Shane's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas #3) (3 page)

She left the rest and sat down.  What was she thinking? She could never be a wife, ever.  Having grown up on a farm, she knew how to make most of what he’d bought, but it wasn’t up to her to tell him what to do.  It would serve her well to remember that before she forgot and started liking him or something.  She was just the housekeeper.  The excitement of unpacking the boxes dimmed.  She’d mention to him that she could make a lot of what he bought.  But that was it.  It wasn’t her home, it wasn’t her household, it wasn’t her money he’d just spent.

Traveling to Texas to be a bride had unnerved her.  The move had been bold on her part, and she had ended up fretting the whole trip wondering if she’d made a mistake.  Never in any of her ideas of what could go wrong did being given to an Indian come to mind.  Even while she’d worried, she’d hoped and prayed for the best.  She could go home, she supposed, but the war had decimated the farm, and her parents had told her they were relieved not to have to worry about feeding and clothing her.  That was her husband’s duty. 

Sighing she stood and continued putting the purchases away.  She would never have a husband or children.  Reality was harsh and she intended to face it head on.  The metallic sound of a key in the door lock sent her heart racing.  She took a deep breath.  Shane.  It had to be Shane since he was using a key.  She made her way cautiously toward the sound.  Was she supposed to greet Shane or stay in the kitchen? The door swung open and Edith walked in.  Surprise and dismay washed over Cecily. 

“You have a key?”

“You bet your buttons I do.  I’ve been watching over the Asher house since it was built.  Nice, isn’t it?” Edith walked by her and into the kitchen, leaving Cecily standing near the door with her mouth hanging open. 

Cecily quickly gathered her wits and followed.

“Do you come here often? I mean since Shane bought it?”

Edith gave her a long sharp look.  “You mean Sheriff O’Conner? You do work for him, right? Or was I misled about your relationship? Your reputation doesn’t matter, but I am concerned about the sheriff’s.  His name must stand for integrity and honor, and quite frankly, I don’t see him retaining those qualities with you here.”

Cecily’s gut tightened.  “I suppose you’re right.”

“Or maybe the good people of Asherville will think kindly toward him for helping Cecily out,” a lovely lady said as she walked into the house.  “This place is nice.  I wondered what it looked like inside.” The blond woman moved from room to room.  “I’m Addy, and you must be Cecily.” She smiled.  “I thought I’d get a chance to meet you at Shannon’s place, but I heard you’d moved in with Edith.  I have to say I’m glad you’re here.  Shane works so hard, he needs a hot meal when he comes home.”

Cecily stared at the other woman, envying her confidence.  “Please sit down.  Can I get you something? Coffee or water?”

“No, thank you, though.  I came to town to get a few things at the mercantile.  Shane told me Edith was here.  How are you, Edith?” Addy sat and sighed.  “Some days I get so tired.”

“I’m well enough, Addy.  You really shouldn’t be traveling in your condition,” Edith scolded with a smile.

Addy lay her hands on her burgeoning stomach.  “I know.  I’m going stir crazy.  Keegan has some matters to work out with the banker so Peg and I came along.” She shifted her gaze to Cecily.  “Peg is my little one.”

Edith stared at Addy.  “Did you leave her somewhere? Sometimes women in your condition aren’t right in the head.”

Addy laughed.  “Cookie is keeping her entertained.”

Edith patted her hair.  “I mustn’t keep Cookie waiting, or dear Peg either.  Come, Addy, I’ll walk you to my place.”

Addy stood and winked at Cecily.  “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“It was nice to meet you too.” She watched them walk to the door and was shocked when Edith glanced over her shoulder and glared at her.  Obviously, Edith didn’t like her, but she took things too far.

Cookie was an older cowboy who worked for Cinders.  What he saw in Edith she’d never know.  He was the kindest, most nonjudgmental man, and Edith was his opposite.  What did they find to talk about?

“Everything all right?” Shane’s soft voice came from behind, and she jumped.  Staring at him, words failed her, and her body began to shake. 

He slowly walked to her, concern etched on his face.  “I scared you, didn’t I? I’m sorry,” he said in a soft voice.  Reaching out he cupped her shoulders in his big hands.  “I want you to feel safe here.  You were lost in thought.” He cocked his brow and slightly tilted his head as though waiting for an answer.

“I suppose I was.” She took a big step back, escaping his hands.  His hands didn’t scare her as much as her reaction to them.  A warm tingling feeling coursed through her body.  Her heart continued to beat fast, but now it wasn’t out of fear.  “We’ve had company.  Poor Boy brought your purchases.  Edith stopped in.  Did you know she has a key and she used it to get in? Oh and I met a very nice woman, Addy.  She has one child and is expecting another.” She quickly glanced away. 

