“Thank you, Mr. White. I suspect it is a bit too early, considering we only received the written missive two days ago. The determination of their arrival will depend on the haste of their packing and boarding.” She sighed, one born more of relief than boredom. “’Tis nothing to do but send the boys out on the morrow.”
“As you wish, milady.” With a court bow, he left.
Caitlin resumed her pacing. Her focus should be on the daily tasks at hand, but soon fretting about Dillon consumed her thoughts once again. She had already gone to her father’s office and begged the help of his lawyer friend. Beyond that she hadn’t a clue what to do next. She wanted to see Dillon, but now had to wait on his parents’ arrival.
“Blast it all!” she fumed. “Why should I wait on them anyway? ‘Tis not like we invited them.” On the contrary, his parent’s arrival was more of an intrusion. After reading those nasty letters, she had no desire to meet his stepmother. Caitlin sent silent thanks up to God that Bernadine was only his stepmother and not related by blood.
Her pacing and thoughts were once again interrupted by a loud clearing of the throat.
She looked up started. “Mr. Barclay, I am sorry I did not hear you.”
“Clearly not.” He cleared his throat, quieter this time. “A matter has arisen, and I must speak with you.”
“Of course, come sit down.” Caitlin waved her hand to the settee.
He took a set. His dark eyes darting around the rims of his glasses as he took in the sight of the room. His chest swelled with pride. This room was much more pleasing, and cozier than before.
“How can I be of assistance?” Caitlin took the wing chair opposite of him.
“Well. Umm…about the kitchen.” He fidgeted with his hands, not knowing what to do with them. He tried resting them in his lap, but almost fell over as he sat nervously perched on the edge of the small couch. Using his hands for balance made him look awkward.
“Oh, the kitchen.” Caitlin laughed, and waved her hand. “Do not worry about that room. Martha, the cook, has begged me not to touch a thing in there. You see that is her space and she has it set up exactly the way she likes it. I fear it would be terribly impolite of me not to abide by her wishes.”
“I, too, believe that would be wise.”
“Good. I’m grateful you see my position on this. The only other room not to be touched is Dillon’s study. He begged this of me before we started the plans for remodeling.”
“Very well.”
“The rest of the house, Mr. Barclay, is in your capable hands.”
The compliment and her smile made his round cheeks turn red. “Shall I proceed with the game room?”
“That would be fine.”
“And what are your plans for it, Mrs. Cade?”
Caitlin sighed and rubbed her temple where the beginning of an ache was coming on. “I’m sorry, Mr. Barclay, but I cannot think upon that right now. My thoughts are with Dillon at the moment.” She didn’t want to stop the work, but concentrating on the house was out of the question at this time.
“I am truly sorry for your troubles. I pray that Mr. Cade will come through this ordeal unharmed.”
“Thank you for your concern, and your prayers.” Caitlin stood, walking over to the window. “So many people are praying. I only hope that God hears them.”
“I am sure He does.” Mr. Barclay stood. “Am I to assume that the rest of the remodeling is on hold until Mr. Cade is back home?”
“Aye. I have no other choice. I cannot possibly concentrate right now.” Her smooth brow furrowed with worry and regret, for she truly wished to have the entire house completed soon.
“If it would not be too forward of me, I would like to make a suggestion.”
“But of course.”
“I have worked with you long enough that I believe I have your taste and style down. I believe I could do the game room in a style that you would find most acceptable.” He walked closer, excitement dancing in his dark eyes. “And if you happen to not like the work, I would redo the room to your liking free of charge.”
Caitlin’s lips puckered and her brows drew together while she pondered his offer. “Mr. Barclay, I know that we had our differences in the beginning of this project. However, as we’ve worked together over the past weeks I have come to trust your judgment a great deal.” She smiled. “But I fear I am the type of person who likes to control the situations around me.”
“This I know.” His smile seemed more like a leer. His thoughts went back to the first time they met, and the awful things he had thought about her. Although, he had come to highly respect her in the last month. Her talent far exceeded most men in the area of remodeling. “However, I believe I can get the room done.”
“I have no qualms about you redoing the game room. Every task I’ve given you has been completed with great craftsmanship and in a timely manner.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cade.” His chest filled with pride once again. “If you entrust this task to me, I swear I will not let you down.”
“It is a very generous offer.”
He held his breath until she started to speak again.
“My plans for that room are slightly different than the previous rooms, however. I’ve done the rooms thus far on a more feminine basis. My husband being a true gem has allowed me extravagant leeway. But not every man is as sensitive to decorating style as Mr. Cade. Therefore I want the game room masculine enough for the men, and yet, stylish enough to hold the ladies attention.”
“Yes. Yes. I get the picture. Perhaps shades of brown and tans.” Mr. Barclay started to envision the room. “With leather upholstery.”
“Aye. But not too many dark colors. That would make the room depressing. We still need slashes of bright colors to liven things up.”
“Perhaps red, or royal blue upholstery on the chairs.”
