White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  Surprised, he stared at her for a moment. Now why would a lovely young woman be interested in a hunting lodge? “I’d be happy to tell you anything you’d like to know. Within the limits of my knowledge of it, of course.”

  “Is it true that the State of Maine is being reassembled here?” Her eyes were wide and her lips slightly open.

  Jim resisted the impulse to catch his breath. Her beauty was almost too much to bear. He wanted nothing more at the moment than to lean over and kiss those luscious lips. If she only knew how inviting they were, he was certain she’d be horrified.

  Pulling himself together, he licked his own lips. If she knew what he was thinking, she’d slap the tar out of him and send him packing. “Er…yes, yes, the State of Maine Exhibition has been disassembled and is on its way here. Are you interested in the building?”

  “Oh yes. Pa took us to the World’s Fair in St. Louis. The State of Maine exhibition was my favorite. The World’s Fair was the most exciting thing. Actually, the only exciting thing that I’ve ever done, except for when Pa took Abby and me with him on the Julia Dawn.”

  Delight ran through Jim from his head to his toes just watching her excitement. “The Julia Dawn?”

  She laughed. “That was Pa’s steamboat. He used to haul cargo up and down the White River and even the Mississippi.”

  “I had no idea. I thought your father had always been a farmer.” Yet he could imagine Jack Sullivan as a riverboat captain. There was something in the man’s demeanor, as though he was comfortable issuing orders.

  “Yes, when Addy and I were eight years old our real father died. Our ma had died years before, so we had no one. Papa Jack gave up his business and married Ma Lexie. Then they adopted us.”

  Jack pulled up alongside her front porch just as the sun sank below the horizon. “It sounds as though they must have loved you very much.”

  “Yes, they do. And I love them.” Suddenly she stopped talking and furrowed her brow at him. “Why, we’re here already. Oh dear, I’ve been talking nonstop. And such frivolous talk at that. Please do forgive me.” Before Jim had a chance to say a word or to get down to help her from the buggy, she murmured a hasty thank you, jumped down, and hurried into the house.

  He sat there for a while, his heart pounding. So, sweet Addy Sullivan had an adventurous streak. Who would have guessed it? He turned his buggy and headed back to town, barely able to keep his feet from tapping a reel on the buggy’s floor.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. How could she have gone on like that? She must have sounded like a schoolgirl.

  Addy yanked off the ribbon that held back her curls and tossed it on the washstand. She dipped her hand in the washbasin’s cold water and splashed it on her heated face. After dabbing it with a dry towel, she dropped into the rocking chair by the window and closed her eyes.

  What exactly had she said to Jim? She forced herself to go over every word of their mostly one-sided conversation. As far as she could remember, she’d never bared her soul to anyone the way she had to Jim Castle in those few short minutes. If they hadn’t arrived home when they did, she would have gone on to tell him about her secret dreams of traveling the world. Things she’d never revealed to anyone. Even Abby. What must he think of her?

  She groaned. At best he’d think her a foolish, childish woman. At worst? Her face flamed. At worst he’d think she was in love with him and trying to impress him. He must be terribly amused. Probably laughing his head off.

  She sat up straight and took a deep breath. Well, she’d simply have to correct that misassumption. But how? Avoid him? Probably not possible. Well, then failing that, she would ignore him except, of course, for common courtesy. He might wonder why she’d suddenly changed, but better that than the other. Better that than for him to feel sorry for her for making a big fool of herself.

  Chapter 7

  The whistle announced the train’s arrival just as school let out.

  Addy smiled and shook her head as several of the older boys took off in the direction of the depot. A flash of red tried to get past her, but she grabbed the collar of Johnny’s plaid shirt before he could accomplish his mission.

  “Hey!” He broke off his yell as he saw who held him captive. “Aw, Miss Sullivan. Can’t I go?”

  Addy turned loose of the shirt and smoothed it. “Your mother will be expecting you at home, Johnny. You wouldn’t want her to worry, would you?” Resignation crossed his face, and a loud sigh whooshed from his throat. “No, ma’am.”

