“She will be fine. Just upset from the turmoil.” Caitlin sat down on the bed, next to him. “I feel sorry for them. ’Tis not a very happy occasion to start off an engagement.”
“’Tis not any occasion to start off a New Year.” Dillon’s lips quirked. “Why can nothing go according to plan for us?” His brown eyes misted. “Why must tragedy follow us?”
“Who says that this is not God’s plan for us? Only God can turn tragedy into triumph.” Caitlin smiled. “Is not our marriage proof of that?”
“Perhaps.”
“How is Roderick?” Caitlin feared asking the question, not knowing if she wanted the answer.
“He is holding his own. Dr. Andrews said the next eighteen hours will be critical.”
“He is a strong man,” she encouraged.
“Stronger than poison?”
“You cannot give up hope.” Caitlin got on her knees on the bed and messaged his shoulders. “God is in control.”
“Aye.” The half-hearted response surprised her.
“That does not sound like the faithful man I married.”
“Perhaps I am too tired to care.” He jerked away, stood and walked to the window. Looking out into the pitch black, he sighed. “Now I know how you felt when we married. Too overcome with worries, grief and anger to care.”
“And the Lord worked everything out, did He not?” She slid off the bed, went to him, resting her cheek against his back. “I love you, Dillon Cade.”
A small smile touched his lips. He turned to face her. “I love you, Caitlin Cade.” He rubbed the pad of his thumb across her smooth, soft check. Just the feel of her skin was enough to uplift his spirit.
“God brought us together for a reason. Trust in His plan.” Caitlin held him as a mother would a hurt child. “We found Roderick in time to save him.”
“And spoiled Bernadine’s attack against you.” Dillon felt a chill wash over him. The immorality of that woman was too much to understand. “Wilson confessed to tampering with the carriage wheel, and explained how they had planned a stable accident for you tonight.”
“Why would Wilson betray us like this? He has worked for you for years.”
“Money. Greed.” Dillon’s face hardened. “’Tis the only reason for any of this.”
“’Tis hard to imagine that people could value money over someone’s life.” Caitlin shuddered.
“Only evil people,” he replied.
“What I do not understand is why she tried to get rid of me?” Caitlin paced over to the fireplace. “I know she wanted your father’s fortune, but what would she have gained from my death?”
“You were just an obstacle for her to hate. ‘Tis no reasoning in pure evil.”
* * *
“Dillon. No!” Caitlin screamed as he tore off down the hall. She quickly looked to Dr. Andrews for assistance.
“Ready the carriage,” Dr. Andrews advised.
Caitlin hurried down the hall, calling for Mrs. White.
“Have the stable hands ready the carriage,” she informed the maid. “Dr. Andrews and I shall be leaving.” Caitlin silently prayed for courage. It had only been two weeks since the frightful accident. She wasn’t quite over the shock yet. However, Dillon needed her, and love for him outweighed any fear.
When Dr. Andrews joined her, she hesitated only a moment before stepping into the carriage. As the four steeds transported the carriage over the frozen roads, Caitlin prayed they would catch up with Dillon before he did something crazy. She also prayed that all four wheels would stay intact. “God is bigger than my fear.” She repeated several times.
After reaching the jailhouse, she ran into the building, stopping short when she saw Dillon sitting in the hall. Their eyes met.
“I need to face her.” Anger and hatred turned his soft features hard as granite.
Caitlin advanced a slow, soft stride. “What shall it accomplish?”
“I need to understand why,” he said flatly.
“All right, Mr. Cade,” the sheriff sneered. “You may visit with the prisoner now.”
“’Tis about time.” He stood, every muscle clenching.
Caitlin laid a gentle hand on his arm. “Do not do this. Please.”
He considered her plea for a few seconds. “‘Tis something I must do.” With that, he walked back to the holding cell.
Bernadine sat perched like a queen on the small cot. ‘Twas amazing how innocent she looked.
Dillon stopped in front of the open cell. Fists clenched at each side. “How can you be such a monster?” The veins in his neck popped out. “How can you look so normal and yet be filled with wretchedness?”
“Dillon, how nice of you to come visit me.”
Her nonchalant attitude made the wounds of grief even deeper. “’Tis not a social call.”
“Pish-posh.” She laughed. “Have you come to tell me that the old fool has finally died?” She stood, swaggering toward him. “Do not fret, love. I will use my inheritance to get out of here. Meanwhile you can get rid of Caitlin then we can be together.” She traced a finger down the front of his vest.
He grabbed her hand, squeezing so tight he felt the joints popping. “You have no inheritance. Father transferred everything over to me weeks ago.” He smiled, satisfied by the pain, and shock in her eyes. “You see, all your evil deeds have been for naught.”
“You are hurting my hand,” she cried.
“Do you think I care?” He put more pressure on. “You have taken everything from me and my family.” He twisted her arm behind her back. “I shall kill you before I ever allow you to touch my wife again.”
“Don’t you see, I did this all for us.” She clenched her teeth. “He never loved you. Not like I do. I can make you happier than Caitlin ever will.” Tears streamed down her face. “With both of them gone we can be together.”
