Bride of the Wild Read online

  That needled me. “No, he hasn’t lost interest, you pest. Why must you say things like that? Can’t I have one moment of happiness without someone stepping all over it?”

  “Testy.”

  “I thought you liked Silas? I don’t understand your behavior, Amelia. He’s from a respectable family. He adores me. He’s going to ask pa for my hand in marriage any day now. It’s as good as written in stone.”

  “I’ve no objection to Silas, if that’s who you want. I’m relieved he finally came to see you. It was annoying watching you pine for him.”

  “One day when you have someone you love in your life and you hardly ever see them, then you’ll know what it feels like.” I turned for the door, because chores awaited and the day had grown long. “I’ve a million things to do. I’ve wasted enough time as it is.”

  “You won’t be vexed with me now, will you?”

  I glanced over my shoulder. “No. Let’s make peace and get on with it. The faster we can pull the rest of this wallpaper off, the better.”

  She strode past me, whistling. “The work never ends.”

  Pa appeared in the doorway, startling me. “Did Silas leave?”

  “Yes, he’s gone back to town.” He glanced at the room. “What a mess. How do you reckon we’ll replace it? I doubt I can find the exact same pattern.”

  “I’ll look through the catalogue at the mercantile, when I’m in town tomorrow. We have to put up an ad for a new maid too. We’re in dire need. I can’t work my fingers to the bone and expect to find a husband at the same time.”

  He chuckled, “True.”

  “Did … did Silas ask you anything in particular, Pa?”

  “Like what?”

  “You were talking for a while. Did he … did he mention anything about his future plans? Maybe about a wife?”

  “If he’d talk to anyone about that, it would be you. Why do you want to know?”

  My shoulders slumped. Silas had not asked for my hand yet, which was terribly disappointing. “No matter. I just wondered, is all.”

  Amelia, who had overheard the conversation, shook her head, but she wisely kept her mouth shut, disappearing into the kitchen. I stared at the wallpaper that hung in pieces, knowing we would pull the rest of it, until the wood paneling was entirely exposed. Whatever happiness I had felt moments earlier now waned, and it grieved me, because doubt had crept into my thoughts yet again, along with worry over my future, because nothing had been settled yet.

  Chapter Twelve

  The Variety Music Cavalcade played at the theatre tonight, and I hoped to see Silas before to persuade him to take me to dinner. Pa and I had just arrived in town.

  “You look lovely, Saffron.”

  I glanced his way, smiling. “Thank you.”

  “That color suits you.”

  The flounced mauve skirt and fitted bodice was one of my more festive outfits. “Thank you.” The Indian shawl would keep me warm later.

  The streets teemed with people and several Conestoga wagons, which we did not see often, as we were far from the immigrant trails. They must have become waylaid or lost. A group of men and curiosity seekers had surrounded them.

  Pa noted my attention. “It brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Not all of them good.”

  “It’s still such an ordeal coming here. They seem far off-course.”

  “It’s late in the season to be going over the mountains. It might already be too late to continue on. Weather can set in at any moment.”

  The face of a little boy peeked out from the tan-colored canvas at the back. His parents looked road-weary and haggard, the mother’s hair a tangled mess down her back.

  “Maybe we’ll find out what happened.”

  “I’ll go over and ask after I drop you off at the post office.”

  “All right.” He drew to the edge of the street, where I stepped gingerly from the wagon, because a small puddle of water would ruin the bottom of my skirt. “I have to post this notice, and I’ll join you shortly.”

  “What do you plan to do while you wait for Silas? The show’s not for another two hours.”

  I grinned. “I’m going to persuade him to take me to dinner.”

  “Oh, I see.” He grasped the lines. “You’ve got it all sorted, do you?”

  “I most certainly do.” Several people strolled by on the boardwalk, all of whom I knew. I waved. “Hello.”

  “Good to see you, Saffron,” said a woman.

  “And you, Mrs. Cartwright.”

