Faltered Beginnings: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Five

by Ball, Kathleen

  “I’m going into town to get measured for my dress.”

  “Mary Beth, who is going to take you? Besides you really need to make something for the noon meal. The men are working hard on our house. You need to show your gratitude.”

  She started to open her mouth and he quickly bent and covered her lips with his. He had found this method quieted her demands.

  “Please, Mary Beth. I’d be so proud to have you there.”

  “Well…”

  He could tell she was wavering.

  “If it’ll make you happy, but tomorrow you’re taking the day off.”

  “I will. I have to go work on the house. I wanted to be sure you’d be there.”

  “I will.” She smiled at him and he gave her a quick smile back and left.

  He’d have his house and a wife by noon. They’d get on just fine. He knew he was getting a spirited woman, and he liked that. It seemed like such a gamble to send for a bride. Mary Beth seemed to enjoy his company.

  Besides, there was no such thing as love.

  Soon enough it was time. Reverend Shaw was there, though a bit puzzled about a surprise wedding. Ross just waited for Iris and Mary Beth to make a showing.

  He saw them and blinked hard. Mary Beth’s dress was stained. Flour powdered her hair, making it look gray, and instead of being elaborately coiled on her head, her hair looked as though it was ready to fall down. But… she always looked polished. What happened?

  Ross rushed to Mary Beth’s side and took her hand, smiling widely as she blinked up at him. “I have a surprise for you, darlin’. Reverend Shaw is here to marry us.”

  She gasped in surprise and tried to tug her hand from his grasp, but he held on and turned to the gathered group.

  “Hey everyone! We’re getting hitched now, gather ’round!”

  There was much a flurry of excitement as everyone assembled around them. Ross smiled a proud greeting to them all.

  “Here we go, Mary Beth!” He led her to Reverend Shaw and the ceremony began. It couldn’t have been any better. His house was in the background and Mary Beth would live in it with him. They’d be as happy as a married couple could be. His father had told him he didn’t love Ross’ mother and love was for suckers. But his mother had always seemed content enough.

  Then it was time to kiss the bride. They turned to each other, and her eyes were shimmering with happiness. He bent and gave her a quick kiss. “Well done,” he whispered in her ear.

  She bit her lip and tried to shift her hair a bit. She stared at the ground and just stood there. She was probably in shock from his wonderful surprise.

  Suddenly, she drew a sharp breath then put her hand over her mouth as she sobbed and ran toward Iris’ house.

  Ross stared after her. What was wrong? Had she found herself overcome with emotion?

  * * *

  Mary Beth put her head in her hands and sobbed as she sat at the eating table. How long had he planned a surprise wedding? He must have laughed inside every time she asked for a wedding dress when he had never intended for her to wear one. It dawned on her that he hadn’t even given her a ring. Maybe she would have been better off as a mail-order bride. Why did he marry her?

  Needing a wet cloth, she stood and pumped a bit of water into a basin and grabbed a cloth. She carried the items into her room. There was no way she would allow people see her humiliation. No, she would dry her tears and go back out there. She wet the cloth and pressed it against her eyes. But what should she wear?

  She put the cloth down and looked in the mirror. Horror settled in her stomach as she realized she looked far worse than she’d thought. There was flour in her hair! Her and Iris only wanted to put the food out before they got dressed for the meal.

  “Oh, no,” she moaned. What had all those people thought? Quickly she took out all the hair pins and brushed her hair until there wasn’t a bit of flour showing. Then she plaited it and it hung down her back.

  Next, she took off her dress and put on her expensive blue dress with frills and lace. She took out her diamond necklace and ear bobs and put them on. Let them all see how naked her finger looked. That ought to teach Ross a lesson.

  With her spine straight and shoulders squared, she lifted her chin and walked out of the house as though she was a queen. She spotted the punch bowl and gracefully made her way straight for it.

  “It’s spiked,” Veronica whispered in warning.

