“As I said, I will have a talk with her.” His crisp tone told Caitlin not to pursue any further.
“As you wish, sir.” Her mockery intensified with a small curtsy. His taking a servant’s side over hers only made the resentment grow stronger. She was his wife, even if in name only. That should have born more status than the hired help.
* * *
Caitlin tied the yellow ribbons of her straw bonnet then checked her appearance in the gold-framed convex mirror. The yellow and blue flowers adorning the hat matched perfectly with the blue and yellow checkered pattern of her Roman style dress. Pinching her cheeks to give them a rosy glow, she smiled slightly.
What’s taking him so long? She tapped her small pointed slipper, impatiently. It had been three days since he promised to take her into town. Not only was she eager to get started on the house, but he also agreed to buy her some new dresses and bonnets.
Shopping always put her in a good mood. However, qualms tugged at the back of her mind. This was her first trip out as a married woman. The hasty nuptials no doubt left people with lots of questions, and she wondered how best to answer them. Although she and Dillon had made a pretense at the wedding to appear as a happy, devoted couple, she couldn’t keep that charade up forever. At the same time, she wasn’t sure people could tolerate the truth. Although arranged marriages were common, among the upper class, the middle and lower classes married more for love. After all, they didn’t have large fortunes, old names, and empires to merge together.
How could she tell her friends and acquaintances that her parents had arranged the marriage? That she’d been goaded into this situation for reasons unbeknownst to her. Even though her father said it was for her own protection, as of yet, he had not elaborated as to what she was being protected from.
“Mr. Cade is bringing the carriage around.” Lucy stated as she hurried into the hall. “I found your blue pelisse. Will that do?”
“’Tis fine.” She slipped her arms into the coat.
“This matches perfectly with your dress,” Lucy stated as she hooked the silver latches. Making a trip around Caitlin, she brushed away some wrinkles on her back and shoulders, wanting her mistress to look perfect. Wanting everyone to see what a good job she was doing. “You are the portrait of beauty.” Anxiously reaching up she fiddled with a stray curl.
“Will you stop fussing?” Caitlin smacked her hand away.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Cade.”
“And stop calling me Mrs. Cade.”
“Yes. Ma’am.”
The dejected look crossing the young girl’s face instantly made Caitlin regret being so snippy. “I did not mean to yell at you. You are only a few years younger than I am it seems ridiculous for you to keep referring to me as Mrs. Cade. My name is Caitlin.”
“Yes, Mrs.…I mean Caitlin.” Her blue eyes brightened but still seemed clouded with dissatisfaction. “You don’t feel it improper for me to use your Christen name?”
“You will soon learn that I do not like following the rules of proper decorum. I like doing things my own way. If I felt it improper I would not have suggested it in the first place.”
A smile brightened the girl’s face. She not only had the prettiest mistress in town, she also had the nicest. “Yes, ma’am.”
“What?”
“I mean, Caitlin.”
“That’s better.”
The door opened and a gust of wind wiped around the hem of her skirt. “Are you ready?” Dillon asked.
“We are waiting on you.” Caitlin straightened her back and headed to the door.
“Sorry I took so long, but a problem arose in the stable.”
“Nothing serious, I hope.”
“Not at all. Everything is fine.” He helped Caitlin into the carriage, then Lucy. When both women were settled, he climbed up, sitting across from Caitlin.
“You have been very mysterious about the stables,” Caitlin noted.
“How so, madam?” He cocked his head.
“You did not show me the stables when we toured the grounds the other day.”
“I assumed that ladies detest the smell of stables.”
“You assumed wrong about this lady,” she quipped. “I enjoy being around horses. As a matter of fact, I had a horse in Ireland. I even groomed him myself.”
Dillon’s lighthearted chuckle filled the small space. “I should have realized you would be different.” His deep-set brown eyes regarded her closely. “So, the smell does not offend you?”
“Nay.” She sat erect, trying to look sophisticated and keep her body from swaying as the horses pulled the heavy load over the bumps in the dirt road.
He shifted in his seat, stretched his legs out, crossing them at the ankles. The brush of his legs instantly made her mind go back to their wedding day and the kiss. A chill swept through her as she remembered how close their bodies had been, and what he tasted like. Oh, foolish girl! She reprimanded herself. How could a mere look, or simple brush of his body sent her mind back to that kiss?
“Are you cold?” Dillon’s question brought her back to the present.
“Just a little.” She felt her body shaking.
“Here.” He tossed her a blanket.
“Thanks.” She wrapped it around her legs but knew it would do little to ease the chills. They weren’t caused from the cold wind. “When are you going to show me the stables?” she asked, averting her attention.
“As soon as I have a day off.”
“Who knows when that will be?”
“We have been married less than a week and you’re already complaining that we do not spend enough time together.” A small smile played on his lips. “I would have thought that would be more to your liking.”
