaze to Penelope. “Don’t you worry, ma’am. We’ll take real good care of you and little Jerry.”

  Penelope smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Corporal.” How does he know all this?

  Marcus cleared his throat. “With civilians along, we won’t leave at the crack of dawn. I’ll need you and your men ready to go right after those in the main building finish their breakfast.”

  “Yes, sir, we’ll be ready.” Cpl. Belton saluted once more. “Unless they get another hunt going, not much is happening here.” A wide grin spread across the man’s face. “We’re ready to get back to Fort Hays, sir, where a man can get a decent bottle of whiskey. Need to see how quick I can lose this stripe again.” He turned his gaze to Penelope and barely lowered one eyelid.

  Penelope blinked. What that laughter in the corporal’s eyes? Did he actually wink at her? Surely, he does not really wish to be demoted again.

  In a loud voice that seemed to echo off the cavern wall, Marcus responded with a sternness that brooked no insolence. “That will be all, Corporal.”

  As if studying the livestock, Penelope looked off to the side. The corporal did wink at me. She moved with Marcus as he made a quarter turn.

  Marcus, his voice now more relaxed, pointed behind him toward a tunnel opening not far from where they entered the corral. It appeared to travel in the direction opposite the river. “I’ll be showing Mrs. Humphry the hay and forage storage. You and your men may resume what you were doing.”

  Wearing a forced expression of seriousness, Cpl. Belton saluted once more. “Yes, sir. Stock tenders are all outside right now.” As his gaze moved from the captain’s face to Penelope’s, he again grinned. “You and the lady enjoy your evening.”

  Penelope followed Marcus’s lead as he led her toward the next underground room. Once they stepped into the dark entrance, he again lifted the lantern so she could clearly see. She found it less intimidating than the first tunnel they passed through. Just do not turn and look at the darkness behind you. Soon, they stepped into the next dugout—this one with no outside light. She found the scent of hay and forage grain far more pleasing than the odor in the first room.

  Marcus leaned toward her so his lips hovered close to her ear. “You’ll have to get used to military men. Several of them are quite uncouth and have no manners to speak of. I hope Cpl. Belton’s behavior did not offend you.”

  Penelope smiled and shook her head. “He is quite a character. I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone that has such a casual attitude about life.”

  “Cpl. Belton is a lifer. The Army is his world. I believe he enjoys holding rank, but he’s not afraid to lose it. If he was forced out of the Army, though, that would all but kill him.” Marcus pulled her deeper into the room. “Let’s try to find a spot where our words won’t echo through the tunnel to the next room.” He walked her toward a handcart used for hauling small quantities of hay or sacks of forage. “Do you care to sit?”

  Whatever he had to say to her, Penelope realized she did not want him looming over her while he spoke. She shook her head. “I’ll stand.”

  Marcus brushed loose hay from the handcart and placed the lantern on it. He removed her hand from his arm and held it in his hand. “Now that we’re where we can talk, I’m not sure how to start. First, I suppose I should acknowledge that I’m aware that your plans for coming here did not go as you wished. Now you need to make other provisions for you and your son.”

  Penelope nodded. “True. Employing me, even temporarily, as a hospital matron has helped greatly. After working with you these past several days, and after listening to Capt. Conyngham’s encouragement, once I return to Fort Hays, I intend to seek an introduction to Steward Polly. I hope to make the temporary job of hospital matron permanent.” She stopped to gauge his reaction. Penelope stretched her neck as she stared at Marcus. Was that a scowl she saw flit across his face?

  Penelope’s gaze sought her hand resting on Marcus’s palm. The fingers of her other hand hanging at her side began to open and close. When he told me how well I did, he was just being kind. He doesn’t want me to work for Steward Polly, because he doesn’t think I can do the job. She raised her gaze and realized he had turned his head so he stared off to the side. “I…um…hoped you might give me a recommendation.”

  Marcus snapped his gaze back to her and canted his head. “Is that really what you want to do? It will be a lot of work, and you have your son to consider.”

  Penelope lowered her gaze. What happened to all his compliments about much he appreciated my help? “I know. However, under the circumstances, I believe that is the best option for me. I don’t really have family I can fall back on. Under no circumstances will I return to Lawrence.”

  “It would be a good job for you, Mrs. Humphry. You would be very good at the position. However, I would like to offer you another opportunity to consider.”

  Penelope raised her eyebrows. Her gaze shot to Marcus’s face, only to realize he studied her. She swallowed. “What might that be?” She shook her head when he dropped his gaze rather than answer.