  “Good. I’ll fill it up to the top.” She took a large sip and smiled. “Tell me, Veronica, did you know?” Maybe she shouldn’t have asked. If the answer was yes, then what?

  Veronica hugged her. “I would have told you. Men are no good at surprises like this. You look beautiful, though. What a lovely dress!”

  “I’ve never seen one so fine,” Glory added as she gave Mary Beth a quick hug.

  “If I had known I would have set him straight,” Iris said. “A woman wants her dress, flowers, and a cake. We looked a sight when we came outside.”

  Ross hadn’t glanced her way since she’d come back to join the gathering.

  “If you want him, go get him,” Georgie suggested, nodding toward the new house.

  Mary Beth took another gulp of her punch, put down her glass and with a regal tilt to her head walked the distance to the house where Ross waited. So that was it. This was what he wanted, not her. Why did her heart feel like it was breaking? Did she care for Ross?

  “Do you like it?” Ross asked as he stepped next to her and took her hand.

  “I think it’s more important that you like it. That’s why you married me, isn’t it?” She gave him a sweet smile.

  He looked as though she had taken him off guard. “We both win with our marriage. You have a secure roof over your head, and I get the house I’ve always dreamed of.”

  She stared up at him, finding not a bit of affection in his eyes. “I assume you plan to act as though everything is fine?”

  “Of course.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, and she plastered a smile on her face. Was she really so unlovable? As they made their way back to the guests, she kept her fake smile in place.

  They were greeted by many who congratulated them. She did her best to thank them all. Lying over and over again. No, this wasn’t what she’d imagined for her wedding day. The dress and everything would have been nice, but she would have made do. But to know that she was the means to getting a house was almost too much to bear. She didn’t like the way he stared at her jewelry either.

  “Iris packed your things for you. I’ll just leave them by the front door,” Lexington told her.

  A nod was all she could manage as she did not trust her voice. She snatched her hand back from Ross, smiling the whole time. She’d been the stupid one who believed his wonderful words. He hadn’t meant one word he spoke to her.

  Finally, the pies were cut and everyone was given a piece. Mary Beth waited patiently for them all to finish.

  “Thank you all for making this day so special,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster. “I think this will be one wedding people will be sure to remember. If you’ll excuse me, the day has exhausted me.”

  People clapped, but she didn’t care. She turned and walked to the new house, head held high. She felt the heat of him behind her, but it startled her when Ross picked her up and carried her over the threshold. Of course, it was all for show. It was sad that she knew what an imposter he was. Otherwise she would have enjoyed the moment; she would have thought it to be so romantic.

  “You can put me down now,” she said once they were inside. “There’s no one in here for you to impress.”

  “Listen, Mary Beth, we hardly know each other. We’ll get on well. I know it. I’m not such a bad guy, and I already like you.” He put her down and seemed puzzled as she put distance between them.

  “Which room is mine?”

  “I thought we’d share a room. There’s only the one bed.” He stared at her for a moment then sighed. “I’ll sleep in front of the f
ireplace out here. I’ll just leave that part of the relationship up to you. I wouldn’t want to hurt the baby.”

  Shame filled her, and she glanced away. “You’re the only person who has mentioned the baby. I think no one believes I’m with child. I thank you for your consideration.”

  “You’ll be showing soon, and it’ll be proof enough. You know about the community garden and chickens. There is a community shed with many items you can’t get down here. Parker trades some of his stock for goods. They told me that everyone had to help and do their share. Did Iris tell you about it?”

  “She mentioned it but she didn’t mention I’d have to toil to take part.” She shrugged. “I’m sure we can just buy what we need.”

  “Why don’t we make some coffee and talk for a while?”

  He probably expected that she’d make the coffee. “I’m just so tired. If you’ll excuse me.” She quickly went into the biggest of the bedrooms and closed the door. All she could do was sag against it. Nothing was as she’d pictured. Ross got a house and what did she get? The baby stirred inside of her alarming her. Oh my. She felt instant love for her unborn child. It had been an abstract thought, but it was true, she was with child.

