by Kit Morgan
“How’s your future bride?” Jack asked. “Last time I saw her, she looked a little … I don’t know, worried.” He looked at Elwood. “I know it’s not my business, but if there’s anything Birdie and I can help with …”
“You saw it too?”
“It wasn’t hard, Elwood. I was standing three feet away from her.”
Elwood smiled. “You’re right, something’s troubling her and I don’t know what.”
“Women become skittish before they get married. Men aren’t any different. I think I was more nervous than my Birdie. There was a lot going on then, what with the railroad giving us deadlines to get married, and then Grandpa Gus. He almost got married too, as you know.”
“Yes, you told me the story.” Elwood gazed at the buildings across the street. “What a great story too. I wish I’d been here when your brides arrived and seen all those weddings, one after the other.”
“I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t worry. Mail-order brides come here, or wherever, for different reasons. My guess is Miss Minx has one she’s not ready to talk about yet.”
Elwood looked at him, then at the Golden Nugget. “Thought hadn’t crossed my mind.”
Jack ran his fingers through his untamed blond hair. “When you lived in Boston, did you get out much?”
“Not really. Spent my time either working or reading. No need to go anywhere.”
Jack laughed. “That’s what I thought.” He slapped him on the back. “Elwood, Noelle’s going to give you an education. The War Between the States taught me a trade hauling freight and then carving wooden legs to replace the one I lost. But in this town, I learned so much more. Just one piece of advice – whatever she might tell you, don’t act too shocked. A woman needs protection, whether you’re married to her or not. My Birdie didn’t feel safe sharing her problems. Your betrothed seems similar. She’s scared, you can see that. And she’s yours to protect. See that you do.”
Elwood nodded. The man was right. “Thank you. I knew she wanted to tell me something and I’d already made up my mind not to overreact, but it’s good to be reminded.”
“Glad to hear it.” Jack stood and rubbed his bad leg a few times. “I need to finish my work and get on home to my supper.”
Elwood stood as well. “Thanks, Jack. Thanks a lot.”
“What are neighbors for?” They shook hands and resumed their labors.
“Vernon Fink?!” Daphne cried. “Oh, Dorcas, what were your parents thinking?”
In the opposite chair in her room at the Golden Nugget, Dorcas put her face in her hands. “I don’t know,” she mumbled through her fingers.
Daphne got up and put an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry. You tell Elwood, and I’ll let Walker know. If Vermin … Vernon shows up in Noelle, he’ll get a big surprise.”
Dorcas brought her face out of her hands, smiling despite herself at Daphne’s nickname for Vernon. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”
“It isn’t?” Daphne said as her eyebrows shot up. “But Vernon was despicable!”
“Was and is. But besides Elwood and Walker, we have Sheriff Draven to deal with him.”
Daphne nodded. “That’s a good point. So what is it you’re worried about?”
“That Elwood won’t want to marry me.”
“Dorcas Minx!” Daphne put her other arm around her. “How could you think such a thing?”
Dorcas threw her hands in the air, breaking Daphne’s hold. “I don’t know. And that’s just it – I don’t know him. I don’t know how he’ll react.” She jumped up, crossed the room and flopped onto the bed.
Daphne followed and sat beside her. “Look, we’ve been friends for a long time, haven’t we?”
“Yes.”
“Then trust me. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since leaving Denver, it’s how protective a man can be. I haven’t told you everything.”
Dorcas’ brow knit. “You haven’t?”
Daphne shook her head. “Walker married me to protect me – from myself.”
“He did?” Dorcas sat up. “Why didn’t you tell me this before? What did you do?” If she had to think about it, she could probably come up with quite a few things Daphne would do. Her friend was a firebrand.
“Something foolish. And that’s all you need to know for now. It’s almost suppertime.”
Dorcas looked confused. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“When I explain it, you will. But for now, you need to tell Elwood about Vernon. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Yes, I know,” Dorcas sighed.
“Dorcas, you’re going to be his wife. Any man worth his salt protects his wife.”
Dorcas frowned. “But I’m not his wife yet.”
“You know what I mean. Why would he not want to marry you just because you ran away from another man? Especially a blackguard like Vernon Fink?”
“Because I don’t know what Vernon will do if he finds me. Or what he might do to Elwood.”
“No, you don’t,” Daphne said. “No one does. But in order to protect you, Elwood needs to know.”
Dorcas closed her eyes a moment. She didn’t want to speak the unthinkable, but she had to. “What if I tell Elwood and he thinks I’m too much trouble?”
“What?” Daphne said in shock. “Why would he think that?”
“My father thought I was something to barter with.”
Daphne looked at her in shock. Dorcas knew her friend had always liked Father, and wondered if she shouldn’t have told her this before now. But the closer her marriage to Vernon got, the more Dorcas felt as if she meant nothing to her parents. She was just another possession to do with as they pleased.
“Dorcas?” Daphne prompted. “Are you sure?”
Dorcas sighed. “As sure am I am about anything, Daph. I’m still in shock over how they treated me. My mother was always a social climber and my father … well, he’d do anything to improve his business. I just never thought that would include marrying me off to Vernon Fink.” She wrung her hands and walked over to the window.
