by Kit Morgan
Belle pointed to the ceiling. “Preparing lunch.”
Sadie smiled and went to open the door.
Belle quickly smoothed the skirt of her dress, pinched her cheeks a few times then fled behind the front counter. She’d just come to a skidding stop when Colin entered.
“Miss Dunnigan. How lovely you look.”
Her hands flew to her mouth a second time when she took in his appearance. He looked positively awful! Half his face was green and purple, his eye still half swollen shut, the gash on his forehead scabbed over. The other half was back to normal, the skin healthy and already tanned from the early summer sun. Belle blurted the first thing to come to mind. “Where’s your eye patch?”
He burst out laughing. Sadie had returned to the bolts of cloth they’d chosen and watched him with curiosity. Belle did her best not to join his laughter. It was their private joke. Something shared just between the two of them. That in itself felt like she carried a bit of buried treasure.
“I’m afraid if I sported my eye patch I’d be run out of town. Pirates are not tolerated in Clear Creek. So I must don this disguise instead to hide my true identity. Tell me, is it working?”
Belle succumbed to her laughter. Sadie carried the bolt of brown linen to the counter and watched the two with interest as she measured how much she needed.
Colin calmed his laughter down to a chuckle. “I daresay, but the sea is unusually calm this afternoon.” He glanced about the mercantile then to the ceiling.
“Well, storms can come up out of nowhere. I suggest you be ready to batten down the hatches should the need arise.” Belle suggested.
Colin sauntered up to the counter and stood next to Sadie. He tipped his hat. “I whole heartedly agree. A squall can blow in at any time.” He again glanced to the ceiling.
“But not until after lunch.” Belle assured him. If there was one thing Aunt Irene loved more than money, it was food.
“Ah, glad to hear it.”
“May I get something for you?” Colin glanced behind her while Sadie went to get the other bolts of cloth. He leaned over the counter and suddenly looked into her eyes. “I think I should like some candy,” he said in a low voice. “Cinnamon if you please.”
How did he do that? Capture her so easily in his gaze. And with only one eye no less! Belle nodded, breathless, and turned to get what he wanted. But was she what he really wanted? And after confessing to Sadie her current state of ... well ... having practically nothing to her name, would he consider her as a serious prospect for marriage? He was an Englishman after all, and didn’t Englishmen expect wives with dowries? It was easy for Sadie to discount it. She had a dowry. A rather large one in fact. Something Belle couldn’t come close to. True, she had been an heiress, but was no more. Gone were the days of trips to the dressmaker, the jeweler, and weeks spent in New York and Philadelphia. Parties, balls, the opera and soirees.
She turned back to Colin who captured her in a heated gaze. She swallowed hard. This may not be Boston but all of Boston couldn’t compare with the look he now gave her. It was astoundingly decisive. Perhaps she needn’t worry so much about the lack of a proper dowry.
Unfortunately, there was something else she needed to worry about.
“Colin Cooke! What are you doing in my store?” Aunt Irene bellowed as she charged through the curtained doorway.
He smiled and winked at her with his one good eye. “Buying my favorite candy, of course.”
“Great jumpin Jehoshaphat! What happened to you? Have you been brawling like that no-good step father of yours?”
Colin immediately straightened. “Jefferson’s been brawling?”
“Two nights ago. Don’t you know what your step father does now a days? Despicable it is! He’s nothing but a drunkard! I’ve no doubt you’ll follow in his footsteps and it looks like I’m right!”
“How do you know this?” Sadie asked as she joined Colin.
“Know it! I saw it with my own eyes! The ruckus he was making woke me up!”
“So that’s why we haven’t seen much of him lately.” Sadie whispered to Colin. “He wanted his meals left on his porch yesterday. Didn’t want to see any of us. I thought he might be sick when he wouldn’t open the door.”
“He did the same thing to me a couple of days ago.” Colin quietly commented. He began to absently rub his chin with one hand. “Mrs. Dunnigan. Has my step father come to town before this?”
