Abe was transfixed, watching her and Bruce in a sort of silent conversation of comfort. He had never seen Bruce take to someone the way he had to Laura over the last few months, and this went far beyond getting apples and carrots. It’s gonna do a number on both of us when she’s gone, that’s for damn sure. But it’s for the best. She’s better than some prairie wife, she deserves far more.
Abe slipped out of the stall and filled a pail with water, and when he returned, Bruce gulped it down. While he was distracted, Abe and Laura slipped out of the stall and back into the barn. Laura turned to him.
“Thank you, Abe. For everything. Again.” She said, “You’re quite skilled with calming those that are panicking, it seems.”
Abe reached out and brushed back a lock of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes. “Of course, Laura. You should head home now. You’ve got quite a day in front of you.” She nodded, and he followed her outside, as she hopped onto the old mare. She gave him a thankful nod as she squeezed the mare’s sides and the old beast started off with a slow, stuttered step, carrying her off into the night.
Abe watched her go and shook his head. He then headed back to the barn, determined to find out what had startled Bruce so badly. He looked in the stalls one by one. In the back of the barn, in the stall across from Bruce, he noticed a pile of hay with a strange indentation, as if something had curled up and slept there.
Now what the hell is that?
Chapter Fifteen
Laura touched up a lock of her hair as she thoroughly surveyed herself in the mirror. Her skin was significantly darker than it had been before she arrived in Utah, though still quite fair compared to all the other ladies in town. She ran her fingers across her cheek. Is this what a woman is supposed to look like when she meets her future husband? I thought I’d look…older. Maybe wiser.
Her mother bustled into her room, beaming from ear to ear. “Today is the day, my dear! Jacob arrives at about one o’clock. Oh, you should wear the green dress, it brings out your eyes so well.” She clicked her tongue as she surveyed Laura’s appearance top to bottom.
“Well, you’ve put on a bit of color but that’s nothing some powder can’t fix. Ah, my dear, you look so incredibly grown. Not my baby girl anymore.” She dabbed away a tear from the corner of her eye.
She always did have a penchant for drama. “Mama, are you sure about this?” Laura asked, biting her lip.
Her mother looked at her incredulously. “Why, of course, dear!” she exclaimed. “Your father has made just a wonderful match! A good family and a good man who’ll be able to provide everything we’ve always wished for you.”
“But Mama…you got to choose Father. Why don’t I get a choice in this?” Laura searched her mother’s face for any sign of weakness. She found none. Instead, her mother’s lips drew a straight line.
“Laura. I love your father, of course, I do. But things have not always been easy for us. We’ve had to sacrifice quite a lot to build a life for you that’s far better than any we were born into. The kind of life, where you get to marry a man like Jacob Fisher, and never have to worry about where your next meal will come from. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you and now, the time is finally here for our wishes for you to come true. So please, stop being so sullen about it.”
Laura sighed and then tried to muster up a smile. “You’re right Mama, of course, you are.” She turned back to the mirror, gently powdering her face, trying to cover up her suntanned cheeks and restore a porcelain finish.
Her mother looked on, approvingly. “He’s quite handsome, you know,” she offered, smiling at Laura in the mirror.
“Oh? Well, that will be nice,” Laura replied, still trying to sound cheerful. But what is “handsome” anyways? Curtains are beautiful, doesn’t mean you can have a conversation with them. Her eye caught on her copy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn sitting on the dressing table. Her mind flickered back to Abe, how his face flushed as she recognized his quote. I doubt Jacob Fisher has ever quoted a book to a lady.
* * *
The stagecoach pulled up outside the hotel in town, just a little past one o’clock, where Laura and her family stood on the porch, waiting. Laura smoothed her green dress and adjusted her hair. Aunt Ethel leaned on her cane next to Laura and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“Deep breaths, my dear,” she said to Laura, with an understanding nod.
The driver hopped down from his seat and stepped around to the door. He opened it and out stepped Jacob Fisher. Jacob was tall and slim, with smooth, blonde hair and sharp, green eyes. He was dressed in a fine, fitted suit with cufflinks that gleamed in the sun. His polished shoes stood in stark contrast to the dusty road beneath him. He stepped out of the stagecoach and surveyed his surroundings. Laura’s father strode over to greet him.
“Jacob, so glad to have you here at last. I hope the trip wasn’t too difficult.” Xavier enthusiastically shook Jacob’s hand, as Jacob seemed to almost look past him, but then regained attention.
“Those long stagecoach journeys are rather taxing but, in the end, as long as you arrive at your destination in one piece, I suppose they serve their purpose,” Jacob replied, his voice somewhat thin and reedy.
“Of course. Now, may I introduce my family.” Xavier enthusiastically gestured toward the group on the porch. He and Jacob approached Laura’s mother first.
“This is my wife, Dorothy Edmonds.” Xavier introduced his wife. Jacob extended his hand to her and took a long, polite bow.
“Absolutely charmed, ma’am,” he crooned.
