Mail Order Mishap: Christian Romance (Kansas Brides Book 1) (5 page)

Amber was fascinated at how informal the people were as they walked in and grabbed a seat, talking loudly to friends, all the while. Back in Richmond, people had more respect for the church and simply nodded to friends once inside the sacredness of the church, rendering it reverently silent.

She watched as people filled the benches, noticing their unadorned attire, and began to feel a bit out of place in her yellow chiffon dress. Most of the women wore homespun frocks that were neat and clean, but not fashionable. Edna’s apparel was neither homespun nor chiffon, but a simple, black dress made from a glossy fabric. The men wore suits but without ties or stiff collars. Some men even came in wearing overalls, and they slipped into seats at the back of the church.

When she noticed Garrett Turner come in, she looked behind him to see if Charles had accompanied him. She failed to see him, but Garrett took a seat almost directly behind them. He looked somehow different in his black suit, white shirt, and string tie. He didn’t seem to notice her.

The service was warm and friendly. The Reverend, who'd introduced himself as James Flannery, dressed pretty much the same as Garrett had. He greeted the congregation and led them in prayer. The sermon was interesting; it was the story of Lazarus. Many of the congregation carried Bibles and turned to the passages when the reverend referred to them. Back in Richmond, no one carried a Bible to church. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that Garrett had carried a Bible and was listening attentively.

After the service, the minister made some announcements: Mrs. Johnson had delivered a fine, healthy, baby boy; Mr. Robb was laid up with gout again, and needed prayer, and the church picnic was scheduled for two weeks from Sunday next.

When she and Edna turned to leave the church, several people approached them asking to be introduced to Amber. She lost sight of Garrett and was relieved she didn’t have to endure his scowls that day.

Each Sunday after church, Edna Smith usually hired a buggy and driver and paid a visit to her granddaughter, who lived about five miles outside of Hunter’s Grove. She invited Amber along, but she declined in favor of being alone for the first time since she'd arrived in Hunter’s Grove.

She waved Edna off and then sat on the porch with a cool glass of lemonade. It was the perfect location to watch the residents of Hunter’s Grove as they walked around the town. The businesses were all closed except for the saloons and the livery. Several people met in the street talking, and laughing, which Amber found enjoyable to observe. She watched some people walking toward the park, picnic baskets in tow, and wondered what Charles had planned for the today; she hadn’t heard from him since the night before.

After draining her glass, Amber decided to take a walk herself, hoping to meet a few of the people living in Hunter’s Grove. It was a lovely, late spring day, and the sun was beaming down on the town as if bringing it to life. Charles had told her the town tended to be quiet in the daytime, but at night the town came to life. She realized the truth of his statement last night—loud saloon music, gunshots, laughing, and drunken shouting traveled on the breeze. It was difficult to get used to and especially hard to fall asleep during it all.

That day was quiet and Amber felt safe enough to set out on a Sunday afternoon walk.

She'd changed out of her yellow chiffon upon returning home from church, and was wearing one of her plainest, cotton, day dresses, light blue in color and with white lace around the neck and cuffs. She carried her parasol to protect her light complexion from the sun. As she strolled along the wooden walkway she met several people, each of which nodded to her as they passed. Amber smiled in return. What a friendly town, she thought. How quaint.

She wondered what Margaret was doing at that moment in time back in Richmond.

She peered into the window of the General Store and caught her own reflection. She was still Amber Wakefield of Richmond, Virginia, even though she felt like an entirely different person.

Next, she walked on toward the livery, where she watched a man brushing a tan horse. He turned and noticed her watching him. She started to turn away when he called to her. “Hey there,” he said.

She stopped and turned back. “Hello.”

He stood up. He was a tall, lanky fellow, with bright red hair and freckles, and looked to be about forty. It was difficult to tell ages in Kansas, where so many had dried skin from the sun from spending so much time outdoors. His bright blue eyes made him look friendly enough, so she approached him.

“You must be new in town,” he said. “My name is Cal Edwards.”

“Hello, Cal. I’m Amber. I came here as a guest of Charles Turner, my intended.”

Cal threw his head back and laughed. “Charles Turner? You must be joking!”

Amber felt confused. Why would he laugh like that? There was nothing the matter with Charles‒he was a handsome, single, young man. “Excuse me?” she asked.

Just then a burly, hairy man poked his head out of the livery door. “Bring that horse in, Cal, before you brush him bare. I’ve got six stalls that need cleanin’.”

