Bran (Prairie Grooms, Book Six) (9 page)

She went to the bedroom door, put her ear to it, and listened. She heard no one outside in the hall so felt it was safe to get back to making her list. She went to the dresser and pulled out a piece of paper, unfolded it, and went over the items she would need in order to carry out her plan. “Let's see, blanket, saddlebags, I wonder if there are any extra of those around here?” She better find out if she was going to pull this off, and she couldn't very well ask Harrison or Colin if they just happen to have a spare set around. Especially after the interrogation she suffered through the other night. Sadie and Belle were relentless in their pursuit to find out why she wouldn’t marry. No, she'd have to get everything on her own. And she would need a lot of supplies if she was to make her way west to Oregon City. Or, if she was real lucky, she could hook up with a wagon train camped outside of town and travel west with them. Which, of course, was a much more viable option.

A knock sounded on the door. Apple jumped up from the bed, raced to the dresser, and quickly stuffed the paper into the top drawer. “Yes?”

Belle opened the door, a huge grin on her face. “This just came for you,” she said and handed her an envelope.

“Apple took it from her and noticed the only thing gracing the missive was her name. What's this?”

Belle laughed. “Open it and find out, silly.”

“How did it get here?”

“Sheriff Hughes brought it.”

“What’s the sheriff want with me?”

“I don't think it's from the sheriff. Just open it, will you?”

At this point Sadie was peeking over Belle's shoulder. Tired of waiting, she pushed Belle out of the way and came into the room. “Well, what is it?”

“I don't know!” replied Apple. She wanted to take the time to study the handwriting of her name, as if whoever wrote it was in a hurry. Speaking of hurry… she ripped the envelope open and pulled out a note. She quickly read it, gasped, and put a hand to her mouth.

“What?” asked Belle, “what's it say?”

Apple continued to stare at the note. Sadie rolled her eyes and snatched it out of her hand. “
’Miss Sayer’
,” she read aloud. “’
Would you do me the honor of afternoon tea, tomorrow, three o’clock?’
Well, well,” Sadie drawled. “Isn't this something?”

“Oh Apple! I'm so happy for you! Deputy O'Hara obviously wishes to court.”

Apple looked at them both and shook her head. “I… I can't.”

“What do you mean, you can't?” asked Sadie.

“I just… I just can't, that's all.”

“You can and you will,” Sadie said as she shoved the note back into Apple's hand. “Besides, it's only tea, and if you decide you don't like the man, then you can call the whole thing off.”

“Call what off?” asked Apple, though she knew.

“The courtship, of course,” said Belle. “It's obvious what he wants, but, if you think the two of you won't suit…”

“Oh, we won't,” said Apple with a quick shake of her head. “I can tell you that right now.”

Belle and Sadie exchanged a look. Belle then looked at Apple and smirked. “Uh-huh, like you haven't been moping around here the last few days since you saw him?”

“I have not been moping!”

“Then you’ve been pouting, and or sulking, take your pick,” added Sadie. She turned to Belle. “What do you think, her yellow calico?”

“No, the lilac.”

“Will you two stop!” cried Apple. “I'm not going!”

“Yes you are!” said Sadie. “And you might as well get used to it. If not Deputy O'Hare, than some other gentleman will be wanting to marry you.”

“I'm
not
getting married!”

“So you informed us the other day,” Belle commented dryly. “But why? Why wouldn't you want to get married?”

“Because… oh, never mind.” Apple went to the bed and sat. She couldn’t tell them, they wouldn't believe her. The only one who might would be Eloise, and she hadn't had a chance to see her yet. But… if she were to go to the hotel for tea, she
would
be able to speak with her… even if it meant having tea with Deputy O'Hare. She looked at Belle and Sadie, and let out a heavy sigh. “Fine, I’ll go.”

Sadie smiled. “Good, I'll go let Jefferson know we’ll need him to drive us to town tomorrow.”

“Us?” said Apple, confused. “What are you going for?”

“To chaperone of course, you can't expect to have tea alone with the man.”

“Oh, yes, I'd quite forgotten about that,” Apple said with another sigh.

“Perhaps Imogene and Cutty would like to join us?” suggested Belle.

“Cousin Imogene won't let the man get in two words if she's there,” complained Apple. “All she'll do is talk about India.”

