by Natalie Dean
The second leg of the first day was the hardest. Jack pushed for the wagon train to continue on, the next stop being for the night. They entered a hamlet southwest of Boston, a little place where farms dotted the countryside and wooded areas with a single dirt street centered as the hamlet’s town proper.
With a frown puckering her lips and her hands planted on her slim waist, Piper surveyed the scant accommodations offered. A restaurant/saloon/inn called the Bridle and Hook was the only place to stay other than the wagons. Its sign, in much need of touch up paint on the splintered wood, moved lazily on its chains in the breeze. There was a church at the end of the street, a doctor’s office across from the Bridle and Hook, and something that she assumed was a mercantile store of some sort. The simple letters painted on the glass announced that it was just ‘General’. General what?
“Not much to see is there?” a smooth voice said beside her. Piper turned her head and looked up at the smiling face of a man who had blonde hair neatly combed to the side. His hat was already in his hands. Piper flicked her eyes hastily over his dark checkered pants with matching jacket. A vest of matching color to the pale checkering was visible along his flat stomach. He was obviously a man of taste and most likely money.
“No, not really,” Piper replied.
“I’m Charles Dewitt.” His green eyes seemed to sparkle as he bowed slightly with an arm over his chest.
“Elizabeth Renwick.” She offered her hand, a ghost of a smile moving her features as he bent again, pressing his lips momentarily to her gloved knuckles. “Everyone calls me Piper.”
Charles straightened and continued smiling at her.
“Are you traveling alone?”
“I’m…” She blinked. “No. I actually am officially traveling with Jack Walker.”
Charles’s face underwent a subtle change which he quickly recovered from.
“The Marshall?”
“The very one,” Piper replied dryly.
“Are you in trouble?”
“No! He’s…we…we’re promised,” she finished hastily, the words burning her tongue.
“Ah,” he nodded his understanding. “Let me guess, you came across the ocean because your marriage was arranged?”
“Not exactly, I chose him from an advertisement my father presented to me. How did you know I came across the ocean? I could have been born here.” She was feeling flirtatious all of a sudden and couldn’t help but look up at him with a teasing smile.
“Not with an accent that strong you weren’t.”
“That obvious is it?”
“It is, but it makes your voice all the more beautiful.”
Piper felt a blush creep along her cheeks.
“And what of yourself, Mr. Dewitt? Are you traveling with anyone?”
“No, Ma’am. I’m heading to Detroit to cash in on all the hoopla.”
“You’re a business man then?”
“I am.” He said proudly. “I’m going to open my own establishment like this poor example here.” He moved his arm in a careless gesture towards the Bridle and Hook. “But mine will not be a poor example. It will be fine with lots of brass and velvet.”
“You’ve already owned a business like it before?”
“No, but I know that’s what I would like to do.”
Piper considered his words. He had a definite plan. A dream. It sounded better than settling on being a simple farmer.
“I wish you the best of luck, Mr. Dewitt.” Piper smiled and wrapped her shawl tighter against the cooling air of the dying sunlight.
Charles placed his hat back on his head and bowed again.
“Thank you, and please, call me Charles. I hope we can talk again.” He moved away from her, and Piper was struck by his graceful way. He was a gentleman if she had ever seen one.
Now, why couldn’t that have been the man father sent me too?
Chapter Three
“Sir, a dollar and a half a piece for us to stay is robbery.” Piper’s face was burning with indignation. “The only ones who will be staying indoors will be the women and girl children. My goodness, but we could share space and only occupy three of your rooms! Now, I demand you give us a fair price for rooms, not an outrageous one based on head count!”
Benjamin nudged Jack in the ribs, his smile and nod towards Piper’s back indicative of being impressed.
Jack had a hand wrapped around his chin. He had to admit; Piper was a shrewd and tough business minded woman.
The owner of the Bridle and Hook ran a hand over his balding gray head. He looked like he wanted to spit on his own floor.
