Scarlett

by Kathleen Ball

  Why her frown bothered him so much he wasn’t sure but it did. “I don’t think we have time to wait for one of your sisters to come out. You stay put. I’ll grab you some water and food and then see who I can find.”

  He felt the heat of her stare as she watched his every move. Finally, after making sure she was comfortable, he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. She tried to pull her head away but she didn’t have enough room on the sofa to pull back very far. “I’ll be back in a bit. You rest, and I’ll see about finding you a book.”

  “A book would be good.” She looked so tired.

  “I’ll get you something for the pain. We don’t have a doctor, but the Bains have supplies stocked.” He gave her one last long look before he left.

  He carefully avoided the ruts and walked down the hill, mulling over the possibilities. Who would be willing to take care of Scarlett? It was sad to say but he didn’t want to take care of her either. Though she hadn’t been a brat when he tended to her. Maybe those days alone had made an impact on her. He continued walking. More likely it was the fact that her parents didn’t seem inclined to come for her that made her hold her tongue.

  He smiled. It was hard to imagine she still had the cat. He’d have thought the fear of cat fur on her clothes would have kept her from bringing it inside. He stood in front of the general store. Perhaps Melly could… He inwardly groaned. Melly and Scarlett would pull each other’s hair out. He’d have to come up with another solution.

  The bell rang as he entered the store, and the whole place suddenly grew silent as a group of women all turned and stared at him. His face heated. Melly was probably gossiping about him and his wife. They parted as he made his way to the counter.

  Melly smiled brightly. “What can I get for you, Dillon? Two visits in one day? People will talk, you know.” She tried to sound teasing, but he knew it to be the truth.

  “I need bandages, a new sewing kit for stitches, and laudanum.”

  “Did Homer or Lou get hurt?”

  “No, Scarlett fell on her way up to the house. She sprained her ankle and ended up with a big gash on her leg.”

  Melly tried to look concerned, but she couldn’t hide her smile. “I do hope her leg isn’t too unsightly. Scarring is most likely.” She pretended to shudder.

  He tried to ignore her, but anger began burning inside him. “Do you have books proper for a woman?”

  “Women don’t read anything except for poetry,” Dinah Bains informed him as she walked down the stairs. “I’m afraid we don’t have anything for your wife.”

  Dillon pretended he didn’t hear her. He went to a shelf where books were kept and looked through a couple that looked to be in good condition still. He picked out two and brought them back to the counter. “I’ll take these too.”

  Dinah pursed her lips. “If she’s that bad off, you should ship her home. I know her parents won’t come get her, but there’s nothing stopping you from sending her away.”

  He waited for Melly to box his purchases. “Put it on my tab.” He picked up the crate. “I’ll just say this once. This is my wife you are so callously talking about.”

  “You’re the one who moved out,” Dinah retorted.

  “True, and I see now it was a huge mistake. I’m moving back in. I expect you all to give Scarlett the respect any wife deserves.” He turned and walked out of the store. Too bad they were women, he was in the mood to punch someone.

  He stepped into the street.

  “Dillon! Oh, Dillon can we speak with you?”

  He turned and there was Olga and Elda hurrying toward him. He narrowed his eyes. They had both been in the store.

  Olga put her hand to her chest as though she was out of breath. “I wanted to see if you needed someone to take care of your wife while you are at work?”

  He glanced at Elda who smiled sweetly at him. “Actually, I am. It’ll be a live-in position for at least a month, I suspect.”

  “If we, Elda and I both came to stay Scarlett would want for nothing. I know a little about nursing. I had to take care of my poor father before he died. Truth is, I’m hoping to set aside a little nest egg. It’s hard to keep the two of us fed in the winter. Not as many people feel the need for clean clothes when it’s cold out.”

  “I understand. Growing up, winter was always a meager time for my family too. Will an hour give you enough time to pack? I’ll send Lou with the wagon if that suits you.”

