Katie smiled. She liked the sound of his voice and the way he talked, as if they had known each other forever and not for a few days.
“Yeah, she has a temper just like yours. You don’t get on her wrong side. She stirs up crazier than a bee’s nest.”
Katie stopped walking and stood with her hands on her hips. “I, sir, do not have a temper.”
Daniel didn’t take offense. He laughed, and when she threw him a dirty look, he just got worse. “See, you do. There you go. You should have bright red hair, not hair the color of midnight.”
He had stopped laughing and was staring down at her. Being tall for a girl, looking up into a man’s face was an unusual experience. Looking at one laughing at me is, too.
She wanted to be cross, but something in his eyes made her feel different. She felt the heat in his stare, her skin tingling as his eyes bored into hers. She fought an urge to move closer to him. She tore her eyes away and started walking. She had to say something to distract herself. “Where does this lady live? Are we nearly there?”
“Mrs. Kauffman lives on the next street. Don’t be surprised if she invites you in for coffee. She loves to meet all the new people who arrive in town. She is a nice lady and is doing her best to get by. Her husband was killed in the mine a few years ago. Ma and a few of the other townsfolk make sure to give her enough work to keep food on the table for her and the young’uns.”
Wonder if he is sweet on her? Why would you care, Katie O’Callaghan?
“It was like that back in Galway. If anyone needed help, the other women looked out for one another. Best they could, anyway.”
“Makes sense. If we share what we got, we all prosper that bit more. Here we are. I will leave the basket with you. Are you okay with finding your way back to Ma’s?”
Katie nodded. She seemed to have lost the ability to speak and think at the same time.
“I got to find out when the sheriff wants to go looking for those raiders. Then I need to go out to see Davy. I might stay the night, so please tell Ma not to worry if she doesn’t see me before breakfast.” Katie nodded, not wanting to acknowledge the disappointment his words caused. He wouldn’t be there for dinner.
Daniel deposited the basket at the door, and with a laugh and a bow, he strode off down the street. Katie stared after him. She had never met anyone who had the same effect on her as he did. She wanted to spend all day looking at him, listening to him speak and laugh. I hope Mr. Cassidy makes me laugh like Daniel does. The door of the house opened and a young hassled-looking woman came out holding a blonde toddler on her hip. “Sorry to keep you waiting. The young’un won’t settle for me.”
“She is very pretty.” Katie smiled at the little one, who hid her face in her ma’s shoulder. “Mrs. Sullivan isn’t feeling too well today. She asked me to bring you the linen.”
“Oh, poor lady. I hope she be better soon. Tell her they will be ready tomorrow evening, if that isn’t too late.”
Katie had forgotten to check when Mrs. Sullivan expected the linen, but she found herself nodding. “Will I call back for it tomorrow?”
“That would be fine. Perhaps you could stop and have coffee? I would ask you in today, but I am worried the little one might be poorly. I don’t want you catching anything.”
“Thank you kindly, but I have other chores to finish. I will see you tomorrow. Goodbye, little one. I hope you feel better soon.”
The toddler gave Katie a quick smile before hiding her face in her mother’s shoulder once more.
Chapter 22
He hadn’t spent long with the sheriff so he had made it out to Davy’s in time for dinner. Mrs. Higgins had outdone herself again but Daniel was too wound up to eat.
“What’s got into you? Not usual for you to turn down a meal.”
“Sorry, Davy, but I got a lot on my mind. Ma is sick and I didn’t want to worry her. I didn’t tell her the full story about the visit with the bank.”
Davy sat straighter in his chair.
“Did they turn you down?”
“Not exactly, Davy. They said yes.”
“What’s got you looking like you got a bellyache?”
“It’s a condition of the loan that I get married. The banker seems to think I ride on my brains. He said it’s just a matter of time before I head off into the mountains looking for gold.”
Davy spat out his coffee as he burst out laughing. He swallowed quickly at the look his brother gave him.
