by White, Carré
I stood by the window that evening, after the dinner dishes had been taken away, staring out into the street, which teemed with carriages and horses. Men lounged before the saloon, laughing and smoking, while boisterous piano music played in the background.
“Do you see him yet?” asked a voice behind me.
I turned to face Elizabeth, who was dressed in her nightclothes and robe. She had taken to sleeping with us, using Brandon’s room. “No.”
“Gracious, something’s not right.”
This was the first time she had voiced this opinion. “I agree.”
“He was supposed to be home today. He knows the wedding’s tomorrow. He wouldn’t miss that; trust me. He’s most eager to marry you.”
“I’m worried.”
“Perhaps, he was delayed. I’m sure he’ll come in the middle of the night or early tomorrow. He’ll be exhausted, but he would never miss his own wedding.”
“What if he doesn’t arrive in time?”
“Then something’s happened. The wedding will be postponed for a few days, and the children can eat the cake.” She smiled. “Won’t they be happy about that?”
“I’m glad you’re here, Beth.” We had become friends over the last three days, and she had asked that I call her Beth.
Her look was sympathetic, yet concerned. “What will we do?”
“I’ve family who can help. If Brandon fails to materialize, I’ll speak to Jack. He’ll know what to do.”
“That’s a relief to know. We had snow yesterday. I imagine it was worse in the mountains.”
“Yes. They get a great deal more than we do.”
“Perhaps, he’s stuck in it. He’s been delayed; that’s all.”
“I’m sure that’s what it is.”
“Then let’s not worry anymore. He’ll arrive shortly, and all our fretting will have been for naught.”
“I’ve some reading to do.” Beth had brought books with her, and I had borrowed one, which I was thoroughly enjoying.
“I might need a bedtime brandy.”
“I’ll join you.”
She reached for a decanter. “Excellent.”
Earlier in the evening, we had attended a social with Clarissa and my younger sister, Susanna. We had danced and laughed, enjoying ourselves, but I had not been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong. Now, as bedtime drew near, the sentiment had grown. I hated to dwell on negative musings, but I knew the wedding would have to be postponed, and, after I said my prayers and slid beneath the covers, I struggled to sleep, tossing and turning all night long.
Upon waking, I laid in bed listening to talking in the hallway.
“Where on earth is he?” asked Clarissa. “He’s supposed to be married today.”
“I fear he’s met up with some sort of delay. When Mary wakes, we need to discuss what we’ll do.”
“What if he arrives in time? He’d be angry, if we cancelled the wedding. He might draw up to the church with only a few minutes to spare.”
“You’re the eternal optimist.”
“I would hate to see her special day ruined.”
“Not ruined, only delayed.”
“How I dislike that word. The poor girl’s been preparing all week. She’s been looking forward to being Mrs. Brandon Carlyle.”
“And she shall, but we must brace ourselves for trouble.”
“Let’s not talk here. People are sleeping.”
They had moved to the parlor, yet I remained in bed, staring at the ceiling, while Rosalind slept. The cat was with me, curled up by my side. It was a comfort having Paws near, but nothing could take away the anxiety that had gripped me. And, as each hour went by that morning, the stress of not knowing where Brandon was had taken its toll. Fanny, Jane, and Susanna arrived an hour later to help me with the preparations, but once they realized Brandon was not in town, their expressions dropped.
“Where exactly did he say he was going?” asked Fanny.
We were in the parlor, while I remained by the window, gazing down into the street. “Georgetown.”
I glanced at Fanny, as she bit her lip; her expression was grave. “If he fails to appear for the wedding, something’s wrong.”
“Or he needed longer to finish his business. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that he won’t be here today. We should’ve planned another week. He underestimated how long it would take to go there and back. With weather in the mix, traveling in poor conditions slows things down even more.”
She approached, hugging me from behind. “You’re taking this rather well, but he might just be here in time.”
“Then we go to the church and wait.”
