Hannah_Bride of Iowa

by P. A. Estelle

  Before too long, both Samuel and Lizzy were yawning and rubbing their eyes. “I think it’s time for bed you two.”

  “I think you’re right.” Samuel got up and went to the stairs. “Let’s go, sugar plum.” Before joining her father, Lizzy ran to Maddie and put her arms around her knees, hugging her.

  “I love you, Mama.”

  “And I you, sweet girl.”

  After a few minutes Maddie heard one bedroom shut and then another. With a sigh of relief, she finished up the few things she did in the evenings and then slowly, and as quietly as she could, walked up the stairs, only to be stopped when Samuel called out, “Hannah, would you come in here please?”

  For a split second, she debated pretending she didn’t hear him, but quickly changed her mind. She opened the door just enough to stick her head inside. “Do you need something?”

  “I think you know exactly what I need.”

  Sighing, she walked in. Samuel had a small table and chair in the corner of his room. She pulled the chair over and sat down. “Samuel, you are sick. I didn’t want to yell for you because I thought it would enflame Chad’s temper and you might have been shot.”

  “What happened?”

  Maddie told him everything except the comment about Chad wanting to have business with her. “It was over in seconds. I’m sorry, Samuel, if you are angry with me. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Hannah, please come here.” He scooted over and patted the side of the bed.

  Maddie got up and walked to his bed. He took her hand and pulled her down to sit on the side. “I’m not angry with you, Hannah, but you or Lizzy could have been badly hurt or worse.” He raised her hand and kissed her palm. Her heart raced as heat flushed through her whole body. “In these last days, seeing you with Lizzy, it has occurred to me you are exactly what I have wanted, no, what I have dreamed for. I don’t know if I could live with the fact that you, or Lizzy, were hurt while I was lying in this bed. It is my job to protect the ones I care for.”

  Maddie’s eyes stung as tears filled them. “I’m sorry, Samuel.”

  He brought his thumb up to wipe away a tear that escaped down her cheek, then cupped the back of her neck, bringing her head down. Firm lips pressed against hers. His other arm came around to pull her closer. Her fingers were grasping the sheet that covered him. She was only aware of the kiss deepening and the slightest touch of his tongue brushing hers.

  Samuel took hold of her upper arms and raised her enough to look into her passion-filled eyes. “I’m going to make sure nothing takes you away from us, Hannah. Tomorrow I’m teaching you how to use a gun.”

  Shakily, Maddie rose to go to her room. “Hannah,” Samuel said, stopping her. “What did you do with Chad’s gun?”

  “It’s up in the cupboard, in the kitchen. I told him he could pick it up at the Marshal’s office.”

  “It’ll be a cold day in..., well he’ll be waiting a long time before getting that gun back.”

  The next day, Samuel took Maddie to the side of the barn and showed her how to use both a rifle and a revolver.

  “This is the gun that Martha learned to shoot with and when I was gone, she had it with her all the time. It’s called the Storekeeper. The barrel is smaller and it’s a bit lighter. The rifle is a Spencer Rifle. I only want you to get a feel for the rifle, but I want you to get used to this Storekeeper.”

  All week, between chores and meals, Maddie and Samuel practiced. Though she wasn’t exactly proficient with the gun, she could hit what she aimed at. He praised her ability and one day told her it was time for a test. Samuel placed three old cans a distance away on the ground. “See how fast you can hit each one.”

  She wasn’t fast but she hit each can. Maddie laughed and jumped into Samuel’s arms. “I did it! I really did it!”

  He smiled and swung her around hugging her close. “I know I said maybe we could get hitched at Thanksgiving and I know that’s only a few weeks out,” he dropped his forehead to hers “but truth be told, Hannah, you would tempt St. Peter.”

  His teasing rattled her composure and her face glowed with a rosy tint. He lifted her chin up. “Hannah, you do want to stay and be my wife, don’t you?” His dimple was gone and his beautiful eyes were serious.

  She looked off into the distance pursing her lips while bringing her hand up to hold her chin. “Hmmm,” she said, as if pondering the question. She turned her head, sneaking a peek up at him and couldn’t help but smile.