  She put her hand over her stomach waiting to feel the fluttering again, but it didn’t happen. At the sound of a knock on her door, she opened it and poked her head out.

  “I have your things. Do you want me to bring them into the bedroom?”

  “Yes, please.” After opening the door she stood aside and let Ross set her trunk and bags on the floor at the end of the bed.

  “Good night,” he said without looking at her.

  “Wait! Do you have enough blankets out there? I bet the floor is hard.”

  “I’ll be just fine. I’m used to sleeping outside on the ground. It’s a soldier’s life.”

  “If you’re sure, good night.” She shut the door again after he left and then got ready for bed.

  She lay there for a long while, wondering if she’d ever be happy. It was true he had used her to get this house, but he seemed to accept the fact she was carrying another’s man child. He should have warned her to look nice. The act of marrying him made her acceptable to the other wives, too. She wasn’t fooled, they’d never liked her. She’d have to be on her guard against everyone on the ranch.

  But what had she expected? Lexington wouldn’t have married her even if he was still single. Her small shred of hope was why she’d come to the ranch. She knew nothing about Ross. He didn’t seem to be one who talked about himself. She’d just have to learn more about him.

  She felt the fluttering again and placed her hand over her stomach. All she did was try to be nice and look where it got her. Men were simply too strong, and she hoped she’d be safe with Ross. She sure hadn’t felt safe being unmarried.

  * * *

  When was she going to get up? He rather thought they’d have breakfast together. It looked like he’d be heading to the bunk house to eat, and the ribbing he’d get would be relentless. It was past dawn, just how late did she usually sleep? He stood abruptly. The heck with it, he’d make coffee and fry up some eggs.

  He wasn’t quiet as he puttered around the kitchen. The other wives had seen to it they’d have the basics in the kitchen. They were nice enough, and they accepted him as though they’d known him for years.

  The coffee boiled and the eggs were fried. Should he knock on her door? Wasn’t it expected that the wife would cook? He sighed. Maybe not. She was probably plumb worn out from all the excitement yesterday. He ate and still no Mary Beth. He left everything on the table. She could warm it up.

  He grabbed his holster and hat before he headed out to the barn. Plenty of work to do. How Max, Parker, Sandler, and Willis had done it all perplexed him. There was never a time where they could stand back and say they’d finished.

  Willis was a natural teacher to those who wanted to learn. That man had a way with horses, and he was glad to share his knowledge. And Ross very much intended to learn from him.

  He walked into the barn sudden quiet fell. The men all stared at him.

  “What?”

  “Go home and have a relaxing day with your wife,” Parker said.

  “That’s a nice gesture, but my wife is still sleeping and I’m not made for sitting. Let’s get these horses ready for sale.” They still stared, but he ignored them and went to the corral. He smiled when he saw which horse waited. It was Dizzy, a cantankerous mustang. The horse went around in a circle so quickly he made everyone dizzy.

  Willis came out and stood next to Carter. “I’m not sure we’ll ever get this one trained. I’ll keep trying, though.”

  “Willis, Mary Beth knows how to do ranch work doesn’t she?”

  Willis shrugged. “I know she followed Iris around for three days learning.”

  Carter sighed in relief. “For a minute there I thought she expected to be waited on. I guess the wedding tired her out, and of course the baby.”

  Willis gave him a sidelong glance. “She’s not carrying. It was just a ploy to get me to marry her. I thought you knew.”

  “No…” Frowning, Carter shook his head. “I can’t abide lies.”

  “I remember,” Willis said. “I will give Dizzy another chance to learn. If I end up with my head cracked, drag me out, will you?”

  Carter smiled, but his mind was on his wife. Was Mary Beth awake yet? He needed to tell her that her lies were unacceptable. He watched as Willis held on while Dizzy tried to spin around and throw the rider off his back. “Look at that! Willis just might tame this horse.”

