by Nan O'Berry
The young man blinked. “I’m not sure I am up to it, Miss Anna.”
Anna glanced at the bowedheads at the refreshment table and her determination grew. “Trust me, I won’t tire you out.” She held out her hand.
He took it with his free arm. “The other is still not well,” he apologized looking down at the sling.
“We shall manage.” Anna put her hand in his and placed her other at his hip. Slowly and carefully, they made their way onto the dance floor.
Across the way, Olivia caught sight of her daughter. Smiling, she leaned against her husband’s shoulder and whispered. “Oh look, Anna has decided to dance.”
Levi turned his gaze toward his daughter and caught sight of her troubled expression. Indeed, she was dancing, but something was terribly wrong. Without worrying his wife, Levi swung her around until they were side by side. “Enjoying yourself tonight, Whitney?” he asked.
Whitney beamed. “Yes, sir, I’m enjoying myself. Your daughter is an excellent dancer. I didn’t think I could but she can be very persuasive.”
“Like her mother.” Levi winked. He nodded to Anna. “May we exchange partners for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Levi swung his wife beneath his arm as Anna slid into her place. A beat of the music continued and they swung away. “Daughter, I have seen that look more than once. Something is troubling you.”
Anna glanced over her father’s shoulder. “It seems that some of the ladies that favor Mrs. Davenport have been trading gossip this evening.”
“Oh?” Levi glanced over at the huddled group as they swept around. “You aren’t joining them?” he teased.
“They are saying some very unsavory things about Charity, father.”
Levi’s smile turned downwards. “Are they indeed?”
“And that man who calls himself a minister is soaking it up.” She glanced toward the back of the room. “And here comes another vulture in the name of Pierson.”
Levi looked their way and saw Pierson nodding at a comment. “Hmmm, we must keep an eye on things. Don’t let Charity or Stone know what is going on. I don’t want their night ruined.”
Anna nodded as the song ended.
The couples ceased dancing and a round of applause rose.
Olivia joined her daughter and her husband as the ovation ebbed. “That was fun.” Olivia smiled.
“Indeed,” Levi agreed. He caught a glimpse of Stone and Charity moving toward the refreshment table where the gossipers were gathered. “Punch?” he suggested.
“Why yes.” Olivia linked her arm under her husband’s. “Anna, make sure Mr. Whitney is okay.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Levi and Olivia meandered through their guests toward the refreshment table.
“Captain, did you enjoy yourself?” Olivia asked.
Merrick turned to face them. His cup of punch held aloft. “I must say, that was some spirited game you put us in. I didn’t think I’d have to rely on my army training to keep ahead of the younger men.”
They all laughed.
“Captain Merrick,” Charity spoke. “Someone was telling me that you own the old Miller place by the river. Is that true?”
The captain took a sip of his punch and nodded. “Why yes.”
“Would I be too bold to ask if it is for sale?”
Merrick looked to Charity, and then glanced over to Stone.
Stone took that moment to put a claiming hand upon her shoulder. “It seems Charity has taken a fancy to that old house,” he explained.
Merrick eyes seemed to smile as he stared at the couple. “Could it be that some changes are coming? Would it be too soon to ask if congratulations are in order?”
Charity glanced to Stone. She looked as if she could no longer hide the love that wanted to burst from inside.
He stared down into her face for a moment.
With a nod, she gave him permission to tell their friends of their decision.
“It seems that Charity has accepted my proposal of marriage.”
Olivia mouth rounded in surprise. “What wonderful news!” Stepping forward, she hugged them both.
Merrick and Levi shook hands with Stone.
“In that case, I believe the asking price is eight hundred dollars and the next dance with the future Mrs. Stone Brown,” Merrick replied.Holding out his hand, he waited for Charity to take it, and then he led her onto the floor as another reel began.
From the table, Stone watched the Captain move his future wife across the dance floor. “I’ve never seen her so happy,” Stone remarked. “Shoot, for that matter, I’ve never been so happy.” He looked to Mrs. Hawkins and grinned.
