Sam headed to his room on the second floor. Lately he’d been in town more than at home. Slim reported alternate days and assured him things were going well at the ranch.
Toeing out of his boots, Sam lay down on the bed. Darned if he didn’t feel a fool for letting Tucker rile him. He put his reaction down to already being upset from seeing Cassie and having Josephine lecture him at the mercantile.
No denying the fact, his life was in a mess.
Chapter Thirteen
At dinner, Cassandra picked at her meal. Even Mrs. Murphy’s delicious food didn’t tempt her today. She could only worry about her brother and her fate. She was sunk in the depths of despair.
Lydia rose after the meal. “Cassandra, may I see you in my office?”
Rachel leaned near, her brown eyes twinkling. “Uh oh, called to the office. Good luck.”
Cassandra pretended to pinch her friend’s arm and followed Lydia. In the office, she sat in the chair Lydia indicated.
Instead of moving behind her desk, Lydia sat next to Cassandra. “Now, tell me what has you so morose.”
She explained all that had happened that day. “I can’t remain your guest forever. I’ll have to go somewhere, do something. I thought maybe I might write to a mail-order bride agency.”
Lydia raised her eyebrows. “Oh, but I thought you were in love with Sam Drummond?”
“I do love him. No one has ever made me feel like he does. I can be myself with him.” She folded her hands in her lap. “That is, I could before he decided to hate me.”
“Are you that easily discouraged?”
Shocked, she couldn’t think why Lydia asked that. “Easily? I don’t know what else to do. I proposed to him and he turned me down.”
“Cassandra, where’s your backbone? If you want him, then do something about it.”
She opened her arms wide. “What? What else can I do? Short of kidnapping the man and holding a gun to his head until he agrees to marry me, I’m at a loss.”
“Let me think about this for a few days. Please don’t write to an agency yet. Give me some time to think and give Sam time to come to his senses.”
“All right. I’ll do as you ask for a week but I don’t think Sam will change his mind.”
Lydia leaned back in her chair. “Now, tell me how your brother is getting on.”
“He had to leave his job. Mr. Heathington made life too miserable for him, because of me, of course. Trenton went to stay with our friend Mrs. Long. He helps her and gives her part of the money he makes doing odd jobs.”
“And does she live near this Mr. Heathington?”
“Hardly. She lives on Pear Street near the edge of town. Hers is a small house but the structure suffered only minor damage during the war. That was patched more than repaired. Now that he’s staying there, Trenton has mended her roof and her porch and made other small improvements for her.”
“Is Mrs. Long able to get around easily or is she too frail?”
“She must be close to eighty, but she’s still quite spry. My brother said her daughter wants Mrs. Long to come live with her across town. As soon as Trenton joins me—whenever and wherever that is—she will no doubt go to live with her daughter.”
“I’m glad your brother has a safe place to stay. I’m sure he’s a blessing to Mrs. Long.”
“She’s a kind woman. Mrs. Long and my grandmother had been friends since they were children of six.”
A melancholy expression settled on Lydia’s face. “How lovely to have friendships that last that long. That makes me wistful. None of my childhood friends are still in contact. A Virginia girl who marries a Union officer ends her social life in Richmond.”
Bitter memories stabbed Cassandra. “I can certainly understand that. When we lost our money and our home, my friends turned their backs on me. I guess they weren’t really friends in the first place. Still, their actions stung.” More than stung, but she had to put that behind her.
Lydia reached over to squeeze her hand. “Here in Tarnation, you have real friends, Cassandra. So do I. Let’s strengthen those to form life-long bonds.”
She fought tears gathering in her eyes. “If I can, I will. I simply can’t promise, Lydia. I can’t bear to see Sam and not be able to speak to him or have him hold me in his arms. I know you survived a terrible loss when your husband died yet you’ve moved forward. But, think how you’d feel if you had to see William every day but not be acknowledged by him.”