  Pa’s wagon drew away a moment later. The wooden planks that ran down the length of the street protected clothing and shoes from the muck of the road. The post office looked nearly deserted, the afternoon rush having come and gone. They would close their doors soon enough. The building smelled like parchment paper and glue, which was used to seal parcels. Striding towards a bulletin board on the wall, I stood before an assortment of announcements ranging from missing animals, people, and help wanted notices.

  “I thought that was you,” said a voice behind me.

  I turned to find Micah, who had dressed in frilly buckskin from head to foot. “How are you?”

  “Unemployed.”

  It was the strangest notion, but I felt a thrill at seeing him. “Your job search hasn’t been fruitful?” Then I frowned. “Do you need a place to stay? Are you any good at managing a ranch? Pa needs ranch hands.”

  He drew near, leaning his shoulder against the wall. “There’s an idea.” A lazy gaze skimmed over me. “I’ve never lived so close to temptation before. It’d be like subjecting myself to continuous torture.”

  The meaning of those words confused me. “Pardon?” I inhaled a hint of whiskey. “You’ve been drinking.”

  “Indeed I have.”

  A hand went to my hip. “You’ve given up the job search, and now you’re drunk.”

  “I tried all morning. I didn’t have a drop until about an hour ago. Then I made up for lost time.”

  I couldn’t help giggling, because I hadn’t seen this side of him. Utterly relaxed, his grin held hints of flirtatious mischief. “Well, I suppose that’s one way to pass the time.”

  “What are you doing in town?”

  “Advertising for a new maid. There are settlers in the street. Do you know anything about it?”

  “Indian troubles. They got separated from their group.”

  “Isn’t it late to be traveling over the mountains?”

  “They’re the tail end of one of the last wagon trains, but, yes, it’s rather late in the season.”

  I pinned a small piece of paper to the board. “Well, hopefully no one perished.”

  “Oh, they did. Several people.”

  My good humor faltered. “That’s terrible.”

  “It’s a risky proposition. What are you doing after you post your note?”

  “I’m going to find pa and then Silas.”

  “Have you seen your beau this week?”

  “At the funeral and yesterday. He came to the house.” His look remained bland, but I sensed this displeased him.

  “I can accompany you, if you want, unless you’d rather not be seen with someone like me.”

  Now that was odd. “What do you mean by that?”

  “I’m in my scouting duds, and you look like you’re about to go to a ball.”

  “I do not. This is a regular old day dress. It’s not even fit for eveningwear, but I’m going to wear it tonight anyhow.”

  “Then you don’t mind being seen with me.”

  “You astonish me, Micah Blaylock. I haven’t a clue what you’re going on about. I don’t mind walking around with you.” My gaze narrowed. “Have you done something recently I should be aware of?”

  His grin was lopsided. “No.”

  I held out my arm. “Then let’s find pa. You should tell him you’re looking for work. We owe you a great deal, you know. You saved my life. You saved Amelia’s life.”

  He
escorted me to the door, holding it open. “Are you merely being polite, or do you really like me?”

  I giggled, “I like you. You’ve given me no reason not to.”

  “Would you ever consider courting someone like me?”

  A small gap in the boards caught the tip of my toe. I nearly stumbled. “Um … what?” We continued towards the hotel, where we would enter the street. That question had left me flustered and confused.

  “You seem to prefer well-heeled men, but perhaps you might take a chance on a frontiersman.” He chuckled, “You’ll be happy to know I can read and write. Joe Meek, I am not.”

  I had stopped walking, gaping at him. Was he serious? “I … I … I’m flattered, Micah, but I’m going to be engaged to Silas shortly. We’ve been courting for a year now.”

  “He hasn’t asked you yet.”

  “No, but he will soon.”

  He mulled this over unhappily, the light dimming in his eyes. “I’ve never been lucky with women. It’s easier being in the woods and not around the fairer sex. I have a knack for attaching myself to the unattainable. I apologize for putting you in an awkward position. I’ve had quite a bit to drink, and it’s made me far too bold.”