“Yes. Five days ago. I saw him go into Mulligans. Mark my words, you’ll find him dead in a ditch one of these days! And good riddance too.”
“Mrs. Dunnigan, kindly keep your opinions to yourself.” Colin calmly told her. “Belle, give me a dozen pieces of candy will you? Sadie, make your purchases. We should be getting back to the ranch.”
“I’m sorry Belle,” Sadie began as she unfolded a bolt of cloth. “But looks like we’ll have to start on this later.”
“Quite all right. Go home and see to your father-in-law.”
Surprisingly, Aunt Irene kept her mouth shut after that. Just as surprising was the fact she hadn’t a clue about Colin’s injuries. Mrs. Fig must not have had a chance to come to town since their meeting at Sadie’s house. That of course would explain why Belle hadn’t been subject to one of Aunt Irene’s tirades. She unconsciously sighed in relief.
“Mrs. Dunnigan,” Sadie began. “I was wondering if Belle could come to the ranch in a day or two. We want to get started on some dresses and there’s more room to work at my home.”
Mrs. Dunnigan glared at Colin. “Will he be there?”
Sadie took a breath and looked as if she was counting. Belle quickly glanced to Aunt Irene. Her face was full of challenge.
“It doesn’t matter a whit to me if he is. But as we’ll be sewing, I somehow doubt it. Colin is a worse seamstress than I am!” She reached into her reticule, pulled out some money and handed it to Belle.
She quickly took it and counted out the amount she needed, handed her the change and looked expectantly back to Aunt Irene.
“Well ... I suppose it’s all right as long as Belle doesn’t have to suffer the company of the likes of him!”
Now Belle knew Sadie was counting. Only because she was doing the same! Her aunt was infuriating! It was time to have a talk with her.
Colin, silent all this time took his bag of candy, shoved it into his shirt pocket, and then gathered up the folded pieces of fabric.
“Do you want me to wrap that?” Belle asked softly.
He gave her a warm smile. “No need. I have something in the wagon I can put it in. But thank you.” He winked with his one good eye, gave her a single nod, and turned to leave.
“Come to the house in the morning if you can. Or do you need me to come fetch you?”
“If she’s going out to your ranch Wilfred won’t have time to run her out. Come get her if you want her.”
Sadie’s jaw tightened. “I’ll do that. Expect me at ten.” She then left.
As soon as the door closed, Aunt Irene spun on Belle. “Mark my words, young lady! Those Cookes will all come to a bad end! I’ll tolerate this foolishness of yours for only so long before I’ve had enough!”
Belle’s mouth fell open in shock. “Auntie! Why do you hate them so? What have they ever done to you?”
Aunt Irene stood, her face red with sudden anger. Belle feared the woman would have a heart attack. Her whole body began to shake. Yet she did not answer. She stomped from the room instead and continued to stomp all the way up the stairs. Belle was left standing behind the counter, still in shock and left wondering.
What could possibly have happened to turn Aunt Irene into such a venomous, hateful creature? Belle was almost afraid to find out.
Seven
Sadie walked into the mercantile precisely at ten o’clock the next day. Belle had never been so happy to see another human being. Or rather one that didn’t complain all night about everything under the sun. Aunt Irene had been exceptionally cranky after Colin and Sadie left the
day before. Even Uncle Wilfred escaped for a while and went to whittle in front of the Sheriff’s office and visit with him. That left Belle alone with her. She may never forgive Uncle Wilfred. But with prayer she was sure she’d manage over time. Lots of prayer.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Belle told Sadie as she grabbed her shawl and bonnet.
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“Belle!” A voice snapped from behind the curtained doorway. “Are you leaving? Make sure you don’t talk with any of those Cooke boys!”
Belle closed her eyes and absently rubbed one temple. “Yes auntie!” She shouted back. “Please,” she began, her voice lowered. “Lets get out of here.”
“Oh dear, yes. Yes let’s go.” Sadie readily agreed, took Belle by the elbow and steered her to the door.