“Now look, Missy. Times are hard! I have to run a business!”
“How many rooms are available?”
“All of them, but…”
“All of them?”
“Yes.” He replied sheepishly.
“So, if the women decide to stay in the elements and not in here; you very well stand to not make a dime on the rooms all night.”
“Possibly.” He reluctantly agreed, his watery eyes already showing defeat.
Piper swallowed and stared at him for a moment.
“Alright, Mr. Bledsoe. The women will agree to strip the beds in the morning instead of you or your chamber maid. What is your cost per room?”
“A dollar and a quarter with no meal. Three dollars for dinner and breakfast to be included.” He shook his head. “No need to change the bed things.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bledsoe,” Piper beamed. “You have very reasonable prices.” The compliment seemed to soothe him, and Piper continued on. “Would there be a possible deal for say, several loaves of bread and some cheese for our journey once we leave in the morning?”
Mr. Bledsoe regarded her blankly, with a twitch developing below his left eye.
“Perhaps for an extra fifty cents per room?” Piper prompted.
Mr. Bledsoe shook his head. “You, Miss, have a talent for bartering.” He ran a hand along the side of his face. “Alright. One loaf and a quarter pound of cheese per room.”
Piper thanked him and turned to address Jack directly. “He has eight rooms. I don’t see why the married men should be away from their families.”
“You can share a room with us,” Bonnie said.
Piper plastered the most sincere smile she could on her face. She didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but Piper desperately needed a break from Bonnie’s children. Poor Bonnie herself had become the likes of a person suffering from multiple personalities. One minute she was happy and chatting, the next roaring at the children to ‘Stop’ or ‘Get right over here.'
“That is very sweet, but I think I will just get a room of my own or something. The McKenzie’s have three daughters, I could share with a couple of them.”
“I guess it would be a tight fit,” Bonnie agreed.
“Yes, but it was a kind offer.” Piper touched her arm before Bonnie wandered away, Ruth snug on her hip.
Jack opened his mouth to offer a compliment for what he had just witnessed Piper accomplish with the inn keep, but snapped it shut as he watched a man begin weaving his way towards Piper’s back. His jacket and vest carried the look of someone who had been traveling for a long time without benefit of a bath.
“How much?” The man raised his voice just behind Piper. She turned abruptly and looked at the man sharply, before allowing her eyes to wander over him in disgust.
“How much for what?”
He grinned, stretching his unshaven cheeks to reveal a mouth void of half of its teeth.
“For you!”
“I beg your pardon?” Piper replied, her voice rising in pitch and her eyebrows shooting upward.
“Aww, come on…no need to be shy about it!” He reached forward and grabbed Piper at her waist, attempting to pull her towards himself.
“Take your hands off of her!” Jack growled.
“Wait yer turn!” The man didn’t have time to blink before Jack’s fist caught him under the chin. He staggered backward into a chair, h
is head lolling as he fell unconscious.
Piper looked at Jack with wide eyes.
“I’ll not have any trouble here!” Mr. Bledsoe called, hurrying back to them. “You want trouble? Stay in your wagons!”
Piper raised her hands and shook her head. “No, there’s not going to be trouble.” She shot Jack a warning look, glad to see Benjamin had him by the crook of the arm, the fist at the end still clenched. “There won’t be any trouble. Right, Jack?”
Jack noted the fading zing of how good it felt to knock the drunk man cold.
“Better not be,” Mr. Bledsoe said with a raised chin before leaving them alone once again.
Piper’s chest rose. She had a mouthful for Jack Walker, but a gentle hand at her waist kept her silent. She looked up into the bright green worried eyes of Charles Dewitt.
“Come Piper. Let’s get you to a quiet place in here away from the riff raff.” He gave Jack a pointed look while easily leading Piper away.
“He’s going to be next,” Jack breathed, snatching his arm away from Benjamin.
Benjamin leaned in and spoke to him quietly.
“Don’t forget the office you represent.”
