His Prairie Duchess

by Kit Morgan

  “He was just a boy.”

  “I know.”

  Duncan’s head lolled to the side and he groaned again. “Cozette...”

  Cozette stood straight in her father’s arms, but he held onto her.

  “Where is my Cozette?”

  Colin smiled, almost devilishly. “Where would you like her to be?”

  Harrison put a hand over his eyes and grimaced. Sadie merely smiled.

  “I want my wife, man! Bring me my wife!” Duncan moaned and grabbed Colin by the shirt collar.

  Colin glanced quickly to Cozette. “I think you’ll have to remedy something first before you carry on like that, old boy.”

  Duncan glared at him. “What?”

  “You’re not married yet.” Colin said as he tried his best not to laugh.

  “What do you mean I’m not married?” Duncan slurred. “Of course I’m married!”

  “Good Heavens, Duprie!” Harrison interjected. “Just what did you put in that concoction you gave him?”

  Mr. Duprie merely shrugged and looked about the room. “I’ve never seen it affect anyone this way. Maybe I give him too much.”

  “It won’t hurt him will it?” Belle asked.

  “I do not think so. What he needs is rest. We should leave him.”

  “Not before we get some clean sheets and make sure he’s cooled down. Mrs. MacDonald had Cozette wipe him with a cool cloth. Belle, let’s get some dry sheets.”

  The two women left the room. Cozette watched them go then went to the bed and looked down at Duncan, her face flushed with embarrassment.

  Colin smiled. “It seems he has a definite affection for you, my dear. I do hope you reciprocate his feelings.”

  She quickly looked between Colin and Duncan, her eyes wide.

  “He’s in love with you, Cozette. I hope you feel the same way about him.” Harrison added.

  She looked at both of the Cooke men, tears in her eyes, and nodded.

  “Good,” Harrison began. “Now that we’ve settled that, what say we get something to eat. Saving our brother’s life has given me a terrible appetite! Duprie, you coming?”

  Anton stepped behind her and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “He is a good match for you ma petite. He will make you a fine husband and very happy.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  “Duprie,” Colin began as he held out his hand. “Thank you. You saved Duncan’s life.”

  “I did what anyone would do. And the woman helped.” They shook hands. “It took the two of us.”

  “We’ll thank her at the dance. I’m sure they’re still coming. In the mean time, we need to leave Duncan to his rest.” Colin said then turned to Cozette. “He’ll be all right now. Why don’t you come downstairs and get something to eat?”

  “Good Lord!” Harrison suddenly said. “Doc Waller and Cyrus are still out looking for plants! They have no idea he’s out of danger!”

  Colin laughed. “Well then, we’d best go find them.” He put his arm around Harrison and led him from the room.

  Mr. Duprie took Cozette by the hand and instead of leading her out of the room, sat her on the bed next to Duncan. “Take care of him first, ma petite. Then come eat something. I know you are not ready to leave him yet.”

  She looked at him, tears in her eyes. Oh papa, in that you are so right. So very, very, right. She looked to Duncan’s now sleeping form. I’ll never leave him so long as I live...

  * * *

  Four days later...

  Duncan swung his legs over the side of the bed and braced himself. He’d barely been out of it since ‘the incident’ and was determined not to spend another moment flat on his back. He wasn’t as dizzy as the day before when he tried this, and figured today he’d have better luck at staying on his feet.

  He slowly stood, balanced himself with his arms out, then let them fall to his sides. Duncan sighed. It felt good to stand. He slowly made his way to the window and looked outside. The Cooke women along with several others were buzzing about getting ready for the dance tomorrow night. He listened as Sadie barked orders to them with the same efficiency as her father Horatio. He smiled and turned from the window.

  He was hungry.

  Duncan made his way across the room and found a pair of pants folded and placed on a chair. He pulled them on then wandered out to the upstairs hall. Getting out of bed was one thing. Getting down the stairs another. He gripped the stair rail, and ever so slowly began his decent. He stopped only twice to let a wave of dizziness pass, then continued on and finally reached the bottom. Who would have thought traversing a staircase would feel like such an accomplishment? But it did, and he smiled at his small triumph.

