“Is it ruined?” The sound of her voice hoarse from crying cut him to the bone.
“It turned out just the way I like it. Sit down, please, and let me serve you.” She turned away from him but before she could protest, he said softly “Please.” Mary sat but held her shoulders rigid. Tread carefully, Davy. You only got one chance to put this right. He set the plates in front of them and took his seat. Silence reigned as they both played with their food, neither eating. “Thank you for all your effort. I am very sorry I ruined things.”
“Why? What made you behave like that?”
The fire was back in her eyes. He clenched his hands before wiping them down his trousers. His mouth was so dry he could barely speak. Desperately he tried to find the words to explain things. “I need to tell you a story but it don’t make for pleasant listening. Why don’t we eat first and then take our coffee to the sitting room. I promise to try to make you understand.”
She eyed him warily before saying. “You hurt me.”
The simple statement made him feel worse than a heel. “I know. I would do anything to start today over again. I was a fool. Forgive me?”
“I’ll try.”
They picked up their forks again but after a few bites both pushed their plates away. “You go sit by the fire. I’ll follow with the coffee.”
She looked at him as he took the plates to the sink. He was sorry. She knew that not just by his words but also from the emotions she saw warring in his eyes. It was hard to forgive him. She still couldn’t believe he had treated her so badly but yet… he must have a reason. She had watched him with other people and the animals. He had a kind heart.
Chapter 44
She moved to the sitting room and sat watching the flames flickering. It brought back happy memories of sitting by the fireside with her parents. They had a good marriage, although it had not been a love match. Her grandparents had used the services of a local matchmaker. Was that much different to being a mail order bride? In theory, the matchmaker knew both families but in reality, the couple were strangers when they married. Just like herself and Davy. She listened for his footsteps. Maybe he is still trying to get his story straight.
She tried to put aside her hurt and anger. Her marriage had to work. She loved living in Clover Springs. For the most part, Davy was a good husband. He had provided her with a comfortable home, a housekeeper and hadn’t made any demands on her person. So what if he had a tendency to lose his temper? That wasn’t the worst fault in a man. She could learn to live with it? Couldn’t she?
Davy walked slowly toward the sitting room. He had to make her understand. But how? By telling her the truth about Tilly. Nobody knew the secret. Well, only one person did and he wasn’t about to spill the beans. If he shared Tilly’s story, then he was disrespecting her memory. If you don’t, you will lose your wife. He didn’t want to lose Mary. He loved her. Davy stood still before entering the room. He didn’t know when he had fallen in love with Mary but that didn’t matter. He couldn’t risk losing her. He would tell her everything and pray that she understood and could forgive him.
“I put cream and a little sugar in your coffee just the way you like it.” He handed her the cup, noting with disappointment she didn’t meet his eyes. ‘Mary, I am sorry about today.”
“So you’ve said. But it’s not the first time you have acted strangely. It’s like you don’t… well, almost as if you think I shouldn’t talk to another man.”
“Why do you want to do that?”
“Do what?” She put her cup down, folding her arms across her chest.
Davy rubbed the back of his neck. He had done it again. Started another argument. This wasn’t going well at all.
Chapter 45
“I have to tell you something I haven’t told anyone. It’s not really my story to tell but … well I hope you understand.”
Mary nodded but remained silent.
“Did anyone tell you I was engaged before? Her name was Tilly. She came from over near Clear Creek. We met when Pa took me with him on a business trip. He was buying some horses for the ranch and he thought it would be good for me to learn the ropes.” Davy knew he was waffling but it was hard.
“Anyway, we met and fell in love. Or at least I did. I thought she did too.” He couldn’t look at Mary; the hurt from reliving the story was too much. He stared into the fire. “Pa wasn’t in favor of the match. He believed Tilly was too young and immature. Happen he was right but I was too headstrong to listen. I started courting her and made every excuse to make the trip over to see her.” Davy fell silent, his mind remembering the raven-haired girl with the wide smile. She had been so full of fun.
