“My reputation is just fine and Dillon needs not defend his actions.” She crossed the floor in a sure, swift manner, placing a long kiss on his lips. “I am married to the most generous, loving man. Of course he would want to help a poor, hopeless maiden in distress.” She stressed the word maiden. Her green eyes narrowed at Henrietta, challenging her to keep up the charade.
“I am truly sorry for any inconvenience I have caused.” Henrietta looked sheepishly at the ground.
Caitlin wanted to smack the look of guilt off her face, but instead she prayed for guidance and decided to ignore the whole situation. “Dillon, we have come to drag you off to dinner. Bernadine is about faint from hunger.”
“I am hungry as well.” Dillon placed his arm around her waist, but noticed that she stood stiffer than normal. Her act of indifference may fool everyone else, but not him.
“I assume your business has concluded.” Caitlin’s pointed gaze dismissed Henrietta.
“Aye, ‘tis done.” Dillon acknowledged.
Henrietta’s cheeks reddened with anger. She didn’t like the display of affection, or the fact that she was dismissed so easily, however there was nothing left to say. “I bid you good day.” Nodding to Dillon, she crossed the wooden floor wearing a cryptic smile. She turned at the door. “Dillon, thank you for understanding.” With a shrill jingle she was gone.
She could only hope that the seeds of doubt would grow.
Chapter 18
“Caitlin, are we ever going to talk?” Dillon sat in his favorite wing chair beside the fireplace.
“Whatever do you mean?” She bustled around the room; straightening pillows, folding blankets, rearranging candles and vases.
“You have barely spoken a complete sentence to me since arriving home.” He set his book aside. “Do not think you are fooling me. You played the part of a loving wife very well for the sake of my parents, but I know you better.”
“I am your wife!” She faced him with fists clenched. “I do not need to play any part. That will be left up to Henrietta.”
“Are you at least going to give me a chance to explain?”
“I do not need to hear any explanations.” She set about shifting the candelabra on the table.
“I swear to you nothing happened.” He took a deep breath. “She came to the shop insisting that she must speak with me alone. I had no intentions of sending Johnny away, but she persisted. I gave in. Then, she proceeded to tell me a long drawn out story before breaking into tears and launching herself into my arms. I had no choice but to catch her or we both would have toppled over. It was at that precise moment that you entered the shop. I am truly sorry for the way things looked, but I beg you to forgive me. I would never hurt you intentionally.” He wanted to allow her to digest the information, and to catch his breath.
“Dillon, I said I needed no explanations because I trust you.” She stopped fidgeting and looked at him. “I will admit to being hurt at first but I knew she was up to something. My only concern is finding out what her plan is.”
“If you are not angry then why have you been avoiding me?”
“I am upset that you are overly nice sometimes.”
“How can a person be too nice?” His lips twisted in a lopsided grin.
“Henrietta has done nothing but throw herself at you since we’ve been married, yet you allow the behavior to continue. You need to stand up to her and tell her to leave you alone.”
“I do not want to hurt her feelings. Does that make me so bad?”
“Nay.” Caitlin crossed the room, sitting in his lap. “’Tis the reason I love you. But your kindness is being taken advantage of, and only you can stop her.”
“I shall try to remember that at our next encounter.” He kissed her softly.
* * *
“You were absolutely brilliant.” Bernadine cackled over the crackling fire in the hotel room.
Henrietta smiled. “And so were you.”
“You should have seen Caitlin’s face when she saw you hugging Dillon.”
“I would give anything to have seen her expression. Your timing was perfect.”
“I almost thought we would be too late to pull it off, Caitlin dawdled so.” Bernadine sipped her tea. “Now tell me how you managed to get into Dillon’s arms.” She set her cup and saucer on the table, leaning forward in anticipation.
“’Twas not that easy, that is for sure.” Henrietta leaned forward as if telling a secret that the rest of the world must not know. “I had to tell him about my role in getting him arrested.”
“What?” Bernadine sat up straight. “Why would you do that? He will surely hate you now.” She’d been impressed with this young girl’s determination, but, perhaps her youth was working against her. She may have just blown the whole plan.
“I had no other choice.” Henrietta’s hazel eyes darted around the room. “He would not send that stupid boy away. I had to make it worth his effort to be alone with me. ‘Twas all I could think of.”
Bernadine thought for a minute. “I suppose you are correct. How did he take the news?”
“He did not have much time to think about it. I explained that I ran into the sheriff and mistakenly slipped out information about the article. I had no intentions of malice and did not even think the sheriff would do anything. I was simply beside myself when I heard he’d been arrested.” She batted her lashes while giving the most pathetic look. “Then I began crying and inched closer. ‘Tis when he put his arms around me.” Her face transformed into sheer bliss. “How did Caitlin behave after I left? I bet she was madder than a hornet.”
“I fear she seemed rather unaffected by the whole ordeal, but I am supposing ‘twas all an act. She is probably laying into him as we speak.” Bernadine stood and walked over to the window. Pulling the flimsy material aside, she looked down the dirty, deserted street. “I cannot wait to get out of here.” she sighed. In England there were balls, soirées and dinner parties every night. The theaters and restaurants were opened until late. This one horse town was closed up by seven.
