“Me, too.” Priscilla paused and smoothed the folds of her yellow and black plaid taffeta skirt. “I-I’ve had another letter from Tobias.”
Her attention captured and anger deflected, Tabitha leaned toward her friend intent on hearing the missive’s contents. “Did her send for you?”
“Yes.” Suddenly, Priscilla’s face puckered as if she, too, might cry. “Oh, I don’t know what to do.”
“Prissy?” She leaned back to stare at her friend. “What do you mean? I thought you’d accepted his proposal.”
Tabitha was half in love with Tobias Baldwin herself. Already she knew they shared many interests. Priscilla had shared each of his letters, and Tabitha had assisted Priscilla in answering them. Assisted so much, the writing became Tabitha’s heartfelt missives to him.
“I was all set to leave, just as I said. But…oh, Tabbie, Virgil Allsup has finally spoken to Papa for me. If only Virgil had come forward sooner I never would have answered that mail order bride agency’s advertisement.” She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “You know I’ve yearned for Virgil ever so long. By now I thought he didn’t want me.”
“What are you going to do?” Tabitha knew what she’d do. In her way of thinking, a man who dragged his feet as Virgil had all these years couldn’t begin to measure up to Tobias as a husband.
“That’s just it. I-I accepted Virgil’s proposal.” She sobbed into her handkerchief.
Tabitha couldn’t help her own tear-filled eyes widening in surprise. “You’re engaged to two men? Prissy, that’s—“
“Unethical? I know.” Priscilla waved her handkerchief. “I think it’s even illegal. Breach of contract or something.” Priscilla met Tabitha’s gaze. “But don’t you see? This could be a solution for your problem.”
Tabitha sighed and shook her head. “I don’t think mine has a solution.”
“Since you hate living with David and Bertha, and you always thought so much of Tobias, maybe you’d like to take my place.” She chewed at her lip as she glanced at Tabitha.
“Me? Go to Texas and marry Tobias?” Incredulous as the idea sounded, already Tabitha’s mind considered the option. A fresh start? Marriage and a family with someone other than William Forsythe? Instead, with a man for whom she’d already developed tender feelings.
“Tabbie, I truly want to live near Mama and Papa and my sisters. You don’t have parents to anchor you. I know you hate your current situation, to say nothing of that awful William Forsythe’s lecherous attention.” Priscilla grabbed her hand. “This could be your answer.”
She pulled away to rub the back of her neck. “But…but what would Tobias think? I mean, you’re the one he’s fallen in love with. At least, your letters are.”
“And you’re the one who worded those letters. You’re the one he really wants. You’re the woman he believes me to be.”
“Don’t be daft. He wants Priscilla Witt. I’m certain he wouldn’t even send for me.” Already she wondered, though. Could she do it if he agreed? Could she tolerate Bertha, delay the wedding, and ward off Bertha’s odious brother until she heard from Tobias?
Priscilla stood and went to the small dark cherry desk against the opposite wall. She opened a side drawer and pulled out an envelope. “I received a ticket and travel money from him yesterday.”
She slid back on the sofa beside her friend. “Oh, Tabbie, I can’t leave Boston now that Virgil has finally spoken for me. But…well, Tobias sounds far too nice to disappoint. Please say you’ll take my place.”
Panic hit Tabitha hard. “You already have the ticket? Good heavens, Prissy. When were you supposed to leave?”
She didn’t delude herself about her prospects. Men her age of twenty-four considered her past marriage age and sought younger women. Only much older men mistakenly seeking a free housekeeper showed her attention—or worthless lechers like William. What should she do?
Bertha would see that David prevented her from taking Mama’s furnishings. Tabitha would be lucky to get escape at all. She recalled the manner in which her brother had lorded it over her as if he were her keeper her since the will’s reading. And he intended her to marry William in only a month. That knowledge fueled the appeal of Priscilla’s offer.
Priscilla leaned toward her. “I’m supposed to catch the train in a week. That would give you time, wouldn’t it? You only need to wait until your brother and his wife are away for a bit and then get away.”
