White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  He found her seated on a stool in the parlor, with Addy behind her brushing her hair up and around some contraption.

  “What’s that thing you’re putting in her hair? It looks like something alive.”

  Tuck twisted her head, and the contraption flew out and bounced on the floor. She squealed. “Now look what you did. What are you doing here?”

  “What I…? All I did was walk in the door.” Rafe rescued the puffy brown thing from the floor and handed it to Addy. “Looks dead, whatever it is.”

  A giggle escaped from Addy’s lips. “It does, rather, doesn’t it? Better that than alive, I suppose.”

  Tuck snorted. “Don’t encourage him, Addy. What do you want, Rafe?”

  “I thought you might want to go for a walk or something, but I can see you’re occupied with something more interesting, whatever it may be.”

  Tuck stood. “I don’t feel like sitting still any longer, anyway. And fresh air sounds good to me. Let’s go.”

  “But Abigail, I thought you wanted to try the new coiffure.”

  “Sure I do. But it doesn’t have to be right now. Let’s wait until tomorrow.” She grabbed Rafe’s hand and grinned. “Come on.”

  “Fine,” Addy called after them. “I have other things I’d rather be doing, too.”

  Rafe laughed, suddenly lighthearted, and followed Tuck outside. Maybe she was coming to her senses.

  They walked across the field toward the creek, hand-in-hand.

  “What was that thing Addy was putting in your hair? It looked downright scary.”

  Tuck laughed. “It did, didn’t it? It’s called a transformation or something of the sort. You wrap your hair in it or around it or something.”

  Rafe glanced at her, puzzled. “But what’s the purpose?”

  “It’s supposed to make your hair look about four times fuller, and you perch a hat on top. I think. It’s the latest style.”

  “I guess this has something to do with the doctor?”

  “Of course. He likes ladylike girls, so Addy’s going to help me be one.” She peered up at him, her blue eyes dancing.

  “So you’re going to pretend to be something you aren’t, so he’ll like you better?” Rafe’s mouth suddenly tasted sour.

  She jerked her hand away from his and glared. “There you go again. Making fun of me.”

  “I didn’t mean to make fun of you, Tuck. It just seems to me, if a man doesn’t like you for who you are, why would you want him anyway?”

  She huffed. “You don’t understand. Wait until you fall in love. Then you’ll know why I’m trying to change.”

  “I like you the way you are, Tuck.” He spoke quietly and wasn’t sure at first if she heard him.

  After a moment, she sighed. “I know you do, Rafe. But we’re not kids anymore. Things change. People change. And I have to change.”

  “All right, Tuck. If that’s what you want, then change. But stay yourself while you’re doing it.”

  “Stay myself?” She laughed. “I’m not likely to be anyone else. I’m still me, Rafe. And we’ll still be friends.”

  He stopped and took her hands, looking down into her eyes. “Promise?”

  “Promise. Nothing will ever change our friendship, Rafe.” She looked up and her eyes blinked back tears. “Only, you have to let me do this, Rafe. I really, really love the doc.”

  The words echoed in Rafe’s mind as he rode home and dread squeezed at his heart. Was there any hope for him and Tuck? It didn’t seem likely.

  Chapter 5

  Huffing a sigh, Tuck lowered her fiddle again and pushed down on the top part of her sleeve in an attempt to flatten it.

  A chorus of snickers sent a surge of embarrassment and anger through her. “What are you varmints cackling about?”

  Tom coughed and guffawed. “Them sleeves look like legs of mutton, Tuck. Why’d you wear such a contraption to practice?”

  “Laugh all you want to. Mr. Lynch said if he decides to hire us, I have to wear a fancy dress, so I’m trying it out.”

  “Sure you are.” Squeezebox grinned. “Couldn’t have a thing to do with the doc could it?”

  “All right, that’s enough. Leave her alone.” Willie frowned at his friends and then nodded to Tuck. “Let’s try again.”

  Tuck stood and placed her fiddle in the case. “It’s no use, Mr. Willie. They’re right. I can’t play in these sleeves. I’ll be back on Thursday.”

  “But what about the practice?” Tom whined and laid down his banjo. “I don’t know that latest tune good enough.”