  “That’s a good boy. Now run along home.” She smiled as he tromped slowly across the schoolyard and down the street. Then she glanced around. Now where was her horse and buggy? She bit her lip. It wasn’t like Bobby to be late. She tapped her booted foot and looked up and down the street. No sign of the boy.

  With a sigh, she started across the school yard in the direction of the livery stable. Several men and boys ran past, stirring up dust. Addy covered her mouth and nose, resisting a sneeze.

  Mrs. Clancy, who cooked lunch at one of the cafés, trudged past.

  “Where’s everyone going?” Addy asked.

  “Depot I reckon.” Mrs. Clancy didn’t bother to stop.

  “What’s going on?” Addy called after her.

  She shrugged and walked on.

  Probably just checking out the train. Addy supposed it would be a novelty for some time. She couldn’t imagine the uproar once the passenger cars began running.

  Laughter and shouts reached her ears, and she hesitated and glanced toward the depot where a crowd was forming. She turned toward the livery then stopped, glancing back to the depot. She really should get her buggy and go. She’d promised to visit her great-aunt Kate today. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to just find out what all the excitement was about. If it was anything Uncle Will needed to know, she could pass the information on to him. Yes, she’d better check it out.

  The depot wasn’t as crowded as it had been when the first train had pulled into the station, but excitement buzzed through the small crowd. One of the cars had been unhitched and stood by the loading dock while a second was unhooked.

  Addy shaded her eyes with one hand and peered across, trying to see what the cars contained.

  “What do you think it is?”

  Addy glanced around and saw a woman tugging on her husband’s arm.

  “Could be all the parts and supplies for the hunting lodge,” the man said.

  “Huh!” his wife said. “Well, don’t you go getting any ideas about that.”

  He laughed. “Like I could afford to go there anyway.”

  The engine began to chug slowly down the track, leaving the two cars behind.

  A group of men headed for the loading dock. The doors on the side of the car slid open with a screech.

  Addy held her hands over her ears until the doors were completely open. Curiosity overtaking her, she walked down the platform toward the car.

  “Addy!” She’d know that voice anywhere. Whirling around, she spied Jim rushing toward her.

  She couldn’t prevent the rapid thumping of her heart at the sight of him. She clenched her fists at her side and composed herself. She must be polite but aloof. “Yes?”

  “It could be dangerous once they start unloading. You need to move to the other end of the platform.”

  She stared at him. How dare he tell her what she needed to do? “I’m not a child, Mr. Castle. I believe I can take care of myself, thank you.”

  He took a step backward, his eyes dark with confusion. “I’m sure you can. I simply don’t want you to get hurt. Will you please step back out of harm’s way?”

  “Castle! Get that woman out of the way and make sure no one else gets too close.”

  Addy’s face flamed at the burly man’s commands. She should have moved when Jim asked her to. “Excuse me, Mr. Castle.” She slipped past him and hurried away.

  “Addy!”

  Her heart jumped at the sound of his voice, but she hurried down the steps and onto the street.
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br />   Jim scratched his head and watched Addy stomp off. What had he done to rile her up? He’d been so pleased at the way things went at the picnic. Why was she angry? Well, he didn’t have time to go after her, even if that would do any good. Women.

  “Castle, I need you to help me check these items off.”

  Jim lifted his hand in acknowledgment and went to assist the new owners of the State of Maine Exhibition Building.

  “Miss Sullivan.” Bobby pulled the buggy up alongside her and stopped.

  “Bobby, where in the world have you been?” Her voice sounded harsh even to her own ears.

  “Looking for you, ma’am.” He jumped down. “I had to run an errand for Mr. Jacobs before I could bring your rig to you. Then when I got to the school, you weren’t there. Sorry I was late.”

  “All right, Bobby. It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry I snapped at you.” She climbed into the buggy and took the reins. “Get in and I’ll take you back to the stable.”

