Brides of Kansas

by Bateman, Tracey V. ;

  Suddenly Dell’s collar was choking him, and his palms became clammy. His knees nearly buckled as he mechanically repeated his vows and listened to Cassidy’s quiet, solemn voice respond to the preacher.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Dell fought to stay on his feet as his breath came in short bursts, and his head started to spin. Before he could turn to his new wife and seal the vows with a kiss, Dell felt himself sway. Then everything went black.

  Chapter 5

  A stunned silence filled the air as Dell landed with a thud on the hard ground.

  “Aunt Cass,” Emily shrieked in panic. “Is he dead?”

  A low rumble of laughter began in the crowd and grew to a roar as Dell opened his somewhat dazed eyes and sat up, rubbing the back of his head.

  “No, sweetie, he isn’t dead.”

  Cassidy extended a steadying hand to her new husband, whose face glowed bright red. “Are you all right?” she asked, speaking softly enough so that only he could hear.

  “Everything but my pride,” he drawled, accepting her assistance as he stumbled to his feet.

  Dell glanced at Reverend Marcus, who wiped tears of mirth from his round face.

  “May we continue with the ceremony?” Dell asked.

  The preacher gave him a bewildered look. “But the wedding is over. I pronounced you man and wife before your…um…fall.”

  The crowd roared again, and Cassidy wished the ground would open up and swallow her. He didn’t even remember that they were already married!

  “No sir,” Dell argued. “I distinctly recall one more thing you said before I passed out cold.” He grinned.

  Understanding dawned upon Reverend Marcus’s face. “Ah yes,” he said with a merry lilt to his voice. “You may now kiss your bride.”

  Before she knew what was happening, Dell grabbed Cassidy by her shoulders and turned her to face him. Slipping his hands around her waist, he drew her close. Cassidy’s heart thumped wildly as she prepared for her first kiss. His head descended slowly. So achingly slow that she wrapped her arms about his neck and raised on her toes, tipping her face toward his to close the gap between them more quickly. His eyes registered surprise, then he smiled. At the touch of his lips on hers, Cassidy relaxed against him, the spectators fading into the background. There was only the feel of Dell’s soft lips and of his arms holding her close.

  All too soon, the moment was over, and the look in Dell’s eyes left her as breathless as the kiss itself. But there was no time to analyze his gaze or her feelings, for they were surrounded by well-wishers.

  As the crowd of men swept Dell away, Mrs. Marcus slipped an arm through Cassidy’s and led her from the rest of the group.

  “I’ve arranged for Emily to sleep in our wagon tonight,” she whispered.

  Cassidy drew back. “Whatever for?”

  A twinkle lit the faded blue eyes of the plump woman standing before her. “Do you want a child in your wagon on your first night as a married woman?”

  Mortified, Cassidy lifted her hand and covered her mouth. “Oh my! I never even considered…”

  “It’s all settled, then. Emily will stay with us tonight.” Mrs. Marcus gave her a gentle pat on the arm.

  She could only nod in response as the preacher’s wife moved away to join the women preparing the celebration dinner.

  Panic welled up inside Cassidy, and she looked around for a means of escape. Her eyes scanned the camp, stopping short as her gaze locked with Dell’s. He shot her a concerned frown. She ducked her head to avoid his eyes and walked hurriedly to the wagon. Climbing in, she sat down, knees to her chest, tears of humiliation streaming down her cheeks.

  The flap raised, and Dell stuck his head inside, worry written plainly on his handsome face. His frown deepened at her tears, and without a word, he climbed in and gathered her in his arms while she sobbed. When her tears subsided, he pulled away, holding her at arm’s length. “What’s wrong?”

  “M–Mrs. Marcus is keeping Emily in her wagon tonight so you and I can be alone.” A fresh onslaught of tears rolled down her face. “Honestly, Dell, it’s all so humiliating.”

  “Oh.” He cleared his throat and appeared to be in thought for a moment. “Cassidy, look at me.”

