by Kit Morgan
Three
The next morning, Eloise, Sadie, and Belle had Harrison drive them to town. He almost didn’t do it, feeling that they were safer at home, what with outlaws on the loose. He finally relented when Sadie pointed out that Eloise needed to see Constance, and that the ladies’ sewing circle would not be put off. Besides, who wouldn’t be safe in the company of Mrs. Dunnigan and her trusty hatchet?
He parked the wagon in front of the mercantile, helped the women out, and accompanied them inside; all but Eloise, who went straight to the hotel and her sister.
“Mr. Jones?” she called when she reached the front counter. Seeing no one about, she ascended the stairs to her sister’s room. She knocked on the door and, not bothering to wait, entered. “Constance?”
“Back here,” she answered.
Eloise looked at the screened partition in one corner of the room. Constance stepped out from behind it, wearing a dress far too big for her. “Oh dear, is that Mrs. Upton’s?”
“Yes; isn’t it obvious?”
Eloise stifled a giggle. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I could have brought you one of mine.”
“It will have to do, and at least it smells nice.”
“Indeed, anything’s better than those buckskins you had on.”
“I’m going to see Ryder. Want to come along?”
“Of course. Sadie, Belle, and Harrison are at the mercantile. The sewing circle is meeting this morning to work on my dress. You can help.”
“It depends on Ryder. I may stay with him.”
Eloise nodded. “I understand; it’s just that I’d love to spend some time with you.”
“Let me see to him first, then I’ll let you know.”
They left the room, and Eloise couldn’t help but look for Seth when they reached the bottom of the stairs. Where could he be? She glanced back several times, hoping to catch a glimpse, but Seth Jones was nowhere to be seen.
“Have you heard from Penelope?” Constance asked. “Does she know what’s happened?”
“Not yet. But she’s coming this morning for the sewing circle, and she’ll find out then.”
“It will be good to be together, even for a few hours,” Constance told her. “I’m hoping Ryder will be up and around today.”
They would soon find out as they stepped onto the Wallers’ front porch, and knocked on the door. Grandma immediately opened it. “That’ll be a penny.”
“What?” the sisters asked at once.
Grandma laughed. “Never mind. Come on in; it’s getting mighty crowded back there.”
Eloise and Constance glanced at her curiously as they passed, and went to the patient room. Harrison and Seth were already there, speaking with Ryder.
“Mornin’, Sugar,” he said in a tired voice.
Harrison and Seth moved aside so Constance could get to the bed. She sat down, and hugged her husband. Eloise stood near the door, as Seth backed up a few steps to stand next to her. “Good morning,” he greeted.
She blushed. Even when he spoke a simple greeting, her heart thumped in her chest like a drum. “Good morning, Mr. Jones. How is your brother?”
“He’s fine; a little weak, but other than that, both Doc Drake and Doc Waller say he’s as good as new.”
“That’s wonderful news,” she said, her voice soft. “I’m glad to hear it.” She looked at him as she realized the time. “Did the posse head out already?”
“Yes, they’ve been gone for hours.”
She swallowed. “And … you didn’t go with them?”
Seth made a show of glancing around the room. “I guess not; I’m right here.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you stayed. I … well, if I might be so bold to say such a thing … but I believe I would miss your company if you’d gone.”
“You may say. And, I’d miss you, too.”
Her cheeks brightened and she looked away, a shy smile on her face. “Chasing outlaws is best handled by those experienced in such things. The sheriff is so much better at it than … oh, I mean …”
“Than I am?”
Eloise looked at him, and offered a weak smile. “I apologize; I didn’t mean it to sound like…”
“Like I’m not the kind of man to go?”
She put her face in her hands. “I’m not making sense, am I?” she mumbled through her fingers.
Seth pulled her hands from her face. “You’re making perfect sense. Who am I to go chasing after dangerous outlaws?”
Harrison glanced at them, but said nothing.
“Men do what they will. No matter what a woman says,” said Eloise.
“Not all men, Miss Sayer.”