  A commotion behind Micah garnered my attention. I glanced over his shoulder towards the open doors of the hotel, where I saw Silas standing with his sister and two women I did not recognize. I surmised they were Jane Philips and her friend, Clarissa Faris. Handsomely dressed in fitted bodices and flounced skirts, they laughed about something Silas had said, their lilting voices ringing out. My intended seemed entirely diverted, his eyes flashing with mirth.

  Micah pivoted on his heel, glancing in their direction. “Ah, now I see what’s got your attention. He’s quite popular with the ladies, isn’t he?”

  That bothered me greatly. “That’s his sister and her friends. I can assure you nothing untoward’s happening there.” But I did not care for the way Mrs. Clarissa Faris touched his arm, her gloved hand resting possessively on his wrist. He made no move to discourage her in the least, continuing to laugh at something Jane Philips said.

  Silas perceived me then, our eyes meeting. He excused himself at once, striding towards me. “Saffron. I didn’t know you were in town already. The show’s not until seven, my dear.” He glanced at Micah, dismissing him at once. “Are you with your father?”

  “I am. We had errands to run. I thought … I thought perhaps we could have dinner before the theatre.”

  “I’d like that, but I’m dining with my sister and her friends. I don’t think they’d mind if you joined us.”

  Having overheard this, Susan approached, a placid smile affixed to her face. A tall woman, she had never married, preferring spinsterhood to the shackles of matrimony. “Silas, dear, whatever are you doing?”

  “I’m speaking to Saffron Fossett, Susan, as you can plainly see.”

  I sensed a hint of irritation, laced with a sprinkling of hostility. I smiled politely. “Hello, Susan. How are you?”

  “I’m well, and you?” She glanced at Micah, her eyes widening, as she took in his rugged clothing, the leather fringe that had been roughly made. “And how can we help you, sir?” Traces of disdain laced her tone.

  “This is Micah Blaylock,” I said, feeling badly for how he had been treated. “He’s a family friend.” Silas eyed his fingernails, seemingly disinterested.

  “Your father befriends the most … interesting people,” she murmured.

  “I say, Saffron should join us for dinner tonight.” Silas beamed. “I don’t see why we can’t dine together.”

  I had wished to be with him alone, and I assumed we would be attending the music show alone, but I had my doubts now.

  “We’re dining with Jane and Clarissa and everyone else in the family, if you’ll recall. The reservation is for seven people. It might be too late to change it now. We’ve a full dining room this evening.” She stared down her nose at me, smiling. “I can speak to the head waiter and possibly change everything all around again. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  Feeling unwanted and embarrassed, I said, “That’s all right. Don’t trouble yourself about that. I’ve things to do before the show, and I’ll hardly get them done in time.” I forced a smile. “I’ll meet you at the theatre a few minutes before seven.”

  Before Silas could say a word, a woman asked, “Why are you skulking about on the boardwalk?” Mrs. Clarissa Faris appeared, a cloud of perfume lingering in the air around her. “I want to hear all about the bear attack. How exciting to live in the howling wilderness.” She smiled gaily at Silas. “Heaven knows we’ve never had anything attacking the townspeople in Virginia or at least not in this century.”

  “Clarissa, this is my good friend, Saffron Fossett. Saffron, this is Mrs. Clarissa Faris.”

  “How do you do?” I asked.

  “I’m well, and you?” She smiled politely.

  “Good.”

  “And, Jane, meet Saffron.” Silas beamed. “Saffron, this is Mrs. Jane Philips.”

  “Hello.”

  She extended a gloved hand. “Charmed.”

  I shook it, feeling awkward. “It’s lovely to meet you all. I do hope you enjoy your stay in Fern Valley despite our recent wildlife incidents.” Then the conversation died, the silence nearly deafening.

  Micah glanced at me. “It would be my pleasure to help you with your errands.”

  “Yes, that would be nice,” I murmured.

  “I’ll meet you later, Saffron,” said Silas. “We’ll have a marvelous time at the music cavalcade.”

  “Indeed,” murmured Susan. “How … riveting it shall be.”

