by Kit Morgan
“A bath?”
“Of course, you are getting married today, remember?”
“Yes, of course,” said Eloise with an absent wave of her hand. “It's not like I've forgotten.”
Sadie stopped what she was doing and stared at her. “Eloise, rest assured, you are doing the right thing by marrying Seth. I know it may not seem like it, and I know you feel some confusion, but I can also see that he's falling in love with you.”
“Falling in love? But he barely knows me!”
Sadie smiled. “Sometimes you don't need to know someone for very long, before you realize you love them.”
“Was it like that for you and Harrison?”
Sadie took on a far-off look. “Yes, it was. We knew each other only a few weeks before we were married. Of course, there were some unusual circumstances involved in our so-called courtship.”
“You mean, such as getting kidnapped and almost killed?”
Sadie laughed. “Yes, something like that.”
“Good morning ladies,” Harrison announced as he came into the kitchen. He smacked Sadie on the rear and then kissed her cheek. “Pie; my favorite! How many are you baking?”
“Only four. There’s no time to bake more than that what with everything else going on this morning.”
“Ah, yes,” said Harrison. He then turned to Eloise. “I say cousin, are you ready to tie the knot?”
She went to Harrison, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him on the cheek. “As ready as I'll ever be.” With that, she hurried from the kitchen and back to her room.
“Well,” said Harrison. “Someone is certainly chipper this morning.”
“About time,” said Sadie. Harrison nodded his agreement, kissed her again, and then left to go do the morning chores. Like everyone else in Clear Creek, he knew that today was going to be some picnic.
* * *
The Cookes, Turners, and Mulligans were the first to arrive at what had become affectionately known as the “King’s Valley”. Located on the Cooke’s property, Clear Creek ran through the middle of it, and along its banks where the water formed a deep pool, stood the most magnificent oak tree anyone in three territories had ever laid eyes on. It was dubbed “His Majesty”. To give a tree such a name created something no longer thought of as mere trunk and branches. No, this tree was an icon to the townspeople of Clear Creek, a symbol of survival for some, and of hope for others. Women would spread blankets beneath its shade within the hour, and children would play in a shallow area of the creek before it dropped off into a deeper pool the adults would enjoy. Belle and Colin fell in love here, several years before. Duncan, on the other hand, fought his love for Cozette in the waters beneath the mighty tree, and had an interesting conversation with a mysterious Scotsman, who had an uncanny tendency to show up, right when trouble was brewing.
“However am I going to change into my wedding dress?” asked Eloise.
“We thought we'd hang some blankets over the branches of the trees near the creek,” said Belle. “You can change there. Once we get everything set up, and everyone arrives, Preacher Jo will perform the ceremony. Then we'll get on with the picnic.”
Eloise let out a nervous breath. “Alright, what do you want me to do?”
“As soon as the men bring the tables down, we’ll put up the flowers,” said Belle.
“Oh, my goodness, I almost forgot about the flowers!”
Belle glanced to the wide trail leading down to the valley’s meadow. “Here they come now,” she said.
Eloise turned. Sure enough, Mabel Turner and her children were coming down the trail with garlands of flowers in their arms. The oldest, Tom, had them piled on his head, and was doing his best to walk at a steady, even pace, so that they wouldn't topple to the ground. Eloise laughed at the sight, and slapped her knee in response. Belle, too, let loose a giggle. “Maybe we ought to go help,” she suggested.
They left to meet the Turner children where the trail spilled into the grassy meadow, and then set about hanging the flowery decorations. With the children helping, they were able to accomplish the task in very little time, and Eloise, along with the others, was able to step back and admire their work.
“Will you just look at that,” said Mrs. Turner. “The children have outdone themselves this time.”
“Oh Mabel,” said Sadie. “They did a wonderful job, thank you so much.”
“It was my pleasure, and it couldn't be for a more perfect event,” she said as she smiled at Eloise. “I'm sure you and Mr. Jones will be very happy, my dear.”
Tears stung the back of Eloise's eyes. Why did this happen every time there was talk of marrying Seth? If only she understood what triggered it. But in less than an hour, it wouldn't matter anymore. By then they'd be married. “Thank you Mrs. Turner for all your help.”
“It was no trouble at all, my dear. You're going to have a lovely wedding. Do you need any assistance getting ready?”
“No, I think we have it handled,” said Eloise.
“Well then, in that case,” said Mrs. Turner. “I'd best go see to the children. They're very anxious to play some games.” She turned and headed for His Majesty where Tom, her eldest, was spreading blankets out for his younger siblings.
Eloise wiped away a few tears. “For heaven's sake,” she said. “I do hope I can hold myself together until after the ceremony.”
Sadie put her arm around her. “Don’t worry, you will. Besides, I’m sure you won't be the only one crying at your wedding.”
“She's right,” added Belle. “Fanny Fig will likely bust a gut right in the middle of it.”
The three women laughed and hugged each other.
As more and more people came down the trail to join them, it became apparent to Eloise she needed to change into her wedding dress. She wished Penelope and Constance had arrived to help her, but so far there was no sign of either sister. She thought of waiting few more minutes in hopes that one of them would show up, when she spied Seth coming down the trail. “Oh, no!”
