“That sounds just lovely!” Dorothy looked as though she might burst with excitement.
“Might we join you?” Laura asked.
“Of course, though it won’t be the most glamorous affair,” Jacob replied.
“We don’t mind, do we Mama?” Laura said, turning to her mother. Dorothy wrinkled her nose a bit at the thought of going to a livery, but obliged.
As they stepped inside the barn, the smell of hay and manure hit Laura’s nose in a symphony of familiarity. The proprietor, a burly, bald man in a long apron by the name of Anthony Leary, strode over to greet them.
“Ye must be Mr. Fisher. I was told tae be expecting ye,” he said, in a thick Irish accent. He grabbed Jacob’s hand and shook it hard, leaving a grease stain on his palm when he withdrew. “Lookin’ tae purchase yer own team, aye?”
“Indeed, I’d like to see your best carriage if you please, sir,” Jacob replied, grimacing at the smear on his hand.
“Sure, o’er here,” Mr. Leary gestured toward a large, black carriage with gold filigree on the door. “Now, tae purchase will be quite a bit o’ money. I, o’ course, have ‘em fer hire, reasonable rates sir, if that might be o’ better means fer ye.”
Jacob straightened up and looked down his nose at the stout man. “I assure you, money is no object here,” he said, as he wiped his hand on his handkerchief. “Besides, I’d rather own the thing instead of simply throwing my money away on a short-term use when I know I’ll be needing it again.”
“Fair ’nough, well, this’n has been a carriage fer hire but she’s sure ’nough, she’ll last ye quite a few years if ye take care o’ her.” Mr. Leary opened the door and extended his hand to Laura. “Would the lady like tae examine inside?”
Laura took his hand and stepped up into the carriage. It smelled a bit musty but was otherwise clean and well-kept. Feels a bit like a funeral wagon though.
Jacob stepped up into the carriage beside her. He leaned out the door and addressed her father. “Xavier, would you mind going with Mr. Leary to examine the horses? I confess, while I know my way around a good beast, I’d like another man’s opinion.”
“Of course! Come Dorothy.” Xavier ushered his wife along after Mr. Leary, leaving Laura alone in the carriage with Jacob. He sat down next to her and smiled.
“Well Laura, what do you think?” he asked, taking her hand in his.
“It’s quite nice Jacob, but do we really need it?” Laura asked, looking around the large cabin.
“Why, of course we do! With my businesses taking off, I’ll be traveling around quite a bit, and this will show my partners that they are investing in a man who knows how to manage his funds! And besides, I want you and our children to have comfortable means of transport as well, not be hauled around in some peasant cart,” he said.
“I don’t mind riding, at all, actually,” Laura said.
“Well, I do mind you riding. Suppose you fell and broke your leg? Who would manage the household and children? No, you will be safe and comfortable once we are married, I will see to that.” He squeezed her hand tighter.
Laura’s mind began to drift off, to riding Duchess back in Tucson, those exhilarating mornings and the race with Abe on the back of Juliette. Those days will be dead soon.
Jacob leaned in closer. “I, absolutely, was sincere when I said I was not prepared for your beauty. I know that our match is solid because of our fathers’ relationship, it will strengthen both of our families to have us married, but I am truly bewitched by my good fortune to have a wife as beautiful as you.” He reached up and touched her face.
Laura turned her head away “We should see how Father is doing with the horses.” She tried to pull her hands away, but Jacob held on tight.
“Oh, Leary can talk about horses for hours, I wanted us to be able to spend some time together. It’s quite difficult with everyone crammed into your aunt’s house.” Jacob smiled at her and pulled her face back toward his, running his finger across her lips.
GET OFF OF ME.
“While your compliments and this carriage are quite lovely, I would really like to see how my parents are faring.” She pushed back the screams, as she wrenched her hands free. Jacob looked at her incredulously. He grabbed her by the arm.
“Do you not see what I’m going to provide for you?” His voice was a strained whine “And yet, you still recoil from me as if I am some horrid creature. Do you know how many girls would be clamoring to have me as a husband, you stupid girl?” He was inches from her face and his breath reeked of bourbon.
“Jacob let go of me, you’re hurting me,” she hissed at him. He looked down at his hand gripped around her arm and released it. She immediately stood up and hopped out of the carriage. Jacob jumped out after her.
“Laura, stop, I’m sorry,” Jacob pleaded. “I just want you to understand how much I care for you, that I want to give you all the things a girl like you deserves.”
What does he even know about a girl like me? There is not a thing I want that he can give me. Before Laura could respond, Xavier and Dorothy approached from behind another carriage.
“Those are some fine beasts Jacob, very fine beasts, they’ll do quite well for you and Laura,” Xavier happily exclaimed.
Jacob’s whole façade reconstructed, he straightened up and flashed his winning smile. “Fantastic to hear, I knew Mr. Leary wouldn’t lead me wrong. The carriage will do as well, although Mr. Leary, I’d like to talk to you about a few modifications to make before I purchase, may we step aside and discuss?”
