Most Unsuitable Wife

by Clemmons, Caroline

  As she undressed, she started with her face and worked down. The touch of the wet cloth on her body and the cool air on her damp skin brought shivers of apprehension and wonder.

  She bathed her breasts and felt her nipple harden when the air touched her wet skin. She moved down her torso in slow circular motions. How would it feel to have her husband touch her skin? Warmth pooled in her stomach and she hugged her arms in distress.

  Oh, Lord, maybe she was wicked as Granny so often accused, as weak as her mother. But Mama had said she truly loved Pearl's father, that he brought her great joy until she learned he was engaged to marry another. They had planned to wed but his parents chose a wealthy wife for him, not the daughter of a poor widow.

  Pearl thought of the handsome man she soon would wed. Was it wrong to want that man's strong touch? Did he also want to feel her hands on his skin? Her face burned at the thought.

  Evan and his wife were the only happy couple whose confidence she shared. She remembered the gentle way they touched, the soft smiles the two exchanged right up until Mrs. Cummins' death. What Evan and Pearl Cummins shared with one another couldn't be wrong? No, it couldn't be.

  She recalled Drake taking her hand and pulling her to his side. It had felt right to have his arm about her waist, her hand in his. Tingles shot through her, almost as many as earlier when her fiancé touched her.

  Her fiancé. Dear Lord, the gangly spinster actually has a fiancé. With a shrug she attacked the dirt on her feet.

  Enough of your fancies. You'd best be thinking about how to get yourself and yours away from this place, not daydreaming such wanton thoughts.

  She slept only fitfully in spite of the weariness that plagued her body. Her mind whirled with lists of tasks to be accomplished and fears of being stopped before they could escape, fears of what awaited her in Texas. Of one thing she was certain, it would be better than anything offered in Pipers Hollow.

  Better for her, better for Sarah, better for Storm. She could not contain her smile, barely suppressed a giggle. Yes, better even for "Cousin" Belle.

  Bitter memories roiled up to consume her. How happy she would be to leave this place forever. Yet sadness tinged that feeling. This home had served four generations of Parkers. Strong and secure, the house could not be blamed for her grandmother's cruelty or the evil lurking in the community.

  What waited in Texas?

  Whatever awaited her, she hoped it would bring more happiness to her family than this place ever furnished any of them. And she hoped this house would be a safe dwelling for Tom Black Bear.

  Last night Drake and Lex returned to Evan's home. What they would say should someone seek out Evan in the night, she could only wonder. With a sigh, she made preparations for the day's baking plus enough to keep them a day or two into the trip. She smiled, remembering how much the two men ate last night. Better pack a lot extra.

  Silent as a wraith, Sarah slipped into the room. "It's early to start your baking."

  Pearl gave her head a shake. "There's so much to get done today."

  "Belle and I packed our things last night before we went to sleep. I'm so anxious to get away from here, but I'm a little sad, too."

  Pearl placed her hands on her sister's shoulders and searched Sarah's face. How could she have been so selfish? "Oh, my poor dearest. I know you'll hate leaving Roxie, um Rochelle. Remember, though, it's what she wants for you.” Pearl bit her lip. Rochelle Jorgensen was known to most after the name of her tavern, Roxie's Place, but Sarah hated that nickname and its associations.

  "Yes, I know it's for the best, but I hate to leave her here alone. Even though you've always been the one to take care of me, she's my mother. I know she loves me and she'll miss us."

  "Rochelle will be fine, love. Remember, she's only waiting until we leave to go away herself."

  "Do you think she might come to Texas, too?”

  Pearl hated to quench the hopeful look in her sister's eyes, but she saw no point in holding out false assurances. "No, dear. Rochelle wants you to have a new start, and hopes for one herself. We'll all have a fresh beginning. Wherever she goes is bound to be better than here.”

  "I know, but I wonder if I'll ever see her again.” The girl brushed away a tear and produced a trembling smile for Pearl. "Texas sounds nice the way the men described it."

  "Yes, it sounds perfect for us. You can imagine how surprised I was to have Drake propose before I could offer to work for his family."

