by Alta Hensley
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, softer than the time before. He gently nipped at her lips and added, “And my heart tells me to make you mine forever.”
“As does mine,” she said between sweet and tiny kisses.
“My heart also tells me to never let you go. To ask you to marry me and be my wife.”
“And my heart says for me to say yes. Yes, I will be your wife.”
Chapter Ten
Della woke up with a sense of freedom. It had taken her several days to come to terms that she indeed was getting married. She would no longer be a gem, but soon be a wife and a mother. She would be a married woman and have a home to call her own. Anson would be her husband, and he would never let her go. When Della rushed home to The Red Petticoat to tell everyone the good news, everyone had been nothing but caring, understanding, and even excited for her future nuptials. All the gems spoke highly of Anson, and all agreed that she was one lucky girl. The day would come soon for her to leave The Red Petticoat, but she would never leave the people. She loved each and every one of them.
She didn’t know all there was to know about Anson, but was confident that she would enjoy the process of learning every part of him, both emotionally and physically. For the first time in her life, she actually craved a man. Longed for him even. She couldn’t wait until their bodies joined as one. His intelligence, kindness, and how it blended with his power and dominance captivated her. Anson was certainly firm, and she knew he wouldn’t tolerate the slightest show of disobedience. Her health would definitely be a no nonsense issue, but she knew he would be fair and loving at the same time. She knew he would love her, protect her, and do right by her. For all of those reasons, she was prepared to offer her heart, her devotion, her obedience, and her love.
The smell of coffee gave away that once again, Nettie had beaten her to the stove. No matter how hard Della tried, that dedicated woman always was the first to rise. Della did everything within her power to take some of the kitchen duties off Nettie’s shoulders, but if she wasn’t being shooed or told to sit and relax, then she was being beaten to the job by having Nettie do it first.
“Nettie, you can sleep in at least on the holy day. I can make breakfast,” she said after she cleaned up and readied herself for the day.
“Hush now, child. I have been making breakfast every day of my grown life. Don’t you expect me to go changin’ none.” She pointed to a bag of potatoes sitting by the table. “You can go ahead and start peeling those if you’d like. We’re going to have an early supper after church, so I want to get some work done ahead of time.”
“Church? Oh, well… I can make supper while you’re gone.”
“Nonsense. You’re going to church as well. You are going to be a doctor’s wife now, and it is expected.”
Della walked over, sat down by the potatoes and started peeling. “I don’t think so. I’ve never been to church. I don’t think it’s any place for a girl like me. A whore has no business in a place like that.”
“You’re going to church, ya hear,” Nettie said, waving her wooden spoon at her. “Ain’t no use in arguing. And don’t let Anson, or Jewel for that matter, catch you calling yourself a whore. You ain’t. You are a beautiful gem, ya hear?”
“Not unless you want Nettie to use that spoon on you,” Anson said with a chuckle as he entered the room. “And then have me use my belt to follow it up.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on top of her head. “Good morning, Della.”
She smiled at the kiss, but then continued on. “I really think it best I stay here,” Della argued again. “I’ve never been to church. Not even as a child. Pa refused to let Ma and me go. He said that the preacher didn’t know what he was talkin’ about and forbade it. Ma did have a Bible though and she taught me about some of it when Pa wasn’t around.”
“Sounds to me that you would like to go, but are just scared. And Reverend Black knows what he is talking about,” Anson said as Nettie handed him a cup of hot coffee.
“But what will people think? I’m a whore going to church.”
“Child, I have about lost my patience with you referring to yourself as a whore. You are a gem. A priceless beauty. Plain and simple. So, one more word—”
“And I’ll blister your behind right here and now,” Anson interrupted. “Nettie is right. You are an exquisite gem who will soon belong to me. And I won’t allow one person to talk poorly about my woman, including you! So hush if you know what is good for you.”
“You’re going to be sitting right next to me in church, young lady.” Nettie placed the biscuits in the oven and stoked the fire. “Before your stubborn butt gets a blisterin’, you better make quick use of that present Anson bought you.” She looked over at a wrapped package on the edge of the table. “No sass from you.”
“Present?” Della looked at Anson, surprised and confused.
Anson smiled and nodded. “Go ahead and open it.”
Della stood up and walked over to the package she hadn’t noticed when she’d first walked in and pulled at the string, releasing the brown paper free to fall on the table. Inside was a neatly folded blue dress with a tiny yellow daisy pattern. The edges of the collar and wrists were lined with a delicate lace. She ran her fingertips along the fabric, not being able to accept that this dress, this present, this kind gesture, was for her.
“Anson? You shouldn’t have.”
“It’s about time we get you out of that red petticoat. You aren’t Citrine anymore.”
She held the dress up against her bosom. “It’s so pretty. So perfect in every way.” Tears exploded from her eyes. “I don’t deserve this.”
Anson walked up and smacked her bottom playfully. “What are my rules about talking down on yourself? I’d hate to have to give you a whoopin’ right before church. It would make for a mighty long sermon.” He leaned in and softly kissed Della’s lips, brushing away her tears with his gentle hands.
