Cinders' Bride: Mail Order Brides of Texas (6 page)

“You pushed me off the bed.”

He frowned. “There is more than enough room for us both.”

“Yes, except when you keep cuddling up to me and I keep moving away.”

“I really did push you, didn’t I? I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Standing, she laughed. “Of course not. You were sleeping. Now move over and give me some room.”

His eyebrows rose. “You’re not going to try to kick me out?”

“It’s your bed. Where else would you sleep?” She bit her bottom lip hoping he wasn’t going to mention Polly’s name.

“Usually on the floor in the other room. I’ve slept there more than in my bed.”

Her brow furrowed as she stared at him. “I guess you’ll have to explain it better because I don’t understand. I’ve had to sleep on the floor most of my life, and given a choice, I’d choose the bed.”

“Charlotte was sensitive and she needed her own space at times. I hadn’t realized she was so fragile when I married her.”

“I’m sorry. It must have been hard for the two of you to be apart. Still, I wouldn’t give up my bed space.”

Cinders smiled. “No I don’t suppose you would.” He turned his back to her and went back to sleep.

The next morning bewildered her to no end. Cinders was the most grouchy she’d ever seen him and it worried her. He barely said hello and went to the barn, came back, ate, and left again. All with not a word said to her. He chatted with Cookie plenty but he didn’t spare her a glance.

Her shoulders slumped as she tried to figure out the problem. The more she wondered, the madder she got until finally she stood in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips. He was the one with the problem, not her.

The door opened and Cinders’ poked his head in, staring at her. “Go to town and get some new dresses or cloth to make some new ones. I don’t want to see that gray dress again.”

Her jaw dropped. She stared at the door long after it closed. The dress was horrid but he could have been nicer about it. Wait, she expected nice? When had this happened? She'd grown up in the roughest part of the city and kindness had been the exception.

Cookie wandered in, giving her a speculative look. “I guess we’re going to town this morning. I’ll hitch up the team while you get ready.”

She nodded and wondered what she needed to do to get ready. She waited a few minutes and then headed outside. Cookie was waiting to help her up. He got himself settled and was just about to get the horses moving when Cinders came out of the barn. He looked her up and down, took off his hat and handed it to her.

“Get yourself a hat while you’re there. The sun is too strong out here.”

Taking the worn hat, she put it on her head and nodded at him. Maybe he did care after all, or maybe he was just insulting her again.

The drive to town went by quickly, but it always happened that way when you’re in dread. Cookie kept up a constant chatter but it didn’t ease her nerves. By the time they arrived, her hands were red from wringing them.

Cookie stopped the team of horses in front of the mercantile and helped her down. “Chin up,” he whispered.

Standing tall, she waltzed into the store trying to give an air of ease, but all talking ceased the moment she stepped through the doorway. She panned the crowd until she located Edith, the owner. Shannon gave her a slight smile and a nod. She wasn’t prepared for the gasp from Edith as she turned away.

Shannon’s hand flew to her cheek. She tried to cover her scar as the heat of shame burned.

Edith hurried over to her. “Perhaps you’d be more comfortable coming back later in the afternoon?”

“No, I’m here now and I have some shopping to do.”

Edith winced. “I hate to have to say this but I can’t have you mixing with the good people of this town. The late afternoon is your time.”

“My time? I don’t understand.”

Polly stepped forward wearing a green hat with blue feathers on it. “Edith is too polite to say it, but we ladies don’t consort with whores.”

Her chest tightened and it became laborious to breathe. “What? I’m not a whore. I’m married.”

Polly laughed. “In name only. Cinders knows the truth, not to mention there is the big problem with your face. I’m surprised he doesn’t make you cover it.”

She heard a few chuckles in the crowd as she turned away and sprinted out the door. The shock of Polly’s words left her numb.

“Good morning, Shannon.” John Hardy greeted as he emerged from the saloon. “Looking to get your job back?” He smirked at her.

“You’re disgusting. Leave me alone!” As she brushed past him, he grabbed her arm.

“It must be lonely out there for an experienced woman like you. Word around town is Cinders feel cheated. Apparently, you aren’t worth the amount of money he paid me for you. Don’t you worry, sweet, Shannon, my door is always open to you.”

“Let me go,” she seethed as she struggled to get away.

