Amelia's Marriage

by Agnes Alexander

  AMELIA'S MARRIAGE

  by

  AGNES ALEXANDER

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2014 by Agnes Alexander

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN: 978-1-63355-634-8

  Cover Artist: Susan Krupp

  Editor: Melanie Billings

  Printed in the United States of America

  Dedication

  For my cousin, Elaine ‘Lanie’ Walsh who is my horse expert and my very dearest friend.

  Chapter 1

  Wyoming 1878

  Amelia Donahue sat atop her sleek, golden palomino, Rambler, and looked across the expanse of open range below the ridge. She’d chosen to come here to ponder what had happened in the last few days instead of going to the secluded spot beside the creek where she usually went when she was upset and needed to think. Today she wanted to be out on the ranch she loved. The ranch where her grandfather had created an empire and where her mother had been born and raised. And where Amelia had come into the world eighteen years ago. The ranch where her grandmother had died when Amelia was five and where her grandfather joined his wife in death four years ago. The Double D Ranch. The place she planned to spend the rest of her life. Her home.

  She shifted her eyes from the open plains to the pit fire below the ridge. She couldn’t miss the sound of the clanking irons, the stench of burning flesh, the bawling of cows as the hands burned the Double D brand into their sides, and the undercurrent of laughter and talking among the men. The sounds and the smells floated up to her now attesting to the fact that life on her beloved ranch was going on as normal. As if nothing of significance had happened. It was just another work day for everyone. That is, for everyone except her, it was as if only a minor interruption had occurred. A short pause. Not the shattering event that if pulled off would change, not only her life, but the life of everyone on the ranch forever.

  She now knew nothing she said or did would change Rafe Donahue’s mind about his plan. She’d finally accepted the fact that her father would never listen to her protests no matter how much she tried to convince him she couldn’t go along with him. He didn’t or wouldn’t understand why she felt she had to buck his hideous plot. He was set on the idea and only laughed and then ignored her when she begged, fussed and flatly refused to fall in line and do what he expected. No amount of arguing had helped. After all, according to him, she was only a woman and there was no way she could know what was good for her. And in his way of thinking, no females knew enough about worldly things to make their own decisions about their futures. Especially not his headstrong daughter.

  As Amelia thought back she realized it had been this way since she was a little girl. She’d rebel and her father would reel her in and insist she bend to his will. He’d convince her to comply with his wishes by reminding her she had the privilege of being the daughter of one of the richest ranchers in Wyoming. Nothing money could buy had been, or would ever be, denied her as long as she went by his rules. She was a Donahue and as such, could not be allowed to ruin his reputation. He’d always remind her that he’d worked too hard and sacrificed too much to establish the Donahue name in the area and nothing or nobody was going to besmirch it. Even the times when Amelia thought she’d pushed him too far, he’d cleaned up her messes and with strong lectures made her come around to his way of thinking. She was his daughter. His property. She was supposed to always obey him without question. It was like a business arrangement. She was never to question or refuse anything he demanded and in turn, he would see she was continually pampered and cared for and had every material thing she desired. But now that she was a grown woman, what he wanted wasn’t what Amelia wanted or needed.

  In the four years since Grandfather Downey’s death she’d noticed how Rafe Donahue had become more unreasonable. He’d lost his temper often, not only with her, but with the cowhands. Many of those who had worked on the Double D for years dared not question any of his orders. And some of those who did were fired. Not only was he more demanding and stubborn where the hands and Amelia were concerned, but he’d become angry with her mother on more than one occasion, which was unusual. In fact, Amelia wondered if this was why her mother had chosen to visit her sister in St. Louis for the second time this year.

  Even though Refe had argued with Amelia several times in the four weeks her mother had been gone, this time it was different. It had to be. There was no way she would give in and go along with his outrageous plan.

  She wished her mother was home so she could talk things over with her, but that was impossible. Elizabeth Donahue wasn’t expected back for another month. This time Amelia was on her own. She would somehow have to think of a way to convince her father she’d never bend to his will this time. She wasn’t positive what she wanted for her future, but she knew it certainly wasn’t what he’d decided for her. Some way, somehow she would come up with something to thwart the arrangements he’d made because he thought they were not only in her best interest, but in the best interest of the ranch. This time she had to stop him.

  It all started three nights earlier when a thunderstorm woke her. She heard the big clock in the entry strike eleven, but no matter what she tried, she couldn’t go back to sleep. Thunder and lightning had always made her jittery and for some reason it seemed especially bad tonight. Thinking a glass of milk might help her relax, she got out of her big four poster feather bed and grabbed her robe. Her bare feet made no noise on the colorful rug covering the polished wooden floor in the hallway and down the stairs. As she started across the Spanish-tiled entry, she frowned.