“You do not know the meaning of love.” Dillon forced his hand open and allowed her out of his grasp. “I have never, and will never love you. I cannot stand the sight of you.”
“Why are you so upset over a weak old man?” She rubbed her bruised wrist.
“’Tis not my fathers’ murder that you shall go to trail for. ‘Tis my mother’s.”
* * *
Caitlin turned furious green eyes on the sheriff. “How can you allow him back there? You know nothing good will come of this meeting.”
“’Tis not my concern.”
“You are the sheriff. You are supposed to protect the people of this town.”
“I do my job with no complaints from other town folks. If’n your husband can’t control his temper then ‘tis best he is in here. ‘Twill make it easier to lock him up.” His mustache twitched as he grinned.
“You are only looking for an excuse to lock him up.” She started towards the back.
Sheriff Edward blocked her path. “Only one visitor at a time. You’ll have to wait your turn.”
A piercing scream jolted through the air just as Dr. Andrews came through the door. “What in blazes is going on?”
“Dillon is back there with Bernadine.”
“Let me pass.” Dr. Andrews bellowed and pushed past.
Caitlin and Dr. Andrews found Dillon struggling with Bernadine.
“Dillon. Stop!” Caitlin cried. “Please, stop.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “Don’t do this. Think of our child.”
Dillon heard the urgent voice of his wife, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Hurt and anger had taken control. The strings of his heart pulled too tight. Evil had plagued him all his life, only the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ had kept it away. Now, when faced with the temptation, it was stronger than his sense of right and wrong.
“Dillon, no!” Dr. Andrews tugged at his arm. “You mustn’t do this.”
Voices were raised, floating around him, but he didn’t understand what they said. Animosity blocked his hearing. Revenge blinded his vision. Hate obstructed his heart from love. “She killed my mother,” Dillon sobbed. “In cold blood. She i
s evil and must pay.”
Bernadine was on the floor and Dillon started to wrap his hands around her neck.
“The justice system will take care of her.” Dr. Andrews tried to soothe his wounds. “You cannot take care of the situation on your own. God will prevail.”
“But God let her kill my mother.”
“I’m sorry Dillon.” Dr. Andrews advanced, cautiously. “Would your mother want you to do this?”
Dillon started crying. Then shook his head.
His hands froze on her neck. Bernadine made no move to get up. The slightest tick of a muscle could prompt him to start squeezing. Dillon was over the edge and she did not want to push him any further. Perhaps the doctor and Caitlin could reach him before he killed her.
Dillon, think of our child. The words broke through his subconscious. He stopped, looking up at Caitlin. “You are going to have a baby?”
Caitlin advanced with a smile. “Aye.”
“A baby.” Dillon looked at his wife, then at Bernadine. He had a choice. His family, or revenge. His hands were poised to destroy. His fingers itched, the muscles straining, wanting to apply pressure to the delicate neck. He wanted to snap her neck in two. But, he had a beautiful wife who was now carrying his child. God had indeed blessed him. Could he give it all up for revenge?
“A baby,” he repeated. With a sigh and more mental strength than he possessed, he stood and embraced Caitlin. “A baby!”
Bernadine quickly stood. “I want that man arrested,” she squeaked. “He tried to kill me.”
“He did no such thing,” the doctor informed the sheriff. “You cannot arrest someone for thinking about murder. He never touched you, so it cannot even be considered attempted murder.”
“Technically he’s correct,” Sheriff Edward grudgingly admitted. “As much I would love to arrest him, I have no grounds. Yet.”
“I wanted to kill her,” Dillon admitted. “I could have done it.”
“But you didn’t.” Caitlin brushed a long strand of hair away from his face. “’Tis human nature to want revenge. When there is injustice we want to make it right. Every heart holds the capacity to kill.” She looked at Bernadine. “A heart that gives can take away. If you can love, you may also hate. If you are capable of making a life,” Caitlin laid a hand over her stomach, “you can also destroy one.”
She allowed him to digest what she said. “There are two sides to every coin and two choices in every heart. Bernadine chose a path of destruction. But you have chosen a life of love.”
“’Tis nothing to fear now.” Caitlin smiled. “Your father is on the mend, Bernadine will pay for her crimes. Even Henrietta has left town without a word to anyone.” She kissed Dillon. “God has worked everything out. We can now start our life with no interference from anyone.”
“Thank you, Lord.” Dillon whispered the praise over the top of Caitlin’s head. “Thank you.”
Epilogue
Caitlin waited anxiously. The late August breeze blew the red tresses into a mass of tangles, but she didn’t care. Clutching her hat onto her head tighter, she linked her other arm through Sarah’s.
“I can hardly believe it,” Sarah cried. “The Lord has brought your family, and the love of my life home.”
“Believe it.” Caitlin smiled. “’Tis all those prayers we sent up.”
They watched as the passengers disembarked. Finally Caitlin noticed her parents. “Mama. Papa.” She waved and jumped up and down as much as her large, round belly would permit. The baby kicked as if sensing the excitement of its mother.
“If you do not stop all that jumping you will surely deliver the baby right now and not next month,” Sarah admonished.