“Not if Cutty’s there, she won’t,” said Belle.

“Fine,” groaned Apple. “The more, the merrier I suppose. But whom is Deputy O’Hare courting? Me, or all of you?”

“Don't worry,” assured Sadie. “Deputy O'Hare will have his chance with you, we just thought that maybe you'd feel more comfortable if we were there.”

“Can Eloise come? Apple asked, hopeful.

“Of course she can,” said Belle. “In fact, I would love it if she did, just in case I'm not feeling up to going.” She patted her tummy for emphasis and smiled.

Apple looked at Belle’s hand resting on her belly, and bit her lower lip. “You don't have to go, especially if you're not feeling well. I'm sure I'll have enough chaperones.”

Belle smiled at her. “You're looking at this all wrong, you know.”

Apple cocked her head to one side. “I don't understand.”

“Deputy O’Hare is a good man, Apple, and he'd make you a fine husband. We understand how you must feel after all that’s happened since you’ve come here, but trust us on this.”

Apple looked at them both and nodded. What else could she do? She couldn't very well blurt out that if she went anywhere near Deputy O'Hare, she might well be the death of him. After this, she was just going to have to find a way to avoid the man.

Nine

Bran was nervous. If he could, he’d be wearing his Sunday best. Unfortunately, he no longer owned a good suit of clothes, only the ones he worked in. He’d sold his one suit coming west, to feed him and Grady. Food was more important at the time than looking one’s best. But his hair was combed, his face clean-shaven, and he smelled nice. It would have to do. But would it be enough for the likes of Apple Sayer?

“Stop fidgeting,” complained Seth Jones as he sat at a nearby table. “You don't want her to think you're nervous, do you?”

“I never thought I'd say this, but I am.”

“Don't worry, it happens to the best of us,” Seth consoled, then looked at the double doors that led into the hotel's dining parlor.

His wife Eloise came through them and went directly to their table. “How lovely,” she commented as she took in the tea service Mrs. Upton had prepared. “How many are coming?”

“Too many, from the sounds of it,” complained Bran.

“Mr. O’Hare,” began Eloise. “Might I remind you, that you need to be properly chaperoned while courting my cousin.”

Bran gawked at her. “Is there anyone here that
doesn't
know my intentions?”

“What everyone in town knows, is that you've set your cap for her.”

Bran rubbed one temple then looked at her. “All I did was invite her to tea so we could talk. I picked this time because no one is usually here.”

“Oh, it's not as bad as all that,” Eloise said and sat next to her husband. “Besides, this is a public dining room and other people are allowed to come to afternoon tea. At least we’re not sitting at the same table with you.”

“Thank Heaven for that,” Bran muttered under his breath.

A flash of color caught his eye, and he looked up in time to see Apple in a pretty lilac colored dress, walk into the dining parlor with Sadie Cooke close behind. She didn't look very happy; and that was Apple, Sadie on the other hand, looked delighted to be there.

“Right, then,” he said under his breath. “Here we go.” He stood and smiled. “Miss. Sayer, Mrs. Cooke, I'm so glad you're here,” he said politely. He maneuvered around the table to hold out a chair for Apple, seated her, and then did the same for Sadie. He was about to retake his seat when Colin and Harrison sauntered into the dining parlor. His mouth hung half-open at the sight, and he quickly looked between the two brothers. “What are they doing here?” he whispered to himself.

Apple heard it. “Cousin Duncan sent some tea from England and we want to try it out.”

“Oh, I see,” Bran said as he slowly sat. He watched as Harrison and Colin sat at another table and were joined by Jefferson, their stepfather. Bran could only stare. “Is the whole bloody town coming?”

Apple smiled at him. At least she found it amusing. “Perhaps,” she said.

He was about to comment when in walked Wilfred and Sheriff Hughes! Now his mouth
did
drop open. “Sheriff?
You're
having tea?” he squeaked.

“Sure, son. Can’t a man enjoy a cup of tea now and then?” They sat at the Cooke brother’s table and began to chat with the Englishmen.

Bran looked at Apple and shrugged. “Well then, here we are. Having… tea.” He looked around. “With all of these people.”

Apple smiled. “Yes, isn't it nice?”

