by Kit Morgan
He looked at the three English women and nodded. “So am I, but I'm sure the next meeting will be on a much happier note.”
Sadie closed her eyes. “Let us hope so.”
With that, Chase left the room and went to join Levi.
* * *
“Our wives are in there,” said Chase as he descended the porch steps.
Levi looked at him, stunned. “What?”
“Yep. And they’re mighty pretty too. It's a darn shame they had to show up at the same time this happened.”
Levi stared at the front door of the ranch house. “Well I’ll be, they’re really here.” He looked at Chase. “You're right, this is a bad time.”
“No sense worrying about it now. We'll give poor Jamison a decent burial, then we'll worry about courting our brides.”
Levi mounted his horse. “All things considered, I feel guilty asking this, but did you happen to find out which one was mine?”
“Can't say that I did,” said Chase. “But I can tell you this, one's just as pretty as the next.”
“A pretty face is fine and dandy, but what's behind it? That's what I want to know.”
“Me too,” said Chase. “But now's not the time to ask.” They turned their horses and headed back to town. Once there, they found Preacher Jo and told him what had happened. Preacher Jo, in turn, asked if they wouldn’t mind helping him dig poor Sam's grave. He thought it best to hold the burial that afternoon. Chase and Levi agreed, and set to work.
“Willie told me the Cookes have houseguests,” said Preacher Jo.
Chase wiped his brow with a handkerchief. They’d been digging for close to an hour and were almost done. “They sure enough do,” he said.
Preacher Jo studied them both. “They… wouldn't happen to be someone you were expecting, eh?”
Chase and Levi smiled. “Yes,” said Chase. “They couldn’t have picked a worse time to show up, though.”
“Sometimes bad things happen. We all know that,” said Preacher Jo. “You two are going back out there, aren’t you?”
“We will if we have to,” answered Levi. “Depends on whether or not they need the help and someone comes back to fetch us.”
Preacher Jo climbed out of the finished grave. He stood and leaned against his shovel as Chase and Levi followed. “Let's hope you don't have to,” he said. “After all this, the townspeople will need something to get their minds off of poor Sam. Getting to watch you two boys court your mail-order brides ought to do the trick.”
“Yeah, that's true,” agreed Chase. “Except that Sam was supposed to be marrying one of them.”
“What?!” said Preacher Jo. “You mean to tell me Sam put in an order for one of those women?”
Chase and Levi nodded. “What a shame,” said Levi. “I sure do feel sorry for that little gal, whichever one was his.”
“Well, I wouldn't worry too much,” said Preacher Jo. “There are plenty of other men in this town that would be happy to take on a wife. I don’t think Sadie will have any problem finding her a match.”
Levi brushed dirt from his clothes. “I’m not so sure about that, Chase here says they’re just like the last batch that came to town.”
“You mean, more of the Cookes’ cousins?” asked Preacher Jo.
Chase nodded. “Yep. I've seen and heard them, they’re as English as they come. Pretty though.”
“Yeah, but like I said before,” said Levi. “What's behind those pretty faces?”
“Whatever sort of skills they lack, gentlemen, I'm sure they can be taught,” said Preacher Jo. “Now, how about some lunch? I'm sure Annie has fixed something for us by now.”
“Sounds good to me, preacher,” said Chase.
“Me too,” said Levi. “I could do with some of your wife's cooking.”
“Do you think this batch of women know how to cook?” asked Chase.
Preacher Jo laughed. “Like I said before boys, whatever sort of skills they lack, can be taught.”
“Only if they're smart enough to learn,” said Levi.
“Well now, the last batch didn't exactly have straw for brains,” said Chase. “And since they're all related, I'm sure these are just as smart as the others.”
“Yeah, that's what I'm worried about.”
“You haven't a farm to take care of Levi,” said Preacher Jo. “Nor do you have any livestock to worry about.”
“You're right I don't. Not yet anyway, and I don't want a wife who is going to be terrified of feeding the pigs or any other stock we might end up with.”
