Love on the Plains

by Knight, Ciara

  “Let me take care of that for you.” Andrew moved closer into her personal space. “I’ll get you a hotel room here in town.”

  Her belly rolled at the intrusion. She didn’t mess with married men. And she would never be a kept woman. “Sir, your wife would not approve.”

  Andrew shook his head, his thin nose and dark eyes moved to barely a whisper from her face. “My wife approves of nothing. There is nothing left for me in my marriage. I’m divorcing her.”

  Dinah let out a gasp. “The scandal would be too much for me to bear if I were to steal you away from a wife. You have children. I could never be that person who ends a marriage.”

  The handsome man shook his head. “It won’t be a scandal. Everyone knows my wife will not fulfill her wifely duties. I cannot live this way any longer. Even if you were not here, the divorce would still continue.” He grabbed her hand, but she snatched it away and made to leave. “And when the divorce is final” he continued, “I’ll marry you. You could have everything you’d ever want, and would only have to ask.”

  Dinah paused. She had no desire to break up a marriage, but if he were already divorcing, marrying Mr. Sanbourn could be a way out of this mess she’d found herself in. “You speak as if it is already done.” If he didn’t love his wife, if the marriage had already been over before her arrival, then she wouldn’t have done any harm.

  “Almost, but I can’t allow you to remain with Colt a moment longer.”

  Was it true? She needed to test this man’s word. “Then I’ll go and inform Mr. Hardin that I will not be returning with him today.”

  Andrew lowered his forehead to hers. The touch didn’t elicit any kind of response on her part, but this wasn’t about desire. This was about survival. The dresses and the servants and the parties with her sisters by her side would fill her with what she needed. “I—”

  “Our agreement must remain quiet, though, so that I am able to obtain my divorce before word gets out. If not, I would be the accused,” Mr. Sanbourn stated. “The money would go to my wife.”

  Since the man was already in the middle of a divorce, then Dinah would not be breaking up a marriage. And the man offered a way out, and maybe even a way for her to send for her sisters. “Then I will entertain your proposal today, as I visit other establishments. Now if you’ll excuse me, sir, I am afraid you are at a closeness that is obscene for two strangers.” Dinah pushed him back, then straightened her bonnet.

  Andrew only moved closer, forcing her back to press against the hard wood of the building behind her. “Once I have my affairs in order, I’ll whisk you away and put you in the best hotel. All meals and clothes will be provided. You will want for nothing.”

  “And what do you expect in return, Mr. Sanbourn?” Dinah squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “That is not the sort of woman I am. You may find those women at the brothel.”

  “You have it wrong. I only wish to protect you. I expect nothing except for you to entertain my proposal, once I’m divorced.”

  People walked past, eyeing them with sideways glances and open mouths. Dinah felt her cheeks grow hot. Mr. Andrew Sanbourn appeared to be all she wanted in a man—handsome and strong and well-kempt, and he was offering her everything she yearned for in a husband—comfort, fun, and a chance to save her sisters, but his closeness was unnerving. He blocked her exit. “The moment I saw you step off that boat, I knew what I wanted. And when you swooned into my arms, it was as if fate had brought you to me.”

  “You say that you’ll put me in the hotel and pay my way and that you expect nothing in return? Nothing but the consideration of a proposal?” If this were true, at the least it could get Dinah away from the farm life while she entertained other proposals. Not to mention away from being the object of town conversation with her living with a man she wasn’t married to, and she wasn’t about to marry Mr. Hardin.

  “Yes, my dear Dinah, the most beautiful woman to step into my life. Into my heart.”

  Dinah was used to such declarations; men used to offer her the world if only for a dance or a smile. This arrangement was everything she could want, but she hesitated. The children weren’t her responsibility, yet she couldn’t abandon them. Who would protect them, care for them? “What about the children? I don’t feel right about leaving them in Mr. Hardin’s care.”

  “I’ll reach Mrs. McDaniel. I know she’ll take them in for a time once again, especially if I pay her handsomely.”