Daphne followed, putting a hand on hers to still them. “It’s going to be fine, trust me. And trust Elwood too.”
She nodded, her heart in her throat. She knew she had to, and that if their positions were reversed she’d be telling Daphne the same thing. It was the not knowing that was hard. What if Elwood didn’t want the trouble? He obviously had an imagination – otherwise, why was he writing novels? What if he came up with the notion that Vernon Fink was some murderous fiend that would come kill everyone in town because of her? Who’d want any part of that? “Daphne …”
“What is it?” she put a hand on her shoulder.
“If he says he no longer wishes to marry me …”
“Then you can stay with Walker and me. I’ll speak to him. But you’re worried about nothing.”
Dorcas forced a smile. “I hope so. I like Elwood – he’s kind and smart and loves to read. Besides, I’ll have access to all those wonderful books.”
Daphne laughed. “You and me both, I hope. Do you think he’d give me a discount?”
“I can ask.”
“You’d better ask soon. I can think of several friends of mine that also love books – Jasper, for instance. Have you met him?”
“Met him? We’re helping him with the Fourth of July fireworks.”
“Merciful heavens.” Daphne rolled her eyes. “Just make sure he hasn’t been drinking that day, or he might burn the whole town down.”
Dorcas laughed. “I’ll do my best, as will Elwood …” She suddenly sobered.
“Stop worrying!” Daphne took her hand. “Now let’s talk about your wedding. Do you have a dress?”
There was a knock at the door before Dorcas could answer. She crossed the room and opened it. “Felicity, hello.”
“Hello. I just came to speak with Daphne.”
Daphne came over and gave her a hug. “It’s so good to be back. I hear a lot has been going on since we’ve
been away.”
“Yes, there’s been lots of progress. You know that the women’s mission is completed?”
“I saw that. It’s wonderful!”
“Isn’t it? And now that you’re back, would you like to help out with the Fourth of July celebration?”
“We’d love to.” Daphne hugged her again.
Dorcas stepped back and listened as the two women worked out details. She’d never seen Daphne this happy and settled. She’d married a good man – neither rich nor highly educated nor any sort of businessman, just good. And from what she’d heard, a very good shot and a fast one. She wondered – could Elwood shoot a gun? What if Vernon showed up and challenged Elwood to a duel? Oh heavens, she didn’t want to think about that …
Felicity and Daphne finished their business and Dorcas found herself volunteered to help with the decorations. “You don’t mind, do you?” Daphne asked after showing Felicity out.
“No, especially since you’re on the same committee.”
“It will be just like old times,” Daphne said. “You and Elwood will have to join Walker and me for supper. We can talk out a few ideas.”
Dorcas glanced around the room. “Here?”
“Oh no. While we’ve been away, Jasper oversaw the building of our cabin.”
“Jasper?” Dorcas said in shock. She couldn’t imagine Jasper overseeing the building of anything except maybe a double whiskey.
“Jasper may be old, and he may act like he doesn’t know a lot, but he’ll surprise you. He was once a master carpenter.”
“He was? I’ll have to tell Elwood.”
“Building a house is a lot like building a relationship,” Daphne added.
Dorcas cocked her head to one side. “You’re going to lecture me, aren’t you?”
“Not at all.” Daphne headed for the door. “But remember, a well-built house has to have a strong foundation. Start that foundation by telling Elwood about Vernon.”
Dorcas sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 9
Supper was a quiet affair for Dorcas. Elwood, on the other hand, told everyone about Sheriff Draven’s brilliant idea to introduce him to Marshal Charles Gant. He wasn’t that excited when he first met her. Was she playing second fiddle to this marshal now? But there wasn’t time to think about that – she had other things on her mind, like telling Elwood about Vernon.
Really, what was the worst that could happen? Elwood refusing to marry her – would she really want to wed a man who thought she’d bring him too much trouble? No.
“Seamus, pass the potatoes, please,” Rev. Hammond said. “So, Miss Minx …”
Dorcas’ head came up. “Reverend?”
“You look as if you’re deep in thought.”
She poked at her pot roast. “Yes, I am.”
“Wedding jitters?” Norah asked.
“You could say that.”
“Nothing to be nervous about,” Elwood said as he buttered a biscuit. “Tuesday’s just around the corner and everything will be fine. Jack told me Birdie started on your veil.”
Dorcas stared at him a moment. He looked so happy, so excited. “She did?”
“Are you sure you don’t want a proper dress?” Norah asked.
Dorcas shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter.”
“Nonsense,” Elwood said. “If you’d like a wedding dress, by all means we can have one made.”
The word we stuck in her brain. “We can?”
“Of course. I can afford it. Have to delay our wedding until it’s done, but what’s wrong with that?”
She exchanged a quick look with Felicity and Norah. “By all means,” Felicity said. “Have a dress made if you want. There are a number of women in town who would help, and Birdie is very fast.”
Dorcas stared at her plate. “I don’t know …”
“Dorcas,” Elwood leaned toward her. “No rush. We don’t have to get married on Tuesday.”
“We don’t?” she said, thinking that perhaps they should for safety’s sake.
