Corduroy Road To Love

by Coleman, Lynn A.

  Olin was at least as red as she was.

  “Son?”

  Olin cleared his throat and pulled at his open collar.

  Ida Mae giggled. She couldn’t stop it, try as she might. It didn’t take long for Mrs. Orr to join her, then Mr. Orr, John, and Kyle. Olin was the last to laugh. “Aye, Ida Mae and I are talking ’bout getting married,” he admitted amid the laughter.

  “Congratulations, little brother.” John slapped him on the back. “I can’t believe ye will make it to the altar before me.”

  Olin grinned.

  “And welcome to the family, Ida Mae.”

  “It’s about time I had another lady around.” Mrs. Orr got up and kissed her on the cheek. “Ye be makin’ a good choice, son.”

  “Back to my question, so why don’t ye?”

  The front door knocker resounded through the room. “That must be Sheriff Thatcher.” Olin excused himself and went to the front door.

  Should we marry now?

  Twelve

  “Good morning, Sheriff. What did ye find?”

  “I’m concerned, Olin. Can we talk outside for a minute?”

  “Sure.” Olin shut the door behind him. “What’s the matter?”

  “I truly fear someone is trying to set you up, but I fear it is something far worse than stealing trinket items from Ida Mae. It doesn’t add up that someone would be so upset with Ida Mae. She’s done nothing wrong to anyone, intentionally or otherwise.”

  “I agree. And the town has been full of gossip regarding my return. I should have stayed in the north.”

  “Perhaps, but if we are dealing with someone so evil he would frame another man for acts of self-defense done in years past, I’m glad to know it now rather than later when it might be too late.”

  Olin didn’t know if he agreed with that thought or not. He loved Ida Mae and wouldn’t want to be the cause of all this bad will toward her, and yet he was. How could he possibly ask her to marry him with that kind of a stigma over them the rest of their lives? It just wouldn’t be fair. “I can leave town in a couple days.”

  John Thatcher scratched his unshaved chin. “No, that’s not what I had in mind. When I got up this morning the town was buzzing that someone killed Ida Mae and carried her body off. Apparently, three horsemen were seen leaving the town last night and one looked to be carrying a body.”

  “I think we should include Ida Mae in this discussion.”

  “We will in just a moment. What I want to suggest is a bit unorthodox, but I believe it might bring our enemy out of hiding. I’m suggesting we go along with the rumors.”

  “Pardon?” Olin rubbed the wax from his ears. The sheriff couldn’t possibly have said what he thought he said.

  “What I’m suggesting is we let folks believe she is dead.”

  Olin shook his head from side to side. “Ida Mae has to hear this.”

  Olin ushered the sheriff into the dining area where his mother quickly put a place setting in front of him. The sheriff explained to all of them what he had just explained to Olin. The room was silent.

  Ida Mae opened her mouth, then closed it. Then opened it again. “Are you suggesting I pretend to be dead?”

  “Yes. I can even go as far as putting out an arrest warrant for Olin.”

  “Thanks,” Olin snickered. “I wouldn’t want it in the records that I was accused of killing my wife.”

  “Your wife? When did you two get hitched?”

  Ida Mae blushed for the second time this morning. Olin loved the playful shade of pink on her cheeks.

  “We’re going to get married. I’m thinking in the future.”

  “O–oh,” Sheriff Thatcher stuttered. “Congratulations.”

  Olin’s father got up. “I don’t fancy lying to folks, but I’ll mislead some to keep this young woman safe.” He lifted his plate from the table. “Unfortunately, I have a farm to run and livestock to take care of. Olin, fill me in on what you decide before you go to work this morning.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Kyle and John got up from the table and took their plates to the kitchen.

  “Ida Mae, what do you think?” The sheriff forked some eggs and lifted them to his mouth. Olin had lost his appetite.

  “I’ll go missing for a while. If you think that will help.”

  “I can’t promise it will, but I’m praying. Plus, you’ll be safer if no one knows where you are. Even me.”

  “Olin?”