Chase eyed him out the corner of his eye as they walked back to Preacher Jo’s house. “What's the matter with you? Last week you were all fired up about getting a mail-order bride.”
“I know,” said Levi. “I guess chasing after outlaws all week has soured my thinking.”
“What you boys need is a good hot meal, a hot bath, and some sleep. Annie and I will provide the hot meal. You can take care of the rest yourselves,” consoled Preacher Jo.
Levi slapped him on the back. “We’ll do that preacher. And thank you for feeding us. I know it will make me feel better. I guess there's just something about chasing after outlaws and coming up empty-handed that makes me cranky.”
“The same goes for having to bring back a dead man,” added Chase.
Preacher Jo stopped and looked at them. “None of us knew Sam very well, but well enough to give his death meaning. I suggest the two of you concentrate on getting through the day. Save everything else until tomorrow.”
The two men gave him a solemn nod of agreement and continued on their way. Both knew that even though they’d bury Sam Jamison today, tomorrow, his death would still be with them.
* * *
“Why do we have to attend this?” complained Apple. “It's not like any of us knew the man.”
“Because our cousins didn't want us left alone at the Triple C,” explained Lena.
“We wouldn't have been alone,” argued Apple. “We would have been with each other.”
Lena shook her head at her sister’s logic. “You do recall the fact a man was killed, don't you?”
“Of course, we’re at his funeral, aren’t we? But the event did take place miles from here. It's not as if it happened in our cousin’s backyard.”
“I'm afraid that around here, one's backyard could well include miles and miles,” explained Fina.
Apple began to fidget in her chair. Lena reached over and tapped her on the shoulder. “Will you stop?” Apple blew a strand of hair out of her face and stilled. They were seated by the rest of the Cooke family at the grave site, waiting for the local preacher to begin the service.
“Well folks,” a male voice called out. “Let's get started.”
Lena and her sisters stared at the handsome man on the other side of the grave with a Bible in his hand. That was Clear Creek's preacher?
“Sam Jamison doesn't have any kin that we know of,” continued the preacher. “So I guess those of you gathered here are the closest thing to family there is for poor Sam.”
Lena and her sisters listened as the town preacher carried on about their cousin’s hired hand. He'd come to the Triple C only a year ago, and in that time, became one of their most trusted and responsible hands. Lena stared at the simple pine box that held the body. Had he been a young man, or an old, weathered cowboy? What could have happened to his family? She continued to ponder these things when her eyes wandered to the two men seated at the head of the grave. They were the same two that came to the Triple C early that morning to tell the Cooke’s their man had been shot. The one she was familiar with, Chase Adams, stared at the grave, his brows furrowed, his jaw tight. She wondered what he was thinking as she studied him. His hair was a light brown and he wore it extremely short. He wasn't as tall as Colin or Harrison, nor as broad, but she could tell he was a strong man. When he carried Apple into the parlor that morning, he lifted her as if she were nothing. True, her sister was small, but he swung her into his arms as if she
hadn’t weighed more than a sack of sugar. His shirt-sleeves had been rolled up at them time, and she'd notice the strength of his forearms and hands as he gently lay Apple on the settee. When he bumped into her as he stood, she felt his back, a hard wall of solid muscle, come against her. She'd never been that close to a man before, and was shocked and even a little scandalized with herself when she didn't move away. But for some reason, in that scant amount of time, his presence made her feel safe. It was a strange feeling, one she’d never felt before, and so chalked it up to being overly tired from her travels and recent arrival. After all, what else could it be?
“Let us pray,” said the preacher as he bowed his head.
Lena blinked at the words. Had she been so caught up in thinking about Chase Adams that she didn't even hear the preacher's eulogy for poor Mr. Jamieson? Apparently so, as it was quite obvious the service was over.
His prayer done, the preacher looked at the tiny gathering and smiled. “Annie has some refreshments up at the house. Why don't you have some before you head on back to the Triple C?”
