by Angel Wolfe
“From the sounds of things, they are getting married tomorrow so you won’t have to worry about them a bit.” Jack told her. “Those Jamison boys are just about the cream of the crop if you ask me; I just wish it was our daughter marrying one of them. Now though, you can go back to work helping me with the Women’s Right to Vote Movement. Mark my words Josephine, this is the year it will come to a head. After all our work on the issue, I sure hope it pays off when the election rolls around.”
“Jack, I’ll never stop worrying. Now, that they are all family I love them already. I have a feeling that all the girls will be extremely close in a matter of a few years, if not a couple months.” She replied. “Maybe Frances will even meet a nice young man through them.”
“We can always hope Dear. But to be honest, I’m not in a big hurry to lose her to another man.” Jack laughed. “I’m not sure I’ll ever think any man is good enough for her.”
“That’s why the poor girl will never have any callers.” She looked at her husband sternly. “All the nice young men will be scared to death of your scowling.”
“Let’s go to bed Honey.” Jack sighed. “Tonight has been full of more excitement then I care to repeat in a long while.”
“Jack…” She whispered as they walked hand in hand to the bedroom. “Are they really going to hang Henry?”
“I’m afraid so Josie.” He shook his head sadly. “But it’s not like he doesn’t deserve it. I mean, he even stooped as low as to use our own daughter as a shield.”
“I know dear but I’m worried about how this is going to affect Marie.” She replied. “I mean, she already has to deal with the knowledge of what her father has done; how will she handle his death?”
“She’ll do what she has to do to survive. If her sister can go through all that she has without a complaint, then maybe it’s time for Marie to grow up and realize that life isn’t handed out on a platter.” Jack answered.
“Jack, Dear; I can’t believe you are being this insensitive about a girl that we know and love almost as much as our own daughter.” Josephine scolded. “It’s not her fault that her father turned out to be such a scoundrel. I think she has had enough to cope with without adding to it. Think about how Frances would feel if she were in a similar situation.”
“I have thought about it and I think Frances is a lot more mature then her friend. Maybe she could teach her something.” Jack threw back. “Let’s not argue tonight. Let’s go to bed and snuggle and worry about it in the morning.”
“You’re right, tomorrow is going to be a long day, and we should get our rest while we have the chance.” Josephine agreed as she removed the throw pillows from the bed and folded down the linens.
“They’re going to sleep together you know.” Jack told her laughingly.
“Yes, I know.” She replied.
“You aren’t the least bit scandalized by that?” He asked with a smirk. “Not even the tiniest bit?”
“Nope.” She shook her head. “They told me about it before I sent him down here. Kaitlyn still has nightmares about her ordeal and he tends to make her feel safe. Even though they sleep together Jack, I don’t think they’ll do anything else. I feel like they respect us too much for that.”
“They must not know us very well then.” Jack laughed again. “Do you remember how it was with us? We wouldn’t have held out.”
“It was different with us Jack. We weren’t already mature adults on our own the first time.” Josephine reminded him. “We were just kids. Remember how worried we were about ending up with a baby too quickly?”
“If we had only known what we know now, huh Josie.” He hugged her. “I wouldn’t trade Frances for anything though…well, maybe a son.” He laughed as she playfully hit him in the arm.
“You may have to carry and give birth to him then Husband.” She told him. “I don’t think I want to go through that at this point in our life. We should be grandparents before long, not parents again.”
“With any luck Josie, you’ll have more “grandchildren” then you have “daughters” before long.” Jack agreed as he changed into his nightclothes and slipped into bed next to his wife. Pulling her close, “I love you Josie. Are you sorry we didn’t have more children?” He whispered.
“Sometimes I guess I am, but I’m happy with Frances. She has been such a good girl. She’s beautiful, kind hearted and smart. If we could only have one child, I’m glad she could be Frances.” Josephine conceded. “I love you too Jack. We’ve had a wonderful life together.”
She snuggled deep into his arms and once she was warm and drowsy, she contentedly drifted off to dream of all the grandchildren they would have from this newfound extended family.
Upstairs, Frances, Marie, and Anna had begun planning the receptions, weddings, and decorations. “It’s like we’re all going to be one big family.” Frances said excitedly. “With Rick and Matt already being your brothers, now you’ll have sisters.” She told Anna. “And since Kat and Angel are your sisters, now you’ll have brothers.” She looked at Marie.
“Since your mother is Angel and Kat’s aunt that make you cousins.” Anna and Marie told Frances.
“Like Frances said, we’re just one big family now.” Marie sighed as she sat dreamily on the bed. “Just think girls, before too long it will be the three of us getting married too. Although, I think we should do it one at a time so we don’t have to share the ceremony and the excitement.” She added.
Shaking their heads and rolling their eyes, Anna and Frances made a silent pact that they would definitely not spoil Marie’s wedding day by intruding even if they were to share a day themselves.
