Waltz in the Wilderness

by Kathleen Denly

  Eliza took a deep breath…and let him lead her out of the cabin.

  Chapter 39

  The cold winter breeze slapped Eliza’s cheeks, causing her to shiver as they stepped outside. She could see her breath in the air. Daniel set the candle on a nearby stump and went back inside the cabin. Then he reappeared with two fur coats he must have borrowed from Andrew and Maria.

  He helped her into the smaller coat, then slid his arms into the larger one.

  She crossed her arms, trying to smother the ache inside her. Rather than meet his gaze, she settled her focus on the gloomy forest behind him. “Daniel, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but you can’t sacrifice your life for me. I’ll be all right."

  Daniel stepped closer.

  She shook her head and stepped away. “You shouldn’t marry someone to save their reputation. You’re a good man. You deserve to marry the woman you love.”

  He took another step and his hands clasped her arms, drawing her close. “What if I told you the woman I love is standing right here?”

  She sucked in a breath and searched his eyes. Is it true? Do you truly love me or are you only trying to protect me again? “What about Alice?”

  He held her gaze with a look of peaceful reassurance. “I’ve been fooling myself. I was homesick, and she represented everything I’d left behind. Proposing to her was like promising myself that I’d return someday, but it wouldn’t be right to keep my promise to her, because I never truly loved her the way a man is meant to love his wife. And Alice deserves to be loved that way.” His smile tilted. “Besides, she’s in love with my brother.”

  “What?” Eliza froze. Could it be true? “How do you know?”

  “She arrived with the Davidsons and—”

  “She’s here?” Eliza peeked in the direction he’d come from. “But how? Why?” If Alice was here, she must have come to marry Daniel. So why was he standing here, saying these things? It didn’t make any sense.

  He chuckled and slid his hands up and down her arms. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain it all later. Right now, you need to know that Alice and I have agreed to call off our engagement, and Alice is going to be all right.”

  Lord, is it true? She placed her hands on his chest. “Are you sure, Daniel?”

  He nodded, covering her hands with his. “Trust me.”

  She peered up at him through her lashes as peace settled over her. “I do.”

  “Eliza,” he whispered. “I love you. Will you waltz with me?” He stepped back and lifted his arms into place.

  Pure joy bubbled up her throat and erupted in laughter as she stepped into his arms. “Yes, Daniel. I will waltz with you.”

  As they danced slow circles around the clearing, snow fluttered from the sky, coating his dark hair in white. She imagined him old and gray. She would love him even then. With one hand on the small of her back and the other gripping her fingers, he held her with a strength that promised never to let go. His eyes caressed her face with such love, she could scarcely breathe. She’d never felt so cherished.

  Warmth swelled her chest. “I love you.”

  “And I love you.” He paused their dancing and knelt before her. “Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  She laughed again. “Yes.”

  “Good.” He grinned as he jumped to his feet and grabbed her hand. He pulled her back toward the cabin, and they burst inside. “She said yes!”

  “Of course she did.” Pa waved at Andrew to stand. “Well? What’re you waiting for? Go on and marry them.”

  Eliza’s mouth fell open.

  Maria said something in her language to Andrew and he responded.

  Eliza peered down at the fur coat hiding the smelly, dirty dress she’d been working in all day, then up at Daniel. Is this what you want? She’d marry him right now if it was what he wanted, but…

  Daniel’s expression softened. “Sir.” He kept hold of her hand as he stepped toward Pa. “I want to marry your daughter.” He beamed back at her, his eyes glowing. “I love her. And I think she’s beautiful as she is, but I know your daughter.” He shook his head. “She’ll not be happy marrying this way.”

  “There’s no need for that fancy party nonsense, son—”

  “No, sir, but I think we ought to allow Eliza a chance to rest and refresh herself. After all”—he squeezed her hand and pulled her forward—“we’re only doing this once. I want to make sure it’s something she’ll remember with joy. The others will be here in the morning and I know she’d like her uncle to be here for the ceremony.”

  He knows me so well. She squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”

  Pa grunted. “I suppose you’re right.”

  Maria cocked her head at Andrew. He said something to her and she jumped to her feet.

