Dillon and Caitlin scanned the crowd, searching through the sea of colored clothing, horses, carriages, and cargo. Norfolk port was a beehive of activity as people bustled around the dock, loading and unloading large freight containers.
Groups of people gathered around the massive, stately ships, waiting for the passengers to disembark. The mixture of wealth and poverty were never more evident than at the docks. Elegant men and fashionable ladies dressed to the nine were among the dirty, tattered, and altogether unkept breed of the underprivileged.
The stench of dirt, horse manure, and sweat, mixed with the salt from the ocean to produce an unbearable odor.
“Do you see them?” Caitlin asked through her lace handkerchief.
“Not yet.” Dillon jumped to the ground. “Perhaps we will see them at the dock. There are too many people standing around to find anyone.” He held up his hand to offer assistance. “Be careful, ’tis muddy.”
Caitlin held up the hem of her walking dress, trying not to step in any puddles as they weaved their way through the throng of people. However, the yellow, muslin gown was spotted with mud by the time they reached the plank.
“I see them over there.” Dillon pointed.
Following his finger her gaze fell on Sarah and Brogan embracing. Sarah’s dark, curly tresses were pinned up under a gray, felt hat with three black plumes. Her black palisse opened over a gray dress. As they approached, Sarah noticed them and ran to give Caitlin a hug.
“I did not think you were coming.” It was evident that Sarah had been crying all night long. The dark circles under her eyes were swollen making her sockets look sunken into her head. A red nose matched her bloodshot eyes.
“I had not planned to, but Dillon talked me into it.”
“I did no such thing. The decision was all yours.”
Caitlin shot him a look as if to say like I had a choice after that story you told.
“I’m glad you came. No matter whose idea it was.”
“I’m glad too.” Brogan hugged Caitlin, tightly. “I would be mad at you forever if you did not say good-bye.”
“I guess some things will never change.” She forced a little smile. “You are always mad at me for something.”
“I will miss you, Catie pie.”
“Caitlin!” Kathleen called. “Oh, my beautiful, little girl. You did come to see us off after all.” She hugged Caitlin enthusiastically, almost knocking her white and yellow hat off.
“Aye, Mama. I could not let you leave without saying good-bye.”
Kathleen cupped her hands around Caitlin’s face, looking directly into her eyes. “You are a grown woman now and no longer need us to care for you. I wish you all the happiness that life can hold. Promise me you will take care of yourself and your husband. And continue to go to church every Sunday.”
“I promise, Mama.” Although she silently cringed at the husband part she knew it was her duty.
“Cate.” Her father stepped up unsure of what to do or say.
A long moment stretched between them.
“Oh, Papa!” Caitlin threw herself into his arms. “I forgive you.” Deep down she was not ready to forgive him yet, but she had no more time to ponder it. They were leaving and she wanted a clear conscious.
“I am truly sorry for everything.” Alin fought back the tears. “You have been through so much turmoil for someone so young.” He stepped back to get a better view of her face. “God always has a reason, Caitlin. Do not ever forget that.”
“I won’t.” Tears fell from her green eyes. “I am going to miss you.”
“As I will you, my child.” He kissed the top of her head and turned to Dillon. “Take good care of her.”
“I will, sir.” Dillon shook his hand. “As if my life depended on it.”
“Your life does depend on it.” Brogan slapped Dillon on the back. “When we come back my little sister better be the happiest gal in town or I will come after you myself.” He winked at Dillon.
“With a threat like that hanging over my head, I shall double my efforts.”
“I would like to ask another favor of you.” Brogan’s eyes drifted over to where Sarah stood with her parents. “Will you watch out for Sarah as well?”
“Consider the task done.” Dillon shook Brogans’ hand.
“Thank you. I would not trust her welfare to just anybody.”
“I count it a great honor that you trust me enough with not only your sister’s care but Sarah’s also.”
Kathleen and Alin were saying their round of good-byes to their friends. Brogan was back by Sarah’s side, speaking with her parents. The brief moment alone gave Caitlin the opportunity to speak with Dillon.
“You seem to be shouldering an oversized load today.” She watched him from the corner of her eye.
“How so?”
“First, I am handed over into your care. Now, Brogan wants you to look after Sarah.”
“Sarah has her parents to care for her. I neglected to point that out to Brogan because he wants to physically do something. ‘Tis his way of dealing with the pain. I also figured since she is your best friend, I would be helping you out as well.”
“Why should you care what happens to my family?”
“’Tis my family now too.”
After another round of hugs and more tears, Brogan gave Sarah a kiss, not the sort a beau would give, but the deep, long kind of a husband. Shocked on-lookers gasped at the passionate display, including Sarah’s parents. Brogan figured if he died, he would do so with the taste of the woman he loved on his lips.
The kiss ended and Brogan huskily whispered, “That should hold you until I return.”
