White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  “How about you’uns leaves the girl alone?”

  Bless Mr. Willie’s heart. He always looked after her feelings. Tuck glanced around at her three friends. They’d known her since she was a little girl, and she had no doubt that each loved her in his own way. Why not tell them the truth?

  She swallowed and sighed. “Well, I guess you might as well know what’s going on. But you have to promise you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone because I’d be downright humiliated if it got around.”

  Squeezebox frowned. “You know we ain’t loose lipped, young lady. Tell us or not, don’t make no never mind to me.”

  Tuck gave him a lopsided grin. “I know that. I’m just trying to get up the courage to tell you.”

  “Wal, just say it, gal.” Tom’s tone was much more gentle than usual.

  “Sam Fields didn’t just turn out to be a no-good skunk. He’s a married, no-good skunk.” She inhaled deeply and let the air out with a whoosh. There. She’d told. No one but Addy knew that bit of information. She hadn’t even revealed it to Ma and Pa.

  “Well, I’ll be.” Squeezebox’s eyes widened. “Do you mean that so-called respectable doctor was a bigamist?”

  Tom gave him a disgusted look. “He’d have to have married two women for him to be a bigamist. He’s just a four-flushing womanizer. And I’d like to get my hands on him for deceiving our little gal here.”

  Tuck glanced at Mr. Willie, surprised that he hadn’t said a word. Lips pressed tightly together and brow wrinkled, his eyes blazed. If she’d ever seen murder in anyone’s eyes, she was seeing it now, in the countenance of the gentle, tenderhearted Willie Van Schultz. “Mr. Willie?” She laid a hand on his shoulder. “Please. I’m all right. I promise.”

  “He never laid nary a hand on you, did he?” The words were like bullets. She shuddered, wondering what he’d do if he knew about the night by the river.

  “He never did.” Mr. Willie didn’t need to know how close that came to being a lie.

  Mr. Willie nodded, and his face relaxed a little, but his eyes still smoldered. Another shiver ran over Tuck. She knew little to nothing about Mr. Willie’s past, but she had a feeling it was very different from his present peaceful existence.

  He sat up and positioned his fiddle. “Wal, we best quit dillydallyin’ and get busy if we’re going to be ready for the Christmas dance.”

  Tuck, relieved to have the subject over and hopefully done with, tucked her collar inside her dress and got ready to play. Maybe her life would get back to normal now. Her heart seemed to tilt. Except for her and Rafe. She shook her head to expel the thought. No time for that now.

  After the practice, Tuck rode home to find the parlor filled with chattering ladies. She slapped herself on the forehead. She’d completely forgotten the ladies involved in the Christmas bazaar would be here for a final meeting. The bazaar was being held the first week in December, and there were always last-minute plans to cover.

  Besides the bazaar, Tuck had to get music ready for the Christmas dance, and she had a dress to finish. She’d also need to help with baking for the holidays. Maybe she was spreading herself too thin. How could she be expected to remember everything? On the other hand, staying busy was probably good for her. At least it would help keep her mind off Rafe.

  “Sorry, everyone.” She smiled apologetically as she stepped into the parlor. “I was with the oldsters, practicing. I forgot all about the meeting.”

  “Abigail.” Ma smiled a welcome. “How did your practice go?”

  She walked over and kissed her ma on the cheek. “It was a good practice. Never fear, ladies. Our music will be ready for the dance.”

  Ma’s Aunt Kate waved from across the room. “We’re very grateful for your talent, Abigail, as well as the oldsters as you call them.”

  “Hummph.” Mrs. Humphrey’s eyes darted disapproval. “Yes, and that sounds very disrespectful to me. Besides, in my opinion, she’s much too familiar with those old men. Men being what they are.”

  “Mother!” Aletha Humphrey’s whisper was loud enough to reach Tuck’s ears. “Please don’t start.”

  “Start? Start what? I guess I have a right to express my opinion.”

  “Well, I think Abby and the oldsters are perfectly delightful, and the friendship they all share is lovely.” Mrs. Dobson, a friend of Aunt Kate’s, smiled at Tuck. “And by the way, Abby, you worked very hard for the fall festival and dance. And now you’re going to be playing for the Christmas dance as well. It’s time you had some fun. I think you should leave this bazaar to us older women so you can enjoy it with the rest of the young folks.”

