“Perhaps in a perfect world, but not a country fearing war with France.” He felt an overwhelming urge to pull her close. Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back.
“You are nothing but a nincompoop if you think I’m going to marry you!” His silence aggravated her even more. “You see yourself gallantly coming to my rescue, whereas I see you as nothing more than a prig stealing my freedom. I doubt you plan on stopping at my freedom either. Do you intend to steal my virtue as well?” She paced back and forth as her wrath elevated. Couldn’t he do more than demurely stand there? “Do you intend to violate me?” She yelled.
“I would implore you to lower your voice, Caitlin, someone may overhear.”
“So what! Are you afraid someone will think you a cad for taking advantage of an innocent? Or do you presume that once we marry I am your property to do with as you see fit?”
“I merely…”
“Oh, save your useless breath.” She threw her hands up in the air. “Your eloquent words will not work on me. I tell you truly, Mr. Cade, I will not bed you of my own accord. I’ll not even wed you of my own consent.”
“I understand your apprehension, Caitlin.” He sighed. “I can assure you I will not take advantage of you.”
“Right!” She crossed her arms. “You will not see it as such because a husband is to own his wife. Some men count their wives as nothing more than slaves.”
“Perhaps some men but not I.” He wanted to assuage her fears. “I will treat you with the utmost respect.”
“Do you think reciting poetry, using flattery, and giving expensive gifts will impel me to your side? I can truly say that it will not. You, Mr. Cade, are my enemy and all the money in the world will not convince me otherwise.”
She ripped the broach off her shawl, tearing a hole in the delicate fabric. “Take your bribe back.” She threw it at him.
He ducked out of the way just in time. Dillon watched the dejected look cross her rounded features. Understanding that she’d behaved out of anger and fear, he felt compelled to dismiss the act of temper. “I am truly sorry, Caitlin.”
“Sorry for whom?” She sniffed. “Certainly not for yourself. In two weeks you will have a virgin bride to ravish as you please, and I will have no say.” The horrid image propelled forward with so much vigor that she could no longer stand the sight of this wretched man. “I hate you, Dillon Cade!” Picking up her skirts she dashed for the comfort of her room.
Chapter 2
Dillon mounted the stairs, following the melancholy sounds of the fortepiano. When the song ended he lightly tapped on the door.
“Come in.”
Dillon stepped through the door and met Caitlin’s startled gaze. “I thought you were Mama.”
“Your father gave me permission to speak with you.” He stepped forward, leaving the door open. “You play very beautifully, my lady.”
“I have not been able to play my best lately.” The bruises from her failed escape attempt made moving difficult. Sharp pains emerged every time she hit the keys too hard. Standing she asked, “How may I be of assistance to you, Mr. Cade?”
“I thought we discussed that the other night.” Dillon stepped closer. “You may call me, Dillon. The formal address will not do for a husband.”
“As you wish, Dillon.” She stressed his name with more sour than a hundred lemons could provide. Although there were several more names she’d like to attach, she held her tongue. “I am sure you did not come all this way to address names.”
“Nay. I wanted to clarify something from our conversation a few nights past.”
“’Tis nothing left to say.”
“If I may make one thing understood?”
“If you must.” She sighed. The sooner he finished his prattling, the sooner she could go back to sulking.
“’Tis obvious that you do not wish to speak to me, so I will make my comment brief.” His medium sized frame stood straight and his arms were in their usual position behind his back. “I only wish to alleviate your fears of being ravished, if it will suit you to have separate bedrooms than I will not object.”
“Truly?” Caitlin couldn’t hide her shock or relief.
“’Twill accommodate me just fine.” He bowed his head. “Good day, my lady.”
“One moment.”
He turned to face her with his hand on the doorknob. “Aye.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“I have done no such thing. You presumed something that simply is not true. No matter what you may believe of me, I am not a rake or a cad. I will never force a young maiden, my wife or not.” With a curt nod he left.
Caitlin paced the room letting his comments sink in. So he will not force me into the marriage bed. That piece of knowledge should have settled her mind, and yet, she felt spurned. He seemed overly zealous in obliging this element of their marriage. Perhaps, he didn’t wish her in his bed. Stopping in front of the whatnot shelf she picked up a small figurine. So what? She mused. As long as I do not have to appease the enemy.
* * *
“I have a present for you.” Kathleen set a large box on the bed.
Caitlin wanted to stew more, however curiosity got the best of her. She closed the book that she’d been pretending to read and walked over to the bed.
“Open it,” Kathleen instructed.
“Oh, Mama, it’s lovely.” Caitlin pulled out a beautifully decorated ivory satin gown.
“Try it on and see how it fits.” Kathleen clapped. “I cannot wait to see you in it.”
Caitlin knew this to be her wedding gown, and although the craftsmanship looked unmatched to any dress she’d ever laid eyes on it also reminded her of the impending doom. “I do not feel like changing right now.”
