Love And Hearts Ride West: Mail Order Bride: 16 Novella's Bundle
Page 47
“Honey,” Edson prompted.
"Well, Cassandra did agree to meet him once we were married,” Amanda said wanting so much to not let her husband down. The town was growing, but women were in such short supply that Cassie could probably have her pick of dozens of men. If only she could fall for the one chosen for her? If only. “I think it is best not to prolong things. Invite him to stay at our home for a few days. I know Cassandra and she insists that she will just refuse to marry him in a day or so. I just hope that… well, that she is as lucky as me and that she changes her mind. I really do want my sisters to settle down in good homes and be as happy as I am," Amanda said, snuggling a little closer to Edson.
"They will, honey, you needn't worry," Edson said, putting an arm around her and placing soft kisses on her hair. "They will both settle down when they are meant to and not a moment sooner. So don't worry your pretty head. Let’s just figure out a way to make sure Cassandra is civil to the poor fellow. After all, it isn't his fault that your aunt made a deal with him and took good money for it, without even asking any of you."
Amanda sat up in bed. "What will we do when she refuses to marry him? As you said, my aunt has already taken the money from him and he must expect a wedding. He wouldn't quietly stand by and watch his money go to waste. I fear how he will react, how he will strike against Cassandra and our family. He could ruin her reputation and make sure she is never wed."
Edson rubbed her back soothingly, sitting up beside her. "My dear, do you not have any faith in me?”
He kissed her gently along the nape of her neck and Amanda felt a storm of passion inside her stomach. How wonderful marriage was when it was with such a kind and patient man as Edson. Her mind was drifting away from her sister and she let out a sigh of pure indulgence.
“If it comes to that I will repay Mr. Calloway the amount he paid to your aunt. Cassandra, Sabrina, and our family will come to no harm. Now, once again I'm saying this, don't worry. I am with you every step of the way and Cassandra and Sabrina are my family too.” Slowly he kissed around her neck and along the line of her jaw. Amanda could not talk, could not think, she loved this man so much.
“I will never let any harm come to any of you,” Edson whispered into her ear. “Never do you hear? Now, let's get some sleep, shall we?" And with that the husband and wife lay down and thoughts and worries were forgotten with the reassurance of Edson's kind words and soft kisses.
Chapter 2
Cassandra paced her room. Her heart pounded in her chest and a feeling of vertigo drove her to the window seat. Today was the day. It had been a week since she had been informed that he was coming to meet her. To say that she was livid would be an understatement. However, the last few days had given her the opportunity to calm down and to think of the perfect way to turn him down. She would ignore him, snub him and deride him at every opportunity. With luck, he would flee back to where he came from and she would be spared the indignity of saying no.
With frustration, she stood up. It was supposedly an honor and a sign of respect receiving a marriage proposal. But… but something of this nature was unacceptable and outrageous to Cassandra. To decide to marry someone that one had never met, didn't know, or like seemed barbaric to her. She had notions of love and grandeur and she would not insult herself by marrying someone just because it had been arranged for her. But what about Amanda, she did just that for you? Her traitorous mind kept trying to fool her into behaving, but Cassandra knew better. Amanda had been lucky. What were the odds that this man was anything but an animal? She had heard so much about the men in town. They were wild and rabid almost at the sight of a woman. What was she to do?
As she paced the room, Sabrina came in. The younger sister took one look at Cassandra and rushed to her. Grabbing her by the arm, she pushed her behind the changing screen.
“Why aren't you dressed yet?” Sabrina said in a high pitched voice that told of her panic. “Mr. Caloway will be here any minute now.”
Cassandra just shrugged her shoulders.
“Never mind,” Sabrina said. “You can answer later. Quickly get dressed. Amanda is on her way up and if she sees you’re still not ready, she is going to be upset." Sabrina had always been the kindest of the girls and she thought of everyone's feelings.
Huffing and grumbling, Cassandra let herself be pushed behind the screen. "Fine, I'll change but only because Amanda will be happy. I in no manner or state want to impress that man who is so eager to be married."
"Cassandra!" Sabrina said, aghast. "Don't be so harsh. It isn't his fault our aunt was mean enough to arrange this without your permission."
"My, I think that's the first time I've heard you say anything remotely negative about someone." Cassandra grinned, pulling on her dress.
Sabrina grew red in the face and a hand flew to her mouth. It was as if she wished to stop any more bad words coming from that treacherous aperture. "I didn't mean to be mean,” she said. “It's just that what Aunty has put you through is sad and it makes me angry to see you suffer so."
Cassandra emerged from behind the screen, in a beautiful cerise dress.
“Oh my you are so beautiful,” Sabrina said as she pulled on the ties to fasten the dress up tightly.
Cassandra came up to Sabrina and hugged her wondering if she should have put on something a little more dowdy. But she liked pink, it was her favorite color and it made her feel strong. "I'm fine my dear sister,” she said deciding that the dress would make her more confident and so better able to deal with this rascal. “Soon this will all be over, so you needn't worry at all. Now, run off and tell Amanda I'm almost ready and will be down on time before she comes up here and begins another lecture about rights and wrongs and our moral obligations."