“Next is my sister-in-law, Ethel Roberts,” Xavier waved toward Aunt Ethel, and Jacob took the same courtesy he did for Laura’s mother.
“Pleasure to meet you ma’am,” he said, and Laura noticed him throw a sideways glance at her, as he bowed.
“And of course,” Xavier said proudly, as he and Jacob stepped in front of her. “This is my lovely daughter, Laura.”
Jacob smiled a wide, excited smile as he and Laura looked at each other for the first time. Laura extended her hand and he took it and gave an extremely exaggerated bow, lower and more flagrant than those he had offered to her mother and aunt.
“Miss Laura,” he began. Laura tried not to flinch. The words sounded so different coming from Jacob’s lips than from Abe’s, they were devoid of the rumbling warmth that usually accompanied them and, instead, seemed to whine out of Jacob’s mouth.
Jacob continued, clearly unaware of her hesitation. “Your father spoke of your beauty but could not have fully prepared me for what I have encountered, so you must forgive me if I seem a bit taken aback. I sincerely hope that I can prove myself worthy of your affections, for you have already received all of mine,” he finished, lightly kissing Laura’s hand as he straightened up.
Laura heard a small, excited gasp escape from her mother and could see her father grinning from ear-to-ear just over Jacob’s shoulder. I wonder how many times he rehearsed that on the way here. Oh, they’re waiting for me to respond.
“Thank you, Mr. Fisher, for such kind words. I am looking forward to getting to know you quite better over these coming days and am looking forward to the arrangement our fathers have struck.” She pressed a smile to her face that seemed convincing enough, as Jacob smiled back.
“Please, Miss Laura, call me Jacob, there will be no need for such formalities between us.” He had a smile that beamed with impossibly white teeth.
“Of course…Jacob,” Laura responded sweetly.
“Well, I’m sure you’re exhausted after your long ride sir, let me help the driver get your things up to the hotel and then perhaps you can join us at Ms. Roberts’s home for supper tonight?” Xavier was trying his best to impress Jacob and it showed.
“Why thank you, Mr. Edmonds. That sounds absolutely lovely. I’m sure your house is quite a bit cleaner than the rest of this…town,” Jacob replied.
“You won’t be disappointed, Laura is one of the best cooks in the whole of Arizona
AND Utah,” Dorothy cut in, smiling proudly.
“Just full of talent and beauty, how could I have gotten so lucky?” Jacob replied, flashing another sly smile at Laura.
He’s being so polite, so why do I feel so uneasy? Perhaps it’s just nerves. Her father set to work unloading Jacob’s numerous trunks with the driver, as Jacob turned to direct. Aunt Ethel leaned over to Laura.
“Well, he certainly is a looker at that. And slick like oil,” she said, a touch of grate to her voice.
Well, at least someone isn’t completely, overwhelmingly charmed by him. She smiled appreciatively at Aunt Ethel. And then her gaze turned to Jacob, who was busy rubbing a smudge off his cufflink, as her father and the driver unloaded the last of the trunks and carried them into the hotel. Deep breath Laura, perhaps he isn’t all that bad.
Following the last of his luggage, Jacob passed her one more time on the way up the steps. “Don’t worry, my dear,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It won’t be long before we’re out of this dreadful place.”
* * *
At half past six, Jacob arrived on the steps of Aunt Ethel’s home, neatly dressed in a fresh suit, carefully adorned with a new set of cufflinks. Xavier met him at the door and ushered him in to a seat by the fire.
“So, Jacob, your father tells me you’ve quite a few business ventures on the horizon,” Xavier said, as he lit his pipe.
Jacob grinned from ear to ear. “Indeed, I do, I have heavy investments in some railroad companies, as well as a few smaller trading companies. In times as fast-moving as these, it’s good to diversify.”
“Quite right, indeed, smart man.” Xavier nodded in agreement, leaning over to light Jacob’s pipe for him.
“One has to be smart these days. I don’t want to end up on a piece of land, with nothing but a hope and a prayer, as so many unfortunate, unprepared folks have these days,” Jacob drawled on, puffing at the pipe until the leaves glowed an angry red with each breath.
Laura continued to stir the sauce on the stove as she listened.There’s still something not right about him. Something strange.
“I’ve procured a house just outside of Tucson for Laura and me to live in after the wedding. It should do for some time, though it may need a few homey touches. But that should keep her occupied.” Jacob turned and smiled at Laura.
What am I supposed to say to that? Thank you, it should?
“Well, Laura worked wonders on my home, I don’t doubt she’ll do the same wherever she may end up,” Aunt Ethel replied, rocking in her chair “And she’s quite skilled in many other ways as well, quite well-read and skilled on a horse.”
Jacob let out a chuckle. “Well, that’s all fine and good but I don’t quite see the need for women to read. Seems a bit superfluous to their duties, though the occasional recipe card or pamphlet, I’m sure, can be of some use.”
Laura gripped the wooden spoon, her knuckles turning white. She turned slowly to face him. “Well, Jacob, while those are indeed of use, is the ability to understand things outside of your immediate circumstance not of value?” she asked slowly, a smile screwed onto her face.
