Cinders' Bride: Mail Order Brides of Texas (11 page)

“Well there are many reasons. Once you’ve been taken, no white man would want you back. They usually rape the women and pass them around. Sometimes they scar them or tattoo them. I hear all kinds of horror stories and I have to agree that shooting yourself would be best.”

“Oh. Thank you for being honest with me. I’ll find out about the pants.” She opened the gate and as soon as she had it secured she ran into the house. She hadn’t figured it would be pleasant being a captive but it did seem like sound advice to kill herself before they did monstrous things to her. If somehow she survived and made her way home, Cinders wouldn’t want her anyway.

Cookie looked up from the kitchen counter. “Finally decided to come and help?”

“Yes.”

“You look a might peaked. What happened? Did Daisy throw you?”

“Yes, if you must know. Apparently she doesn’t like dresses.”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t think she’s seen a female before. You could probably get her used to you and your clothes.”

“Won’t that take time?”

“I suppose.”

“I need to learn to ride before the cattle drive.”

“You will, don’t fret about it. You could always ride in the cook wagon with me.”

Grabbing an onion, she started chopping it. “Is the wagon fast?”

“I wish. But no, we go slow and steady.”

“I see. I think I’ll learn to ride just the same.” She glanced at him. “Do you think Cinders would mind if I wore pants while I learned to ride?”

“Probably, but if I were you, I’d do it anyway. You need to learn. If something happened and we had to skedaddle, you’d be at a disadvantage not being able to ride and the like. We’ll be in some hard country and you never know what can happen.” He grabbed some potatoes out of the basket. “It’s good you know how to shoot too. Don’t you worry, we’ll make a cowboy, er, girl out of you yet.”

“I don’t know about that.” She smiled at him. He always had a way of taking her fears and making them bigger, but in a humorous way. He also gave her a remedy. She would learn all she needed to be an asset on the trail. She’d rummage around and find some pants. She didn’t need permission.

Chapter Six

Shannon couldn’t wait for everyone to finish their breakfast and be on their way. She was going to learn to ride today. She found a pair of unclaimed jeans in the bunkhouse. They were surprisingly clean and in good shape. However, they were a bit big on her. Finding a piece of rope, she pulled it between the holes at the waist and cinched them. She wore them under her dress and smiled at her secret.

After breakfast, the men left. All but Cinders. “What are you so happy about today?”

She shrugged. “I’m as happy as any other day, why?”

“Just wondering.” He walked to her and kissed her on her unscarred cheek. “I’ll try to be home earlier than I was yesterday. No promises though.”

“See you later.” She watched him leave and went to the window, waiting for him to ride off. As soon as he was gone, she went into the bedroom and took off her skirt. It was such a strange feeling, wearing pants. She just hoped she wasn’t too scandalous.

She walked out of the bedroom and Cookie laughed. “You sure do those denims justice. Get on with yourself and learn to ride.”

“I will, Cookie.”

Some of the hot weather had lessoned and it was nice for a change. She walked toward the barn aware of Tramp’s avid stare. Now she knew why woman didn’t wear pants. It was because of men’s reactions. No big surprise there.

“I see you’re ready. I have Daisy saddled for you,” Tramp said as he gawked at her legs.

“Let’s get to it.” She followed Tramp and Daisy into the corral and this time she was ready for Tramp to lift her onto the saddle. She wasn’t ready, however, for him to run his hand down her thigh.

“Here are the reins.”

She grabbed them from him before he could touch her again. Part of her wanted to kick at him, but she needed to learn to stay on the horse, first. It seemed to be the key to survival in Texas. Before she knew it, she was comfortable riding Daisy in circles. She kept waiting to hit the ground but it didn’t happen.

“Had enough for one day? I wouldn’t want your bottom to get sore.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Tramp he was a pig, but she held her temper in check. It was even harder to control her tongue when he reached up for her, grabbed her around the waist and slowly helped her down, taking every opportunity to make bodily contact.
This too will pass
.

She turned and was surprised to see Cinders on his paint, Sundown, watching them. She gave him a big smile. “I learned how to ride.”

Her smile withered at his glare. “Is something wrong?”

“Tramp, I never want to see you put your hands on my wife again. Got it?” His voice was low and dangerous-sounding.

“Sure thing, boss. I’ll unsaddle the horses.” He took the reins of both horses and went inside the barn.