“And the curtains on the window must match the color on the chairs.”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Very well then. You may get started, and I shall attend to my husband’s needs.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cade.” He shook her hand vigorously.
* * *
“And just what do ye think yer doing?” Martha huffed. “The lady of the house is not to be in the kitchen.”
“But I need something to do or I will go mad.” Caitlin wiped the flour off her hands, using the edge of the apron.
“I understand the feeling, but you must be able to find something else more ladylike to take yer mind off yer troubles.”
“I already tried my stitching and pricked my finger five times.” She pushed a few red locks back under the blue cottage cap. “I was never very good at needlepoint when I have full concentration. Now that my mind is full of worry over Dillon, I fear I cannot handle the hoop at all.”
“If’n yer mind is full of worry, you best be sitten down with the Good Book and read for awhile. God doesn’t like us worrying over things that are in His control.”
“I know.” Caitlin sighed then went back to kneading the dough. “I did try to read but I needed something to do with my hands. So I made a batch of scones.”
“I know you are having a hard time with this situation. However, you must give it over to the Lord. He will direct you in what to do.”
“You just want me directed out of your kitchen.” Caitlin smiled warmly. Martha’s advice was good and should be heeded. She must learn how to rely on God.
“I ain’t saying that.” Martha laughed. “Although you are in the way.”
Caitlin piled the dough in a circle on the baking dish. “There now I’ll leave this to you to finish baking and I’ll go read my Bible for a space.”
“I would suggest you clean up a bit first. It looks like a bag a flour exploded on you.”
“I never said I was an efficient cook.” Caitlin washed her hands in the basin.
“Mrs. Cade, there you are.” A chambermaid entered the kitchen. “I have been looking all over the house for you.” She rushe
d on breathlessly. “First I searched in the game room, but Mr. Barclay had not seen you all day. Then, I looked up stairs but to no avail.”
“Calm down.” Caitlin laughed at the urgency in her tone. “You have found me now. Whatever is the matter?”
“Ma’am, you have company.”
“’Tis a little late for a morning caller.” Caitlin took off the apron and handed it to Martha, a cloud of flour spilling into the air.
“’Tis Lord and Lady Cade, ma’am.”
“But I sent the stable boys out this morning and they came back saying that no ships had docked from England.”
“Apparently the ship was later.”
Caitlin followed the servant to the sitting room. “Mary, you run along and get some tea and sweet treats for us, please.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Caitlin fidgeted with her cottage cap and tried dusting off more flour from the front of her gown. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the parlor. “Mr. and Mrs. Cade, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, but …
“You will address us as Lord and Lady Cade, young lady.” Bernadine Cade drew up to her full height, making her tall, thin frame tower over the other occupants. “And I have no need to speak to another maidservant. I wish to address the master of the house.” Her shrill voice went on. “I dare say, Roderick, it is so hard to find good help, especially in this God forsaken country.”
“I assure you Lady Cade that God has not forsaken this country or any other. As the Bible clearly states ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Caitlin smiled tightly. “As for the hired help, I can attest to the fact that we have the most capable staff around.”
“How dare you speak to me that way!” Her thin crow like nose elevated several notches. “If you were my servant I would have you horse whipped for being so disrespectful.”
“’Tis a good thing I am not your servant.” Caitlin tried to be respectful but she’d already developed a strong dislike for Bernadine Cade. She had hoped that a personal meeting would alleviate some of that tension. Obviously not! “As for how Dillon and I handle the servants, that is our concern. ‘Twould be greatly appreciated if you kept your opinions to yourself.”
The deep intake of Bernadine’s breath was released with a louder gasp. “I don’t believe it! Dillon has gone and married a scullery maid.” She smoothed some loose, black tendrils into place.
Caitlin wiped at the front of her gown before nerving herself to take a few steps closer. The rustle of her gosslin gown proceeded her outstretched hand. “I’m Caitlin Cade, pleased to meet you, sir.” She pasted a smile on her face. “I am sorry about my appearance. I was not expecting company, and decided to help out in the kitchen.”
Lord Roderick Cade’s laughter was the last thing Caitlin expected. His hearty laugh reminded her of Dillon, as did his deep-set brown eyes. Other than that the similarities stopped. He stood several inches taller than Dillon but had added extra pounds to his frame. His short cropped hair, thick eyebrows, and bushy sideburns were whiter than the snow. His face was much rounder with jagged angles, whereas Dillon had a softer, more oval face. Nonetheless, Roderick was very handsome for a man of fifty plus years.
“’Tis a pleasure to meet you.” His handshake was firm. “I apologize for the intrusion. We should have had the foresight to send a missive, telling you we had arrived.”
“’Tis no intrusion at all, my lord.” Caitlin felt the need to curtsey. Roderick had a very masculine, commanding presence that demanded respect.
“Only unexpected.” He winked. The lines and wrinkles fanning out from his eyes deepened.