“What is it?” asked Sadie.
“It's Seth! He can't see me before the wedding! Isn't that supposed to be terribly bad luck?”
“Quick!” said Belle. “Let's get behind the blankets where you can change. You can wait there until its time. It won't be long now.”
The three women scrambled to get behind the wall of blankets Sadie had created by hanging them on the branches of a few small trees. The enclosure was just down the creek from the picnic area, and would offer the privacy Eloise needed. No sooner did Belle and Sadie have her stripped down to her petticoats, when Penelope and Constance showed up.
“Hurry, Eloise!” Constance cried. “Preacher Jo is coming down the trail!”
“And there's another preacher with him,” added Penelope.
“Another preacher?” asked Sadie.
“Does he have a big belly and laughs a lot?” inquired Belle.
“Yes, that's the one,” said Penelope.
“Who is he?” asked Constance. “We could hear him laughing behind us, all the way down the trail. And we were already halfway down!”
“His name is Preacher Dan,” said Sadie. “He's a traveling preacher who shows up around here once every few months to visit and help out Preacher Jo.”
“He married Preacher Jo and Annie,” said Belle. “Not to mention Logan and Susara Kincaid.”
“Don’t forget Harrison and me,” added Sadie.
“My, my,” said Eloise. “There’s certainly not a shortage of preachers today, is there?”
“If one gets stung by a bee, or falls in the Creek, you'll still be able to get married!” laughed Constance.
Eloise let out a heavy sigh. “Seems I'm to be married, no matter what.”
Penelope and Constance both reached out and touched her at the same time. Eloise turned to them. Penelope spoke first. “Sister, marriage is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I know it will be for you, too”.
“And for me,” added C
onstance. “I can't imagine not be married to Ryder. In fact, I think I should die if anything ever happened to him.”
“So, it's not like what mother told us?” asked Eloise.
Penelope and Constance shook their heads. “I dare say,” said Penelope. “But our mother did not have as happy a marriage as she led us to believe.”
“If she had, then we would have seen her look at father the same way we look at our husbands,” added Constance.
“Then everything I've felt up to this point has been nerves?” asked Eloise.
“Of course, silly,” said Constance. “Now, let's turn you into a bride.”
Eleven
Seth paced nervously in the shade of “His Majesty”. The giant oak was an awesome sight to behold, and a part of him felt intimidated by the Almighty’s handiwork. But he could think of no better place to take his vows.
Quilts had been spread on the ground in such a way, as to form two sets of seating, one on the right, one on the left, with an aisle down the middle. Just like in a church. The townsfolk had begun to seat themselves when Colin approached. “Well, old boy, are you ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Colin looked him right in the eye. “You’ll take good care of our cousin, won’t you?”
“Is that a request, or a demand?” Seth teased.
“Both.”
Seth caught the serious look on Colin’s face, and straightened. “I assure you, sir, I have nothing but good intentions toward Eloise.”
“See that you do. Our cousins have come a long way to get married. I’d hate to see any of them disappointed now.”
“What do you mean by that?” he asked, trying to keep his voice even.
Colin looked at the garlands of flowers the Turner children had wrapped around the oak’s massive trunk. “Eloise hasn’t been herself lately, and I’m wondering if it’s because of you.”
“Me? Are you saying she doesn’t want to marry me?”
“On the contrary, she came to get married, and by Jove, that’s what she’ll do. But she’s more perceptive than you give her credit. She knows you’re not what you’ve made yourself out to be.”
Seth stared at him, and fought the urge to ball his hands into fists. Sure Colin was aware he and Ryder had a past, but not even the Cookes knew the extent of it. “I see.” He paced back and forth a few times. “Where is she?”
“Down the creek, behind the blankets,” Colin said as he turned and pointed.
Seth tipped his hat to him, and set off.
“What are you doing?” Colin called after him.
“Settling something once and for all,” he called back over his shoulder. He then turned, and marched toward the blanketed enclosure with purpose.
Belle popped out from behind one of the blankets as he reached it. “Oh!” she said when she bumped into him. “Seth Jones, you can’t be here!”
“I need to speak to Eloise.”
“What? Now? But you’re about to be married! Besides, it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
“I’ll speak to her just the same.”
“But you can’t …”
“Move out of the way, Mrs. Cooke,” he said as evenly as possible.
Belle looked him over, took in the serious expression on his face, and then blew out her breath. “Wait here,” she said. She disappeared behind the blanket, then a moment later, poked her head out. “Come in.”
Seth gave her a nod, and went behind the make-shift wall. He heard a woman gasp behind him, (probably Fanny Fig) but ignored it. What he saw in front of him was more important. “Eloise …” he breathed.
She was beautiful. Her hair blonde hair glistened in the sun as Sadie placed a flowered wreath on her head, and began to pin it in place. Her dress accentuated her small waist, and shined bright against the green grass at her feet. Seth was so transfixed he forgot how to breathe.
“Mr. Jones,” Sadie began in a scathing tone. “This had better be good.”
“I … I need a word with Eloise.”