Once outside Belle took in the relative silence. At least no one was shouting at her outside the mercantile. “Thank you for inviting me out to work on Lucy’s dresses. I don’t think I could have spent another day with Aunt Irene.”
Sadie took one of Belle’s hands and led her from the mercantile and into the street. “I understand. And I must commend you. I don’t think I would have lasted this long living in close quarters with her. I do beg your pardon if that's wrong of me to say, but everyone around here knows how difficult it is to be around her.”
“Don’t apologize, it’s the truth. I just wish I knew what to do about it.” Belle said as they walked down the opposite side of the street. “Where’s your wagon?”
“It’s at the livery stable. Duncan wanted to have Mr. Berg, the new black smith check on something.
“There’s a new blacksmith? What happened to the old one?”
“He left shortly before you arrived. He figured he’d make more money smithing in Oregon City. The new one came yesterday. Funny, but he just came from Oregon City and is a friend of Mr. Van Cleet.”
“Are the Van Cleet’s back already?”
“No. Mr. Berg apparently came on ahead. The Van Cleet’s should be back in town next week. Mr. Berg says they have a surprise for everyone.”
“A surprise? For the whole town?”
“Yes, I can’t imagine what it is.”
They reached the livery stable and stood to one side while Duncan spoke with the newly arrived Mr. Berg. He was a bear of a man and taller than Duncan. Considering each of the Cooke brothers was a little over six feet, Mr. Berg was tall indeed. His blonde hair was tied back with a leather thong, his unshaven jaw covered in golden stubble. His blue eyes seemed to pierce right through the women when he looked at them. If ever there was such a thing as handsome being scary, then Mr. Berg fit the description perfectly. He looked to be carved out of marble. Solidly built and probably frightfully strong.
He also looked like the last man anyone should pick a fight with.
Belle and Sadie stood and stared as the men conversed. Mr. Berg also spoke with an accent. But not English. No, his accent had to be Scandinavian, Belle surmised.
“Ah, I see you ladies have finally laid eyes on the astounding Mr. Berg.” Colin drawled as he walked up behind them.
Belle turned. “Astounding?”
“Yes. As in, its astounding Mr. Van Cleet convinced him to leave Oregon City and come set up shop here in Clear Creek.”
“Did you find him?” Sadie asked, obviously not speaking of Mr. Berg.
“No. But I haven’t checked the saloon yet.” Colin said flatly and went to join the other men.
Belle looked to Sadie. “Are you looking for someone?”
“Jefferson, their step father. Your aunt was right. He’s been coming to town late at night and drinking. We’re not sure if he came home last night then left again before any of us noticed, or didn’t come home at all.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Belle sighed. “Seems we both have family troubles.”
Sadie put an arm through hers. “Yes, but at least we have family. There are so many that don’t.”
Belle sighed in agreement as Colin and Duncan said their goodbyes to Mr. Berg and slowly approached. They stopped a few feet away and spoke in low tones. Duncan then tipped his hat to them, spun on his heel, and strode back into the livery stable.
“Are we ready to head back?” Colin asked.
“Yes. Where is Duncan going?” Sadie asked.
“To find out what our dear step father has been up to this last week. And to hopefully bring him home.”
Sadie simply nodded as she turned to leave. She pulled Belle along with her to the wagon. Colin helped them both up. Sadie was quick to scoot to the opposite end so Colin and Belle would be seated next to each other.
Belle blushed. Sadie was definitely playing matchmaker. She certainly hoped Colin didn’t mind sitting next to her. She stole a quick glance in his direction as he too climbed up and sat. A tiny smile curved his lips. He settled himself and then looked at her.
How it happened, why it happened, Belle would never know, but happen it did. Belle’s eyes seemed to meld with Colin’s. Horrid black eye and all. The heat from his body seeped through her dress and into her bones. It was a rather tight fit for the three of them and there was hardly any part of his right side that wasn’t touching her left. She supposed Sadie had room to scoot over a little further on her end, yet she didn’t. Belle hoped neither of them noticed the furious blush she so obviously had because of the contact. Contact of such exquisite sweetness she thought she might die. It had to be highly improper. Sadie should be seated next to him, not her.
