Scarlett

by Kathleen Ball

  He drove down the hill and parked behind his shop. This time he lifted her down and set her in front of the open door. “Go on in.”

  She walked in and was surprised to see what had been walls yesterday were now open. They were huge sliding doors. The coals looked hot and there was only one stool left. He must be very popular to have so many men sitting waiting for him.

  She nodded at the men as they stared at her, and then she sat down. Homer quickly ran over with a fresh bandanna. “Ma’am, you have mud on your face. Here, use this.” He gave it to her and hurried back to working the bellows to get the coals hotter.

  She clamped her mouth closed. Dillon had known she had mud on her face and hadn’t told her. The bandana was soft against her skin as she wiped her face. She did the best she could, trying to get the mud off, but without a mirror she couldn’t be sure she’d gotten it all. How utterly embarrassing.

  At last, Dillon came in, wearing his big leather apron. He smiled at her. “Comfortable? Here’s your bag.” He took the bandana from her hand and finished wiping her face. Then he handed the cloth back to her. “Gentlemen, this is my wife Scarlett. She wanted to see how I work. So, in deference to her, please watch your language.”

  Many nodded, but there were a few grumbles. She smiled at all the men, even the grumblers. It was only good manners not to cuss in front of a lady. She took out her knitting and started. She’d decided on a natural color since she hadn’t known what color coat he wore. The scarf took on length as she sat and listened. She was amazed at how gossipy the men were.

  She didn’t know who they were talking about, but she knew to stay away from someone named Harvey. It was rumored he had consumption. A woman named Matilda had a rash on her backside. How they knew that, Scarlett couldn’t imagine. It went on and on. Perhaps once she got to know who they were talking about, it might be entertaining.

  The stool was very hard and uncomfortable, and there were only a limited amount of positions she could use to sit on it. She shifted yet again then turned and watched Dillon. He was so confident in his work. Lou and Homer seemed to know what he needed before he had to ask, and they worked in unison. It was growing extremely warm in the shop.

  Every once in a while Dillon would glance her way. Probably making sure she hadn’t fallen off the hard stool. Men came and went, and she ended up hearing about Matilda’s rash in greater detail, and when she figured out that Matilda was a whore, she’d about had enough but she just smiled at Dillon every time he looked at her.

  The mud dried, and she got up and went onto the boardwalk, where she tried to brush the dirt from her dress. A good amount came off, but she was still a mess. She kicked her shoes against the side of the planks and much of the heavy mud dropped off.

  It was nice and cool outside compared to the heat of the shop, but she supposed she would have to go back inside eventually. She reflected on her morning observing Dillon. She had seen respect in his customers’ eyes. They relied on him to fix their tools. He’d shod many horses today so far, too. The work had been nonstop for him. One man needed to know how to make a chicken coop, and Dillon had taken time out of his work to patiently explain it, and then he had drawn a picture for the man. Dillon was well appreciated.

  She walked the length of the boardwalk and was surprised to see a river not too far away. A turn toward the north revealed what she thought might be a waterfall among the dense trees. From what she could make out, it looked lovely. She observed a row of houses behind the buildings across the road. Farther out were parked wagon trains and tents.

  And then she spotted women walking to the general store. Most waved at her, and she felt warm inside. They too had mud on the hems of their skirts, but they seemed to have much sturdier shoes. If only she had taken her ma’s advice. But she had only pictured herself at teas and parties. Oh, bother! She hadn’t saved any of the money Dillon had sent her or the money her pa had given her. She bought more dresses, pretty ones. She couldn’t very well ask Dillon for boots after she told him she wanted to leave, could she?

  * * *

  Whack! Dillon struck the metal piece on his anvil with a heavy hammer then tensed and stared at his project. He’d almost hit his hand, and he never made mistakes like that. Where was she? Her presence was too distracting, and his job was dangerous. But not knowing where she’d gone was worse. He finished the fire grate he was making then he wiped his hands. They’d become black from the oxidation of the metal. Every work shirt and pair of trousers he owned had black spots on them. It was to be expected, and usually he paid little mind. Today, though, things seemed…different.

