Cassie looked out the window of the restaurant. She saw Julia standing there trying to make it seem that she wasn't watching what was going on inside the restaurant. People kept on bumping into Julia, who had to apologize repeatedly for getting in their way. But nothing would stop her friend from knowing how things were developing between Cassie and a possible new husband.
Cassie looked at Ethan. His skin was tanned and healthy looking. Truly his bone structure bordered on perfection. She had always found certain kinds of men attractive, but it was often for aspects of their character and not always as a result of any obvious physical attraction. She had known young men back East who had traded on their looks to attract naive young ladies, especially those from good families. It was a practice that Cassie had deplored, and she had been the object of such young men from when she had gained her majority.
But she knew that she if she had to marry, she would prefer a man with truly good qualities of character. She had learned how to be a fast judge of character more out of necessity than anything else, and felt she was able to see into the true nature of most men very quickly. She had done so with Joshua on their first meeting, and she had proved to be right.
Now she was asking herself if Ethan Macleod was a man she could trust, someone with whom she could build a life worth living. And she was getting a sense, deep inside herself that perhaps, just maybe, he might be a man she could indeed trust and grow to have some kind of mutual attraction with.
Suddenly Cassie knew that there was something about Ethan that reminded her of Joshua. It wasn't so much any physical resemblance. It was more a quiet sense of strength that seemed to be present in Ethan's manner. That was what reminded her of her dear husband, she realized. Joshua had alway possessed an inner strength. People had responded to it by trusting him implicitly, even on the briefest of acquaintances.
She brought herself back to the present moment.
Truly, she did not know what to say in response to Ethan's proposal. His smile was so warm, and there was a curiosity in his eyes as he waited for her response. Cassie didn't want to hurt his feelings. She had hardly known him more than a short time, and already she was thinking of ways to ensure he did not take offence.
Ethan squeezed her hand again, this time a little more insistently. "I do not want to put any pressure on you. Least of all at such a sensitive time as this."
"It's not that I cannot give you an answer Ethan," Cassie told him.
"I think you would prefer to have some time to consider. Is that not the case?"
Cassie paused and looked at him. She nodded. "I would appreciate that very much."
Ethan removed his hand. He didn't seem disappointed, merely resigned to waiting a little longer for an answer. Cassie felt relief. She could put off her decision a while more. The restaurant was suddenly warmer than before. Ethan looked at her anxiously, obviously noting her discomfort.
"Are you feeling well,Cassie?" he asked.
Cassie put a hand to her collar. "I feel fine Ethan. It has been a very busy morning."
Ethan reached into the inside of his well cut jacket. "I have taken the liberty of bringing a small gift for you,"
"Oh, you shouldn't have," Cassie responded.
Ethan shook his head. "It was the least I could do. I couldn't come to our first meeting empty handed. It wouldn't have been seemly,"
Cassie found herself smiling at his use of words. Sometimes he sounded so formal. Perhaps he had been though some education that he hadn't mentioned. She found it quite pleasing, nonetheless.
Ethan drew out a small dark box, and slid it across the table. Cassie felt her lower lip drop involuntarily. She looked over towards the window. Julia was no longer standing there. She obviously had decided that her presence even behind the glass was too much of an intrusion.
Cassie took the box and looked at Ethan. "Really, you shouldn't have."
Ethan looked slightly nervous."I had no idea what your preferences are, so I had to make an educated guess. I hope you like it,"
Cassie opened the box, and looked at what was inside. She felt a stab of surprise and her throat tightened.
Inside were was a pendant which had been shaped into the forms of two small, silver doves, wings intertwined. It glittered in the dining room lights.
She was shocked.
It was almost identical to the one that Joshua had given her only a year before. How could this be?
Ethan saw the surprised look on her face.
"You don't like it?"
Cassie took a deep breath. "I do. It is very beautiful."
"But you seem so surprised."
"It is just such a lovely object." She sighed and smiled. "Thank you," she said, looking toward him. She saw that he seemed pleased with her response.
Ethan stood and came round by her side. Cassie was immediately aware of his presence next to her. He leaned down, took the chain of the pendant and lifted it up in front of her.
"If I may."
Cassie straightened. Ethan took the chain, separated the clasp and gently place it around her neck. Cassie felt a tingle as he touched skin at the back of her neck. It was a pleasing sensation, and she sensed her face flush. She was trying to maintain her composure but with Ethan so close it was proving to be difficult.
She heard the click of the clasp and she reached up and took the small silver doves between her fingers. They felt cool to the touch.
Ethan stepped back admiring. "I have to say it looks very beautiful on you."
"Thank you. I appreciate it. It is a something I will... treasure. How could you know that I have a taste for such a thing?" she asked.
Ethan stepped away and sat down opposite her. "An educated guess," he said in a quiet voice, as he straightened his jacket and looked to the window. "It appears your friend Julia is back."
Cassie saw that Julia was standing awaiting a sign that she could reenter the restaurant. Cassie waved to her as discreetly as she could. Julia came back in and sat down next to Cassie.