“I’ll get the key from Edith.  She has no reason to let herself in.  Addy Quinn is a very nice woman.  Both her and her husband Keegan are pillars of the community.”

“Yes, I couldn’t help but notice that Edith approves of her.”

“Honey, Edith is just one person.  Don’t let her get you down.  So, did you like it?”

Frowning she wondered which item he meant.  “You bought a lot of stuff.  You spent more than you needed to.  I can make butter and candles.”

“I figured as much, but I thought we’d start off right with everything you’d need.  We still need to get a cow and some chickens.  I picked everything out myself.” He studied her face. 

What was he looking for?

“You did an excellent job.  Thank you.”

Shane smiled and gave her a slight nod.  “I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, later.” She went back to unpacking the boxes, waiting for Shane to leave.  As soon as he did, she quickly locked the door and checked the windows yet again.  She hoped she didn’t end up spending her life checking windows. 

One last box and it contained clothes.  With great excitement, she took out the dress on the top.  It was pretty blue calico with ornate buttons on it.  She marveled at it.  Her clothes had always been hand sewn.  Under that dress lay two more.  One was green while the other was bright yellow.  She caressed the pretty fabric.  He had gone too far.  She’d have to pay him back, and she’d never be able to save any money and the box wasn’t even empty.  She found shoes, stockings and undergarments.  On the bottom was folded cloth unlike anything she’d seen before.  It looked to be sheer.  Reaching in she admired the softness of the fabric as she took it out.  Unfolding it, her heart dropped.  It was something she imagined a whore would wear.  You could see right through the material. 

She re-folded it and put it back in the box.  He expected her to wear it to bed.  How could she have been so wrong about him? He was the town sheriff.  What was all that talk about his integrity? He certainly had everyone fooled.  She covered her mouth as her eyes widened.  Edith knew what he bought. 

Back into the box went everything he had purchased for her.  Her stomach burned as her eyes teared.  Maybe she’d have to reconsider Noreen’s offer to work at the saloon.  She should see how much she’d be paid before making a decision.  Glancing down at her stained, worn dress she shrugged.  At least it was hers. 

Cecily wandered into the front room and sat in the one chair and stared out the window.  It was time to say a final good bye to all of her dreams.  She hadn’t realized she still harbored a small kernel of hope for a normal life until now.  After taking a few deep breaths, she stood and put one poorly covered foot in front of the other and started for town. 

Chapter Two

Shane shook his head and looked again.  Surely he didn’t just see Cecily sneaking behind the buildings.  He took a step and winced.  Maybe next time he’d just let whoever was fighting keep on fighting.  He’d just broken up a fight at the livery and had taken a hard one to his side, and it hurt like bloody hell.  He walked faster trying to get to the next alley before she did, if it was Cecily.  What could she be up to? Shaking his head he almost laughed.  It wasn’t as though he even knew her.  She could be up to anything.

He waited at the end of the alley, and sure enough she went hurrying on by.  This time he went down the alley to get a better look, and his mouth dropped open when she knocked on the back door to the saloon.  His mouth was still gaping when the door was answered and she went inside.  Of all the places in town, the saloon was the last place he would have expected her to go.  What was she thinking? Perhaps she had decided to look for a job but she already had one.

He rubbed the back of his neck as he paced back and forth.  Maybe waiting behind the saloon wasn’t the best idea.  What if she came out and saw him? She wouldn’t be happy.  Cecily wasn’t the type you could hem in or keep in a cage.  And she certainly would not appreciate being spied on.  Decision made, he rounded the corner and headed down the next alley, just far enough where he could watch the door without being seen. 

He surely wished he knew what was going on in there.  Maybe he should storm in and grab her.  Taking off his hat, he ran his fingers through his hair wondering what the heck to do.  If any of the town’s women saw her, it wouldn’t be good.  Jamming his hat on his head, he marched back down the alley intent on saving her from herself.

As he rounded the corner, he came face-to-face with Cecily, nearly stopping his heart.  Her mouth formed an O, and she had a look of guilt about her. 

“What are you thinking?” he demanded.  “What if one of the ladies of the town saw you in there?”

“I, well, you see Noreen offered me a job, and I wanted to see what it entailed.  I had some idea of what was expected but it was more than I thought it would be.  I could never willingly do that with a man, ever.  I figured with what happened to me and all it would be fine, but it’s not.  It might seem strange to you but I still believe in virtue.  My virtue was taken from me, But that doesn’t mean I’ll keep giving—” Her voice broke and she lowered her gaze. 

