Scarlett

by Kathleen Ball

  “No, I’ve had many offers over the years.” He walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

  Now what? This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to succumb to her beauty and give her whatever she wanted. She blew out a frustrated breath. Well, he’d miss her soon enough. He’d be back the next day, she was sure of it.

  After he was gone, she stood on the front porch and watched the rain. It matched her gloomy mood. A small cry came from the side of the house. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to get wet, but when another pitiful cry came, she trudged through the mud and found the sweetest calico kitten with her paw stuck in the mud.

  Squatting down, Scarlett petted the tiny thing, and was surprised when the kitten didn’t hiss at her. She’d never had a way with animals like the rest of her family. Should she take the cat inside? Would Dillon want a cat in the house? Did she care? Tilting her head, she smiled at the calico. “How would you like to come live with me? I have to warn you, not too many people or animals seem to like me.” She lifted the small ball of fur into her arms. “Tell you what, we’ll give it a trial run. I’ll never make you leave, but if you decide you can’t stand me you can leave on your own.”

  A lump formed in her throat. Leave, just like everyone else in her life. The kitten was filthy but for once, Scarlett didn’t care about the dirt.

  * * *

  Dillon’s back hurt so much from four nights of sleeping on the floor, he finally sent Lou across the street to see about a ready-made mattress and a pile of blankets. If they didn’t have a ready-made one, Lou was to offer to pay them to make him a mattress.

  He tried to put his wife out of his mind, but he worried about her. It was stupid; she surely wasn’t worrying about him. There was plenty of food at the house, provided she could actually cook. It amazed him how fast word got around town that they were living apart. He refused to comment on it. What was he supposed to say? His wife was a selfish brat? No, it was better to keep his mouth shut.

  The evenings were the worst. He mourned the death of his dreams. There would be no love or children, and at this rate he’d need to build himself another house to live in. But tonight, at least, he’d have something to sleep on in his office.

  Lolly had been a life saver, supplying him with three great meals a day. But he hated the questions in her eyes whenever she came to the smithy. He needed to make it known that he wouldn’t break the vows he’d taken before God.

  A brisk wind cut through his shop, drawing a shiver. It was unseasonably cold that day as it had poured again. Was she warm enough? He needed to slap himself on the head for even thinking about her. He wasn’t going to get her servants, now or ever.

  Work was done for the day and he’d eaten and then brought back the plate to Lolly. Now he sat and designed. He’d started by working out the details on some better tools, but his thoughts had drifted to his new house. The door opened, and he smiled when Terry walked in with a whiskey jug in one hand.

  “Thought you might need a drink or two,” Terry said as he grabbed two cups off a shelf.

  “Good to see you. I could use a drink. It’s been…well I don’t remember a worse week.” He accepted the offered cup and took a swig. The full bodied whiskey went down his throat nice and smooth. So much better than the rotgut most places sold.

  Terry sat in a chair facing Dillon’s desk. “The rumor mill is turning quickly. Too bad the saw mill doesn’t work as fast. Let’s see, Melly is certain you will put Scarlett aside and marry her. Elda ordered a new dress just like the one Scarlett was wearing, and Lolly is said to be very hopeful. Those are just the ones I know about. Some of the women think you are plain mean, and most of the men want you to stick to your guns.”

  “What about you?”

  Terry shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t even know the facts, but I’m always on your side.”

  Dillon smiled. “She insists on servants and she doesn’t want kids. She thinks I tricked her about the servants, but I wrote in one of my letters and asked if she could handle taking care of a big house. She admitted she didn’t even read the letters, she just skimmed them. I think she wanted a banker.” He gestured at his work-soiled clothing. “I’m too dirty for her highness.”

  Terry poured more whiskey into their cups. “That bad, huh? You’d have to go to another town to find servants. Well, actually, maybe a few of the women whose husbands are lumberjacks might be interested.”

  “She wants live-in help,” Dillon sneered. “And she left the dirty dishes on the table as if she was beneath washing them.”

