Ophelia (Bride Brigade Book 4)

by Caroline Clemmons

  She gazed into his beautiful brown eyes. “I’d be honored.”

  “I’ll see you soon, sweet Ophelia.”

  She opened the door, but watched him stride down the walk. With a sigh, she went inside. At dinner, all the girls questioned her, teasing her about her beau. Hating the attention but unable to be rude, she answered their questions without hinting that Elias intended to formally propose soon.

  After all, what if he changed his mind? She didn’t flatter herself that she was unforgettable. Any of the other girls were more attractive and desirable. The others had more polish than she, even Josephine, who was from the same ugly little town.

  Chapter Six

  She had been worrying all day. In the afternoon, she decided to go for a walk. Decisions awaited her. Worrying served no purpose.

  “Lydia, I’m going for a walk in the back.”

  Ophelia strolled onto the terrace and through the formal garden. At the back gate, she gazed up at the mountainside’s green covering. Her eyes focused on a ledge. From there, she imagined she’d have a fine view of the town.

  She opened the gate and strode up the mountain. Did this property belong to Lydia also or was Ophelia trespassing? Surely no one would mind since she wouldn’t harm anything. The air was hot this afternoon and the breeze had ceased. There was no trail, but she climbed step by step.

  Walking was more difficult on the rocky ground but she climbed bit by bit. Not high, for she was afraid of falling. When she reached the flat area where she could gaze out on the town, she paused. The white rock ledge was surrounded by cedars and small trees and bushes.

  She sat down and folded her legs beside her. Sure enough, she looked out on Tarnation. From this vantage point, she identified businesses and homes.

  Although the town was small, she enjoyed living here. Most everyone she’d met was kind. Mr. Traveland’s brusqueness intimidated her but he lived miles from town and she’d seldom see him. The banker wasn’t someone she liked even though she couldn’t say exactly why. There were probably others she wouldn’t see eye to eye with, but that happened everywhere. All in all, Tarnation suited her.

  She picked out the saloon and mercantile. People went from one business to the other. Some hurried and some ambled. Although she couldn’t recognize everyone, she spotted Angeline and Matthew walking from the parsonage toward the butcher shop. Below she saw the Ramirez home at the side of Lydia’s garden wall.

  Relaxed and in a lazy glow, she gazed around her then stiffened. Beneath a nearby cedar, she saw a snake sunning itself and spotted rattles at the end of its tail. Why hadn’t she been more observant when she climbed here? She was no longer in Lydia’s nice, tame garden.

  What should she do? When she’d told Lydia she was going for a walk, why hadn’t she mentioned where? Below, Lydia and Elias stepped out onto the terrace. He glanced around.

  Please, Elias, look up.

  Ophelia’s heart sank when Elias started inside the house with Lydia. At the door, he turned back and gazed at the hill. She waved with the arm away from the snake.

  Elias returned the wave and strode her way. But, what could he do? When he was close enough, she called to him.

  “Stop, there’s a rattlesnake here.” The serpent slithered her way. She tried to remain still but she couldn’t prevent a wince and a shudder.

  Her words of caution only increased Elias’ speed. “Don’t move. I’m coming.”

  Within seconds that seemed like hours Elias was beside her. His approach sent the snake coiling to strike. She closed her eyes and braced for the poisonous fangs to sink into her leg.

  A shot rent the air and her eyes opened. The snake lay dead only inches from her. Below, Lydia and several of the others came out to stare upward.

  Elias pulled her up and into his arms. “My precious Ophelia, are you all right?”

  She clung to his solid chest. “Thank heavens you weren’t injured. I was frightened, but I had no idea how to get away. I know now I was foolish to leave Lydia’s garden.”

  He caressed her back and kissed her. “You’re all right and that’s all that matters. Come, let’s get you down off this ledge.” He held her arm to guide her.

  Thankful but embarrassed she’d needed rescuing, she said, “I thought I was now a western woman, but I realize how overconfident I’d become.”

  “You are a westerner now, my sweet. Look at all this cedar. It’s been my experience that anywhere cedar grows, you’ll find rattlers.”

  She shook her head, adamant that she would never take such another risk like she had today. “No I won’t. From now on, I’m sticking to Tarnation unless I’m in a conveyance of some type. No more mountain walking for me.”

