His Prairie Duchess

by Kit Morgan

  Cozette disappeared behind the barn door and soon emerged with an old wooden box. She then went into the back of the barn and placed it atop one of the barrels. She came out of the barn, grabbed Duncan’s hand and pulled him away from the structure about fifteen yards. She then pointed to herself, a huge grin on her face.

  Duncan had a strong feeling he was about to be totally and completely beaten. Hitting a box with an arrow at any rate. But if the day kept up as the morning had, she’d not only want to accompany him to the dance, she’d be wanting more. Hopefully a lot more. Marriage for instance, so her father wouldn’t have to demand she fulfill his agreement with Duncan to become his wife. Duprie had let it slip he hadn’t told Cozette about the deal. Only that he wanted her to start living her life as a ‘lady’.

  Cozette expertly notched an arrow, raised the bow and pulled back on the bow string. Her dress wasn’t made for such a movement and a tiny ripping sound could be heard coming from one of the seams near her armpit. She ignored it completely as she took aim and released the arrow.

  It hit the box square in the middle.

  Duncan was doomed. “How do I know you weren’t aiming for the top of the box and missed?” He meant to stay silent, but he just couldn’t help teasing her.

  Cozette rolled her eyes and gave him a condescending look. You know I did no such thing! Now you try! She reached back and pulled another arrow from its quiver. She then shoved the bow at him and handed him the arrow.

  He looked at them dumbly. Oh boy.

  She walked behind him and lifted his arms into the proper position. She continued to walk around him and helped him notch the arrow, then raise the bow to the correct height. She studied her work, then had him lower his arms, helped him place his fingers in the proper position, and motioned him to raise his arms again and take the shot.

  He looked to her and she smiled in encouragement. Go on, take the shot! You can do it!

  She wasn’t going to take advantage of his lack of skill and tease him about it. She instead was teaching him. Something that would insure his dignity would still be relatively intact when all was said and done.

  She was going to make a Duchess yet.

  Duncan pulled back the bow string, took aim, and let the arrow fly. It flew right over the box and into the wall beyond.

  “Crumbs.” He muttered.

  Cozette reached back, grabbed another arrow, and handed it to him. Now try again.

  He took it and notched it. Lifting the bow into position he smiled at her before he took a deep breath. Wish me luck.

  He let loose the arrow and this time it hit the box. Barely. “I did it!”

  Cozette jumped up and down and clapped her hands together for him, her face lit with one of the biggest smiles he’d ever seen. She took another arrow and handed it to him. Again!

  He took it, his hand held over hers as he did so. She didn’t move as an indescribable heat suddenly radiated between them. Their hands became hot and they looked at each other in disbelief before she pulled her hand away. But the removal of her hand from his did nothing to dampen what just happened between them, bizarre as it was, and Duncan took a step toward her.

  He looked down at her and their eyes locked. His breathing picked up, as did Cozette’s and they stood there for who knows how long before her eyes began to wander over him. His went straight to her lips. She took a step closer. The distance between them now down to a few inches. If he wanted to, he could wrap her up in his arms and hold her. But Duncan didn’t want to just hold her. He wanted to make her his.

  Thankfully Duncan still had the bow in one hand, the arrow in the other. He flipped the arrow around so the feathered end was pointed at Cozette, then raised it and lifted part of her hair away from her body. It’s silken mass fell from the arrow in a beautiful dark waterfall, and in that moment Duncan realized she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. More beautiful than his brother’s wives or the auburn haired wife of the Scotsman. And it was because he knew she was his. Almost.

  There was still the small problem of having her fall in love with him before the deadline. After all, wasn’t that what he was really about? What he really wanted at this point? To save his cousin’s estate from Thackary Holmes’s misuse and marry for love? As the new Duke, Duncan would have the power to practically make her a Queen with or without her love. But her heart must belong to him and no other. He did want her love, wanted it far more than he realized.

