White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  Branson’s was too busy for them now though. It was hard to even hear their own music with people trudging in and out of the store so much. The young’uns screaming at the top of their lungs didn’t help either. A couple of years ago, the four of them moved to the feed store down by the mill.

  Maybe they’d be at the store waiting for her today, maybe not. The rain had stopped, but the clouds hung low and dark. Mr. Willie lived a good way down the river, so he might not want to chance it.

  The feed store came into sight and Tuck grinned, waving at the oldsters as she pulled up in front.

  “Hey, there you are.” Mr. Willie grinned. “We weren’t sure you were coming.”

  “You didn’t think a little rain would keep me away, did you?” Tuck said, swinging her leg over the saddle and sliding off Sweet Pea.

  “Naw,” said Squeezebox. He cut a glance at Mr. Tom and Mr. Willie. A big grin split his face. “But we weren’t sure if you might be spending time with the doc.”

  Tuck scowled. “You don’t need to worry about that. I don’t think he even knows I’m around.”

  Mr. Tom coughed. “Okay, we need to get going here. Get tuned up, Tuck.”

  The music practice went well, until Mr. Willie took offense at Tuck’s attempt at an unplanned solo. “What in thunder do you think you’re doing, going off on yore own like that? You trying to be some kind of queen bee or something?” The old man shoved his hat back and glared.

  “Sorry.” She knew she shouldn’t have done it, but sometimes she couldn’t help herself. Anyway, he didn’t have to be mean about it. “Don’t get so riled up. What’s wrong with being a little creative?”

  “Oh, so that’s what you call it. How about lettin’ the rest of us know next time you feel like getting creative.” He stomped off without another word.

  The rest of the group broke up, agreeing to meet the following week, and Tuck put her fiddle in the case and headed toward Branson’s to pick up Lexie’s thread before she headed out of town.

  A rider on a bay mare came into view. Her breath caught in her throat. Sam Fields. And here she was in mud-spattered overalls and pigtails.

  She straightened her back and forced a smile as he approached.

  He tipped his hat then was past her without even a howdy-do. The very idea…how rude was that? He could have at least returned her smile.

  She groaned. What did she expect, the way she looked. Why hadn’t she worn something pretty and fixed herself up a little? She snorted. Because it was a muddy day, that was why. Mr. Stuck-up could just go butt his head against a stump for all she cared.

  Sure. She didn’t care. Not much, she didn’t.

  She sighed. As much as she hated to turn to Addy for another favor, it was time to come up with a plan to win the doc. Because she would win him, one way or another.

  Tuck sat on a stool at the back of the stage with the oldsters and tuned her fiddle.

  Horace Packard stood at the podium rifling through the songbook. His brothers joined him and began tuning their guitars. The Packard brothers were well known in the area for their singing and guitar playing, but they didn’t mind sharing the stage with Tuck and her friends.

  Tuck scanned the audience, keeping track of the doctor. She grinned as she saw him slip into a chair in the third row behind Ma and Pa and Addy. He’d be able to see her new blue dress perfectly from there. Addy had told her it made her eyes a deep, romantic blue. Of course, she had the same color eyes, and Tuck hadn’t noticed anything special about them when Addy wore this color.

  She looked down at her fiddle then, unable to resist, chanced another glance at the doctor. Was he looking at her or staring at Addy? She took a deep breath and counted to ten. She wouldn’t look again. Why should she waste her time on a man that only had eyes for her sister?

  And why was that? They were almost identical. Addy had dressed her hair for her, so that soft curls framed her face, with the back pulled into something called a french twist. She’d put on a very pretty dress just for him. It wasn’t very comfortable either. She ran her finger under the collar and tried to loosen it, then quickly dropped her hand as Addy frowned and shook her head.

  After an hour of robust singing, the Packard quartet performed two special numbers. Then Tuck and her friends delighted the crowd with a lively rendition of “Old Joe Clark.”

  As the audience applauded, Horace stepped up front and clapped his hands to get attention. “All right, neighbors. I know you’re all about as ready for a break as I am. The ladies have loaded the tables down with all kinds of sandwiches and desserts and other delicious foods. So let’s enjoy it. Then we’ll come back and sing a while longer.”