“Of course not,” he said before taking a bite of pot roast.
“He’s right,” Rev. Hammond added. “Don’t let the day I picked influence anything.”
Dorcas’ eyes flicked around the table. “Why don’t we discuss it after supper?” she told Elwood.
“All right.” He took a sip of milk and winked, and her stomach fluttered.
Too soon the meal was over and Elwood asked her to take a walk. Daphne and Walker offered to chaperone. The night was cool, so Dorcas ran to her room first to fetch a shawl, and Daphne followed. “Don’t worry – Walker and I will stay far enough behind so if Elwood wants to steal a kiss, he can.”
“Daph! Don’t let anyone hear you say that.”
“We’re the only ones here. Get your shawl and let’s go.”
They returned downstairs to find Walker and Elwood chatting about the weather. They left the saloon and began to stroll with no destination in mind. Daphne and Walker lagged about twenty yards behind – close enough for propriety, far enough to allow Dorcas and Elwood a private conversation.
Now was as good a time as any … “Elwood, earlier today I started to tell you something.”
He stopped and looked at her. “Yes. Do you want to tell me now?”
Dorcas glanced at Daphne and Walker, who’d also stopped. Daphne was suddenly very interested in the display in the window of Cobb’s Penn, a very dark window. “All right.” She licked her lips.
Elwood also glanced at their chaperones. “Do you want more privacy?”
“No, not as long as they stay back there. You?”
“Depends on what you’re about to tell me,” he said with a smile. “What is it, Dorcas?”
She unconsciously wrung her hands together. “Well, about becoming a mail-order bride …”
He grabbed her hands to stop her. “I had a feeling.”
She took a breath. “You … did?”
“It’s all right. I know women become mail-order brides for many reasons. Whatever it is, I’ll understand.”
Dorcas swallowed, trying to find the right words. “I became a mail-order bride because my parents arranged a marriage for me.”
Elwood nodded. “Go on.”
“The man they wanted me to marry I’ve known a long time, since childhood. And he’s … awful, horrible …”
“Stop right there. You don’t want to marry him.”
“No!” She looked at the ground, not bothering to check to see where Daphne and Walker were. It wasn’t important now.
“Dorcas,” Elwood took her other hand. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
She shook her head. “They were very insistent.”
“Some of them are,” he commented dryly as he looked at the night sky and back. “You ashamed of it?”
She nodded. “The last thing I would want to do is disappoint my parents. But I couldn’t do it, Elwood, I just couldn’t. I’d rather throw myself off a cliff. And I’m worried he’ll come after me – if he finds where I’ve gone, that is.” He was so close at this point she could feel his body heat. She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of anger.
“Come after you?” he said sternly. “If he finds you, what will he do?”
“I don’t know.” He was angry – but not at her. “But Vernon’s not the sort of man who likes to lose, I can tell you that.” She looked deeper. There was a fire in his eyes she hadn’t seen before. “I suppose it depends on how much he wanted to marry me. Perhaps he was as repulsed by the idea as I am.”
He bent his face to hers. “ But if he’s angry enough to come after you, you’ll be well protected.”
The fiery look in his eyes was still there. She had to know. “You’re not angry?”
“At you? Of course not, honey, why would I be?”
Dorcas shrugged. “Because it means trouble’s coming, trouble you didn’t ask for.”
“World’s full of trouble, Dorcas,” he s
aid. “If you happen to be in some, I want to help.”
His words lifted the heavy load off her shoulders, and they slumped in response. “Thank Heaven.”
“Oh, I do.” He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “Dorcas, you’re going to be my wife. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part. Vernon or no Vernon.” What little distance was left between them vanished with his kiss.
Dorcas knew she shouldn’t let him, but she wanted it too much in that moment. Something burned deep down in her soul, something she’d never felt before.
“Elwood,” she whispered as his lips parted from hers. But before she knew it, his arms engulfed her and he was kissing her again. For a moment she wondered where Daphne was, then lost herself in his embrace, in his lips on hers.
He broke the kiss and loosened his hold. “Sorry, I didn’t mean …”
She put a finger to his lips. “I’m glad you did.”
Neither checked to see if Daphne and Walker were watching them. Frankly, at that point Dorcas didn’t care. Besides, hadn’t this been Daphne’s plan? Dorcas would have to thank her later.
“So how was it?” Daphne asked with a grin the next day.
Dorcas rolled her eyes. “You were there, you saw.”
“Actually, we were busy doing the same thing. But you didn’t notice, did you?”
“No, I can’t say that I did,” Dorcas giggled. “What should I do now?”
“What do you mean?” Daphne said with a laugh. “You get married, of course.”
“Yes, I know, but Vernon …”
“Stop worrying about Vermin. You’re letting him ruin this.”
Dorcas sat on her bed. It was mid-afternoon and she was tired, having hardly slept the night before. Elwood’s kisses were all she could think about. “Are you done with your committee work?”
“No, and if you wouldn’t mind helping me, I could use it.”
Dorcas stood. “What do you need help with?”
“I need to speak to a few ladies about the food. We can stop by Birdie’s and check with her about your veil if you like – and, dare I say, a wedding dress?”