“It is,” she stated. Casting a glance toward Lucy she cautiously continued. “I merely meant that I am anxious to see the stables. Perhaps I can tour them by myself?”
“Afraid not, my dear. It would be too dangerous.”
“I know my way around stables,” she insisted.
“I’d prefer you to wait for me. I will take you as soon as I can.”
“Whatever you say, my lord.”
“Now that we have that out of the way,” he winked at Lucy, “Is there anything else on your mind?”
“As a matter of fact, there is.” She fixed him with a stare. “What are we going tell people about our marriage?”
His thick brows drew together making his face even more handsome. “Whatever you want, my dear.”
“’Tis your marriage too.” She reminded him. “Just once I’d like you to have an opinion on something.”
“I told you my point of view on the stables and now you’re miffed.”
“I’m not miffed.” She stated indignantly. “I am merely curious.”
“I’d rather have you angry.”
“Why?”
“Then we could kiss to make up.” Her horror stricken gasp made him laugh.
“Truly, sir, you are a philanderer.”
“How can I be a womanizer? You are my wife?”
In name only, she wanted to remind him, but due to the fact that Lucy was riding with them she simply said, “I am sure I’m not the only woman you have said that to.”
“Perhaps not. However, you are the last.”
Now it was her turn to laugh.
* * *
The smell of wood and spices greeted Caitlin as she entered the general store. A tall, thin lady with gray hair looked up from her writing when she heard the door and shuffling feet.
“Caitlin.” Her wrinkled face crinkled even more with her smile.
“Good day, Mrs. Johnson.”
“I didn’t expect to see you so soon after your wedding.”
“We are doing some remodeling and wondered if you know anyone who could assist.”
“Oh. Yes. Just wait right here and I’ll get Mr. Johnson. He handles things like that, you know?” She bustled off into the back room.
It annoyed Caitlin that women never
discussed things like business. Everyone knew it was Mrs. Johnson, not her husband, who kept the store going. Yet she hurries off to get him as if he is the one in charge.
As she stood there stewing, Dillon and Lucy joined her. His tanned cheeks were reddened and his hair tousled from the wind. A few long strands escaped from his ponytail, curling as they dangled down, brushing his shoulder.
“Did you talk with Mrs. Johnson?”
“She’s getting Mr. Johnson as we speak.”
Mr. Johnson came out of the back room, tucking the tails of his shirt into his trousers. His short-cropped hair stuck up in all directions. “Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Cade.”
“Good day to you, sir.” Dillon shook his hand. The two went off to talk business while Mrs. Johnson showed Caitlin and Lucy the new fabrics that had arrived.
“Isn’t this one just lovely.” Mrs. Johnson held up the roll of green velvet.
“Oh. It is.” Lucy ran her hand over the soft fabric.
“’Tis beautiful,” Caitlin agreed, “but I fear it’s too expensive.”
“Too expensive.” Mrs. Johnson stated. “That coming from someone wearing a diamond the size of a small rock.”
Caitlin glanced down at her hand, still not accustomed to wearing the ring. It was a constant reminder that she no longer controlled her life. She now belonged to Dillon. The metal felt cold and hard. “’Tis only a piece of jewelry.”
“Only a piece of jewelry.” Mrs. Johnson elbowed Lucy and roared with laughter. “Wish I could afford so fine a diamond.”
“Diamonds cannot make up for happiness,” Caitlin stated. “In the end, love is the only thing that matters.”
“How very poetic of you,” Mrs. Johnson observed. “But you fared better than most. You got prince charming and money to boot.”
“That remains to be seen.”
“True. You’re just getting to know each other. It takes time to build a good marriage. However, you snagged the most eligible bachelor in town. Not only is he rich, but he’s the most dashing male within twenty miles.”
“Mrs. Johnson!” Caitlin gasped. “You mustn’t say such things.”
“You’re married now. You know what goes on between a husband and wife.”
“’Tis beside the point.” She fidgeted with her gown, running her hands over the cool, cotton fabric, smoothing it out. “Lucy should not be hearing talk like that.”
“Fiddle sticks.” Mrs. Johnson waved her hand. “She is approaching the age to marry. Then she’ll find out first hand what all this talk is about.”
“Hush now,” Caitlin insisted.
“I’m only saying that you should be grateful to finally get hitched. The whole town is abuzz about you getting married so quickly. And poor Henrietta is just beside herself. She…”
“Did you find anything you like?” Dillon cut in.
“There are so many wonderful patterns here, I have not made up my mind as of yet.” Actually, they’d been talking and she hadn’t even seen all the bolts of fabric.
“Why don’t we go to the tailor’s shop and look at some styles of dresses. Perhaps then you will have a better idea of which fabrics you would like.”
“’Tis a good idea.” Caitlin was grateful for an excuse to leave.
Lucy helped Caitlin into her pelisse. They bid the Johnson’s good day and stepped outside. The wind played with her hat, trying to lift it into the air. She held onto it as they made their way across the street and down the boardwalk.