  She did so reluctantly. His gaze roamed over her face and came to rest on her mouth. Cassidy held her breath, hoping he’d kiss her once again. Instead, he lifted his hand and cupped her face, wiping away a tear from her cheek with the brush of his thumb.

  “If I don’t stay here tonight,” he said softly, “we’ll both be laughingstocks.”

  “You already are,” Cassidy reminded him, then clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh Dell, I’m sorry. How rude of me!”

  His lips twisted into a wry grin. “It’s true. I can’t believe I passed out like that. These folks will never forget the wedding where the groom fainted.”

  A nervous giggle escaped her lips. Soon they were both laughing so hard that tears rolled from their eyes, and Cassidy could feel some of the tension slipping away. Suddenly Dell stopped laughing and drew her close, his face inches from hers. “You’ve made me very happy,” he whispered. “Have you forgiven me for not telling you the truth from the beginning?”

  Reaching up, Cassidy pressed a hand to his cheek. She wanted to reassure him, but she became alarmed as she realized how warm his skin felt. Pulling back, she frowned and moved her hand to his forehead, then to his other cheek. “Dell, you feel feverish. Are you sick?”

  His gaze darted away from her. “I think it’s just all the excitement. I’ve never fainted before.”

  Cassidy was about to pursue the subject further when they heard voices outside the wagon.

  “Hey you two, get out here and join the celebration. You can’t leave your wedding guests to fend for themselves.”

  Cassidy’s cheeks burned. How much more humiliation must she endure on a day that should have been the happiest of her whole life?

  “Oh Dell,” she groaned.

  “They’re only teasing. Besides, I have a right to be in here. I’m your husband.”

  That didn’t exactly make her feel any better, especially now that she wasn’t sure what to expect from him.

  “Let’s go join them, shall we, Mrs. St. John?”

  The name sounded strange, foreign, but somehow…right. “I suppose we should,” she agreed with a sigh. “I—if you’re sure you feel up to it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss our wedding celebration for anything in the world. Don’t worry.” Dell hopped down from the wagon and reached up for her.

  Cassidy accepted his help, but seeing the gleam in his eyes, she stepped quickly from his arms. “Behave yourself,” she admonished.

  The newlyweds received a round of applause as, hand in hand, they moved into the center of the circled wagons and sat at their “table” fashioned from boards placed atop packing crates.

  The feast was “scrumptious,” according to Emily. But to Cassidy, whose nerves were taut, it tasted like cooked burlap. Dell sat by her side. After a while, Cassidy noticed he was less attentive and seemed to pull away from her. His face was noticeably paler, and he barely touched his plate.

  “Are you feeling all right?” she whispered.

  Dell snapped back to attention, though the spark was noticeably absent from his blue eyes. He reached over and laid his hand on hers. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

  Though she tried not to, she couldn’t help worrying. She wanted to suggest he retire for the night but knew he wouldn’t. So she said nothing.

  The sun was descending in the western sky by the time all traces of supper were put away and the music began. Dell leaned in close, his breath warm on her neck. “Dance with me.” Standing, he offered her his hand. “Please.”

  Her heart beat furiously as she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. It seemed to Cassidy that she floated into his arms. She pressed her head to his shoulder and felt his lips brush her hair. A warm, cozy fee
ling engulfed her as she closed her eyes and allowed a sigh of contentment to escape her lips.

  Suddenly she felt Dell stiffen and tighten his hold. Her eyes flew open, and she looked up to find him glaring over her shoulder. Turning her head, she spied the wagon master striding toward them while, behind him, a group of snickering men stood watching the scene.

  “Time to share the bride’s dances, Dell,” Lewis said, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Thought you were worried about an Indian attack,” Dell replied in an icy tone. “Shouldn’t you be standing guard or something?” He made no move to relinquish Cassidy.

  “Come now. Be a sport.” The amusement on the wagon master’s face made his face even redder as he fought to keep from laughing and clapped Dell on the shoulder. “You’ll get her back later.”