Cal jumped up. “Yes, sir!” He waved to Amber and led the horse through the livery door.

Confused at the encounter, Amber kept walking. She crossed the street and headed back toward Mrs. Smith’s house, but walking on the opposite side of the street. She walked by the Showdown Saloon, looking up at the roof where a large mug of beer glinted in the sunlight. She’d just walked past the swinging doors when a man came out and whistled. Impulse made her turn around, though she later wished she hadn’t. Another man joined him outside of the building and the two of them stood there, eyeing her as if she wore no clothes. She turned back and walked faster, but she could hear their long, heavy steps behind her.

“Hey, ain’t you the classy one? How about havin’ a drink with me and Moe?”

Amber didn’t know if she should decline or keep walking. She sped up her pace, but their sizeable strides were no contest for her. They soon caught up and got in front of her, blocking her progress.

“It ain’t polite to ignore an honest invite,” one of them said.

“No, ma’am, it ain’t,” the other said.

With her pathway blocked, Amber began to panic, while trying to appear calm on the outside. Both men were unshaven, with crooked and missing teeth, and their smell made her want to retch. She turned and began to walk calmly in the other direction, but they soon caught up again, directly in front of the Showdown Saloon’s swinging doors.

“A classy lady like you should be friendlier, don’t you think so, Pete?”

“That I surely do agree with, Moe. How can we cure that?”

The one called Pete reached out and grabbed her upper arm. “C’mon, missy, have a drink,” he said, and he pulled her toward the swinging doors. She resisted, and he pulled harder to compensate.

“Let go of the lady!”

The three of them jumped and spun around as the owner of that voice exited the saloon, but she was unable to see the face of her protector since Pete was standing in front of her. Before Amber knew it, Pete had been thrown onto the street, head first. It was then she recognized her rescuer as Garrett Turner. He reached to grab Moe by the collar, but he ran between the buildings, hopped on a horse, and raced away. Amber turned to see if the other man was getting up, but he'd scrambled away as well.

Garrett turned to her and scolded, “You shouldn’t walk around town alone.” He didn’t smile, but squinted at her, as he was facing the sun. He took her arm and led her back to the Smith’s without another word. When they reached the porch, he led her to the rocking chair.

“It might be a good idea for you to sit for a while. Are you all right? You look a bit pale—you aren’t going to faint or anything are you?”

Amber, still shaking from her traumatic experience, didn’t answer right away, but obediently sat in the chair.

“Shall I get you some water or something?”

She finally found her voice. “I’m fine. I just never expected such rude—”

“You can’t walk around town alone like that. You're an attractive woman, and these are rough men who are starved for a woman like you.”

“I thought that in the daytime—”

“Not ever. Men drink in the daytime too, they just do it a lot quieter.”

“I see. I shall not venture out alone again, and that’s a promise!”

“Some of these men are desperate for female … um … companionship. You must always walk with someone,” he said firmly. “Most can’t afford to mingle with the dancers or go to the …um… establishment on the far side of town. They’ll grab any female they can get, believe you me.”

“I won’t make that mistake again.”

Garrett sighed and leaned on the porch railing. “Are you sure you’re all right? Do you want me to get Charles?”

“No, I’m fine. Where is Charles anyway? I haven’t heard from him at all today.”

“He had a problem at the hotel. Someone came for him early this morning,” Garrett said.

“Oh, that’s probably why he wasn’t in church,” she said.

“No. He hasn’t been to church in years,” Garrett sat on the railing. “In case you’re wondering, I’m not leaving until some color comes back into your face.”

He wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t frowning either, so Amber felt a bit more comfortable with Garrett. His concern for her welfare, as well as rescuing her, moved him up several notches, in her opinion. She smiled. “I’m fine, really.”

“Nonetheless.”

“Thank you for rescuing me, and for your concern,” she said.

“Why did you come out here in the first place? It’s not too late to go back. I’ll even buy you a ticket.”

Amber was shocked at his offer and it took her several seconds to think of a response. “Go back? Why? I’m to marry Charles.”

“Like I said, it’s not too late to go back. Charles isn't—” Garrett paused as if thinking of how to phrase his words. “He’s not marriage material.”

Now Amber felt challenged by Garrett as well as angry, and she had a hard time keeping it from her voice. “Why would you say that about your own brother? What’s wrong with Charles? Why isn’t he marriage material?”

