Conveniently Wed

Chapter 17

17

T he first rays of dawn barely peeked between the curtain panels, and Katie was wide awake. They’d planned their trip into Lacey Spring to pick up her new clothes today. Far too much extravagance for her back-country taste, but she hadn’t been able to squelch Josiah’s excitement. The riding habit was the one outfit she cared to lay ownership to. She tossed and turned on the bed, for it was far too early to rise, until Josiah pulled her back into the curl of his warm body.

“What’s troubling you, Kat?”

How could she tell him she was fretting over the prospect of dressing up in fancy lady’s wear? Or how silly she thought it was to own dresses that required help to get in and out of? Why would anyone want that aggravation? Until now, her lack of culture had been shadowed by the everyday work of life in everyday clothing. But, put her in a ballroom with an uptown dress, and her lack of sophistication would soon be evident. Her stomach clenched at the mere thought.

The way things had turned out, her family needed Josiah far more than he needed them. Letting him down constantly nipped at the back of her mind. What if he woke up one day to find whatever fascination he had with her was gone?

He pulled the hair back from the side of her face and kissed her cheek. “We’re both awake now. Do tell.”

“What am I going to do with not one, but seven, formal dresses? Not to mention the hats, shoes, and dainty parasols that go with them? You know I’ve never had much. I wish you had spent the money on the house or livestock or anything more useful.”

“That’s why it’s such a pleasure. Most women would be screaming for new clothing, but not you.”

“Unnecessary cost?—”

“Don’t be worrying about that either. Colby will soon be here, and our business will be off and running. I already have orders lined up. People can’t get work done without good horseflesh, and our ranch will provide that much-needed service. Business will be booming in no time.”

Katie slipped from his grasp and climbed from the bed. Instantly, she missed the warmth of his arms, but she padded across the floor, pulled on her wrapper, and stood before the mirror. She would never be enough. With a quick twist she unraveled her braid and brushed her waist-long hair with all too vigorous strokes. She closed her eyes as she worked and took in a few deep breaths, trying to still the insecurities that ran deep.

His hand on the brush stopped her movement. Her eyes popped open as he removed the brush from her clenched fist. “I’m sure bald is not the look you’re aiming for.” He smiled into the mirror as he gently smoothed the brush through her hair. “Besides, there is a motive to my madness. We can’t host a winter ball with you in your everyday clothes, now can we?”

She turned toward him. “Then why host one at all?”

“It’ll give Colby and me an excuse to sneak the men off to the stables for a look at our stock. Half the battle is won once that seed is sown.”

“Hence the need for some frilly spectacle of a dress I’m supposed to wear to fit the part of a wealthy horse breeder’s wife.”

He laughed. “When you say it like that, darling, it sounds much more pretentious than I intend. Actually, most women love a dance and an opportunity to dress up and get together. Something to celebrate after all the sadness of the war. Don’t you want that too?”

“I am not most women. In fact, you’ll understand the mistake you’ve made when the uncultured Katherine is expected to dazzle the masses.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Everything you’ve set your mind to do, you’ve excelled at. I know you won’t disappoint me now.”

“But half the clothes you bought me are unnecessary and impractical.”

He leveled a gaze on her. “A few frilly dresses are not going to change who you are, nor do I want you to change. Don’t worry. I’m not much of a socializer either, but once in a while we will take part in social events to give back to the community. Hopefully this will bring people together for a celebration instead of feeding their unrest.”

He made a sad puppy dog look, which did not suit the strong, broad-shouldered man she’d married. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“You win, but if I turn into a spoiled lady of leisure, it’ll be your doing. Furthermore, you’re going to have to hire a parlor maid just so I can get in and out of all that paraphernalia.”

“Kat, the getting out of your dresses will be my pleasure indeed.” A wicked grin pulled at the corners of his mouth.

She twisted out of his arms and shook a finger at him. “Not a chance. I remember how long it took you to undo the buttons on my wedding gown. You’re not getting anywhere near my new dresses.”

His laughter followed her into her bedroom as she walked away with a deliberate sashay of her hips.

The splendor of the valley spread before Katie as she and Josiah bounced along in the open buggy. “Aren’t you glad I convinced you to leave the carriage behind so we could enjoy the day in the open air?” Down deep, she wanted to enter town with much less pomp. Perhaps this time they’d be ignored.

His look was full of tenderness. “Anything for my lovely lady.”

She smiled at him with a genuine gratefulness. It was getting easier and easier to love this man who loved her so well. Her frozen heart was feeling the thaw.

The sun-dappled hills, clothed in vibrant fall colors of gold and scarlet set against a cerulean blue sky, brought forth the thoughts of a Creator. How could all this beauty just magically be? And why did a nagging need to respond call her name?