  A thrill passed through Cassidy. He didn’t want to let her go. “Dell,” she whispered, placing a gentle palm on his chest, “I think I’m supposed to dance with the other men. It’s okay.”

  Dell scowled and released her. “I’ll be back,” he said, eyeing Lewis.

  For the next hour, Cassidy was whirled from one man to the next. Each time Dell started her way, another hurriedly cut in before he could get to her. The men laughed and elbowed each other like it was a merry game. All the men except Dell. Cassidy was beginning to agree with her husband. Enough was enough. Close to tears, she had long since stopped trying to converse with her dance partners when she felt familiar arms encircle her waist. She raised her head to find her husband staring down at her in the flickering light of the campfires.

  “Oh Dell. Thank goodness it’s you.”

  “Had enough dancing?”

  She nodded.

  Before she could say another word or think another thought, Dell grabbed her by the hand and, without so much as a glance back, led her toward the wagon.

  “Dell,” she said with a gasp, grabbing his arm for support as he stumbled slightly. “What are people going to say?”

  “What does it matter?” He shrugged. “We’re leaving the wagon train tomorrow anyway.”

  That was true enough. Still, the look of bewilderment on the Pike sisters’ faces would haunt her for the rest of her life.

  When they reached the wagon, Dell stepped aside and held out his hand. Ducking her head, she climbed inside. When he didn’t follow, Cassidy frowned.

  Maybe she’d been wrong after all.

  “I’ll leave you alone for a while,” he said.

  She gave a slight nod, wondering at the flush in his cheeks.

  “But I’ll be back,” he said softly and closed the flap.

  Dell’s saddlebags and rifle rested discreetly in the corner of the wagon, and Cassidy felt her cheeks burn. When had he brought those in here?

  Her heart raced like a wild horse running free on the range. She was no fool. She knew what Dell expected of her—or she thought she did. Somehow, through the course of this dreamlike day, the stakes had changed. She knew this would be no marriage of convenience.

  Lord, how do I give myself to a man who isn’t in love with me? It never occurred to her to ask how she would give herself to a man she didn’t love, for in the past few weeks, she had fallen for Dell. His fun and humor, the way he played and teased with Emily, who was slowly healing from the loss of her father. Each kind or protective gesture toward Cassidy or the little girl had endeared him to her more. Dear Lord, let my love for him be enough.

  She removed her gown. Carefully, lovingly, she folded it and packed it into her trunk. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her new white cotton nightgown. With trembling fingers, she removed the rest of her clothing and slipped the gown on. Then she quickly grabbed her wrapper and drew it around her.

  Her mind traveled to the four children waiting for her at home. My children. She smiled at the thought. All of them—Dell’s four and Emily. She was now mother to five children. How long had she ached and prayed for a family of her own? God had answered her prayers above her wildest hopes. Except for…well…Dell didn’t exactly love her, but he would one day. She felt sure of it. Her God wouldn’t leave her in a marriage without love.

  Dell sat beside the creek, watching the moon cast a gentle glow on the rippling water. His head ached, and he knew he was running a fever. With a groan, he placed his hand on his spinning head. He should have been back at the wagon long ago, but he couldn’t seem to force his aching body to move.

  At first he’d thought it was just nerves—what with the fainting and all. But as the day wore on, he knew he’d caught Emily’s sickness. What would he tell Cassidy? Well, she’d probably be relieved anyway. She’d made it pretty clear the marriage was strictly to provide security for her and Emily and to provide a mother for his children. For all intents and purposes, theirs was a marriage of convenience. There were moments, though, when he had begun to wonder if perhaps it could be more. The way she’d responded to his kiss and leaned against him during their dance, for instance. He almost believed…

  Lights were beginning to go out across the camp by the time he summoned the strength to stand, trembling, to his feet and force his legs to move—one, then the other, until he finally reached Cassidy’s wagon.

  Leaning against the frame, he tapped, hoping it was loud enough for her to hear, for he knew he didn’t have the strength to knock any louder.