  He was just about to step out onto the walkway to find Scarlett, but she came in before he had the chance. “Is everything all right? You were gone for a time.”

  She nodded. “I was looking at the river and what I think is a waterfall. It’s quite pretty here. Well except for the mud.”

  “There are ten waterfalls in all. This is our rainy season. When things dry out a bit I’ll take you to see the falls.”

  She didn’t respond. Instead, she sat back down on her stool and got her knitting out. Dillon’s jaw clenched. She probably didn’t think she’d be here when the rainy season ended. Well, she could think what she wanted, but she wasn’t going home. Maybe she didn’t know how her name was being bandied about where she’d lived. He didn’t want the same thing for her here.

  There was a new group of men hanging around. He told each man who walked in to watch his language because his wife was visiting today. His lips twitched as Fred Young cussed up a storm anyway. Scarlett pretended not to hear, but she turned bright red.

  “Hey have you heard about Matilda’s rash? Oh boy it’s covering—”

  “Excuse me but I don’t want to hear about poor Matilda’s problem anymore. That’s been the main topic of discussion in here. Have any of you sent a doctor to see her? Many of you have claimed to have seen it. Did any of you try to help her? Did anyone bring her some salve?” Scarlett looked at each man as she spoke.

  They all remained silent, some shifting their gazes to the ground.

  “I didn’t think so.”

  “But ma’am,” Fred said. “She’s a whore.”

  Dillon groaned out loud.

  “She’s still a person you all seem to go to see. Has anyone offered her a better job? Usually it’s women down on their luck that become, well they become—”

  “Whores,” Fred supplied. He opened his mouth to say something further, but it seemed Scarlett’s withering glare stopped him.

  Dillon didn’t know whether to laugh or not. She was still glaring, so he decided not to. “No more talk about Matilda or any other females with problems.”

  “What about the new one named Candy? She sure doesn’t have any problems,” Fred said with a low chuckle.

  “Fred, don’t talk at all today,” Dillon said, causing the rest to laugh.

  “Sounds like you’re having a good time in here,” Terry Boxer said as he took off his hat and gave Scarlett a slight bow. “You look most enchanting, Scarlett. May I call you Scarlett? I’m Terry Boxer your husband’s best—and I think best-looking—friend.”

  Scarlett smiled sweetly. “You are quite a contrast, aren’t you? Dillon with his blond hair and blue eyes, and your brown hair and eyes. But I haven’t met all his friends to know if you speak the truth.”

  Terry laughed and turned toward Dillon. “She’s perfect for you.”

  “You think so?” Dillon asked.

  “I do think so. Too bad that storm was expected last night and everyone had to hurry home. I would have loved to celebrate your marriage. Actually, that is why I’m here. Nora and Patty decided you need to have your party this Saturday at my place.”

  “Well if both of them decided then there is no choice.” Dillon turned to Scarlett. “Nora is his housekeeper and Patty is his daughter both wonderful but a little bossy.”

  Scarlett smiled. “Saturday it is. I’d—we’d be delighted to attend.”

>   “I see Lolly is heading over with your noon meal. I’ll return and tell the two conspirators that they can have their party. It was nice to meet you, Scarlett.” Terry nodded his head to her before he slapped Dillon on the back.

  “You all know the rules, everyone out so my men can take their break,” Dillon said.

  Both Homer and Lou puffed out their chests when he called them men.

  Lolly came in with a great big smile that she bestowed on Dillon. He smiled back until he remembered not to.

