Undesirable

by Laura Stapleton

  She stopped in her tracks. “I had expected them to, yes. Even if they lie, it will show on their faces and in their voices.” Pulling him forward, she added, “I need to know either way.”

  Every family they passed was asleep. Only the night watch still stirred. As they neared the Warrens, Sam gave Marie’s hand a squeeze. She said, “Thank you, I need the confidence.”

  When seeing them, Charles jumped to his feet. “Where the hell have you been? It’s far past the time you should take in washing.” He saw how the two still held hands before Marie let go of Sam. “Wait, I think I can guess what you two were doing in the dark, alone, for God knows how long.” He stepped up to his wife as the younger man put the bucket in the wagon. “You disgusting little trollop. I knew you lusted for someone around here and should have guessed it was Granville. Should I ask how far have you two gone, or rather how many times?”

  Marie swallowed the lump in her throat. She clenched her fists, forcing her voice to be calm. “Neither one is as much as you have with your sister.”

  He paled and looked at Hester, then back at his wife. “That’s different. I love her. You’re just a mare in heat for him, as you are for every man.”

  Stepping up to Charles, Sam said, “Excuse me?”

  She blocked the younger man’s progress, angry tears stinging her eyes. “Well, at least the men I’m in heat for aren’t my blood relatives. Your family tree doesn’t branch much, does it?”

  Charles grabbed her arm and shook. “I ought to beat the sass out of you, young lady.”

  She winced from the pain, trying to pull away from his grip. When Sam tapped his shoulder, Charles let her go. The older man whirled around, both fists up and ready to fight.

  Sam shook his head, smiling. “You don’t want to do that. You also don’t want to threaten or even touch Marie. Do so again and I’ll either punch you into the next territory or leave you and your sister behind and on your own.”

  His fists lowered, and he sneered. “You wouldn’t leave us here alone with the Shoshones around here. You care too much for Marie.”

  “Was I unclear in saying you and your sister? Because I distinctly remember meaning only you two when I spoke.”

  Charles threw a punch at Sam. The younger man grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back and lifting up to immobilize him. “That wasn’t a wise move, Mr. Warren.”

  “Go to hell!”

  “I guess you didn’t have a brother.” When he looked over at Marie, she smiled and shook her head. “No? I did, and he taught me a lot about fighting, more than I wanted. Not only that but if I whistle, my men will know I need help.” Lifting Charles’ arm higher and getting a squeal for the effort, he laughed. “What you’re going to do is sign any paper I give you tomorrow without protest or hesitation. When done, I’ll not say a word about your sexual relationship with Miss Warren to anyone here. Am I clear?”

  “Yes,” he gasped.

  “Clear enough to let go of you? I’d hate to damage your writing hand, after all.”

  “Yes, yes! I’ll sign anything, just don’t break my arm.”

  After looking at Marie for an approving nod, Sam released him go with a shove. “I’ll have divorce papers written up tomorrow at daybreak. You will sign them, and if Mrs. Warren so chooses, when she signs, they’ll be official. I have legal authority in Oregon Territory, which lucky for you, we’re in at the moment.”

  Still rubbing his upper arm, Charles muttered, “Only barely in the territory.”

  “We’re across the border well enough for Marie to move her belongings out of your wagon and into anyone else’s.”

  Stepping away and into Hester’s arms, he snarled, “I suppose you mean yours. She’s nothing but a whore for you and your men.”

  Marie gasped in horror. “Charles! I’m not! You take that back this instant.”

  Sam grabbed the older man’s shirt. “You heard her.”

  “Fine, get your stuff and get out of my way. I’ll sign anything that gets me rid of you. You’ve been an albatross around my neck for long enough. Now that your Daddy’s money is gone, I don’t need you. Hester and I can go somewhere and live like we’ve always wanted without having to coddle you every minute. We’re well rid of you.”

  She took a deep breath and stepped back. “Samuel, could you draw up a document of divorce, please? I’ll want my former name back. Also, he’s to have no say in my future or future income.”

  Charles snorted and then spit on the ground. “As if I’d want anything you earned on your back.”

