“It was not that strong a while ago. But, then, I remembered how Jesus suffered unfairly, and how it was all part of God’s plan. Should I not have complete trust in the Lord of the world? In the Lord who created everything including us?”
“It has been so hard to keep the faith.”
“I know, we are being tested. The only thing left to do is decide if we are going to pass the test or fail it.”
“You have never failed at anything in your life.” Caitlin sniffed.
“Neither have you. I believe your faith is stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“I just want you home.” She put her arms through the bars and embraced Dillon as best as she could.
“I want that also.” Dillon kissed her. “I have missed you terribly.”
“You need a shave.” Reaching up she cupped his face with her hands. The five day stubble scratched her palms. “And a brush for that hair.”
“I must look a fright while you look like an angel.”
“I never picture angels wearing pink.” Cocking her head to the side, she let the pink plume in her bonnet tickle his chin.
“Angels come in many shapes and colors.” He plucked the feather out.
“Dillon Cade! You ruined my hat.”
“You were teasing me, madam.”
“That gives you no right to destroy my property.”
“I will buy you another hat when I get out.”
“You better.”
“I better buy you a new hat? Or I better get out of here?”
“Both.” She kissed him again and tried to snuggle into his embrace, but the iron bars stood in the way. “I only hope your father will be able to convince the judge of your innocence.”
“What.” Dillon pulled back. “My father?”
“He arrived two days ago and has been working with a lawyer from my fathers’ office.”
“How did he know?”
“I believe they were already en route here.”
“They?”
“Aye. Your stepmother accompanied him.”
“Just great.” He threw his hands up in surrender. “I prefer to stay in jail than face the two of them.”
“Why, Dillon Cade. That is the rudest comment I have ever heard, especially after we have come all this way to visit you.” Bernadine’s shrill pitch grated on his nerves. “Do you have any idea at all of what I went through on the trip here?”
“I do not care.”
“Well, I can see that the time spent in this dense town has done nothing to improve your rude behavior.” She pushed a few pins back into her black hair, and straightened her brown and white hat. “Just look at my new hat. It is all bent out of shape from the awful trip. The feathers are ruined and it won’t sit correctly on top of my head.”
“That is a hat? I thought a rooster was resting on top of your head.”
“How dare you!” Her chest puffed out. “You were brought up with better manners than that.”
“I have more important things on my mind right now besides your hat.”
“Of course you do.” The brown silk of her gown rustled as she neared the cell. “Now where is a kiss for your mother.” She pressed her cheek close to the bars.
“You are not my mother.” Dillon fought the urge to slap the offered cheek.
“Perhaps not biological, but I raised you.” Hurt etched her thin, pointed features.
“I was almost grown when you married my father. ‘Twas only four years I lived with you before I moved here.”
“But I have been there for you. And I have come all this way to see you.”
“You have only come to meddle in my life and I will not stand for it.”
“Any advice I give is only for your protection. Why are you treating me like I’m the enemy?”
“I have no need of advice from you. I stated that in my last letter.” Dillon protectively slid his hand through the bars and around Caitlin’s waist. “Caitlin and I are married and there is nothing you can do about it.”
We’ll see about that. Bernadine stiffened. She didn’t like his new little wife, and was determined to split them up. “Why, Dillon, you make me sound so cold and calculating. Perhaps your father and I only came to help.”
Dillon quirked his eyebrow. “Perhaps.”
The entrance of Roderick with Sheriff Edward halted further comment. The sheriff unceremoniously put the metal key into the lock. Dillon’s breath froze as the clang of metal resounded through the small space. Only when the lock clicked open did he breathe again.
“You are free to leave for the moment,” Sheriff Edward stressed the word moment. “But I will have you locked up for good.”
“You have no grounds on which to arrest him,” Roderick stated. “Even the judge agreed with us.”
“For the moment.” His black mustache twitched. “But I am watching.”
“You can watch me leave.” Dillon stepped through the open door.
Caitlin rushed into his embrace. It felt so good to hold him without the hard, cold bars in the way. “Dillon, you are free to come home.”
He kissed her briefly, then turned to his father. “Sir, I do not know what to say.” He held out his hand. Dillon felt unsure of what to say or do. Although this man had fathered him, he was still a stranger. He had no warm or fond memories of him. Roderick had always been a distant figure in his life, much the same as a trustworthy servant.
Roderick shook Dillon’s hand. “Shall we go, son.” He clasped him on the shoulder and said, “I am eager to see your town, and your printing shop.”
Bernadine looked on, feeling quite miffed. It seemed everyone else was getting Dillon’s attention. He spared not one second for her. The ungrateful little snob! However, Bernadine Cade was not one to be put off. Pushing her way through the small crowd, she rubbed up against Dillon, cooing softly, “’Tis so good to see you, son.”
With the woman clinging to his neck, he had no alternative except to give her a brief hug, which led to her accidentally rubbing her chest against him.
“The horrible trip was worth it, now that I have seen your handsome face.” Her fake delightful expression turned sultry as she squeezed his biceps. “My, how much you have grown.”