The two sisters grinned at one another and then with a squeeze of the shoulder, Sabrina headed out the door, leaving Cassandra on her own. Cassandra stared at her reflection in the mirror for a moment, before saying to her reflection. "It's just a few days. Do it for your sisters and for Edson. They love you so much and it will make them happy if you be civil for a day or two. Then you can tell that man to go away and all will be well in the world again. It's just a few days." She looked into her own eyes, saw them harden, and finally she smiled. She would get through this. She sat down, brushed her hair and was by the door, ready to greet the mystery man who had just pulled up in a carriage.
Chapter 3
Forrest Caloway was a man of great wealth. Once the owner of a gold mine, he now had a prosperous business in the corn market and a thriving ranch. He was told that he was a handsome man with a well-built body, a thick wavy brown head of hair and a set of gray eyes the shade of the lightest sky at dusk. What would he find here? Like most he wanted to find love but there were so few women in the West that he had succumbed to the lure of a readymade bride. Being so busy the thought of having a woman delivered appealed to him, but he had to admit that he was nervous. What would she be like? Would he ever have feelings for her or would she be there just to give him an heir? The carriage rolled to a stop and he realized that he was here. The moment of truth was upon him.
He got out of the carriage and raised his eyes. The first thing they captured was the golden sun, shining atop a set of the most stunning green eyes he had ever seen. Wearing a pink dress so beautiful that it drew his eyes to her she stood amongst a collection of people. Please let this be her? Everyone was looking at him, but he found that his eyes could not stray from the beauty that stood a few feet away. She was a big woman, full of curves and promise and most attractive to him, but there was more. There was a fire in her eyes and the set of her jaw was almost a challenge. Would she like him? The question was answered almost immediately and he felt he came up wanting.
She looked him up and down with a condescending stare, before turning her nose in the air and whispering to the person next to her.
Coming to his senses, he couldn't think why she looked so antagonistic. Surely, it couldn't have been something he'd done for h
e had just gotten here. His eyes focused on the person next to her and he saw another female, younger and very similar in looks but not as beautiful. His eyes drew back to the woman in pink. What was happening to him? He was a man of work, of logic and never believed in love, let alone love at first sight. Someone coughed and he pulled his eyes away from the beauty and approached the group of people waiting to greet him. Taking a deep breath to control his beating heart he bowed.
"Welcome Mr. Caloway," said Edson, coming forward and shaking his hand. He then pointed at each member and introduced them. "This is my wife, Amanda, her younger sister Cassandra, the youngest sister Sabrina and my three children, Jenny, Jake, and Jeremiah."
Amanda stepped forward. "Welcome to our humble home. It is a pleasure to have you here."
"It is a pleasure to be here," Forrest said. His eyes wandered back to the girl who had first captured his attention, Cassandra and he knew now that this was the woman he was promised to. The knowledge seemed to squeeze his heart and trap the very air he breathed deep within his lungs. Quickly he dragged his eyes from Cassandra, such a beautiful name, and turned to the others before laying eyes on her once more as he bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I hope I am not inconveniencing you in any way," he said.
"If only that were the case," Cassandra muttered.
Amanda gasped and Sabrina grabbed her sister. Forrest raised his eyebrows and he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Before he could say anything, however, Amanda stepped in. "Not at all. You must be tired, though. Please do come in. I could show you your room if you want or Edson could give you the tour of the house. Leave your bags and we will have them brought up for you."
Forrest nodded and thanking them again, went in behind Edson to be taken for a tour. Once they were out of sight, Amanda turned to Cassandra. The anger inside her threatened to rise up and throttle her sister, but she fought it back down. "Is it really too much to ask for you to be civil?” she said and then taking a breath she controlled her voice. “He is our guest and I will not tolerate you disrespecting a guest in my house. If you do not wish to marry him, then that is your choice but as long as he or anyone else is under my roof, you will be polite to them." And with that she took her children and stormed off.
Sabrina looked at Cassandra with sympathy, shaking her head she gave Cassie a reassuring smile before she scurried off to her favorite place in the world, the library.
Cassandra stood there alone, seething with anger. Why was Amanda being so mean? But it was more than that; she had not expected her intended to be so handsome. It caught her off guard and when she looked at him her stomach tightened and her breath caught in her throat. It was obvious that this was just her nerves or even revulsion that she had been sold like a cow. It was not her fault that her natural response to the situation had come forth and now she was being reprimanded for it. How could she be courteous to a man who believed she was a commodity to be bought and sold, even if he looked like an angel sent from the heavens above? She would have to do everything in her power to put him off, and make him regret that he had ever agreed to this marriage. Just saying no would not be enough. With these thoughts whirling around her head, she felt hungry. Why was it that whenever she felt upset she wanted to eat? Quickly she headed to the kitchen to grab a couple of the housekeeper, Eva’s lovely biscuits. While she was eating, she could plan all the ways that she could put Mr. Forrest Caloway off. For she intended to have him running home with his tail well and firmly between his legs. Just like the dog their aunt used to chase with a broom. But you fed that dog, her traitorous mind whispered.
