Katie: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 1

by Rachel Wesson

  The next few days were difficult. Mrs. Sullivan needed to rest, so Katie and Ellen continued to do her chores around the boarding house. Katie would have been glad of the distraction were it not for the fact that Daniel was still in Clover Springs. She didn’t want him in danger, but she found herself praying he would leave with the sheriff soon. It was hard to concentrate on her work when he was around, never mind her forthcoming wedding.

  He consumed her thoughts. She could still feel the touch of his lips against hers. Unable to sleep, she wondered what it would have been like if she hadn’t stopped his kiss. Closing her eyes, she relived every moment feeling his body against hers, his arms holding her tight. She couldn’t bear to be near him, terrified her true feelings would be plain for all to see.

  The sheriff had decided it was pointless trying to find the raiders. He had heard from other lawmen that the gang had hit another train, this time killing some passengers. The raiders were assumed to have headed south. The Texas rangers were on their tail and everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they were caught to face punishment for their crimes.

  “Ma asked me to chop some more wood. Is there anything else you can think of that needs doing?”

  Katie started. She hadn’t heard him come into the kitchen. Her hands shook so much, she was thankful she was washing dishes. “The chimney is smoking a lot. Could you have a look at it, please?” At his frown, she swallowed. She couldn’t understand why he was angry with her. Didn’t he understand she had given her word to Mr. Cassidy. She smiled, trying to make amends. “It doesn’t have to be today if you have other chores to do.”

  He didn’t look up but his tone was sharp. “I’ve got to see Mr. Brook, but I will be back later. Do you need anything from the store?”

  She did, but she would go herself later. She didn’t want to be more of a burden than he obviously felt she was.

  “No, thank you.” Katie turned her attention back to the dishes. She started making a list of her chores in her head. Anything to distract her from Daniel. Why can’t he hurry up and leave?

  She waited, her neck muscles tensing until she heard the door slam behind her. She let out a deep breath allowing a few tears to fall down her cheeks. If only she could have met him before she made her promise.

  Daniel stalked down the street toward the mercantile. Why couldn’t Friday come faster? At least then he wouldn’t have to deal with her being in the house day after day. He wouldn’t see her smile that lit up the whole room, smell her perfume or have to deal with her sunny nature. He wouldn’t get to eat her wonderful cooking either. He kicked at the dust, the scowl on his face enough to stop most of the town folk from giving him their usual greeting.

  Ma was on his back, too. Just last night, she had given him another talking to. She wanted to know what was wrong. He couldn’t tell her about the banker’s conditions on the loan. She had enough to worry about with getting better.

  He pushed the store door open so fast, he nearly knocked over Old George. His friend’s parcels fell to the ground. “Who’s chasing you?”

  “Sorry.” Daniel grunted as he picked up the packages.

  “When you going to get rid of this temper? It don’t suit you. Need to find yourself a woman. That will cure what ails you.”

  George hurried away before Daniel could reply. Mr. Brook stood at the counter, a grin on his face.

  “Is it true?”

  “What?” Daniel tried to even his tone. He had been brought up not to be rude to his elders.

  “So it is true. A young woman has got under your skin. Would it be that lovely Irish girl who came in here the other day? Hair the color of midnight?”

  Daniel didn’t acknowledge what the storekeeper had said. “What do you want to do today? More stocktaking?” asked Daniel.

  “Why don’t we start with a coffee first? You know where the kitchen is.”

  Daniel returned shortly with the coffee. The store was empty.

  “Would it help to tell me what’s eating you?”

  Daniel stirred his coffee. He needed to tell the old man about the banker. It was only fair.

  “I don’t think I can buy the store.”

  Mr. Brook looked surprised.

  “I thought you wanted the store, Daniel.”

  “Oh, I do, sir, but the… Well the thing is…”

  “Spit it out lad. I haven’t got all day. Is it money?”

