Herding the Hellions

by Danni Roan

  “You know you can stay here,” Violet said. “Chance isn’t trying to rush you down the aisle that fast.”

  Together both women smiled. That was exactly what Mr. Redburn was trying to do, but the man’s attitude had improved over the last week.

  “I’m afraid my faith in Mr. Redburn’s ability to make this match, at least for me, is somewhat less than confident,” Helena said. “I can see that he’s a good man,” she continued, “and that he wants to do his best for all of us, but I don’t have the time to wait for him. That’s why I need your help.”

  “What do you need me to do?” Violet asked. She couldn’t argue with Helena’s assessment of Chance. As much as she knew already that she was half in love with the man herself, she had experienced several moments where she didn’t know if she wanted to kiss him or wring his neck.

  “I need you to help me convince Mr. Redburn that this is the best option.”

  Violet nodded rising from the chair behind the desk and making her way to Helena. “You’re sure this is what you want to do?”

  “Yes,”

  “What about love?” Violet finally asked. “Don’t you want a marriage where you can love the man you’re with?”

  Helena sighed. Didn’t everyone want that? “Yes, but I also know that those three boys need someone to love them, and that my father deserves a comfortable home to live out his years. Perhaps in time Mr. Pennington and I may grow to love each other, but at this point I don’t think it is that important.”

  Violet squeezed Helena’s hand. “All right. If you’re sure, I’ll do all I can to help,” she said with a smile. “If you were one of the younger girls, I might worry, but I know you’ve been running your own household for some time and believe that you know what you’re getting into.”

  Helena rose hugging Violet. “Wish me luck,” she said then turned, stepping out the door with a determined lift of her chin.

  “Wait, what do you mean that Miss Hebert is determined to marry Agi?” Chance asked running his hands through his sun-bronzed hair.

  “I mean that she hopes to be wed within a few days,” Violet said.

  “Why Agi?” Chance asked. “Didn’t she like the other man I chose for her? They seemed well suited based on my information.”

  Violet bit her lip to stop the outburst of laughter that threatened. “She seems to think that Mr. Pennington is the man for her,” Violet said simply. “It seems that he can provide all that she is looking for in a mate.”

  Chance ran a hand through his mussed hair one more time. “Well Agi’s business is doin’ good,” the former cowboy turned matchmaker agreed. “He’s got a fine house, and she won’t want for anything, but those boys…” he finished.

  “What about those boys?” Violet asked knowing something was left unsaid.

  “Well they can be a handful,” Chance admitted.

  Violet giggled. “That seems to be a given with those of your gender.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Chance asked suspiciously.

  “Nothing, just that as a teacher, I met a few rambunctious boys in my time, a few who didn’t seem to know what was good for them as well.” She added with a significant glance his way. She knew that Chance’s aunt had wanted her to come to work for her as an assistant in the match making business, but Aunt Viola had also had plans for her own nephew’s happiness, which involved Violet as the perfect match.

  “Well, does she have to rush?” Chance asked, feeling a little annoyed that the other woman hadn’t come to speak to him directly. “I mean maybe she should wait a bit longer.”

  “Her father will be here in three days, and I believe that both she and Mr. Pennington will be happy to have the matter settled by then. “Besides, where will Mr. Hebert stay? All of the rooms are taken.”

  Chapter 10

  Agi walked along the street feeling Miss Hebert’s hand on his arm. It was soft and warm and sent a tingle to his chest.

  She had dressed in a soft lilac colored gown that set off the fire in her dark hair, and she smelled of springtime flowers and baby’s-breath. Over all Miss Hebert was a lovely woman, and he couldn’t deny the fact that she sparked something in him that he thought he had stamped out long ago.

  Rehearsing the words he wanted to say for the hundredth time in his head he paused turning toward the young woman.

  “Miss Hebert,” he said even as she spoke.

  “Mr. Pennington,” Helena said smiling as they talked over each other and making her dark eyes sparkle. “I’m sorry, you continue.”

  “No, you speak,” he said.

  Helena shook her head only to open her mouth as his words tumbled out.

  “I think we should marry,” Agi blurted, wanting to kick himself for his bluntness. No young woman, even one who was fairly well ‘on the shelf’ at her age, wanted such a blunt proposal.

  “I agree,” Helena said.

  “I mean,” Agi continued. “We seem comfortable enough, and my boys and my business both need the attention they deserve. What?” he stammered to a stop as her words sunk in.

  “I said I agree,” Helena spoke. “Perhaps it is a bit soon, but you and I have a shared need and in my mind that is a good enough foundation for marriage. I’m no longer a girl who has just come out with her eyes full of starry dreams of romance. I’d much rather be settled and know my father has a home,” she finished with a soft smile.