  When Maddie saw his expression turn from panic to the realization he was being teased, she ran for the house. She had only taken a few steps when he grabbed her from behind and swung her up in the air. “You can’t give me a heart attack and get away with it.” He tickled her sides and she doubled over in laughter.

  Lizzy and Mr. Wiggles were not to be left out. The pup barked and jumped with excitement, while Lizzy yelled, “My turn. My turn.”

  Samuel picked his daughter up and threw her in the air, making her squeal with excitement. When the fun was over, they walked toward the house, Lizzy and Mr. Wiggles running ahead. Maddie put her hand on his arm to stop him. “I do want to be your wife, Samuel…and Lizzy’s mother.” Samuel lowered his head to kiss her, but she ducked her head. “But, I need a dress and your sister was kind enough to offer me one of hers.”

  “We can go into town whenever you’d like so you can look through them.” Samuel started lowering his head again, but again, her hand stopped him.

  “We will need to alter it, which will take some time. I’ll probably be there for a while.”

  “I understand.” Again, he started down for a kiss, but was stopped.

  “I would like to take one of the horses, or the wagon, and go by myself. That way I won’t feel rushed. Would that be possible?”

  “Since it’s a straight road into town, I’m sure that will be fine.” When Maddie didn’t respond, Samuel said, “Can I have that kiss, now?”

  “You certainly can.” Holding her face up, Samuel wasted no more time.

  Chapter TEN

  The next week was a busy one. Maddie stood by Samuel’s side and they tilled the dirt for the garden. As it hadn’t been done for three years, it turned out to be an arduous job that took several days.

  Each night Maddie fell into bed, exhausted, but not before receiving a passionate kiss from Samuel. “Our wedding day better get here soon,” he would tell her and she whole-heartedly agreed.

  * * * *

  Samuel had saved two pigs out of his sounder of swine for his own family. Maddie told Samuel how she had helped with the butchering when her father fell ill, but he thought it would be better if she stayed in the house with Lizzy, thinking she was still a bit young to watch the proceedings. Luckily, for Samuel, Charles Page showed up. “Hey Doc, who better to help me butcher these two hogs then a man with a scalpel?”

  Samuel promised him dinner if he’d lend a hand, which the good doctor jumped at. It did take most of the morning to finish and clean up. Samuel gave his friend several pieces of meat and stored his down in the root cellar.

  Dinner consisted of slices of ham with sweet potatoes, and carrots. “Best I’ve ever had, Hannah. I thank you.”

  “No, Charles, we thank you for your help. It was very kind of you.” Maddie scooped out some more carrots.

  “Has a day been decided on for this upcoming marriage?” Charles asked, spooning more food in his mouth.

  “Our thinking is,” Samuel said, drinking some coffee, “since Ma and Pa will be here for Thanksgiving, we would get hitched the Sunday before, on November twenty-third, and it’ll be at Kate and Frank’s place. Their place is a might bigger than mine and the folks can stay there, along with Lizzy, for a few days and give us some time alone.”

  Charles thanked Maddie for a wonderful meal and started outside to go home. “Blast me for an idiot. I forgot the reason I stopped by. Old man Skinner died. Between you and me, I think he just couldn’t sit there anymore and watch those two, no good sons of his. I
’d have known nothing about it but I ran into Garst.”

  Charles climbed on his horse. “You won’t believe what he told me. He said he was just checking on things and happened by their place. He saw something in the front yard. There was Ray Skinner, just lying out there — dead! Garst demanded to know when this happened and the younger boy said the night before. Garst was so fired up he told those boys they had three days to get out. The next day Garst saw smoke coming from the direction of the Skinner house and turned out the place was burnt to the ground. Of course he reported it to the marshal, but nobody has seen any sign of those boys since.”

  Samuel told the doctor what happened with Chad Skinner and Maddie. The men exchanged glances. “Since then we’ve had a few lessons with a gun.”

  “If they have a lick of sense, they would have high-tailed it out of this area, but from what I’ve seen, they don’t have any sense at all.” The doctor looked at Maddie, his expression solemn, “You watch yourself, Hannah. You do the same, Sam.”