Imogene and Cutty were the last to arrive, and took a seat at Eloise and Seth’s table. As if on cue, Mrs. Upton pushed a teacart into the room and began to serve. Bran felt entirely out of place. Ever since he came to the quirky little town almost a year ago, tea was the one thing he did not partake of. And even though most of the men folk in town did, he didn't see any reason to join them. For one, he didn't particularly like the stuff. He preferred coffee instead. Apparently, Sally Upton knew this, and poured him a cup of the hot brew instead of tea. He looked up at her smiled. “Why, Mrs. Upton, thank you!”

“I knew there was a reason you never came in the afternoons with the other men. I guessed this had to be it. No trouble to pour you a cup of coffee Deputy, maybe from now on I'll see you with the others.”

Bran smiled. “Perhaps you will.”

He took in the teacups, saucers, cookies, biscuits, and small slices of cake. Memories flooded him and he had to hold his breath a moment to hold them at bay. A pretty tea set, his mother's tinkling laughter, followed by shattering glass and her screams as his father started to beat her in front of him.

Bran closed his eyes against the image and took a sip of his coffee. “My, that's good and hot.”

Apple studied him and smiled. “For a moment I didn't think you were going to like it.”

He looked at her. “What makes you say that?”

“The look on your face.”

“Look?”

“The one a moment ago, you looked, well, sort of sad and mad all at the same time.”

“I see, well don't worry lass, it's nothing. Let's enjoy ourselves, shall we?”

“Doing what?”

He stared at her a moment, not quite sure how to answer that. “Well, we are having tea, I suppose.”

“Are you courting me?”

Bran chuckled. “Ye don't hold back, do you?”

“No, I don't. Are you courting me?”

“It's customary to have this conversation with a father or brother, or in this case yer cousins, as to whether or not I'm courting you.”

“Are you?”

Bran laughed. He then looked into Apple’s eyes as Mrs. Upton poured her cup of tea. “Do ye want me to?”

She jerked back, hit Sally's elbow, and made her spill tea into her lap. “Oh! Ahhh!”

Bran quickly got up to help. “Here now lass, are ye hurt?”

“Ow! Ow! Hot! Hot!”

Eloise and Sadie both stood and immediately went to Apple’s side. “Oh, you poor thing!” exclaimed Sadie.

“I'm so sorry, Apple,” said Mrs. Upton. “You moved and hit me and…”

“It's okay, Mrs. Upton…” Apple said as she fanned her lap. “I’ll… be fine.”

“Come upstairs with me,” said Eloise. “I have something you can change into.”

Apple looked at her and frowned. “Maybe I should just go home?”

Sadie eyed her. “No, I think Eloise has a good idea. Go upstairs and change and we’ll wait for you. Hurry now.”

Eloise took Apple by the arm and led her away from the table. “Come along, let's hurry before the tea gets cold.”

“No worries ladies,” Mrs. Upton called after them. “I’ll brew a fresh pot when you come back.”

Bran studied everyone as Apple retreated with Eloise. Collin and Harrison looked at one another then at Sadie, who could only shrug. She then looked at Bran. “Maybe this was a mistake,” he said softly.

Sadie wiped the chair Apple had used and sat. “No, this is just what she needs and we all approve the match.”

Bran nodded. “Aye, but does the lass? I still don't know about this, Mrs. Cooke. I don't think she's very interested in me.”

Sadie smiled. “She's just skittish, that's all.”

“Skittish is one thing, Mrs. Cooke. But this…”

“It was an accident Mr. O'Hare, nothing more. It's not like she spilled tea on herself on purpose now, was it?”

“Well, no, but…”

“Everything will be fine, you'll see. In fact, I've spoken with Harrison and we'd like you to come to Sunday supper after church. It will give you and Apple more time to get to know one another.”

“If ye say so, Mrs. Cooke, if ye say so.”

* * *

What luck! Spilled tea! Apple couldn't have planned it any better and wished she'd thought of it! But the important thing was that now she was alone with Eloise and could speak with her about her dilemma. “Is the Sayer curse true?” she blurted as she went behind a wooden screen to change her dress.

“What?” Eloise croaked. “Apple, why are you asking me this?”

“Because I have to know!” she said from the other side of the screen. She quickly peeked around it. “Is it true, did you think it affected you and Seth?”

  Eloise blanched. “Who told you that?”