  “What do you plan to do? I heard you’ve been sleeping in your office. You’re welcome to stay at the ranch.”

  Dillon shook his head. “Thanks, but I want to be close in case she needs me. I’m going to build a house for myself right next to her. I picked that view and worked hard until I had the money to buy the land.”

  “You always did have a good sense of humor.” Terry chuckled.

  “I mean it. She wasn’t raised with servants, and she said she was good with children. This whole marriage is a lie. She doesn’t know how to tell the truth.” Dillon’s anger grew.

  “She’s young. She just has a lot to learn. I’d just give it some time.”

  “I haven’t bedded her yet. I was being a gentleman, thinking to give her time to get to know me. By golly, I won’t be led around by some woman who thinks she can tell me what to do!”

  “Perhaps a few days alone will change her attitude,” Terry suggested with a shrug. “With all the rain she wouldn’t be able to get to town. Has anyone checked on her?”

  Warmth flooded Dillon’s face. “No. I’ve been too mad to think about it. I suppose I should go up there tomorrow and check on her. Maybe I can just look through the window to see.”

  Terry laughed. “Don’t let her pretty face turn you into a coward.”

  Sighing, Dillon shook his head. “She is beautiful, isn’t she?”

  “Pretty on the outside. Now you need to find the goodness on the inside.”

  Dillon wiped his hand over his face. “That might take a while.”

  * * *

  The longer he ignored her, the madder she got. No one ignored Scarlett Settler—make that Stahl. If she’d had a way to get a message to her pa, she’d have done it. The rain had stopped but it would take forever for the mud to dry.

  She sat at the kitchen table staring at a pair of old cowboy boots of Dillon’s. The kitten, now named Missy, was sleeping on top of the toe of one boot. Scarlett assessed their size. Maybe if she stuffed the toe area she’d be able to wear them to town. She’d have to rig up a way to get them out of the mud once they got sucked in, of course.

  What kind of man leaves his wife alone for days?

  She never should have left her family. She missed them so much. She didn’t realize how much she leaned on all of them until she had come to Silver Falls. She hadn’t realized that she’d be so lonely. Missy was a good listener, but it wasn’t the same.

  That was it. No man ignored her. She’d just go to town and see where he’d been spending the nights. She’d been told there wasn’t a free room in the town. Was Dillon a scoundrel? She didn’t even know him.

  Garbed in her most serviceable dress, she looked in the mirror. The dress was finer than any she’d seen worn in this backward town, and it would be a muddy mess by the time she made it down the hill. But she had no choice. Next, she stuffed her rolled up stockings into the toe of the boots until they fit her.

  Looking around, she found some rope. Her plan was to run a length of rope under the boots and hold onto the ends so if they got stuck she could get them out by pulling up on the rope. She smiled, she was so clever. She then borrowed one of Dillon’s belts and used it to hike her dress up about six inches. At least the hem wouldn’t be muddy.

  She picked up her kitten and kissed her nose. “I’ll be back in a bit. You’ll be just fine.” Missy meowed when Scarlett put her on the bed.

  Grabbing her reticule an
d cape, she started out on her journey. She had a letter to her pa in her pocket, asking him to come get her.

  As soon as she stepped off the porch, her boot got stuck. Her plan with the rope worked great. She was going to be exhausted by the time she got there, but it would be worth it. From the top of the hill, she could see most of the town, but it was the rich green of the trees beyond the town that held her attention. Too bad she wouldn’t get a chance to see the falls. Imagine, ten falls within walking distance.

  Twice she almost landed on her backside, but she’d been able to regain her balance each time. She was glad to see her hem was still mud free. As soon as she stepped on the boardwalk she’d put her contraptions in her reticule. She had just enough money for postage. After smoothing down her dress, she pulled her shoulders back and walked to the store. The bell above the door jingled when she entered.

  Dinah Bains’ brows rose before she hurried Scarlett’s way.

  “Oh, my dear. Are you all right? I hear your husband left you. I always thought of Dillon as a son, but not when he treats a woman the way he has.”

