White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  Jack sat on the deck, untangling some rope.

  Tuck came and flopped down next to him. “What’cha doing that for?” She peered up at him, her blue eyes curious. “I mean, you’re the boss, right?”

  “Right.” He worked on a particularly difficult knot, tugging until it finally came loose. “Why?”

  “Well, you got all these fellows working for you. Why should you have to do this stuff?”

  Jack let the long, heavy rope fall onto the deck and looked at her. “Nothing wrong with work, Tuck. And just because I happen to be the owner doesn’t mean I treat my crew like slaves. This is a working boat. And even though I make most of the decisions, I still want to do my share of work.”

  Tuck nodded and she smiled. “Sure you should. Can I help? I’m all finished with my chores and lessons.”

  “Sure. Yank around on this section, and see if you can get the knots loose.” He tossed the end to her and then picked up another for himself. “Always plenty of knots to work on. Where’s your sister?”

  “Trying to get the wrinkles out of her dress without an iron. We should’ve brought one along, you know.”

  “Didn’t think about it. Never had much use for a flatiron here on the river. Guess I should have thought about it.”

  “Ah well, don’t worry. Don’t know why anyone would want to wear a dress out here on a boat. But now she’s all fired up to have it on when we dock in case Miss Lexie’s there waiting for us.” She squinted at Jack. “You reckon she will be?”

  “Maybe. But I told you you’re not spending any time with her. I don’t trust her mean streak.”

  Tuck took a deep breath with a little catch at the end.

  “Miss Lexie isn’t mean.”

  “Well, she could have fooled me.”

  Tuck ducked her head and swallowed. “Mr. Jack, I know why Miss Lexie is mad at you.”

  He looked up, surprised. “You do?”

  “Yep. I mean yes, sir.” She licked her lips. “First off, I want you to know it wasn’t Addy’s fault. I thought the whole thing up and made her go along with it.”

  Now this was beginning to sound important. A twinge of something like panic clutched at Jack’s middle. Had he misjudged Alexandra Rayton because of something the girls had done or said to her? “What is it, Tuck?” He dropped the rope again and took Tuck’s arms in both hands. “Tell me now.”

  “First, you got to promise if you wallop anyone it’ll just be me. Because Addy’s not to blame.” Her lip firmed, a good sign she wouldn’t be the one to give in here.

  He let go of her and patted her arms. “Tuck, I’m not going to wallop anyone. I promise.”

  She took a deep breath. “Well, you see, it was like this. When Miss Lexie and Mr. Will brought you home shot and passed out, I was afraid Addy and me would get taken away somewhere. So…” She took a deep breath then let the words rush out. “I told her you were our pa.”

  Jack dropped her arms and sat stunned, staring at her. “You what?”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jack. I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t let them put Addy and me into an orphan home. But I didn’t know Miss Lexie would get so all fired mad at you. Still don’t know why she did.”

  Something like relief washed over Jack. Now at least he knew why the lovely Miss Rayton had behaved like a tigress. She’d thought he was an uncaring, neglectful father who was trying to give his daughters away.

  Realizing he was grinning like a fool, he put a stern look on his face. “Well, that was a very naughty thing to do, Tuck. But I suppose I can understand your reason. You have to promise me never to lie again though.”

  An eager look of disbelief crossed her face. “I promise. So you’re not mad at me?”

  “No, I’m not mad. And guess what? I don’t see any reason why you can’t spend some time with your Miss Lexie after all.”

  “Really?” She threw herself in his arms, almost knocking him over, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Mr. Jack.”

  “But you do know that lying is a sin. And you will have to be punished.”

  “I know. But no walloping?”

  “Not this time. But don’t ever, ever do it again. And you girls will have to confess to Miss Lexie and apologize to her.” He smiled. “Now go bring your sister. I need to have a talk with her, too, before we dock. We should be there before sundown. Oh, and tell her not to worry about the wrinkled dress. Maybe we can find a couple of ready-made ones at the mercantile.”

  Sunday afternoons were usually drowsy times when Aunt Kate napped and Will and Sarah held hands and made eyes at each other on the front porch. Which gave Lexie free time to walk to the creek bank and daydream.