“What did her Pa think?”
Mary’s question focused Davy. “I think he agreed, although his priorities were elsewhere. He had a hankering to go prospecting for gold. Looking back, I think he was keen to get rid of Tilly. That would free him up to head to the mountains. He wasn’t a bad man just not cut out to be a father. Tilly’s Ma had died in childbirth so it was just the two of them.”
“Wasn’t there family that could take her if he wanted to leave so badly?”
Davy sensed Mary was trying her best to make it easier for him to tell the story but her questions were having the opposite effect. “No. It was just the two of them, as I said. Well, really, there were three.”
“Three?”
“Tilly’s uncle. He was from her Ma’s younger brother. He was responsible for the Pa’s interest in gold. He had found some nuggets in the claim he was working. Said he would share it with his family.” Davy grimaced. He could feel the bile rising in his throat, as he got closer to the most painful part of the story. Caught up in memories, he didn’t sense Mary rise until he felt her by his side, her arm stroking his gently.
“You don’t have to tell me. I can see it’s painful.”
“No, I have to. Maybe then you will understand. So Wilbur moved into the house with Tilly and her Pa. He seemed nice enough. Spent too much time in the local saloon for my tastes but it meant time alone with Tilly. I wasn’t complaining. We were young and in love. Pa finally agreed to us setting a date. June 30th it would have been.” Davy stopped, swallowing hard. He knew it would be difficult but this was worse than he expected.
“She died before your wedding. I’m sorry, Davy. I know she meant the world to you.”
“No, Mary. I thought I was in love with her but now I know Pa was right. We were too young.” He sat staring at his hands.
“Davy, you don’t have to pretend. I didn’t come here expecting a love match. I knew what I was letting myself in for when I agreed to become a mail order bride. Love stories are for fairy tales.”
“Katie and Daniel found love. Couldn’t we?”
Mary sat straighter moving slightly away from him. He turned toward her, taking her hand in his. Not wanting to scare her.
“Mary, I love you.”
“What? You can’t. I mean, the way you behaved earlier. That’s not love.” Mary stood up. “I think it’s time I retired.”
Davy shot to his feet. “Please don’t go yet. I need to tell you the …”
Frantic knocking on the front door interrupted them. “What on earth...” Davy got to the door just as Mick walked in shouting for him.
“Boss, you got to come now.”
“Can’t it wait.” Davy stared at his ranch hand.
“Sorry, boss. Luke is dead, I’ve sent Jeb for the sheriff.”
“Dead? How?”
“Rustlers. He didn’t have a chance to draw his gun.”
Mary cried out. “Luke, the poor man. Oh no, Sorcha. He was writing to her. I think he asked her to marry him in his last letter.”
Davy had to go, although his instinct was to stay with Mary and protect her. “Mary, I’ve got to ride with the men. I heard Mrs. H come back from town earlier. I’ll send her to you. Don’t leave the house. For any reason. Not until I get back.”
“But...”
“Mary, don’t ar
gue with me. Not now. It’s dangerous out there.”
Mary nodded. Davy gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before following Mick outside. Mary ran after them.
“Davy, please be careful.”
Davy nodded before jumping on the horse Mick had brought for him.
Chapter 46
Davy urged the horse to go faster, hoping Jeb had found the sheriff. He couldn’t believe they had come back again. He’d thought they’d be wary of being caught, given one of their gang was in prison waiting for the judge. They didn’t know how many men were in the gang. Mick said Luke was dead when Henry got to them. His mouth tightened. He spurred his horse on eager to catch up with his men. Luke had been a good man, one of the best ranch hands he had. Anger made him reckless so he forced himself to think rationally. Luke would be avenged. The cattle he had lost could be replaced. He hoped his scout was right in thinking the rustlers had left. He didn’t want to consider what would happen should they double back and find Mary alone. She isn't alone. Mrs. H is with her and a couple of the boys. Jeb would bring more people out from the town. Daniel may even take Mary to stay with Katie until this trouble blew over.