  “I’m just fine, thank you.” Her heart skipped a beat. Everyone knew! Just like before, she was the subject of gossip.

  Melly hurried down the steps. “Hi, Scarlett. How’s married life been?” She sneered.

  Dillon should have married Melly. She was pretty, and they already knew each other. He wouldn’t have left her alone at the house even if she was catty.

  “I’m fine.” She turned toward Dinah. “I have a letter I’d like to post. Can I take care of it here?”

  Dinah nodded. “Yes, let’s go to the back counter, and I’ll be happy to help.”

  Scarlett followed her. There were was a surprisingly large collection of items for sale.

  Dinah went behind the counter, and Scarlett handed her the letter. Dinah looked at it. “That’ll be four cents.”

  Scarlett cocked her right brow. “I thought it was three cents.”

  “It’s four cents.” Dinah stared her down.

  Rummaging through her bag once again, she confirmed that she had no more than three cents. The bell on the door jingled, but she didn’t pay it much mind.

  “I only have three cents,” she said as dismay stole over her.

  Dinah shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry. I can mail it when you have the correct amount.”

  Scarlett’s stomach dropped. It would be faster to walk home then to find a cent. Troubled, she tried to think of what to do. She fingered the silver locket her ma and pa had given her. Taking it off, she laid it on the counter. “How much would you give me for this?”

  Dinah snatched it up and examined it. She opened the locket and frowned. “Who are these people?”

  “My parents. They gave me the necklace as a wedding present.” Her heart grew heavy. It was crazy to sell the fine locket. “Never mind. I don’t want to sell it.” She reached her hand out expecting Dinah to give it back.

  Instead, Dinah stamped the letter and put the necklace in a drawer. “All set.”

  “What do you mean all set? That necklace was worth more than a cent. You took my last three cents and an expensive necklace in exchange for postage?”

  “It’s called business, dear. You have a good day now.” She walked away from the counter and hurried up the steps.

  Scarlett moved to follow but she was suddenly blocked by Melly. “We live up there, and you’re not invited. Like my ma said, good day.”

  Scarlett turned to go and realized that Lolly had come in. “Hello, Lolly.”

  Lolly nodded and pushed past her toward the counter.

  Scarlett swallowed hard as she left the store. She stared at the smithy across the street. Dillon was hard at work, and she wished she could go and talk to him or just sit and watch him but that would never do. She walked to the end of the wooden walkway, put her ropes and belt to good use, and stepped off into the mud. She was going to see the falls before she left.

  She walked down the wet, dirt road and then turned onto a well-beaten path into the woods. It was like being in a different world. The foliage was greener, and the air smelled sweeter. The tall trees created a wonderful canopy, and the ground wasn’t as muddy. The thundering of the water beckoned, and she walked faster, bursting free of the dense woods after a time. Stunned she stopped in place.

  What a sight to behold. She stood at the base of the falls in awe. God was responsible for such beauty, and it humbled her. Dillon had said there were ten falls in all. The path led farther north, but she was content for now to just sit on a big rock and watch the water fall over the edge far above and come crashing down.

  She was glad no one had taken this land to be their own. It was too spectacular to be kept by one person. The color of the water tumbling down was white and blue with a hint of green. She looked closely as the rock she sat upon and was pleased when she made out a carving of a man with a bow and arrow etched into it. So this used to be Indian land; somehow it saddened her that they were taken away from such a beautiful place and put on a reservation. She’d like to ask Dillon more about them, but would she ever have the opportunity?

  Her stomach growled. How stupid of her. She hadn’t thought to pack anything to eat or drink. Well, there was plenty of water in front of her. She walked closer and saw a ledge behind the falls that couldn’t be seen from the front. Intrigued, she carefully walked behind the cascading water and laughed. Who would have ever imagined such a thing?

  One part of the rock ledge jutted closer to the falls. She stood there and filled her cupped hands with water then put them to her lips and sipped. It slaked her thirst. How amazing. She walked back the way she came, wet from the mist. At least she had gotten to see it before she left.

