His Prairie Duchess

by Kit Morgan

  She continued to write down their suggestions and names of people to help them with this and that. She liked listening to their voices as she couldn’t listen to her own. But after awhile, the sweet sound of their chatter began to make her feel inferior. It was one thing to feel that way with Duncan and any chance of their friendship growing into something more. It was another with the women around her. Would she ever be like them? She was nervous about the dance. Would people be watching her all night? Would anyone make fun of her? Would she be the brunt of many a joke?

  It had been that way after she lost her voice when younger, and as she got older it became a definite liability. After all, she couldn’t cry out if a man...

  She shook off the thought as a chill whipped up her spine.

  “Cozette, are you all right?” Belle asked concerned.

  She took another breath and nodded.

  “Do you have anything you’d like to add? Sadie asked.

  Cozette froze. They were asking her? What did she know about planning a dance or any social function for that matter? The question made her suddenly feel like the proverbial fish out of water. She suddenly longed for her buckskins, bow and arrow. She could then slip away and disappear into the line of pine trees that bordered the prairie...

  “Cozette?” Polly urged.

  She quickly shook her head no. But the cold panic the question raised did not disappear. What was she doing anyway? Was she out of her mind? The entire town would be there plus the settlers. They would all see her as a girl now! All of them! She could never hide behind her buckskins and dirty face again. People would probably stare and point at her all evening! Ever since the day her father forced her to reveal herself in the storeroom of the saloon, she knew her life would never be the same and thought she could handle it. And since then she’d been sequestered out at the Van Cleets. It made her feel safe to be with them and her father. She’d travelled with them across part of the Oregon territory to Clear Creek and knew she could trust them. But what of the other people in Clear Creek? What about the settlers who were coming?

  Cozette shifted about in her chair as she grew more agitated.

  But Duncan said he would protect her didn’t he? Yes, he did. He said so in the saloon the day he first saw her dressed as a girl. He said he would because other men would try to take her. She shuddered at the thought.

  What would it be like then at a dance with so many men? Should she attend at all?

  “I think that takes care of everything.” Sadie said in satisfaction then looked to Cozette. “Now, let’s go see about finding the right dress for you to wear.”

  Cozette stiffened in her chair. To go to the dance could mean danger. She should tell the Cookes that she couldn’t go. Even with Duncan there, how could he protect her from so many men? She’d seen the looks from the few men who’d seen her. They were not at all nice and their looks made her skin crawl. They looked at her the same way Mr. Holmes had.

  There were four of them. They stood near the hotel building site as she and her father started their trek to the Van Cleet’s place. They stared at her as she and her father passed and looked like they wanted to eat her alive!

  Cozette again shuddered. She watched the excited faces of Sadie and Belle and closed her eyes a moment to calm herself. She suddenly wanted to flee the room and run to the barn. For some reason wearing a dress made her feel helpless. Probably because her father wouldn’t let her wear any of her weapons along with it.

  Sadie and Belle stood, as did the others. “Come along Cozette, this will be fun!” Belle said as she took her by the arm and pulled her out of the chair.

  Cozette actually gulped. Fun for them maybe. But for Cozette, she felt more like she was being dressed up for a fancy dinner. Only she was the main course.

  Ten

  On the Sixteenth day...

  “You drive a hard bargain, gentlemen. But we are agreed.”

  Thackary shook Jeb’s hand. He’d been right. The four men he’d played cards with two days ago were exactly what he was looking for. A bit spendy for his taste considering he likened them on the same level as any common thief in London, but so long as they got the job done, he’d be a happy man. Not to mention a newly titled and extremely wealthy one.

  “I have to hand it to you, Mr. Holmes, you’re a might nastier than I first figured. You don’t look the type at all.” Jeb told him.

  “Yes, I know. It’s always been to my advantage, I assure you.”

  “You realize who these fellas are you’re dealing with don’t ya? This doesn’t go right, and them Cookes find out you’re behind it, you’re a dead man sure.”