Garrett rubbed his temples. “I just think the marriage can’t end well. If I were you, I’d hightail it back to Virginia.” He stood and walked off the porch and down the walk.

Amber felt perplexed and angry. Why would he want her gone? Did he really dislike her that much? She felt a headache coming on and decided to go into the house and lie down for a while. She double-locked the door behind her.

When Edna returned from visiting her daughter, she made sandwiches for herself and Amber. As they sat eating, Amber thought she’d try to find out more about Charles.

“I did a bad thing today, Edna,” she said. When Edna looked at her with curiosity, she continued, “I took a walk down the street and was accosted by two burly creatures from the Showdown Saloon.”

“Oh, dear!” Edna cried.

“Yes, but it ended well, because Garrett heard the ruckus—he must have been inside the saloon—and he rescued me, and then scolded me for walking around town alone. I had no idea.”

“That’s my fault,” Edna said. “I’m so sorry. I should have warned you. Garrett is right! Now
I
feel responsible. I'll have to thank Garrett myself when I see him. Had something horrible happened to you I’d never forgive myself.”

“I’m fine, but before that happened I spoke to a kindly man who works at the livery. I don’t recall his name, although he introduced himself.” Amber thought hard trying to recall his name. “He had bright red hair.”

“Oh, that would be Cal Edwards.”

“Yes! When I told him I was Charles’s intended, he laughed so hard and long I didn’t think he’d ever stop. Then his boss, or someone, called to him from inside, and I didn’t get a chance to ask him why he laughed at the fact that I was marrying Charles. Would you happen to know?”

“No. I’m as puzzled as you are. Charles is a perfect gentleman. The only thing I can think of is that he is a friend of Charles’s, and well, you know how friends tease. And getting a bride from writing letters is odd enough, don’t you think?”

“I suppose. It just bothered me, is all.”

“Don’t let it. Cal isn’t the smartest man in town, after all. Pay it no mind.” Edna stood. “Let’s take our tea in the sitting room where we can relax.”

Amber followed Edna and her tea set into the parlor. When they were seated she told Edna about her conversation with Garrett.

“And that’s not all. When Garrett rescued me, he brought me back here, sat me in the rocking chair on the porch, and wouldn’t leave me alone until I was over my trauma. He said something odd, too. He told me I should go back to Virginia and that he’d even buy my ticket. He said Charles wasn’t the marrying kind. Now, what do you make of that?”

Edna poured the tea and frowned. “Brotherly rivalry or envy perhaps?”

“Surely not! Garrett is barely civil to me,” Amber said. “And if it were jealousy, he wouldn't have offered to buy me a ticket home.

“Hmm … you might be right. Maybe Garrett doesn’t want Charles to marry for some reason. His father used to rent a small place out on the old forked road, but he left when their mother died, and that’s when Charles bought the hotel. Garrett moved in with him and they’ve been living together ever since. Maybe Garrett doesn’t want to give that up. I hear Charles does all the housework and that he takes good care of Garrett.”

“If I ever talk to Garrett again I’ll assure him that he doesn’t have to leave when I marry Charles. There are two bedrooms and I bet Garrett isn’t home much, anyway.” Amber sipped her tea. “Yes, that’s what I’ll do.”

Garrett could barely concentrate on his job the next day, and he was kicked by a calf as he branded it.  He had to tie a bandana around his shin to stop the bleeding as a consequence. His mind was on the poor young woman that his brother planned to marry and then have next to nothing to do with her. Garrett knew he’d spend all of her money and then leave her all alone, without any love or the chance for a real marriage with children, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. He decided to try to talk to Charles once more and see if he could get him to change his mind.

Charles was sitting at the kitchen table when he told his friend, Clint, about his plans.

“You’re mad!” Clint said. His voice raised a few octaves and he pounded his fist on the table. “Married?”

Charles simply nodded.

“Why would you do something like that?” Clint asked.

“I need the money: she has a large dowry, and the hotel needs expanding.”

“What about your brother?” Clint asked. “Can’t he help?”

“Garrett? No, he won’t help,” Charles said. He put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Clint, our relationship will change a little, but this is strictly business.”

“Business?” Clint shook his head. “No, this is personal. Marriage is personal. It's bound to change our relationship more than a little. You'll have to consummate this marriage, you do know that, don’t you? In order to be legal, that is.”

