The Unwilling Bride

by Candy-Ann Little

  “How’s that?”

  “I’m swooning,” Caitlin moaned.

  “I doubt that could ever happen.”

  Without warning, she claimed his lips in a heated kiss that touched both of them more deeply than words could explain. “How is that?” she asked, breathlessly.

  “I believe that now I’m swooning.” Her passion sparked feelings he didn’t even know he possessed. “However, I have one question.” He kissed a trail down her neck. “Why were you searching my drawers in the first place?”

  She heard the question, but her mind couldn’t keep up with the sensations his hands and lips produced. “Ummm, I needed more room for my clothes.” She had almost forgotten the purpose of cleaning out that drawer.

  Dillon suddenly stopped kissing her throat. The absent of his mouth left her feeling cold. “Is something wrong?”

  “You moved your clothes into my bedroom?”

  “Is that all right?”

  “You move quickly once you make up your mind.”

  “I wanted to surprise you. I can move back to the other room if you prefer.”

  “Not on your life.” Dillon swooped her up. “Let’s go check out our room.”

  * * *

  Dillon turned the handle of the press, causing the paper to move forward. The tinkle of the bell above the door alerted him of a visitor.

  “Caitlin, what a nice surprise.” He walked over but stopped short of kissing her. “I have ink all over me. I do not want to ruin your dress.”

  “Pish-posh.” Caitlin waved her gloved hand. “I care not about this old thing. Besides, ‘twill give me an excuse to go shopping for a new one.” Leaning forward their lips touched briefly. “What’s with the bell?”

  “‘Tis only a precaution. I have had some visitors sneak in lately. I thought ‘twould be best to not be surprised by any one. You never know who may come through that door?”

  “I hope you do not mind us dropping by. We were in town and I thought I would surprise you.” She cocked her head toward Lucy, who was chatting away with Johnny. “Besides, Lucy was looking for an excuse to see your apprentice”

  “You need no excuse to come by, ‘tis always a pleasure to see you.” Dillon wiped his hands on an old rag, saturated with gasoline. Watching the two youngsters he decided it was time for a break.

  “Hey, Johnny, why don’t we break for supper a little early?”

  Caitlin saw Lucy’s eyes brighten with enthusiasm. The unspoken question making her blue eyes even brighter than normal. “Go ahead and take your break also.”

  “Thank you, Caitlin.” The two rushed out the door. The bell echoing after their footsteps.

  Caitlin surveyed the shop. “I see ‘tis been awhile since you have cleaned.”

  “What is it with women and cleaning?” Dillon sighed. “I have to get the paper out. I do not have time to clean.”

  Walking over to his desk, she leafed through the clutter of papers. “What’s this?” She held a piece of paper. “It looks like an ad for something.”

  Dillon read the scribbled handwriting. “I’ve been looking for that. It was supposed to go in tomorrow’s paper. ‘Twill have to wait until next week now.”

  “I cannot figure out how you find anything. Not only is the desk a mess, but there is no organization. All ads should go in one spot. ’Twould save you a lot of headaches if you knew where things were.”

  “’Tis true. But, I have not the time.” Dillon pecked her cheek. “Perhaps you would like to clean my desk.”

  “’Twill take awhile.”

  “I’m sure you are up for the task.”

  “’Tis my wifely duty.” She laughed.

  A short time later Caitlin had the desk cleared and stacks of papers organized. Her brow furrowed as she read a letter. “This is an odd ad about the social next week.”

  “Blast it!” Dillon cursed under his breath. “That is not an ad. Henrietta stopped by and wanted me to print that.”

  Caitlin stiffened. “Why did you not print it?”

  “I did not even bother to read it.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Fighting back tears, she turned away from him.

  “Caitlin, do not be upset.” Dillon wanted to console her, but his hands were stained. “I swear nothing is going on. She keeps bothering me about printing her articles, but I will not do it.”

  Caitlin wanted to trust him. She had no reason not to. These insecurities kept creeping up. Needing to have time to think she looked for an excuse to escape. “I need some boxes.” She went into the back room.

  * * *

  Henrietta was about to enter the shop when she noticed Caitlin cleaning off the desk. The little twit! She fumed. Every time she turned around, there was Caitlin. Henrietta wanted to enter the shop, but since Dillon had hung that bell, she couldn’t come and go unnoticed. However, the two appeared to be fighting. When Caitlin went into the back room, she crept around the back into the alley. Finding the window to the back room, she pushed up on the pane. Luckily, it wasn’t locked. She opened it only a few inches, but it was enough to hear the conversation. Pressing her ear against the wooden frame, she listened for voices.

  She put a gloved hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle when she realized they were fighting about her. However, her mirth turned to anger as Dillon entered the room and the conversation continued.

  “I did not print the article because it is not a good idea,” Dillon said.

  “The idea is not all that bad. The social is a big event,” Caitlin countered.

  “I run a newspaper, not a gossip column,” Dillon explained. “I do not see the point in announcing something that everyone already knows about it.”