Jack turned his head and allowed Benjamin to see the darkness smoldering in his deep brown eyes.
“That man thought she was a prostitute!”
“I know, Jack, but…”
“And that other one thinks…well, I don’t rightly know what he’s thinking!”
Benjamin nodded, his lips forming a straight line.
“She isn’t married to you yet. Just keep an eye on it. Don’t make me regret agreeing to this situation.” Benjamin clasped Jack’s shoulder and walked away.
Jack ignored the looks of the remaining patrons of the Bridle and Hook, his face turned to a snug corner of the large room where Piper sat with Charles Dewitt and two other men. She turned her face to him, her displeasure evident. Jack sighed. Her displeasure wasn’t with her current company. It was with him.
How am I going to court a fiancée while I’m protecting a wagon train?
He cast a final look at her, another sigh escaping, as her face turned back to Charles Dewitt. A smile spread on her beautiful face at something he had whispered to her. Much to Jack’s chagrin, the smile was preceded by a shy lowering of her eyes and a sweet blush.
Chapter Four
The next morning dawned gray and the air smelled of impending rain. Piper looked out through the doorway of the Bridle and Hook, her thoughts on muddy roads and wagon wheels sinking to a wagon’s axle.
Jack looked up from saddling his horse and watched Piper for a moment. She seemed lost in whatever thoughts she was having, her fair skin creased across her forehead. He moved towards the doorway of the inn without her even being aware that he was there.
“What’s troubling you?” His voice was soft, gentler than he had spoken for a long time.
Piper shook her head slightly and turned her face up to him.
“I worry about rain.”
Jack laughed lightly, one side of his mouth raising, but his eyes were kind.
“You’re afraid we’ll get stuck?”
Piper nodded.
“I’ve escorted a few caravans. Believe me, this route is easier than some of the others I’ve been on. I won’t let any of the wagons get stuck.”
“Some are weighed down by quite a bit.”
Jack angled his head closer to hers to avoid nosey ears.
“Yes, especially the one you ride in. Bonnie has what? Fourteen children?”
Piper couldn’t help but smile. His attempt at levity wiped away some of her worries.
“Not quite fourteen.” Her smile faded. “Tell me about the Indians we may encounter.”
“We’ll keep a watch out. The Indian population is thin right now. Soon there won’t even be a population to count, I’m afraid.”
Piper lowered her eyes. It was a topic she and Bonnie had touched on, and it seemed to enter her mind every few hours. She didn’t like being conflicted. She believed in resolve and sticking to principles. How could one pick a principle in this situation? She lifted her eyes again to see Jack staring at her intently, waiting for her next statement. It was an odd sensation. Her father would have already busied himself with something else, and she would have to interrupt him again to get his attention, but Jack was waiting on her.
“You don’t entirely agree with their removal, do you?”
Jack sighed lightly. He opened his mouth and shut it again right away.
“What is it?”
“Sometimes it’s hard to be a Marshall. I believe in the opportunity this country offers. I just…I just know we take it for granted.”
“Hey, Jack?” Benjamin called, drawing Jack’s attention from Piper. Jack turned and nodded, but returned his attention back to Piper before stepping away.
“I have to see what he wants. Excuse me.” He tipped his hat and walked away.
Piper watched him with a new sense of curiosity. She had no idea who this man Jack Walker was, but she was determined to find out. How could she give him a fair shake if she didn’t even get to know him? Piper resolved to walk with him during one of the slow downs, or perhaps to eat lunch with him.
Piper turned on her heel and went in search of Mr. Bledsoe. There was a matter to be settled concerning staples for the next leg of the journey.
“I’m going to drive Mr. Baxter’s wagon for a bit,” Jack announced as they gathered their things from the first rest of the day. “We’ll be crossing into New York before tomorrow’s nightfall.”
“What’s wrong with Mr. Baxter?” Piper asked, conjuring an image of the gray-haired businessman and his equally gray-haired wife.
