“Who is shooting?” Her hands shook.
“Come, sit down.” He led her to the sofa and sat down next to her. “We have gray wolves that attack the livestock. Those wolves have become a big problem.”
“I want my gun, and you do have a shotgun inside the house, don’t you?”
“I think we have enough men protecting the ranch—”
Her eyes grew wide. “I want to be able to protect myself. I’d like a pistol and a shotgun. Oh, and extra ammunition.”
“You absolutely certain you know how to use a shotgun?”
Her jaw dropped as she continued to stare at him. “Of course I know how! Who do you think killed all those—” She put her hand over her mouth and shook her head. She took a few deep breaths and then dropped her hand. “Like I said I need to be able to protect myself.”
Who had she killed? He shook his head. Now wasn’t the time to ask. “Fine, when we get back from town tomorrow you can show me that you know how to load and shoot.”
“But—”
“I want to be sure you won’t shoot your foot off. If there is a problem, I’ll teach you. You’re right, it’s still dangerous these days.”
Her shoulders seem to relax. “I want the root cellar filled with provisions too. It’s empty except for a few lamps and oil.”
“That’s a good idea. Don’t worry, we can get anything you need in town. I want you to feel safe here.”
She nodded and then was silent, but he could tell her mind was whirling.
Later that night she lay as stiff as a board next to him. He didn’t expect anything but maybe putting his arm around her, but he didn’t dare.
* * *
Another sleepless night behind her. Georgie stared at herself in the mirror. Where had the carefree girl she used to be gone? So much had happened, and she’d had nightmares once in a while, but ever since the first whip of the crop, she felt different. She’d faced hell before, and it had made her stronger. This time it had the opposite effect, and she didn’t like the ninny she’d become.
Was it because she’d thought all her torturous times were behind her once she married Parker? She’d allowed herself to let her guard down, and she couldn’t allow that to happen again. She couldn’t afford to. Too bad she’d have to wait until they got back from town; she’d have felt better with a gun in her hand. After grimacing in the mirror, she picked up her bonnet from the bed and hurried down the stairs.
Sondra sat on the sofa looking bored while Parker watched Georgie come down the stairs. He smiled at her, and if she’d had one to give back, she would have.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes. What was the name of the town again?”
“It’s called Spring Water. The story is that the original group looking for a place to settle ended up going in circles. One of the men started a fight with the guide by saying ‘all you’ve done is lead us to this same Spring Water.’ It stuck.” He opened the door for her.
“He mustn’t have been a very bright guide. If you follow the movement of the sun you can figure out what direction you’re heading. What about the rest of the people in the group? Didn’t they notice sooner?”
Parker chuckled. “I guess I never gave it much thought.”
She walked outside. “Is it always so hot in Texas?”
“No, not in the winter.” Parker lifted her onto the wagon.
She used her handkerchief to dab at the perspiration forming on her brow. Tennessee was hot too. Out of sorts was how she truly felt. Nothing seemed right from her head to her shoes. She looked out at the horizon and immediately felt grateful to God for a good life. Her irritation ebbed. She was just fine compared to many. She even had a dress that was pretty.
“You should put your bonnet on. That sun can be harsh,” Parker said as he drove the wagon.
The bonnet was pretty too. It was a light blue with a bit of lace framing it. “Thank you for the clothes you bought for me. I would have felt apprehensive going to town with one of my old dresses.” Her heart felt lighter. It was as though God had taken some of her problems and put them on His shoulder.
“There will be a blockade when we get close to Spring Water. They don’t allow guns in town. They’ll ask why we’re there.”
“Why would they care?” She shook her head.
“I think the Yankees are nosey.” He grinned. “I guess they want to show us who’s in charge.”
“I avoided going into town back home,” she admitted quietly. “Back in Tennessee, I mean. I was harassed too much, and I couldn’t stand it. I was lucky to find a neighbor who was taking his family to Independence, Missouri. I just had to help with the chores. His wife was ailing from a broken heart. She lost three sons in the war. There were so many wagons, horses, and people just walking, heading to Independence. I think they all wanted to start over out West. There were too many people who looked half-starved, and I wish I could have given some a ride or food, but it wasn’t mine to give. Besides, we had meager supplies as it was.”
Turning her head, she saw a look of wonder on Parker’s face.
“Don’t think I’m saintly or anything,” she added quickly. “If it came down to me or them, I’d have picked me. I went hungry plenty of times, and I know it’s a bad choice to give your food away.”
“You have a good heart, Georgie.”
Pretending not to hear him, she pointed to the town. “Oh, it’s bigger than I imagined. Tell me what’s there.”
“The usual. A sheriff’s office, a general store, a bank. You’ll see.”
“Don’t forget the Kingsman Restaurant Sondra talked about. Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t mean for you to spend money on me. If we could just get supplies for the root cellar, that would be more than enough.”
He stopped the wagon in front of the wooden blockade. Three Union Soldiers leaned against the wood with their rifles aimed at Parker and Georgie.