  Murmurs of assent greeted Mrs. Dobson’s suggestion.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Dobson. I believe I’ll take you up on that.” Tuck grinned. “Now may I serve you ladies tea or something?”

  “We’re about to finish up here, dear.” Ma said. “We had our refreshments earlier.”

  “Then I think I’ll go find my sister.” She gave a wave and headed for the kitchen.

  The bazaar was only a few days away. She and Addy and Rafe had always hung out together at these gatherings. Except when Addy sometimes deserted them to visit with the other girls. Could she get up the courage to talk to Rafe before then? She sighed. Probably not. It would very likely do her good to spend more time with the other girls her age anyway. Maybe she could learn something useful.

  Of course, Rafe had indicated to her pa that he didn’t like the change in her. But she was through trying to please men. She’d be herself. And there was nothing wrong with continuing to cultivate ladylike manners, even if she did still wear overalls.

  Rafe hung onto the plow as the mules pulled the blades through Ma’s depleted house garden. As soon as this plot was turned under, he’d be done with plowing until spring planting time. Then the long winter would drag on forever. Or so it seemed.

  Ordinarily he’d be looking forward to the Christmas bazaar. Not because he liked it but because he and Tuck always had a lot of fun together. Not this year though. Tuck wasn’t speaking to him.

  He’d seen her over by the mill yesterday, and she’d turned and headed down to the river, pretending not to see him. Maybe she was embarrassed because the doc took off without a by-your-leave. Or maybe his company just wasn’t to her liking any more.

  Anger flashed through him. Who needed her anyway? She didn’t even act like a girl half the time. Maybe he wasn’t really in love with her but was just used to her. Like an old shoe. It was hard to let go.

  He kicked at a clod of hard dirt then yelled across the field, “I don’t need you, Tuck Sullivan. You’re not the only fish in the ocean.”

  That’s right. Lots of pretty little fish. Like Carrie Sue who wanted nothing better than to bat her pretty blue eyes at him. Maybe it was time to pay some close attention to those eyes. Of course no one had blue eyes like Tuck’s. He kicked another dirt clod. He could forget her and he’d start right now.

  After he’d eaten supper and done his evening chores, Rafe tidied up then saddled Champ. He belted out “Old Dan Tucker” at the top of his voice while he rode. By the time the Andersons’ farm came into view, he was feeling a lot better. Maybe life had something to offer him after all.

  He jumped off Champ and sauntered to the front door. After knocking, he stood, hat in hand, a big smile on his face.

  Mrs. Anderson opened the door to his knock, and when she saw him, her eyes sparkled. “Good evening, Rafe. Won’t you come in?”

  Rafe wiped his feet on the pile of old rags outside the door and stepped inside. “Thank you, ma’am. Is Carrie Sue home by any chance?”

  “She certainly is. Here, make yourself at home in the parlor and I’ll go get her.” She nearly skipped down the hall.

  Rafe sat on an overstuffed sofa, twisting his hat in his hands, and waited what must have been at least thirty minutes. Fidgeting, his exuberance wore off little by little. This had been a mistake, a big mistake. Should he make an excuse and leave? He stood then plopped ba
ck down. Nope. The gossip would be all over the county, and when Ma heard it, she’d be humiliated and probably take a broom to him.

  “Hello, Rafe.” Carrie Sue stood in the doorway dressed for company. His company. Her blond tresses were swept back from her face, and her blue eyes shone.

  Rafe stood. “Hello, Carrie.”

  “You wanted to see me?” Her voice cracked, and she blushed as she seated herself in a chair across from the sofa.

  The blush and nervousness of her voice were his undoing. He couldn’t back out now. She’d be hurt and insulted. On the other hand, he couldn’t make small talk for an hour either. Smiling, he reclaimed his seat on the sofa. “I know it’s rather late for an invitation to the bazaar, but if you haven’t made other plans, would you like to go with me?”

  Her face brightened, and a pretty pink blush washed over her smooth cheeks. “Why yes, I’d love to accompany you to the bazaar. Thank you for asking me.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” He stood and smiled down at her. “Well then, I’ll come by around eleven. That way we can eat lunch before we look through the booths.”

