Violet: Bride of North Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 39)

by Heather Horrocks

  Violet choked out a laugh. “Yes. He is that.”

  “All the women in town think so. And many a woman has thrown herself at him. But they’ve gone about it all wrong. Ever since Opal... well, you’ll need to ask him about Opal when the time is right. That’s not my tale to share.”

  Hope flickered in Violet’s chest like northern lights. “What do you think I ought to do?”

  “Daniel is a man worth going for—if you have the guts to do it. But how do you go about courting a skittish giant?”

  Violet didn’t have a clue. “How?”

  “You don’t chase him. You get him to chase you.”

  “How?” Violet asked again.

  There was a knock on the door.

  “Oh, I asked Zachary to come by. He’s an important part of our brilliant plan.” She smiled and called out, “Come in.”

  It was indeed Zachary, who came in, saw them, scooped up a plate of food, and sat with them. “Okay, what is this favor you want to ask of me, my dear sister?”

  “You, my dear brother, are going to help us turn Daniel into Shakespeare’s green-eyed monster.”

  “I want to keep my pretty looks, ladies. Daniel is already insanely jealous over your houseguest.”

  The women exchanged glances and smiled. Amelia said, “You are going to come to the family dinner this coming Sunday and help us make Daniel so jealous that he loses his temper.”

  “And kills me. I understand. Will you at least place flowers on my grave?”

  “Papa will protect you, you ninny.” Amelia pushed on her brother’s shoulder. “We’ll call it Plan Green Eyes as he will be seeing green.”

  “More like Plan Where Do We Bury Zachary.”

  “So,” Amelia asked him, “will you help us?”

  “And risk infuriating Daniel?” Zachary grinned. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  My dearest friend Rachel,

  I miss you so much. We both boarded our trains with great hope in our hearts for happy marriages and family. I hope you will find exactly that with your Thomas, for he must soon realize you are beautiful both inside and out and you will win him over. Things seem to not be exactly as we thought when we left Massachusetts, but that is often the way in life, as we build up expectations that then disappoint. Don’t mistake my meaning. I am certainly not disappointed in Minot. And I absolutely adore the northern lights that shine and flicker in the night sky. I never thought I’d see such beauty as the light display put on by the heavens. And Mr. Evans is indeed as handsome and wealthy as he claimed to be. What more could a woman want? If I could raise a glass and make a toast, it would be that we will both be happy in the marriages for which we traveled so far.

  All my love, your friend, Violet

  (Letter written after long hours of pondering, October 23, 1890)

  Daniel looked forward to Sunday supper at Amelia’s, to spending relaxed time with Violet after church.

  He knew he shouldn’t be around her, but surely it was safe enough with his sister and brother-in-law at the table with them. And Amelia had practically begged him to come.

  He knocked and Sven opened the door. “Come in and hang up your coat. The party is just starting.”

  “Party?” Daniel asked, stepping inside. At the table sat Violet and Zachary and Paul Carlson, a widower in his forties.

  What was this? His hackles rose. Were they going to auction Miss Keating off like a mare? To the highest bidder?

  He narrowed his eyes at Sven, but his brother-in-law had already closed the door and walked back to the table. He motioned to Daniel to join them.

  The other men at the table called out greetings to him, and Violet smiled, “Good evening, Mr. Lund.”

  Reluctantly Daniel crossed and took the only empty seat—the one across from Violet, who was sandwiched between the other two men. Amelia and Sven sat on either end of the table.

  After saying grace over the food, and the subsequent, “Amens,” Sven grinned. “Welcome to our home. Eat and enjoy. Amelia cooked a delicious beef stroganoff.”

  As the meal progressed, both Zachary and Paul seemed to hang on Violet’s every word, tentatively given as they were. They were making her pull into herself. Couldn’t they see that? Anger built within him. They were fools.

  And the topics they’d chosen to discuss—fashion, the town dance next week at the church, the newest arrivals in Minot—weren’t likely to keep her attention. He could tell.