  “Well then, you had better make doubly sure you don’t fail me, hmm?”

  Jeb smiled just before he spit. “Don’t you worry none, Mr. Holmes. Me and the boys are gonna enjoy this job. You have no idea how much.”

  Jeb’s three companions sneered, an odd gleam in their eyes. Thackary silently congratulated himself on finding the absolute lowest scum in the territory. “Just so long as the job is done thoroughly. I don’t want any slip ups, understand?”

  “No problem there. We know what we’re doin.”

  “Good. See that you do. Now gentlemen, I must away. I have to see if I have anything suitable to wear to a dance.”

  “Dance? What dance?” Jeb asked.

  Thackary looked at each man before his lips formed a thin line. “No need for any of you to worry over a silly dance. Besides, you need an invitation to attend. Now run along and get to work.”

  Jeb looked to his companions. None of them acted as if they were ready to leave. He turned back to Thackary. “What dance, Mr. Holmes?”

  “Will there be women there?” One man asked, hopeful.

  “Purty women?” Added another.

  Thackary sighed. “The Cookes are having a dance next week and as it’s invitation only I’m afraid you’re out of luck. Now if you’ll excuse me?”

  “You mean to tell me you’re gonna attend a dance at the ranch of the very people you plan to steal from?”

  “Of course.” Thackary drawled.

  “You got guts Mr. Holmes.”

  Thackary smiled. “There’s a saying gentlemen. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Now please excuse me. And stay away from that dance! I don’t want them to suspect a thing.”

  He mounted a horse and left. They met several miles outside of town to avoid suspicion. Jeb rubbed his stubbled jaw and watched as Thackary Holmes trotted his horse over a small rise and disappeared.

  “You think there’ll be women at that dance, Jeb?” Johnny, the youngest in the gang asked.

  “Wouldn’t be a dance without em.”

  “You think we can steal some and take em up the ridge with us? Be nice to have some womenfolk around for a spell.”

  “I’ll tell you one thing Johnny,” Jeb began. “We’ll not only find what this dance is all about, but if’n there’s a pretty gal you take a fancy to, well, we’ll just see about having ourselves a good time with her ya hear?”

  “Yes sir I do!” Johnny said and nodded enthusiastically.

  “I don’t care what that fancy pants says, boys. We’re going to a dance!” Jeb exclaimed to the rest.

  His gang cheered, mounted their horses, and then left to go do the despicable bidding of Thackary Holmes.

  * * *

  Sadie arrived at the Van Cleet’s exactly when she said she would. Her husband Harrison was with her. Cozette watched from her tiny bedroom window as he helped her down from the wagon then escorted her to the front door. She heard them knock and a moment later listened as Polly opened the door. Greetings were exchanged along with an invitation to coffee but Harrison had to get back to the ranch, and would she let Mr. Duprie know they’d like to have Cozette stay for dinner?

  Cozette immediately went to the small mirror on the wall. She would surely see a lot of Duncan if she was to spend the entire day at the Triple C! She quickly ran a brush through her long hair. She wanted to
put it up, but didn’t know the first thing on how to go about it. At least not the way other women were able to put up their hair. Sadie and Belle had pinned it up so beautifully the day they bathed and dressed her. She’d not been able to wear it that way since. Would they style it for her the day of the dance? But then, would she be going?

  “Cozette? Sadie’s here!” Polly called up the stairs.

  Cozette quickly turned to the door then glanced about her small room. What other dresses she had Polly hung in the armoire in her and Mr. Van Cleets room. Should she change? She was wearing the yellow calico today. But Duncan liked her in the pink...

  “Cozette! Come down, dear. Don’t keep the Cookes waiting.”

  Cozette took a deep breath and left her room. The yellow would have to do.

  “Good morning!” Harrison called up the stairs as he watched her descend. “How are you on this fine morning, Miss Duprie?”