  He made his way into the kitchen and stopped. His mouth dropped open and he actually gasped.

  Cozette was bent over to take something out of the oven. Her hair was up, a sight he’d not seen since the first day he saw her in a dress. Tiny strands had come loose and framed her face. She wore an apron of white over her favorite pink dress and had smatterings of this and that smeared upon it which let him know she’d been busy indeed. She seemed to have froze in place when he entered and saw her, but more than likely did so at his sudden gasp of delight.

  She was beautiful. The most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. In fact the whole sight was bloody intoxicating. The stove, Cozette, and what ever sort of confection filled the baking dish she had started to pull out of the oven.

  She slowly stood, and without looking at him, turned and placed the dish on top of the work table behind her. She set down the hot pads she used, wiped her hands on her apron and turned around.

  She uttered a delicate sound, one so utterly female Duncan felt his whole body tighten. Uh oh. Perhaps he felt better than he first thought.

  Cozette took a step toward him. She then looked about the kitchen as if deciding what she should do. A lovely blush had crept into her cheeks and he wondered if she wasn’t trying to look at anything but him. It was then he remembered he was only half dressed.

  “Oh, I do beg your pardon. I seem to be... in a state of... well...”

  She stood straight and looked away, but not before sneaking a peek without being too obvious. It was all he could do not to laugh as he watched her fight the urge to look at his bare chest.

  She backed away from him then, opened the back door and went out a moment to get something from the porch. The laundry basket. She snatched a clean shirt out of it and again, looking at anything but him, crossed the kitchen and held it out.

  Unable to help himself, he let go a chuckle. She turned her back to him as he donned the shirt and began to button it up.

  “What’s in the dish?” He asked.

  She turned around. Duncan reached out and pulled her to him. He slowly rubbed her arms with his hands as he looked down at her. “You’re beautiful when you’re blushing. Did you know that?” He whispered.

  She looked shyly up at him and shook her head.

  “Well you are. So beautiful I could look at you forever, Cozette.”

  She stared at him, her mouth half open as if to speak, but mouthed nothing. She instead looked away, a tear in her eye.

  “What’s the matter, honey?” He asked gently. “You know I won’t stand for it if you cry.”

  She closed her eyes as the single tear escaped.

  He placed a hand under her chin and lifted her face to his own. “Please don’t cry. Tell me what it is? Has something happened?”

  She slowly shook her head.

  “Then what is it, sweet heart?”

  She let go a small sigh and tried to pull away.

  “Cozette!” He said urgently, yet softly so as not to frighten her. He had to know what was wrong.

  She looked to him, looked right into his eyes. Her mouth again opened, and this time stayed that way. And ever so slowly, Cozette mouthed to him three simple words. I. Love. You.

  Duncan let loose a squeak of elation. “You did it! You used your mouth!” He grabbed her to him and swung her in a comp
lete circle. He suddenly stopped as a wave of dizziness took hold and dragged him down to the floor, Cozette with him. The room still spinning, he pulled her into his lap. “I knew you could do it. You may not have made a sound, but it’s a start.”

  She squirmed against him but he held her in place. “There now, it’s all right.”

  She stopped and looked at him, then pointed to his head.

  “I’m fine, I get dizzy sometimes, that’s all.” Good Lord but it felt good to be holding her like this. But dizziness or no dizziness, he best get them off the floor before something let both of them know he was definitely feeling better than he first thought.

  He let her go and she quickly got out of his lap. She then held out her hands to help him up.

  “I think I’d better sit a moment. Bring that chair over here will you?”

  She went to the kitchen table and brought him the nearest chair. He sat another moment then used the chair to get himself off the floor. As soon as he was able, he sat in it. “Thank you.” He said and held a hand out to her.

  She looked at it tentatively then reached out and took it. He pulled her to him. “Thank you. Thank you for everything. You hardly left my side these last few days. I don’t know what to say.”

