by Kit Morgan
“All right.” He took a sip of milk and winked, and her stomach fluttered.
Too soon the meal was over and Elwood asked her to take a walk. Daphne and Walker offered to chaperone. The night was cool, so Dorcas ran to her room first to fetch a shawl, and Daphne followed. “Don’t worry – Walker and I will stay far enough behind so if Elwood wants to steal a kiss, he can.”
“Daph! Don’t let anyone hear you say that.”
“We’re the only ones here. Get your shawl and let’s go.”
They returned downstairs to find Walker and Elwood chatting about the weather. They left the saloon and began to stroll with no destination in mind. Daphne and Walker lagged about twenty yards behind – close enough for propriety, far enough to allow Dorcas and Elwood a private conversation.
Now was as good a time as any … “Elwood, earlier today I started to tell you something.”
He stopped and looked at her. “Yes. Do you want to tell me now?”
Dorcas glanced at Daphne and Walker, who’d also stopped. Daphne was suddenly very interested in the display in the window of Cobb’s Penn, a very dark window. “All right.” She licked her lips.
Elwood also glanced at their chaperones. “Do you want more privacy?”
“No, not as long as they stay back there. You?”
“Depends on what you’re about to tell me,” he said with a smile. “What is it, Dorcas?”
She unconsciously wrung her hands together. “Well, about becoming a mail-order bride …”
He grabbed her hands to stop her. “I had a feeling.”
She took a breath. “You … did?”
“It’s all right. I know women become mail-order brides for many reasons. Whatever it is, I’ll understand.”
Dorcas swallowed, trying to find the right words. “I became a mail-order bride because my parents arranged a marriage for me.”
Elwood nodded. “Go on.”
“The man they wanted me to marry I’ve known a long time, since childhood. And he’s … awful, horrible …”
“Stop right there. You don’t want to marry him.”
“No!” She looked at the ground, not bothering to check to see where Daphne and Walker were. It wasn’t important now.
“Dorcas,” Elwood took her other hand. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
She shook her head. “They were very insistent.”
“Some of them are,” he commented dryly as he looked at the night sky and back. “You ashamed of it?”
She nodded. “The last thing I would want to do is disappoint my parents. But I couldn’t do it, Elwood, I just couldn’t. I’d rather throw myself off a cliff. And I’m worried he’ll come after me – if he finds where I’ve gone, that is.” He was so close at this point she could feel his body heat. She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of anger.
“Come after you?” he said sternly. “If he finds you, what will he do?”
“I don’t know.” He was angry – but not at her. “But Vernon’s not the sort of man who likes to lose, I can tell you that.” She looked deeper. There was a fire in his eyes she hadn’t seen before. “I suppose it depends on how much he wanted to marry me. Perhaps he was as repulsed by the idea as I am.”
He bent his face to hers. “ But if he’s angry enough to come after you, you’ll be well protected.”
The fiery look in his eyes was still there. She had to know. “You’re not angry?”
“At you? Of course not, honey, why would I be?”
Dorcas shrugged. “Because it means trouble’s coming, trouble you didn’t ask for.”
“World’s full of trouble, Dorcas,” he said. “If you happen to be in some, I want to help.”
His words lifted the heavy load off her shoulders, and they slumped in response. “Thank Heaven.”
“Oh, I do.” He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “Dorcas, you’re going to be my wife. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part. Vernon or no Vernon.” What little distance was left between them vanished with his kiss.
Dorcas knew she shouldn’t let him, but she wanted it too much in that moment. Something burned deep down in her soul, something she’d never felt before.
“Elwood,” she whispered as his lips parted from hers. But before she knew it, his arms engulfed her and he was kissing her again. For a moment she wondered where Daphne was, then lost herself in his embrace, in his lips on hers.
He broke the kiss and loosened his hold. “Sorry, I didn’t mean …”
She put a finger to his lips. “I’m glad you did.”
Neither checked to see if Daphne and Walker were watching them. Frankly, at that point Dorcas didn’t care. Besides, hadn’t this been Daphne’s plan? Dorcas would have to thank her later.
* * *
“So how was it?” Daphne asked with a grin the next day.
Dorcas rolled her eyes. “You were there, you saw.”
“Actually, we were busy doing the same thing. But you didn’t notice, did you?”
“No, I can’t say that I did,” Dorcas giggled. “What should I do now?”
“What do you mean?” Daphne said with a laugh. “You get married, of course.”
“Yes, I know, but Vernon …”
“Stop worrying about Vermin. You’re letting him ruin this.”
Dorcas sat on her bed. It was mid-afternoon and she was tired, having hardly slept the night before. Elwood’s kisses were all she could think about. “Are you done with your committee work?”
“No, and if you wouldn’t mind helping me, I could use it.”
Dorcas stood. “What do you need help with?”
“I need to speak to a few ladies about the food. We can stop by Birdie’s and check with her about your veil if you like – and, dare I say, a wedding dress?”
“Yes, we can do that.” Dorcas began to pace.
“Will you stop?!”
Dorcas turned to her. “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to help it.”
Daphne gave her a hug. “Dorcas, you’ve told Elwood. You’re not in this alone.”
