Brides of Bannack Box Set: Mail Order Bride

by Natalie Dean

  "Palmer can pay for my land, and he can have it. John had no family. He told me I could do whatever I wished. I'm only bothered by what will happen to Johnny Eagle and his family."

  "Cecilia, Johnny Eagle and his people are nomads. They move on in search of the buffalo. He will understand, and Palmer can't police the whole territory. You have to do what's right for you."

  "Why don't we go now before I change my mind? You can come but let me do the talking."

  Cecilia and Doc rode towards the Palmer Ranch. His men were at the entrance and escorted them to the house where Palmer stood chewing tobacco. His handlebar mustache twirled at the ends. Cecilia had never met the man but already disliked him.

  "What can I do for you Lil' lady?" he asked as he spat tobacco towards her. She wanted to shout at him, but she needed to hold her anger back.

  "I got your message about my land," she said as she watched Palmer nod at all but one of his men to leave them alone.

  "Come inside, Mrs. Aikens. Let's be civilized," he stood back to allow Cecilia through the door. As Doc went to follow her, Palmer's man blocked his entrance. Hamish couldn't follow, and he hoped Cecilia was going to be alright by herself.

  "Maria, bring us refreshments," Palmer directed as he pulled out a chair for Cecilia. She chose to sit in a different chair other than the one he offered.

  "As you wish, my dear," he said smugly. It annoyed Cecilia. She had played into his hand. He knew she would react the way she did and now she was sitting beside him rather than opposite him at the table.

  "Reports of your beauty weren't exaggerations. You are used to the finer things in life." Palmer was talking at her rather than with her.

  As tea was served, Cecilia looked around the room. It was very well furnished. The contents of the house would look comfortable in any city dwelling. Palmer had good taste.

  "You approve of my decor?" he asked, and Cecilia nodded.

  "I am looking for someone to share this with me. You are available. I am a very generous man."

  "Mr. Palmer, I buried my husband this morning, and now you are proposing marriage," Cecilia was disgusted by his disregard for proper decorum.

  "Now, now, Cecilia. There is no need to be like that. We must be practical. You have come to sell your land to me. I will buy it and at a fair price despite what the good folk of Bannack say. But you're too smart for a place like this. You'll never accomplish anything unless you have a man with vision by your side. You plan to open some little store in town. You'll never survive. Without my help, you will have to return to the city. I'm sure your father is still seeking a reward for you."

  Cecilia's green eyes flashed at Palmer. Why was he threatening her into marriage? She knew he was a collector. And that's all she'd ever be, a trophy.

  "My father has no control over me or what I do. No man will tell me what to do. If you were the last man alive and the future of the earth depended on us being together, I would rather die than be with you. John Aikens was a good and kind man. He saw past these looks. But you, you are no different to any other man I've met. You want to own me. Pay me for my land, and it's yours but don't expect me to fawn at your feet."

  Palmer grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. She set his pulse on fire with the way she spoke to him.

  "I'll enjoy taming you!" he declared before he cried out in pain as Cecilia brought the fork down on his hand.

  "Don't you ever speak to me like that again. You are correct in my estimation that I am smart. Don't make an enemy of me, Palmer or I'll make it my business to destroy you. Now give me my money, and I'll bid you good day. You can take possession of the land tomorrow."

  Cecilia stood up. Her heart was beating so fast. She felt so powerful. Palmer was like any bully; he backed down when challenged. She was lucky none of his men were around.

  He wrapped a handkerchief around his hand as he left her in the drawing room. He returned, his face was pale, and Cecilia noted how he didn't even look at her as he counted out the money and she signed over her farm to him.

  "You should get Hamish to take a look at that," she said as she walked out the door. She looked calm on the outside, but inside she wanted to collapse. Her legs were shaking as she made her way to Hamish who was standing with the horses.

  "What happened?" he asked.

  "We need to go now," she said as he helped her up on the horse.

  They galloped away and didn't stop until they knew no one was following them. Cecilia told Hamish what happened.

  "Cec, how many men have you injured?" the Doc burst out laughing.