  “Yes, Mum?”

  “Ye say you’ve asked Ida Mae to marry ye?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Ida Mae, ye say ye love my son?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  His mother nodded slowly. “Sheriff, ye can finish your meal. But we’ll take it from here. Don’t be surprised if ye hear rumors that Bobby, pardon me, Olin, has captured and run off with Ida Mae.”

  Sheriff Thatcher lifted up his hands. “Don’t tell me any more.”

  ❧

  A few hours later, Ida Mae was washing in the river beside her future mother-in-law. How life could turn around in a few short minutes could be an understatement for the past several weeks. Mrs. Orr sent Olin to town to sneak in and fetch some of Ida Mae’s clothes. They were going to go on the run, but not until the middle of the night. John had been sent over to the next county to bring a minister home to marry Ida Mae and Olin. Tonight she’d be a bride, a bride on the run. It wasn’t exactly the way she’d pictured entering into a marriage.

  Kyle had been sent to the old farmhouse on the property to clean up the place for their wedding night. It all seemed too controlled and out of her control. I can’t do this, Lord.

  “Are ye all right, dear?”

  “Nervous.”

  “All women, and men for that matter, are nervous on their wedding day.”

  “This isn’t the kind of wedding I dreamed about.”

  “No, I daresay it wouldn’t be. But it will keep ye safe.”

  I suppose.

  “Ye do love him, don’t ye?”

  “Yes but. . .”

  “Ah, it is still too new.”

  “Yes.”

  “Answer me this: When ye kiss him, do ye feel one with him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then ye are meant to be together. The Lord will bless ye even if ye don’t marry in a church.”

  “I know but. . .”

  “Ye don’t have to marry him. It was only a suggestion.”

  And a reasonable one, given all that is going on. It would be safer for us to hide as a married couple than to be alone together day and night and not be married. “It’s a good plan.”

  Ida Mae lathered her hair. Mrs. Orr had brought her special lavender-scented soap down to the river for them to bathe with. Mr. Orr kept his back to them but kept a watchful eye around the farm.

  Lord, bless this family for all they are sacrificing for me. They don’t know me and yet they’ve taken me in as one of their own even before they knew Olin and I wanted to marry. Bless them, Lord.

  Ida Mae rinsed her hair.

  “Come on, dear. We’ve got a lot to do.”

  And for the rest of the day Ida Mae found herself packing and repacking. At one point she and Olin were going to take his wagon. Then it was decided that it would be too easy to track, so they would go on horseback. A pack mule was discussed, but no one had one or knew of one they could obtain without raising suspicions.

  Finally, the dinner hour had arrived and Olin came home. She did love him, but she still had huge doubts about their getting married in such a manner and so soon. John returned with a preacher a few minutes later. Kyle came in needing a bath, and left as soon as he grabbed some soap and a towel.

  Mrs. Orr somehow managed to prepare a huge feast for their dinner. Olin sat down at the table beside Ida Mae. He reached over and held her hand. Just touching him calmed her nerves, but was it enough?

  “How is it in town?” Mr. Orr asked after saying the blessing.

  Dishes passed from one
to the next. Ida Mae did her best to keep up.

  “Buzzing about what happened at the spinner’s shop.”

  It was painfully obvious Olin didn’t want to discuss details in front of the parson.

  “I see.”

  “What happened in Charlotte?” Parson White asked.

  “There was blood all over the door of the spinner’s shop.”

  “That is rather strange news. I can see why everyone is talking. Is the spinster all right?”

  “Yes, I am.” Ida Mae spoke up. “We’re not sure what happened.” Olin narrowed his gaze, scrutinizing her. Ida Mae straightened in her chair.

  “Do they suspect Indians?” the parson asked.

  “No. But no one is quite sure who did this, or why.” Olin squeezed her hand.

  “We must pray for your safety. Are you certain you want to marry at this time?”