“I’m pleased for you, Stone.” She watched the couple on the dance floor. “I think she’s a wonderful match for you. You are such a lucky young man.”
“You and Mr. Hawkins have been such role models. My father was not a forgiving man. I learned to fear, rather than love him. I hope our lives together will be as wonderful as yours.”
“Believe in each other and never go to bed without telling her you love her,” Levi replied. “That’s what my father told me.”He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “So far, it has worked.”
Chapter 13
The group behind the punch table stared at the group talking with the Hawkins.
“I tell you it is not right to have that soiled dove in our midst.”
“I must agree, Mrs. Davidson.” The minister nodded. “It is great lapse in judgment for people so high in Three Rivers Society, don’t you think Mr. Pierson?”
“Oh, yes, considering all the difficulty involving that young woman.” Pierson tisked, “I find it strange that she was even invited.”
“And he a preacher of the gospel,” Reverend Jordan murmured. “Perhaps God has sent me here at the right moment.”
“I believe you are right.” Pierson gave a nod of dismissal and moved to put his cup down. He watched Stone move away from the Hawkins and toward the fireplace in order to wait the dance’s end. Everyone seemed so involved with watching the dancers; he could ease in to place right behind the express rider and catch him off guard.
The music swelled and covered his boot steps. Positioning himself to the left and behind Stone, Pierson felt in control. A smirk pulled the left side of his mouth upward. He wouldn’t have to worry about a gun. Hawkins was usually a man of peace. No rider had a firearm strapped to his hip tonight. Taking a moment, he glanced around the room noting that the other riders were either half way across the room or on the dance floor. It was now or never.
One step forward and in a soft sinister voice, he whispered, “I hear that congratulations are in order, Stone.”
The young man flinched but refused to turn around.
“She’s a very pretty young woman. Tell me,” he paused for a dramatic effect. “Have you looked around to wonder how many men in this group she’s already been with?”
Pierson watched the muscle along Stone’s jaw flex.
“She must have made some good money. Wonder if it will be enough to support you—”
Before he could finish, Stone swirled and grasped the front of his white shirt before plowing his fist into Pierson’s nose.
His cry sent the guests scurrying away as Stone set upon him, punch by punch, knocking him backwards into the refreshment table, scattering the food and drink.
Ransom and Clay rushed from the dance floor and grasped each of Stone’s arms hauling him away as Pierson slowly scrambled out of the cake crumbs.
“LET ME AT HIM!” Stone bellowed as his fellow riders dragged him across the floor and out of harm’s way.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Merrick demanded as he and Levi hurried over making sure to stand between Pierson and Stone.
“He started it,” Stone growled. “He said some things about Charity.”
“Pierson?” Levi demanded.
Pierson slowly stood, his hand reaching for a handkerchief in his pocket and pulling it
out to quench the flow of blood from his nose. One eye already swollen closed made him appear more sinister than before. “I merely pointed out that he was gaining a woman of the town.” He flapped his hand at the group of horrified guests huddling with the Reverend Jordan. “It was discussed. A woman like that has no business being with polite society.”
“A woman…” Olivia gasped then stilled. She glanced over at the group. “I beg your pardon.”
Mrs. Davidson and the other women snapped their mouths closed. Their eyes darted from one to the other like mice caught before a cat. Olivia gave them no quarter. Her steely gaze searched each face. “I know that you are not gossiping at my party.”
The women looked away.
Rising to their defense, the minister stepped forward. “I must beg your pardon, Mrs. Hawkins. Do you think it’s wise to have a fallen woman move about with society?” he questioned.
Olivia outrage grew. “Wise?” Her voice rose and behind her the music stopped. “This woman you speak of is a good friend of mine. I suggest you keep your unkind thoughts to yourself. You know very little of our town, Reverend Jordan. But let me remind you of Mary Magdalena. Many did not think she was fit to serve the good Lord. Yet, he forgave her sins and welcomed her. To my knowledge, Charity has no greater sin than working at the Crystal Dawn. ”
A hush grew over the crowd.