  “And they’ll be safe with Mrs. McDaniel?”

  “Yes. They had been before.”

  Dinah knew the arrangement with Mrs. McDaniel had worked prior to her arrival. It had to be the best solution for the children. Dinah couldn’t believe the offer, though. It was more than she’d hoped for. After all these years of living in poverty, of suffering, her misery could finally be over. She could have her life back.

  “One last thing.” Did she dare push it? She had to: this was one of the most important parts of her coming to Sioux City. “My sisters.” She turned on her Southern charm to the highest level. With her palm pressed to his cheek she whispered. “I fear my sisters are suffering back in Georgia. Please, I want to—”

  “Send for them. I’ll make all the arrangements to bring them here.” Andrew moved as if to kiss her cheek, but instead whispered, “I’d do anything for you.”

  And that’s when Dinah knew everything would all work out. She had Andrew Sanbourn under her control. If his wife was as horrid as he said, and he was to divorce her anyway, then nothing Dinah did would matter to that marriage. She wouldn’t be stealing a married man. “Then, sir, I will consider your proposal.”

  “Give me three days. I must leave town first thing in the morning to give a speech over in St. Joseph. When I return, I’ll speak with Mrs. McDaniel about taking over the care of the children once again, and I’ll make arrangements at the hotel for your room. Thursday, I’ll be down at the banks of Perry Creek when the moon is highest in the sky. Sneak away from Colt’s house then.” Andrew took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I will wait all night if I need to, if only to see you once again.”

  “I have much to consider. If you’ll excuse me, I need to find the dry goods store. I was told they have some decent clothing.”

  “I’ll escort you myself.” He offered his arm, and they walked out into the sunlight and down the street until they reached the corner of Pearl and Third. “It’s only three buildings down.” He kissed her knuckles once more. “Buy yourself the prettiest dress you can find, and put it on my bill. A token of my promise to you.”

  Her heart soared at his words. “You say just the right words to woo me, Mr. Sanbourn,” Dinah said, bestowing upon her benefactor a smile filled with the gratitude she felt. “You are most gracious, sir.”

  Andrew took one step back and bowed, before heading away.

  Dinah raised a hand to feel her rapid pulse in her neck. Did she dare believe all this? That she’d be cared for, would wear fine clothes, and even have her sisters brought to be by her side? Cora’s voice haunted her with words of warning, but she ignored them. Cora had always tried to tame Dinah, and now wasn’t the time for conservative measures. It was time Dinah dressed in finery that felt silky instead of harsh and scratchy, and it was time to save her sisters. Mostly, it was time, once more, to feel glad about being alive.

  Chapter Nine

  Colt straightened his new, fresh-smelling shirt and lifted his chin, but Dinah didn’t seem to notice his new clothes and the fact he’d bathed. He took care not to steer the wagon over rocks and holes in the path, hoping to keep James calm. The afternoon waned into almost dusk, and Dinah only watched the prairie grass until they reached the house, except for Emma pointing out all the wildlife.

  He helped her down from the wagon, but her gaze was anywhere but on him. After unhitching the wagon and taking care of the horse, he entered the house to check on supper. He spotted Dinah in a new dress he thought looked ridiculous. She stood at the table watching Anna knead dough,
but the woman still didn’t mention his appearance. Darn woman wasn’t paying him any attention.

  James set the table, and Emma played in the corner with her doll, while Anna and Dinah served up the meal. Colt pulled out Dinah’s chair for her, but she sat in another.

  “How was school?” he asked, with a soft and soothing voice, one he hoped wouldn’t scare Emma or Dinah.

  “Good, I guess.” Anna cut her meat.

  “You, James?”

  James took a bite of bread without answering and shrugged.

  “Listen, it’s been long enough. You need to start speaking, or you’ll never fit in with the kids at school,” Colt said.

  James shoved his chair back from the table and ran to the kids’ room.

  Dinah put her fork down and stood. “Was that necessary? The child only returned to school today.”