  “You can practice without me today,” she snapped. “Mr. Willie, you’ll have to play loud enough for both of us.”

  She turned, catching her hem on a nail sticking out from the wall. She stumbled before catching herself.

  Tom and Squeezebox both burst out laughing.

  Tuck reached down to loosen the fabric from the nail then glared at the two.

  “Aw, we’re jes’ having some fun, Tuck. We don’t mean nothing by it.” Squeezebox grinned and nudged Tom.

  “Yep. You’re having fun all right. Fun at my expense. I’m getting out of here. Bye, Mr. Willie.” She stepped off the porch and turned the corner, heading down to the store where Addy and the wagon waited. She kicked at a piece of wood in front of her, flinging mud from the street, then continued on.

  A horse whinnied loudly behind her. As she threw a glance over her shoulder, she felt her foot catch in the hem of her dress, but not in time to keep from tripping over the full ruffle. Arms and legs flailing, she slammed facedown in a mud hole.

  “Abby!” Her sister’s screams set her in motion, and she pushed herself partway up, then promptly lost her balance and landed on her seat. “Jiminy!” She squinted and shook her head, causing mud to fly from her hair and face.

  The sound of horse’s hooves and laughter preceded a familiar voice. “I do believe it’s the lovely Miss Sullivan. Fancy seeing you down there.”

  Disbelief and horror shot through Tuck, and she peered up at the doctor’s amused face. Oh no, she must look like a wet rat.

  “It’s quite rude of you to laugh at my sister. You are no gentleman, Doctor.”

  Tuck stared. Addy’s countenance reminded her of a bear protecting her cub. Wow. Who would have thought Addy could be so fierce?

  The amusement left the doctor’s face and he dismounted, turning to Addy. “You are absolutely correct, and I apologize.”

  “I think you might be apologizing to the wrong person, Doctor,” Addy retorted, tapping her foot on the ground. “My sister was the recipient of your untoward humor.”

  “You are absolutely right.” Quickly, Sam turned and extended his hand to Tuck. “Please forgive me, Miss Abigail. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Tuck accepted his assistance and the handkerchief he offered, scrambling up from the muddy street.

  He placed his hand on her back to steady her. “I truly am sorry.”

  She peered into his eyes. Did her mean it? He seemed sincere.

  Addy shoved him aside and, retrieving her own hanky, began to wipe the mud from Tuck’s face. “The very idea of him laughing at you like that,” she muttered.

  The doctor cleared his throat, and Tuck glanced at him then quickly turned her face away.

  “Well, ladies, if I can be of no further assistance, I’ll be on my way.” He remounted his horse, touched his hat, and rode off.

  “I hated having him see me like this.” Tuck gulped and blinked back frustrated tears. “C’mon, let’s go home.”

  Addy trailed after her. “Really, Abigail. After his rude behavior, I don’t know why you’d care what he thinks.”

  “Oh, he probably couldn’t help laughing. I’m sure I looked very peculiar.” She looked at her sister. “And he did apologize and was gentle and kind when he helped me up.”

  “I still say he was rude and ungentlemanly.”

  “And I say he didn’t intend to be, so stop being mean, Addy.” Tuck grabbed the reins fro
m the hitching post and climbed up on the wagon seat.

  “Very well.” Addy climbed up beside her. “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. You’re probably right.”

  “It doesn’t matter anyway. Look what happened. I let you fix my hair, I wore a new dress—”

  “And forgot to lift your skirt from the ground. Which is why you tripped.” Addy smiled. “I think we need to work on deportment and carriage.”

  “Whatever you say, sis.” Tuck raked back the muddy lock of hair that had fallen across her face. “I need all the help I can get.”

  “How did your practice go?”

  “That’s something else I need to talk to you about. The puff sleeves won’t work when I’m playing the fiddle.” Her voice sounded forlorn even to her. But no more so than she felt. “As a matter of fact, nothing seems to be working.”