“Well…we’re all supposed to go to Bertha’s parents’ next weekend to talk about wedding arrangements. Perhaps I could fake an illness. If I can keep her awful brother away.”
Priscilla thrust the envelope at her. “You can do it. I’m only sorry you won’t be here to be at my wedding.”
“And you wouldn’t be at my marriage.” She hesitated to accept the tickets. Could she break free as her friend suggested? Her hand clutched the neck of her dress. Shock, hope, and fear warred inside her.
Priscilla took Tabitha’s hand and curled her fingers around the envelope. “But if we each get what we want, that will be all right, won’t it?”
But would Tabitha be able to flee? And could she marry a stranger? She remembered the pawing from William and knew she could do almost anything to evade him and his sniping sister. Life as William’s wife would be a nightmare of slavery and servitude. Priscilla’s offer seemed the only solution.
“Perhaps you’re right, Prissy. This is my chance. I only hope I’ll be brave and clever enough to make my getaway.”
The following Friday, she and David were scheduled to leave work at noon. They’d planned to rush home and then, with Bertha, catch the train to visit Bertha’s parents in Medford. Tabitha feigned a violently upset stomach and stayed home from work, pleading she needed to rest up for the trip. Guilt alternated with anger that her brother’s highhandedness required this deception.
Between numerous trips to the privy, she confined herself to her room. Whenever she heard Bertha approach, she poked a finger in the back of her throat and forced herself to retch loudly into the chamber pot.
Near noon, Bertha opened her door. “How are you feeling? Ready for the trip to Mama and Papa’s?”
Tabitha clamped a hand on her abdomen. “I can’t possibly go feeling like this.”
Her sister-in-law tilted her head and appeared to assess Tabitha. “But we’re supposed to plan your wedding ceremony.”
She shook her head and tried to look as if in pain. “I’ll disgrace myself on the trip.” As if the though just occurred, Tabitha widened her eyes. “Your wedding was so lovely. Perhaps you could make the arrangements.”
Would God strike her dead for that bald-faced lie?
Bertha preened. “It was beautiful, wasn’t it? I think there are still some of the decorations stored in my parents’ attic.”
Tabitha lay back on the bed and waved her hand in dismissal. “Then you decide on everything. I’m sure whatever someone of your taste thinks is proper for the ceremony will be fine.” Because Tabitha would be elsewhere.
Appearing happy to be given carte blanche, Bertha backed toward the bedroom door. For the first time in months, Bertha sent Tabitha a smile. “Now you don’t worry about a thing. Mama and I will take care of planning all the details.”
Tabitha’s nerves were so taut actual nausea attacked her. “Thank you, Bertha. I knew I could count on you.”
Once she heard David and Bertha leave, she tiptoed to the window and watched them climb into the hansom cab. Not until the couple had driven away did Tabitha breathe a sigh of relief. The second their vehicle turned the corner, she flew into action.
By the next morning, Tabitha had worried so much about this day that genuine illness gripped her. The slightest noise sent her jumping out of her skin. She rechecked each room to be certain she’d readied everything she’d need.
Earlier that morning she’d stopped at the bank and then picked up last minute items for her trip. Obtaining the funds from David had caused a row, but she
’d pleaded needing things for her trousseau and new home. As much as she hated lies, she’d become expert at them.
Her packed trunks waited in her room. She’d listed her furnishings to differentiate them from those remaining at her former home. Now, she waited to check off each item as it went into the moving van.
She paced the floor, dreading yet eager for the time the movers arrived. Finally, a knock sent her rushing to the front door. Tabitha glanced toward the large hall clock she’d be taking with her. Eleven. Half an hour early for the van and men to appear.
When she opened the door, William leered at her. Dear heavens, her stomach churned and acid burned in her throat.
Not him. Not here. Not now.
“Why aren’t you at your parents’ with Bertha and David?”
“I thought I’d stop by and keep you company since you’re all alone and not feeling well.” He tried to push by her and gain entry.
