by Kit Morgan
He watched her a moment with a look she hadn’t seen before. Did he like what he saw? Or was he trying to decide? “I’m glad you’re here, Dorcas. In fact, I consider myself a lucky man. Mrs. Pettigrew could have sent you anywhere.”
She smiled shyly. Apparently he didn’t know he was the only applicant.
He pulled a chair out for her, sat in the chair next to hers and reached for a glass of water. “Is there any milk, Norah?”
Norah’s hands went to her hips. “Ye might as well know now, dearie,” she told Dorcas. “Ye’re going to need a cow. This one drinks milk by the gallon.” She turned on her heel with a swish of skirts and headed back to the kitchen.
Dorcas giggled again before turning to Elwood. “You like milk, I gather?”
“We all have our weaknesses,” he admitted. “What’s yours?”
“Oh, that’s not something a lady will discuss.” Especially not when it involved telling him about a possible dangerous situation she’d put herself in. Would Elwood think her more trouble than she was worth and send her packing? He seemed amiable enough, but one never knew. If worse came to worse, would he protect her? Hopefully, Vernon wouldn’t give her a second thought at this point … but again, one never knew.
Norah brought a plate of biscuits to the table. “Try to leave some for the others, Elwood.” She retreated to the kitchen.
“Fresh biscuits – another weakness of mine.” He reached for the bowl. “Want one?”
“Thank you, no – I’ll wait for the rest of the food.” For some reason she felt suddenly shy. They were alone at the table and, except for a few miners seated on the saloon side of the building. It was as if she and Elwood were in a world of their own. Should she tell him now?
“I hear Norah made fried chicken tonight,” he said between bites of biscuit.
Dorcas noticed how his hair shone in the lamplight. The more she studied him, the more she liked what she saw. What if she had to leave him? “Maybe she should write a cookbook and sell it in your shop.”
“And perhaps sell them here too, to her guests.”
“Are you a fast reader?” Maybe if she got him talking, it would take her mind off Vernon.
“Very fast – I can usually finish a book in a few days. But now that you’re here, I’m sure it will take me longer, since I won’t be spending all my time with my books.”
She nodded and blushed. “I suppose not.” For a moment, she felt like another volume in his collection. Still, it was better than being with Vernon.
“Here we are,” Norah looked around as she set a platter of chicken on the table. “Begorrah, where is everyone this evening?”
Seamus emerged from the back carrying several large bowls. “This looks great, lass. I can’t wait to dig in.”
Dorcas looked at all the wonderful food and said quietly, “Now we know why Seamus is never late. This looks delicious.”
Elwood winked.
“Are the Hammonds joining us, do ye know?” Norah asked.
Seamus glanced at the staircase. “They should be down soon.”
Dorcas fidgeted in her seat. “Have you heard when Daphne and her husband will return?”
“Any day now, I expect,” Norah replied. “Don’t worry – as soon as I see her, I’ll let her know ye’re here. Have ye been friends long?”
“Forever,” Dorcas said. “Daphne is my best friend.”
“Daphne?” Elwood said. “Your best friend resides in Noelle?”
“Daphne and Walker Brooks,” Seamus said. “I told you about them, remember?”
“Oh yes, the fellow that went to work for Wells Fargo. An agent of some sort?”
“Aye.” Seamus and Norah took their seats, Seamus said a brief blessing over the food, and they begin to eat.
Dorcas glanced nervously at the stairs. Norah really was prompt. She hoped the Hammonds got there quickly, or they might not get any dinner. “Seamus, about this Mr. Brooks – is he a good man?”
“Of course he is. Ye don’t think we’d let a bride come to town and marry some fool, do ye?”
Dorcas reached for her fork as she blushed. “No, of course not. But Daphne is my friend, so naturally I’m concerned.”
“Of course ye are,” Norah said. “We won’t let ye marry a fool either.” She smiled at Elwood, who was too busy with his chicken to notice. “But didn’t she write and tell ye about him?”
“Yes, but what’s in a letter and what’s … oh, never mind.” Dorcas reached for the biscuits and hoped she didn’t look as silly as she felt. But if Vernon could fool her parents into thinking he was a fine upstanding citizen, couldn’t Daphne be fooled by her husband?”