  “What about the people from out of town? An announcement could draw newcomers. Not to mention, it is still news. Anything that happens in town is considered news. Why do you insist on only printing politics? You could increase the number of subscriptions if you included things women wanted to read as well.”

  “But the men already purchase the paper. Women can read it when they are done.”

  “What about the women who are not married?”

  Dillon thought for a moment. “You have a point there.”

  Henrietta couldn’t believe that Caitlin and she agreed on something. If Caitlin won the argument, then Dillon would print her piece. After he realized what a wonderful writer she was, he’d coming crawling, no, begging her to love him. Her plan was falling into place.

  “The problem is I do not have time to go all over town, looking for subjects that women would be interested in. Besides, I don’t even know what interests them.”

  “So, you hire a woman on the staff.” Caitlin smiled. “Someone who could keep the place clean, and look for tidbits of information.”

  Henrietta’s heart beat quickened. Surely Dillon would hire her for the position.

  “Are you up for the job?”

  “Me?” Caitlin arched a red brow.

  “You are the perfect person. After all ‘tis your idea.”

  “But I am your wife.”

  “Does that mean we cannot work together? I will even pay you. That way you will not feel trapped in the marriage.” A sarcastic smile touched the corner of his mouth.

  “I figured you would want Henrietta to be your assistant.” She was not about to let him win the verbal war.

  “Caitlin.” He sighed. “I want nothing to do with her. Not personally, or in business. Besides, I need someone who can actually write. Not the incoherent ramblings she produces.”

  “Are you sure you want to be stuck with me all day long?”

  “I want you by my side all day and all night.” Dillon suggestive tone turned serious. “I love you, Caitlin. I want no other woman in business or pleasure. I will heed your suggestion, but only if you agree to be my partner.”

  “We are already partners at home.” She crossed the room, succumbing to his embrace. “I’m just not sure about mixing business. We may tire of seeing
each other so much.”

  “I shall never tire of seeing your beautiful face.” To prove his point he kissed her.

  A loud crash, followed by a clang, startled them apart. Dillon went to the window but saw nothing. “Must have been a stray cat.”

  Chapter 14

  “Can you believe that tramp!” Henrietta stormed down the street. “She’s destroyed everything I’ve worked for.” Completely oblivious to the eyes staring at her, she continued her tirade. “She has not only coaxed Dillon into her bed, but now is taking my place at his shop. That should be my article he’s publishing. Incoherent ramblings!”

  Hurt and anger cut like a sharp knife, shredding her pride into tiny pieces. She’d never win Dillon now that Caitlin was giving him what he needed. All attempts of throwing herself at him were for naught. Humiliation overwhelmed her.

  How could Dillon find her beautiful? What man could find that Irish trash attractive? “She’s nothing but a puny stick with pasty, white skin. And, that hair! They’ll pay.” She vowed. “They’ll both pay!”

  * * *

  “From my earliest youth I have regarded the connection between Ireland and Great Britain as the curse of the Irish nation, and felt convinced, that while it lasted, this country would never be free or happy. In consequence, I have determined to apply all the powers which my individual efforts could move, in order to separate the two countries…I have sacrificed all my views in life; I have courted poverty; I have left a beloved wife unprotected, and children which I adore, fatherless. After such sacrifices, in a cause which I have always considered as the cause of justice and freedom – it is no great effort at this day to add my life.”

  Caitlin set the paper on the table, wiping the tears away. “’Tis hard to imagine after a great speech like that, Mr. Tone killed himself with a penknife.”

  “I suppose he felt more honor in taking his own life, than allowing England to take it from him.” Dillon settled his hand on top of hers.

  “Do you think he’s in Heaven?” Caitlin inquired.

  “I suppose so. Why do you ask?”

  “Because he killed himself. Doesn’t the Bible teach that killing is a sin?”

  “True, but it also teaches that Jesus died for our sins. Therefore all sin is forgiven, if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior.”

  “So, you think God forgave Mr. Tone for taking his own life.”

  “I believe God forgives all the sins of war.”

  “I don’t understand why God is allowing all of this tragedy?” Caitlin was still struggling with her faith. She’d started to see God’s hand leading when she prayed for help with Dillon. God granted that prayer. Yet, in something as important as this war, He didn’t seem to hear anyone’s prayers. The war was still going and Ireland wasn’t free.

  “We cannot always understand God, Caitlin. His ways are higher than our ways. But, we must have faith that He is in control. Everything will work out according to his plan. God directs our lives. We must learn to follow his path, no matter where it leads.”

  “Even if it leads to death?”

  “Aye. Even unto death. Or, into a marriage with your enemy.” Dillon’s brown eyes sparkled, mischievously.

  “You, sir, are still a cad.”

  “Aye, but I’m your cad.”

  “’Tis true. I suppose, I’d better get used to it.”

  “Aye, my love.” Dillon leaned across the table, giving her a tender kiss. “You are stuck with me for the rest of your life.”