“The banker doesn’t know you, Daniel. We both know how often strangers come to town claiming to have discovered the next big strike. They hand out small gold nuggets or silver pieces in the saloon tempting those who should know better. If you were to listen to some, the rivers on the mountain are golden or silver-colored, not made of plain old water. Every dreamer from here to Denver believes he will be the next one to make it rich.
“I have no interest in mining for gold. I have had enough of the harsh reality of sleeping out under the stars.”
“I know that but the banker doesn’t. He thinks like most big city folk. You just need to prove him wrong.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“I didn’t figure you for a quitter, Daniel.”
“Well, unless you been hiding someone, I don’t see any young single females around Clover Springs, do you? There isn’t a suitable single female between here and Clear Creek.” Daniel shook his head as his thoughts shifted to Katie. She was infinitely marriageable. She is also engaged, you oaf.
“You still want the store, don’t you?” At Daniel’s nod, Davy continued. “I wish I had the money to give you but everything is tied up in the ranch. You will just have to find a wife.”
“So how do you suggest I do that, dear brother?”
“Don’t you listen to the preacher every Sunday? The Good Lord will provide.”
Daniel looked at Davy. He couldn’t work out if his brother was joshing with him or was serious. He didn’t really believe praying for a wife would work but it couldn’t do any harm? Maybe he should put an ad in one of those matrimonial guides anyway. It wouldn’t hurt to give the Lord a helping hand.
Once back at the boarding house, Katie was relieved to find Mrs. Sullivan sleeping more peacefully. Her fever seemed to be lower than before. Whatever ailed her wasn’t serious. She would make a full recovery.
Dinner went well. She and Ellen worked as a team – all those months entertaining Uncle Joseph’s guests had a purpose after all. God did work in mysterious ways.
When they had cleared up after dinner, the dishes done and put away and the stove banked up for the night, they crept up to bed and fell asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillow. For the first time in a long time, Katie slept through until morning.
Breakfast went as well as dinner with a number of the guests complimenting the sisters on the food and comfortable accommodation. Katie heard Ellen tell some of the guests who were leaving to tell their friends about Clover Springs’ finest boarding house. She smiled. It was about time Ellen came out of her shell and returned to the girl she had been in Ireland. Mam would be proud of her. Katie took a tray up to Mrs. Sullivan. She was awake and sitting up as Katie pushed the door open and entered the bedroom.
“Katie—I hope you don’t mind me calling you that—thank you so much for everything. I don’t know what I would have done if you and Ellen hadn’t been here.”
“We’re glad to help. How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Thank you, dear. I hope to be up later today.” At a look from Katie, Mrs. Sullivan said, “Maybe tomorrow would be better.”
Katie nodded her head in agreement. They spent a couple of minutes talking about lunch. Katie told Mrs. Sullivan of her visit to Mrs. Kaufmann.
“That poor woman. All alone with two young’uns at her age. She is barely twenty.”
“She is very pretty. Maybe she will find a new husband?” Katie said, wondering if Mrs. Sullivan had thought about finding a wife for Daniel.
“She certainly is. I don’t know why she hasn’t married again. If it’s one thing we are not short of here in Clover Springs, it’s single men. Speaking of which, do you know if Daniel is back yet?”
Katie shook her head before excusing herself. She didn’t want to talk about Daniel. Mrs. Sullivan may be feeling poorly, but she didn’t trust herself not to give her feelings away. She liked Daniel more than she had a right to, given her promise to another man.
Chapter 23
“What are you staring at?
“You missed a bit. That plate still has gravy on it.” Daniel smirked. “As you said often enough, Ma has standards.”
Katie’s face flushed. She couldn’t believe he had caught her being less than completely thorough. Imagine what a guest would think if they were served a dirty plate. She took up the gleaming plate; there wasn’t a spot on it. She looked up in time to catch his teasing glance.
“Why, you … you …”
“Cat got your tongue, Miss O’Callaghan?”