  He focused on his food, but he couldn’t stop his ears from hearing their words and Violet’s tinkling laugh in response. Was she just being polite? Or was she actually enjoying their inane conversation?

  These men were trying to woo her right under his nose!

  He forced himself to relax. This was, after all, his sister and brother-in-law’s house, and he had no claim to the girl—something he had to keep reminding himself of. Every. Single. Day.

  But, still, the supper seemed to last a fortnight!!

  Finally, after they’d eaten a delicious peach cobbler, the conversation began again.

  But Daniel couldn’t sit here any longer. He started helping Amelia clear the table and she shot him a surprised look.

  When he finished placing the plates and silverware into the sink, he told her, “Thank you. The meal was tasty. And the cobbler delicious.”

  “Violet made the cobbler.”

  He turned to Violet. “Thank you.”

  She smiled—why did that smile clench at his heart so?—and he had to either grab her and kiss her—or leave. The room was closing in on him.

  He said his goodbyes, grabbed his coat, and walked to the door. Surprised, he heard Zachary excuse himself, as well, and follow him outside.

  When they had walked ten steps away, Daniel punched his brother in the arm.

  “Ow. What was that for?”

  “You stay away from her.”

  “I was just making polite supper conversation. Not all of us are woman-hating bachelors. I enjoyed her company. Didn’t you?”

  “I don’t hate women.”

  “Oh, right. Correction. Woman-fearing bachelor.”

  Daniel leaned in close. “I know you’re not serious about her, and I’m not going to let you break her heart.”

  “I wasn’t planning to.” Zachary looked serious. “What about Paul, though? He looked serious enough. Are you going to warn him off, too?”

  Torn, Daniel said, “No.”

  “Why me? Just because I’m your brother?”

  “No.”

  “Just because you want her for yourself but don’t have the guts to court her?”

  Confused, Daniel stuffed his hands in his pockets. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I know more than you think I do.”

  “Why aren’t you courting Emily Burton, then?”

  “That is none of your business.”

  “I see how your face lights up when you see her.”

  “Her father says she’s marrying Ben Watkins.”

  “But she would rather marry you. Instead of giving me a hard time, you hypocrite, why don’t you follow your own advice?”

  Zachary’s eyes narrowed. “Good night, Daniel.” And he strode back toward the house.

  “I’m over Emily,” Zachary called out. “I like Violet now.”

  “Good night, Zachary. Stay away from Violet.”

  And he started walking to his own house.

  He was tired of being all alone except for one old yellow dog that wouldn’t last much longer.

  Zachary’s words haunted him. What if he did court Violet? She seemed interested in him, but that wasn’t the problem. He couldn’t court her because she might marry him—and that put her in a position to shatter his heart. If she decided she’d rather be with some young buck, more her age, interested in whatever young people were interested in, he wasn’t sure he’d survive.

  He opened his door and went out on the back porch to pet his faithful old dog.

  Soon he wouldn’t h
ave a dog, either.

  Dearest Violet,

  I miss you so much and hope this letter finds you well and happy. I have reached my new home in Flat Rock Point, Arkansas, and married my groom, Mr. Griffin Benning. He seems kind, loving, even-tempered, and has a sense of humor. He has two daughters, Josie and Coral, whom I will meet when their grandparents bring them from Little Rock in about three weeks. If they are as lovely as their names, I feel we’ll get along very well. He has a log home that he built himself and he appears to be quite a talented craftsman. I hope the memories of the fire on that fateful day at the mill are fading. I confess I’ve been plagued with a few nightmares, but pray they will cease now that I’ve begun my new life.

  Hoping to hear from you soon, Laurel

  (Letter mailed October 28, 1890, and delivered October 31, 1890)

  Lying snuggled up in her blanket bed on Amelia’s sofa, Violet couldn’t sleep.

  She’d pretended sleep when Sven came in late from working, and heard the murmur of his and Amelia’s voices as she quietly welcomed him home.

