“You said first and foremost,” he pointed out. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the idea she has of shutting you down?”
“Of course it does, but not in the way you mean,” Lucas replied. “It’s not The Bucket I’m worried about, it’s Clara and the other women she’ll get to join her. There will be trouble, you mark my words and someone will get hurt, if not killed. Marrying her is the only way I can protect her,” he sighed.
“You do realize there are women who can’t or won’t be controlled?” Jonah asked.
“Nonsense, she’ll settle down once she has other things to think about, like taking care of a home of her own and babies and such.”
Sam laughed. Hugh snorted and Jonah just shook his head.
“Well, it doesn’t appear he has any vicious intent,” Sam noted. “Clara could do a lot worse, and from what I heard regarding last night, her reputation is already in shreds. Not to mention if she were to marry a weak-willed man she could cause problems for years to come, raising havoc with every saloon owner in town. Some of them are not above throwing her off the pier with a rock tied around her neck. All in all, I think it’s best if we support this marriage.”
“Agreed,” Hugh and Jonah said in unison. “Now how are you going to get her to go along?”
“I’m praying Martha is handling that, even as we speak,” Lucas sighed.
It turned out, he was correct. After speaking with Martha, Clara began to have second thoughts about refusing Lucas. She had no memory of the previous night, and as Martha pointed out, she could already be with child if what Lucas said was true.
“But how do I know if it is true?” Clara demanded.
“I guess you could ask Dr. Martin to examine you,” Martha whispered. Fanning herself, she looked away. “I think that’s the only way to know for sure.”
“Oh, Martha, I couldn’t,” Clara hissed. “It would be so embarrassing and what if it is true and I did those things with Lucas? It would have all been for nothing. I would have humiliated myself for no good reason. Do you think Lucas is the kind of man who lies?” she asked softly.
“I have no idea,” Martha replied. “He’s like the others, determined to get what he wants and he obviously wants you. Are you repulsed by him?”
“No. Actually I might think he was attractive if he wasn’t such a know-it-all. I truly don’t know how we’ll get on, Martha. You know I like things my own way.”
“That’s true, but I think you’ll find when you’re in love it’s easier to compromise.”
“Do you think Lucas is in love with me? Perhaps I can still get the upper hand.”
Martha laughed. “Don’t count on it. Lucas is well-mannered with that southern charm, but he’s as stubborn as you are. I think you may be well-matched.”
“Maybe. I just wish I knew whether we’d ‘done it’ last night,” Clara sighed.
“Why is that so important, other than the obvious?”
“It’s just that he’s a big man and I wouldn’t be so nervous about the wedding night if I thought I’d already been through the worst of it. They say it hurts.”
“I’ve heard both,” Martha informed her. “Some say it’s terribly painful and others say it’s glorious. Besides, as you say, if you’ve already ‘done it’ like Lucas says you have, it shouldn’t be too trying. Maybe you should get drunk again, just in case,” she suggested with a giggle. “Maybe I should too,” she continued thoughtfully.
Clara laughed.
“If you two are through amusing yourselves, perhaps we could call the bridegroom back in here and get this taken care of?” Judge Creighton suggested, obviously extremely annoyed.
Clara blushed and nodded and the judge opened the door.
It was over in minutes. She was Mrs. Lucas Armstrong, married in her underwear with a sheet wrapped around her. Not how she’d pictured her wedding, but what was done was done.
Lucas slipped a small ring on her finger and kissed her with a passion that made her head swim all over again. Then he picked her up and placed her on the bed.
“Go back to sleep, little woman,” he advised kissing her nose. “When you wake up, you’ll feel much better. I have work to do.”
Martha kissed her cheek. The men all filed out.
“Will you bring me some of my things?” Clara asked sleepily. “I’m feeling much too befuddled to go back to the house and try to explain what happened here.”
“Certainly, and I’ll do what I can to stop the gossip. No one need ever know the details but for the people who were in this room.”
