She poured out the water and threw the cleaning rag in the same bin as the tablecloth. Slowly she walked back to check on Creighton. She sat down and touched his brow. Not too warm.
Her anger dissolved and the sadness gnawed at her again. She held Creighton’s hand and laid her head on the mattress beside him. Tears overwhelmed her.
His hand tightened on hers. “What a terrible time you’ve had.”
With her free hand she brushed at her tears. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
“Wasn’t you. Shoulder hurts and I have a headache. Have you even been to sleep?”
“I was too upset. I wanted to make certain you didn’t start running a fever. Also, I wanted to get the… the blood out of the kitchen floor before my aunt and uncle went in there. Hearing Jasper’s laughing declaration about Hank almost undid them.”
“Sweetheart, stretch out beside me. I want you near me but you need rest.” He pulled her until she stretched out alongside him—except she was on top of the cover and he was under it.
She needed his strength, needed to know that this part of her world was safe. Soon her tears subsided. “I love you, Creighton Reed.”
“I love you, Pauline Brubaker.”
***
Creighton held Pauline while she slept. He had no idea of the time until he heard the mantle clock chime four. With her at his side, he fell asleep.
When he heard the doorbell, he woke Pauline.
She rubbed her eyes that were still red-rimmed from crying last night. “Good heavens, look how light it is. I’d better get busy with breakfast.” She felt of his forehead then kissed his lips before she left.
The doctor met her in the hall. “How’s the patient?”
“No fever so far and he’s awake. Shall I help you?”
Dr. JT smiled with a patient expression. “I’m used to fending for myself, but thank you.”
Pauline made her way to the kitchen and started coffee. She peeked at the parlor clock and saw it was a few minutes after nine. After deliberating, she made bacon, sausage, eggs, and potatoes fried with onions. While the meat and potatoes cooked, she sliced the last loaf of their bread for toast. In case the marshal or the doctor joined them, she cooked extra of everything.
Uncle Henry ambled in as if in a fog. “I need coffee more than ever today.”
“Is Aunt Nancy awake?” She filled a cup with coffee and gave it to her uncle.
He took his usual seat at the table. “She said she’s staying in bed for most of the day. Neither of us slept very well last night.”
“Of course not, each of us was too upset. I’ll take her something later.”
“Thank you for cleaning the floor. I heard you in here last night and peeked in. I apologize but I couldn’t make myself look at the floor to help you. I appreciate not having to see that stain.”
“I didn’t want either of you to be reminded again.” She quickly gave her uncle a hug. “I’m so sorry you had all that grief recalled—not that you could ever forget.”
“You’re right, hearing Jasper say he murdered our boy made it seem like we lost him all over again. I can’t mourn that man’s death. But, I wish he’d had to go to prison for a long time so he had plenty of time to regret his actions.”
Pauline broke eggs into a bowl. “He would have gone to an asylum for the criminally insane. I doubt he’d ever accept responsibility for the horrid things he’d done. To him they were justified because they got what he wanted. I think it’s better he’s dead. This way there’s no chance of him escaping.”
Her uncle set down his cup with a thud. “My word, if he’d escaped there would be more murders and we’d be first on his list. You’re right, dear. This outcome was best.”
Chapter Thirteen
Creighton couldn’t use his left arm well yet. He’d counted on the sale of the old workshop to use as a cushion. Now that he had to be off work for a few weeks, his income would disappear. He was becoming worried. They’d be all right, but not enough wiggle room was left for him to feel comfortable.
In another week, Mrs. Chambers—he had to remember to call her Aunt Nancy—would get out of the cast. That’s when he and Pauline planned to marry. In the meantime, she was coming today to tell him where she wanted furniture placed.
He paced the carriage house until he saw her walking toward him. The breeze rippled her blue dress the color of her eyes. The sun shone on her as she beamed her beautiful smile at him. He strode to meet her.
She took his hand and linked their fingers. “Are your helpers here yet?” He’d hired Dub and Ted to help move things into the house from the carriage house. They each worked odd jobs.
He took out his pocket watch to see it was only five minutes since the last time he’d checked. “They’ll be here in about half an hour. Let me show you the furniture from here so you can decide where it goes.”
She let go of his hand and hurried to the bedroom furniture. “This is beautiful.”
“If you approve I intend it to go in our room. There’s another set near the back you might prefer.”
“Oh, I approve of this one entirely. Point out everything and tell me where you intend to use it.”
“There’s the table and six chairs for the kitchen. Over here are several occasional tables I made out of left over wood from other projects. We’ll need more lamps for certain. My clothes, incidentals, and any kitchen supplies I have are packed into those crates at the back.”
She ran her fingers over each thing she passed. “These are wonderful creations. Not only will we enjoy them and hand them down to our children, we’ll be the envy of everyone who sees them.”
“Do you have in mind where you want everything?”
“Remember I only saw the rooms once and then I didn’t know what furniture you’d made. Do we have time to go inside and let me make decisions?”
“Of course. They can move the kitchen table first and give you a few extra minutes.” He took out the key ring he’d bought for her. “This key fits the front door and this is for the backdoor.”
