A woman operated Lucky’s favorite alehouse. Christiana Campbell was the proprietress and ran the attached eatery as well. He’d heard she planned to add a distillery to the back of the place. It would not be the first in Kentucky. Years earlier, Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister, opened a distillery in Georgetown. The distillery’s name—Heaven’s Hill—had always amused Bear.
He made his way through town, amazed at the number of women he witnessed busily earning a living. He caught sight of women working in virtually every trade, including one woman who worked at the blacksmith’s as a nailer of horseshoes. Several other tradeswomen were helping to construct a building. But most worked in less physically demanding jobs such as milliners, seamstresses, shoe and boot repairers, dyers, weavers, spinners, candle creators, basket makers, and bakers.
Except for the few gentry, who made their living with their minds instead of their hands, the men of the town made their livelihood as cabinet makers, brick producers, founders, blacksmiths, silver and gold smiths, shoe makers, tailors, printers, gunsmiths, and wheelwrights. Others made livings as craftsmen and housewrights, who built and repaired houses and buildings. Bear would need to find a skilled housewright to help build a home for Artis and him. That is, if she accepted his proposal.
He spotted Lucky in his usual spot by the tavern’s hearth. The seasoned and aging longhunter, who traveled great distances for game, had once been a companion of Daniel Boone. After their arrival in Boonesborough, the crusty old fellow quickly became a good friend to Bear and his brothers.
He hoped Lucky would have some knowledge of where the robbers came from. If they were wanted for crimes in other towns, sheriffs and militias would want to know that the three were dead so they wouldn’t waste time looking for them. Lucky knew more about the Fort and Kentucky than anyone in Boonesborough did.
As always, the hunter’s well-worn Kentucky long rifle leaned on the table next to him. The rifle and Lucky’s skill at shooting it had once saved Bear and Little John’s father during a surprise attack by a party of renegade natives.
“Bear!” Lucky exclaimed, and stood. The many wrinkles on the hunter’s weathered face turned upward with his welcoming smile. “You’re a pleasant sight for my old eyes my friend.”
Bear shook the man’s hand warmly and patted him on the back as gently as he could. Forgetting his own strength, he had been known to accidentally knock a man or two down when his greetings were too enthusiastic.
“What brings you to Boonesborough?” Lucky asked, as he sat down.
“I’ve been at the Governor’s delegates’ meetin’ the last two days, at the request of Colonel Logan. Believe me, I’m glad that’s over with. I’m not cut from politicians’ cloth.”
Lucky sniggered for a bit. “I heard the bellows and debates there caused a rumble as loud as thunder to echo through the fort.”
“Aye, it did get loud a few times.”
“Are you goin’ to get fancied up and go to the Governor’s wife’s ball too?” Lucky asked.
“Aye. Are ye?”
“I just might go to the party, if they’ll take me as I am. I’m too old to change my look.”
“I do na think yer too old to do anything ye set yer mind to. But if they give ye any trouble when ye arrive, have them come and get me.”
“With your esteemed reputation, just asking that should be enough to get me a place at the Governor’s table!” he cackled.
Bear smiled for a moment, but then his thoughts turned solemn when he remembered why he was there. “I must talk to ye about a serious matter. I need to get yer help with somethin’.” He lowered his voice and leaned closer to Lucky. “Just a few minutes ago, I had to kill three weasels at Henderson & Co.”
Lucky raised his thick gray eyebrows.
“They were about to rob the store and steal Camel. Breedhead was willin’ to give them all he had and went to the back to retrieve his currency. I wouldn’t lay down my weapons, as they demanded. They threatened to cut me, and I’m sure that would na have been the end of it. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I dispatched them all to meet the devil.”
“What’d they look like?”
“One had greasy dark hair parted down the middle, the second was baldin’, and the third, well, he had hair as curly as lamb’s wool. They were all ugly to the bone.”
“I think I know who they are. Let’s go have a look see.”
Bear threw a coin on the table to pay for Lucky’s drink.