  Without releasing Penelope’s hand, Marcus focused on his hand supporting hers. He twisted it from one side to the other before he lifted his gaze to Penelope’s face once more. “Mrs. Humphry, you did travel out here with the intent to marry, did you not?”

  “I did.”

  “Did you believe your marriage to Mr. Layton would be a love match?”

  Penelope shook her head. What do these questions have to do with another job opportunity? “No. I already had a love match with Jeremy’s father. In spite of how
he changed, my husband and I were very much in love, especially at the start. From his letters, Mr. Layton seemed amiable—someone who might be a good father to my son—but I never expected a love match. Of course, since then…” She looked away.

  “I am asking for your hand in marriage, Mrs. Humphry.”

  Unable to move a muscle, Penelope stood in place. As excitement bubbled up within her until it captured her breath and set her limbs trembling, she turned and stared at Marcus. She felt her heart beat hard enough to almost escape her chest. He wants to marry me. Wondering if the joy she felt radiated through her eyes, Penelope smiled. “Captain, I…”

  Shifting in place as if he had been struck with sudden case of nerves, Marcus cut off her words. “I know this proposal is sudden. Under normal circumstances, we would allow more time to court, to learn more about each other, before making a decision like this. However, I also know time is not your friend right now.”

  Penelope realized he stared over her head at something behind her. “I agree, but…”

  Marcus barged on as if she said nothing. “I have no illusions that this can be a love match for you. Still, I believe a union between us can provide benefits for both of us. Your son needs a father. I know my work will take me away from the family at times, but when I’m home, I’m willing to raise him and give him the love and support he needs.”

  “I appreciate that, Captain. I agree that Jerry…”

  “I hope you would be willing to help with my son. Right now, he’s staying with my sister, Millie. He turned thirteen this year. I’ve considered sending for him. My problem is, I cannot leave him alone unattended outside of school hours. Especially with the way I work, I need someone else in the home to help watch over him.”

  Penelope looked down. His son is thirteen, and I will be twenty-one in two weeks. She felt her heart suddenly grow heavy and sink within her. He’s willing to help me with Jeremy because he needs help with his son.

  Marcus continued. “My sister says he’s at a difficult age for boys. I planned to wait until my obligation with the Army ends in 1870 and I return to Springfield to bring him home to live with me. However, Millie is of the opinion he needs his father now.”

  Penelope lifted her free hand and pressed the side of her fist to her lips. He has no personal interest in me. He wants a marriage of convenience. The disappointment weighed on her to the point she felt barely able to move. She licked her lips and blinked back tears. “I understand how boys can be difficult at that age. I remember when Jamie was thirteen.” She darted her gaze upward long enough to realize he now stared at her face.

  “Jamie?”

  “My brother, Jamison, but we called him Jamie. He was fourteen when he was killed.”

  Neither said anything for several seconds.

  Marcus cleared his throat. “Mrs. Humphry, I was not aware your brother was that young when...” He drew a deep breath. “It was not until our conversation earlier tonight I realized you are younger than I first thought. Considering the age difference that must exist between us, if you don’t feel comfortable continuing this conversation, please say so. That will be the end of the matter. I’ll still help you all I can.”

  Amidst her frustration and disappointment, Penelope felt the first stirrings of anger. “Did our age difference bother you when I helped you with your surgeries or during any other interactions between us?”

  Marcus shook his head. “Only when I brought up my son did I realized I might be asking too much of you.”

  Penelope bit her lip as she considered. Harvey Layton had appeared to be a good choice, but she now knew he was anything but. On the other hand, Marcus Garrett was a good man—a man she could depend on. Even though he was not willing to allow her into his life to the degree that she desired, he would be a good provider and a good father to her son. She would do her best to provide loving guidance to his son. In spite of her disappointment, marrying Marcus Garrett felt right. I will learn to be content with what he offers me.

  Penelope stepped forward. Through her cotton dress and single petticoat, she felt the heat radiate between them. She wondered how much of it came from her. “Captain Garrett, I will help you with your son. I accept your offer of marriage.” The look that came over Marcus’s face, Penelope could only describe as befuddlement. He expected me to decline.

  Marcus smiled and sighed. “Thank you, Mrs. Humphry. You have made me a happy man.”

  Penelope mustered the most encouraging smile she could manage. “I’m happy, too. I believe we will enjoy a good life together.” I will be content.

  Still not releasing her, Marcus rubbed his temples with the fingers and thumb of his free hand. “The first thing is to get us back to Fort Hays. I hope you don’t have your heart set on a fancy wedding.”

  Penelope shook her head. “I do have a gown I set aside for the occasion. It’s nothing elaborate, but it’s suitable to wear to church afterward. Other than that, I have few wedding expectations.”