  Laughter and small talk exploded as everyone stood and began talking to their friends.

  Tuck glanced around, searching for Sam. She spotted him just as he stepped outside. She managed to avoid her family as she wove her way through the crowd to the door. Maybe she could find a way to speak to the doc alone.

  Lanterns hung on trees and rails, lighting the yard. Tuck walked down the steps. Moisture clung to the brown grass and fallen leaves.

  “You shouldn’t be out here without a wrap, Miss Sullivan.” The doctor stepped from beside the porch and smiled at her.

  A ripple of pleasure coursed through her, and warmth spread across her face and neck. She bit her lip. Why must she blush every time he noticed her? “Thank you for your concern, Dr. Fields. But I’m not at all cold.” That wasn’t strictly true. She hoped he wouldn’t see her shiver and catch her in a silly fib.

  “Please call me Sam. It would please me very much.” His eyes gleamed in the darkness, and she shivered again, but not from the cold.

  “Very well. Sam.” She’d been calling him Sam in her thoughts anyway. It was nice to have his permission. “Are you enjoying the music?” Oh dear. She hoped he wouldn’t think she was fishing for compliments.

  “Yes, I am.” He grinned. “I especially enjoyed your part in it. You’re very accomplished on the violin, or perhaps I should say fiddle.”

  “Thank you. Mr. Willie is the real expert. He taught me to play.”

  “He taught you very well.” He spoke absently and glanced over her shoulder instead of in her eyes as he had before.

  Tuck turned her head. Addy had stepped out onto the porch with a couple of their friends. Jealousy pinched at her. Obviously she hadn’t much chance with Sam as long as her sister was around.

  “I sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of the evening, Doctor. I must get inside.” She whirled to go, wondering if he even saw her leave. As she passed her twin, she ignored her, pretending not to hear her when she spoke.

  Tuck avoided looking in the doctor’s direction the rest of the evening. And when the final song had been sung, she gathered her things and walked out to the wagon with Addy and their parents.

  When she was seated in the back of the wagon, Ma turned to her with a smile. “You played beautifully tonight, Abigail.” She reached back and patted Tuck on the knee. “I especially enjoyed your solo of ‘Standing on the Promises.’ It sounded so sweet and pure with only the violin.”

  “Thank you, Ma. I played it for you. I know how much you love it.” And besides, she’d felt guilty about the thoughts she’d had concerning Ma and Papa Jack lately. Knowing Ma had enjoyed her performance made her feel better.

  “I sort of liked ‘Old Joe Clark.’ ” Papa Jack grinned and clicked to the horses.

  “Oh you would.” Ma laughed then smiled as she touched his arm. Ma preferred the slow, sweet songs. She glanced at Addy. “You’re awfully quiet, dear. Are you feeling all right?”

  Addy darted a glance at Tuck then smiled at Ma. “I’m fine. Just a little tired from all the excitement.”

  Tuck cut a glance at her sister. Addy had no idea why she was angry. How could she? She hadn’t done a thing but be her own lovely self. Tuck sighed. So maybe it was time to take some lessons from Addy, the irresistible one.

  Chapter 4

  Tuck lea
ned against the counter in Branson’s General Store and looked down at the notice in her hand. Mr. Hawkins had handed it to her with a grin the minute she and Addy had walked through the door. MUSICIANS WANTED. CONTACT WILLIAM LYNCH OR JIM CASTLE AT MARBLE CAVE OFFICE.

  “Musicians wanted? Wahooo!” As excitement coursed through Tuck, she waved the paper almost under Mr. Hawkins’s nose. “What’s this all about?”

  “Get it out of my face and I just might tell you.” His grin softened the harsh tone of his voice.

  “Sorry. Guess I got a little excited. But is this real? Are they planning some special tourist thing?”

  Addy came running from the back of the store, her face pale. “Tuck, what’s the matter? Did you get hurt?”

  “No, no.” She shoved the paper at her sister, never taking her widened eyes off the store manager. “Okay, now what’s this all about?”

  “That’s the second time you asked me the same question.” A teasing look crossed his face. “But I guess I won’t keep you waiting. The Lynch sisters are going to Canada to visit family.”