  After the house settled down again and all was quiet, Violet leaned up and pulled over the envelope that had been delivered today. It was a letter from Laurel, and she read it again in the faint glow from the fireplace.

  Then she set it aside, realizing she had not had one nightmare about the fire since she’d arrived in Minot over two weeks before. She’d had far too much going on in her days to have nightmares over something in her past.

  She was happy that Laurel’s dream of a happy family was coming true. She wished that for Cora, as well, and she hoped Darby still hadn’t revealed her brogue—but she doubted the Scotswoman could keep her temper in check. And she knew Rachel would win over Thomas.

  She just didn’t know how her own story would end.

  She knew how she wished it could end—but Daniel was never going to accept her as a possible bride for himself. She continued to meet men in town who wanted to win her affections. So far, she had kept herself distanced from them, pleading that she was still settling in to town life, but that couldn’t go on forever.

  She wondered where James Evans was tonight. Her heart still stung from his rejection—but for the humiliation and not for him, the expectation and not the reality. She was glad she’d learned of his lack of courage and loyalty before she’d wed him.

  Slipping back down into the blankets and pulling them up around her neck, she wondered where Daniel Lund was right now. She smiled at the thought of him. Daniel was becoming more and more the man she wished she could marry.

  Their plan to make him jealous was not really working so far. He was definitely jealous—they could all tell that—but he wasn’t doing anything about it.

  Maybe it was time for her to take matters into her own hands.

  Today my world shifted on its axis.

  (Journal Entry, Daniel Lund, November 27, 1890)

  FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS, ever since that disastrous supper at Amelia’s, Daniel had kept to himself, either in the back of the store or at his home. He avoided Amelia’s house. He’d ventured into the saloon one evening, but he didn’t enjoy drowning his sorrows, so he’d only stayed long enough for a dozen or so men to ask about Violet before he realized he couldn’t stay here, either.

  But now, sitting in the chapel at church, he sat in the back and watched the single men—and some of the married ones—turn to watch Violet.

  He couldn’t even find solace at church!

  And Pastor Winter was speaking of marriage. Of course he was.

  Daniel wondered if he could sneak out the back without getting caught.

  Not likely, as the pastor stared directly at him and said, “For you confirmed bachelors, the admonition to marry and multiply and replenish the earth is still in effect today. Find an honorable woman to wed. You will never regret it.”

  Almost like a dare.

  A man next to him bit back a chuckle, and his wife poked him in the ribs. He glanced over at Daniel and smiled.

  After another fortnight or two, the sermon wound down to a prayer, and then they all stood and moved toward the doors.

  Jonathan Vogel came up beside him. Jonathan owned a saloon on the far side of town, so he had more money than sense. “I understand you have an eligible lady working at your shop. Perhaps I will need to make an order for some furniture for the house I am building and make her acquaintance.”

  Daniel suppressed a sigh. “That’s an excellent idea, Jonathan.”

  The man beamed and turned to look at Violet. He had kept Daniel talking long enough for Violet and Amelia to join them in the front yard.

  Daniel watched as Jonathan introduced himself and flirted. Daniel’s fists were clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his palms. Good. The pain would remind him to stay in control.

  After Jonathan tipped his hat and walked away, Amelia linked her arm through his. “Daniel, dear, Violet told me you offered to show her your house if I tagged along.”

  “Yes,” he admitted. “I did.”

  “This is such a warm day that we decided this would be the perfect day for it.”

  Feeling trapped, he led them to his wagon and helped the two women in. Sven waved and motioned to go ahead without him. The coward.

  He flicked the reins and the horses moved forward smoothly.

  The day was indeed warmer than those they’d been having. Probably in the fifties rather than closing in on freezing. It raised even Daniel’s spirits.

  The two women chattered happily and he enjoyed being with them.

  He pulled up to his house and helped the ladies back down.

  Violet stared.

  “Don’t you like it?” he asked, worried.