  "Oh, Pearl, are you sure you should marry him? You don't even know him. He's truly handsome, but he might be mean to you. Look how handsome Quin is, and he's a horrible man."

  "Quin's been nicer since I defended him against those kids. Remember when they taunted him about his mother's illness? That incident seemed to make a great change in the way he treats us."

  "Only if there's no one else around to hear or see."

  Pearl couldn't deny that fact. "Well, at least he's civil to us now. It isn't his fault his mother went mad, any more than it's our fault our father won't recognize us as his.”

  She longed to be truthful, to express her fears and misgivings about her engagement. Her sense of responsibility suppressed those thoughts and she donned a facade of calm optimism. "Anyway, Drake seems very nice, for all that he is a bit bossy. Probably stubborn as a mule, too. And, Lord, doesn't he eat enough for two people? He's sure nice looking, though.”

  She hugged her younger sister. "His family are friends with Evan and Evan likes him, so how bad could he be? Besides, he truly needs a wife or he'll lose his ranch--even the house on it and all his cattle. We need to get away from here or who knows what will happen?"

  Sarah still looked pensive. "I think there must be mean people everywhere. What if someone else tries to take us away?”

  "With me married to a solid man like Drake Kincaid, no one can ever take you and Storm away from me. Since his cousin is a lawyer and his grandfather a judge, we'll be safe as bugs in a rug."

  Sarah paled. "Oh, no. You can't marry for Storm and me."

  Pearl hurried to correct her mistake. "Well, no, it's not just for you.”

  Keep your doubts to yourself. You're the older sister here.

  "Evan thinks Drake is a good man and will be a good husband and father. Also, Drake didn't mind at all that I bring you and Storm with me, and his own cousin travels with him. He must like family around. Doing his grandfather's bidding to pay respects to Evan is the reason he came here in the first place. Besides, I want a husband with children and a home of my own in a nice, safe place."

  Her brother slid down the ladder from the loft. "He cares for animals, too. That horse is powerful, in perfect condition and very loyal to him. This speaks well for any man.”

  Pearl smiled at her brother. Trust him to judge a man by his animals. His cynicism had turned to admiration and excitement last night when he learned he could help move Drake's expensive thoroughbreds to Texas. "Ahh. So, now you approve of my decision?”

  A sheepish grin spread across Storm's face and he tilted his head. "There are many advantages to this move."

  Pearl patted Sarah's shoulder. "When I go in to town, I'll tell Rochelle about our decision. I'm sure she can slip over to see you before we leave.” She turned to hug Storm, "And I'll ask your grandfather to come for dinner.”

  Storm stood lost in thought, then sighed and looked around the room. "I know we have to leave the animals. Thank you for giving them to Grandfather. He'll live well in this house. If ever my mother wishes to return, she will have a place here also.” His eyes roamed the room with a look that seemed filled with regret.

  "Yes, and your grandfather will take good care of everything.” She touched his arm, then slid her hands to his thin shoulders. "I promise that if you ever regret our move, Storm, you can return and live here with your grandfather. But I hope you'll love our new home and want to remain there with Sarah and me.”

  All business again, she dropped her hands and scanned the room. "Now, we have a millio
n things to do today, so let's get busy."

  Pearl resumed working as she reviewed their plans with Sarah and Storm. "Drake said he'll bring the wagons and mules today. We'll have only one wagon for our things and a bed for Belle."

  "I'll try not to be a burden on the trip.” Belle's voice startled the three. When they turned, the dainty woman advanced slowly into the room. A rainbow of bruises mottled her pale skin and a long cut on her cheek almost reached an eye.

  Pearl rushed to her. "It's so good to see you up and dressed. Are you certain you feel well enough, though?"

  "I must gain strength for the trip.” Tears welled in her brandy-colored eyes. She placed her hand on Pearl's arm. "Th-thank you so much for including me in your family."

  Pearl reached for her friend to reassure her. "There, now. I could never leave you behind."

  "You know, I could hear the two you from the bedroom. When I heard that man ask you to marry him, I was so frightened. Oh, I know it's selfish, but I couldn't help it.”