Chapter 4
Later that evening Forrest sat in the dining room, with all of the family except Cassandra. Watching Amanda with the children was a joy for him and it made him realize how much he wanted children. Amanda was patient and beautiful as was Sabrina, yet even thought they looked like his Cassandra they were not the same. The three children were a testament to Amanda’s care. Little Jeremiah doted on her every word and called her Mommy more than once. Each time he did Amanda flushed with such beauty it caused him to smile and caused Edson to puff out his chest and look around the room as if he had everything. Maybe he did. Surely this was worth more than money? This peaceful and joyous family was worth all the gold in the West.
Jenny was the oldest of the children and she was trying so much to be like Amanda. There was a glow to her cheeks and a glint in her eye. She would soon be a beautiful young woman and breaking hearts all of her own. Jake was the middle child and the joker.
“Are you gonna marry Aunt Cassie?” he asked, his arms folded, his eyebrows raised.
Forrest wanted to laugh, but somehow he knew the child was serious. “I would like that very much,” Forrest said. “That is if your Aunt likes me and would do me such an honor.”
Jake shook his head as if he was trying to make sense of the words and then he looked up and smiled. “I guess that’s OK, but you must treat her good or I will find you and tan your hide. Is that a deal?” He held out his small hand.
Forrest had to bite down on his mirth, but he reached out his own hand. “That is a deal, partner,” he said as they shook on it.
Mumbles of amusement rolled around the table and Jake went back to his food and talking amongst his siblings.
At that very moment, Forrest knew that Cassandra was behind him. His skin tingled and his breath tightened in his throat. Then she walked in, a picture to behold in a crimson dress that showed off her coloring and figure to perfection. How could he be so lucky to have been matched with such a perfect woman? Quickly he stood and Edson and Jake did the same. Little Jeremiah realized what was happening, looked around the room and then half bobbed up, but then he let out a sigh and sank back down. Another rumble of mirth rolled around the room.
Forrest could not take his eyes off Cassandra, even though not once did she acknowledge him. Every time he would try to start a conversation with her, she would either engage herself with one of her sisters or become overly fascinated with something one of the children was doing. How he wished to talk to her. To find out what she liked, what she wanted, and all he could about her. But no matter how hard he tried he could not figure her out. As the meal continued, she totally ignored his very presence, much to his frustration.
Cassandra could feel Forrest’s eyes on her until they bowed their heads to say, Grace. It gave her a reprieve from their glare for a few moments. She looked up as they said Amen; he was still praying and for some reason that made her feel good. Quickly she shook away such thoughts. How could he be a godly man when he had bought her? Repeatedly, throughout the evening she felt his eyes on her. It was as if they were pulling her towards him. Daring her to look but she kept her own eyes anywhere but. It took all of her resolve and respect for her sister to not lash out at him. Still, she made it a point to not engage in conversation with the man and to avoid him and his stunningly beautiful eyes at all costs. She could feel him grow frustrated by the minute and it gave her great pleasure to know that she was the cause. If he continued to become irritated, he would soon realize that she could not be bought and sold. Soon he would become bored with this and then he would be off, and she would be at peace again. If this carried on, she wouldn't have to lift a finger and he would be out of her life for good.
She was listening to Jeremiah moan about a toy that had broken this morning. It broke her heart to see how sad he was and even though Edson offered to replace the wooden wagon it was not the same.
“If I may take a look at the wagon,” Forrest said. “Perhaps it can be repaired. Would you like to help me with that?”
Jeremiah’s face opened into a huge smile and he nodded his head splashing gravy across the table with his fork.
Amanda grabbed a napkin and quickly took the offending implement before clearing up the mess. Cassie did not miss the look of gratitude her sister gave the visitor. This would not do at all.
Head down she concentrated on her food and on how she could force t
his man from their house. When she heard her name called, out of habit, she looked up and regretted it. Her eyes caught Forrest's and were drawn by his gaze before she quickly turned away to Amanda.
"Cassie dear,” Amanda said and Cassie could swear there was a knowing smile on her face. “Those supplies you wanted have been delivered,” Amanda continued. “Edson will deliver them to you studio first thing tomorrow morning."
"Thank you," Cassandra said and the thought of her supplies took her mind away from the problem. She could lose herself in her studio and keep away from this infernal man. But her joy was short-lived for a deep voice stroked across her nerves as Forrest spoke.
"If I may ask,” Forrest said. “Supplies for what?"
"Oh, why Cassie here is an amazing artist," Amanda gushed. "She is always off in the barn painting and drawing the most beautiful pictures. She has her own stall dedicated to her work."
Blushing bright red, Cassandra couldn't help but look at Forrest's face to see his reaction. He was looking at her with admiration and if she wasn't mistaken… awe. Seeing this only made her angrier. She couldn't believe her sister was selling her out and boasting of her assets like she was some mule to be won. Getting angrier the more she looked at him, she stood up and pushed her chair backward. It scraped across the wooden floor and all eyes turned to her.