by Iris Kelly
“Then by all means, you may continue, Mr. . . . Sebastian. And do not be offended if I nod off to sleep.”
“I shall alert you as soon as Denver approaches,” Sebastian promised.
Noisy and bumpy as the train was, Abigail still managed to fall into a deep sleep. Sebastian marveled at the sight of her. Who would have thought that he would ever be able to watch her sleep? It felt like an intimacy that rivaled the holding of hands, for in the world of proper manners, when does a gentleman ever have occasion to watch a lady so unconscious? What a look of peacefulness settled on her features.
Sebastian had spent so much time hoping that he and Abigail behaved in a useful and convincing manner that he hadn’t given much thought to his father’s conduct. Playacting or no, Abigail was his guest, and along with his own mother, the finest of ladies that would ever grace his childhood home. If his father didn’t behave respectfully and make Abigail feel welcome, he would be tempted to wring his neck.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sebastian’s fears were largely unfounded. His father was waiting for them on the train platform and barely gave his son more than a glance before he made a beeline for Abigail and grabbed her by both hands.
“I can’t believe my son has done so well for himself. Why didn’t you say anything, Sebastian? You went on and on about her fine mind and good manners and completely forgot to mention what a great beauty you had found. Leave it to my son to omit something so important. Look at the two of you—the handsomest couple I’ve ever laid my eyes on. There’s no chance but my grandchildren will be the best-looking youngsters west of the Mississippi.”
“Father, we have gotten way ahead of ourselves, don’t you think? Shall we take a step backward for a few civilities? Miss Abigail Norris, I am pleased to introduce you to my father, Mr. Jeremiah Knight.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Knight.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine. Yes, indeed. All I had to do was light a fire under this boy, and he manages to bring home a prize like yourself. I cannot wait to lay my eyes on that first baby. Boy or girl, it’s gonna be a beauty. Sebastian here probably told you that I’m not in the best of health. But a sight like that—you can be sure I will hold on as long as I can, just to see that sight.”
“Mr. Knight, not in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such a warm welcome. I’m so happy to be here.”
“We both are, but as I mentioned in the telegraph, I can only stay the two nights. We are short staffed, and I can’t be away from the paper for any length of time.”
“That’s okay,” Jeremiah said. “Next time, I’ll be the one who does the travelling, and I’ll visit the two of you in Cheyenne. My business runs itself at this point. I know I can spare the time a lot easier than Sebastian can.”
“But . . . but . . . but . . . your health. Surely . . . surely, traveling must be a drain on your health. And neither of us would want that.”
“Nonsense. What’s the difference between sitting on a train and sitting on a wagon? Speaking of wagons, let’s get out of here. Miss Norris, you must be famished.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight. I actually am. I think I slept right through the train luncheon.”
“And I knew you would have a banquet waiting for us, so I chose to forego lunch as well,” Sebastian said, not adding, of course, that nothing on earth could have tempted him from taking leave of Abigail’s hand.
“Let’s go,” Jeremiah said, keeping Abigail’s arm tucked firmly under his elbow.
Sebastian followed with both suitcases, and they were soon atop a very fine carriage, with Jeremiah at the reins and Abigail between the two men. It was an engrossing ride. Although Abigail hailed from a big city, she had quickly become accustomed to the smaller scale of Cheyenne and had recently seen the even smaller Laramie.
But Denver was an impressive size—highly developed, with large swaths of commercial areas. It was perhaps some twenty or thirty years ahead of Cheyenne, with regard to size and maturity. Abigail wondered if she would enjoy living in such a town. Some of Boston’s cultural amenities, but with an unmistakable Western flair. But such a large place ensures anonymity, whereas in the smaller environs of Cheyenne, she was basking in celebrity—a perk that she had never realized she would enjoy so well.
It was difficult to conduct a conversation above the rumble of the wheels, so they were all content to sit in companionable silence and watch the city unfold. Sebastian did not forget the trip’s objectives, and halfway through their ride, he drew Abigail’s hand into his own, conspicuously enough to be noticed by the elder Mr. Knight. Such a bold move might have offended many of his generation. But Jeremiah was so single-mindedly fixated on the continuation of the Knight family name that nothing could have pleased him more.
Sebastian had never mentioned anything about his family home. From all the talk of inheritance, Abigail should have anticipated a mansion, but she had scarcely given it any thought. It was a mansion. Perhaps not the largest on the block, but extravagant excess in light of the fact that there was currently only one resident, not counting some half-dozen servants.
It might have brought back bad memories of Boston’s stifling opulence, but Sebastian’s presence made all the difference. If she had to describe it to someone else, she would have said that he had a calming influence on her. But if she was honest with herself, it was more accurately exhilarating. She felt quite at home. In addition, the house held a great personal interest for her, having been Sebastian’s boyhood home. While supper was being prepared, she demanded a tour. Sebastian would have been happy to conduct it himself, but his father did not want to lose sight of the happy couple.