  He didn’t like Dinah’s reprimanding tone. “Still needs to talk.” Emma whimpered at his raised voice, so he cleared his throat and took a bite of the savory meat.

  “You’re one to talk. Until today, you haven’t said more than a grunt or a growl to me.” Dinah stormed from the room and disappeared.

  Anna shook her head. “You don’t know anything about women, do you?”

  He dropped his fist to the table, and Emma ran to the fireplace. She fetched her doll and sat in the corner.

  “I never had trouble before…her.” He snarled at the closed door. “I even bought new clothes and paid for a bath. I smell like a…a…woman.”

  “You do.” She laughed. “It’s not just about the bath and clothes, Uncle. You need to learn to hold your temper. Ladies like a gentler man, one who speaks in a soft tone and offers gentle touches. Mrs. McDaniel’s says you’ll chase all women away with your disposition. Look at poor Emma.”

  His youngest niece’s whimpers tugged at his heart. He’d caused that. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Anna was right.

  The mumbled sounds of Dinah’s voice as she gently spoke with his nephew told him she wasn’t returning any time soon. He approached Emma and sat on the floor at her side. “I didn’t mean to scare you, little one. Men sometimes have scary voices, but we don’t mean no harm.”

  “You talk loud,” she sniffled, and then bit her bottom lip.

  “I know, and I’m sorry.”

  She swiped her tears and looked at her doll. “Should we forgive him?”

  The doll didn’t answer, but Emma smiled big. “I think so, too.” She jumped up and wrapped her arms tight around Cole’s neck. “You want to play with me?”

  He eyed the setting sun out the window and knew his chores were waiting. “I’m sorry. I need to go finish my work in the barn.”

  “You tell me a story?”

  He sat her on his lap and pushed her hair from her big eyes that pleaded with him. It drew the wrong answer out of him, too. “Yes, before bed.” What was happening? He’d never read a bedtime story in his life.

  She hopped up and skipped to the table, where she scooped up some potatoes. Dinah’s steps in her new shoes told him she’d returned. He didn’t want to look at her, though. That blue dress made her look ridiculous with all that lace and fabric. It was too much; it took away from her beauty. “I’ll let you all finish eating. I’ve got chores.”

  He grabbed his hat from the hook and headed for the barn. At least there, little girls didn’t manipulate him into bedtime stories and women didn’t ignore him only to tease and confuse him. He stuck a pitchfork into the hay and tossed it into the stall. As he sweat and worked, frustration bubbled up to the surface that all his primping had gone to waste.

  He immersed himself in work, seeing to the horses and other animals, and chopping wood for the stove.

  “It’s getting late.” The unmistakable light voice of Dinah’s sounded from a few steps away.

  He continued swinging his axe without a word.

  “You’ve returned to silence, I see. It’s no surprise Emma is frightened of you and Anna doesn’t respect you, and poor James. James doesn’t trust you.”

  “What are you talking about, woman? The boy won’t speak.”

  “He does speak, just not with his words. That boy worships you, and all you do is criticize and yell. He wants a father, and you’re a stranger. Andrew was right—”

  “Andrew? My business partner?” He gritted his teeth. What was he doing hanging around Dinah?

  “Yes. He says you’re not safe around children.”

  “I said that, and you didn’t believe me. Now that a man who only wants to get you into his bed says it, you believe it. Are you that naive, woman? Andrew cares about no one but himself. He uses and manipulates people. Is that why you bought that ridiculous dress with my money? To flaunt yourself like a prostitute for a man who only uses women?”

  “He bought this dress for me as a gift.”

  “My mistake. I thought you were my betrothed, but you never aimed to marry me. And now, I would never marry you. You’re not being manipulated. You’re his whore.”

  Her hand slapped his cheek so hard it felt like a thousand bees stung him at once. Instinctively, he grabbed her by the shoulders, his thumb pressed to her neck, and held her at arm’s length. Her eyes widened and searched for escape.

  “Uncle, stop!” Anna screamed.