  “Sort of.” At Mr. Brook’s puzzled expression, Daniel sighed and put the spoon down. He crossed his arms across his chest. “The bank won’t lend me the balance of the money I need to buy the store. I don’t have enough saved.”

  “But why, lad? Did you not show them the books I gave ye? It’s a great store and the price is fair. Isn’t it?”

  Daniel wanted the floor to swallow him. “It’s not the price or the books, it’s me. They don’t think I am a good risk.”

  “What? You are young, healthy and strong. You have saved enough to pay for more than half the store. What else could they want?”

  “A wife.”

  Mr. Brook sputtered on his coffee. “What’s a wife got to do with my store?”

  “The banker seems to think I won’t be able to stay in one place for long. He said I will find the pull of the trail too attractive and will be off chasing steers as soon as I feel like it. I tried to tell him that those days are behind me. I only ever got involved with wrangling to get the money together to buy me a business. I want to stay in Clover Springs. Ma needs me nearby. When you said you were selling the store, it was the opportunity I was looking for. But now I can’t buy it.” Daniel paused, looking at the man who meant a lot more to his family than just being a neighbor.

  “I am sorry, Mr. Brook. I know you depended on my buying the store so you could go live with Jessica back East. I have racked my brains, but there is no way I can find a wife in a month.”

  “What does your Ma think?”

  “I haven’t told her yet. With her being poorly, I didn’t want to add to her worries. I have tried everything. I asked Davy if he could lend me the rest of the money, but he has been helping Brian out with law school. He doesn’t have that type of cash. I thought then I could look for these raiders and earn some of that reward.”

  “Oh, lad, it’s a fine mess we are in, isn’t it? But as my old daddy used to say, two heads is better than one. We will find a way to keep those bankers happy. Let’s think on it a while. Why don’t you go see how your Ma is? Come back tomorrow and we will have another talk.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Brook. Thank you for being so nice about it. I wouldn’t mess up your plans. I hope you know that.”

  “Daniel Sullivan, I have known you since you were no more than a glimmer in your father’s eye. It’s a pity we don’t have a bank here in Clover Springs. A local banker is much more easily influenced than a fella sitting in a big office up in Denver.”

  Chapter 28

  The morning of her wedding, Katie was up early. Mrs. Sullivan, who had fully recovered, had prepared a bath for her and lent her some scented soap.

  “It’s not every day a girl gets married. It’s such a pity your own kin aren’t here to share the day with you.”

  “It is best. My father wouldn’t hold with me marrying someone I haven’t met yet. It’s different back home. Usually you marry someone you have known all your life. Occasionally you may marry a cousin or distant relative of your neighbor. But marrying someone you have only exchanged letters with…” Katie paused. “He would rather die than give me away today.”

  “Was it so bad you had to leave Ireland? I thought the famine was all but over? I can’t bear to think of my Elizabeth having to make a journey like the one you and Ellen have endured. She is lucky to have you with her.”

  “I am the fortunate one. Ellen has a way of making everyone laugh. She sees the sunny side of everything. I am altogether too serious if she is not around. I just hope…” Katie fell silent. It wasn’t appropriate for her to discuss her betrothed, eve
n with someone who had the potential of becoming a very dear friend.

  “What do you hope, Katie? Do you have to go through with the wedding today? Before you think it’s charity I am offering you, I would expect you to work hard. Both of you. You could consider staying with me and courting your husband before you make such a commitment. You are only young.”

  “You are so very kind, but no thank you. I have already given Mr. Cassidy my word, and I never break a promise. I hope he won’t mind taking Ellen on as well. We are both hard workers and will earn our keep, but I do not want to leave her alone anywhere. She is too young and naive in the ways of the world.”

  Mrs. Sullivan sighed. “If you are sure, I won’t stand in your way. I just wanted you to know you have options.”

  “I know that, and I am grateful, but as my mother used to say, I have made my bed and now I must lie in it.”