“But we have to leave time for alterations, if any are needed.” Kathleen wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Turn around I’ll unbutton your gown.”
“I suppose I have no choice in this either.”
“Nay, my daughter.”
Caitlin subjected herself to her mother’s care and soon was garbed in the formal dress. The high waist of the chemise allowed the satin to hang freely as it flowed down forming a long train in the back. A cream, crepe overdress printed with tiny flowers of pink, lavender, yellow, and silver, delicately drifted over the satin. A silver silk shawl crossed at her bust then wrapped under each arm forming a bow in the back. Flowers stitched in silver thread adorned the hem of the gown.
“It fits perfectly.” Caitlin noted, fanning her hands over the cool, creamy material. “I cannot believe I fit into your wedding dress.”
“Oh, ‘tis not my wedding dress.”
“It’s not?” She wondered why it hadn’t smelled musty.
“I could never have afforded a dress this magnificent when I married your father.”
“Then where did it come from?”
“The seamstress made it.”
“How did she sew it so fast? I’ve only been engaged for twelve days. This had to have taken longer than that.”
“She started it a few months ago.”
“A few months ago!” Caitlin whirled around, nearly knocking her mother over, who’d been arranging her train. “You’ve been planning this for months and yet I was not informed until a few weeks ago.”
“We didn’t want to drag the situation out. Your father and I thought it best to notify you closer to the nuptials so you would not be unduly perturbed.”
“Is that not considerate?” She arched a red brow. “Don’t allow me to worry over the nuptials, just coerce me into them.”
“Caitlin, we have already been over this and I do not wish to discuss it anymore.” Kathleen turned her attention back to the garment. “Do you think you will be warm enough in the short sleeves?” She played with the silver flounce. “I thought about long ones, but I loved the lace on these cap sleeves.”
“’Twill be fine.” She didn’t want to drop the subject, yet no one listened anyway.
“Now al
l that is left is the headdress,” Kathleen stated.
“I do not have to put the whole outfit on right now.”
“But I want to see you in it.”
“You will see me in two days.”
“Indulge me.”
Kathleen set a chiffonet headpiece on top of the auburn curls. The silver gauze ruffled down the sides and back, being held in place with a bandeau of colored flowers. “’Tis perfect.”
As much as Caitlin hated the idea of the wedding, she did feel like a princess in the gown. Her wardrobe mostly consisted of the middle class materials: linen, crape and cotton. The luxurious feel of the satin lifted her spirits, a little. “I should have known ‘twas not your dress. I never imagined you this slim.” She got one last barb in.
“’Tis a rude remark.” Kathleen scolded. “For your information, I was very slender when I married. Age and having three children have added to my frame.”
“I do not intend to ever be plump,” Caitlin needled.
“Perhaps you will not, however you cannot stop time.”
“No, but I won’t have any children.”
“Oh, Caitlin, I wish you would think about this issue. But, once you are married ‘twill be your life to live.”
“I am glad to hear I have a say about something in my life.” She took her headpiece off.
“You are making this decision out of anger. I ask you to reconsider once you have calmed down.”
“Why? Just so you can have grandchildren?”
“Life can be very lonely, Caitlin. Children can fill that void. Where are you going to be in your old age without children?”
“Right where you and Papa put me.” Her eyes narrowed.
Kathleen fought back the doubts forging forward, causing mass confusion as to what was right. On one hand, they had to physically protect Caitlin. On the other, her daughter would be condemned to a loveless marriage without any children. Which way of life would be best?
* * *
The sun slowly slipped over the horizon, causing the sleepy town of Norfolk to awaken to a bright pink sky scattered with perfect cotton-like clouds. The warm rays touched the ground, drying up the last drops of dew clinging to the grassy fields, tobacco crops, colored trees, and delicate flowers.
The air feeling a bit chilly now promised to warm up as the day wore on, leaving in its wake the most ideal weather for sayings ones’ vows. That is, of course, if one wanted to recite the words that fettered you for life. Caitlin’s apprehension mounted with the rising of the sun; it brought life to the day she’d been dreading.
Rolling over, she forcibly punched the feather pillow, taking out her frustration while trying to flatten the lumps. “Why even bother?” she sighed. “I have not slept all night, ‘tis useless now.” Throwing back the quilt, she slipped out of bed and walked to the window, recalling the dream that recurred all night long. “Oh, Dwayne,” she softly muttered. “What are you trying to tell me?”
His voice had appeared in her sleep, as if he was reaching out from beyond the grave, trying to console her tormented heart. “Keep the faith, Catie pie. Keep the faith.” Catie Pie. No one had called her that since his death.
Her eyes wandered over the lush green lawn that extended to the edge of the forest. The golden sun appeared over the tops of the trees, casting a majestic mood over all of Virginia. This type of day typically would have stimulated her, however this gloomy mood wouldn’t be lifted even by a spectacular sunrise.