Lydia laid her hand at her chest. “Oh, I couldn’t bear that. I’d wither away. I thought I would anyway when he died, but somehow I’ve gone on with my life. I have friends and I have the ranch and my projects.”
Hoping to cheer her hostess, Cassandra teased, “Like the Bride Brigade?”
“Oh, dear, I hope you don’t think of yourselves as just a project. But, yes, you’ve helped me immensely. I so want young families in Tarnation and to watch children grow and families prosper. Plus, although I adore Sophie and many other ladies here, I’ve longed for friends near my own age.”
“You’re a good woman. I’m privileged to know you. We all are.”
Lydia rose, indicating the interview was ended. “This ‘project’ has blessed me. I’m so grateful to know each of you. I want you to be happily married and to soon have children.”
Cassandra rose, her heart heavy. “That sounds wonderful. If only I can manage to fulfill your wish.”
Lydia remained contemplative after Cassandra had departed. This tug-of-war between Cassandra and Sam had gone on far too long. Both parties were miserable yet Sam prevented a resolution to the problem.
She set her hat on her head and grabbed her purse. Time someone told Samuel Drummond how the cow ate the cabbage. He had no right to cause one of her girls so much heartache.
She left home and strode toward town, hoping Sam was still there. She stopped by Adam’s office. Noise from his prisoners made discussion difficult.
After greeting Adam and Deputy Stanton, she asked, “Have you seen Sam today?”
Adam nodded. “Last I saw, he was headed for the hotel.”
“I can’t very well visit him there but I need to talk to him. Would you please go tell him to meet me in front of the mercantile?”
Adam stood but a frown marred his handsome face. “Lydia Jane, you’re not going to meddle, are you?”
She lifted her chin. “I’m just going to tell him something important. Now, will you please go ask him to meet me?”
He reached for his hat. “I know that look but I’ll fetch him for you. Have to say I’m against whatever you’re planning to do.”
She smiled sweetly. “I can’t imagine why you think I’ll do anything you might object to me doing.”
He stood in front of her, his blue eyes twinkling. “Because I know you. Reckon I also know you can’t help yourself.”
This time her smile was genuine. “Thank you. I’ll be on the bench in front of the store.”
He grinned at her. “Everyone knows that’s your official meddling bench.” He guided her to the door.
Blinking her eyes innocently, she said, “I can’t imagine what you mean.”
“Right.” He shook his head and strode toward the hotel.
She ambled toward the mercantile. Once there, she sat on the bench and waited. The day was warm for spring, but a breeze cooled her. Down the road, a dust devil whirled like a miniature tornado. She hoped they wouldn’t be in for dust storms later this summer.
Soon, Sam and Adam strolled up and stopped in front of her.
She patted the bench. “You’re blocking the boardwalk, gentlemen. Sam, please sit beside me. Adam, thank you but I need to talk to Sam alone.”
Adam shook his head. “You’ll have to tolerate me, Lydia. The jail’s full so I have no more room for arrests. I have to be here to head off a brawl between you two.”
Sam chuckled and sat at the end of the bench. “You know I’d never hit a lady, but I do appreciate you protecting me.”
Ly
dia glared at Adam then faced Sam. “I asked you here to settle this standoff you and Cassandra have.” She pointed her finger at the rancher’s chest. “You know she loves you and I believe you love her. What is keeping you from marrying her?”
Sam leaned back and crossed his arms. “She lied to me. I had to find out from a telegram from Jeff Heathington in Virginia. Marriage should be built on trust. She insists she only omitted details, but that’s still lying.”
“Samuel Drummond, I cannot believe you said that. You are the pot calling the kettle black.”
His eyes widened and he reared back. “What? Me?”
“Yes, you. Who insisted none of the girls know you’re a rancher, not a poor cowboy? I think that trumps anything Cassandra may have omitted. And did you even ask her what her life was like before she came here?”
Sam had the grace to look embarrassed. “Now, Lydia, that one thing was just so she wouldn’t marry me for my money. You know after Edith I vowed not to wed again unless I could be sure the woman wanted me, not my bank account.”