“Walker Brooks is a good lad,” Seamus said. “Nothing to worry about. “Elwood here, on the other hand …”
Norah jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. “Seamus! Stop teasing the lad and mind yer manners.”
Seamus laughed. “I didn’t mean anything by it – just having a laugh. But seriously, Miss Minx, we have a lot of good men in this town and we’re blessed to have Rev. Hammond and Mayor Hardt as leaders. They make sure everything and everyone are on the up-and-up.”
Dorcas felt her heart jump into her throat. Was she on the up-and-up? Not really. She glanced at her future husband, who was plowing through his fried chicken with relish. She had to tell him. But when? I’ll get to know him better first, she thought. Yes, that’s what I’ll do – then I’ll have a better idea of how he’ll react. And maybe by then, Daphne will have returned. She’ll know how to break it to him ...
She was beginning to like Elwood Hunter more every minute. Maybe running off to be a mail-order bride wouldn’t turn out so bad. Elwood’s shop and its operations were familiar to her. He was handsome, educated, obviously well-read and (though it was an odd consolation) as nervous as she was. All of which made her more comfortable around him. She smiled, picked up a piece of chicken and took a healthy bite.
The next day, the saloon was a flurry of activity. The Fourth of July Celebration committee met for breakfast. Dorcas and Elwood had been invited the night before by Rev. Hammond and his wife when they finally showed up for supper. Felicity Hammond was a pretty, auburn-haired spitfire, and Dorcas liked her instantly. Right then, she needed some spunk of her own – she still hadn’t told Elwood about Vernon, and felt guilty about it. She knew she’d feel better if she spoke with Daphne beforehand, though.
“Good morning,” Elwood greeted her as he approached the breakfast table.
“Good morning,” she replied shyly. A tingle went up her spine at the sight of him. He was handsome in a dark hat and suit. Anyone could tell he was a businessman, but he was becoming so much more to her. They’d had a pleasant conversation the night before at dinner, and every moment spent with him made her like him more.
“Morning, everyone,” Rev. Hammond called as he came down the stairs.
Felicity, right behind, followed him to the table and sat. “Did you sleep well, Dorcas?”
“Very well, thank you,” she said.
Elwood took the chair next to hers. “What sorts of things are the committee discussing?” he asked, reaching for the milk pitcher.
“We need volunteers for a few more things,” Felicity said.
“What sorts of things?” Dorcas asked.
“For one, who will be in charge of the fireworks once they arrive – probably this afternoon.”
“I’ll do it,” a grizzly old miner yelled from just inside the hotel doors. He spoke with a fellow at another table before making his way to theirs.
“Morning, Jasper.” Rev. Hammond motioned to Elwood and Dorcas. “May I present Mr. Elwood Hunter and his betrothed, Dorcas Minx. Dorcas is a friend of Daphne’s.”
Jasper squinted at her. “Ya are? Well, any friend of Daphne’s a friend of mine.” He plopped into the chair next to her and grinned. “How d’ya like Noelle?”
Dorcas cringed. His hair was combed and he smelled clean, but his clothes were filthy – and was that liquor o
n his breath? “I … like it fine.”
“Glad to hear it. Noelle’s great. Cain’t wait for this celebration. Most excitement we’ve had ‘round here since Walker got hitched to yer friend.”
“Really?” she said with a raised eyebrow. She glanced at Elwood.
He shrugged. “Personally, I think the most excitement would’ve been when Sheriff Draven came to town.” He took a cup of coffee from a tray Norah brought to the table.
“Sheriff Draven?” Jasper scoffed. “Nah, he ain’t nothin’.”
“Bite your tongue, sir,” Elwood said in shock. “Sheriff Draven’s one of the greatest lawmen in this region.”
Jasper squinted at him. “Really. Prove it.”
“He’s tough and a fast draw,” the reverend added.
“Maybe so,” Jasper said, “but I can think of plenty of fellers that’ve had more adventures’n Draven.”
“Name one,” Elwood challenged him.