She blocked him and quickly stepped onto the porch, pulling the door closed behind her. “Thank you, but I’m never lonely even when I’m alone.”
He frowned, as if trying to discern what she’d meant. “Where were you? I came by earlier but you were gone. I couldn’t imagine where you’d be when you’re supposedly too sick to go see my parents.” He appeared indignant that she’d caused him to make a second trip.
“Didn’t it occur to you I might have gone to see a doctor?” There, she hadn’t lied, merely misdirected.
“Hmph. You should ask me in.” He leaned closer. “After all, we’re betrothed.”
“I have an excellent memory. I have no intention of being alone with you after that last episode.” She narrowed her glare. “I see your eye has healed.” She crossed her arms.
He only increased his leering grin. “We’ll be married soon, Tabbie. What can a few weeks matter? You might as well start now getting over your missish ways.” He grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the door.
“Don’t call me Tabbie. Only my family and friends call me that.”
She resisted him and he swung her around so he was nearer the door. Long skirts hampered her legs, but she kicked out and connected with his shin.
“You’ll be sorry you did that when we’re inside.” He yanked her arm so hard she thought it would come loose from the socket.
Still she dug in her heels, resisting him with all her strength. “And you let go of me right now. I’m certainly not going inside with you.”
“We’ll see, won’t we? Now, Tabbie, you don’t want to make a scene and prove you need to be committed to an asylum, do you?” He reached for her other arm.
She grabbed the porch swing and hung on. This lecher knew about David’s threat. Her own brother was in league with this devil.
“Better the asylum than assaulted by you.” Kicking out again, she connected with his leg.
“You try something like that again and I’ll break your arm. The more you resist, the worse it will go for you inside.”
“Having trouble, Miss Masterson?”
Relief swept over her at the sight of her next door neighbor, Benjamin Harper, standing at the fence that separated their front yards. Never had she been so happy to see anyone. He held his walking stick like a club, as if ready to leap to her defense.
“Mr. Harper, I’m so pleased to see you. Mr. Forsythe was just leaving.” She jerked free of William and collapsed onto the swing. Heart pounding in her throat, she sent William a furious glare. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Forsythe?”
“Um, I’ll see you later.” Under his breath, he hissed, “I’ll leave, but I’ll be back when your nosy neighbor isn’t around. You haven’t heard the last of this.” He stomped off the porch and stalked away.
Her dapper neighbor gazed after William with distaste. “Don’t much care for that man.”
“Neither do I. and I had no intention of going into the house with him, but he is awfully strong. Thank you for your timely help.” She trembled inside yet wanted to scrub skin that felt unclean where William had grabbed her. She gulped down breaths and swallowed against the sour, bitter tang in her mouth. With white knuckles, she gripped the edge of the porch swing. Dear heavens, what would she have done without Mr. Harper?
“If you ever need me again, you just holler.” He turned toward his home.
“Mr. Harper?” Sighing, she pushed a stray lock of hair from her face.
He stopped and turned to face her again. “Yes?”
She rose and walked to the edge of the porch. “You and your wife have always been good friends to my family. I want you both to know how much I appreciate you. I-I might not should mention it, but I’m running away.”
Mr. Harper smiled at her, reminding her of her grandfather in better times. “I think at your age, dear, it’s just called leaving.”
She shook her head. “No, you see, I’m taking the furniture and dishes Mama gave me from Grandma. My new sister-in-law will be livid when she finds out. Bertha may even say I stole them, so I want you to know the truth.”
“I see.” And he nodded his head as if he truly did. “When are you leaving?”
“Movers are coming today, while my brother and his wife are visiting her parents for the weekend. By the time David and Bertha return, I’ll be gone.”
Mr. Harper looked the way William had gone. “Sounds like a wise plan. Where will you go?”
“West.” Saying it aloud brightened her spirits. “I’m going to Texas.”