“I say, Cousin,” Harrison interrupted. “Isn’t it about time you went across the street and started on your dress? The sooner it’s done, the sooner the two of you can be married.”
Seth smiled. “He’s right. I may even sit down and help you work on it.”
Eloise started at the remark. “I … I beg your pardon?”
“Bet ya didn’t know Seth here can sew,” Ryder put in with a chuckle.
“Sew?” Eloise said. “You?”
“I’m not unhandy with a needle and thread,” said Seth. “I’ve done my share over the years. Usually patching up this one’s clothes.” He pointed at Ryder and grinned.
“True enough!” Ryder said. He kissed Constance on the top of her head and sighed.
“I think we’d best leave them to visit for a while,” said Harrison. “Let’s head across the street and see if Penelope and August have arrived.”
Seth held his arm out to Eloise. “Shall we?”
She took it, still embarrassed by what she’d said before. Did he think that she thought him less of a man by not going with the posse? What about her quip concerning leaving it to the lawmen? He seemed not to take offense, but still … or, was it that she did? Had she formed an opinion of him, based on what she saw? But then, who wouldn’t? A better question would be what kind of man she was hoping him to be. What kind of man did she really need?
But mail-order brides weren’t supposed to be picky, and definitely shouldn’t expect to get exactly what they wanted. After all, didn’t a woman become a mail-order bride in this country because they couldn’t find anyone else?
Eloise closed her eyes against the thought. If so, then … oh … how pathetic. The whole reason she and her sisters were in this wretched country was because no one in England wanted them! At least she had the knowledge that it was through no fault of theirs.
She stole a quick glance at her intended as they walked across the street. He was handsome, and from the feel of the arm entwined with hers, very strong. But she’d not seen him use it, nor hint that he possessed such strength. He was very gentle, and soft-spoken toward her. She liked it, but …
“I hope you’re able to finish your dress soon. It gets kinda lonesome being in that big hotel all by myself at night.”
She stopped dead in her tracks. “Alone?”
“Well, not entirely. Sally Upton has herself a set of rooms, too, but it’s closer to the kitchen. Mine’s upstairs on the other side of the building. Never hear a peep out of her.”
“Where does her sister, Marybeth, stay?”
“She’s married to Harvey Brown; a farmer who lives a couple of miles out of town. She helps out at the hotel, but not every day.”
“Oh, I see. We shan’t be disturbed then.”
He smiled. “No, we … shan’t.”
She looked into his eyes, and noticed the briefest hint of … something. Promise? “Then I can be assured my endless chatter will not be a problem. I do tend to carry on at times.”
“I’ve not heard it from you yet. What do you talk about when it goes non-stop?”
She opened her mouth then quickly closed it, realizing that the topic of non-stop girlish delight was usually about men. “My wedding,” she offered, true for the most part.
He smiled as they entered the mercantile. “That could be a problem.”
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“Problem?”
“Yes, ma’am. It means that after we’re married, you won’t have anything to talk about.”
She giggled. “I’m sure we can find something.”
His smile broadened. “Oh, I have a few things in mind …”
The muscles in his arm tightened, and she felt a bulging bicep beneath his brown frock-coat. She swallowed hard at the sudden weakness in her knees, and shuddered. Good heavens! It was just a muscle!
“Move out of the way, comin’ through!” Grandma Waller called behind them. She carried in her arms a bolt of cloth, with Mrs. Dunnigan behind her, who held a basket of thread and buttons. They went to a circle of chairs near the front window where the preacher’s wife, Annie, sat next to Mrs. Mulligan and Lucy White. Sadie and Belle occupied another two chairs. “Who’s not comin’ today?” asked Grandma.
“Susara offered to stay at the ranch and watch Honoria for me,” said Sadie. “Logan is working near the house today, so they’ll be fine.”
“What about Jefferson and Edith?” Grandma inquired with a worried look.
“They’re at the ranch, too,” said Belle. “The other hands are guarding the stock.”
“Glad to hear it,” said Grandma. “Now, who else we missing?”