During the tour, and indeed, all throughout dinner, Sebastian was struck by his father’s talkative and newly energized persona. Abigail seemed to have the effect of a powerful medicinal tonic on him. He, in turn, was able to keep her greatly entertained with one anecdote after another of Sebastian’s childhood. Sebastian couldn’t decide whether he was more amused or mortified to hear these long-forgotten stories. How odd that Abigail should be so delighted by them. And then Jeremiah took it in his head to play Cupid.
“Full moon tonight,” Mr. Knight noted.
“My father knows I take an interest in the astronomical world,” Sebastian explained to Abigail. “I actually have a very fine telescope in Cheyenne.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t already shown her that. Too busy reciting love poems and serenading her with that guitar of yours, is that it?”
“Sebastian is teaching me to play the guitar,” Abigail said.
“And why not? You have a few children, you can have yourselves a quartet. But for now, why don’t you show your fiancée how fine our garden looks under a full moon?”
It was such an obvious way to display romance that they couldn’t resist the suggestion, and they left Jeremiah for a slow, moonlit stroll.
“You never told me your father was such a charming fellow.”
“He’s not. I cannot identify that man in there who claims to be my father—despite the striking physical resemblance. I have never seen him in this state of enthusiasm, not even over profits.”
“He is feeling his age, perhaps. Thinking of his legacy and what will come after him. We are the future of the family name, as far as he is concerned,” Abigail mused.
“I’m afraid he’s not going to let us get away with a quick ceremony at the county clerk’s office. He is going to be set on a real ceremony Do you think we can manage that? It can still be a very small affair—just enough friends around to make it look legitimate—the Martins, the Harpers, the Carlyles.”
“And Miss Mabel.”
“Certainly Miss Mabel. Why should she miss out on the spectacle?”
“I think he wants to set a date.”
“Of course. We have our story. Our investigation will be winding down. What do you say to one month? That will allow for time to make preparations.”
It sounded awfully soon to Abigail. Even a f
ake marriage was daunting. Most especially because she already knew that ending it would come with a multitude of mixed feelings.
“One month sounds fine.”
“Good. We can tell him now, if he hasn’t gone to bed.”
“Not a chance. He’s been at the window looking at us all this time.”
“Is that so? Well, in accordance with our directive, we must give him something worth watching.”
And with that, Sebastian bent down and gently pressed his lips against hers, all the while pulling her closer. Abigail had not realized how much she was longing for that kiss until she was in the midst of it. It felt like a soft, sweet destiny. How had Sebastian been able to restrain himself for so long? Now, with their marriage finally and truly imminent, coupled with a need to mislead his father, all forces were conspiring to lower his resolve.
Abigail’s strength of will was the only thing standing between them and a complete loss of direction.
“No one can accuse us of half-measures,” she said matter-of-factly. “One more day of this charade, and he will be thoroughly convinced.”
Sebastian nodded, somewhat disappointed. He had hoped that the kiss had the same effect on her that it had on himself. Had she really cured herself of her feelings for him? That should have been very welcome news. Instead, the thought filled him with an inexplicable regret.
*****
Jeremiah Knight was indeed thoroughly convinced. Visions of a red-headed dynasty danced in his head. After breakfast the next morning, he excused himself with the promise of a big surprise for them by the luncheon meal. Sebastian was relieved to have a break from his father’s excessive zeal. Abigail was happy to be taken by Sebastian for a stroll around Denver. It gave them further opportunity to talk about the particulars of their big story, and also to discuss Sebastian’s big plans to expand his paper.
How it would be great to have fulltime correspondents stationed in Denver and Laramie, providing wider regional coverage. How he would have to double his production staff if their story led to a big bump in Eastern distribution. And once a solid national reputation had been established, how was it to be maintained? What was the next big story?
Abigail was flattered to be taken into his confidence and asked for her opinion. Treated, well, almost like a partner. Which of course she wasn’t, but it was good of him to give her that sensation. They made sure to get home in time for lunch, both intrigued by Jeremiah’s promise of a surprise.
“I’ve got something very special planned for you two today,”
“Mr. Knight, you have us on pins and needles. Whatever could it be?”
“Today is going to be . . . your wedding day!” He laughed at their stunned faces. “I have just arranged everything. The minister will be here at five o’clock. I invited a small but distinguished group of guests for the ceremony and the wedding dinner. And I have told the cook to whip up her finest feast. By early evening, you will be bound together by the bonds of holy matrimony.”
“Father, you shouldn’t have! This is too sudden. We had planned on a month from now.”
“What earthly reason is there to delay the matter? Hmm?”
“Our friends in Cheyenne,” Abigail offered feebly. “We had wanted to have them present for our special day.”
“Throw them a nice, big party when you get back home. But this is the day I have been dreaming of for Sebastian, and nothing’s going to rob me of the pleasure of seeing it with my own two eyes. Besides, anyone who’s not blind can see that you two can’t keep your hands off one another. It’s just going to be torture for you to wait another month before you can . . . enjoy a true union.”
It was a good thing that Abigail was already sitting, or her knees would have buckled right from under her. Sebastian tried to catch her eye. While it was a jarring shock to have their plans appropriated by his father’s impatient procreation agenda, he had to remind himself that it was still their plan. This was what they had intended to do, and this was the person that they needed to hoodwink. The best thing to do was to take a deep breath and go ahead and get married.