  Mrs. Sullivan shook her head before leaving Katie to have her bath in peace.

  It didn’t take long to walk to the church. Katie struggled to calm her emotions as she stood outside accompanied by Ellen and Mrs. Sullivan. Katie couldn’t help but pray Mr. Cassidy would be late, as it would delay her wedding for a little while longer. Now that the time had come to pledge to love, honor and obey a man she hadn’t met, she wasn’t as sure she could go through with it.

  Her eyes searched the town for Daniel. She didn’t know if she was upset or relieved there was no sign of him.

  “Not what you dreamt of, is it?” Ellen whispered.

  Katie couldn’t answer; the lump in her throat was too big. Picking up her skirt she walked up the steps. Reverend Timmons was right. The women of Clover Springs did enjoy a wedding. She was surprised to find a small crowd waiting inside the church. It didn’t take long for news to spread in this part of the world. She looked at the men wondering if one was Mr. Cassidy. But he would be standing at the altar not sitting in a pew. In his letters, her beau had described himself as being tall, with good looks and plenty of charm. Just like Daniel.

  Just then, she heard loud voices. A couple of men accompanied Reverend Timmons into the Church. Their appearance left a lot to be desired. They looked expectantly around them.

  Katie kept her eyes glued to the floor, hoping neither of these men was her soon-to-be husband.

  “I am Virgil Cassidy and this here be my brother, Montis.” He spat on the ground before moving toward Katie. “Is this his wife to be? Isn’t he a lucky fellow?”

  Katie shivered, trying hard to swallow the bile in her throat as Virgil Cassidy looked her up and down. She crossed her arms. It was as if he could see beneath her clothes. She looked to her beau only to find him staring at his shoes. He seemed embarrassed, as if he would prefer to be anywhere but here.

  Her stomach quivered and it took every ounce of self-control to speak. Her voice shaking slightly, she stepped forward.

  “I am Kathleen O’Callaghan, and this is my sister Ellen. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Deliberately, Katie ignored Virgil and directed her greeting to her soon-to-be husband. He didn’t look up not even when his brother laughed.

  “You’re a spirited filly. Maybe you are marrying the wrong brother. Perhaps I should stand in his place.” Virgil took a step nearer. Katie instinctively stood back, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible.

  “Thank you for the offer, but my contract is with Montis Cassidy. He is the one I promised to marry.” Katie cursed the fact that her voice shook. She didn’t want this man to know just how much he scared her.

  “Perhaps I can marry your sister then. We could have a double wedding. Wouldn’t that be something?” Virgil made a show of bowing to Ellen as if courting her.

  The small congregation heard Katie’s intake of breath before she fainted right there in front of everyone. Or at least that’s what she hoped they would think. As expected, Mrs. Sullivan ordered everyone to stand back and give her some air. The older woman knelt down beside Katie.

  “Katie, are you alright?”

  “Sorry, I guess I shouldn’t have skipped breakfast, but I was so excited about my wedding day. I am being silly, but I do need some air. Could you please help me out to the step? I can’t breathe in here,” Katie said in what she hoped was a dramatic tone. When Mrs. Sullivan leaned forward to help her up, she saw Virgil make his way toward his brother. She took the opportunity to whisper to Mrs. Sullivan that they needed to leave now. Her new friend gave her a quizzical look before saying smoothly, “Out of our way, gentlemen. It would seem that the teasing has got a little too much for the bride-to-be. Let her grab a bit of air. You don’t mind waiting, do you, Reverend? Thank you.” She didn’t even give Reverend Timmons a chance to answer. “Ellen, take your sister’s other arm and help me.”

  Ellen did as she was bid. Only when they were at the door did Virgil turn to speak.

  “Hey, stop, little lady. I was only playing with you. I have me a fiancée already.”

  Katie ignored him; she needed to get Mrs. Sullivan and Ellen outside.

  “Katie, are you okay? You look like you saw a ghost.”

