A Bride For Gideon

by Caroline Clemmons

  “So you don’t just kill each husband? How many people have you killed?”

  Ella’s face contorted in an evil grimace. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Be still and let me finish this. Quit wasting my time.” She lunged.

  Keira grabbed for Ella’s arm but received a stab in her shoulder. “You can’t win this, Ella. Give up.”

  This time she was able to grab each of Ella’s arms.

  Even though shorter, Ella was incredibly strong. “Never. They’re not locking me in an asylum. I’ve been there and they’re worse than any prison could be.”

  The two wrestled and Keira got her to the floor. She straddled her foe’s waist and wrested the knife from her. She tossed the knife onto the table where it slid but stopped short of falling. Blood loss left her dress soaked and her growing dizzy. She had to keep Ella from escaping. What could she do?

  Keira ripped the ruffle from her petticoat while Ella pounded on her. She twisted the fabric strip to make it stronger and used the substitute rope to tie Ella’s wrists together. Keira flipped Ella to her stomach and sat on her back. She repeated the process to tie the woman’s feet together. Ella continued wriggling trying to free herself.

  One more time and she’d tied Ella so that her knees were bent with her ankles behind her. Keira ran out of petticoat fabric and used strips of her skirt. The cloth rope securing her ankles looped through each of her elbows and tied to her legs.

  Tied as she was, Ella resembled a human pretzel. The killer was unable to do more than writhe on the floor and curse. Keira thought of stuffing a towel in the woman’s mouth, but she was too tired and dizzy.

  Ignoring the killer’s screeches, Keira needed to lie down. She’d just rest here on the floor a bit until the dizziness passed and then she’d go for help. With her head pillowed on her arms, she closed her eyes.

  Chapter Thirty One

  Gideon looked up from the anvil and saw the sheriff running his way.

  Jim waved and yelled, “See to your wife.”

  Gideon tossed his tools aside and ran toward his house. Once inside, he saw Keira lying on the floor in a pool of blood. He raced to her and cradled her in his arms. She was pale but breathing.

  From a few feet away, Ella stared at him. “I warned her you and I belonged together but she wouldn’t listen. Look what she’s done to me.”

  He stood with Keira in his arms. “Ella Price, if Keira doesn’t recover, I’ll kill you.”

  Jim rushed into the room. “I didn’t hear that, Gideon. I see your wife took care of the escaped prisoner. Mighty fine job of hogtying from a Scottish woman. Doc is on his way. I figured one of them would need medical care.”

  Gideon carried Keira to their bedroom. He threw back the cover and laid her on the white sheets she’d sewn for their bed. Her fiery hair splayed across the pillow to the flowers she’d so skillfully embroidered above the crocheted lace edging.

  She’d hate it but he ripped away her bodice and tossed it aside. She had a gash on each arm but the stab wound to her right shoulder appeared the most serious. He used pieces of the bodice to staunch the blood.

  She had three serious injuries and he only had two hands. He tried wrapping each arm in a piece of the bodice. He’d need more fabric for bandages.

  That’s when he noticed the bottom of her skirt had been torn away. Her petticoat appeared to be gone as well. Of course. He’d been so upset at seeing his beloved wife like this that his mind hadn’t processed she’d tied Ella or how.

  Doctor Norton rapped on the door before he entered and called, “Everyone all right?”

  Relief surged through Gideon. “In the bedroom. Keira needs your help.”

  The doctor entered and set his bag on the floor. “Have to stop that bleeding first. You know what happened?”

  Gideon’s anger at the woman colored his speech, “That witch Ella Price happened. There was a knife on the table and it didn’t look like one of ours.”

  Doc opened his bag and retrieved several items. “Get me some hot water and several clean cloths as quickly as you can. Before Jim takes it as evidence, bring me that knife so I can see what else it’s been used for.”

  He went into the kitchen to get the items the doctor requested. Jim and his deputy were untying Ella’s legs so she could walk. They’d stuffed a towel into her mouth.