  ❧

  Olin didn’t like marrying Ida Mae under these circumstances, nor did he like hearing the rash talk all over town. Many had given him a harsh stare today. And he still wasn’t settled on running off to the mountains to hide from whoever was after Ida Mae. Keeping her here on the farm seemed more prudent. But Sheriff Thatcher had a point that they could be putting his family in danger if he kept her here.

  The one positive in all of this was marrying Ida Mae. It was rather soon, but he’d seen and heard many a story where a young couple married quickly and were still happily married many years later. He caressed the top of her hand with his thumb.

  “Ye best stop holdin’ hands and eat,” Mum instructed with a tease to her voice.

  Ida Mae released his hand the moment Mum spoke, and picked up her fork. He did the same.

  Ida Mae’s hand shook.

  Father, give her strength, Olin silently prayed for her.

  They made it through dinner, but Ida Mae had hardly eaten anything. She just swirled her food around her plate. Olin couldn’t blame her, but he began to worry. Something was wrong.

  “Shall we?” Father stood up from the table.

  Mother led them all to the front parlor. The parson opened his black Bible and the pages crinkled as he turned them.

  Olin took Ida Mae’s hand and walked up to the parson.

  “We are gathered tonight to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It’s an honorable estate, not to be taken lightly, but reverently. . .”

  Ida Mae’s entire body trembled.

  “What’s wrong, child?” the parson asked. “Are you being forced to marry this man?”

  “No.”

  “Are you prepared to marry him?”

  She implored him with her gaze. Her brilliant blue eyes filled with tears.

  “Sweetheart?” Olin reached up and caressed her face.

  “I can’t; I’m sorry.” Ida Mae ran from the room and up the stairs.

  Olin found himself a twister of emotions. He respected her if she wasn’t sure, but he also felt the sting of rejection. “Forgive us, Parson White.” Olin reached into his pocket. “Here’s a little something for your troubles.”

  “Shall I stay for a bit in case the young lady changes her mind? On the other hand, the business with her front door sounds very compelling for her to want to wait.”

  “Let me talk with her,” Mum offered and scurried off.

  Olin felt helpless and dejected. For too long he’d been fighting the emotions of all the people who found fault with his return to the area. Mayhap it was best he and Ida Mae not marry. He would only ruin her and her reputation.

  “Excuse me,” Olin said, extricating himself from the room and going out to the barn. He kicked a clump of hay and fought the desire to punch the wall with his fist. He’d done that when he was younger and trying to control his temper. In the end, he had broken his hand.

  “Wanna talk?” John asked, leaning against the door frame.

  “Nothing to say. She’s not ready.”

  “Aye, that is likely the case. But ye are takin’ it rather hard if ye understand that.”

  Olin sighed. “She’s probably right. I would only ruin her life.”

  “Bobby, sit down, please.” John came beside him and sat down on the bale of hay. “When ye came home I didn’t know you. But I watched, and ye are a good and honorable man. Pa is real proud of ye. Mum is, too, but ye know Mum—she’s proud of us no matter what. And Ida Mae adores you. I know, I’ve watched her and you when ye were together.”

  “The feeling is mutual.”

  “Aye, I seen that, too. A man never looked more smitten than ye.”

  “What do we do about the plan?”

  “I still agree you need to take her into hiding. How many are accusing you of harming Ida Mae?”

  “No one said anything directly to me, but I’m certain the sheriff got an ear full.”

  “Don’t be too sure. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. Percy has been on a rampage since you returned. He has no interest in Ida Mae, but he does want to see ye fall for whatever reason.”

  “True.”

  “And, I’m not certain but I think I saw one of Ida Mae’s customers sneaking behind her building one night while I was watching. I forget his name, but he still lives with his mother.”

  Olin crossed his arms. “So do we.”

  “Aye, but I think this man has eyes for Ida Mae.”

  “But to go to that extreme—pouring chicken blood on her door—it still doesn’t make sense.”

  “They figured out what kind of animal blood?”

  “Aye, Sheriff Thatcher had the butcher check it out.”

  “That would narrow it down some. Whoever it is has to have access to a fair amount of chickens.”

