Mary: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 2

by Rachel Wesson

  As if he had conjured her up, he saw his wife running toward him from the store. He parked, his stomach churning as he searched her face. Dear Lord, let Katie be ok. Wiping his hands on his trousers, he held them out for his wife. “Katie?”

  “She’s alive. Doc says it’s a miracle. Mrs. Grey did it. She saved Katie.”

  With a whoop of delight, Davy grabbed Mary and swung her around kissing her soundly.

  “Davy, put me down.” Mary said, giggling as her husband continued to turn her around.

  Her giggles stopped as he put her down but didn’t release his hold. Instead, he pulled her closer. She turned her face up toward his, needing a kiss. She didn’t care if he thought she was forward. After the stress of the last few days, she desperately needed to feel close to him. The kiss sent tingles down her body, melting her insides, as she pressed closer to him. Without releasing her, he moved her back against the wagon, his mouth ravaging hers. She moaned as her hands played in his hair. His whiskers scratched her skin but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to show him how much she cared for him. She loved him and wasn’t afraid anymore to show it. When he broke off their kiss, disappointment flooded over her.

  “Mary, we should go. We are in the middle of the street.” His heavy breathing made his voice all husky. She nodded, biting her lip as she gazed at him. With a low moan, he kissed her soundly before pulling away.

  They walked arm in arm to the store where they found the new family waiting upstairs. Holding her niece, Mary looked up to find Davy looking at her, a look of longing in his eyes. She turned her focus back to the baby in front of her, giving her a cuddle before handing her back to her mother.

  “Thank you.” Katie said weakly. “Ma told me you looked after her and ran the boarding house so she could stay here.”

  “It was nothing. You did the hard work.” Tears filled Mary’s eyes as she took in the picture of her friend, brother-in-law and new baby, sitting together on the bed. Thank you Lord. She saw Katie, fighting to keep her eyes open. Looking up, she caught her husband’s eye. “Ready to go home?” He mouthed. She nodded.

  Mary snuggled into Davy’s side as they rode home to the ranch. She dozed off more than once as the stress of the previous week took its toll. “Go to sleep, I won’t let you fall off.” Davy whispered as she jerked awake once more. The next morning she woke to find herself in her own room. She was only partially dressed. Her cheeks heated as she remembered Davy helping her to take off her dress before putting her to bed. She had wanted him to stay with her.

  Chapter 39

  Mary found Davy in the kitchen. Her smile fell as he didn’t look up when she said good morning. Maybe he didn’t hear me. “Are you planning on going into town today?”

  “No, there is too much work to catch up on. One of the men is worried the cattle may be sick. I have to leave shortly.”

  “Oh.” Don’t go, stay here with me.

  “I don’t know how long I will be gone. Mrs. Higgins can take you into town if you want to go see Katie and the baby. “

  “I’d rather wait till you get back.” Mary said, trying to bridge the gap that seemed to have sprung up between them. Yesterday they had been so close, yet here they were almost strangers once more.

  Davy didn’t reply. He drained his coffee before standing up and stalking out of the room. She stared after him through a mist of tears. What had happened?

  Davy rode his horse but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t look at Mary without wanting to take her to bed. He didn’t think she was ready to be intimate just yet. He had to be patient but it was hard with her being so attractive. Last night, it had taken him every ounce of willpower not to stay with her. He knew she was tired out. The last few days had drained all of them. He didn’t want to take advantage of her. You could have been nicer this morning. You hurt her. The wounded look in her eyes had stayed with him. It wouldn’t have hurt to have stayed with her today, would it? The ranch isn’t going to run itself. That’s why you have ranch hands.

  Davy cursed silently. Talking to himself was going to make him mad. He needed to cool down. He spurred the horse on toward the creek. A nice bath would help sort out his body.

  Mary kept looking out the window but there was no sign of Davy coming home. She had gone over and over the events of yesterday but it still didn’t make sense. She was relieved when Mrs. H suggested a trip to town. She said she had to stock up on supplies, but both of them knew it was an excuse to meet the newest member of the Sullivan clan.