“What month is best for weddings do you think? I want Frank and I’s wedding day to be special.” Marie said, “Do you plan on getting married and having children someday Anna or do you like teaching school better?”
“I think we all plan on getting married eventually Marie. Whether or not it works out that way remains to be seen though.” Anna replied. “I haven’t seen many men in my lifetime that I’d want to spend the rest of my life with so we shall just have to see what happens.”
“I know that I’d like to get married before too long.” Frances added. “I’m like Anna though and haven’t seen many men that interest me in that way. Maybe the upcoming Spring Fling will draw some unattached men out of hiding long enough for us to snatch them.” She laughed as she hugged Anna. “Or maybe, you will go marry Frank and I’ll move into a house with Anna to be out from under Mum and Daddy’s roof.”
“Oh Frances” You so love to tease me.” Marie pouted. “You know that I can’t marry Frank immediately. Since I left, I will have to wait at least a month or two.”
“Marie, do you love Frank?” Anna asked her seriously. “Or is it the idea of a big wedding and a party afterwards that you’re in love with?”
“Well, I do want to get married.” She said hesitantly. “And I really care for Frank. I’m just not sure I’m ready for the responsibilities of being a wife.”
“There’s no time like the present to find out Marie. You have a very nice man that is pursuing you and I find it hard to believe that you’re not jumping at the chance to wed him.” Frances said confused. “Maybe if you’re not interested I could give him a try.”
“You better not Frances.” Marie threatened. “He’s mine and I’ll not have you touching him.”
“My, my. Temper, temper.” Anna teased. “You’d almost think you had already sunk your claws into him Marie.”
“I’m telling the two of you here and now that Frank is mine. Whether or not I have sunk my claws, as you say, has no bearing on the matter.” Marie huffed as she left the room in a tizzy.
“Well, that answers that question. I really think something happened between the two of them and she doesn’t want us to know about it.” Frances said after the door closed. “I just hope there are no ill effects of whatever she did.”
“Well Frances,” Anna replied. “Only time will tell.”
> “Now that that’s been decided, let’s finish planning the weddings and reception party so we can get some sleep. I for one fully expect to find the man of my dreams tomorrow.” Frances stated laughingly.
“Maybe we’ll both get lucky and find someone we can’t live without.” Anna replied. “Wouldn’t that be something; another double or triple wedding in a short period of time. If I’m not mistaken, Kat and Angel’s wedding will be the first double wedding this town has ever had.”
“With any luck Anna, this town may be seeing a lot of things it’s never seen before.” Frances said. “We better get back to getting that reception planned. Any ideas on what you’re going to wear?”
“I have one dress that should work but I was going to wear it to the Spring Fling. Do you suppose anyone would notice if I wore it twice?” Anna chewed her bottom lip worriedly.
“What does it look like? One thing I’ve learned is that you can wear the same thing time and again as long as you make some kind of minor alteration to it so that it’s different; changing shawls, adding a belt or sash, maybe adding a ruffle or something.” Frances suggested. “I’ve been doing that for years. Marie always seems to have new clothes, mine are just remade.”
“That’s a wonderful idea Frances. The dress I have in mind does have a shawl and a sash that ties at the waist. I can trade those out and have another complete ensemble.” Anna grinned.
“Now that we have that taken care of, and Marie is going to take care of the cakes; how do we handle the seating & food?” Frances crossed her arms making a face; deep in thought. “Do you think we could have access to a steer and maybe a pig? That would feed everyone and people could bring side dishes, deserts, and beverages.”
“Oh, I’ll bet we could hold the reception at the Grange Hall. That should hold everyone if the weather turns nasty and they already have tables set up; we would just have to rearrange and decorate.” Anna said catching the excitement.
“That’s a great idea. On such short notice, I just hope it’s available.” Frances agreed. “Where can we find some flowers?”
“I can set some of my school girls to work gathering them first thing in the morning if their mothers are in agreement.” Anna suggested.
“Now we just have to hope that the men thought ahead and found their rings.” Frances moaned. “Surely they wouldn’t show up to their own wedding without one?”
“Well Frances, they are men.” Anna laughed. “There’s no telling what they will and will not remember.”
“We will just have to give them a nudge in the right direction in the morning then, won’t we?” Frances giggled. “I almost forgot; we need to get all of our local musical talent together so the newlyweds can have their first dance.”
“Maybe you and I can get in on some of that dancing ourselves.” Anna sighed. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful if we found ourselves a husband at their wedding reception?”
“We can only hope Anna, we can only hope.” Frances replied as she disappeared into her dressing room. “You may as well stay in here. I think we made Marie mad enough that she’ll still be simmering in the morning. May as well give you a fighting chance.”
“Give me a fighting chance for what?” Anna asked confused.