“I think it was Cousin Imogene, or maybe Constance, but I did hear it.” She popped back behind the screen and continued to change her clothes.

Eloise sat on the bed and stared at the floor. “It's true that I believed in it and thought it had followed us here from England, but now I know better.”

Apple came out from behind the screen wearing Eloise’s simple brown calico. “What do you mean, you know better?”

“There was nothing here to keep me from marrying Seth except, well, me,” she explained.

“You? You mean the curse, right?”

  “I guess I’m not explaining this very well. Let me start again. At first I thought it was the curse that kept me wondering if marrying Seth was the right thing to do, even though I was his mail-order bride. But then I realized I had made him out to be something that he wasn't, and I wanted him to be something else, do you understand?”

“Not really,” Apple said, her tone flat. “Is the curse real or not?”

Eloise let out a heavy sigh. “No, Apple, I don't believe it's real.”

“You… you don’t?” Apple asked, truly shocked. “Then what happened to all those men back in England?”

“I don't know, except that someone didn't want them inheriting the Stantham estate. It's the only logical explanation.”

“But who would do such a thing?”

“Some cousin or other I suppose. Thackary Holmes is the only one that comes to mind. I heard Colin and Harrison talking about him one night when I was still living out at the Triple C. What they said made sense. After all, he did travel all the way out here with Cousin Anthony’s solicitor to see if Duncan or his brothers were alive and able to inherit. If they weren’t, then Thackary would. Everything points to him.”

“Yes,” Apple said as she looked to the floor. “I've heard the stories.” Her head snapped up. “But what about the curse?”

Eloise stood up from the bed, and put her hands on Apple shoulders. “There is no curse. The only thing that would keep you from marrying anyone is yourself. You have a handsome man downstairs waiting to have tea with you, and I think you should drop this silly curse business and pay attention to him.”

“There’s no curse?” Apple asked again, her voice trailing off.

Eloise put an arm around her. “No, silly. But I admit, I thought there was just like you do. That's it, isn't it? You're afraid you can't let Mr. O’Hare court you because you think something will happen to him?”

Apple looked at her, tears in her eyes, and nodded.

“Oh, Apple,” Eloise said and took her in her arms. “There's no curse, do you hear me? Just a madman out there trying to get something he was never meant to have.” She gently put Apple away from her. “And who knows where he is by now? Hopefully long gone and out of our lives forever. Now, let’s go back downstairs, shall we?”

Apple sniffed back her tears and nodded. “You mean I've got myself all worked up for nothing?”

“I think you have,” said Eloise as she put her arm around her and steered her toward the bedroom door.

Apple stopped and spun to her. “I was planning on running away!”

“You were what?”

Apple nodded. “I thought that if Deputy O'Hare tried to court me, something bad would happen to him.”

Eloise closed her eyes a moment and smiled. “Oh, Apple, you poor dear. But I understand. I thought the same thing, but it's not true. None of it is.”

Apple's lower lip trembled, but she smiled all the same. “I’m so glad.” She suddenly straightened, eyes wide. “But what am I going to do about Deputy O'Hare?”

“What about him? He’s obviously interested in you, or he wouldn't have asked you to tea.”

“That's just it! I don't know what to do! He wants to court me!”

“Then let him, silly! Now let's go.” Eloise took her by the hand and led her from the room.

Downstairs, conversation at the three tables was well under way. Make that two tables, Bran sat and stared at a biscuit as he waited for Apple's return. Sadie had left and joined Harrison and Colin and was soon savoring the spicy tea Mrs. Upton served them. They were making such a fuss over it that he was tempted to try a cup.

“I'm sorry I kept you waiting,” said Apple as she retook her seat.

“No need to worry, lass. I wasn't going anywhere,” he told her in a reassuring tone.

She looked at him with a brightness that wasn't there before. “I'm glad.”

“You… You are?”

“Yes, of course. Shall we have our tea now?”

He eyed her suspiciously. When she first arrived he thought sure she didn't want to be there, now she seemed perfectly happy to be in his company. Odd.

“There now, you look pretty as a picture, honey!” said Mrs. Upton as she approached their table with a fresh pot in her hand. Bran noticed she gave Apple a wide berth, then poured her a fresh cup and moved to do the same for him. “You'll have to try this,” she told him. “I had some in the kitchen and it's wonderful!”