The Bride Found

by Piper Davenport

  Sophie smiled. “No you don’t.”

  “Yes, I do.” She splashed water on her face and stared down at the bowl. “Forget it. I’ll skip the ball tonight, not give him a reason why, and see how he likes it.”

  Sophie handed her a towel. “How about we take a ride this morning before we have to get ready?”

  “Riding doesn’t solve everything, Sophie.”

  “It does for me.”

  Emma snorted.

  “And shopping does for you.” Sophie grinned. “We could stop in at the general store and buy some new ribbon.”

  Emma took a deep breath. “Fine. Beats sitting around here doing nothing, I guess. I really wish I could get lost in a movie right now.”

  “Oh? Which one?”

  “Terminator.”

  Sophie laughed. “Wow, you’re feeling a little violent today, apparently.”

  The girls dressed and made their way out to the stables. Emma went straight into the barn, while Sophie went to find Jamie to help her with Samson. Emma tacked up Gentle Ben and led him outside to wait for Sophie. Samson snorted and pawed the ground, obviously excited to have Sophie riding him again. Jamie had one of the cavalry horses ready and had a rare hour to spare to accompany them.

  Once they were mounted, Emma noticed Jamie had a shotgun strapped to the saddle, along with a pistol strapped to his hip. She gathered her reins and stared at her brother-in-law. “Do you really need all that ammo for a quick trip into town?”

  Jamie nodded. “I get that we’re somewhat isolated and protected out here, but you two need to remember we’re in the middle of a war. I’m not willing to take any chances.”

  Emma glanced behind her. “Is that why they’re coming?”

  Two soldiers rode up behind them and tipped their hats as they pulled their horses to a stop. Jamie dug his heels into his horse and moved toward the road. “Exactly. Stay close, please.”

  Sophie and Emma fell into easy conversation as they made their way to the bustling center of Harrisburg. Soldiers roamed the area, some on guard, others simply milling around. Jamie and the two that had accompanied them didn’t leave Sophie and Emma’s sides as they visited a few of the shops. It didn’t take long for them to find the ribbons they were looking for, and Jamie decided it was time to head back to the house.

  “It’s only been an hour,” Emma argued.

  “Long enough to find your ribbons and return to the safety of the Wades’.”

  “I know you love to shop, Em,” Sophie squeezed Emma’s hand, “but you’ve gotten everything you needed. We can come back another day.”

  Emma sighed. “Okay.”

  Jamie helped them mount, and then the five started their trek back to the house. On the way to the main road, they passed the railroad station, and awareness sent a shiver up her spine. She glanced toward the large steam train to see Clayton standing on the platform with a woman who was hanging on his arm—literally hanging. Emma’s heart sank when she saw that she was beautiful and petite, with long dark hair that fell in perfect little ringlets down her back. A bit like Gwen.

  “Who’s that?” Emma asked Jamie.

  He shrugged. “I have no idea.”

  Emma shattered. Here she was standing in her drabbest dress, with jeans on under it, no less. She hadn’t done anything with her hair, and she just looked plain frumpy.

  I am such an idiot.

  “Emma?” Sophie whispered. “Let’s get back to the house.”

  Jamie flanked Emma. “This is probably innocent. He may not even know her.”

  Emma snorted. “He must know her, because she’s hanging all over him as though she were an ornament and he the Christmas tree. Clay appears to be completely at ease with her.” She turned Gentle Ben away from the couple and gathered up her reins. “That’s that, then. I should have known.” She dug her heels in and took off toward home.

  * * *

  Jamie waited for close to an hour for Clayton to arrive home with the woman Emma referred to as “the Fluff.” As he spoke with one of his men, he noticed Clayton’s buggy pull up to his house. Clayton lifted the lady down, and she grasped his biceps and giggled at something he said. As Clayton carried luggage into the house, Jamie made his way to the front door. Clayton set the bags in the foyer just as Jamie stepped inside without permission

  “Jamie?” Clayton frowned. “Is anything amiss?”