“Marie tends to hold grudges for a short period of time. Normally, if she gets past her bad mood before anything happens; then everything is ok. However, other times she does some really atrocious things.” Frances explained. “Last time I made her good and mad, she shaved off half my eyebrow while I was asleep.”
“No wonder you want to give me a fighting chance.” Anna laughed. “I’ll bet she learned all kinds of pranks like that when she was away at school.”
“Yes, she tends to be quite vindictive when she’s crossed.” Frances added laughingly. “Here, put this on. It will save you getting a bucket full of cold water dumped on you when you walk into her room.”
“Thanks, I appreciate the suggestion.” Anna said as she took the proffered nightgown and quickly changed. “She’s not going to think I’m walking on her toes and stealing her best friend is she?” Anna asked worriedly.
“I would hope she knows that there’s enough friendship to go around.” Frances replied. “But just to make sure, in the morning I’ll talk to her about how we can all be friends without anyone meaning any less.” She added as she snuggled under the covers.
“Morning is going to be here before we know it.” Anna yawned. “And then we’ll meet the men of our future.”
Silently, Frances crossed her fingers while at the same time rolling her eyes in the dark. She was just as hopeful as Anna; she just didn’t want to show it.
~XXVIII~
The late May morning dawned warm and beautiful. Kat stretched carefully, being mindful of her injuries. Her hand searched the bed and still sore, she jumped up awkwardly after finding it empty. Looking at the pillow on the other side, she knew that Rick had slept there even if he was gone now.
Slowly taking off the loaned gown, she folded it neatly and laid it on the bed before picking up her clothes and painfully twisting and turning to put them on. Once that was done, she searched the room looking for her boots and came up empty. Deciding that there was only one way to find them, she slipped out of the room and down stairs to the dining room.
“Good morning Dear.” Josephine said looking up from her breakfast. “I thought you might be down before too long. I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of asking Cook to bring out a pot of coffee and some toast for you. If you’d like something more substantial, please let me know and we’ll have it brought right out.”
“Oh no, this is fine Aunt Josie.” Kat yawned. “I normally only have coffee and a biscuit for breakfast anyway. Do you have some cream or milk though for the coffee?”
“Oh that’s right. Rick said you’d want cream with it.” Josephine answered, nodding her head towards the serving girl that was standing to the side. Slipping back into the room, she brought a small pitcher of cream, a plate with toast, and a small jar of strawberry preserves.
“Thank you.” Kat said as the items were placed in front of her on the table. “Oh my goodness, these preserves are excellent. Please tell your cook I’d like her recipe if she’d care to share it.” she exclaimed, taking a bite of the toast after slathering it with jam.
“I shall check for you.” The girl giggled as she left the room. Several minutes later, she returned with a scrap of paper. “She said to tell you ma’am that you are welcome to any of her recipes that you’d like after sending the sheriff away. He was something awful to her and now that he’s gone she said she can live at peace.”
“Please tell the cook that with any luck on both our parts, he’ll be hung and neither of us will have to worry again.” Kat sat seriously. “I suppose I had better get down to the bakery to see what’s being decided.”
“Ok Dear. I will meet you and your sister at the dress shop after your done there.” Josephine said standing up. “Your boots are by the door in the front room. Thurston had them shined up for you last night.”
“I appreciate it Aunt Josie. I’ll see you in a little while.” Kat replied as she headed for the front room. Finding her boots where they were left; she slid her foot in, stomped them on, and headed out the front door.
“Good morning Miss Kat.” Frank said from the corner of the barn. “I got your horse saddled and ready once I heard you were downstairs having breakfast.”
“I appreciate that Frank. Do you think I could talk you out of a leg up this morning? I wouldn’t dream of telling Rick but I’m still a little stiff when I try to mount up.” She confessed.
“Not a problem at all Miss Kat.” Frank replied. “Would it be easier or better if I hitched a buggy for you? I could drive if you needed me to.”
“That’s quite alright Frank.” Kat declined. “I shall try my best not to fall off. Come to think of it though, you might ought to get a buggy ready for Mrs. Andrews before long. She is going to meet me at the dress shop
so we may need someone to carry a couple bags.”
“I’ll take care of it right away Miss Kat.” Frank said nodding his head as he untied the horse.
“Frank, one more thing if you don’t mind.” Kat stopped him.
“What’s that Miss Kat?” He turned.
“Please stop calling me Miss Kat. You can call me Kat or Kaitlyn but please drop the Miss part.” She pleaded.
“Ok Kat; but it sure does seem strange.” He told her as he gave her a leg up into the saddle. “Are you comfortable up there?” He asked as she situated herself.
“It’s the one place that I’m the most comfortable Frank. Dusty takes care of me like a momma does a baby.” She replied, grabbing up the reins and turning the horse in the direction of Main Street.
“I’ll be right behind you in a few minutes Kat. I just have to get my horse and close up the stable after readying the buggy.” Frank said.