  “I love it! It is absolutely beautiful!”

  Again, he looked at it closely. It had faded to the background of his mind, other than as a source of individual projects. But now he looked at the lines of the house and it brought him pleasure to see it, really see it. She had that effect on him.

  It was almost as large as Amelia’s home, with a larger bedroom and two smaller ones. When he’d first purchased the house, he’d thought to put children in those rooms, but that hope had left him long ago. Now one served as office and the other as a catch-all.

  He led her up the walk.

  When she pointed out the flower boxes under the two windows, he said, “I added those. Amelia plants flowers in them for me each spring.”

  “Until you find a wife to do the job for you,” Amelia said pleasantly. “Hurry up about it, would you?”

  He narrowed his eyes at her, but his sister just smiled brightly and said, “Look at the covered porch, Violet. Daniel built it because the house had none when he purchased it.”

  Violet walked onto the porch and studied it. “It’s built sturdy—and pretty, as well. I like the design on the railing you’ve put up.”

  Inside, he showed Violet the table he’d made for the dining room, the wooden cupboards in the kitchen, the desk in the office. She was amazed at each, complimenting him, her brown eyes shining with admiration.

  He couldn’t help but feel flattered. Her admiration touched something deep inside of him, loosening something that he thought would never be moved again.

  His heart.

  After the tour, they sat in the living room, and his old dog Duke wandered in and padded over to meet Violet.

  Daniel was surprised—stunned!—when she slipped to her knees on the rug and petted the old dog, murmuring words of endearment to him.

  Duke leaned into her and she wrapped her arms around him. Even the dog fell in love with her immediately!

  Amelia stood on the edge of the room and smirked at him. He frowned, and she said, “I’m going to heat up some water for tea. Would you like some, Violet?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Still on the floor, hugging his old yellow dog, Violet looked like an angel. She fit perfectly in his house, lighting up the room with her smile, just as he’d known she would. Hi
s heart caught.

  She said, “Your dog has a noble soul.”

  “I know.”

  He sat in the chair next to them, reached out to pet Duke’s fur, and forced himself not to touch Violet’s golden-red locks, tucked up and pinned.

  His house was changed forever—and he would forever see her here.

  Violet looked hesitant, and then said, “Amelia said I should ask you about Opal.”

  He turned cold inside. “She did, did she? She was out of line.”

  Violet nodded sweetly. “If you don’t want to tell me about her, I understand.”

  He didn’t. But then he found himself saying, “I was engaged to be married to Opal. Ten years ago, when I was about your age.”

  Her eyes encouraged him to go on, and he was surprised to find himself doing so. “I was young and idealistic and when she decided to marry someone with more money, it broke my heart.”

  He’d never said those words to anyone. Of course, everyone in town knew the story—but he’d never admitted to anyone, not even to himself, that she’d broken his heart. And he was further surprised to find that saying the words brought no hurt now. A vast relief filled him.

  She narrowed her eyes. “I think Opal was a great fool.”

  He smiled in surprise. “Thank you.”

  “If I ever meet her, I shall tell her so.”

  Embarrassed, his intense feelings tilting him off-kilter, he leaned forward to pet Duke again.

  And then Violet did something totally unexpected—she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek!

  She kissed him!

  And then she said, “You’re a good man, Daniel Lund. You make beautiful furniture. And you have a wonderful, noble, old dog.”

  She had kissed his cheek!

  With a little laugh, she touched her fingertips to the spot she’d kissed. He placed his hand over hers, holding it there—

  And then Amelia clattered the teapot and he released her hand, feeling himself flush warm from the top of his head down to his toes.

  She’d kissed him!

  My dear friend Laurel,

  I hope you have found great happiness in your marriage and are settling into your new home in Arkansas with Mr. Benning. I am enjoying my first days in Minot, and the beautiful northern lights that are like magic in the night sky of what is also called Magic Town. This adventure has been all I could have imagined—and much, much more. I will write more later.