  “I’ll contact the fort chaplain to schedule the event as soon as possible. Or, if you prefer, there might be some pastors in Hays City.”

  “Either will be fine, as long as we have a church wedding.”

  The flesh around his eyes crinkled with laughter, Marcus gave Penelope a knowing grin. “Somehow, I figured a church wedding would be important to you. When we return to Fort Larned, I will attend services with you. Jerry needs to go, and my son, also, when he arrives.” He barked a sardonic laugh. “My sister would have my hide if I neglected to take Theo to church.”

  Although more subdued, Penelope laughed with him. “I’m happy to hear that.”

  “While we’re still at Fort Hays, I can continue to room where I stayed before. The post surgeon and his wife will probably invite you as their guest. Both of their sons are away at school in the East, so they have a free room.”

  Penelope’s smile wavered. And the marriage of convenience begins.

  Marcus released Penelope’s hand and scrubbed his face with his palms. “Hopefully, we can stay in Fort Hays long enough to buy you more of a wardrobe. And diapers. Considering how many diapers I used for my patients—our patients—Jerry’s probably running short. We can also look at ordering furniture. When we’re ready, we’ll join a supply train or ride a stagecoach to Fort Larned. I’ll put in a request for married officers’ quarters. Until then…”

  Penelope raised her fingertips and pressed them against Marcus’s lips. “We’ll have time to talk about everything later. Perhaps we should return. Pvt. Samuels and the men might have grown tired of Jerry’s babbling and antics by now.”

  Marcus smiled at he leaned his face closer to Penelope’s.

  Penelope reached her face toward him, lifting her chin and angling her lips in an effort to tempt him. Even if this is to be a marriage of convenience, please kiss me.

  “I do have one request.”

  Penelope’s response came out as a breathy whisper. “Yes?”

  “May I call you Penelope, at least when we’re alone or with friends? And I would like you to call me Marcus.”

  “Yes.” And I want you to kiss me.

  Marcus leaned away from Penelope and smiled. “I’m looking forward to our life together, Penelope.” He stepped over and picked up the lantern before he offered her his free arm. “Shall we return?”

  Penelope forced a smile. “I feel the same, Marcus.”

  Marcus pulled her tight against his side. He held the lantern high as they walked through the tunnel connecting the two dugouts for the livestock and feed.

  As they stepped into the dugout with the corral, Penelope heard Cpl. Benton’s voice call out.

  “Are congratulations in order, Captain?”

  Penelope turned her gaze in the direction from which the voice sounded. Although the corporal rose to his feet, she suspected the men had returned to their dice game.

  Marcus turned to face the glow from the cavalry troopers’ lantern. “They are, Corporal. Thank you.”

  �
��Well then, Captain, rest assured. Once we get back to the fort, you can count on me to celebrate the event right.”

  Marcus set the lantern on top of the corral wall and shook a finger toward the corporal. “Cpl. Belton, I will not take it kindly if you use the occasion of my happiness as an excuse to conduct yourself in a manner that will result in you losing rank.”

  With the laughter of the cavalry squad—Cpl. Belton’s being the loudest—following them, Marcus picked up the lantern, and he and Penelope continued toward the exit.

  Just before they left the final tunnel, Marcus turned to Penelope. “Are you happy, Penelope? I know I am.”

  Penelope smiled. “I am, Marcus. I’m very happy. I see a bright future before us.” Because I will learn to be content. Eventually.

  .

  .

  .

  .

  Chapter 23

  ~o0o~

  Fort Larned, Kansas

  November 16, 1867

  P enelope held the edges of her thick wool cloak tightly together in front of her with her new fur-lined gloves. The cloak was a luxurious deep green –a color she knew set off her dark hair and fair complexion. It was also a color her cousin, Roslyn, would love. While in the process of purchasing new clothes and fabrics for her new wardrobe, with great trepidation, she admitted to Marcus she always wanted a bright red cloak. He had studied her for several seconds while he thought about it and then shook his head. She recalled his words.

  “Not at this time, Mrs. Garrett. Although Fort Larned is relatively safe, there are no guarantees. If a band from one of the tribes that visit the fort becomes disenchanted with us, I do not wish my beautiful wife, wearing a bright red cloak that will draw the eye, to become a target. I promise you, the first winter after we return to Illinois, you shall have your red cloak.”

  Following that warning and promise, Penelope agreed, with the understanding that, when they passed through Junction City in the summer of 1870, she would leave the cloak with Roslyn. For now, with the wind that seemed to always blow off the Rocky Mountains and across the Kansas prairie, she was grateful for its warmth.