  * * * *

  Maddie tsked her tongue as Samuel put Lizzy on his horse and hopped up behind her. “This is just silly, Samuel. I will be perfectly fine riding by myself to Kate’s. Like Charles said yesterday, those men are no doubt miles from here.”

  Calmly, he brought his horse next to hers. “You are probably right, but I haven’t seen you ride yet, and I wanted to make sure the horse is gentle enough for you and, well…Lizzy has been pestering me to take her for a ride.”

  Maddie cocked her head, her look telling him exactly what she thought of his answer.

  “We’ll just accompany you to the edge of town and then we’ll head home,” he explained. “We ready?” His dimple appeared and she chuckled, giving her horse a small kick.

  “I will never be able to be upset with you when you smile. That dimple is absolutely disarming!”

  “I’ll have to remember that, future wife.”

  The day was glorious. Blue sky as far as one could see and just enough chill to keep a coat on. Maddie wore a light brown riding habit that had belonged to Martha. An ivory blouse was tucked in and buttoned to the neck.

  Samuel’s eyes were trained on his future bride as he watched her body move back and forth with the gate of the horse.

  “Samuel?” He smiled sheepishly at being caught staring. “I said, Martha had some very nice clothes. This seems like an expensive habit I’m wearing.”

  “Truth is, Martha was raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle in Des Moines. Her aunt disapproved of me and told Martha she would disown her if we married, over her husband’s objections. He and I got along quite well. Anyway, we were married six months or so and a few big boxes were delivered with all her clothes that she had left behind. It seems her aunt had died and Martha’s uncle was then able to send Martha her things.”

  “That’s so sad, Samuel.”

  “She didn’t seem upset. Martha said it wasn’t a happy childhood. She was just happy to get some of her clothes.”

  The edge of West Liberty came into view and Maddie pulled up. “Here we are. I can go in the rest of the way by myself.”

  He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “Please be careful on your way home.”

  Lizzy was smacking her lips for a kiss, too. Maddie reached over to give her a peck on the lips. “You be a good girl for Daddy and I’ll be very careful coming home.” She gave her horse a nudge and went on her way.

  * * * *

  Kate Evans had more clothes than anybody Maddie had ever known. Several summer and winter day dresses, a few evening gowns, riding habits, and skirts and blouses. The women laughed and giggled like two young girls, while trying on several of Kate’s gowns. Finally, the decision was made to alter a lavender silk gown, trimmed with satin. It had a Queen Ann neckline, showing only a hint of cleavage and a Basque waistline, coming to a point in the front, just below the waistline. The sleeves were puffy from the shoulder to the elbow, then fit tightly to the wrist.

  “Oh my,” Maddie said breathlessly. “I’ve never had anything on this luxurious. It is beautiful.” She looked at Kate, eyes watering. “Are you sure you don’t mind me borrowing this?”

  “Of course not. It gives me so much pleasure being able to help you. We are going to be sisters.” Kate hugged her soon to be sister-in-law. “I have some ribbon that we can use in your hair and some ivory kid slippers also.”

  It was decided Maddie would stay at Kate’s house on the day before the wedding. She would help with getting her dressed and with arranging Maddie’s hair.

  It was mid-afternoon when Maddie left Kate’s. An unease came over her as she was halfway home. It was the same feeling she had that day when Chad Skinner showed up. Maddie looked to her right, to her left and then behind her. Somewhere close by she heard the soft neigh of a horse, but saw nothing.

  Maddie leaned forward giving the horse its head and got home as fast as she could.

  * * * *

  The next morning Samuel rode out early to check on some of his fencing and the few cattle he owned. A few neighbors had mentioned strange things happening — little things like chickens gone missing, a calf disappearing, food stolen from root cellars. Samuel laid the Storekeeper on the table. “You keep this with you, especially while I’m gone. I don’t want to be worrying about you and Lizzy.” He pulled her into his arms. “It won’t be long, sweet Hannah. I am counting the minutes.” His kiss left her wanting so much more. She wanted their wedding to come as much as he did.