  She smiled and looked down at him. She then reached up and gently touched his lips. Her smile broadened.

  “And what is that supposed to mean?” Duncan closed his eyes and groaned. “Oh. I know. Did I babble on that badly?”

  She raised a single eyebrow and nodded.

  “Oh dear. Did I incriminate myself horribly?”

  She nodded again as the other brow went up.

  “Ohhh but the look on your face tells me this can’t be good.”

  She smiled and slowly shook her head.

  “But you’re still here, so I can’t have said anything too awful.”

  She stilled, an odd look on her face, then smiled again.

  “Tell me, were we alone or were there witnesses?”

  Her smile broadened.

  “I was afraid of that. Will any of it hold up in court?”

  She threw her head back and laughed. Really laughed. An-honest-to-goodness-out-loud-laugh.

  Duncan slowly stood. “My God... you... you... Cozette!”

  She looked at him, eyes wide, her hands at her throat.

  “Cozette!” He grabbed her to him. “My sweet Cozette! This is wonderful!”

  She stood in shock, not knowing what to do. This had never happened before, and it had happened without thinking, without trying. Without doing anything but what came naturally.

  “Cozette,” Duncan whispered as he hugged her. “Let’s tell the others. Fetch Sadie to me will you?”

  She looked up at him. Another tear had formed.

  “They’ll want to know. This is very exciting news!”

  She let her hand drop from her throat and looked to the door. He let her go and she slowly made her way across the kitchen. She looked at him one last time before she turned to leave and get Sadie.

  “Cozette...”

  She turned back to him, tears in her eyes.

  Duncan smiled. “Cozette... I love you, too.”

  She closed her eyes as the tears fell, her body straight, hands balled into fists. When she opened her eyes he was staring at her with the most tender and understanding look he could muster. Did she not think he heard her when she told him she loved him? Of course he did. He may not have heard it come out of her mouth in her own physical voice. But he’d heard it with everything he had. His entire being heard it and he was only looking for the right moment to let her know.

  She ran across the kitchen, flung her arms around him, and buried her face in his chest. Her body heaved with her sobs and Duncan could feel her tears begin to soak through the thin fabric of his shirt.

  “My Cozette. Of course I love you. Now go fetch the others so I can tell them as well.” He hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “And tomorrow night at the dance, I shall tell the entire world that I not only love you, but that you are to be my wife.”

  Duncan leaned down then and ever so gently, and with as much restraint as possible, kissed the future Duchess of Stantham.

  Fourteen

  And on the Twenty-seventh day...

  The morning of the dance dawned clear and bright. Sadie, Belle, Grandma and several women from the wagon train had decorated the barn beautifully. They’d worked hard the last few days and would be working just as hard today preparing the food. Two of the women helping out were a mother and daughter traveling with the MacDonalds. The woman had lost her husband while traversing the mountain passes. Not from sickness or injury, but a gunshot. Apparently the chap had a problem with stealing. Anything in fact. Including another man’s wife.

  There were some ailments Mrs. MacDonald’s healing abilities couldn’t touch. Now the pair of women carried the shame of what their so-called loving husband and father had done. And two of the families didn’t take kindly to them, even though the women themselves were innocent.

  Colin and Belle listened to Mr. Mullmerk tell the whole story in the parlor after breakfast.

  “I think it would do them well to stay on and settle here.” Mr. Mullmerk told Colin.

  “I dare say, I can see why.”

  “They could stay with us until the hotel is built. I’m sure Mr. Van Cleet would employ them.” Added Belle.

  “I was hoping you’d say that. I think a fresh start in a small community would be better for them than going on to Oregon City.”

  “Sadie told me yesterday that Mrs.Van Zuyen is a school teacher.” Belle said.

  “Yes, in fact she's more than that. Mrs. Van Zuyen was a head mistress in a boarding school for young ladies in New York. She worked with the daughters of many a prominent family and speaks several languages.”