  The question of course was, how was he going to get it? There obviously weren't enough arrows to last long enough for her to fall in love with him that day. He’d have to continue to find creative ways to court her. He hated the thought, but perhaps he should get a little more help from his brothers. That being the case, he'd best brace himself. Any help from them was probably going to be painful.

  Nine

  Thackary Holmes was a fastidious man. He didn’t like to get his hands dirty and he certainly didn’t want to soil any other part of himself either. Including his reputation, and in this case his reputation could clearly be at stake. Taking over a Dukedom with a sullied past didn’t set well with him. No, it didn’t set well at all. So Thackary decided to do what he’d always done in order to keep his hands clean. He’d hire some help.

  The problem was, Clear Creek was full of decent folks. Finding decent scum then, wasn’t going to be easy. Not in this town, and Thackary began to despair if not outright panic at the thought he might actually have to carry out the deed himself.

  That is, until they came into the saloon.

  They were dirty. They were unshaven. They were raucous and loud. And they were obviously there to drink and play cards. Perfect.

  Thackary waited until they got themselves a table and ordered a round from Mr. Mulligan. He then got up from his corner table and sauntered over to theirs. “Ah, poker is it? I’ve heard of the game, always wanted to try my hand at it. Mind if I join you?”

  The four men seated around the table looked at him as if he’d just grown a horn in the center of his head.

  “You talk too fancy for our blood. Move along!” One of them growled then spit at his feet for emphasis.

  Thackary fought the urge to wipe his boot with his crisp, clean white handkerchief. “I take it you don’t wish to play with someone as inexperienced as myself.” He feigned disappointment as he pulled a heavy coin purse from one pocket and transferred it to another.

  The cleanest of the four narrowed his eyes. “Now hold on there. Harry didn’t mean nothin by what he said. We could always use another player. Be glad to teach you.”

  Thackary quickly took each of them in. “Well, that’s very hospitable of you. Don’t mind if I do.” He pulled out a chair and sat.

  “Besides, our fifth player ain’t here yet, if he comes at all. You can fill in for him.”

  “Oh, you gents don’t all travel together?”

  “Just the four of us.” The man told him. “Our fifth player’s a local. He comes into town and catches a few games with us when we’re passing through.”

  “Passing through, you say? Tell me, what do you esteemed gentlemen do?”

  They looked at one another before the cleanest one, obviously the leader, spoke. “Scoutin.”

  “Do tell? And just what do you scout?”

  “A little of this, a little of that. Wagon train just outside town. Maybe we’ll scout for them.”

  Thackary knew he was lying. This was getting better and better. He couldn’t believe his luck! “Will you be around this part of the country long?” He asked as one of the men next to him shuffled the cards.

  “As long as it takes.” Was all the leader offered.

  Ahhh, thought Thackary to himself. They were here for a reason. Splendid! Within a few games he’d find out if they were as dirty as they looked, in more ways than one, then see how much this was going to cost him. Monetarily, of course. His reputation would once again, be kept clean.

  * * *

  On the Fifteenth day...
>
  Duncan stood on the east side of the house and watched the sun come up. It was something he used to do as a young boy. It had been years since he’d done it at the ranch, or at least take the time to do so. Since he and Colin had been released from prison he’d not thought about it until now. Prison drained a man of simple pleasures and made him forget about them. But today one managed to crawl back into his memory and he made the most of the experience.

  As the sun crept onto the prairie, Duncan thought of his time with Cozette the day before. Her beauty, her playfulness, her laughter. He chuckled to himself. Yes, her laughter, silent as it was, was indeed there. And she made him laugh too. Occasionally a tiny sound would escape her on a sigh or a gasp. But she was too wrapped up in the moment to notice, or perhaps it was all she was capable of doing and thought nothing of it. Would she ever speak again? Could she? He found himself longing to hear her sweet voice whisper in his ear, or call out to him across the prairie. To listen to it echo down the canyon or up the creek for as far as it could go.

