Mike narrowed his eyes. “Now, which is it? Did you win her or did you trade for her?”
“It’s the same outcome either way. Since gambling isn’t allowed I’d have to say Ole Clancy traded.” Bart smiled even wider.
“I don’t have time for your games. As long as you leave her be while she’s in my care that’s all I can ask.” Mike walked away. Bart would leave Susan alone for a while. It gave them time to figure out how to keep her safe in Oregon. Perhaps she could find another husband. His stomach clenched. Was nothing easy?
All he really wanted to do was go to Susan, lift her into his arms, and kiss her breathless. That wasn’t going to happen.
The next morning Susan was excited. They’d be at Fort Laramie hopefully by nightfall. It was something new to think about instead of Clancy and Bart and little Livie’s death. When was the last time she’d been carefree? In a lot of ways she felt older than her years. Life certainly had its twists and turns, and she was trying her best to bend with them. Hopefully, she’d be able to do some trading. Clancy had left her penniless. But she had enough food to make it through. That was the important thing. It felt as though it had been forever since she’d seen buildings, and there was an overall sense of anticipation in the camp.
Some of her excitement waned as she passed what seemed to be one grave after another. There seemed to be so many, too many. Unease eventually replaced any eagerness she had to go on to Fort Laramie. She clutched her musket close as they drove near a group of Indians who were traveling in the same direction. A shiver went up her spine. Were they the fierce Sioux Indians she’d been told she’d see? They didn’t seem to be hostile. In fact they seemed more curious about the wagon party. They were scantily dressed making her feel uncomfortable so she avoided staring at them.
She expected to hear Mike call for them to circle the wagons but they continued on, both parties passing each other. They were surprisingly peaceful, not at all the way they’d been described in the guide books. When she spotted the Fort up ahead the tension in her arms and shoulders began to ebb. She felt more exposed more vulnerable traveling without a husband. Did Natalie feel the same?
A few other wagon trains had arrived at Fort Laramie ahead of them, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the graves they passed belonged to the other parties. Once stopped, she took care of the oxen and headed toward the Motts’. Natalie and Lily were already there along with a nice man named Wilber Tone. A handsome man, he was traveling to Oregon with his brother. He seemed to have taken a liking to Natalie and Lily.
“I’m glad to see we’re all fine. I have to admit I was frightened when we passed the Indians,” she said as she joined them.
“I was too,” Natalie admitted.
“I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you or Lily,” Wilber said, and then he blushed. Natalie blushed too, and Susan was happy for her friend.
“Carter and Wilber are going to escort us to the store. You’ll join us, won’t you?” Savanna asked.
“I’d love to! Let me grab a few items I’m hoping to trade.” Without waiting for an answer she hurried to her wagon and grabbed some of Clancy’s clothes. Then she rejoined the group.
“Let’s go,” Carter said as he held out his arm for Savanna to take.
They took the ferry across the river, walked up to the fort and were surprised by the amount of activity going on. There were people everywhere, including a few soldiers here and there. Susan hoped they hadn’t bought out the store. They entered the large building, and she was pleasantly surprised by the amount of items for sale. Everything from baking goods to buffalo hides. She immediately saw the yarn she was looking for and parted from the group. The yarn looked to be good quality, and she immediately went to the sale counter.
“Lookin’ to trade, miss?” A young man asked from behind the counter.
“Yes, I have clothes I can trade for yarn and knitting needles.” She placed the clothes on the counter.
The young man immediately looked through the pile and nodded. “These are in good condition. I’ll be able to sell them.” He studied her for a moment before he smiled. “Come on lets figure out how much yarn you’ll be needing.” He stepped from behind the counter and escorted her to the yarn. “I don’t have much in the way of colors.”
“I was hoping for black with a bit of the natural color.”
He grabbed a bunch of skeins, a pair of needles and carried them to the counter. He put them in a crate before she had a chance to say a word.
“Now, this should be enough to make yourself a blanket and a hat. Perhaps some socks too. If you need anything else ask for me. My name is Spud. Don’t ask, it’s a long story. You’re a shrewd trader miss. Will you be at the dance tonight?”
“I haven’t heard of any dance, Mr. Spud.”
“It’s just Spud. There’s always a dance going on. Just follow the music after supper. I hope you’ll save a dance for me.”
Her face heated. “I will do that. Thank you.” She grabbed the crate and walked out of the store. The fresh air felt good as she waited for her friends.
Two Army soldiers approached her. “Is your name Susan Farr?” The taller of the two asked.
“It was. I’m Susan Willis now. What’s this all about?”
“Ma’am you’ll need to come with us. Captain White would like to see you.” The shorter one gestured with his hand for her to walk in front of him. “His office is the first door there.”
The tall soldier opened the door for her and took the crate from her. Something wasn’t right but what could she do? She needed to hear what the captain had to say.
The man behind the desk stood when she entered. His uniform was nicely pressed, and his dark hair was cut short. His gray eyes appeared to be a bit piercing as he looked her up and down. “Please have a seat.” He waited until she sat in the wooden chair before he sat back down.
“I don’t understand why I’m here.” He did not look at all friendly.