  “I need to speak with you.”

  The Fluff removed her bonnet and gloves and set them on the side table. Her gaze raked over Jamie, assessing him with interest. Clayton smiled at Jamie and said, “Of course. May I introduce Miss Rose Johnson of Richmond, Virginia? She’s a family friend and has surprised me with a visit.”

  “Oh, Clayton, I hope I’d be considered something more than a family friend.” She giggled and spoke with a heavy southern accent.

  Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Rose, this is James Ford.”

  Jamie gave a curt nod. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Johnson.”

  She held her hand out like royalty and smiled. Deep violet eyes crinkled at the corners as thin lips stretched over even teeth. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”

  Jamie shook her hand awkwardly, dropping it as fast as he could. Turning back to Clayton, he said, “The matter is somewhat urgent.”

  Clayton frowned. “Of course. We can meet in my office. Rose, would you please wait in the parlor? I’ll send the housekeeper in with refreshments, and she can show you to your room.”

  “Thank you, Clayton. Y’are a doll.”

  Once Rose was settled in the parlor, Clayton led Jamie down to his office.

  Jamie followed him inside and slammed the door. Clayton turned in surprise and was taken aback by the look of fury on Jamie’s face. “Jamie? What’s amiss?”

  Jamie whipped off his hat and threw it on one of the chairs. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “What are you talking about?” Clayton asked.

  “Who is that woman?”

  Clayton crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “She’s a family friend. Her brother was just killed at Bristoe Station.”

  “Awfully chipper for someone whose brother has just died, don’t you think?”

  Clayton shrugged. “She was being polite. I have gone through two handkerchiefs since I picked her up from the train station. She has been inconsolable.”

  Jamie paced the small room. “Are you courting her, engaged, or in some other type of personal relationship?”

  Clayton scowled. “What? No, of course not.”

  “Does she know that?”

  “I don’t like your tone, James.” Clayton stood taller, his body rippling with control. “Just exactly what are you implying?”

  “Have you made an agreement with her of a personal nature?”

  “No, I have not. I am courting Emma.”

  “Does Rose know that you are courting my sister?”

  Clayton shook his head. “I intended on telling her about Emma this evening. I would very much like the two of them to be friends.”

  Jamie snorted. “You’re an idiot.”

  “I won’t stand here and be insulted,” Clayton snapped and turned to leave.

  “Don’t move,” Jamie ordered.

  “Then, say what you need to say and be done.”

  “Right now, Clayton, I’d like to beat the shit out of you.”

  “I welcome you to try,” Clayton hissed.

  Jamie took a deep breath. “Let me start from the beginning.”

  “Which beginning?”

  “What are your intentions toward my sister?”

  “I intend to marry her.”

  “Do you love her?” Jamie asked.

  “I don’t believe that’s any of your business.”

  “Right now, it is my business, and I would suggest you answer the question.”

  Clayton shook his head. “I won’t tell you something I have not told Emma.”

  “Fair enough. Exactly what does this Rose woman mean t
o you?” Jamie pressed.

  “She was my sister’s childhood friend,” Clayton explained. “I suppose I see her as a sister. Similar to how you see Emma.”

  “How does Rose see you?

  “The same way. As an older brother.”

  “Are you blind or just stupid?” Jamie ran his hands through his hair. “That woman wants you for far more than a brother.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about. You’ve just met her.” Clayton turned to leave again.

  “You either finish this conversation with me now, or you’ll never be allowed near Emma again,” Jamie threatened.

  Clayton turned slowly to face Jamie once again. “You could certainly try and stop me.”

  He understood that this was what Jamie was supposed to do, protect Emma, but Clayton was not interested in having another man tell him how to handle her. She was his and no one would ever take her from him.