“I love it; I love…” She paused.
He kissed the tip of her nose, each eyelid, and then her lips again. “Say it, Della. Say what you were going to say.”
“I love you,” she whispered. “I do, Anson Norwood. I never knew what love felt like until you. These last couple weeks have been the best of my life.”
Anson wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly into his embrace. “And I love you. I knew it the minute I set eyes on your frail little body. I knew I loved you then, but I had no idea how much until now.”
“When are we getting married?” Della asked in a soft voice. She didn’t want to wait another minute. If she had her way, they would be married today.
“Soon. I was going to talk to Reverend Black today after the service to schedule a time.” He smiled and pulled her into his arms, stroking her back as he spoke. “Would you like that?”
“Yes. It’s not that I am in a rush to leave The Red Petticoat, because I’m not. It’s just that I hate being away from you.”
The door crashed open, breaking them from their love spell. “Dr. Norwood!” Sheriff Justice called out. “We got trouble!”
“What’s going on?” Anson asked, releasing Della from his hold and instinctively pushing her behind his broad build.
“There’s a bunch of people getting sick and dying at that large nearby mining camp,” Sheriff Justice informed him, struggling to catch his breath. “There are a lot of men dead, and even more looking as if they are about to meet their maker. People are looking for you to help. I’m afraid we may have an epidemic of sorts on our hands.”
Anson walked over to the fireplace, where his doctor’s bag sat on a stool, and grabbed for it.
Della ran to him and seized his arm. “Wait! Please don’t go. What if it’s the pox? I don’t want you to get whatever is killing those men.”
“Della, I’m doctor. It’s my duty to help people. If these men are sick, I need to see if I can save them. I also have to see if I can stop it from spreading to town.”
“But what if you c
atch it? What if you die? Please,” she pleaded. When she could see that her pleading was getting nowhere, she offered, “Let me come with you. I can help you.”
“No, you are to stay here. We don’t know what is making these men sick, and I’m not going to risk your life. Wait here, and don’t go anywhere. Not even for a walk.” He looked at Nettie and then back at Della. “And I don’t want you ladies telling anyone about this yet. We don’t need a full out panic right now.”
“But—”
Nettie walked over to Della and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Shhh, dear. Trust Dr. Norwood.” She looked at Anson and gave a knowing look. “Anson can take care of himself. He has lives to save.” She then gave Anson a firm look. “He’ll be back soon and tell us all is fine.”
Without saying another word, Anson stormed out of the kitchen with the sheriff close behind.
* * *
Minutes turned to hours, and Della could barely breathe as panic overtook her body. Her future husband was out there with sickness and death, and she didn’t know if he would come out alive. Anson could lose his life all because he felt he had to save others.
“You stop your worrying, girl. You damn well have me in a heap of nerves too,” Nettie said. Della could tell her friend was doing her best to be strong, but even she looked afraid.
Fear and relief blended when there was finally a knock at the door. Della bolted to it, terrified at who and what news would be on the other side. Sheriff Justice stood winded as before, but appeared a little calmer.
“Anson sent me to tell you both that the matter is being taken care of, and he will be seeing you soon.”
“Where is he?” Della asked, still panicked that he could be sick, or still at risk of catching whatever was killing the miners.
The sheriff reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder to try to soothe her. “We are setting up tents near the camp so we can treat them there. Dr. Norwood feels we got a bad case of cholera, and he wants to try to keep it contained rather than bringing the sick men into town. It ain’t the first time we have seen cholera, and I don’t think it will be the last. But the doc knows what he is doing. Rest assured that he’ll be all right. I need to go rally up some help.” He didn’t wait for a response and turned to leave. His job as messenger was complete.
Nettie walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Anson is fine. He sent word so we wouldn’t worry. But he is all right.” Relief filled her voice.
Della turned and looked at her dear friend. “Do you think Anson would mind if I went up to the camp to help? The sheriff just said that extra hands are needed. I just can’t wait around here any longer.” When Nettie looked as if she was considering the idea, she added, “I’ll be extra careful and do whatever Anson tells me. But I feel like I should be there to help him.”
“Child, you are asking for a world of hurt. He asked you to stay here. Listen to the man. He knows what is best.”
“He’s just being overly protective. Even the sheriff says he needs help. I have to be there for him.”
“I don’t think so, if—”
“Nettie, please!” Della interrupted. “You out of all people should know that I’m strong enough to help. I’m not as frail as he thinks I am. I need to do this for him… and for me. I want to prove that I can be the strong wife he’ll need in times like this.”
Nettie nodded. “You go on. You better stay clear of trouble and not make me regret letting you go. I’m going to go talk to Jewel and see about having some of the gems lend a hand as well. You are right about one thing; Dr. Norwood can’t take care of all the sick by himself.”
Della leaned in and gave a quick peck to the woman’s cheek. “Thank you so much. I’ll stay safe.”
Before Nettie could change her mind, Della reached for her heavy wool shawl and dashed out the door.
She ran along the river’s edge that she knew ran to the mine, anxious to see Anson. She hadn’t made it halfway to the camp, when she saw his figure emerge from a tent ahead.
