“Thank you, Mr. Benning, I’m ready.”
***
Griffin stood talking to Avery Baker, president of the bank, Aaron Bradford, owner of the hotel, and Jasper Dunlevey, who ran the livery. They were a few of the men who’d managed to come to the reception with their wives. His loggers, and close friends, were on the barge taking the company’s logs to New Orleans. Which is where he should be right now, instead of standing in the middle of all the frills and frippery of a wedding.
He caught site of his bride surrounded by a gaggle of nosey women. Polly Baker, Agnes Bradford, and Georgia Dunlevey, among the ones wanting to know why he’d chosen to marry a stranger from back East when he could have chosen one of the eligible women here in town. First and foremost was the Widow Jenkins, who’d used every obvious ploy available to try and get him to marry her. Even now, thinking about her ploys caused a chill to creep up his spine.
Laurel nodded and he realized he’d been staring. She seemed all right after her episode in the parlor, but he couldn’t help wondering if she’d been truly distressed or had she been playing him? Was she like Ora Lee, who’d used all her feminine wiles to trick and deceive him from their first encounter? Time would tell, he just hoped she showed her true nature sooner than later.
After a while, he noticed she stood alone sipping her punch. He turned back to Aaron and Jasper. “Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I believe I’ll join my wife.”
When he reached her side, he slipped his arm around her waist, checked his pocket watch, and said, “I’ve had enough of this fun for one day. How about you?”
“Oh yes,” she answered quickly. “I’m just about talked out. Can we get away without hurting Tildie’s feelings or calling attention to ourselves?”
“It’s all right, everyone understands newlyweds wanting to be by themselves.”
She stopped suddenly, refusing to move any further. Head lowered, her eyes darted around the garden area. “Shhh,” she hissed. “Someone might hear you.”
All of a sudden, something came over him and he grinned. “Come along, Mrs. Benning, it’s time to turn in at the hotel.” Her neck and cheeks turned a blotchy crimson, the same color as the sash on her dress. With the flat of his hand, he ushered her toward the gate that led to the front walk and, waving, he said, “Thank you, Owen and Tildie, for a lovely evening. Goodnight everyone.”
Laurel found herself wanting to run from the yard, such was her mortification. What was he doing? He’d purposely embarrassed her and he’d been so nice until now. All the way back to their room, she pondered the wisdom of confronting him about his behavior. Had he no manners? Didn’t he know how important a reputation was in any town, especially a small one?
Once they were upstairs, he unlocked the door and followed her inside, but remained by the open door.
“I’ll go over to the saloon while you get ready for bed.” He removed his coat and hung it on the back of the chair. “How long do you want me to stay away?”
She stood facing the window that looked out onto the street, her thoughts in turmoil. She knew what he expected from her, she wasn’t naïve about the wedding night. But, after his ungentlemanly statement in front of their hosts and guests, how could he assume her to be willing? Her situation might be dire, but she wasn’t that desperate. She had to let him know from the start that he couldn’t treat her badly and receive privileges.
“Laurel?”
“I think, Mr. Benning, you should find another place to sleep tonight.”
“Excuse me?”
“I didn’t appreciate your comment this evening. It was crude, embarrassing, and unnecessary.” She jumped slightly as the door closed with a thunk.
“Aren’t you being a little over sensitive?”
“Am I?” She straightened her shoulders, folded her arms across her waist, and turned around. “We don’t know each other, so I don’t know if you were tired, trying to be funny, or just plain cranky. Whatever the issue, you put me in an untenable position for being new in Flat Rock Point.
“My reputation has to be established and be above reproach for you, your daughters and myself. I’m not a prude and I enjoy a joke as much as anyone, but some things, be they direct or implied, should remain between you and me.”
He examined his work boots and raised his gaze to meet hers. “All right, I apologize. I’ll think about what you said, and I’ll find a card game that’ll last most of the night. Sleep well.”
“Won’t you try to sleep?”
Glancing toward the window, he said, “Like you, I have a reputation to uphold. My friends at the saloon are expecting me to bed my wife and I can’t do that if I’m not here.”
She gave that a thought and realized he was right. “I take your point, Griffin. You may sleep here.”
Giving her a wicked smile, he grabbed the coverlet and a pillow off the bed and threw them in a pile on the floor beneath the window. He removed his boots, tossed his hat onto a chair, laid down and faced the wall. “Good night, Mrs. Benning.”
He couldn’t have surprised her more if he’d wrapped the curtains around his head and danced around the room. She’d expected him to try to charm his way into her bed and, if she’d allowed herself to dwell on it, she might have been a little disappointed he didn’t. He was a handsome man and she was admittedly curious about the things young ladies weren’t supposed to think about.
She sat on the edge of the bed, slipped off her shoes and unfastened her blouse. It would be a slice of heaven to escape the confines of her corset, but she was simply too tired to manage it. She’d change her clothes tomorrow. Resting her head on the pillow, she closed her eyes and thought about her new home, her new husband, and her new life.
