Bran (Prairie Grooms, Book Six)

by Morgan, Kit

  “Only when ya got to the kissing part!”

  Harrison shook his head and turned back to Bran. “Wilfred is, first and foremost, a romantic.”

  “That and he has mighty good hearing,” added Bran as he eyed Wilfred who now wore a silly smile on his face.

  “So, what will it be?” asked Harrison. “What will you do to win the hand of the fair maiden?”

  Bran gave his attention back to him. “Well, as you English would say, I haven't the foggiest. But I'm sure to come up with something.”

  “That's the spirit! Now, I must see to my business. Chase should be done replacing Juliet's shoe by now. Seems my cousin’s little trots across the prairie didn't do my mare much good.”

  “I don't think it did Apple much good either,” Bran said solemnly.

  “Chin up, Deputy, you’ll see. Apple will be right as rain, especially when she knows you’ve forgiven her. Have you?”

  Bran’s heart sank. “No,” he said and couldn’t give him a reason why. He'd have to forgive her, but the mere thought made him cringe. The frustration he felt not knowing why, was even more bothersome. “That's what this gift is about,” he finally said.

  “Glad to hear it, “said Harrison as he patted him on the back. “I think the two of you will make a fine match. But remember, she and her cousins are a free-spirited sort, and passionate about life. When they fall in love, they fall hard and fast.”

  “Don't worry, I’ll remember that,” Bran said as he put the book back on it shelf.

  “You gonna up and buy somethin’? Or are ya just gonna stand over there and yap all day?” Wilfred called across the mercantile.

  “Remember what I said,” Harrison reminded him in a low voice.

  “Thanks for the advice,” Bran said and shook his hand one more time.

  Harrison smiled then turned to face Wilfred. “I've come for the mail, and give me a half a dozen of your delicious cinnamon candies.”

  “Comin’ right up,” said Wilfred. ‘And you got a package! It looks like it's from Duncan!”

  “Duncan!” Harrison exclaimed and quickly strode to the counter. “Well, handed it over man!”

  Bran watched as Wilfred handed Harrison a package then turned to get his candy. He took one last look at the books and candy shelves, and then headed for the door. What in Heaven's name was he going to do to show he had no ill-will toward Apple Sayer?

  * * *

  It had been several days since Deputy O'Hare paid a visit to the Triple C, which meant it had been several days or more since Apple had been to Clear Creek, After all, it wouldn't do to go to town and run into the man. With her luck, lightning would strike him dead, or he'd walk out in front of the stage and get run over, or maybe Mrs. Upton would toss a sack of flour on him like the time she and Mrs. Dunnigan did to an outlaw threatening Josiah King.

  Mrs. Upton had been quite animated in her retelling of the story of how she and Mrs. Dunnigan saved the day, not to mention the preacher’s wife Annie. If it hadn't been for them, Preacher Jo and Annie would have both met with horrible ends.

  “Everyone in this town has adventure and romance but me,” Apple said to herself with a pout. She sighed and stared out her bedroom window. Would she ever experience romance? Not likely, and for good reason too.

  She went to the bedroom door, put her ear to it, and listened. She heard no one outside in the hall so felt it was safe to get back to making her list. She went to the dresser and pulled out a piece of paper, unfolded it, and went over the items she would need in order to carry out her plan. “Let's see, blanket, saddlebags, I wonder if there are any extra of those around here?” She better find out if she was going to pull this off, and she couldn't very well ask Harrison or Colin if they just happen to have a spare set around. Especially after the interrogation she suffered through the other night. Sadie and Belle were relentless in their pursuit to find out why she wouldn’t marry. No, she'd have to get everything on her own. And she would need a lot of supplies if she was to make her way west to Oregon City. Or, if she was real lucky, she could hook up with a wagon train camped outside of town and travel west with them. Which, of course, was a much more viable option.

  A knock sounded on the door. Apple jumped up from the bed, raced to the dresser, and quickly stuffed the paper into the top drawer. “Yes?”

  Belle opened the door, a huge grin on her face. “This just came for you,” she said and handed her an envelope.

  “Apple took it from her and noticed the only thing gracing the missive was her name. What's this?”

  Belle laughed. “Open it and find out, silly.”