“I received a telegram concerning you. There is the matter of a horse you stole. Now horse theft is a serious offense, you know. I’ve been instructed to take the horse from you.”
“A horse? Do you mean Sunshine?”
“Miss Farr, if Sunshine is a bay, then yes.” He folded his hands on his desk.
“My name is now Willis, Susan Willis. My husband sold Sunshine.”
“I’ll need to speak with your husband.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. My husband is dead.” She stood. “If that is all—”
“Mrs. Willis please sit back down. Now my cousin didn’t mention a husband in his missive.” He shook his head. “He said you stole the horse.”
“And what? You plan to hang me?” She gave him her best stare. “Sunshine was my horse. If by cousin you mean the town banker, then he might see it differently. My parents died, and he ordered me to leave the house I was born in. I rode my horse to Independence. Upon my marriage my property became my husband’s.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Private, open the door.” Captain White sat and waited for the door to open.
Relief ran through her at the sight of Mike.
“Are you all right?” Mike asked walking in without being invited. “What’s going on here?”
The captain stood. “You sir, who might you be?”
“I’m Mike Todd, wagon master of the train Mrs. Willis is traveling with. She is under my protection. I’ll ask again. What is this all about?” Mike’s face looked fierce, and she was glad he was on her side.
“I’m inquiring about a horse that was in Mrs. Willis’ possession. I have it on good authority it was stolen.”
Mike laughed. “You mean Sunshine? Listen sir, that horse’s only value was that it belonged to Mrs. Willis. The horse meant something to her. I bet that horse is still in Independence, unless it was sold to some unsuspecting soul.”
Captain White’s face grew red. “Justice needs to be served. She stole the horse, and she
needs to repay the real owner. Mr. Benton is the real owner.”
Mike looked at her with questions in his eyes.
“Mr. Benton is banker in the town where I grew up. He told me my father had mortgaged the farm, but it wasn’t true. But he had papers with someone’s signature on it. It wasn’t my father’s. I knew I had to leave. Mr. Benton was widely known for hurting people who crossed him.” Her voice began to wobble.
“How much?” Mike asked his voice full or anger.
The officer came from the back of his desk and leaned casually against the front of it. His gaze raked over her and she felt dirty somehow. “You say she is under your protection. She could just as easily be under my protection.”
Susan stood. “None of this makes sense. Why would Mr. Benton bother with me? He owns most of the town. One horse wouldn’t make a difference to him. You can’t keep me here.”
“Yes I can. But you do have a choice. Your father had a lawyer friend with connections. He’s claiming the signature on the mortgage papers was forged. Mr. Benton wants you to state in writing that it is in fact the signature of your father.”
Mike cleared his throat. “Let me get this straight. The horse is of no consequence?”
“None whatsoever. I’m supposed to procure her statement. Then she’s free to go.”
Mike reached out and took her hand. “Let’s go. We’ll let you know what Mrs. Willis decides.”
Her eyes widened and unease filled her but she did as Mike bade. She just hoped she wasn’t shot in the back trying to leave.
“Your party won’t be allowed to leave until I have the signature.” Captain White glowered at them.
“Understood.” Mike whisked her out the door but she turned back and grabbed her crate. Then she followed him across the Fort. Her hands shook so hard she thought she’d drop the crate and was grateful when Mike took it from her.
“What am I going to do?”
“He’s just a captain. He’s not in charge around here. Let’s go back to our party and figure out our next move.”
His confidence bolstered her spirits and gave her strength. Once again, he had come to her rescue.
Chapter Eight
Mike watched Susan as she took in everyone’s advice. The Motts offered to hide her, and Smitty offered to take off with her right then and there. Mike already knew what the remedy would be, but he wasn’t sure what she’d think about it. She wouldn’t be happy. He’d wait for Eli to get back with the information he’d asked him to gather.
He excused himself from their group as soon as he spotted his brother. Eli was smiling and Mike took that as a good sign.
“You were right, Mike. That captain doesn’t have the authority to do anything. I talked to Colonel Newton. Now here’s the bargain we struck. You and Susan marry up, and we can be on our way in the morning.”
Mike’s jaw dropped as his heart sped up. “What do you mean marry up?” He furrowed his brow.
“The captain might not have the authority, but he has connections. We’d end up either having to leave her behind or delay our trek to Oregon. The way I see it, we don’t want to delay the trip.” Eli smiled again.
“You’re having fun at my expense aren’t you? What did the colonel really say?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at his brother.
“I’m smiling because I think you two would make a great couple. I see how you sneak looks at her. You don’t think anyone else is watching but I am. I’d be happy to be your best man.”
Mike wanted to smack the grin right off Eli’s face. “I have no plans to tie myself down to a wife, pretty or not. Why I’d rather—”
“I didn’t see you standing there, Susan. Did you see her, Mike? Because I didn’t.” Eli turned red and then he turned and went back to their wagon.
Susan stared at Mike with wide trusting eyes. He inwardly groaned. “Eli found a solution. I’m just not sure it’s the right solution.”
“What is it?” She had her bottom lip between her red lips.