  Sympathy crossed Addy’s face. “It’ll be okay, Abigail. You just wait. You’ll have the doctor knocking on the door, begging for your attention. If you’re sure that’s what you really want…”

  Tuck panted as she looked over her shoulder at her bulging derriere. “This isn’t going to work, Addy. Aside from the fact I can hardly breathe, I have a shelf in front and a hump like a camel in back. Only lower.”

  Addy straightened from smoothing the dress down over Tuck’s ankles. “Don’t be silly. The special corset beneath your dress forms a silhouette called an S-bend. I believe it began in Europe several years ago and has been in fashion in New York City for a while now.”

  “So where did you get the contraption?” Tuck huffed. “And why don’t you wear it yourself?”

  “I sent off for it a few months ago but then decided I didn’t want to stand out.” She frowned and gave a little shake of her head. “The ladies around here dress more old style.”

  Tuck planted her hands on her hips and frowned at her sister. “Oh, but it’s all right for me to be a laughingstock?”

  “The doctor won’t laugh.” Addy grinned. “Who else matters?”

  “How do you know he won’t?” Tuck threw a suspicious glance at her twin. She wasn’t absolutely certain she trusted her. Had she really stopped caring for the doctor?

  Addy heaved a sigh. “Because, silly, he’s from the city and is accustomed to the look.”

  Tuck puckered her forehead in thought. Addy had a point. And besides, she really didn’t care what people thought.

  Rafe dipped the huge turkey into near boiling water, being careful not to touch the side of the big, black iron pot. He quickly pulled the bird out of the water and threw it, dripping onto the wooden plank where Jim was plucking the feathers from another bird. Rafe hunkered down across from him and started yanking feathers from the one he’d just dipped.

  “Whew, wet feathers stink, don’t they?” Jim said.

  “Yes, but it’s worth it to sit down to my ma’s turkey dinner.” Rafe grinned. “By the way, she told me to thank you for the turkey and to invite you to dinner after church Sunday. She’d have done it herself, but she had errands to run today.”

  “Tell her I gladly accept. And I was more than happy for her to take the turkey off my hands seeing as I’m living in a room at the Lynches’ and they didn’t want it.”

  They worked in silence for a few minutes, and then Jim cleared his throat. “How’s Miss Sullivan? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

  Rafe frowned and yanked a handful of feathers. “She’s too busy turning herself into something she’s not.”

  “What do you mean?” Jim asked.

  Rafe sighed and stared down at the bird in his hands. “You see, she has always been so natural. Never putting on airs. A fellow knew where he stood with her and what she meant when she said something. Now she’s turned into a simpering coquette. She’s acting like a different person.”

  “Really? In what way?”

  “Well, for one thing she never wears her overalls anymore. Not that I don’t like to see her in dresses, but she’s not being herself. That’s the part I don’t like. And she hasn’t been fishing or hunting with me in weeks. Says it’s not ladylike.” He snorted. “Like she’s ever cared. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend. Only worse.”

  Jim paused, confusion crossing his face. “Miss Sullivan wore overalls and fished and hunted?”

  “Sure. Tuck and me have been fishing buddies since we were old enough to bait a hook.”

  “Huh?” Jim stared at him. “You mean Miss Abby is the one you’re in love with?”

  “Sure. Who did you think I meant?” Light dawned and Rafe chuckled. “You thought I meant Addy. Now I see. She’s the one you like. I thought you had a hankering for Tuck.”

  “What a relief. That’s wonderful.” Jim threw his head back and laughed, and Rafe joined him, their laughter resounding through the yard.

  “We’d better get these birds cleaned up or neither of us will have a turkey dinner, much less a lady.” Jim laughed and focused on the feathers.

  Rafe sighed. “At least you have a chance at the lady you’re interested in. As far as I know Addy isn’t seeing anyone.”

  “Thanks for that information. Of course, I’ll be leaving as soon as the cave tourism stops, so I don’t suppose it can go anywhere even if the lady should be willing.”

  “You could always come back,” Rafe said.

  “Yes, I can. And will.” Jim’s face brightened. “Don’t give up on Tuck. If, as you say, she’s not behaving like herself, then maybe this infatuation with the doctor will pass.”

  “Maybe. I hope so. But I’m not counting on it.” Rafe sighed and shook his head.