  Pushing Charles backward and letting go of his shirt in the process, Sam growled, “One more insult from you and not even the wolves will find enough of you to eat when I’m done.”

  Marie wanted to smile when her husband turned white with fear for the second time that evening. She knew Sam loved her, but his deadly expression even scared her a little. She put a hand on his arm. “Don’t, Sam. He’s not worth it.”

  Sam turned to her saying, “You’re right. I’ll start working on your paper as requested.” He glanced around as the small crowd of the first night watch gathered. “We can discuss the details later, agreed, Mr. Warren?”

  “Agreed.”

  “Mrs. Warren, I’ll send my men over to help you.” He turned on a heel and went to his camp.

  She glanced at Charles, who didn’t look at her. Unsure of what to say after hearing all his insults, she went to the back of the wagon. After climbing in, Marie began sorting her clothes and other items.

  Hester’s scowling face appeared at the tailgate. “You’re going to need watching, so you don’t steal anything from us. You could take anything in the moonlight, and we’d not see.”

  “Steal? From you?” she retorted. “I wouldn’t bother. Neither one of you has anything worth taking.” As she sorted items, Hester examined everything Marie touched. She gave the older woman a surreptitious glare. She’d meant her sarcasm and took only family heirlooms Charles had earlier deemed unsalable. She handed her belongings down to Arnold, who waited below. He left, and Lucky turned up in his place, so she gave him a few of her things, too. When he was gone, Uncle Joe appeared. After he had disappeared with another bundle, she peered out to see where they went.

  The men carried her things directly to Sam’s wagon. In any other situation, she’d have laughed at how antlike they looked. Now, all this just saddened her.

  “Chazzy told me about the saloon gal dresses you had made specially to seduce him,” Hester said loud enough for an approaching Lefty to hear.

  Marie handed the blushing man her sewing and smiled. “These are my quilt supplies, I promise.” He nodded and hurried away with the bundle.

  “I didn’t see those dresses in what you packed. Are you leaving them for me? I’m sure you’ll need them in your new career.”

  “Charles considered my wearing them foolish early on, so they were discarded.” Marie shrugged. “Besides, they never worked for me. You’ll have to find your own way of keeping him interested. Especially now, seeing as you’re no longer forbidden fruit.”

  Hands on hips, the older woman replied, “You’re not either, dear former sister. Remember that when Mr. Granville starts wishing he had a sister to love instead of you.”

  “You think this is normal? This bedding between siblings?” She climbed down from the wagon. “No, Hester, this is very abnormal. Otherwise, Charles and you wouldn’t have kept it secret for so long.”

  “You’re the reason we kept quiet. We needed your money.”

  “Congratulations, then. You’ve taken everything, liquidated it, spent the profit, and now what do you have? A wagon, four tired ole oxen, and now no one to do your chores for you.” Hester opened her mouth to say something and Marie interrupted her. “No, I’m not interested in anything else you have to say. I’m done here, and you two can go on as you please.” She turned on her heel and started walking, following Sam’s men.

  “Ma’am? We put your things in the back of our second wagon. Mo
st of our day to day belongings are there, too.” Lucky led her over to the second wagon. “I reckon you should get some sleep tonight. Boss is hoping to reach Soda Springs tomorrow.”

  “Very well.” She peeked over the tailgate. “I suppose my bedroll is here, too?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He indicated the other empty beds around the dying campfire. “Most of us are out keeping the area safe. We take a couple hour naps, one man at a time.”

  “That sounds difficult.” She began spreading out her blankets for the night.

  “It is, but if we can keep anyone else from being murdered and kidnapped, it’s worth the effort.”

  Marie sat on her bed, staring up at the young man. “Thank you for watching over us. I’ll be sure to make coffee extra strong for y’all tomorrow.”

  “We’d appreciate that, ma’am.” He went to his own bed and took off his boots. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get some shut eye.” At her nod, he settled in for his rest.

  “Of course, Mr. Lucky. Sleep well.” Marie undid her boots, setting them to the side. She slid in under the covers and laid down face up.