Mary and Mrs. H sat up late drinking coffee. They had cried over Luke. Mrs. H had written to his parents. It was up to Mary to write to Sorcha. She didn’t know what to say, so decided to wait until she could speak to Katie.
“Did you know Tilly?” Mary asked Mrs. H watching her reaction very closely. Mrs. H busied herself with the cups. She didn’t answer. “Mrs. H. Davy told me a little about her but then we got interrupted.”
“Her death nearly tore that boy apart. He seemed to blame himself but there was nothing he could do. The good Lord called her back.” Mrs. H stayed silent for a couple of seconds, as if wondering what she should say next.
“Mary, don’t you be comparing yourself to young Tilly. You are a woman. She was just a girl. She is his past. You are his future.”
“Am I?”
When Mrs. H didn’t look up at her, Mary colored. “Sorry Mrs. H, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Miss Mary, it isn’t any of my business really, but I want Davy to be happy. You make him smile. I like looking at him watching you.”
“He doesn’t, well, it’s just that he seems to... Oh never mind. I shouldn’t say it.”
“He gets jealous of you talking to the men. He shouldn’t, as you’ve never looked twice at one of them. You love him, don’t you?”
Mary was too embarrassed to look up.
“You stay true to your feelings, Miss Mary, but don’t let Davy get away with treating you badly. You have to stand up to him and show him how you feel.”
“How do I do that?” Mary looked at her shaking hands. She clasped them together, wishing she had a cold towel for her face. “I’ve never been with a man. Not properly. I don’t know how to show him I love him.”
“That’s easy, darling. You bought him the saddle. Wasn’t he pleased?”
“I am not sure he saw it. He, well… he didn’t like the fact Mick was here when he came home.”
Mrs. H pursed her lips. “There’s times when I want to put Davy over my knee and spank him.”
Mary giggled at the fierce expression on Mrs. H’s face. Mrs. H started laughing too before standing up. “It’s time for bed but tomorrow I will teach you how to make apple pie just as Davy likes it. My mama always said the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach.”
Chapter 47
The apple pie turned out perfectly. Mary tried to be happy but she was worried about her husband. She loved him. Yes, he had issues with jealousy. If she wanted to stay with him, she would have to learn to live with it. He should trust me. With effort, Mary dampened down her angry thoughts. No marriage was perfect. The best were based on compromise. And trust. Where was the trust between her and Davy? He doesn’t believe you are faithful. How can a relationship work without faith? Mary paced backwards and forwards. Mrs. H gave her jobs to do but the time dragged by. Where was Davy? Was he safe?
They heard horses outside and ran out to check. Mary tried to curb her disappointment. She was pleased to see Jeb was unhurt. He had brought Daniel and some other men from town. The men would ride after Davy. Daniel tried to persuade Mary to return to town with him but she refused.
“My place is by Davy’s side, Daniel.”
“He’d prefer you in town, Mary.”
“This is my home and I’m not leaving.”
Daniel wasn't happy but he had to get back to Katie and the store. After he left, Mary watched as Mrs. H cleaned an old rifle. "Do you think there will be trouble?"
"Not really, Miss Mary, but it's best to be prepared."
Mary wished she had paid more attention to the lessons Davy had given her, but even now, she wasn't sure she would be able to shoot someone. "Have you ever shot someone, Mrs. H?"
Mrs. Higgins nodded. "Long time back. Before we came to live here."
"Did they die?" Mary shuddered but she wanted to know.
"I wouldn't be here if they didn't. They killed my husband and I wasn't about to let them get me or the boys. God knows where my boys would have ended up. I didn’t want them living with the Apache."
"Indians? But I thought they were friendly."
"They are around here but it was different back before the war. I don’t really blame the Indians; they were just protecting what they thought was theirs. White men took their land and they wanted it back.”