  “That sounds wonderful. But…what about Tuck?” She dropped her lashes then raised them slowly.

  “What do you mean?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh, now that Dr. Fields is gone, I thought you two—” She broke off in apparent confusion.

  Rafe tensed against the stab of pain but managed a laugh. “Tuck and I are just friends. I thought everyone knew that.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. I mean…you and Tuck were always together before the doctor started courting her, so I assumed that you were in love with her.” She lifted her chin, gazed at him with eyes that might have bowled him over if she hadn’t just mentioned Tuck and fluttered her long lashes.

  “In love with Tuck? Not at all.” He gave a short laugh, but a sick feeling tugged at his stomach. “Well, I’ll see you Saturday then.”

  A coquettish smile tipped her lips, and she nodded. “I’ll look forward to it, Rafe.”

  He took the tiny hand she offered him and shook it gently, then swallowed past the lump in his throat.

  She shut the door, and before he made it off the porch, he heard her scream of excitement. He grinned. She must like him more than he’d thought.

  He whistled as he rode away on Champ. He patted the horse on the neck and crooned. “Yes, I think the girl was happy to see me, old boy.”

  He laughed. What would Tuck think when he showed up with Carrie Sue at his side? His stomach lurched. What if Tuck had been hiding away because she was hurting? He’d been so happy when he heard Fields had left, it hadn’t occurred to him that Tuck might suffer. Maybe that’s why she’d avoided him. She couldn’t face anyone. She probably felt humiliated, too. He groaned. What had he done? He should have given her more time. Instead he’d just kept company with another woman and had even pretty well denied being in love with Tuck.

  He pulled up on the reins. Champ gave an impatient whinny, then bent his head and munched at the brown grass. Maybe he should just go back and make some excuse to Carrie Sue. But it was too late for that. If word got around, which it would, he’d be branded as heartless, and some of the other females would laugh behind Carrie’s back. He couldn’t be the cause of that. That would be one step toward becoming a worthless sidewinder like Sam Fields.

  Chapter 17

  Tuck tapped her foot to a boisterous rendition of “Up on the House Top.” In order to give Tuck and the oldsters a break, the Packard brothers, famous over the years for their leading of music at church socials and community parties, had come out of retirement for the occasion. She grinned as Horace, the eldest of the brothers, grabbed for the red stocking cap that had slipped from his balding head.

  Wood smoke from the tall iron stove in the corner blended together with the fragrance of gigantic pine boughs that hung from the rafters of the Jenkinses’ barn and the fronts of individual booths. Kettles emitted smells of cinnamon and clove.

  Tuck inhaled deeply in appreciation. She smiled at the festive touch of holly berries and bright red bows trimmed in lace.

  Addy smiled and waved at their friends, Phyllis and Jolene. “Let’s go talk to them, Abby.”

  Tuck would just as soon not, but reminding herself she’d promised to spend more time with the other girls, she followed her sister without complaint. They stopped at one of the booths and purchased hot apple cider, then continued across the room.

  “Oh, that cider smells delicious. I think I’ll get a cup, too.” Phyllis, her plump cheeks glowing, turned to Jolene. “Would you like me to bring something back to you?”

  “I think I’ll have cider, too. I can’t resist it,” Jolene said, her brown eyes sparkling. “Go to Thompson’s booth. Mr. Thompson makes the best cider in the whole state.”

  Tuck grinned. Thompson’s cider was good, but she suspected Jolene’s love affair with it resulted from her crush on Ralph, the oldest Thompson son. The funny thing was Ralph had been moping after Addy and Tuck for years. He didn’t seem to care which one.

  Tuck glanced around for Rafe, having no idea what she’d do if she saw him. Memories of last year’s bazaar assailed her mind, and longing washed over her. She missed him. There was no denying that. Would he seek her out when he got here? She didn’t want that, did she?

  “Why, look.” Exaggerated surprise filled Jolene’s voice. “There’s my cousin, Carrie Sue. Isn’t that Rafe beside her?”

  With controlled calm, Tuck slowly turned her head. Rafe strolled past a quilt display, his attention on the girl at his side. Tuck clenched her teeth. Carrie Sue clung to his arm as though she was afraid he might get away. Which he would do, if he knew what was good for him. Carrie Sue certainly wasn’t.