  Jim nodded at him. “This time, she’s going to jail where she’ll be locked inside until the prisoner wagon come to take her to the asylum.”

  “Doc wants to see the knife before you take it to see if it’s dirtied by something.”

  Jim shook his head. “I wouldn’t put anything past her but I don’t think she had the time. Still, it’s a Bowie knife and no telling where it’s been. She got it by hitting a man with a brick. It’s a wonder he didn’t get more than a cut and a lump on the head. I’ll be back later to get that knife.”

  Ella struggled as the two men dragged her out the door.

  Gideon stared at the bloody footprints made by the three and himself. Then, he surveyed the amount of blood where he’d found Keira. He had to sit in a chair and put his head between his knees.

  Moving like an automaton in a sideshow, he forced himself to stand and gather the items doc requested. Hot water in a pitcher, two pans, kitchen towels, and the knife. Carrying it was a problem, but he balanced his way to the bedroom.

  When he arrived, the doctor focused all his attention on stitching Keira’s left arm.

  Gideon set down his load. “I thought the shoulder wound was the most serious.”

  “It’s bad enough but this slash cut through her radial artery. I hope she doesn’t lose use of her fingers.”

  “No, doc, tell me she won’t do that. She does such fine needlework, embroidery like these pillowcases, crochet like the lace edge on them, knitting me a sweater, and sewing things for her and our home. She’d be miserable if she couldn’t do those things.”

  Doctor Norton met his gaze. “Son, she’s alive. She’s lost a lot of blood. Much longer with the amount she was losing and she would have bled out. You saw it in the war, you know it can happen quickly.”

  “Aye, I do and there’s enough blood in the kitchen that I almost passed out when I realized it all came from Keira. She’ll take a while to recover from this, won’t she?”

  He moved to the other arm and prepared it for stitching. “She’ll need beef broth and rest for a couple of weeks except for gentle exercises when she’s better.”

  The sound of footsteps racing down the hall preceded Orla rushing into the room’s doorway. “I saw the sheriff and deputy go by with Ella. I was sure they came from here.”

  She came near the bed. “Oh my stars, Keira.” Her gaze met Gideon’s. “She looks so pale, almost like…” She grabbed the bedstead as if she needed support. “Tell me what happened.”

  “I don’t know much. Keira was unconscious when I found her. Ella escaped from the hotel and obtained a knife by hitting some poor man with a brick. She came here and stabbed Keira before Keira bested her.”

  Orla gestured to the bloody rags on the floor. “Oh, and that was the new dress she made.”

  “She’d already torn strips from it and her petticoat to twist into makeshift rope to tie Ella. She had her hogtied, too. She’s a clever woman to manage all that while she was so badly injured.”

  Orla asked, “What can I do to help, Doctor Norton?”

  Gideon held up his hand. “Don’t… don’t go into the kitchen, sister.”

  The doctor didn’t glance up from his work. “Nothing now but Keira will need looking after for some time. She’ll need beef broth as soon as she’s awake, nothing hard to digest. Broth and water and tea are best.”

  “I’ll start some right now.” She turned to leave the room.

  “Orla, no, don’t go in there yet.” Gideon reached for her but he was too late.

  Orla screeched before she asked, “I-I-Is all this blood Keira’s?”

  He stood with hands braced on his hips. “Yes, blast
that evil Ella’s hide, Ella was fine except for being tied. She was cursing so much Jim stuffed a towel into her mouth.”

  “I saw that much. She was trying to get away as the two men dragged her past our house. They stopped and the sheriff threw her over his shoulder and headed for… I guess for the jail.”

  Gideon grimaced. “Right, Jim said he’s not taking a chance on her escaping again before the prisoner wagon arrives to take her to the asylum. I don’t know how she escaped but I wager she won’t be able to again.”

  “I sure hope not. First thing for me to do is start cleaning this kitchen. Keira would hate seeing it like this.”

  Gideon held his sister’s shoulders. “I know she would, but I’ll clean this mess before she can see this sight.”