  After spending two hours sitting on the front porch and trying to avoid Reverend Hines’s glances in her direction, she was ready to plead a headache and go to bed. That the man was smitten, there was no doubt, and Aunt Kate’s satisfied smile indicated she knew it, too.

  Not that there was anything wrong with the young preacher. He was quite handsome and very well educated. His manner was kind and gentle. But for some reason, Lexie wasn’t interested in the young man at all. She wished Mrs. Dobson had gotten to the preacher first.

  Aunt Kate frowned in her direction, and Lexie realized Reverend Hines had just said something she’d completely missed.

  “I think you’re right, preacher.” Will’s voice held just a hint of humor, so he had probably noticed Lexie’s plight. “The railroad will be a fine addition to the area.”

  “Yes.” Realizing she’d spoken too loudly, Lexie cleared her throat. “The railroad will be a very nice change in transportation.”

  “I was speaking more along the lines of the transporting of merchandise.” The reverend smiled gently in Lexie’s direction.

  Aunt Kate cleared her throat. “Lexie, why don’t you bring the pitcher of lemonade and some glasses?”

  “Yes, Aunt Kate.” Lexie jumped up, relieved at a chance to get away for a moment.

  As she prepared the tray, a thought occurred to her. What would happen to the riverboats when the train came in? She shoved the door open with her foot and set the tray on the table beside Aunt Kate. After serving everyone, she sat down. “But what about the riverboats?”

  “What do you mean, dear?” Aunt Kate looked at her.

  “I mean what about all the people who haul freight on the river? They make their living that way.”

  “Oh, I don’t think trains will ever replace the riverboats.” But Will’s voice had a question in it. Maybe he wasn’t so sure.

  Reverend Hines glanced at Will. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. It may take awhile, but in some parts of the country freighting along the rivers is almost nonexistent. I’m afraid that’s what happens sometimes in order to make progress. And to be honest, I won’t be averse to the fact that it will limit some of the gambling that occurs on those very boats.”

  Lexie frowned. Not all riverboats allowed gambling. Maybe progress wasn’t so wonderful after all.

  Chapter 10

  Lexie climbed onto a stool and rubbed her dustcloth over the top shelf. It needed to be clean before she filled it with the canned tomatoes she’d brought from the farm. Aunt Kate had been delighted when Mr. Hawkins purchased nearly her entire stock. She’d kept just enough for the family’s use. And he’d promised to buy as many peaches as she could spare as soon as they were canned.

  The back door slammed shut, and Mr. Hawkins came in with a smile on his face. “Well, Lexie, that boat you’ve been craning your neck to see just turned the bend, heading for Forsyth.”

  Lexie felt the stool wobble beneath her feet.

  Mr. Hawkins’ strong hands steadied it. “Didn’t know my news would knock you over.” He chuckled.

  “Oh, Mr. Hawkins, don’t tease. You know how I’ve longed to see the twins.”

  “Umm-hmm. Are you sure it’s only the twins you’re longing to see?” His smile was so kind, Lexie couldn’t take offense.

 
; “Perhaps not. But don’t tell anyone I said that. Especially him. I’d be mortified if he thought I was attracted to him. I’m perfectly certain he entertains no such thoughts about me.”

  “I won’t tell a soul. Now why don’t you wait and put those tomatoes up tomorrow? You might want to go home and get the dust out of your hair before you see the…er…girls.”

  She laughed and stepped down from the stool.

  Before she climbed into the buggy, she whispered into Jolly’s ear, “Fly like the wind, Jolly girl. I need to get the dust out of my hair.” Lexie hardly noticed the turning leaves as she drove hard all the way home, but she knew she’d better slow down before she reached the farm. Will and Aunt Kate would both berate her for driving the buggy so fast.

  She pulled up by the barn and led Jolly inside where she unhitched her from the buggy.

  “Land sakes, Alexandra.” Aunt Kate frowned as she stepped into the barn. “That horse is dripping sweat and her sides are heaving. I hope you have a good reason to have worked her so hard.”