Pauline clutched them to her chest. “My keys to our home.”
She used her key to open the back door. “This is so exciting.”
He didn’t have the heart to tell her he’d already unlocked the house. “I have an extra in case you’d like to give one to your aunt and uncle for when we take a trip.”
“That’s thoughtful.” She walked into the house and pointed to the spot where the table would sit. “Table here, but that’s logical and I’m sure you’d already decided that much.”
She peeked into the first floor bedroom. “Let’s put the other bedroom furniture in here, shall we? What had you planned?”
“I hadn’t planned. Look in there and decide where the heavy pieces will go. That will be the wardrobe and the bed and chest.” He handed her a piece of chalk. “You can sketch where you want them so you won’t have to run back and forth.”
“That’s a great idea. Okay, the bed should go here. The wardrobe against this wall. The chest also. The washstand here. That’s all, isn’t it?” She marked the floor as she talked.
“There’s a lamp table for each side of the bed.”
She surveyed the room. “Those will be obvious so let’s go to our room.” She felt her face heat in a blush. Not that she was afraid of their wedding night but talking about it was a bit awkward for her.
She chalked their bed and stopped as if to make a decision.
Creighton looked out the window. “The men are here. I’ll go get them started. You continue here. There are some odds and ends to sort later.”
Since they had only a few rooms of furniture, moving didn’t take long.
“I hate to leave.” She moved a table here, another there, and then moved them both again.
After twirling in the center of the parlor, she stopped and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy, Creighton. In one more week we’ll be wed.”
“I can barely stand being apart from you until th
en.” .
***
Pauline made a trip to Denver to pack what she wanted to bring to Creede. Her mother insisted on helping her choose her wedding dress. She had known Mama would want something more elaborate than she did but she stood firm. Otherwise things would have gotten out of hand and the wedding would resemble that of a monarch in Britain’s Westminster Cathedral.
After a fruitless shopping trip, Mama glided into the parlor. “I want you to have that dress, Pauline. You’d be such a beautiful bride wearing that creamy white.” She sank onto a chair and rang for the maid. “I do wish you were having the wedding here.”
“I know you do, but we’re having it in Creede. We want a small ceremony, which makes the dress you liked much too formal.” She sat in the chair near the one in which her mother sat. “Mama, I do love you, but we want different things. I want a dress I can wear later to parties and maybe even to church.”
Her mother’s lip trembled. “Bad enough you’re marrying a… a tradesman but you want a wedding like one of the clerks at the store might have. I don’t understand why you’ve made this decision. I blame Nancy for this.”
“Please, you know Aunt Nancy did not convince me to change my opinion. I’ve always hated some of the social events you love. I can’t help it, Mama. I’m just not cut out to be a society matron.”
Mama appeared in control now but still in a sulk. “You always helped me before you went to Nancy’s.”
“Don’t you see that was because I love you, not because I enjoyed the event? What I enjoyed was doing something with you and because I wanted to please you. Try to understand.”
Her mother sighed. “I guess I do. You never did want to do some of the things I thought you should. I hope this man is worth uprooting yourself.”
“He is and he has a name as well you know. Please call him Creighton instead of ‘this man’ or ‘that man’ as you have been.”
“Well, I admit I do admire the fact he tore up your father’s check.”
Alarm shot through Pauline. “What check? You can’t mean Papa tried to buy him off?”
“I thought your young man would have told you. Papa offered him five thousand dollars to break up with you. After he tore up the check he lectured your father and then he threw your father out of his workshop. Not literally, but he insisted Fred leave.”
Anger and disappointment in her father and pride for Creighton mingled to leave her confused and upset. “Good for Creighton. I find it insulting that Papa did that. He should have more faith in my judgment.”
“That‘s what Creighton told Fred.”
“May I remind you that Papa was the one who thought I should marry that horrible Jasper.”
“That’s true and I always thought Jasper was a charming man. He had such good manners and always dressed so well. I was so surprised he turned out to be a criminal.”
“Not just a criminal, Mama, an insane murderer. But, I never liked him. I was only cordial because he was Papa’s employee. So, you can see that in this instance my judgment of people is better than yours and Papa’s. My opinion of Creighton is sound.”
“All right, I’ll concede your point, dear. I’m sure I’ll like Creighton when I get to know him. You said he has a nice home?”
“It has five bedrooms. Not as large as here but a nice size. One is downstairs, which I think is good. When you and Papa get old, you won’t have to climb stairs when you come visit us.”
“I see the advantage to that arrangement. If it pleases you, tomorrow we can go shopping again and this time you can look at exactly the type dress you want.”
***
The day was finally here. Her wedding. Standing in front of the mirror, Pauline smoothed her hand along the pale blue damask waist and admired the slimming effect of the point in front. Shrugging her shoulders, she adjusted the white lace jabot. Overall, she loved this dress.
Mama carried the veil. “Let me adjust this on your head, dear. I was so happy when I wore this at my wedding. I hope you have as many years of happiness as Fred and I have had. And, I hope you have a daughter as wonderful as we have.”