“If you return.” She turned red rimmed eyes on him. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” His voice quivered slightly. “That love will bring me back to you. Count on it.” He sounded determined. “Good-bye, Sarah.” He forced his muscles to move away.
“No. Don’t go!” Sarah screamed after him and dissolved into a fit of tears. Her legs weakened, unable to support her and the massive heartache she had.
Brogan quickened his pace. If he didn’t hurry and get on the boat, he would never have the strength to leave. He only wished his chest didn’t feel as if it were in a vice grip.
Caitlin watched as her family walked over the old, wooden plank that led to the ship. Tears sprang to her eyes, and her heart thudded against her chest with the intensity of a hammer. How am I going to survive without them?
She stood on the dock, watching The America maneuver in the murky water. The large, red paddle wheel easily slicing the water like a knife in butter, moving the magnificent white ship trimmed in blue toward the Atlantic Ocean, carrying her family away from her.
The cranking of the paddle wheel faded being replaced by the chatter of people, wagon wheels churning and horse hooves crunching over the road. A low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. Dillon slid his arm around her waist but said nothing. They watched in silence as the ship diminished in size. Caitlin still hoped it was all a bad joke. The boat would turn around and bring her family back. It had to be a practical joke. It hurt too much to be real. She’d thought the same thing about Dwayne’s death, but that had been real also. The final shred of reality dawned on her. “Will I ever see them again?”
“I believe you will.”
“You sound so certain.” She finally took her eyes off the ship, and looked at Dillon. “I am not certain of anything anymore.”
“I understand how you feel.”
“I suppose in a way you can identify. But you left England because of your mother’s death, and of your own free will. I was forced to flee Ireland by the government of England.”
“I did not leave because of my mother,” he corrected.
“Then why did you leave?”
“I believe I have divulged enough information about myself today.” He heard another patch of thunder and noticed dark clouds rolling in. “Are you ready to go?”
She sh
ook her head and turned back to view the boat. The massive America was nothing but a spot on the horizon.
“You are going to cause me to break my promise.”
“How so?” Her eyes never wavered from the ship.
“I promised your father I would take care of you. If you get sick you will prove me incapable of the job.”
“I cannot bear to leave yet.” She strained her eyes searching for the ship but it blended into the water and gray clouds.”
“The boat is gone, Caitlin.” He tugged at her elbow. “Let’s go home.”
“My home is in Ireland.”
He tried to understand her mood. He remembered feeling out of place when he first arrived. He also knew the helplessness of having to leave the land you grew up in. Although he’d made the choice to come to America, his decision was based on other people’s actions.
“Shall we go before it starts raining.” He urged one time. “Besides I have a gift for you that might perk you up.”
She scowled at him. “What is it?”
“You have to come with me if you want to see it.”
“I am not in much of a festive mood and I don’t want to play games.”
“’Tis no game. I assure you that you are going to love it.” His brown eyes twinkled.
“All right.” She finally gave in. “But if I do not like the surprise, I am going to knock you in the noodle.”
* * *
What are we doing out here? Caitlin wondered as she followed Dillon to the barn. The last thing she wanted was another tour. Although she had wanted to see the stables, it held little interest to her at the present moment.
“My dress is getting ruined,” she complained.
“I will buy you a new one.”
“Why are we out here?”
“To get your present.”
“In the barn?” She tried thinking of something she’d want from a stable but nothing came to mind.
“Aye.” They reached the barn. “Wait here a minute while I go and see if everything is prepared.” He disappeared through the large red door.
“He certainly knows how to capture my interest,” she mumbled and snuggled down into the warmth of her pelisse.
She heard the neighing of a horse then a loud bang followed by shouts and shuffling feet. Upon entering the barn she had to stop and let her eyes adjust to the dim light. Following the sounds, Caitlin headed down the rows of stalls, stopping at the sight of a wild horse pinning a man to the wall. Her heart beat even faster after realizing that Dillon was the one in danger.
One of the barn hands tried to calm the horse. “Easy there. No one is going to hurt you.” The horse snorted and stomped its hoofs in response.
Caitlin turned to the nearest barn hand and questioned, “What happened?”
“Mr. Cade tried to lead this mare out of her stall. She got spooked and started bucking. Now he’s trapped in there until we can find a way to calm her down.”
“What spooked her?”
“Who knows. It doesn’t take much with this one. She’s the most temperamental animal I’ve ever seen.”
“Caitlin?” Dillon called. “Go back to the house. It is too dangerous for you out here.”
“Looks to me like you’re the one in danger,” she said, smugly. “Besides, you dragged me out here and I am not leaving until I get my present.”
“As you can see, I am a little busy right now. You will have to wait for your gift.” The horse whinnied again, stomping her feet. Dillon pressed back against the wall.
“I shall wait right here.” She wasn’t about to leave him when he could get hurt or even killed.