  He’d always wanted to build a cabin down in His Majesty’s canyon, and perhaps he would. But whoever heard of a Duke living in a log cabin? Come to think of it, who ever heard of a lowly pig farmer turned cattle rancher become a Duke? Who ever heard of a so-called outlaw become one? Would his years in prison affect his inheriting the title? Somehow he doubted it or Mr. Ashford would have brought it up when he first located him at Colin’s wedding.

  Duncan sighed as the sun rose higher. Who ever heard of a mute Duchess who could shoot a gun not to mention a bow and arrow with such precision, such grace and beauty, it was enough to take a man’s breath away. He smiled. It had certainly taken his away the day before.

  Lord, they say You answer prayer in mysterious ways, and if Cozette is your answer to my prayer for a wife to fulfill the old Duke’s will, then I’ll not argue with you. She’s not what I expected, but I can certainly get used to her. I still have to make her into a Duchess of course, but by jove, I do believe I can. She’s courageous, passionate, and stubborn. I can live with that too. And I’m sure I will come to love her.

  But did he already love her? Duncan wasn’t sure. He’d never been in love before. There were never any women around to love. And in Clear Creek when you found one, you up and married her faster than you could spit or somebody else would.

  But it was becoming no secret that Duncan had been spending time with Cozette, and once a Cooke was involved, the other single men backed off. They’d done it with Sadie, and again with Belle. Though some were fool enough to keep trying, they eventually got the message their attempts weren’t getting them anywhere.

  Duncan again sighed. What would the dance be like? Should he attempt to completely sweep her off her feet? Or give it more time? And if there was any sweeping to be done, would he be able to do it without scaring her off? He supposed he’d find out at the dance. In the mean time, Duncan had work to do.

  He took one last look at the rising sun before he mounted Romeo and headed out across the prairie.

  * * *

  Cozette lay upon her bed and stared at the ceiling. Duncan. She mouthed the word silently, wondering how it would sound if she were able to truly speak it. Duncan Cooke.

  She closed her eyes and began to imagine. Duncan, where are you? Duncan, I have something for you. Duncan, supper’s ready...

  She rolled to her side, a tear in her eye. Duncan, I cleaned your gun for you. See my new dress? Do you like it? Did you notice my new hat? Duncan, I made your favorite dessert for you...

  Another tear formed and paved a path down her face. She blinked a few times to slow them.

  Duncan, are your brothers coming to supper after church? Could you drive me to town? Yes Duncan, I’ll accompany you to the dance. Does Mrs. Dunnigan scare the pants off you? She sure does me!

  Cozette smiled and laughed silently at her last remark.

  Duncan, do you love me?

  Cozette’s smile faded.

  Do you?

  More tears fell.

  How can you love me? What do you really think of me? To you I must be such a... a...

  Cozette shook her head and turned onto her back. She again stared at the ceiling and let the tears fall. Duncan, did you know I’ve never felt this way around anyone? Did you know you make me feel like what my papa says is a beautiful woman? Not how she looks, but how she just... is. I don’t know how or why you do. But it’s there. Yesterday was the best day of my life and I want more of them like that. With you...

  Cozette sniffed back her tears as best she could.

  But if I am never able to speak again, how long will it be before you want someone else to spend time with? To hear her words in your ears? To see her mouth move with your name on her lips? To hear her call out the names of your children?

  Would she ever be able to do these things for him? Ever? She looked to the tiny window above her bed as the first rays sun came up over the horizon. Cozette then turned her face into her pillow, and wept.

  * * *

  Several hours later there was a knock on the door. Sadie, Belle, Mrs. Mulligan and Grandma had arrived at the Van Cleet’s. They were going to begin their planning for the dance and fit Cozette for another dress. Polly answered the door, got everyone settled in the parlor then went to get the pot of coffee and cookies she’d made.

  Cozette came downstairs to help and soon they were ready to begin.

  “Everyone is to turn their invitation in at our place so we know who’s coming.” Mrs. Mulligan said excitedly.