Jacob got up from his chair and walked over to her. He took her hand in his smooth, unworked one. He looked into her eyes and crooned “Laura dear, of course, for a woman without a husband there is nothing wrong with passing some of the time with stories and such. But once you’re married, you won’t need those distractions anymore, because I’m going to take care of you.” He turned back to her father, “Besides, once the children come along, there won’t be time for any such pastimes.”
He squeezed Laura’s hand and looked her in the eye. “Don’t you worry, my dear. I’ve got it all figured out for us.”
I can run. I could be out that door in a moment, jump on the old mare… But where would I go? And mother and father… Laura looked at her parents’ faces, who were looking at Jacob with such adoration. Laura remained rooted in her spot. It would destroy them.
She screwed a nauseous smile on her face “I have no doubt of that, Jacob,” she managed to reply. Satisfied, Jacob strode back to the chair with her father and they continued to chat about the numerous business ventures Jacob was planning. Laura cooked in silence, her mother throwing her side glances but refusing to say a word.
As they sat down to supper, Jacob continued to drone on about all his accomplishments. “It really comes down to being the smartest fellow at the table, men can sense that in negotiations.”
Laura’s mother interjected. “Well, we should start making plans for the wedding as soon as possible. I was thinking summer would be lovely,” she chirped excitedly.
“Of course, whatever lovely Laura would like.” Jacob smiled at her as he took another bite. Laura was beginning to feel numb.
“Summer is fine mother, however, Aunt Ethel, will you be able to manage on your own by then? I’d hate to leave you before you’re fully able.” Laura pleaded with Aunt Ethel with her eyes. Please, help me here. Buy me some time.
“Well, of course, I love having Laura here to help. But I doubt I’ll ever be back to my old speed, though I seem to be managing with the cane. I could certainly use her until the end of the month, what with the big celebration coming up. The ladies have asked that I make several dozen jars of marmalade for a raffle,” Aunt Ethel replied, shooting Laura apologetic eyes.
I’m trapped. This is happening, no matter what I do. Appetite gone, Laura just began to push food about her plate as her mother chattered in her ear about flowers and dress fabric.
“We should go into town tomorrow; I saw a shop that had beautiful bolts of fabric, and I’d like to start right away on your dress.”
Laura felt like she was a million miles away.
As they finished supper, Jacob leaned back happily. “My, I was not deceived about your cooking Laura, truly spectacular. Imagine what you’ll be able to do with even finer meats and other such trifles; only the best for my future wife!”
“Thank you, Jacob,” she replied, with the same forced smile.
“Well, I had better be getting back to the hotel, it’s quite late and it sounds like there’s quite a bit to do as we start preparing for this wedding,” Jacob said, as he stood up. He flashed another one of his dazzling smiles toward her father and mother.
He strode over to Laura and took her hand and kissed it. “Thank you for such a lovely evening, my dear Laura.”
Laura wanted to crawl out of her skin.
She turned back to the dishes and began to scrub, hoping to wash away the deep, unsettling discomfort that came over her when Jacob smiled at her.
His smile, the way he looks at me, like a wolf looking at a sheep.
“Well, I thought that went tremendously!” Xavier exclaimed.
“Yes, such a charmer, he is,” Dorothy cooed and smiled at Laura.
Aunt Ethel remained silent but shot Laura a sympathetic look.
I should be happy. I should be grateful, why am I not?
Of course, she knew why. He wasn’t him. He didn’t spark within her a sense of freedom and adventure. She was a prize to him. Something that he had procured and she would be treated as such.
She tried to swallow down the emotions, but they continued to well up inside her. She pressed on through the rest of the scrubbing and then asked to be excused to her room.
As soon as she shut the door, she buried her head in her pillow and let out deep, but muffled cries.
Chapter Sixteen
Laura stood next to her mother as she pensively compared three different bolts of fabric at the counter in the general store.
“Hmmm, this yellow with the pink floral pattern is just lovely. I can trim it with some lace at the bottom and around the bodice,” Dorothy mused.
“Aye, that’s a fine one ma’am; it just shipped in from the coast,” Mr. Mason agreed.
“What do you think Laura?” Dorothy held the fabric up to Laura’s arm.
“Yes, it’s quite lovely, Mama,” she replied.
/> “Excellent, we’ll take it,” she said to Mr. Mason. He carefully wrapped up the fabric in burlap and handed it over as Dorothy counted out her coins. They stepped back out onto the street where Jacob and Xavier were smoking and chatting.
“Find what you needed ladies?” Jacob asked.
“Yes indeed, a lovely pattern that will look divine on Laura.” Dorothy chirped.
“Excellent, I was just about to head over to the livery to talk to a man about a pair of horses and a proper carriage, so we won’t have to take that dreadful stagecoach back to Tucson,” Jacob exclaimed. “Ladies as fine as yourselves should travel in style, not like baggage.”
The Salvation 0f A Runaway Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 11