  They finished plucking and cleaning the turkeys and hung them in the cellar.

  While they were washing up, Jim said, “What time should I be here for supper?”

  “Ma usually has it on the table at six. It’s only three. I think I’ll run into town and pick up some more work gloves.”

  “Good. We can ride together until my turnoff to the cave.”

  Rafe grinned. “You sure you want my great company, or do you want to find out everything I know about Addy?”

  “Yes, that, too.” Jim took the piece of sour dock Rafe offered him and bit down on it. His face puckered and he spat it out. “What is this nasty stuff?”

  Rafe laughed. “I think you have to acquire a taste for sour dock.”

  They rode toward town, waving good-bye when Jim turned off toward the Lynches’.

  When Rafe came out of Branson’s store a little later, he spotted Tuck walking in his direction. At least he was pretty sure it was Tuck. But the strange outfit she was wearing made his mouth hang open. He shoved his hat to the back of his head and stared. Her front was thrust out like a board, and the rear end…well, he averted his eyes and waved.

  Apparently she didn’t see him. No wonder, her eyes were glued to the man on the horse coming around the corner.

  Rafe scowled. Sam Fields.

  Rafe watched as the man tied his horse next to his. Then with a brief nod at Rafe, the doctor sauntered down the road to meet Tuck. He extended his arm, and she rested her hand on it and simpered into the man’s eyes. Tuck didn’t even see Rafe as she stepped into the store with the doctor.

  So that was that. Rafe mounted his horse and rode out of town. He wished he could keep riding until the sight of Tuck and the doctor was out of his mind. Trouble was he’d likely ride a long way before that happened.

  Maybe it was time to leave. He’d never given much thought to leaving the farm, but there was no law that said he had to stay. Pa could afford to hire a hand to take his place. And Rafe’s sister Betty and her husband Robert would help. Maybe he could find something to do in Springfield or maybe he’d hire on with the railroad. Yes, he could do that. Of course he’d need to finish the work he’d agreed to do at Marble Cave. Then, he was gone. And Tuck could marry her fine doctor.

  Chapter 6

  The slight pressure of the doctor’s hand on her back guided Tuck to the back of the store. An unaccustomed weakness washed over her.
Was this how love felt? If so, she wasn’t sure she liked it.

  As Sam reached to open the door to his office, a slight cough behind them caused Tuck to turn her head.

  Mr. Hawkins stood with a frown on his face. “You feeling sick, Tuck?” Although the store manager’s words were directed at her, his eyes pierced the doctor as he spoke.

  Sam turned, switching his hand from Tuck’s back to her elbow. “Miss Sullivan and I are going to have a cup of tea and visit for a while in my office.”

  “Think so? Mebbe you can forget the tea and do your visiting here in the store, or else take a walk down the street.”

  Warmth washed over Tuck’s face. It hadn’t occurred to her there was anything inappropriate about being in the doc’s office alone with him. Slight dizziness rushed over her, and she grabbed Sam’s arm to steady herself.

  “Are you feeling unwell, Miss Abigail?” The doctor’s voice rang with concern.

  Tuck’s heart raced. “I’m quite all right. Perhaps we should take Mr. Hawkins’s suggestion and go for a walk. A breath of fresh air would be nice.”

  “Very well, if you like.” Annoyance had replaced the concern as Sam darted an angry glance toward Mr. Hawkins and steered Tuck toward the front door.

  They stepped out onto the street and headed toward the mill. The amazing greens of summer had turned to brown patches in the grass and brown falling leaves from the heat. Tuck would be glad when autumn made its appearance and the world grew beautiful again.

  “I’m very happy we met today, Miss Abigail. I’ve been wanting an opportunity to apologize for my manners the day you fell.”

  “Please forget about that, Doctor. You’ve already apologized and I accepted your apology.” Tuck’s voice sounded weak to her own ears and her chest felt suddenly tight.

  “I’m so happy to hear that. By the way, I enjoyed your violin playing very much the night of the singing.”

  “Yes, you said that, too.” Her head was starting to hurt as his voice droned on.

  “Perhaps you’ll let me know when you are entertaining again.”