Hardy tightened his grip before he released her. “See you this afternoon when it’s your turn to shop.”

She almost fell trying to get away from him. Her stomach roiled at his fetid breath and she quickly walked to the wagon. Climbing up, she sat there as people walking by whispered about her behind raised hands. It became unbearable and she prayed Cookie would get back soon. She didn’t even know where he went.

Finally, he barreled out of the saloon and jumped into the seat beside her. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d be longer.”

Swallowing hard, she barely nodded as he urged the team to journey back to the ranch. They didn’t speak because she had no words. Pieces of her pride crumbled with the turn of the wagon wheels. Polly's spiteful attitude she could understand, but not Edith's. It shamed her that Cinders talked to Polly about their sleeping arrangements. Even John Hardy knew of Cinders’ displeasure.

Cinders stood in the yard as they pulled up and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. He lifted her down but she refused to look at him. She started to walk away when he spoke.

“Why didn’t you buy anything? I thought I told you to get cloth and a hat.”

Turning, she kept her gaze on the dirt. “They said I can only shop in the late afternoon.”

“What?” he roared.

On the verge of tears, she ran into the house and straight to the bedroom. There was no way she was going back to the mercantile in the afternoon. She didn’t care what Cinders wanted her to buy, she’d refuse.

Just as she expected, Cinders walked into the bedroom. How she wished to be in the position to tell him to get out. Why she'd thought marriage would be a fine thing escaped her. Wiping her eyes, she lay on her back and stared at the rafters.

“What happened?”

She flinched at the irritation in his voice “I’m not welcome to shop when the respectable ladies are in the store. They said I can only shop in the afternoon with the other whores.” Her reply was wooden and she took a deep, shaky breath. “Edith, Polly and John Hardy each gave me an education of what I’m not allowed to do.  I know this dress is ugly, but I had to trade everything I owned to get this dress and my traveling outfit. I don’t need any more, really.”

He hesitated so long she turned her head. He rubbed the back of his neck while fury grew in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I really don’t know what else to say.”

What he didn’t say spoke volumes. There was no defense of her character, no words of outrage about the treatment she received. His silence spoke loud and clear.

“I’ll be out to make the noon meal in a minute,” she said.

He turned away and left, closing the door behind him.

Her stomach lurched as her heart squeezed painfully. Her mother had always told her the only thing you have when you come into the world is your name, so one needed to keep it untarnished. Hers was beyond tarnished now.

****

Cinders ate the last of the bread offered at the noon meal. Every time he glanced at Shannon his blood boiled, so avoidance was his best bet. He couldn’t think of one pleasant thing to say and it baffled him. Pushing away from the table, he stood, wishing he had the skills to comfort her.

He sighed, took his hat off the wall peg, and jammed it on his head. All he wanted to do was to take each Edith, Polly and Hardy to task for their behavior, but he didn’t want to make things worse. If he rode to town, he’d cause a stir. Actually, probably more than a stir by the time he got done with Hardy, and it wouldn’t help Shannon.

Tramp, Rollo and Adam came out of the bunkhouse with Cookie trailing behind holding the dirty dishes. Cookie made a beeline for him.

“Boss, I’m sorry about what happened in town. I never thought to go into the mercantile with the missus. The first missus used to spend at least an hour in the wooden hen house. I moseyed over to have a look at the saloon. I’m telling you as soon as I heard the ruckus I ran right out of there.”

“Why don’t you go inside and keep her company for a bit. She’s mighty unhappy.”

“Sure will!” Cookie practically ran to the house.

Who was Cookie trying to fool? Moseyed over to have a look at the saloon? Cinders shook his head. Everyone knew he had a favorite girl he liked to visit. No, it wasn’t Cookie’s fault, it was his. A man looks after his wife and a good man doesn’t allow insults to go unanswered. Damn, it looked like he was going to town after all. The way he saw it, he had two ways to handle the situation—he could ride into town right then, or he could wait until morning and take Shannon with him. Finally, he decided to wait. He wanted the whole town to know she deserved respect.

Why women couldn’t just get along, he didn’t know. Charlotte went to town plenty of times and never had a lick of trouble. Life was simpler without all that female drama. He needed to nip the gossip personally.