Charles shrugged. “I hadn’t thought that far into it, but I’m sure she’ll be understanding about it for now, seeing as how we’re hardly acquainted. I’ll suggest separate sleeping quarters. She'll hand over the check as soon as the marriage is final. I already have a construction crew assigned to start the renovations.”

“Final? It won't be final until it’s been consummated. How do you think you're going to do that?”

“I have an idea, but it’s still in the development stages. I’d rather not say just yet.”

“By the way, how is your father?” Charles asked sheepishly.

Clint cast his eyes downward. “He died.”

“Oh, no!” Charles said.

“Actually, it was a blessing considering he was so ill and in so much pain.”

“I’m sorry. Ill or not, it’s a great loss to lose a parent, I know.” Charles paused a reasonable length of time before adding, “I’m glad you’re home.”

“So, are you really going to get married despite the fact that—”

“I have to.” Charles rubbed his temples. “I have no choice.” Then he brightened. “Maybe we could get a fake minister. Then the marriage wouldn’t be real, but she’d think it was, and I’d still get her money.”

“That’s awful! You’re playing a dangerous game, Charles. She could take you to court over that.”

“I’ll deal with that when it happens,” he answered.

Garrett stepped into the room. “What’s going on?” He nodded to Clint. “Welcome back, Clint.”

“Thank you very much, Garrett. It’s nice someone has a welcoming word for me.”

Charles looked up at his brother and said, “Sit down, Garrett. I need your help.”

“No!” Garrett slashed his hands in the air. “You got yourself into this mess alone and you can get yourself out of it alone.” He walked into his bedroom.

Charles turned to Clint, “You’ll help me won’t you, Clint?”

“You should never have gotten yourself into this predicament in the first place, but since you did and you’re my best friend…” Clint sighed. “I’ll help you. I have a cousin in Hays who once studied to be a minister. He could do a mock marriage.”

“Clint, you’re a genius!” Charles cried with delight. “That’s exactly the solution I need.”

Amber sighed. “I haven’t heard from Charles all day. I wonder why? Do you think he is having second thoughts?”

“Of course not,” Edna said, pouring the after dinner tea. “He has a hotel to run and I would imagine he would need to be there a good part of the time.”

“I suppose, but a note would have been considerate.”

Edna nodded. “Maybe in Virginia, but not out here.” She laughed. “Let’s amuse ourselves tonight, shall we? Let’s take a walk. I’ll take my cane to beat off any saloon men.”

Amber enjoyed the light evening breeze as she and Edna strolled down the main street toward the creek and the park.  “What a lovely evening.” She let the air flow through the hair that had escaped from her bun.

“It sure is.” Edna shielded her eyes with her hand, “Wait, isn’t that Charles coming toward us with a friend? I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten the man’s name, but he works at the hotel.”

As the two men approached, Amber waved, and Charles waved halfheartedly back. He seemed unsure and slowed his pace when he saw them, which, made Amber wonder once more if he had second thoughts about marrying her. When they finally met up with Amber and Edna, he introduced his friend as Clinton Butler, but added that everyone called him Clint.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Clint,” Amber said. Edna simply smiled with a quick greeting.

Clint said, “It’s
my
pleasure. I’ve heard all about you, and am pleased to have been asked to be Charles’s best man.”

“Wonderful!” Amber said.

“And,” Clint added, “I’ve brought my cousin, Ivan, back with me, who just happens to be a minister, and he’s kindly offered to do the marriage service. We thought the park would be a romantic place for the wedding.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Amber replied, “but, I don’t have anyone to be my—”

“Why, Amber! I accept.” Edna hugged Amber’s shoulders and Amber smiled in return.

Charles clapped his hands. “It’s settled, then. All we need now is a date.”

“I’m ready anytime you are, Charles,” Amber said.

“How about next Friday? That’ll give me time to settle a bit of hotel business so that we can take a short wedding trip.”

“That sounds delightful.” Amber smiled at Charles shyly. “I was worried when I didn’t hear from you today that you’d changed your mind.”

“No,” Charles said, looking at Clint. “Clint just got into town today after being gone for six weeks, and I needed to spend some time with him—he’s my best friend, and his father just passed away.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Clint,” Amber said.

“So sorry for your loss, Clint,” Edna said as she reached over to pat his hand.

“I’m going to be busy most of tomorrow since I have several business appointments, but how about I pick you up after dinner tomorrow and bring you over to my house for a few games of cards with Clint and me?”

“I’d love that.”