Cinders turned and stared at her. “Why are you wearing pants? And why did you allow Tramp’s advances? I refuse to be made a fool of and whatever is going on between the two of you has to end now. If it was any other cowhand, he’d be leaving, but I need Tramp.”

Her face grew hot at his insinuation. “Nothing hap—”

“You know what? I really don’t want to hear it. Get inside and take off those pants. Sometimes I'm tempted to think the rumors about you are true. I’m not sure what to think anymore. Charlotte would have never—”

“Fine! Think what you want. I know I can’t live up to your first wife’s standards but I’m trying here. You just don’t see it.” She turned and marched away. It wasn’t her fault, but he didn’t want to hear it. After all, she was just a whore. Why couldn’t he see that no man would really be interested in her? John Hardy had taken care of that.

She opened the door to the house, trying not to let the tears fall.

“Did you get thrown again?” Cookie asked. “Are you hurt?”

“Hurt yes. Thrown no. I need to change.” She walked woodenly into the bedroom. Apparently she needed to change everything about her. It hurt deeply that he didn't accept her the way she was and now she wasn’t sure what to do. If she had kicked Tramp, would that have made everything better? She had the feeling Tramp was the type to hit back. She needed to keep her distance from him.

She peeled off the offensive jeans and put her dress back on. All hope that they were going in the right direction in their marriage was now dashed. When she'd started her trip West, she was nervous, but hopeful. She had good reason to be nervous, and now she finally admitted there was no hope. His kiss had misled her and she needed to guard her heart.

Startled, she stiffened when the door opened. She turned and caught the angry frown on Cinders’ face. Trying to explain anything would just be a waste.

“Where did you get those pants?” His voice was calm but his eyes held coldness.

“I found them in the bunkhouse.” She crossed her arms in front of her and raised her chin.

“Where you come from, do women wear men’s clothes?”

“No, not usually.”

“Why would you think it's fine to wear them on the ranch? We have plenty of men here and some I don’t know all that well. Showing off your legs and your, your posterior is a clear invitation to any man. Tramp said you didn’t object when he touched you. Is it true? Did you allow his hands on you?”

“I can explain.”

His face grew hard and he shook his head. “I already know all I need to know. I was there, remember?”

“What about defending my honor? Did Tramp get a lecture?”

“I’ve known Tramp for years and I know his character. I will not be made a fool by you. No more pants.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “Daisy threw me yesterday because of my dress.”

Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair. “Damn. I’ll teach you how to ride then. You can use the pants for now, but there must be a better solution. I’m sorry about what I said out there. I’ll never call you a whore again. You’re my wife and you deserve respect. I just never want to see you cuddling up to any cowboy again.” He turned and walked out the door, closing it behind him.

Her jaw dropped as she sat on the end of the bed. She closed her eyes, trying to make sense of the conversation. He believed Tramp over her and his help's character wasn’t in question, only hers. Wearing pants was an open invitation to all men. And he wouldn’t call her a whore. What did he mean about cuddling up? Well so much for getting everything straightened out.

****

Cinders lifted the axe over his head and swung hard to chop a piece of wood. It was the only thing he could think of to rid him of the desire to punch Tramp in the face. Unfortunately, it wasn’t working. He tried to rein in his temper and usually his efforts worked, but not today. The urge to plant his fist in Tramp’s face was all-consuming. He swung the axe again. He shouldn’t have spoken to Shannon the way he did either time. If anything, she usually kept her head down, never drawing attention to herself. He wondered if she’d been like that before Hardy had slashed her face. No doubt it made her self-conscious and she probably had no idea how appealing she looked in pants.

Hell, she’d been nothing but a help to him and he’d made his displeasure known to her in a less-than-kind manner. He hadn’t touched her the way Tramp had and she was his wife. Men didn’t treat respectable women that way. Tramp obviously didn’t have a very high opinion of Shannon.

He removed his shirt, then used it to wipe his brow. He tossed it on the ground. The kiss they had shared had been special, at least to him. It was sweet and tender. He just knew she’d never kissed another. Why did he let his emotions get the better of him? She was already afraid she wasn’t really married according to the law since they hadn’t consummated their marriage.

She stirred him in a way he’d never experienced before, but he had to stand strong and avoid temptation. One dead wife was one too many. He watched as the men rode in one by one, dismounted, and took their horses into the barn to tend them.

He went to the hand pump, splashed water on his face, and cleaned up for dinner. He grabbed his shirt off the dusty ground, put it on, and headed for the house. Hesitating before he turned the doorknob, he wondered what type of reception he’d receive. Not a happy one he'd bet.