  Belle closed her eyes and paled even more, her fingers tight on her friend's arm. Her voice lowered to a whisper meant only for Pearl's ears. "It wouldn't take another beating to kill me. If I had to go back to the life at Roxie's, I'd die of despair.”

  "You'll never have to. We'll all have a fresh start, just as I promised.” She lay her arm across the small woman's shoulders, cautious of pressure on Belle's battered muscles. "Now, you take care. There's much to be done this day. I'd best get started to town."

  After assigning duties to her brother and sister, Pearl left laden with deliveries. One more day, and they would be safe, away from this place where sinister events plagued them. But, she wondered, could she ever feel truly secure? Would she ever feel as if she belonged, even in her new home with her own husband?

  * * *

  Drake urged the mules forward into the fading twilight. Pearl sat ramrod straight beside him, refusing to look back as the only home she ever knew disappeared in the background. In the wagon bed behind their seat, Belle sat on the feather bed ticking, pillows propped behind her.

  Ahead Lex guided the wagon bearing Evan and their supplies. They agreed Evan must be in the lead wagon to prevent his inhaling dust. Though his pulse beat stronger, his breath still came in difficult rasps. Beside Lex, Sarah half-turned to wave a last good-bye to Tom Black Bear.

  At the rear of their group, Storm guided the string of horses made up of the three men's mounts and Drake's four new mares. No one spoke. The only sounds were the wagon’s creaking, jangling harnesses, rattling cargo, and occasional mules or horses blowing.

  Even with hope budding in her heart, she refused to relax her vigilance. Her glance darted to every tree and bush, every boulder. All the while she prayed no one rushed forward to stop their progress.

  With each bump along the rutted road, Pearl jostled against Drake. Since the minute he held her hand the previous day, his presence made her nerves hum with awareness. This handsome man would soon become her husband. He had been kind, but remained distant.

  Pearl stored the memories of their leaving. She inhaled the fragrances of the plants, woodsmoke from the cabin, even the plodding animals and their dust. As she bounced against her betrothed, she separated the unique scent of the man beside her to store it in a special part of her mind even as her eyes continued their vigilance.

  He does not want to be married, is only marrying me to protect what he feels is already his. Will he take out his resentment on me and my family? What could he be thinking now?

  When they had ridden for almost an hour, she broke the silence. "Did things go well in town? I mean, did you have trouble getting the supplies and everything without being seen?"

  "No trouble. We got the storekeeper to open up late in the evening by going to the back door. The letters we left for the mayor and the council members should get to them tomorrow. Also your letter to the banker asking him to send your money."

  "And no one except Pete saw you?” She held her breath while she waited for his answer.

  "Not that we knew. The alley behind the store was dark."

  "That's good, then. Pete's dependable.”

  The man at her side made no more comments. She longed to know him, find out about his life and the one awaiting her. "Tell me about your home."

  The full moon rising over the trees cast a silvery glow on his face as he turned his head to meet her glance. "What do you want to know?"

  "Well, what do you raise there, besides horses?"

  He looked surprised. "I raise cattle, not horses. The market is changing, though. Railroads mainly. Barbed wire is coming, and farmers."

  She waited while he paused. When he didn't add more, she probed. "Then, the horses are for your pleasure?"

  "What? No. I thought I might take some thoroughbreds and cross them with the range mustangs. Lots of ranchers do that. Breeds a tough animal that rides easy, moves fast."

  "For use on your ranch?"

  "Yes, but maybe also to sell--if I get lucky.” He gave her a puzzled look. "You really interested in all this?"

  Did he think she talked just to hear herself? She bristled. "Of course. You may take it all for granted, but it's new to me. I want to learn all I can about my new home."

  "Sorry. I'm not used to a woman caring about the ranch. Most of the ones I know only care about the latest fashion or the next social event."

  "Hmph. Then maybe you've known the wrong women.” She thought he chuckled, but couldn't be certain.

  "Yes, ma'am. I guess I have at that.” He urged the mules forward, and she gave up trying to coax information from him.