“Thank you kindly,” Lucky said.
“It’s the least I could do since I pulled ye away from a nice brew.”
They marched rapidly over to the back of the general store and Lucky drew back the oil cloth and took a look at the three men.
The one that Bear had shot in the head was more difficult to look at, but Lucky seemed to recognize him too. “They’re the three of the no goods who’ve been robbing all over Kentucky. The long hunters and militia have all been rattling on about it. I’ve heard descriptions of these thieves from several men. I’d say good riddance, Bear.”
The deputy, who had been standing nearby, said, “I found this in one of their pockets.”
Bear took the handbill from the deputy. “It’s a proclamation from Governor Garrard offerin’ a reward for capturin’ or killin’ four thieves. It describes these three men and one more. It says they stole gold from the state’s treasury.”
“That thief must have kept it as a keepsake,” the deputy said, pointing to the one whose pocket had held the handbill.
“You’ll be entitled to the reward, Bear,” Lucky said.
“I did it to defend a friend’s store and to keep from gettin’ killed myself.” He didn’t mention being unwilling to let the robbers take Artis’ brooch. But that reason was the flint and steel that lit his anger. “I’m not interested in any reward. I’m na damn thief-taker makin’ a livin’ by roundin’ up criminals,” he said.
“You didn’t round them up,” the deputy pointed out. “I’d say you rounded them down.” He pointed to the three bodies sprawled out before him and shook his head decisively, causing his hair to fall in his eyes.
Lucky chuckled. “I’d have to agree with the young fella. These three are ready to go six feet under in an eternity box.”
“I’ll go see the undertaker and take care of arranging that. Then I’ll start writing up the report so Sheriff Wyllie won’t have to when he gets into town,” Mitchell said eagerly.
Bear nodded. “Thank ye deputy. Yer doin’ a fine job in my brother’s absence.”
“Wait till the sheriff hears about this,” the young man said as he marched away.
“Lucky, this handbill describes four thieves. That means there’s one more still out there somewhere.”
“Well, there’s any number of explanations. The fourth man could have been killed in one of their robberies. He could have decided to take off on his own. Or, he could be hold up somewhere protecting the gold they stole from the treasury.”
“What makes the most sense to ye?” Bear asked.
“No way to tell. We just have to wait and see what your brother thinks.”
Bear decided Lucky was right. There was naught he could do about the fourth man now. He’d wait until tomorrow to discuss it with William. There was no sense spoiling the evening for all of them.
He looked up at the sky, still free of clouds except for a few on the horizon. It was mid-afternoon judging by the position of the sun. He had time to go back to the tavern before he got his shave and bath and then changed into his new clothes and polished boots.
“Can I buy ye another ale?” he asked Lucky.
“Indeed,” Lucky said. “And then I’ll buy you a whiskey. I think you’ve earned it.”
“Wait,” he said, and turned toward the store’s back door. “I need to show ye somethin’ and I need to buy a book or two for the deputy.”
Chapter 16
He studied his reflection in the mirror. “Och man, are ye sure I do na lo
ok like a big green peacock?”
“Oh oui!” Monsieur Beaulieu said.
But Bear wasn’t convinced. The cut and the quality of the fabric were excellent, but he knew nothing of current fashions. He was glad Sam wasn’t here to see him like this. His oldest brother would be laughing his head off. Like him, Sam dressed for the wilderness and was more comfortable wearing buckskins and moccasins than anything else.
William, however, had always enjoyed wearing fine clothing. Both William and the tailor had insisted that well-tailored trousers tucked into tall leather boots had replaced breeches. And when combined with a fine linen shirt, cravat, and a coat—cut-away in the front and long tails draping in the back—Bear would be wearing the latest fashion.
He sighed, afraid that if he took the garments off, he would offend the tailor. He put the matter aside with sudden good humor. “Ah well, there’s naught to be done but to go make a fool of myself in front of everyone. I appreciate yer help, Monsieur.”