A light rapping brought her out of her musings. “Come in.”
Kathleen entered. “I thought you would still be sleeping.” She crossed the room to stand next to her daughter. “’Tis a beautiful day.”
“I suppose.”
“It’s going to be a perfect day for the wedding.”
Caitlin made no response. She’d begged, pleaded, and cried for two weeks to no avail. Sometimes crying so hard that now the well spring of tears seemed to be dried up. There were no tears left only a quiet resolve to forge ahead.
“Darling, I wish you could enjoy the day just a little.”
“’Twill never happen.” Caitlin smoothed out some wrinkles from her night dress. “I will go through with the nuptials but do not mistake my compliance for acceptance. This day is nothing more than bondage to me. I will go to the altar with my head held high, but a heavy heart.”
“Is there nothing I can say to convince you otherwise?”
“Aye.” She leveled her gaze to meet her mother’s. “You can explain the situation. Everyone informs me that this is for my own good, yet they refuse to confirm why.”
“You deserve some answers, but I won’t go against your Father’s wishes. We will explain everything in due time.”
“In due time!” Caitlin threw her hands up. “’Tis the morning of my wedding. How much longer must I wait?”
“Until after the ceremony.”
“Why?”
“We do not want to cause undue stress.”
“Oh, come on, Mother! You cannot hide behind that cloak forever. If you truly did not want to cause me distress then you would not be forcing my hand into marriage. And, most certainly not to the enemy.”
“Why not think of Dillon simply as a man instead of someone who is English?”
“I will think of him simply as my enemy.” Caitlin smoothed out some wrinkles in her night gown.
“Is that not harsh for someone you hardly know?”
“Is it not harsh forcing me to be leg shackled?”
Caitlin paced a few steps. “You and Papa did not inform me of the wedding until a few weeks ago because you were afraid I would talk you out of this ridiculous idea.”
“Or, try to runaway.” Kathleen smiled at the shocked look on Caitlin’s face. “We knew you wouldn’t take this quietly.”
“How did you know?” Caitlin crossed her arms. “Brogan! That rascal told you.”
“Brogan said nothing. You are my flesh and blood. Do you not think I know how your mind operates?” Kathleen pulled up the sleeve on Caitlin’s night dress to reveal a faded bruise. “Besides, I noticed the bruises and scratches.”
“’Twas the only way to keep my freedom.” She pulled her arm away and stalked back to the window. “Even that attempt failed. It seems I am destined to become Mrs. Caitlin Cade.”
“I like the sound of that, don’t you?”
“Humph!” Caitlin elevated her perky nose. “I like Caitlin Gallagher just fine.”
“Therein lays the problem. The Gallagher name has become too dangerous. It is associated with treason in Ireland.”
“What has that to do with America?”
“America may view us as a threat. Under the name Cade you will be protected.”
“Nonsense!” Caitlin defiantly folded her arms.
Kathleen lifted her chin. “’Tis our job to keep you safe.”
“Do I not have a say in the matter? After all, ‘tis my life.”
“If circumstances were different,” she gently stated. “However, we must play the hand that has been dealt us.”
“I do not like this hand.”
“Neither do I. Nonetheless, it is what God has given us. Besides, you could have been dealt a worse hand.”
“How? I am being forced into a marriage with an Englishman to protect me from a government I’m starting to despise as much as England. You think there is a bright side to all this?”
“Dillon is a fine looking gentleman. If you must be tied down, at least you have someone worth looking at.”
“Mother!” She covered her ears. “I do not wish to hear such talk.”
“Come now, Caitlin. You are about to be married, and we have never had our talk.”
“You need not waste your breath. Our marriage will be one in name only.”
“Time has a way of changing hearts. Perhaps, someday things will be different.”
“Never!” Caitlin whirled around. “I will never sleep with the enemy.”
Kathleen knew better that to try and
reason with her. When Caitlin got in moods like this you couldn’t rationalize with her. At least she would go through with the ceremony. That seemed about as much as she could expect. “Why don’t you get ready? The enemy is here.”
“Why is he here so early?”
“He has come to take the morning meal with us.”
“Great.” She arched her brows. “What a way to start the worst day of my life.”
* * *
The house buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for the upcoming ritual. Chairs and tables were set in place, bouquets and centerpieces artfully arranged, the garden cleaned and weeded, all while the smells of the wedding dinner wafted through the air.
Caitlin couldn’t believe the number of people working, and the transformation that occurred in their small garden. “Who are all these people?” She asked, stepping onto the terrace.
“Dillon brought some helpers along with the dishes from his house. The neighbors have also loaned us their place settings and linens.” Kathleen informed her.
Alin kissed her cheek. “Good morning, my pet.”
The Unwilling Bride Page 3