  The rest of the ex-soldiers gathered around the corral and cheered Willis on. It felt so good to be home. He hadn’t been on the ranch long, but the men he fought with were closer to him than anyone could be. They’d all suffered the losses and celebrated their successes; they knew what being hungry and cold were like. They knew that there wasn’t any shame in taking a pair of boots off a dead man if needed. Now they all knew his bride had hoodwinked him. No one had thought to mention it to him.

  He watched Willis smile. Had Willis been with her intimately? A woman wouldn’t lie about that, would she? Resolve settled over him. Carter had no desire to be made a fool of. He’d get his answers soon.

  * * *

  For a moment, Mary Beth didn’t know where she was. Turning her head she glanced around the room at the few pieces of furniture, and then she knew. She sat up quickly. What time was it? Had she missed breakfast? She was starved.

  Rising, she looked around for a pitcher of water to use to clean up. There wasn’t anything. No pitcher and no basin. She couldn’t wait until they got help around here. She padded into the kitchen and got her own water from the warm water reserve at the back of the cook stove. She filled a pitcher and grabbed a basin, towel, and soap. At least someone had provided some things.

  She shook her head at the poor quality of the towel and the soap, though. There was much shopping that needed to get done. Only a woman could properly set up a house. He’d have to take her to town today. She dressed, feeling queasy the whole time, and this time when she went into the kitchen the smell of the eggs had her running outside to the side of the house to be sick.

  After leaning against the side of the house for a while, she went back in. She found a top to put over the greasy eggs in the iron skillet and it helped. Next, she poured herself a cup of coffee. It was a good thing she didn’t take anything in it. There wasn’t anything to add. She went out front and sat on the porch. She had a nice view of the horse pasture. It was much better than having a view of the other houses.

  Where was Ross? Didn’t he know that they should spend the day together? He’d only start gossip by leaving her alone. She made a mental list of everything she’d need to buy. A housekeeper was number one. Soft towels and scented soap were next. A better quality of sheets for the bed and fine furniture, oh and rugs, fine imported ones would be lovely.

  Ross would be so happy to come home to their house at the end o
f his days when she was done. Oh, where was he? They could have been on their way by now. She sat, getting more and more irritable as it grew hotter. She needed some cool water.

  When she got to the kitchen, she tried the water pump, but no matter what she did, not a drop of water came out. Now what? She’d end up dying of thirst. Going back into the bedroom she tried to unpack but there wasn’t anywhere for her to put her clothes except for a few pegs on the wall. Now she was so cross she wanted to scream.

  The front door opened before she had a chance to yell.

  “You’re up.” Carter’s shirt had big wet rings of perspiration on it.

  “Yes, I am. I’m quite dismayed that I was left alone. Your water pump doesn’t work. Your towels are too rough on my porcelain skin and don’t get me started on the soap.” She crossed her arms in front of herself and glared at him.

  “I woke up to no coffee or breakfast made but I don’t bear grudges. What’s to eat?”

  “Eat? Eat what?” She shook her head.

  “It’s around noon. I figured you’d have something made for me.”

  “I—the smell of the eggs made me sick. I can’t go back into that kitchen.” She gave him her best innocent expression.

  “Because you’re expecting?” He almost sounded doubtful.

  She swallowed hard. An overwhelming urge to cry filled her. Despair overcame her at her weakness, and tears flowed.

  Ross studied her and then took her into his arms. “Listen, it’ll be just fine. I’ll make us something to eat. I know we have bread and cheese if that’s all right with you.”

  Sniffling she pulled away. “I’m not much of a crier. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I couldn’t get the water pump to work either. I’m having a hard day.”

  His brow furrowed. “Did you cry at Iris’ house?”

  “Not once.”

  He sighed and took her hand. “Sit on the settee, and I’ll bring you some water and food.” He waited until she was seated before he left.