  James ran out and grabbed the axe Colt had dropped and held it at him.

  Colt released Dinah, and she fell to her knees. He knelt. “I didn’t mean to. I…I reacted like an animal.”

  “You’re a monster.” Dinah scurried away from him, kicking dirt up into his face.

  The fact that he put his hands on a woman, for whatever reason, was too much. “I told you that I’m a monster. You didn’t believe me. That’s why I can’t stay with the children. Something happened to me and I can’t…I can’t let go of the hatred for what I was ordered to do, the things I saw. I’ve lived without people for so long, I’m an animal. Nothing more.” He slumped, the weight of the truth hammering him into Hell, where he belonged.

  Chapter Ten

  For three days, Dinah bolted the door at night, walked the children to and from school, and even learned to bake bread and mend a dress. Anna had taught her so much. Dinah only hoped now that she had the children in school, they would gain friends and could be happy again. Mrs. McDaniel had cared for them before, and even if she wasn’t the most loving caregiver, based on what Emma said, she was solid, and she had her sons for James to play with. Perhaps that would help him speak again.

  On the third morning, after she walked the children into town, she went to see Dr. Smith. His white home and beautiful land made her ache for Andrew to return and rescue her. All she wanted was comfort and joy, the way life had been before the war. Did that make her a bad person?

  She climbed the front porch steps and eyed the sign, Dr. William Ramsen Smith. At her knock, an older woman opened the door with a bright smile and ushered Dinah into a parlor.

  “I’m Mrs. Smith,” the woman said cheerfully. “If you’re here to see my husband, he’ll be with you soon.” “May I get you something to drink, ma’am?”

  The aroma of a freshly baked pie welcomed Dinah with warm memories of childhood. Dinah smiled. “No, but thank you.”

  Mrs. Smith nodded her head, and left the room. The parlor had a rug, beautiful furniture, and many expensive treasures. It reminded Dinah of her home as a child. She could almost see her father sitting at his desk with his pipe, her mother in a beautiful gown, smiling and gliding through the grand hall, her sisters giggling and putting bows in each other’s hair, and her brothers running like animals through the house. An ache to reconnect with that life, with her family, made her chest feel heavy with sorrow.

  “The doctor will see you now.” The woman with graying hair and soft speech led Dinah down the hall, to a room with a table and chair and medicines. The cinnamon and sugar drifted away, replaced by a chemical smell. A hospital odor. One she remembered when her little brother needed surgery when he was ten.

 
The doctor sat at a desk, with his attention on a book in front of him. “Are you here for an exam, sick, or with child?”

  “None of those, sir.” Dinah stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She’d never been to see a doctor. They had always come to her home.

  The doctor lowered his spectacles on his nose and looked over them at her. “Then what can I do for you, ma’am?”

  “I’m Dinah McKinnie, and I’m temporarily looking after some children. One of the children doesn’t speak.”

  “Ah, you mean James, the nephew of Colt Hardin.”

  “You know the boy?”

  The doctor sighed and held out his hand to direct her to a nearby chair. “I knew his mother and father.”

  Dinah took a seat, eyeing all the bottles on a shelf. “Then you know his parents died in a wagon accident, and that James hasn’t spoken since. I thought maybe you could help.”

  “Is that what you’ve been told? That they died in a wagon accident?”

  Dinah’s gaze snapped to the doctor. “Yes. Is that not true?”

  He removed his spectacles and held them in front of him. “Partially yes, and no.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Dr. Smith sighed. “There was a wagon accident, but the accident didn’t occur the way it was reported to the town. Not according to a man who witnessed it.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It is…complicated. You see, when children experience something so traumatic that they can’t handle it, sometimes they alter reality. They remember a version that they can handle better than the truth. Of course, James hasn’t spoken, but he drew pictures of the wagon accident to tell what had happened.”

  Dinah fidgeted with the strings of her handbag, a habit her mother nearly went mad trying to break. A lady didn’t fidget. “How do you know that the bystander didn’t see it wrong?”