He saddled his Paint, Sundown, and rode out on the range. The land was only yours if you could protect and keep it. There were plenty of squatters, ranchers and outlaws looking for a piece of the booming cattle business. He’d fought for what he had against the Indians and the Mexicans. He gave a lot of his cattle to the community during the war, but he still had enough to take to Kansas and sell.

He laughed remembering how proud Charlotte was of the land she brought with marriage. Sure, it made his spread much bigger but it was all dusty, over grazed land that would take a few years to regrow. Her father was dumber than dirt and he didn’t listen, in fact, he was known to help himself to other rancher’s cattle. He spoiled Charlotte until she wasn’t fit to be a wife on the plains of Texas.

He spotted a downed cow in the distance and rode toward it. He grabbed his rifle out of the scabbard and slid out of the saddle aware of his surroundings at all times. The unshod hoof marks were all he needed to confirm his suspicion. Comanches had been the culprits. They were getting bolder and bolder.

He got back on his gelding and turned him to the East where some of the men were rounding up strays. They needed to be warned and he needed to hire more men tomorrow while he was in town. The War Between the States might be over, but the struggle to survive was still alive and kicking. He definitely needed more men.

Chapter Three

Looking in the mirror had been a mistake. Shannon was going to town with Cinders, which was nerve-racking enough, but her scar looked more pronounced and her gray dress seemed uglier than usual.  Her hair wouldn’t cooperate and Cinders was starting to tap his foot. Her heart sank as dread filled her at the thought of seeing those busybodies again. She didn’t want to be accepted because Cinders told them to do it. She wanted to be accepted for herself.

Huffing, she blew a piece of hair that had escaped her braid from her face. There was no help for it and she’d stalled long enough. Besides, the foot tapping needed to stop. “Ready?”

“Yes, just waiting on you. Let’s go and buy you some new clothes.” He grinned.

He was trying to make her feel at ease, but no matter what he did, she’d never be at ease. All night she’d tossed and turned as the prospect of going into town whirled through her head. She couldn’t think of one positive outcome.

He helped her up to the wagon seat and gave her hand a quick squeeze. His kindness almost made her cry but she refused to allow those biddies in town make her fall apart. She was a tough New Yorker who had lived by her wits, and hard work. Cinders was right about going to town.

Two hours later, she changed her mind as she stood in the middle of the mercantile receiving numerous glares. Cinders was not right in thinking he’d get the town’s women to change their opinion. Being among them was even more humiliating then the day before.

“She’s my wife and she deserves respect,” Cinders argued.

“Cinders I’m not trying to be cruel but I’ll lose business and you know times are hard.” Edith explained, visibly upset.

“She has never been a whore,” he insisted.

“Then she was a virgin?” Polly stepped forward, folded her arms in front of her, and stared at Cinders.

He opened his mouth, turned red, closed his mouth and opened it again.

Polly looked around the store at each customer. “See! Look at him. He knows the truth.”

He gave her a sneer. “You of all people should know I don’t kiss and tell.”

There were gasps and they began whispering behind their hands. Polly looked ready to kill. “This isn’t about me, Cinders, it’s about your wife.”

“When the gossip comes from you, Polly, then you are involved. Shannon is a kind, decent woman. She grew up poor, but it’s not a crime and a lot of us grew up poor. Hell, even Cookie likes her.”

Edith patted the back of her hair, making sure it was all nice and neat. “Cookie approves of her?”

Shannon decided she'd had enough of them talking about her as if she wasn’t even there. “It’s simple. Either you want our business or you don’t. I refuse to argue over lies about me.” She turned to Cinders. “How far is the next town? Perhaps we can order from that catalog I’ve heard about? If it costs extra, I’ll just step outside now, while you shop. I already told you my dress is functional and I don’t need anything pretty.” Her eyes pleaded with him to leave.

A woman in her forties stepped forward. She wore a calico dress and a matching blue bonnet. “I’ll help you pick out the material you’ll need. Do you sew?”

“Yes, that’s what I’ve done my whole life to make money. I sew. Both my mother and I worked in a factory sewing.”

“I’m Mary Dodge. My husband Ed and I live about a half an hours ride from you.” Mary smiled and her blue eyes twinkled. “Come let’s shop.” She took Shannon’s hand and led her to the other side of the store where cloth and sewing supplies were stocked against the wall.