  “You look well, Katie.” Mary said, holding out her hands for the little bundle. “Has this little darling a name yet?”

  Katie smiled at her daughter. “Ella Lorena Sullivan.”

  “Lorena. Isn’t that Mrs. Grey’s first name?” Mrs. H asked softly as she cooed at the baby.

  “Yes, it is. It’s only fitting especially after what she did.”

  Mary laughed. “I never thought I would see the day you named your child after that woman.”

  Katie’s grin disappeared. “That woman has a name, Mary Ryan Sullivan. I owe her everything.”

  “Katie, I was only teasing. I know she was marvelous. I only wish I had seen Daniel’s face when she came marching into the room. Ellen said he looked like he was fit to burst.”

  “I was, but I can’t thank her enough now. When I think of what …” Daniel walked through the door, having heard the conversation. “Mrs. Grey saved my wife’s life and will always be welcome in our home.”

  They all stared at the baby, thinking of what could have happened. The silence grew uncomfortable until Ella cried out.

  “We don’t want to think about bad things today.” Katie took the baby back from Mary.

  “Congratulations on your little girl, Daniel. She is going to be a looker.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. H, she takes after her Ma.”

  Katie exchanged a loving glance with Daniel. Mary pinned her smile in place although her heart hurt. Would Davy ever look at her like that? She doubted it. “We should go and let you rest. See you Sunday, Katie. Bye, Ella Lorena Sullivan. You be good for your ma.” Mary kissed the baby on the cheek before walking out the door, closely followed by Mrs. H.

  They rode home in comfortable silence for a while.

  “Did you know Mrs. Grey was a nurse in the war?”

  Mrs. H shook her head at Mary’s question. “No, but thank goodness she was. I dread to think what would have happened if Ellen hadn’t gone to get her. Wonder how she knew?”

  “Seems Ellen took to visiting Mrs. Grey soon after Katie came here. Their Mam told the girls that people were only mean if life had given them a hard time. She said nasty people deserved help. Ellen took her advice to heart. At first, Mrs. Grey didn’t want anything to do with her but....well, you know how persistent she can be.”

  “It must be an Irish trait. You all have it.” Mrs. H joked. “Although Mrs. Grey has it too and she’s from Scottish blood.”

  “Poor lady. She lived in Winchester with her family. Her son got caught in crossfire and died as a result of his wounds. She believe he could have lived if the hospital tents had nurses. She volunteered and nursed for the remainder of the war. Her low opinion of doctors was formed by what she saw.”

  “Poor Dr. Clayton. He does his best.”

  “I’m sure he does but don’t say that to Mrs. Grey.”

  “Not likely. I like my head on my shoulders, thanks.”

  Mary smiled at the thought of Mrs. H taking on Mrs. Grey. It would be a formidable battle and she wasn’t sure who would win.

  Chapter 40

  The knock at the back door startled Mary. She rubbed her floury hands on her apron before walking out of the kitchen and down the hall to open it.

  “Afternoon, Ma’am. Got that surprise you asked for.”

  “Oh, thank you, Mick. You are just in time. Davy has gone out for a while. Bring it in please.”

  Mick walked in carrying a shiny black leather saddle. It looked like new. Mary couldn’t resist
rubbing her fingers over the soft leather leaving a trail of flour. With a giggle, she wiped it off with the side of her apron before looking up at the ranch hand with glee. “Do you think he will like it?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I’m sure he’ll love it. Special occasion, is it?” Mick glanced in the direction of the cake she had baked now cooling on the table.

  “It’s his birthday tomorrow but I thought…” Mary blushed. “Mrs. Higgins is in town tonight so I baked him a cake.”

  “He’s a lucky man, Mrs. Sullivan, if you don’t mind me saying so. Not only got himself a pretty wife but also judging by the smell, a good cook too. Me and the boys wouldn’t mind a piece of birthday cake. What time are you planning on cutting it?” Mick put the new saddle on a chair near the table.