  Agi looked down into her dark eyes seeing the honesty and openness of Miss Hebert’s soul. Her lips were parted slightly as she gazed up at him, and he suddenly wanted to kiss her. She was exactly what he needed and could set his home in order. He didn’t need to love her: she only sought security and a home.

  Leaning forward, Agi brushed her lips with his, only to be interrupted by a soft mumble from behind them reminding him they were not alone.

  “I hope that means we’re engaged,” Helena said her voice a mere whisper as her heart fluttered. She had never been kissed, and the jolt that had zoomed through her body made her head buzz. Was this why people enjoyed kissing so much?

  “If you’ll agree then I think we are,” Agi said taking her hand in his. “I’ll buy you a ring in the morning,” he added feeling the warmth of her fingers as they rested in his rough hand. “You won’t want for anything,” he said finding that he meant it.

  Sucking in a deep breath to clear his head Agi placed Helena’s hand back on his arm and turned toward Miss Viola’s home. “Would you like to make the announcement or should I?” he finished.

  “I think perhaps we should settle on the details first then we can let the others know,” Helena admitted.

  “Gonna take more than planning,” a craggy voice grumbled from behind them as Mrs. Worthington hurried to keep up.

  Agi walked Helena onto the front porch of the house escorting her to a small bench by the door.

  “Well I saw you two home that’s good enough for me,” the old woman said. “I reckon you’ll manage without me from here on out.”

  Helena grinned as she watched the old woman totter down the street. “She doesn’t seem to enjoy our company very much,” Helena said showing a rare glimpse of her sense of humor.

  Agi nodded surprised at the woman’s grin. “When do you think we could wed?” he finally asked, his mind turning back to his plan.

  “My father will be here on Wednesday,” Helena said. “I believe that Thursday or Friday would be acceptable. I’m not looking for anything special Mr. Pennington,” she admitted turning to study his face as he stood before her. “I will do all I can to be a good wife and mother to you and your boys.”

  Agi swallowed hard, at the word wife. He didn’t want a wife, but he had little choice in the matter. No one would watch his boys anymore, and they needed someone to help them along.

  “I’ll speak to Chance,” he said, “or would you rather me wait on your Pa?”

  Helena shook her head. “There is no need to wait on my father,” she said, her voice full of a tolerant affection.
“He’ll go along with whatever I choose.”

  Agi smoothed his raven hair with a hand, but only nodded. “What do we do now?” he asked.

  “I believe we announce that we’re engaged,” Helena said standing and taking his arm as they headed for the door.

  Chapter 11

  “How do I look Beans?” Mr. Hebert asked as he stomped into the kitchen of the big house fastening his tie. His large feet made heavy slapping sounds on the hard floor as he forced his knees and ankles to do their jobs.

  “You look right smart for a fella that just got off the train yesterday,” Beans said, a twinkle in his dark eyes.

  “I’m just happy to be here in time to walk my daughter down the aisle,” Henry said, examining his suit in the reflected image of the window.

  “You all right with your daughter marrin’ a fella you don’t even know?” Beans asked as he finished washing the last dish and poured a cup of coffee for himself and Mr. Hebert.

  “Helena knows what she’s doing,” Henry said. “She’s always had a good head on her shoulders. Took after her mother that way,” he said settling his tall frame into a chair, and smoothing his gray temples with a gnarled hand.

  “Well between you me and the walls here,” Beans said taking a seat, “Agi’s a mighty good man, but he’s kinda’ lost his way in recent years. Alls he does is work and…” the old cook hesitated for a minute then continued, “and the boys of his are getting’ plumb wild.”

  “You don’t say,” Henry said leaning forward with interest. “My wife and I only ever had Helena, so I don’t know much about boys.”

  “Well you just keep an eye on them or they’ll burn the place down around you, or some such,” Beans said. “I don’t know if your girl knows what she’s signed on for, but I’m glad you’ll be there to lend a hand.”

  Henry looked at Beans inquisitively. He’d arrived the night before by rail to find that his daughter planned on marrying her match the very next day. He had been introduced to Mr. Redburn and Beans and reacquainted himself with the ladies who he had traveled with so amicably a few short weeks before.

  The entire scheme of things seemed a wonder to him, and he had been busy discussing the business with Mr. Redburn, an upstanding young man if he had ever met one and the young ladies under his care. Henry thought that the scientific application of detail information about both parties involved in the matching was rather astute actually though Miss Violet did not agree.

  Henry really couldn’t say himself what made a good marriage. He had counted himself a blessed man in his own match. His wife had been the best thing that had happened to him. She always seemed to know just what to do when troubles came.

  “I reckon I’d better step into my Sunday go to meetin’ duds,” Beans said finishing his coffee, as Mr. Hebert slipped into deep contemplation. “Then we’ll head over to the church to see how the bride’s getting’ along.”