“Thank you, Mama. I’ll save the veil and hope my daughter can wear it someday.”
A rap preceded Papa peeking inside. “Millicent, Henry’s here to take you to your seat by Nancy. It’s time to start.”
Mama kissed her cheek. “Vanessa won’t let you forget your bouquet.” She hurried into the hall where Uncle Henry waited for her.
Her father stood looking at her. “You are beautiful and look so much like your mother did on our wedding day. Before we go out there I must explain something to you.”
Her best friend, Vanessa McDonald, grabbed the bouquets. “I’ll wait for you on the other side of the door.”
She grabbed her father’s arm. “Is something wrong?”
He shook his head. “Your grandmother’s ring was to go to Hank, the first male grandchild. For that reason, Nancy had the ring. Since Hank died, Nancy gave the ring to Creighton to be yours.”
“Oh, I hope I don’t cry, Papa. I’m so pleased to have Grandmother’s ring yet devastated that poor Hank won’t be alive to use it for his bride. I guess Creighton has the ring now?”
“He does and is waiting for us.” Papa offered his arm. “When I last checked, Creighton looked ready to pass out. You’d better get up the aisle and prop him up long enough to say the vows.”
They went out to the foyer and stood behind Vanessa, whose crepe de chine dress was a shade darker blue than Pauline’s. The bouquets were pink roses and white baby’s breath.
She collected her bouquet and laid her hand on Papa’s arm. She expected to be more nervous. But, she was so certain this day was only the first one of a wonderful marriage.
Papa paused at the back of the church sanctuary until the organist began the wedding march. Vanessa led then she and Papa waited seven steps before they followed. Creighton was so handsome in his new suit. KC Murray acted as Creighton’s best man.
Reverend Theodore stood with an open Bible in his hand.
When she and Papa reached the front, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman?”
Papa answered, “Her mother and I.” Then, he gave her hand to Creighton and stepped back to sit with Mama.
Creighton met her gaze and they exchanged smiles.
Reverend Theodore held his Bible. “We are gathered here in God’s house to unite this couple in Holy matrimony.”
He spoke words of encouragement to Creighton and her and to those gathered with them. Then he spoke on the duties of a husband and wife to one another. She listened but wished he’d get to the vows. She sensed Creighton was as eager as she was to get through.
The minister smiled at her. “Pauline, you may state your vows to Creighton.”
“I, Pauline Nancy Brubaker, take you to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death us do part.”
The minister looked at KC. “Do you have the ring?”
KC fished in his pocket and produced her grandmother’s ornate ring to go with the plain gold band she’d wear every day.
Reverend Theodore looked at her groom. “Creighton you may state your vows to Pauline.”
He slid the ring onto her finger. “With this ring, I, Creighton David Reed, take you to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
“What God has joined together let no man put asunder. Creighton, you may kiss your bride.”
He kissed her softly.
“Please face the guests. Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been requested to remind you of the dinner and reception at the Tivoli Ballroom. Now, I present Mr. and Mrs. Creighton Reed.”
She and Creighton held hands. They smiled at one another and hurried down the aisle. A row of carriages waited outside the church. They climbed
into the first, an all white one pulled by a white horse, to travel to the Tivoli Ballroom.
He kissed her again. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. I thought my knees would buckle when I saw you walking toward me with love shining from your eyes.”
“I thought I would be nervous but all I could think was that soon I’d be your wife. I do love you more than I thought possible.”
“No more than I love you, Mrs. Reed. I’m the luckiest man alive.”
At the Tivoli, the driver helped her climb down from the carriage and she and Creighton hurried inside to greet guests as they arrived.
Creighton stared around the room. “This is impressive. I see they haven’t put tables in the center so there’s room for dancing. I didn’t know there were this many matching white tablecloths in Creede.”
“You’d be surprised. There are several towns here—those who’ve come to cheat, the miners, the average citizens, and the wealthy. The woman who’s catering, Millie McRae knows how to win over a demanding woman. She and Mama hit it off right away.
Aunt Nancy got the Mrs. McRae’s name from Mrs. Morgan. The caterer owns Hearth and Home. I gave up and let Mama have her way. By that time, I was tired of resisting and just walked away.”
“This is good, though. Now your mother feels she was in control of something.”
“Here come Mama and Papa. They’ll stand with us.”
Her parents joined them. Her aunt and uncle followed more slowly.
Papa stopped his sister. “Nancy, you see we could set a chair here so you wouldn’t have to stand.”
She shook her head. “I’d feel odd. You are a lovely couple. I’ll meet you at the table.”
Others were arriving, too.
They greeted guests for what seemed like hours. The caterer’s staff brought out plates efficiently but there were about a hundred guests. Pauline was amazed that so many had attended. Except for Mama and Papa, Vanessa McDonald and her parents, and one other couple from Brubaker’s, they were all from Creede and the outlying area.
When she and Creighton had eaten, she relaxed and scanned the room. Everyone appeared to be happy and having a pleasant time.
Polka With Pauline Page 10