“Now, Mrs. Hawkins,” Pierson purred knowing that he had the crowd looking on. “Remember, your southern hospitality. Reverend Jordan was just remarking that it was unusual for a woman from a den of sin to associate with us.”
“At least she had the decency to wear red,” Mrs. Davidson snapped.
“Mrs. Davidson,” Levi spoke softly. “That was unkind and uncalled for. Miss Charity risked her life for one of my men. She has proven herself an asset to our town.”
“She got my husband shot!”
There was a gasp and a rustle of silk as Charity moved toward the table. “Mrs. Davidson, your husband came to my defense that is true. I did not get him shot. That recklessness was caused by the man standing in front of you.”
Pierson smile faded. “Watch yourself, McMasters isn’t here to protect you.”
“She doesn’t need McMasters.” Stone shook himself free and stepped forward. “I will defend the woman that I love.”
Pierson laughed. “Oh, won’t Russell, Majors, and Waddell enjoy hearing that one of their riders has fallen for a woman of the town.”
Stone pushed Charity behind him and charged the table. “Who are you to speak?” he demanded. “You think that taking your fists to a woman brings your own satisfaction.”
Pierson’s eyes glittered. “Better watch it, boy.”
“You got a problem with the truth?”
Stone heard Charity whisper in his ear. “No, Stone, not here, not now.”
“Lead the way and we will take care of the truth right now.” Stone growled as he gently brushed her aside.
Merrick stopped Stone with a hand to his arm. “You know, Pierson, I told you the last time we met, that one more incident that I had to investigate and I would put you in jail.”
Pierson stilled.
Merrick looked over at Levi. “What are the damages to your home?”
Levi glanced at the broken plates, ruined cakes, and overturned table. “Maybe sixty dollars.”
Merrick pursed his lips. “Pierson, I’m charging you with disturbing the peace. Sixty dollar fine and a night in jail.”
Pierson’s jaw went slack. “You can’t do this!”
Merrick lifted one brow and signaled to the major. “Sir, do you agree?”
The major stepped forward. “Private Thomas, Corporal Woodward. Take this man in custody and lead him to the local jail.”
“This is an outrage!” Pierson yelled. “I’m the injured party.”
“All this over a harlot!” Reverend Jordan cried out. “Shame on this town!”
“Take that back.” Stone glared at the minister.
“No. Stop. Stone please,” Charity cried.
Levi pulled at Stone’s arm. “Do not do this, Stone. He’s not worth it. Let Merrick take care of it.”
“No,” Stone disagreed. “This minister isn’t worth it, but Charity is. I won’t have her name slandered by that man.”
Voices erupted, some agreeing with Charity and Stone, others in the minority siding with Mrs. Davidson and the Reverend Jordan as Pierson was led from the room.
No sooner had he disappeared into the night, than a weary soldier moved to the doorway. “Pardon the interruption.” He glanced to Levi. “Major?”
Major Arnold stepped forward. “Private Little?”
The soldier drew up and gave a weary salute.
Returning it, the major motioned him forward.
“There’s been another hostile attack,” he muttered and held out an envelope.
A gasp resonated from the crowd.
Levi stepped forward as did Merrick, watching as the officer ran his hand beneath the sealed envelope and with drew the note inside.
“It appears, we have more important problems at the moment,” Major Arnold murmured and handed the note to Merrick.
A stunned look came over the captain’s features as he handed the note to Levi.
Levi’s eyes scanned the message before handing it back. Looking over at his riders, he swallowed and signaled for Clay to come over.
Clay glanced at Stone, Ransom, and Wyeth before moving to Levi’s side.
“Clay, I don’t know how to say this.” He glanced at the two military men behind him. “Son, your ranch.”