“Marshal Gant.” Jasper scratched his beard. “Now there’s a lawman fer ya – ‘n he’s got more tales than a cattle herd.”
Elwood glanced at Dorcas and back. She could see he was thinking about this new piece of information – and that Jasper now had his full attention. “Where is this marshal from?” she asked.
“Texas, originally.” Jasper took the cup of coffee Norah offered. “I dunno much ‘bout him, but he strikes fear into the hearts of outlaws like no other man. Not even Draven.”
“Really?” Elwood said, eyes as big as saucers. He leaned toward Jasper. “Tell me more.”
Jasper was about to when Rev. Hammond interrupted. “I’m afraid there’s no time for that now. We have business to discuss.”
Several more folks joined the table, including Mayor Hardt and his wife Penny, and introductions were made. Finally the last committee member showed up, a tiny raven haired woman Dorcas hadn’t met. “Hello, Birdie,” Felicity said, then turned to Dorcas. “May I present Birdie Peregrine? She’s Jack’s wife – they run the post and freight along with Jack’s brother and grandpa.”
“Oh yes, Elwood told me about you. So did your husband – I met him yesterday.”
“Oui, I know. And I wanted to tell you, if you need any assistance with your wedding dress, I’m happy to help.”
Dorcas smiled at the offer. “Thank you. But Rev. Hammond is going to marry us on Tuesday – I’m afraid there’s not enough time to make one.”
“Oh, bien sûr, but may I at least make a veil, as a gift for you?”
“Tuesday!” Jasper blurted. “The third of July?”
“Sure, what’s wrong with that?” Rev. Hammond asked.
“Ain’t these two gonna be thinkin’ ‘bout getting hitched more’n helpin’ out?” Jasper glanced at Dorcas and Elwood. “No offense, but ya shoulda seen yer friend Daphne and my friend Walker ‘fore they got married.” He batted his eyelashes and made kissing noises.
“Jasper, stop that,” Mayor Hardt said. “You’re exaggerating.”
“I am not!”
Dorcas giggled and turned to Birdie. “A veil is a generous offer – thank you.”
“Every bride should have something for her wedding day,” Birdie said. “I’m happy to do it.”
“We’ll discuss veils and such after the meeting.” Norah picked up an empty tray and headed to the kitchen, returning shortly to lay out the food. As soon as she was done, Rev. Hammond said the blessing and they began to eat.
“So who’s going to help with the fireworks?” Seamus asked.
“I can,” Jasper said, “but I’ll need help.”
“Don’t count on me,” Mayor Hardt said. “I’ve got the blasted railroad to deal with.”
“More delays?” the reverend asked.
“Always.” He stabbed his eggs and frowned. “I’ve got another meeting with Hawkinson tomorrow.”
“I don’t like him,” Jasper commented. “Bet he’s gotta questionable past. But none of my business what ya do ‘bout the railroad, Mayor.”
Mayor Hardt muttered something between bites. This obviously wasn’t a pleasant subject, Dorcas observed.
Rev. Hammond confirmed it by quickly changing the subject. “Elwood, Dorcas, could you help Jasper?”
Elwood turned to Dorcas. “Yes, I think we could.”
His eyes were brighter today, she noticed. Was it because of her? She warmed at the thought. “Yes, we can,” she said.
“Perfect.” Rev. Hammond attacked his eggs.
“Norah, have you spoken with the other women volunteers about the food?” Felicity asked.
“Yes, and Birdie and I are organizing things today.”
“Agatha and Josefina from the café are in charge of the tartes or maybe I should say, pies. I’ve caught myself speaking my first language a lot more since Grand-père Gus keeps encouraging me to use what he calls my fancy words.”
Dorcas smiled at her. She liked her fancy words too.
“Wonderful,” Felicity said. “And the decorations?”
“Ophelia told me they’re coming along.” Birdie glanced around. “Where is Ophelia?”
“Oh, about that.” Felicity wiped her mouth with a napkin. “She’s, um … not feeling well this morning.” She smiled and winked at Birdie.
Birdie’s dark-blue eyes lit up. “You mean?”
“We think so,” Felicity said. “But we’re not sure yet.”