  Olga smiled. “That suits us just fine. Thank you so much.” Olga and Elda hurried off.

  Dillon walked to his smithy, hoping he hadn’t just made a mistake.

  A few hours later, he packed his own things and walked up to his house. If they weren’t screaming at each other when he got there, he’d be happy. Oddly enough, all was quiet when he stepped on the front porch.

  He walked into the house and it smelled clean. So far so good. Olga hurried out of the kitchen and greeted him.

  “I bet you’re hungry. I’ll have the food ready soon. Can I get you anything until then?”

  He shook his head. “No, I just need a bucket of warm water and a clean basin. I can get them.”

  “I’ll get them for you and leave them in your room while you say hello to your wife.”

  Hello to your wife? He couldn’t help his suspicions Olga was up to something. He studied her face for a moment but she seemed sincere. “Good idea.”

  Scarlett looked comfortable on the sofa. Someone had put a pillow behind her head, and a blanket over her. He smiled as he caught her gaze and almost fell over when she smiled back.

  He put the crate he’d been carrying on the table and then perched himself next to it. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m not sure. I’m in pain but trying to figure out what those two are up to has kept me occupied. They have been oh, so nice to me. Perhaps I’m just cynical, and that’s how they really are.”

  Her eyes were wide, and he’d forgotten just how blue they were. “I brought you something for the pain. I should have sent it along with the Glosses but I wasn’t thinking.” He unpacked the box and saw her grimace when he took the sewing kit out. “I’m hoping we don’t need it.”

  “Me too.” Her gaze unnerved him. It was easy enough to not think of her when he was living at the smithy but now… “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

  She quickly glanced away. “What else is in the box?”

  He had a lot of making up to do, it seemed. “You said you wanted something to read.”

  “I heard from Olga Gloss that women around here don’t read.”

  He grinned. “Perhaps most women, but you’re not like most women.” He handed her the two books.

  The excitement on her face was worth the cost of buying them. “Oh my! Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott.” She examined the book for a moment before she looked at the second book. “Oliver Twist by David Copperfield!” She ran her hands over the cover as though they were precious gifts instead of books.

  “I take it you’re pleased.”

  “I’ve read school books and poetry, but I always longed to read about other places and people and adventure. I don’t know which to read first.”

  Elda walked toward them. “I put your water in your bedroom, Dillon. Can I help you with anything else?” Her suggestive tone of voice warmed his face.

  “No, that’s all thank you.” He waited until Elda was out of hearing distance. “Don’t pay her any mind.”

  “I’m not worried. She’s as ugly as they come.”

  “I’m going to get washed up.” Disappointment filled him. Scarlett hadn’t changed a bit. For a very short time, he’d thought her to be a woman of kindness. Elda had always been kind to him, and she wasn’t ugly. Plain, maybe, but that didn’t matter if the heart was full of goodness.

  Once in his room, he took off his shirt and began to wash. Bending over the basin, he splashed water on his face. He reached next to him for the towel and took a step backward when the towel was handed to him.
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br />   “Elda, it isn’t proper for you to be in here,” he admonished as he held the towel in front of his chest.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m just an old maid. I doubt anyone would even care.”

  “Could you please turn your back?”

  “Pfft, if it’ll make you happy. Besides, you’re married.” There wasn’t one ounce of shame in her voice.

  As soon as he put a fresh shirt on, he stared at her back. She stood there straight and tall. Why hadn’t she left? “There are plenty of men looking for wives in Silver Falls. Surely you could have your pick of husbands.”

  She turned and gave him a sad smile. “I was in love once, but he married another.” She stared at the floor. “I’d best go and help my mother.”

  He watched her leave. She sure was a puzzle. He couldn’t think of any man she’d shown any interest in. And if the man was now married, she’d need to find someone else. Well, it wasn’t his business. He already had one woman to figure out.