***
Griffin balanced the tray of ham, eggs, biscuits and gravy on one hand as he opened the door to the hotel room. He’d awakened an hour ago with his face drenched in morning sunlight, his neck stiff as a log, and his stomach grabbing onto his backbone. Laurel was still sleeping, so he tried to keep the noise down as he entered.
He poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot and stuffed a slice of ham into a biscuit and settled in to watch his wife sleep. She was as pretty asleep as she was awake and he sent another thank you heavenward for his good fortune. He hoped she was as pleased with the hand she’d drawn.
She stretched and yawned, and looked about the room as if to gain her bearings. When she caught sight of him, she sat straight up in the bed and shrieked.
“Don’t be afraid, it’s just me.”
“You startled me is all, I forgot where I was.” She stood, straightened her clothes, and joined him at the table. “This looks delicious. I could almost eat that napkin I’m so hungry.”
“Take my advice and stay with the eggs and ham, they have more flavor.” He chuckled and fixed her a plate, along with a cup of coffee.
She took a few bites and leaned back in her chair. Looking over at the make-shift bed on the floor, she asked, “How did you sleep last night?”
“I’ve slept in worse places.” He angled a glance across the table and rubbed the back of his neck. “Are you feeling guilty?”
“Not enough to change my mind.”
“Duly noted.” He found he liked her spunk and backbone, and would be wise to watch himself in the future if he didn’t want a repeat of last night. “Shall we get ready to head for the house?”
CHAPTER FOUR
Laurel watched the countryside roll by as Griffin drove the two horse team and wagon to his home. Her new home. She could hardly wait to see it. So far their time together hadn’t allowed her the opportunity to ask him anything about his place, so she grabbed this chance while they were alone.
“This is beautiful country, Griffin.”
“That it is.” He held the reins loosely laced through his fingers. “Even with the drought we’ve had, the trees and grasses are a deep green.”
“I’m surprised to see mountains here. Is there much snow in winter?”
&nb
sp; “Some, but we’ve not been snowed in since I’ve lived here.” Shifting in the seat, he worked the reins to direct the horses around a few ruts in the road. “I imagine you’re used to a lot of snow where you’re from.”
“Oh, yes.” She beamed. “I love the snow. The air is so invigorating, and everything is beautiful and magical.”
He angled a glance at her and grinned.
“You’re laughing at me.”
“No, I’m not.” He shook his head. “I like your enthusiasm. Too many people do nothing but complain, and it’s tiresome.”
She wondered at his bitter tone if he was referring to something or someone specific. “Sometimes life is beyond my control, but I do my best. I much prefer to be happy.” Lately, there hadn’t been too much to be happy about. By coming here and marrying a stranger, she hoped to drastically turn her life around. What kind of a fool was she? The sad and pitiful kind, if you rely on someone else for your happiness. “Tell me about your house. What does it look like?”
“The house is sturdy, built of logs, with large rooms and windows to let in the light.” He applied the brake to slow the wagon as they started down a hill. “There’s plenty of room for you and your things, and you’re welcome to decorate anyway you want. I know women like to make nests.”
“That’s nice of you to offer. I did bring a few of my things to help me make the transition to my new home. I have some linens and curtains, and a few of my favorite trinkets.”
“Good. I want you to feel at home. If there’s anything you need, just let me know and I’ll do what I can.”
“There is something I’m curious about.” She glanced down at her hands while waiting for him to answer.
“Sure, shoot.”
“I’m very excited to meet your daughters, and you have yet to mention much about them.” She was terrified, but she couldn’t let him know that. She’d led him to believe she could take care of his children and she would. After all, she’d been a girl, how hard could it be? “Will they be at the house when we get there?”
“No, it’s next to impossible for me to take care of my children being by myself. They’ve been living with their grandparents in Little Rock, for a while now. They’ll be home for Thanksgiving.”
“Good, that will give me more than enough time to get settled in and work out any inconsistencies with the staff. I’m looking forward to working with everyone.” She stole a quick glance his way, but kept her side of the conversation moving. She wanted him to know she could handle most any household situation. “I’m familiar with the ins and outs of running a house. If there are any special meals you want, I’ll be sure to have them on the menu.”
“Laurel, I think you may have misunderstood . . .”
“Oh look!” As he drove the wagon around a bend in the road, the most beautiful valley she’d ever seen came into view. “Griffin, this is more gorgeous than I could’ve imagined, the river, the land, the house. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For asking me to be a part of this with you.”
“You’re welcome. I just hope you continue to feel that way after we get there.”
“Well, of course, I will.” She slipped her hands around his arm and squeezed. Barely able to contain her excitement, she asked, “How much longer before we’ll be there?”
“Maybe a half an hour. It’ll take us some extra time with the narrow road and the extra weight in the back.”
He’d mentioned her trunks several times since he’d loaded them into the wagon at the train station. She didn’t care. In just a little while, she’d be home and that was all that mattered.
***
“Whoa, there.” Griffin said to the horses. He set the brake and tied the reins around the handle, and then jumped to the ground from the wagon seat. He reached his hands around Laurel’s waist to help her down beside him. His thumbs and fingers nearly touched, emphasizing her petite size. The small trees he worked with were larger than she.