  “That’s okay. I’m going to find out what’s going on at the depot. Do you know what the train brought in?”

  Addy bit her lip. She supposed it was the supplies for the lodge but wasn’t sure. If only she hadn’t gotten so flustered she’d still be there watching them unload. Oh well, why should she care anyway? “No, I don’t. Sorry.”

  She was halfway home before she remembered she was supposed to go to her great-aunt Kate’s house. Turning the horse, she headed cross-country to the road that led to the Rayton farm. She had to pull herself together before she got there. Aunt Kate didn’t miss anything.

  A sigh escaped her lips. What was wrong with her lately? She’d always been the calm, levelheaded twin. Now she was as flighty as Abby used to be. Worse even. Of course, she’d always had that secret desire for adventure, but she’d managed to keep it under control. In two days she’d been incredibly rude to two men. And she was pretty sure she was in love with one of them. What if someone besides family had witnessed her berating the doctor? Even if he was presuming and controlling. And what would people think of her if she did something foolish? Such as quit her job and work for a hunting lodge? Or jump on a train and travel across America?

  She pulled to a stop alongside Aunt Kate’s porch and sat unmoving. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to control her rambling thoughts. Aunt Kate deserved her full attention.

  The door flew open, and Uncle Will’s wife, Aunt Sarah, stepped onto the porch. “Land’s sake, Addy. What are you sitting out here for? Come on inside.”

  Ma’s younger brother, Will, married Sarah Jenkins the same year Ma and Pa got married. At first Addy had felt a little bit strange calling her Aunt Sarah. She was only nine or ten years older than Addy and Abby. But Ma would have whipped her good if she’d ever called an adult by her first name only.

  “Is Aunt Kate at home?” Addy climbed down from the buggy and walked up the steps of the weathered old log cabin. Uncle Will really needed to paint or whitewash the place.

  “Of course. She seldom goes anywhere these days except church.” She darted a glance at the door then turned to Addy. “I’m a little worried about her. I know she’s getting older, but it’s like her energy just drained out of her all of a sudden.”

  “Maybe she should see the doctor.” In spite of Addy’s anger towards Dr. Stephens, she had confidence in his medical knowledge.

  “She refuses to go. I’d hoped Lexie could talk some sense into her. Or one of you girls. She never takes me seriously.” The worry lines in her face showed her concern.

  Addy nodded. “I’ll talk to her, but Ma’s the one who can influence her better than anyone.”

  Aunt Kate sat on the settee in the parlor, a box of mending beside her. Her eyes brightened when they rested on Addy. She laid down the shirt she was mending and started to stand. “Addy.” Her voice sounded weak.

  “Please don’t stand up, Auntie.” Addy rushed over to her and, bending down, planted a kiss on her cheek.

  Aunt Kate grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I’m so glad you came. Sit across from me there so I can see you while we talk.”

  Addy obediently sat on the little rocking chair. As she got a better look at her aunt, she had to force herself not to react. In the three weeks since she’d seen her, something had taken its toll on Aunt Kate.

  “Auntie, I hear you haven’t been feeling well lately.” Lord, please help me convince her she needs to see a doctor.

  “Oh, everyone fusses over me too much.” She shot a fiery look at Sarah. “It’s only indigestion. I’m fine.”

  “Hmmm.” Addy nodded. “You’re probably right, Auntie. But you know there has been a lot of sickness going around.”

  Aunt Kate pressed her lips together and frowned. “I said I’m fine.”

  “I know, I know. I was just thinking of Sam and Larry.”

  At the mention of Will and Sarah’s boys, Aunt Kate’s head shot up. “What about Sam and Larry?”

  “Well, nothing.” Addy smiled at her aunt. “Except I know you wouldn’t want to take a chance on passing something along to them. I mean, just in case you have something contagious.”

  Aunt Kate pierced Addy with her glare. “Don’t try to trick me, young woman.” She grabbed the shirt and began stabbing the needle through it. “Fine. All right. I’ll go to the doctor. Tomorrow. Now is anyone going to bring me some tea?”