  Later that evening as he lay alone in his bed, he was still trying to think of a way to get his marriage on track. Scarlett had been nice all evening, and she hadn’t complained once. He did see her narrow her eyes at Elda a few times when Elda tried to flirt with him. He smiled. Perhaps Scarlett was jealous. He’d take it slow, but he was going to make their marriage work. There wasn’t any other option; he wanted children. Tomorrow was another day, and he’d keep trying to woo her.

  Chapter Six

  Scarlett tried to keep her thoughts to herself, but that creature made it so very hard. She’d thought Olga the bossy one but Elda was something else. She dominated all conversation when Dillon was home. When he wasn’t around she hardly spoke, at least not to Scarlett.

  Elda also had an attitude of superiority. She looked down her nose at Scarlett constantly. If Elda had been pretty or intelligent even, Scarlett would have understood but Elda was a plain, stupid rock. She did seem to know a lot about blacksmithing. It was almost as though she’d spent a lot of time with Dillon.

  Scarlett needed to show Elda who was boss and who was Dillon’s wife. If the girl put her hand on his arm one more time, Scarlett swore she’d scream. It was embarrassing, and Dillon didn’t seem to notice. In fact, Dillon didn’t have much to say to Scarlett when he was home.

  It had been a week, and Scarlett came to the conclusion she’d rather take care of the house and chores herself then have Olga and Elda around. They had even rearranged what little furniture there was. The last straw had been that morning when Elda offered to shave Dillon’s face for him.

  As soon as she was healed, she planned to kick them down the hill. Missy couldn’t be found half the time, and she was sure that Elda locked her in a closet upstairs or something. Her books were her only comfort. Books took her away from the madhouse she lived in.

  She wanted to discuss Ivanhoe with Dillon. He’d told her he’d read it a few years ago. But Elda never gave them a minute alone.

  “Scarlett, why don’t we help you to that chair I just moved in front of the window?” Olga suggested. “You’ll have a nice view of the town.”

  Before she had a chance to answer, both Olga and Elda were there standing her up. The pain was almost beyond bearing as she limped across the room. They were stingy with the laudanum when it suited them unless Dillon was near. Then they dosed her so she’d sleep right after supper. Dillon brushed off her concerns, and it hurt.

  After an arduous walk, she sat and leaned back. The view was a nice change. Then she heard the scraping of a chair being pulled next to her.

  “Mama is getting us tea. I thought it would be nice for us to sit and have some. I love your dresses. Did you realize we’re about the same size? I’m just a bit shorter than you.” She smiled at Scarlett.

  “You didn’t have the audacity to try on my clothes, did you?” Scarlett asked angrily.

  “Don’t be silly. I think all the pain medicine is making you imagine things that didn’t happen. Oh look, the saloon is almost done. I know every man is excited for it to open. When I went to town yesterday, it was all everyone talked about. They said the women were a fresh batch, whatever that means. The whole smithy was talking about it. There is even one girl they call Angel. She sings like an Angel they say. Dillon agreed she had a beautiful voice. You should have seen the look on his face when he talked about her.”

  Scarlett stared at the big building in town. It never occurred to her that Dillon would go to it. “He’s met her?”

  “Yes, I heard many of the women visit the smithy at least once a day. Angel is a frequent guest. Melly told me they all fawn over her, including your husband. Melly is concerned that there won’t be a single man looking to get married now.”

  Olga hustled into the room with the tea tray. She poured two cups, then added sugar for Elda and handed them their cups. “Yes, well men stray. It’s just something all women have to put up with. It’s easiest to just turn a blind eye to the whole thing. It’s hard, because your man starts coming home later and later, claiming to have been working late, but you know in your heart where he’s been.”

  “Turn a blind eye? Why I’d kick Dillon out if he behaved like that.”

  Olga sadly shook her head. “You think that’s what you’d do until you realize you own nothing of your own. In fact, your husband owns you. You have no money and nowhere to go. You end up swallowing your pride because you don’t want your husband to throw you out. It’s just the way of things.”