“Everything’s in place for the reception. Paulina’s husband has made his famous baked pig.” Samuel typically roasted one every weekend for brunch, and he had done so a day early for the wedding. “We can still celebrate, if you want.”
“I suppose. I’m sure the children are looking forward to the cake.”
“I’ve had to hide it to keep it away from prying fingers.”
“I had a feeling things were too good to be true,” I murmured.
“No, don’t say that.” Her grip on me tightened. “You have every right to expect happiness, Mary. You’ve met a wonderful man, who adores you. I’ll never have to worry about you on that score. He’s shockingly rich too. You’ve done quite well for yourself.”
“I’m not married to him yet. I’ve done nothing.”
“You should put your dress on.”
“I will.”
“We’ll go to the church and wait for him. We have to have faith that he’ll appear.”
Tears were in my eyes. “What if…what if he’s met with—”
“No, don’t say it.”
“What if he’s never coming back?” My throat thickened, as apprehension settled upon me. “Anything could’ve happened, Fanny. You know that. The stagecoach could’ve driven off the road or swerved to avoid an animal or maybe it was bandits. It’s possible—”
“Shush.” She held me closely. “You’ll make yourself sick with worry thinking like that. Get yourself together, and be prepared to leave in a half an hour. We’re going to the church today, and, if God has heard our prayers, your fiancé will arrive soon.”
I was afraid to speak, as tears fell down my face. Time had run out…and Brandon wasn’t here.
Chapter Sixteen
The procession to the church was akin to traveling to a funeral. I did my best to keep my chin up, but, with little reassurance that my fiancé was in town, things looked entirely bleak. I sat with Fanny and Beth, while Clarissa and Susanna were across from me. My sister was gay this morning, chatting amiably on a variety of subjects.
Megan and the children were in the carriage behind us with Jane, who watched over Rosalind. My family had already gathered at the church, as the various wagons parked in the yard indicated. The men loitered on the steps, dressed in their Sunday best with neckties and sack coats with vests beneath.
When I alighted, Hannah strode towards me, her bonnet bouncing with each step. “You look beautiful, Mary.” Her cheeks were pink from the crispness of the air.
“Why aren’t they inside? They shouldn’t see me yet.” I hated that I sounded peevish, but my mood was disturbingly dark.
“I’ll tell them now.”
“Is he here?” asked Elizabeth, her gaze straying to the men. “I don’t see him.”
“No, he’s not here.” Hannah turned towards the church. “Go inside, boys! You shouldn’t see the bride yet.”
Nathan, who wore a wide-brimmed hat, said something to the men, who began to file into the building. It was then that I saw Pastor Bailey, my stepfather, standing there. Nathan and Jack approached; their expressions were sober.
“You look lovely, Mary,” said Jack. “I’m not sure what you’re expecting today, my dear, but…your fiancé hasn’t arrived yet.”
“I’m aware of that.” Tears threatened again. “I…was hoping…”
> “Let’s wait a few minutes,” said Clarissa. “Maybe he’ll come. Have everyone seated, and then we’ll pray for the best.”
Megan, who held Joshua, said, “It’s a shame things didn’t go better. I’m pulling for you, Mary. He’ll come soon. He wouldn’t desert you like this, if it could be avoided.”
Jane, who had Rosalind in her arms, drew near. “Try not to cry. I know you want to.”
I hugged her, my arms going around Rosalind as well. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, if he doesn’t arrive, we’re gettin’ the men together for a trip into the mountains,” said Nathan. “I suspect the weather’s delayed him or somethin’ happened. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Elizabeth. “That is very kind of you.”
“Think nothin’ of it.” His grin revealed deep lines around his eyes. “Them mountains are dangerous on good days. We’ve just had a storm, but I’m sure the snow’s worse up there.”
“It’s cold now,” said Susanna. “Let’s go in and wait.”