The moment he walked inside, Cookie’s eyes narrowed. Shannon didn’t turn around, but from her hunched shoulders he knew he’d have some making up to do. Before he could say a word, the rest of the men came in and sat down.

It surprised and irritated him to see how Shannon smiled sweetly at each man except for him and Tramp. Tramp got the look of the devil thrown his way and she even frowned when she glanced in his direction. Tramp just smiled and the men began to elbow each other. All except Keegan, whose eyes were narrowed on Tramp.
Damn, what had Tramp told them?
Maybe he’d have to give Tramp the boot after all, though he’d hate to do it.

As Shannon moved toward her chair, he quickly got up and held it for her. The surprise in her eyes was worth the gesture. Unfortunately, her eyes quickly turn cold. She saved her smiles for Cookie. He hated the sadness that filed her eyes when she noticed the men glancing at her and then at Tramp.

“Eat up, dinner is done.” Cookie piped up. “I’ve had enough of your uncalled for scorn. I don’t know the particulars but it had better stop now.” He got up and began to clear the half-filled plates away, ignoring the protests from the ranch hands.

Cinders watched as each man left, a few of them grumbling. Tramp didn’t seem to care. He wished he knew what was going on. “Cookie, I’ll help Shannon clean up.”

“Sure thing, boss. Shannon, chin up.” He dried his hands and left.

The ensuing silence lengthened until Shannon finally turned to face him. “Are you going to help or not?”

“I’ll help. I was trying to figure out how to apologize to you for what happened earlier.” He walked over to her side.

“I thought you'd already apologized.” Her words were clipped.

“I acted like an idiot. My only excuse is I was jealous. Tramp and I have been friends since forever and I’m sorry I took his word over yours. A decent man stands by his wife.”

“Even when he doesn’t believe her?”

“I believe you. Words I wish I could now take back had come flying out of my mouth unchecked. I’m sorry. I know you didn’t invite his touch but you did look awfully fetching in those pants.”

“Fetching? I thought you hated them on me.”

“I do when other men can see you. I didn’t realize how long your legs were or how nicely… Never mind. I shouldn’t be saying such things to you.” He gently put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “If anyone gives you any trouble I want you to come straight to me. I know you’re a sweet, innocent woman and you don’t deserve my nasty comments or the rude behavior of my men. I’ll talk to them before things get any further out of hand.”

She stared into his eyes, and he hoped she saw his sincerity. Finally, she nodded.

“I still need to learn to ride, but Daisy is afraid of my dress. I don’t enjoy being thrown.”

“She just needs to get used to all that material. We’ll ride double tomorrow so I can calm her if she gets agitated.”

“No pants?”

“Actually I was thinking it might be a good idea if you wore them under your skirt. It’ll protect your legs and keep you from getting chaffed.”

“Chaffed? Really?”

“If you end up in the saddle for hours it’s a possibility. I’m going to need to you help Cookie with the preparations for the food wagon. Starting next week we’ll be rounding up the cattle and getting them ready to go to market.”

“Where exactly are we going?”

“To Kansas. We’ll get the best price there but we have to move fast before the trails get grazed out. Most outfits will go in about eight weeks but I want to get a jump on them.”

She smiled. “It sounds so exciting!”

“We’ll see how excited you are after a few days on the trail. It’s a long, dusty trail and usually I wouldn’t bring a female with us, but I want you with me. I need to know you’re safe.

“I’ll do my best to learn everything. Quite frankly, I’m glad you’re not leaving me behind.”

“I have to go up to the Comanche camp and talk to the chief first. This business with Long Nose is way out of hand.”

“Is it safe to go back?”

“I’ll be fine. Besides, no one takes what’s mine.”

“And I’m yours? Like a piece of property?” She frowned and he could tell a lot hinged on his answer.

“No, you are your own person. I just meant I’ll protect you.”

She nodded and turned back to the dishes. “You’re not as fast as Cookie at drying.”

“Probably true, but I wanted to spend time with you. I saw all those glances at the table and I plan to put a stop to it all. Don’t worry.”

She bit her lip and nodded. “I’ve lived a pious life so far and to have people think I’m a bad person really hurts.” Her voice wavered.

He set the towel down and framed her face with his hands. “I know and I’m so sorry.”

Her hand flew to her scar and he let go. Maybe one day she’ll come to realize her scar didn’t matter to him.