Irritated beyond belief, Katie flicked some dirty dishwater at him. Oh, I shouldn’t have done that. His eyes widened. She took a step back as he made a grab for the dishcloth she now held behind her back. Eyes gleaming, he reached around her waist for the cloth.
Her body stilled. She was barely able to breathe as she became aware of his nearness. It wasn’t just his muscular body, but his scent enveloped her. Her mouth dried as she tried to ignore the sensations his nearness was causing. She licked her lips, trying to find her voice to tell him to let her go, but she couldn’t get the words out. She risked a glance at him to see if he felt something, too. His eyes were glazed, bluer than usual as he looked down at her. Rather than release her, he pulled her closer. His lips came nearer to hers as she closed her eyes. Any second now, she would taste him.
Mr. Cassidy. Flushing even more, she pushed against Daniel’s body. She couldn’t let him kiss her, much as she wanted it to happen. She couldn’t risk him knowing how she felt. That was her secret. She threw the cloth in the direction of the sink and ran for safety.
Daniel stood at the sink staring after her. He could still feel the press of her body against his, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to breathe. The heat between them threatened to devour him. She had felt it, too. That’s why she had run off. The last thing he wanted was for her to be afraid. He needed to go after her to apologize, but first he needed to cool off. A dip in the creek should do it.
Katie was skittish all day. A couple of times she had snapped at Ellen, leaving her sister as nervous as she was. Every time the door banged, she stilled, waiting to hear his voice. When it wasn’t him, she was disappointed, although she knew she should also be relieved. He hadn’t returned by the time she escorted Ellen up the stairs to their bedroom.
“I’m sorry Ellen, my darling girl, for being so argumentative today. I guess I am nervous.”
“About the wedding. That’s understandable. I saw Daniel earlier. He looked cross, too. I wonder what he’s worried about?”
Katie didn’t want to discuss Daniel. Not now and especially not with Ellen. She leaned over and gave her sister a kiss on the forehead. “Sweet dreams, Ellen.”
She headed back down the stairs, intent on finishing up the chores in the kitchen. The fire had been banked and the last of the dishes put away. She was just about to head to bed when the door opened and closed gently. Without looking up, she knew he was back. Frantically, she looked for an escape route, but he stood between her and the door.
“Miss O’Callaghan, I apologize.”
“There’s no need. Goodnight, Mr. Sullivan.” Katie looked pointedly over his shoulder at the door.
“I’m hungry. Sit with me while I eat?”
“There is food on the stove. It should be warm enough. Now if you will excuse me, I’m tired.”
“Goodnight, Miss O’Callaghan.”
Disconcerted by the fact he still hadn’t moved out of the way, Katie looked up. He had an awkward smile on his face. She raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Please, Katie, hear me out. I’m sorry I manhandled you earlier. It wasn’t my intention to frighten you. I was only playing with you.”
“Playing? With what? My feelings? Let me tell you this, Mr. Sullivan, I am not interested in you. I am getting married. To a decent, God fearing man who I would hope wouldn’t be kissing another man’s fiancé.”
“Kissing? We didn’t get to that part.” Daniel smirked.
Mortified, Katie bolted for the door. She couldn’t believe she had effectively told him she thought about kissing him. Oh, Lord, what must he think of me?
“Miss O’Callaghan, do you accept my apology?”
Katie stopped. Without turning, she said coldly “I accept your apology, Mr. Sullivan, now please, excuse me. It’s late and I have a wedding to prepare for. “
As she closed the door, she could have sworn he said, “Of course, how could we forget?” What did he mean by that?
Chapter 24
Katie looked around the small dining room.
The table was set for lunch. She had washed and dried the breakfast dishes and put rabbit stew on a low heat to serve later. There was nothing left to do but go to the telegraph office and see if the reply was there. Sighing, she put on her coat just as Ellen came down the stairs.
“How is Mrs. Sullivan?” asked Katie.
“She’s sleeping. Daniel is sitting with her. Where are you going, Katie?”