  He looked at her so cheerfully, much the same way Duncan had two days before as he teased her. She must remind herself that not all men are bad and the Cooke brothers were quickly becoming a good example of what a gentleman was supposed to be. She envied Sadie in that moment as she watched Harrison bend at the waist, lift Polly’s hand to his lips, and kiss it in farewell.

  Polly blushed something fierce and giggled like a school girl. “You Cooke boys are all alike! And I’m glad. Now you three run along and have a good day.”

  “If it becomes too late Cozette can stay the night.” Sadie said. “Would that be all right with you, Cozette? I have something you could wear to bed.”

  Spend the night? Sleep in the same house with Duncan? The mere thought sent an odd tingly sensation throughout her entire being. To be so close to him, and for such a long time...

  “Cozette!” Polly exclaimed. “Tarnation, what’s gotten into you this morning? Aren’t you feeling well?”

  Cozette slowly looked to her. The strange, tingly sensation began to grow. She shook her head then looked to the door. She took one step, two. She felt as if everything around her suddenly went still and she was the only living thing moving. What was this? The mere thought of being near Duncan had her plumb senseless!

  She stopped at the door when Harrison quickly moved to open it for her. She walked through as soon as he did, followed by Sadie. As she walked toward the wagon the tingly sensation continued to grow. And each time she thought about seeing Duncan a shiver went up her spine.

  She nearly jumped out of her skin when Harrison took her hand to help her up onto the wagon. She scooted to the other end of the seat as he helped Sadie then climbed up himself.

  This, Cozette thought to herself, is going to be a very long day.

  * * *

  Sadie chatted away as Harrison drove them home. He engaged Cozette in the conversation and she sensed he kept it so she could easily answer them with simple gestures and expressions. How kind of him, she thought. He was trying to learn how she communicated.

  She stole quick glances at the couple as the horses trotted along. Anyone could see they were deeply and madly in love. At least that’s what Cozette figured it had to be. If not that then what? She made a mental note to herself to watch and see if she saw the same thing between Belle and her husband Colin.

  Before she knew it they were driving up to the grand looking two story ranch house. At least it was the grandest house she’d ever seen. She marveled the first time she saw it and marveled at it now. The barn was also huge and as Sadie mentioned the day before, could easily accommodate the dance. She noticed a man sat on the front porch of the small log cabin beyond the barn. He got up, stepped off the porch and began to make his way toward them. She’d not paid much attention to the little cabin on her first visit.

  “I dare say, but Jefferson is coming to say hello.” Harrison told Sadie.

  “I wonder what he wants?” Sadie said as Harrison brought the wagon to a halt in front of the house.

  “I’m sure I don’t know, but do intend to find out.” He said as he set the brake then hopped down.

  He helped the two of them out of the wagon, said good day and went to unhitch the horses. The man from the cabin followed Harrison into the barn. Sadie stood with Cozette on the front porch of the house and watched the barn a moment before she took her by the arm and led her inside.

  “Shall I make us some tea?” Sadie asked.

  Cozette smiled and nodded. She then followed Sadie down a hall, into the huge kitchen, and froze.

  The biggest stove she’d ever seen sat like a cast iron monarch enthroned against one wall. Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened to saucers. Oh. My. Goodness! Will you look at that! It’s positively beautiful!

  Sadie caught her expression and laughed. “Big, isn’t it? Everyone looks at my stove like that when they first see it. I guess my father thought I’d be cooking for an army when he had it sent out from Oregon City.”

  Cozette approached the stove as if it were a wild deer she feared would bound away if frightened. The heat from it reached her from halfway across the room and she noted the radius of its warmth. The thing probably heated a good part of the house in the winter. She looked to Sadie and slowly shook her head in awe. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful thing! You really could cook for an army with that and then some!

  Sadie set about checking the water of the kettle already on the stove. She moved it to a different position then took off her bonnet. “Let’s give the water a few minutes, then we can have our tea. Please sit down while I go fetch the tea set.”