“’Tis often said that the most pleasant surprises are the unexpected ones.” Caitlin smiled, and fidgeted with her blue dress.
“How very charming. No wonder my son hastened to marry you.” The sincere compliment brought a blush to her cheeks.
“Hogwash.” Bernadine Cade crossed her arms under her small chest. “There is only one reason to rush into marriage.” Her small, blue eyes were hard and penetrating. “Especially when someone of the lower class is trying to snare a husband of such wealth.”
“I can assure you, Mrs. Cade, that I was not out to snare any type of a husband. Dillon and my father arranged this marriage.” Caitlin held her gaze.
Bernadine stiffened at the causal address. The insult of someone of lowly birth not giving her the rightful title she deserved hit like a slap. “I will get the truth out of Dillon. Where is he?”
“I regret to inform you that he is confined at the moment.”
“What do you mean?” Bernadine advanced like a raging bull. “What have you done with my son?”
Caitlin held her ground, neither showing fear nor yielding to the contempt and disdain of her guest. “I have done nothing with him. Dillon has been arrested.”
“For what?” Roderick’s bushy white brows rose in surprise.
“Treason, sir.” Caitlin demurely folded her hands in front of her blue gown.
“How did you manage that, you little twit!” Bernadine’s eyes blazed hotter than a fire. “Where is my son?” Bernadine raised her hand to slap Caitlin. “I will beat the truth out of you.”
“’Tis enough.” Roderick yelled. “If you want people to treat you like a lady, then try acting like one.” Stepping between the women he maneuvered Caitlin to a chair. “Now, sit down and tell me the whole story.”
Bernadine’s anger rose even more. How dare my own husband take her side! She silently seethed.
“The audacity of the little nitwit,” she grumbled to herself. “I will have her gone before we sail for England.”
* * *
Dillon sat on the cot, his back up against the hard wood wall. He strained in the dim light trying to read the book of Psalms, but not even passages of comfort were helping him right now.
He knew God had a reason for everything. He had told Caitlin the very same thing in an effort to help her overcome doubts. Those words now seemed hollow in the dreariness of the jail cell. His faith was being tested, and he wondered if he had the strength to overcome his own fears.
‘Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord.’ The words from Psalm 31 leapt off the page, smacking his heart with the truth.
He flipped to Proverbs 3 and read “’Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all the ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.’”
Suddenly the enormity of God overwhelmed him. Surely the Creator of the universe wasn’t too small to help him with his problem. He only had to trust in God’s promises. Dillon bowed his head, and prayed out loud.
“Oh, Lord, please forgive me for my unfaithfulness. Help me to trust in You. Deliver me from my troubles. And may Your name be blessed as my enemies are trampled under your foot. Please be with Caitlin and give her strength as well. I miss her Lord. Watch over her and keep her protected from harm. I pray that it is your will to release me soon. But if not, give me the strength I need. As Jesus once prayed ‘Not my will, but your will be done.’ I now find myself in the same predicament. I pray the same prayer. In your name, Amen.”
“Dillon.” The soft, angelic voice floated down the corridor, penetrating through the iron bars.
He couldn’t believe his ears. Surely that wasn’t Caitlin’s voice. His imagination must be playing tricks on him. He’d been cooped up for days with nothing but his thoughts and a bible to keep him company. The only time he saw the sheriff was when he brought his meager meals. Being left alone with only visions of his beautiful wife running unending through his mind must have taken its toil. Now the visions were becoming audible.
“Dillon. Oh, my love.” Caitlin rushed to the bars, and gasped when she saw him on the floor. “Are you hurt?”
He knelt on the floor, staring up at her. “Caitlin?”
Standing, he rushed to where she stood. Reaching through the bars, he touched her hands, feeling their warmth.
‘Tis not a
dream.” He smiled. “You are here.”
“Of course I’m here, you silly goose. I am working on getting you out.”
“The Lord answered that prayer quickly. I didn’t even have time to get up off the floor.”
“Is that what you were doing? I felt faint when I saw you. I thought they had beaten you or something.”
“Nay, my pet. I am fine. Just missing you like crazy.”
“I have been out of my mind with worry. Dillon, what are we going to do?”
“Do not fret. The Lord will provide.”
“They are holding you because of the article I wrote. I’m responsible for you being here.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.
“Do not say that again. And, do not ever admit to writing that piece. You are not to blame. I have done nothing wrong.”
“I’m so afraid. What if they find you guilty of treason?” Caitlin dabbed at the tears rolling down her cheek. “I shall go mad if I have to spend another night apart from you.”
“I seem to recall a time when that would have suited you quite well.” Dillon smiled, but the playful tone didn’t fit the mood.
“Stop teasing me, you cad.”
“I am sorry, my dear. I know you are distraught. But I have faith that God will work things out.” He reached through the bars and wiped a tear away.
“Oh, Dillon.” She cried. “How can your faith be so strong when you are being treated unfairly?”
The Unwilling Bride Page 24