“Well, you see. The Captain White has connections and can make this go the hard way. He could still claim horse theft. The Colonel Newton says we can either get married and be on our way or you have to stay. It would mean leaving you behind. We couldn’t possibly lose so many days. We need to be through the south pass before winter hits, and that could be as early as September.”
She clasped her hands in front of her and stared at the ground. “I see. What about the farm? If I stay, do I get to keep it?”
“Honey, I doubt you’ll be able to keep it any which way you go with this thing.”
She glanced up at him. “I’ll do the sensible thing. I’ll sign the paper and we’ll go.”
“Let me go and see what they have to say. I’m afraid if I take you inside the Fort, they’ll arrest you. I don’t understand why my marrying you would make much of a difference.”
“I know you don’t want to get married. Don’t worry I won’t tie you down but it is nice to know you think I’m pretty. I’ll be waiting for your return.” She walked back to the group before he had a chance to say another word.
Mike marched off in search of the Colonel Newton. Conveniently, he found both him and the captain walking together on the wooden walk in front of their offices. “Gentlemen, I think we have some business to discuss.” He offered his hand to the Colonel.
The balding man shook Mike’s hand. “You must be Mike Todd. I’m Colonel Newton. Captain White and I were just talking about your situation. Unfortunately, we’ll need to confirm her identity before she can sign the papers. I sent a telegram to White’s cousin. He has dropped the horse theft charge and has instructed us to keep Miss Farr here until he can send someone to witness the papers being signed.”
“She shouldn’t have to sign her home over,” Mike contested.
“I agree. Unfortunately, people with money tend to get what they want. Now if you were to marry her, the property becomes yours and you can sign it over. I know of you and your reputation and we have plenty of witnesses to attest to your identity. That would be good enough for the captain’s cousin.”
“She’s recently widowed. She’s not looking to get married again so soon. Everyone in my party knows who she is.”
White raised one eyebrow. “Oh? Does she have identification on her?”
Mike shook his head. “Most people don’t. I’m just not sure you can do this.”
The colonel sighed. “It’s up to her. She’s welcome to stay and wait, but I don’t see the advantage to doing so. I wish things were fair but Mr. Todd you must know how things work in this world of ours.”
Mike swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ll go talk to her.”
“I’ll send the chaplain over in about an hour. You can come back with him and sign the papers. Tell the widow I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for her.” He shook Mike’s hand.
What was he going to tell Susan? Heck, neither of them wanted to be married. She planned on being free when she got to Oregon. Clancy had promised her an annulment. Perhaps he could do the same. He wasn’t quite sure how a man asked for an almost marriage. He’d do it so she could continue on with them but like he told Eli, he wasn’t ready to settle down. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to smile when he spotted Susan watching him.
She hurried over. “Well?”
His heart dropped. She had expected him to fix it. Instead, they were going to have to marry. He stared at her for a moment then took her hand. He led her behind his wagon and turned her to face him. “I tried, but it looks as though we’re getting married in about an hour.”
He knew she didn’t want to get married, but he hadn’t realized how repulsive the idea was to her. From the look of shock on her face, repulsive might be an underestimation.
“Look, we’ll get married. You can stay in your wagon. Nothing has to change.” Tears filled her eyes, and he wiped them away with the pad of his thumb before they had a chance to fall. “Being married to me is that objectionable?” he asked
in a whisper.
She shook her head. “It’s not that. This will be my second marriage to a man who doesn’t really want nor need a wife. I appreciate you doing this, but I can just…”
“No, honey, we’ll do this and be on our way again tomorrow.”
“But why? Why do we need to get married?”
“It’s the property. Either you stay until the man that Banker is sending to identify you comes, or I sign the property over as your husband.”
“I still don’t understand. Why you?”
“I’m known around these parts. I’ve led parties the last four years, and people recognize me. I hate that you’ll lose your farm.”
She managed a glimmer of a smile. “I thought it was gone already. Thank you for helping me.”
Their gazes met and held. Something passed between them, and he felt an instant bond with her. He wished they’d met in a different time. They probably would have been well matched. “The chaplain will be here in an hour, and then I go back to the fort and sign the papers. Oh, and no more stealing horses.” He smiled at her.
Susan nodded. “I’d best go fix my hair. After all, I’m getting married.”
He watched her walk away and felt lucky and sad at the same time. Lucky to have her in his life but sad it would never be more. It couldn’t be.
Susan sat in her wagon stunned. Married? Her chest tightened, and she had a hard time breathing. My word! How? She grabbed her hairbrush and held it close. Did he even like her?
She couldn’t keep marrying men because it would benefit her. It simply wasn’t right. Mike didn’t want a wife, but he hadn’t mentioned an annulment either.
“Susan, can I come in?” Natalie’s calm voice was a welcome sound.
“Please do.”
Natalie climbed into the wagon and sat down next to Susan. “My dear, you are very pale.” She reached out and took her hand. “Susan you’re shaking. Mike told me about the wedding. I thought I’d come and give you a hand getting ready.”
“He doesn’t love me. He doesn’t even want a wife. I cause problems everywhere I go. Mike shouldn’t marry me just to help me out. What if he meets the woman he’s meant to be with and he’s married to me? I could ruin his whole life.”
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