  Cozette nodded as she stared at the magnificent stove another moment before taking in the rest of the kitchen. It was beautiful. For many women she knew the kitchen meant hard work and lots of it. But to Cozette it represented a whole new world. One she barely remembered from her childhood before her mother...

  She pushed the thought aside and sat at the kitchen table. It too was big and could easily seat six to eight people. She ran her hand over the pretty checkered table cloth and admired the work table and other pieces of furniture in the room. All designed to be functional and help the lady of the house.

  She recalled a conversation she overheard between her mother and father many years ago. My beautiful Marcelle, one day you will have servants to attend to you. No more will you work until your hands are red and raw. I promise you this. A grand house I will give you! You will see!”

  But her father only got as far as a two room cabin in the north country. She remembered the hearth over which her mother cooked their meals. There was never a stove.

  “Hello...”

  Cozette jumped in her chair and let go a tiny gasp.

  Duncan stood in the doorway to the kitchen. He smiled, leaned against the door frame, and pushed his hat up with a single finger. “What brings you to our humble home?”

  Cozette looked for Sadie but she’d obviously not returned. Other than the back door, he was blocking the only door into the kitchen. Cozette smiled shyly and made as if she held a cup and saucer.

  “Ah, Sadie must be getting the tea set together. I thought I heard her poking about in the dining room.”

  “You heard right,” Sadie said as she carried a tray laden with tea cups, saucers and a matching teapot and waited for Duncan to move out of the way. It was the same pretty set she’d used the last time Cozette was at the ranch.

  Belle was right on her heels and followed her into the kitchen. “Cozette! I’m so glad you’re here!” She went to her and gave her a light hug. “Aren’t you glad Cozette came to visit us today, Duncan?”

  Duncan smiled but said nothing.

  Belle glanced to Sadie who was taking the tea canister off the shelf of a hutch. “You will have a cup of tea with us won’t you, Duncan?” She asked.

  Sadie stole a glance at Belle. “Yes, you should have a cup before you go back out.” She then turned to him. “What are you doing here anyway? Lunch won’t be ready for an hour.”

  “I came to see what was keeping Harrison. Colin’s still out with Mr
. Kincaid.”

  “Harrison is in the barn with Jefferson.”

  Duncan suddenly straightened, his expression serious. “Do tell?” He looked to Cozette, bowed slightly, then tipped his hat. “Ladies, if you will excuse me.” He then left.

  Cozette could only sit and stare after him. Oh how she wished he would stay. But this was a big ranch which required lots of work. Even she knew that much.

  Belle pulled out a chair and sat. “Jefferson is Duncan’s step father, as well as Harrison’s and Colin’s. He doesn’t speak to them very much so to have him out in the barn talking to one of them is significant. You understand.”

  Cozette smiled. Of course she did. And it explained why he didn’t live in the same house with them.

  “I think the water’s ready.” Sadie said. “Cookies or biscuits?”

  Belle looked to Cozette. “Which would you like?”

  Biscuit. She mouthed as if naturally speaking. She brought a hand to her throat in response. This was happening more often. But why? It had never happened until she started to spend time with Duncan.

  “Cozette,” Belle began. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but when was the last time you tried to talk?”

  Cozette smiled. Only a few days ago with Duncan. But how can I tell you that?

  “Oh! Wait right there!” Sadie exclaimed and hurried out of the room.

  Belle suddenly smiled then looked to her. “I saw the list you made yesterday. You have lovely handwriting.”

  Cozette blushed at the compliment. A moment later Sadie re-entered the kitchen with paper, ink pot, and a pen. She set them on the table in front of Cozette. “There, now we can figure out the decorations. Both women smiled at her, their eyes bright.

  With the pen and paper in front of her, Cozette had no where to hide. She had no excuse not to communicate. And if her guess was right, Duncan was sure to come back to the house before he returned to work.

  Suddenly Cozette felt more exposed than she ever had in her life.