She wanted to get out and run the other way. She’d had more than enough of the war. For some reason she’d thought they’d have less Yankees in Texas. She closed her eyes as her body began to tremble, then she clasped her hands to keep them still. She opened her eyes again and gave the soldiers a faint smile.
One of the men in the blue uniform pushed off from the blockade and walked to her side of the wagon. He boldly looked her up and down.
“Ma’am, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before.”
“She’s my wife, Mrs. Eastman.”
“I’m Sergeant Hollander, ma’am. I’m in charge. I’m the one who’ll be watching you the whole time you’re in town; you and your Reb husband. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to come to me.” He tipped his hat.
“We’d like to go into town,” Parker said his voice laced with hate.
“Give us your guns,” the sergeant demanded.
“Don’t have any.”
The sergeant narrowed his eyes at Parker. “You’re not even equipped to protect your so-called wife.”
“She ain’t wearin’ no ring, Sergeant.”
“Corporal MacKen, you were told to keep your mouth shut.”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
“Private Roberts open the gate. Good day to you, ma’am.” Sergeant Hollander tipped his hat to her again while he looked her over again.
It was so hard not to scream. It was even harder to breathe. It seemed to take forever to get through the gate. But finally, Parker reined in the horses and wrapped the lines around the brake.
He turned and took her hands into his. “I shouldn’t have brought you here. I should have known how that darned Hollander would act. He gets pleasure by being cruel and trying to bait others. Don’t think I didn’t want to pound him when he ogled you.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I don’t want any trouble.” She furrowed her brow.
“Not to worry, sweetheart. I don’t want any trouble either.” He jumped down from the wagon and was quickly at her side with his arms raised to help her to the ground.
What if her trembling wouldn’t stop? Slowly she stood and allowed herself to be lifted down. He must have noticed she was still trembling because he pulled close and kissed her temple.
“Be brave.”
Nodding she stepped back. She lifted her chin and pulled her shoulders back. She was brave. The first place they stopped was the general store. It wasn’t as big as she was used to, but it was well stocked.
“Howdy, Parker!” A tall handsome man greeted.
“Good to see you, Anson. Allow me to introduce my wife, Georgie O’Rourke Eastman, recently from Tennessee. My dear, this is Anson Stack.”
The dark-haired, blue-eyed man smiled. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“It’s nice to make your acquaintance too. Your store looks better stocked than any I’ve seen in a while. It does a heart good to see it.” She smiled at him.
The door opened, and a young, nicely dressed woman entered. Her brown hair was beautifully styled, and Georgie felt a pang of wistfulness. She’d dressed the same way before the war. Georgie nodded her head slowly.
“My, Parker, it must be my lucky day to run into you. I’ve been waiting for you to speak to my father so we can continue courting. Oh, hello Anson, nice day isn’t it?”
“Fanny Chancellor, this is my wife, Georgie O’Rourke Eastman.”
Fanny’s eyes widened momentarily. “Georgie, that’s a male name. What farm do you hale from? I’m a Chancellor of the Atlanta Chancellors. We relocated before the war. I prayed for Parker every day. I was always so worried something would happen to him.”
“Yes, I’m acquainted with the Chancellors. One of your relatives had a beautiful Plantation in Tennessee.”
“Yes, that would be my father’s older brother. I do believe his plantation to be the biggest in that area.”
Georgie started to look at items on the shelf.
“It’s too bad that area was wiped out. I heard that there is nothing but the poor and the Yanks living there now.”
Georgie picked up a jar of jam. “Parker, do you like raspberry?”
“Yes, I do.” He gave her an odd look.
She nodded and kept looking and moving farther away from Fanny. Women like that were to be avoided at all costs.
“Everyone knew the Chancellors. Certainly you must have known of my uncle.” Fanny started to follow Georgie around like a stray dog.
Georgie finally stopped and turned to Fanny. “I don’t know if you told me you’re a Chancellor thinking I would bow and scrape to you. But dear, I’m an O’Rourke. I lived in the biggest plantation in the whole state. But really, it’s bad manners to make others feel bad. If I wasn’t who I am, I would have been insulted but I’ll forgive your faux pas.”
Georgie walked to the counter. “Mr. Stack, would it be all right if I left a few of these things here? It’s hard to shop with my arms full. Next time I will be sure to bring my basket with me.”
“Perfectly fine, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” She put an armload of food items on the counter and walked toward Parker, ignoring Fanny.
“Parker, what else do you suggest we buy? You know I rely on you.” She tilted her head and smiled.
His lips twitched. She bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing.
“Well, my dear wife, I think some coffee is in order.”
“You are so right. I’ll add flour and sugar too.”
“Parker, what am I to tell my father?” Fanny asked while forming her lips into a pout.
“About what?” His voice was very casual.
“We had an understanding.”
“Fanny, I do believe it was my brother you wished to marry. It’s not up to me to take his place. Besides, I found a wonderful woman to be my wife. We’re very happy together. If your father would like a word with me, I’d be more than happy to talk with him.”
Fanny’s jaw dropped. She closed it and practically ran out of the store.
“I feel bad for her,” Georgie said. “What she thinks important just isn’t anymore.”