  “No, you sit with her and I’ll start some broth and then get to clearing up this horrible mess. The tracks are all over the room and I’ll bet into the bedroom.”

  Gideon rubbed the back of his neck. “Probably, for I wasn’t mindful when I picked her up and carried her to our bed.”

  “How could you be? I don’t think the sheriff and deputy were careful either but they took that devil woman out of here.” She rose on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Go take care of your sweet wife.”

  Gideon gratefully complied. He’d send word to Mark Walker asking him to come in tomorrow. For now, the smithy was closed.

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Three days later, Keira sat up in bed drinking another cup of broth. “I’d love some real food.”

  Orla smiled and rocked on her heels. “Take that up with Dr. Norton. I follow his directions.”

  “Thank you, Orla. You are so kind to look after me.”

  “Gideon has looked after you until today. I checked in but he insisted he take care of you. Besides, you looked after me when I’d been poisoned. How is this different?”

  “Well, you were poisoned from our sugar bowl, which made me an accomplice even though I didn’t know I was. I still feel bad about that.”

  “Don’t. Now that you’ve downed the delicious broth, drink all of the tea.”

  “Has Darren ever hinted you’re a nag?”

  “Of course not, because I often remind him not to dare suggest such a thing.” Orla laughed.

  “You always make me feel better. If we could bottle your laughter, we could make a fortune selling it as a patent medicine.”

  Gideon arrived. “Keira, you’re sitting up. I can’t tell you how happy seeing that makes me.” He sat on the bed and reached for his wife’s hand. “What are you two gossiping about?”

  She entwined their fingers. “Just being silly. Did you have a hard day?”

  “Not very, but I was swamped with explanations about what happened. Lots of people stopped by to ask about you.”

  Orla hugged her brother’s shoulders. “I’m going home to my own love. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  Gideon looked into Keira’s eyes. “You are my love, Keira. I’m sorry I hadn’t told you sooner. I was afraid of what you’d say.”

  “Gideon Ross, you’re my love, too, and you’re not afraid of anything.”

  He moved to cuddle next to her. “Wrong. I feared losing you. When I saw you lying on the floor, I thought I had.” He cupped her face with his hand. “Thank heavens I was wrong.”

  “Tell me what’s happened while I’ve been lounging in bed.”

  “A lot. I hate to tell you, but Ella hanged herself in her cell. She made strips from her petticoat and twisted them into a rope.”

  She laid her hand at her throat. “Oh no, I guess she learned that from me.”

  He shook his head then kissed her fingers. “She’d done the same with the hotel sheets to climb down from the window and escape.”

  She sighed as if in relief. “Whew, I’m glad I didn’t teach her that trick. She told me she’d been in an asylum before and it was worse than prison. She said she wasn’t going back.”

  “I reckon she meant it. Jim learned she’d killed three people in Kansas when she escaped from an asylum there. She’d been committed by her parents, both of whom she managed to kill after she escaped and before she left that area.”

  “What a sad life she must have had and created for herself. I wonder what made her the way she was.”

  “I can’t say but I’m glad she’s out of our lives.”

  “Me, too, but I’m sorry she took her own life. She was truly insane.” She gave a slight shiver.

  He kissed her fingertips again. “Now, let’s get back to you telling me how much you adore me.”

  “You must have known, husband. I was afraid to say it plain for fear you wouldn’t be able to say the same. I’ve overcome my feelings of rejection but I wouldn’t be able to bear up if you rejected me.”

  “My precious love, there’s no chance of that. From the time I saw you step off the stage I realized how fortunate I am. When you went to so much trouble to insure my comfort, I knew you were my true soul mate. You’re a more perfect wife than I ever dreamed I’d find. If I searched the world, I couldn’t have found better. I bless Alec for working as go-between.”

  “I was right and you have been to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone.”

  He pretended to growl. “No more talk of Irishmen. I’ll show you the kisses I prefer.”

  Though still pale from blood loss, his beautiful bride’s laughter brought peace to his heart.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  Keira rushed to the smithy. “Guess what I just learned?”