  Grandma rolled her eyes. “I don’t see why you insisted on that. You already know who’s coming!”

  “But we don’t know! It’s best to keep track of these things.” Mrs. Mulligan shot back.

  “There are only so many folks around here. The ones we need to be sure of is those settlers camped outside of town.”

  “Duncan said he spoke with one of them yesterday, Grandma.” Belle said. “They’ll be coming so we have to figure the amount of people we had at the wedding supper, plus the settlers.”

  “My, my!” Polly began. “That will be more people at one shindig than this town’s ever seen!”

  “I don’t recall Clear Creek ever having a dance that wasn’t attached to something else.” Grandma added. “I guess this will be quite the event! Who should we put in charge of the food?”

  “Aunt Irene said she’d do it.” Belle told them. “But you know she’s going to want things her way.”

  “I don’t mind.” Sadie said. “She’s proven to me she’s a better cook than a shopkeeper. I think she ought to start cooking for the hotel restaurant!”

  “Now hold on there! I’m not sure I’m willing to part with her!” Mrs. Mulligan exclaimed.

  “Stop! Let’s just take care of the dance! Then you can fight over my aunt! But yes, she should!” Belle looked to Cozette. “And after we work out some of the details for the dance, let’s see about another dress for you.”

  Cozette’s eyes widened. She fingered the dress she wore and shook her head. This is enough for me.

  “Oh, I almost forgot!” Polly suddenly said. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” She got up and went upstairs.

  “Cozette,” Sadie began. “We want to give you another dress. It’s a dance and the few dresses you have so far aren’t the kind one wears to a dance.”

  Cozette looked at the dress she had on and again fingered the pink calico fabric. Duncan loved it. She could tell, and she wanted to wear what she knew he liked.

  “Don’t worry,” Belle said. “What we have in mind will make you look like a princess!”

  Cozette looked up, eyes wide. A smile began to form just as Polly re-entered the parlor. She went to a small table, removed a lamp and several books from its surface then set it in front of Cozette.

  “Here,” she said as she set down a few pieces of paper, pen and an inkwell on the table. You take notes for us and use this separate piece in case you want to tell us something.”

 
; Cozette offered her a shy smile, happy to be given a job to do, and nodded. She took up the pen and dipped it in the ink.

  “So Irene will be in charge of the food.” Mrs. Mulligan said. “As soon as the invitations start coming back, Wilfred and Irene can organize a quick meeting to see who should bring what.”

  Cozette scribbled it down.

  “What about decorations? Who wants to be in charge of that?” Belle asked.

  “I will.” Sadie said. “And I know just what I want. But I’ll need help. Cozette, would you like to assist me with the decorations?”

  Cozette looked up from the paper. Go out to the Triple C and help decorate? Would she see Duncan? Would he be helping too? Cozette could feel a blush creep into her cheeks as she nodded.

  “Perfect.” Sadie said. “I’ll come fetch you tomorrow and we can start planning on what to use for our decorations. We could have lunch then set to work. How does that sound?”

  It sounded wonderful. Especially if it meant seeing Duncan. But... as good as it would be, as incredibly wonderful even, should she? Should she let her hopes get up, her feelings grow any more than they already had? Wasn’t it only a matter of time before he tired of her and went to find someone else? Someone he could actually talk to? The thought stabbed at her heart and she quickly fought against a tear.

  “Cozette? Answer her.” Polly said. “Is that all right with you?”

  Cozette took a shaky breath and nodded.

  “I’ll pick you up around ten thirty then.” Sadie said. “Now, where should we hold it, outside the barn, or inside? There’s plenty of room inside if we clear a few things out.”

  The women continued to make their plans as Cozette recorded everything. Her handwriting was pristine. She’d always loved writing, it had of course come through necessity, so she had lots of practice. But did a man want to always be reading a note? Wouldn’t talking be so much better? Would Duncan enjoy reading what she wrote? How much longer would he enjoy her? How much longer could he?