  Jamie took a deep breath. “Look. I don’t want to fight with you, Clayton, but you’re going to lose Emma if you go down this path.”

  “What path?” He threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about.”

  “The Rose path. That woman is trouble. If you don’t see it now, you will eventually, and it may be too late.” Jamie picked up his hat. “My advice to you would be to speak with Emma, before you introduce her to Rose.”

  “I will consider your advice.”

  “Don’t just consider it. Take it.” Jamie jabbed a finger toward him. “If you hurt Emma, I will hurt you. Are we clear?” Jamie threw open the door of the office and stormed out, leaving Clayton behind to leash his anger.

  Clayton stood for a few minutes, deep in thought, before he left his office and made his way to the parlor. He was a jumble of nerves and the surprise visit from Rose had not helped to calm him. He hadn’t seen Emma since the day before and he missed her. He realized that Jamie was probably right. He must speak with her before the ball tonight.

  “Clayton? Is something amiss?” Rose stood as he entered the room.

  “No. Everything is fine, Rose. I need to take care of something urgent. Would you mind terribly if I attended to the matter?”

  “Of course not,” Rose said, although he could tell she was disappointed.

  He noticed she didn’t ask any questions or try to get information from him. Emma would have pushed until he told her everything, but Rose had been raised to be the perfect southern lady and not make waves.

  He hadn’t realized until that moment, how much he’d hate being married to someone like that. Unable to locate Emma at the arena, he headed over to the Wades’. Daniel showed him into the foyer and then went to let Emma know he was there.

  Daniel made his way back to the foyer. “I’m sorry, sir. Miss Emma is not receiving this morning.”

  Clayton frowned. “Is she ill?”

  “No, sir, she is in fine health.”

  “Would you please tell her it’s me calling?”

  “I did, sir,” Daniel answered.

  “Is her sister at home?”

  “I shall enquire for you, sir.” Clayton watched as Daniel made his way back to the library. This time, it didn’t take as long for him to return. “I’m sorry, sir. Mrs. Ford is also not receiving this morning.”

  “What the hell is going on, Daniel?”

  Daniel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, sir?”

  Clayton pointed down the hall. “Go back there and tell Emma I want to speak with her now. I’m not leaving here until I do.”

  “Very good, sir.” Clayton saw Daniel smile as he responded.

  Daniel went back into the library, but before he could say anything, Clayton barreled through the door. “Daniel, I’ll handle it from here if you don’t mind.”

  Sophie stood. “Clayton, now’s not a good time for a visit. Perhaps in a day or two, you could return.

  Clayton noticed Emma held a handkerchief to her nose. “I’m not going anywhere, Mrs. Ford.” He turned to Emma. “Emma, sweet? What has you so upset?”

  Emma turned on him. “Don’t you ‘Emma, sweet’ me, you dishonest pig.”

  Clayton sighed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Just go away. I can’t deal with you right now,” Emma grumbled.

  Clayton ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He took a deep breath and addressed Sophie. “Mrs. Ford, will you please give us a moment alone? I promise no harm will come to your sister.” He saw Sophie’s hesitation. “Sophie, please?” he implored.

  Sophie glanced at Emma and then nodded. “All right. You have ten minutes.”

  Once she left the room, Clayton sat on the hearth in front of Emma’s chair. “Emma, please tell me what I did. I’ll fix it, I promise.”

  “You told me that you weren’t courting anyone else.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m not.”

  “It didn’t look that way to me!”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Is this about Rose?”

  “The exquisitely beautiful woman, with long dark hair and a perfect face, who was hanging all over you this morning? I hadn’t noticed. Is her name Rose?” Emma looked away.

  Clayton chuckled. “Emma, will you let me explain?”

  She shrugged.

  He reached out and slid her hair from her forehead. “Rose is Tim’s sister. She showed up this morning and I’m still unsure why she’s here, but she is my best friend’s sister, and I couldn’t very well turn her away. There is nothing untoward happening. Upon my word. Emma, please believe me.”