  “Canada? How are they getting there?” Tuck couldn’t even imagine how far Canada might be.

  “Hmmm, I don’t rightly know.” He scratched behind his ear and frowned. “Train most likely. What difference does it make? The point is, they’ll be gone for at least a month, maybe more. Lynch wants someone to take their place, entertaining tourists in the Cathedral Room while they’re gone. I thought of you and Willie and the gang.”

  “A real paying job for us? Hot diggety.” Tuck grabbed the notice from Addy who shot her an indignant look.

  “Stop using slang, Abigail. It’s vulgar and I don’t like to hear it.” Addy turned and headed back to finish her shopping but threw over her shoulder, “And Ma would be horrified.”

  “Well, don’t tell her, sis. I got carried away.” Tuck grinned and perused the notice again.

  “Say, Mr. Hawkins. How long have you had this notice?”

  “Since yesterday.” He ran a cloth over the candy jar.

  Tuck groaned. “They’ve probably hired someone by now.”

  “Don’t worry. I stuck it under the counter. Didn’t want anyone to beat you to it.”

  Tuck’s mouth fell open and then exploded with laughter. “You’re a true friend, Mr. Hawkins.”

  Fifteen minutes later, she and Addy headed out of town.

  Tuck gave her sister a sideways glance. “I have to stop at the cave on the way home.”

  Addy grinned. “Like I didn’t know that. All right. I’ll wait in the wagon while you talk to them. Who is Jim Castle anyway?”

  Tuck shrugged. “Never heard of him. Maybe a new guide or something.” Addy shivered. “I don’t know how anyone can stand going down into those dark holes.”

  “Marble Cave isn’t just a hole, silly. There are rooms down there. Do you think Miss Lynch would sit in a hole and play her piano?”

  “Well, it looks like a big hole to me. And dirt everywhere. And there’s no way I’d climb down from one hole to another like all those silly tourists.” She stopped and gave Tuck a sideways smile. “Sorry. I know you like the place.”

  “That’s okay. You never did care about caves and stalactites, even when we were children. But if I get a job here, you’ll at least come hear me play, won’t you?”

  Addy bit her bottom lip. “Maybe, but I’ll stand right inside the entrance.”

  Tuck planted her feet as the wagon rumbled and bumped down a hill. Exhilaration washed over her, and she grinned and snapped the reins. “Come on, mules. Faster.”

  She felt a tug on the back of her dress and looked over her shoulder to see Addy’s white face.

  “Mercy, Abigail. Will you please sit down before you fall off the wagon? Marble Cave isn’t going anywhere.”

  Tuck huffed but plopped onto the seat. “I don’t know why you’re such a baby. Have you ever seen me fall off?”

  “No, but you’ve come close a few times. Especially going downhill.” Addy’s voice was hoarse with fear and from yelling above the noise. “And I thought you were going to be more ladylike.”

  Tuck frowned at her sister. Why’d she have to be so picky anyway? “Land’s sake, Addy. I’m wearing a dress on a weekday. What more do you want?”

  “The question isn’t what do I want. It’s what do you want? You’ll never attract Dr. Fields if you don’t learn to behave like a woman instead of a backwoods mountaineer.”

  At mention of the doctor, Tuck’s chest tightened. Her sister had a point. She pulled on the reins and the mules slowed down to their usual slow walk. “I don’t think anything I do is going to matter. When you’re around he doesn’t even see me.”

  “Then make him see you.” Addy’s voice had softened. “You can do it.” Tuck shook her head. “I don’t know how. It doesn’t come natural to me as it does to you.”

  “You can learn how to be feminine. I learned by watching Ma. You were too busy hanging out with Papa Jack and your old mountaineers. Anyway, you weren’t really interested.” Addy pressed her lips together and narrowed her eyes at Tuck.

  “So…you think I can really make him like me?” Oh, that sounded pathetic. Like groveling. How humiliating. Maybe she should forget it and concentrate on her fiddling. But Sam Fields was about the best-looking man Tuck had ever seen and the first one that had bowled her over.

  “I can’t guarantee it of course. But if you learn how to be a lady, there’s no reason he won’t. After all, you’re quite beautiful.”