She rested her hands on his forearms, looked up at him and smiled. “Is it all right if I go inside and look around?”
“Yes, but I’d like to say something—”
“Hey, Boss, you’re back!”
His foreman’s sons raced over to them from the direction of the barn. He’d told them to find someplace to be when he came back with his bride. Since they were still here, he assumed they hadn’t done that or anything else he’d asked them to do. Reluctantly, he removed his hands from Laurel’s waist and introduced her.
“Clem and Otto Hailstock, this is my wife, Mrs. Benning.”
“Hello, I’m pleased to meet you both.” She offered her hand in greeting, but each one picked her up and spun her around instead.
“Howdy, I’m Clem.”
“And, I’m Otto.”
Griffin rescued her and set her at his side, before Otto passed her back to Clem. “She isn’t a rag doll, boys.”
“Thanks,” she said under her breath, as she straightened her jacket and skirt. “How wonderful that you’re twins. Be patient with me while I learn who goes with which name.”
“Oh that’s easy, I’m Otto and I always wear a plain shirt, while Clem, he wears a plaid shirt.”
“That is easy,” she agreed.
“Yeah, unless we want to trick you.” Clem slugged his brother in the shoulder and the two heehawed their delight.
“You won’t be trying to trick me, now, will you fellas?”
“Um, no ma’am.” The boys hung their heads and answered in unison.
Griffin covered a grin at the boys’ immediate change in demeanor. He’d wondered how Laurel would be with children, but if she could handle the eighteen-year-old Hailstock twins so easily, with their rough and tumble nature, then his girls should be a piece of cake.
“Did you two do the chores I asked you to?”
“Yessir,” Clem answered.
Otto gulped. “Well, partly.”
Uh, huh, that’s what he thought. They were supposed to have cleaned the inside of the house before he brought Laurel home. If it looked even remotely like it did when he left yesterday morning, she would likely start running toward town and not wait for the wagon.
“Why don’t you go ahead and finish up that job, while I show Laurel around the yard and barns. We’ll join you in a little bit.”
“Yessir!” Both boys took off running toward the house and disappeared inside.
“Come on, I’ll show you what made me fall in love with this piece of land.”
“I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than what I’ve already seen.”
‘You’ll see.” He walked her by the first barn and corral for his horses, milk cows, and chickens. “Now, this second, smaller barn will eventually hold hay plus farm and ranch tools. It will give me the room I need to purchase and house more stock for the farm.”
“I don’t know anything about the timber business or logging, but how do you plan to do both, logging and farming, and why do you need to?”
“Because I choose to do so, that’s why!” he bellowed. Ora Lee had always questioned why he did the things he did. No matter what his decision was, it always seemed to be wrong, in her opinion. He didn’t want to start off this marriage with the same problems. This was his land, his vision, his legacy, and he’d do whatever he darned well pleased. Reaching for her, he said, “Come on.”
Laurel stood her ground in the middle of the corral and pulled her arm from his grasp. She pulled harder than she thought and fought to regain her balance as she came close to falling on her bustle. Luckily, she remained upright and managed to side-step a pile of horse manure in the process. That could’ve been disastrous since she wore her only good pair of shoes.
“Why are you yelling at me?” she asked. “I’m not questioning your decisions, Griffin. I don’t know you, and I’m simply trying to understand.”
He glared at her for a few seconds, his body taut as an over-wound clock spring. As suddenly as he’d sprung to anger, his deme
anor visibly softened. “You’re right, of course, but I have my reasons. Shall we move on?”
“Yes.” She placed her hand in his and followed him from the corral to a location out beyond the barn. She had no idea what had set him off, but she guessed it had something to do with his authority being challenged. She hadn’t met a man yet who liked for that to happen.
He led her around tree stumps, over a few fallen logs and through a thicket of vines, and then stopped. “The drought has everything fairly dry and it’s sure been prettier, but there.” He stood straight and tall and pointed.
She looked up, and saw nothing but his back and broad shoulders. When she maneuvered around him, the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen lay before her. No wonder he’d wanted to show her this place. She’d thought the house was in a valley, but the river was further below them. Unlike the Merrimack River, where factories and shipping yards lined the banks, the Arkansas River was flanked by lush forests and thick undergrowth. She had a hard time imagining it could be more beautiful. From up here, anyway, it looked like a green carpet rolled out to meet the water.
“How beautiful,” she whispered. Glancing to her right, she noticed a bench carved into a fallen log. “Do you come sit out here often?”
“No,” he spat out. “Not anymore.”
She looked up at him and watched the muscle work back and forth along his jawline. Someone had really squashed his self-esteem. If she had to guess, she’d bet his previous wife had worked hard to undermine his authority, otherwise he wouldn’t feel so compelled to assert himself now. While she didn’t like domineering men, seeing ones that were riddled with self-doubt due to over-bearing wives, were equally disturbing.
“Look, I realize we don’t know each other yet.” She hoped she was doing the right by saying something to him. “Something or someone has treated you badly in the past, but I haven’t and don’t deserve your biting tone.”
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