He took her small hand in his and gave it a quick squeeze.  “It’s not your fault, none of it’s your fault.  Now let’s get you home before the women of the town see you and turn your escapade into more fodder for gossip.”

Nodding, she gave him a slight grin.  “They already talk about me all the time anyway.  I believe it will always be that way.  I came to talk to Noreen about the job to see how much money I could make.  A new town and a fresh start have been on my mind.  It would be so wonderful to be someplace where no one knew me.”

Shane pulled her along until they reached the front of the buildings, and then he put her arm through his and escorted her home, all the while ignoring the gawking of everyone they passed.  He didn’t care so much for himself, but he was outraged for Cecily.  “You know, running away never solves your problems.”

After they walked up the steps to his house, she let go of his arm and nodded.  “Perhaps not, but I was willing to try.”

“I really need to get back to town.  Are you going to be all right here alone?”

She nodded hesitantly and offered a weak smile.  “Did you say that you picked out everything yourself?”

“You mean the packages from the mercantile? I surely did.  Hope everything is to your liking.” He smiled, tipped his hat at her and walked away.  Why hadn’t she put on one of the new dresses he’d purchased? He’d thought that would have been the first thing she did when she saw them.  Maybe they were the wrong size, or maybe she just didn’t like them though even if she hated them, they were a far sight better than what she’d been wearing.

He shrugged his shoulders and kept walking toward town.  They looked like perfectly fine dresses to him, and Edith had agreed.  He’d have to ask Cecily when he got home.

****

Her heart sank as she re-examined the clothes Shane had picked out for her.  It was rather impressive that he got her sizes correct even her shoes.  Reaching into the box, she grabbed the sheer gown and held it up to the sunlight.  It was see-through all right.  What could he have been thinking? Angrily she threw the gown back into the box and gritted her teeth.  She’d set him right when he got home.

It was disconcerting how gentlemanly he acted in public compared to this purchase he’d made at the mercantile.  In fact, it didn’t make much sense at all.  She shook her head and got busy putting away the rest of the purchases.  Finally, she decided she couldn’t accept any clothing at all from him, so she repacked and set the box on the floor.  For the rest of the day she cooked and cleaned.  She couldn’t help glancing at the box and wondering what he was thinking, what he expected, and who Shane really was.

After pacing for over an hour and looking at the box, she felt more caged in than ever.  She owed it to Shane to stay and talk to him about it, but she really wanted to run.  Her heart sank as her hope shattered.  The best thing she could do was to wait until she had enough money and move along.

The door handle jiggled, and she hurried toward it.  “Who is it?” She put her ear to the door and listened.

“It’s just me.”

Sighing in relief, she hurriedly unlocked the door and swung it open.  “You don’t have a key to your own door?” He shook his head and smiled.

“I never lock the door.  It looks like I need to get one made or better yet I need to get the one Edith has.” He walked inside and headed straight to the kitchen.  “It sure does smell good in here.”

“I made fried chicken and biscuits with green beans.  I hope you like it.  I sure am glad you have a cook stove.  I somehow imagined having to cook in the frontier over an open fire.  Cinders and Shannon told me most houses don’t have cook stoves.” She scurried around to get the food on the table trying not to look at Shane or the box.  It still bewildered her, and she wasn’t quite sure how to bring the subject up.  She didn’t know what to say.  Was she supposed to just come out and ask if he expected her to sleep with him? He sat at the table and gave her a smile as she put each item of food in front of him.  His smiles weren’t helping her nerves any.

He waited until she was seated before he helped himself to the chicken, biscuits and beans.  She watched anxiously waiting to see if he liked it.  Damn why was she so insecure? Cooking was something she excelled at and here she sat doubting herself.  It made sense and didn’t make sense to her all at the same time.

“This is really good, Cecily.  You are an excellent cook, and I haven’t had chicken like this in a very long time.”

Some of the tension eased from her body but not all.  There was still the box on the floor.  She glanced at it periodically.  When should she bring the subject up?

“Is something going on that I don’t know about? You seem awfully nervous about something.  If it’s your cooking, you don’t have to worry.  I’m enjoying it, really I am.” He stopped eating and stared at her as though he was waiting for an answer.

Taking a deep breath she slowly let it out.  She opened her mouth then closed it and then opened it again.  “I don’t know what you thought our sleeping arrangements would be when you asked me to be your housekeeper.”

Shane’s brow furrowed as he frowned.  “What are you talking about?”

Her eyes widened as she stared at him.  “What am I talking about? I’m talking about the purchases you made for me of a personal nature.  I was shocked when I saw them.  I thought we had an understanding you’d sleep in your room I’d sleep in mine.  That’s what we agreed upon isn’t it?”