  “How did it get here?”

  “Sheriff Hughes brought it.”

  “What’s the sheriff want with me?”

  “I don't think it's from the sheriff. Just open it, will you?”

  At this point Sadie was peeking over Belle's shoulder. Tired of waiting, she pushed Belle out of the way and came into the room. “Well, what is it?”

  “I don't know!” replied Apple. She wanted to take the time to study the handwriting of her name, as if whoever wrote it was in a hurry. Speaking of hurry… she ripped the envelope open and pulled out a note. She quickly read it, gasped, and put a hand to her mouth.

  “What?” asked Belle, “what's it say?”

  Apple continued to stare at the note. Sadie rolled her eyes and snatched it out of her hand. “’Miss Sayer’,” she read aloud. “’Would you do me the honor of afternoon tea, tomorrow, three o’clock?’ Well, well,” Sadie drawled. “Isn't this something?”

  “Oh Apple! I'm so happy for you! Deputy O'Hara obviously wishes to court.”

  Apple looked at them both and shook her head. “I… I can't.”

  “What do you mean, you can't?” asked Sadie.

  “I just… I just can't, that's all.”

  “You can and you will,” Sadie said as she shoved the note back into Apple's hand. “Besides, it's only tea, and if you decide you don't like the man, then you can call the whole thing off.”

  “Call what off?” asked Apple, though she knew.

  “The courtship, of course,” said Belle. “It's obvious what he wants, but, if you think the two of you won't suit…”

  “Oh, we won't,” said Apple with a quick shake of her head. “I can tell you that right now.”

  Belle and Sadie exchanged a look. Belle then looked at Apple and smirked. “Uh-huh, like you haven't been moping around here the last few days since you saw him?”

  “I have not been moping!”

  “Then you’ve been pouting, and or sulking, take your pick,” added Sadie. She turned to Belle. “What do you think, her yellow calico?”

  “No, the lilac.”

  “Will you two stop!” cried Apple. “I'm not going!”

  “Yes you are!” said Sadie. “And you might as well get used to it. If not Deputy O'Hare, than some other gentleman will be wanting to marry you.”

  “I'm not getting married!”

  “So you informed us the other day,” Belle commented dryly. “But why? Why wouldn't you want to get married?”

  “Because… oh, never mind.” Apple went to the bed and sat. She couldn’t tell them, they wouldn't believe her. The only one who might would be Eloise, and she hadn't had a chance to see her yet. But… if she were to go to the hotel for tea, she would be able to speak with her… even if it meant having tea with Deputy O'Hare. She looked at Belle and Sadie, and let out a heavy sigh. “Fine, I’ll go.”

  Sadie smiled. “Good, I'll go let Jefferson know we’ll need him to drive us to town tomorrow.”

  “Us?” said Apple, confused. “What are you going for?”

  “To chaperone of course, you can't expect to have tea alone with the man.”

  “Oh, yes, I'd quite forgotten about that,” Apple said with another sigh.

  “Perhaps Imogene and Cutty would like to join us?” suggested Belle.

  “Cousin Imogene won't let the man get in two words if she's there,” complaine
d Apple. “All she'll do is talk about India.”

  “Not if Cutty’s there, she won’t,” said Belle.

  “Fine,” groaned Apple. “The more, the merrier I suppose. But whom is Deputy O’Hare courting? Me, or all of you?”

  “Don't worry,” assured Sadie. “Deputy O'Hare will have his chance with you, we just thought that maybe you'd feel more comfortable if we were there.”

  “Can Eloise come? Apple asked, hopeful.

  “Of course she can,” said Belle. “In fact, I would love it if she did, just in case I'm not feeling up to going.” She patted her tummy for emphasis and smiled.

  Apple looked at Belle’s hand resting on her belly, and bit her lower lip. “You don't have to go, especially if you're not feeling well. I'm sure I'll have enough chaperones.”

  Belle smiled at her. “You're looking at this all wrong, you know.”

  Apple cocked her head to one side. “I don't understand.”

  “Deputy O’Hare is a good man, Apple, and he'd make you a fine husband. We understand how you must feel after all that’s happened since you’ve come here, but trust us on this.”