  Lexie wondered if the truth would be good enough but knew she couldn’t lie. Her conscience had hurt her so badly over deceiving Aunt Kate about going down to the docks that she’d repented in tears and promised the Lord she wouldn’t lie or break a promise again if her life depended on it. “The Julia Dawn is in, Aunt Kate. I thought I’d hitch Old Stubborn up and drive into Forsyth to see how the twins are before they take off again. I would really like to explain to Mr. Sullivan about the mix-up.”

  Her aunt narrowed her eyes, giving Lexie a shrewd look. “Is that so?”

  “Why? What’s wrong?”

  “So you’re going to tell on the girls without giving them a chance to explain to you why they did it?”

  “I hadn’t really thought of that. I wonder why they did.”

  “Think about it, Lexie. Two little orphan girls. The man who had been taking care of them, unconscious and injured, brought home by strangers…”

  Lexie stared at her aunt then groaned. “Tuck and Addy were afraid. As tough as they are, they were still afraid of course. They had no idea what we might do if they told the truth. But what should I do? Mr. Sullivan needs to know.”

  “Don’t you think they’ll tell him themselves sooner or later? Can you give them that chance?”

  “But I’m sure he must think I’m mentally deranged.”

  “So it’s your pride you’re thinking of.”

  “No, of course—” Lexie stopped. Aunt Kate was right. “All right. I’ll wait a while longer. But not forever. They shouldn’t be allowed to get by with telling untruths, even if I do understand their reasons.”

  The dock was swarming with merchants, dockhands, and excited children who’d come to see the docking and unloading of the Julia Dawn.

  Jack scanned the crowd. He had hoped Miss Rayton would be here so he could get this thing straightened out about the children, but she was nowhere in the crowd. He shouldn’t wonder after the way he’d grabbed the girls and left without a word to her.

  Well, she’d been kind to Tuck and Addy. She must have been since they liked her so much. He hoped, once she realized the truth, she wouldn’t think so ill of him.

  “Miss Lexie’s not here.” At Addy’s forlorn voice, Jack straightened and smiled. “She wouldn’t have known we’d be docking today. Don’t worry. You’ll see her before we leave again.”

  “How do you know?” Tuck, never one to beat around the bush, peered up at him.

  “Because, Little Miss Tuck, we’ll be going over to the Raytons’ farm, so you can confess what you’ve done and apologize to them.”

  “Oh.”

  “Yes, oh. But for now”—he grabbed a hand of each twin and grinned—“we need to see about some ready-made dresses.”

  “Ugh.” Tuck frowned. “I hate dresses.”

  “But I love them. Thank you, Mr. Jack.” Addy flashed a sweet smile in his direction. “Can I have a pink one?”

  “If they have pink ones, you may certainly have one.”

  They sauntered down the street, Tuck in her overalls and Addy in a dress that looked like it had never seen a flatiron, and headed for the Hubble’s Mercantile.

  An hour later, they exited the store. The girls each held a package, and Jack carried a box filled with groceries for their supper.

  Their next stop was the livery stable where Jack rented horses and a wagon, hopefully for the last time. He’d instructed Tom Marshall to fetch his uncle’s livestock from the neighbor who’d been caring for them and to take care of any repairs the old wagon needed.

  They took the rutted path toward Marmoros, veering off past Hawkins’s store then on toward Sullivan’s farm.

  “Look, Tuck, the leaves are starting to turn.” Addy almost bounced on the seat in her excitement to be back in the familiar neighborhood.

  “Yep, wait’ll they start drying up and falling off. You won’t like them so much then.”

  “Oh, Tuck, you know you think they’re pretty.” Addy scowled at her sister.

  Tuck grinned. “I guess.”

  When they pulled up in front of the barn, both girls hopped down.

  “How about you girls gathering up some kindling for the stove?”

  “It ain’t cold,” Tuck said, stating the obvious.

  “Well, I supposed you might want some supper.” Jack grinned.

  “You ain’t going to fry chicken, are you?”

  Jack threw his head back and laughed. “No, I promise I’ll never try that again. Maybe you could fetch us a smoked ham out of the root cellar.”