With a heavy heart, I approached the steps, my feet crunching over gravel. I wore a jacket and a shawl over that, as the air was frigid, but I hardly felt it. While my family had gathered, sitting in the first few pews, I lingered by the doors, standing with Fanny and Elizabeth, while Megan and Jane had taken the babies to the crying room. Rosalind needed to be fed. Jack had tossed wood into a stove, which was slowly heating the interior, yet blankets had been passed around to ward off the chill. We loitered for minutes, listening to the echo of talking. Restless toddlers began to fuss; Louisa and Paulina letting their little ones run around. Long, tedious minutes passed, yet nothing remained unchanged, because my fiancé was nowhere to be seen.
Mrs. Hoffman approached, her smile fixed. “Well, then. What a fine day for a wedding. All we need is the groom.”
“I’m not sure what to do,” said Hannah. “I suppose we could retire to Paulina’s house for the reception, but I do want to give it a few more minutes.”
Pastor Bailey had been outside with Mr. Hoffman; the older man walked with a cane now. They stood within the doors, their expressions sympathetic. I felt an intense need for privacy at that moment, not wanting to be looked upon with pity.
“Excuse me. I’ll…be right back.”
“Shall I go with you?” asked Elizabeth.
“No, I’m fine. I need some air.”
I stood on the front step of the church, staring out at the street, which teemed with wagons and carriages. It was Saturday after all, and commerce continued unabated. In those long, awful moments, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here, remembering clearly the many instances of disappointment I had felt over the years. I wasn’t one to dwell on loss, but I now felt it acutely. The death of my parents had been a blow, throwing my life into chaos and displacing my family. We had been handed off to strangers who hadn’t wanted us, my uncle being incapable of dealing with five rambunctious children. It was an unpleasant feeling not being cared about and worrying that we would never have a place to call our own.
The thought that Brandon might be injured or worse left me horribly worried. I wanted to drop to my knees and scream with anguish, but I knew in my heart he was alive.
It’s only a delay, Mary. He’s hale and well, but he misjudged how long it would take to return. You mustn’t think the worst has happened. He loves you. He hasn’t changed his mind.
Something wet hit my eye, the semi-frozen drop of a snowflake. Gray clouds had moved in, the temperature dropping further, while my cheeks stung with cold. I breathed through my nose, to avoid the frigid air entering my lungs. It was time to go inside and tell everyone that the wedding would be postponed. I could not avoid this inevitability any longer, my heart filling with dread. Family would risk their lives and set out to find Mr. Carlyle now. He had been caught in the weather or worse; otherwise, he would have been here.
I was about to turn for the door, when the sound of a carriage caught my attention. A stagecoach approached, and I blinked through a haze of snowflakes. Excitement suddenly replaced anxiety, as I wished this were Brandon’s conveyance. Before the coachman had come to a complete stop, the door flung open, and a man jumped to the ground, his dark coat flying out behind him.
“Brandon!” I screamed with delight, not caring that he shouldn’t see me before the ceremony.
“Mary!”
Joy, unlike anything I had ever felt before shot through me, and, despite the bitter cold, I raced across the yard and flung myself into his arms. “We thought the worst!”
“I’m so sorry. We were trapped in a storm. It delayed me for a day. Is everyone still inside?”
“Yes.”
He held my face, his eyes shining. “I thought maybe you’d all gone home. We rode through the night to get here.”
“You must be exhausted.”
His grin was enormous. “I am, but I was eager not to be late. I didn’t want to let you down, my love. I promised to marry you, and so I shall.”
“I worried you’d met with trouble. Anything can happen in the mountains, especially at this time of year.”
“I’m fine. A little frozen, but fine.”
“Then shall we go in?”
“Yes, but not together. I’ll go first. We’ve already broken tradition, but it’s all my fault.”
My happiness at his sudden appearance had yet to wane. I’d wound my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. “I don't care about any of it. I’m just so relieved you’re well.”
He squeezed me, holding me close. “This was the homecoming I was hoping for.”
“Oh, Brandon.”