  When they entered the back gate into the garden, a reception committee waited for them.

  Lydia grasped Ophelia’s shoulders. “We heard a shot, what happened? Were you hurt?”

  “I was having a lovely time looking out on the town until I noticed a rattlesnake had joined me. Then I didn’t know what to do. I visualized me waiting there until the snake crawled away.” She gazed at Elias. “Do rattlers slither home at night?”

  He shook his head. “Not necessarily. Many a cowboy has found one curled up in his sleeping bag or empty boot.”

  Lydia hugged Elias. “Thank goodness you carry a gun. I’d have had to send for Adam when I eventually missed Ophelia. That could have been hours and she could have been seriously injured by then.”

  Mr. Ramirez held his hat in his hands. “Señora Lydia, I have a gun for the varmints that intrude into your garden. Usually a hoe takes care of them.”

  Lydia clasped her hands at her chest. “I’m so fortunate to have you here, Mr. Ramirez.”

  She turned to Ophelia and took her hand. “I should have cautioned you about going out the back. I enjoy looking there but never go walking without tall boots, a walking stick, and a sidearm.”

  Ophelia stopped to shake Mr. Ramirez’s hand. “I’m grateful to learn you protect us.”

  Elias had his arm around Ophelia’s waist. “Why don’t we go inside so Ophelia can sit? She’s still upset from her ordeal.”

  She’d quit shaking but leaned against him. “I’m all right now, Elias. You can’t imagine how happy I was to see you start my way. At the same time, I feared for your safety. I-I didn’t know you carried a gun.”

  “Adam insists newcomers check their guns with him, but he knows several of us carry a sidearm on our person for various reasons. He’s deputized us to help him if there’s a need.”

  “My good fortune. Was I ever surprised when I spotted that awful snake. I’ll be more cautious in the future.” Inside, Ophelia sank onto the parlor couch and Elias sat beside her.

  Elias took her hand. “I was coming to ask if you’d like to take an evening stroll. I suspect the answer is no.”

  “Actually, I would enjoy a stroll with you. Let me catch my breath here and then we can leave.”

  Mrs. Murphy hurried in with a pot of tea. Ophelia noticed one of the cups had brownish liquid in it already.

  The cook poured tea over the other liquid and dropped in a couple of spoons of sugar then stirred. “A bit of good Irish whiskey will put the starch back in you after your shock.” She handed the cup to Ophelia who accepted reluctantly.

  Elias’ eyes twinkled. “Are you going to accept her challenge?”

  Mrs. Murphy poured Elias a cup then stood with her hands on her hips. “Drink up, dearie. The brew will do you no harm in that amount. Purely medicinal.”

  Ophelia gazed at Elias and then at the cook. “Well, if this is medicine, I’d better take it, hadn’t I?” Thinking to down as much as she could in one gulp, she ingested a mouthful, swallowed, and coughed. Her throat burned and her eyes watered.

  Elias massaged her back. “Sip, Ophelia. You’re not used to spirits.”

  Still coughing, she managed to say, “N-Now you tell me.” She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “I can’t imagine why people become addicted to liquo
r.” She took a small sip of her doctored tea and grimaced at the taste.

  Mrs. Murphy pointed to Ophelia. “You’ll see she empties the cup, Mr. Elias?”

  He nodded. “Yes, Ma’am, I will.”

  Satisfied, Mrs. Murphy headed back to the kitchen.

  Ophelia whispered. “This stuff is awful.”

  “But, Mrs. Murphy will hold me responsible if you don’t empty that cup. I’m not brave enough to risk her bad will.”

  Ophelia stared at the awful potion. “Nor me, neither.” She emptied her cup’s contents into Elias’ cup. “There, you’ve seen that I emptied my cup.” She leaned back in triumph.

  He burst out in laughter. “Oh, my precious Ophelia, I see I need to be on my toes or you’ll outsmart me in every way.” He downed the brew and set the cup on the saucer. “No wonder you didn’t like it—too much sugar.” He grinned at her, stood, and offered his arm.

  “I’ll just take the tea things to the kitchen.” She gathered them.