Eloise’s eyes widened, as her jaw tighten. “I’ll speak with him.”
“Alone, Sadie, if you don’t mind,” added Seth.
“What? I can’t leave you two back here by yourselves with the whole town here!”
“You can, and you will,” said Seth. “Land sakes, we’re about to be married, what’s the difference?”
Sadie let out a heavy sigh. “Oh, all right. But no sparking!”
“You have my word,” he said.
Sadie grabbed Belle by the hand, and ushered her out of the enclosure. Eloise swallowed hard. “What do you want to speak to me about?”
Seth took off his hat, and held it with one hand. “Eloise, Colin tells me you’re a mighty perceptive lady.”
Eloise looked away, and stared at the frayed edges of one of the blankets. “I suppose so.”
“Perceptive enough to question whether or not you should marry me.”
Her head snapped up at the remark. “Oh no, it’s not that … I … I do want to marry you.”
“We’ve been through this once already. Either you do or you don’t.”
“I … do?”
He closed his eyes and swallowed. “We can call it off.”
“No!” she blurted, and then licked her lips. “It’s just … oh, Seth … it’s just that it’s like you’re hiding something from me.”
He opened his eyes, and searched hers. “Ryder and I … have done things most women—especially refined ladies such as you and your sisters—might find--disturbing.”
Her eyes rounded to saucers. “Disturbing? I dare say, but to what length of disturbing are you referring to?”
“We hunted down men, and turned them over to the law, for money.”
Eloise teetered on her feet, and he grabbed her, to keep her from falling. “What?”
“We stopped a couple of years ago, when we settled here …”
“You’re … a bounty hunter?” she squeaked.
“Was a bounty hunter,” he corrected.
“Isn’t that … well … rather dangerous work?”
“Yes, it most certainly is.”
She paled. Seth dropped his hat to the ground and wrapped both arms around her in case he she fainted. “What … sort of men … did you hunt down?”
“The worst of the worst.”
“Oh, good heavens … did you … ever have to kill anyone?”
He swallowed hard. “Yes.”
Her knees gave out, and he supported her now. “Eloise, I’ve tried to put that part of my past behind me.”
She gazed up at him, her eyes glazed. “And here I was worried about whether or not you could handle a gun …”
He chuckled. “I’m quite good, if you must know.”
“Obviously you are, with the sort of work you and your brother were doing. Does my sister know?”
“I doubt Ryder has told her yet.”
“Just as well he hasn’t. I’m afraid Constance will find it far too romantic.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
She stared at him, and straightened in his arms. “Killing men for a living and hauling them off to some sheriff is not my idea of romance.”
“I didn’t kill men for a living. Sure, a lot of men we hunted were wanted dead or alive, but I didn’t just shoot them. They usually shot at me first.”
“I say, but I do believe I’m going to faint.”
“Oh no, you don’t! We need to settle this.” He steered her over to a fallen log by the water’s edge, and sat her down beside him. “If you’ve sensed a… well, a rough edge to me, then now you know where it comes from. But that’s not who I am anymore, and it’s not who I want to be. But it’s there in case I need it.”
She was still wrapped in his arms, and stared up at him. “Do you still need it?”
“After what happened to your sisters and my brother? Yes. Do you still want to marry me?”
Her eyes roamed the enclosu
re. “I … I feel like I’ve just been given a new groom.”
“I understand. I’ll also understand if you …” he closed his eyes and swallowed. “Don’t want to go through with this.”
She shook her head. “No, I… please, just give me a moment.”
“Take all the time ya need, darlin’,” he whispered. But what he really felt like doing was screaming, “NO!” at the top of his lungs, for in that very moment, Seth Jones realized he was in love with her.
* * *
She was about to marry a killer.
Okay, so maybe Seth wasn't an actual killer, but he did say men had met their deaths by his hand. Oh blast! She thought. Perhaps that was too dramatic. Met their untimely demise? There, that sounded better.
Eloise stared at him like a frightened deer. What was she going to say now? He continued to look into her eyes, waiting for an answer. Oddly, his news frightened yet thrilled her at the same time, but why? Shouldn't she be appalled at the disclosure? Frightened? Lying on the ground in a dead faint? But no, she was none of those things. Instead, a part of her relaxed at the news, and she felt more confident in her decision to marry him.
Oh, for heaven's sake! Had she really thought him that inept at handling himself out on the prairie? Had she been so afraid her future husband was more likely to shoot his own foot than some outlaw, that it made her think him less than a man? “Is there anything else you need to tell me?” she stammered.
“No, I think that about does it, except that the whole town is waiting for us. What's your answer?”
“Answer?” she asked, still dazed.
“Will you marry me?” he asked, his voice low, husky.
“That's the worst you've done?” she asked as her eyes wandered to his lips.
“You can always ask Ryder,” he said. “He'll tell you anything about me you want to know.”
“And so, what about Ryder? He's done the same thing, hasn't he?”
Seth nodded, and held her tighter. “Would it have made any difference to your sister if she found out before they got married?”
Eloise let out a nervous laugh. “As much as it pains me to say this, no. Constance is an adventurer. Like I told you before, she would find it terribly romantic.”