  How long had those two been together? Since they were old enough to “oochiegoo”? Her stomach churned with nausea. Had they carried on during Charles’ first marriage, too? She glanced over at a softly snoring Lucky, envying him his ability to sleep. Combing through her life with Charles for what she should have seen, Marie sighed. Saloon gals, one of the ladies in their current wagon party, some woman in New Orleans were all possible partners for her husband’s affairs. But his own sister? She turned to her side, away from the fire’s light. The woman had no redeeming qualities to Marie, not even in personality or demeanor.

  She struggled to sleep until at last the night eased its way into the day. Each man had taken his turn napping in his bedroll before going back to his duty post. She didn’t stir to see which one, not even if the man could have been Sam. As the sky grew brighter, she sat up to see Arnold asleep across the fire pit. She looked around for the water pail, wanting to make good on her promise to Lucky. It hung from the wagon, so she grabbed it and headed for the river.

  No one else in camp stirred, not even when she returned. Marie looked in the back of the wagon holding her things. With two wagons, they might not have food and bedding in both. Or maybe they would if one caught fire. She sighed. Rummaging through their belongings would be both rude and noisy. She didn’t want to disturb everyone with her ignorance.

  “Up so early?” Sam’s voice startled her in the quiet morning air.

  She smiled at him. “Lucky had me promise to make strong coffee first thing. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Great. Let me help you find everything, and coffee can be your job with us.”

  “I don’t know about…”

  He held up a bag. “The beans are kept here.” Reaching further into the back, he said, “And here’s the pot. There are cups in this area as well. Makes everything easy and fast.”

  “Would you want me to start breakfast?”

  “Always, if you’d like. You doing for us what you did for the Warrens would help all of us. We could keep you on for the cooking and cleaning, allowing us to keep more men on security.”

  “How long would you need my help for?”

  “For as long as you’re willing. I’d like for you to stay until after we reach Oregon City, but it’s your choice.”

  “I see.” She saw the Warrens approach from behind Sam. “Oh dear.”

  Sam turned to see them, too. “Good morning, Mr. Warren, Miss. What brings you both to my side of the camp so early?”

  “I think you know. Marie, pack up your things and get back to our camp.”

  She looked at Sam when he laughed. As he quieted, she said, “This isn’t funny.”

  He swallowed as if he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “No, I don’t suppose it is.”

  Each word of Charles’ was clipped as he said, “Did I stutter? Because my wife isn’t getting her tail back to our camp after I distinctly told her to do just that.”

  Addressing Marie, Sam said, “You have to admit, he really is rather humorous. The man still thinks you belong to him.”

  Warren went to stand between Sam and Marie. “That’s because she does. No matter what you two might have done last night, she’s still my wife, and I still need her to go with us to California.”

  Sam smiled, taking a step back and away from the couple. “Very well. You two have a few things to discuss.”

  “Yes we do,” said Marie. She kept her glare on Charles; silently wishing Sam would leave already and let her give the Warrens a talking to.

  Sam grinned. “Excuse me while I tend to an overdue task. Marie, I expect you to continue with coffee and breakfast. Warren, you and your sister are welcome to join us.”

  Marie watched as the younger man climbed into one of the company wagons. Before she could begin talking to him, Charles grabbed her arm and said, “What the hell is this breakfast thing you’ve agreed to?” He shoved her away from him. “Never mind. Just do as he said, so we can eat and get back on our way. This hanging on to Granville is over.”

  “Hanging on to?” She saw red as much as any bull in the matador’s arena. “You think I’m going to return to your camp and live as your servant while you and Hester carry on your affair?”

  “Lower your voice,” Hester whispered. “I don’t want anyone hearing this and thinking I’m as much a tart as you are.”

  Aghast at what the woman dared to say, Marie had no useful retort. She closed her open mouth. “Excuse me while I begin cooking for everyone. I suppose you’re included at Granville’s insistence.” She ignored them as if the two were fence posts. She poured water into the coffee pot and put in a healthy portion of beans. Most of the men, Lefty, Uncle Joe, and Lucky gathered around. Each carried a couple of handfuls of twigs and other brush. They threw the kindling onto the fire, avoiding the pot. After moving around the Warrens a couple of times, she said, “Please. Have a seat out of the way.”