“I agree. The sooner you move into their house the better we can plan our strategy.”
“Let us just hope that not too much damage has been done by telling Dillon the truth.” Bernadine took her seat once again. “And that we can break up this unholy union before any child is conceived.”
“I will drink to that.” Henrietta held up her teacup.
“To new alliances.” Bernadine clanked her cup with Henrietta’s.
* * *
“Mrs. Cade, the room is finished.” Mr. Barclay stood erect, his round belly protruding over the waist of his pants.
“Already?” Caitlin set her fork down.
“’Tis only been three days,” Roderick noted in dismay.
“I am sure the room will be plain. Nothing suitable can be accomplished in such a short period of time.” Bernadine went back to eating.
“I am sorry to interrupt your supper. But I assumed that Lord and Lady Cade would want to move in by tonight.”
“You have that correct. I cannot abide in the dreadful room one more night,” Bernadine grumbled.
Mr. Barclay cleared his throat. “Perhaps you can take a look when you’ve finished eating.”
“Nonsense, my boy. I am most anxious to see your work.” Roderick wiped his mouth and stood.
Caitlin felt nervous. Bernadine would surely find something wrong even if it were perfect. However, she was correct, the room couldn’t be very grand in such a short period.
Dillon put his arm around Caitlin’s shoulders as they followed Mr. Barclay down the hall. Bernadine kept looking for signs of trouble between the two of them over the last two days, but thus far hadn’t seen any.
Roderick was walking next to Mr. Barclay, asking questions. That left Bernadine to follow behind by herself. She was tired of feeling like an outsider. This was her family after all. She silently vowed to get rid of Caitlin by any means necessary.
The assembly entered the
bedchamber. Caitlin stood transfixed, her mouth open but words could not form. The transformation was beyond any expectation she held.
“’Tis a job well done.” Roderick was the first to speak.
“Amazing.” Caitlin could not say anything else. Words failed to describe the beauty of the room.
“How did you accomplish such lavish curtains and rugs on such short notice?” Dillon asked.
“I called in a few a favors.” Mr. Barlclay beamed. “I hope you don’t mind that I painted the bed frame and dressers. The woods didn’t match since nothing was in a set.”
“Are you jesting? They are gorgeous.” Caitlin loved how the bed and dressers’ off-white color brought out the French style of the wallpaper.
“I white washed the black iron frame then sponged a taupe color over it to give it the antique look.” Mr. Barclay went on to explain every detail of the room. “I found most of these gilded frames in the attic. I exchanged some of the painting for ones I had that looked more French.”
“Please add the cost of the paintings onto your bill.” Dillon shook his hand. “And add a bonus for a job well done.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cade.”
“I have never seen such fine craftsmanship.” Roderick ran his hand over the top of the dresser. “’Tis amazing what some paint and imagination can do.”
“’Tis much better than the hotel. Of course that place is such a dump that anything is better.” Bernadine strolled around the room. “However, I have certainly seen much grander rooms.” She elevated her nose. “I suppose this will do.”
* * *
After dinner they retired to the parlor. Bernadine perched on the settee and started doing her needlepoint. Dillon was setting up the chess board. Roderick stood by the fireplace, looking up at the portrait.
“’Tis been a long time since I’ve had the privilege of gazing upon her face.” He looked at Caitlin with sad, tired eyes. “Dillon reminds me of her gentle temperament.”
Bernadine stiffened at that remark but held her tongue. Any fighting done now would only be proof that she had a disagreeable personality. “Roderick do not be drawn into the past.” She walked over, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Nothing good ever becomes of memories.”
“Depends on the memories,” Roderick murmured. “My memories of Mary are always good.”
Bernadine’s face hardened. Even in death Saint Mary still haunted her. She was Roderick’s wife now, and deserved more respect than he gave. Why did he pine away for a dead woman? I could kill Caitlin for bringing that woman into my life again. Fuming, she stomped over to the table and poured some amber liquid into a crystal glass. She would show them all she was the better wife.
“Here is your nightly glass of brandy.” She handed it to Roderick while smiling to herself. Mary wasn’t there to give him his drink. ‘Twas her duty now.
“Where did you get the brandy?” Caitlin asked, surprised.
“I purchased it at the general store.” Bernadine informed them. “I packed some for the trip however they broke.”
“Yes, I had to go most of the ride here without it.” Roderick took a drink. “I was hoping that the brandy here would taste better than back home.”
“What is wrong with it?” Bernadine looked confused. “’Tis the same kind you always drink.”
“Perhaps the stuff is losing it flavor to me.” He took another sip. “It just tastes too strong.” Sniffing he added, “and has a funny smell.”
“Must be your old age.” Bernadine laughed.
“Perhaps God is telling you to quit drinking,” Dillon suggested. “That stuff is not good for you.”
“Hogwash.” Bernadine demanded. “’Tis nothing wrong with drinking, even the church says so.”
