Twice Promised (The Blue Willow Brides Book #2): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  Jess shook his head to clear his muddled mind. What had happened to his head since yesterday? Quickly, almost forcibly, he grabbed Greta by the elbow and steered her out of the street to the porch, where Zach and the others stood gaping at what had just happened.

  “My goodness, girl!” Granny traipsed down the porch steps. “That was a close call. What in tarnation—” She stopped when she saw the puppy in Greta’s arms. “Well, I declare . . .”

  “I’m fine, everyone. Now we need to find out who’s the owner of this sweet little puppy. Do you know, Zach?”

  Zach walked over and patted the puppy. “I haven’t a clue. There’re plenty of strays around here, and people dump pets when they move on.”

  Greta’s blue eyes grew wide. “How could they? That seems so cruel.”

  Jess let out a sigh. Could she really be that naïve? He almost laughed seeing her splattered with mud, since she seemed quite fussy about her appearance.

  “Be that as it may, they still do it,” Granny said.

  “Greta, come on in and let’s get you cleaned up,” Cora said, taking the pup and pushing it toward Zach. “Would you please see to its needs until we can find the owner?”

  Seeming reluctant, Zach took the pup and looked around as if to say, “Now what?”

  Jess shrugged. “You’re the one with all the ideas, remember?”

  The sounds of a harness and horse hooves caught the small group’s attention, and they all turned to see a sleek black surrey trimmed with scarlet fringe halt at the hitching post in front of the mercantile. Jess already had Greta, a puppy, and Granny to deal with first thing this morning, and now there was Agnes in all her finery stepping onto the scene to pay a visit. No doubt to pour salt in his wounds. Zach handed the dog back to Greta and moved to assist Agnes.

  ———

  Greta stared intently at the vision of beauty in the fancy carriage. She watched the lady climb down from her wagon and noticed her trim, slender ankle, briefly exposed above the delicate slipper that matched her stylish blue dress. Her head and shoulders were perfectly straight, and her broad hat was trimmed in pale blue roses. She tipped her head slightly upward to speak softly to Zach, smiling through perfectly even teeth as they strolled toward the group.

  Greta realized that she’d been openly staring when she finally heard the voice coming from the lovely vision as she drew nearer to them. Whoever she was, the very sight of her commanded a certain attention, and Greta couldn’t help but notice people on the sidewalk pausing to admire her. She was sure that the lady must be aware of the attention attributed to her arrival.

  That’s when she noticed Jess’s smile as he grasped her gloved hand and said hello. It was apparent that he knew her by the way he was looking at her. Greta stiffened. More competition? Somehow she managed to be cordial when Jess introduced her and Cora.

  “Ladies, I’d like you to meet Miss Agnes Cartwright,” Jess said, turning around with his hand at the small of Agnes’s back.

  “How do you do?” Agnes murmured with a nod of her head, then eyed Greta’s mud-caked dress.

  Greta mumbled a greeting, thoroughly feeling like Agnes was scrutinizing her entire ensemble. She felt like running up the stairs to hide until the beautiful lady was gone. If she thought Cora’s clothing stylish, then Agnes’s outfit outshined them all. Greta felt almost shabbily dressed in her homespun working dress and apron, and the mud only added to that effect.

  “So nice to meet you, Agnes,” Cora said. “Is there something in the store we can help you with?”

  Agnes’s eyes swept approvingly over Cora’s dress. “Could be,” she answered in a voice so rich it was like cream being poured out. No wonder men’s heads turned as she continued up the steps.

  “Let’s all go back inside instead of looking like a committee meeting out here on the porch,” Granny said. “Greta, you go on upstairs and get a fresh apron and clean that mud from your face. Jess, find an empty crate to put the puppy in for now.” Granny took the puppy from Greta, plopped him into Jess’s hands, and proceeded inside with the others following right behind her.

  Greta hesitated, not sure she should be in a man’s private quarters. They may not want her in their rooms. But Granny seemed to notice her indecision.

  “Greta, quit shilly-shallying and go on upstairs and help yourself, then come back down and we’ll have a nice cup of tea.” She gave Greta a gentle nudge as she glanced at Jess for his approval.