Parker put his arm around her shoulders. “You handled her beautifully. In fact, I would have treated her with a hint of real meanness.”
“I wouldn’t have said anything at all, but she wouldn’t stop trying to belittle me. I guess I won’t be invited to attend any quilting parties.”
“Does it matter so much?” Parker escorted her to the counter.
“Not at all. I’m just like everyone else. Besides I’ve been very busy being a wife.” Heat flooded her face at the implication of what she had said.
“Anson, could you wrap this all up for us while we visit the Kingsman? I’ll pay you when we’re finished.”
Anson smiled and nodded. “Sure thing, enjoy the Kingsman.”
They stepped outside onto the wooden walkway.
“I forgot something,” Parker said. “Be right back.” He hurried back inside the store.
* * *
Georgie glanced around the town. There was a bank across the street right next to the sheriff’s office which was full of soldiers. Farther down, she saw a saloon and a livery. There was even a place to have clothes washed. It probably did a booming business with the Yankees in town. The Kingsman was right next to the general store. There were other wooden buildings, but they mostly appeared to be empty.
A sign in one of the windows across the way read Reopening Soon. Had Parker had a hand in saving that business? She knew him to be kind but he was much kinder than she knew.
Parker returned to her side, and as they left the store, he offered her his arm. It cheered her as they walked even if it was only to the establishment next door. He opened the door for her and she liked the inside right away. The tables were covered in blue gingham with red gingham napkins. None of the chairs matched, and pieces of art hung all around.
“Parker Eastman,” A tall woman with her brown hair braided down her back and pretty blue eyes said as she hurried over to them. “I heard you up and married.” She sighed. “And here I am pining away for you.” She placed her hand over her heart and winked at Georgie.
Georgie offered a polite smile.
The woman stuck her hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Eastman. It’s about time this old cowboy got himself a wife. I’m Shelly Kingston.”
Georgie shook Shelly’s hand. “Call me Georgie. It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’ve got a table in front of the window if you like. It’s a nice view if you don’t look at the soldiers.” She chuckled as she led them to the table. She waited as Parker held out the chair for Georgie and then seated himself. “Menu is on the board. I’ll send some coffee over unless Georgie you’d prefer tea.”
“Sondra recommended the tea.”
A wide grin spread across Shelly’s face. “I’m so glad she landed on her feet. She’s been a good friend to me. Tell her I said hello.”
“We will,” Parker said.
Shelly turned and walked toward the kitchen.
Georgie spread her napkin over her lap and looked around some more. “The pictures are amazing. Do you think they’re of local places?”
“They are. A girl named Natalie paints them. Her father is a mean old cuss and doesn’t like her wasting her time on what he considers trash. She paints when he’s not around and gives the pictures to Shelly. They’re for sale. Natalie is hoping to make enough to get away from her dad.”
Georgie frowned. “That’s sad. She’s very talented.” Too bad she didn’t have the funds to buy one of the pictures. “I never asked if we could afford all the items we bought. I just put things on the counter with no consideration.”
He leaned forward and put his hand over hers, and tiny tingles of excitement shot up her arm. “It’s fine. We have more than enough.”
“Oh, good. I don’t want you to think I’m frivolous with money.”
Shelly returned placing their beverages onto the table. “What’ll it be?”
Georgie spoke first. “I would like the steak with potatoes, please.”<
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Shelly turned her attention to Parker.
“I’ll have the same.”
“That’s easy enough. It’ll be ready soon.” Shelly went to the door to greet more customers.
Georgie peered out the window. “She’s right about the soldiers. There sure are plenty of them.”
“See the blond one standing in front of the sheriff’s door?”
She nodded.
“That is Major Cooke. He’s the only honest one in the bunch. If you ever need help, ask for him and make it seem as though you know him personally. Some of the soldiers have no sense of decency.”
“It’s the same on both sides,” she admitted with a trace of sadness. “We had enough of our soldiers pillage our supplies, and then there were the bushwhackers. If I hadn’t hidden, I hate to imagine what they would have done. They ruined a neighbor’s daughter. At least they didn’t kill her. When it happened, though, she wished she was dead. But survival was the important thing.”
“Was it bushwhackers that burned your house?”
She shook her head. “No, it was the Yankee Soldiers.” She frowned. It wasn’t a time for sadness. “I bet the food is good.”
“It is. Plus Shelly could use the business. Not as many come to town to eat since the occupation.”
“I wanted to ask about the building down the street. It has a sign that says it will reopen. Was that your doing?”
He nodded. “It’s a dress shop. There haven’t been many people buying new dresses lately. I suggested she make cheaper, ready-made clothes. The clothes you have were made by her.”
Georgie fingered the hem on her dress sleeve. “She is a fine dressmaker. But I think you were right when you said not many can afford new dresses.”
“She’s also teaching quilt making classes and the like. Apparently, making clothes and quilts were not what many Southern women were taught.”
She smiled. “You’re right about that. I can’t sew a straight line. I did make clothes from the fabric we had at the house. The first dress I made, one sleeve was much longer than the other and the hem was crooked. I could benefit from her classes.”
Tattered Hearts: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book One Page 9