  “Sheriff’s been checking with all the farms to see if anyone is missing any or has quite a few draining.”

  “He seems like a smart man. I think ye still need to take Ida Mae out of here. I know ye won’t be married, and it could have a negative effect on her reputation, but I’d rather that than her not being alive.”

  “True. I just don’t want to push her too hard.”

  John let out a nervous chuckle. “Let’s see, ye asked the woman to marry ye after ye kissed her for the first time, and yet ye don’t want to push. I’ve been waiting on a gal for a year now and I’m just about ready to ask her out.”

  “Really? Who is she?”

  “I’m not telling unless she says yes.” John smiled. “Some women take time. Ida Mae trusts ye, let her move at her own pace.”

  “Thank ye. I appreciate the advice.”

  “Welcome. Should I go in and tell the parson he can go home?”

  “Yes, unless Ida Mae changed her mind.”

  “All right. Have a few words with the Lord and come and join the family. Oh, and I saw that restraint ye showed not punching that post. I’d say you’ve learned to control your temper.”

  Have I?

  Thirteen

  “Ida Mae, may I come in?”

  She sniffled and walked over to the door. Taking in a deep breath, she eased it open.

  “What’s the matter, dear?”

  “I can’t go through with it. I love him, but it’s too soon. My life has been turned upside down and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Ah, ’tis my fault for sure. Let me call down and tell the parson he can leave. Then we can have some girl talk.” Mrs. Orr left.

  Ida Mae didn’t know if she was up to girl talk at the moment. Fear that someone was after her had spun around her heart so tight she could hardly breathe.

  She scanned her packed carpetbag. Tonight could have been her wedding night. Why couldn’t she go through with it? Why? Why? Why? Lord. I don’t understand. I love him but. . .

  “Please forgive me, Ida Mae, I meant no harm tryin’ to push ye and Olin Robert to marry.”

  “It’s not your fault. I should have spoken earlier.”

  Mrs. Orr settled down on the bed beside her. “It will be all right, dear. The good Lord will see ye through. And I do believe ye will be my daughte
r one day.”

  “Why would you want me with all the trouble I’ve caused this family?”

  “Nonsense. ’Tis not ye that has caused the problems. It is a sinner and his sin, not you.”

  Ida Mae closed her eyes. She tried once again to figure out who would want to harm her.

  “Ida Mae, ye are always welcome in our home.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll give ye some time alone.” Mrs. Orr leaned into her and hugged her. “Forgive me, child. I didn’t mean to add to your confusion.”

  “You are forgiven.” Ida Mae squeezed her future mother-in-law, hoping she still would be.

  When Olin’s mother left the room she closed the door behind her. Ida Mae collapsed onto her pillow. Gentle tears flowed from her eyes. She shouldn’t marry Olin this way. Not under such trying circumstances. If she’d gone through with the marriage tonight she would never feel confident in her own love for Olin. She needed more time. They needed more time.

  Ida Mae wiped the tears from her eyes. She still needed to go into hiding, which would have been simpler if she had married Olin.

  A purple glow from the setting sun filled the room. Rays of peace calmed her. She could face Olin’s family even in her shame, and together they would need to amend their plans. She could go into hiding herself. She knew enough to survive for a few days. But, admittedly, she didn’t know how to track or hide her own tracks. She was a farm girl who had worked in town for years. She knew her way around a spinning wheel, but she’d simply be spinning air, wandering alone in the foothills, and be an easy target if someone should try to come after her.

  Composing herself, Ida Mae grabbed her carpetbag and went downstairs. Mr. Orr was reading, Olin was pacing with his back to her, and Mrs. Orr was washing dishes in the kitchen. “Olin?”

  “Ida Mae.” He scooped her in his arms. “Are ye all right?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I understand. We’ll get married sometime in the future. I can wait.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “No, we were bending the metal before it reached its pliable point.”

  “I do love you.” She rested her head on his shoulder. His hands caressed her hair.

  “And I, ye. Come, we must decide what to do next.”