  Hester leaned over to her brother, but said loud enough for everyone to hear, “I wouldn’t worry, Charles. Marie is a smart woman who knows where her bread is buttered. You’re a good husband. You’ve never beat her and have always provided.” She looked at Marie. “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”

  Before she could reply to Hester, Sam walked over to them with a piece of paper. “Mrs. Warren?” He continued, “I have the paper drying. It’ll be ready whenever you are.” He took her hand and helped Marie to her feet. “I’d have blotted the ink already, but I want no smudges or mistakes to mar the intent.”

  She glanced over the neat script, seeing “Divorce Decree” large across the top. “I appreciate that, Mr. Granville.”

  “Arnold is keeping guard over the pen, paper, and ink over there at the tailgate.” Sam grinned at her. He called out to Charles, saying, “Mr. Warren? I have an official document for you to sign.”

  “What?” He stood with difficulty and walked to where the three of them were waiting. Seeing the paper, Charles stopped. “Hell no. I’m not divorcing her. Not while she’s still able bodied and can help us get to California.”

  Sam’s eyes narrowed. “You will sign and with a smile on your face.”

  “Or?” Charles laughed.

  Leaning in to say in a quieter voice, Sam added, “Or, I will tell everyone I ever see again about the man who preferred bedding his sister over his own wife.”

  Charles’ demeanor changed from amused to rage. “You wouldn’t dare. No one would believe you.”

  “Not only would I, but I’d also write a story for every newspaper between here, Mexico City, and Boston. Every single one, about you and Hester, and I will name names.”

  “Sam, you can’t. I couldn’t take the notoriety.”

  “I wouldn’t mention you, of course. Besides, once they read Charles, Hester, lovers, and siblings, no one would talk about anything else.” He glared at Warren. “S
o? Don’t you think you and your sister might be just fine without Marie?”

  He looked back at Hester, now as pale as he was. She nodded, and he turned back to Sam. “You win. Where do I sign?”

  “Here, please.” Sam pointed to the first line and handed him the quill. When the man hesitated, Sam added, “Don’t you want to be rid of such an albatross of a wife, Mr. Warren? Don’t you prefer someone else?”

  Grabbing the pen, Charles jabbed it in the inkwell and signed his name with a flourish. “There. We’re done, and it’s about time.”

  Marie watched while holding her breath. No one moved. The air hung so still, she could hear the pen tip scratch the paper’s surface. He straightened, handing her the pen. She walked up to the document and dipped the tip in ink. Her hand shook as she tapped off the excess ink.

  Before she could sign her name, Charles stepped forward and hissed in her ear, “I wonder which of these men you’ll take first? My money’s on Granville.”

  Chapter 11

  Marie’s hand shook, getting a drop of ink on her dress. “Oh.” Her vision blurred from the tears, and she took a step back. “Could you take the pen for a moment, Mr. Granville?”

  “Certainly,” said Sam, taking back the pen. “Thank you, Mr. Warren. When we get to Oregon City, I’ll submit a copy there for the record.”

  “It’s not official now?” asked Hester.

  He smiled. “It will be as soon as Mrs. Warren and a couple of witnesses sign. Misters Lefty and Joe have already volunteered since they can both read and write.” He’d kept the language simple intentionally. No need in him letting things bog down by lengthy legal scribbles. He wanted this signed as soon as possible. Her face pale and hands shaky, Marie stepped back while giving Sam the pen. He swallowed, trying to ignore the flips his heart did in joy. “Thank you, Miss?”

  “Renaud.”

  She didn’t meet his gaze. He glanced over at the Warrens. Charles scowled while Hester still wore the same smug smile she’d arrived with. “It’s a pleasure, Miss Renaud.” Sam moved over so Joe and Lefty had access to the paper. “The marriage is dissolved, and you’re as free as any other unmarried woman in the party.”