  Oh no, her plans didn’t include inviting the ranch hands to dinner. She wanted it to be just the two of them. It was time they took their relationship to the next level. Mary stared at the floor, wondering how to tell the ranch hand it was a private affair. She looked up as Mick burst out laughing.

  “Sorry but you should see the look on your face. Don’t fret yourself Mrs. Sullivan, I was only teasing. The boys say I go too far.”

  “Not at all Mick and please stop calling me, Mrs. Sullivan. My name is Mary. Tell the boys I will have cake for them tomorrow. Don’t let onto Davy about his birthday. He doesn’t know I know.”

  Mick touched the side of his nose. “Secret is safe with me, Mrs.… I mean Mary. So where do you want the saddle? We don’t want the boss to sit on it.”

  Mary thought for a second. “Would you mind taking it into the sitting room. I don’t want to dirty it again. He doesn’t usually go in there until later so it will stay a surprise.”

  Mick grinned picking up the saddle. “Just show me where you want it. So what part of Ireland are you from? My parents came over from Dublin.”

  Mary led the way from the kitchen down to the sitting room, chatting as she went. “I’m from Galway, same as Katie. Were you born here or in Dublin?”

  “Here.” Mick put the saddle on the sofa and the two of them walked toward the front door.

  “Do your parents live nearby? You could invite them to the party on Saturday night. Ma, I mean Davy’s Ma, loves talking to people from Ireland.”

  “They died some years back.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” The door behind her opened.

  “What are you doing here?” The door banged as Davy kicked it closed behind him.

  “Oh Davy, I wasn’t expecting you back this early.” Mary looked flustered, her cheeks red. Guilty almost.

  “Sorry, Boss. I came to ask you something but you weren’t here. I got talking to Mary here about back home. Seems she may…” Mick stopped talking in the face of Davy’s stare.

  Davy took a step forward, putting his arm around his wife’s shoulders. The message was clear. She’s mine. The silence grew uncomfortable. Mary twisted a cloth in her hands while Mick inched toward the door.

  “Go on, you were saying. You were talking to Mary but I guess you mean Mrs. Sullivan, my wife.” His menacing tone had the desired effect. Mick’s adam’s apple moved rapidly as he swallowed hard.

  “I best get going.” Mick said stuttering, tripping over his own feet in his haste to get out the door.

  “Wait. What was so important that you had to come to see me at night?” Davy didn’t bother to hide his anger.

  “Oh, that. Um, well, I was going to ask a favor but it can wait.”

  “Spit it out, man. I am sure Mary is interested too.”

  “Davy, stop it, please. You are embarrassing all of us. Mr. Quinn was just leaving.” Mary held the door open and almost pushed Mick out of it. She slammed it shut behind him and putting her hands on her waist turned on Davy. “What in heaven’s name got into you? The man was just being friendly.”

  “Friendly, is that what you call it?”

  “Aye, what else would you?”

  He stormed out of hall toward the kitchen, expecting her not to follow him.

  “Davy Sullivan, don’t you dare walk off on me. I demand to know what just happened. You were so rude to Mr. Quinn. He may just leave.” They reached the kitchen. Mary picked up a plate, hoping he wouldn’t spot the cake waiting to be decorated. She needn’t have worried; he was too busy ranting to notice anything else.

  “And what of it?”

  “I don’t understand. The other day you said there was nobody who knew cattle like Mick. Now you seem to want him to leave the ranch. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “What do you care whether he goes or not? Unless he is not the stranger he appeared to be? Was he a beau from back east?” Davy regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth.

  Mary dropped the plate she had just picked up, her face white with shock. “You think…. No, it’s not … Oh my goodness.” She stared at him for a few seconds; tears making her eyes look huge, before burying her face in her apron and rushing in the direction of the stairs.

  Chapter 41

  He stalked after her but hearing the door slam, changed his mind. Maybe he should give her time to calm down. He turned back toward the kitchen. Where was Mrs. Higgins? She knew better than to let random strangers into the house. Mick is hardly a stranger. He’s been working here for about a year now.