“How long is this valley?” she asked, hoping to remove the niggling presence of God. She shifted against the buckboard seats.

“It’s at least a hundred miles from north to south. Have you ever had the privilege of traveling from one end to the other?”

“No, but now that the war’s over?—”

“I’d love to show you. The flowering meadows are spectacular in the spring. We could make it a horse trip and ride the trails close to those mighty Alleghenies.” He pointed to the east, where the range rose.

She clamped her hands on his arms and squeezed. “I would love, love, love that.”

A grin split his face. “Thought so. On the way back, we could circle around to the Blue Ridge Mountains so you can see that part of the valley and come back straight through the middle between the Massanutten and Alleghenies. Some unbelievable countryside, let me tell you.”

She looked to the west at the craggy Massanutten, which rose majestically beside them as they meandered along the Valley Pike to Lacey Spring. She could remember many a hot summer afternoon with her brothers and Charles, enjoying time spent in the arms of its shaded forest.

The memory spiked a deep longing. She inhaled sharply. The pain still took her by surprise sometimes—the fact that she would never see them again. Charles had the most incredible smile, one she could not easily forget. Was she supposed to never remember him now that she was married?

“What is it?”

“Can you read my mind?”

He chuckled. “No. You just sighed and wilted against me.”

She laid her head against his arm. “I was thinking of my brothers and…” The thought of hurting Josiah cut the mention of Charles’s name. “And how we used to enjoy the mountains.” She bit back the tears that gathered in her eyes. “Does it ever get easier? The loss, the memories that hurt so much?”

He took both reins in one hand and wrapped an arm around her. “It gets easier, Kat.” He squeezed her shoulder. “The heart has a great capacity for love, far greater than I ever imagined. The grief becomes less acute, and, in time, if we allow ourselves to love again, the lonely crevices fill without ever forgetting or diminishing the memory of those no longer present. Your brothers will always be a part of you, but it won’t always hurt so much to remember them.”

“Seems those I love the most—disappear.” Her voice caught at the thought of losing Josiah. “You won’t leave me too, will you?” Fear skirted the edges of her mind.

“Does that mean you love me? You did say love .” He squeezed her shoulders playfully.

“Stop joking.” She picked up her gloves from her lap and swatted him. “Honestly, I want to let my heart love, but I’m scared.”

He pulled her close. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“I also want to be a mama.”

He pulled the reins tight and stopped the buggy. The smile lines around his eyes crinkled. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“That would make me the happiest man alive.”

She gazed into the warmth of his eyes and pressed against his broad shoulder. Her heart skipped a beat, and her stomach fluttered as he bent to place an ardent kiss on her lips. “I wish we had a little privacy.” His eyes danced, and his hand swept to the wide-open fields. “I’d like to start working on that prospect right here, right now.”

She giggled in contentment and relaxed against him. Was this what being in love felt like?

A flash of Charles’s smile flitted in her mind once again. His free spirit. His youthful vigor. Sadness followed, as it always did, along with a whole lot of confusion. She had to keep herself in reality and make her heart turn its allegiance to the living—the one so full of kindness, of generosity, of love.

“We’re here.”

Katie stirred as Josiah’s arm nudged her.

“Goodness me, did I fall asleep?” She straightened as their buggy rattled into the quaint town of Lacey Spring.

“You were up early fussing about your new clothes.”

She grinned and turned away, focusing on their orderly town in hopes of calming the racing speed of her heart. They slowed to a crawl as they passed the stagecoach depot and post office. This was worse than the carriage, where she could duck behind the curtain. Everyone stopped and gawked. Josiah waved with nary a thought. She fought the urge to shrink, holding her spine straight.

They plodded past the diner, where three old men sat on the porch and lifted their hats, to the hotel, where a few widows gathered outside in a circle, talking. The minute one of them spotted Josiah, they all turned and waved without a glance for Katie. If one of them did look her way, it was only a glare they sent.

Piano music drifted from the saloon, and a few cowboys whistled at her, but immediately stopped. She glanced up at the man on the seat beside her. A deadly scowl was pasted on Josiah’s face.

She nudged him. “It’s all right when the widows flash you bright smiles, but not so much when the men direct anything my way?” A smile rose in her chest.

“You get it,” he said. “I admit, that makes me jealous.”

Sheriff Holden sat smoking his pipe outside the jailhouse. “Good to see you, Josiah,” he yelled, “and your lovely bride. You caught one of the last beautiful days before winter hits.”

“We did indeed.”

“Make sure you come see me before you head back.”

“I’ll stop by later while Katherine and Clarissa are busy.” Josiah tipped his hat as they rolled past.