“You're too kind, Preacher Jo,” said Harrison. “We'll do that.” He stood, pulling Sadie up with him, their baby in her arms. Lena watched as Colin and Belle followed suit and also stood, as did Imogene, her eyes glued to the grave in front of her.
“Cousin Imogene,” said Lena. “Are you all right?”
“Such a pity that the first event we attend in this town is a funeral.” She looked at Lena. “I was so hoping it to be one of your weddings, particularly yours, as you are the oldest.”
“I don't think it matters what order we get married in. One wedding is as good as the next, isn't it?”
Imogene smiled at her. “Things are much better when there is order involved. I think you should be the first, followed by Fina, and then Apple.”
“If you say so, cousin. I will not dispute it.”
“I think that knowing things are to be a certain way, will make it easier on you and your sisters,” said Imogene.
“I will inform the others then,” said Lena. “Including Sadie and Belle.”
“You do that,” said Imogene as the little group headed toward the preacher's house.
They gathered in the parlor and soon Annie, the preacher's wife, was serving pie and coffee. Lena found an empty chair and sat while Apple went to get her a plate.
“How are you holding up?” a voice spoke beside her. She looked up; it was Chase Adams. He took off his hat and peered down at her. “Not exactly the thing you want to have to deal with your first day in Clear Creek, is it?”
“No, it certainly is not,” she agreed. She offered him a tiny smile. “How long have you lived in Clear Creek, Mr. Adams?”
“A little over two years,” he said. “I came here from Oregon City at the request of Mr. Van Cleet to work on his hotel.
“And decided to stay?” she prompted.
“Yes. I like it here. The people are nice, the land is good, and you have everything you need.”
“Indeed? I say, but I myself haven't found everything I need as yet.”
His brows rose in question at the comment. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you come here to get married?”
“How ever did you know that?”
He chuckled. “Well, if you don't mind me saying so ma'am, pretty much everybody knows. This is a small town, and there ain’t many secrets that are kept in it.”
“Well for Heaven sakes,” she said, indignant. “You would think there would at least be a few.”
“If you don't mind me saying so, but in my experience ma'am, secrets lead to nothing but trouble.”
She studied him as Apple approached, a cup and saucer in her hands. Lena reached up and took the coffee from her, and gave a nod of thanks. “Mrs. King has two kinds of pie,” said Apple. “Cherry, and me!”
Lena let out a small chuckle. “You'll have to excuse my sister, Mr. Adams. She is often exuberant about things.” She looked at Apple. “I'll take the cherry.”
Apple smiled and turned to Chase. “I hear you rescued me from my dreadful faint and carried me off to a faraway land.”
“Well I don't know about carrying you off to any sort of land, Miss Sayer, he said with a chuckle. “But I did carry you as far as the parlor.”
She smiled at him, spun on her heel, and went to get Lena her pie. “Do forgive her,” said Lena. “Apple can be very childlike for her age.”
“How old is your sister?” asked Chase.
“Eighteen,” said Lena. “And I dare say, that ten years from now she’ll be acting the same.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” said Chase. “Seems to me life hasn't had a chance to spoil her yet.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Chase shrugged. “Just that sometimes life has a way of darkening a person's soul. It hasn't touched your sister yet, ma'am. I hope it never does.”
She stared at him a moment, then without thinking asked, “Has it touched yours, Mr. Adams?”
He gazed into her eyes and she caught a hint of sadness in them. “Sure enough has, ma’am. Especially after today, it sure enough has.”
Four
Lena pondered Chase Adams and his words long after she arrived back at the Triple C. What did he mean; life had darkened his soul? How? He seemed such a kind man, gentle, yet stern. After all, she wasn't a complete novice when it came to reading men. She was twenty-four and dealt with her fair share over the years … until they stopped calling that is.