  Rachel took them from her. “Don’t keep your beau waiting.” She winked at Elias.

  Ophelia looked down at her plain dress. “Perhaps I should change clothes, Elias.”

  He put his hand at her waist and guided her toward the door. “You look beautiful as you are. Shall we go?”

  Once they were outside, they stopped to admire the sunset.

  “Another glorious sunset. I’ll never tire of watching them.”

  He slid his arm around her waist and gently tugged her against his side. “I enjoy watching them far more with you by my side.”

  ***

  Ophelia decided to stroll to the mercantile and visit Jo. Although she had little money to spend, she enjoyed looking at the items available. Should she need it, she took her parasol to ward off the sun and set out.

  She was almost to the store when she saw a man kick a dog in the side. The animal yelped.

  “Get away you mangy cur. I don’t want you bothering me.”

  She rushed toward the poor dog. “Don’t abuse that animal.” The poor dog was so thin his ribs poked out and his stomach was sunken. He must be near starving.

  “And who are you to tell me what to do?” He gave the dog a cuff to the head.

  “I’m Miss Ophelia Shipp and I demand you stop this instant.” She collapsed her parasol to wield as a weapon against the brutish man.

  “Mind your own business.” He appeared as if he was going to administer another blow.

  A lifetime of anger over abuses drove her and she struck the man with her parasol. Without thought of consequences, she hit him repeatedly on the head and shoulders.

  He curled inward and raised his arms to ward off her blows. “Ow, ow, what’s wrong with you, lady? Someone get the law.”

  Adam grabbed her arm. “What’s upset you so, Miss Shipp?”

  She pointed at the awful man. “This brute was hurting this poor, starving dog.”

  The man rubbed his head. “Sheriff, arrest this woman for assaulting me.”

  She gasped, her anger still running hot and high. “Assaulting you? You odious man, I was only defending a helpless animal. You should be ashamed of yourself, treating any of God’s creatures in that way.”

  As if he understood her defending him, the dog slunk over to lie at her feet and lick her shoe.

  Adam spoke soothingly. “Miss Shipp, I think you’d better let me handle this.” He addressed the man. “This your dog?”

  “Used to be, but I ain’t go no use for him anymore. Tried to drive him away but he keeps follerin’ me.” The brute sent Ophelia and the dog each a glare.

  Ophelia noticed a crowd had gathered. Her breath came in angry gasps, her chest still heaving with indignation. As much as she hated calling attention to herself, she wasn’t sorry she’d defended the poor animal.

  Elias threaded through those standing around the scene and came beside her. His presence reassured her, but what must he think?

  The oafish brute who’d beaten the dog said, “See here, Sheriff. I was mindin’ my business when she up and struck me with her umbrelly. She had no call to do that.”

  She gasped. “You kicked and hit that poor animal. How would you like to be treated that way? You deserved a beating for your actions.”

  The man pointed at her. “You think that dog is so great, you take him.”

  Adam asked, “You moving here or just passing through?”

  The man spat on the ground at Ophelia’s feet. “Wouldn’t live in the same town as this witch. I’m heading to Strawn.”

  Adam inserted himself in front of Elias, who’d stepped toward the man. “Then you’d best be on your way, mister.”

  The man mounted his horse. “Ain’t you gonna arrest her after she assaulted me?”

  Adam put his hands at his hips and braced his feet. “I’m the sheriff and I say who gets arrested and who doesn’t. Now, move on out.”

  The man turned his horse and galloped away.

  “Okay folks, show’s over. Move along.” Looking at her with a twinkle in his eyes, Adam said, “Ophelia, you have yourself a hungry dog. I suspect Mrs. Murphy will not tolerate the animal and Mr. Ramirez won’t appreciate him in his garden. I’d say you have a problem.”

  Elias touched her elbow. “You can keep him at my place. I have a fenced yard.”

  “Oh, thank you, Elias.” She bent to pet the dog. “You’re going to have a new home, boy. What shall we name you?”

  Elias bent beside her. “How about Brutus, since his previous owner was a brute?”

  She laughed and rubbed the dog’s ears. “Do you like that, Brutus?”

  Brutus responded by licking her face, which caused her to laugh more.