“Stubborn females,” Dillon muttered.
The horse becoming more agitated started prancing in the small square. Dillon was crammed into the corner of the stall as far as he could go. If the horses kicked up her heels she’d get him right in the head.
“Please Caitlin, go in the house,” he pleaded. If something happened to him he didn’t want her to witness it. Oh, Lord, a little help from you would be appreciated. He prayed. Calm this horse down. She is your creation after all.
“I am not leaving.” Caitlin was determined. “I might be able to help.”
That statement drew snickers from the men.
“I can do more than just stand around,” she said indignantly. The rustling of her skirts stopped their laughter.
“Do not go any closer, Mrs. Cade.”
“My husband needs help and you are doing nothing about it.”
“We are waiting until the mare calms down. Then we can coax her out.”
“In the mean time Dillon could get kicked.” She started toward the stall.
“Caitlin! No!” Dillon yelled.
“I refuse to stand around and watch you get killed.” Turning her attention to the horse for the first time, she saw a small, gray mare. Her memories floated back to Ireland. She’d owned a gray pony once. “Besides, I’m very good with animals.”
“’Tis your people skills that need some work.” Dillon commented off handily.
“Humph!” Ignoring his remark she stepped closer the animal. “Easy girl.”
At first the horse made more commotion but then she stopped, picking up her ears she softly whinnied.
Caitlin stepped closer, “’tis all right. I will not hurt you.” The horse stopped her prancing, straining her ears as if she heard a faint sound in the distance. “’Tis a good girl.” Caitlin continued forward. “Would you like some oats?” She looked back at the helper. “Get me some oats.”
The horse backed up a little but still didn’t give Dillon enough room to move. Caitlin had to get the horse turned around before Dillon could make an escape. She took a handful of oats from the pail the worker offered.
“Here are the oats.” She dared to take another step. “My horse back home used to love oats.” She seemed to be reliving good memories as much as talking to the horse.
Dillon wanted to tell her to stop but he didn’t dare say a word and upset the horse any more. His pulse raced wildly and beads of perspiration trickled down his back and neck. He was more scared for Caitlin than for himself. One wrong move and she’d get herself killed.
The horse finally sniffing the oats started to turn. Dillon shifted to the other corner as the horse moved.
“That’s a girl. You want these oats, do you not?” As Caitlin cautiously approached, the horse sniffed a few times, smelling something other than the oats. As if Caitlin’s presence alone calmed her.
“Caitlin, be careful,” Dillon warned.
“You be careful,” she countered. “Start easing out of there. After she turns completely around you will be able to make your move.”
Dillon slid along the wall a few feet. Waiting. Praying.
“You are beautiful?” Caitlin cooed. “You remind me of my horse.”
The horse turned and faced Caitlin, sniffing her outstretched hand that held the oats. Dillon quickly, but quietly exited the stall.
Caitlin stared as the horse sniffed and sniffed but never ate any of the oats. There was no mistaking those large, dark eyes, and well-defined cheekbone. This was her horse. “Spirit?” she whispered.
“Aye.” Dillon explained. “’Tis your present.”
The horse whinnied, throwing her head back, recognition glowing in her eyes.
“Oh, Spirit!” Caitlin threw her arms around the neck and cried into the gray hair. “I have missed you so much.”
The horse nuzzled up against her head as if to say the same thing. However the blue plumes in her hat proved to be too much temptation for the mare. She stated to nibble on one.
“You bad girl,” Caitlin teased. “I see you have not changed one bit.”
“She’s the most ill tempered beast I’ve ever seen.” The young worker complained.
“And Connemara ponies are known for their good temperament,” Dillon jested.
“She has always been feisty. ’Tis why I named her Spirit.” Caitlin rubbed her neck. �
�However, I have never known her to be so unmanageable.”
“She has had a long trip. I am sure she will calm down once she gets used to the place.” Dillon dared to pat her neck. “She is a magnificent creature.”
“Aye.” Caitlin laid her cheek against Spirit’s neck and combed her fingers through the long mane. “How did you find her?”
“Your father helped me. He knew the family who bought her when you left Ireland.”
“They wanted a horse for their son. She was the perfect size for him.”
“I guess Spirit was too spunky for him. The boy was too scared to ride her. They were more than happy to sell her when I made an offer.”
“But why did you purchase her?”
“She was to be a wedding present for you. However, she was late arriving.”
Caitlin bestowed a genuine smile on him. “’Tis like having a piece of home right here with me.” The dim light made her tears shimmer like diamonds. “Thank you, Dillon.” How did this man always seem to know what she needed?
Chapter 7
Caitlin rode atop the gray pony as gracefully and elegantly as a queen. The horse was compact and well balanced with a free, easy movement that made it look like it floated over the ground. The sure-footed-ness and natural athletic build of the animal aided in the ability of jumping.
The Unwilling Bride Page 10