  She studied him for several tense seconds.

  He rose to his feet. “Come here.” He helped her stand and then pulled her into his arms. “I have never been interested in her, sweet, and even if I had in the past, once I met you, that all would have changed. I love you. No one will ever take your place in my heart.” He held her for a few minutes before leaning down to kiss her.

  “I don’t want to be swayed by kisses, Clayton.” She pushed away from him. “Have you told her about me yet?”

  “No, I wanted to tell you about her first.”

  “She was all over you at the train station.” Emma dragged the handkerchief through her fingers.

  “I wondered how you found out about her.”

  Emma scowled. “She was supposed to be a secret?”

  Clayton shook his head. “No, not at all. Her message came last minute with the details of her arrival, and I had hoped to speak with you before the two of you met, that’s all.”

  “She’s obviously in love with you.”

  “I really don’t think she’s in love with me.” Clayton delivered a patronizing smile. “I’ve known her since the day she was born. You probably just noticed how comfortable we are with each other.”

  “If she’s the quintessential southern belle, Clay, then she shouldn’t look so comfortable with you, right?”

  Clayton ran his hands through his hair. “Where do you get your ideas from, Emma?”

  Emma shrugged. “I don’t know,” she grumbled.

  “Why don’t you rest for a few hours?” Clayton paused for several seconds, before smiling. “I’ll be here at seven to collect you.”

  “Alone?”

  “Well, no.” Clayton frowned. “Rose has indicated she would like to join us.”

  Emma took a deep breath. “Then perhaps you should just meet me there.”

  “Emma.”

  “What, Clayton? You have a guest. You should return to your guest. It’s rude of you to spend so much time with me, when she’s waiting for you next door.” Turning quickly, she strode out of the library.

  He chased her into the foyer. “Emma!”

  She ignored him and stomped up the stairs.

  * * *

  Emma was awakened at four o’clock when Betty came in, followed by staff dragging two large copper tubs. Sophie joined Emma and brought bath oils into the room with her. There was an animated energy in the house, as everyone got ready for the ball. Even the servan
ts appeared to enjoy the chaos. Betty left the girls and went to gather fresh towels.

  “Are you excited?” Sophie asked.

  “Sort of, I guess.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t there a war on?”

  Sophie sighed. “We forget sometimes, I must admit. We’re very lucky to live where we do, because we have the greatest measure of protection.”

  “What about when we drive to the Paxton Mansion?”

  Sophie patted her hand. “Don’t worry, Em. There’s not much going on in these parts, if I remember correctly, so we’ll be safe.”

  Emma undressed and climbed into the heated water. “It will be nice to have some entertainment for a change.”

  Sophie smiled. “Gives you a great excuse to dance.”

  “Different kind of dancing, Sophie. But I think I can manage a waltz, even with my weak ankle.” Emma frowned. “Am I allowed to waltz in this century?”

  Sophie climbed into the other tub. “Yes, sissy you’re allowed to waltz. Are you worried about the Fluff?”

  Emma giggled. “Not worried, necessarily. Pissed off, mostly, but I do feel better after my nap.”

  Sophie reached over her tub set up next to Emma’s and took hold of her sister’s hand. “Well, you’re beautiful, and once we get you in that dress, he won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”

  The door opened slightly and Christine poked her head in. Emma tried to cover herself with a washcloth.

  “Hi! What are you doing here?” Sophie asked.

  “I wasn’t going to miss the dressing of Emma!” Christine stepped inside and closed the door. “I also wondered if perhaps you might need assistance washing your hair.”

  “Do we need a forum to take a bath in this century?” Emma asked.

  Sophie grimaced. “Sorry, Emma.”

  Christine turned her back. “I’m happy to come back later.”

  Emma sighed. “No, it’s fine. Just as long as no one else will be dropping by.”

  Christine grinned. “Just me. I promise.”