  Sadness encased her as she stood watching the falls again. Life certainly hadn’t gone the way she’d thought. If she was going to be talked about, she’d rather have the protection of her parents. Dillon had nothing to offer her. He didn’t even like her.

  After a deep sigh, she started to walk back to town and then up the hill to her lonely existence. In a week, possibly two, her pa would be there. She needed his comforting arms around her. He made her feel safe, but it had taken her a long time to learn to trust her adoptive parents. Up until she’d met them, it seemed that everyone she loved either died or just left.

  She hadn’t even gotten a chance to know Dillon but he’d already left her. She had tried to be a proper lady. She practiced good posture and how to cock just one brow. The brow stopped many in their tracks. Her manners were impeccable as was her taste in clothing. She wore her hair stylishly and tried to always have a smile on her face. She’d tried so hard to be a perfect woman that everyone would seek out as a friend. She was perfect wife material. What man wouldn’t want her on his arm? She could be the cream of society given the chance.

  Shaking her head, she sighed. Her efforts weren’t appreciated in Silver Falls, especially by Dillon. He had too many other options being flaunted in front of him. He’d chosen her but now was sorry. He obviously wished he’d have chosen another. Probably Melly.

  This time when she reached the walkway she didn’t even bother to step up on it. Instead, she made her way down the muddy street and headed up the hill.

  * * *

  “Well I’ll be,” Homer commented as he stared outside.

  “What is Mrs. Stahl doing here?” Lou asked.

  “Looks like she’s heading back up the hill. Hope she doesn’t slip,” Homer said as he checked another finished piece off the list.

  Dillon stepped outside. He must have missed her. He headed to the back door and opened it. There she was, struggling to make it up the hill, but she was doing it. He went back inside.

  “Lou, take the wagon and get Mrs. Stahl home before she breaks her neck.”

  Lou turned a bit red but did as he was bade.

  Had she run out of food? He hadn’t set up an account for her to charge to at the store. Maybe she was trying to hire a maid. He shook his head. She
needed to grow up. He’d order the wood for his new house later that day. He was almost finished with the plans, indoor water pump and all. His pencil was down to the nub. He took off his leather apron and put his hat on. “I’ll be at the store.”

  He didn’t wait for a response but hiked through the mud to the opposite walkway. He opened the door to the familiar ring of the overhead bell. The first person he saw was Melly. He inwardly groaned. He still couldn’t believe she’d bought a wedding dress. He’d hardly talked to her except to do business at the store.

  “Miss Bains,” he greeted. He tipped his hat to her and went toward the back. He picked up a pencil, a piece of paper, and an envelope. He needed to send a letter to Smitty, but he didn’t know what to write.

  “Hello, Dillon,” Mrs. Bains greeted. “My, what a lucky day; first your wife and now you.”

  “I just want the pencil, paper, and envelope.”

  “A letter? That’s what the Missus was here to do.” Dinah smiled as though she had a secret.

  Dillon didn’t want to take the bait, but he was too curious. “A letter to her family no doubt.”

  “Why yes.” Dinah commented. “Melly, could you take care of Mr. Stahl for me? I have something on the stove that requires my attention. Good to see you again, Dillon.” She whisked up the steps.

  Melly was behind the counter in no time. “Did you want to write the letter here so you won’t have to make another trip back?”

  “No, I’ll write it later. How much do I owe you?”

  “Four cents sounds about right. Too bad Scarlett didn’t have but three cents on her.” Melly fingered the necklace that hung around her neck.

  Dillon’s mouth went dry as fury raced through him. “Isn’t that my wife’s necklace?”

  “How can you call her a wife? You don’t even live together. She must be a real shrew to have driven you away.” Melly’s smile turned cunning. “You know if she died you could remarry.”

  He waited for a moment to calm himself. “You didn’t answer my question. Is that my wife’s necklace?” His voice thundered. Melly was lucky he wasn’t a violent man.