  Katie ignored her sister. She didn’t have much time.

  “Mrs. Sullivan, please take Ellen and go get the sheriff and send him here. Then take Ellen back to the boarding house. Do not come back here no matter what happens.”

  “The sheriff? Why, Katie?”

  “The man in there is one of the train robbers. Please just go and send the sheriff as soon as you can. I will stall them inside for as long as possible. Don’t tell anyone else. We don’t know who was working with him and I want him caught for poor Mr. Smithson. Hurry, but remember, do not come back no matter what. Promise me.”

  Ellen dithered, causing Katie to push her sister down the street. She begged Mrs. Sullivan to go after her sister. “I will be fine, Mrs. Sullivan, but please hurry.”

  Taking a deep breath and rubbing her hands up and down the side of her dress, Katie picked up her skirts and made her way slowly back inside. Please, God, make them come back soon. Before the ceremony is over.

  Chapter 29

  The ladies walked as quickly as they could towards the sheriff’s office.

  “Mrs. Sullivan, stop. I can’t breathe,” Ellen said, trying to catch her breath.

  Mrs. Sullivan didn’t slow her pace. “Come on, Ellen. We must hurry. Katie needs us.”

  Finally, they reached the jailhouse, leaving what seemed like half of Clover Springs staring after them. It wasn’t every day the townsfolk saw a matron and a young girl dressed in their Sunday best racing down the street. But there wasn’t time to think about that now. Katie was in trouble and needed her help.

  Daniel cleared the soiled hay in the livery stables at the end of town, working hard and fast as if the Devil himself was after him. How could she marry a man she had never met? She didn’t have to go ahead with the marriage, never mind her talk about giving her word. The pitchfork he was holding hit the bale of hay viciously.

  “Hey, take it easy. What that hay ever done to you?”

  George, the old stock hand laughed, revealing a wad of half chewed tobacco. At the look on Daniel’s face, the laugh quickly turned into a cough. The older man spat a stream of tobacco juice out the side of his mouth, leaving a brown trail on his graying whiskers. “What in blazes has got into you, Sullivan?”

  Daniel didn’t reply. What was he supposed to say? The woman he loved was getting married to someone else. A stranger nobody in Clover Springs had seen, never mind heard of. The woman he was in love with.

  What was wrong with him? Standing here up to his neck in evil smelling hay when he should be at the church stopping this farce of a wedding. If Katie knew how he felt, maybe she would change her mind. But she knew already, didn’t she?

  He went back to pitching the hay once again.

  “Steady on, young fella. I haven’t done anything, so don’t be taking your temper out on the poor hay or me. If you got troubles, you should go sort them out.”

  Be
fore Daniel could retort, they heard gunshots. His heart froze as he realized they came from the direction of the church. Katie. Dropping the pitchfork, he jumped onto his horse and raced off.

  Daniel appeared, half dressed, at the church door. Half the town seemed to be there. He grew conscious of the stares. Looking down, he saw his shirt wasn’t completely closed and he was in the process of pulling up his suspenders.

  His color rose, but still he moved forward. He saw a man he didn’t recognize clutching his arm, the blood soaking his shirt. His injury didn’t stop the deputy from holding onto him tightly.

  The gunshots. Katie? She could be hurt.

  Katie walked slowly outside, the sunlight blinding her as she struggled to take in what had just happened. Relief flooded through her as she spotted Daniel. Why wasn’t he dressed?

  “Katie, what on earth? Did you get married? I heard gunshots.”

  “I’m not hurt. I couldn’t get married. Oh, Daniel.”

  “Oh, you feel it too. I wanted to say something but…” He took a step toward her.

  Katie clenched her fingers over and over again. She tried but failed to get her shaking limbs under control. A wave of dizziness came over her.

  “What?” Was he saying he thought of her too? He couldn’t be. Her mind was playing tricks on her. It must be the shock. Anyway, this was neither the time nor the place.