No one in Cheyenne would even have to know besides their closest confidantes. She would still be Miss Norris, lady cardsharp, until such time as she chose to extract herself from that life, which he hoped would be sooner rather than later. She could work full time at the paper. Everything would be fine. He just needed to get her alone for a few minutes to explain why this change of plans wasn’t as catastrophic as it first seemed. He could tell from the look on her face that she would need a lot of convincing.
“Darling, he is right. He is absolutely right,” Sebastian said, looking her squarely in the eye. “This is what we intended to do, so we might as well do it now. And then it will be done. And we will be able to return to Cheyenne and commence all the plans we discussed this afternoon, without the complication of wedding plans hanging over our head. This actually may be a fortuitous development.”
“Is it? I am surprised to hear you say it.”
“In fact, I am grateful to you, Father. The fuss and bother and formality of a big wedding would not have suited me. This will be much more to our tastes, don’t you think so, sweetheart? Just the essentials, and effectively, everything going according to plan.”
Abigail took in a deep breath. Sebastian was serious! Their fake marriage was about to commence!
“Exactly,” Jeremiah boomed enthusiastically. “Of course, I still want it to feel like a special day for you. It sure will be special for me. And may I say, Abigail, I hope you aren’t troubling yourself over not having planned for a special wedding dress. Because you could not look any prettier than you do right now. That dress’ll do just fine.”
“I concur,” Sebastian said. “Never prettier.”
“Good. We are all in agreement. Now, let’s finish our lunch and get things in readiness. The jeweler will be here at three o’clock with a selection of rings. Now, I won’t hear any argument. It’s my gift to you.”
“Rings,” Abigail repeated.
“We’ll find a good quality. Designed to last a lifetime.”
“You have thought of everything,” Sebastian said.
“I have had some time to make a few plans since you first wrote to me of your lovely bride. I had my doubts, I don’t mind admitting. But here she is, everything I could have hoped for you. There’s probably not a woman on the continent who would suit you better.”
“I believe you are right,” Sebastian said, realizing that moment how true his words were. If his life weren’t so incompatible with matrimony, there was no one he would rather share it with than the woman right beside him at that moment.
“I also ordered flowers for the drawing room. They should be here in about an hour. Abigail, you’ll have them put about the drawing room as you see fit, won’t you?”
“Of course. I . . . think I have a very good eye for flowers,” she said with a small sigh. There was nothing to do but to fall in with the plan.
“Marvelous,” Jeremiah beamed. “It will be a day none of us shall ever forget.”
*****
Unforgettable, yes. But the day’s events went by in a whirlwind. Hardly had Abigail and Sebastian finished greeting the first dozen guests than they were pulled to the front of the room in front of the minister and asked if they were ready. Sebastian gently took her hand and looked in her eyes for an answer. If she couldn’t go through with it, then so be it—he would never force her. The touch of his hand was so reassuring. Abigail did not want him to let go.
“Yes. We are ready,” she heard herself say.
So many vows. Such weighty, solemn promises. So many lies had been told over the last several weeks. Wasn’t this simply another one? Except it was so legally binding.
Abigail had told herself early on that thousands of mail order brides recited marriage vows to men that they barely knew, and certainly didn’t yet feel love for. Why should she have any qualms over doing the same? Particularly when she actually did have the advant
age of knowing well the man she was about to marry. And she cared about him as dearly as she did her closest friends, Beatrice and Molly.
But then, she loved her friends. Did that mean that she loved Sebastian? As a friend, of course she did. Of course, she loved him. But did she love Sebastian in the same way that she knew that he loved her? The answer came quickly and painfully. Of course she did.
What must she be thinking, wondered Sebastian. Had her earlier feelings for him been extinguished or revived? He saw one emotion after another flash across her features. She was clearly in need of reassurance, but what kind? Did she need to hear that he was still committed to their original course of action and that this marriage was just a bit of playacting that she could virtually ignore as soon as they returned to Cheyenne?
Or did she want to hear that the man who had to be the most temperamentally unfit for marriage of any man in the whole territory returned her affection, and entirely against his better judgment. He would have to struggle to hold his tongue, for what was said could never be unsaid. For now, they simply had to survive the moment at hand.
“You are now lawfully wed. You may kiss the bride,” the minister enthused.
It was not their first kiss, but it was one that they both looked forward to so much. How odd to have to wait for something so momentous as a marriage ceremony before being able to enjoy a simple kiss. It was perhaps as absorbing and satisfying as such a public kiss could be. The cheers and applause began even before their lips separated.
Everyone in attendance was so unreservedly happy for them. Most of them were middle-aged business partners and old family friends who could well remember the satisfaction of seeing their own children get married. Some had known Sebastian since he was a child. They all knew of his newspaper and his business ambitions. That was all well and good, but the general consensus was that was not where happiness lay. Finding this lovely woman and starting their lives together—that was the very bedrock of a happy life, and it filled all the guests with irrepressible cheer.