The days passed by slowly. She helped with different chores. Mrs. H was a good teacher, always patient, which was good as Mary couldn’t concentrate on anything. Mrs. H told her stories of growing up in the South before the war years. Her family had lived on the edge of a large plantation.
“You should have seen the parties, Miss Mary. People came from miles around. The ladies wore huge gowns and their jewelry sparkled like snow on the mountain top.” Mary sat mesmerized as the housekeeper painted a picture of years gone by. “I was friendly with one of the little girls at the plantation. Her Mama and Daddy were away a lot and she was lonely. I shouldn’t have been anywhere near that house. I used to climb in her bedroom window.”
Mary giggled.
“I know it’s hard to believe I was capable of that but I wasn’t always old you know. Anyway, this night there was a big dance. We hid behind some curtains in the room where the ladies got dressed. You should have seen those girls. They were so pretty. Their maids tied their stays so tight, I didn’t know how they could breathe, never mind dance, but they did.”
“Did your father own slaves?”
“No, Miss Mary, we didn’t have the money to own slaves. He agreed with it though. It was another thing we fought about.”
“My Daddy and I never fought. I didn’t think he was able to fight but then he got mixed up with the freedom fighters. He died because of them.” Mary took a deep breath, trying not to let the tears start as she didn’t know if she could stop them. She needed to distract herself. “How did you meet your husband? Was he at one of those balls?”
Mrs. H laughed, her belly moving up and down as she struggled to regain her composure. “My Tom never saw inside a plantation. He was from the North. Yet another thing I did to upset Daddy. I met Tom when he came to visit his cousins. We ran away together.”
“You must have loved him very much.”
“Yes, I did. It was hard with him being a northerner and me from the south. Especially during the war. That’s when we decided to move West. We had the boys to consider. We wanted a better life for them. But it wasn’t to be.” Mrs. H fell silent, her eyes closed. Mary didn’t say anything. She waited until the older woman was up to talking again. “Daddy never forgave me so I couldn’t go back home after Tom died in the Indian raid. That’s how I ended up on the Sullivan ranch with two young boys and not a penny to my name. If it wasn’t for Mr. Sullivan, Davy’s father, I don’t know what would have happened to me and my kids.”
Chapter 48
“Was it worth it?” Mary a
sked, before putting her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. Don’t answer.”
“Yes, it was. We had a good marriage. Of course, we fought but then we got to kiss and make up.”
Mary’s cheeks flushed at the dreamy expression on the other woman’s face.
“It wasn’t all sunshine and roses. There were times when I would have gone home if I could. But marriage is like that, honey. It takes two people to work at it. Men are different to us women. They don’t always use their brains the way they should. They seem to think we will know what’s going on in their heads just by looking at them.”
Mary wanted to ask Mrs. H more, but she couldn’t. She didn’t want to embarrass the other woman. It would be difficult to admit Davy wasn’t really her husband. Not in the true sense of the word. She bit her lip. It wasn’t right to discuss her marriage with anyone.
“Davy took after him. He has the same kind heart and will treat you just as well as his Pa treated his Ma.”
Mary’s skepticism must have shown on her face as Mrs. H rubbed her arm. “Give him a chance to explain child. Let him say he’s sorry and forgive him. You love him. Anyone can see that. He is a man worth fighting for.”
Mary went to bed, considering the housekeepers advice. She had spent the nights praying for her husband to return. She prayed even harder. “I’ll be patient and never say a harsh word again, Dear Lord. Just bring him home safe.”
The sound of horses interrupted their dinner the next day. They both rushed to the door to find the men outside. Davy jumped down but didn’t move toward Mary. He started to but then stopped.
“Did you get them?” Mrs. H asked.
“We did.”
“So, what’s with the long face?”
“They weren’t cattle rustlers. Well, they were but not the hardened type. It was a father and his sons. The boys were barely teenagers. They said their family was starving and they had to steal cattle to eat. At least, that’s what I think they said. They didn’t speak a lot of English.”
Mary: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides 2 Page 11