* * *
“Caitlin! Caitlin!” Sarah rushed into the kitchen. “Sorry to interrupt,” she wheezed. “But I must speak with you at once.”
“What is the matter?” Caitlin noted the dirty hem of her green walking dress. “You look as though you ran all the way here.” This anxious attitude was most unlike quiet, reserved Sarah.
Sarah held up an envelope. “I’ve just received a letter from Brogan.”
“What?” Caitlin dried her hands on her apron.
Sarah was still trying to catch her breath. “I have one for you too.”
“My family, are they all right?”
“Seems everyone is fine.” Sarah took a deep breath. “May I have some water?”
“Of course.” Caitlin untied her apron strings then started to pump the handle.
“I’ll get it.” Martha waved her hand. “You two go have a seat before Miss Sarah done falls over.”
“Are you sure? I hate to leave in the middle of baking the bread.”
“I’ll get more work done with you out of the way anyhow. I’ll bring some treats along with the drinks.”
“Thanks, Martha.” Caitlin and Sarah sat at the dining room table.
After Sarah caught her breath, she explained that she’d received the letter from Brogan. There was a second letter for Caitlin. Her parents thought it looked less suspicious sending it to her instead of Caitlin directly.
“I see their point.” Caitlin ripped the envelope open. With blurry eyes, she read the contents of the two pages. Finally lowering the paper, she sighed. “’Tis not much to tell. Mother didn’t want to give any specifics. But at least my family is alive.” Caitlin hugged Sarah. “Thank God they are alive.”
* * *
The morning dawned with a frosty breath of white so cold it could bite the nose off anyone daring to venture into its grip. Despite the frigid temperature, Dillon trudged along the boardwalk with a brown wrapped package under his arm. Not many people were out and about today. The cold weather kept the sane people inside. Only the business owners and a few desperate shoppers dared to brave the winter.
“Dillon Cade, is that you under the thick scarf?” Henrietta tried to smile seductively, but only grimaced with pain as the wind blew into her face.
“Aye.” Barely acknowledging her, he bent his head down,heading to his shop.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“To work if it is any business of yours.”
“You don’t have to be rude.” Her teeth chattered. “I was merely making small talk.”
“‘Tis freezing out.” Dillon turned on his heel, walking away as quick as he could.
Henrietta huffed then stomped into the general store. Her only condolence was that no one saw the ill-mannered way he treated her. If he kept that attitude up in public, surly people will start asking questions. Not wanting the whole town to know she’d turned Dillon into the sheriff, she would have to figure out how to win his favor again.
Perhaps Bernadine will know what to do, she thought as she went to the counter.
“Good day, Henrietta.” Mrs. Johnson greeted with her usual wrinkled smile.
“’Tis nothing good about it.” Henrietta pulled her gloves off. “I saw Dillon outside. He was in the foulest mood.”
“Really?” Mrs. Johnson refilled the candy jars, sitting on the end of the counter. “He seemed most chipper while he was here.”
“Perhaps ‘twas the cold making him hurry off in such a frenzy.” She waited for the storekeeper to agree, or, at least reveal what was in the package, but she said nothing. Mrs. Johnson had always been most forthcoming with information about Dillon. Why did she have to practically drag it out of the old bat now?
“Can I help you with something?” Mrs. Johnson closed the lid on the jar, coming to stand in front of Henrietta.
“I need a bag of flour, some sugar, and I’m hoping to find something fabulous for a new dress.”
“I just got some new bolts in over here.” Mrs. Johnson led her to the back of the store. She always got excited over new materials and making dresses, although it wouldn’t show by her drab clothing. “Are you looking for something particular?”
“No.”
“Any color in mind?�
��
“No.” Henrietta browsed through the bolts.
“What kind of fabric do you have in mind?”
“I shall know it when I see it.”
“’Tis a hard way to shop.” Mrs. Johnson shook her graying head. “Most people have an idea of what they want before they come in.”
“Perhaps practical people.” Henrietta ran her hand over the fabrics. “But I am not practical.”
“’Tis for sure,” Mrs. Johnson laughed. “Not even when you were a little one.”
Henrietta smiled at the old woman. This is what she wanted. To remind the wrinkled goat that she had known her longer than Caitlin. Usually once you got Mrs. Johnson reminiscing, she would get a loose tongue.
“You know me so well,” Henrietta laughed. “Why don’t you help me pick something out?”
The plan worked perfectly. As Mrs. Johnson became absorbed in fabrics, patterns and colors, she started talking about everyone in town, including Dillon and Caitlin. However, the positive remarks about her enemy didn’t sit well with her.
Mrs. Johnson had been on her side when Dillon was forced to marry that mean-spirited redhead. Henrietta had managed to make people believe that Dillon was going to propose to her. When he suddenly married Caitlin, it made her look like a liar in front of the whole town. Of course, she played the victim, but the only thing that had really saved her reputation was when people found out it had been an arranged marriage. All sympathies had been with Henrietta then.
The Unwilling Bride Page 29