“And Cassandra does. She needs money desperately, but she loves you so much she is willing to accept you, willing to live in a one-room cabin if you’re there. You are being a cad to treat her so callously.”
He sobered and leaned toward her. “Why is she desperate for cash?”
Feeling justified, Lydia gave Sam a triumphant glare. “See, you haven’t even asked her about her needs and dreams. She’s determined to bring her fifteen-year-old brother to live with her but she has nowhere to bring him. Of course I’d let him stay with me, but she doesn’t have the money to buy his fare here and won’t accept my paying his way. She insists she’s already too indebted to me, which is nonsense.”
Sam’s jaw clenched before he spoke. “For your information, I knew she wanted to bring her brother here. I offered to give him a job on the ranch helping with the horses. She mentioned he’s crazy about horses and is very good working with them at the Heathington stables.”
Lydia leaned back and raised an eyebrow. “And did you know he had to leave his job at the stable because after Cassandra left, your friend Heathington and his head horse handler made Trenton’s life miserable.”
Sam’s expression became pensive. “Jeff’s an acquaintance, not a friend.”
“How do you think working as a maid in what had been her family home until a couple of years previously made Cassandra feel? She had to serve refreshments to people who had been her so-called friends and no longer even indicated they recognized her. Heathington did everything possible to humiliate her. She only took that job because that was the only place she could bring her brother. Now he’s had to leave too.
Sam wouldn’t look at her. “Is he all right? Where’d he go?”
“He’s staying with Mrs. Long, a family friend, and doing any odd jobs he can find.”
Frowning, he met her gaze. “Where does this Mrs. Long live?”
Lydia waved a hand dismissively. “I don’t know. Somewhere on Pear Street. The point is, Cassandra should be marrying you and bringing Trenton to live at your ranch. As things stand, she’s considering becoming a mail-order bride to find a place for her and Trenton.”
Sam leaned back on the bench. “Naw, that’s just a threat to punish me. She wouldn’t do such an idiotic thing.”
Indignant at his casual attitude, Lydia’s ire rose. “She certainly would. She almost wrote to one after dinner but I asked her to wait a while to give you a chance to come to your senses. She promised me she’d delay, but only for one week. You’re being cruel when you’re the one who deceived her.”
Sam pounded his fist in his palm. “I’m not cruel! She’s the one who lied to me. You know I’m justified in letting her think I’m poor. Do you think I’d take a chance on another woman marrying me for my money?”
“This is getting nowhere except to anger both of you.” Adam laid his hand on her shoulder. “Lydia, I told you not to interfere. Sam’s doing what he thinks is best.”
Lydia leaped to her feet. “I cannot believe you two. Your heads are nothing but giant gourds with seeds rattling around inside instead of brains.” She strode off in a most unladylike manner, convinced those two men were both feeble-minded creatures.
Sam watched Lydia storm down the boardwalk. “Whew, I’ve never seen her angry before.”
“Doesn’t happen often. I’m glad it’s directed mostly at you.” Adam plopped on the bench. “Hate to agree with her but she has a point. You omitted a very important detail to Cassandra. Looks to me like you’re way ahead of her on the lying charge.”
Sam rested his elbows on his knees. “Damn, damn, damn. I didn’t think of it as me lying to everyone, but now I see I have.”
“You going to talk to Cassandra?”
“I doubt she’d be willing now. One thing I can do for her, though.” He stood, intent on sending a telegram.
Adam rose and raised his eyebrows. “Wiring the brother?”
Sam glanced at the sheriff. “You’ve known me too long. Quit reading my mind.”
“Guess you know you can wire money now?”
“Yeah, but I’ve only tried it once and that was in Fort Worth. Don’t know if the telegrapher here can arrange it.”
Side by side, they walked down the street.
Adam asked, “Reckon the boy will have the money to answer?”
“I’ll think of a way to make it easy.”
Adam stepped off the boardwalk. “Let me know how it goes.”