She sighed. “Then why do I feel like I am?”
“Because this is about more than Vermin. It’s about your parents. You love them, as I loved mine, but we don’t always see eye to eye with family, do we?”
“No, we don’t.”
“They’ll come around – you’ll see. Mine would have if they were still alive.”
“Your folks were more agreeable than mine.”
“No, they weren’t. Maybe that’s why they all got along so well.”
“They did, didn’t they? Just as we do.” Dorcas nodded. “All right, let’s go see Birdie and the other women. Maybe they can help me get past this.”
“That’s the spirit! Let’s go.”
They left the Golden Nugget and headed for Cobb’s Penn. Dorcas remembered her last visit and her clumsy attempt to help Avis with her business. Maybe this time she could keep her mouth shut.
Luckily for her, there was no sign of the proprietress when they entered – a man stood on the other side of the counter. “Good morning, Mrs. Brooks.” He looked at Dorcas and smiled. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Liam,” Daphne said, “this is my friend from Denver, Dorcas Minx. She’s here to marry Elwood Hunter.”
“Ah yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Minx. I hope you’re finding Noelle to your liking.”
“Very much, thank you.” Dorcas glanced around the storefront. “You have a lovely shop.”
He smiled, then bit his lower lip. “Yes, my wife told me you thought so.”
Dorcas felt her cheeks grow hot. His wife no doubt has told him a few other things as well, but that was her fault.
“Is Avis around?” Daphne asked.
“No, she’s gone to visit Pearl. Did you want me to relay a message?”
“Yes, I needed to speak with her about the celebration. She’s in cha
rge of vegetables.”
“Oh yes, and she’s been speaking with Mrs. Thornton. They’ll be happy to provide whatever you need.”
“Wonderful!” Daphne turned to Dorcas, who was still doing her best to stay quiet. “The Thorntons own a ranch outside town. They have a lovely garden and provide Cobb’s Penn with some of what they grow. There’s not much at this time of year, but every little bit helps.”
Dorcas nodded, wondering what sort of crops would be ready in June and July. She knew nothing about farming. “That’s nice,” she said stiffly. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at herself and took a sudden interest in a cigar box on the counter.
Daphne looked confused before addressing Liam. “Tell Avis I’ll stop by later today if I have time.”
“I’ll do that. You ladies have a good day.”
“We will.” She took Dorcas’ arm and pulled her toward the door. Once outside she turned to her. “What was that about? You’re never that quiet.”
Now Dorcas did roll her eyes. “I embarrassed myself the last time I was here. I didn’t want to do it again.”
Daphne’s hands went to her hips. “What did you do?”
Dorcas looked at the ground. “I tried to give Avis pointers on how to run her store.”
“Oh,” Daphne said as her hands fell away. “I imagine that didn’t go well.”
“No, it didn’t. But she was nice about it. It’s just that I felt so edgy – I’m still fretting about Vernon.”
“Him again. We need to get rid of him once and for all.”
Dorcas’ eyes went wide. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t look at me like that – it’s not like I want to murder the man. But you have to get him out of your head. The best way to do that is stay busy.”
“True, but with what?”
Daphne laughed. “You’re joking, right? You’re getting married – that should be enough to occupy any woman’s mind. Plus the celebration. Let’s go see Birdie and find out what she can do for you.”
Before Dorcas could answer, she was being led by the hand up the street. They marched straight to Peregrines’ Post and Freight. A tall old woman with a warm smile was behind the counter. “Daphne, you’re back.”
“Hello, Agatha. May I introduce my friend Dorcas Minx? She’s here to …”
“Marry Elwood Hunter, I know. How do you do?”
“Very well, thank you.” Dorcas glanced around at the stacks of books ready to be moved. Elwood was probably close by.
Agatha waved at the piles. “Here to take a few of these?”
“No, we’re here to see Birdie,” Daphne said.
“She’s out back – I’ll fetch her for you.” Agatha disappeared through a door.
Within moments, Birdie appeared. “Daphne – so good to see you! Dorcas, you too.”
“We’re especially glad to see you,” Daphne replied. “We need to talk about a wedding dress for Dorcas.”
“Music to my ears,” Birdie said with a smile. “What did you have in mind?”
Daphne turned to Dorcas. “Do you have any idea what you want?”
Dorcas cringed. She just wanted to get married and be done with it, if it would guarantee her safety. “I don’t need a dress, really …”
“Are you sure?” Daphne asked. “Yesterday you sounded like you wanted one.”
“I know, but I wasn’t the only one involved in that conversation. Elwood kept insisting I have one. I’m not sure.”
Daphne frowned, then glanced at Birdie. “Can you give us a moment?”
Birdie’s eyes darted between them. “Sure.” She headed for the back.
Dorcas fought against a groan. She knew that look – a lecture was coming.
Daphne smiled pleasantly before taking Dorcas’ arm and pulling her into a corner. “What is wrong with you?”
Dorcas closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “You already know. I …”
“What did he do to you?”
Dorcas froze.
“What did Vernon Fink do?!”
Dorcas swallowed hard. “He … forced himself on me whenever he got the chance.”