Clay’s gaze searched his face.
“The hostiles burned it to the ground.”
Emma gasped.
The other wives hurried around her.
“Drew?” Clay demanded.
“He’s alive. He managed to get out and ride back to Emma’s parent’s place. They’re coming to town now.”
Stunned, Clay turned as Emma rushed to his arms and buried her head against his chest sobbing. “It’s okay, honey. Drew is safe. We can rebuild. It will be better than ever.”
The sobering news stunned the crowd. Slowly, each found their family and wives.
“Friends,” Merrick spoke. “We need to get together and hold a meeting about what is to be done. Major Arnold, I understand you will have to go out after the hostiles, but if you could spare a few moments before you leave, and give us some insight.”
“Of course.”
“Let’s get things cleaned up and straight,” Levi instructed.
Clay took Emma into the kitchen with Delia and Tillie. “Watch over her ladies, I need to help Levi.”
The girls nodded.
For a moment, they stood and looked at each other.
Delia tried to smile. “You know they will need coffee.”
Tillie sighed. “Yes, nothing gets done in Three Rivers without coffee.”
The sound of silk whistling drew their attention to the door. Slowly, Charity walked in with Anna holding her arm.
“It was all a silly dream wasn’t it,” she whispered sadly.
The three wives of the former express riders exchanged glances.
“No,” Delia stated and moved to her side. “No, it was not a dream. Stone loves you. This is not your fault, Charity. You mustn’t think so.”
“No, of course not,” Tillie and Emma echoed.
They formed a circle around Charity and linked arms.
“We are the sisterhood of the express.” Delia winked. “We are family. Nothing is going to separate us. We are strong. We can weather this.”
They leaned forward, their brows touching as they hugged tighter.
“Once this is cleared up, we can help Charity plan her wedding, then we can all pitch in to help Clay and Emma rebuild their place.”
Each woman looked to the other. One by one they gave a nod.
“Okay.” Emma smiled. “Let’s get some mugs filled. Delia, you just pour. The rest of us will take i
t out and put it on the punch table.”
Quietly, the ladies moved around the kitchen. Delia pouring coffee, Emma, Tillie, and Anna taking the strong drink out to the punch table, Charity poured water into a second pot to make more as Olivia moved into the kitchen carrying the punch bowl.
“Oh girls, this is not the way I wanted to end our year. I had such high hopes.” She sighed and placed the large glass bowl on the counter.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Hawkins.” Charity moved and put an arm around her. “Please don’t worry.”
She patted Charity’s hand. “Me? No, I’m not worried, just disappointed is all. But you…” She tried to smile. “We have a wedding to plan.”
The voices from the parlor drew their attention to the doorway.
“Must be breaking up,” Olivia murmured. “That didn’t take long.”
“No.” Delia sighed.
Slowly, the men filtered in and took their places beside their spouses. The single riders moved to the other side of the room.
Levi looked around at the group. “Due to the circumstances, the major has recommended that we halt the mail for a week to give him chance to find Coyote and his followers and try to talk peace. So, let’s use the time wisely to get our equipment ready and horses in their finest condition. Night men.”
“Night, Mr. Hawkins,” they murmured easing out the door.
“Charity,” Stone murmured.
She looked over at him.
He took her hand and pulled her back into the parlor where no one could hear his words.
“What’s …what’s going on?” she asked.
He stopped near the fireplace and took both her hands in his. “I don’t want to wait,” he said.
Her brow furrowed. “Wait?”
“I don’t want to wait to wed. I want you now, tonight, Charity. Do we really have to go through the party, the frills? Our family is here. Now. All together. Mr. Hawkins can do the ceremony. I bet you I can catch the Captain to sign the papers.”
She searched his eyes. “You mean you want me to marry you…Tonight?”
Stone nodded.
“Where will we stay?”
“We’ll figure it out. Even if I have to throw a tent in at the old Miller place.”