  The canvas flap opened, and there was Cassidy, clad in white, looking very much like an angel, her hair long and flowing around her shoulders.

  “Dell, I was about to come looking for you.” The unmistakable concern in her voice filled him with contentment.

  “Help me inside,” he croaked.

  “Are you sick?” Cassidy grabbed his arm and pulled as he climbed. Once inside the wagon, he rolled miserably onto the straw bed.

  Curling into a ball, he began to shiver uncontrollably. “I—I think I c–c–caught…”

  “Oh my, you really are sick, aren’t you?”

  Dell felt a cool, gentle hand on his forehead, then heard her gasp. “You’re burning up. Honestly, Dell, why didn’t you say something earlier?”

  “I didn’t want to ruin the day for you.”

  “That was sweet of you, but if you were sick all day, you should have said something,” she scolded. Sliding on her boots, she grabbed a bucket. “I’ll be back. Try to get undressed and under the covers.”

  Dell tried to sit up but fell with a groan to the bed.

  Cassidy returned minutes later. She clucked her tongue, and he felt her tugging at his boots. With a grunt, she removed one, then the other. Next he felt his pants sliding from his body. He tried to protest, but she hushed him. “Don’t be silly. You can’t rest comfortably in trousers.”

  He didn’t protest further as she removed the rest of his outer clothes, and soon he felt a thick quilt covering him to his shoulders. A cool cloth bathed his face. The last thing he heard as he drifted to sleep was the low, melodious sound of Cassidy’s voice beseeching God on his behalf.

  The noon sun blazed overhead when Dell emerged, pale and shaky, from the wagon the next day.

  “Feeling any better?” Cassidy asked, looking up from stoking the fire.

  “Some.” He glanced around at the empty campsite. “Where is everyone?”

  Cassidy shrugged and waved a hand toward the westward trail. “Oh, they pulled out hours ago.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  The accusing tone caused Cassidy’s defenses to rise. “You were in no condition to go anywhere.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Now do you feel up to coffee or breakfast?”

  Dell shook his head and placed a hand to his stomach. “No thanks. But we need to get going if we’re to make any progress before nightfall.”

  “You can’t go anywhere today.”

  “We can’t stay here on the open prairie like sitting ducks, just waiting to get our scalps lifted.” He sounded exasperated. “Didn’t you hear Lewis talking about the Indians?”

  “Well then, I’ll get things
packed up, and you can tell me which direction to head,” she said firmly, giving him no chance to argue. “But you are staying in bed.”

  “Emily was over her sickness quicker than this,” he complained.

  “Well, maybe you should have had Reverend Marcus pray over you last night,” she retorted. “But since he’s gone, you’d better go back to bed and let it run its course.”

  Within an hour they were on the trail, Cassidy following Dell’s instructions that she just “head southwest.” She tied his horse behind the wagon, and Emily skipped alongside. Dell slept through the day, and when they stopped at dusk, Cassidy was relieved to note that his color was returning, though he still refused any food.

  The next morning they left as soon as the sun peeked over the horizon. Still weak, Dell allowed Cassidy to drive while he divided his time between lying in bed and sitting beside her on the wagon seat.

  In the midafternoon heat, Cassidy came to a rippling creek where a trio of oak trees formed a canopy over the grassy bank. It seemed to her that the trees had been placed there on purpose for weary travelers to rest beneath their branches. Unable to resist the compelling shade, Cassidy pulled the team to the water. She waited while the oxen had their fill, then looped the reins over a nearby bush.

  “Can I go swimming?” Emily implored. “I’m so hot.”

  Cassidy nodded. “For a little while, but we can’t stay long.”

  “Yippee!” Emily quickly discarded her shoes and removed her dress. Clad in only her undergarments, the little girl jumped into the river, splashing with delight.

  The water seemed to beckon, and Cassidy hesitated only a moment before removing her own shoes and unbuttoning the top few buttons of her dress. Picking up her skirt with one hand, she waded into the shallow water along the bank. Bending, she scooped water over her throat and chest and the back of her neck.