“What?! How?”
“He’d pin me against a wall or get me in a corner, try to kiss me, or … or paw at me. It was disgusting.”
“I see,” Daphne said. “I’m sorry that happened, though it could have been worse …”
“And probably was for poor Polly.”
Daphne almost choked. “Your maid?”
“Yes. I don’t know what happened – she wouldn’t tell me when I questioned her about it later – but he got her in a corner too, I know it. And with both sets of parents in the house too!”
“Have you told Elwood?”
“No, not that part. Just that Vernon is vile.”
“I think you should tell him.”
Dorcas nodded. “All right. He seemed fine with what I told him last night.”
“Then why are you still so nervous?”
Dorcas glanced over to the counter, where Birdie was still absent. “I don’t know. Maybe because I’ve never been away from home before, or because of the way I left. I feel as if I can never go back and … oh, Daph, it’s tearing me apart!” She fell into her friend’s arms and began to weep.
Birdie and Agatha came out of nowhere and were at her side within seconds. Neither said a word as all of Dorcas’ fear and frustration spilled from her eyes and lungs. Minutes passed – how many, she didn’t know – before the two other women stepped away and only Daphne was holding her. “I’m so sorry … hic … I didn’t mean to lose control like that …”
“Don’t be sorry,” Daphne consoled. “My goodness, I’m surprised you held it in this long.”
Dorcas smiled. “Me too.” She sniffed a few times and took the handkerchief Agatha offered. “Thank you.”
“Don’t worry, honey,” Agatha said. “You’ll do just fine.”
“Do you really think so?”
The old woman exchanged a look with Daphne and Birdie. “We know so.”
Chapter Ten
Several days later …
Elwood paced the front of his bookshop, the shelves now up and almost filled with merchandise. Marshal Gant had sent a note that he’d be in Noelle in a day or two, and Elwood could hardly contain his excitement!
Not only was he almost ready to open, but the wedding had been postponed a week, giving him more time to spend with Dorcas – and giving her a chance to have a wedding dress made. Plus, with the wedding now on the tenth of July, they’d have the big Fourth of July celebration out of the way, which was fine with him.
He went to the back of the shop and examined the back wall. Jack and Gus had done a fine job on it, and with days to spare, he could add a few finishing touches. But thoughts of his interview with Marshal Gant had his mind whirring with story ideas, and he’d spent much of his time jotting them down. He’d even shared some with Dorcas over the last few days. She listened attentively, but he wondered if she really cared. Was something else on her mind, or was it just disinterest?
What if she didn’t care about his work? He was a writer, and he hoped his wife would support him in his craft. But what if she thought it was silly, or that he couldn’t make a decent living off it? Granted, the whole point of investing in the silver mine was because he knew he’d need another source of income. But it was still a concern.
He returned to the storefront, hefted a stack of books off the counter and went to the nearest empty shelf. “Let’s see, history goes here …”
“Elwood?”
He jumped and dropped the books, one of them on his foot. “Ouch!”
“Are you all right?” Dorcas asked with concern as she entered the shop.
“Yes, yes, fine.” He snatched up the attacking volume – part of Dio Cassius’ Roman History. “I’m glad you’re here – I wanted to talk to you.”
Her concerned look changed to panic.
“No, no, nothing bad! Please don’t look at me like that.”
He set the books down and took her in his arms. “I know something’s still not settled.”
She stiffened, then leaned into him. “Elwood …”
He tightened his hold, not caring if anyone walked in and saw. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I … I feel so out of place.”
He drew away and cupped her face in his hand. “Darling, I understand. If … well, I understand.” He was about to tell her he’d left home under the same circumstances, but he’d planned on leaving his father’s business anyway. His arranged marriage to Gertrude had simply pushed him out faster. “Dorcas, it’s all right to feel this way. I’ve felt that way myself.”
“You have?”
“Every day in my father’s shipping business. I didn’t belong there. I belong here, with you, in a little town like this.”
She smiled. “You make it sound like destiny.”
“Precisely.” He kissed her cheek, suddenly noticing how she felt in his arms. He’d been so wrapped up in getting his shop and their living quarters ready, he sadly hadn’t taken the time to notice. He sighed – what was wrong with him?
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“No, I just realized I’m not.” He gazed into her eyes and let himself get lost. “Oh, Dorcas,” he whispered as his heart took over, “I’m sorry I haven’t been paying more attention to you the last few days.”
“What do you mean? We’ve seen each other every day.”
“Not like I’m seeing you now. It’s like … like I’m seeing you for the first time.”
A look of wonderment covered her face. “You’re a strange man, Elwood Hunter.”
“Perhaps. I’ve been so busy I forgot what’s most important.” He drew her closer. “Dorcas, have I told you you’re beautiful?”
She smiled. “Once.”
“Then I’ll say it again. You’re beautiful.” He ran his finger down her cheek and swallowed hard. “And I think we should get married.”
She blushed. “That’s good.”
He was fumbling for words as his chest warmed. She was beautiful, and she was about to be his. Maybe he should think less about Marshal Gant and more about his wedding – he didn’t have time for distractions.