“Did you get any names?” Caitlin asked.
“Not really. Mr. Johnson was not very clear.”
“Mr. Johnson never has a clear head when it comes to business. But he seems to give his card games a lot of attention.”
“Caitlin. How do you know that?”
“Everyone in town knows he gambles. He’s too lazy to work and that’s his only means of support.”
Dillon abruptly stopped walking. “Even if it is true, you mustn’t say such things out loud.”
“Why not? Mrs. Johnson speaks her mind.”
“Mrs. Johnson has many years on you, and earned the right to say as she pleases.”
“She has never spoke to me so boldly before.”
“You were the daughter of Alin Gallagher before. Now you are my wife. People are going to treat you differently.”
“Why must women always be associated with men? The daughter of…the wife of…the sister of. Why can’t we simply be who we are?”
“What did Mrs. Johnson say to rile you up so?” Dillon asked, knowing it didn’t take much.
“She went on and on about how I should be grateful that you married me. Suggesting that I snagged you. Like you are some prize and I am nothing but a heap of dung.”
“I’m sure ‘tis not what she meant.” He wanted to ease her hurt feelings. “Mrs. Johnson adores you.”
“Then why must she be so unkind? She seemed to care more about Henrietta than about me.”
Dillon tensed. “What did she say about Henrietta?”
“Not much.” Caitlin turned to Lucy. “Do you know anything about her?”
“I know Henrietta was cross when she heard you were getting married. I think she fears becoming an old maid.”
“Serves her right.” Caitlin smugly smiled. “She’s never been nothing but mean to me since I moved here.” For the first time she felt glad about being married, even if it was just gratification against her enemy.
They went into the shop and Caitlin looked over sketches of dresses. As the women talked about which fabrics best suited the styles, Dillon had a surprise visitor.
“Master Cade.” A young boy of about sixteen entered the shop. I’ve been looking all over town for you.” He took his hat off.
“Well, Johnny you found me. What is the matter?”
“The printer isn’t working again.”
“You boys can’t fix the problem?” Dillon asked irritated.
“We tried, sir.” He sheepishly played with his hat.
“All right. I’ll be there in few minutes.”
Dillon turned to Caitlin. “I fear I must go. I will be back to pick you up as soon as I can.” He quickly brushed a kiss across her lips, taking her by surprise.
After picking out three dresses, and discussing fabrics and patterns. Lucy and Caitlin hung around the shop for a while waiting for Dillon. After getting restless they decided to go for a walk, and ended up back at the general store.
“Caitlin, this hat would be perfect with the purple dress.” Lucy held up the white top hat with purple plumes.
“The colors do match closely.” Caitlin untied her bonnet and fitted the top hat over her array of curls. “I do like it, but it’s a little high. I’m use to smaller hats.”
“But it looks so stylish,” Lucy insisted.
“You’re right. Perhaps I’ll splurge.”
“Oh, Caitlin. I can’t wait to see you in the entire outfit. You will look so stunning.” Lucy trotted off to find some other trinket that would please her mistress.
“You shouldn’t allow her to use your Christian name like that.” Mrs. Johnson commented. “’Tis not proper.”
“She is my charge and I will decide what is proper.” Caitlin took the hat off. “I want to purchase this.”
“You never do anything properly.” Mrs. Johnson took the hat and headed to the front of the store.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Caitlin followed, tying her bonnet.
“Just like your wedding. You didn’t date the proper length of time. You barely had an engagement and then you were married.”
“You can take my courtship up with my parents. They are the ones who planned the whole thing.” Caitlin felt the temperature of the room rising as her anger level elevated. Not only had she been coerced into wedlock, now she was being blamed for the hasty ceremony.
“Of course they had to rush everything.” Mrs. Johnson insisted. “They wanted the nuptials to take place before you started showing.”
“You
think I’m in the family way?”
“Everyone knows what a rushed wedding means.”
“Then you may inform everyone they are wrong. I am not now, nor will I ever be with child.”
“You’re not having a baby?
“No, you goose.”
“’Tis best I suppose. It would break your poor mama’s heart to know a grandchild was on the way and not be around to see it.”
“What foolishness are you talking about now?”
“They will be long gone to Ireland.” Mrs. Johnson informed her.
“They cannot go back to Ireland.”
“Don’t you know?” Confusion registered on the wrinkled, old face. “They have no choice. The government is forcing them back.”
“Why?”
“It has something to do with the some kind of law the President passed.”
Caitlin felt the room spinning as the pieces of the puzzle started fitting into place. “That’s why they forced me into this marriage?” She was too preoccupied to respond to the shocked gasps that erupted from the few people in the store. Her mind was centered on Dillon, her parents, the government, and the sedition acts. All these things had conspired, impelling her into a marriage with the enemy.
The Unwilling Bride Page 7