Norah elbowed Seamus in the ribs. “So don’t ye go telling folks until we know.”
“I won’t tell a soul,” he replied defensively, waving a piece of bacon at her.
“See that you don’t,” Norah snapped, then gave him a peck on the cheek before she looked around the table. “Best the rest of ye ignore that bit of news.”
“My lips are sealed!” Jasper yelped.
Dorcas giggled at the exchange. She had no idea who Ophelia was, but wanted to meet her. She enjoyed the people of Noelle – there was a unity among them that she didn’t see in Denver. Dorcas didn’t have many friends there, and after Daphne left an emptiness grew that she couldn’t fill. Maybe that was part of the reason she’d accepted Vernon’s marriage proposal … though most of the reason had been her parents’ pressure.
They finished the meeting, and soon everyone was leaving. Elwood pulled Jasper aside to ask him about Marshal Gant. The excitement in his voice was hard to miss – he was genuinely excited to get more information, any information about the marshal. Dorcas wondered if he’d be like this all the time when it came to preparing his stories, and it worried her. Father had also put things before people, and she didn’t want that in her marriage. Oh dear – was she escaping Vernon only to marry a man just like Father? Would that really be any better?
Doubt made her gut twist. She watched Elwood speak with the old miner, his hands moving all over as he talked. He was delightfully handsome doing so. But now her heart sank at the sight.
Chapter 7
“Have you seen much of the town yet?” Birdie asked.
“My goodness!” Dorcas said, a hand to her chest. “You startled me.”
“Je suis désolée, I didn’t mean to.” Birdie glanced at Elwood, who was still speaking with Jasper. “Sapristi, he looks excited, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, he certainly does.”
“What are they discussing?”
“The marshal Jasper mentioned. Elwood is writing a book – his main character is some sort of sheriff.”
“Oh yes, Jack mentioned that the other day. We like Elwood a lot. He’s a fascinating man.”
“Is he? I’m afraid I don’t know him well enough yet to say. He’s obviously well-read, though.”
Birdie laughed. “Since he’s opening a bookshop I’d imagine so. Have you seen his books yet?”
“Not yet,” Dorcas confessed. “He showed me the shop, but there’s nothing in it right now.”
“Oh, there will be. Jack said they start putting the shelving in today, so I’m sure that’ll keep Elwood busy. Would you like me to take you around town?”
“Splendide. I’m sure Jack can spare me for a few moments, and Gus and Agatha can take care of the post and freight. Let me speak with Jack a moment, then we’ll go.”
Dorcas watched Birdie speak with her husband, who was talking with Rev. Hammond. She liked Birdie’s accent and wanted to know more about her.
After a minute or two, she returned. “All right, let’s go.”
Dorcas followed Birdie out the hotel doors to the street. They crossed it as Birdie pointed out each and every building, who owned them, what the businesses were and how she and eleven other brides had come to town last Christmas. “Zut, alors, what a week that was,” she said with a laugh. “I’m sure you’ll hear plenty of stories after you’ve settled in. Everyone will be taking turns inviting you to supper.”
Dorcas smiled as they proceeded down the boardwalk and around the corner. “My heavens, what’s that over there? Was there a fire?”
“It used to be a brothel – La Maison des Chats. That moved across the street. We’ll build something new where the old one burned down. Everyone’s been so busy helping Elwood with his bookshop, it stopped the cleanup there.”
Dorcas looked across the street and noticed a woman scrubbing the porch steps. “That’s the new … brothel?” She felt odd even saying the word.
“Oui.” Birdie pointed elsewhere. “Over on the corner, we’re building the church – well, a combination church and schoolhouse. The town couldn’t afford to build both at the same time. Felicity and Rev. Hammond will be able to move in soon – there’s a petite chambre, a small room in the back they can sleep in.”
“The town is really growing,” Dorcas said. “I’m surprised Elwood was able to build his shop so quickly.”
“Your Monsieur Hunter had the money to get everything he needed right away, and pay the workers. The church is being built with volunteer work and donations. Oh, and the finished building next to it is the women’s mission.”
“A mission?” Dorcas asked.