“Anson!” she called out. She waved her arms so he could see her from the distance.
His brisk walk turned to a run when he realized it was her. In an instant, he was standing in front of her, taking her into his arms. “Della? Are you all right?” He pulled away and examined her body. “Are you sick? Why are you here?”
Della shook her head. “No, I couldn’t wait for your return any longer. I was so worried. I want to help you. I want to help the men.” Now that she was away from his hold, she scrutinized him from head to toe. “Are you sick? Did you catch it?”
Anson ran his hand along her face to soothe her. “No. I am fine. The men have cholera I believe. We feel their water source was contaminated by rats.” He studied her eyes, looking sad. “There are a lot of sick people in that tent.”
Della simply nodded. “Can you catch it?”
“Not if I’m careful.” Anson leaned in and kissed her lips quickly, and then looked over his shoulder at the makeshift tent that held the dying. “Della, I need you to get back home. It’s getting late, and I can’t leave to escort you. I really need to get back in there and get back to work.”
“I don’t want to leave.” She walked closer to him, desperate to be held in his arms again. “I want to help you. If I’m going to be a doctor’s wife, I need to learn how to assist you in cases like this. Don’t I? I know you worry about me. Maybe you think I’m too weak to handle this.”
“No, not at all. I actually believe you are one of the strongest people I have ever met. But going into that tent means you are risking your life. I’m not prepared for you to do so.”
She crossed her arms against her chest and glared. “I’m not leaving, Dr. Norwood. I am here to help whether you are prepared for me to do so or not.”
“It’s dangerous, Della. Extremely dangerous. And you have no idea what is inside there. There are men suffering and they very well may die. I don’t want you to have to see that.”
“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Young lady, if I have to turn you over my knee and blister your bottom right here, I will. You will turn around right now and go back to the safety of the saloon. Now!”
“Then spank me all you want. I will still stay and help you even with a sore behind.”
He couldn’t hold back a smile and a small chuckle. “What am I going to do with you?” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “I don’t know who is in more trouble. You for disobeying me, or me for loving a stubborn woman.”
“Spank me later all you want, but allow me to help you now,” she suggested. “Let me show you that I can.”
“If you stay here, there will be extreme consequences later. I’m warning you, Della. I’m a man of my word. When this is all over, you will be coming home with me to face them. Leave now, and I will forget this ever happened.”
“Fine. I don’t care. I’m not leaving.”
“Della…” But before he could say anything further, they saw Madame Jewel and her gems, Nettie, Gabriel, as well has as many other town members walking their way. Sheriff Justice led the group who were all coming to offer their assistance. The town of Culpepper was coming to assist their own.
Della could see the relief of Anson’s face which made her more determined than ever. “See, we are all here to help. Please don’t deny that you need every one of us.”
“Not every one,” Anson countered, reaching out to take Rebekah’s arm. The former gem known as Ruby, had arrived a few moments after the others and was attempting to sidle around the group in a move he knew was probably aimed at distancing herself from her husband. “Just what are you thinking, young lady? As if I don’t have enough to worry about.” When he turned his head and opened his mouth, she spoke quickly.
“Wait, I just…”
Ignoring her, Anson spotted the sheriff. “Jeb!”
“Rebekah tried to twist away, “Please, Dr. Norwood, I told Jeb that I want to help too.”
Ans
on released his hold but only because Jeb had taken his wife’s other arm. “And I told you, to stay home, Red. Do I need to lock you up in the jail to have you mind me?”
Anson shook his head. “Rebekah, we all know you want to help but, honey, you’ve got someone else to consider now. That babe you’re carrying is too precious to chance their momma becoming ill.” When she stomped her foot, he added, “But, you aren’t so far along that your husband can’t blister your behind.”
Della knew how it felt to want to help but also knew Anson was right to be so concerned. “Ruby, these men need help, but if Dr. Norwood has to also worry about you, then…”
“Fine, I’ll go, but please if there is anything I can do from home to help, let me know,” Rebekah interrupted, nodding and rubbing her hand over the small bump of her belly.
After she’d received both a kiss and a swat to her bottom and walked away, Della turned back to Anson. “You know you can’t help all those men on your own.” Waving her hand to include the growing group of volunteers, she continued, “With all of us, you don’t have to. Show us how to help.”
Anson was correct in saying Della had no idea what was inside that tent. She didn’t. No way could she have prepared herself for what she walked into when Anson lifted the flap of the entrance and led the group of volunteers in. The smell almost made her gag, and the sight of dying people almost made her turn and run back to where she came from. But if there was one time in her life where she needed to stand strong, this was it. She could hear other gems gasp as they too must have been just as stunned by the sight. These poor men—so sick, so close to death. Cholera. Della had heard stories of the illness but had never been so close. She remembered that her ma wouldn’t even say the word in fear that even speaking the name would bring it upon them.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Anson’s dictate to the entire group. “Cleanliness is key. You must wash your hands repeatedly and do not touch your face until you do so. I have cleaning stations set up, and I would like some of you to man them to guarantee the highest level of sanitation.