Eloise shivered as a tremor of fear went up her spine. The Cookes were taking extra precautions in case the outlaws came back to the area. She suddenly felt much safer in town than out of it.
“Fannie, Penelope, Constance, Mable, and the Upton sisters,” answered Mrs. Mulligan.
“Well, no sense waiting for them,” said Grandma. “Let’s get started. Who knows when they’ll show up?”
“You’d best take your seat,” Seth whispered into her ear.
She shivered again. But this time, it wasn’t out of fear. She could feel the heat come into her cheeks, and prayed that no one noticed. “When will I see you?”
“I’ll try to drop in later, see how you’re doing with that pretty dress of yours.” He patted her hand, and then let go her arm.
She stood, not wanting to move. The warmth of his body was comforting, even though the morning was warm. “I look forward to it.”
“Stop your whispering over there, child!” Grandma scolded. “And come help us. It is your wedding dress we’re working on!”
Eloise turned a bright red, gave Seth a small curtsy, and hurried to an empty chair between Annie and Belle. Seth smiled at her, tipped his hat, and left the mercantile.
* * *
“And then the blasted bird pecked poor August on the head. It was a frightful thing to watch, but at least the little beast didn’t draw any blood!”
The women stared open-mouthed at Penelope’s tale, before gathering their wits again. “I’d take that thing out and shoot it!” said Mrs. Dunnigan.
“Oh, we couldn’t do that,” said Penelope. “Clyde’s like part of the family now, and he did …”
“Save your life,” Eloise finished. “Yes, we all know about Clyde’s heroics. Too bad he wasn’t a dog.”
“I don’t know; I think having an attack chicken is rather novel, don’t you?” Penelope asked.
Eloise giggled. “Just so long as no one eats him. Why did he attack August, anyway? I thought Clyde liked him.”
“We’re not sure. He was chasing the hens to get them out of the barn so he could clean it. Maybe Clyde didn’t like him going after his … er … wives.”
Constance snorted. “What’s that bird going to do if you eat one of them?”
“Oh, perish the thought, sister! We use them for eggs,” said Penelope.
Grandma laughed. “You three sure are fun to listen to. I don’t think I’ve had as much fun since Mr. Berg and the others left town.”
They’d been working for hours, and Eloise was beginning to wonder if Seth was ever going to come back.
Seth … she smiled as she realized that she’d ceased thinking of him as ‘Mr. Jones’. And why should she? They were to be married in a matter of days.
“What are you smiling about, Miss Sayer?” asked Annie.
Eloise looked at her, and blushed.
“I bet I know,” said Belle in a teasing tone.
Sadie smiled and shook her head. “Stop teasing and keep working. We’re almost done!”
Belle giggled, and winked at Eloise. She then put her sewing in her lap, and stretched. Sadie watched her closely, as did Constance, but said nothing. Eloise in turn, watched them both. “What is it?”
Sadie and Belle’s heads both popped up. “What is what?” asked Sadie.
“I don’t know,” Eloise said with a shrug, you were looking at each other rather funny. I thought perhaps something was wrong.”
Sadie and Belle exchanged a quick look. “No, nothing wrong here,” said Belle.
“Oh, very well. I was just curious, is all. One never knows in this place,” said Eloise.
Grandma stopped her stitching and eyed Belle and Sadie. She looked each one over carefully, before she returned to work, her eyes flicking to each of them now and then.
Constance, unable to help herself, snorted.
“Oh! Now I know something’s afoot!” said Eloise. “She only snorts like that when she’s highly amused, or privy to information Penelope and I don’t have!”
Sadie sent Constance a glare, and then quickly returned to her sewing. “Maybe she was clearing her throat.”
“She bloody well was not!” Eloise said, then spun to her sister. “What is it? I know you know something!”
Penelope also turned to Constance. “Is there anything you want to share with us, sister?”
Constance shook her head, her face red, and quickly bent over the dress. Belle laughed at her, set her sewing down a second time, and again stretched, then put a hand on her belly.
“Ah ha!” Grandma cried. “I knew it!”