Doc Phillips’s house came into view. Katie looked up to the second floor, where he lived with his wife, and caught his wave through the window. She smiled as she raised her hand.

Josiah nodded. “Did you know they converted the bottom of the house to an office and set up a room for emergencies?”

“Ma mentioned it and said how happy she is I’ll have good help when the babies come.” The instant heat in her cheeks had nothing to do with the strong morning sun.

“Babies?” He squeezed her shoulders. “I do like the sound of that. And did I ever tell you how adorable you look when you blush?”

Katie scrambled for something to say. “Looks like this old town is coming to life. Nice to see the blacksmith, furniture maker, and wheelwright all hanging their signs once again.”

“Hmm. Looks like my wife is trying to change the subject, so I’ll be a gentleman and let her.”

She bit back a smile.

A small one-room schoolhouse, where the spinster schoolmarm, Miss Barnes, ruled with stern authority, sat on the outskirts of town. Her cottage on the same property, surrounded with flowers, looked ever so inviting. The children were on a break, as squeals and laughter filled the morning air. Katie waved at a ragamuffin girl who stood apart from the crowd. Her heart lurched at the sight. The pain of being ignored by the other schoolgirls came flooding back.

They rode past the white clapboard church that stood like a sentinel at the end of Main Street. The arched stained-glass windows and copper gilded steeple glinted in the reflection of the sun. Reverend Jude and his wife Betty had their parsonage on the same property. Katie’s mind went back to her wedding day. The scared, angry waif that had stood beside the tall, distinguished gentleman had changed. She’d been wrong. Josiah had been kinder than she’d ever thought possible. She peeked up at his handsome face.

“What?”

“Can’t a girl smile at her husband for no reason?”

“I know you, Kat. Everything has a reason.” His eyes danced with merriment. “But you’re entitled to your private thoughts.”

Josiah stopped at the livery, swung from the buggy in one quick leap, and tied the horse to the hitching post. Then, he came to Katie’s side with his hand held out.

“A girl could get used to such chivalry,” she said.

“That’s the whole idea. You’ve never been spoiled. Don’t you think it’s high time?” He winked at her, then called to the man inside the stable. “Hey, Tom, can you give the horses a quick rub down and some water and feed? We’ll be back in a few hours.”

Tom’s head bobbed as he shuffled closer. “Yes, sir.” His curly gray hair glistened in contrast to his dark skin, and crinkled laugh lines circled his sparkling black eyes. He grinned widely, revealing a row of uneven teeth. “They’ll be rested and fed for the trip back.”

“Thanks.”

“Did you talk to Sheriff Holden yet? He say to be sure and let you know he wants to see you.”

“I’ll check in with him later.”

“Good thing. Cause troubles abrewing. Some of the townsfolk are getting downright nasty about us doing the jobs we always done. Say we’re taking jobs from them.”

Katie didn’t miss how Josiah nodded his head in her direction and widened his eyes at Tom in a message without words.

Tom nodded back. “We talk later, Mistuh Richardson.”

“My lady.” Josiah extended his arm. “Shall we?”

They walked arm in arm to the mercantile, and Katie blocked out the stares of far too many curious eyes. “Every time we’re in town the word trouble comes up. Are things getting worse?”

“Just some angry town folk trying to put pressure on me to hire only the white when my horses come in. I don’t give weight to their threats.”

“Threats?” She squeezed his arm.

“Idle threats. That’s why I think a community ball will lighten the mood and give people something fun to think about. Now, let’s talk about anything else. I’m not going to let the town gossip ruin a perfect day.”

“I’m looking forward to visiting Winnie again,” she said. “The two of us were the outcasts from under-privileged families, and now look at us. She married the store owner’s son and I married the richest man in the valley. Who would have ever thought? Not that I set out to snag the legendary Mr. Richardson. Truth be told, you scared the daylights out of me.”

He looked at her, a twinkle lighting his eyes. “And now?”

She smiled up at him. “I know you’re my gentle giant, Mr. Richardson. And as Delilah would say, I’m blessed to be your missus.”

Josiah swung an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He planted a quick kiss on her lips.

“You can’t be saying things like that in public, Mrs. Richardson, or I won’t be held responsible for my unmannerly show of public affection.”

She couldn’t hold in her chuckle.

“Did I tell you Robert received a furlough during the war and raced home to marry Winnie?” she asked. “I remember at their wedding how he stood and told everyone that if he died, he would die a happy man. I’ve never seen such a look of pure love radiate from a man before.”

“Hmm.” His brows lowered as he studied her. “Wish you had looked into my eyes at our wedding, rather than everywhere but.”

Her stomach flipped. “Our situation was different.”

“For you, yes, but not for me.” A shadow passed across his face.