  Phyllis gave Jolene a wry grin and tapped her on the arm. “As though you didn’t know he was bringing her. You told me yesterday, silly.”

  Jolene had the grace to blush, accompanying it with a slight laugh. “Oh that’s right. I forgot for a moment.”

  Tuck’s breathing sped up then hitched when she tried to control it. Oh God, please don’t let me faint. I do want Rafe to be happy. If it was anyone but Carrie Sue…

  She started as her sister’s breath warmed the skin by her ear. “Abby,” Addy whispered, “pull yourself together. Don’t give Jolene and Carrie Sue the satisfaction of knowing you care.”

  Tuck took a deep breath and gushed. “It is Rafe and Carrie Sue. How nice to finally see her with someone. She’s been hunting for so long.”

  Oh, Rafe. It had only been a few days since she’d overheard him declare to Pa that he loved her. Had she misunderstood? She’d told herself at the time she wished only to be Rafe’s friend. But seeing another woman at his side made a mockery of her words.

  Jolene tossed her dark curls. “That was quite a rude thing to say, Abby. A number of young men have asked to court Carrie. I believe she’s been saving herself for Rafe. I hope you have no problem with that.”

  Problem? She’d show her problems. Tuck opened her lips to lambaste the girl who was supposed to be a friend, but a jerk on her arm brought her to her senses.

  Addy smiled with warning in her eyes. “Come, Abby. Let’s go look at the wood carvings. I believe some of Pa’s are being presented.” With another tug on Tuck’s arm, she dragged her away.

  They walked a few feet and stopped at a booth that featured a variety of Christmas-themed linens.

  “What did you do that for?” Tuck glared at her twin. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “Abby,” Addy spoke through clenched teeth, “you can’t just fly off the handle at people whenever you feel like it.”

  “What? I didn’t say a word.” Tuck frowned.

  “No, but you were about to, and don’t deny it,” Addy snapped.

  “Well, talk about two peas in a pod. You girls even have twin frowns.”

  At the sound of Carrie Sue’s voice, Tuck stiffened then whirled around. The simpering blond held onto Rafe’s arm as though her lif
e depended on it.

  “Carrie Sue. Did anyone ever tell you your voice sounds like a screeching parrot?” Tuck inwardly cringed. Oh no. Did she really say that?

  Addy gasped and glared at Tuck, then walked away, her face flaming.

  Now she’d embarrassed Addy, and she probably wouldn’t ever speak to her again.

  Tuck glanced at Rafe and caught his mouth twisting and pressing together to hold back a grin. Whew. At least he wasn’t mad at her for her unkind words. “Hi, Rafe.”

  “Hi, Tuck. Enjoying the bazaar?” His gaze bore into hers, and for once she couldn’t read his eyes.

  “Not much. You?” She deliberately ignored Carrie Sue, who stared daggers at her.

  “Not re—” He glanced at Carrie and cleared his throat. “Sure. It’s a great bazaar. We’re just headed over to Thompson’s booth to get some cider. Join us?”

  Tuck almost laughed aloud at the exasperated sound that exploded from Carrie Sue. Rafe wasn’t piling up a lot of points in his favor. He’d better watch it.

  “Really, Rafe, I’m sure Abby has other things to do than tag along with us. Let’s go.”

  Tuck toyed with the idea of hanging onto Rafe’s other arm and going along just to aggravate Carrie Sue. But on second thought, she’d been rude enough for one encounter. Besides, Addy was furious enough with her already. If Rafe wanted to keep company with a silly thing like Carrie, he was welcome to her. She forced herself to smile. “No, thank you. I think I’ll head outside for some fresh air. It’s getting too stuffy in here for me.”

  Carrie Sue tossed her head and, with a pull on Rafe’s arm, guided him away. He threw an unreadable glance over his shoulder at Tuck as he went, but with heaviness in her heart, she turned away.

  She couldn’t believe he would actually fall for Carrie Sue’s silliness. Carrie was actually a nice girl, and she was very pretty with her shiny blond curls and enormous blue eyes. She’d always had a crush on Rafe. Furthermore, Tuck sighed as truth slammed into her thoughts. She’d probably make him a wonderful wife.