  A light peeked out from under her father’s study door and there was the sound of voices on the other side. This was unusual. Rafe didn’t stay up late unless there was important business to handle or he and her mother were having a rendezvous out on his terrace as they used to do, though Amelia couldn’t remember catching them there since she returned from school in Boston when her grandfather died.

  Since her mother was away, tonight it had to be some kind of business. But with who? And why this late at night?

  Amelia couldn’t control her curiosity. She eased to the door and stood close so she could listen to what was being said.

  Her father spoke. “I think it’s the best thing for everyone, Vince. I know you fancy Amelia and I’ve decided you’ll make her a fine husband.”

  “You’re right,” Vince Callahan’s gravelly voice answered. “I’ve always cared for your daughter. In fact, I’ve told her when she was all grown up I was going to marry her. She thought I was kidding, and I was when she was younger, but not now. I’ve always known she’d grow into a beautiful young woman and become a wife any man would be proud to have.”

  “It relieves me to know she’ll be married before Elizab
eth and I take our trip abroad. My wife has always wanted to visit her English relatives. Though I don’t care a damn about going, it could prove to be good financially. Some of her family there are wealthy. Therefore, I want the voyage to be a peaceful one so she won’t wonder why I finally decided to take her.” He chuckled. “Since Amelia won’t be going, I don’t want to be worrying about what my daughter is up to while we’re gone. She can get into some messes and if she’s married to you, I won’t have to be concerned. I’m sure you can handle her. I also know everything on the ranch will be taken care of the same as if I were here.”

  “I appreciate you trusting your ranch and your daughter to me, Rafe. You’ve made me a happy man.”

  “I thought I would, but I’m sure there’s going to be one hurtle to get over. Amelia probably won’t like the idea at first, but give her time and she’ll get used to it.”

  “Then it’s settled. You convince Amelia to marry me and we’ll have the wedding as soon as I get back from the cattle drive.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll get it all arranged and we’ll throw one big wedding party when you return.” Rafe chuckled. “Then not only will I be your father-in-law, but your partner on this ranch as well.”

  Vince laughed. “You don’t have to make me a partner, Rafe. I look forward to marrying Amelia. I’ll make sure she’s happy and well taken care of.”

  “If you don’t make her happy, you know I’ll have your head. Though she’s been more trouble than a rampaging buffalo since the day she was born, that little girl means the world to her mother. I can’t afford for Elizabeth not to be happy about the marriage. She still controls some things on my ranch.”

  “I’ll make sure Miz Elizabeth comes around.”

  “Good.” Amelia heard her father sigh then say, “Most everybody knows I’d have rather had a son when Amelia came along, but I didn’t. So I made the best of it and no matter what anyone thinks, I love Amelia and I want her treated right.”

  Amelia could stand it no longer. She barged into the room. “If you love me so much then why are you trying to ruin my life and marry me off to this old man?”

  Rafe jumped up from behind the desk and Vince came to his feet from the overstuffed pull-up chair. “Where did you come from?” Her father demanded.

  “That doesn’t matter. What’s going on here?” Amelia’s eyes blazed.

  “Now, calm down, daughter. Vince and I are only making plans for your future.”

  “You have no right to discuss my future with him.”

  “Amelia…” Vince started.

  “You shut-up!” she yelled. “This is between my father and me.”

  “I told you to calm down, Amelia.” Rafe’s voice was sharp as he came around the desk and took his daughter’s arm. “I’m only arranging things so you’ll be happy and safe when your mother and I go abroad.”

  “Do you think marrying me to your hired hand is going to make me happy or keep me safe?” She glared at him. “How dare you! He’s been trying to bed me for years and you’re making it easy for him.”

  “You’re lying!” Vince yelled. His pale gray eyes couldn’t disguise the anger. “No matter what I might’ve been thinking, I’ve always been a gentleman around you and you know it.”

  “Is he telling the truth?” Rafe turned sharp eyes to his daughter.

  Amelia hesitated as both men stared at her. “Well, I can tell by the way he looks at me what he has on his mind. He’s always saying he’s going to marry me someday.”

  “I thought as much. Now calm down and let me explain…”

  “I’ll do no such thing. I’m not going to marry Vince Callahan. Not now. Now after the cattle drive. Not ever.”

  Rafe nodded toward the door. “You can leave, Vince. I’ll make my daughter see things my way.”

  “You will not!”

  Vince ignored her, picked up his hat and slapped it on his head. It didn’t cover the long dingy blond hair which had touches of gray at the temples. “Good-night, boss.”

  After he closed the door, Rafe took Amelia’s shoulders and sat her down in the chair Vince had vacated. “Now, be still and listen to reason, girl.”

  “I will not listen. What you’re doing is barbaric. This is 1878 and women aren’t slaves.” She glared at her father. “Don’t I have a say in who I marry?”