“Thank you, Martha. You’re a dear friend,” Clara said with a yawn as she snuggled into Lucas’s huge bed.
Convinced she couldn’t possibly fall back asleep, Clara closed her eyes and Martha let herself out of the room.
Annoyed beyond measure, she left the saloon with a glare at Lucas and marched to her carriage. Her next stop needed to be Dr. Martin’s office to see if she could offer any comfort to Jane. The poor woman had been counting on the doctor to ask for her hand. Now not only were her children unaccounted for, but the wretched man had up and married without so much as a by your leave. Jane was sure to be inconsolable.
Dr. Martin must have been very angry about Jane’s deception to do such a thing. And he’d seemed so level headed too, Martha thought with a sigh. You just never knew what these wild western men were going to do. Thank goodness her Ethan was from a family where women were allowed to have their own opinions!
Pulling up in front of the doctor’s office, Martha climbed down and tied her rig to the hitching post. The only one there was his cleaning woman and she was not inclined to give out any information. No, the doctor was not in, he was out on a call, and she had no idea where Jane was. Frustrated, Martha got back into the carriage and snapped the short whip, riding out of town at a furious pace.
Sam and Hugh were just coming from the bank when she whizzed by.
“I think one of your ‘almost brides’ is a little agitated today,” Sam remarked with a grin.
“Martha, slow that rig down,” Hugh bellowed.
If she heard him at all, she ignored him.
“Be that as it may, that’s no reason to drive so recklessly,” Hugh replied frowning.
“Are you going to tattle?” Sam asked with a laugh.
“You bet your ass I am,” Hugh snapped. “Ethan would if Amelia were acting so irresponsibly. He needs to give Martha a good talking to.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Sam replied with a laugh.
“Oh shut up. Believe it or not, we don’t all enjoy punishing our wives the way you do.”
“I have nothing to say, because it’s the truth,” Sam replied, smiling. “I find great satisfaction in pulling Effie over my knees and turning her lovely bottom apple red. In fact, just the thought of it is enough to make me want to go home for lunch,” he continued with a laugh. “You’re just jealous because you can’t do the same to Amelia, and from what I hear, she’s giving you plenty of reason. I’ll bet you think twice before having another child right away.”
“That may be true, but believe me, Amelia will have to make amends for her misbehavior when the time comes,” Hugh replied, taking a little black book from the inside pocket of his jacket and handing it to Sam.
“My, my, my adorable sister-in-law seems to have racked up quite a list of punishable offenses,” Sam said with a grin as he quickly scanned the book and handed it back.
“Yes, and she knows I’m keeping track. I guess that’s what surprises me the most. Amelia knows the time will come when she has to pay the piper, yet she continues to defy me. Getting mixed up in this temperance thing was the last straw. I did spank her for that, although much more gently than she deserved. A few mild slaps in the right area soon had her promising to behave for the rest of her life.
“Of course it was total fabrication. I might stand a chance of reforming her were it not for that wife of yours and, of course, the easily influenced Grace. When Suzann
a and Dalton return, things will get even worse and mother doesn’t help a bit. It seems that despite father’s new and improved attitude toward our mother, she’s not the least bit afraid of him. I just don’t understand it.”
“Spanking a woman properly is an art form, dear brother,” Sam insisted as they walked toward the restaurant. “One I practice on a regular basis along with several other techniques we witnessed in the Orient. Have you forgotten? There are more ways to ensure obedience than a few swats to a naked behind.
“Nearly all of them are highly erotic, and thankfully Effie appreciates the difference between genuine punishments and those of a sexual nature,” Sam stated with a confident grin.
“Lord, it’s a wonder you ever come to work,” Hugh said with a snort.
“Yes, it is,” Sam admitted. “If it’s a choice between coming into town and putting in long, boring hours at the office, or spending the day teasing and tormenting my lovely wife until she’s begging for fulfillment, I guess we both know what I’m going to choose. I just thank God you put that stupid advertisement in the paper,” Sam laughed as he opened the door, sniffing appreciatively. “As a matter of fact, after lunch I may take the afternoon off. It seems I’ve suddenly thought of some things I need to attend to at home.”