  “It’s all right.” Jess nodded. “We’ll figure something out about the puppy, but please, no more heroics.” He grinned, still holding the squirming puppy, and she relaxed somewhat.

  Greta bolted up the stairs. She slowly opened the door, feeling like an intruder. With a quick look about the room, she wasn’t surprised to see that one side was tidy and the other side, which must have been Jess’s, was in a jumble. She closed the door behind her and found the soap next to the sink, with water in a white pitcher. Looking at her reflection in the mirror above the sink, she had to laugh. No wonder Agnes was giving her strange glances. She looked a fright. Much like her sister Anna did when she returned from an afternoon out chasing butterflies or painting.

  Without warning, hot tears filled Greta’s eyes. She did miss her little sister. She’d try to write her sisters tonight and fill them in on things since her arrival.

  After washing her face, she patted it dry and wiped off some of the mud flecks from her dress. Slowly she tiptoed over to Jess’s area of the living quarters. There was a worn easy chair pulled close to the window overlooking the street. A table next to it held a Bible and a cup of coffee, and scattered on the floor were catalogs of various themes. His bed was not made and she was tempted to do it for him, but that would be too personal. A pair of brogans and crumpled pants hung off the iron bedstead.

  Zach’s side was very neat for a man, she thought. His shoes were tucked under the edge of the bottom rail of the bed, and a blanket was pulled up and tucked in, with his pillow on top. He didn’t appear to be in need of a woman’s touch. Jess, on the other hand . . . maybe the touch he needed was Agnes’s. Her countenance had certainly become brighter when she’d looked into Jess’s eyes.

  Greta straightened her shoulders, trying to look more confident than she felt. It was time to get back downstairs and see what the rest of the day would hold. She wanted to learn more about the beautiful Agnes.

  9

  “Do you live in town, Granny?” Cora was asking as Greta returned to the store area.

  Granny gave a short chuckle. “Nearly. I live on Gregory Street in Black Hawk, which juts right up against the city limits of Central City. Every town just kinda grows into the next in these parts.” She began preparing tea and glanced over at Jess and Zach, who stood talking near the front door and greeting customers as they arrived.

  “I live with my brother on our ranch, the Circle D, but sometimes I stay in town for a couple of days at a time,” Agnes declared. “I get rather lonely on the ranch and enjoy riding to town.”

  Greta joined the group of ladies. “I think I’ll suggest to Jess to allow us a small table and a few chairs off to the side for coffee or something cool to drink for our customers,” she whispered to Granny. “What do you think about that?”

  “Greta, I really like that idea, but Jess may balk at the plan. He wasn’t happy about the way you arranged things,” she whispered back, leaning close.

  “Oh, I’m not through yet, unless he throws me out.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s a viable idea. Gives folks who’ve traveled to town a chance to refresh themselves. All you can do is ask him. With those blue eyes, I don’t see how he could ever refuse you, my dear.”

  The older lady was direct, but she had a twinkle in her eye that was hard to miss.

  “That’s sweet of you to say. That’s what I intend to do . . . but maybe another day.” Greta chewed her bottom lip. “I’m afraid my mind is always thinking about new ways to improve things.”

  Gran
ny looked at her closely. “You’ll be very good for my grandson.”

  “What are you two twittering about?” Agnes interjected, sidling up to the counter next to Granny.

  “If I know Greta, she’s up to something,” Cora responded as Greta and Granny moved apart.

  “Oh, nothing important, really. Help yourself to a cup of tea, Miss Cartwright.” Greta reached for a clean cup from the tray but then paused. “Then perhaps I can help you with your shopping.”

  “That would be heavenly, but please call me Agnes.” Her voice dripped with honey, Greta thought. Agnes removed her leather gloves and set them aside with her purse, then moved toward the tea tray. Her hand hovered over the teacups. Granny stiffened, and Greta wondered what could be the matter when her smile disappeared and her forehead wrinkled.

  ———

  Jess poked Zach in the ribs, motioning for him to direct his gaze to the ladies. Granny was pursing her lips together. Jess hadn’t been counting on a third party choosing a cup, and he suddenly had a knot in his stomach. There were only two cups on the tray—the Country Rose and the Blue Willow. Their plan wasn’t going to work.