  "Do you think he'll have me killed?" she asked. She knew men like him didn't like losing.

  "No, I think you're safe. I don't think he'll be bothering you ever again. I must say, Cec, you are a fiery little thing. You look like an angel and yet you can protect yourself."

  Hamish was right. Palmer never bothered Cecilia again. She lived at the Lavery Hotel while her tea shop and home were built. She would live above the shop once it was complete. Cecilia felt she’d had enough of men. Each night she prayed to the Lord to keep her safe. The Lord had shown her how a woman should be treated, but a man like John Aikens was rare. While their time together was short, she had loved him. Although she wasn't sure she was capable of love. Strong men exerted control, and weaker men were no match for Cecilia. Except for John who, while he looked weak, had been the most courageous man she had ever known. John had given her this wonderful life. Who could compete with a dead man?

  Cecilia admired Mrs. Lavery. She was a widow with a grown son and managed to run her hotel just fine. There were no defined roles here in Bannack. Cecilia could be a business woman too if she wanted. She didn’t need a man for that.

  Cecilia's tea shop was a success. It was a meeting place for the young wives and mothers who lived in the area. It was isolating living on a farm. Cecilia had noticed that from her brief stint on John's land. The ladies needed a place they could come and socialize with each other.

  In her tea shop, there was always some sound of lively chatter. The environment was harsh, and for many of the women who had worked in service and were now mail order brides, the dust was soul destroying. Cecilia had made a refuge, and it made her happy, but each night when she closed the door, she felt sad at retiring to her little home. There was no one to whom she could say goodnight.

  She was missing female company. She and Moll had been inseparable. Cecilia had plenty of aquaintances here, but they were all married women. She wanted a true friend. While she was grateful for all she had, she prayed that the Lord would send someone her way.

  The Lord replied with the arrival of a new mail order bride, Lottie Cahill. Lottie brought excitement to Bannack when it transpired that her husband to be had been murdered. It had been an adventure in figuring out who had murdered him. It was made better still when Lottie married Hamish.

  So much had happened in Bannack in the last few months. Cecilia and Lottie were sitting at her tea shop talking about all of the recent events when a man rode up. There was something about him that drew their attention, and they walked out as he stopped outside the jail house.

  "It must be the new Sheriff," Lottie said excitedly. She was gauging Cecilia's reaction.

  "Howdy ladies," he said as he tipped his hat at them and Lottie giggled. He was very handsome. He was tying his horse to the post as Lottie nudged Cecilia to talk to him.

  "Are you our new Sheriff?” Cecilia asked coyly.

  “Yes Mam,” answered the sheriff.

  “I'm Cecilia Aikens, and this is Mrs. Lottie McLennon, the doctor's wife."

  "Pleasure, ladies. I’m Sheriff Lance Dexter. Lottie…why does that name sound familiar?" Lance scratched his head as he opened the jailhouse door.

  "Oh, Lottie figured out who killed her husband. Our last Sheriff had no interest in such things. He was too busy running a gang," Cecilia said dismissively. She had to admit that the new Sheriff was very attractive.

  "That's right. Leave the law t
o the lawmen, Mrs. McLennon. You could have got yourself killed. Women ain't equipped to deal with bandits and the like."

  Cecilia was horrified by what she heard.

  "So what is a woman equipped to do?" she snapped at him. What did he know of her and Lottie to make such assumptions?

  "Well, a woman should make a home comfortable for her husband. Too many independent women nowadays. I see it all over. None seem content to raise a family."

  "How dare…" Cecilia was about to blow when Lottie pulled her away.

  "It was very nice to meet you, Sheriff. We'll see you later tonight at the Lavery Hotel. There's a little get together to welcome you," Lottie said as she pulled Cecilia away.

  "Why did you do that? How could you listen to that nonsense?" Cecilia fumed. Lottie was sure she saw smoke coming out her friend's ears she was so riled up.

  "Simmer down, Cecilia. He's new in town and is telling us how it is. We know the truth and besides, isn't it time you started looking for a husband. He's very handsome."