  “Sure can.”

  Jack almost laughed again at how quickly both girls took off running to get the kindling and ham. He didn’t blame them.

  As they ate their supper of fried ham, boiled potatoes, and corn, Addy glanced at Jack. “When can we go see Miss Lexie and Aunt Kate and Mr. Will?”

  “Can we go after supper?” Tuck asked eagerly.

  Jack’s stomach jumped and he took a deep breath. As much as he wanted to get the matter cleared up, he was a mite nervous at the thought of seeing Alexandra Rayton again. They hadn’t exactly gotten off on good footing, and things had gotten worse as time progressed. “How about we clean up the supper dishes, and you girls take baths and get a good night’s sleep? We’ll go to the Raytons’ in the morning.”

  “You promise?” There they went again, speaking the same thing in unison.

  “I promise.”

  Tuck laid her fork down. “Can we help with the outside chores, too?”

  “Tom Marshall seems to have taken care of everything. But you can brush down the horses if you want to. And in the morning you can help milk the goats.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Jack.” Tuck forked a piece of ham and crammed it into her mouth.

  “Could I just clean the kitchen up while you and Tuck do the milking?” Addy’s nose crinkled in disgust.

  “Yes, I think that’s a good enough trade-off, Addy.”

  How in the world could twins look almost identical yet be so different in every other way?

  “Oh, my sweet girls.” The twins grabbed Aunt Kate around the waist and she hugged them hard. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “I’m happy to see you, too,” Addy declared, smiling up at the woman who’d been so kind to her.

  “Me, too.” Tuck grinned. “Where’s Miss Lexie?”

  “Now girls, give Miss Kate some room to breathe.” Jack couldn’t keep the grin off his face either and wondered if it was as broad as Tuck’s.

  “Why, child, Lexie is working at Mr. Hawkins’s general store. And she’s going to be so disappointed to have missed you.” She reached a hand toward Jack and he took it gently. “And I know she wished to speak with you, Mr. Sullivan.”

  Jack cleared his throat. “Now girls, I believe you have something you want to say to Miss Kate.…”

  Somber expressions appeared on each girl’s face. Tuck straightened her small shoulders. “Well ma’am, it’s like this. We kind of told you
something that isn’t true.”

  The old woman’s eyes misted. “All right, Tuck. I’m listening.”

  Addy swallowed loudly. “Mr. Jack isn’t really our pa.”

  “That’s right.” Tuck cleared her throat. “Our pa got killed, and we hid out at Old Mr. Sullivan’s place. Mr. Jack found us there.”

  “And you were afraid to tell the truth? Was that it?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” The relief in Tuck’s voice at being understood brought a lump to Jack’s throat.

  “You see, when we saw he was hurt, we were afraid that someone would take us away to a orphans’ home. So we told an untruth.”

  “We lied is what we did, Addy.” Tuck licked her lips and took a deep breath.

  “Thank you for telling me, girls. And I forgive you. And I know if you’ve confessed to God, He has forgiven you, too.”

  “Oh we have, Miss Kate. We really have.” Tears rolled from Addy’s eyes.

  “Ma’am, we have to be getting back to Forsyth. We have a load to take downriver tomorrow.” He smiled. “Will you please explain to Miss Rayton and Will, and tell them we’ll be over when we come back? I know the girls want to apologize to them, too.”

  “Will is in the south field, if you’d like to see him before you leave. And you’re more than welcome to stop at the store and speak to Alexandra. I’m certain Mr. Hawkins wouldn’t mind a bit.”

  “We might just do that, if you’re sure she won’t mind.”

  “I’m quite sure. In fact, I happen to know she wanted very much to speak to you.”

  After they’d talked to Will and he’d assured the girls he didn’t hold their fib against them, the girls climbed up onto the wagon seat beside Jack.

  “Do you think Miss Lexie will be mad?” Addy’s voice quivered.

  “I hope not,” Tuck answered, chewing on her bottom lip.

  When they walked into the store, the bell jingled.

  “Where is she?” Tuck frowned.

  Addy tapped her foot. “Where is anyone?”