Considered “on the shelf” by her peers and the ton, she'd quite given up on marriage, and began to consider where she might spend the rest of her days, when the Duke of Stantham himself, came to call. According to him, marriage was not as far-fetched a notion as she thought. And so here she was, she and her sisters, all of them about to be married.
Of course, they had yet to meet their new husbands, the men whom Sadie and the Duke deemed suitable for the task. She wondered who they could be. The only man she’d had any dealings with so far was Mr. Adams. Were there other men like him in Clear Creek? In truth, he reminded her of some of her past suitors in London, their moods dark and brooding. His remark of how life had darkened his soul didn’t make him more so, but it did serve to make Lena more curious of how he got that way.
“Oh Lena,” she said to herself. “Stop dramatizing everything.” It was her worst habit to do so. She often took every day things and imagined herself acting them out on a stage in front of an audience. In her eyes, the whole world was her stage, and she reveled in the thought of making it so, even if only in private, lest her sisters and mother think her foolish. Yet as foolish as it may seem at times, even to herself, acting gave her an outlet, and a chance to spread her wings.
“Lena!” said Fina as she burst into the bedroom. “Come quick! Sadie wants to speak to you!”
“About what? What's the matter?”
“Cousin Imogene has convinced her that you should be the first to marry, so she's going to let us know who your intended is!”
Lena felt a shiver go up her spine. “Oh, of course, that is why we’re here, isn't it?”
“Yes, yes, now hurry!” said Fina. “After she tells you about yours, maybe I'll find out about mine!”
“And then Apple shall find out about hers,” added Lena.
“Yes! Apple got so excited, she had to go use the privy!”
Lena laughed. “Oh dear, if she's this excited now, what's she going to be like on her wedding day?”
“We'll deal with that when the time comes,” said Fina. “Myself, I would very much like to know who she is to marry!”
Lena, who'd been sitting in a chair at a small desk near the window, finally stood. “Well then, I shan’t keep you waiting any longer. Let's go downstairs and find out who they are.”
“Oh, I'm so excited! And I’m so glad to be done with this funeral business. What a horrible thing for our first day here.”
“The second,” corrected Lena. “If one is to be technical
about it.”
“First day, second day, who cares? It was still a horrible way to start our new life in Clear Creek.”
“I suppose so, but it's over now. Let's not think about it anymore.”
They went downstairs to the parlor where Sadie, Harrison, Colin, and Belle had gathered. “Please,” said Sadie. “Do sit down, all of you.”
Harrison, who'd been sitting on the settee, stood to make room for them. “Where's Apple?”
“She’ll be along,” said Lena. She turned to Sadie. “You wanted to see us?”
“Yes, it's time we talked about the reason you're here.” She held up a sheaf of papers. “I have the marriage contracts and original applications of the men responsible for bringing you here. These three men, the Duke and I took great care in choosing for you, and in time, once you get to know them, I'm sure you'll agree they are each a good match.”
Imogene glided into the parlor. “I'm positive whatever you and the Duke have decided will be sufficient for the young ladies. I found the Duke to be very wise and intelligent for his part, and I trust his judgment.”
“Where is Apple?” Sadie now asked as she glanced around the parlor.
“Attending to her needs,” said Imogene. “I dare say, but did you hear a word I spoke?”
“Every one,” said Sadie. “But it's very important that Apple join us.”
She's not the first to be married. Lena is,” pointed out Fina. “So tell us; who is Lena to marry?”
Sadie glanced at Harrison and Colin who both shrugged. She turned back to the other women. Lena looked at her expectantly. Would her future-husband be short or tall? Was he a happy sort? Would he sweep her off her feet and carry her to a far-off land as Apple suggested Mr. Adams had done? So many questions flooded her mind at once, that Lena missed what Sadie said.
“Oh!” exclaimed Fina. “Isn't that wonderful? You've already met!”
“What?! Lena squeaked. “Whom have I met?”
“Your future husband?” said Imogene. “Really Lena, one would think you didn't hear a word Sadie said!”