Colin must have thought the same thing. He turned the wagon and began to head out of town, but drove onto the prairie rather than drive through town. It was a round about way to go, however it would avoid any chance of gossip should anyone see them seated as they were.
Within minutes Clear Creek was left behind and Colin steered the team onto the main road. With Colin being so close, Belle found it difficult to breathe the first mile. But she became more settled the further from town they went and she was able to relax and enjoy the ride.
“There’s someplace I’d like to show Belle if we have the time.” Sadie told Colin.
“Depends on what it is. We have a few spare moments but not enough for a major detour. What did you want to show her?”
“The big oak tree by the creek.”
“Ahhh, yes. His Majesty.”
Belle looked from one smiling face to the other. “His Majesty?”
“We found the tree shortly after we settled here.” Colin explained. “Our mother dubbed it, His Majesty.”
“It must be a very large tree.”
“Large doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Colin chuckled.
After another mile they again left the road and Colin steered the buckboard west. The gentle prairie roughened out. Trees began to dot the landscape as they continued another half mile before Colin brought the team to a stop.
He set the brake and jumped down. Belle scooted to the end of the seat and stopped up short. Colin’s arms were outstretched to her, his eyes, (even the black and blue one) were full of anticipation. He smiled and motioned her to climb down. She did so. And when his hands came around her waist she thought she might faint. Warm. Strong. Safe. They encircled her small waist and held her as if she was made of the most precious china. Yet there was such strength in them.
Oh Lord help me! She thought to herself. But I don’t want him to ever let go.
But he did let go, if only to help Sadie down, and even though his hands were absent, they left their mark on her. How, she didn’t know but it was there. Cool air brushed the back and sides of her waist where his hands had been yet didn’t diminish the feel of them. Belle went weak in the knees at the sensation and hoped she wasn’t going to swoon. How humiliating would that be? To faint out in the middle of the prairie? She took a few steps toward the horses and absently patted one if for no other reason than to stay on her feet. How could a man affect a woman this way? Was this normal? Was this how it was supposed to be? She’d never had
a chance to speak to her mother of such things while she was still alive. Nor had she wanted to ask any of her mother’s friends about it. It seemed too private a matter to discuss with them. She looked to Sadie. A newly married Sadie. Surely she would know!
“I can’t wait for you to see this!” Sadie suddenly exclaimed.
Colin smiled and held out his arm to her. Belle stared at it a brief moment before she raised her eyes to his. “It’s a bit of a rough trail. Might I assist you?” He asked softly.
Belle watched as Sadie happily headed down the faint trail. The shoes she wore were more practical for such treks than the ones Belle had on. She would have to take his arm if she didn’t want to fall flat on her face. But could she stand to let go of him when it came time? She swallowed hard and slowly hooked her arm through his. He smiled warmly, settled her arm more securely, and led her down the trail.
The trail gently wound its way down into a canyon. Unless one knew the area, one would never know it was there. Trees became more abundant the further down they went until finally Belle could hear water. Clear Creek. She now understood why they left the wagon up above. The trail was far too narrow for it. Though it could be widened she supposed, it would take a lot of work.
They reached the bottom and the canyon floor flattened out into a pretty green meadow. Clear Creek ran off to one side of it and near the water, where it pooled and became almost like glass, was the biggest oak tree Belle had ever seen or could possibly imagine. “It’s beautiful!”
Colin let go an appreciative sigh. “It certainly is.” He turned them around to look at the rest of the meadow. The grasses here were greener, probably due to the canyon and the creek running through it. Purple Iris dotted the meadow here and there. Foxglove grew along the creek bed and wild Daffodils grew up around the base of the majestic oak.
“No wonder your mother dubbed it His Majesty.”
“He’s a grand thing, isn’t he?” Colin stated.
Sadie had already reached the tree and stood looking out over the creek. “Belle! Come look at this!”