“O’ course sir, right this way.” Jacob and Mr. Leary disappeared inside his office and Laura was left with her parents. She turned back to them. How do I tell them?
Her mother noticed the concern on her face. “Laura, I know this is quite a lot to take in all at once, especially since you’ve been on your own with Aunt Ethel for some time now.” She put her arm around Laura. “But look at what this man is already willing to do to create a comfortable life for you. Please just keep an open mind.”
Open mind? To this arrogant, self-centered man? This can’t be my future. She turned to Xavier, “Father, I’m really not convinced he’s the proper man for me. Shouldn’t we at least consider a few other suitors before finalizing this?”
Her father shook his head. “No, Laura, the deal is already done.”
“But, Father!” she pleaded.
Her father stepped closer to her. “Laura, that is my decision and you will abide.” Her father had never set such a hard line with her before, like that, and it took her aback with a shudder.
Her mother stepped in. “Laura, I can’t stand the smell of this place any longer, let’s step outside for some air.”
They stepped out of the livery barn and her mother turned to face her. “Listen to me, Laura. The store hasn’t been faring as well as your Father would like everyone to think. Truth is, we need you to marry him for all of us to survive. His family has money and will take care of you and our association with them will drive more business to us. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is.” She looked at Laura with sympathetic but firm eyes.
So, this is who I really am. A bargaining chip. A resource to be bought and sold for the good of the family. “Mama, I’m not sure he is all that he seems to be,” Laura said, trying not to cry.
“Few men are, my dear. But we are strong, and you will find a way to make the best of it.” Her mother gave her a hug as Xavier and Jacob emerged from the stable. Jacob offered his arm to Laura.
“Struck quite the deal with the man, we’ll have a carriage fixed up for us by the end of the month and we’ll be on our way to Tucson, my bride.”
Be strong, play your role. Laura gingerly took his arm and they headed back toward the rented buggy Jacob had acquired. From across the street, Laura caught a glance of a cowboy tying up his horse to a post, staring. Abe…help me.
But he couldn’t. This is the life that had been constructed for her and she was going to have to navigate it. She s
teeled her chin and walked quietly alongside Jacob.
“I know this must all seem overwhelming,” Jacob whispered to her. “I’m sure you don’t mean to bristle so much and I understand I’m a stranger. I promise, I’m going to work hard to show you my affections are genuine.”
Laura pushed the knot in her throat down. “How?” she asked.
“I…I just will. Give me time.” Jacob replied.
They walked down main street, the town bustling. Jacob, however, looked unimpressed.
“I still don’t know how you’ve survived in this town. It’s so…primitive.”
“I like it. The people are kind and good,” Laura said.
Jacob scoffed. “Simple, more like.”
Patience, Laura. Patience.
Chapter Seventeen
The whiskey swirled around the edges of his glass like liquid amber waves. Abe took another sip, letting the bitter burn roll down his throat. Parading her around town like he won her. Who does he think he is? Bet he couldn’t put a saddle on straight without a manservant to help him.
Charles, the bartender, cleaned a glass and chatted with him as he brooded. “Abe, I don’t get it. Last few months you’ve been more pleasant than I honestly ever thought I’d see ya, and now, for the last week, I can barely move you off that stool and you say but two, three words to me.”
What do you know?
“I know, what do I know,” Charles said, with a cocked eyebrow “Look Abe, we been friends a long time. I can keep pouring, but I’d rather you just talk to me.”
“Nothing to talk about Charles, just been a hard few days at the ranch. I am trying to keep things from falling apart over the winter,” Abe replied, taking another sip. Charles sighed and moved over to refill the glass of another cowboy leaned over the bar. The saloon was bustling tonight, everyone still talking about the Union, and the girls were climbing into any open lap they could find.
Belle, one of the older girls, spotted Abe staring out over the bar. She walked over and leaned next to him. “Is tonight going to be the night you say yes to me, Abe?” she asked, with a wink.
“You already know the answer to that, Belle,” Abe said, as he swirled his drink, not even looking at her.
Belle caught Charles’ eye, “My usual Charlie dear, thanks.” As Charles poured her a drink, she settled onto the stool next to Abe. When Charles walked away, she took a long sip and looked at Abe. “Who’s the lady?” she asked, with a grin, the amber liquid sliding past her red lipstick.
“What are you talking about, ma’am?” Abe asked vacantly.
“Come on Abe, you know I ain’t no ma’am and I know a man all sorts of sore over a lady when I see one. It’s that sweet thing been out at Ms. Ethel’s place, isn’t it?” She took a long swig, waiting for his response.
Abe stayed silent, letting her stare burn into him, as she finished her drink.
“Alright honey, well, you ever need someone to help you forget, you know where to find me,” Belle said, with one last wink, as she set her empty glass down on the bar and sashayed over to her next potential mark.
Abe tapped his glass on the bar and Charles came by with a refill. Just then, the saloon doors swung open with a bang, and in walked Jacob. He was loudly talking with a few other local men, and they all sat down at a table in the corner.