He was right. She had ignored him as much as she could, and if she could marry him all over again knowing what she knew today, she would do things differently. If only her fears had not been so palpable and her anger so raw. If only her need to feel in love and memories of Charles had not been in her head. Was he still in her head? Just the thought of his name brought a kaleidoscope of feelings crashing in. She shuddered and shook them away. There were far too many if onlys.

He opened the door and ushered her in with a touch to the small of her back. The bell tinkled above their heads, and Josiah had to duck to avoid hitting it with his hat.

Sadness filled the pit of her stomach with heaviness, and she looked around in an effort to rid herself of the gloom. Shelves stocked with buggy harnesses, saddles, and cowboy boots filled the air with the smell of new leather. One side of the store was set up for the men, displaying clothing, hats, and footwear. Tools and feed were available in the back corner.

The other side of the store displayed bolts of calico, cotton, silk, and wool. Notions of thread, buttons, hats, and footwear filled a corner. Dishes, baking needs, ripe cheeses, and a beautiful glass showcase at the front showed off the hard work of Winnie’s touch. Jewelry, pocket watches, glass dolls, and serving dishes filled in every square inch. She gravitated to that side of the store and Josiah to the other.

Two women huddled in the corner spoke just loud enough for her to hear. “She thinks she’s something now that she’s Mr. Richardson’s wife. But look at how she dresses like the commoner she is.”

“Don’t you worry, Laurie. He’ll tire of her. Mark my word.”

“Outward beauty only lasts so long, and the novelty wears thin when culture and sophistication are what a man of his social standing needs.”

“He’ll have his romp in the hay with the farm girl, and then you’ll be there to pick up the pieces, as it was meant to be.” Their titter filled the air as they lifted their heads and strolled by. They called out a welcome and waved to Josiah before stepping out of the store with a glare in her direction.

Katie’s stomach twisted as she looked down at her plain clothes. What an embarrassment she must be to Josiah. No wonder he’d insisted on a new wardrobe.

He caught her eye and smiled, moving across the store to her side.

Robert emerged from the storage area. He slapped white dust from his work apron without looking up and ran a hand through his thick, unruly mop. The powder from his hands streaked his hair gray and left a white mark across his bronzed cheek.

“Robert, what happened?”

His head snapped up. “Katie, I mean…Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, so glad to see you.”

Katie moved forward and nudged his shoulder. “I’ll always be Katie to you, and you know Josiah.”

“I’d shake your hand, but I better not.” He lifted his white palms. “I’ll go get Winnie. She’s been cooking up a storm for our lunch, so excited that you’ll be joining us. I’ve been left to attend the store. None too successfully, I might add. I just busted a sack of flour.”

Katie snuck a sideways glance at Josiah and stifled the laughter. The minute Robert disappeared behind the curtain that separated the storage room from the store, Katie and Josiah let loose, each trying to muffle the sound. Robert had looked hilarious covered in the powder. She looked up at her husband with laughter still bubbling out.

“You don’t know how good it is to hear you laugh,” he said.

She reached on her tip toes to plant a quick kiss on his lips. His eyes turned smoky gray with desire, and he bent his head for more.

“Well, well, Katie. I see married life agrees with you.”

They jumped apart at the sound of Winnie’s voice.

“I wasn’t going to interrupt.” She chuckled. “But it didn’t look like the end was in sight. And”—she pointed to Hattie out the window—“the town gossip is making her way across the street. We don’t want to start a scandal now, do we?”

Katie was shocked at herself. What had started out as a quick kiss had left her with little thought to her surroundings. When she glanced up at Josiah, he looked rather like a proud peacock.

The bells tinkled as Hattie burst in and slammed the door behind her. “Why, I do declare.” She panted heavily with her hands planted on both sides of her rotund girth. “I know you two are newly married, but that’s just not acceptable.” Her pasty white cheeks, covered in far too much talcum powder, puffed like a steam engine.

“Imagine, kissing in public.” She pointed a chubby finger in their direction. “Mr. Richardson, you should be ashamed of yourself. That belongs in the bedroom, if at all.” She clucked out her disgust like an old hen and lifted her head with a jut to her chin. “In the future, see to it that you remember where you are.” She turned on her heels and, with a wiggle of her wide hips, flounced out of the store. She cast one more disapproving glare through the window as she passed by.

Winnie grabbed Katie’s arm and focused on Josiah. “I’m stealing your bride for some ladies’ talk. Try not to miss her too much.” Her eyebrows waggled.

As they passed her husband, coming from behind the curtain, Winnie gave him a smile. “Robert, don’t forget—I’m heading to the dressmaker with Katie this afternoon, and you have to man the store.”