She glanced over her shoulder at Cinders, and when he winked at her, she finally took a normal breath. However, she did expect Edith to demand again that she leave, but it didn’t happen.

“Buy a ready-made dress too,” Cinders instructed.

She looked at the price of the ready-made dresses. “No, they are too costly. I can sew up a dress in a day and probably turn out dresses better than some of these.” She captured his gaze. “If it’s fine with you, that is.”

Cinders’ smile warmed her heart. She nodded and continued talking about fabric with Mary. Her excitement about sewing a new dress grew. Cinders walked over and whispered something in Mary’s ear and she nodded before he walked back to Edith.

Puzzled, she looked at Mary, who smiled. “He said you need underthings and a nightdress. You got yourself a good man, Shannon, and he looks happy. It’s been a long time since he smiled.”

“Four months is a long time.”

Mary shook her head. “No the day he married Charlotte was the last day I ever saws him smile. But you, dear, are very different than Charlotte. I don’t like to speak ill of the dead so I’ll leave it at that.”

“Thank you for your help, Mary.”

“Out here good neighbors help each other. I’ll be by to visit next week. I need to get back before Ed wonders what happened to me. I have my rifle and all, but he still worries.”

Cinders approached them. “Mary, I’ll escort you home. I saw signs of Comanche on my land.”

“Thanks just the same, Cinders, but Jeffers is waiting to drive me home. Ed mentioned the same thing. You two take care. Edith have you got my order ready?” Mary walked to the other side of the store.

“Did you pick out what you need?” His voice was low, patient.

“Yes, even more than I need.”

“If Mary thinks you need it, you need it. Ready?”

Shannon nodded. Cinders carried the bolts of cloth she'd cut to order and Shannon followed behind with buttons, spools of thread, and needles. She was surprised that most of the women who had been there left. She wondered if it was a good sign or not.

Edith didn’t smile at her, but she didn’t glare either as she wrapped the cloth in paper and tied it with twine. She merely nodded when Cinders thanked her.

They walked toward the wagon and Cinders stopped. “I hate to ask but do you think you could enjoy a cup of coffee at Eats for a little bit, alone? I have to hire more men and the saloon is my best bet of finding some but—”

“It’s fine, really. A cup of coffee sounds great.”

Cinders put the packages in the wagon and offered her his arm. It felt so muscular and hard under her fingertips. He was such a good man. She felt proud to be walking with him until John Hardy waltzed through the swinging saloon doors.

“Good morning, Shannon.”

Her heart dropped as soon as she saw him. He was bound to say something nasty.

Ignoring Hardy, Cinders quickly escorted her across the street to Eats. He seated her at a table near the kitchen and yelled out for Eats who barreled out of the back wiping his hands on his apron.

“Can you keep an eye on Shannon while I rustle up some fresh help for the ranch?”

“Sure thing. Don’t you worry. I’ll make sure she stays out of trouble.”

Cinders chuckled and left without saying goodbye. She crossed her arms in front of her, feeling abandoned.

“I’ll get you some coffee. I don’t have any of that fancy tea you ladies seem to be so fond of.” He turned and yelled for Poor Boy to bring her coffee. “I could sit here with you if you like or Poor Boy here can just yell if I’m needed.”

Poor Boy put a mug of coffee in front of her and she couldn’t help but notice the circles under his eyes. “I’d like Poor Boy to sit with me if that’s okay.”

“Just sit with you? He has a lot of chores he could be doing while he keeps an eye on you.”

“I wouldn’t want to disrupt your schedule. I just feel a bit odd sitting by myself, but don’t worry about it.”

“Poor Boy, sit and keep Mrs. Cinders company for a few minutes.”

Poor Boy gave her a quick smile before he sat across from her. “Thank you, Eats.”

Eats mumbled as he went back into the kitchen.

“Thank you for keeping me company, Poor Boy. Is that really your name?”

The haggard-looking youth nodded. “As far back as I remember it’s my name. It’s fittin’ so I don’t mind. ‘Sides Eats wouldn’t like having to call me somethin’ else.”

“As long as you have a roof over your head and food to eat.”

Poor Boy nodded. “I got that and Eats is good to me.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Are you getting enough sleep? You look tired.”