“Caitlin, my darling.” Kathleen embraced her daughter. “What is this?” She stepped back, noticing the big bulge.
Caitlin protectively laid a hand across her stomach. “’Tis your grandchild.”
“Papa.” She threw herself into his open arms. The familiar smell of cigars and musk overwhelmed her. “You are home at last.”
“Aye, my child. Thanks to you and your husband.”
“’Twas not our doing. President Jefferson changed the law.”
Alin laid a gentle hand on Caitlin’s stomach. “Am I to assume your marriage is no longer in name only?”
“’Tis true.” Caitlin laughed. Then looking more serious added, “You were right, Papa. I only had to give Dillon a chance.”
“I knew he’d make a good husband.”
“He is the best husband a woman could ever want. Thank you for choosing him for me.”
“Did I hear my name?” Dillon approached with a little girl in his arms.
“’Twas just telling Papa what a cad you are,” she teased.
Dillon slipped one arm around her thick waist. “Aye. And you are still as stubborn as always.” He kissed her cheek. “I would not have you any other way.”
She laughed, playfully nudging him in the ribs. “That sweet talk shall not work on me, sir.” Turning her attention to the girl she added, “Mama. Papa. Meet your grand daughter, Mary Elizabeth.”
“Two grandchildren,” Kathleen exclaimed. “I think I shall faint.”
Alin’s rigid composure creaked some. His gray eyes misted. There was no mistaken the girl’s curly red hair, and bright brown eyes. “I am a grandfather two times and you did not see fit to send us word.”
“Oh, Papa, please do not be angry. I wanted only to surprise you.”
Alin smiled. “I am not angry, just shocked.”
“Where is Brogan?” Caitlin asked. “Did he not come back with you?”
“Aye. He is collecting the trunks and gathering the servants. He shall be along shortly.” Alin looked at Dillon. “How is the newspaper business?”
“Fine, sir.”
“I assume since Thomas Jefferson is now President that the election went well.”
“’Twas a close call, sir. Jefferson and Aaron Burr received seventy-three electoral votes each. Congress had to reconvene and pick either Jefferson or Burr to be the next president.”
“That too ended in a scandal,” Caitlin added.
“How so?” Alin was intrigued.
“’Twas a deadlock in congress,” Dillon continued. “That is until Delaware’s congressman, Mr. Bayard decided to abstain from voting for either person. That gave Mr. Jefferson the most votes.”
“Why would anyone not cast a vote in such an important election?” Alin was baffled at the thought.
“Exactly,” Caitlin quipped. “Although Mr. Bayard stated several reason for his decision, Mr. Burr still believes that he made a deal with Jefferson. Of course Mr. Jefferson has denied all claims.”
“Sounds like an exciting election,” Alin said.
“Truly it was.” Caitlin rattled on. “’Tis still being talked about six months later. ’Twas an exciting end to an exciting campaign.”
“My dear, I am very impressed with your knowledge of politics,” Kathleen intervened. “I never thought you paid any attention at all to your studies.”
“I fear my studies bored me, Mama. However, since Dillon had me writing the columns in the paper about the very subject, I became proficient in the subject rather quickly.”
“You are writing for the paper?” Kathleen’s green eyes widened. “I never heard of such a thing.”
“Caitlin and I are a team, in marriage and in the business of the paper. She is a most excellent writer. I believe people prefer to read her writings over my own.”
“But who takes care of the children while you are gone?” Kathleen was of the notion that a woman’s place was in the home.
“We have a whole staff who adores Mary, especially our cook, Martha and her husband. They treat her like she is their own granddaughter. Mr. Barclay even decorated the nursery free of charge.”
“And my father has moved here as well.” Dillon explained. “He adores watching her.”
“Not to mention that Sarah is always wanting to sit with Mary. I fear som
etimes there are so many people wanting time with our little Mary that we have to fight to have time for ourselves.” Caitlin laughed.
“Perhaps with two of them there shall be enough children to go around.” Dillon laid his hand on her belly.
“It still seems highly improper,” Kathleen sniffed.
“But it works for us, Mama. Our marriage may be different but we are happy.” She kissed Dillon just to prove her point. “Besides now that you are home you shall be clamoring for the grandchildren’s attention also.”
“Perhaps.” Kathleen’s sour look brightened at that. And, when Mary reached out for her grandmother and willingly jumping into her arms, Kathleen melted on the spot. “Oh, how precious.” She hugged her tight, forgetting all about improprieties.
“Brogan,” Sarah’s scream bellowed over the crowd.
Tears filled Caitlin’s eyes as she watched them embrace. Brogan picked Sarah up, twirling her around. A jumble of pink skirt and black hair flew into the air. Tears of relief and joy flowed down her cheeks.
Brogan set her on the ground and kissed her, then bending down on one knee asked her to marry him.
“Looks like we shall be having another wedding in the family,” Caitlin smiled.
“We are to be married as soon as possible,” Brogan announced as they approached. “I have wasted too many years of my life on this war. ‘Tis time I start thinking about my own life and not the war in Ireland.”
The Unwilling Bride Page 35