  “I help Eliza.” Maria took Eliza by the elbow. “Ysabel help, too. In morning.”

  Eliza stared at Daniel with wide eyes. All she needed was some sleep and a bath. It wasn’t as though she had a fancy gown to stuff herself into or a tong to curl her hair. What were these women planning?

  Andrew guffawed. “Maria loves weddings.”

  Well, that explained nothing.

  Maria pulled Eliza toward the door and gestured for Pa to follow. “Jim go too. Sleep now. Daniel stay here. Marry in morning.”

  Whatever Maria had planned, she seemed determined. Eliza shrugged. “I guess I’m leaving now. Good night!”

  “Good night.” Daniel’s deep, warm voice followed her as Maria dragged her out the door. “I love you!”

  A knock jarred Eliza from slumber the next morning. She rubbed her face. What time was it?

  It had taken hours for sleep to claim her. She’d been too busy imagining her future with Daniel to give in to fatigue.

  She bolted upright. I’m marrying Daniel today. She pressed a fist to her mouth to muffle her squeal.

  Ysabel sat up.

  Pa’s side of the bed was empty. He must have snuck out while she slept.

  Maria entered carrying a large metal tub and spoke rapidly in her native language.

  Ysabel beamed at Eliza, then spoke to Maria. The older woman set the metal tub in the center of the room and hurried back outside.

  Eliza surveyed the one-room cabin with fresh eyes. Where were she and Daniel going to sleep tonight? Let alone the rest of their lives? Images of them pitching a tent in the bitter cold flashed through her mind. Or what if he still wanted to return to his family in Massachusetts? How would she face his parents? They surely adored Alice. Would they like Eliza? Boston was even more civilized than San Francisco. Could she ever learn to follow all those rules? She gnawed her lip. Would she ever see Pa again?

  She reached for the Bible Andrew had loaned her and flipped it open to the verse she’d been working to memorize.

  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

  She closed the book. “I’ll be right back.”

  Ysabel nodded and Eliza stepped outside for a moment alone with God.

  As she prayed, she pictured Pa’s expression as he gazed at Ysabel. He had never truly needed Eliza. God had been with him all along. Then she’d told Daniel to go, but God sent him back to her.

  Peace settled over her.

  Things might not always work out the way she wished them too, but as long as she kept her trust in God, she could face the future without fear. With a contented sigh, she closed her prayer.

  When she opened her eyes, Maria was walking toward the cabin with two steaming buckets of water. Eliza opened the door and held it for Maria to step through. Maria poured the hot water into the tub. Then Ysabel added cold water from the bucket they kept in the cabin.

  “You wash.” Maria pointed to the tub and handed Eliza a bar of soap before she and Ysabel left.

  I’m getting married today! I wonder what Daniel is doing right now. Eliza made quick work of her bath. She was almost finished drying h
erself when there was a knock at the door.

  “Just a moment!” She quickly tied her drawers and slipped on her chemise, then wrapped herself in a blanket. She approached the closed door. “Who’s there?”

  “It’s Uncle Henry, Eliza. May I come in?”

  “Uncle Henry! Oh, I’m sorry. You can’t come in right now, but I’ll be out shortly.”

  “That’s all right. I understand, but your aunt has something to give to you that I think will please you. May she come in?”

  Eliza stifled a groan lest her uncle hear it through the door. The last person she wanted to speak to right now was her sanctimonious aunt. Eliza didn’t even have a proper dressing gown to put on. What would Cecilia think?

  Eliza made a rude noise with her tongue.

  Who cared what her aunt thought?

  “Yes. She may come in.” But if she doesn’t mind her tongue, I’ll kick her right out again. They weren’t in Cecilia’s home anymore.

  Eliza opened the door, keeping well behind it.

  Cecilia entered carrying a large wrapped parcel and surveyed the room. Her attention landed on Eliza as the latch fell over the door. Her lips pinched. “Hello, Eliza.”

  “Aunt Cecilia.” Eliza gaped at her aunt.

  She had never seen her aunt so undone. Cecilia was coated in trail dust, there was a tear in her skirt, and strands of tangled hair poked out from the bonnet that sat askew on her head. Cecilia scowled as she handed Eliza a note.