  Apple looked at them both and nodded. What else could she do? She couldn't very well blurt out that if she went anywhere near Deputy O'Hare, she might well be the death of him. After this, she was just going to have to find a way to avoid the man.

  Nine

  Bran was nervous. If he could, he’d be wearing his Sunday best. Unfortunately, he no longer owned a good suit of clothes, only the ones he worked in. He’d sold his one suit coming west, to feed him and Grady. Food was more important at the time than looking one’s best. But his hair was combed, his face clean-shaven, and he smelled nice. It would have to do. But would it be enough for the likes of Apple Sayer?

  “Stop fidgeting,” complained Seth Jones as he sat at a nearby table. “You don't want her to think you're nervous, do you?”

  “I never thought I'd say this, but I am.”

  “Don't worry, it happens to the best of us,” Seth consoled, then looked at the double doors that led into the hotel's dining parlor.

  His wife Eloise came through them and went directly to their table. “How lovely,” she commented as she took in the tea service Mrs. Upton had prepared. “How many are coming?”

  “Too many, from the sounds of it,” complained Bran.

  “Mr. O’Hare,” began Eloise. “Might I remind you, that you need to be properly chaperoned while courting my cousin.”

  Bran gawked at her. “Is there anyone here that doesn't know my intentions?”

  “What everyone in town knows, is that you've set your cap for her.”

  Bran rubbed one temple then looked at her. “All I did was invite her to tea so we could talk. I picked this time because no one is usually here.”

  “Oh, it's not as bad as all that,” Eloise said and sat next to her husband. “Besides, this is a public dining room and other people are allowed to come to afternoon tea. At least we’re not sitting at the same table with you.”

  “Thank Heaven for that,” Bran muttered under his breath.

  A flash of color caught his eye, and he looked up in time to see Apple in a pretty lilac colored dress, walk into the dining parlor with Sadie Cooke close behind. She didn't look very happy; and that was Apple, Sadie on the other hand, looked delighted to be there.

  “Right, then,” he said under his breath. “Here we go.” He stood and smiled. “Miss. Sayer, Mrs. Cooke, I'm so glad you're here,” he said politely. He maneuvered around the table to hold out a chair for Apple, seated her, and then did the same for Sadie. He was about to retake his seat when Colin and Harrison sauntered into the dining parlor. His mouth hung half-open at the sight, and he quickly looked between the two brothers. “What are they doing here?” he whispered to himself.

  Apple heard it. “Cousin Duncan sent some tea from England and we want to try it out.”

  “Oh, I see,” Bran said as he slowly sat. He watched as Harrison and Colin sat at another table and were joined by Jefferson, their stepfather. Bran could only stare. “Is the whole bloody town coming?”

  Apple smiled at him. At least she found it amusing. “Perhaps,” she said.

  He was about to comment when in walked Wilfred and Sheriff Hughes! Now his mouth did drop open. “Sheriff? You're having tea?” he squeaked.

  “Sure, son. Can’t a man enjoy a cup of tea now and then?” They sat at the Cooke brother’s table and began to chat with the Englishmen.

  Bran looked at Apple and shrugged. “Well then, here we are. Having… tea.” He looked around. “With all of these people.”

  Apple smiled. “Yes, isn't it nice?”

  Imogene and Cutty were the last to arrive, and took a seat at Eloise and Seth’s table. As if on cue, Mrs. Upton pushed a teacart into the room and began to serve. Bran felt entirely out of place. Ever since he came to the quirky little town almost a year ago, tea was the one thing he did not partake of. And even though most of the men folk in town did, he didn't see any reason to join them. For one, he didn't particularly like the stuff. He preferred coffee instead. Apparently, Sally Upton knew this, and poured him a cup of the hot brew instead of tea. He looked up at her smiled. “Why, Mrs. Upton, thank you!”

  “I knew there was a reason you never came in the afternoons with the other men. I guessed this had to be it. No trouble to pour you a cup of coffee Deputy, maybe from now on I'll see you with the others.”

  Bran smiled. “Perhaps you will.”

  He took in the teacups, saucers, cookies, biscuits, and small slices of cake. Memories flooded him and he had to hold his breath a moment to hold them at bay. A pretty tea set, his mother's tinkling laughter, followed by shattering glass and her screams as his father started to beat her in front of him.