He stared right back at her.  “What are you talking about? Where did you get an idea like that? I already said you would be safe here, and I don’t understand where you’re getting your ideas from.”

“My ideas?” She got up, fetched the box and plopped it down on the table.  “What do you call these?”

“I call them clothes.  Is something wrong with them? Are they the wrong sizes?”

“Oh, they are certainly the right size.”

“Then what is it? You lost me somewhere, and I don’t know what you’re talking about.  If you don’t like something we can return it.” Cecily stiffened at his tone of annoyance.

Putting her fists on her waist she shook her head.  “Did you or did you not pick these clothes out?”

“With Edith’s help.” His eyes widened and a look of understanding crossed his face.  “Was there something in there that was inappropriate? I did pick out the dresses and the shoes, but I left the rest up to Edith.  Show me what she sent you.”

After she gently took out all the dresses, the pair of shoes, stockings, the undergarments she hesitated.  No way she was going to dangle the see-through gown in front of him.  “It’s at the bottom of the box, help yourself.” She quickly turned her back on him as her face heated.

“Well, now I see what got your feathers ruffled.  I did not pick this out.  I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass you.  You’ve been through enough.” His voice softened.  “Don’t worry about it I’ll have a little chat with Edith.  She has no right trying to make our arrangement seem sinful.  I can’t change what happened to you, and I’m sorry about that, but I would never disrespect you.”

Her relief was so great, tears trailed down her face, and she dashed them away quickly with her hands.  He was the man of honor she had thought he was, and a bit of her faith in people was restored.  “Thank you for that.  My mind has been whirling with all sorts of thoughts since I saw that—that
thing
in the box.” She wrapped her arms around her middle trying to keep herself from falling apart.  It wouldn’t do for him to think she was even more crazy than she already was.

“Leave it to Edith to try to cause trouble.  I really don’t understand that woman.  She’s nice as pie to some and is mean as a rattler to others.  I’m sorry she has you in her sights, it’s just plain unfair.  But I want you to know that not all people are like Edith.  In fact, most people out west mind their own business.” Shane got up and walked until he stood right in front of her.  He grabbed her hand and rubbed the back of it with his work worn thumb.  “Darlin’, I'm not saying things won’t be rocky for a while, but I believe people will come to accept you just as I have.”

Cecily gazed into his compassion-filled eyes and wished she could just walk into the circle of his arms.  He gave her comfort, made her believe in herself, and his arms around her sure would be wonderful.  She mentally shook herself.  Better not to wish for things that would never, ever happen.  She worked for Shane; that was all, and it would be best for her to keep her distance.

“Well, I’m glad that we have that settled.” Relief rushed through her, and it made breathing easier.  “I have to admit it had me shaken most of the day, and I wasn’t sure how to approach you about it.  Thank you for making it easy to talk to you.  Most men aren’t like that.” She began gathering the dirty dishes.  “I’d best get the dishes done.  It’s been a long day, and I have to admit I’m tired.”

“Here, let me help you.  Many hands make light work, my mama used to say and truthfully I’m tired too.” He gave her an easy grin, and she nodded.

“It’s not necessary, but just this once it would be nice thank you.”

She washed and he dried, making the cleanup much faster and easier.  Afterwards, she said good night and went into her own room with her new clothes in her arms.  She shut the door and leaned against it, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath.  Things might just work out after all.  Damn that Edith! That woman was a back stabber for sure, and Cecily would be well served to remember it.

****

Shane ran his fingers through his hair.  What the heck had just happened? He knew Edith could be mean but this was beyond mean.  No wonder Cecily had gone to the saloon looking for a job.  She probably figured if sleeping with him was a requirement she might as well check out her options.  He didn’t blame her one bit.  In fact, it took a lot of courage to go to the saloon.  He didn’t know many women that would do that.

Cecily was one-of-a-kind.  She had great strength about her.  She also had kindness, and she seemed damn smart.  Tomorrow he’d see about getting that cow and some chickens and whatever else was needed to make his place into a farm.  Not a big farm—he didn’t have time for that—but one big enough to make Cecily happy.  He would’ve expected her to cower and hide in the corner of each room but instead she’d exhibited gumption.

He smiled as he thought about her concern for his money.  She had made sure he knew that she could make almost everything he’d purchased.  What a damn shame she got mixed up with Tom Hardy and Long Nose; she would’ve made a great frontier wife.  Stretching his arms above his head, he yawned.  He still had one more round to make.  He grabbed his gun belt, a jacket, and his hat and out the door he went.