  "I don't need a man, Lottie. You were lucky with Hamish, and I was lucky with John. That is it. I am very comfortable on my own but to think I'd be interested in someone like him." Cecilia was looking at the new sheriff.

  "Cecilia, I don't think he meant anything by it. Won't it be wonderful having a dance tonight." Lottie continued to chatter about the evening's planned events.

  Cecilia couldn't stop thinking about Sheriff Lance and his comments. She didn't know why it bothered her so much.

  "Cec, you're not listening to me at all. Is Daniel Langton your beau for this evening?"

  "Yes, well he is staying in the hotel. It's been quite nice to be with a civilized man. He lacks the roughness of the men here, but yet his refinement doesn't make him like the city men either."

  Daniel was another newer man in town who Cecilia had been chatting with quite a bit.

  "Do you think he will propose?" Lottie was so in love with her husband and wanted the world to be in love too.

  "No, I don't think so. Daniel moves around so much, and I am not prepared to follow any man, but he has been a very pleasant distraction. I have to say it has been rather nice to have a mature conversation with a man."

  "But doesn't it bother you how he gambles?" Lottie asked. What life could Cecilia have with a man who didn't work for a living?

  "He has business interests, but I understand what you are saying. I don't envision a life with a man who gambles. Mrs. Lavery doesn't approve at all. I think she hoped at one stage I'd marry poor Horace," Cecilia giggled as she spoke and Lottie scolded her. However, despite her best efforts, Lottie laughed too. Horace was too much under his mother's thumb to ever stand up to her.

  "A girl needs to know her man has got her back," Cecilia said as she gave Lottie a slice of cake. Something caught her attention and Cecilia looked out the window. Sheriff Lance was pinning his badge to his vest. He seemed proud of it.

  "Admiring the new arrival?" Lottie teased.

  "Mrs. McLennon, Mrs. Aikens." It was Daniel Langton walking up to them. Cecilia's cheeks flushed as she was caught unaware. Lottie couldn't help but notice it. She knew Cecilia was just in denial that she didn't care about finding love, and she was going to make sure her friend found true happiness.

  "Mr. Langton, good day. I shall see you both later," Lottie said as she made herself scarce. She could see the sheriff standing outside the jailhouse. Was Cecilia watching the sheriff as Daniel sat down beside her? The evening was going to be very interesting.

  "I hope Mrs. McLennon didn't leave on my account," Daniel said as he took Cecilia's hand and kissed it. "However, I'm certainly not complaining about being alone in your company."

  "You flatter me, Mr. Langton. Tea and cake?" Cecilia said giving him a coy smile.

  As other patrons came into the tea shop, Cecilia didn't get a chance to talk to Daniel again. He was very charming. So why were her thoughts on the new Sheriff?

  "Mrs. Aikens, do you mind if I escort you to the hotel this evening?"

  Cecilia agreed. As Daniel left, the other ladies swooned as he passed by them. Cecilia chortled. Daniel no doubt had many admirers.

  "I must fix that curtain rail," Cecilia murmured to herself as she cleared the tables. One of the fixings had come loose when a child had decided to swing off the curtain. Every day she planned to fix it, and every day she forgot. It was almost closing time, but she never rushed anyone out of the tea shop. The less time she spent on her own, the less time Cecilia had to think about her loneliness.

  "Goodbye, Cecilia. We shall see you later. It's very exciting having a new sheriff. I heard he used to be a marshal," Mrs. Patterson said as she left the shop.

  "A marshal," Cecilia mused as she pushed the chair against the wall and got a needle and thread ready to mend the curtain. Even though she was tall, she still had to stretch.

  "I should take it down and do a proper job," Cecilia murmured to herself. “But this is just faster.” She heard the door of her tea shop open, but as she turned around to see who had come in, Cecilia twisted and started to fall from the chair.

  "My goodness, Miss Aikens, you must take care," Sheriff Dexter said as he caught Cecilia in his arms.

  "It's Mrs. Aikens," she corrected him. She was still winded, as he held her in his arms. It was a long time since a man had supported her in any fashion. While she had her flirtation with Daniel, they hadn't even kissed. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked into the Sheriff's eyes. They were chocolate brown and looked sad.