  Bran closed his eyes against the image and took a sip of his coffee. “My, that's good and hot.”

  Apple studied him and smiled. “For a moment I didn't think you were going to like it.”

  He looked at her. “What makes you say that?”

  “The look on your face.”

  “Look?”

  “The one a moment ago, you looked, well, sort of sad and mad all at the same time.”

  “I see, well don't worry lass, it's nothing. Let's enjoy ourselves, shall we?”

  “Doing what?”

  He stared at her a moment, not quite sure how to answer that. “Well, we are having tea, I suppose.”

  “Are you courting me?”

  Bran chuckled. “Ye don't hold back, do you?”

  “No, I don't. Are you courting me?”

  “It's customary to have this conversation with a father or brother, or in this case yer cousins, as to whether or not I'm courting you.”

  “Are you?”

  Bran laughed. He then looked into Apple’s eyes as Mrs. Upton poured her cup of tea. “Do ye want me to?”

  She jerked back, hit Sally's elbow, and made her spill tea into her lap. “Oh! Ahhh!”

  Bran quickly got up to help. “Here now lass, are ye hurt?”

  “Ow! Ow! Hot! Hot!”

  Eloise and Sadie both stood and immediately went to Apple’s side. “Oh, you poor thing!” exclaimed Sadie.

  “I'm so sorry, Apple,” said Mrs. Upton. “You moved and hit me and…”

  “It's okay, Mrs. Upton…” Apple said as she fanned her lap. “I’ll… be fine.”

  “Come upstairs with me,” said Eloise. “I have something you can change into.”

  Apple looked at her and frowned. “Maybe I should just go home?”

  Sadie eyed her. “No, I think Eloise has a good idea. Go upstairs and change and we’ll wait for you. Hurry now.”

  Eloise took Apple by the arm and led her away from the table. “Come along, let's hurry before the tea gets cold.”

  “No worries ladies,” Mrs. Upton called after them. “I’ll brew a fresh pot when you come back.”

  Bran studied everyone as Apple retreated with Eloise. Collin and Harrison looked
at one another then at Sadie, who could only shrug. She then looked at Bran. “Maybe this was a mistake,” he said softly.

  Sadie wiped the chair Apple had used and sat. “No, this is just what she needs and we all approve the match.”

  Bran nodded. “Aye, but does the lass? I still don't know about this, Mrs. Cooke. I don't think she's very interested in me.”

  Sadie smiled. “She's just skittish, that's all.”

  “Skittish is one thing, Mrs. Cooke. But this…”

  “It was an accident Mr. O'Hare, nothing more. It's not like she spilled tea on herself on purpose now, was it?”

  “Well, no, but…”

  “Everything will be fine, you'll see. In fact, I've spoken with Harrison and we'd like you to come to Sunday supper after church. It will give you and Apple more time to get to know one another.”

  “If ye say so, Mrs. Cooke, if ye say so.”

  * * *

  What luck! Spilled tea! Apple couldn't have planned it any better and wished she'd thought of it! But the important thing was that now she was alone with Eloise and could speak with her about her dilemma. “Is the Sayer curse true?” she blurted as she went behind a wooden screen to change her dress.

  “What?” Eloise croaked. “Apple, why are you asking me this?”

  “Because I have to know!” she said from the other side of the screen. She quickly peeked around it. “Is it true, did you think it affected you and Seth?”

  Eloise blanched. “Who told you that?”

  “I think it was Cousin Imogene, or maybe Constance, but I did hear it.” She popped back behind the screen and continued to change her clothes.

  Eloise sat on the bed and stared at the floor. “It's true that I believed in it and thought it had followed us here from England, but now I know better.”

  Apple came out from behind the screen wearing Eloise’s simple brown calico. “What do you mean, you know better?”

  “There was nothing here to keep me from marrying Seth except, well, me,” she explained.

  “You? You mean the curse, right?”

  “I guess I’m not explaining this very well. Let me start again. At first I thought it was the curse that kept me wondering if marrying Seth was the right thing to do, even though I was his mail-order bride. But then I realized I had made him out to be something that he wasn't, and I wanted him to be something else, do you understand?”