  “On second thought, I’ve changed my mind. I’m meeting a friend this morning for brunch, so I’ll just wait,” Agnes declared.

  Air escaped Jess’s lips as he realized he’d been holding his breath. Zach’s shoulders relaxed as Agnes moved away.

  Granny lifted the teapot and poured the tea into the two cups. “You two go on ahead. I’ll go fetch another cup,” she said, but she didn’t move.

  Cora reached for the rose cup. “What a beautiful rose pattern.” She carried the cup to the counter before taking a sip.

  “I like the Blue Willow. My mother had a set like this in Holland,” Greta said, lifting the other cup. “Mmm, quite tasty!” she said after taking a small sip. She blew gently on the liquid before bringing the cup to her lips again.

  “Yes, I agree.” Cora took several sips.

  Jess watched as Greta’s pink lips rested sensually against the teacup’s rim, her luminous blue eyes looking thoughtful. Was she thinking of her family? It suddenly dawned on him that she’d chosen the Blue Willow and Zach would be courting her, not him. Now why does it matter to me, since we move like a coyote and a hen in a chicken coop?

  He grinned at Granny, who finally poured a cup of tea for herself and sat down on a stool behind the counter, giving him a wink.

  Agnes cleared her throat politely, giving the young ladies a frank gaze. “Are you two new in town? I didn’t realize that Jess was hiring more help.”

  Cora gave Greta a floundering look. Zach and Jess scooted over before Greta could form a reply.

  “To answer your question, I’m courting Cora,” Jess announced, then stood beside her.

  “And I’m courting Greta.” Zach winked at Greta, slipping his arm about her waist, and Greta tensed.

  ———

  Greta’s heart thumped, and she caught a look of surprise crossing Cora’s face. When had the men decided that? It would’ve been nice if they’d shared the news privately. Her eyes locked with Jess’s, and while she didn’t know what he was thinking, she knew what she was thinking. She wasn’t going to let them choose between her and Cora like prize steer on an auctioneer’s block. Hardly! They had some explaining to do.

  “Oh, that’s rich. I thought mail-order brides were brides and there was no courting involved.” Agnes snickered. “Isn’t that the whole point of a mail-order bride?”

  “Weddings take time to plan, but that shouldn’t be a concern of yours, Agnes.” Zach squeezed Greta lightly.

  Uncomfortable as she was, she wanted to tell him to stop squeezing her waist, but she held her tongue. She was supposed to marry one of them anyway. Wasn’t she? Greta swallowed, her mouth dry. “Well, actually, Cora and I haven’t decided if we’re staying or not. We’ve hardly been praised for all our hard work, and our accommodations have been sadly lacking.”

  For a moment there was uncomfortable silence, then Cora said, “That’s right. We have to sort a few things out before we decide to stay or go.”

  Greta glanced over at Cora in surprise. Greta hadn’t really meant to say what she did, but something drew her to put up a show for their sakes.

  The brothers looked dumbfounded, and Granny humphed. “I think it’s very kind of my grandsons to give them a chance to get acquainted. My boys have never done anything the conventional way.” Her voice held a bit of a reprimand as she stared at Agnes.

  Agnes’s eyebrows knitted together and her hands trembled slightly, but otherwise she appeared poised. “I see . . . Well, it’s none of my concern. I’m sorry if I inferred that it was my business.” Agnes inhaled. She appeared to dismiss the topic and asked, “Cora, I wondered if you could help me with picking a pattern and fabric for a new gown? I couldn’t help but notice the cut of your dress and the excellent detailing and quality.”

  Cora flushed prettily. “Thank you, Miss Cartwright.”

  “Please, call me Agnes, if you will. I’d like to find someone in Central City who knows how to sew a decent stitch. My last seamstress married and moved to Denver.”

  “Oh . . . I’m no expert with a needle. Maybe Greta?”

  Greta was grateful to have a reason to pull away from Zach. Not that she didn’t like him. On the contrary, but she wasn’t sure she liked being put on the spot that way. “I sew a little, but Cora makes excellent choices when it comes to choosing the proper material. Maybe the two of us can help you, though I’m not sure how much time we’ll have to spare to sew for you.”