  Beans tapped on the door of the small room at the back of the church. “You bout ready Miss Helena,” he called. “I brung your pa.”

  The door opened and Violet waved the two men inside.

  “Don’t you look a sight!” Beans said his bushy eyebrows trying to merge with his hairline.

  “You look beautiful,” Henry agreed looking at his daughter.

  Helena smiled shaking her head. “I can’t believe you brought mother’s wedding dress with you,” she said hurrying to her father and kissing his cheek. “I never expected anything like it,” she finished looking down at the soft lace covered confection she wore. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Henry grinned. “I knew your mother would want you to wear it,” he said.

  Helena nodded. “You know you don’t have to walk me down the aisle if you aren’t up to it,” she said kindly. “Mr. Redburn offered if you’re feeling badly after the train ride.”

  “No, I’ll do this,” Henry said. “I only have one daughter to give away, and I aim to do it.”

  “Sounds like they’s about ready for us,” Beans said sniffing and wiping his nose on an enormous handkerchief.

  Before Helena was even aware of it, she was walking slowly down the aisle on her father’s arm only to come to a stop in front of Mr. Pennington who seemed not to be able to take his eyes off of her.

  Agi looked up as the music started playing, his mind running through the million and one things he needed to get done today. Behind him on the nearest pew, he could hear his boys bickering, and he hoped they wouldn’t make a scene on his wedding day. He had promised them all an extra slice of cake if they would behave during the ceremony.

  Turning he gazed down the aisle where a distinguished older gentleman stepped out awkwardly with the most beautiful woman Agi had ever seen on his arm.

  Blinking to bring the vision into sharper focus, Agi gaped at Miss Hebert in the soft willowy gown of satin and ecru lace.

  Helena’s stomach quivered and she wished Violet hadn’t pulled her corset so tight. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t stop staring at Mr. Pennington, who stood before her in a dark suit, his pitch black hair neatly trimmed and combed into place as his blue eyes seemed to drink her in.

  The preacher began to speak and only with his prompting did Helena seem able to speak as she went through the motions of becoming a wife. Her mind seemed filled with fluff as she tried to remind herself that she was marrying this man out of practicality, not romance.

  After her meeting with the widows the night before where they had explained about what happened between a man and a woman joined in holy matrimony while they modified the dress she now wore, Helena thought she should be nervous. Instead, she was excited about this new start, and the way that Augusta was looking at her made her feel like she was a special gift just for him.

  “You may now kiss the bride” the preacher said, the words a gentle hum in her ears as Agi leaned toward her.

  “Kiss her Pa, Kiss her!” a boy’s voice sang out loud and clear across the church.

  Helena never even heard the sharp reprimand that followed as Agi placed his lips over hers and the world disappeared.

  Loud whoops, and whistles, broke the kiss and Helena turned on Agi’s arm to face the congregation.

  Still bewildered by the effect of the ceremony and the kiss, she barely noted four of the widow’s hauling three riotous boys through the side door.

  The following reception was a whirlwind of food, music, and congratulations as Agi and Helena were welcomed to the community as a couple.

  Helena smiled so much with each hand shake that her face was starting to hurt as the Penella brothers began to play and Agi pulled her onto the dance floor.

  From the corner of her eye, Helena saw her father surrounded by the three boys who were now her own sons, and she smiled, certain that everything would come together without a hitch.

  Henry watched his daughter in the arms of a stranger as together the bride and groom took a turn around the dance floor. His little girl was smiling, and he felt that all was right with the world.

  A boy of about eight stepped up to him his blue eyes inquisitive. “Are you my grandpa now?” the boy asked running a crisp white sleeve under his nose.

  “I believe I am,” Henry said with a grin. As a younger boy led yet another one closer.

  “I’m Ryan,” the oldest said, “and this here is Albert and Tim.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you,” Henry said extending a bent hand.

  “What’s wrong with your hands?” the boy asked petulantly.

  “Doc says I’ve got the arthritis,” Henry said not put off at all by the boy’s tone.

  “You gonna live at our house now?” the younger boy Albert asked as the third one toddled over and climbed onto Henry’s lap.”

  “I am,” Henry confirmed.

  Ryan looked at Albert and grinned. “That’ll be fun,” he said. “Hey grampa, pull my finger,” he added struggling to keep his face calm as the old man grasped his index finger and tugged. />
  The sound of Ryan rifting echoed across the hall as the music came to a halt, and the boys collapsed in fits of laughter at the old gag.

  Henry Hebert looked at the two older boys now rolling on the floor and grinned. He’d have to watch out and not fall for that one again.

  “Ryan Pennington you get yourself off that floor this very minute,” Mrs. Worthington chided. “Shame on you, doing such a thing at your own father’s wedding.”