Bear tucked the luckenbooth’s gift box into his vest pocket and left his other garments with the tailor’s wife for a thorough cleaning. With his heart beating unusually fast, and a tingle of excitement in his stomach, he headed for the ball.
The fort’s enclosure was teeming with horses and carriages and a huge campfire blazed in the center to provide light. He could hear violin music playing, the elegant notes gliding through the cool evening air. As he approached, the sound of many voices mixed together with the joviality of a party.
His excitement grew even stronger. He hadn’t been to a party, other than weddings, since he and his brothers were boys. He hoped he would know how to act. He decided he would just follow William’s lead. His likeable brother seemed to have a natural affinity for social settings.
He wondered if William, Kelly, and Artis had arrived.
He stepped into the room and was shocked at the transformation. The Governor’s wife and the town’s ladies managed to transform the rustic meeting room into a festive and elegant ballroom. The flickering lights of candelabras danced in every corner. Cloths with fancy stitching covered the tables. Garlands of ribboned pine draped the log walls. Couples wearing the most elegant attire he’d ever seen stood everywhere holding glasses of fine beverages. Most of the men were dressed much like him. It made him glad he’d worn his new clothes after all.
He looked everywhere for William, Kelly, and Artis and disappointment filled him when he realized they had not yet arrived. He decided to speak to the Governor about the three thieves. He filled Garrard in on the details and the Governor was so relieved he insisted that Bear take the generous offered reward and promised to have the funds delivered to him within the week. He reluctantly accepted saying he would put the funds to good use. Building a fine new home for Artis, after all she’d lost, would certainly be a good use.
Bear’s stomach growled as he smelled the aroma of the feast prepared for the guests. He decided to excuse himself to survey the refreshment tables. A long food table bore an assortment of fresh meats, including beef, goose, ham and turkey and a seemingly endless number of vegetable dishes. They all appeared extremely appealing. But when he caught sight of the dessert table, his stomach growled loud enough to turn the heads of two women. Loaded with mincemeat, apple, and peach pies, little cakes, gingerbread, and brandied peaches, the tantalizing display made his eyes widen.
In addition to a rum punch, the beverage table offered wines, brandy, and whiskey. A servant, who presumably worked for the Governor’s wife, offered him his choice.
“I’ll just have a wee bit of whiskey,” Bear answered. He took the beverage, swallowed it in one gulp, and sat the cup down.
He glanced around the room again, still not spotting Artis, but he did notice Lucky sitting in a corner, leaning on his rifle, watching the people move about the room.
He asked for another cup of whiskey and then strolled over to Lucky. “I brought ye a wee bit of uisge beatha.”
“The water of life.”
“Aye.”
“Where’s your brother and his wife? I’m anxious to meet this woman who has clearly stolen your heart.”
Bear shrugged. “I do na know. But I wish they would arrive soon.”
As if a higher power granted his wish, at just that moment Artis followed Kelly through the door. At least he thought it was Artis. She seemed so different he did a double take, and then lost his breath for a moment. Her locks, woven into rows of glowing reddish-gold curls, hung down her slender back in a long cascade. Wisps of hair, loosened on their wagon ride here, framed her face.
She was dressed in a spectacular gold gown that revealed her neck and shoulders. The gown looked familiar to him. It must have been Kelly’s. Her tartan shawl draped gracefully across her arms and lower back, and was pinned with her clan brooch. But the fabric could not hide her slim, seductive body. She appeared tall and graceful as she strolled in, her cheeks pinker than normal and her eyes sparkling. The corners of her mouth turned upward as she smiled and nodded to the admiring onlookers she passed.
He just stood there, unable to make his feet move, paralyzed by her beauty.
Lucky raised up from his chair and peered in the direction Bear was staring. “I’d bet my good ole gun that she’s the one you’ve been talking about all afternoon.”
“Aye…that’s Artis,” he murmured.
“Well, don’t just stand there like a frozen deer. Let’s go greet the pretty thing.”