  Maddie decided to take Lizzy out and work in the garden, turning and readying the soil for the spring planting. It certainly didn’t need it. She had been out there every day for the last few days, just keeping herself and her mind busy.

  She’d be Mrs. Samuel Morrison in three days. More to the point, she would become Hannah Morrison. The day after tomorrow she would go to Kate’s house and her sister-in-law would do all she could to help her get ready for the big day. She would also have food ready to feed the small party that would attend Samuel’s and her wedding.

  And Maddie, what was she going to be doing on the most important day of her life? She would be lying. She would continue to deceive everyone who had become like family to her, the people she cared for, even loved.

  Maddie threw the hoe down and plopped down on her knees. She watched as Lizzy laughed playing tug of war with Mr. Wiggles. The little girl’s laughter made the very sun shine brighter. If she told Samuel of her deceit, would that sound be lost to her forever? Would the kisses she has begun to crave, become an aching memory?

  She shrieked when two hands landed on her shoulders. Samuel chuckled and sat down behind her pulling her against him. “You made such a pretty picture sitting here I just couldn’t resist.” His warm breath caressed her neck as soft kisses followed. Maddie could not take a chance in losing all this. Mrs. Hannah Morrison, she would become.

  * * * *

  “Hannah, I have everything in the wagon. It’s time to go.” Maddie heard him. This was the second time he had called up the stairs. Her resolve to continue this charade was crumbling. Move your feet, Maddie. Her heart was beating so hard in her throat, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She looked up and he was standing at her door. “Didn’t you hear me? It’s time to leave for Kate’s?’

  She cleared her throat. “Samuel, please come and sit down for just a minute.”

  He sat down, taking her hand. She saw something in his eyes she hadn’t seen before — dread, maybe fear.

  “What is it, Hannah? Are you okay?” He cupped her cheek with his other hand.

  Say it! Just tell him straight out! “Samuel, there are things about me that you need to know. I am—”

  “Sweet,” he released a held-in swoop of breath, “I’m sure both of us have done some things we aren’t exactly proud of, but what I do know, for a fact, is there is nothing you could tell me that would change my opinion of you.”

  “Sam, please…”

  He stood and pulled her to her feet and into his arms. “I
love you, Hannah and I can’t wait to make you my wife.” He lifted her chin and brushed her lips with his. Samuel smiled and kissed her forehead before letting her go. “Isn’t it the groom who’s supposed to get cold feet?” Taking her hand, he pulled her downstairs and out to the wagon.

  Chapter ELEVEN

  Maddie sat on the wooden rocker in the dark room next to the window, her arms circling her knees. The bedroom she was in faced the east. Directly overhead stars blinked but far to the east, pinks and blues streaked the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before the sun was up. It looked to be a clear day, perfect for a wedding.

  She was sure there would be dark circles under her eyes. Sleep eluded her most of the night. Dreams had her tossing and turning. In one dream, Samuel was riding away in the wagon with Lizzy, who was holding her arms out wide crying for her mama not to leave. Another was of Samuel and his folks in the front parlor of Kate’s house, all staring at her, hatred written on their faces. Then Kate slammed the front door shut in Maddie’s face.

  Her thoughts strayed to yesterday. It had turned out to be such a lovely day. By the time they got to Kate and Frank’s place, Samuel’s folks were there. Bessie hurried to meet the wagon, hugging both Maddie and Samuel. Gus threw Lizzy in the air, making her giggle with delight.

  Bessie had put her arm through Maddie’s as they’d walked to the house. “I swear; I didn’t think this day would ever get here.”

  “That’s a fact,” Gus had laughed, heaving Lizzy onto his shoulders. “She’s been chomping at the bit since you left Iowa City. I practically had to hog tie her to keep her home!”

  Their laughter and good nature helped Maddie put her anxiety behind her for the time being, or at least until supper, when the discussion of the wedding surfaced.

  “Hannah, are you ready to become my daughter-in-law?” Gus had asked, sitting back after stuffing himself with ham and potatoes, smothered with brown gravy, and biscuits.