He stared at the floor and nodded. “I have them nightmares and it makes it hard to sleep.”

The door opened and two men walked in and sat down. They looked as though they’d done a week of hard work without bothering to stop and clean up. Dust flew into the air as they sat.

Poor Boy jumped up, ran into the kitchen, and came back with two mugs of coffee for which he got a slap on his face by the older man.

“Show more respect, Boy or Poor Boy, or whatever your stupid name is. Now ask me nicely what I want to eat.” His gruff voice sent shivers down her spine.

“Please, sir, what do you want to eat?” Poor Boy’s face turned red.

“The usual for both of us and make it quick.” The man laughed.

Poor Boy ran to the kitchen, gave Eats the order, and came back to sit with her. He gave her a small smile, pretending he wasn’t humiliated.

She wanted to go and give those two men a scolding but she knew they’d laugh at her. They stared at her and she quickly looked away, but she heard the younger one mention her scar before they laughed.

“Hey, lady, did he marry you or just mark you as his?” The older one asked.

She narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?”

“The Indian that had you. He marked you, and recently too. Maybe you and I could—”

Cinders appeared behind the man and caught him by the scruff of his neck. “Mister, that’s my wife you’re talking to. I suggest you apologize.” His voice was deceivingly calm.

The man sputtered and turned. “I didn’t know. Never seen her before.”

Cinders pulled his gun out of its holster and aimed it at the man’s head. “I said apologize.”

Eats walked into the room. “Now you know I don’t want any trouble here.”

Cinders never took his gaze off either man. “They insulted my wife.”

“She ain’t wearing no weddin’ ring!” the younger one protested.

“Listen I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect, ma’am.”

Cinders put his gun away and reached for her to take his hand.

“Thank you, Eats. Poor Boy, I have to say you have the finest coffee I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking.” She smiled at them as she stood up and linked hands with Cinders. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and led her out of the eatery.

“You’re trembling,” Cinders said.

“Am I? I don’t know why. I’ve stood up to worse.” Glancing at his strong profile, she squeezed his hand back. “Thank you for, well, for everything. Did you hire the men you needed?”

He glanced down at her and grinned, his dimples now showing. “I think so.” He lifted her up to the wagon seat. “Do you know how to ride?” he asked as he climbed into his seat and started the team toward home.

“A horse?”

A laugh rumbled deep in his chest. “Yes, a horse.”

“No, there wasn’t any reason to. We pretty much walked to wherever we needed to go.” Her face heated at his intense perusal.

He nodded and scanned the dirt road for a bit. “How about shooting? Do you know how to shoot a gun?”

“I know how to shoot a gun, though I never had reason to. I’ve never actually shot anything and as far as a rifle goes, but I can figure it out.”

“Good. Now I just need to teach you to hit what you aim at.”

She shuddered and gave him a sideways glance. “We’re not going hunting are we?”

He laughed again. “No, we usually practice with tin cans and empty bottles.”

“Oh. I guess you’ll be disappointed in your choice for a wife. I never gave riding and shooting any thought. You can be rid of me, just say the word. I know I’m no prize, and I’m afraid there will be trouble and misunderstandings everywhere I go.” Her hands clasped together and she held on tight, waiting for the words she knew were coming.

“The stuff in town isn’t your fault. Do you want to learn to ride and shoot?”

“If you need me to learn how, of course I will.”

He held the reins in one hand and put his other hand over her trembling ones. “I won’t ask you to leave. You’re an asset to the ranch. You are hardworking and a man couldn’t ask for more.” He drew his hand away and took the reins.

She sat back and relaxed a bit. The ride had become bumpy. She had to hold on to the seat and the side of the wagon to keep from falling out. Being as asset would have to be enough for now. It was time to grow up and let go of any silly dreams of love. Her dream of a marrying a hero had come true and she was grateful. Still, a small part of her heart ached for the love of a husband and the desire for children. It was an ache she imagined would never stop.

Maybe she was just the type who always wanted more. She’d grown up with many people who were like that. They couldn’t stand their lot in life, yet they refused to try to better themselves. They refused to get jobs and got through life by begging and stealing. She’d heard scheme after scheme of how they were going to get rich. It was a miracle she got away at all.