  Scarlett listened to Olga and sipped her tea until she felt groggy. Blinking her eyes, she couldn’t get rid of the cloud of confusion in her mind. All she heard over and over again was that Dillon loved Angel. It was maddening but it made sense.

  She awoke on the couch and looked for the chair next to the window but it wasn’t there. It was back where they’d put it days ago when they’d rearranged things. Had she been sitting there looking out the window? Had it all been a dream?

  Missy jumped on her chest and demanded to be petted. It was scary not knowing if it had been real or not.

  Olga walked toward her. “Oh good you’re awake. You’ve been napping for hours.”

  “Wasn’t I sitting by the window earlier?”

  Olga frowned. “Today? No, I would have known if you were. I would have had to help get you there, and we’re not supposed to move you unless it’s a personal need. Did you have a bad dream?”

  “No, I’m fine. Actually, I guess I’d been dreaming. When is the saloon opening?”

  “Dillon must have told you he was going there tonight. He told me not to keep supper for him.” She tilted her head and smiled. “I bet that’s where the dream came from. He must have told you about it.”

  Scarlett shook her head. “No, he didn’t say a word to me about it.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t worry. Dillon is a good man. I’ll have supper ready in a bit. Do you need anything?”

  “Yes, could you hand me my book?”

  Olga looked around for a bit. “Do you know where it is?”

  “It was on the side table. I put it there last night.” She scooted Missy off of her and sat up. “That’s strange, it was right there.”

  “I’ll ask Elda when I see her. She went to town to get a few things. You rest, my dear.”

  My dear? Scarlett felt as though she was starting to lose her mind. “Yes, I’ll do that.”

  She waited until Olga left before she swung her legs off the sofa. Where was her book? What was going on? Taking a deep breath, she held on to the arm of the sofa and stood on one foot. After scanning the room, she sat back down. Disappointed, she laid her head against the back of the sofa. The saloon was opening tonight? Her dream about sitting at the window chatting with Elda seemed all too real, but a few facts weren’t right, so it had to have been a dream. The one thing she did remember was Elda telling her about a woman named Angel that had caught Dillon’s eye. Or was that a dream too?

  Angel was an unlikely name for a whore. Scarlett sighed. She’d probably be asleep before
Dillon got home. She needed to find a way to make things right with him.

  Elda walked in, smiling and holding Ivanhoe.

  “My book! I’ve been looking for it.” Scarlett reached out her hand expecting Elda to give it to her.

  “I’ve been reading it. I thought you were done.”

  “You could have asked before you borrowed it.”

  Elda cocked her head. “I don’t know why I’d have to. Dillon told me the books were mine to keep as soon as you were done reading them. You must be an awfully slow reader. I read Oliver Twist already and now I’m reading Ivanhoe.”

  Scarlett’s heart squeezed. “I thought Dillon had given them to me as a gift.” Her self-doubt annoyed her.

  “I requested these two books when he went to the store. We both decided to let you read them too. I’ve been collecting books for some time now. None in such a fine condition as the two Dillon gave me though.”

  Scarlett wasn’t in the position to yell, scream, or bully so she just nodded. “I’ll read Oliver Twist then.”

  Elda gave her a look of fake pity. “I took the book home with me today. I guess I could let you borrow it in a few days when I go back to town.”

  “What am I supposed to do with my free time?”

  “I’m sure you have sewing or embroidering to do. Isn’t that what women of leisure do? What was it like to grow up rich?” Elda asked with a hint of bitterness in her voice.

  “I didn’t grow up rich. My parents died, and I was an orphan until my new parents, Smitty and Lynn Settler took me in. They took in many children whose parents died along the Oregon Trail. They have a big house but with so many children the work is never done.” Scarlett sighed. It would be so nice to be back home.

  “I just figured since you act so hoity-toity and demanded servants that you were from money. You sure are an odd one. You take the best man around and then make him sleep in town. I hope now that you’ve lost him, you can see his worth.” Keeping the book in her arms she turned and quickly walked away.