His lips were on my neck. “Was my sister kind to you? If I hear otherwise, I’ll be very unhappy.”
“We’ve become friends, believe it or not. I adore her.”
Surprise lit his eyes. “That’s a shock.”
“It is,” I giggled. “She’s asked that I call her Beth.”
“That’s something,” he murmured.
“Will there be a wedding today or not?” asked a voice behind us.
I turned to see Mrs. Hoffman standing on the steps. “He’s just returned!”
“So I see. It’s good of you to join us, young man. We were worried something untoward had happened to you.”
“I was delayed. I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
“Now, it’s not fitting for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony.”
“I know,” I said. “That was my fault.”
Her chin lifted a notch, but humor shone in her eyes. “You should untangle your hands from around his neck and come inside, my dear. There will be time enough to do that later.”
Brandon’s mouth was near my ear. “Try to behave yourself, Mary.” His tone was teasing. “Be a good girl and go inside before you catch your death. I’ll join you in a moment.” Happiness left me with nothing to say, but the smile on my face was firmly affixed. He pushed me gently. “Go on. I’m looking forward to seeing you walk down the aisle, but I really should be at the end of it first.” He glanced at Mrs. Hoffman. “Do I have any groomsmen?”
“As many as you like, sir.”
“Excellent.”
As I joined the others in the church, waiting by the doors, Brandon made his entrance, breezing into the building to a chorus of happy murmurings. The look of relief on Elizabeth’s face was precious; her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. What had been a horrible start to the day, had transformed into a joyous occasion, as we all took our places, and the woman behind the piano began to play The Wedding March. I held a bouquet of wintry flowers with fragrant evergreens mixed within, while all eyes were upon me, waiting for my slow advance towards the pulpit. My sisters were my bride’s maids, while my younger brothers had offered to stand up for Brandon. Our worry had been transformed into something joyous, as everyone smiled with relief.
When I came to stand next to Brandon, he gazed upon me, smiling warmly. I’d been chille
d to the bone, but now I radiated heat. He’d traveled all night, his hair was slightly askew, and tiredness lingered around his eyes, but none of that mattered at the moment.
Pastor Bailey winked. “I’m glad you could attend, sir.”
“I’m sorry I kept you all waiting.”
“Shall we begin then?”
“Yes, please.”
My stepfather beamed. “Welcome everyone. Now that the delay is over, we can get on with the ceremony. I’ve a young couple here who are most eager to wed.”
As he spoke, I glanced at Brandon, who, despite his exhaustion, seemed focused and attentive; the look in his eyes revealed adoration. He hadn’t seen my hair designed in this way before, with thick curls around my face, nor had I ever worn anything as fine as the dress I had on. I held his hands, elated that the ceremony did not have to be postponed. We’d had a close call today, but our prayers had been answered, and he was here with me.
While Jack spoke, I listened until I was asked to repeat my vows, effectively giving myself to a man I had met less than three weeks ago. The theory that a lengthy engagement was the safest course of action had not been lost on me, but none of the marriages I had seen in Denver City had been done in this manner. It wasn’t as feasible here, as people typically married for necessity or out of an unwillingness to wait. The latter pertained to Brandon and I, and our joining was not only convenient, but mutually desired.
After I had pledged myself to my new husband, he withdrew a ring from an inner pocket, sliding it upon my finger. I gasped when I saw it, seeing a three-stone setting of deep blue sapphires surrounded by small diamonds. So shocked by the offering, I stared dumbfounded, not quite believing such a beautiful piece of jewelry was my own.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” said Jack, who winked at me. “Congratulations. You’ve made your mother and I proud, my dear. I hope you two will be very happy in your marriage. With any luck, your new husband will learn not to keep you waiting too often.” He shook Brandon’s hand. “Welcome to the family.”
“I shall do whatever I can to make it up to her, Pastor Bailey. I didn’t mean to be the cause of distress, especially on this important day.”