Cassie showed Julia the gift. "Isn't this beautiful, Julia."
Julia looked at it closely. "Why it is lovely. So...how shall we say... appropriate for such a meeting as this. You have fine taste Ethan. Not all men would have the sensitivity to bring such a lovely gift. Such knowledge of what young ladies like and admire."
Ethan looked as if he couldn't quite take Julia's comment seriously.
"Oh Julia. Don't make fun of Ethan. It was a lovely gesture," Cassie said admonishing her friend.
Ethan sat erect. "Well. I believe it would be correct for me to go and find my room. May I ask if there is a possibility that I may receive an answer to my...ah...proposal at some time today or tomorrow?" he asked.
Cassie looked earnestly at Julia. There was a pause and then Cassie spoke firmly.
"Indeed Ethan. I believe I will be able to give you an answer today."
Ethan smiled. He seemed to struggle to contain his excitement. "Why that would be most pleasant," he said.
Julia smiled at the understatement.
"I'm sure that it would be," Cassie said. "Julia will arrange a further meeting later today at which I am sure we can come to an understanding."
Cassie was suddenly aware that she had taken control of the discussion. Had she already made her mind up?
Ethan stood and bowed his head. "Until later, then," he said. He turned and walked slowly out of the dining room.
Cassie sat back in the chair and breathed a sigh of relief. She felt the tension drain out of her.
CHAPTER SIX
Cassie and Julia strode casually, arm in arm, along the busy boardwalk. It seemed that everyone in Sweetheart Falls had come out for the day. Buckboards and horseback riders moved up and down the main thoroughfare.
Cassie's mind was reeling. Ethan had made such an impression on her. She didn't know where to start.
"Well? What did you think of him?" Julia probed.
Cassie paused. She really wanted to be honest about the way
that Ethan made her feel. In truth, Ethan had made a great impression on her.
"He seems to be a rather fine gentleman," Cassie said as they passed the bank.
"Fine gentleman. Is that all?" Julia prodded her. "He is a very fine looking young man. That much is certain."
"Looks aren't the only important thing."
Julia tapped Cassie on the arm. "Of course not. We have to judge him by his character. What are your impressions of that?"
"He knows what he wants," Cassie said flatly.
"What does that mean?" Julia asked, sounding surprised.
"He believes a woman's place is in the home."
"And you think otherwise?"
"No. But I do think that I have learned in the past few weeks that a woman can do so much more than cook and clean and look after children," Cassie stated.
Julia looked incredulous."You are already thinking of children?"
"I don't mean that. Don't tease me so. Julia you really have a very naughty streak."
"I just like to play with you." Julia pulled Cassie closer to her. "But pray continue. Tell me more about how he makes you feel."
Cassie's face reddened under her bonnet. "He doesn't make me feel anything in particular."
"Please Cassie. I am your friend. When I look at Mr. Ethan Macleod, one thing I know is that any young woman could not fail to be affected by the probing of his alluring eyes."
Cassie jabbed her friend in the ribs with an elbow. She laughed slightly. "Now you really are becoming too personal and too forward."
"I'm your friend. I'm allowed to be forward."
"Well...If you insist. I will admit that he is very attractive. very quiet, but seems to have a most fetching inner quality which I can not quite put my finger on. It reminds me a little of Joshua."
Julia raised her head. Julia took Cassie's elbow and guided her around a group of men standing outside the noisy town saloon.
"I know that any man you meet will have to be compared to Joshua. There is no avoiding that. But I have told you many times that he would have wanted you to do this. You should consider the future, firmly and with purpose. Not regard the past with such...feeling."
"I know you're right. It is just so darned difficult," Cassie said, frowning.
"It will always be difficult," Julia looked at Cassie and smiled warmly. "I know this is very hard for you. But I truly believe Ethan is a good man."
Cassie nodded. "I think you may be right, Julia. I'd just like to have a little time today to consider."
Julia patted Cassie's arm. "Of course. You can have all the time you need my dear."
They walked toward the post office. Julia said that she wanted to collect some letters. Inside the cool office they were greeted by Mr Colter, a short, middle aged man. He stood behind the counter, checking through a stack of envelopes. He looked up when the two ladies entered.
"Good afternoon ladies. What may I do for you today?"
Julia went up to the counter. "I think I may have something to collect."
"I'll check." Mr Colter ran his fingers through the contents of a box on the table behind him. "Indeed I do have two letters for you Ma'am. And there is also one for you Mrs Miller."
Cassie was surprised. She wasn't expecting anything. The receipt of a letter usually meant news, and not usually good news.
She took the letter from Mr. Colter and followed Julia out to the boardwalk.
"Shall we find somewhere cooler to peruse our mail?" Julia asked.
"Indeed. That sounds like a good idea." Cassie was feeling the heat of the day once more. She had definitely overdressed for the day. She felt stifled and restricted in her heavy dress. But it had been a necessity to wear such a dress. Today was all about appearances. She followed Julia to an eating place where they took a table in a shaded corner. Julia opened her letters and briefly inspected them.