  The note stated that while Uncle Henry had scoured San Francisco for Eliza, her aunt had attempted to destroy or hide all of Eliza’s letters. Uncle Henry forced Cecilia to write this apology and deliver it in person. There were no expressions of remorse, only a simple accounting of the facts followed by an obligatory apologetic phrase.

  Well, at least Eliza could be certain her aunt had written the letter herself.

  Eliza crushed the paper in her hands. How could Cecilia be so cruel to her own husband? To let him scour all of San Francisco—frantic with worry—when she had the answers all along? Yet, if I’d remained, none of this would have happened.

  Eliza’s fingers relaxed. God had forgiven her much and He expected her to forgive in return.

  She looked up.

  Her aunt appraised the tub, her nose wrinkled.

  Maria and Ysabel had honored and blessed Eliza with all the hard work they’d put into helping her prepare for her special day, but undoubtedly all Cecilia saw was dirty bath water.

  Her aunt caught her staring.

  Eliza pressed her lips into a smile. Today was her wedding day. She refused to allow negative emotions a place in it. “I accept your apology.”

  Cecilia sniffed as she held out the package. “Your uncle insisted I bring this to you.” She cast a scathing glance around the cabin. “Though I can’t imagine what you’ll do with it here.”

  Eliza peeled back the brown paper and gasped. It was an evening gown made from the rich blue silk her aunt purchased for her to wear to the charity ball. The fabric was even more exquisite than she remembered. Thank you, Lord.

  She dropped the blanket.

  Cecilia whirled around. “What are you doing?”

  “Putting it on.” She dashed to her pallet, where she’d left her stockings.

  “Excuse me.” Her aunt bolted out the door, slamming it behind her.

  Eliza paid her no mind as she slipped her stockings on before pulling on her boots. It seemed a shame to wear scuffed boots with such an exquisite dress, but they were all she had. Her petticoats weren’t in much better shape, but they would have to do. Hopefully Daniel wouldn’t mind. Her cheeks flamed. He’ll see them tonight. Will he expect…? She slipped on the undergarments. Worry about that later.

  She soon had her corset on and her chemise adjusted so that the thin sleeves fell over her shoulders.

  It was time for the dress.

  First, she pulled on the skirt. She adored how the dressmaker had cut the fabric so that the gorgeous white flowers ran in wide vertical stripes along the dark blue silk. So many women wore horizontal stripes these days. This was something unique.

  The bodice was next. Its small, off-the-shoulder, puff-sleeves were trimmed with tulle and the pointed front of the bodice was well-tailored. For the first time, she missed the mirror that stood in her room in San Francisco. She ran her hands down the smooth silk. Would Daniel like it?

  She took extra care braiding her hair into a fancy twisted bun and pinning it in place.

  Another knock sounded as she settled the last pin. Before she could reply, Maria and Ysabel entered. They both gasped and rambled in their native language as their hands skimmed over the dress.

  Eliza bit her lip. “Do you like it?”

  Ysabel beamed at her. “You beautiful.”

  Maria sighed and clasped her hands together. “Si.”

  Someone pounded the door. “Angel? You ‘bout ready?”

  She opened the door wide.

  Pa whistled. “Well, now. You look right pretty. Just like your mama.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

  She grinned as she placed her hand on his sleeve. Maria and Ysabel followed them back to the Coopers’ Cabin.

  Just outside their door, stood a petite blond woman Eliza had never seen before. Alice.

  The young woman offered a small smile as she crossed the yard to meet them. She bobbed a curtsy. “You must be Eliza. I’m Alice Stevens. Daniel has told me so much about you.”

  As Maria and Ysabel continued to the cabin, Eliza dipped her chin. A curtsy might soil her hem and, for once, she cared. She considered the woman whose former fiancé Eliza was about to marry. What should she say?

  Alice waved a hand. “Please don’t be embarrassed. Daniel told me how you sent him away to keep his promise to me. Thank you for that, but the truth is, Daniel and I were never in love.” She shrugged. “I actually think you’ll be perfect for him, and I’m happy for you both.”