“And how you have not changed.” Dillon yanked his arm away. He then looked at his father, who was talking with Caitlin and missed the whole exchange. “I need some air.”
Dillon squinted against the bright sunlight. The frosty air nipped at his nose and ears. Inhaling deeply he relished the cool, clean and fresh scent of the outdoors. “It feels wonderful to be free.”
“’Tis wonderful to hold you again.” Caitlin snuggled into the crook of his arm.
“Come now, shall we find somewhere to dine?” Bernadine slipped her arm through Dillon’s other arm. She wasn’t about to let Caitlin hold all of his attention.
Dillon felt like tugging his arm away, but could not do so without causing a scene.
“If you don’t mind, I prefer to go straight home.”
“’Tis such a long trip, and we need nourishment to continue. Besides, I can tell you have not eaten properly.” Bernadine rubbed her hand over his stomach. “No meat on you at all.”
“Surely Martha ‘twill have a large feast prepared at home. Besides I am not exactly dressed for dinner.” Dillon groaned inwardly. He hated having her hands on him. To the casual observer Bernadine was merely making motherly contact. Only Dillon knew what her true intentions were.
“I am a bit on the hungry side also.” Caitlin smiled up at him with pleading eyes. “’Twas a long trip here. Besides, the only one you need to look handsome for is me. And I am pleased with your appearance just as you are.”
“A short pause to sup will not hurt anything,” Roderick commented.
“It seems I am outnumbered.”
“Let us sup at the tavern over there.” Roderick pointed to wood building down the street. “I doubt anyone there will care about your appearance. We will be on our way in n
o time at all.”
“That old building does not look fit for a lady,” Bernadine whined. “Can we not find someplace more suitable?”
“Nay. We will eat there or not eat at all.” Dillon’s tone was brittle. “Sir, ’twill give you time to explain how you happened to be here, and what role you played in my freedom.”
“’Twas nothing really.” Roderick laughed. “Your lawyer had things under control.”
“Hogwash!” Bernadine sputtered. “You threatened that judge with your influence in the House of Lords. If not for the fact that your father is from nobility you would still be imprisoned.”
Caitlin gasped out loud. “I had no idea you were from the English Parliament. Why, you are the very body that makes the laws of England.”
“’Tis true. However I am a normal man.” Slapping Dillon on the back he added, “must be why my son never mentioned it to you.”
“I believe, sir, he did not make mention of it because of my loathing the English. The fact that you and I are on opposite sides of how to handle Ireland can only lead to adversity.”
Bernadine smiled triumphantly. She would not have to do a thing to break up this marriage. The Irish bogtrotter was going to do it all on her own. “I dare say I have never heard such disrespect in all my life.” Bernadine started to swoon, and clutched Dillon’s arm even tighter.
“Nonsense.” Roderick’s sharp tone shot through the icy air. “It is not disrespectful to have a difference of opinions. We hardly ever agree on anything in the Parliament. ‘Tis natural for people to see things differently. Problems only arise when people are too stubborn to discuss things rationally.” Putting an arm around Caitlin’s shoulders, he steered her down the street. “Now my dear, why not enlighten me on your opinion of this Irish uprising.”
“That, sir, could be much more than you are capable of handling.” Dillon laughed. “The quality I love most about my wife is her spirit.” Dillon followed behind with Bernadine attached to his arm like a leech.
“I look forward to the challenge.” He patted Caitlin’s hand, which rested in the crook of his arm.
Cocking her head, Caitlin smiled sweetly. “If you two do not stop talking about me as if I were not here, I shall knock you both in the noodle.”
“Disgraceful.” Bernadine muttered under her breath.
Caitlin figured since she now had the undivided attention of a member of the House of Lords, that she may as well take full advantage of the situation. “Lord Cade, I cannot comprehend how any person could possibly see an advantage of holding another person against their will?”
“’Tis not England that endorses slavery. We abolished that thirty years ago.”
“’Tis my point. You agree that it is wrong to hold humans as slaves, yet, you hold an entire country as prisoners. Why do you fight against us? Why not let Ireland be free to make her own choices?”
“The two things are very different, my dear. First of all, Ireland is part of our country. ‘Tis like your arm being part of your body. If you cut off your arm it would be no good. The same principle applies with land. If Ireland were to separate they would struggle economically.”
“’Tis not economics that we struggle against. ‘Tis the Catholic Church.”
“Dear God, she is a heathen also.” Bernadine faltered and Dillon was forced to support her. “What have you done, Dillon? Why have you married this …this, thing?” She waved her handkerchief at Caitlin.
Dillon disentangled his arm from her, hoping she would fall. But she managed to catch her balance, glaring at Dillon. “You treat my wife with the upmost respect or be gone from here.” Taking his stance with arms behind his back he stated, “I am no longer Catholic either. Most people are Protestants here. They are just as God-fearing as you, if not more so.” He glared at his stepmother.