  Tuck tossed a grin at Addy. “You just called yourself beautiful.”

  “Oh,” Addy blushed and bit her lip. “I guess that did sound sort of conceited since we look alike. But I didn’t mean it that way. I see you as you. Not as me.”

  Tuck knew what her twin meant. She, too, seldom thought about how identical they looked until someone mentioned it.

  A little tug of excitement yanked at her stomach as they approached the hill that led up to the old mine. “Okay, hang on. If we don’t pick up speed, we’ll never get up this next hill.” Once more she stood and flicked the reins. “Yee-haw!”

  Rafe stepped out of the cave entrance and wiped the dirt off his face with his bandana. He loosened his tool belt and carried it over to the shack that housed the office.

  Jim Castle looked up from the desk he was bent over. “Howdy, Rafe. Platform all done?”

  “Yes, snug as a bug up against the other one. Can’t tell where one stops and the other starts. I’m sure glad Mr. Lynch decided to do it this way instead of moving that heavy piano to make room for the group.”

  Jim laughed. “Me, too. It would have taken at least four of us to move that monstrosity.”

  Since Rafe had begun doing some work on the cave, he and Mr. Lynch’s new assistant had quickly become friends, finding they had a lot in common. They both liked farming, fishing, and hunting. They were already planning to hunt for turkey on Saturday morning.

  A knock drew their attention.

  Rafe’s mouth fell open as he saw Tuck in the doorway, with Addy behind her. “Hi. What are you two doing here? Come on in.”

  Jim jumped up, knocking his chair over. His face turned red as he scrambled to pick it up. Finally, he turned toward the girls, who stood staring at him. “Forgive my clumsiness. I’m Jim Castle, the assistant manager of Marble Cave. Is there something I can do to assist you?”

  Rafe grinned at the amusement on both girls’ faces.

  Tuck stepped forward. “My name is Abigail Sullivan, and this is my sister, Adeline. I play the violin in a musical group and understand you have an opening for musicians.”

  Jim smiled past the surprised look on his face. “How many are there in the group and what instruments do you play?”

  “There are four of us.”

  At the excitement in Tuck’s voice, Rafe’s heart went out to her. She’d waited a long time for an opportunity like this. She and the oldsters had been playing at social and church functions for years, but a paying positio
n was special.

  She continued. “Willie Van Schultz also plays the fiddle. Martin Tanner plays the accordion. He goes by the name Squeezebox. Tom Black is on the banjo.”

  Jim, who had been writing the information down, looked up and smiled. “And how can you be contacted?”

  She gave him Mr. Willie’s address and her own. “But the quickest way to get in touch is to leave word with Mr. Hawkins at the store.”

  “Thank you, Miss Sullivan. I’ll pass this along to Mr. Lynch this afternoon. If he wants to interview you or have you come in for an audition, we’ll be getting in touch.”

  Tuck grinned and offered her hand.

  Jim shook it then held his out to Addy.

  The girls left a few minutes later.

  “You couldn’t do better than to hire them,” Rafe said. “They play at a lot of community things, and they’re very popular. Willie and Tuck make magic on those fiddles.”

  “I guess you know the Sullivan girls pretty well.” Jim looked down and peered at the sheet of paper on the desk.

  Rafe chuckled. “I guess I do. We’ve been friends most of our lives.”

  “More than friends, maybe?” Was that more than curiosity in his voice?

  Rafe shook his head, even though his friend wasn’t looking. “I wish. I thought for a while we might be headed in that direction, but she’s head over heels in love with someone else.”

  “Oh, is that right?” Disappointment tinged Jim’s voice.

  Rafe threw a quick glance at him. Was he interested in Tuck? But he’d only seen her this one time. Still, she was mighty pretty. Oh well. Neither of them stood a chance. She only had eyes for that new doctor.

  After reminding Jim to meet him at the farm Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, Rafe mounted his dappled horse, Champ, and headed home. When he reached the turnoff to the Sullivan farm, he decided on impulse to go see what Tuck was up to. Maybe she’d want to go for a walk or something. After all, they were still friends, weren’t they? And as far as he knew, she hadn’t an inkling about his real feelings.