Daniel. She hadn’t seen him since their encounter last night. She wondered if he was hungry. It’s his house. He knows where the food is kept. She realized Ellen was looking at her curiously, waiting for an answer.
“Just down to the mercantile. I will be back shortly.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No, me darling girl, wait here. Just in case a guest comes in and needs something. I won’t be long.”
Katie steeled herself against the disappointment on the younger girl’s face. She wanted space to read the telegram herself.
It was a beautiful day, the sky a clear blue with no sign of clouds. Although early, the sun was shining brightly as Katie adjusted her bonnet. She walked slowly down the main street, thinking again how pretty the little town was. She kept away from the saloon, but there wasn’t anyone around. It was a bit early. She met a couple of people on the street who nodded and said hello.
On impulse, she decided to go into the mercantile and buy her sister some candy. She walked up the steps, stamping her feet a little to kick off the dust of the street. As she pushed the door, a little bell tinkled.
“I will be right with you,” a man’s voice called from the back of the store. She waited, looking around the shelves in wonder. It was like an Aladdin’s cave full of treasure. She went over to the cloth, her fingers itching to feel the beautiful fabrics on display.
The bell tinkled again as an older woman strode into the store. She looked around, her gaze sweeping Katie from top to bottom. Katie shivered in spite of herself. She wished she had changed before leaving the house, although her other dress wasn’t much better than the one she stood in. She didn’t imagine it would gain the other woman’s approval either.
“Good morning, Mrs. Grey, and how are you this fine day?”
“I would be better if I was not kept waiting, Mr. Brook.”
Katie gasped. The lady was so rude. She looked at the storekeeper, wondering what his response would be.
“I am so sorry to keep you from your busy day, Mrs. Grey, but I am afraid I will have to ask you to wait a little longer. This young lady came in first.”
Katie stifled a laugh at the look of disbelief on Mrs. Grey’s face. When Mr. Brook turned and winked at her, she couldn’t help but laugh, turning it into a cough as Mrs. Grey focused her glare.
“Could I please have two peppermint sticks?”
“Of course you can, young lady. How do you like our little town?”
“It’s lovely. Real pretty.”
At the humph sounds behind her, Katie tried to speed up but only succeeded in letting the pennies in her hand fall to the floor. “Oh, I am so sorry. I am not usually so clumsy.”
“I doubt that. Your kind can’t help being stupid.”
Katie couldn’t help but stare at Mrs. Grey, who rather than apologize for her remark, simply stared back. Completely flustered, Katie wished she could reply, but Mam had always told them to respect their elders. She couldn’t walk out either, as she didn’t want to be rude to the storekeeper. She glanced at him again to apologize. He handed her a little bag. “Please take this as a welcome gift to our town. I will find your coins when I sweep up. Call back in later and I will return them to you.”
“Thank you very much, sir.”
“No need for thanks. A smile like yours is enough to brighten any man’s day. Make sure to call back later. Now, Mrs. Grey, what can I do for you?”
Katie risked a look at the other woman. Mrs. Grey’s face had turned red. She looked as if she was about to burst at the seams.
“After all the business I have given to you, Mr. Brook, over the years and you see fit to serve that… that…”
“Now, Mrs. Grey, don’t upset yourself. You know what your heart is like. Do you have a list of what you need?”
Katie smiled widely as she left the store, listening to Mr. Brook smooth out Mrs. Grey’s ruffles. She had no idea what she had done to upset the other woman, having only met her, but she knew one thing, Mrs. Grey’s heart wasn’t in danger. A stone couldn’t break, now could it? Katie O’Callaghan, think Christian thoughts.
She met a couple of other women as she walked down the street. They all seemed friendly. Thank goodness for that. Mrs. Grey wasn’t a true reflection of the people of the town. She smiled at the man in the telegraph office, but her face fell when he handed her the piece of paper.
WILL ARRIVE AT CLOVER SPRINGS FRIDAY AT NOON. GET PREACHER. MONTIS.
Katie: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 1 Page 8