“It figures,” Hugh replied grumpily. “Can we please refrain from discussing this further during lunch? I’m quickly losing my appetite.”
“That’s strange,” Sam answered. “Mine is increasing by leaps and bounds.”
“Just shut up will you. I’ll have the special.”
“Me too,” Sam told the waiter. “I’m in a hurry.”
Hugh glared at him.
Chapter 14
The drive looked as though a small search party had been convened when Martha arrived home. Hurrying into the house, she stopped short in the parlor, hearing squeals and giggles coming from the kitchen. Whatever was going on in there seemed to be a reason for celebration and not the aura of doom and gloom she’d anticipated. Ellie’s trunks were stacked by the door.
Walking through the kitchen door, she took in the scene with wide eyes.
Jane was positively glowing, her face radiant as she held out her hand, displaying the gold band on her finger.
“Oh, Martha,” Jane cried, rushing to her and taking her in her arms. “I’m so happy you’re home. The most wonderful thing has happened. I’ve gone and married Doctor Martin.”
“When, how?” Martha asked, sinking onto a chair and accepting the glass of champagne Effie handed her.
“Last night. It was very sudden. We were waiting at the dock for the Mystic Maiden to make port, hoping the children would be on board. I was devastated when they weren’t, of course, and began crying in his arms. The next thing I knew he was asking me to marry him, right away.
“I agreed and he sent for Judge Creighton. It all happened so fast,” she cried, cupping her cheeks with her hands. “I can hardly believe it’s true.”
“That’s wonderful,” Martha said quietly. “Is there any news of the children?”
“That’s another thing,” Jane said smiling widely. “I received a telegram this morning from Mrs. M. Judson saying they’d been delayed due to a slight illness Toby developed, but they are on their way and should be arriving within a few days. Oh, I can’t believe it. All of my prayers have been answered,” she sighed, wiping her tears. “A new and I might say wonderful husband and my children returned to me.”
“Oh, Jane, I’m so happy for you,” Martha cried, jumping up and hugging the older woman. “It’s about time there was some good news around here.”
“I agree,” Grace added. “Did you hear about Mary? Imagine running off with Andre? And I so loved his Crepe Suzettes,” she sighed. “Of course I’m happy for Mary, but I do think she should have stayed here until she was properly wed. I know firsthand how dastardly some men can be,” she continued with a slight shiver.
“You must forget about Horace,” Amelia scolded gently. “You have Jonah now and he’ll always protect you.”
“I know, but Horace still haunts my dreams at times.”
“Ellie, it looks as though you’re all packed,” Effie stated, refilling her glass and raising it in toast. “To Ellie, may she find all she’s dreamed of with her Mr. Ferguson!”
“To Ellie,” the others cried, lifting their glasses.
“I hope you’ll all come to Portland for the wedding?” Ellie said, grinning. “He’s nearly forcing me to go early, so I’m going to make him pay through the nose,” she giggled, not hearing the kitchen door open, nor noticing the sudden silence in the room. “I’m going to have the grandest, most expensive wedding Portland society has ever seen.”
“Is that so?” Clayton Ferguson asked, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“Good Lord,” Ellie demanded, turning to face him. “Am I always going to have to worry about you sneaking up on me and overhearing things that don’t concern you?”
“I have a feeling the answer to that is yes,” Clayton replied with a wry smile. “Something tells me I’d better keep a close eye on you and your wayward tongue. You’re all invited, of course,” he continued, giving a slight bow to the ladies. “Whether it will be the ‘grandest and most expensive wedding Portland has ever seen,’ remains to be seen. If someone doesn’t behave, it may be a simple affair held in my garden.”
“Now, Clayton,” Ellie said, planting her hands on her hips.
“Are you ready? We don’t want to miss the stage,” he said, ignoring her snit. “Bid your farewell to the ladies, Elinore. We must be going.”