  “Thank you.” Eliza tipped her head to the side. “Daniel tells me you’ll be returning to Boston. I hope you’ll be happy as well.”

  Pa patted Eliza’s hand. “That is very kind of you, Miss Stevens. Now, let’s not keep Daniel waiting.”

  Pa led her around Alice to the cabin door. Inside, Andrew, Uncle Henry, and Daniel chatted by the fireplace while Aunt Cecilia perched on a chair at the table with Ysabel and Maria. The tiny cabin was crowded with everyone inside, but as Eliza surveyed the faces of those who loved her, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  Daniel’s hair was damp, his jaw was shaved, and he was wearing a new suit he must have purchased in San Diego. He swiveled toward Eliza and his jaw dropped.

  She bit her lip. “It’s a present from my uncle. Do you like it?”

  Daniel crossed the room and took her hand. He held her gaze as he pressed a kiss to the back of her fingers. “You are enchanting.”

  Uncle Henry stepped forward. “It looks lovely on you, Eliza.”

  She pulled her hand from Daniel and gave her uncle a hug. “Thank you.” She whispered in his ear. “For everything.”

  “You’re welcome.” He gave her a squeeze, then set her back.

  Daniel snatched her hand again and led her to where Andrew waited by the fire.

  Chapter 40

  A few moments later Eliza had pledged to love, honor, and cherish Daniel, for better or worse, till death did they part, and he had done the same for her.

  Andrew’s voice boomed in the tiny cabin. “I now pronounce you, husband and wife!”

  Cheers erupted as Daniel’s head lowered to hers. Their breaths mingled and then his lips were on hers. Warm and sweet and full of promise.

  Pa clapped a hand on Daniel’s shoulder, jarring their lips apart, though Daniel kept hold of her hand. “Congratulations, Son. Welcome to the family.” Pa offered Daniel a hand.

  Daniel swapped Eliza’s hand to his left and accepted Pa’s shake. “Thank you, sir.”

  Pa clasped her shoulders. “Your ma would be so proud
of you.” He wiped a tear away and cleared his throat. “I’m proud of you too.”

  “Thank you, Pa.” She hugged him with her free arm and blinked back tears. She would not have red, puffy eyes on her wedding day.

  Uncle Henry offered his congratulations next, shaking Daniel’s hand and pecking Eliza’s cheek.

  Her uncle moved to the side and Andrew stepped forward with his hand extended. “Congratulations, Daniel. You’ve got yourself a true lady.”

  “Thank you, I know.” Daniel shook his hand, then stepped back, put an arm around Eliza and regarded the men and women before them. “I’m very grateful to call this woman my wife. I promise I’ll take good care of her.”

  “I know you will, Son. I can tell.” Pa cocked an eyebrow. “Else I never woulda let you marry her. Reputation or no.”

  Eliza gaped at Pa and he laughed.

  “Angel, any fool could see this boy was in love with you and you was in love with him. I wasn’t about to let some promise he’d made to a gal he hadn’t seen in years—no offense, Miss Stevens—get in the way of my Angel’s happiness.”

  “Pa!” She bit her lip, but Daniel and Alice laughed.

  Then Daniel hugged her close and gave her a kiss that lingered and grew until Pa cleared his throat.

  Daniel pulled back and Eliza blinked. She’d forgotten there were others in the room. Her face flamed and she buried it in Daniel’s shirt.

  “Jim?” Ysabel’s quiet voice drew Eliza’s attention.

  Pa faced his wife. “What?”

  Ysabel stretched to her tiptoes and Pa bent sideways so his wife could whisper in his ear. Then he straightened and stared down at Ysabel as if she were crazy. “Why would I—?”

  Ysabel glared at him with pursed lips and a head shake that said he was clueless.

  Pa’s lips formed a silent o. He cleared his throat. “Right.” He trained his focus to some point on the wall behind Daniel. “Ysabel and I will bunk with Andrew and Maria tonight so you and Eliza can…uh…sleep in our cabin.”

  Was Pa’s face turning red? She tried to catch his eye, but he coughed and rubbed a hand over his face. What had he said? So you and Eliza can sleep in our cabin. Oh! Her own face flared again.