  “Like the dandy you thought you loved while you were in school in Boston?” His deep blue eyes glared at her.

  Amelia snorted. “So I made a mistake. It didn’t last long and nothing ever happened between us.”

  “Of course it didn’t. Not after I proved he was out for your money.”

  When she said nothing, he went on. “Since you can’t handle your own life, I’ve decided I’ll do it for you. Vince is a good man. He likes you and he’ll do right by you. Besides, he’ll keep this ranch running as it should be run while I’m gone.”

  “Yeah, since you’re making him a partner.”

  “I’d make any man you married a partner, Amelia. Besides he deserves it. He’s a good foreman.”

  “Vince has worked here less than five years, and he’s been trying to get his hands on this ranch ever since Grandpa died. And you marrying me off to him will give him the way to do it.”

  “Vince doesn’t want the ranch, honey. He cares for you. He told me so.”

  “He lied. He only wants to sleep with me and get the Double D. You’d see that if you’d open your eyes.” She shuddered. “I can’t stand the thought of having to go to bed with him.”

  “Don’t be vulgar, child. Vince is a loyal employee and no matter what you say, he does care for you. I’d know it if he was lying.” Rafe took a deep breath. “Besides, I won’t have to worry about anything here with him in charge of things.”

  “Me, you mean?”

  “I was also thinking of the ranch, but you’re right. You’re the main problem.” He shook his head. “You can get into more trouble than any other young woman I know. Marriage to Vince will settle you down.”

  “I don’t get into anything I can’t get out of.”

  “How about last year when you and your friends, Grace and Wilma, decided to check out a saloon? It’s no telling what would’ve happened if Wilma’s brother hadn’t walked in.”

  “We only wanted to see what the inside of a saloon was like.” She flipped her long blonde hair back. “It sure appeals to a lot of you men.”

  “It’s that sort of thing that has people saying Rafe Donahue should get his daughter married so she’ll stay out of trouble. I’ve decided to do like they’ve suggested.”

  Amelia’s shoulders dropped. “Daddy, I don’t trust Vince. I know he wants your ranch and he’s only marrying me to get it. Besides, I don’t love him.”

  “Love has very little to do with most marriages, my dear.”

  “What about you and Mother? I think she loves you, and if I’m not mistaken, you love her, too. At least you used to love each other.”

  “Of course your mother loves me. We are one of the few lucky couples. Through the years we’ve learned what the other expected and we each know our places in the marriage. But most marriages are not like ours. It’s the general rule that love usually comes after you get married.”

  “But I want to love my husband and have him love me before I say ‘I do’.”

  “I’m sure in time you’ll come to love Vince.” He patted her hand and started back to his desk chair. He seemed ready to dismiss her.

  She jumped up. “No I won’t! He’s almost as old as you. He could be my father.”

  Rafe laughed. “He’s only forty-two. A good age for a man to settle down with a pretty young wife who can give him children. I want you to have me a grandson so I can leave this ranch to him.”

  “What about me? Grandpa Downey always told me the ranch would be mine someday. I thought you’d leave it to me.”

  “Amelia, your grandpa spoiled you so much he’d promise you anything. You should know since you’re a woman, you have no business owning a
ranch. Of course it’ll be yours with Vince, but he’ll be the one in charge.”

  “I don’t want Vince to have any of this ranch.”

  “When you have children, you’ll feel differently. Now relax and think about it. Wouldn’t you like to have a couple of babies to make your mother happy?”

  She stared at her father. “Even if I wanted children, which I don’t, I sure don’t want to have Vince Callahan’s brats.”

  “That’s unfair, Amelia.”

  “Unfair! What’s unfair is the fact you’re trying to marry me off to a man more than twice my age. You know I’m too young for him.”

  “I don’t trust anyone else to marry you. Vince wants you and he’ll make a fine husband. All you have to do is act like a wife should.”

  “Well, I don’t care if he does want me, I don’t want him! And I sure don’t trust him. If he comes near me, I’ll take a gun and castrate him just like he’s doing to those young bulls out on the range.”

  “That wouldn’t be a nice way to treat your husband.” Rafe couldn’t hide the smile her remark brought to his lips. “I’d never have grandchildren then.”

  “If I ever give you grandchildren it won’t be with Vince Callahan. He’s never going to be my husband.”

  “I don’t care what you think, daughter. I’ve made up my mind and it’s settled.” Rafe picked up some papers on his desk. “I don’t trust you to make the right decision which will affect the rest of your life, so I’m making it for you.”

  “You’re not listening to me, Daddy. You never do anymore. What has happened to you?”

  “I hear you, Amelia, but you have no say in this matter. You’re going to marry Vince because it’s the best thing for all of us. Now accept that and go back to bed.”