  “Well, maybe just one dress.” Agnes clearly wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I can pay you well. Shall we go take a look at some material?”

  “Don’t let us stop you. Come on, Zach, we’d better start loading Mr. Smith’s supplies.” Jess’s gaze darted away from Greta’s. “Granny, are you going to stick around?”

  “No, baby. I think I’ve accomplished what I set out to do this morning. I’ll see you at church on Sunday,” she said, rising from her stool. “Nice meetin’ your two brides, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you two in the future. I’ll have all of you down to Black Hawk for a good homemade meal. Agnes, I’m sure our paths will cross again soon.”

  Agnes nodded, then Zach saw Granny to her wagon. She gave the horse a gentle whack with her whip and took off down the street into the throng of busy wagons, people, and horses. Greta decided she liked Granny’s forthrightness and looked forward to seeing her again.

  The next hour was spent poring over a pattern book and bolts of material and trim, as Cora and Greta tried to please Agnes with what was already in stock. Cora was extremely patient with her, but Greta was just about at her wit’s end before they finally found something Agnes could agree on. To complement autumn’s arrival, they decided on a plaid challis—a mixture of wool and cotton—in hues of orange and brown that would work well with Agnes’s light brown hair and hazel eyes.

  “Oh, that material is just perfect.” Agnes clapped her hands. “I’d like to get it made into a dress for a barbecue that I’m giving after the roundup in two weeks. Would you like to come? It’ll be fun, and all the folks around here look forward to my annual party.”

  “I would enjoy it, Agnes. Thank you,” Cora said, picking up the scissors.

  “Sounds like fun, and we can get to know some of the townsfolk. I’ll plan on coming too,” Greta replied.

  Once Cora had taken Agnes’s measurements, she bent over the counter to cut the amount of yardage needed to make the dress. “Greta, why don’t you help Agnes pick out a complementary trim for her dress? I’ll bring this over to be rung up when I’m finished.”

  “Oh, yes, would you help me with that, Greta?” Agnes asked. “I’m not very good at choosing colors.”

  Greta looked around to make certain no one else needed assistance at the moment. Jess was gathering things into a box for a customer’s order, and Zach was busy hauling a sack of flour for another waiting custome
r. “I’d be glad to. It looks like Jess and Zach aren’t in need of me now. I’ve just organized the ribbon and trim, so if Cora will cut me a tiny swatch, we can match something up.”

  “You certainly are knowledgeable about sewing, Greta, and Cora dresses with impeccable style.” Agnes lowered her voice. “I can’t help but wonder why she is working at all or why she wanted to become a mail-order bride. It’s apparent that she’s from a wealthy background. Hmm . . . something must be amiss.”

  Greta pretended not to hear her last comment. She knew little of Cora’s past. She’d remained tight-lipped last night, so Greta didn’t know any more about her than she had the day before. Except that she really liked her. Does Agnes mean I’m a shabby dresser? But she knew what Agnes said was true.

  “You’re right, Cora always looks her best. But I know a thing or two about sewing.” Greta handed Agnes a small wedge of fabric, and the two of them walked over to the shelves that Greta and Cora had restacked the day before.

  Greta loved the smell of material and enjoyed sewing, but she’d never sewed for anyone else before. She reached out to choose several different rolls that she thought might trim the dress and held the swatch up against the material. “I think this one contrasts nicely with that deep brown.” She held a deep shade of yellow grosgrain ribbon against the swatch for Agnes to see.

  “Are you sure I don’t need to use satin ribbon?”

  Greta drew back slightly. “For a dress for a barbecue? I wouldn’t think so.” She shook her head. “Wouldn’t it be considered a more casual party—not formal?”

  Agnes chewed her bottom lip, and Greta noticed how long her lashes were and how her brows arched naturally. She was really pretty. So why hadn’t Jess courted her?

  “Yes, it’s casual,” Agnes answered after a moment. “We’ll have outdoor dancing and lots of food. It’ll be great fun, and I meant it when I said you and Cora are invited. I’m sure Jess and Zach will be happy to bring you. Which reminds me, I haven’t danced with Jess in a long time. Maybe Cora can spare him a dance with an old friend.”