Shooting him an irritated frown she turned and hugged each woman in turn.
“Please promise you’ll visit often,” she pleaded tearfully over her shoulder as he took her arm and led her from the room. “I have a feeling I’m going to miss you all dreadfully.”
“We will, Ellie,” Grace assured her.
“Yes, as often as we can,” Effie echoed.
The giggling started as soon as they heard the front door close.
“My, he’s an attractive man,” Amelia said, “but much more dominant than I would have given him credit for. Just the look on his face would have had me shaking in my boots. It’s a good thing Ellie is made of stern stuff. I have a feeling she’ll need it with him.”
“Where is Tempest?” Martha asked.
“She couldn’t come,” Effie replied. “She went home so irate over Andre’s desertion and Mary’s running off with him, Duncan insisted she spend the remainder of the day resting and he’s staying home to make sure she does just that.”
“She was furious, of course, but she did obey him, surprising the hell out of me,” Effie continued with a grin before she tipped her glass and tucked a stray curl behind her ear.
“Who’s missing here?” Grace asked, looking around.
“That’s another story,” Martha sighed. “One you won’t believe when you hear it.”
“Oh, it’s Clara,” Amelia said with surprise. “What’s happened to Clara?”
“She up and married Lucas Armstrong this morning,” Martha said, pouring more champagne into her glass.
“The saloon keeper?” Jane gasped.
“The very same,” Martha whispered.
“I thought there was something there,” Effie said. “He seemed very interested in her.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“Why didn’t she wait? Where was the wedding? Ma Ma is going to be so disappointed she’s been cheated out of yet another wedding. You know how much she enjoys them,” Amelia pointed out.
“Clara Webster was married in Mr. Armstrong’s bedchamber wearing her chemise, bloomers and a crisp white sheet,” Martha informed them sadly.
“Good heavens,” Jane cried.
“The ceremony was performed by Judge Creighton and the witnesses were Hugh, Sam, Jonah, and I. It was simply awful.”
“Why would she agree to such a thing?” Effie demanded, rising to her feet and placin
g both hands on the table.
“Apparently she didn’t have much choice,” Martha responded.
“You mean they forced her?” Effie shouted.
“No, not in the way you mean. You see last night Clara became intoxicated and well, it turned out she spent the night in Mr. Armstrong’s bed. It left her little choice,” Martha said sadly.
“Our Clara, the one who is opposed to drink of any kind?” Jane demanded. “The woman who started this whole temperance thing?”
“Yes, it seems our little Clara likes wine, and Lucas made sure she got plenty of it at dinner last night. I swear when I found her in his bed, I felt like shooting him.”
“I could have helped you with that,” Effie nearly growled, patting her reticule on the table.
“Too many witnesses,” Martha said with a thoughtful frown. “She wasn’t going to do it, but Lucas said that although he only intended to have her sleep it off, she became very um… passionate in the night and he couldn’t resist her advances. I don’t believe a word of it, but what could I do? If what he said is true, she could be with child.”
“What did the men say?” Effie asked. “They should have taken him out and horse-whipped him.”
“I think they wanted her to marry him,” Martha said, leaning forward. “What better way to put an end to the movement than to marry off the leader to the town’s most prominent saloon owner? It’s appalling!”
“It most certainly is,” Amelia agreed angrily. “I can’t believe Hugh had a hand in it.”
“Well, he did, and so did Jonah and Sam. Really, I expected more of them, but when Clara couldn’t remember if she’d actually done those things with Lucas, well, her hands were tied.”
“Was she hysterical, poor thing?” Jane asked.
“No, that’s another strange occurrence. When it was over, Lucas placed her back in his bed and went to work. Clara asked me to bring some of her things and promptly went back to sleep. It was shocking to say the least.”
“Perhaps she wasn’t as opposed to the marriage as you think?” Grace suggested.
Martha (The Marriage Market Book 5) Page 13