  As Davy wandered back toward the kitchen, delicious smells he had been too worked up to notice previously, wafted toward him causing his stomach to rumble. Uh oh. Davy couldn’t believe he had forgotten. Mary had suggested giving the housekeeper some time off and he’d agreed. She was in town visiting with friends. He’d wondered at Mary’s enthusiasm to be rid of Mrs. Higgins but given the smell, she had been busy cooking dinner. Davy groaned. She obviously had planned an intimate dinner for the both of them. As if to prove his point, he only then noticed the table set for two. She had put out candles and flowers. Then he spotted the cake.

  He could kick himself. No wonder she was so upset at his veiled accusations. Here, she’d been cooking and baking all afternoon by the look of it. Far too busy to be entertaining anyone, let alone another man. He had to trust her. She hadn’t given him any reason to doubt her. But he had trusted Tilly and look where that got him. Mary wasn’t Tilly. She was kind hearted and wanted to make a go of this marriage. But you don’t know that. She could be just stringing you along. Davy put his head in his hands. You are a fool, Davy Sullivan. Worse than that. A cad. Causing a woman as fine as Mary to cry. Accusing her of all sorts. In front of the hired hand. No doubt his name would be mud in the bunkhouse tonight.

  He had to make this right. He took the stairs two at a time.

  Chapter 42

  He knocked on the bedroom door, cursing silently as he heard the muffled sounds of crying. “Mary, please let me come in.”

  “Go away.”

  His heart twisted as the sobbing got louder. “Mary, I’m sorry.” He listened in silence wondering if she was going to reply.

  “Go away. I never want to see you again.”

  Angry with himself, he twisted the doorknob desperate to prove to her he was sorry. The door wouldn’t open, it looked as if she had pulled something up against it. “Mary, open the door. We have to sort this out. I’m your husband. You have to speak to me sometime.”

  “You’re not my husband. You don’t want me. You never tried to… Well, you know. Go away. Please. Just go. ”

  Davy stood looking at the door. He could force it open but what would that achieve. He didn’t want to scare her. But the thoughts of losing her didn’t sit well either. She was his. He didn’t want her to leave. He loved coming home in the evenings sharing time with her. He looked forward to their talks in front of the fire. He hadn’t realized how lonely he was until Mary had come into his life. She was everything he ever wanted. Beautiful, smart, kind hearted and so attractive he had struggled to keep his hands off her. How could she believe he didn’t want her? He had been afraid to show her in case he frightened her off. She had been so wary and shy with h
im. He wanted her to be comfortable before they shared a bed. He hit his forehead against the frame of the door. Had he waited too long? Did she really believe he didn’t think of her as a wife?

  “Mary, I’m sorry. I behaved like a… well, it’s not fitting to put that into words. Please come out. Let’s go downstairs and eat. The meal you made smells delicious.” Nothing. But at least the sobbing seems to have stopped. “I’ll do anything. Even eat my hat if you will just come out. Give me a chance, please. I know I don’t deserve it. I will try to explain but I can’t do that with a door between us.” The door remained closed. “Mary Sullivan, get yourself out here now. Do you not remember you promised to obey me? Well, I am telling you woman to get out here. Now!”

  “Don’t you dare start ordering me about you…you big lummox. You are in the wrong here. Not me.”

  Davy smiled. She was shouting at him – that was better than sobbing. “Mary, I said I’m sorry. Please come downstairs. We can have dinner and talk.”

  “Dinner. Oh no.” She wailed. “It will be ruined. It’s still in the oven.”

  “I will get it. Please come downstairs.”

  Chapter 43

  Davy ran back downstairs into the kitchen and rescued the beef. It was only slightly overdone. He would tell her he preferred it that way. Anything to make her feel better, given the mess he had made of things so far. He heard footsteps coming down the hall but instead of waiting for her at the door, he got busy dishing up the meal.