  Close to midnight they stopped to rest the animals and let the humans stretch their legs. Accustomed to walking everywhere, Pearl's muscles rebelled at the bouncing of the journey. Drake her helped from the wagon.

  Their eyes met and he held her gaze. Her legs almost refused support. He continued to hold her waist and moved near. She thought he might say something. Or kiss her. Then Lex called something to him and the mood broke. Drake moved away with a shake of his head.

  She watched him speak to his cousin and walk along the string of horses with Storm. Two thoughts occurred to her, each powerful in its own way. Drake was as affected by her as she was by him. And, heaven help her, she wanted his kiss.

  As agreed, they planned driving straight through tonight and all day tomorrow until evening. That meant only one night's camping before Chattanooga. The light meal she prepared required neither a fire nor a lantern.

  Fearing a light of any kind might attract unwanted attention, she planned the food carefully before their journey began. Portions of cold meat, cheese, bread and milk already waited, separated and ready to serve. She also served another pie made from her store of dried apples. With Sarah's help she set out the light meal near Evan's bed.

  Lex handed a plate to Evan then walked to the other wagon. He helped Belle back onto the feather bed then fetched her a plate. They talked in quiet tones while they ate. After a half-hour's rest, they resumed their journey.

  By the time dawn broke, Pearl felt they had traveled for days. Every bone and muscle in her body protested the rough movement of the wagon over the rough road. When they came to a low water crossing, Drake called camp for breakfast.

  Turning to Pearl, he explained, "We're well into the next county. No one from Pipers Hollow has any authority here. We'll have a fire for coffee."

  Lex helped Belle from the wagon as if she were a china figurine. Sarah rushed forward to help support her frail new friend. The women went into the bushes several yards away to relieve themselves, then returned to the stream to splash water on their faces and hands.

  While the men watered the mules and horses, Pearl and Sarah cooked bacon, gravy, and biscuits. After they ate, Lex and Drake rolled in blankets and dozed while the animals cropped nearby.

  Pearl watched Storm sit with his back against a tree, his gaze combing the area around their camp. In his arms he cradled his rifle. She went to stand
beside him.

  "Aren't you going to sleep, too."

  He shook his head. "I'll sleep next time. Then Drake will watch. We made a plan before we started."

  "You think we'll have trouble?"

  "Maybe not. If we do, we won't be caught off guard.”

  Neither Pearl nor her siblings had been this far from Pipers Hollow. To Pearl, the landscape looked much the same as the one they left. The trees, hills, grasses, even the rutted and dusty road.

  One thing was very different. For the first time in her life Pearl tasted freedom.

  By midmorning the next day, it seemed they had traveled for days instead of only hours. They now climbed the steepest hill of the journey. Belle and Evan were the only passengers in the wagons. Sarah and Pearl walked.

  Occasionally, the wagons halted. Drake and Lex placed chocks to brace the back wheels so the mules could rest and blow. On this long hill, they had to stop twice for a half hour each time.

  As they crested the hill and began their descent, the women returned to ride in the wagons. The drivers had to brake almost constantly to slow the descent. Suddenly Storm shouted a warning.

  A huge boulder rolled their way. Stones and gravel followed. The massive rock narrowly missed their wagon. Large stones slammed against the tail of the second vehicle. Pearl was almost thrown from her perch by the lurch of her wagon as rocks and gravel bombarded.

  Behind them, startled horses screamed and reared. Lex turned the lead wagon to the side and set the brake. Within seconds he rushed back to help Drake.

  "Everything all right here?"

  Drake had already braked and chocked the wagon--not that it could move anywhere. Talus of the rockslide submerged one rear wheel and pushed against the planking sides. He raced with his cousin to help Storm quiet the horses. Pearl turned to help Belle, who sat coughing and waving away the cloud of dirt.

  When the dust settled and the animals quieted, Storm spoke. "I saw a man up there.” He pointed to a bush on the hillside above them. "Someone started this."

  Drake and Lex exchanged doubtful looks before Lex spoke. "Might have been an animal. Or a shadow."