  “Lolly, this is my wife, Scarlett. Scarlett, this is my dear friend, Lolly.” He watched as Lolly’s smile slipped away and Scarlett’s eyes glittered. “Lolly and I have been friends since forever.” Scarlett’s eyes then narrowed. Dang, he’d said the wrong thing. “I mean our folks were friends and we all came to Oregon together. Lolly you remember Smitty, don’t you? This is his daughter.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Scarlett. I’ll just set the food on the counter. My little one is waiting for me to come back. Lou, could you bring the dishes to me on your way home? I’m not sure I’ll be able to swing by later to get them.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lolly’s smile was strained. “Good bye.” She turned and walked through the mud to her house.

  Dillon watched after her then turned with a sigh. Usually she talked to him a bit.

  “Scarlett, pull your stool up to the counter. It’s the easiest way for us to eat. We can share a plate.” He was surprised when she didn’t say a word but carried her stool over to the counter. She sat and waited for him to join her.

  “Oh boy! Fried chicken,” Lou exclaimed.

  Dillon sat and took Scarlett’s hand. “Lolly is a good cook. Her husband died last year and she’s been making money cooking for us and others. She has a daughter…” He wasn’t sure what else to say. Scarlett’s eyes still glittered.

  “The chicken does smell good,” she said.

  He squeezed her hand gently and then put chicken, biscuits, and green beans on their plate. He hadn’t known Lolly had a thing for him. He walked through life oblivious sometimes. The hurt on her face would haunt him for the rest of the day.

  After they ate, he had Homer drive Scarlett home. She didn’t object at all. He probably wouldn’t have to worry about her wanting to watch him work again.

  * * *

  After she reached the front door, she turned and waved at Homer. He was a nice, young man and a good servant. She then let herself in and took off her ruined shoes. Dillon must play fast and loose with the women of Silver Falls. First Melly and now Lolly and probably Elda too. Did he even know he was breaking hearts? He didn’t act as though he knew, or maybe he just didn’t care.

  She knew nothing about her husband, absolutely nothing. Thank goodness he wanted to wait a while before they shared a bed. Why did those women act so hurt that Dillon had married? Maybe he couldn’t decide between them so he picked her.

  Her back and bottom hurt from sitting on the stool. Poor Matilda and her rash. Suddenly she broke out in laughter. Men were so gossipy. She wouldn’t have imagined. It put a whole new light on the words kiss and tell. She thought of the unfortunate Matilda again. She had plenty of salves for healing. Her ma was a healer. She couldn’t be seen associating with someone like Matilda, but she could be benevolent and have someone else bring it to her. If no one else would, she’d ask Lou or Homer to take it to the lady.

  Scarlett fanned herself. It was hot in the house. She collected some water and poured some into her basin and then brought it into her room. Her mud-laden dress was filthy. She’d have to wash it herself. There were no sisters to bribe in Silver Falls. She unfastened the dress and stepped out of it, and then she began to wash herself.

  It felt so good to get the grime and sweat from the day off of her. She had forgotten a towel, but she’d make due. She went into her trunk and took out a shift, and at that moment, a noise near her door froze her in place. Someone was there. Holding the shift against her front, she turned around.

  Dillon stared at her with appreciation in his eyes.

  “A decent man would have turned away immediately.”

  “Perhaps, but I couldn’t take my eyes off you, Scarlett. Your skin is beautiful.” He didn’t look repentant one bit.

  “The least you could do is apologize,” she snapped.

  “I’m not in the least bit sorry. You standing there is the best sight I’ve seen in a very long time.” His gaze traveled from her bare feet up to the top of her head.

  “Please go.” She was almost in tears. She wasn’t a plaything, and she deserved some respect.

  “Aww, honey, I’m sorry. I’ll go change and give you your privacy. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He walked away before she could reply.

  Quickly, she went to the door and closed it. Her hands shook as she tried to clothe herself. She was too rattled to button the front of her dress, and she couldn’t face him half dressed. What could she do? He was bound to come for her soon.

  She didn’t have long to wait. He lightly knocked on the door.

  “Scarlett, are you coming out? I really am sorry.”

  “I–I can’t.” She hated the way her voice wavered.