“Best girls in Utah in here my friend,” one of the men exclaimed.
“Well now, gentlemen, you know I’m a promised man. Window shopping only…for now,” Jacob said, with a grin as he pulled a pack of cards from his pocket. Cards were dealt, and the men began to place bets on the table. Abe couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
“So, what’s a businessman like you doing in Santa Clara?” one man gruffed.
“Well, while businessmen can be found in most places, I’m here to collect my bride,” Jacob proudly exclaimed.
“Lucky man, she a looker?” another chimed in.
“Oh, I got lucky thankfully. A bit spirited though, but I’m sure I’ll train that out of her,” Jacob scoffed.
Abe felt rage building inside of him, but he kept quiet. The men continued to place bets and rattle on. Another man plunked down in the stool beside Abe.
“The usual, Sheriff?” Charles asked him.
Sheriff Oratius nodded and Charles poured him his drink. He sat in silence next to Abe. Abe shot him a glance.
“You come here to tell me something’s up with me too, Ottie?” Abe asked.
“Nope.” Ottie gruffed.
“So why you here?” Abe asked.
“To drink.” Ottie gruffly replied as he took a swig.
I’m not telling you what’s going on, no matter how long you sit there.
Jacob and his friends continued their loud gambling, and it was clear Jacob wasn’t winning.
“Oh, come on now Artie, no way you beat me three hands running, what kind of game are you playing?” Jacob asked, accusingly, his words slightly slurring.
“Watch yourself boy, I don’t much like being called a cheat,” Artie said gruffly.
“No accusations, just tryin’ not to lose the house here,” Jacob laughed nervously.
“So, this bride of yours, Mr. Fisher, have you been able to…sample the wares before you finalize the purchase?” A crooked toothed man sitting at the table inquired, one of the ladies already perching on his lap.
Jacob sighed in frustration. “Not at all. The bitch wouldn’t even so much as give me a sweet little kiss when I showed her the carriage I’m buying for us.”
Abe saw red. In an instant, he was on his feet. Before Ottie could stop him, he strode across the saloon to Jacob’s table. Jacob looked at him wide-eyed.
“Can I help you?” he scoffed at Abe.
Wordlessly, Abe grabbed Jacob by the jacket and hauled him away from the table, knocking it to the side. Jacob struggled but Abe’s strong ranch muscles well overpowered Jacob’s slim physique.
“Let go of me you animal!” Jacob shouted.
Abe pulled Jacob through the saloon doors and threw him out into the street. Jacob scrambled to his feet and ran at Abe, fists swinging. He missed Abe entirely, who took the opportunity to send a fist flying into Jacob’s gut, knocking the wind out of him and sending him to his knees. Jacob gasped for air, as Abe grabbed him by the jacket again and lifted him up onto his toes.
“I don’t care who you think you are, but I damn well better not hear you say a cross word about Miss Laura again, or I swear to God, what happens next will not be my responsibility!” Abe held his face inches from Jacob’s, who was still struggling for air. He tossed Jacob to the ground and turned back toward the saloon, where Ottie was standing.
Behind him, he heard the click of a pistol hammer being cocked back. He turned around to see Jacob, scrambling to his feet with his shiny silver pistol pointed right at him.
“I don’t know who you are, you maniac!” Jacob shouted, between strained breaths “But Laura Edmonds is my bride, and I will not be assaulted by some…lunatic who thinks he can claim her from me.” His hand shook the pistol wildly, as Sheriff Oratius slowly approached the two of them.
“Look son, it seems there was some sort of misunderstanding here. Why don’t you go home now, and I’ll be certain this gentleman doesn’t cause you any more trouble,” Sheriff Oratius said to Jacob.
Jacob slowly lowered the pistol. He took a long look at Abe, then brushed the dirt off his jacket before turning and walking away. The sheriff looked at Abe. “That was stupid, man!”
“I know, Ottie, something just came over me,” Abe replied quietly.
“Well, don’t let it happen again. I’d hate to have to throw you in a cell to cool off. C’mon, I’ll ride home with ya, make sure that fella doesn’t get any ideas.”
* * *
“He was an absolute maniac!” Jacob exclaimed, pacing around the parlor at Aunt Ethel’s, practically wearing a hole in the rug by the time he had finished his story.
“Why, who would have done something like that to you J
acob? And out of nowhere like that?” Dorothy gasped, wringing her hands.
“Not a clue, but it seemed your Sheriff was quite a friend of his,” he exclaimed, waving at Aunt Ethel. “I did absolutely nothing to the man and he assaulted me in the street! And nothing was done!”
“Well, when you see him in town, point him out to me. I’ll make sure something is done about this,” Xavier said darkly.
Laura sat quietly, attempting to hide the smile that kept creeping to the corners of her lips. She didn’t care who had done it, but the idea of Jacob getting tossed into the street, made her just a tiny bit happy.
The Salvation 0f A Runaway Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 12