"Oh dear. Just as I expected. We are getting a visit from Daniel's parents. They are such lovely people and I do adore them. But it means so much preparation. They don't come that often, but when they do there is invariably ...well...trouble of some sort or another."
"Oh dear. I am sorry to hear that." Cassie opened her own letter.She recognised the handwriting. It was from her sister, Martha. A weight sank in her stomach. The only time Martha wrote to her was when there was bad news. That was just what Cassie did not need at this very moment.
Cassie took the small sheet of paper out of the envelope and began to read it.
Dear Cassie,
I hope this letter finds you well and that you are not taking the sadness of life without Joshua too hard. I know that you will emerge from this a stronger person. We spent so much time together as sisters and there is one thing I know.
You will survive.
I have always relied on you to be a rock when all around us was falling apart. Life in New York has turned out to be not as pleasant as I would have hoped. It is often cold and damp and the people are very unkind.
It is my sad duty though to recount to you the terrible difficulties that myself and Rachel are having. As you know our aunt has been most harsh in her treatment of us. Not a day passes when we are not castigated for our conduct in one form or another. It appears that nothing we can do will satisfy our dear departed mother's sister.
If I may be so bold Cassie, I feel compelled to state that our aunt is a harridan; a most terrible person who seems intent on making our lives a misery.
Now she is threatening to marry us both off to some utterly undesirable ne'er-do-wells in the local area. To that end, I have had to endure some truly ghastly courting. You do recall how grievous that can all be. Nothing has changed in that respect.
I was forced last week to attend a ball at which I was literally compelled to be with this ugly, vulgar man, who is totally unsuitable as a husband. Rachel is faring no better.
All of this goes on in the house with the tacit agreement of our aunt's lazy and vicious husband, who has stated that he cannot wait until we are both married off, and he cares not to whom.
I did not write this to burden you with my cares. But I felt you must know about our predicament. Rachel is taking this very badly. I know it is difficult for to do anything to ameliorate our situation. Your life must be so hard at the moment. But if there was any way that you could assist us, then it would come as a blessed relief.
I appeal to you as a sister, whom I believe you consider to be someone worthy of your love.
I hope to hear from you soon and would value very much your opinions on what can be done to spare us a terrible fate.
I send you my love.
Your loving sister, Martha
Cassie let the paper sink to her lap. Her hand shook and the paper slid from her trembling fingers.
Julia looked at her.
"What is wrong dearest?"
"It is from my sister, Martha. She is in a terrible situation."
Cassie briefly explained the content of the letter.
"That is shocking," Julia said. "Your unfortunate sister is really in the most terrible predicament. What can be done?"
"I don't know. It is so awful I can hardly bear to think of it. I wish I could go there immediately and save them both from the clutches of my ghastly aunt and her vile husband."
"They surely cannot be forced into a bad marriage against their wills. Can they?"
"They can and probably will be. If my aunt has her way."
Julia scowled. "Your aunt sounds like a person who could not be tolerated for more than a day. Your sisters must have true inner strength to endure such a life."
"If they are to marry, then they must do what I have done. It is their only chance." Cassie breathed deeply, and straightened her shoulders. "I am their only chance."
"What do you mean?"
Cassie thought for a moment. Then she spoke. "I must stay. I cannot go back East."
Julia seemed surprised. "Why not?"
"If I go back and face my brutal aunt I cannot promise to be accountab
le for my actions."
Julia's face paled. "Cassie! You cannot say such a thing."
"I am sorry but I cannot bear the thought of my beloved sisters being subjected to such abuse."
"That is a strong term to use."
Cassie sighed. "Nevertheless that is what it is. Abuse."
"So you must stay. Is that what you are saying? In order to give your sister a place to flee to?" Julia asked.
"Something like that. I became a mail order bride once and I found love. I see no reason why I cannot do that again. And in the process provide my dear sisters with a way out of their terrible predicament."
"Any decision you make must be for yourself Cassie. Not for others. You will have to live with the consequences of your choice."
Cassie nodded and thought, carefully, for a moment. "Ethan appears to be a fine man," Cassie said firmly. "I believe he is someone I can trust."
"Indeed. I agree. He is a fine looking man, and his character does appear to be solid. But pray, do not marry for the sake of saving your sister."
"If it must be, then it must be. I shall remain here. My mind is set," Cassie said and tightened her lips.
Julia sat upright. "Then it is decided. You will marry Ethan?"
Cassie paused. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Indeed I will," she said, feeling a curious relief, now that a decision had been made. "In time our relationship may grow into something resembling what I had with Joshua. But if not, then I will have the consolation of being able to help my sisters. If anything were to happen to Martha and Rachel then I would not be able to forgive myself. I shall not go there. They shall come here, once I have established a new life here. And with the help of the Sweetheart Falls Matrimonial Society, I am sure we can find them very suitable husbands."
Julia smiled. "Well, they certainly seem to have done a satisfactory job on your behalf."
Mail Order Vows (Sweet Mail Order Bride Historical Romance Novel) Page 5