  “Oh my! How wonderful!” Belle exclaimed. “We’ll be needing a school teacher soon! More and more families are settling here.”

  “Tell them they are more than welcome to stay on with us. I know Belle and Sadie could use the help around here and would appreciate having them.” Colin said as he stood and offered Mr. Mullmerk his hand.

  “I’ll let them know.” Mr. Mullmerk said and gave his hand a shake. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’d better go help everyone get ready for a dance.”

  “We look forward to seeing you and the rest of your party tonight.” Belle said before Colin walked him to the door and told him goodbye.

  “My, my but our little town is indeed growing! At this rate we’ll have to elect a mayor!” Colin said as he re-entered the parlor.

  “Oh? Are you up for the task?”

  “Good Heavens, no. I loathe politics. I’ll stick to cattle ranching if you don’t mind.”

  She smiled, kissed him, and hand in hand they went in search of the others to inform them of the news.

  They found Duncan sulking at the kitchen table and picking at his breakfast.

  “I say, do try to eat more than three mouthfuls. You’ll never get your strength back if you don’t get something more in you than that.”

  Duncan sighed and slumped in his chair.

  “What’s the matter Duncan?” Belle asked. “You ate enough for three of us last night.”

  Duncan looked away and still said nothing.

  “Ahhhh, I know what it is.” Colin said in a teasing tone. “Cozette spent the night with Cyrus and Polly. She probably won’t be here until much later. Ohhh, you do have it bad! I dare say, we might as well have Mr. King marry the two of you tonight. Everything’s here. The town, the food, the dance.”

  Belle looked at her husband, a wide smile on her face. “That’s a great idea!”

  Duncan suddenly sat up. “You don’t think it's too soon?”

  “You told her you loved her yesterday and said you were going to make an announcement to the rest of the town tonight.” Belle said “Why not just marry her and have it over and done, not to mention have a week to spare. Y
ou have to admit. You are cutting things rather close if you wait any longer.”

  “She’s got you there, dear brother. And I agree with her. It couldn’t be more perfect!”

  “And so romantic! Propose in front of the town then marry her. Oh this is wonderful! I must go tell Sadie!”

  “Now wait a minute!” Duncan protested. “What about Cozette? What if she doesn’t like it being so public? And won’t she want a special dress and all those things brides want with a wedding?”

  Belle placed her hands on her hips. “Duncan Cooke! Trust me, I know what a woman likes. And this dance doesn’t get any more festive than mine and Colin’s wedding. In fact, if we use the dance it will be bigger and better.”

  “Heaven knows we didn’t have any dancing at our affair.” Colin drawled. “Why was that anyway?”

  “Henry Fig forgot his fiddle.” Duncan commented

  “Ah. Yes, of course.”

  “Will you two stop? This can’t get any more perfect and Cozette will love it!”

  The brothers looked at Belle, then at each other. Colin shrugged. “I say do it. It is the perfect setting and as Belle says, terribly romantic.”

  “Who am I to argue with romance? Someone best inform Mr. King he’s going to be performing a wedding ceremony tonight.”

  “I’ll do it.” Colin said. “Belle and I are heading to town to pick some pies and a few other things Mrs. Dunnigan wanted to send out.”

  “Good.” Duncan simply said, then sat up and began to poke at his food.

  Colin sauntered over to the table. “You’d better eat up, old boy.” He said in a low voice. “If you’re going to get married tonight, you’ll be needing your strength for later.”

  Duncan glared at him then took a healthy bite of potatoes.

  Colin laughed as Harrison entered the kitchen. “Belle, Sadie needs you in the barn.”

  Belle nodded, kissed Colin and quickly left. Harrison watched her go then turned to his brothers. “We have something to discuss now that Duncan is feeling better.”

  “Oh, he’s feeling more than just better!” Colin laughed.

  Harrison raised a single brow at the remark then continued. “Whom ever poisoned you is still at large. And being as how we haven’t the aid of Scotland Yard to help us, we’re going to have to take our own precautions.”