“He’s not feeling well. His wife said she thinks he’s feverish.”
“And your horse?”
“Easy fix. We’ll just tie him to the back. No problem. He’ll keep up.”
Piper cleared her throat, grateful for the opportunity she had been afforded.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to ride with you.”
Jack stared at her blankly. She wanted to ride with him?
Piper’s chin raised a fraction, her pride already bruised.
“If that isn’t convenient for you then…”
“Oh no!” Jack countered, his eyes large. “I’m fine with it. I would like it, actually. I’m just surprised.”
Piper smoothed her skirt with moist nervous hands.
“Well, we have to get to know each other sometime, don’t we?”
Jack nodded. “Yes, Ma’am, I think it’s a good idea to do that.”
“I’ll let Bonnie know, and then we can be on our way.”
Jack watched his future wife walk away with determined steps, growling lightly as Charles Dewitt rode up beside her and stopped her progress. He wished he could hear what was being said, but apparently, his name was brought up judging from the way Piper motioned behind herself in his general direction. Jack met the swift look they both gave him with what he was sure looked like a scowl. Sometimes he wished he could iron his face flat. Soon she waved cheerily and continued on to the wagon she shared with Bonnie and her riotous family. Jack didn’t have to wonder why Blaine Brackett always looked so tired.
Jack waited at the wagon side. They would be lead, and that was all right with him. Seeing the country open around them, and having an opportunity to sit with Piper gave him a happy feeling. He couldn’t recognize it at first. Real happiness had eluded him for a long time. He always seemed to just be, without actually living. He enjoyed the chase. He enjoyed bringing criminals to justice, but they were temporary fixes. He guessed he was just plain lonely. Now there was a chance before him to balm that loneliness.
If I can just keep Charles Dewitt’s grubby hands off of her!
Jack reminded himself to keep his face calm and to not mash it all up in angry expressions, as Charles rode his horse slowly beside Piper’s returning frame. He dismounted and held a hand out to Piper. She smiled wa
rmly and allowed him to help her up onto the wagon seat.
I was supposed to do that.
Charles swung himself back into the saddle and looked at Jack over the backs of the horses. They stamped their feet eager to be moving again.
“Marshall,” Charles commented and rode to the back of the caravan, a smug expression on his face.
Jack stepped up into the wagon and took the seat next to Piper. Her hands were folded primly on her lap, almost invisible as they were nearly swallowed up by the dark gloves and deep blue of her dress. She seemed to have plenty of clothes, but they were all relatively simple and void of a lot of decoration. He liked that. He liked a humble woman.
“Ready?”
“Yes,” Piper replied, but her eyes had an energy which kept them roving.
Jack moved the wooden brake with his hand and grasped the reins with both hands, snapping his wrists and letting out a low whistle. The horses began moving immediately.
“Is Mr. Baxter in the back?”
“Yes. His wife made a little pallet for him.”
“I’ll check on them once we stop.”
“Good idea.” Jack desperately wished that he knew more of what to say. He feared the day would draw out to be a long one. He didn’t want to bore Piper. Thankfully she initiated the first conversation.
“Why did you choose to become a Marshall?”
“Lots of reasons.”
Piper turned her head and gazed at his profile. She really would need to speak to him about the beard once they were husband and wife.
“Name the top three.”
“Alright,” he began slowly. “I love justice. I want to make a difference. I hate politics.”
“What does politics have to do with it?”
“My father is a politician. It was his and my mother’s dream that I follow in his footsteps.” He lifted his shoulders. “I don’t want the scheming and back scratching life that my father has led. He was meant for it; I wasn’t.”
“I understand. I was meant to be a boy.” Piper smiled, laying a hand to her chest. “At least my father really wanted a boy. One who could take over his merchant businesses once he left this earth. I would have gladly done it. I spent all of my time from the point that I could talk, trying to please my father and learning all there was to know about his business. If I wasn’t at his offices, I was out doing the Lord’s work.”