  "Apologies Mrs. Aikens, I was passing by when I saw your cake on the window sill. I miss a good cake. Good thing I decided to come in or you'd have had a nasty bump on your head."

  "I can stand now, thank you, Sheriff," Cecilia said. Why did he smile at her like that? She didn't like it. It made her feel something she didn't want to feel. He was just like all the other men, bossy and expecting a woman to be in the home. She wasn't some feeble female needing a man's help.

  Cecilia wiped down her dress and then put her hands to her hair. She chided herself for that action. Lance smiled at her.

  "Where is Mr. Aikens? Will I be meeting him this evening?"

  Cecilia didn't answer. She didn't want the Sheriff knowing anything about her.

  "Have this on me," she said as she gave him a slice of cake.

  "Have I done something to offend you, Mrs. Aikens? It certainly hasn't been my intention, but you seem rather flustered by my presence."

  "Not at all, Sheriff," she lied, "I was about to get ready for this evening. If you don't mind, I'd like to shut the shop up."

  "Well I know how you ladies like to get all fixed up," he smiled at her as he spoke. He looked like he was going to say something else, but Cecilia waved dismissively at him.

  Lance chortled as he walked away. Cecilia was annoyed at the effect he had on her. Feelings like these she couldn't control. He looked back, and she was embarrassed that he had seen her looking at him.

  Cecilia usually didn't have to make much of an effort. Her natural beauty did the work for her. But somehow, she felt off. She didn't know why her heart fluttered and it was like her stomach was doing somersaults each time she thought about the sheriff. The audacity of him flirting with her and as far as he knows she’s married. He didn't know she was a widow and yet he openly teased her.

  The knock on her door broke Cecilia out of her thinking. It was Daniel.

  Chapter Four

  "Cecilia tells me that you were in Bozeman recently and Missoula. What business are you in?" Doc said as he spoke with Daniel Langton.

  "A little of this, a little of that. I'm what you call a professional gambler," Daniel said, and then he moved away from the Doc.

  "He's a strange one, isn't he?" the Doc said to his wife, Lottie.

  "At least he's a gentleman from what Cecilia says. I must pry her away from Mrs. Lavery." Lottie went to her friend's side.

  "Sheriff, poor Mrs. Aikens is a widow after a few months of marriage. It was so sad…"
Cecilia stiffened as she heard Mrs. Patterson's words. She was hidden by the pillar in the foyer and couldn't help but listen.

  "I suppose it explains her independent streak. Women need to take care of their men folk," the sheriff replied.

  "What about you, Sheriff? Are you married?" Mrs. Patterson asked as she joined Mrs. Lavery to begin their interrogation of the sheriff's personal life.

  "No. My life has been a nomadic one. Ain't conducive to settling down," he said but there was something about the way he said it that made Cecilia wonder if that was the truth.

  "Perhaps, Mrs. Aikens will help you settle in Bannack," Mrs. Lavery said as Cecilia had to hold herself back, but her curiosity was piqued, what reply would he give.

  "I'm afraid Mrs. Aikens would be too independent for me. If you ladies will excuse me, I should mingle and meet the deputies."

  "Cecilia, there you are, my darling," Daniel's words startled Cecilia. She had all but forgotten about him.

  "Oh Daniel, where were you?" she asked, but her focus was on the sheriff. Who did he think he was deciding who and what she was?

  "I needed some air, but I'm feeling much better now. Let's go dance." The music started, and the dance began.

  "She's quite something, isn't she?" Lottie said as she sidled up to the sheriff. The sheriff didn't seem able to take his eyes off Cecilia.

  "She's a widow," he said, but Lottie wasn't sure if he was confirming Cecilia's status or talking aloud.

  "Who’s that she’s with?"

  "That's Daniel Langton. He's in Bannack on business. They make quite the attractive couple, don't they?" Lottie smiled as she noticed how Lance clenched his jaw. He didn't like it.

  The celebration of the sheriff's arrival continued into the early hours. However, the morning brought the sheriff his first case.