Mrs. Mulligan dropped her needle. “Land sakes! Warn a body, will ya? I could’ve stabbed myself silly!”
“How, when you dropped your needle?” Mrs. Dunnigan pointed out.
Sadie ignored them and fixed her eyes on Belle, who looked at her, and shrugged.
“Never mind that!” quipped Grandma. “So, does Colin know?”
Belle froze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t ya?” Grandma said in a teasing tone.
Now it was Sadie’s turn to set her sewing down. “No, he does not! And we want to keep it that way for a while, if you don’t mind.”
The ladies looked at one another as comprehension dawned, one face at a time. “Irene, where’s Wilfred?” Mrs. Mulligan asked, with a wide smile.
“Upstairs, I reckon,” said Mrs. Dunnigan.
All the women sighed, glanced at the ceiling, and then at once, broke out in a cacophony of questions and congratulations. Belle was pregnant!
Constance shrank into her seat, as if the outburst was her fault. Belle smiled at her, then sent Sadie a pleading look. Eloise still sat, trying to figure out what just happened. How did she not know? She lived with Sadie and Belle!
“Hush, all of ya!” Grandma said as she stood and waved the others into silence. “If Belle doesn’t want Colin to know, then we need to keep this quiet.”
“Doesn’t want Colin to know what?”
All heads turned. Wilfred was just walking behind the counter, a puzzled look on his face.
The women, as one, froze.
“Well?” he said. “Ya all gonna sit there lookin’ like ya done been hornswoggled?”
Belle put her face in her hands and groaned.
“I say,” said Eloise. “But was this supposed to be a secret?”
Wilfred laughed behind the counter. “Ain’t no secrets in this town!”
“Belle’s pregnant,” Mrs. Dunnigan said flatly.
“Except that,” stated Wilfred. He then shook himself. “A baby! Just think, a grand- niece or nephew is on the way.” He looked at Belle. “Are ya feelin’ all right? Do I need to get ya anything?” He then pal
ed. “Jumpin’ Jehosaphat! If Colin’s anything like Harrison, he’s gonna faint when he finds out!”
“That’s why he is not going to find out!” Sadie said as she stood. “Is he, Wilfred?”
The rest of the ladies also stood, all with the same threatening gleam in their eyes. Wilfred audibly gulped. “Er, ah … course not. He ain’t gonna hear nothin’ from me!”
“See that he doesn’t!” his wife snapped. “Or you’ll rue the day, Wilfred Dunnigan!”
“Yes ma’am.” Wilfred said as he took a step back, reached behind him, and grabbed a candy jar. It was his only defense. “Peppermint, anyone?”
Four
By the time Seth made it back to the mercantile to check on Eloise, the sewing had ceased, and the candy licking had commenced. Every woman in the room had a peppermint stick in her mouth. Wilfred stood behind the counter, a relieved look on his face, and picked up a feather duster. “Afternoon, Seth. What can I do for ya?”
Seth crossed the mercantile, glancing at the women as he did. “They didn’t eat all the peppermint sticks, did they?”
Wilfred chuckled. “Nope, I still have a few left.”
Seth’s eyes sought Eloise. She blushed when she looked at him, her candy still in her mouth, and turned away. The action made him smile. She was fresh, pure, and reminded him of a white rose. He fought the sudden urge to ball his hands into fists. The thought of anything happening to her set his blood to boil, just as it had when he’d found out Ryder was hurt.
“Here ya go,” Wilfred said, bringing Seth’s head around. “How many ya want?”
“How many?”
“Peppermint sticks; how many ya want?”
“Oh,” he said as his eyes wandered back to Eloise. “I’ll take what you have left.”
Wilfred reached under the counter for some paper, wrapped up the candy, and gave it to him. “That’ll be a penny.”
“Sure,” he said, his eyes glued to his bride.
“If’n you stare at her any harder, boy, your eyes are liable to fall out of their sockets.”
“Say what?”
Wilfred laughed. “Never mind. Why don’t ya pull up a chair and sit a while?”
“Don’t mind if I do,” said Seth, never taking his eyes from Eloise.