  This confirmed that the entire Hefferman family would attend, along with Clarissa and Jane. Not wanting to linger, for fear they would see my upset, I stepped into the street with Micah, walking towards pa, who spoke with the sheriff. I glanced over my shoulder towards the hotel, but Silas, his sister and her friend had gone inside. Before we reached pa, I diverted course and hurried towards the back of a nearby wagon, wanting a moment to myself, hiding behind several bushels of hay. I felt dangerously close to tears, desperately trying to gain control over my emotions and failing.

  “He was rude.”

  I didn’t need to turn around to know Micah had spoken. “Can I have a minute?”

  “You’re upset, and you should be.”

  “Go away.”

  “He’s a fool to treat you so poorly.”

  Angry at that statement, I glanced at him. “He’s not a fool. You don’t know anything about it. He’s warm and kind and giving. He’s just … otherwise occupied at the moment.”

  “Does his family even like you?”

  “Of course they do,” I said, my back stiffening with indignation, but he had verbalized a fear.

  “It didn’t look like it. They’re citified blue bloods and snobbish to boot.”

  “They have certain standards they wish to uphold, even in the wilderness, but that doesn’t make them mean-spirited or whatever else you might think.”

  “I beg to differ. I know people. Been around ‘em long enough. Those folks are full of themselves. You’d not fit in at all, and you know it.”

  My mouth fell open. “I don’t care for you opinion, Mr. Blaylock. Not one bit.”

  His lips thinned. “It’s Mr. Blaylock now, is it? You’ll always hear the truth from me. I’d never outright lie to your face.” Frustrated and angry, I brushed past him, but he caught my arm. “He doesn’t deserve you, Saffron.”

  “I don’t think you should work on our farm.”

  Pa appeared then, smiling. “Work on the farm?” He patted Micah on the back. “Who’s farm are you working on?”

  “Yours,” he said. “If you hire me.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “You’re more than welcome to the job, Micah. All you have to do is ask. I’ve hired another man just recently, but I need more. Harvest is hard on my heels, and I need workers. It’s room and board. Amelia’s a great cook.
” He glanced at me. “Are you all right, my dear? You look like you might cry.”

  “I wanted to dine with Silas, but he’s made other plans.”

  He looked thoughtful. “I’ve been invited to Mrs. Harris’s for supper. I’m sure she’d extend the invitation to you and Micah.”

  “Mrs. Harris?” She had lost her husband a few years ago, but why on earth would pa have supper with this woman?

  “You might as well know. I’ve been spending time with Maggie. We’re in similar circumstances … and … ” he looked sheepish, “we’ve formed a bond.”

  Micah grinned knowingly. “I’d love to join you for supper.”

  “Maggie Harris.” I reeled from this revelation, stunned that my father would find another woman so soon after mother had passed away. “Y-you’re seeing this woman? When did this happen?”

  He sighed. “We’re friends, Saffron. We enjoy each other’s company. I know this comes as a bit of a shock to you, but I’m not over the hill enough to sit back in the daisies and watch life go by. I got a lot of living left to do, honey.”

  “Mother isn’t even cold in her grave,” I whispered, miserably. “You want me to eat with her?”

  His good-humor evaporated. “You can judge me all you want, but it won’t change a thing. Life goes on. People gotta find whatever happiness they can. Your mother would’ve wanted me to have a companion. It’s not healthy to be alone all the time.” He waited for me to say something. “Saffron?”

  “I need to take a walk.” I couldn’t process the shock at that moment.

  “We’re eating in a half an hour. You know where she lives. You’re more than welcome to come.”

  I had already turned away, heading towards the livery, where I planned to go around the building towards the school. I perceived someone behind me, knowing Micah followed. “I don't require an escort, Mr. Blaylock.”

  “It’s dangerous in town, Saffron. They’re drunkards and thieves and God knows what else.”

  The deserted schoolyard came into view, as class had been dismissed several hours ago. A sun-bleached bench sat beneath an aspen tree, which I took, glancing gloomily at the dirt beneath my feet. “I want to be alone.”