  “Come on, Ophelia, let’s walk your dog to his new home.”

  She pulled the ribbon from her hair and wrapped it loosely around the dog’s neck to use as a leash. “I’m so embarrassed to have attacked that man. I don’t know what came over me. When I saw him mistreat Brutus, I lost my temper. Please believe me, Elias. I’ve never in my life acted so violently.”

  “We all have breaking points, my precious Ophelia. I only hope I never cause you to become angry at me.”

  “Why, I’d never strike you. You’re a gentleman who’s kind to everyone. I mean, you may have to be firm with some of your customers, but I’ve heard you’re always clear-headed. I certainly wasn’t just now.”

  “Like you, I can’t abide seeing anyone mistreat someone weaker. There’s simply no excuse when the weaker person or animal has no chance of defense.”

  “I’m glad you understand. Elias, please believe I’ve never in my life gone crazy like I did today. In fact, I had thought I had complete control of my temper.” Else she would have attacked her father years ago.

  “Here we are. I hope Mrs. Mendoza has something we can feed Brutus.”

  “Oh, I wonder if she’ll resent me foisting a dog off on you? That’s more work for her, even if I come to pet him each day.”

  “I suppose we’ll soon know.” He rang the bell as if he were a visitor.

  Mrs. Mendoza appeared surprised when she opened the door. “Ah, Señorita Shipp and Señor Kendrick, what have you there? Aii, pobre perro, poor dog, he’s so thin.”

  “Miss Shipp rescued this dog from a man who was beating him. I’ve adopted him and named him Brutus. Have we anything to feed him until I can make arrangements for his food and a water dish?”

  “Please take him to the back while I find food for Brutus and a big dish for his water.”

  She clasped her hands. “I suppose I’d better go back to Lydia’s. Um, I don’t see Mrs. Horowitz around today.”

  He chuckled and shook his forefinger at her. “Oh, no, you have to help me bathe that creature. I’ve a washtub in back.”

  Holding the dog’s makeshift leash, she started around the house toward the back yard. “All right, since we’ll be outside I suppose no one will gossip.”

  He cupped her elbow. “Of course they will, but I hope you won’t mind. People c
an’t help themselves.”

  “I don’t mind if you don’t. Brutus does need a bath after he’s eaten. I suspect he’s never been bathed except by rain and creeks.”

  They watched as Brutus wolfed down the food Mrs. Martinez provided then drank from the water bowl as if he’d crossed a desert.

  Elias removed his jacket and waistcoat then retrieved a large washtub and filled it with water. He enticed Brutus toward the container but the dog ignored him.

  Elias grimaced. “I see we should have done this before we fed him. Now he has no reason to do as I ask.” He tried to capture Brutus, who apparently thought this was a game.

  She and Elias chased Brutus back and forth with no success. Brutus looked as if he was smiling as he evaded them. Laughing, she and Elias tried unsuccessfully to capture the dog.

  Heedless of her dress, Ophelia eventually kneeled on the grass beside the tub and trailed her fingers in the water. “Come on, Brutus, time for your bath. Hop in, good boy.”

  With a look at her, he leaped into the water with a splash that sent water onto her dress and hair.

  “Good boy, Brutus.” Ophelia took the bar of soap and lathered the dog’s coat.

  Elias crossed his arms. “Well, I’ll be d… darned. I don’t know if we tired him out, but he gave us a run, didn’t he?”

  Ophelia leaned away as the dog splashed again and shook water and suds her way. “I thought we were bathing Brutus, but I don’t see you getting wet.”

  He stood back and laughed. “You appear to be doing so well. I’ll stand here and provide supervisory suggestions.”

  She cupped handfuls of water to rinse the soap from Brutus’ coat. “Get a big towel, Mr. Supervisor, so I can dry him before he rolls in the dirt and grass.”

  “At your command, Miss Dog Bather.” Elias went into his home and soon returned with a towel as thick and large as those Lydia owned.

  She glanced at him. “This is too grand for a dog. Haven’t you something old and worn?”

  “Afraid not. When I moved in, I brought only my best and purchased more.”

  She encouraged the dog from the water and wrapped him in the towel. “You are a lucky dog, Brutus. Only the best for you.”