  “Until death do us part?”

  “Death is the only thing that could take me away from you.”

  “Oh. Excuse me.” A surprised voice exclaimed. Dillon and Caitlin drew apart, startled by the interruption.

  “Sarah!” Caitlin exclaimed. Crossing the floor in a swift motion, she had her best friend in a hug before another word could be spoken.

  “I am sorry to intrude. Mrs. White told me to come in.”

  “No intrusion at all.” Dillon stood. “Come join us.”

  “No, thank you. I have already had my morning meal.”

  “Sit down. We have so much to talk about.” Caitlin led Sarah to the table. “How about a cup of tea?”

  “’Twould be lovely.” Sarah sat down, noting the glow around Caitlin. A glow that hadn’t been there the last time she’d visited. “Thank you.” She accepted the cup.

  “To what do we owe the honor of your company?” Dillon poured another cup of coffee.

  “My father told me about Mr. Tone. I wanted to offer my condolences.”

  “How sweet of you,” Caitlin smiled. “’Twas truly a striking blow to Ireland.”

  “Have you heard anything from your family?”

  “Not yet.” Caitlin’s eyes misted over. “I’m so worried about them.”

  “I am sure they are fine. They will write when they have time.” Dillon wanted to reassure her, but the possibilities of them being caught by England were great.

  “I did not mean to bring up painful memories.” Sarah walked around the table and hugged Caitlin.

  “You did not.” Caitlin wiped her eyes. “Reading about Mr. Tone’s capture and death did.”

  “Do not worry.” Sarah patted her hand. “God’s protection is great.”

  “I guess.” Caitlin sniffed.

  “Here.” Dillon handed her a handkerchief. He waited until she dried her eyes, then kissed the tip of her nose. “I am going to work, so you two can have some time alone.”

  “Take care.” Caitlin waved the handkerchief.

  Sarah fidgeted, impatiently, waiting for Dillon to leave. Once he was out of earshot, she bombarded Caitlin with questions.

  “What is up with you two?” Her blue eyes widened with interest. “Are you in love? What happened to change your mind? Is he a good kisser?”

  “Whatever do you mean?” Caitlin smiled playfully.

  “Do not give me that.” Sarah sat back, crossing her arms in a huff. “The last time I was here, you could hardly stand to look at him.”

  “’Tis been awhile since you came for a visit,” Caitlin commented.

  “Yes. It seems a lot has changed.”

  “To answer your questions.” Caitlin held up one finger. “One, we are married. I believe you were maid of honor.” She held up another finger. “Two, yes I’m in love. Three,” she added another finger. “I guess God changed my mind.” With the fourth finger came a huge smile, “And, four, I do not believe the word ‘good’ is adequate enough to describe Dillon’s kisses.”

  Sarah’s black curls danced over her shoulders as she shook her head, laughing. “And to think I quit believing in miracles.”

  Caitlin’s expression sobered. “Do not ever stop believing. My family needs a miracle right now.”

  “I did not mean to imply I’d ever stop believing. I pray for Brogan and your parents every night. I pray God will bring them home safely.”

  “Your faith has always been stronger than mine,” Caitlin sighed.

  “No. You just don’t let yourself believe in things you cannot see. I know once you find God’s love, your faith will be ten times greater than mine.” Sarah tilted her head to the side. “The fact that you came church last Sunday, and, gave God credit for changing your heart about Dillon already tells me that you are starting to believe.”

  “’Tis true, however I’m still struggling with the idea of war. I cannot understand how a loving God would allow all this tragedy.”

  “Did you understand why you had to marry Dillon?”

  “You know I did not.”

  “Was that not a great tragedy in your life?”

  Caitlin hesitated. Her feelings for Dillon had drastically changed over the last week. She now felt ashamed for all the hatred she had directed towards him. “At the time it was.”

  “Things are different now?” Sarah asked.

  Caitlin nodded.

  “My point is this.” Sarah leaned against the table, resting her folded arms in front of her. “You hated the thought
of marriage. But, God had a plan all along, and look how it turned out. We do not always know why things happen, but we must never take our eyes off God. The Creator of this universe will always be in control.”

  “You sound like Dillon.”

  “He’s a smart man.” Sarah sat back in her chair. “Now, I am dying to hear all the juicy details of this change of heart. And, you have to fill me in on your trip to Mr. Jefferson’s.”

  “I fear ‘tis such a long story. I will have to give you the abbreviated version.” Caitlin cocked her head toward the door. “Mr. Barclay and his men will be here soon.”

  “I guess talking you into a day trip into town is out of the question?”

  Caitlin shook her head, sending the fiery curls bouncing. “I cannot do anything until this house is finished.”

  “Can you not hire someone to do that?”

  “I like having things done my way.”

  “Therein lays the problem. God wants us to give control to Him. He cannot direct our lives if we hold the reins.”

  “Are you going to sit there preaching to me all day? Or, are you going to take a tour of the house, so I can show off what’s been done?”