Sam headed back to the hotel and went to his room. He took a sheet of paper and a pencil and composed what he needed to say.
Trenton. Stop. Your sister needs you here with her so she knows you are safe. Stop. If I send you money for a ticket, will you come? Stop. Means train to Fort Worth then hard journey by stage to Tarnation. Stop. If you will come, reply with the word yes. Stop. If you do I will send the ticket fare by return wire. Stop. Sam Drummond
He thought of saying he was in love with the boy’s sister, but decided that wasn’t a good idea. Even though, he admitted, he was in love with her. That’s why her lying had hit him so hard. Exhaling in frustration, he rose and went to send the telegram.
Sam asked the amount of the fare. At the bank, he withdrew the amount plus enough for meals and a bit for Mrs. Long. She’d be losing her helper and extra income. After he went to the café for supper, he checked with the telegraph operator even though he didn’t expect there had been time for a reply.
The operator handed him a sheet of paper. “Shortest message I’ve ever received.”
Sam looked at the telegram that contained only the word “yes”. He grinned and counted out the money to send. “I’ll send another wire with this.”
Trenton. Stop. Glad you are coming. Stop. Give Mrs. Long twenty dollars. Stop. The rest is for your fare and food on the way. Stop. Let me know the day you will arrive so Cassie and I can meet you. Stop. Sam Drummond.
He supposed he didn’t have to start with the boy’s name, but everyone liked to feel a personal connection. Knowing his Cassie would be delighted to have her brother here gave him a good feeling. But, he had fences to mend, if they were repairable.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassandra hurried through her share of the housework. Why, she didn’t know as she had nothing to do today after she’d finished. Maybe she’d sit in the garden and read until the sun became too hot.
She’d already poured over the little volume of poems Sam had loaned her until she’d memorized many of them. Especially, she knew every word of “How Do I Love Thee” by heart. Tears gathered in her eyes remembering he’d marked that one for her. She scolded herself as she polished the beautiful curving stair banister.
The doorbell rang while she was on the top step. Lydia answered and opened the door to allow the caller in. When she recognized his voice, Cassandra almost tumbled down the stairs but righted herself by clinging to the banister.
Lydia came to the foot of the staircase. “Cassandra, you have a
caller. Perhaps you’d like to go to your room and remove your apron before you join us in the parlor.”
Not daring to hope Sam had changed his mind, she took off her apron as she walked. After laying the apron and polishing cloth on the chair, she stepped to the washstand. She was wearing her drabbest dress to match her mood.
Quickly, she removed the garment and washed her hands and face. For good measure, she cleaned under her arms and everywhere she could reach above her corset. She took down her blue dress and slipped into it. After touching up her hair, she gathered her wits and walked downstairs.
Sam stood as she entered. “Good morning, Cassie. Thanks for seeing me.”
Lydia said, “Excuse me, but I’m not needed here.” She hurried out of the room.
“Good morning, Sam.” Cassandra stopped three feet in front of him and waited for his explanation.
He twisted his hat brim in his hands. “Reckon we have a lot to talk about. I wondered if you’d come on a drive with me. I took a chance and had Martha make us a picnic basket.”
He had his nerve. Not even an apology? “You think all you have to do is show up and I’ll rush off with you?”
His lovely brown eyes held regret. “No, Cassie. I know I hurt you and I want to make things up to you.” He glanced around. “Please come with me so we can talk privately.”
Cassandra noticed several of the girls watching them. She didn’t want an audience any more than he did. “All right, but this is against my better judgment. I’ll get my things.”
She hurried up the stairs and gathered her straw bonnet trimmed in blue flowers and blue ribbons. Her parasol would not only shield her from the sun, it would make a good weapon if he made her angry.
Downstairs, he offered his arm and they left. He had the good carriage again and helped her to the seat. She wondered at his boss’ tolerance and generosity.
They set off in the same direction they’d traveled before. She supposed they were returning to the cabin she couldn’t help thinking of as theirs. Would he propose again?
Cassandra (Bride Brigade Book 3) Page 11