“’Tis not only the church we fight against. In principle, Ireland has as much right as any other land to be free. We deserve to make our own decisions. America fought for freedom and they are doing just fine. These colonies have not suffered at all since getting out from under England’s thumb.” Caitlin’s pace quickened as she talked.
“My dear, I fear I am an old man. I pray a little pity from you and slow your pace.” Roderick had tried to keep up with her steps, but was now out of breath. “If you continue I may never catch enough breath to refute your comments.”
“I am truly sorry, sir.” Caitlin stopped, allowing the rest of the group to catch up. “I had not realized that I was walking so fast.” Her cheeks flushed red, partly from the wind, and partly from embarrassment. “I forget to pay attention when I ramble on so.”
“’Tis no problem at all.” Dillon kissed the tip of her nose as he drew up alongside her.
Caitlin smiled, silently thanking him for the support.
“No problem at all.” Roderick agreed, a bit breathlessly. “I have not had such a spirit-filled debate in years. I fear all us old men are getting too tired to fight anymore.”
“Sir, you are far from old.” Sincerity brightened her green eyes.
Roderick laughed. “You and I are going to get along famously, even if we are on opposite sides of this war.” He held out his arm for Caitlin. “Besides, we are now family.”
“Aye.” Caitlin smiled, placing her hand on his arm. She was now sandwiched between her husband and father-in-law. Nothing could have made her more content, except her own family returning someday.
The three of them walked on, leaving Bernadine to follow behind. Her anger seething at being left out. Her hatred of Caitlin intensified, and the loathing of her husband continued. She wished the old goat would have a heart attack.
If not for needing his help in ridding the family of that Irish riffraff, she would have done away with Roderick on the boat. She contemplated the ship ride home. After Roderick helped talk Dillon into divorcing the white trash, she could still arrange a little accident. Then she would be free of his sniveling, miserly hand, leaving her and Dillon together, comforting each other.
“Oh, victory would never taste so sweet.”
Chapter 16
Dillon rubbed his hand over Caitlin’s shoulder and down her arm. He loved the feel of her soft, smooth skin. “I could touch you all night long and never get enough.” He planted a kiss on her bare shoulder.
“Perchance, do you think we could add a kiss or two?”
“Aye, my love, whatever pleases you.” He captured her lips with his.
“I did miss you so,” she murmured against his lips. “Promise, you will never leave me again.”
“I cannot make a promise I don’t know I can keep. But, ‘tis a promise that I will never stop loving you. If I go, ‘twill be by force.” His eyes were serious, making him look older.
“Can you not lie to me? Just this once to make feel better.” Caitlin pouted.
“What kind of trust would that build between us? I only want honesty in our marriage. That is how God designed marriage. Any untruth would not only undermine our relationship, but would be a sin against God.”
“’Tis true, I know.” Caitlin sat up, propping herself against the pillows. “I just wish sometimes that we could live a normal life. We have not had much normalcy in our marriage.”
“We have only been united for two and half months.”
“’Tis all?” Her pink lips puckered. “Seems much longer.”
Dillon couldn’t resist kissing those puckered lips, “perhaps because we are always fighting.”
“Not always,” she corrected with a grin.
Dillon quirked an eyebrow. “You are my temptress. I believe the Lord has sent you to torture me.”
“Torture?” She slid closer, running her fingers through the dark hairs on his chest.
“Aye.” He kissed her. “Sweet torture.” His lips moved down the column of her throat. “I remember when this frightened you.”
“‘Twas not really intimacy that frightened me. ‘Twas giving my heart to another person. I was most frightened by the thoug
ht of giving up who I was.”
Dillon stopped kissing her. Looking into her emerald eyes he asked, “Does that still frighten you?”
“Not with you as my husband,” she confessed. “You have shown me that I can be someone’s wife, and still be me also.”
“I would not want you any other way.” He kissed her forehead. “I do believe that a comment like that shows maturity. Or, else the Lord has been working in your heart.”
“Perhaps a bit of both.” She started planting kisses on his chest.
“I also believe you would be board to death in a normal marriage. You, my love, thrive on controversy.”
“Perhaps the old Caitlin did.” Her tone turned serious, and eyes misted. “However, we have dealt with one upheaval after another. The new Caitlin wants only to settle down in a boring routine and grow old together.”
“I fear that will never be possible.”
“Why?”
“Because when the children come along, our lives will grow even more hectic, and be more disheveled than now.”
“But they will grow up.” She kissed him, reveling in the tenderness he possessed. “Then we will be alone.”
“’Tis when the grandchildren come along.”
She smacked his shoulder. “If you do not wish to be alone with me, then why did you marry me?”
He caught her wrist in his hand, bringing it to his mouth were he softly bestowed kisses across her knuckles. “Because we could not do this until we were married.” He smiled, mischievously. “Or this.” He kissed her. Slow at first then more passionately. “Or this.” His soft breath slid across her delicate skin as he placed kisses over her shoulders and chest. “Besides, there is one advantage to quarreling.”
The Unwilling Bride Page 25