  “I will, Aunt Kate.” No one could have missed the relief in Sarah’s voice. She smiled at Addy and left the room, returning a few minutes later with cups and a pot full of tea.

  An hour later, Addy relayed the events to Ma as they put dinner on the table.

  “So she is for certain going to see Dr. Stephens tomorrow?” Ma asked.

  “Yes, ma’am. She gave her word before I left.”

  “I wonder if I should go with her.” The slight quake in Ma’s voice revealed her concern.

  “It might not hurt. At least you could talk to the doctor and find out exactly what’s wrong.” It would be like Aunt Kate to keep any news to herself that she didn’t want anyone to know.

  Addy was in bed with the light out before she realized she hadn’t thought any more about Jim Castle or working at the hunting lodge or running away on a train. She gave a low chuckle. Everything she needed was right here at home.

  But Jim Castle’s beguiling smile invaded her thoughts. In her fantasy world, she watched breathlessly as he rode up on his black stallion, moonlight streaming down on his jet-black hair. He gazed down at her, an inviting smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. Then the light darkened and his eyes smoldered. Slowly she nodded, and he reached down and swung her up behind him. She threw her arms around his waist and laid her head on his broad back, feeling the muscles ripple beneath his shirt. They rode away into the night.

  She gasped. What was she thinking? Besides, she couldn’t even get her fantasies right. His hair was more dark brown than black.

  Groaning, she flopped over onto her stomach and pulled her pillow over her head. But just before sleep claimed her, a thought drifted through her mind. What would it be like to ride away with Jim and see the world?

  Chapter 8

  Nineteen heads bowed over books or tablets as Addy cleaned the blackboard and then began writing the assignments for the next day. Thankfully the children were behaving extra well today. With thoughts of riding off in the moonlight with Jim Castle continuing to rattle her, interspersed with worry about Aunt Kate, she wasn’t sure how she’d handle an unruly classroom.

  When she’d finished, she turned and sat at her desk. One by one, the children closed their books or laid pencils on the desk and looked at her expectantly. She placed a finger to her lips as a reminder that some were still busy with their lessons.

  When little Charlotte Greene took a deep breath and laid her pencil down, Addy smiled at the class. “Everyone finished?”

  Heads bobbed in the affirmative; eyes shone with expectation.

  “I’m so proud of how well you’ve all done on
our class project. With the end-of-school program just a week away, I’m sure you’ll all work hard to do your part to make it special for your families.” She smiled at the serious expressions of the younger children as they nodded.

  From the back of the room, Tom Schuyler, one of the older boys, raised his hand.

  “Yes, Tom?”

  “My pa says if you don’t let us out of school soon, he’s gonna take me out anyway. He needs me on the farm.”

  “I know, Tommy. Your father spoke to me yesterday, and I explained to him that we were running a little longer this year because of the heavy snows last winter.” She sent him a reassuring smile. “He said another week would be fine.”

  Several hands shot up.

  “Class, I’ve talked to each of your parents about the delay, and they all agreed they could manage without your help for another week.” She wished they’d chosen to inform their children of that fact.

  All the hands went down except one.

  “Yes, Johnny?”

  “Teacher, guess what the train brung in yesterday?” His grin just about split his face, and his freckles seemed to stand out against his face.

  A cacophony of voices roared across the room.

  “Children, children, please be quiet.” She stood until all the voices had ceased. “Brought, Johnny.”

  “Yes, ma’am. You know what the train brought?” He stressed the last word, his eyes sparkling.

  “Why don’t you tell us?” She was pretty sure she knew but wouldn’t mind confirmation.

  “All the parts of a broken-down old building. They brung…brought it all the way from St. Louis.” He took a deep breath. “Guess what they’re gonna do with the stuff?”

  Once more hands waved in the air.

  “Philip, do you know the answer to Johnny’s question?” It wouldn’t do to let the boy be the center of attention every moment.