  He paused and smiled at her. “Don’t ask me to guess, love, just tell me.”

  “Mr. Forbes wants to sell the Mercantile. Shouldn’t we wire Alec?”

  Gideon put down his hammer. “Yes, right away. Do you know if anyone else is interested in buying?”

  “I’m sure not. I was in there shopping when I told him he looked tired and asked if anything was wrong. He said he’s ready to retire if he knew someone who would buy the store and keep it in good condition.”

  “You told him about Alec’s mother-in-law dying and him wanting to move here?”

  “I only said my cousin might be interested and asked his permission to pass the information on to Alec. He looked relieved and asked me to please do so.”

  Gideon picked her up and whirled her around. “Wonderful. Perhaps we can get the Fraser family here.” He set her on her feet. “I hope I didn’t upset the baby. Do you suppose he or she got dizzy?”

  She pressed her protruding stomach where, inside, little feet were busy exercising. “Apparently enough to kick up a storm. I suppose he or she could be laughing and asking for more.”

  He encircled her with his arms and placed his hands over hers. “I love to feel our child growing inside you.”

  She rested her head against his chest. “You’ll be such a good father and I’ll be the best mother I can be. Certainly I’ll be happy not to be the size of an elephant.”

  He kissed her neck. “You’re the most beautiful elephant I’ve ever seen. Do you feel well enough to go wire Alec? If not I will, but a customer’s expecting this today.”

  “Definitely I can take care of the telegram. What should I say?”

  “Owner of local mercantile ready to sell to right buyer. Are you interested? If so contact Warren Forbes, Haverhill Mercantile.”

  She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

  He pulled her close. “We can do better than that.” He pressed his lips to hers.

  She clung to him. After a year of marriage and being seven months’ pregnant, his kisses still set her tingling all the way to her toes. When he broke the embrace, she caressed his face. “I’ll see you for supper.”

  Striding as briskly as possible for a woman as pregnant as she was, she walked to the telegrapher in the stage office. Once she’d sent the wire, she strolled home, feeling optimistic all of her family might soon be in Haverhill. Before going to her own home, she stopped to see Orla.

  Orla answered the door with her baby
’s head on her shoulder as she patted his back. “You look excited. Come in.”

  She took the baby from Orla. “How’s wee Gavin this morning?”

  The other woman beamed. “A perfect child, of course. I’m so blessed to have him. Tell me what has you so lively.”

  Keira told her about the store and her cousin. “I hope he’ll let us know one way or the other or I’ll be dying of curiosity.”

  “Darren will be excited to hear this news.” She laughed. “Finally I’ll be able to tell him something he hasn’t already heard.”

  Orla took the baby from her and put him in his cradle. “Each time I see this, I’m pleased Gideon built this cradle for Gavin. He did lovely work.”

  “Loving craftsmanship for certain. He’s making one similar for our baby.”

  “I’m so eager for the time to pass so we both have babies.”

  She couldn’t keep her information a secret. “Dr. Norton surprised me this morning. He’s now certain he hears two strong heartbeats. Can you imagine? I’m having twins in two months.”

  “No wonder you’re so enthused today. Did you tell Gideon?”

  Keira wanted to run back to the smithy. “Not today. He knows there’s a possibility. He’s making a second cradle for us but I think he’s afraid to show me the second one in case one of the babies doesn’t live.”

  Orla gave an eye roll. “That’s a Scotsman for you. They’re not an optimistic bunch, are they?”

  “I wouldn’t change a thing about mine nor, do I think, would you.”

  “We are lucky, aren’t we? Let’s presume your cousin is coming. Is Mr. Forbes selling his home, too?”

  Keira shook her head and smiled wistfully. “He said he wants to sit by his fire and play with his grandchildren. That does sound nice for him after over forty years of working in a store in Tennessee and owning one both there and here. I take that to mean he’s staying in Haverhill.”

  “I haven’t seen Alec since I was about eighteen. I remember he was handsome and has red hair.”