With some difficulty, Bear managed to make his legs work and he and Lucky made their way over to the three.
Artis stared at him with wonder in her eyes.
He was certain he was doing the same thing to her.
“I must say, you do clean up well,” William said to him. His brother sat the fiddle he was carrying down on a nearby chair.
A flash of humor crossed Artis’ face. “I have to agree with yer brother,” she said, “you look quite dapper and dashin’ in yer new clothing.”
“I agree,” Kelly said. “William, why don’t you introduce Lucky McGintey to Artis?”
William made the introductions and then suggested that the three of them go find the beverage table, leaving Bear to visit with Artis.
Bear realized he had yet to say anything, but could not seem to find his tongue. He also could not keep from staring at her. In the dim candlelit room, she looked almost unreal, a dreamlike vision. But his imagination could never have created a woman so beautiful.
His reaction to her seemed to amuse her. “Bear, ye look like ye’ve seen a ghost.”
“A verra lovely ghost,” he said, letting his r’s roll on his tongue. He’d finally made his mouth work.
“Thank ye very kindly, Sir.”
“Can I get ye somethin’ to drink?”
“Maybe in a while. Can we sit down somewhere?”
Bear spotted two chairs in the far corner by the sparkling candles. Perfect. He took her elbow and guided her over to the seats.
She gazed up at the soft lights of the candles. “Do ye remember the Mirrie Dancers?”
“The northern lights. Aye, they often lit up night sky in the Highlands with their magical dancin’ lights. I miss seein’ them.”
“There are many things about Scotland I miss,” Artis said wistfully, looking down at her feet.
“Do na look down at yer feet, my lady. Here we look up at the stars.”
She eyed him with an intense but secret expression.
“We do na have to leave all our traditions behind, Artis. In fact …”
He heard the violin player brush his bow across the strings of his instrument, filling the room with music again. He stopped to listen for a moment. The violinist seemed to play the sound of his emotions, from hope and expectation to need and desire. Sometimes the violin whispered like the wind and then it would get higher and higher until it nearly screamed, and then it would whisper softly yet again. The melody’s romantic notes gave him the courage he needed.
He reached for her hand. “
Artis, one of our traditions is the luckenbooth. Do ye remember?”
“Aye, the symbol of the union of two people.”
“And I have one for ye.” He pulled the little gift box from his vest and handed it to her.
Artis gasped and put one hand over her mouth. She kept her eyes on his and didn’t look down at the box.
“I love ye, Artis.”
She flushed, but remained silent.
“I love ye, and want ye to marry me.”
“Bear, ye have only known me but four days now. Can ye be sure it is love ye feel?”
“I know I love ye because we are two halves of one soul. For the first time in my life, my spirit feels whole. My heart na longer feels hollow. It’s full—full of my love for ye.” He eyed her with a probing squint. “Can ye be sure it is not love ye feel?”
He watched her expression change from surprise to desire. “Aye, I’m sure.”
His heart trembled. “Sure of what?”
“That I want to marry ye.” She spoke in a tremulous whisper.
His face could not contain the width of his grin. She had just made him the happiest man in the room. Nay, the happiest man in Kentucky.
“May I kiss ye?” he asked.
“Aye. Kiss me now and forever.”
And he did, enfolding her in his arms for the first time.
Chapter 17
Bear’s kiss sent gusts of ecstasy and desire whirling through Artis. But his proposal brought more joy to her wounded heart than she ever thought possible. The magnificent man who held her in his arms wanted to marry her! In a moment of loneliness, she had dared to hope for love only once—when she’d longed for what her parents had together. But she truly didn’t expect to find it. And certainly not marriage. In fact, she presumed that she would never find the kind of man that would measure up to her high standards.
Mentally, she acknowledged his qualities. He was funny, honest, kind, honorable, and clearly possessed an unfailing sense of family. She also admired his strength and compelling intelligence. And he had a spirit as strong as hers. The will and determination he possessed was astounding.
Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4) Page 11