  The door slowly opened. “Please, we can talk about it. I…” He gazed at her and stopped talking. He walked to her and sat on the bed. Next, he pulled her between his knees and buttoned her up without looking. How he managed, she didn’t know. He stood and kissed her forehead. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I know,” she whispered. Her stomach flipped. It was strange.

  “Come, I’ll make dinner,” He took her hand and led her to the kitchen.

  “You’ll make dinner? When will we be hiring some help around here?”

  He dropped her hand and faced her. “Help?”

  “Yes, a cook or a housekeeper. Of course with a house this big both are probably required.”

  His brow furrowed. “Isn’t that what a wife does? I know you didn’t grow up with servants.”

  “But you can certainly afford them. You have Homer and Lou down at the smithy.”

  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, he did not look pleased. “They are apprentices. I provide them with a house to live in and food, and I pay them a wage. Most importantly, I am teaching them my craft. It is not at all like having servants.”

  She folded her arms in front of her. “So, you married me so I can be your servant.” She couldn’t help the outrage in her voice.

  “I married you so you could be my wife and give me children. I had hoped for the best. I planned for us to be friends at least.” He shook his head and grabbed a cast iron frying pan he’d made. “I’m making dinner tonight because I thought you might be tired, but don’t think I won’t expect you to do it in the future.”

  He put the fire grate over the hot coals and set the pan on top of it. Next, he fried up bacon and scrambled some eggs. He dished the food out on two plates and handed hers to her. After that, he went and sat at the table. That morning, she had taken little notice of how well-crafted that table was. Where had he gotten it?

  Swallowing hard, she joined him, though her appetite had fled. She’d been duped by him. He had the biggest house in the whole town. She expected more, so much more. She glanced up from her plate and found him staring at her.

  “Is something else wrong?” she asked, using her haughty voice.

  “Why didn’t you read my letters? I never once mentioned servants. In fact, I asked if you were up to taking care of a big place. You assured me you could.”

  She cocked her right brow at him. “Yes with servants I could. I feel tricked into marrying you.”

  “Is that so?” His voice was too calm, but she wasn’t afraid of him.

  “Yes that’s so. I expected someone respectable, not someone covered in soot all the time. I expected a furnished house with live-in help. I expected to be the most sought-out woman in town, but that one I can work on. I’m not even sure I’d be a goo
d mother. Kids have sticky fingers that ruin dresses.” She lifted her chin and stared right back at him.

  His eyes grew wide as he threw his napkin on the table and stood. “You sure had your father fooled. He sang your praises. Now I’m stuck with a spoiled brat who lied about everything. You think you have it bad? I’m saddled with an unpleasant, rude, and childish liar. How do you think I feel? I was set for a new beginning, a wonderful beginning, but I’m stuck with you instead.” He walked out the front door, closing it behind him with a heavy thud.

  Stunned, she jumped up and raced to the window, surprised to see him saddle Coal and ride off. Any other person would have backed down from her and given in. In a huff, she walked back to the kitchen. She ate her food and left the dirty dishes right where they were. She’d be no man’s maid.

  Later, in bed, she waited and listened, but he never came home.

  Chapter Four

  It poured the next morning, trapping her in the house. She found some bread and ate that. The dishes were still where they’d been left the night before. She wasn’t about to clean them. Instead, she grabbed her knitting and sat on the only sofa in the house, pulled a blanket up over her and continued to make the scarf. She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew, she heard stomping going on in the kitchen. Dillon had returned. She sighed.

  Hopefully, he’d learned the error of his ways. Of course, he’d have to apologize to her before she’d talk to him.

  She waited, but she only heard him leave the kitchen and go into his bedroom. Oh, but he was a stubborn man. Well, he wouldn’t win. She started to smile until she spotted him near the front door, a valise in hand.

  He stopped and turned toward her. “I’ll be staying in town. If chasing me out of my own house was what you had in mind, then you succeeded. I’ll cancel the party Saturday. I don’t see how you would need me, but you know where I work.” He opened the door.

  “Will you be sleeping there too?”