Her neighbor pulled a face. “My, my, that will be quite a change. I wish you the best, Tabitha. Your dear grandparents would never approve of the way things stand now, nor would your parents. And I know that young man who just left means you
no good. I doubt his kind will give up easily.”
Mr. Harper shook his head. “Your father’s love for David blinded him to your brother’s faults. Not to speak ill of either man, mind you, but I know who really keeps the company afloat. Mark my words, without you the business will be in trouble within six months, if not before.”
“I hope you’re wrong. In spite of the change that’s come over him since his marriage, I don’t wish my brother harm.” Being married to Bertha created harm enough for any man.
“Nor do I, but facts are facts. You go on and make a fresh start. You deserve happiness away from the kind of problems that man who just left brings.”’
“Thank you, Mr. Harper. I intend to try.”
“If I hear anyone say anything against you, I’ll tell them otherwise.”
Mr. Harper walked away as a team pulling a large moving van turned the corner. Thank heavens they’d arrived after William left. With any luck, the packers would finish and she’d be away before William could slither his way back to this house.
That’s how she tried to think of the place—this house. Not her home. Not any longer. Now the house belonged to Bertha and David, and Tabitha’s recent time there had been misery. Even before her father died, Bertha had flaunted her position as mistress of the house.
And shoved William at Tabitha.
Tabitha shook her head. No point worrying about that now. She had a future to arrange.
She had requested a double crew of movers to speed up the process. A crowd of strong-looking men climbed from the van. She oversaw crating of her dishes in barrels of sawdust and straw to insure they wouldn’t break on the long journey. After working for a shipping company all this time, Tabitha knew exactly how packing should be accomplished to prevent breakage or damage. By the time all her belongings had been loaded onto the van except for those traveling with her, she was as relieved to be finished as the movers appeared.
Only minutes after they left, a hansom cab appeared on schedule. The driver loaded her trunks onto the back. She was about to climb into the carriage when she heard someone call her name.
Mrs. Harper rushed toward her with a package. “Tabitha, Mr. Harper told me your plans. I made up some food for your trip. If what I hear is correct, you never know when or what you’ll be able to eat.”
>
Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Harper. I’ll miss you and your husband.”
“Now, dear, you’ll be better off away from here. You’re a nice looking woman and a hard worker. Without your father discouraging beaus, you’ll be married in no time.” She hugged Tabitha then thrust the package into her arms.
The driver helped her into the hansom cab. Tabitha leaned out the window and waved goodbye to her kindly neighbor. She refused to look at her former home. Not that she thought she’d turn to salt like Lot’s wife in the Bible, but because she wanted to remember it from happier times.
When her grandparents were alive, the home was a happy home. When they died, Mama probably did her best, but the house had never regained the warmth her grandparents generated. Not a happy place like Priscilla’s, but well-managed and with occasional laughter. After Mama’s death, Papa smiled less and less until not at all. Perhaps he was happier now that he was with her again.
What awaited Tabitha? She clutched her purse that stored her ticket and Tobias’s last letter. She’d written a carefully worded wire she’d send him from the train station. What would he think?
What if he refused to marry a substitute bride? What if she hated Texas? What if he’d lied about his situation and disposition?
Not that she had to marry. She had her so-called salary to live on until she found a way to support herself. If things didn’t turn out as she hoped, she’d find another solution.
Like what?
Questions whirled in her head. Dear heavens, had she made a terrible mistake? Had she chosen a new beginning or a horrible ending?
Chapter Three
Tobias Baldwin clutched the wire in his hand and reread it for the hundredth time. His heart had sunk to his boots when he’d received the telegram. Depression enveloped him again every time he saw or thought about the sorry message. Damned if he didn’t feel the fool for even dreaming he’d find a wife.
The scarcity of available women in Radford Springs and Radford County had prompted him to write for a mail order bride. He should have known that at thirty and the tallest man with the broadest shoulders of any in the county, he was destined to be a life-long bachelor. But he longed for a companion to share his life, for children to carry on the ranch and his name.
Tabitha's Journey Page 2